![](http://sektorel.online/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
Tips for creating and delivering an effective presentation
In this article.
Creating an effective presentation
Delivering an effective presentation
Tips for creating an effective presentation
|
|
---|---|
Choose a font style that your audience can read from a distance. | Choosing a simple font style, such as Arial or Calibri, helps to get your message across. Avoid very thin or decorative fonts that might impair readability, especially at small sizes. |
Choose a font size that your audience can read from a distance. | Try to avoid using font sizes smaller than 18 pt, and you may need to go larger for a large room where the audience is far away. |
Keep your text simple and minimize the amount of text on your slides | Use bullets or short sentences, and try to keep each to one line; that is, without text wrapping. You want your audience to listen to you present your information, rather than read the screen. Some projectors crop slides at the edges, so long sentences may be cropped. You can remove articles such as "a" and "the" to help reduce the word count on a line. |
Use art to help convey your message. | Use graphics to help tell your story. Don't overwhelm your audience by adding too many graphics to a slide, however. |
Make labels for charts and graphs understandable. | Use only enough text to make label elements in a chart or graph comprehensible. |
Make slide backgrounds subtle and keep them consistent. | Choose an appealing, consistent template or theme that is not too eye-catching. You don't want the background or design to detract from your message. See . For information about using themes, see . |
Use high contrast between background color and text color. | Themes automatically set the contrast between a light background with dark colored text or dark background with light colored text. See . |
Check the spelling and grammar. | To earn and maintain the respect of your audience, always check the spelling and grammar in your presentation. |
Top of Page
Tips for delivering an effective presentation
|
|
---|---|
Show up early and verify that your equipment works properly. | Make sure that all equipment is connected and running. |
Don't assume that your presentation will work fine on another computer. | Disk failures, software version mismatches, lack of disk space, low memory, and many other factors can ruin a presentation. Turn off screen savers, and ensure you have the appropriate files and versions of software that you need, including PowerPoint. To ensure all files are accounted for when you copy them to a USB drive and carry them to your presentation location, see Consider storing your presentation on OneDrive so it can be accessible to you from any device with an internet connection. |
Verify that the projector's resolution is the same as the computer on which you created your presentation. | If the resolutions don't match, your slides may be cropped, or other display problems can occur. |
Turn your screen saver off. | Keep your audience focused on the content of your presentation. |
Check all colors on a projection screen before giving the actual presentation. | The colors may project differently than what appears on your monitor. |
Ask your audience to hold questions until the end. | Questions are an excellent indicator that people are engaged by your subject matter and presentation skills. But if you save questions until the end of the presentation, you will get through your material uninterrupted. Also, early questions are often answered by ensuing slides and commentary. |
Avoid moving the pointer unconsciously. | When you are not using the pointer, remove your hand from the mouse. This helps to stop you from moving the pointer unconsciously, which can be distracting. |
Don't read the presentation. | Practice the presentation so that you can speak from bullet points. The text should be a cue for the presenter rather than the full message for the audience. |
Stay on time. | If you plan a certain amount of time for your presentation, do not go over. If there is no time limit, take less time rather than more to ensure that people stay engaged. |
Monitor your audience's behavior. | Each time that you deliver a presentation, monitor your audience's behavior. If you observe people focusing on your slides, the slides may contain too much data or be confusing or distracting in some other way. Use the information you learn each time to improve your future presentations. |
Practice makes perfect. | Consider rehearsing your presentation with . |
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Facebook](https://support.microsoft.com/images/Facebook-GrayScale.png)
Need more help?
Want more options.
Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://support.content.office.net/en-us/media/f4e85874-2a1a-438d-9c3c-17b069c454c0.png)
Microsoft 365 subscription benefits
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://support.content.office.net/en-us/media/a9241eee-a729-4513-97b4-5b87c381c21b.png)
Microsoft 365 training
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://support.content.office.net/en-us/media/9e557d93-f803-44df-a274-1282d542cf63.png)
Microsoft security
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://support.content.office.net/en-us/media/fbf6e41b-ddbe-43db-a616-7a8e48d43d18.png)
Accessibility center
Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://support.content.office.net/en-us/media/9255871d-06a6-4de5-9236-5fd7af100c5c.png)
Ask the Microsoft Community
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://support.content.office.net/en-us/media/ccb7c2a6-17dd-4cc3-88b7-8da966e59f59.png)
Microsoft Tech Community
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://support.content.office.net/en-us/media/bcd2fdf1-530a-482f-b96d-5f2f2a49ac66.png)
Windows Insiders
Microsoft 365 Insiders
Was this information helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Home Blog Presentation Ideas 23 PowerPoint Presentation Tips for Creating Engaging and Interactive Presentations
23 PowerPoint Presentation Tips for Creating Engaging and Interactive Presentations
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint 23 PowerPoint Presentation Tips for Creating Engaging and Interactive Presentations](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/01-23-powerpoint-presentation-tips-cover-engaging-presentations.png)
PowerPoint presentations are not usually known for being engaging or interactive. That’s often because most people treat their slides as if they are notes to read off and not a tool to help empower their message.
Your presentation slides are there to help bring to life the story you are telling. They are there to provide visuals and empower your speech.
So how do you go about avoiding a presentation “snoozefest” and instead ensure you have an engaging and interactive presentation? By making sure that you use your slides to help YOU tell your story, instead of using them as note cards to read off of.
The key thing to remember is that your presentation is there to compliment your speech, not be its focus.
In this article, we will review several presentation tips and tricks on how to become a storytelling powerhouse by building a powerful and engaging PowerPoint presentation.
Start with writing your speech outline, not with putting together slides
Use more images and less text, use high-quality images, keep the focus on you and your presentation, not the powerpoint, your presentation should be legible from anywhere in the room, use a consistent presentation design, one topic per slide, avoid information overwhelm by using the “rule of three”.
- Display one bullet at a time
Avoid unnecessary animations
- Only add content that supports your main points
- Do not use PowerPoint as a teleprompter
- Never Give Out Copies of the Presentation
Re-focus the attention on you by fading into blackness
Change the tone of your voice when presenting, host an expert discussion panel, ask questions, embed videos, use live polling to get instant feedback and engage the audience.
- He kept his slides uncluttered and always strived for simplicity
- He was known to use large font size, the bigger, the better.
- He found made the complex sound simple.
He was known to practice, practice, and keep on practicing.
Summary – how to make your presentation engaging & interactive, fundamental rules to build powerful & engaging presentation slides.
Before we go into tips and tricks on how to add flair to your presentations and create effective presentations, it’s essential to get the fundamentals of your presentation right.
Your PowerPoint presentation is there to compliment your message, and the story you are telling. Before you can even put together slides, you need to identify the goal of your speech, and the key takeaways you want your audience to remember.
YOU and your speech are the focus of this presentation, not the slides – use your PowerPoint to complement your story.
Keep in mind that your slides are there to add to your speech, not distract from it. Using too much text in your slides can be distracting and confusing to your audience. Instead, use a relevant picture with minimal text, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Use more images and less text](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/10-tips-wen-design-bullets.jpg)
This slide is not unusual, but is not a visual aid, it is more like an “eye chart”.
Aim for something simpler, easy to remember and concise, like the slides below.
Keep in mind your audience when designing your presentation, their background and aesthetics sense. You will want to avoid the default clip art and cheesy graphics on your slides.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Use high-quality images for engaging presentations before and after](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/02-23-powerpoint-presentation-tips-illustration-01.png)
While presenting make sure to control the presentation and the room by walking around, drawing attention to you and what you are saying. You should occasionally stand still when referencing a slide, but never turn your back to your audience to read your slide.
You and your speech are the presentations; the slides are just there to aid you.
Most season presenters don’t use anything less than twenty-eight point font size, and even Steve Jobs was known to use nothing smaller than forty-point text fonts.
If you can’t comfortably fit all the text on your slide using 28 font size than you’re trying to say and cram too much into the slide, remember tip #1.4 – Use relevant images instead and accompany it with bullets.
Best Practice PowerPoint Presentation Tips
The job of your presentation is to help convey information as efficiently and clearly as possible. By keeping the theme and design consistent, you’re allowing the information and pictures to stand out.
However, by varying the design from slide to slide, you will be causing confusion and distraction from the focus, which is you and the information to be conveyed on the slide.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Looking for beautiful PowerPoint Templates that provide you with a consistent design](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/03-23-powerpoint-presentation-tips-banner-looking-for-beautiful-presentation-designs.png)
Technology can also help us in creating a consistent presentation design just by picking a topic and selecting a sample template style. This is possible thanks to the SlideModel’s AI slideshow maker .
