Category: Tips & Tricks

Introductions: 5 Creative Ways to Start Your Presentation

presentation content

presentation delivery

presentation introductions

presentation tips

Dec 01, 2014

“The beginning is the most important part of the work.”—Plato

When it comes to presentations, there’s nothing more important than a strong introduction. How will you capture the attention of your audience otherwise? It’s not enough to recite a quick spiel about you and what you’ll be covering for the next hour. The first thing you say should make an instant connection. Introductions need to be both powerful and memorable. You need something that will hook the audience and reel them in.The best way to do that is to think outside the box. To make sure your introductions are effective, you’ll need to do something that really stands out. Whatever you start with should urge the audience to start asking questions about the topic you’re covering. If you remember our previous discussion on Nancy Duarte’s book Resonate, you’ll know that every presentation needs a STAR Moment—something they’ll always remember. If you want your introductions to fall under that category, you’ll need to find more creative ways to start your presentations.Echoing the thoughts of Plato, creative introductions will help jump start your presentation. Here are a few things you can do to get the audience interested:

Tell a story

Sharing stories is practically part of our DNA. As social beings, storytelling is one of the easiest ways to connect and cultivate relationships with the people around us. Unlike reciting facts, storytelling is focused on emotional response. If you remember, we discussed how effective storytelling can evoke strong feelings of empathy. According to a study conducted by Dr. Paul Zak, hearing stories can trigger the release of neurochemicals that are responsible for human bonding. Considering these facts, it’s easy to see why a quick story is a great way to start a presentation.To work as an introduction, make sure your story echoes the core message of your presentation. Your story should make a point that you can easily connect with the rest of your presentation. You see this a lot in  TED Talks. TED speakers usually start with anecdotes from personal experience that they later connect with the main point of their discussion.

Describe a scenario

Another way to engage the audience is by igniting their imaginations. Describe a specific situation or scenario and enable the audience to play a bit of a role in your presentation. You can give them a chance to consider something they might have never thought of before. Ask them to use their imaginations to set your presentation as something that’s more relatable and closer to home.According to an eBook by We Are Visual, there are 3 ways to use this technique for introductions. First, you can ask the audience to imagine what it would be like to be someone else. You can also describe a certain action that will lead to a particularly positive outcome. Lastly, you can also ask them to visualize a certain metaphor or concept. Whatever you decide, make sure the scene you describe perfectly connects with your core message.

Share crucial information

What could be more interesting than learning something new? If you really to reel the audience in, you can entice them by providing relevant information.  Present a quick fact or statistic that will give a bit of background about your discussion. Make sure it’s something noteworthy that will lead the audience to feel curious about what might come next. A fact that’s common knowledge in your industry won’t get you too far.

Ask a thought-provoking question

You can also ask the audience a few rhetorical questions to further stimulate their curiosity. Give them something they can ponder on by posing a few thought-provoking questions that correspond to your main point. To keep your presentation cohesive, you can address the questions later on in your discussion. If you’re aiming for a bit of interactivity, you can also ask a few people to briefly share their thoughts.

Quote someone else

Like we did in this blog post, you can also start your presentation by borrowing the words of another person. If you start with a quote, you can provide reinforcement to the ideas you’ll be presenting.Remember to choose words that come from a verified source. If you’re quoting an expert or a political figure, make sure you double-check the exact words they said. You can also use proverbs and other cultural expressions. Proverbs are filled with imagery, which might be helpful if you’re planning to translate concepts into visual metaphors. While you don’t have to choose something that’s directly related to your topic, you should be able to easily connect the two ideas together.

A strong introduction is crucial to the success of your presentation. Make sure your introductions are both powerful and memorable by taking note of these 5 creative techniques.

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 Featured Image: Jon Marshall via Flickr

The Complete Presentation Checklist

presentation checklist

presentation planning

presentation preparation

Nov 26, 2014

Creating a complete presentation checklist ensures you’re prepared, confident, and able to deliver a polished and engaging presentation. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of everything you need to check before stepping up to present:

1. Content Preparation

  • Define Your Objective: Clarify the purpose of your presentation. Are you informing, persuading, or motivating your audience? Understanding your goal will shape your content and tone.
  • Audience Research: Tailor your message to your audience. Consider their level of knowledge, interests, and what they hope to get out of your presentation.
  • Structure Your Content:
    • Introduction: Craft a compelling hook or opening statement to grab attention. State your purpose clearly.
    • Body: Organize your key points logically. Use a problem-solution structure, or chronological, comparative, or narrative formats depending on your message.
    • Conclusion: Summarize your key points and include a clear call to action or final takeaway.

2. Slide Design

  • Consistent Theme: Ensure that your slides follow a consistent color scheme, font, and layout. Avoid using too many fonts or clashing colors. Consider using a professional template for cohesion.
  • Clarity Over Complexity: Simplify your slides. Each slide should focus on one key message. Avoid overwhelming your audience with excessive text or data.
  • Use of Visuals: Integrate relevant visuals (charts, graphs, images, and infographics) that support your message. Make sure visuals are high quality and easy to interpret.
  • Readable Fonts: Use large, clear fonts (minimum 24pt for body text) to ensure readability. Stick to clean, sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica for a professional look.
  • Slide Transitions and Animations: Keep transitions smooth and animations subtle. Too many flashy effects can distract the audience.
  • Branding: If presenting on behalf of a company, ensure your slides reflect the company’s branding guidelines.

