HOW TO MAKE AN EFFECTIVE BY: SARAH MCCORMICK

POWERPOINT
HOW TO MAKE AN EFFECTIVE POWERPOINT
1. Limit the number of words on each screen

2. Limit the use of flashy transitions and special effects

3. Utilize good quality images

4. Make sure slides are readable

5. Try not to read directly from your slides

6. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse

7. Deliver with confidence

AVOID A CLUTTERED SLIDE
This is one of the most important effective PowerPoint presentation tips.
Simplify and limit the number of words on each slide. Less is more. When
creating an effective PowerPoint, use key phrases and include only essential
information. A cluttered slide is distracting and will prevent the audience
from directing their attention to the presenter because they will be too
preoccupied reading the words on the screen. Furthermore, it may cause
confusion to the audience as they may wonder which part of the slide they
should focus on more. Do not go overboard with the text information
because while the audience is reading the slides, they are not listening to
the speaker. A PowerPoint presentation should simply be a guide and should
never attract more attention from the speaker. The key is that the presenter
should not read directly from the slide as he or she should elaborate the
points that are presented on the screen. This is an example of a cluttered
slide.
LESS IS MORE
A slide with minimal words will engage your audience and keep them on track with
your main points

The audience should be listening not reading

Use key phrases and include only essential information

Less is more effective

LIMIT FLASHY SPECIAL EFFECTS
Stick with the most subtle and professional effects and transitions

These features may seem impressive however, they are distracting

Overuse of special effects could negatively impact your credibility

USE HIGH QUALITY GRAPHICS
Be sure to use high quality photos and
graphics

Utilize the high quality images online

The goal is to make your presentation

visually appealing

A more attractive PowerPoint will be

more effective
READABLE SLIDES
Make sure fonts are professional and readable
The text should be read from the back of the room

Avoid using decorative fonts (avoid using decorative fonts)

Keep the formatting clean and simple

Use contrasting colors for text and background

Dark text on a light background
Patterned background can reduce the readability
of the text
THINK OUTSIDE THE SCREEN
Do not read directly off the slides

Remember, the slides on the screen are only part of the presentation

The content of the slides is for the audience, not the presenter

You should be familiar with the content of your topic

REHEARSE!
Delivery is more important than the actual content

Prepare so you can present your message effectively

Think about the narrative that will be discussed and practice before the
presentation

Rehearse and time your presentation so that your points land as practiced
when it comes time to your live presentation
DELIVER WITH CONFIDENCE
Do not speak too fast
When we are stressed or nervous, we tend to speak faster

Speak slowly
Appears more thoughtful and makes the information easier to comprehend

Deliver your presentation with a relaxed inner calm and confident projection

If you act confident, you will start to feel more confident

Speak clearly