Over twenty years ago, an excruciatingly dull PowerPoint presentation drove me to become a presentation coach and trainer. Today, poorly executed slide presentations still make me want to shout, “TURN OFF THE SLIDES AND JUST TALK TO US!” (And yes, I often do this when coaching clients.)
Why Slides Matter
It’s not that I dislike slide presentations; I dislike poorly conceived and poorly delivered ones. When used correctly, slides can powerfully reinforce your spoken points. However, all too often, slides and their accompanying technology distract from the speaker. Remember, you are the star of your presentation, and your slides should merely support you.
10 Ways to Improve Your PowerPoint Slides
- Ask the All-Important Question: “Do I really need slides?”
Just because PowerPoint exists doesn’t mean you must use it. Your audience is there to see and hear you, not your slides. - Dare to Be Bare
Keep your slides uncluttered and minimal. Avoid using slides as your notes or cramming too much information onto one slide. Your audience will appreciate the clarity. - The Bigger the Better: Your Font Size
Use a large font size, starting at 24-point. This ensures everyone in your audience can easily read the text. - Banish Bullet Points
Use bite-sized clumps of 3 to 5 words instead of bullet points or full sentences. This keeps your audience focused on you rather than reading your slides. - Use More Images
A picture is worth a thousand words. Fill slides with powerful images, sometimes without any text, to captivate your audience. - Make Numbers Sexier
Use big, bold graphs or charts with minimal text. Highlight key points in bright colors and avoid overcrowding your slides with data. - Leave Breathing Room
Keep slides simple and elegant with ample space for the eye to rest. Avoid cramming too much information onto one slide. - Limit Your Animations
Only use animations if they significantly enhance your message. Unnecessary movement can distract from your speech. - Limit Your Slides
Use the minimum number of slides necessary. If a slide isn’t essential, scrap it. Verbally convey information like agendas rather than relying on slides. - Go Blank
When you want all eyes on you, press the B or W key on your computer to black out or white out your screen.
Need Help with Your Presentation?
Slides can either help or hinder you as a presenter. If you need support creating a slide deck that enhances your message, let’s talk! Visit my website to learn how I help professionals like you deliver impactful presentations and shine in the spotlight.
Eleni Kelakos, CSP The Speaker Whisperer®
