Category: Rick Enrico Blog

4 Easy Tips to Manage Your PowerPoint File Size

Powerpoint tips

powerpoint tutorial

presentation tips

Feb 20, 2015

PowerPoint presentations can quickly become large and unwieldy, especially when they contain high-resolution images, videos, or embedded content. Large file sizes can cause problems when sharing the presentation via email, slow down performance, or even lead to difficulty opening the file on older devices. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to reduce the file size without compromising the quality of your presentation.Here are four easy tips to help you manage and reduce your PowerPoint file size.

1. Compress Images

High-resolution images are often the primary culprit behind large PowerPoint files. PowerPoint has built-in tools that allow you to compress images without significantly losing quality. Compressing images reduces their file size, helping you keep the overall size of the presentation manageable.

How to Compress Images:

  1. Select an Image: Click on any image in your presentation.
  2. Go to the “Picture Format” Tab: At the top of PowerPoint, navigate to the Picture Format tab.
  3. Click “Compress Pictures”: In the ribbon, click on Compress Pictures.
  4. Choose Compression Options: Uncheck “Apply only to this picture” if you want to compress all images in the presentation. Then, select the desired resolution (e.g., Email (96 ppi) for maximum compression or Web (150 ppi) for moderate compression).
  5. Click OK: PowerPoint will compress the selected images and reduce the overall file size.

Tip:

Choose a resolution based on how you plan to share the file. For email, lower resolutions work well, but for printed presentations, you might want to select a higher resolution for better quality.

2. Use the “Link to File” Option for Videos

Embedding videos directly into your PowerPoint presentation can significantly increase the file size. Instead of embedding large video files, you can link to the video file on your computer. This keeps the PowerPoint file size small and allows the video to play without being embedded in the presentation.

How to Link a Video:

  1. Go to the “Insert” Tab: Click on Insert at the top of PowerPoint.
  2. Select “Video”: Choose “Video on My PC” from the Video dropdown menu.
  3. Select Your Video: Find and select the video file you want to include.
  4. Click the Arrow Next to “Insert”: Click the arrow next to the Insert button and select “Link to File” instead of embedding the video.

Tip:

When linking a video, make sure to keep the video file in the same folder as the PowerPoint file to avoid broken links when moving or sharing the presentation.

3. Embed Fonts Carefully or Avoid Embedding Them

Embedding custom fonts in a PowerPoint presentation ensures that your fonts will appear correctly on any device. However, this can dramatically increase file size, especially if you’re using multiple fonts or font variations. If file size is a concern, consider embedding only necessary fonts or avoiding font embedding altogether.

How to Manage Font Embedding:

  1. Click the “File” Tab: Open the File tab at the top left of the PowerPoint window.
  2. Click “Options”: Scroll down and click Options at the bottom of the left menu.
  3. Go to the “Save” Section: In the PowerPoint Options window, select Save.
  4. Manage Font Embedding:
    • To embed fonts, check the box next to “Embed fonts in the file.”
    • To reduce the file size, choose “Embed only the characters used in the presentation” or uncheck the box altogether if you can use standard system fonts.

Tip:

If you’re using widely available system fonts (like Arial or Times New Roman), avoid embedding fonts entirely to save space. If you do embed fonts, limit it to the necessary characters.

4. Save the Presentation as a Compressed File Format

One of the simplest ways to reduce the file size of your PowerPoint is by saving it in a compressed format. PowerPoint offers the PPTX format, which is a compressed version of the older PPT format. Saving your presentation as a PPTX file can help reduce file size without affecting the content or quality.

How to Save as PPTX:

  1. Click the “File” Tab: In PowerPoint, go to the File tab.
  2. Select “Save As”: Choose Save As and select a location to save the file.
  3. Choose “PowerPoint Presentation (*.pptx)”: In the “Save as type” dropdown, make sure to select “PowerPoint Presentation (*.pptx)”.
  4. Click “Save”: This will save your presentation in the smaller, compressed PPTX format.

Tip:

Always use the PPTX format for your presentations, as it’s more efficient and has better support for modern features than the older PPT format.

Final Thoughts

Managing the size of your PowerPoint presentation can help improve its performance, make it easier to share, and ensure smooth delivery during presentations. By compressing images, linking to videos, carefully managing font embedding, and saving your presentation in a compressed format, you can significantly reduce the file size without compromising on quality or content. These simple steps will ensure that your PowerPoint files remain manageable and accessible, whether you’re sharing them via email or presenting them on different devices.

Presentation Planning in 5 Easy Steps

presentation planning

presentation preparation

presentation tips

Feb 19, 2015

Preparing for a high-stakes presentation is often stressful.With so many different factors to consider, presenters might find themselves feeling pressured to create a memorable and efficient pitch. Planning then becomes a process that might involve a lot of frustration.If you’re stressed out about that big presentation your boss recently assigned, there’s an easy way to keep your presentation planning organized.By focusing on these five guidelines, you’ll be able to work through the process one detail at a time:

1.) How do you want the audience to react? 