Each slide should try to represent one topic or talking point. The goal is to keep the attention focused on your speech, and by using one slide per talking point, you make it easy for you to prepare, as well as easy for your audience to follow along with your speech.
Sometimes when creating our presentation, we can often get in our heads and try to over-explain. A simple way to avoid this is to follow the “Rule of Three,” a concept coined by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle.
The idea is to stick to only 3 main ideas that will help deliver your point. Each of the ideas can be further broken into 3 parts to explain further. The best modern example of this “Rule of Three” can be derived from the great Apple presentations given by Steve Jobs – they were always structured around the “Rule of Three.”
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Rule of Three PowerPoint Presentation](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/rule-of-three-powerpoint-presentations.jpg)
Display one sentence at a time
If you are planning to include text in your slides, try to avoid bullet lists, and use one slide per sentence. Be short and concise. This best practice focuses on the idea that simple messages are easy to retain in memory. Also, each slide can follow your storytelling path, introducing the audience to each concept while you speak, instead of listing everything beforehand.
Presentation Blunders To Avoid
In reality, there is no need for animations or transitions in your slides.
It’s great to know how to turn your text into fires or how to create a transition with sparkle effects, but the reality is the focus should be on the message. Using basic or no transitions lets the content of your presentation stand out, rather than the graphics.
If you plan to use animations, make sure to use modern and professional animations that helps the audience follow the story you are telling, for example when explaining time series or changing events over time.
Only add engaging content that supports your main points
You might have a great chart, picture or even phrase you want to add, but when creating every slide, it’s crucial to ask yourself the following question.
“Does this slide help support my main point?”
If the answer is no, then remove it. Remember, less is more.
Do not use PowerPoint as a Teleprompter
A common crutch for rookie presenters is to use slides as their teleprompter.
First of all, you shouldn’t have that much text on your slides. If you have to read off something, prepare some index cards that fit in your hand but at all costs do not turn your back on your audience and read off of your PowerPoint. The moment you do that, you make the presentation the focus, and lose the audience as the presenter.
Avoid Giving Out Copies of the Presentation
At least not before you deliver a killer presentation; providing copies of your presentation gives your audience a possible distraction where they can flip through the copy and ignore what you are saying.
It’s also easy for them to take your slides out of context without understanding the meaning behind each slide. It’s OK to give a copy of the presentation, but generally it is better to give the copies AFTER you have delivered your speech. If you decide to share a copy of your presentation, the best way to do it is by generating a QR code for it and placing it at the end of your presentation. Those who want a copy can simply scan and download it onto their phones.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Avoid To Give Out Copies of the Presentation](https://cdn.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/04-23-powerpoint-presentation-tips-banner-01-beautiful-presentations.png)
Tips To Making Your Presentation More Engaging
The point of your presentation is to help deliver a message.
When expanding on a particularly important topic that requires a lengthy explanation it’s best to fade the slide into black. This removes any distraction from the screen and re-focuses it on you, the present speaker. Some presentation devices have a built-in black screen button, but if they don’t, you can always prepare for this by adding a black side to your presentation at the right moment.
“It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.”
Part of making your presentation engaging is to use all the tools at your disposal to get your point across. Changing the inflection and tone of your voice as you present helps make the content and the points more memorable and engaging.
One easy and powerful way to make your presentation interactive is experts to discuss a particular topic during your presentation. This helps create a more engaging presentation and gives you the ability to facilitate and lead a discussion around your topic.
It’s best to prepare some questions for your panel but to also field questions from the audience in a question and answer format.
How To Make Your Presentation More Interactive
What happens if I ask you to think about a pink elephant? You probably briefly think about a pink elephant, right?
Asking questions when presenting helps engage the audience, and arouse interest and curiosity. It also has the added benefit of making people pay closer attention, in case they get called on.
So don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if rhetorical; asking a question engages a different part of our brain. It causes us to reflect rather than merely take in the information one way. So ask many of them.
Asking questions can also be an excellent way to build suspense for the next slide.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Steve Jobs iPad launch presentation in Macworld 2008](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/steve-jobs-ipad-launch-1024x564.jpg)
(Steve Jobs was known to ask questions during his presentations, in this slide he built suspense by asking the audience “Is there space for a device between a cell phone and a laptop?” before revealing the iPad) Source: MacWorld SF 2018
Remember the point of your presentation is to get a message across and although you are the presenter, it is completely fine to use video in your PowerPoint to enhance your presentation. A relevant video can give you some breathing time to prepare the next slides while equally informing the audience on a particular point.
CAUTION: Be sure to test the video beforehand, and that your audience can hear it in the room.
A trending engagement tool among presenters is to use a live polling tool to allow the audience to participate and collect immediate feedback.
Using a live polling tool is a fun and interactive way to engage your audience in real-time and allow them to participate in part of your presentation.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Google Slides Poll with Audience Questions](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/05-23-powerpoint-presentation-tips-illustration-01.png)
Google Slides has a built-in Q&A feature that allows presenters to make the slide deck more interactive by providing answers to the audience’s questions. By using the Q&A feature in Google Slides, presenters can start a live Q&A session and people can ask questions directly from their devices including mobile and smartphones.
Key Takeaways from one of the best presenters, Steve Jobs
He kept his slides uncluttered and always strove for simplicity.
In this slide, you can easily see he is talking about the battery life, and it uses a simple image and a few words. Learning from Jobs, you can also make a great presentation too. Focus on the core benefit of your product and incorporate great visuals.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Battery Steve Jobs Slides](https://cdn.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/battery-steve-jobs-slide.png)
Source: Macworld 2008
SlideModel.com can help to reproduce high-impact slides like these, keeping your audience engagement.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Engaging PowerPoint template with battery and minimalistic style](https://cdn.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/engaging-slides-powerpoint.jpg)
He was known to use large font sizes, the bigger, the better
A big font makes it hard to miss the message on the slide, and allows the audience to focus on the presenter while clearing the understanding what the point of the slide is.
He found made the complex sound simple
When explaining a list of features, he used a simple image and lines or simple tables to provide visual cues to his talking points.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Steve Jobs Presentation Styles - This particular slide is referencing the iMac features](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/steve-jobs-presentation-style.jpg)
What made Steve Jobs the master of presentation, was the ritual of practicing with his team, and this is simple yet often overlooked by many presenters. It’s easy to get caught in the trap of thinking you don’t need to practice because you know the material so well.
While all these tips will help you create a truly powerful presentation , it can only achieve if applied correctly.
It’s important to remember when trying to deliver an amazing experience, you should be thoroughly prepared. This way, you can elevate your content presentation, convey your message effectively and captivate your audience.
This includes having your research cited, your presentation rehearsed. Don’t just rehearse your slides, also take time to practice your delivery, and your tone. The more you rehearse, the more relaxed you will be when delivering. The more confident you will feel.
While we can’t help you with the practice of your next presentation, we can help you by making sure you look good, and that you have a great design and cohesiveness.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint How to deliver your next presentation](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/06-23-powerpoint-presentation-tips-banner-01-deliver-your-next-presentation.png)
You focus on the message and content; we’ll focus on making you look good.
Have a tip you would like to include? Be sure to mention it in the comments!
Like this article? Please share
Audience, Engaging, Feedback, Interactive, Poll, Rule of Three, Steve Jobs Filed under Presentation Ideas
Related Articles
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint The Power of Audience Engagement: Strategies and Examples](https://cdn.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/00-audience-engagement-cover-640x360.png)
Filed under Presentation Ideas • November 29th, 2023
The Power of Audience Engagement: Strategies and Examples
As presenters, captivating the interest of our viewers is the most important thing. Join us to learn all that’s required to boost audience engagement.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint A Manager’s Guide to Interpersonal Communication](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/interpersonal-communications-guide-640x360.png)
Filed under Business • April 30th, 2020
A Manager’s Guide to Interpersonal Communication
People are promoted to management positions for a variety of reasons. For many, they rise to the top because of their knowledge, technical skills, and decision-making capabilities. As a manager, your effectiveness also strongly depends on your ability to communicate well with your team members and other stakeholders. Here is a quick guide on Interpersonal Communication for Managers.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Using 360 Degree Feedback in Your Organization](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/360-degree-feedback-presentation-group-640x360.png)
Filed under Business • June 27th, 2019
Using 360 Degree Feedback in Your Organization
Many organizations use 360 degree feedback to provide assessment for employees via multiple sources to analyze the knowledge, skill and behavior of employees. It is also known as multi-rater feedback, multi-source feedback, 360 Degree Review and multi-source assessment, since it is used frequently for assessing the performance of an employee and to determine his/her future […]
2 Responses to “23 PowerPoint Presentation Tips for Creating Engaging and Interactive Presentations”
Very great advices!