3. Technology Check

  • Test Your Equipment: Ensure your laptop, projector, microphone, or any other equipment is functioning properly. Test all connections, cables, and speakers.
  • Backup Your Presentation: Save multiple copies of your presentation on USB, cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox), and your laptop. This reduces the risk of losing access to your content.
  • Software Compatibility: Ensure your presentation works seamlessly with the software being used on-site. If using PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote, test it on the system you’ll be presenting from.
  • Check for External Media: If you have embedded videos or external media, verify that they load correctly. Have offline versions ready in case of an internet failure.

4. Practice and Rehearsal

  • Time Your Presentation: Practice delivering your presentation within the allocated time. Adjust your content if necessary to fit within the timeframe.
  • Rehearse Out Loud: Go through your entire presentation out loud, simulating the real experience. This helps you get comfortable with the flow, language, and timing.
  • Anticipate Questions: Prepare for potential audience questions. Rehearse answers for common queries related to your presentation topic.
  • Body Language and Voice:
    • Practice standing, gesturing, and moving naturally.
    • Work on voice modulation, varying tone, and avoiding filler words like “um” or “uh.”
  • Record Yourself: If possible, record your practice session to identify areas for improvement in body language, pacing, or clarity.

5. Day of the Presentation

  • Arrive Early: Get to the venue early to set up and address any potential technical issues.
  • Check the Room Setup: Confirm that the seating arrangement, lighting, and screen visibility are all conducive to a good presentation. Ensure all audience members will be able to see your slides clearly.
  • Bring Water: Have water on hand to stay hydrated and keep your voice clear during the presentation.
  • Backup Materials: Bring a printed version of your slides or notes in case of technical issues, so you can continue without disruption.

6. Engaging the Audience

  • Opening Interaction: Engage the audience right away with a question, anecdote, or interesting statistic to grab attention.
  • Eye Contact: Make consistent eye contact with different sections of the audience to keep them engaged.
  • Encourage Participation: Invite questions, comments, or polls during or after your presentation to create a dialogue and keep the audience invested.
  • Use Pauses: Strategic pauses give your audience time to absorb key points, and give you a moment to collect your thoughts.

7. Post-Presentation Follow-Up

  • Handle Q&A Smoothly: End with a strong call to action and then open the floor for questions. Be prepared to handle difficult or unexpected questions diplomatically.
  • Provide Supporting Materials: If appropriate, offer handouts, links, or other supplementary materials for further learning or reference.
  • Follow-Up: After the presentation, follow up with any key audience members or participants who expressed interest or asked for more information.

8. Review and Improve

  • Seek Feedback: Ask for constructive feedback from colleagues or attendees. This will help you refine your presentation skills for the next time.
  • Self-Assessment: Reflect on what went well and what didn’t. Were there any technical issues, timing challenges, or parts where you lost the audience? Use these insights to improve future presentations.

By following this complete presentation checklist, you ensure that your content is well-prepared, your technology is reliable, and your delivery is smooth and engaging. Whether you’re presenting in front of a small team or a large audience, this systematic approach will help you deliver with confidence.

The Road to Delivering a Persuasive Presentation

persuasive presentations

presentation tips

Nov 24, 2014

As we frequently point out, the success of your presentation is measured through the impact it makes on the audience. If you can move them to action and persuade them to consider new ideas, then you’ll know that you’ve done your job right. Whether you’re pitching to investors, selling a product, or sharing your thoughts as an expert in a conference, the main goal is to convince and connect with the audience. As the presenter, you need to show them that your viewpoint is valid and worth their interest. Delivering a persuasive presentation is the quickest route toward this outcome.So what does it take to deliver a persuasive presentation? What do you need to do to enthrall and engage an audience? Here are 3 essential things you’ll need to keep in mind:

Start with a powerful hook

A persuasive presentation should always start with something that will capture the attention of your audience. According to some experts, presenters only have 60 seconds to make a positive impression on stage. If you can’t begin to engage the audience within that time, you might lose their attention quickly. That’s why it’s important to start with a hook. Whether or not you have longer than a few seconds, it’s important to begin with something that will make people sit up with curiosity.The best way to do that is by creating a sense of familiarity and relatability. Try to approach your presentation from the point of view of the audience. Show them that your presentation is more than just a collection of facts and data. Let them see that your presentation is actually relevant to their experience.This is where storytelling is particularly effective. A story is a great way to appeal to emotions. You can share something from your own experience or share a scenario that emphasizes the perspective of the audience. This is especially crucial if you’re delivering a sales pitch. Try to describe a vivid story that situates your audience as the protagonist, highlighting problems that you can solve.

