improve your powerpoint presentation

That said, you can still use fun and eccentric fonts — in moderation. Offsetting a fun font or large letters with something more professional can create an engaging presentation.

Above all, be sure you're consistent so your presentation looks the same throughout each slide. That way, your audience doesn't become distracted by too many disparate fonts. Check out this example from HubSpot’s company profile templates:

Interested in this presentation template? Download it for free here.

5. Make sure all of your objects are properly aligned.

Having properly aligned objects on your slide is the key to making it look polished and professional. You can manually try to line up your images ... but we all know how that typically works out. You're trying to make sure all of your objects hang out in the middle of your slide, but when you drag them there, it still doesn't look quite right. Get rid of your guessing game and let PowerPoint work its magic with this trick.

Here’s how to align multiple objects:

• Select all objects by holding down Shift and clicking on all of them.
• Select Arrange in the top options bar, then choose Align or Distribute .
• Choose the type of alignment you'd like.

Here’s how to align objects to the slide:

• Select Align to Slide .
• Select Arrange in the top options bar again, then choose Align or Distribute .

6. Use "Format Object" to better control your objects' designs.

Format menus allow you to do fine adjustments that otherwise seem impossible. To do this, right-click on an object and select the Format Object option. Here, you can fine-tune shadows, adjust shape measurements, create reflections, and much more. The menu that will pop up looks like this:

Although the main options can be found on PowerPoint’s format toolbars, look for complete control in the format window menu. Other examples of options available include:

• Adjusting text inside a shape.
• Creating a natural perspective shadow behind an object.
• Recoloring photos manually and with automatic options.

7. Take advantage of PowerPoint's shapes.

Many users don’t realize how flexible PowerPoint’s shape tools have become. In combination with the expanded format options released by Microsoft, the potential for good design with shapes is readily available. PowerPoint provides the user with a bunch of great shape options beyond the traditional rectangle, oval, and rounded rectangle patterns.

Today’s shapes include a highly functional Smart Shapes function, which enables you to create diagrams and flow charts in no time. These tools are especially valuable when you consider that PowerPoint is a visual medium. Paragraphing and bullet lists are boring — you can use shapes to help express your message more clearly.

8. Create custom shapes.

When you create a shape, right click and press Edit Points . By editing points, you can create custom shapes that fit your specific need. For instance, you can reshape arrows to fit the dimensions you like.

Another option is to combine two shapes together. To do so, select the two shapes you’d like to work with, then click Shape Format in the top ribbon. Tap Merge Shapes .

You’ll see a variety of options.

• Combine creates a custom shape that has overlapping portions of the two previous shapes cut out.
• Union makes one completely merged shape.
• Intersect builds a shape of only the overlapping sections of the two previous shapes.
• Subtract cuts out the overlapping portion of one shape from the other.
• Fragment will split your shape into different parts depending on where they overlap.

By using these tools rather than trying to edit points precisely, you can create accurately measured custom shapes.

9. Crop images into custom shapes.

Besides creating custom shapes in your presentation, you can also use PowerPoint to crop existing images into new shapes. Here's how you do that:

• Click on the image and select Picture Format in the options bar.
• Choose Crop , then Crop to Shape , and then choose your desired shape. Ta-da! Custom-shaped photos.

10. Present websites within PowerPoint.

Tradition says that if you want to show a website in a PowerPoint, you should just create a link to the page and prompt a browser to open. For PC users, there’s a better option.

Third party software that integrates fully into PowerPoint’s developer tab can be used to embed a website directly into your PowerPoint using a normal HTML iframe. One of the best tools is LiveWeb , a third-party software that you can install on your PowerPoint program.

By using LiveWeb, you don’t have to interrupt your PowerPoint, and your presentation will remain fluid and natural. Whether you embed a whole webpage or just a YouTube video, this can be a high-quality third party improvement. To install the add-on, simple head to the LiveWeb website and follow the instructions.

Unfortunately, Mac users don’t have a similar option. A good second choice is to take screenshots of the website, link in through a browser, or embed media (such as a YouTube video) by downloading it directly to your computer.

11. Try Using GIFs.

GIFs are looped animated images used to communicate a mood, idea, information, and much more. Users add GIFs to PowerPoints to be funny or quickly demo a process. It's easy to add GIFs to your slides. To do so, simply follow these steps:

• Download and save the GIF you want.
• Go to the slide you want the GIF on.
• Go to the Home tab, and click either Insert or Picture .
• From the Picture drop-down menu, choose Picture from File .
• Navigate to where you saved your GIF and select it. Then, choose Insert .
• It will play automatically the moment you insert it.

PowerPoint Process

12. keep it simple..

PowerPoint is an excellent tool to support your presentation with visual information, graphics, and supplemental points. This means that your PowerPoint should not be your entire presentation. Your slides — no matter how creative and beautiful — shouldn't be the star of the show. Keep your text and images clear and concise, using them only to supplement your message and authority.

If your slides have dense and cluttered information, it will both distract your audience and make it much more likely that you will lose their attention. Nothing in your slides should be superfluous! Keep your presentation persuasive by keeping it clean. There are a few ways to do this:

• Limit bullet points and text.
• Avoid paragraphs and long quotes.
• Maintain "white space" or "negative space".
• Keep percentages, graphs, and data super basic.

13. Embed your font files.

One constant problem presenters have with PowerPoint is that fonts seem to change when presenters move from one computer to another. In reality, the fonts are not changing — the presentation computer just doesn’t have the same font files installed . If you’re using a PC and presenting on a PC, then there is a smooth workaround for this issue.

Here’s the trick: When you save your PowerPoint file (only on a PC), you should click File , then Options, then open up the Save tab. Then, select the Embed fonts in the file check box under Preserve fidelity when sharing this presentation . Now, your presentation will keep the font file and your fonts will not change when you move computers.

The macOS PowerPoint version has a similar function. To embed your fonts on a Mac, do the following:

• Open up your presentation.
• On the top bar, click PowerPoint , then click Preferences .
• Under Output and Sharing , click Save .
• Under Font Embedding , click Embed fonts in the file.

14. Save your slides as a PDF file for backup purposes.

If you’re still scared of your presentation showing up differently when it’s time to present, you should create a PDF version just in case. This is a good option if you’ll be presenting on a different computer. If you also run into an issue where the presenting computer doesn’t have PowerPoint installed, you can also use the system viewer to open up the PDF. No laptop will ever give you trouble with this file type.

The only caveat is that your GIFs, animations, and transitions won’t transfer over. But since the PDF will only work as a backup, not as your primary copy, this should be okay.

To save your presentation as a PDF file, take the following steps:

• Go to File , then click Save as …
• In the pop-up window, click File Format.
• A drop-down menu will appear. Select PDF .
• Click Export .

You can also go to File , then Export , then select PDF from the file format menu.

15. Embed multimedia.

PowerPoint allows you to either link to video/audio files externally or to embed the media directly in your presentation. You should embed these files if you can, but if you use a Mac, you cannot actually embed the video (see note below). For PCs, two great reasons for embedding are:

• Embedding allows you to play media directly in your presentation. It will look much more professional than switching between windows.
• Embedding also means that the file stays within the PowerPoint presentation, so it should play normally without extra work (except on a Mac).

Note: macOS users of PowerPoint should be extra careful about using multimedia files.

If you use PowerPoint for Mac, then you will always need to bring the video and/or audio file with you in the same folder as the PowerPoint presentation. It’s best to only insert video or audio files once the presentation and the containing folder have been saved on a portable drive in their permanent folder. Also, if the presentation will be played on a Windows computer, then Mac users need to make sure their multimedia files are in WMV format. This tip gets a bit complicated, so if you want to use PowerPoint effectively, consider using the same operating system for designing and presenting, no matter what.

16. Bring your own hardware.

Between operating systems, PowerPoint is still a bit jumpy. Even between differing PPT versions, things can change. One way to fix these problems is to make sure that you have the right hardware — so just bring along your own laptop when you're presenting.

If you’re super concerned about the different systems you might have to use, then upload your PowerPoint presentation into Google Slides as a backup option. Google Slides is a cloud-based presentation software that will show up the same way on all operating systems. The only thing you need is an internet connection and a browser.

To import your PowerPoint presentation into Google Slides, take the following steps:

• Navigate to slides.google.com . Make sure you’re signed in to a Google account, preferably your own.
• Under Start a new presentation , click the empty box with a plus sign. This will open up a blank presentation.
• Go to File , then Import slides .
• A dialog box will come up. Tap Upload , then click Select a file from your device .
• Select your presentation and click Open .
• Select the slides you’d like to import. If you want to import all of them, click All in the upper right-hand corner of the dialog box.
• Click Import slides.

When I tested this out, Google Slides imported everything perfectly, including a shape whose points I had manipulated. This is a good backup option to have if you’ll be presenting across different operating systems.

17. Use Presenter View.

In most presentation situations, there will be both a presenter’s screen and the main projected display for your presentation. PowerPoint has a great tool called Presenter View, which can be found in the Slide Show tab of PowerPoint. Included in the Presenter View is an area for notes, a timer/clock, and a presentation display.

For many presenters, this tool can help unify their spoken presentation and their visual aid. You never want to make the PowerPoint seem like a stack of notes that you’re reading off of. Use the Presenter View option to help create a more natural presentation.

Pro Tip: At the start of the presentation, you should also hit CTRL + H to make the cursor disappear. Hitting the "A" key will bring it back if you need it!

Your Next Great PowerPoint Presentation Starts Here

With style, design, and presentation processes under your belt, you can do a lot more with PowerPoint than just presentations for your clients. PowerPoint and similar slide applications are flexible tools that should not be forgotten. With a great template, you can be on your way to creating presentations that wow your audience.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in September 2013 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Don't forget to share this post!

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How to give better PowerPoint presentations and improve your slides to keep an audience engaged

• You can improve your PowerPoint presentations by both improving your presentation skills and making better use of the program. 
• To create a more compelling PowerPoint presentation, you can use tricks like animated charts, a background soundtrack, or embedded fonts. 
• Here are 17 tips for making cleaner slides, speaking more effectively, and using little-known PowerPoint tools for smarter presentations.

Microsoft PowerPoint remains the most common platform to create and deliver presentations. 

No matter what your content, you can make a more compelling presentation when you've toned some common presentation skills and also mastered some of PowerPoint's lesser-known features.

How to make a better PowerPoint presentation

Here are nine ways to get more out of PowerPoint and create a killer presentation. 

Start your presentation instantly 

Few things look as unprofessional as fumbling around trying to start your presentation in the PowerPoint app. But you can skip all that by setting your presentation to start instantly.

1. When your PowerPoint deck is complete, click "File" and "Save As."

2. In the Save As dialog box, change the "Save as" type to "PowerPoint Show" and store it somewhere easy to find, like your desktop. 

3. When you're ready to start the presentation, double-click this icon, and the deck will launch instantly in presentation mode, without needing to open the PowerPoint application. 

Create an animated chart

You can format any kind of chart so each segment animates individually. This can help you call attention to specific parts of the chart as you discuss it. Add a chart in the usual way, then:

1. Click the "Animations" tab in the ribbon and then click "Animation Pane."

2. In the ribbon, click "Add Animation."

3. Choose the kind of animation you want to apply to the chart. 

4. Right-click the effect in the Animation Pane and then, in the menu, choose "Effect Options."

5. In the Properties box, choose the "Chart Animation" tab and then change "Group chart" to "By Category" and click "OK."

Align your graphics

PowerPoint lets you add objects — shapes, lines, arrows, text boxes, and other elements — to the screen, but getting them aligned can be tricky. You might appreciate knowing you can perfectly align any elements on the screen with just a couple of clicks. 

