Tips on making powerful Powerpoint presentations!

USP Lautoka Flexi-School GE306 2008-2009 Tips on making powerful Powerpoint presentations! Dr. Mark Stephens Presentation outline 1) 2) 3) Introduction: what is the point of an oral presentation? Main tips Other comments 1) What is the point?  Is a very powerful way of communicating information to your audience    It is interactive You can explain things, can be asked questions You can convey information in a short space of time  It is used regularly in professional circumstances      Lectures/ teaching Conference presentations Presentations to your employers on your results In meetings to show progress of particular projects Job interviews!!  Therefore a very useful skill to develop! 2) Main tips      Presentation skills Preparation Structure Content Timing Presentation skills  Think about your audience!    You are trying to impress them They want you to do well!  Try not to be nervous! Aim to make your presentation interesting and enjoyable for your audience  Where to look?   Look at the audience and back at your presentation whilst talking, to keep the audience involved! If you are nervous try to find a friendly face in the audience and look at them (but not too intensely!) Preparation  Do not memorise your whole talk like a parrot!  You will forget things!   Instead make sure you understand the main points you are trying to make Memorise the main points, write down a list of your main points and elaborate on these in your talk   You will have more knowledge on the subject than your audience!! Don’t worry about small details!  Print presentation   6 slides to a page Make notes Structure      Title slide with your name and a picture Presentation outline Introductory slide Main body of slides Final slide  Try to finish on a positive note! Content  Include the most relevant information, data, illustrations, figures and pictures. Remember it is an oral and visual presentation, your audience will like to see visual aids  Do not have slides filled only with text!  Do not include a bibliography!  If using a lot of text, maybe use animation (rightclick, custom animation)  Timing  Ten minutes So aim for 10 minutes, although 9 minutes will do!  The most important thing is not to go over 10 minutes!  and perhaps not to go less than 7 minutes   Try to speak slowly, do not rush!!  Breath in between speaking  Prepare around 13 slides for a 10 minute talk 3) Other comments  You may be asked questions at the end  Try to guess what questions you will be asked! Remember to conclude on a positive note! Introduction, main body, conclusion Good luck!!