Category: PowerPoint ideas

The Agenda Slide: A Short PowerPoint Design Lesson

agenda slide

PowerPoint Design

Powerpoint tips

Jul 30, 2014

Most business presentations start with an agenda slide, and it’s usually a bullet point list devoid of any design. If you want to capture and retain your audience’s attention, the agenda slide needs to be more than just a flimsy outline.

Discussing the agenda is an effective way to start presentations in a more corporate and formal setting. It’s your opportunity to frame your presentation in the right direction and show your audience that the information you’re sharing is crucial. But a bullet point list doesn’t stand out. You need an agenda slide that has visual impact. As you can see, nothing about this slide stands out. While the text is certainly minimal, there’s nothing else in the slide that we can consider eye-catching. It’s too bland, and it will definitely set the tone that your presentation is going to be a pretty dull affair.The key to great PowerPoint design, whether it’s for the agenda or any other slide, is the use of interesting images. Visual has enormous effect on our ability to learn and retain information.Now, you can tell that even simple illustrations make a difference. Each point has more impact because they’re illustrated by symbols that your audience is familiar with. I even added a bit more flair by adding animations. I chose to have each point of the agenda revealed bit by bit, so the audience won’t be tempted to read ahead from where I’m talking.Try out these ideas for yourself, or check out our other PowerPoint design tips. However you choose to enhance your agenda slide, make sure that your key points won’t be clouded by too many or too few design elements.Featured Image: Death to the Stock PhotoAll icons from The Noun ProjectNote by Marek PolakovicRating by Icons8Target by Juan Garces15 minutes by Alexander Wiefel

PowerPoint Design Ideas: Visual Storytelling

content marketing

infographics

PowerPoint Design

visual storytelling

Jul 29, 2014

Visual storytelling is gaining more and more traction in social media platforms. Users these days are more inclined towards infographics, photos, and videos than purely text-based content, especially during the advent of social media and fast information.[sg-blog-modules module=one]Brands are wise to take advantage of this trend in their marketing strategies. And you would be too, if you learn to apply visual storytelling in your PowerPoint design.

The importance of visual storytelling

Humans are highly visual creatures. We’re naturally attracted to beautiful colors and interesting patterns. In fact, our brain is able to process images 60,000 times faster than information presented in text. It’s also easier for us to retain visual information. According to Dr. John Medina, after three days, we’re able to recall 65% of information if it was presented with images or illustrations.So if you’re presenting information that’s bulky with data, the audience will thank you if you can integrate comprehensible illustrations. Take the usual charts and graphs a step further by weaving stories through imagery.

Integrating visuals to enhance core message

There’s more to visual storytelling than sticking random pictures to your slides. Your statistics won’t make much sense if the visuals you add only serve an aesthetic purpose. Visual storytelling is about using different media that contribute to the message you’re presenting.As an example, here’s a small part of an interactive infographic by Collaborative Fund, Hyperakt and Start Up American Partnership:Visual storytelling - car sharing infographicThe infographic, which you can view in full here, showcases the positive effects of car sharing to the environment. It offers a lot of statistics that are perfectly illustrated to create more impact. It’s hard to imagine the difference a vague number makes but through this illustration, you can perfectly see how much carbon dioxide emissions have diminished.Here’s another example, this time, from a Facebook post by Intel:

Visual storytelling by Intel-Facebook
Screen cap by Social Media Examiner
Intel showcases their brand identity while adding a bit of humor at the same time. For your PowerPoint design, make sure you choose pictures with interesting narratives. There’s always a rare gem in the sea of cheesy stock photos. Especially if you know where to look.–Your text-based, bullet point-ridden PowerPoint design isn’t helping anyone. It’s not engaging your audience, and it’s not helping you get your message across. Instead, you should consider taking inspiration from visual storytelling. Showcase and illustrate your key points with visual elements, and your PowerPoint design will have more impact.If you need help, contact us to schedule a free consultation. Our professional PowerPoint designers will be happy to take your ideas and turn them into reality.[sg-blog-modules module=two]Featured Image: Håkan Dahlström via Flickr

Five Methods to Elevate Your PowerPoint Designs

powerpoint designs

Jul 17, 2014

Unique PowerPoint designs can do a lot for your presentation. Your PowerPoint deck can be the best marketing tool in your arsenal, but only if you know how to utilize it to your advantage. Knowing the best tricks and techniques is definitely a step in the right direction.[sg-blog-modules module=three]We’ve already discussed quick ways to enhance your PowerPoint designs in the past. This time, we’re going further into details. Elevate your message by using these five methods when working on your slides:

1.) Stop using too much text and bullet points

We’ve made this point time and again, but it’s worth repeating. A PowerPoint deck can excel with the most minimal amount of text. People are visual learners, and are inclined to retain information relayed to them through images, like diagrams or pictures.Remember Guy Kawasaki’s 10/20/30 rule? The only thing you should be adding to your slides are information that is key to your presentation.

