Long before people grew weary of Zoom meetings, many were weary of PowerPoint presentations. The problem isn't the software, it's how the software is used. All too often, presenters read from slides filled with text. The slides are not visually interesting and unless the presenter is reading them word-for-word, it's impossible to both listen to what the presenter is saying and read the slides at the same time.
Instead of using lengthy bullet points, replace them with visuals whenever possible. If visuals can't adequately convey your message, use short bullet points instead. If your slides can stand alone, you have too much text on them.
If you need additional text to cue you, learn how to add notes to your slides and use presenter view. Presenter view not only lets you see the notes on your slides, it allows you see your next slide (or animation) and skip between slides with ease. If you are presenting remotely (using video or webinar software such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams), it's easiest to use presenter view with a second monitor. If you only have one monitor, you'll need to share the window with the presentation (rather than your full screen/desktop).
The key to creating more engaging slides with less text is to start your presentation outline outside of PowerPoint. All too often, we get started in PowerPoint - adding slides and bullet points as we design our presentation. Even if we have every intention of replacing text with images and shorter bullet points, we get pulled away to do other work and never have the opportunity to come back to our PowerPoint presentation until it's time to present. Instead of starting in PowerPoint, put your outline together on paper or in a word processor. Then, create engaging slides and add your outline to the notes as you go.
Affinity Insight members, check out our PowerPoint videos to learn how to create engaging slides and present professionally.
Make it your goal to make every PowerPoint presentation effective by following these simple suggestions. If you have any questions about PowerPoint or how to access additional professional development and training like this through Affinity Insight, contact us any time at 877-676-5492, or request a consultation.