1. Press and hold the Shift key.

2. While continuing to hold Shift, click each item on the screen that you want to align. If you click an element by accident, click it again to de-select it. Release the Shift key when they're all selected.

3. Click the "Home" tab in the ribbon.

4. In the ribbon, click "Arrange" and then, in the "Position Objects" section, choose an alignment to arrange or distribute the objects neatly on the screen. 

Embed your fonts for portability

If you're using special fonts in your presentation and you try to open the deck on a computer that doesn't have those fonts installed, PowerPoint will substitute a local font, sometimes with disastrous results. You can avoid that problem by embedding the font in the deck, making the presentation fully portable (and possible for other people to share and edit the deck as well).

1. Click the "File" tab in the ribbon and then choose "Options."

2. In the PowerPoint Options dialog box, choose "Save" in the navigation pane on the left.

3. In the section called "Preserve fidelity when sharing this presentation," click "Embed fonts in the file" and then select "Embed all characters."

Blank the screen to keep all eyes on you

It seems inevitable: For whatever reason, you find yourself needing to discuss a topic that's not directly related to the slide on the screen. That's when the deck can become a distraction, with your audience's eyes focused on a pie chart when you're answering an unrelated question. PowerPoint has an easy solution: Press the B key to blank the screen — it'll turn black until you press B again or move to the next slide. If you prefer, press W to turn the screen white. 

Easily jump between sections of your deck

Not every presentation is linear, and you might prefer to jump back and forth from sections of your deck to a common "table of contents," so you can tackle the presentation in any order. This can be handy, for example, if you're using a deck for training or education. PowerPoint's Zoom feature is ideal for this.

1. Create a presentation and be sure to organize it into sections, ideally with title slides dividing each part of the deck.

2. Click the "Insert" tab in the ribbon.

3. Click "Zoom" and then click "Summary Zoom."

4. In the "Insert Summary Zoom" window, select the title slide or start of each section and then click "Insert."

PowerPoint will add a summary page to your deck. Now you can start your presentation here and click a section to go there. When that section is complete, PowerPoint will return you to the summary page. 

Preserve the presentation as a PDF

If you want to share your presentation with your audience, a PDF file is an easy way to preserve the formatting, make it easily printable, and prevent anyone from modifying your content. Just click the "File" tab in the ribbon, choose "Save As," and then select "PDF" as the "Save as" type. You can now share this PDF file quickly and easily. 

Zoom in for a closer look

During a presentation, you might realize that the audience can't clearly see a detail you want to focus on. That's ok — PowerPoint lets you zoom in with a couple clicks. 

First, make sure your presentation is set to Slide Show view. To zoom in, click on the magnifying glass in the lower-left corner of the presenter view. You'll see a zoom box appear — position it where you want to zoom, and click. Now the presentation will be zoomed in on the part of the screen you want to focus on. You can even click and drag to move around the screen while zoomed in. 

When you're done and want to zoom back out, either press the Escape key or the magnifying glass icon again. 

Add a musical soundtrack

You can easily add a musical score that plays in the background across all your slides. This is especially handy for "kiosk" presentations that run autonomously. 

1. Go to the slide where you want the music to begin and then click the "Insert" tab in the ribbon.

2. Click "Audio" and then click "Audio on my PC…"

3. Choose the track you want to play. 

4. In the ribbon, click "Play in Background."

Now, when you reach this slide, the music will start to play automatically and it will continue playing across slides until the track is over, then loop and play again.

Related coverage from  Tech Reference :

How to do a voiceover on a powerpoint presentation and add pre-recorded audio to your slides, the 48 best powerpoint keyboard shortcuts for making great presentations quickly and easily, how to add a border to slides in powerpoint, and give your slideshow a sleek design, how to compress a powerpoint file so that it loads faster and doesn't take up as much space, how to create a custom powerpoint template to use or share with others.

• Main content

15 PowerPoint Tips & Tricks To Improve Your Presentations

These will ensure no one dozes off

Creating a presentation in PowerPoint will be significantly easier if you know a few tips and tricks. We’ve shown you how to change the size of your slides , insert a PDF , add music , and how to make your PowerPoint more engaging . 

Whether you’re brand new to creating PowerPoint presentations or you’re a pro, you can improve further by incorporating new PowerPoint design ideas . 

1. How to Lock an Image in PowerPoint

Locking an image in a PowerPoint presentation will prevent the image’s proportions or aspect ratio from getting distorted or out of scale.

To lock an image in PowerPoint, follow the steps below:

• Right-click on the image and select Size and Position . 

• Check the box labeled Lock aspect ratio .

It’s also possible to lock an image or object so it cannot be resized or moved around the slide at all. This feature may be missing from most PowerPoint desktop versions. You might be able to right-click on an image, shape, or object and select Lock .

If you don’t see that option, one workaround is to place objects into the master slide. To learn how, read how to edit master slides in PowerPoint . 

2. Loop a Slideshow in PowerPoint

If you plan on continuously running a PowerPoint slide show, you can set the slideshow to loop instead of having to restart it manually.

• Open the PowerPoint you want to loop.
• Select the Slide Show tab.
• Select the Set Up Slide Show button.

• Check the box labeled Loop continuously until ‘Esc.’

• Select the OK button.

You’ll need to press the Esc key to end the looped PowerPoint presentation. Clicking on the final slide in your deck or pressing the right arrow key on your keyboard will cause the slideshow to restart.

3. How to Reduce the Size of a PowerPoint 

PowerPoint files can become large if you’ve inserted high-resolution images or media files. We’ve got a few PowerPoint tips and tricks that can help reduce the size of your PowerPoint file.

• Embed only the font characters used in your presentation by selecting File > Options > Save in the menu on the left. 

• If you’ve chosen to embed fonts in the file, select the Embed only the characters used in the presentation option.

• Select File > Options > Advanced . 
• Under Image Size and Quality , check the box labeled Discard editing data . 
• To further reduce the size of your PowerPoint, uncheck the box labeled Do not compress images in file and opt for a lower default resolution for your images. 

• In the Picture Format tab, select the Compress Pictures button. You can choose whether to apply compression options to all images or only the picture you’ve chosen. 
• Check the box labeled Delete cropped areas of pictures , and select Use default resolution . Press OK .

By reducing the size of your PowerPoint file, you’ll make the file easier to store and email.

4. How to Add and Print PowerPoint Notes

Add speaker notes to help the presenter remember what to say during the presentation by selecting the Notes button at the bottom of the PowerPoint. Type a script or just a few notes as reminders.

To print the presentation with the notes, select Notes Pages in the Settings section of the Print dialog box.

5. How to Edit PowerPoint Backgrounds

To add, remove, or edit a background graphic from your slides using the PowerPoint desktop app, you’ll need to select Slide Master from the View menu. Then, on the left, select the slide master or one of the layouts that appears below it: Right-click and select Format Background . Check a box labeled Hide background graphics . 

If you’re using PowerPoint in a browser, you might have noticed there is no slide master. When you use the online version, you can directly add, remove, or edit any graphics that appear on a slide.

6. How to Link to Another Slide in the Presentation

Linking to another slide in the same presentation can be helpful if you anticipate the need to skip part of your presentation due to time constraints or refer back to a previous slide. It is as simple as adding a hyperlink.

• Select the text, image, or shape you want to use as a link.
• Select Insert > Link or right-click and select Hyperlink .
• In the Insert Hyperlink dialog box, under Link to , select Place in This Document .

• Choose which slide you want to link to and press the OK button.

7. Stay Consistent by Using the Format Painter

Consistency is a hallmark of a well-designed PowerPoint presentation. For example, slide headings should have the same color, font, and font size throughout the deck. Using the format painter makes standardizing all the headings and element labels in your presentation quick and easy. 

• Select the content that has the formatting you like.
• In the Home tab, select the Format Painter . 
• Next, select something else, and the formatting of the first element will automatically be applied.

Simple. To apply formatting to multiple elements, double-click the Format Painter and repeat step #3 above until you’ve applied the formatting to all the elements you want. Press the Esc key to stop using the Format Painter.

8. Look Smart with SmartArt

PowerPoint’s built-in SmartArt feature will help take your presentations to the next level. With SmartArt, you can convert plain, boring text to engaging graphics.

• Select the text you want to convert into a graphic.
• On the Home tab, select Convert to SmartArt .

• Select the option you like the most. As you move your mouse over the different options, you’ll see what your text looks like converted to that SmartArt option.
• If you’d like a SmartArt option that allows you to add pictures, select More SmartArt Graphics . 
• In the menu on the left, select Picture .

• Select the option you like best.
• To add an image, select an image icon in a SmartArt element and choose whether to insert an image from a file on your computer or from an online source like Bing.

The SmartArt gallery has dozens of options to choose from. One of them is bound to make your slide more engaging.

9. Align Your Objects

You’ve used the Format Painter to ensure your formatting is consistent throughout your presentation. While you’re at it, make sure all your objects are perfectly aligned using PowerPoint’s Align tool.

• Select the objects you want to align by holding down Shift as you select each object.
• In the Format tab, select Align . 
• Choose how you want the selected object to align.

• To distribute three or more objects evenly, select the objects, and then select Align and either Distribute Horizontally or Distribute Vertically . 

Being intentional about how objects on your slides are aligned goes a long way to making a professional-looking presentation.

10. How to Use Picture Layout

When you’re working with a slide with one or more images, try using PowerPoint’s built-in Picture Layout tool. It’s SmartArt for images.

• Select all the images on the slide (hold down Shift to select multiple images).
• In the Picture Tools menu, select Format > Picture Layout . 

• Mouse over the options to find the Picture Layout you like best, and select it.

If you decide you don’t want to use a Picture Layout, you can convert your images back to Shapes by selecting Design > Convert > Convert to Shapes .

11. Be Sparing with the Slide Transitions

Once you discover that you can add animations between slides, you might be tempted to try them all. However, you should remember the cardinal rule of PowerPoint presentations: less is more. If you absolutely must use a transition, stick to the simple ones like Cut and Fade .

• Select a slide.
• From the Transitions tab, select a transition.

• Select Effect Options if it’s available to choose additional settings for the transition.

• Select Preview to see the transition in action.

12. Use Animations Wisely

While you’re toning down your slide transitions, make sure you’re using animations judiciously, too. Animating text or objects on a slide can help the flow of your presentation, but too many animations can be distracting. Be discerning about when and where you use them. 

To add animations and effects:

• Select the text or object you want to animate. 
• On the Animations tab, select an animation.

• Next, select Effect Options to choose an effect. Note, the Effect Options will be different depending on which animation you have selected.

You can select different ways to start the animations. In the Timing section of the Animations tab, choose when to start the animation.

• On click . This option will start the animation when you click the slide.
• With previous . Choose this option if you want the animation to play at the same time as the previous animation in the sequence.
• After previous . The animation will begin immediately after the prior one concludes.
• Duration . This option allows you to make an effect last longer or shorter.
• Delay . Add some time before an effect begins.

To change the order your animations play:

• Select an animation marker on a slide (or toggle on the Animation Pane by selecting it in the Advanced Animation section of the Animation tab and select an animation in the list.)

• In the Timing section of the Animation tab, select either Move Earlier or Move Later .

To add an animation to a group of objects:

• Press Ctrl and select multiple objects.
• Select Format > Group > Group to create a group.
• Choose an animation from the Animations tab.

If you use them the right way, animations can make your presentation clearer and easier for viewers to understand.

13. K.I.S.S.

PowerPoint slides are most effective when they’re simple. When you include only the most important information on your slides, you make it easier for people to digest and remember your message. You can always say more about the topic, but don’t pack the slide with more content than you need. After all, your audience should be listening more than reading.