As a presenter, it’s your responsibility to leave the audience with a favorable impression. The points you discuss should stand even after you’ve finished your speech.As you prepare to draft the points you want to cover, ponder on how you want the audience to react to what you share.Do you want them to feel inspired? Do you want them to be persuaded to take concrete action?Whatever you decide, focusing on your desired effect will help you set the overall tone of your presentation.

2.) What do you want the audience to remember? 

Another thing to consider is your presentation’s key takeaway.Think of it as your presentation’s premise. It’s a simple idea that can accurately describe all the points and arguments you want to discuss.Again, consider the one idea you want your audience to leave the venue with.To get an exact statement, think about the topic you’re covering and figure out how much of it will be included in the scope of your discussion.

3.) What will happen as a result of your presentation? 

According to public speaking guru, Stephen Boyd, establishing a sense of direction from the get-go is essential in guiding your listeners over your presentation. This also effectively captures people’s attentions, because it gives your pitch structure and meaning.For that, always keep your desired outcome in mind.Should everything go smoothly, what is your ideal scenario? Whether it’s to close in on a deal or impress upper management, use this as a guide on to act on the day itself.What can you do to help convince the audience of your message’s credibility? What should you say if things fall apart and you have to salvage the situation?

4.) How can you motivate the audience to take action? 

With an intended outcome in mind, you can zero in on how to motivate your audience to take action.At this stage, you need to consider their perspective. If you can learn what you can about their goals, you can tailor your presentation for them.In this way, it will be easier to reach out and push them toward the results you want to see.

5.) How will you involve them in your discussion? 

Finally, it will help if you can think of ways to increase audience engagement in your presentation. It’s important to establish rapport with the audience and make them feel involved in your presentation. No one wants to sit through an hour long monologue.According to leading venture capitalist, Marc Cenedella, knowing your audience is essential in engaging them and avoiding miscommunication during your presentation. To do this, periodically ask your listeners if they have questions or comments.When they do participate, be open to hear an opinion that’s different from your own.If you can, refer to the points they bring up as you move your discussion.

Presentation planning can be a lot of work. However, you can get an easy start by asking yourself these key questions. At the end of the day, what truly matters is that you deliver a presentation that results into positive action from your audience.

 

References

“Audience Participation: 4 Crucial Questions to Answer.” SlideGenius, Inc. August 28, 2014. Accessed February 18, 2015.Cenedella, Marc. “Know Your Audience.” The Ladders. Accessed February 18, 2015.”Fine-tuning Your Presentation’s Core Message.” SlideGenius, Inc. November 11, 2014. Accessed January 12, 2016.”Producing Powerful Presentations.” SBoyd. Accessed February 18, 2015. Featured Image: picjumbo.com

PowerPoint Advice for Confused Mac Users

powerpoint advice

powerpoint for mac

Powerpoint tips

powerpoint tutorial

Feb 18, 2015

PowerPoint for Mac users can sometimes feel a little different from its Windows counterpart, but with the right approach, you can still take full advantage of its powerful features. If you’re a Mac user struggling to navigate PowerPoint, this guide will help clarify some key differences and tips for smoother operation.

1. Learn the Mac-Specific Shortcuts

Macs have different keyboard shortcuts compared to Windows, which can make PowerPoint usage feel unfamiliar. Learning these shortcuts can save time and frustration.Why It’s Important:

  • Increases Efficiency: Knowing the right shortcuts speeds up your workflow.
  • Reduces Confusion: Using Mac-specific shortcuts ensures you’re not fumbling with the wrong commands.

Example: Use Command + Z to undo and Command + C to copy, instead of the Windows Ctrl equivalents.

2. Understand the Differences in Menus

Mac PowerPoint’s ribbon and menu layout is slightly different from the Windows version, so certain features may be located in unexpected places.Why It’s Important:

  • Reduces Frustration: Familiarizing yourself with the layout helps you quickly find the tools you need.
  • Enhances Productivity: A smoother navigation experience leads to more productive work.

How to Do It:

  • Explore the Insert, Format, and View tabs, which are similar but not identical to the Windows version.
  • Take note of any tools that seem to be missing; they might just be under a different menu on the Mac.

3. Use the Mac-Specific Features

PowerPoint for Mac integrates well with other Mac applications, offering features like seamless embedding of media files from your Apple devices or using AirDrop to share presentations across devices.Why It’s Important:

  • Maximizes Functionality: Leveraging Mac-specific features allows you to optimize your workflow.
  • Improves Collaboration: Sharing files or media across devices makes collaboration easier.

How to Do It:

  • Use AirDrop to share presentations with nearby devices.
  • Embed media files directly from your Photos app to integrate with your presentation more easily.