Give your audience something to look forward to

At the heart of it, a persuasive presentation is all about being able to sell an idea. To do that, think about your own experience as a consumer. Why do you choose certain brands over others? Why are you compelled to try out new products? For both scenarios, it’s because you’re offered something you want or need. In other words, products make certain promises that interest you.The same should be said about your presentations. In order to “sell” your own ideas, you have to make a promise that the audience can look forward to. Consider the 2007 Apple Keynote where Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. There, he repeatedly mentioned that their new product was going to “reinvent the phone“. Looking forward to this promise, 700,000 units were bought by consumers within the first weekend of its release.While it’s important to make powerful statements, you should also keep them grounded with supporting facts and data. In his keynote, Steve Jobs provided quick demos, stats, and visuals to strengthen his message. The only promises you should be making are the ones you are sure you can keep. Offer the audience evidence to bolster the validity of your message. Aside from research data, you can also share some testimonials or demonstrations. Let them determine that your presentation is both powerful and reliable.

End with a call to action

When you reach the end of your presentation, it’s not enough to say thank you and quietly ask for questions. First, you’ll need to reiterate your main points, making sure that the main takeaway is clear for the audience to see. Next, you’ll need to urge them to take positive action.Tailor a Call to Action statement that’s specific to the outcome you’re aiming for. After you’ve shared your ideas, it’s time to give the audience a particular goal or objective they can act on. What do you want to happen as a result of your presentation? Your answer to this question should be echoed to the audience in a strong and straightforward voice.As we’ve mentioned in an earlier blog post, you need to be brief and straight to the point. Avoid using phrases that sound like you’re beating around the bush. Statements such as “if it interests you, maybe you can consider…” make it sound like you’re hedging. You need to show confidence in your presentation. If you’re confident about your presentation, the audience will surely feel the same way.There are no shortcuts to a successful presentation, but the quickest route is through the art of persuasion. By delivering a persuasive presentation, you  can move the audience to consider and affirm new ideas. Follow these 3 tips to drive your audience into action and achieve the outcome that you’re hoping for. Featured Image: Corey Leopold via Flickr

Collaboration in Prezi: Creating a Cohesive Vision

Prezi Feature of the Week

prezi tips

prezi tutorial

Nov 20, 2014

Technology continues to make communication and collaboration much easier. Share your ideas and collaborate with everyone in your team with a step-by-step guide in this week’s Prezi Feature. A presentation isn’t always a lone endeavor. Maybe you’re working with collaborators on a new project. Maybe you need to ask some people in your team to corroborate the facts and data you have. Whatever the reason, there will be occasions when your work requires close collaboration with others. If you want to make sure that the core message is properly represented through visuals and content, you’ll need to take into account everybody’s input.Unfortunately, this isn’t as easy as it sounds. The process of collaboration can get a bit tedious, especially when you’re building a presentation deck together. There will be plenty of back and forths between different individuals. Dozens of emails sent. Different versions of the presentation file shared. There are so many steps to go through before everyone can agree on a final “look”. In between those steps, there are a lot of room for error as well. The process will be so much easier if you can all just sit and work together at one time. But what if there’s a conflict in schedules? Or what if your collaborators live across the country from you?We often talk about how today’s technology has significantly increased our ability to communicate, specifically in the world of business. You can save a lot of time and effort if you know which tools to use. Speed up the process and see everyone’s input instantly using Prezi’s collaboration feature.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to keep everyone’s ideas clear and cohesive:

With Prezi’s collaboration feature, you can work with up to 10 different users. While editing your presentation, click on the Share button at the right side of the top menu.Choosing ‘Share prezi’ will prompt a pop up where you can type down the email address of your collaborators. Prezi will send emails informing them that they can edit the presentation with you.From there, it’s as easy as working on your prezi as you usually would. Except now you’re working together with several other people, making your own edits on specific parts of the presentation.If you want to see which part of the prezi your collaborator is working on, click on their avatar and choose ‘Zoom to position’.You can also invite other users to join by expanding the sidebar on the right. If you want to review your prezi once everyone is done making their contributions, just click on ‘Start presentation’.You’ll be the presenter by default, but you can allow your collaborators to take the lead by clicking on their names and choosing ‘Hand over presentation’.

Collaboration is a crucial part of any project. When it comes to preparing presentations, the old saying “two heads are better than one” is often true. Allow others to share their ideas and contribute to create a strong and cohesive vision. Creating a presentation involves a lot of creativity and innovation. With Prezi’s collaboration feature, you can combine the best ideas into a single vision.

Featured Image: Death to the Stock Photo / Prezi logo via Wikimedia Commons

Prezi Tips: How to Create Your Own Designs in No Time

Prezi Feature of the Week

prezi tips

prezi tutorial

Nov 13, 2014

Prezi is known for its dynamic, zoomable presentations that break away from the traditional slide-based format. With Prezi, you can create engaging and visually captivating presentations that move smoothly between different elements, helping you tell a compelling story. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced Prezi user, these tips will help you create your own designs in no time.

