Tips to create an effective Powerpoint presentation

There are several good reasons why people choose Powerpoint presentations over other forms. Not only are they quick to produce, they are also effective in creating visuals that help get the message across. To make the presentations stand out from regular ones, it is important to make sure that the powerpoint slide show is used as a visual aid — instead of a visual distraction. These are some tips and do’s and dont’s of creating an interesting and effective powerpoint presentations.

Tips to create effective powerpoint presentations

• Use widgets with pointers, callouts and arrows to make your powerpoint presentations more interesting. Make sure you keep your lines short and to the point; and try not to drone on and on. Since powerpoint is a visual mode, it is recommended to use pictures that help convey your message better.
• Screenshots is anther visual effect that you may want to use, especially if you are trying to explain how things work. This is a great way to help your audience get your points more clearly. In addition, embed a video if possible.
• Use bullet points in your presentation, so that your audience has a fair idea of what topic is coming next. If you have a set of information, consider using brackets to depict that the information belongs to a specific point.
• If you need to present some numerical data, use the many different charts that are available on powerpoint. You can opt for column charts or pie charts — it depends on which suits your data better. One thing to note, it is important to add comments on the charts that will aid the audience in understanding the data better — instead of trying to decipher it themselves. Use different colors for different colums if you have multi-column data.
• There is no harm in trying to inject some personality or humour into your presentation, as long as you keep it within context.

Avoid these common mistakes

• Do not overdo the sound effects and slide transitions on your powerpoint presentations. Using these effects in excessive amounts may distract your audience and will slowdown the pace of the presentation.
• If you are using graphics, try not to go overboard with them as well. Stick to the core of the ideas, because that’s what presentation is all about.
• If you want to use animation, make sure that it is used at a bare minimum. While initially it may draw the attention of your audience, if it goes for too long it will end up distracting and annoying them.

These are some presentation do’s and dont’s that will help you create an effective and impressive powerpoint presentations. Being confident while giving the presentation and appropriately dressed are also two essential factors that will help you score high marks.