Greetings ! A compact composed communication for the host to have an impact -VOICE
Thank You ?
Leave a Reply
Find the images you need to make standout work. If it’s in your head, it’s on our site.
- Images home
- Curated collections
- AI image generator
- Offset images
- Backgrounds/Textures
- Business/Finance
- Sports/Recreation
- Animals/Wildlife
- Beauty/Fashion
- Celebrities
- Food and Drink
- Illustrations/Clip-Art
- Miscellaneous
- Parks/Outdoor
- Buildings/Landmarks
- Healthcare/Medical
- Signs/Symbols
- Transportation
- All categories
- Editorial video
- Shutterstock Select
- Shutterstock Elements
- Health Care
- PremiumBeat
- Templates Home
- Instagram all
- Highlight covers
- Facebook all
- Carousel ads
- Cover photos
- Event covers
- Youtube all
- Channel Art
- Etsy big banner
- Etsy mini banner
- Etsy shop icon
- Pinterest all
- Pinterest pins
- Twitter all
- Twitter Banner
- Infographics
- Zoom backgrounds
- Announcements
- Certificates
- Gift Certificates
- Real Estate Flyer
- Travel Brochures
- Anniversary
- Baby Shower
- Mother’s Day
- Thanksgiving
- All Invitations
- Party invitations
- Wedding invitations
- Book Covers
- Editorial home
- Entertainment
- About Creative Flow
- Create editor
- Content calendar
- Photo editor
- Background remover
- Collage maker
- Resize image
- Color palettes
- Color palette generator
- Image converter
- Contributors
- PremiumBeat blog
- Invitations
- Design Inspiration
- Design Resources
- Design Elements & Principles
- Contributor Support
- Marketing Assets
- Cards and Invitations
- Social Media Designs
- Print Projects
- Organizational Tools
- Case Studies
- Platform Solutions
- Generative AI
- Computer Vision
- Free Downloads
- Create Fund
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint How to Make a Beautiful PowerPoint Presentation: A Simple Guide](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/beautiful_power_point_presentations_cover.jpg?w=1250&h=1120&crop=1)
How to Make a Beautiful PowerPoint Presentation: A Simple Guide
Ready to craft a beautiful and attention-grabbing powerpoint presentation we’ll walk you through slideshow design tips, show you some tricks to maximize your powerpoint skills, and give you everything you need to look really good next time you’re up in front of a crowd..
In this post, we’ll cover:
Key Elements of Winning PowerPoints
Illustrative, not generic, supportive, not distracting, inspiring and engaging, other considerations when creating a slideshow.
How many times have you sat through a poorly designed business presentation that was dull, cluttered, and distracting? Probably way too many. Even though we all loathe a boring presentation, when it comes time to make our own, do we really do any better?
The good news is you don’t have to be a professional designer to make professional presentations. We’ve put together a few simple guidelines you can follow to create a beautifully assembled deck.
We’ll walk you through some slide design tips, show you tricks to maximize your PowerPoint skills, and give you everything you need to look really good next time you’re up in front of a crowd.
And, while PowerPoint remains one of the biggest names in presentation software, many of these design elements and principles work in Google Slides, as well.
Let’s dive right in.
1. Use Layout to Your Advantage
Layout is one of the most powerful visual elements in design, and it’s a simple, effective way to control the flow and visual hierarchy of information. It’s also one of the most important elements to consider when thinking about how to make your PowerPoint look better.
For example, most Western languages read left to right, top to bottom. Knowing this natural reading order, you can direct people’s eyes in a deliberate way to certain key parts of a slide that you want to emphasize.
You can also guide your audience with simple tweaks to the layout. Use text size and alternating fonts or colors to distinguish headlines from body text.
Placement also matters. There are many unorthodox ways to structure a slide, but most audience members will have to take a few beats to organize the information in their head—that’s precious time better spent listening to your delivery and retaining information.
Try to structure your slides more like this:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Presentation slide with headline template and beach images on the right](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-2.webp?w=720)
And not like this:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Presentation slide with headline template and beach images on the left](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image.jpeg?w=720)
Layout is one of the trickier PowerPoint design concepts to master, which is why we have these free PowerPoint templates already laid out for you. Use them as a jumping off point for your own presentation, or use them wholesale!
Presentation templates can give you a huge leg up as you start working on your design.
2. No Sentences
This is one of the most critical slide design tips. Slides are simplified, visual notecards that capture and reinforce main ideas, not complete thoughts.
As the speaker, you should be delivering most of the content and information, not putting it all on the slides for everyone to read (and probably ignore). If your audience is reading your presentation instead of listening to you deliver it, your message has lost its effectiveness.
Pare down your core message and use keywords to convey it. Try to avoid complete sentences unless you’re quoting someone or something.
Stick with this:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Presentation template with bullet points](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-1.jpeg?w=720)
And avoid this:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Presentation template with paragraphs](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-2.jpeg?w=720)
3. Follow the 6×6 Rule
One of the cardinal sins of a bad PowerPoint is cramming too many details and ideas on one slide, which makes it difficult for people to retain information. Leaving lots of “white space” on a slide helps people focus on your key points.
Try using the 6×6 rule to keep your content concise and clean looking. The 6×6 rule means a maximum of six bullet points per slide and six words per bullet. In fact, some people even say you should never have more than six words per slide!
Just watch out for “orphans” (when the last word of a sentence/phrase spills over to the next line). This looks cluttered. Either fit it onto one line or add another word to the second line.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Red presentation slide with white text stating less is more](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-3.jpeg?w=720)
Slides should never have this much information:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Presentation slide with paragraphs and images](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-4.jpeg?w=720)
4. Keep the Colors Simple
Stick to simple light and dark colors and a defined color palette for visual consistency. Exceptionally bright text can cause eye fatigue, so use those colors sparingly. Dark text on a light background or light text on a dark background will work well. Also avoid intense gradients, which can make text hard to read.
If you’re presenting on behalf of your brand, check what your company’s brand guidelines are. Companies often have a primary brand color and a secondary brand color , and it’s a good idea to use them in your presentation to align with your company’s brand identity and style.
If you’re looking for color inspiration for your next presentation, check out our 101 Color Combinations , where you can browse tons of eye-catching color palettes curated by a pro. When you find the one you like, just type the corresponding color code into your presentation formatting tools.
Here are more of our favorite free color palettes for presentations:
- 10 Color Palettes to Nail Your Next Presentation
- 10 Energizing Sports Color Palettes for Branding and Marketing
- 10 Vintage Color Palettes Inspired by the Decades
No matter what color palette or combination you choose, you want to keep the colors of your PowerPoint presentation simple and easy to read, like this:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Red presentation slide with white text stating keep the colors simple](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-3.webp?w=720)
Stay away from color combinations like this:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Gray presentation slide with black and neon green text examples](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-5.jpeg?w=720)
5. Use Sans-Serif Fonts
Traditionally, serif fonts (Times New Roman, Garamond, Bookman) are best for printed pages, and sans-serif fonts (Helvetica, Tahoma, Verdana) are easier to read on screens.
These are always safe choices, but if you’d like to add some more typographic personality , try exploring our roundup of the internet’s best free fonts . You’ll find everything from classic serifs and sans serifs to sophisticated modern fonts and splashy display fonts. Just keep legibility top of mind when you’re making your pick.
Try to stick with one font, or choose two at the most. Fonts have very different personalities and emotional impacts, so make sure your font matches the tone, purpose, and content of your presentation.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Presentation slide with various examples of fonts](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-6.jpeg?w=720)
6. Stick to 30pt Font or Larger
Many experts agree that your font size for a PowerPoint presentation should be at least 30pt. Sticking to this guideline ensures your text is readable. It also forces you, due to space limitations, to explain your message efficiently and include only the most important points. .
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Red presentation slide with 30 point white text](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-7.jpeg?w=720)
7. Avoid Overstyling the Text
Three of the easiest and most effective ways to draw attention to text are:
- A change in color
Our eyes are naturally drawn to things that stand out, but use these changes sparingly. Overstyling can make the slide look busy and distracting.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint White presentation slide with black text and aerial view of a pool](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-8.jpeg?w=720)
8. Choose the Right Images
The images you choose for your presentation are perhaps as important as the message. You want images that not only support the message, but also elevate it—a rare accomplishment in the often dry world of PowerPoint.