1. Start with a Prezi Template

Prezi offers a variety of ready-made templates that can be customized to fit your content. Starting with a template helps save time while providing a solid foundation for your presentation design.Why It’s Effective:

  • Saves Time: Prezi’s templates are professionally designed, allowing you to focus on customizing the content rather than starting from scratch.
  • Provides Structure: Templates provide a clear structure, making it easier to organize your presentation and create a cohesive flow.

How to Do It:

  • Open Prezi and browse the template gallery. Choose a template that matches your presentation’s style and theme.
  • Customize the template by adding your text, images, and other media.

Example: If you’re creating a business pitch, choose a professional template with clean lines and subtle colors that can be easily adapted to your company’s branding.

2. Use Prezi’s Zooming Feature Effectively

One of Prezi’s standout features is its zooming capability, allowing you to zoom in and out of content. This feature can help you present your information in a nonlinear way, making your presentation more interactive and engaging.Why It’s Effective:

  • Enhances Engagement: Zooming adds movement to your presentation, keeping your audience interested and helping them follow along.
  • Emphasizes Key Points: By zooming in on specific elements, you can highlight important information and create a visual hierarchy.

How to Do It:

  • When designing your Prezi, map out the flow of your content so that key points can be zoomed in on when needed.
  • Avoid excessive zooming, which can be disorienting for the audience. Use it strategically to guide the viewer through your presentation.

Example: Use zoom to start with an overview of your topic, then zoom in on specific points for deeper explanations, such as moving from a big-picture concept to detailed case studies.

3. Customize Your Path

In Prezi, your presentation follows a path that connects each element. While templates come with predefined paths, you can customize the path to better suit your narrative and control how the audience navigates through your content.Why It’s Effective:

  • Improves Flow: Customizing the path allows you to create a logical flow that matches the story you want to tell.
  • Tailors the Experience: You can adjust the path to focus more on key points and skip less important details if needed.

How to Do It:

  • Use the Edit Path feature in Prezi to customize the order in which elements are presented.
  • Rearrange, add, or remove elements from the path to create the flow you want.

Example: For a product presentation, you can start with the product overview, zoom in on its features, then move to customer testimonials, and finish with pricing details.

4. Incorporate Multimedia Elements

Prezi allows you to insert multimedia elements such as images, videos, and charts to make your presentation more interactive. These elements not only add variety but also help illustrate complex ideas more clearly.Why It’s Effective:

  • Enhances Engagement: Incorporating multimedia can break up the text and keep your audience visually engaged.
  • Simplifies Complex Information: Visuals like charts or videos can help explain difficult concepts more effectively than text alone.

How to Do It:

  • Drag and drop images, videos, or charts into your Prezi design. Make sure they are relevant to your content and support your key points.
  • Use multimedia elements sparingly to avoid overwhelming your audience.

Example: Include a short product demo video to show how your solution works or insert a chart that visualizes key data points.

5. Make Use of Prezi’s Frames

Frames in Prezi are like slide containers, used to group content together and control how the audience views each section of your presentation. Frames can be circular, rectangular, or invisible, allowing for flexible design.Why It’s Effective:

  • Organizes Content: Frames help break down your presentation into sections, making it easier to manage and navigate.
  • Guides the Viewer: Using frames allows you to control what the audience sees and when, guiding them through your narrative in a structured way.

How to Do It:

  • Use frames to group related content together. For example, one frame might contain all the key benefits of your product, while another contains customer testimonials.
  • Choose from Prezi’s different frame shapes to match the visual style of your presentation.

Example: Create a circular frame to highlight an important statistic and a rectangular frame to show a step-by-step process.

6. Keep It Simple

Prezi’s zooming and interactive features make it tempting to add a lot of movement and content, but it’s important to keep your presentation simple and focused. Overcomplicating the design can distract from your message and confuse your audience.Why It’s Effective:

  • Improves Clarity: Keeping the design simple ensures that your content is the focus and prevents the audience from feeling overwhelmed.
  • Maintains Engagement: A clean, simple design is easier for the audience to follow, helping them stay engaged with your message.

How to Do It:

  • Stick to one main idea per frame and avoid cluttering the design with too many elements.
  • Use zooming and movement sparingly, ensuring that every action serves a purpose.

Example: Instead of cramming multiple charts and text into one frame, focus on presenting one chart at a time, followed by a zoom into a key takeaway.

Final Thoughts

With these tips, you can create your own Prezi designs quickly and efficiently while still delivering an engaging, dynamic presentation. By using templates, customizing paths, incorporating multimedia elements, and keeping your design simple, you’ll be able to create professional, visually appealing Prezi presentations that captivate your audience.

3 More Ways to Memorize Presentations Easily

memorization

memorize presentations

presentation delivery

presentation preparation

Nov 03, 2014

In the past, we discussed a classic technique that you could use to memorize presentations. Heavily featured in the BBC show “Sherlock,” the memory palace technique allows you to use a mental image of any space or location to remember key points in your speech. It’s very effective, often used by memory athletes to memorize a random names or cards in under a few seconds.Of course, the memory palace technique will take longer for newbies who are looking to memorize presentations. If you find it a bit challenging to focus on building your own mind space, there are other methods to help improve your memory and reduce your use of note cards. You’ll never have to worry about mental blocks with these 3 additional ways to memorize presentations.

