Slideware/ PowerPoint Tips
PowerPointŪ is the most well-known slideware program. These
programs are wonderful tools to help get a message out to an
audience. Presentations can be filled with a multitude of
backgrounds and fonts as well as animation, video, charts
and graphs. In fact, there are many resources (both on and off
line) that can guide you step by step in creating a dynamic
presentation that can overload an audience's senses.
As speakers, it is easy to rely on all of the flash, bang and
pizzazz to drive a message home but, unfortunately, these very same
tools, if not used properly, can quickly become detrimental to a
speakers presentation. The overuse of a slideware tool allows the audience and the speaker to
get so caught up in the wonders of the technology that the message is
lost. To overcome the potential harm than slideware programs can
create for a speaker, it is good to remember the visual aids
speakers have used in the past. Blackboards, wipe-off boards,
flip charts, slide projectors and overhead projectors have each
brought with them their own advantages and disadvantages. Yet, the main reason
for their use has been to provide visual cues and reminders to
assist an audience in keeping up with the speaker. The use of
slideware is not any different.
Below I have assembled a few tips that will assist in keeping you,
as a presenter, and your audience focused.
1. Slideware Is A Tool - Not A Crutch
Presenters often use slideware as a substitute for themselves, believing that the slides are the presentation - yet, slides should only support the presentation that the speaker must deliver. Remember, if you are giving a presentation, your audience should connect with you. After all, why does an audience need you if they are going to be entertained or educated by a program?
2. Develop Your Content
Before you begin designing a slideware presentation, write out your auditory presentation and decide what points you wish to make - as you normally would. Don't get caught up in designing slides right away. To do otherwise might cause you to overlook the main factors in your presentation - you and your message.
3. Creating The Slides
When creating the slides, use a balanced approach. Text should be used to give assistance for the audience's understanding of what you, as the presenter, are speaking about. Graphics and multimedia should be used to aid the message only.
A) Making Your Point
I. Bullet points should show a key word or brief phrase. You,
as a presenter, should elaborate/expand upon the points made
rather than having the audience read the presentation on the monitor/
screen.
II. Limit your bullets to no more than 6 per page. Don't be afraid
to split your points over a few pages, if needed.
B) Text Size & Color Choice
I. Use 18 point type or larger to make it easy to read
II. Don't use more than two type styles on any single slide
III. Mix upper-case letters for easy readability
IV. Due to color, perception deficiencies are common. Certain
color combinations -- including red/green, brown/green,
dark blue/black and blue/purple -- should be avoided.
C) Moving / Flying Text or Graphics
Just because slideware programs have several fun effects and transitions, they don't all need to be used in your presentation. A simple fade, dissolve or flash appearance is all that many presentations need. Remember, a little goes a long way.
D) Diagrams & Charts
Since transitions and appearances are possible within slideware programs - having various sections of a chart or graph appear in layers, to match your points, can ease the audiences understanding of the information presented and should be considered.
E) Images
The biggest problem with images is the DPI/Resolution. Too large of an image file may slow your presentation or may not even show up. Too smalland the image may appear pixelated or fuzzy. So far, the best guideline I've found states the following:
"If you want an image to look good on the screen
in PowerPoint, scan it at the screen resolution: 72 dpi. Higher
does you no good -- it only makes the files bigger.
Printed output: 72 dpi images are a bit too low-resolution for
printed output, so you want to scan at 150 or 300dpi.
35mm slides: 35 mm slide output devices are very high resolution,
and you'll want 300 dpi scans. These will make your file sizes
very large, but any lower resolution will look really
bad."
image information found at:
http://www.strath.ac.uk/Departments/CAP/slides/trouble.html
4. Rehearsal and Equipment Check
A) Not all presentations will look the same on each computer,
projector or screen used - check the presentation
with the system you will use, or bring your own
equipment.
B) Be sure to do a full rehearsal (speech and slideshow) before giving your
presentation, to be sure of your timing, transitions and equipment.
5. Venue Tips
A) Lighting
I. The amount of light, or lack thereof, may affect the
presentation - be sure to check this, if at all
possible.
II. Don't turn off all room lights when using a monitor or
projector.
B) Placement of Screen / Monitor
I. View your presentation from all angles, especially the
sides and back of the room, to ensure they'll be clearly read and
understood by everyone.
II. Never stand or place anything between the screen / monitor
and the audience, as it visually distracts the information.
Additional Notes:
It is not entirely uncommon for a speaker to travel with their
own laptop projector and screen. If you really want to be sure
that your presentation will look its best, you might want to
invest in a system that you can bring with you, therefore, you
don't have to be entirely dependent on the one available (if one
is available).
Remember, slideware programs can be powerful tools for
presenters. Just don't forget that the main reason you are being
asked to speak is to speak and not to display your ability in creating a
dazzling slideshow. Keep focused and have fun!
Information and thoughts on this page were submitted
by William
Corey,DTM.
All rights reserved.
Attention! -- Important Site Information - Please Read! -- Attention!
Be it known...
as of October, 2011, due to
changes within the club and the organization, the information
contained within this site may no longer be completely accurate
(including, but not limited to - meeting location, what it is
that we offer our members, possible changes to disclaimers used,
and compliance with newly-imposed guidelines). As such "This
Is Not A Toastmaster Int. Approved Club Website!" Yet, it
will remain in this current form to honor our past, as long as
possible, and to serve as a reminder of the uniqueness,
individuality, standards, professionalism, regards for others'
privacy, and knowledge that this club's long line of members once enjoyed, shared and promoted during our history. To see the new site featuring Toastmasters Int.'s created/designed/approved web template and information - click here!
Thank you for your consideration.
Toastmasters International would like you to know the following about its' name,
logo, trademarks and copyrights...
"All rights reserved. Toastmasters International, the Toastmasters International logo and all other Toastmasters International trademarks and copyrights are the sole property of Toastmasters International and may be used only by permission."
They also desire us to inform you of the following in regards to "member information"...
"The information on this Web site is for the sole use of Toastmasters' members, for Toastmasters business only. It is not to be used for solicitation and distribution of non-Toastmasters material or information."
Business & Professional Toastmasters Club#1169 would like you to be aware of this...
This club website is intended for use by members as well thoes who wish to learn about us!
We value the privacy of our members and guests, and do not send un-solicited e-mails.
The information and links contained on this site have been submitted and voted upon by our membership before inclusion. However, it should be noted that what is offered and /or linked to is not necessarily recommended or endorsed by all B&P Club#1169 members / the Toastmasters organization, or Toastmasters International.
© Business and Professional Toastmasters Club#1169 Website Committee 1999 through Oct. 1, 2011
(unless otherwise noted)
Site Designed By William Corey's Ripples In Designs Eclectic