Wow 'Em With Your Presentation:
10-IKE's Ten Presentation Tips

  1. Preparation

    • Start with a clear statement of the topic
    • Do your research

  2. Presentation Design

    • Keep text short; use bullet points to explain key concepts
    • Use graphics to explain ideas when possible
    • Put a logo on each slide using the Slide Master

  3. Visuals

    • Use your Slide Master to organize elements that appear on each page
    • Light type on a dark background is easier to read
    • Your presentation will look more professional if graphics were created in the same style; e.g. cartoon, technical illustration, etc.

  4. Text

    • Make it large enough to read — 24-30 point for most body text; 42-48 for heads
    • Use a sans serif for heads and serif for body
    • Don't use too many fonts. One font for the heads and another for the body is ideal

  5. Numbers, Charts and Statistics

    • Round off values whenever possible
    • Try to avoid slides with lots of numerical data. No one can absorb it all
    • Make sure you use the same scale when making comparisons. Don't compare thousands to millions
    • Data in charts should be clearly labeled

  6. Backgrounds

    • Avoid "busy", distracting backgrounds
    • The background should be consistent throughout the presentation
    • For a long presentation, you may want to use backgrounds that are variations of the main background for different sections

  7. Bells and Whistles

    • For a serious presentation, forget the animations, sound effects, etc.
    • Transitions can be distracting. Pick one and stick with it, or use none at all
    • Video and audio clips can be inserted into your Powerpoint presentation

  8. Get Ready to Present

    • Rehearse, but don't memorize your presentation
    • Know about how much time will be needed for each slide
    • Make a list of key concepts for each slide; Slide Notes is handy for this
    • Arrive a few minutes to make sure equipment is set up and working

  9. Delivery

    • Use your opening statement to catch the audience's interest
    • Stay on topic. Tell them what you're going to tell them; tell them; then tell them what you told them
    • Don't just read your slides; talk about the subject, letting the audience read the slide for themselves
    • Be enthusiastic

  10. Audience Involvement

    • Prepare handouts for "take home" material
    • Schedule time for Questions and Answers at the end of the talk