1. Rehearse your presentation out loud

It’s not enough to just read your presentation again and again. If you really want to memorize presentations, you have to make time for a few rehearsals. According to a study published in 2010, memory can improve by more than 10 percent if information is spoken and repeated out loud.So give yourself time to rehearse your presentation for more than just a few times. You can also make things easier by recording your sessions. Hearing yourself speak will help in internalizing your presentation. It will also help you pinpoint which parts might need more improvement.

2. Keep your rehearsals within the 20-20-20 rule

While repeated rehearsals are important, experts also recommend to keep sessions within the 20-20-20 rule. According to this rule, it will be easier to memorize presentations by reviewing your material for 20 minutes and then repeating the information twice for 20 minutes each. If you’re dealing with longer presentations, you can break up your speech into manageable parts and work piece by piece.

3. Make a mind map of your presentation

It will also help if you can visualize how your ideas and arguments relate to one another. Through a mind map, you can see the logical progression of your presentation. The shape or image you come up with will make it easier to remember how one point connects to the next, as opposed to simply having a list or outline as reference. To make sure your mind map works effectively,  use different colors for each “branch”. You can also add drawings that illustrate your points.

Other helpful tips:

  • Avoid distractions.  It will be hard to focus when you have to periodically answer emails and text messages. Always rid your practice sessions of any distraction. Step away from your computer and turn off notifications for your phone for a while. Keep your attention on the task at hand.
  • Make time for short breaks. Even as you work hard to deliver a great presentation, don’t forget to reward yourself with short breaks. Give yourself time to relax in between each rehearsal to keep your creativity flowing.
  • Get enough sleep. Sleep is also a crucial ingredient in memory improvement. According to several studies, there’s a strong relationship between sleep and memory. As an article on Psychology Today points out, “There is no longer any doubt. Sleep does improve the gelling or consolidation of memory for recently encoded information.” Make sure you get enough rest on the days leading up to your presentation.

As you know, preparing for a big presentation involves a lot of effort. Aside from perfecting your slides and content, you also need to make sure that you remember everything you have to say. Memorize presentations by setting time to rehearse and visualize your materials. You can breeze through your time on stage and never have to worry about your note cards again. Featured Image: Brian Hillegas via Flickr

The End: Tips for Concluding Presentations

concluding your presentations

presentation tips

Presentations

Oct 24, 2014

In movies, beginnings are spent introducing the lead character. During this time, viewers get to connect with the story as it starts to unfold.In the same way, the beginning of a presentation allows the audience to make an initial connection. A powerful beginning can hook an audience, urging them to ask more questions about the topic at hand.Despite this, beginnings can’t fully account for the outcome of your presentation. There’s more to a successful outcome than an eye-catching title slide and a humorous icebreaker. Presentations also need to end on a distinct and powerful note. You can’t just thank the audience and be done with it. Your conclusion should ring true long after the audience leaves the venue. In other words, endings should create as much impact as beginnings do. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when concluding presentations:

Reiterate your main points

After a lengthy discussion, offer a refresher by reviewing the most important points of your discussion. Repeat all your main points using short and quick sentences. Don’t try to explain everything again. Just echo all the sound bites you’ve been repeating throughout your presentation. For full effect, you can make a list and display it on a slide.

Resolve the story

We’ve made a strong case for storytelling in the past. Stories can improve your presentations by allowing your audience to connect with the message you’re delivering.Following your narrative structure, close your presentation by discussing the resolution of your story. Show the audience how the conflict you introduced is eventually worked out and put to rest.

Challenge the audience

It’s important to pose a challenge to your audience. Leave them with a thought-provoking question that will encourage them to reflect on what you’ve shared. If you do it right, your challenging questions will help keep discussions about your presentation alive.

Offer a concrete Call to Action statement

Similarly, you can also end with a Call to Action statement. Give your audience a concrete plan to consider and execute. While the previous method might work for seminars and lectures, a Call to Action statement leaves no room for doubt. If you’re pitching to investors or proposing a new project to executives, you want to make sure that your message is received loud and clear. A Call to Action statement will definitely help with that.–Much like beginnings, endings hold a lot of weight. For presentations, a strong conclusion will ensure that your message sticks with the audience. Keep these tips in mind when concluding presentations and get your intended outcome. Featured Image: Andrew Hurley via Flickr

Troubleshooting Your PowerPoint Display Issues

powerpoint display issues

troubleshooter

Oct 22, 2014

Technical issues during a presentation can quickly derail even the most well-prepared presenter. PowerPoint display problems, such as incorrect resolutions, missing images, or misaligned slides, are common challenges, especially when switching between different devices or setups. Knowing how to troubleshoot and fix these issues quickly can save your presentation and ensure everything runs smoothly. Here’s how to troubleshoot some of the most common PowerPoint display issues:

A woman in professional attire stands in a bright conference room, highlighting a slide focused on client experience for consulting firms on a large screen. Three colleagues, seated at a table, are engaged with the presentation. The room is modern with large glass windows.