But, what is the right image? We’ll be honest. There’s no direct answer to this conceptual, almost mystical subject, but we can break down some strategies for approaching image selection that will help you curate your next presentation.
The ideal presentation images are:
- Inspirational
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Ground view of palm trees and airplane flying over](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-9.jpeg?w=720)
These may seem like vague qualities, but the general idea is to go beyond the literal. Think about the symbols in an image and the story they tell. Think about the colors and composition in an image and the distinct mood they set for your presentation.
With this approach, you can get creative in your hunt for relatable, authentic, and inspirational images. Here are some more handy guidelines for choosing great images.
Tips on Making Beautiful PowerPoint Presentations
So, the slide in question is about collaborating as a team. Naturally, you look for images of people meeting in a boardroom, right?
While it’s perfectly fine to go super literal, sometimes these images fall flat—what’s literal doesn’t necessarily connect to your audience emotionally. Will they really respond to generic images of people who aren’t them meeting in a boardroom?
In the absence of a photo of your actual team—or any other image that directly illustrates the subject at hand—look for images of convincing realism and humanity that capture the idea of your message.
Doing so connects with viewers, allowing them to connect with your message. This is one way to learn how to make your PowerPoint stand out and ensure a dynamic presentation PowerPoint.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Silhouettes of five men standing on a bridge on a foggy day](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-10.jpeg?w=720)
The image above can be interpreted in many ways. But, when we apply it to slide layout ideas about collaboration, the meaning is clear.
It doesn’t hurt that there’s a nice setting and good photography, to boot.
Now that we’ve told you to get creative with your image selection, the next lesson is to rein that in. While there are infinite choices of imagery out there, there’s a limit to what makes sense in your presentation.
Let’s say you’re giving an IT presentation to new employees. You might think that image of two dogs snuggling by a fire is relatable, authentic, and inspirational, but does it really say “data management” to your audience?
To find the best supporting images, try searching terms on the periphery of your actual message. You’ll find images that complement your message rather than distract from it.
In the IT presentation example, instead of “data connections” or another literal term, try the closely related “traffic” or “connectivity.” This will bring up images outside of tech, but relative to the idea of how things move.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Aerial view of a busy highway](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-4.webp)
There’s a widespread misconception that business presentations are just about delivering information. Well, they’re not. In fact, a great presentation is inspirational. We don’t mean that your audience should be itching to paint a masterpiece when they’re done. In this case, inspiration is about engagement.
Is your audience asking themselves questions? Are they coming up with new ideas? Are they remembering key information to tap into later? You’ll drive a lot of this engagement with your actual delivery, but unexpected images can play a role, as well.
When you use more abstract or aspirational images, your audience will have room to make their own connections. This not only means they’re paying attention, but they’re also engaging with and retaining your message.
To find the right abstract or unconventional imagery, search terms related to the tone of the presentation. This may include images with different perspectives like overhead shots and aerials, long exposures taken over a period of time, nature photos , colorful markets , and so on.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Amsterdam canal at sunset](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2016/07/dutch-canal.jpg?w=720)
The big idea here is akin to including an image of your adorable dog making a goofy face at the end of an earnings meeting. It leaves an audience with a good, human feeling after you just packed their brains with data.
Use that concept of pleasant surprise when you’re selecting images for your presentation.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Silly Great Dane looking down trying to catch yellow ball on hind legs](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2016/07/Silly-Great-Dane1.jpg?w=720)
Setting Appropriate Image Resolution in PowerPoint
Want to learn how to make a PowerPoint look good? Though you can drag-and-drop images into PowerPoint, you can control the resolution displayed within the file.
All of your PowerPoint slide layout ideas should get the same treatment to be equal in size.
Simply click File > Compress Pictures in the main application menu.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Screenshot of how to compress a picture](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-6.webp)
If your presentation file is big and will only be viewed online, you can take it down to On-screen , then check the Apply to: All pictures in this file , and rest assured the quality will be uniform.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Screenshot of how to compress an image](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-7.webp)
This resolution is probably fine for proofing over email, but too low for your presentation layout ideas. For higher res in printed form, try the Print setting, which at 220 PPI is extremely good quality.
For large-screens such as projection, use the HD setting, since enlarging to that scale will show any deficiencies in resolution. Low resolution can not only distract from the message, but it looks low-quality and that reflects on the presenter.
If size is no issue for you, use High Fidelity (maximum PPI), and only reduce if the file size gives your computer problems.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Screenshot of compression options for your image](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-8.webp)
The image quality really begins when you add the images to the presentation file. Use the highest quality images you can, then let PowerPoint scale the resolution down for you, reducing the excess when set to HD or lower.
Resizing, Editing, and Adding Effects to Images in PowerPoint
PowerPoint comes with an arsenal of tools to work with your images. When a picture is selected, the confusingly named Picture Format menu is activated in the top menu bar, and Format Picture is opened on the right side of the app window.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Editing a PowerPoint slide with an image of a businessman walking up stairs](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-9.webp)
In the Format Picture menu (on the right) are four sections, and each of these sections expand to show their options by clicking the arrows by the name:
- Fill & Line (paint bucket icon): Contains options for the box’s colors, patterns, gradients, and background fills, along with options for its outline.
- Effects (pentagon icon): Contains Shadow, Reflection, Glow, Soft Edges, 3-D Format and Rotation, and Artistic Effects.
- Size & Properties (dimensional icon): Size, Position, and Text Box allow you to control the physical size and placement of the picture or text boxes.
- Picture (mountain icon): Picture Corrections, Colors, and Transparency give you control over how the image looks. Under Crop, you can change the size of the box containing the picture, instead of the entire picture itself as in Size & Properties above.
The menu at the top is more expansive, containing menu presets for Corrections, Color, Effects, Animation, and a lot more. This section is where you can crop more precisely than just choosing the dimensions from the Picture pane on the right.
Cropping Images in PowerPoint
The simple way to crop an image is to use the Picture pane under the Format Picture menu on the right side of the window. Use the Picture Position controls to move the picture inside its box, or use the Crop position controls to manipulate the box’s dimensions.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Screenshot of picture format options](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-10.webp)
To exert more advanced control, or use special shapes, select the picture you want to crop, then click the Picture Format in the top menu to activate it.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Screenshot of how to crop an image](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-11.webp)
Hit the Crop button, then use the controls on the picture’s box to size by eye. Or, click the arrow to show more options, including changing the shape of the box (for more creative looks) and using preset aspect ratios for a more uniform presentation of images.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Screenshot of how to change the shape of an image](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/image-1.webp)
The next time you design a PowerPoint presentation, remember that simplicity is key and less is more. By adopting these simple slide design tips, you’ll deliver a clear, powerful visual message to your audience.
If you want to go with a PowerPoint alternative instead, you can use Shutterstock Create to easily craft convincing, engaging, and informative presentations.
With many presentation template designs, you’ll be sure to find something that is a perfect fit for your next corporate presentation. You can download your designs as a .pdf file and import them into both PowerPoint and Google Slides presentation decks.
PowerPoint Presentations FAQs
What is the 5 5 5 rule in powerpoint.
The 5 5 5 rule in PowerPoint is fairly simple: 5 lines per slide, each line with no more than 5 words, and make sure your presentation is no longer than 5 minutes.
How long should your PowerPoint be?
A PowerPoint can be as long as it needs to be, but some people—and the 5 5 5 rule—advise you to keep five minutes or shorter.
What is the easiest way to make a PowerPoint prettier?
Beyond using eye-catching imagery and colors, a pretty PowerPoint should also follow good design principles. You want the information to be organized, balanced, and easy to digest. It doesn’t matter how many appealing images you include are if the information is hard to internalize. Use appropriate fonts and shorts sentences to make sure the words are legible and don’t crowd the slides with too many elements.
License this cover image via F8 studio and Ryan DeBerardinis .
