Whether you're putting together a presentation for a conference hall full of prospects or a boardroom of colleagues and superiors, creating an effective and informative deck can be intimidating. By following a few helpful guidelines, you can make a lasting impression with a powerful presentation.
Start with an objective in mind. Are you selling a product? A service? Presenting the latest research? Answer these questions long before you put ideas on paper. Coming to the drawing board with a clear goal keeps you from getting sidetracked and keeps the presentation focused on the topic at hand. Brainstorm — alone or with a team — and develop a narrative that tells your story in a logical progression from start to finish.
When it comes to stories, the old saying goes: show, don't tell. The same is true for presentations. An audience will be bored to tears by 25+ slides of text and bullet points. You need photos, images, and infographics that support your topic and reinforce the data in your presentation.
Don't try to do too much at once. Not every slide needs to be a jumble of charts, graphs, photos, and text. Pair text with one or two relevant images or icons, and make sure each speaks directly to your topic in context. Keep things simple and easy to digest for everyone in the room.
The last thing you want is to fumble through your slides. Keep the design simple and be aware of how many clicks it takes before all elements are visible — manage this with PowerPoint's transitions and animations. Remember you can add presenter notes only you can see, keeping on-slide text minimal while having everything you want to discuss at your disposal.
Reciting your presentation for the first time on the day of your meeting is a recipe for disaster. Practice several times in private and in front of a small group of friends, family, or colleagues. It prepares you mentally, builds confidence, and surfaces any issues before the big day.