Whether you're creating a PowerPoint presentation for yourself or someone else, there are some simple rules you can follow to make sure your presentation looks great. You can keep the slides simple and avoid using a lot of special effects. You can also vary the content so that people aren't reading from the slide.
Create less than ten slides
Creating less than ten slides for better PowerPoint presentations may sound counterintuitive. The truth is, you don't have to have a ton of slides to present your information in an effective way. Using a small number of slides will help your audience stay engaged, which is critical in any presentation.
You can make your slides stand out from the crowd by using the right font size, background color, and contrast. Avoid dark backgrounds as they make it harder for your audience to read your text. Choose professional graphics instead of clip art.
Another rule you can follow is to use fewer words in your presentations. PowerPoint's built-in templates limit text to six or eight lines. A larger font will make it easier for your audience to read. On the other hand, an italicised font can be difficult for people to read quickly.
Another rule is to use the same background color throughout your presentation. This makes your presentation look polished. The background should be subtle, but not boring. You can also use a dramatic contrast to make a single image stand out.
The 10/20/30 rule of PowerPoint is a simple pitching rule that says you should have 10 slides, use no font smaller than 30 points, and use at least one image per slide. These rules apply to any type of presentation.
When you're making your PowerPoint presentation, you can choose from a number of pre-built themes or create your own. You can even customize them by adding animation effects. You can then save your presentation as a PDF file, which can be opened by a system viewer.
A final rule is to test your presentation in a real live audience. If you have the time, record your narration and then listen to it to make sure you've got it all correct.
Vary the content
Fortunately, PowerPoint provides a few features that allow you to vary the content of your presentation. In the process, you may find yourself in a situation where you are presented with a slide that is a bit off-kilter and it's important to know how to correct this problem. You may also wish to consider adding some formatting restrictions to your presentation.
As you are considering the content of your presentation, you might want to consider using the PowerPoint API to programmatically update your content. You can use this feature to create custom themes, add content placeholders and change the color of certain objects.
The PowerPoint API also provides a number of functions not available in the standard edition of Microsoft Office. In particular, the PowerPoint API offers a number of functions that allow you to customize the layout of your presentation. For instance, you can change the size of individual slides, create a master slide that contains all your slides, and enable duplicate slides. Also, you can adjust the aspect ratio of each slide to fit the size of your screen. Lastly, you can save your presentation as a PDF file.
You can also use the PowerPoint API to create animated effects. This function lets you create effects that are triggered on clicks, mouse clicks, or even the click of a button. It also provides a number of other functions, such as a gif-like animation of the content on the screen, and a slideshow that is automatically generated as you click.
The PowerPoint API also boasts several other interesting functions, such as an automated way to change the color of your text. In the same way that PowerPoint changes your fonts, you can also change the color of the text, but this is not as easy as it sounds.
Don't read from the slide
Often when giving a presentation, we feel the need to read from the slide. This is often the result of not being prepared. Not only does reading out loud lower your audience's attention, but it also interferes with their ability to comprehend the words you are saying.
If you need to read from the slide, try to break it into short chunks. If you are talking about a topic that is unfamiliar to your audience, they may be unable to follow your words. Using an analogy or summarizing your information can help. However, you do not want to disrupt the flow of your presentation. If your slide contains a personal anecdote, make sure it's relevant to the subject you're talking about.
Instead of reading from the slide, write down important words. It's also a good idea to use pictures to reinforce your message. You can do this by using the Alt Text Pane under the Shape Format ribbon.
Another thing you can do to make your slides easier to read is to add a descriptive title to them. This title can be set up in File> Info> Properties> Title. This will tell the screen reader what to expect from the slide.
Another way to make your text easier to read is to increase the line spacing. If you don't have a screen reader, you can always use a computer's voice output to read the text. This can help you create a barrier-free presentation.
The best way to avoid reading from the slide when presenting PowerPoint is to be prepared. You should make sure that your slides are free from errors. You should also watch the timing of your slides to make sure you don't overshoot your allotted time.
Avoid special effects
Creating an impressive PowerPoint presentation requires some effort. This is especially true if you're using a computer. However, there are several simple tricks to make your presentation look as professional as possible. One of them involves avoiding special effects.
The most obvious trick is to use the right colors. For instance, try to use brighter colors in the foreground. However, try to avoid using too many colors, which can detract from the presentation.
The PowerPoint presentation must have a clear message. This can be achieved by using the proper font type and size. A well-designed slideshow also makes for an entertaining presentation.
The PowerPoint presentation must also include the right images. For instance, use high-quality photographs that will maintain their impact on larger screens. These images should also be relevant to the presentation. You should also avoid overusing special effects, which may be unnecessary for a presentation based on real life.
The PowerPoint presentation must also include a nonlinear navigation scheme. This will help the presenter jump back and forth from one slide to another. In addition, you should have a backup plan in case something goes wrong with your computer.
The PowerPoint presentation should also contain one idea per slide. This will prevent the audience from getting overwhelmed. Also, it will allow the presenter to provide more details orally.
The PowerPoint presentation must also contain the right amount of text. This is especially true if you're doing a presentation for an audience with visual impairments. It also means having at least six words per line. In short, the PowerPoint presentation must be functional and aesthetically pleasing. The PowerPoint presentations that stand out are those that are visually appealing, and also have good content.
Keep it simple
Providing a good presentation can change the way your audience perceives your message. The presentation structure and design can also be key to your audience's response. Whether your audience is hearing your presentation or viewing it on a computer screen, simple rules can help you design your presentation in a way that engages your audience and makes it more effective.
You should avoid creating slides that are too long and too cluttered. People will spend more mental energy deciding among the clutter, causing your presentation to lose the audience's attention. It is best to use a minimal number of texts and images.
The most important slide rule is to make sure that the number of slides is minimal. The best slides are uncluttered and have the fewest words, images, and characters.
Adding color to your presentation can be a good way to make your presentation stand out. However, you should use color responsibly. You may use online tools to find a palette that best suits your presentation, but be sure to maintain good contrast. Colors can also be used to highlight your message or reinforce it.
You should use high-resolution images that reinforce your message. Make sure to use the same size for the images on each slide. If the images don't fit on your screen, place them on a black background. This will allow your audience to see the images more clearly.
You should also avoid using all-capital letters and special effects. These can make your presentation "cutesy." It can also decrease your credibility.
You should also use a consistent background. The color of the background should be subtle and should match your overall template.