IMPROVING POWERPOINTS

I'm sure that we have all been through presentations that we just wished would end.  We've also been in presentations that were incredibly engaging and fun!  What makes the difference between a glowing presentation and one that is dull?  There are many factors that make a presentation good or bad including the preparation of the speaker, his or her knowledge of the subject, the research that the presenter put in to make the presentation, and the PowerPoint itself.  You read that right!  A quality and well executed PowerPoint can help make the difference between a good presentation and an amazing presentation.

Here are some general tips to help you with your presentation:

• Don't feel like you have to put every word on the slide! -Your purpose is to deliver a good presentation, not to deliver a good reading!
• Limit the amount of images on the slides.  -You don't want to have images that overcrowd your text.  Images should be used sparingly, and only to make a point in your presentation.
• Limit fonts, sounds and animations to one or two per presentation. -You may be tempted to add in funny sounds, animations, or fonts, but remember that these can sometimes detract from the professional quality of your presentation. 
• The slides don't tell the story, you do.  -The presenter is YOU, not the slides.  Make sure that you are the one telling the story.  Don't leave it up to your slides to do all of the work.

Need some help with your next presentation?  Stop by the WRMC for assistance.  Yes, we even help  with your presentations! Make an appointment today: http://www.viu.edu/wrmc/services/writing-services/?id=1523.