4. Sync with iCloud for Easy Access

Mac users can take advantage of iCloud to store their presentations and access them from any device.Why It’s Important:

  • Ensures Accessibility: With iCloud, you can easily access and edit your presentation on multiple devices without needing to transfer files manually.
  • Provides Backup: iCloud automatically backs up your files, protecting your work from accidental loss.

How to Do It:

  • Save your presentations to iCloud Drive from within PowerPoint.
  • Access your presentations from any Mac or iOS device by signing into your iCloud account.

5. Use Presenter View Effectively

PowerPoint for Mac has a Presenter View that lets you see your notes, upcoming slides, and a timer—just like in the Windows version. Familiarizing yourself with this tool will make your presentations run more smoothly.Why It’s Important:

  • Enhances Presentation Delivery: Presenter View helps you stay organized and deliver a more polished presentation.
  • Improves Confidence: Having your notes and upcoming slides at hand makes you feel more in control.

How to Do It:

  • Go to Slide Show > Presenter View to activate it during your presentation.
  • Make sure to connect your Mac to a projector or external screen for Presenter View to work correctly.

Final Thoughts

PowerPoint for Mac users can sometimes feel different from the Windows version, but with practice, you can master its features. By understanding the shortcuts, layout differences, and Mac-specific functionalities, you can create and deliver professional presentations with ease.

Notes from TED: Presentation Tips from Memorable TED Talks

presentation analysis

presentation lessons

presentation tips

TED talks

Feb 17, 2015

We’re big fans of TED Talks around here. Aside from getting to hear “ideas worth sharing,” the best TED Talks can also act as a crash course on presentation. If you’re looking to improve your presentation skills, TED.com is just a click away. You’re sure to find valuable lessons you can learn from.With that, we decided to take a closer look at some of the most popular TED Talks to date. We picked out three from the venerable list and broke down their benefits and methods for you. In this process, we hope to point out the different takeaways that could help improve the next presentation you deliver.Take a closer look at some of the most memorable TED Talks for valuable presentation lessons:

Ken Robinson on how to engage an audience in ‘How schools kill creativity’

Ken Robinson’s critique on today’s educational system is the most popular TED Talk, having over 30 million views. It’s no surprise that it’s a great study on how presenters can engage with their audience. Watch his delivery closely and see how the following points contribute to audience engagement:

1.) While the premise is presented straight away, Robinson was able to underline its importance with two stories that show the amazing creativity of children. The second story was even about his own son, which allowed the audience to see a part of him that they could easily relate to. He continued to share stories between discussions of his main arguments, allowing the audience to understand them better.

2.) He also encouraged audience engagement by posing rhetorical questions throughout his speech. By pausing every now and then to ask a question, he challenged his audience to think about the assertions he was making. They might not have had the chance to share their thoughts, but they were still actively participating by forming their own opinions.

3.) He made it easy for the audience to follow his presentation. His takeaways were always highlighted by transition phrases that prompt the audience to sit up and listen. By using phrases like “I think you’d have to conclude”, he made it clear that he was about to say something important.

Al Gore is clear and consistent in ‘Averting the global warming crisis’

The best thing about Al Gore’s TED Talk is his no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point delivery. While he made sure to engage the audience with humor and anecdotes, what really stands out is his ability to talk about a complex and often controversial topic.

1.) Gore didn’t spend much time with preludes and introductions. After gaining the audience’s attention, he plunged straight into the  discussion. This is something that’s important for business presentations. While it’s important to keep people engaged, you also need to make sure that your goals and purpose are clear to everyone.

2.) The structure he followed makes this easy. He introduced one point, gave an explanation, and offered an example. Through it all, he offered call-to-action statements that gave the audience a specific idea on how to contribute to his cause.

3.) Most importantly, he made use of visuals to elevate his message. His slides contained plenty of data that were simplified into charts to help the audience digest all the new information.

Elizabeth Gilbert is a powerful storyteller in ‘Your elusive creative genius’ 

In her TED Talk, best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert goes into the intricacies of living a creative life. To teach artists and writers like her to overcome the anxiety and apprehension they feel about their work, she starts by sharing stories. Observe how she carefully integrates storytelling to a cohesive presentation:

1.) She raised the emotional stakes by starting with personal anecdotes. To give the audience a chance to connect with her message, she made use of examples from her personal experience. She shared her own anxieties and positioned herself as someone who is relatable and personable.

2.) To highlight her points, she shared stories from other cultures and fellow writers. This allowed her audience to envision real people behind the concepts being discussed. To tie her entire presentation together, she then returned to her own experience and shared how she finally overcame the problem she initially presented.

3.) Even when she told a wide array of stories, none of these digressed from the core message of her presentation. In fact, it helped her message resonate throughout the presentation because these stories were perfectly in line with her original premise.