Recently viewed
Related Posts
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint 11 Profile Picture Ideas to Stand Out on Any Platform](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/profile_pictures_cover.jpg?w=435&h=435&crop=1)
11 Profile Picture Ideas to Stand Out on Any Platform
While social media is designed to be fun and casual,…
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Shutterstock’s Vast Library of Data Now Available on Google Cloud Marketplace](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/shutterstock_and_google_cloud_cover.jpg?w=435&h=435&crop=1)
Shutterstock’s Vast Library of Data Now Available on Google Cloud Marketplace
You need data you can trust. Whether you’re building models for…
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint 10 Genius Print Advertising Ideas (with Examples and Tips)](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/print-ads-inspo_featured2.jpg?w=435&h=435&crop=1)
10 Genius Print Advertising Ideas (with Examples and Tips)
If you thought print was dead, think again! Print advertising…
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Creative Poster Design Ideas and Templates to Inspire You](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-20-at-12.25.14_featured.jpg?w=435&h=435&crop=1)
Creative Poster Design Ideas and Templates to Inspire You
Learn how to come up with your own poster design ideas and see the process of bringing your idea to life in an online image editing tool.
© 2023 Shutterstock Inc. All rights reserved.
- Terms of use
- License agreement
- Privacy policy
- Social media guidelines
17 PowerPoint Presentation Tips From Pro Presenters [+ Templates]
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Jamie Cartwright](https://53.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/53/file-401164379-png/Screen_Shot_2013-12-09_at_8.26.55_AM.png?width=48&height=48&name=Screen_Shot_2013-12-09_at_8.26.55_AM.png)
Published: April 26, 2024
PowerPoint presentations can be professional, attractive, and really help your audience remember your message.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint powerpoint tricks](https://www.hubspot.com/hs-fs/hubfs/powerpoint-design-tricks_7.webp?width=595&height=400&name=powerpoint-design-tricks_7.webp)
If you don’t have much experience, that’s okay — I’m going to arm you with PowerPoint design tips from pro presenters, the steps you need to build an engaging deck, and templates to help you nail great slide design.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint → Free Download: 10 PowerPoint Presentation Templates [Access Now]](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/53/2d0b5298-2daa-4812-b2d4-fa65cd354a8e.png)
Download Now
Buckle up for a variety of step-by-step explanations as well as tips and tricks to help you start mastering this program. There are additional resources woven in, and you’ll find expert perspectives from other HubSpotters along the way.
Table of Contents
How to Make a PowerPoint Presentation
Powerpoint presentation tips.
Microsoft PowerPoint is like a test of basic professional skills, and each PowerPoint is basically a presentation made of multiple slides.
Successful PowerPoints depend on three main factors: your command of PowerPoint's design tools, your attention to presentation processes, and being consistent with your style.
Keep those in mind as we jump into PowerPoint's capabilities.
Getting Started
1. open powerpoint and click ‘new.’.
A page with templates will usually open automatically, but if not, go to the top left pane of your screen and click New . If you’ve already created a presentation, select Open and then double-click the icon to open the existing file.
10 Free PowerPoint Templates
Download ten free PowerPoint templates for a better presentation.
- Creative templates.
- Data-driven templates.
- Professional templates.
Download Free
All fields are required.
You're all set!
Click this link to access this resource at any time.
Creating PowerPoint Slides
3. insert a slide..
Insert a new slide by clicking on the Home tab and then the New Slide button. Consider what content you want to put on the slide, including heading, text, and imagery.
- Finally, PowerPoint Live is a new tool that enables you to do more seamless presentations during video calls and may be a better overall match for doing presentations remotely. Check out this video:
11. Try Using GIFs.
12 Free Customizable Resume Templates
Fill out this form to access your free professionally-designed templates, available on:
- Microsoft Word
- Google Docs
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Google Slides
15. Embed multimedia.
PowerPoint allows you to either link to video/audio files externally or to embed the media directly in your presentation. For PCs, two great reasons for embedding are:
- Embedding allows you to play media directly in your presentation. It will look much more professional than switching between windows.
- Embedding also means that the file stays within the PowerPoint presentation, so it should play normally without extra work (except on a Mac).
If you use PowerPoint for Mac it gets a bit complicated, but it can be done:
- Always bring the video and/or audio file with you in the same folder as the PowerPoint presentation.
- Only insert video or audio files once the presentation and the containing folder have been saved on a portable drive in their permanent folder.
- If the presentation will be played on a Windows computer, then Mac users need to make sure their multimedia files are in WMV format.
- Consider using the same operating system for designing and presenting, no matter what.
16. Bring your own hardware.
Between operating systems, PowerPoint is still a bit jumpy. Even between differing PPT versions, things can change. The easiest fix? Just bring along your own laptop when you're presenting.
The next easiest fix is to upload your PowerPoint presentation into Google Slides as a backup option — just make sure there is a good internet connection and a browser available where you plan to present.
Google Slides is a cloud-based presentation software that will show up the same way on all operating systems.
To import your PowerPoint presentation into Google Slides:
- Navigate to slides.google.com . Make sure you’re signed in to a Google account (preferably your own).
- Under Start a new presentation , click the empty box with a plus sign. This will open up a blank presentation.
- Go to File , then Import slides .
- A dialog box will come up. Tap Upload.
- Click Select a file from your device .
- Select your presentation and click Open .
- Select the slides you’d like to import. If you want to import all of them, click All in the upper right-hand corner of the dialog box.
- Click Import slides.
When I tested this out, Google Slides imported everything perfectly, including a shape whose points I had manipulated. This is a good backup option to have if you’ll be presenting across different operating systems.
17. Use Presenter View.
In most presentation situations, there will be both a presenter’s screen and the main projected display for your presentation.
PowerPoint has a great tool called Presenter View, which can be found in the Slide Show tab of PowerPoint. Included in the Presenter View is an area for notes, a timer/clock, and a presentation display.
For many presenters, this tool can help unify their spoken presentation and their visual aid. You never want to make the PowerPoint seem like a stack of notes that you’re reading off of.
Use the Presenter View option to help create a more natural presentation.
Pro Tip: At the start of the presentation, you should also hit CTRL + H to make the cursor disappear. Hitting the “A” key will bring it back if you need it.
Your Next Great PowerPoint Presentation Starts Here
Now that you have these style, design, and presentation tips under your belt, you should feel confident to create your PowerPoint presentation.
But if you can explore other resources to make sure your content hits the mark. After all, you need a strong presentation to land your point and make an impression.
With several templates to choose from — both in PowerPoint and available for free download — you can swiftly be on your way to creating presentations that wow your audiences.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in September 2013 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Blog - Beautiful PowerPoint Presentation Template [List-Based]](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/53/013286c0-2cc2-45f8-a6db-c71dad0835b8.png)
Don't forget to share this post!
Related articles.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint How to Create the Best PowerPoint Presentations [Examples & Templates]](https://knowledge.hubspot.com/hubfs/powerpoint.webp)
How to Create the Best PowerPoint Presentations [Examples & Templates]
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint How to Write an Ecommerce Business Plan [Examples & Template]](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/ecommerce%20business%20plan.png)
How to Write an Ecommerce Business Plan [Examples & Template]
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint How to Create an Infographic in Under an Hour — the 2024 Guide [+ Free Templates]](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/Make-infographic-hero%20%28598%20%C3%97%20398%20px%29.jpg)
How to Create an Infographic in Under an Hour — the 2024 Guide [+ Free Templates]
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint 20 Great Examples of PowerPoint Presentation Design [+ Templates]](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/powerpoint-presentation-examples.webp)
20 Great Examples of PowerPoint Presentation Design [+ Templates]
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Get Buyers to Do What You Want: The Power of Temptation Bundling in Sales](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/temptation-bundling.webp)
Get Buyers to Do What You Want: The Power of Temptation Bundling in Sales
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint How to Create an Engaging 5-Minute Presentation](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/unnamed-Aug-18-2023-08-53-22-2174-PM.png)
How to Create an Engaging 5-Minute Presentation
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint How to Start a Presentation [+ Examples]](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/how-to-start-presenting.webp)
How to Start a Presentation [+ Examples]
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint 120 Presentation Topic Ideas Help You Hook Your Audience](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/presentation-topics.webp)
120 Presentation Topic Ideas Help You Hook Your Audience
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint The Presenter's Guide to Nailing Your Next PowerPoint](https://53.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/53/nail-your-next-powerpoint-presentation.jpeg)
The Presenter's Guide to Nailing Your Next PowerPoint
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint How to Create a Stunning Presentation Cover Page [+ Examples]](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/presentation-cover-page_3.webp)
How to Create a Stunning Presentation Cover Page [+ Examples]
Marketing software that helps you drive revenue, save time and resources, and measure and optimize your investments — all on one easy-to-use platform
- Presentations
- Most Recent
- Infographics
- Data Visualizations
- Forms and Surveys
- Video & Animation
- Case Studies
- Design for Business
- Digital Marketing
- Design Inspiration
- Visual Thinking
- Product Updates
- Visme Webinars
- Artificial Intelligence
10 Top PowerPoint Presentation Tips for Beginners (2022 List)
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint 10 Top PowerPoint Presentation Tips for Beginners (2022 List)](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/powerpoint-presentation-tips-header-wide.png)
Written by: Heleana Tiburca
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/powerpoint-presentation-tips-header-wide.png)
Creating a PowerPoint presentation can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be.
