{"id":36324,"date":"2013-11-04T12:30:38","date_gmt":"2013-11-04T12:30:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loopup.com\/resource-center\/\/10-tips-avoid-death-powerpoint\/"},"modified":"2019-03-05T15:49:11","modified_gmt":"2019-03-05T15:49:11","slug":"10-tips-avoid-death-powerpoint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loopup.com\/us\/resource-center\/blog\/10-tips-avoid-death-powerpoint\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips to Avoid Death by PowerPoint"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tedious, uninspiring presentations are an unwelcome feature of working life.  When it comes to delivering a presentation, however, there\u2019s nothing you want less than to see your audience\u2019s eyes glaze over halfway through.  Here are 10 tips to help you avoid the dreaded \u201cDeath by PowerPoint\u201d.<\/p>\n

Design and Presentation<\/b><\/h2>\n

1.       <\/b>PowerPoint is not the only option<\/b>
\nConsider other technology, such as Prez<\/a>i.  Check out this list of PowerPoint alternatives<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2.       <\/b>First impressions count<\/b>
\nMake sure the title and description are engaging enough to capture people\u2019s attention from the start (or, indeed, to entice them to attend your presentation if this is in a conference\/exhibition setting).<\/p>\n

3.       <\/b>Quality not quantity<\/b>
\nKeep the number of slides as low as possible, and the amount of content on the page similarly sparse.  You want the content to support what you\u2019re saying, not act as a script.  The more text on page, the more likely attendees will be distracted reading your slides instead of listening to you speak.<\/p>\n

4.       <\/b>Graphics that make sense<\/b>
\nRelevant images or graphics that support your points are the ideal.  Unrelated images or unattractive Clip Art will just detract from your content.  When it comes to graphs, if your audience needs to think deeply about what the graph represents, it\u2019s too complicated.<\/p>\n

5.       <\/b>Slide show, not a fireworks show<\/b>
\nAnimations can be fun, but they can also be distracting and gimmicky.  A couple of subtle transitions should do the trick nicely.<\/p>\n

Overall, aim for a streamlined, minimal approach punctuated by relevant images.<\/p>\n

Style of Delivery<\/b><\/h2>\n

<\/b>6.       <\/b>Speed is not always of the essence<\/b>
\nA measured, calm approach is key. You should speak neither so fast that your audience can\u2019t follow, nor laboring the point to the extent that people stop listening. Sometimes a pause can be more effective than a quickly delivered string of additional examples.<\/p>\n

7.       <\/b>Be specific<\/b>
\nDon\u2019t talk in vague statements; refer to concrete examples and show screen shots of what you\u2019re referring to.  Talk about evidence, not just theories.<\/p>\n

8.       <\/b>Personal touch<\/b>
\nDon\u2019t be a robot: infuse your presentation with personal stories where appropriate to gain empathy and get listeners on side.  This works especially well at the start of the presentation if you need to introduce yourself to a new audience.<\/p>\n

9.       <\/b>Interaction is key<\/b>
\nGet the audience involved: keep them awake by asking questions, though don\u2019t derail too much into a Q&A session when you\u2019re trying to deliver content and transfer knowledge.  Try to incorporate any relevant information you learn from your audience so that you can tailor your content.<\/p>\n

10.   <\/b>A sense of humour<\/b>
\nWhile you need to make sure you don\u2019t stray into inappropriate territories, keep it light where possible.<\/p>\n

One final bonus tip:<\/p>\n

Think about any great presenters you\u2019ve seen recently \u2013 The TED Talks YouTube Channel<\/a> is a great source for inspiration \u2013 and take note of the tactics they employ to keep listeners interested in what they have to say.  Then, try to apply these to your next presentation.  So long Death by PowerPoint!<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Tedious, uninspiring presentations are an unwelcome feature of working life.  When it comes to delivering a presentation, however, there\u2019s nothing you want less than to see your audience\u2019s eyes glaze…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":36325,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[424],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-36324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nAvoid Death by PowerPoint. Check out our top 10 tips.<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Get 10 tips to avoid Death by PowerPoint. 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