How to Do a Great PowerPoint PresentationKnowing how to do a great PowerPoint presentation is the number one goal of most presenters.  Most people realize that a great presentation determines the subsequent actions of the audience. The desired objective of PowerPoint slide show is to capture the viewer’s interest by appealing to their visual and auditory senses.  PowerPoint contains features which can enthrall the viewing audience and generate much enthusiasm. Therefore, understanding how to do a great PowerPoint is paramount for people who are involved in the art of persuasion. This article will provide you with information that will you change your presentation from ordinary to extraordinary.

Tips on how to do a great PowerPoint

1. Design your slides using design templates and backgrounds which are preset in your PowerPoint application. You also have the option of creating your own design using the features in PowerPoint.  The following elements are crucial when deciding how to do a great PowerPoint:

Font – when choosing your text, please ensure that the size and type of text is duly considered so that your writing will be easy to read. The texts in the san serif family (Arial, Calibri etc) are usually the best to use in a slide show.  The PowerPoint default font setting for the title and body is 44 and 32 points respectively.  You can maintain these settings or opt for different ones.  It is important to ensure that text and background colors contrast rather than conflict.

Background – background styles give your slides a certain ‘feel’ or ‘look,’ transforming slides from basic black and white to captivating colors. However, the background should complement the theme of your presentation; it should not become the main focus.  Therefore, try to keep this as simple as possible and consistent on all slides.  When doing corporate presentations, you should utilize the company logo, brand, and colors as part of your background.

Animation – this can immediately stir the imagination and pique interest.  Animation is a great tool to bring life to your slide shows. It should be applied with thought and intentionality, however. PowerPoint animation scheme gives you various entrance and exit strategies for your text and graphics as well as transition effects between slides.  Again, your aim should be to keep it simple and consistent with the presentation theme.  This is all a part of learning how to do a great PowerPoint presentation.

1. Deciding on the additional elements for your slide show plays a significant role in how to do a great PowerPoint.  The following may be inserted:

Pictures/photographs – these should help to sell your presentation.

Music/Sound – these should be strategically placed and complement the presentation.  Please note that the use of music or sound may be dependent on your audience and your product.

Video clips – can be used for introduction purposes. Graphs, diagrams, and charts – you can use PowerPoint diagrams and

organizational charts for added visual appeal. Graphics or objects.

PowerPoint contains a feature called Rehearsed Timings which set the time for the transition of each slide.  This helps to synchronize oral presentation with the movement of each slide.  Undoubtedly, the aforementioned tips will help you to decide how to do a great PowerPoint for that important occasion.  Learning how to do a great PowerPoint should be a priority if you intend to be an effective communication strategist.