14. Seek Out High Quality Templates, Images, and Graphics

When you keep it simple, that means using images and graphics that look good. We’ve rounded up some great stock photo sites and places to get beautiful PowerPoint templates .

15. Export the Presentation as a Video

When you’re happy with your presentation, export it as a video:

• Select File > Export .

• Choose Create a video .

• Select the quality of the video and whether to use recorded timings and narrations.

• Set the duration of each slide.
• Select the Create Video button.
• Navigate to the folder where you want to save the video file.
• Select the Save button.

By implementing these tips and tricks, you’ll take your presentations to the next level! 

However, perhaps despite all the tips and tricks you’ve learned, you’ve decided to swear off the software entirely. So many PowerPoint presentations have put audience members to sleep that we now have a term for it: “death by PowerPoint.” In that case, say goodbye to Powerpoint, and check out these seven alternatives to PowerPoint that you can use online. 

Maggie Marystone is a freelance technology writer, human rights worker, and storyteller based in Chicago. Read Maggie's Full Bio

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Unleash Your Inner Slide Jedi!

PowerPoint is a powerful and the most trusted tool for creating presentations and visual aids that can help you effectively communicate your message. However, it's essential to prevent common hitches that can lower the impact of your presentation. In this blog post, we will share 15 best PowerPoint tips and tricks to help you create engaging and effective presentations that captivate your audience from start to finish. 

Top15 Powerpoint Tips and Tricks

A good PowerPoint presentation is really important because it serves as a visual aid that enhances the significance of your message. It provides a platform for organising and presenting information in a clear, concise, and engaging manner. 

1. Keep it Simple and Concise

One of the most crucial PowerPoint tips is to keep your slides simple and uncluttered. The main aim here is to deliver a message as easily as possible. Do not insert a lot of content, especially long paragraphs. Minimalistic content Simplicity allows your audience to focus on your key message without distractions. Keep pointers or short phrases to highlight your main points, keeping the text concise and easily readable.

2. Use High-Quality Visuals 

Another helpful Powerpoint tips and tricks is to focus on the visuals. Apart from content, there should also be a visual theme throughout the presentation in order to keep it captivating. There are several enticing templates available on Microsoft PowerPoint. Making use of the 'Arrange' feature ensures the proper alignment of objects. Avoid generic stock images that don't add value to your content. 

3. Know Your Audience 

This is one of the most important PowerPoint presentation tips. It is important to resonate with your audience, and in order for that to happen, curate your presentation according to the audience's knowledge of the subject. Meaning prepare your presentation according to the subject knowledge base inherited by the audience. Do not go all rocket science with a topic for a beginner-level audience. Customise it to be more engaging and intriguing. 

4. Emphasise Key Points with Infographics

One of the cool PowerPoint tricks is the glory of infographics. The addition of infographics is a useful way to illustrate complex information in a visually attractive and easy-to-understand form. Utilise charts, graphs, and diagrams to showcase data, statistics, or processes. Infographics make your content more engaging and memorable, enabling your audience to grasp information quickly.

5. Embed Your Fonts

An informative PowerPoint tip is to embed fonts that are downloaded from a third-party source. The simple reason behind this is PowerPoint tends to replace foreign fonts with default fonts if not downloaded. This will completely change the layout of your presentation. To embed fonts, go to Files<Options<Save<Preserve Fidelity when sharing this presentation<Embed fonts in the file.

6. Track Changes

Following our list of PowerPoint tips and tricks is the track changes feature. Turning on the Track Changes features ensures a smooth collaboration among team members. It is a way to keep a record of all activities that occurred on the slides. One can also leave comments alongside slides for their teammates to make edits for a perfect presentation. 

7. Choose Suitable Slide Transitions

One of the best PowerPoint presentation tips is to use smooth transitions between slides. One can use transitions to create seamless and professional transitions that guide your audience's attention. It is completely up to the user to manage the slide transition, but using too many can create distraction. You may more effectively manage the amount of information you provide to your audience at once by employing a couple for each slide. Explore our blog on Google slide hacks to help you create impactful and memorable presentations that captivate your audience.

8. Optimise Font Choices and Consistency

The choice of font has a big impact on how readable and visually appealing your presentation is overall. Select readable typefaces that are easy to see at a distance. To guarantee a unified and professional appearance, stick to a font scheme of no more than two or three throughout your presentation. One of the most basic yet powerful PowerPoint tips.

9. Leverage Color Contrast 

In order to ensure readability and visual impact, colour contrast is crucial. Choose contrasting colours for the backdrop and text to make the content easy to read. Refrain from employing eye-straining colours that clash or are extremely bright. A carefully considered colour scheme improves the overall appearance and aids in efficiently communicating your message. Isn't it among the cool PowerPoint tricks? 

10. Make the Presentation More Convenient

Next on our list of PowerPoint tips and tricks is convenience. The convenience PowerPoint provides is that one can easily convert the Berenstain into a PDF document. Professionals who are unable to attend your event in person may occasionally express interest in your presentation. Next, you can send the files by email or post this PDF for download on a website. Additionally, you may export your presentation as a video that viewers can see whenever it's convenient for them.

11. Incorporate Audio and Video

Your presentation's degree of engagement can be raised by including audio and video components. As one of the creative PowerPoint tips and tricks, one can make smart use of them to support writing or offer instances from real-world situations. On the other hand, pay attention to file sizes and make sure the video and audio are excellent and pertinent to your subject.

12. Rehearse and Time Your Presentation

Perfectionism is attained with practice. Practice your presentation several times to make sure you deliver it smoothly and on schedule. Despite being one of the common PowerPoint presentation tips, maintaining your audience's interest and making sure you cover all the important issues without rushing are dependent on timing. Explore more by pondering our blog on PowerPoint presentation tips to get your aims and ideas across to the audience smoothly.

13. Utilise Speaker Notes

Speaker notes are an invaluable tool to help you stay on track during your presentation. They act as a script or outline, reminding you of key points, transitions, and supporting details. Utilise speaker notes to maintain a confident and organised delivery, ensuring you cover all essential aspects of your presentation.

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14. Utilise a Remote Control

If at all feasible, move your slides forward with a remote control. This gives you the freedom to walk about, interact with the audience, and keep eye contact. Using a remote control gives your presentation a more dynamic and engaging delivery overall. Isn't it one of the cool PowerPoint tricks?

15. Seek Feedback for Continuous Improvement

One of the most important PowerPoint tips and tricks is not to be hesitant to ask for criticism of your presentation. Feedback offers insightful viewpoints and useful insights that assist you in identifying areas that require further development and improvement. Accept helpful criticism to improve your presenting abilities and produce future presentations that are even more captivating and powerful.

Incorporating these 15 best PowerPoint tips and tricks will empower you to create engaging and effective presentations that captivate your audience. By keeping your slides simple, utilising high-quality visuals, and maintaining a consistent design, you can deliver a memorable presentation that effectively communicates your message. Lastly, explore our webstory on the top 8 presentation tools for students to get introduced to some life-changing presentation tools that will boost your creativity and imagination.

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10 Expert Tips to Make Your PowerPoint Presentations More Engaging and Effective!

• Sathish Shanmugam
• January 8, 2023
• No Comments

PowerPoint presentations are an essential part of many business meetings, conferences, and even online classes. However, while PowerPoint can be a great tool to get your message across, it can also easily become boring and unengaging if not done right. Luckily, you can use plenty of tips and tricks to make your presentations more effective and engaging. 

Here are ten expert tips to help you create powerful and engaging PowerPoint presentations.

Table of Contents

1. Organize your content for maximum impact

Use 10-20-30 rule, use colors, shapes, and images effectively to draw attention, ensure design consistency, use visuals to support the narrative, benefits of using animation, things to consider when using animation, incorporate audio, video, and interactive elements, balance multimedia content with other elements, use charts and graphs to illustrate data points, understand the audience, utilize a logical structure, incorporate design templates and slideshows, prepare a script to help you stay on track, 8. consider using presentation platforms, 9. encourage audience participation, ask for feedback, review the notes, check the presentation, follow up with the audience.

Organizing content for PowerPoint presentations is important as it helps to keep the presentation focused and engaging. When organizing content, it is important to create an introduction, body, and conclusion that flow logically. Additionally, it is important to use visual cues such as headings and images to help the audience follow the presentation. Finally, it is important to use a consistent color palette, font, and style to help create a cohesive presentation that is visually appealing and easy to understand.

2. Choose an engaging visual design

When it comes to making a PowerPoint presentation engaging, visuals are key. Visual designs can help set the tone of your presentation and get your message across. Here are some tips on choosing an engaging visual design for your PowerPoint presentations .

This rule suggests that you should have no more than ten slides, 20 minutes of content, and 30-point font size. This is important because too many words or slides can be overwhelming and distracting. Instead, focus on the most important points and let visual elements do the work.

Consider using abstract shapes, large-high-quality photos, and vibrant colors to ensure that the visuals you choose are appealing and draw attention. Additionally, make sure that the visuals you choose are relevant to your message. For example, use visuals to show off its features if you’re discussing a product. You can also embed attractive QR codes with logos to provide more information on that product by linking to external resources.

To ensure that you keep your design consistent throughout the presentation, you must use similar colors and font sizes throughout. To make this easier, you can use dynamic presentation software or a template with hundreds of example slides that all follow the same design theme.

Visual design is an incredibly powerful tool for enhancing the narrative of a PowerPoint presentation. With the right elements, visuals can help to make a presentation more interesting and memorable for the audience. Visuals should be used strategically to support the narrative. Using visuals that reflect the presentation’s theme will help create a cohesive story that resonates with the audience.

Check out the video to learn about the core prinicple of visual design:

3. Enhance the presentation with animation

Animation can enhance a PowerPoint presentation by making it more visually engaging and helping control information flow.

•   Animation can add energy to static images and text and can also be used to add surprise elements that help make the content more memorable.
• Animations can help to draw your audience’s attention, making it easier for them to stay focused and remember the key points of your presentation. 
• It is important to use animations sparingly, as too many animations can detract from the main message of your presentation. So, make sure to use animation to control the presentation’s pace and keep the audience engaged.
• When adding animations, wait until you have added all the information and objects to the slides.
• Ensure that animations are visible and clear in a PowerPoint presentation to help the audience follow the content.
• Animations should also be used to keep the audience on track and help them to jump back into the topic at any time.

How to make animated powerpoint slide?

4. Include multimedia components

Including multimedia components in PowerPoint presentations is an effective way to make them more engaging. Multimedia combines different types of media, such as audio, video, animation, and images, which can help capture and maintain your audience’s attention.

Including multimedia components in Powerpoint presentations is quite easy. For example, you can crop images to fit shapes, play music in the background, embed YouTube videos , insert screenshots or screen clippings, remove background from pictures, combine shapes to create a custom shape, add sound effects to animations, etc.

Multimedia content can be a great way to bring your presentation to life, but it should not be the only element you use. While multimedia content can be eye-catching, too much of it can distract from the message you are trying to convey.

 Instead, try to use a mix of multimedia content, text, images, and diagrams that will help ensure that your presentation is visually appealing and informative. For example, if you have a video clip, don’t just rely on it to convey the message, but rather provide some additional information in the form of a text block or image that summarises the key points of the clip. This will provide context and help support the message you are trying to get across.

 Additionally, consider using multimedia content and other elements such as text, images, and diagrams to create a more interactive presentation. This will help keep the audience engaged and allow them to better understand the message you are trying to communicate.

5. Utilize data visualization and infographics

Utilizing data visualization and infographics in PowerPoint presentations can be beneficial for a few reasons. First, data visualization and infographics can help to illustrate complex concepts in an easy-to-understand way. Additionally, data visualization and infographics can help to make the content more engaging and visually appealing. Furthermore, data visualization and infographics can help ensure the audience can retain the information presented. Finally, data visualization and infographics can help to add a professional look to the presentation.