1. Display Resolution Mismatch

When presenting on an external display or projector, the resolution on your PowerPoint slides might not match the display’s resolution, resulting in stretched or misaligned images and text. How to Fix It:

  • Check Display Settings: On your computer, go to Settings > System > Display, and make sure your display resolution matches the projector or external monitor’s resolution. Most projectors work best at a resolution of 1920×1080 or 1280×720.
  • Adjust PowerPoint Slide Size: Go to Design > Slide Size in PowerPoint and select the appropriate slide size for your display (Standard 4:3 or Widescreen 16:9).
  • Mirror or Extend Display: If you’re using an external display, ensure that your display settings are either set to Extend (for dual-screen setups) or Duplicate (to mirror your display on the external screen).

Example: When presenting on a widescreen projector, make sure your PowerPoint slides are set to 16:9 aspect ratio to avoid any stretching or black bars on the screen.

2. Missing Fonts or Incorrect Formatting

When transferring your PowerPoint presentation between computers, you may find that certain fonts are missing or that formatting has changed. This is often due to custom fonts or settings not being installed on the presentation device. How to Fix It:

  • Embed Fonts: Before transferring your PowerPoint, go to File > Options > Save and check the box for Embed fonts in the file. This ensures your custom fonts remain intact across devices.
  • Avoid Custom Fonts: Stick to standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) to avoid any issues when presenting on a device that doesn’t have your custom fonts installed.
  • Check Compatibility: If using a Mac to create your PowerPoint but presenting on a Windows device (or vice versa), check your presentation on the target device beforehand to ensure everything displays correctly.

Example: If your presentation relies on a custom font for branding purposes, make sure to embed the font before transferring the file to another device to avoid any last-minute font changes.

3. Images Not Displaying Properly

Sometimes, images in PowerPoint may not display correctly on the presentation screen. This could be due to missing image files, unsupported formats, or broken links if images were inserted from an external source.How to Fix It:

  • Embed Images: Always embed images directly into your PowerPoint file rather than linking to external sources. Go to Insert > Pictures and choose This Device to ensure the images are embedded.
  • Check Image Format: Ensure all images are in supported formats such as JPEG or PNG. Avoid using image formats like TIFF or BMP, which may not display properly on all devices.
  • Reinsert Missing Images: If you notice an image isn’t displaying, try reinserting it into the slide from your local files. Make sure the file is still available on your device if you’re working from a USB drive.

Example: If images disappear when switching between devices, ensure they are embedded in the PowerPoint file rather than linked to an external location.

4. PowerPoint Crashes During Presentation

A PowerPoint presentation crashing mid-presentation can be a nightmare, especially if it’s due to large files, complex animations, or corrupted slides. How to Fix It:

  • Reduce File Size: Compress large images or videos in your presentation. Go to File > Compress Pictures to reduce the overall file size.
  • Simplify Animations: If your PowerPoint is animation-heavy, try simplifying or reducing the number of animations to reduce the load on your system.
  • Update PowerPoint: Ensure you’re using the latest version of PowerPoint, as crashes can often result from outdated software. Check for updates through File > Account > Update Options.
  • Use Safe Mode: If PowerPoint keeps crashing, try opening it in Safe Mode by holding Ctrl while launching PowerPoint. This disables any add-ins or settings that may be causing issues.

Example: Before presenting, test your file by running through the entire presentation to ensure there are no performance issues or crashes due to large video files or animations.

5. Presenter View Not Working

Presenter View is a powerful feature that allows you to see your notes and upcoming slides while your audience sees only the current slide. However, sometimes Presenter View may not display correctly, or you may not be able to access it on an external display. How to Fix It:

  • Enable Presenter View: Go to Slide Show > Use Presenter View and ensure this option is checked. Also, ensure your external monitor or projector is connected correctly and set as the extended display.
  • Adjust Display Settings: If Presenter View doesn’t appear on your screen, go to your computer’s Display Settings and select Extend display mode instead of Duplicate. This allows PowerPoint to use one screen for Presenter View and another for the audience.
  • Switch Displays: In Presenter View, click on the Display Settings menu and choose Swap Displays if Presenter View appears on the wrong screen.

Example: If Presenter View is showing on the projector instead of your laptop screen, use the “Swap Displays” option to switch the view and show only your slides to the audience.

Final Thoughts

PowerPoint display issues can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting techniques, you can resolve these problems quickly and ensure your presentation runs smoothly. By adjusting display settings, embedding fonts and images, compressing large files, and testing your presentation in advance, you can minimize the risk of technical difficulties and deliver a flawless presentation.

Go With the Flow: 5 Tips for Structuring Your PowerPoint Deck

PowerPoint Design

Powerpoint tips

presentation structure

Oct 20, 2014

A well-structured PowerPoint deck is crucial to delivering a presentation that flows smoothly and effectively communicates your message. Proper structuring ensures that your audience stays engaged, understands your points clearly, and can follow along effortlessly from start to finish. Whether you’re preparing for a business pitch, a team meeting, or a client presentation, following these five essential tips will help you craft a PowerPoint deck that flows seamlessly.