TED Talks can teach you insights from a wide-array of topics that can help improve your own work or career. They can also provide you a handful of important presentation tips and lessons. Whether you’re preparing for a sales pitch or a big conference, take note of these TED Talk lessons to successfully get your message across.

 

References

“Hook, Line, and Sinker: What Makes a Great Presentation Story.” SlideGenius, Inc. December 11, 2014. Accessed February 16, 2015.”The Art of Graphs and Charts.” SlideGenius, Inc. April 21, 2014. Accessed February 17, 2015.The most popular talks of all time. TED. Accessed February 17, 2015.”Presentation Tips: 5 Quick Steps to Audience Engagement.” SlideGenius, Inc. December 16, 2014. Accessed February 17, 2015. Featured Image: Stefan Schäfer, Lich via Wikimedia Commons

What You Need to Achieve Presentation Success

PowerPoint Design

presentation design

presentation success

presentation tips

Feb 16, 2015

Delivering a successful presentation isn’t always easy. As we’ve already established, success requires a lot of planning and preparation. There’s no shortcut to achieving success. That said, start considering the essential steps to perfecting your output.Cross off these things from your to-do list and you’re sure to get where you want to be:

Establish a concrete goal

You can’t reach your destination unless you know which way to go. That’s why it’s important to establish and map out your goals—whether it be to seal a deal with prospects or gain new investors for your venture. Consider these your overall destination.To get there, you need to think about a few other markers.Set aside some time to think about what you want your presentation to be like. Aside from your overall goal, think about the message you want to share.Ask yourself what you want your listeners to remember about your presentation. What message will help you achieve more?

Connect with your audience

The next step to presentation success is making sure your message suits the audience. After all, connecting with them is a vital ingredient of your presentation. Otherwise, you’ll end up boring people.If you want to avoid such a scenario, research the people you’ll be presenting to. What kind of group are they? What is the presentation for and why should it be valuable to them?How do you make sure the points you’ll present add to their knowledge? How can you tell a story that will push them towards positive action? Consider these 4 questions to create a reliable audience profile to help build your presentation.[sg-blog-modules module=one]

Use your time wisely

Time is another factor to consider when it comes to achieving presentation success. You won’t have all day to make your point, so you need to be able to create a presentation that makes the most of the time you’re given. Whether you only have 30 minutes or more than an hour, start off your presentation strong.The first few minutes is extremely crucial. Your performance during this time will help determine if your audience will maintain their attention until the very end.The introduction will set the tone of your entire presentation. Make sure you use this time to make a noticeable impression. After that, you still need to sustain the energy you initially established.Presentation expert Carmine Gallo had suggested incorporating “soft breaks” after every 10 minutes. Spend 10 minutes making your point, and then give your audience a chance to catch up by re-engaging them using these techniques.

Make sure your slides stand out

Your PowerPoint slides can play a huge role in presentation success. Even the best message needs the help of visuals to engage a commonly disengaged audience.We’ve given plenty of design advice over the years, but here are a few more that might help you on your road to presentation success:

  • Don’t be too conscious of the number of slides you’re using because this will depend on the content of your presentation. A more helpful method would be to draft out all the points you want to make and condense them to slides through a storyboard.
  • All your design choices will contribute to pushing your message forward. Make sure the color scheme, fonts, and graphics you use help set up a theme that doesn’t distract from what you’re trying to say.
  • Simple slides aren’t necessarily boring. In presentations, “less is more” is actually a valuable motto. A lot of presentations are weighed down by over-the-top graphics and animation. For your presentation, be mindful of using white space and other design elements.

Achieving presentation success doesn’t have to be difficult. All you need is time to plan what you want to say and prepare accordingly.

Think about the message you want to deliver and make sure everything you do helps you push that message forward to the audience. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to contact our presentation design experts. We can create PowerPoint slides that will help ensure your perfect outcome.

[sg-blog-modules module=three]

References

“Audience Participation: 4 Crucial Questions to Answer.” SlideGenius, Inc. August 28, 2014. Accessed February 16, 2015.”Choosing the Right Colors for Your PowerPoint Design.” SlideGenius, Inc. June 3, 2014. Accessed February 16, 2015.Gallo, Carmine. “Why PowerPoint Presentations Always Die After 10 Minutes And How To Rescue Them.” Forbes. April 30, 2014. Accessed February 16, 2015.”How to Organize Your Ideas with a Presentation Storyboard.” SlideGenius, Inc.. September 1, 2014. Accessed January 8, 2015.”Introductions: 5 Creative Ways to Start Your Presentation.” SlideGenius, Inc. November 30, 2014. Accessed February 16, 2015. Featured Image: Death to the Stock Photo

3 Easy Steps to Your Own PowerPoint Design

PowerPoint Design

powerpoint template

Powerpoint tips

Feb 04, 2015

Don’t let an important message get buried under bad PowerPoint design. A great story can fall short if your visuals end up boring the audience.The standard bullet point design won’t do much for your success. If you really want to be impressive and make sure your message sticks, be diligent in creating effective PowerPoint slides, which you can do in three easy steps.Today, we’re sharing tips on how you can create unique and memorable designs without ruining your schedule.