2.) Don’t bore your audience with the same themes and templates

Tailor fit your PowerPoint designs to the occasion or the topic you’re discussing. Learn how to customize PowerPoint templates. Chances are, your audience has heard multiple pitches, and would appreciate a more innovative deck on screen.It only takes a bit of effort, and you get to practice your creativity. If you’re pressed for time, you can ask professional PowerPoint designers for help.

3.) Choose color schemes that create balance

Your PowerPoint designs will look polished if you’re smart about color choices. Go with a background color that contrasts with the text on your slides. Color can influence people’s perception of your presentation. Certain colors evoke different emotions in different people, so make sure you know how to use them.If you want to play it safe, use a white or light-colored background works against black text. This may make your PowerPoint design seem too simple, so make sure you add a few color accents.

4.) Illustrate points with interesting images

The Internet is a great source for images, and you’re bound to find dozens that fit the theme of your presentation. Take the time browsing through sites like Flickr.Don’t settle for the dated and cheesy clip arts on PowerPoint. But don’t write them off just yet, because you can take the time to redesign them into unique icons.

5.) Be mindful of fonts

You have plenty of choices when it comes to fonts, but make sure that you settle with something that complements the rest of your PowerPoint design.There are also fonts that work better for certain types of presentations. We’ve written about this in the past. Another important point: make sure that your fonts are readable. Going back to Guy Kawasaki’s rule, make use of fonts that are no smaller than 30 points.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

SlideShare Mastery: Unleashing the Power of PowerPoint Design to Captivate and Inspire

PowerPoint Design

slideshare

Jul 14, 2014

SlideShare is a great platform for sharing knowledge and information. Upload your PowerPoint presentations to the website and you’re sure to reach a broader audience.Since it was created in 2007, SlideShare has been boasting 50 million visitors and 3 billion views a month. That much traffic offers plenty of opportunity for your message to spread. But of course, as with most things on the Internet, you can’t expect your presentation to go viral that easily.SlideShare requires a different technique for PowerPoint design. Without a speaker to explain the details on the slides, presentations have to speak for themselves. Take note of these PowerPoint design tips to help you maximize the famous presentation platform.

Use the right amount of text

Too much text is usually frowned upon in PowerPoint presentation design. Most of the time, presenters opt for adding short phrases to their slides. But with SlideShare presentations, having the right amount of text is crucial. There’s no other way to get your point across.But don’t flood your slides with a barrage of information, either. Make sure your PowerPoint design has captivating and concise copy. It can’t be too short. It just needs to be long enough to convey the message you’re trying to get across.

Discuss one concept at a time

A great way to condense the text and information in your SlideShare presentations is by discussing only one concept at a time. This also helps prevent any information overload from overwhelming the audience.Your content has to flow in an organic way. Structure your presentation in such a way that you can discuss one point in one slide, before moving on to the next one in a new slide.

Visuals are crucial

Visuals are probably more crucial for SlideShare than it is in real-life-presentations. When you’re in front of an audience, you’re able to command attention with enthusiasm and dynamic body language. If you’re a particularly skilled public speaker, you might be able to get away without using a PowerPoint presentation at all.But for SlideShare, a visual PowerPoint design is extremely important. Command the attention of SlideShare users through your use of images, colors, and interesting fonts.

Upload PowerPoint as PDF

SlideShare allows you to upload your PowerPoint presentation in several different formats. But the best file format is PDF. This makes it more compatible across different programs. It’s also a smaller file size than a PowerPoint, which makes it easier to transfer to other devicesIt gives your presentation the most polished, high-quality look. Your PowerPoint design will maintain its crisp images and unique fonts.

Check out our SlideShare account for more tips and inspiration on PowerPoint design. You can also get great ideas by browsing through the featured SlideShares.

Reference

“15 Mind-Blowing Stats About SlideShare.” CMO by Adobe. Accessed July 14, 2014.

