PowerPoint Presentation Tips

Start With an Action Plan

Focus on your topic.
Define your audience.
Consider the setting for your presentation.
Consider the planned delivery method, and so the extent of embellishments you can use. For example, a movie won't work very well if you're using transparencies!
Start with the AutoContent Wizard.

Tip: Take a few minutes to collect your thoughts
and plan your precious time!

Develop and Focus Your Ideas

Tip: Your audience quickly grasps your point
when you lead to a concise message.

Make a Lively Presentation

Engage your audience by presenting slide content one bullet point at a time.
Use the AutoClipArt tool to choose images that represent concepts like goals and success.
Use Animation Settings to animate text and objects.
Include a few sounds and even movies, if your delivery method can support it.

Tip: Use a variety of media to give your presentation
more interest.

…But Don’t Overdo a Good Thing

Use animation and sounds to emphasize key points.
Limit the variety of fonts to three per slide; just two is better.
Select slide transitions such that they do not affect the pace of your presentation.
If including sounds, be sure you have adequate amplification. The built-in speaker in your laptop is okay on your lap, but not for an auditorium!

Tip: Use animation to add zip to your slides,
but avoid the temptation to animate every slide
or have too many types of animations.

Catch Errors Before Your Audience Does

Avoid embarrassing and distracting situations by making corrections before you present.
Make corrections before sending your slides to be converted into 35mm slides or handouts. And be sure to send the latest version of your presentation!
Handouts should include page numbers, as a minimum. Consider other identifying information for the headers and footers as well. Save paper by printing two or more slides per page!

Tip: Use Style Checker to find spelling
and common formatting errors.

Rehearse

If possible, rehearse in the mode you will be presenting—electronic, overheads, or handouts.
Spend 2–5 minutes per slide. If you need more time than this, break your points into more slides.
Practice until you can naturally advance your slides and bulleted items, even anticipating the next slide. Use a next-slide method (there are many) that is comfortable and reliable for you.
Plan your ending slide, e.g., blank or contact information. With electronic deliveries, don’t advance past this slide.

Tip: Use Rehearse Timings in Slide Sorter View.

Deliver a Polished Presentation

Prepare for the unexpected with backup files, documents, and transparencies, as needed.
Arrive early enough to make sure the equipment you need is in working order and compatible with your presentation. If using sounds, be sure the volume is appropriate for the room size.
Begin your presentation with an attractive and informative title slide.
Welcome the audience and introduce yourself.
Explain when you will entertain questions.
Launch into your presentation, smoothly advancing slides and animation effects as you speak.

Tip: Use Pack and Go to pack your presentation,
linked files and fonts onto multiple disks.