Step 1: Customize a PowerPoint template

Creating your own deck design from scratch is a daunting task. Unless you have a perfectly planned concept, it’s better to go down another route. Start with a PowerPoint template that you can customize, which you can apply using the Slide Master function.To upgrade default PowerPoint templates, create your own color schemes. You can follow the color patterns of your company’s branding efforts or use programs like Adobe Color CC to find the perfect combination.You can also use high-quality images as backgrounds to some of your slides. Just remember to choose images that aren’t too heavy on the eyes. They shouldn’t stick out from the overall visual theme of your PowerPoint design.

Step 2: Add carefully curated images

Aside from images for backgrounds, it’s also important to illustrate your points with pictures.There are plenty of different images find on the Internet that will fit the subject matter of your presentation. Just be sure to carefully browse through your wealth of choices, aiming for images that allow for a unified look in your PowerPoint design.Other than the overall theme of your images, make sure that they all match visually. You might find some images are too saturated and underexposed.To solve the problem, make adjustments and corrections using photo-editing tools in PowerPoint.

Step 3: Be mindful of good design practices

As you put the different elements of your slide deck together, it’s important to keep good design practices in mind. These include the sparse use of text and animation, as well as the careful consideration on which font types to use.Among our most important lessons is the proper use of white space in PowerPoint slides.Contrary to what some may think, minimalistic design is not simply the absence of extraneous objects on the slides, but in removing distracting clutter and helping the viewers’ eyes focus on more important elements.Tap into this principle and keep your design and layout balanced and in order as you craft your overall deck.

PowerPoint design comes from inspiration

If starting with these three steps still feels a bit overwhelming, you can find inspiration from all over the web.Creativity stems from inspiration, so keep looking for designs that catch your eye. Start by browsing samples designs and studying their methods for inspiration.Not sure where to begin? Contact us and consult with our PowerPoint experts today! 

References

“Design Ideas: How to Improve PowerPoint Templates.” SlideGenius, Inc. December 9, 2014. Accessed February 4, 2015.Ivanoff, Ada. “Design Minimalism: What, Why & How.” SitePoint. June 6, 2014. Accessed February 4, 2015.”Tutorial: How to Use PowerPoint as a Photo Editor.” SlideGenius, Inc.. February 2, 2015. Accessed February 4, 2015.”Using White Space in PowerPoint Design-a Closer Look.” SlideGenius, Inc. December 4, 2014. Accessed February 4, 2015.”Where to Find Unique Images for Your Presentation Design.” SlideGenius, Inc. December 18, 2014. Accessed February 4, 2015. Featured Image: Life of Pix

Tutorial: How to Use PowerPoint as a Photo Editor

photo editing

photo editor

Powerpoint

PowerPoint Design

Powerpoint tips

powerpoint tutorial

Feb 03, 2015

PowerPoint is more than just a presentation tool—it also offers basic photo editing features that allow you to enhance, crop, and customize images directly on your slides. Whether you want to adjust an image’s brightness, apply artistic effects, or remove the background, PowerPoint’s photo editing tools can help you create more visually appealing presentations without the need for external software.Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use PowerPoint as a photo editor:

1. Insert Your Image

Before you can start editing, you’ll need to insert the image you want to work with.How to Do It:

  • Open PowerPoint and go to the slide where you want to place the image.
  • Click on the Insert tab in the ribbon.
  • Select Pictures, then choose either This Device or Online Pictures to find your image.

2. Adjust Image Brightness and Contrast

PowerPoint allows you to easily adjust the brightness and contrast of your images to make them stand out or blend in with your slide design.Why It’s Important:

  • Improves Visibility: Adjusting brightness and contrast ensures that your images are clear and visible, even in different lighting conditions.
  • Enhances Visual Appeal: You can make images more vibrant or muted depending on the tone you want to convey.

How to Do It:

  • Select your image and go to the Picture Format tab.
  • Click on Corrections and choose from the available brightness and contrast adjustments.
  • You can also manually adjust the brightness and contrast by selecting Picture Corrections Options and using the sliders.

3. Crop Your Image

Cropping helps remove unwanted parts of an image and allows you to focus on the most important elements.Why It’s Important:

  • Simplifies the Image: Cropping unnecessary areas draws attention to the main subject of the image.
  • Optimizes Space: By cropping an image, you can fit it more neatly into your slide design.

How to Do It:

  • Select the image, then go to the Picture Format tab.
  • Click Crop, and drag the black crop handles to remove the portions of the image you don’t want.
  • Press Enter to apply the crop.

