1. Number of slides
If you’re doing a sales presentation, I’d limit myself to six slides. If you can’t sell yourself in six slides, you can never sell yourself. Most sales books will tell you that you have about 5 minutes tops to get a customer’s attention.
After the six slides, you may want to move on to individual benefit or customer-demand product slides. Use hyperlinks in PowerPoint to move from one part of the presentation to the next.
2. The text
How much text?
The short answer is as little as possible… Generally, if someone can read the PowerPoint and understand the presentation without further assistance, then it’s too much text. Many coaches talk about the use of slogans, but to define it a little more:
simple slides
short clauses
Item no.
few verbs
size 32 best
surprise me
memory corridor
6 lines maximum
If you reveal line by line or all at once… Well, there is a big debate and my opinion is that if you have a big surprise in the text, don’t show your hand! Otherwise it would show all points, it gives the presenter and audience an indication of the flow of the presentation.
3. Graphics
In simple terms, if you’re going to talk about the diagram in your presentation then that’s a plus, if it’s just there to make your slide pretty then that’s a minus. A former boss of mine used to say that every presentation should have a powerful image that people will remember. Even if that image takes longer than the rest of the presentation, it’s time well spent.
design graphics
The ideal chart is one made specifically for the presentation by a professional. Failing that, consider the following options:
To get numerical information, use Excel to create charts and then copy and paste them into your PowerPoint. (Excel has much better control over charts than PowerPoint)
Use the insert -> diagram option to create semi-custom content.
Use Google Images to try to find the specific image you want.
Use the drawing toolbar to combine your images effectively.
Thumbnails can be useful navigational elements for training presentations, as they provide a quick visual reference for students to see which aspect of the topic the speaker is referring to.
4. Media Content
Generally speaking, I try to avoid multimedia content, and unless you’re very technically savvy, I’d advise against using any kind of sound or video in your presentation. Be aware of the following pitfalls:
Linked files do not transfer well from one PC to another. The best method to make presentations portable is to use the bundle for CD option.
Check your audio before you give the presentation and make sure you bring all the necessary cables. (Plan B, one presentation with sound and one without)
NEVER assume you can use the Internet during a presentation. It’s always best to make sure all content is on your PC.
Make sure you use the same version of PowerPoint on both PCs. (If you can’t review your presentation carefully before you give it.)
Don’t use more than one fade and more than one transition per slideshow, unless this is going to be used in a kiosk, you want the speaker to be the center of attention, not the flashing graphics.
5. Cover
In many cases the front slide will be shown before your presentation and this is a great opportunity to get the audience excited about what you are going to say, make sure your front page has:
The name of the presentation is clearly displayed.
Now you’ve designed a wonderful slide, so now all you have to do is talk about it!