Charts and graphs are powerful tools to make your PowerPoint presentations more engaging and effective. Not only do they help to break up the presentation to make it easier for the viewers to digest, but they also allow you to provide a visual representation of complex data that is easy to understand.

Here are some tips on how to use charts and graphs effectively in your PowerPoint presentations:

• Choose the right type of chart or graph: You have to choose the right charts or graphs depending on your data. For example, bar graphs are better suited for categorical data, while pie charts are better for numerical data.
• Keep it simple: Avoid overloading your charts and graphs with too much information, as this can make them difficult to read. Stick to just one or two key points you want to illustrate, and choose colors and fonts that are easy to read.
• Label your axes: Make sure your x and y axes are clearly labeled so audiences can easily follow the data points.
• Make sure your data is accurate: Before you present it, double-check to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date. This will ensure that your conclusions are reliable.
• Use the right scale: When creating your chart or graph, make sure that the scale is appropriate. If the scale is too large or small, it can be difficult to interpret the data.

How to make good infographic?

 6. Create an effective structure and flow

Creating an effective structure and flow to make your PowerPoint presentation more engaging is key to captivating your audience. Here are a few ways to create a flow and structure for your PowerPoint presentation .

The first step is understanding your audience and what their needs are. Knowing your audience’s interests can help you tailor your presentation to be more engaging and interactive. Once you have a good idea of who you’re speaking to, create an outline that will focus on the important points of your presentation.

A logical structure helps to organize the information clearly and logically, making it easier for the audience to follow and understand. It also helps to keep the presentation focused and on track, preventing it from becoming disorganized or tangential. A logical structure can be achieved through the use of clear headings and subheadings and visual aids such as charts and diagrams to illustrate key points.

Use design templates and slideshows to keep the look of your presentation consistent and visually appealing. Ensure to align all objects with the grid to ensure your visuals are perfectly in line.

7. Rehearse and practice

Preparing and rehearsing your presentation allows you to get comfortable with the material and will help you convey your message in a more confident and engaging way.

Having a script for your PowerPoint presentation can be an invaluable tool to ensure that you stay on track and keep to the main points you want to make. In addition, by preparing a script, you can ensure that your presentation runs smoothly and is more engaging and effective.

Here are some tips to help you write an effective script:

• Start with an outline of your presentation. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure you don’t forget any important points.
• Write down the main points you want to make. Think about what information you want to convey in each section and decide how to present it.
• Include visuals. Think about how visuals or diagrams can help illustrate your points.
• Make sure your language is clear and concise. Avoid jargon and long sentences.
• Keep it conversational. Speak to your audience as if you are having a conversation with them.
• Become familiar with it and make sure you don’t forget any important points
• Timing yourself is an important factor in creating a good PowerPoint presentation. It is important to allocate enough time to cover all the necessary information but not so much time that the presentation becomes tedious for the audience. When practicing, note how long it takes to go through each slide. This will allow you to adjust the length of the presentation as needed and ensure that it flows smoothly.

Presentation platforms offer a wide range of features to help you create an interactive, visually appealing experience for your viewers. Many of these platforms have built-in templates and tools that make it easy to customize the look and feel of your slides. They also provide interactive elements such as quizzes, videos, audio clips, and animations that can add life to your presentation and keep your viewers engaged.

Encouraging audience participation is key to making a PowerPoint presentation more engaging. There are several techniques that can be used to foster engagement with the audience during a PowerPoint presentation.

• Firstly, maintaining eye contact, smiling, and using dynamic gestures and facial expressions will help make your message more memorable and engaging.
• Secondly, hosting an expert discussion panel or inviting guest appearances on stage can add an extra layer of engagement for the audience.
• Thirdly, you can use props or tangible objects to demonstrate ideas and allow the audience to engage with them.
• You can ask questions to keep your audience engaged with your PowerPoint presentations. Questions help to build suspense for the next slide, engage the audience in real time, and make people pay closer attention. It also causes people to reflect rather than merely take in the information one way.
• You can use live polling tools to get real-time feedback.

Effective methods to engage an audience in a presentation

10. Follow-up and review

Following up and reviewing a PowerPoint presentation is important in ensuring that the presentation is effective and that the audience understands the main points. There are several ways to follow up and review a presentation:

Ask the audience for feedback on the presentation, including what they found most useful or interesting and what they would like to see more of in the future.

Go over the notes you made during the presentation to see if there are any areas you may have missed or could have explained more clearly.

Review the presentation and make any necessary edits or updates based on the feedback you received.

Follow up with the audience after the presentation to see if they have any additional questions or concerns and to address any issues that may have come up during the presentation.

Creating engaging and powerful presentations with PowerPoint doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right tips and tricks, you can create presentations that will grab and hold your audience’s attention. Try out some expert tips to take your PowerPoint presentations from boring to brilliant! You can also take the help of professional designers to help you out with the visual aspect of  your presentation.

At Graphically.io , we are your go-to for all your creative needs! Our global network of customers can enjoy unlimited, custom-designed graphics and illustrations for one flat rate. We are committed to delivering exceptional and affordable designs, always ready for when you need them, no matter how soon. We also offer video creation in our standard package at no extra cost that can capture and captivate the attention of your clients and potential customers.

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7 Tips to Improve Your Next PowerPoint Presentation

As PowerPoint is all about creativity, there are endless possibilities in how you create your presentations. However, this often leads to overchoice —  a difficult time making decisions when faced with many options. This guide will help you overcome this obstacle. Our tips won’t restrict your creativity. They’ll guide you to make the right choices for your presentation.

Before we dive into the PowerPoint tips, let’s go over some of the core rules about PowerPoint presentations:

• Always prepare:  Don’t start to work on the visuals of your presentation right away, and instead put the first few hours into researching your topics.
• Know your audience:  Are you preparing for a business presentation? Is it a project for college? Or are you presenting for children? Always know who your audience will be so you can create your presentation with a better understanding of their needs.
• Less is more:  You’ll hear this saying a lot when researching about PowerPoint. Don’t clutter your slides with unnecessary elements, too much text, or overwhelming animations.
• Practice, practice, practice:  Even if you craft the best presentation ever, you need to present it accurately to engage your audience. The only way you can do this is by practicing first.

Now that you know and understand these rules let’s move on to learning some tips and improving your presentation.

1. Limit the words on your slides

When making your slides, remember the famous phrase “ less is more” mentioned in the introduction. Simplicity is superior when you’re making a presentation. You should always try to highlight only key points with text. Fill in the gaps verbally while presenting or by attaching images and graphs.

Cluttered slides make it hard for your audience to focus. What makes your slides digestible is the way you space out information. Don’t be afraid to utilize white space; you don’t have to fill out every nook and cranny on your page.

2. Use high-quality images

After reducing the amount of text in your presentation, it’s time to add pictures to illustrate your limited amount of words. When doing this, pay attention to the quality of your chosen images. Most of the time, your slides will be shown in large as you present in front of the audience. The flaws of low-quality images become impossible to miss in this scenario.

Let’s look at an example:

This is a bad quality image, saved in the .jpeg format. Images like this look unappealing and will reduce the overall quality of your presentation.

The same image in much better quality leaves a better impression. The details are crisp and easy to digest for your viewers, leaving a lasting impact on them.

There are a few websites I personally use when looking for images in high-quality. If you need something for free with no credit required, I recommend Pexels . You can find some serious gems in their user-generated selection of images.

Adobe Stock is a paid service. However, it offers the largest variety of top-tier imagery. First-time users also get to download and use 10 images for free. If you choose smart, this is more than enough to cover your presentation in wonderful images.

3. Pick the right fonts for your audience

Don’t underestimate the power of the right typeface. Sure, you might be tempted to type everything up in a default font and not really worry about the rest. However, this might damage your final presentation in the end.

Choosing the right fonts (yes, plural) help you leave a better impression when you present in front of the audience. This is where knowing your audience comes into play. Pick your fonts depending on who you’re presenting for, what the topic is, and the tone you picked for the presentation.

One mistake I see people make regarding fonts is choosing something that’s not appropriate for their presentation. The graphic above should give you a reference point for how to choose your fonts. Most of the time, you should also refrain from picking fonts that are hard to read, too eccentric, or over the top.

Using only one font throughout the entirety of a presentation isn’t recommended. On the other hand, picking too many different fonts is also going to be damaging to the look of your project. I normally stick to choosing a different font for my headers and body text. Make sure the two fonts go well together and aren’t vastly different from one another.

4. Don’t forget about shapes

PowerPoint has a large variety of built-in shapes for you to work with. Better yet, you can edit and customize these shapes! This is personally one of the things I love about PowerPoint — no limits to your creativity.

Shapes can be found in the Insert menu from the Ribbon header. There are tons of different shapes for you to choose from, including rectangles, circles, lines, and much more. You can also find advanced shapes like ribbons, stars, flowcharts, emoticons… the list goes on.

You’re also able to change the color and outline of a shape or even add an image to the shape. With this, you can create some pretty interesting slides and backgrounds.

5. Work with complementary colors

When designing the look of your slides, choose colors that go well together. Make sure that the colors you pick have high contrast with each other — for example, use a dark color for text if your background is bright and vice versa.

I personally use Paletton to test my colors out before rolling them in a presentation. What I like about this website is the fact that I can test out multiple combinations at once, reducing the time spent experimenting and allowing me to focus more on the presentation itself.

6. Utilize bullet points properly

Let me tell you right off the bat: bullet points are extremely effective in PowerPoint presentations. Use them.

But use them wisely. Always make sure that your bullet points are kept short and simple, to the point. You should treat them as guides, and elaborate in speech as you’re presenting to your audience.

Another thing to pay attention to is how you display these bullet points. Make sure to animate your elements, so only one bullet point is shown at a time. Overwhelming your audience with all the points will only lead to them losing focus on the points individually.

7. Memorize the 2/4/8 rule

There’s a handy little rule I like to utilize when I work on my presentations, called the 2/4/8 rule. Just like a recipe, this rule will make your presentation better not only when you’re creating it, but when you’re presenting it as well.

The 2/4/8 rule is as follows: About every 2 minutes , have a new slide—no more than 4 bullets per slide, and no more than 8 words per bullet .

Final thoughts

We hope that this article was able to help you learn more about PowerPoint and the power it can give your presentation. Return to our page anytime you need further guidance regarding Microsoft’s presentation builder app.

If you want to read more modern technology articles, consider subscribing to our newsletter. We regularly publish tutorials, news articles, and guides to help you in your day-to-day tech life.

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Center for Teaching

Making better powerpoint presentations.

Print Version

Baddeley and Hitch’s model of working memory.

Research about student preferences for powerpoint, resources for making better powerpoint presentations, bibliography.

We have all experienced the pain of a bad PowerPoint presentation. And even though we promise ourselves never to make the same mistakes, we can still fall prey to common design pitfalls.  The good news is that your PowerPoint presentation doesn’t have to be ordinary. By keeping in mind a few guidelines, your classroom presentations can stand above the crowd!

“It is easy to dismiss design – to relegate it to mere ornament, the prettifying of places and objects to disguise their banality. But that is a serious misunderstanding of what design is and why it matters.” Daniel Pink

One framework that can be useful when making design decisions about your PowerPoint slide design is Baddeley and Hitch’s model of working memory .

As illustrated in the diagram above, the Central Executive coordinates the work of three systems by organizing the information we hear, see, and store into working memory.

The Phonological Loop deals with any auditory information. Students in a classroom are potentially listening to a variety of things: the instructor, questions from their peers, sound effects or audio from the PowerPoint presentation, and their own “inner voice.”

The Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad deals with information we see. This involves such aspects as form, color, size, space between objects, and their movement. For students this would include: the size and color of fonts, the relationship between images and text on the screen, the motion path of text animation and slide transitions, as well as any hand gestures, facial expressions, or classroom demonstrations made by the instructor.

The Episodic Buffer integrates the information across these sensory domains and communicates with long-term memory. All of these elements are being deposited into a holding tank called the “episodic buffer.” This buffer has a limited capacity and can become “overloaded” thereby, setting limits on how much information students can take in at once.

Laura Edelman and Kathleen Harring from Muhlenberg College , Allentown, Pennsylvania have developed an approach to PowerPoint design using Baddeley and Hitch’s model. During the course of their work, they conducted a survey of students at the college asking what they liked and didn’t like about their professor’s PowerPoint presentations. They discovered the following:

Characteristics students don’t like about professors’ PowerPoint slides

• Too many words on a slide
• Movement (slide transitions or word animations)
• Templates with too many colors

Characteristics students like like about professors’ PowerPoint slides

• Graphs increase understanding of content
• Bulleted lists help them organize ideas
• PowerPoint can help to structure lectures
• Verbal explanations of pictures/graphs help more than written clarifications

According to Edelman and Harring, some conclusions from the research at Muhlenberg are that students learn more when:

• material is presented in short phrases rather than full paragraphs.
• the professor talks about the information on the slide rather than having students read it on their own.
• relevant pictures are used. Irrelevant pictures decrease learning compared to PowerPoint slides with no picture
• they take notes (if the professor is not talking). But if the professor is lecturing, note-taking and listening decreased learning.
• they are given the PowerPoint slides before the class.

Advice from Edelman and Harring on leveraging the working memory with PowerPoint:

• Leverage the working memory by dividing the information between the visual and auditory modality.  Doing this reduces the likelihood of one system becoming overloaded. For instance, spoken words with pictures are better than pictures with text, as integrating an image and narration takes less cognitive effort than integrating an image and text.
• Minimize the opportunity for distraction by removing any irrelevant material such as music, sound effects, animations, and background images.
• Use simple cues to direct learners to important points or content. Using text size, bolding, italics, or placing content in a highlighted or shaded text box is all that is required to convey the significance of key ideas in your presentation.
• Don’t put every word you intend to speak on your PowerPoint slide. Instead, keep information displayed in short chunks that are easily read and comprehended.
• One of the mostly widely accessed websites about PowerPoint design is Garr Reynolds’ blog, Presentation Zen . In his blog entry:  “ What is Good PowerPoint Design? ” Reynolds explains how to keep the slide design simple, yet not simplistic, and includes a few slide examples that he has ‘made-over’ to demonstrate how to improve its readability and effectiveness. He also includes sample slides from his own presentation about PowerPoint slide design.
• Another presentation guru, David Paradi, author of “ The Visual Slide Revolution: Transforming Overloaded Text Slides into Persuasive Presentations ” maintains a video podcast series called “ Think Outside the Slide ” where he also demonstrates PowerPoint slide makeovers. Examples on this site are typically from the corporate perspective, but the process by which content decisions are made is still relevant for higher education. Paradi has also developed a five step method, called KWICK , that can be used as a simple guide when designing PowerPoint presentations.
• In the video clip below, Comedian Don McMillan talks about some of the common misuses of PowerPoint in his routine called “Life After Death by PowerPoint.”

• This article from The Chronicle of Higher Education highlights a blog moderated by Microsoft’s Doug Thomas that compiles practical PowerPoint advice gathered from presentation masters like Seth Godin , Guy Kawasaki , and Garr Reynolds .

Presenting to Win: The Art of Telling Your Story , by Jerry Weissman, Prentice Hall, 2006

Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery , by Garr Reynolds, New Riders Press, 2008

Solving the PowerPoint Predicament: using digital media for effective communication , by Tom Bunzel , Que, 2006

The Cognitive Style of Power Point , by Edward R. Tufte, Graphics Pr, 2003

The Visual Slide Revolution: Transforming Overloaded Text Slides into Persuasive Presentations , by Dave Paradi, Communications Skills Press, 2000

Why Most PowerPoint Presentations Suck: And How You Can Make Them Better , by Rick Altman, Harvest Books, 2007

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Top 10 PowerPoint Tips to Make Your Presentation Much Better

Explore these essential PowerPoint Tips to elevate your presentation skills. From mastering design principles to engaging storytelling techniques, our blog reveals the secrets to creating captivating slides that leave a lasting impression. Learn how to make your content shine with these expert PowerPoint Tips and make your next presentation truly outstanding.

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According to Talent.com , a PowerPoint Specialist in the UK makes about £40,000 annually on average. In this blog, you will learn about the top 10 PowerPoint Tips to make to improve your presentation. Let's dive in deeper in to learn more!  

Table of Contents        

1) Best PowerPoint Tips and Tricks  

    a) Choose the right design theme  

    b) Use consistent and professional fonts  

     c) Create a visual hierarchy with headings and subheadings  

     d) Utilise engaging images and graphics  

     e)  Keep slides simple and minimalistic  

     f) Incorporate relevant charts and graphs  

     g) Add transitions and animations  

     h) Practice and rehearse your presentation  

     i) Engage your audience with interactive elements  

2) Conclusion       

Best PowerPoint Tips and Tricks   

Creating a captivating and impactful PowerPoint Presentation involves utilising various tips and techniques. Let's explore these best PowerPoint Tips and Tricks in detail to elevate the quality of your PowerPoint Presentation s.  

Choose the right design theme   

1) Audience and purpose: Tailor the theme to suit your audience and the purpose of your PowerPoint Presentation. Consider their preferences, expectations, and the context in which the presentation will be delivered.  

2) Brand consistency: If representing a company or organisation, incorporate brand colours, logos, and visual elements into the design theme. This helps maintain consistency and reinforces brand recognition.  

3) Visual appeal and readability: Strike a balance between visual appeal and readability. Choose clean and minimalist themes that provide a clear backdrop for your content. Avoid designs that are too busy or distracting.  

4) Match the tone and topic: Select a theme that aligns with the tone and topic of your presentation. Formal presentations benefit from sleek and professional themes, while creative or informal presentations may require more playful or artistic themes.  

5) Preview and test: Before finalising your design theme, preview it on multiple slides to ensure consistency and coherence. Test it with different content types, such as text, images, and charts, to ensure it works well across the entire presentation.  

Use consistent and professional fonts   

Choosing the right fonts for your PowerPoint Presentation is crucial to maintain a polished and professional look. Here are some tips to ensure consistency and professionalism:  

1) Prioritise readability: Select clear and easy-to-read fonts. Avoid overly decorative styles. Sans-serif fonts like arial or calibri are safe choices for presentations.  

2) Establish font hierarchy: Use different font styles for headings, subheadings, and body text. Make headings stand out with bold or larger fonts. Use regular or italic fonts for body text.  

3) Limit font choices: Stick to two or three fonts throughout the PowerPoint Presentation. Consistency creates a cohesive design and avoids clutter.  

4) Consider brand guidelines : Adhere to brand guidelines for font recommendations, if applicable. Consistency with brand fonts enhances professionalism.  

5) Ensure font compatibility: Use widely available fonts or embed them in the PowerPoint file to maintain the intended appearance on different devices.  

6) Test legibility: Check the legibility of your PowerPoint Presentation on various screens and projectors. Adjust font sizes if needed for optimal readability.  

By using consistent and professional fonts, you enhance the visual appeal and readability of your PowerPoint Presentation.   

Create a visual hierarchy with headings and subheadings   

Creating a visual hierarchy with headings and subheadings in your PowerPoint Presentation helps organise information and guide your audience through the content. Follow these PowerPoint Presentation Tips to establish a clear visual hierarchy:  

1) Use appropriate heading levels : Utilise heading levels such as H1, H2, H3, and H4 to indicate the importance and structure of your content. Assign the highest level (H1) to the main title or main sections and subsequent levels to subheadings and nested sections.  

2) Differentiate with font styles: Apply different font styles to headings and subheadings to make them stand out. Use larger, bolder, or different font colours for headings and slightly smaller or regular fonts for subheadings. This contrast helps the audience quickly identify and navigate through the content.  

3) Consistency and alignment: Maintain consistency in the formatting of headings and subheadings throughout your presentation. Use the same font, colour scheme, and alignment for each heading level. Align headings and subheadings consistently to the left or centred for a neat and organised look.  

4) Whitespace and spacing: Utilise whitespace and appropriate spacing around headings and subheadings to create visual separation from surrounding content. Ample spacing helps improve readability and emphasises the hierarchical structure.  

5) Hierarchy with indentation: If applicable, use indentation to visually represent the hierarchy of your content. Indent subheadings slightly to the right to demonstrate their relationship to main headings. This technique aids in visually organising complex information.  

Utilise engaging images and graphics   

1) Relevance and quality: Choose relevant visuals that support your message. Opt for high-quality images that are visually appealing and clear, avoiding pixelation or low-resolution graphics.  

2) Convey emotions: Select visuals that evoke emotions and resonate with your audience. Use images that inspire, evoke empathy, or convey the desired mood. Graphics, such as icons or illustrations, can visually represent concepts or ideas.  

3) Use infographics and charts: Simplify complex information by using infographics and charts. These visuals present data in an easily understandable format, helping your audience grasp key points.  

4) Balance and placement: Maintain a balanced distribution of visuals across your slides. Avoid overcrowding by limiting the number of visuals per slide. Place visuals strategically alongside relevant text to enhance understanding and reinforce your message.  

5) Consistency in style: Create a cohesive visual experience by maintaining consistency in the style and appearance of your visuals. Use a harmonious colour palette, consistent font styles, and design elements throughout.  

6) Cite sources: When using visuals from external sources, provide proper attribution to respect copyright and intellectual property rights. Include a reference or citation to acknowledge the source of the visual content.  

Remember, visuals should complement and reinforce your message without overpowering it. Thoughtfully selected and well-placed images and graphics can significantly enhance audience engagement and understanding, making your PowerPoint Presentation more memorable.  

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Keep slides simple and minimalistic   

Simplicity and minimalism are key principles for creating effective PowerPoint slides. By following these guidelines, you can enhance the impact of your presentation:  

1) Limit text: Avoid overcrowding slides with excessive text. Use concise and focused sentences or bullet points to convey key information. Avoid overwhelming your audience by keeping minimal text. 

2) Use clear and legible fonts : Choose fonts that are easy to read from a distance. Sans-serif fonts like arial or calibri work well. Ensure that the font size is large enough for readability, even in the back of the room.  

3) Embrace white space : Allow for sufficient white space on each slide. White space creates a sense of balance and improves visual clarity. It helps direct attention to the main content and prevents slides from appearing cluttered.  

4) Utilise visuals: Incorporate relevant visuals such as images, charts, or graphs to support your message. Visuals can convey information more effectively than text alone. Ensure visuals are high-quality, uncluttered, and directly related to the content.  

5) Consistent design elements : Maintain a consistent design throughout your slides. Use the same colour scheme, font styles, and layout across all slides to create visual coherence. Consistency fosters a professional and polished look.  

6) One idea per slide : Focus on one main idea or concept per slide. Keep your message clear and concise to avoid overwhelming your audience. This allows them to absorb information easily and follow along smoothly.  

7) Minimal transitions and animations: Limit the use of transitions and animations. Use them sparingly and purposefully to enhance the presentation's flow and emphasise key points. Overusing animations can be distracting.  

By keeping slides simple and minimalistic, you create a visually appealing and impactful PowerPoint Presentation.   

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Incorporate relevant charts and graphs   

1) Choose the right chart type: Select an appropriate chart or graph type that supports your message. You can choose bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, and scatter plots are common options. Consider your data and the story you want to convey.  