In this list, you’ll find the best practices and tips for creating a powerful PowerPoint presentation for beginners.
You’ll learn how to:
- Create a professional-looking slideshow presentation
- Keep your Powerpoint presentation design cohesive
- Make your slides interactive
- Animate text and graphics
So without further ado, let’s jump right in.
10 Tips for Effective PowerPoint Presentations
Tip #1: choose an interesting topic, tip #2: do some deep research, tip #3: use an amazing presentation tool, tip #4: pick out a presentation template, tip #5: keep your audience in mind, tip #6: add eye-catching headings and text, tip #7: keep it engaging with animations, tip #8: make your powerpoint interactive, tip #9: add visuals to your presentation, tip #10: practice presenting your slideshow.
So, you need to create a PowerPoint presentation but don’t know where to start. The very first and most important thing you’ll need to do is to decide on your topic.
You’ll want to make sure that the topic you choose is interesting and engaging for those who will be listening to you present your slideshow.
If you’re not in control of your topic and you’ve been assigned a task to present, don’t worry. There are lots of different ways that you can capture your audience’s attention, and transform a boring topic into an incredibly interactive and engaging presentation.
You can do this by using an effective PowerPoint presentation template that will capture your audience’s attention, no matter how bland the subject.
Learn more about PowerPoint templates and how you can use them to your advantage in tip #4!
Once you’ve chosen your PowerPoint presentation topic, you need to make sure that you get all of your facts straight.
Do a deep dive into your research and come up with useful and interesting information that you can use at your next presentation.
Once you’ve gathered up some information, it’s time to make a bullet point list of topics you want to cover, to make sure you don’t leave anything important out in your presentation.
After you’ve created a bullet point list full of your main points and all the important points that you want to convey, you can then make an outline of your speech.
This can be a rough draft, or you can write out in great detail your entire “script”, so to say. If you’re a spontaneous writer, then you may want to write directly in the slideshow editor of your choice.
If not, you can write it all out on a document, so that you’re ready to copy and paste right onto your slideshow presentation.
The best way to create an amazing slideshow is by using an equally amazing slideshow tool.
A tool like Visme will help you create a professional-looking and exciting PowerPoint presentation efficiently and quickly, even as a beginner.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/visme-presentation-editor.jpg)
Visme is a slideshow presentation maker that lets you easily create your entire presentation from start to finish. You can even import existing PowerPoint presentations into Visme and edit them there. When you’ve finished editing, you can export editable PowerPoints to present offline.
Visme is a diverse tool that does so much more than just create PowerPoint presentations. You can create anything design-related there, including videos, social media posts, ebooks, manuals, infographics and more.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint tools to create infographics - flowcharts visme](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/Tools-to-create-infographics-flowchart-templates.jpg)
Other than hundreds of slide templates and fully designed presentations, you also get access to advanced editing tools to make your presentation unique and creative.
Add and replace backgrounds, tap into free libraries of photos, videos, icons and illustrations, add pre-animated assets or manually animate objects and text, and switch up the color scheme with a single click.
With Visme, creating presentations that stand out is as easy as 1-2-3.
Now, let’s jump into the specifics of how to make an effective presentation.
Ready to create your own presentation in minutes?
- Add your own text, images and more
- Customize colors, fonts and everything else
- Choose from hundreds of slide designs and templates
- Add interactive buttons and animations
Next on our list of PowerPoint tips for beginners is picking out the perfect template.
Visme is an amazing presentation software that has an abundance of slideshow presentation templates that you can choose from and customize.
We have modern PowerPoint templates, data-driven presentation templates, colorful templates and everything in between. Just scroll through all the templates and we’re confident you’ll find the perfect one for you.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/visme-vs-powerpoint-presentation-templates-2.png)
If you want, you can even design templates of your own and save them for future slideshows that you want to create in a similar fashion.
You can also browse through our presentation themes, which include hundreds of pre-made slides you can mix and match to create your own presentation deck.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint export powerpoint visme - slide-themes](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/export-powerpoint-visme-slide-themes.jpg)
Once you pick out your template, you can edit every single design aspect, from the overlays to images, to the color scheme, clipart and stickers, slide transitions and more.
We recommend finding a template that resembles the presentation that you need so that the design process goes as smoothly and easily for you as possible. Creating a presentation should be enjoyable, and Visme makes that process possible.
If you are feeling confident and you don’t want to use one of our professionally designed slideshow templates, you can start from scratch and create your own. Add and remove as many pages are you want and benefit from our stock images and videos, stickers, text templates and more.
Once you’ve chosen your template, you need to think of your audience. Not every presentation design is going to be appropriate for every audience.
In order to make an effective PowerPoint, you need to get in your audience’s head. Ask yourself, “What do they want to see?” or “What value can I bring to them?”.
The design approach you take will greatly impact the results of your audience’s retention. You want to make sure that you please your audience as much as possible and keep them engaged with what you’re trying to convey to them.
If you need to create a report-based, data-driven presentation, then you need to add lots of charts. But not just any type of boring chart. You can use one of Visme’s beautiful charts and edit the values, axis, legend, colors, appearance and more.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/report-presentation-template.jpg)
If you already have your data in an Excel sheet or Google sheet, you can import them into Visme’s editor and they will automatically be turned into visual data.
You can also add charts and graphs, diagrams, tables, maps and data widgets. Whatever you need, Visme has it.
You want to make sure that your PowerPoint slideshow’s readability is on point. You can do this by choosing the clear and engaging fonts that go with your presentation topic and theme.
In Visme, you can customize the font, style, size and color of your text. Adjust spacing, borders and even animate the text to make your slides more engaging.
We have tons of typefaces for you to choose from, from Helvetica to Calibri and Arial, to sans-serif and serif fonts, we know you’ll find the perfect one to create a great presentation.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/visme-presentation-editor-text-fonts.jpg)
Remember, less is more when it comes to a seamless design. Instead of lines upon lines of text, you should be strategic about your text design.
Make sure not to use more than 3 different typefaces per slide. This will keep your design looking sleek and not overloaded.
You can do also use premade text templates created by our professional designers. Simply scroll through all the different text templates, find one you like, and drag and drop it onto your slide. From there, you can customize it as much as you please.
It’s important to keep all the design elements and text on your slideshow aligned, so take advantage of our grid and keep everything visually pleasing and aligned.
You can drive your main points home with a large heading, and align other, smaller text boxes beneath to make sure you stay on track and don’t deter from your main points.
One way you can make your text stand out is to incorporate shapes. If you want to make your text pop out and come to life, add a shape behind them.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/presentation-tip-7.jpg)
Make sure the shape color you choose is a good contrast to the text color so that you can easily see what is written out without having to squint your eyes and decipher what’s written.
You can also take advantage of negative space in your design. If you feel like there’s an empty spot in your slide that looks a little awkward, it’s the perfect place to add some text.
Using negative space for showcasing text is always visually appealing, so use those blank spaces to your advantage!
Another great way you can keep your audience engaged with your presentation is by animating objects. Instead of just showing them a boring, static slide, why not animate the text and objects to bring everything to life?
In Visme’s editor, you can animate any object with just the click of a button.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/visme-presentation-editor-animate-objects-illustration.jpg)
Make any element slide in and out, bounce, fade in or fade out, spin, appear from thin air and more. There are so many ways you can animate objects and fit your design style to make your presentation stand out from the rest.
You can even go through our library of professionally designed animated graphics and drop them onto your slide. Choose from animated characters, illustrations, icons, special effects and avatars.
Once you add an animated graphic to your design, you can customize them in many different ways, such as editing the pose, speed, repetitions and colors.
Instead of just having your next slide show up as a static image, use a transition between the two slides in order to make the transition seamless.
Visme has lots of elegant and modern transitions to choose from. Scroll through our transition presets and try them out to see which one suits your style best. You might like the zoom-in transition, slide-in or fade.
There are so many transitions for you to choose from, but we recommend you find the one you like most and use it for all slide transitions for the entire slideshow presentation. This will keep your design cohesive and easy on the eyes.
