A PowerPoint presentation is still a popular tool to support a presentation. Unfortunately, it still often happens that there is either too much or too little information on a slide. The order is also very important for the oral presentation. Therefore, tips are provided here to give a perfect presentation.
1 – Clothing
Your audience judges who you might be within a few seconds. It is therefore important that that first impression is a good one. So dress appropriately, and if necessary, tailored to the audience. Eighty percent of prejudices are based on appearance and competencies.
2 – Opening sheet
It must be immediately captivating. It must make the participants in the presentation think. A core message, possibly accompanied by a photo, a quote, or a current event, immediately grabs attention.
So do not start the first slide by providing information, and do not start with an outline either, so that they already know what to expect.
3 – Font size
For readability by the public, a font size of at least 30 is recommended.
4 – Number of words
To hold attention, it is advisable to place no more than 16 words on a slide. If there are more, the audience will read first and disregard your story.
5 – Bullet points
Preferably do not use bullet points. This only distracts. Remember that your story sticks in people’s memory better than the information on a slide. The slide supports your presentation.
People are easily inclined to use bullet points frequently. That draws attention to them. And the more you place, the more people will read them, and the less attention they will pay to your story.
6 – Video
A current video is the most engaging. But if you have a perfect video, perhaps one that is already old, that works too, of course.
It is always important to check on-site beforehand whether the videos are working. If that is not the case and you have to resolve this on the spot, attention directed towards you will wane.
7 – Presenter view
You are in the middle of your presentation, but momentarily forget which slide is coming next. In that case, switch on presenter view in advance. Only you can see on your screen which slide is next. The audience cannot.
8 – Physical action
Be careful not to constantly walk back and forth. That eventually becomes very distracting for the audience. You may use your hands and arms to point something out or emphasize something. However, make sure to return to the starting position afterwards.
9 – Interrupties
Be prepared for interruptions from participants during the presentation. This can throw you off balance. Quickly make a note of the level at which you continue your presentation after answering.
10 – Visual info
The visual information must support your presentation. That is the starting point. So if you have a message, convey it with a compelling image. That sticks better.
Research has shown that graphs, in any form, rarely have the desired effect. In principle, avoid this.
11 – Concentration
Generally, the audience will be able to concentrate well for about 10 minutes. After that, it becomes more difficult. Ensure you use short presentation blocks. Take a short break after 45 minutes so that people can recharge. You can also use group exercises or role-playing to help them reset.
12 – Accents
If you want to emphasize certain topics or statements, pause for 2 seconds so the audience can let it sink in.
5 – Closing
Conclude the presentation by providing an opportunity to ask questions. Answer them and ensure a strong conclusion (call to action).
Do not end with a slide full of questions to which you then give unsolicited answers. This is sometimes used to clarify everything that preceded it. Unfortunately, this does not benefit the presentation.