2) Simplify and focus: Keep charts and graphs simple. Avoid overcrowding with excessive data or details. Highlight key information and use clear labels to aid understanding.  

3) Thoughtful use of colour: Enhance the clarity and emphasise insights with strategic colour usage. Maintain consistent colour schemes. Avoid using too many colours that may distract you.  

4) Clear labels and annotations : Label axes, data points, and significant elements clearly. Add annotations or callouts for context. This helps the audience interpret the data accurately.  

5) Tell a compelling data story : Use charts and graphs to tell a coherent story. Present data logically, emphasising trends or comparisons. Provide clear explanations and insights.  

6) Visually pleasing design : Design charts and graphs with a clean and professional aesthetic. Use appropriate fonts, consistent styles, and a pleasing layout. Simplify unnecessary elements for clarity.  

Add transitions and animations   

Incorporating transitions and animations in your PowerPoint Presentation enhances visual appeal and flow. Follow these tips for effective use:  

1) Purposeful transitions: Apply transitions between slides to create a seamless flow. Choose transitions that complement your content without being distracting.  

2) Consistency: Maintain consistency in transition styles throughout the presentation. A cohesive look adds professionalism.  

3) Animate key elements: Use animations to draw attention and reinforce important points. Gradually reveal information or highlight data and visuals. Ensure animations aid understanding.  

4) Timing and pace: Set appropriate timing for transitions and animations. Avoid rapid or slow transitions that disrupt the flow. Maintain a consistent pace.  

5) Rehearse and test: Practice your presentation with transitions and animations. Test on different devices to ensure smooth execution.  

6) Complement content and style: Align transitions and animations with the tone and content. Use subtle animations for formal presentations and dynamic ones for creative topics.  

By incorporating purposeful transitions and animations, you add visual interest and engagement to your PowerPoint Presentation.  

Practice and rehearse your presentation   

Practising and rehearsing your PowerPoint Presentation is essential for delivering a confident and polished performance. Follow these tips to make the most of your practice sessions:  

1) Familiarise yourself: Become familiar with your content, slide flow, and key talking points. Understand the structure and message of each slide.  

2) Practice out loud: Speak your presentation out loud rather than just reading it silently. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently.  

3) Timing and pace: Pay attention to the timing and pace of your delivery. Practice to ensure you stay within the allocated time frame and maintain a steady pace.  

4) Use visual cues: If using cue cards or notes, practice incorporating them seamlessly into your presentation. Use them as visual aids without relying too heavily on them.  

5) Seek feedback : Practice in front of a mirror, colleagues, or friends. Seek feedback on your delivery, body language, and overall presentation style. Make necessary improvements based on their suggestions.  

6) Refine and polish: Use practice sessions to refine your content, eliminate unnecessary filler words, and ensure smooth transitions between slides.  

By dedicating time to practice and rehearse your presentation, you'll feel more confident, deliver a smoother performance, and effectively engage your audience.  

Utilise the duplicate slides feature   

Save valuable time and streamline your PowerPoint creation process by utilising the duplicate slides feature. This handy feature allows you to quickly duplicate existing slides and make necessary modifications, eliminating the need to recreate slides from scratch. Here's how you can benefit from it:  

1) Efficiency : Duplicating slides helps maintain consistency in design and formatting, especially when creating multiple slides with similar content or layout.  

2) Time-saving : Instead of starting from scratch, duplicate slides that have the desired layout, placeholders, or elements and make the necessary adjustments. This significantly speeds up your slide creation process.  

3) Consistency : When working on collaborative presentations, duplicating slides ensures consistency across different sections, maintaining a cohesive look and feel throughout.  

4) Reusability : Save time by duplicating slides from previous presentations that contain relevant content or visuals. Customise them to suit your current presentation, allowing you to repurpose and leverage existing material.  

Engage your audience with interactive elements   

In order to create an engaging and interactive PowerPoint Presentation, consider incorporating interactive elements. Follow these tips to captivate your audience:  

1) Polls and surveys : Integrate live polls or surveys into your PowerPoint Presentation to actively involve your audience.   

2) Q&A sessions: Encourage your audience to share their thoughts on the topic or ask questions.   

3) Group activities: Break your presentation into smaller groups for discussions or activities.    

4) Interactive quizzes: Include interactive quizzes or games related to your content.   

5) Hands-on demonstrations: Incorporate live demonstrations or interactive exercises that allow your audience to participate in practical activities related to the topic.   

6) Technology integration: Utilise technology tools like audience response systems, online collaboration platforms, or interactive whiteboards to facilitate interaction and collaboration.  

By incorporating interactive elements, you transform your PowerPoint Presentation into an engaging and participatory experience.  

Conclusion       

We hope you read this blog and understand the Top 10 PowerPoint Tips. Creating a compelling PowerPoint Presentation requires careful attention to various elements. By following the tips mentioned above, you can enhance the effectiveness of your presentation and deliver a memorable experience to your audience.  

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10 Design Tips To Spice Up Your PowerPoint Presentations

By alice jackson tweet - december 31, 2022 in presentation design.

Last updated on October 31st, 2023

PowerPoint presentations are great for businesses and marketers to educate, inform, motivate and influence audiences. They create presentations for training, sales, and internal communication programs using persuasive content, including relevant images, to keep audiences engaged. Thus, focusing on your slideshow’s structure, content, and design will help you prepare presentations that genuinely stick with your audience. This blog talks about 10 effective design tips you can consider to make it easily digestible and workable.

It goes without saying — presentations are enticing, engaging, entertaining, impactful, and effective. They are one of the best ways to communicate your point to the audience, whether you are presenting in a conference room, auditorium, webinar, or seminar. But unfortunately, most people are not equipped with the knowledge and know-how to get the best returns from this great aid.

A slideshow works best if its design is awe-inspiring. But, to elaborate, a well-designed presentation is not measured by the number of photos, graphics, or other elements it includes. Instead, the qualities it does require are simplicity, proportion, and elegance.

This blog post aims to separate you from that crowd and enable you to make the most out of PowerPoint and open the doors to presentation excellence for you. More specifically, this blog post will help you improve the design of your PowerPoint presentations. So, keep reading!

Design Tips To Improve Your PowerPoint Presentations

01. be mindful of the readability.

Presenters aim to ensure clarity and elevate the audience’s experience. This aim is wholly undone when you insert text which cannot even be read properly. Thus, first of all, your focus should be to make your presentation easy to read and understand. There are multiple ways to accomplish this.

One way you can try is by using contrasting colors for the text and background, thus creating a clear space and difference, helping the audience comprehend everything properly. You can also make sure that you are not adding text to images.

To avoid unreadable text and make the presentation more visually appealing, try creating text boxes with the help of slide templates . Use apt and clean fonts, and pay attention to the font size. And above all, the most effective way to maintain readability is to avoid filling the entire slide with text. Instead, write a maximum of 5 lines per slide, with 7 words per line.

02. Effectively Present The Information

As we said, the primary focus of presentations is to assist you in communicating well. And one of the best ways to do so is to utilize the space provided in slides optimally. For example, you can present complex content, such as numerical data or statistics, using diagrams, charts, and infographics.

Furthermore, instead of lengthy and tedious paragraphs, use clearly demarcated bulleted points, thereby increasing the clarity of your message. You should also leave white spaces throughout the slides to make your presentation look uncluttered and information organized. All these tips will make your PowerPoint design visually pleasing and informative.

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03. Don’t Use Lengthy and Complex Sentences

Filling the slides with comprehensive sentences is people’s most common mistake while creating a presentation. Their thought behind doing this is that the slides should communicate the whole point across.

However, the purpose of a slide in a presentation is not to communicate on its own; instead, it is there to support the speaker and add to their stage presence.

The slides are an assistant to fill the gaps you may leave while speaking and capture the audience’s attention so that their mind does not wander here and there. If your audience ends up reading your presentation rather than listening, you have failed as a presenter.

Therefore, to keep the audience engaged, include essential information and create visually appealing slides. We advise you to do your best to insert only key data points along with phrases, including keywords, that keep the flow of the presentation going while avoiding overwhelming slides.

04. Use Exquisite Templates

Most people who create presentations are not designers, nor have they learned any design or visual principles of communication. They rely on their own understanding and ability to make the best they can. They won’t mind using readymade templates, such as  PowerPoint flowchart templates , to create professional presentations. Why readymade templates? You may think.

When looking for PowerPoint presentation templates, you may find that these templates are beautifully designed by experts who have a complete understanding of visual communication, colors, fonts, styles, and layouts that look appealing to the human eye. These templates allow you to customize them per your brand identity.

05. Use Engaging Visuals

To create engaging visuals in your presentation, you should incorporate the following elements in your slides; pictures, illustrations or graphics, infographics, and videos. Adding beautiful images related to the topic of your presentation amps up the overall visual quality of your entire deck.

As an alternative, you can also incorporate illustrations , which add an extra layer of customization. And as you know, the purpose of a slideshow is effective communication; thus, integrating infographics to elucidate the crucial data better is a great option.

In addition, if you want to make your presentation memorable, you can include suitable videos to increase the audience’s interest. You are also advised to use a particular set of fonts, colors, and visuals to better design the deck.

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06. Structure Your PowerPoint Presentation According To The Context

This may seem like a continuation of the previous point; however, there is a key difference. In the previous point, we told you to prepare a set of colors, fonts, and other visual elements. This tip will help you decide how to prepare the set and which criteria to use to prepare it in the most suitable way.

Let us say that your presentation is about a regular status update; in that case, your job is to present the collected data, give a proper comparison from the past results, and also set a plan of action for the future. Thus, your context is comparative and forward-looking.

You should use infographics for comparison and illustrations to emphasize the plan. Avoid quirky fonts and designs if you have to create your presentation for an old and established brand. On the other hand, do not create a monotonous and conventional presentation for an upcoming startup.

To reiterate, your presentation should acknowledge your audience’s feelings and extend the same emotions through the visuals.

07. Design According To The Color Wheel

The most common issue non-designers face is when, where, and how to use colors. The color wheel is a fundamental concept that designers use to determine which colors go together and create magic and which colors create a visual catastrophe.

As you may see in this color wheel, the three primary colors have complementary colors that look best on them. For example, yellow creates an appealing image when used to write on the color purple, as they create a contrast, thus improving clarity. Likewise, the colors blue and orange create a contrast, while green goes with red. Just by keeping these three relationships in mind, you can surpass most of the presentations created daily!

08. Align All Objects Properly

Have you seen a presentation where you do not know where to look? Was the entire slide filled with unorganized and confusing text causing confusion and taking away your interest? Remember, once you lose the audience’s attention, it is an arduous task to get it back. Here the big question is – how can you avoid creating chaotic slides?

The answer is simple; align everything. Aligning refers to arranging elements according to a straight line. You may have seen this for aligning text as three options: left align, center align, and right align. However, you also have the option to align all objects, such as your logo , concerning the slide or for each other.

For example, for headings and titles, you can use center alignment, which will place them at the center of the slide. If you have multiple text boxes for the body text, you can align them all for each other. Deciding where to place your elements depends on your use case, but wherever you place them, use the align function to clean up the edges and create symmetry.

09. Don’t Use Too Many Special Effects

One of the best parts of using PowerPoint is its special effects and cool features. Further, you are also given the option to animate some of your elements and choose transitions for your slides. Often we get so excited by these offerings that we try each feature, and the end product is less like a presentation and more like a dated indie TV show.

Steer clear of this by not giving special status to these special effects. You may have heard, “highlight everything, and you are not highlighting anything.” If you need to see every little effect, you can use it, have a look, and try out everything, but do not put it all into your presentation. Use these special effects sparingly so that it truly stands out and makes an impact.