Example: If you have a wide image but only want to show a specific part of it, crop out the unnecessary background to focus on the subject.

4. Remove Image Backgrounds

PowerPoint has a built-in tool for removing the background from images, which can be useful for isolating subjects or creating transparent backgrounds.Why It’s Important:

  • Creates Cleaner Visuals: Removing a distracting background can help focus attention on the main subject of your image.
  • Allows Layering: A transparent background makes it easier to layer the image over other design elements or images.

How to Do It:

  • Select the image and go to the Picture Format tab.
  • Click Remove Background. PowerPoint will automatically attempt to detect and remove the background.
  • Use the Mark Areas to Keep or Mark Areas to Remove tools to fine-tune the selection.
  • Once you’re satisfied, click Keep Changes to apply the background removal.

5. Apply Artistic Effects

You can use PowerPoint’s artistic effects to give your images a unique, stylized look. These effects can transform an image into a sketch, painting, or other creative form.Why It’s Important:

  • Adds Creativity: Artistic effects can give your images a custom look that fits the theme of your presentation.
  • Enhances Design: Using effects can make your images stand out and contribute to a more visually interesting slide.

How to Do It:

  • Select your image and go to the Picture Format tab.
  • Click Artistic Effects and choose from a variety of effects such as Pencil Sketch, Blur, Glow, or Photocopy.
  • Hover over each effect to preview it, then click to apply the effect.

6. Adjust Image Color and Saturation

You can adjust the color tone and saturation of your images to match your slide’s color scheme or create a specific mood.Why It’s Important:

  • Creates Consistency: Matching the colors of your images to your presentation’s theme creates a cohesive look.
  • Sets the Mood: Adjusting saturation or applying color filters can help evoke the desired emotional response.

How to Do It:

  • Select the image, go to the Picture Format tab, and click Color.
  • Choose from preset color options like Grayscale, Sepia, or Washout, or manually adjust the saturation and temperature using the More Variations option.

Example: Apply a sepia tone to create a vintage effect or use grayscale for a professional, clean look.

7. Add Picture Borders or Effects

PowerPoint allows you to add borders, shadows, and other visual effects to your images, helping them stand out on your slides.Why It’s Important:

  • Increases Focus: Adding borders or shadows can help your image pop and grab the audience’s attention.
  • Adds Depth: Effects like reflection or glow add dimension to your images, making them more visually appealing.

How to Do It:

  • Select the image and go to the Picture Format tab.
  • Click Picture Border to add a colored border, or use the Picture Effects dropdown to apply shadow, reflection, or glow effects.

8. Compress Images to Reduce File Size

Large images can make your PowerPoint file difficult to share or slow to load. Compressing images reduces the file size without compromising too much on quality.Why It’s Important:

  • Improves Performance: Compressing images helps keep your presentation file size manageable, making it easier to share and load.
  • Saves Storage: Reducing image file sizes is useful if you’re working with a lot of high-resolution images.

How to Do It:

  • Select the image, go to the Picture Format tab, and click Compress Pictures.
  • Choose your compression settings based on whether your presentation will be used for printing or sharing online.

Final Thoughts

PowerPoint’s photo editing tools allow you to quickly and easily enhance your images without needing specialized software. From adjusting brightness and color to removing backgrounds and applying artistic effects, these features can help you create more visually compelling presentations. Experiment with these tools to transform basic images into polished, professional visuals.

A Presenter’s Guide to Building Audience Rapport

audience

audience rapport

presentation tips

Feb 02, 2015

Presenting your audience with creative slides and well-structured content may not be enough to capture their attention for good.Aside from compelling structure and design, presentations also rely on your ability to connect and communicate well. It’s not enough to know what to do and say, you also need to make sure that the audience is on board with what you’re presenting.Here are a few things to consider when establishing audience rapport in presentations:

Stop thinking of the audience as a group of faceless individuals 

Presentations can be very difficult, and often require speakers to face large groups of people. Presentation trainer, Olivia Mitchell, explains how being in such situations can sometimes trigger a nervous reaction, particularly when we pressure ourselves to do well in front of others.As such, we sometimes tend to view the audience as a hostile or indifferent group we need to face and overcome. This leads to the stress of presentation anxiety.But as we’ve mentioned before, the people seated in front of you are interested to hear what you have to say. Be aware of each audience member’s unique viewpoint for you to relate your own ideas well.Do your research to learn more about the people you’ll be presenting to and you’re guaranteed to feel less anxious and intimidated.

Don’t underestimate the power of eye contact

Can you imagine talking to a friend who can’t look you in the eye? Wouldn’t that feel suspicious? The same is true when delivering presentations.As the presenter, it’s your job to make sure that the audience trusts what you say. If they don’t think you’re credible, they won’t listen to the message you’re trying to share. Maintaining eye contact is important in that regard.This, of course, doesn’t mean that you have to look each and every person in the eye. That will be impossible to do, especially if you have a larger audience in front of you.Just do your best to hold the gaze of particular individuals seated all over the venue. Most VIPs will be seated in the front row, but don’t limit yourself there.Offer the same courtesy to those seated farther away from where you’re standing.