1. Start with a Strong Introduction

First impressions matter. Your opening slides set the tone for the entire presentation and should immediately grab your audience’s attention while laying the foundation for what’s to come. A clear, concise introduction will help establish your key message and ensure that your audience is prepared for the main content.

How to Do It:

  • Title Slide: Include the title of your presentation, your name, and the date. Make sure it reflects your presentation’s purpose.
  • Agenda Slide: Use an agenda slide to outline the key points or sections you’ll cover. This gives your audience a roadmap of what to expect and helps them follow the flow.
  • Opening Hook: Start with a statistic, quote, or story that draws your audience in and highlights the relevance of your topic.

Example:

For a sales pitch, start with a title slide followed by a powerful statistic that addresses a common industry challenge. Then, introduce an agenda slide that outlines the key areas you’ll cover: Problem, Solution, Benefits, and Call to Action.

2. Organize Content into Clear Sections

Dividing your content into clear, distinct sections makes your presentation easier to follow and digest. Each section should focus on a single theme or idea, and the flow between sections should be logical and smooth.

How to Do It:

  • Create Section Headers: Use clear headers or divider slides to mark the start of a new section. This helps signal to the audience that you’re transitioning to a new topic.
  • Follow the “Rule of Three”: Group your content into three key sections or takeaways. This approach is psychologically appealing and easier for the audience to remember.
  • Maintain a Logical Sequence: Arrange your sections in a logical order, whether it’s chronological (for timelines) or hierarchical (from high-level ideas to detailed explanations).

Example:

For a project update presentation, organize your slides into three sections: Project Overview, Key Milestones, and Next Steps. Each section should have a clear header slide that transitions smoothly into the next topic.

3. Simplify the Visuals

Cluttered slides can overwhelm and confuse your audience. Keep your visuals simple and focused on supporting your narrative, not distracting from it. The best PowerPoint slides enhance your message rather than overload it with unnecessary details.

How to Do It:

  • Limit Text: Avoid long paragraphs or too much text on your slides. Stick to bullet points or key phrases, and elaborate verbally during your presentation.
  • Use High-Quality Visuals: Incorporate relevant images, charts, or infographics that reinforce your message and make your content more engaging.
  • Follow the “One Idea per Slide” Rule: Each slide should focus on a single point or concept. This keeps the presentation clear and easy to follow.

Example:

Instead of listing multiple data points on a single slide, create a series of slides where each one presents a single data point, supported by a visual graph or image. This makes the information easier to process.

4. Use Transitions to Guide the Flow

Transitions help guide your audience from one point to the next, creating a natural flow that maintains their engagement. Well-placed transitions provide visual cues that you’re moving to a new idea or section, helping to keep the presentation cohesive.

How to Do It:

  • Use Consistent Transitions: Stick to simple, consistent transitions between slides. Avoid flashy or distracting effects that can take away from your message.
  • Signpost Major Changes: Use transitions to clearly signal when you’re shifting from one topic to the next. For example, you might introduce a summary slide or a question to mark the end of one section and the beginning of another.
  • Fade or Zoom: Subtle fade or zoom transitions can be effective for maintaining a smooth, professional flow without being disruptive.

Example:

In a presentation about business growth strategies, use a fade transition between your discussion of challenges and solutions. This signals to the audience that you’re moving from problem identification to problem-solving.

5. End with a Strong Conclusion and Call to Action

The way you end your presentation is just as important as how you begin it. A strong conclusion reinforces your key points and leaves a lasting impression on your audience. A clear call to action (CTA) helps guide them on what to do next, whether it’s visiting your website, signing up for a service, or approving a proposal.

How to Do It:

  • Summarize Key Points: Recap your main takeaways in a concise manner. Use bullet points or a simple slide that reminds your audience of what you’ve covered.
  • Use a Call to Action: Include a CTA slide that specifies the next steps you want your audience to take, such as contacting you, visiting a website, or making a decision.
  • Finish with Impact: End with a memorable closing slide, such as a powerful quote, an inspiring image, or a final statistic that resonates with your key message.

Example:

For a product launch presentation, end by summarizing the product’s benefits, followed by a CTA encouraging the audience to pre-order or visit the product website. Use an impactful final slide with the company’s tagline or a customer testimonial to leave a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts

Structuring your PowerPoint deck effectively is crucial to delivering a smooth, engaging, and successful presentation. By starting with a strong introduction, organizing your content into clear sections, simplifying your visuals, using transitions to guide the flow, and ending with a strong conclusion and CTA, you ensure that your message is conveyed with clarity and impact.Remember, the goal is to keep your audience engaged from start to finish, so focus on delivering content in a logical, well-paced manner that aligns with your objectives. When your PowerPoint deck flows smoothly, your presentation will leave a positive and lasting impression on your audience.