10. Use High-Resolution Images

Not everyone in the audience might appreciate the quality of high-resolution images from a distance; however, the difference between a blur and a low-resolution image is massive compared to a higher-resolution one. There are several reasons to use high-resolution images in PowerPoint presentation designs. First, high-resolution images are generally more visually appealing than low-resolution images.

This can help engage your audience and keep their attention focused on your presentation. Second, high-resolution images can also be used to make a more professional-looking presentation. This can be important if you are presenting to potential clients or customers. Moreover, high-resolution images can help to ensure that your presentation looks its best when projected onto a large screen.

( Bonus Tip : First impression matters; thus, strive to begin your presentation in the most visually appealing and impressive manner possible. On top of that, keep your tone energetic and show excitement to help the audience feel the same about you!)

Unique upside of creating and presenting slideshows is to form a connection with your audience and deliver a meaningful message. No matter how much you try to talk to them, the general audience will not pay attention to you unless they’re not entertained. This purpose is to employ the much more versatile, subtle, and professional way, i.e., beautifully designed slides. A dull presentation can dampen your communication considerably, and thus the listener’s interest. That’s why you must pay attention to your slideshow’s structure, content, and design while creating presentations to have great impact on the listeners. You can choose from many readily available pre-made, high-quality slide templates, which will help simplify the process.

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Alice Jackson

Alice Jackson is a business consultant, blogger, social media enthusiast, online market analyst, amateur designer and an avid author at Designhill. She has written on several topics including social media marketing, SEO, content marketing, startup strategies and e-commerce. When she’s not writing, she loves spending her time reading romantic novels, Connect with her on Twitter: @jackson_alice1

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How to Make a “Good” Presentation “Great”

• Guy Kawasaki

Remember: Less is more.

A strong presentation is so much more than information pasted onto a series of slides with fancy backgrounds. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others. Here are some unique elements that make a presentation stand out.

• Fonts: Sans Serif fonts such as Helvetica or Arial are preferred for their clean lines, which make them easy to digest at various sizes and distances. Limit the number of font styles to two: one for headings and another for body text, to avoid visual confusion or distractions.
• Colors: Colors can evoke emotions and highlight critical points, but their overuse can lead to a cluttered and confusing presentation. A limited palette of two to three main colors, complemented by a simple background, can help you draw attention to key elements without overwhelming the audience.
• Pictures: Pictures can communicate complex ideas quickly and memorably but choosing the right images is key. Images or pictures should be big (perhaps 20-25% of the page), bold, and have a clear purpose that complements the slide’s text.
• Layout: Don’t overcrowd your slides with too much information. When in doubt, adhere to the principle of simplicity, and aim for a clean and uncluttered layout with plenty of white space around text and images. Think phrases and bullets, not sentences.

As an intern or early career professional, chances are that you’ll be tasked with making or giving a presentation in the near future. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others.

• Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist at Canva and was the former chief evangelist at Apple. Guy is the author of 16 books including Think Remarkable : 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference.

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How to Create Slides That Suit Your Superiors: 11 Tips

When you’re pitching ideas or budgets to execs in your organization, you need to deliver slides that fit those particular people just right. This checklist identifies the key considerations.

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I recently interviewed 20 of my customers, all in senior roles at Fortune 100 companies, and asked them their biggest pain point in presenting to higher-ups and even colleagues. What I heard consistently was that it can feel like Goldilocks bouncing from one option to the next, testing to figure out what’s “just right.” Does the audience want deep reports? Sparse slides? Something in between? Like … what?

Teams often come to presentation meetings with vast amounts of backup content just in case an exec wants to take a deep dive on any given point. There’s often a struggle to anticipate every direction attendees might want to go. It’s frustrating, and it’s not efficient.

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There are many ways to build slides. I’m not just talking about crafting them well versus poorly. I’m talking about all of the important decisions regarding how to organize them, how much text to use, when to lean into a chart, the best ways to use bullets and color, and whether to include an appendix with additional information. Before you make your next proposal or request of the executive team, use this list of 11 tips for your next set of slides as a guide.

Four Things You Must Have in Every Exec’s Slides

Before we drill down into the harder aspects, the ones where your executives’ tastes may vary widely, let’s quickly cover four aspects that you can consider the building blocks — the basics you should never proceed without.

Start with an executive summary. Begin the slide deck with a tight executive summary that follows a three-act structure. First, start with stating the current realities. Second, clearly state the problem or opportunity your idea addresses and its potential impact. Third, explain how your recommendation solves the problem or exploits the opportunity and the next steps you’re proposing.

Have a logical organization. The arc of the deck — the package from beginning to end — should make sense. If your audience reads only the headline of every slide, the order should be coherent and make most of the case for you. The content below each slide’s headline must support the statement made in the title. Remove everything that doesn’t support your point; as writers will tell you, you sometimes need to “kill your darlings” when you’re editing.

Begin the slide deck with a tight executive summary that follows a three-act structure.

Make it skimmable. Help your audience to quickly grasp the point without getting bogged down in details. Create a clear visual hierarchy. Guide the reader’s eye through the content: Use bold headings, bullet points, and numbered lists to break down information into digestible pieces. Highlight key takeaways or conclusions in a different color or font size to draw attention to these critical points.

Focus on concise insights. Succinct statements with clear insights are everyone’s jam. Every slide should serve a purpose and contribute directly to the decision-making process. Distill complex information. Don’t use 100 words when 20 words will nail it. If you’re having difficulty trimming, consider using company-approved AI tools to help you take out the fluff.

Five Preferences to Confirm With the Person You Want to Reach

Now we’ll delve into what your particular audience does and does not want. If you haven’t yet, start by asking the person you’re presenting to what they generally prefer. They probably know themselves well but have not been asked to articulate how they like to receive information.

Ask how dense is too dense. Some executives prefer detailed slides with comprehensive data. Others favor a more high-level approach. You’re weighing how to balance informative content with readability, ensuring that slides are not overloaded yet are sufficiently detailed to support decision-making.

Confirm the delivery format and timing. Some execs like information presented to them. Others prefer a pre-read of the material followed by a discussion. I always recommend our tool Slidedocs (I’ve written a free e-book on them), which are visual documents using both words and images. The templates help presenters organize their thoughts into a document for a pre-read or a read-along. They are designed to be skimmable and able to travel through your organization without the help of a presenter.

I’m a huge fan of pre-reads and prefer to use my time in meetings to ask questions and build alignment. If your audience didn’t review your material in advance, ask at the top of the meeting whether they would like you to present it or would prefer to read through it and then discuss it.

Find out how much data visualization they prefer. Charts, graphs, photos, and illustrations often communicate complex data more clearly than words alone. When execs can see what you’re saying, they often can better understand the impact of your idea. Does the exec want to understand exact numbers? Bar charts allow them to move their eyes across a series of specifics. Does the exec want to know the shape of a trend over time? Line charts can show the pattern. (See “Classic Charts Communicate Data Quickly.”) Some prefer charts with annotations that draw attention to what you think is the most important point. Others want to make their own conclusions from the data.

One of my clients, the CEO of a massive commercial real estate company, doesn’t want anything visualized. He prefers numbers, only in a table, and only in two colors — black and red. You might think this is archaic. But the fact that he’s clear to his teams about what he wants takes all the mystery out of how to communicate with him.

When the stakes are high, have a conceptual thinker help with diagrams and concepts. If you don’t have one on your team, and when it’s high stakes, find an internal designer to help you or hire one. You can’t afford to have the baby (your idea) thrown out with the bathwater (terrible slides).

Identify which details need spelling out. How well do the people you’re presenting to know the landscape and function of the company and products you’re talking about? For example, if your engineering team threw a slide into a deck about an issue that requires executive approval, do the execs all speak geek? Or do you need to explain the technology so that they will really understand the ask? Either eliminate internal jargon and acronyms or unpack those bits, especially if your proposal deeply involves expertise outside of the executives’ domain.

Ask whether appendices will be useful. When you’re organizing a presentation, you often troll data, read through complicated reports, and even hire external experts to figure out what’s best for the company. Do your execs want access to that supporting data? You can add a document to the end of the presentation as an appendix to show all of the data and source material. This allows the main content of the slides to remain focused and accessible while still providing comprehensive background information for those who want more.

Two Tips to Improve Your Presentation Skills

Getting materials in place is the biggest step. They will be your best tools for selling your ideas. But there are two extra areas to pay attention to as a presenter: how you handle questions and how you use every experience to improve.

Anticipate questions, and practice your answers. Before you have your meeting, gather a small team to challenge every point you make. Invite colleagues you trust to role-play as “a rapidly inquisitive exec” or “the doubting naysayer exec” so you are prepared to present your idea well. They’re gonna grill you, and practicing will help you remain unruffled when it happens.

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Ask for feedback after the presentation. Establish a feedback loop with those you presented to. Ask what worked well and how you can improve. If attendees don’t have the time, find people who have had their ideas funded and talk to them about what they did that worked. Advice and some perspective will help you nail your performance even better next time.

Empathetically understanding your audience members and how they process information, whether it’s executives or peers, sets up your ideas for success. Clarity creates efficiency. When a presentation fits just right, you’ve given your great thinking the best chance of moving through your organization and having maximum impact.

About the Author

Nancy Duarte is CEO of Duarte Inc. , a communication company in the Silicon Valley. She’s the author of six books, including DataStory: Explain Data and Inspire Action Through Story (Ideapress Publishing, 2019).

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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Presentations > Five tips for choosing the right PowerPoint template

Five tips for choosing the right PowerPoint template

The design or template you choose can greatly influence the success of your presentation, either capturing your audience’s attention or leaving them disengaged. To make a lasting impression on your audience, utilize these five tips when selecting your PowerPoint presentation template.

How do you choose a template in PowerPoint?

The initial step in creating your PowerPoint presentation is choosing the appropriate design. To effectively select the best PowerPoint template for your presentation, there are several components you should consider. These components include the following:

1. Consider your audience

The first component you should consider is your audience. Is the presentation intended for a formal setting, such as in a business context, or will it be delivered in a more informal gathering? Are the viewers going to review the slides virtually , in-person, or will they be viewing the presentation independently? What are the demographics of your audience? It’s crucial to contemplate your audience before outlining your presentation, as they significantly influence your design choices. For example, if you are delivering a business-oriented presentation, you might choose a more conservative design, while a more informal presentation may call for a bolder and more captivating template.

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Powerpoint empowers you to develop well-designed content across all your devices

2. Select a template with appropriate layout options

The layout plays a crucial role in determining how your content is delivered, read, and ultimately comprehended by your audience. When you assess presentation templates, ensure that the layout options align with the nature of your content. Ask yourself, ‘Will this format enhance the readability and comprehension of my content for my audience? Is it the most efficient way to convey my information?

3. Choose a design that fits your style

You’ll feel most comfortable presenting when your presentation feels like yourself. Make you presentation an extension of your personal style and brand, that effectively complements your aesthetic preferences. Whether you prefer minimalism and clean lines or a striking, vibrant presentation filled with animation, select a design that aligns with your style and creates cohesive visuals.

4. Find a template that reflects your message

Outside of aesthetics, your template should reflect the core message of your presentation. If your content is data-heavy, opt for a template with clear charts and graphs. For a storytelling presentation, choose a template that incorporates visuals and storytelling elements. Ensuring your template and message aligns strengthens your presentation’s storytelling .

5. Consider the length of your presentation

The duration of your presentation should be incorporated in your template decision making. Longer presentations may benefit from a clean and organized template that aids in maintaining audience attention. Shorter presentations, on the other hand, provide room for more creative and visually striking templates. Consider the pacing and structure of your content in relation to the template to optimize your audience’s engagement.