Get them thinking by asking rhetorical questions

Another secret to audience rapport is making sure that your audience feels included in your presentation.With interactive media becoming more and more prevalent, people are looking to become part of an experience.An easy way to do this is by asking a few rhetorical questions throughout your discussion. Andrew Dlugan, speech coach and founder of Six Minutes, suggests a few strategies when asking rhetorical questions.This includes encouraging the audience to consider their position and think about the subject at hand.

Encourage interaction by involving them in the discussion

If you have time, take the previous tip one step further. Aside from asking rhetorical questions, you can also ask audience members specific questions that will allow them to play a more active role in the discussion.Allot a few minutes to hear their answers. You can also use special interactive apps to receive their input straight from their own mobile devices.Regardless of the method you choose, always incorporate audience answers and opinions as you move on with your discussion.You’ll find that an inclusive performance wields a more nuanced and interesting discussion. To build stronger audience rapport, don’t forget to acknowledge the contributors by name as best as you can.

Establishing audience rapport doesn’t have to be a back-breaking task. For a presenter, it can be the quickest route to meet the goals you’ve set yourself. Keep these tips in mind to make sure your message is delivered successfully.

 

References

“5 Presentation Tools to Encourage Audience Interaction.” SlideGenius, Inc.. January 12, 2015. Accessed January 23, 2015.Dlugan, Andrew. “How to Use Rhetorical Questions in Your Speech.” Six Minutes. Accessed February 2, 2015.”How to Shake Off Your Pre-Presentation Jitters.” SlideGenius, Inc. November 6, 2014. Accessed February 2, 2015.Mitchell, Olivia. “The Three Causes of Public Speaking Fear (and What You Can Do about Them).” Speaking about Presenting. Accessed February 2, 2015. Featured Image: Startup Stock Photos

5 PowerPoint Pitch Deck Tips For SEO-Friendly Slides

online presentations

pitch deck

Powerpoint

powerpoint slides

Presentations

SEO

slideshare

Jan 29, 2015

There are plenty of great benefits in creating a solid content marketing strategy.As we’ve discussed before, we found that it’s an easy way to connect and engage with consumers. By sharing content that is relevant to them, you help them create an emotional connection with your brand.[sg-blog-modules module=one]Of course, gaining leads through this method isn’t always easy. Sure, sharing your PowerPoint slides on the Internet does introduce your brand to a wider audience. The problem is that it might take them a while to find your content, even if you’ve created slides that are relevant and useful for them.To nudge these potential consumers in your direction, let your slides stand out. The way to do that is by making your PowerPoint and pitch deck presentations SEO-friendly.BrightEdge CEO Jim Yu stresses that unlike its earlier stages, SEO content no longer means stuffing your work with random keywords, but incorporating them into meaningful and well-researched content.So how can you optimize your PowerPoint’s searchability? Follow our five tips:

Optimize your title slide

The title slide is an important part of your presentation, especially if you’re sharing it online. It’s the first thing that people will see when they’re browsing and come across your PowerPoint deck on SlideShare or any other site.It’s also the title slide that will help them decide if your content is relevant to their interests. As such, optimize your title slide.Take the time to craft the perfect title for your presentation, which needs to contain the keyword you’re optimizing for. The keyword should flow naturally with the single phrase you come up with.Also have visuals that match your creative and SEO-friendly title. While the keyword helps search engines decide that your content is a match, it’s the visuals that will capture your target audience’s attention.

Use long tail keywords in the content

Using keywords shouldn’t stop at the title slide. The long tail keywords you choose should also be incorporated to the content of your slides.For SEO beginners, that means you should incorporate keywords that are quite specific to the topic you’re discussing and optimizing for. This way, your content doesn’t get buried under millions of results for a general search term.HubSpot contributor, Corey Wainwright, explains the use of long tail keywords. Such keywords flow naturally with the rest of your writing. Doing otherwise might end up alienating your audience.

Provide an accurate description

Aside from content, you also have to provide an accurate and thought-provoking meta description of your presentation.Focus on the core message of your presentation and make sure that stands out in what you write.A good description isn’t too long. A few, quick sentences will do. This will serve as the space where you can include information about your company, like links to your website and social media profiles.

Carefully tag your pitch deck presentation

Another crucial step to SEO-friendly slides are the tags. Sites like SlideShare allows up to 20 for your presentation.Tags are keywords that will make it easier to categorize and find your content. Make sure you use those that are relevant to your content and your brand.Tagging random keywords might damage you in the long run by marking you as spam. Always relate your tags to what your presentation is actually about.

