Although virtual meeting software has replaced many face-to-face meeting structures, the
Power Point presentation remains a viable way of providing concise information to a group or
committee. Sales presentations, corporate finance discussions and project management
meetings all benefit from well-constructed Power Points. Presentation style can mean the
difference in an upcoming promotion, a huge sale or closing the deal on a merger. Using
proper formatting, remote Power Point control and a few other presentation tips will help make
a positive impression.
WYSIWYG Does Not Always Work with Slides
Always remember your presentation needs to scale for viewing on a large screen by people
who may be sitting feet or yards away. What you see on your computer monitor does not
always translate well to the screen. Ensure colors are bold and contrast enough to project and
fonts are big enough to read. If possible, give the presentation a practice run in the conference
room several days ahead of time. You have you time to make changes.
Scores Points:
There is a fine line in slide creation between giving enough information and overkill. Keep the
slides simple, address a single point on each slide and avoid lots of text. Graphs and pictures
often convey information quickly and are more interesting to look at. When you include text,
avoid cursive or decorative fonts.
Remote Power Point Options Look Professional
Use a projector with a remote Power Point control. This allows you to control the slides from
any place in the room. You can walk around the room, sit with others or stand in the back while
the audience looks at the presentation. Find the option that works best with your style. Any
option is better than sitting at the computer in order to control the presentation. Plan Ahead for
Virtual Meetings There is nothing worse than a virtual meeting where everyone is trying to
figure out which slide is being discussed. Plan ahead and utilize web-based meeting platforms.
Most corporations allow log-ins for various online platforms such as WebEx or Breeze. Small
businesses and individuals can often take advantage of free sites or trial offers for these
services. By utilizing a web-meeting space, you control the screen and everyone sees the
same slide. This avoids people in various locations flipping through different copies of the
presentation. When it comes to any type of presentation, businessmen and women can learn
something from the Boy Scout motto regarding preparation. Always be prepared by completing
presentations early, testing equipment and ensuring virtual meeting places are functioning.
Create presentations that are easy to read, utilize remote Power Point controls to give a
seamless talk and be prepared for unexpected problems. Always design your presentation so
you can print off legible black and white copies as a last resort if technology fails.