3 Easy Ideas to Improve Your PowerPoint Designs

ideas for powerpoint designs

Jul 10, 2014

Great PowerPoint designs are essential for presenters looking to get their message across. We’ve offered plenty of tips to help you improve your PowerPoint designs, and we have three more tips to share.Try these ideas to enhance your PowerPoint slides:

1. The first slide needs to stand out

It’s the first slide of your PowerPoint that will lure your audience’s eyes to attention. You won’t make a good impression if the first thing they see is a cluttered slide with too many elements.Instead, choose a clear title that perfectly expresses what your discussion is going to be about. Enhance with an image that is similarly cohesive to your content.

2. Use high-quality images

Speaking of images, don’t think you can just do a quick Google search and use the first thing you find. The images you use in your PowerPoint designs should be of great quality and look professional and polished.Remember, your PowerPoint deck is representing your company and the products or services that you offer. Read up on how you can find great images online here.

3. Take the time to customize everything

PowerPoint is able to make designing slides easier with the help of standard templates and ready-to-use graphs and charts. But the problem with PowerPoint’s defaults is that they’ve been used to death.Don’t worry—you don’t have to sacrifice the convenience of these one-click design tools. But you do have to take some time to customize the defaults you use.

If you need more inspiration for your PowerPoint designs, check out our extensive portfolio. We are also available for a consultation should you decide to work with our professional PowerPoint designers.

Reference

Kapterev, Alexei. “Death by PowerPoint (and how to fight it).” CUNY. Accessed July 10, 2014.Featured Image: Martin Abegglen via Flickr

Tech Talk: Mastering PowerPoint for Product Launch Presentations

software product announcements

technology powerpoint tips

Jul 01, 2014

Many companies have been opting to announce upcoming products at major events. This is especially prevalent in the technology and software industries.Earlier this month, Apple introduced everyone to iOS8 and OS X Yosemite at WWDC 2014. Similarly, several video game developers announced details of their forthcoming titles at E3 2014.A software product announcement is crucial to generating buzz around your pending release. It’s a type of presentation that’s similar to a product pitch. Previously, you pitched in board rooms to potential investors. Now, you’re introducing your big idea out to the public.Just like any other presentation, software product announcements need to be both engaging and informative.Do that by tapping into your audience’s visual sense with technology PowerPoint slides. Keep these pointers in mind when making a technology PowerPoint for the occasion:

1. Create a slide that hooks your audience

The beginning of your technology PowerPoint should have a slide that perfectly summarizes the product you’re presenting to the market.This slide should have a sound bite that reporters and potential users can easily relay. When Steve Jobs first introduced the iPhone in 2007, the sound bite was, “iPhone: Apple reinvents the phone”. Make the slide even more appealing by adding visuals of your software at work.

2. Tell a short but meaningful story

You’ve heard this tip before. It’s important for almost every type of presentation you can give. And it’s especially crucial for creating technology PowerPoint presentations meant to introduce new software to the masses.Skip long-winded explanations about the unique technological positioning of your product. Instead, get to the heart of it. What is your new software for? How is it important to people?But don’t get too carried away with the story-telling, as well. Make it meaningful, but short enough to be memorable.

3. Describe your product creatively

Of course, your product should feature heavily throughout the technology PowerPoint presentation.But more than just explaining the hypothetical nuts and bolts behind your software, you should describe your software in a way that’s relevant to your target market.

4. Choose color schemes that are consistent with your product

It’s important to choose color schemes that are consistent with your software.This way, your audience can easily become with your product, even if it’s just on an aesthetic level.Other basic presentation design rules you should follow include using easy-to-read fonts and high-contrasting colors for text and background.

5. Show-off with demos

This is the part of your technology PowerPoint that matters most. Back up all your previous slides by showing a video clip that demonstrates how your software works.The best way to explain your new product is by showing everyone how it works. Amp up the anticipation around your software by showing only a quick peek at the software.

If you still need help coming up with creative and professional designs for your presentation, don’t hesitate to contact us for a quick consultation. You can view some of our software and technology PowerPoint slides in our portfolio.

Reference

“Vision.” Brain Rules. Accessed July 01, 2014. Feature Image from Wikimedia Commons

Breathing Room: Unleashing the Power of White Space in PowerPoint Presentations

powerpoint designs

white space

Jun 25, 2014

In visual arts, white space refers to the unmarked portion of a page or the empty space in-between content. This graphic design element, however, is more than just a passive by-product of a layout design. White space helps create balance and harmony, allowing a canvas or page to look more appealing.White space is also great for one important purpose. According to designer Corina Ciripitca, graphic artists use it to guide the viewers’ eye and lead them from one element on the page to another. You can also apply this principle to your PowerPoint designs.