Share presentation on social media

Finally, it’s time to share your presentation on social media platforms. When you upload your PowerPoint deck, you don’t have to sit around and wait for the audience to appear.Do the heavy lifting and take your presentation to them. Share links to your newly-uploaded PowerPoint pitch deck presentation on your social media profiles. This will give your followers a heads up.In turn, they can share it on their own profiles or websites. Search engines prioritize results that have plenty of back links. The more you share your pitch deck presentation, the larger your reach will become.–Sharing your presentations online can help you reach out to a wider audience. Do it right by making sure your PowerPoint slides have SEO advantage. Take note of these tips and do your best to connect and engage with consumers through the large world of the Internet.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

References:

“Content Marketing Lesson: Presentations Create More Impact.” SlideGenius, Inc. July 13, 2014. Accessed January 29, 2015.Wainwright, Corey. “The Ultimate Guide for Mastering Long Tail Search” HubSpot. Accessed January 29, 2015.”Perfecting Your Presentation Title Slide.” SlideGenius, Inc.. October 16, 2014. Accessed January 29, 2015.Yu, Jim. “5 Steps To An Integrated Approach To SEO-Friendly Content Marketing.” Marketing Land. March 11, 2014. Accessed January 29, 2015. Featured Image: Picjumbo.com

How to Face Unexpected Presentation Scenarios

flexibility

improvisation

presentation anxiety

presentation skills

presentation tips

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

spontaneous presentations

Jan 22, 2015

While communication, nonverbal cues, and PowerPoint design are all very crucial, there’s one thing that will help you survive any scenario when in front of an audience. That’s to expect the unexpected, especially when you think you’ve got everything planned out.Even as you prepare for your presentation, there are certain scenarios you won’t be able to foresee. There are things that could happen beyond your control. When that happens, most people get stuck and feel like they failed.This doesn’t have to be the case if you can adapt to your predicament. When the worst happens, it’s better to face it head on. If you can’t be flexible in front of an audience, you run the risk of stumbling and falling.Improv actors have mastered this skill with their spontaneous skits and quick thinking. To keep your own performance sharp, here are important improvisation tips to keep in mind:

Focus on the meaning behind your script 

Obsessing too much on what you plan to say point per point can hurt you in the long run. In cases of unexpected blunders and interruptions, sticking to your script can make you feel even more lost than before.While it’s okay to plan what you want to say, you shouldn’t focus too much on exact delivery. Instead, you should shift your focus on what each point you prepared is trying to say.Your presentation will be a lot more flexible if you know your core message well. At the end of the day, this is what truly matters.It doesn’t matter if you miss a few steps along the way. Your main objective is to make sure that the audience understands the main point of your presentation.In the same light, it’s also important that you don’t focus on your slide deck as much. PowerPoint is only there to enhance the message you want to deliver, but you can’t rely on it to do all of the work.What if the equipment fails? What if the power goes out? You need to be able to stand on your own feet without using your slides as a crutch.[sg-blog-modules module=three]

Observe your audience 

Take your cue from the people you’re communicating with. Presentations are a two-way street.You can try to create captivating design and content, but you won’t be able to tell how the audience will receive it until you’re in front of them. As such, it’s important to watch the room for their reactions to learn how you can adjust.Does the audience look bored? Try to mix it up by engaging them with a quick anecdote. Or maybe your discussion is dragging out too long. If that’s the case, skip some of the parts you planned and deliver all the basics. Do they seem disengaged and uninterested? Maybe you can try to reel them back in by encouraging interaction.Shoot a question their way or ask a few of them to share their thoughts on the discussion so far.

Let your obstacles empower you 

The best way to be flexible is to make the most of the situation that’s in front of you. Instead of trying to cover up the unexpected derailment, use it as a springboard to jump back on the discussion.All you have to do is make sure you don’t get stuck on your blunders.Turn around a sudden interruption from the audience by saying, “thank you for that observation. I’ll get back on that once I finish the whole presentation.” If you can make light of it and add humor, you can do that too. The important thing is that you don’t let the scenario take hold of the rest of your presentation.You can never tell how well-prepared you are until you get in front of the audience. Even then, you can end up facing something you weren’t exactly planned for.In that case, it’s better to not let your anxiety get to you and improvise instead. You’ll be surprised that this could even lead you to a better outcome. Improve your presentation skill with these three tips.[sg-blog-modules module=one]

Reference

“5 Presentation Tools to Encourage Audience Interaction.” SlideGenius, Inc. January 12, 2015. Accessed January 22, 2015.”Fine-tuning Your Presentation’s Core Message.” SlideGenius, Inc. November 11, 2014. Accessed January 22, 2015.”What Is Improv?” Austin Improv Comedy Shows Classes The Hideout Theatre . Accessed January 22, 2015. Featured Image: Death to the Stock Photo