Create Power Point Presentations that Hit Home
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Power point presentations are equally likely to wow your listeners or put them to sleep. It’s common in many business settings to expect presenters to use multimedia technology to reinforce information that’s being shared using visual systems like white boards, handouts and Microsoft Powerpoint. But most presentation skills training programs haven’t integrated instruction on effectively using multimedia software into their core instruction on creating business presentations.
The best rule of thumb in creating power point presentations for business purposes is to use common sense and logic. Think about it for a second, wouldn’t a visual presentation that incorporates pictures help convey your points more effectively (as long as they aren’t a distraction)? Also, shouldn’t you limit the amount of reading on your slides to the bare minimum in order to keep your audience’s attention on what you’re saying?
The rules of presentation skills training aren’t much different from the guidance you should follow for creating power point presentations. However, they should be extended to this new format and the tools that are a part of it like transitions, audio clips, video clips, backgrounds, typesetting and external links. Each of these components can be employed to “build your case” when applied logically. For example, if you’re asserting that a new process works quicker than and alternative one, then a graphic of a clock can be used or video footage of the two processes can be inserted. You make the call. The brilliant thing about using MS Powerpoint is that you’re the creative author behind the presentation who isn’t just conveying information; you’re sharing a vision.
The learning curve for developing effective power point presentations isn’t as steep as you may think. We here at MyPresentationSkillsTraining.com make a habit out of smashing preconceived notions of what presentations can be and how difficult they may be.
You’re invited to explore our resources and receive our free newsletter offering presentation skills training by subscribing to our free ezine, “Presentation Pointers,” using the link above. We hope to help unleash the inner artist in you so that your listeners will gain as much as you can possibly offer them and act upon your presentations the way you envision them doing so.
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