The key to an effective PowerPoint presentation template is extensively considering the context of your presentation. Know who your audience is, what your message is, the length of your message, and how the content should be presented. When you consider these elements, you can ensure your presentation will resonate with your audience, with your intended impact. For more ways to improve your next presentation, learn more presentation tips .

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How To Change Your Slide Size In PowerPoint

Changing the slide size in PowerPoint can help you to optimize your presentation for different display devices, including projectors and monitors, making your presentation multi-use.

Ensure that your presentation looks its best and is optimized for the display device you are using.

Adjusting the slide size can help improve the overall appearance and readability of your presentation.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced PowerPoint user, this tutorial will help you master this important feature and ensure that your presentation looks polished and professional, no matter where or how it's being presented.

How To Change Slide Size In PowerPoint 🤷

Frequently asked questions 🤔.

Important disclosure: we're proud affiliates of some tools mentioned in this guide. If you click an affiliate link and subsequently make a purchase, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (you pay nothing extra). For more information, read our affiliate disclosure .

To change the slide size in PowerPoint, follow these steps:

• Open the PowerPoint presentation you want to change the slide size for.
• Click on the "Design" tab in the top menu.
• Click on the "Slide Size" button in the "Customize" section of the "Design" tab or opt for the common dimensions available.

4. Select the "Custom Slide Size" option from the drop-down menu.

5. In the "Slide Size" dialog box, you can choose one of the preset sizes or create a custom size.

6. To create a custom size, enter the width and height values for the slide in the "Width" and "Height" fields.

7. Select the orientation for the slide, either "Portrait" or "Landscape."

8. Click on the "OK" button to save the changes.

9. A message will appear asking if you want to maximize the content to the new slide size. Choose the option that best fits your needs. All the slides in your presentation will now be resized to the new dimensions.

What are the common slide sizes available in PowerPoint? The common slide sizes available in PowerPoint are 4:3 (standard), 16:9 (widescreen), and 16:10 (widescreen).

Can I create a custom slide size in PowerPoint? Yes, you can create a custom slide size in PowerPoint by selecting the "Custom Slide Size" option in the "Slide Size" dialog box and entering the desired dimensions.

Will changing the slide size affect the content and layout of my presentation? Yes, keep this in mind especially if you are switching between standard and widescreen aspect ratios. You may need to adjust the size and placement of text and graphics to fit the new slide dimensions.

How do I know which slide size to choose for my presentation? The slide size you choose will depend on the display device you will be using to present your slides. If you are presenting on a widescreen display, choose the 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio. If you are presenting on a standard display, choose the 4:3 aspect ratio.

Can I change the slide size for only one slide in my presentation? Yes, you can change the slide size for only one slide in your presentation by selecting that slide and then choosing the "Custom Slide Size" option from the "Slide Size" button.

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How an AI Powerpoint Generator Transforms Ordinary Presentations into Extraordinary Experiences

How to create high quality power point presentations - quickly - with AI

Say goodbye to dull and monotonous presentations and hello to extraordinary experiences that will leave a lasting impact!

AI PowerPoint Generators are revolutionizing the way ordinary slideshows captivate audiences. Whether you're a professional speaker, a student, or simply someone who wants to impress with their slides, an AI PowerPoint generator is here to take your presentations to the next level.

But what is the best free AI PowerPoint generator? How can you choose the best tool to use, and how can AI voiceovers bring your PowerPoint presentation to the next level using text-to-presentation processes?

Whether you're using Powerpoint or Google Slides, this article will delve into all you need to know about using AI to generate your next presentation. Let's dive in!

What is an AI PowerPoint Generator?

An AI PowerPoint Generator is a tool that uses artificial intelligence to automatically create presentations.

The tool takes input in the form of data, text, or images and generates slides with relevant content and visual elements. This eliminates the need for manual slide creation and saves time for users, making it a convenient solution for creating engaging presentations.

What is the best tool for generating AI presentations? In our opinion, Canva or ChatGPT are both fantastic options that you can try out.

5 Steps to Incorporating an AI PowerPoint Generator in Your Presentation

So, how can we use AI to generate a great presentation?

Step 1: Choose an Appropriate AI PowerPoint Generator

To start using AI in your presentations, you need to pick the right AI PowerPoint tool. It's important to choose one that works well for you, matches your needs, and has the features you want.

This initial decision sets the stage for a presentation that smoothly includes AI, fitting your style and needs.

Our favorite options include ChatGPT and Canva. With accessible price points and easy-to-use interfaces, these two options stand out as great tools. Whether you need a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation or an AI presentation maker for Google Slides, both these options are standouts.

Step 2: Get to Know the AI Tool Inside Out

After picking your AI tool, it's crucial to really understand how it works.

Take the time to learn about the algorithms it uses to create content, its design tips, and any special things it can do. This deep understanding helps you make the most of the AI tool so you can improve your presentation's content and visuals for a better experience.

When you're learning a new tool, our recommendation is to browse YouTube for tutorials and get acquainted with experts in that niche. There are hundreds of great creators out there who have fantastic tutorials, so get exploring!

Step 3: Pick the Right Presentation Style

Now, it's time to get started on the actual content generation.

At this step, it's critical to choose a presentation style that fits your content's theme and your audience's expectations.

But don't panic - AI PowerPoint tools usually offer various templates for different themes and purposes; whether you're looking for a corporate feel, a fun-friendly presentation, or even a video template, then your AI tool should have you covered.

Remember: Selecting the right template makes the creative process smoother, resulting in a polished and professional look.

Step 4: Customize Your Content with AI-Powered Suggestions

Now, you're ready to get to the meat of the presentation - the content. While you may already have a load of content that's ready to be slotted into your presentation, you may also take this time to get writing.

Remember, it's always possible to incorporate AI into your content creation process at this stage.

Content creation tools like ChatGPT can help refine your language, ensuring accuracy and impact and generating scripts and images.

Step 5: Add AI-Enhanced Visuals and Effects to Your Presentation

In the final step, use AI-generated visuals and effects to enhance your presentation.

Explore the AI tool's capabilities to create impactful visuals, sophisticated graphics, or interactive elements that grab your audience's attention. From data visualization to smooth transitions, AI elevates the visual appeal of your presentation, leaving a memorable impression on your audience.

As well as this, now's the time to add an AI voiceover to your presentation to allow your content to be shared and rewatched over and over again or even translated into multiple languages. Plus, having an AI voiceover makes a presentation more accessible to those with visual impairments or who use a screen reader.

ElevenLabs  is a great tool for you to use here. With high-quality, human-like narration and an accessible, easy-to-use platform, ElevenLabs is the perfect tool for generating fantastic audio for your AI-generated presentations.

Ultimately, by following these five steps carefully, integrating AI into your presentation workflow becomes an efficient process that results in a professional and sophisticated presentation that resonates with your audience.

The Future of Presentations Using AI

Using AI in presentations has a bright future with lots of exciting possibilities. AI technology is changing the way we do presentations, making them more interactive and engaging. These AI tools can create cool visuals, understand data in real time, and even help with understanding what people say and translating languages. So, when people make presentations, they can use AI to make them more powerful and grab the audience's attention.

In the future, AI in presentations is likely to keep getting better. Experts think that AI will become even smarter, allowing for more advanced and personalized presentations. This means that presentations can be customized to fit what each person likes and how they learn best.

For businesses, using AI in presentations is increasingly important. It helps companies in many industries communicate better and engage employees and clients alike. These AI tools make it easier to create convincing presentations that engage clients, partners, and audiences and make content accessible to those with visual impairments or different learning abilities. Plus, AI can quickly and accurately analyze data and make it easier for businesses to make smart decisions.

In a nutshell, AI is changing the presentation game, making a Google Slide or PowerPoint presentation more exciting and personalized. As AI keeps improving, businesses are set to benefit from better communication and smarter decisions. It's an exciting future for presentations in the business world.

Final Thoughts

To sum it all up, we're on the brink of a big change in how we do presentations, thanks to the increasing use of an AI PowerPoint generator. AI is making presentations more engaging, interactive, and tailored to individual preferences, and the future holds even more exciting possibilities, with AI getting smarter and making presentations even more customized.

For businesses, using AI in presentations is not just a trend; it's a smart move. It helps companies communicate better and make informed decisions with data, reaching their employees and their clients with more curated content. For individuals, an AI PowerPoint generator saves time and makes creating engaging presentation content simple.

So, as we look ahead, embracing AI in presentations is more than just an option—it's an opportunity to excel in communication, engagement, and data-driven decision-making.

The combination of human creativity and AI innovation promises to redefine how we present information, creating a world where presentations are not only informative but also captivating and personalized.

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• Share a link to a specific PowerPoint slide

There’s a way to link someone to view a specific slide in a PowerPoint presentaion which is a lot faster than hunting through a big slide deck.

Requirements

Link to this slide, check the share permissions, sharing settings, edit / view only / no download, or there’s another way ….

Providing a direct link to a specific part of your slideshow not only streamlines the process of receiving feedback but also enables them to locate the content you want them to review more efficiently.

PowerPoint simplifies the process with its “Link to This Slide” feature, generating a direct link that opens the file at the specific slide in your presentation.

The presentation has to be saved in cloud storage that the receiver/s can also access it.  If the presentation isn’t already saved online, modern Office will help you do that.

Launch PowerPoint presentation stored on your local drive. Next, navigate to the specific slide you wish to share. Then, right-click on the desired slide and a shortcut menu pops up. From this menu, select the option “Link To This Slide” to generate a direct link to the chosen slide within your presentation.

Selecting “Share Link To This Slide,” will prompt you to upload your presentation to OneDrive to allow sharing.

Office just dumps the file into your OneDrive account, you’ll probably want to choose a specific folder instead.

Once the presentation is saved in a cloud location, you can share it or a slide. Do that from PowerPoint on the web or modern PowerPoint for Windows/Mac. Click on the slide in the slide navigator and select the “Link To This Slide” option.

The system generates a direct link that is ready to be shared but before you copy , check what permissions you’re giving to access the presentation and to whom.

Under the link is a short note to indicate the sharing settings for the current link.  Click on Settings to change or verify the sharing. Or select the copy option, and you’ll receive a notification confirming that the link has been copied.

For more specific access privileges, go to the Settings option to customize permissions for reviewers or audience. You can choose with whom you want to share your files. This typically involves setting access permissions or sharing settings with user or user groups.

The sharing settings can include any of the following options, depending on the type of account (personal, business etc).

“Anyone With The Link Can Edit.” – permits anyone with access to the link to edit the slide’s content. This functionality facilitates effective collaboration and sharing among teams or groups. Opting for this setting grants editing privileges to anyone possessing the link.

“People in the Organization – accessible by the organization with the privileges to access the link.

“People you choose – selectively available.

Customize the access privileges more from the More Settings option, where you can define specific permissions, such as editing, viewing, and downloading for reviewers or audience.

Finalize the process by clicking on the “Apply” button ensuring that the changes take effect according to your preferences.

Once you’ve configured the access privileges and applied the changes, you can proceed to share the link via email to the intended audience. Simply copy the link generated by the sharing feature and paste it into your email or other message.

At risk of stating the obvious, there’s another way to share a single slide with ‘read only’ access.

Take a screen shot of the slide and paste it into an email or message.

Using Designer for more eye-catching PowerPoint slides PowerPoint Cameo puts your video selfie into a slide Reuse slides in PowerPoint, the good and the annoying

About this author

Mayurakshi Mohapatra

Office 2021  - all you need to know . Facts & prices for the new Microsoft Office. Do you need it? Office LTSC is the enterprise licence version of Office 2021.

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Tips for Boosting Your Immune System

Tips for boosting your immune system presentation, premium google slides theme and powerpoint template.

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