Greater impact

Also known as negative or blank space, white space (though, it doesn’t always have to be white) is added to a layout in order to create better structure. As a result, the text or image that the space surrounds generates greater impact. Just look at the sample below:  The image, one of Volkswagen‘s famous ads, utilizes white space to effectively convey its message. Compared to a cluttered design, the advertisement retains only the most essential parts of its message, leaving room for the viewer’s gaze to rest.This avoids sensory overload, which, similar to information overload, defeats the point of communicating to the audience. Too many things going on can overwhelm your audience and bury all the information under superficial details.

Less clutter

With your slide design, leaving plenty of white space can make a lot of difference. In fact, white space has made such an impact on the design industry that Smashing Magazine‘s Vitaly Friedman and a few other writers wrote extensively on the topic.It makes the text as legible as possible while allowing images to capture attention. This means that there’s no need to fill your slide’s empty areas with logos or other pointless graphics or text that do not add to your key points. The less cluttered your slides look, the more powerful your message will become.

Better appreciation

Putting too much text and images can drown out the key points on your slides. When used strategically, the white space on your slides will inform your audience instantly where to look. Apart from making your layout easier to follow, it also offers the eye a visual rest. Using white space in PowerPoint designs is probably one of the easiest ways to add impact to your slides. As you put enough blank spaceAs you put enough blank space around an image or text, you emphasize their importance. In turn, they capture your audience’s attention. Ultimately, even if you don’t know anything about layout design, mastering the use of white space in PowerPoint designs can significantly improve the way you create your slides.

Craft a winning PowerPoint with a simple deck that doesn’t flood the audience’s eyes. Once you’re through with this, you can focus on your pitch and polish your overall presentation.

References

Ciripitca, Corina. “Why Is White Space Good For Graphic Design.” Designmodo. October 13, 2011. Accessed June 25, 2014.Friedman, Vitaly. “White Space and Simplicity: An Overview.” Smashing Magazine. January 12, 2007. Accessed June 25, 2014.

Captivating Presentations: Tailoring Your PowerPoint to Engage and Inspire Your Audience

audience

Powerpoint

Jun 20, 2014

When it comes to live presentations, connecting with your audience is everything. Apart from providing you with the right push to carry on, being able to engage your audience means you have somehow earned their trust. Whether you are pitching an idea, selling a product, or sharing a lesson, that connection will make it possible for your call to action to get the appropriate response. So how do you connect with your audience? Try tailoring your message to them.

Know Your Audience

It pays to learn some information about your audience in advance. If you have access to such info, take note of the following:Do the members of the audience belong to the same age bracket? Are children going to be present?Is your potential audience a formal or informal crowd?What are their levels of education?What are their common interests (business, recreational activities, political belief, etc.)?Most importantly: Why are they attending the presentation? Did they volunteer or their bosses sent them?Take into consideration the answers to these questions so you’ll be prepared to adjust to any scenario.

Use Visuals That Appeal to Them

Make use of images, diagrams, and chart designs are familiar to your audience. (This is where the info you have of them would be very useful). If majority of the audience members is composed of business executives, for example, then it is safe to say that you won’t be using images of Pokemon or Little Pony. The point is, select images that your audience will be able to relate to.You may also want to use the colors that is most associated with your audience. If you’re pitching to a company, incorporate the colors of their logo. Or if you are presenting to a group of students, make use of their school colors.

Watch Your Language

Certain groups of people have their language or jargon. Techies have their own and so as business professionals. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to speak like them. Just be mindful of your choice of words and make sure that they fit your audience.Designing your PowerPoint for your audience gives you the edge you need to establish rapport with them. It allows you to sort of condition their mind before you go in for the kill.

Mastering the Art of Healthcare Presentations: 3 Practical Tips for Captivating Audiences

healthcare presentations

powerpoint presentation for healthcare

Jun 16, 2014

Effective and engaging presentations can be a challenging achievement to attain. But the challenge doubles with healthcare presentations, when details of the topic at hand sound alien to the general public.Whether you’re about to give a lecture in a seminar, inform the market about a new medical breakthrough, or pitch to potential investors, you can prevent your audience from nodding off to sleep. Here are three practical tips to make your healthcare presentations engaging.Here are three practical tips to make your healthcare presentations engaging.