Don’t forget, you can also use sound effects in your presentation when necessary and you want to grab your audience’s attention!
Throughout the entire presentation, you’ll want to make sure that you keep things interactive and entertaining for your audience.
Even though PowerPoint is widely used for creating slideshows, there are many different presentation softwares you can use.
If you use Visme’s presentation maker, you can make your slideshow interactive. One way you can do that is by adding external links to any graphic in the presentation. This way, you can quickly access different pages and documents without ever needing to leave the slideshow.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/visme-presentation-editor-interactivity-links.jpg)
Another amazing interactive feature of Visme’s is the interactive maps and data visualizations. You can have your viewers simply scroll and hover over an object and more information will pop up.
For example, if you want to create a map with statistics regarding each state, you could add the information to each state in the chart, and then when someone hovers over the state, the statistic will pop up.
This is very convenient for conveying lots of information in an organized way.
You can’t have a good presentation without adding high-quality images, videos, stickers and clipart to your presentation. Without engaging visuals, you’ll quickly lose your viewer’s attention, and risk having a boring PowerPoint presentation.
Visme makes it incredibly simple to add your own multimedia. If you want to upload your own photos, video or audio, you can do so by clicking on “photos” or “media” and clicking “upload.”
Once you click on the “upload” button, you can upload your multimedia from your computer, then find it in your Visme library.
If by chance you aren’t happy with the media you have, or you don’t have any images to upload at all, there’s no need to worry.
Visme is loaded full of high-quality videos and images that are free for you to use in your presentation designs.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/visme-presentation-editor-stock-photos-images.jpg)
If you want to browse through millions of stock videos and stock images, just click on “photos” in the left menu toolbar. This will take you to all of our stock images. To search for a specific image, type a keyword in the search bar to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Once you find the perfect image or video, you can drag and drop it onto your presentation. You can then add shapes and frames to your image for a modern, geometric look.
If you’d like to edit and enhance your chosen image, you can do so in the Visme editor. You can change the brightness, contrast, colors, shadows and more. You can add and customize filters to your images for a cohesive color scheme.
For a highly effective and great presentation, you need to feel confident when presenting.
Firstly, You can rest assured that after creating a PowerPoint presentation in Visme, your design will be professional and engaging for your crowd, but now it’s up to you.
You need to be as engaging and exciting as your presentation is, so don’t wait until the last minute to practice your public speaking. Rehearsing your slideshow presentation will simplify the public speaking process and things will go much better if you practice.
Having a bulleted list next to you so you stay on track and making eye contact with your audience will help them pay attention, and will make a good presentation an excellent one.
The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll be with your presentation. So make sure to run through it a few times and you’ll be good to go.
Ready to Level Up Your Presentations?
The best way you can create a powerful Microsoft PowerPoint presentation is by using a tool that isn’t necessarily PowerPoint.
Visme is an all-in-one design tool that will aid you in not only creating slideshows but any other type of visual content that you need, such as infographics, social media posts and documents.
Give Visme a go and create a free account today . You might become addicted to its awesomeness, so use it at your own risk!
We know that after reading all these tips, your presentation skills have gone through the roof. You’re practically a master slide-maker by now.
If want even more information and tips that can help you create modern PowerPoint designs, you can check out some of our tutorials on our YouTube channel .
We hope this article was helpful to you and we wish you the best of luck on your upcoming presentation. We know you’re going to smash it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have received lots of questions regarding PowerPoint presentations and we want to make sure you get the answers you're looking for.
So let’s dive into your questions.
Q1. What is the 10-20-30 Rule of PowerPoint?
The 10 20 30 Rule of PowerPoint suggests that each presentation should have 10 slides, shouldn’t last any more than 20 minutes in total and all fonts should be at least 30 points or larger.
This is a great rule of thumb to keep in mind when creating a PowerPoint presentation.
Q2. What is the 5 by 5 rule in PowerPoint?
The 5 by 5 rule was put in place to help keep your audience from feeling overwhelmed by text.
The text on each slide should be short and to the point and have no more than five words per line and no more than five lines of text per slide.
Q3. How do you make a good PowerPoint presentation?
A good PowerPoint presentation is created in a great design tool like Visme.
Choose an engaging template, know your main points, use engaging images and animations, and drive home your main points by practicing presenting your presentation before going public with it.
Q4. What makes an effective PowerPoint presentation?
You can create an effective PowerPoint presentation by using no more than 10 slides, not overwhelming your audience with big chunks of text, having all your design elements aligned, using a great template, knowing your main points and driving them points home with a great closing argument.
Q5. What are the advantages of PowerPoint templates?
Some of the advantages to using PowerPoint templates are that you get professionally designed slideshows without having to know how to design and you can quickly copy and paste your text into the text boxes already set up for you.
But you don’t have to use PowerPoint to create PowerPoint presentations. You can use a design tool like Visme to create amazing PowerPoint Presentations.
Q6. How to make a PowerPoint presentation attractive?
One powerful way you can make your PowerPoint presentation attractive is by using high-quality visuals. This includes having high-quality images, videos, stickers, transitions, animations and more.
One easy way you can do this is by using a Visme PowerPoint presentation PowerPoint and customizing it to suit your needs.
Q7. What should a PowerPoint presentation include?
A good PowerPoint presentation should include about 10 slides full of useful information, engaging visuals, interactive elements and high-quality images among other important things.
You text should be clear and easy to read, the images shouldn’t be blurry, your main points need to be easy to spot as soon as you open the slide and you should include seamless transitions.
Q8. What’s the best alternative to PowerPoint?
The best alternative to PowerPoint in our opinion is Visme.
Visme is a presentation maker, but it's also much more than that. You can create animated slideshows, documents, infographics, social media posts, videos, and more quickly and easily.
Unlike other tools, Visme gives you the most value for your money. You can also tap into features like data visualization, brand management, team collaboration, customizable animated assets like illustrations, icons and characters, and much more.
Ready to get started? Sign up for a free Visme account today and take it for a test drive for as long as you like.
Create beautiful presentations faster with Visme.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://blog.visme.co/wp-content/themes/blog/img/02_sidebar_presentations.png)
Trusted by leading brands
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Capterra](https://www.visme.co/wp-content/themes/visme/images/2022/badges/capterra.png)
Recommended content for you:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint 30+ Pitch Deck Templates for Startups, Real Estate & More](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/30-Pitch-Deck-Templates-for-Startups-Real-Estate-More-Thumbnail-500x280.jpg)
Create Stunning Content!
Design visual brand experiences for your business whether you are a seasoned designer or a total novice.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cta-left-icons.png)
About the Author
I’m Heleana and I’m a content creator here at Visme. My passion is to help people find the information they’re looking for in the most fun and enjoyable way possible. Let’s make information beautiful.
Critical PowerPoint Shortcuts – Claim Your FREE Training Module and Get Your Time Back!
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint nuts and bolts speed training logo](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2019/12/cropped-logo.png.webp)
How to Make a PowerPoint Presentation (Step-by-Step)
- PowerPoint Tutorials
- Presentation Design
- January 22, 2024
In this beginner’s guide, you will learn step-by-step how to make a PowerPoint presentation from scratch.
While PowerPoint is designed to be intuitive and accessible, it can be overwhelming if you’ve never gotten any training on it before. As you progress through this guide, you’ll will learn how to move from blank slides to PowerPoint slides that look like these.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Example of the six slides you'll learn how to create in this tutorial](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-48.jpg.webp)
Table of Contents
Additionally, as you create your presentation, you’ll also learn tricks for working more efficiently in PowerPoint, including how to:
- Change the slide order
- Reset your layout
- Change the slide dimensions
- Use PowerPoint Designer
- Format text
- Format objects
- Play a presentation (slide show)
With this knowledge under your belt, you’ll be ready to start creating PowerPoint presentations. Moreover, you’ll have taken your skills from beginner to proficient in no time at all. I will also include links to more advanced PowerPoint topics.
Ready to start learning how to make a PowerPoint presentation?
Take your PPT skills to the next level
Start with a blank presentation.
Note: Before you open PowerPoint and start creating your presentation, make sure you’ve collected your thoughts. If you’re going to make your slides compelling, you need to spend some time brainstorming.
For help with this, see our article with tips for nailing your business presentation here .
The first thing you’ll need to do is to open PowerPoint. When you do, you are shown the Start Menu , with the Home tab open.
