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.






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