How to Create and Deliver an Effective PowerPoint Presentation

“PowerPoint doesn’t kill presentations, people kill presentations.” ~Andrew Wahl, Canadian Business

3 Most Common Mistakes: Graphics and special effects overshadow the content Graphics and special effects overshadow the content Too much text Too much text Presenter reads from slides Presenter reads from slides

Graphics: Keep It Simple Graphics can support your message by: Graphics can support your message by:  attracting audience interest  clarifying ideas  emphasizing key points Graphics should support― not overwhelm― your message Graphics should support― not overwhelm― your message  do not clutter slides with pictures  keep video clips short and to the point  minimize special effects

Graphics: Keep It Simple Simplify graphs, charts and diagrams Simplify graphs, charts and diagrams  use bar graphs and pie charts not tables  place labels outside pie charts  simplify scales on the X- and Y-axis

Design: Keep It Simple Keep design consistent and visually appealing Keep design consistent and visually appealing  use a slide template  one background Use colours sparingly (2-3 max) Use colours sparingly (2-3 max)  be consistent from slide to slide  do not use red in any font or background Contrast background and lettering for readability Contrast background and lettering for readability Graduated or textured backgrounds add interest Graduated or textured backgrounds add interest

Wording: Keep It Simple Abbreviate your message Abbreviate your message  use bullet points not sentences Capitalize the first word only in bullet points Capitalize the first word only in bullet points  ALL CAPS INDICATES YOU ARE SHOUTING Use no more than 2 different fonts Use no more than 2 different fonts Use large, easy to read font (24 pts. for main text) Use large, easy to read font (24 pts. for main text) Follow the 7 X 7 rule Follow the 7 X 7 rule

Presentation Skills Know your material Know your material  know more about your material than you include in the presentation Don’t read from slides Don’t read from slides  use bullet points as cues  face the audience not the screen  have a conversation with the audience

Presentation Skills Involve the audience  use an attention grabber in the opening  ask a question  survey the audience  include personal stories

Presentation Skills Maintain eye contact with audience Maintain eye contact with audience Use your voice effectively Use your voice effectively  project  speak clearly  speak with expression Rehearse in advance Rehearse in advance  improve timing  minimize distracting mannerisms and verbal fillers

3 Things To Walk Away With: PowerPoint should work with your message, not against it PowerPoint should work with your message, not against it Keep it simple; less is often more in graphics, design and wording Keep it simple; less is often more in graphics, design and wording There is no substitute for strong presentation skills There is no substitute for strong presentation skills

Works Consulted “10 Tips for Successful Public Speaking”. Toastmasters International. 24 May Atkinson, Cliff. “Work confidently with your presentation slides”. Microsoft. 20 May Girardo, Linda. “Effective Seminar Presentations” Girardo, Linda et al. “The Medium Is Not Always the Message”. York Catholic District School Board, Atkinson, Cliff. “3 rules for a great presentation”. Microsoft. 20 May May Smeathers, H. “How To Create a Multi Media Presentation” “Tips for PowerPoint Presentations”. American Heart Association. 20 May