Prepping for a Presentation?
by Shannon Winzeler | November 22, 2011
PowerPoint is that amazing and incredible tool that helps all of us create engaging and professional presentations. It’s also a tool we often see misused. Here are a few simple rules you can follow next time you’re creating a presentation to avoid the “death by PowerPoint” scenario.
Rule #1 - You are the presentation (not your slides)
If the presentation materials distract the audience from what you are saying, then make some adjustments so the focus stays on you.
Rule #1 - You are the presentation (not your slides)
If the presentation materials distract the audience from what you are saying, then make some adjustments so the focus stays on you.
Rule #3 – Write in headline format
When writing copy, give the audience a tease with your text and bait them with your bullets. Do not write the entire presentation out on the screen. When you do that, they’ll be focused on reading the slides instead of on you.
Rule #4 – Rule of 7
Avoid putting more than 7 bullet points on the screen. The audience will tune out with too many bullet points and won't remember what you're saying.
When writing copy, give the audience a tease with your text and bait them with your bullets. Do not write the entire presentation out on the screen. When you do that, they’ll be focused on reading the slides instead of on you.
Rule #4 – Rule of 7
Avoid putting more than 7 bullet points on the screen. The audience will tune out with too many bullet points and won't remember what you're saying.
PowerPoint is that amazing and incredible tool that helps all of us create engaging and professional presentations. It’s also a tool we often see misused.
Rule #2 – 3 minutes per slide
You should average 3 minutes per slide. Some will be longer and some will be shorter, but follow that rule of thumb so you avoid having too many slides in your slide deck. If you’re presenting for 30 minutes, keep your presentation to about 15 slides.
You should average 3 minutes per slide. Some will be longer and some will be shorter, but follow that rule of thumb so you avoid having too many slides in your slide deck. If you’re presenting for 30 minutes, keep your presentation to about 15 slides.
Rule #5 – Be Consistent
Stay consistent with font, font size and title case. Small changes are noticeable.
Follow these rules the next time you’re putting together a presentation to keep your audience engaged and awake!
Stay consistent with font, font size and title case. Small changes are noticeable.
Follow these rules the next time you’re putting together a presentation to keep your audience engaged and awake!
May 4, 2012 