Themes: Customizing a Prezi That’s Unique to Your Presentation

custom themes

presentation design

Prezi Feature of the Week

prezi themes

prezi tutorial

Oct 16, 2014

One of the strengths of Prezi is the ability to create presentations that are highly customized and visually unique. While Prezi offers a range of themes, customizing these themes to fit your specific needs and branding is what will truly set your presentation apart.Here’s how to customize a Prezi theme to make it unique to your presentation:

1. Choose a Base Theme

Prezi offers a variety of base themes that serve as the foundation for your design. While you can start with any theme, the real customization comes from adapting it to your needs and preferences.Why It’s Important:

  • Sets the Tone: The base theme provides a visual framework, such as colors and fonts, which sets the tone for your entire presentation.
  • Gives You a Head Start: Starting with a theme allows you to focus on customizing details instead of building a design from scratch.

How to Do It:

  • Browse the Prezi theme gallery and choose a theme that matches the tone and style of your presentation.
  • Once selected, begin customizing the theme to fit your needs.

Example: If you’re creating a presentation for a creative pitch, choose a theme with bold colors and dynamic layouts. For a corporate presentation, opt for a more subdued, professional theme.

2. Customize Colors to Match Your Brand

One of the easiest ways to make your Prezi unique is by customizing the colors to match your brand. Prezi allows you to adjust the color scheme, which will be applied to backgrounds, text, and other design elements.Why It’s Important:

  • Enhances Brand Recognition: Customizing colors to match your brand makes your presentation instantly recognizable and consistent with other marketing materials.
  • Improves Visual Cohesion: A well-chosen color palette ensures that your presentation looks cohesive and professional.

How to Do It:

  • In Prezi, click on the Theme button to access the color options.
  • Choose colors that reflect your brand or the mood of your presentation. For example, you can use your company’s official colors for backgrounds, headings, and key elements.

Example: If your company’s colors are blue and orange, customize the theme’s color scheme to apply those colors to key elements like backgrounds, text, and lines.

3. Adjust Fonts for Readability and Branding

Fonts are another key element of customization. Prezi allows you to change fonts for headings, subheadings, and body text, ensuring that your presentation is both readable and aligned with your brand’s typography.Why It’s Important:

  • Reinforces Brand Identity: Using your brand’s fonts ensures consistency with your other branded materials, reinforcing your brand’s identity.
  • Improves Readability: Choosing the right font size and style makes your content easier to read, especially when viewed on large screens.

How to Do It:

  • In the Theme settings, adjust the fonts for titles, headings, and body text.
  • Choose fonts that reflect your brand’s personality and ensure they are legible at all zoom levels.

Example: If your brand uses a modern, sans-serif font like Roboto, apply this font to your Prezi headings and body text to maintain a consistent look.

4. Customize Backgrounds

The background of your Prezi sets the overall tone of your presentation. Whether you choose a subtle texture, a bold image, or a simple color, customizing the background helps create a unique and immersive experience for your audience.Why It’s Important:

  • Creates Visual Impact: The background plays a significant role in shaping the audience’s first impression of your presentation.
  • Enhances Storytelling: A well-chosen background can support your narrative and create a more engaging visual experience.

How to Do It:

  • In the Theme settings, choose Customize Background.
  • Upload your own image, choose from Prezi’s library of backgrounds, or select a solid color or gradient that aligns with your message.

Example: For a travel-themed presentation, use a high-quality image of a famous destination as your background. For a more minimalist look, stick to a clean, white background with subtle texture.

5. Use Frames and Layouts Creatively

Frames in Prezi act as containers for your content. While Prezi templates come with predefined frames, you can adjust their shapes, sizes, and positions to fit your unique design vision.Why It’s Important:

  • Adds Personalization: Customizing frames allows you to better control the flow and structure of your presentation.
  • Enhances Visual Interest: Creative use of frames helps make your Prezi more dynamic and visually engaging.

How to Do It:

  • Edit or add new frames to your Prezi by clicking on the Frames menu.
  • Customize the shape and size of frames to suit your content. For example, use circular frames to highlight key statistics or rectangular frames for step-by-step processes.

Example: For a presentation about innovation, use a spiral path with circular frames to create a visually engaging flow that mirrors the iterative process of innovation.

6. Add Your Logo

To reinforce your brand and create a fully customized Prezi, consider adding your company logo to the presentation. This helps maintain brand consistency and professionalism.Why It’s Important:

  • Boosts Brand Visibility: Including your logo ensures that your presentation is clearly associated with your brand.
  • Enhances Professionalism: A logo adds a polished, professional touch to your Prezi design.

How to Do It:

  • Drag and drop your logo into the Prezi workspace, then resize and position it where appropriate.
  • Keep the logo small and unobtrusive but visible enough to reinforce your brand throughout the presentation.

Example: Place your logo in the corner of your title and closing slides or use it as a subtle watermark on key frames to maintain brand presence.

Final Thoughts

Customizing a Prezi theme allows you to create a unique, branded presentation that stands out. By adjusting colors, fonts, backgrounds, frames, and adding your logo, you can ensure that your Prezi aligns with your message, brand, and audience expectations. With these customization tips, you can create a presentation that not only looks great but also communicates your content effectively and memorably.