Be accessible

It’s easy to lose your audience to technical terms and concepts, so it’s important to keep your healthcare presentations accessible. You can do this in three simple ways:

1.) Use PowerPoint slides

Well-designed PowerPoint slides can help your audience visualize the structure of your presentation, preventing them from feeling lost or confused. Use large font sizes (at least 30 points, according to keynote speaker and renowned venture capitalist, Guy Kawasaki) and keep the number of slides to a minimum. Create an attractive but simple PowerPoint design by using color schemes, backgrounds, and fonts consistently.

2.) Explain difficult concepts with illustrations, stories, and metaphors 

Healthcare presentations are informative in nature, so it’s impossible to completely eradicate the use of technical terms. Illustrate difficult concepts with flowcharts or graphs. You can also try to relate these concepts through stories from your own experience or clever metaphors.

3.) Explain jargon in layman’s terms

Similarly, try your to avoid using jargon. If you have to, explain them in a language that’s easy to understand.

Get straight to the point 

Condense your talk into concise points that are pertinent to your audience’s needs. Don’t waste your time explaining a complicated concept, because it can easily lead you off tangent.Keep your talking points short but significant by answering What’s, Why’s, and How’s.

Prepare a complete handout

Presenters often make the crucial mistake of giving out printed copies of their slides as handouts. While this may work sometimes, remember that there is a difference between the two:Your PowerPoint slides are visual aids that help enhance your presentation. Handouts are for your audience to refer back to after your presentation.A complete handout has all the information you discussed organized into neat sections, plus the handy illustrations you used to explain complicated concepts.You can also use it as a ‘footnote’ section by expounding on some details you edited out of your pitch.

Conclusion

Each presentation type is unique. Healthcare presentations may be more technical and specific than others, but that doesn’t mean it should be less engaging.Make your pitch and your deck more accessible to your audience, be as straightforward as possible to keep your content compact, and don’t forget to prepare a handout that delineates each key point.Deliver an effective healthcare presentation with these tips!

Basic Preparation Techniques for a Successful Presentation

powerpoint preparation

presentation

Jun 09, 2014

Preparation is the key to a great presentation. Being prepared wouldn’t just help you deliver your message in exactly the way that you planned it.This can also boost your confidence as you stand in front of a live audience. To help you out, you may want to follow these three basic preparation techniques for a successful presentation:

Consider Your Audience

As you prepare your material, don’t forget to take your prospective audience into account. According to software expert, Wendy Russell, tailoring your presentation to your audience can make it easy for you to build rapport with them. Apart from the age, gender, and professional background, here are the things that you should consider:

  • The schedule of the presentation – Will you be presenting during work hours or their free time?
  • Their familiarity with your topic – Do they know anything about your subject matter or is this the first time they are hearing about it?
  • Your general purpose and tone – Are you going to educate, inform, or inspire? Would it be alright to use humor or will they find it inappropriate?

Thinking about these things can also help you write your speech better.

Memorize and Time Your Speech

Reading from your notes the whole time will make you sound boring and insincere. Use your notes (and to some extent, the slides) to guide you, but don’t rely on them as a crutch.When you know your speech by heart, you will be able to exude confidence and leave a better impression. It also opens up an opportunity for you to ad lib and create a more spontaneous and relaxed atmosphere.It helps to know how long you have to present. Remember that not all people can maintain concentration in a meeting that takes too long to finish.Apart from making it interesting, keep your presentation concise and structured. Keynote speaker Guy Kawasaki recommends that speakers present for only 20 minutes and use 10 slides at the most. If you are able to wrap up your speech with still a few minutes to spare, use it for a quick Q and A.

Get the Feel of the Place

Try gathering as much information as possible about the place where you’re going to make your presentation. If time permits, arrange to see the place before the actual event.This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Visualizing the place can help subdue any anxieties or edginess that you’ll feel.This also provides you with the opportunity to practice your speech and test the room’s acoustics. While you’re at it, you may also want to check some technical details such as the availability of microphones, the quality of the projector, etc.

These are just some of the preparation techniques that you can do to ensure a successful presentation. Whatever you do, just keep in mind that if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.

References

“The 10/20/30 Rule of PowerPoint.” Guy Kawasaki. December 30, 2005. Accessed June 9, 2014.Russell, Wendy. “Who Is Your Audience? Did You Bother to Check?“ About.com Tech. Accessed June 9, 2014.

About SlideGeniusSlideGenius.com is your business PowerPoint guru. Based in San Diego, California, SlideGenius has enhanced the presentations of more than 500 clients all over the world, including J.P. Morgan, Harley-Davidson, Pfizer, Verizon, and Reebok. Let SlideGenius help you with your presentation needs! Call us at 1.858.217.5144 today.