Top 10 presentation tips

1. Above all else….KISS
   The old "Keep it simple stupid". Keeping things simple does not mean producing a presentation aimed for fifth graders. It means that slides within your slide show should be brief.
   Statements should be clear. Points should sum up any communications messages you are trying to express.
   
   You can always eloborate your points in dialogue, but on screen, on slides, they should be simple, brief, and to the point. This is a good way to stop you from reading your slides to the audience. There is nothing worse than a presenter who simply stands there reading their slides to their audience.
   
   Most audience members are literate and can read for themselves. If you only read what is written why should you stand before them? What are you presenting in actual fact? A reading class?
   
   
2. Wherever possible, use graphics and pictures to illustrate your point.
   This helps people to understand what you are saying and removes any possible misinterpretations.
   
   
3. Try to never use more than 3 bullets per slide.
   Excessive content distracts your audience. Remember you are speaking. They are not meant to sit and read. But listen to you.
   
   
4. Practise makes perfect!
   Practice by yourself, then practice in front of your spouse, partner, or friend, and get their feedback.
   
   
5. Break things down.
   Instead of explaining complex methods, or concepts try to depict it as a story. People can relate to stories. Stories are much easier to accept and understand, and that is the goal of your presentation. Understanding.
   
   
6. End as you begin.
   Your introduction slide should give a brief overview of the whole presentation. Your summary slide should then repeat in brief what you have tried to explain as you come "full circle".
   
   
7. Your audience is watching!
   Try to make your font size at least 24 point. It may look good on your computer, but people have to read it from the back row of the conference hall or auditorium and 12 point Times New Roman will be nothing more than a blur.
   
   
8. Keep contrasts and keep distinction.
   Use contrasting colors for your text and background, for example, a dark blue background with white text. Our creative department create background slides that provide strong contrast for presenters, but I have seen a lot of online PowerPoint template producers who call themsevles "professional" designers who really don't know the first thing about comunication and the legibility of text upon their backgrounds almost impossible for an audience to decipher.
   
   
9. Consistency is the key.
   Try to use the same colours for headline, body text, quotes etc., throughout the presentation. If you use blue for a quote on the first slide and then green for a quote on the tenth slide how wil your audience know it is a quote? Communicate consistency.
   
   
10. And finally, but as eqaully as important, know your audience.
    Your audience can be a specific "mix" of people, for example, some may only want data and facts. Others may want fancy animation and a "show". Know your audience, and you can produce your presentation to please your audience as well as achieve your communication goals!

Jonathan Stock, Presentation Consultant