eTop Technology, Inc.
powerpoint is an excellent presentation tool but there are a few simple rules
you need to follow if you're going to create a really great presentation in
this short video we'll explain them the first rule before you even get to use
PowerPoint is to edit your script down to short clear simple statements a
written script is essential if you're going to transmit your ideas clearly for
PowerPoint less is more people can read simple bullet points on a screen but
will struggle to read whole sentences and remember your audience will be
reading the words on the screen so if you're speaking you need to use the same
words there's nothing more confusing than reading one set of words and
hearing a different set okay now let's open up PowerPoint if it's the first
time you've used it you'll be offered automatic updates and it's a good idea
to accept them next there's a simple tour of the software and a set of
possible templates for you to play with
for now let's build our own you'll learn more that way
once you have your script you need to prepare a master slide or template
although PowerPoint is capable of very complex designs even to producing a
graphic video the point of a presentation is to convey information
clearly and simply not dazzle people with your design skills there's nothing
more off-putting than an over designed or badly designed PowerPoint
presentation keep it simple keep it clear and keep attention there are four
elements to a presentation the first element is the text or script and for
text you need a clear font research on which particular font is easiest to read
is inconclusive I prefer a sans-serif font so that's what I use
what is conclusive is that size matters no smaller than 30 point the font should
not get in the way of the information so be consistent use no more than two
different fonts one for headlines one for text and by default PowerPoint uses
Calibri and I'm happy to stick with that here's an example using PowerPoint
default Calibri font note that anything smaller than 30 point is going to be
very difficult to read from any distance next good contrast between the font and
the background is essential but don't over do it to start this exercise I've
chosen a blue-gray font on a white background I love white it breathes
space it's important that your slides are visually consistent not hopping
about from one font to another or one design to another and you can create
consistency easily in PowerPoint by using powerpoints template system the
slide templates can be arranged on the left side of the screen set up a
template with your chosen font and background and each time you add a slide
your font and background we'll be the same my practice is to set
up two or three most used templates but to create others if I need them that way
I save time the second element is visual design people learn differently some
people learn from words others learn from pictures yet again others from
listening and others also learn from seeing something working PowerPoint can
cope with all four start with the words the good script and you can add pictures
or graphic elements like graphs to explain your argument for the listeners
you can add a soundtrack but remember to use the same words as are on the screen
and you can even add a short video if you only use words your presentation
will be boring and will lose the attention of most of your audience very
quickly a sparing addition of graphics pictures even humor if appropriate can
help to keep attention you'll often be required to include the company logo if
it's going to be on every slide add it to the master slide for consistency and
ease of use but be careful when you're adding pictures copyright law applies to
online images just as much as print images and just grabbing an image from
the internet mail and you and your company in trouble if you're promoting a
company or product then often be glad to have their images or logo in front of
people so if you ask first you may well get
permission and remember to credit them send an email and keep a copy and
there's plenty of free clipart around to here's how to insert a picture
eTop Technology, Inc.
part of the magic of PowerPoint is its ability to create interesting animations
between the elements of a slide and transitions between the slides
themselves you'll find the transitions tab and the animations tab along the top
bar you can add an animation like this and between slides you can add
transitions like this
eTop Technology, Inc.
the third element to your PowerPoint is sound it can be just your own
commentary or you can add music or a recorded commentary to your PowerPoint
here's how
eTop Technology, Inc.
the fourth and final element is the printed notes you can add footnotes or a
full commentary to each and every slide and print them out as handouts after
your presentation and if you don't fancy doing the design yourself there are many
different templates you can buy or download for free from the internet
Microsoft PowerPoint bought to you by eTop Technology we're here to help if you
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