This is where you can choose either a blank theme (1) or a pre-built theme (2). You can also choose to open an existing presentation (3).
For now, go ahead and click on the Blank Presentation (1) thumbnail.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint In the backstage view of PowerPoint you can create a new blank presentation, use a template, or open a recent file](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-1.jpg.webp)
Doing so launches a brand new and blank presentation for you to work with. Before you start adding content to your presentation, let’s first familiarize ourselves with the PowerPoint interface.
The PowerPoint interface
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Picture of the different parts of the PowerPoint layout, including the Ribbon, thumbnail view, quick access toolbar, notes pane, etc.](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-2.jpg.webp)
Here is how the program is laid out:
- The Application Header
- The Ribbon (including the Ribbon tabs)
- The Quick Access Toolbar (either above or below the Ribbon)
- The Slides Pane (slide thumbnails)
The Slide Area
The notes pane.
- The Status Bar (including the View Buttons)
Each one of these areas has options for viewing certain parts of the PowerPoint environment and formatting your presentation.
Below are the important things to know about certain elements of the PowerPoint interface.
The PowerPoint Ribbon
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint The PowerPoint Ribbon in the Microsoft Office Suite](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-3.1.jpg.webp)
The Ribbon is contextual. That means that it will adapt to what you’re doing in the program.
For example, the Font, Paragraph and Drawing options are greyed out until you select something that has text in it, as in the example below (A).
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Example of the Shape Format tab in PowerPoint and all of the subsequent commands assoicated with that tab](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-4.jpg.webp)
Furthermore, if you start manipulating certain objects, the Ribbon will display additional tabs, as seen above (B), with more commands and features to help you work with those objects. The following objects have their own additional tabs in the Ribbon which are hidden until you select them:
- Online Pictures
- Screenshots
- Screen Recording
The Slides Pane
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint The slides pane in PowerPoint is on the left side of your workspace](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-5.jpg.webp)
This is where you can preview and rearrange all the slides in your presentation.
Right-clicking on a slide in the pane gives you additional options on the slide level that you won’t find on the Ribbon, such as Duplicate Slide , Delete Slide , and Hide Slide .
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Right clicking a PowerPoint slide in the thumbnail view gives you a variety of options like adding new slides, adding sections, changing the layout, etc.](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-6.jpg.webp)
In addition, you can add sections to your presentation by right-clicking anywhere in this Pane and selecting Add Section . Sections are extremely helpful in large presentations, as they allow you to organize your slides into chunks that you can then rearrange, print or display differently from other slides.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Content added to your PowerPoint slides will only display if it's on the slide area, marked here by the letter A](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-7.jpg.webp)
The Slide Area (A) is where you will build out your slides. Anything within the bounds of this area will be visible when you present or print your presentation.
Anything outside of this area (B) will be hidden from view. This means that you can place things here, such as instructions for each slide, without worrying about them being shown to your audience.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint The notes pane in PowerPoint is located at the bottom of your screen and is where you can type your speaker notes](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-8.jpg.webp)
The Notes Pane is the space beneath the Slide Area where you can type in the speaker notes for each slide. It’s designed as a fast way to add and edit your slides’ talking points.
To expand your knowledge and learn more about adding, printing, and exporting your PowerPoint speaker notes, read our guide here .
Your speaker notes are visible when you print your slides using the Notes Pages option and when you use the Presenter View . To expand your knowledge and learn the ins and outs of using the Presenter View , read our guide here .
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint You can click and drag to resize the notes pane at the bottom of your PowerPoint screen](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-9.jpg.webp)
You can resize the Notes Pane by clicking on its edge and dragging it up or down (A). You can also minimize or reopen it by clicking on the Notes button in the Status Bar (B).
Note: Not all text formatting displays in the Notes Pane, even though it will show up when printing your speaker notes. To learn more about printing PowerPoint with notes, read our guide here .
Now that you have a basic grasp of the PowerPoint interface at your disposal, it’s time to make your presentation.
Adding Content to Your PowerPoint Presentation
Notice that in the Slide Area , there are two rectangles with dotted outlines. These are called Placeholders and they’re set on the template in the Slide Master View .
To expand your knowledge and learn how to create a PowerPoint template of your own (which is no small task), read our guide here .
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Click into your content placeholders and start typing text, just as the prompt suggests](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-10.jpg.webp)
As the prompt text suggests, you can click into each placeholder and start typing text. These types of placeholder prompts are customizable too. That means that if you are using a company template, it might say something different, but the functionality is the same.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Example of typing text into a content placeholder in PowerPoint](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-11.jpg.webp)
Note: For the purposes of this example, I will create a presentation based on the content in the Starbucks 2018 Global Social Impact Report, which is available to the public on their website.
If you type in more text than there is room for, PowerPoint will automatically reduce its font size. You can stop this behavior by clicking on the Autofit Options icon to the left of the placeholder and selecting Stop Fitting Text to this Placeholder .
Next, you can make formatting adjustments to your text by selecting the commands in the Font area and the Paragraph area of the Home tab of the Ribbon.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Use the formatting options on the Home tab to choose the formatting of your text](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-12.1.jpg.webp)
The Reset Command: If you make any changes to your title and decide you want to go back to how it was originally, you can use the Reset button up in the Home tab .
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Hitting the reset command on the home tab resets your slide formatting to match your template](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-13.jpg.webp)
Insert More Slides into Your Presentation
Now that you have your title slide filled in, it’s time to add more slides. To do that, simply go up to the Home tab and click on New Slide . This inserts a new slide in your presentation right after the one you were on.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint To insert a new slide in PowerPoint, on the home tab click the New Slide command](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-14.jpg.webp)
You can alternatively hit Ctrl+M on your keyboard to insert a new blank slide in PowerPoint. To learn more about this shortcut, see my guide on using Ctrl+M in PowerPoint .
Instead of clicking the New Slide command, you can also open the New Slide dropdown to see all the slide layouts in your PowerPoint template. Depending on who created your template, your layouts in this dropdown can be radically different.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Opening the new slide dropdown you can see all the slide layouts in your PowerPoint template](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-15.jpg.webp)
If you insert a layout and later want to change it to a different layout, you can use the Layout dropdown instead of the New Slide dropdown.
After inserting a few different slide layouts, your presentation might look like the following picture. Don’t worry that it looks blank, next we will start adding content to your presentation.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Example of a number of different blank slide layouts inserting in a PowerPoint presentation](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-16.jpg.webp)
If you want to follow along exactly with me, your five slides should be as follows:
- Title Slide
- Title and Content
- Section Header
- Two Content
- Picture with Caption
Adding Content to Your Slides
Now let’s go into each slide and start adding our content. You’ll notice some new types of placeholders.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Use the icons within a content placeholder to insert things like tables, charts, SmartArt, Pictures, etc.](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-17.jpg.webp)
On slide 2 we have a Content Placeholder , which allows you to add any kind of content. That includes:
- A SmartArt graphic,
- A 3D object,
- A picture from the web,
- Or an icon.
To insert text, simply type it in or hit Ctrl+C to Copy and Ctrl+V to Paste from elsewhere. To insert any of the other objects, click on the appropriate icon and follow the steps to insert it.
For my example, I’ll simply type in some text as you can see in the picture below.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Example typing bulleted text in a content placeholder in PowerPoint](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-18.jpg.webp)
Slides 3 and 4 only have text placeholders, so I’ll go ahead and add in my text into each one.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Examples of text typed into a divider slide and a title and content slide in PowerPoint](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-19.jpg.webp)
On slide 5 we have a Picture Placeholder . That means that the only elements that can go into it are:
- A picture from the web
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint A picture placeholder in PowerPoint can only take an image or an icon](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-20.jpg.webp)
To insert a picture into the picture placeholder, simply:
- Click on the Picture icon
- Find a picture on your computer and select it
- Click on Insert
Alternatively, if you already have a picture open somewhere else, you can select the placeholder and paste in (shortcut: Ctrl+V ) the picture. You can also drag the picture in from a file explorer window.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint To insert a picture into a picture placeholder, click the picture icon, find your picture on your computer and click insert](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-21.jpg.webp)
If you do not like the background of the picture you inserted onto your slide, you can remove the background here in PowerPoint. To see how to do this, read my guide here .
Placeholders aren’t the only way to add content to your slides. At any point, you can use the Insert tab to add elements to your slides.
You can use either the Title Only or the Blank slide layout to create slides for content that’s different. For example, a three-layout content slide, or a single picture divider slide, as shown below.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Example slides using PowerPoint icons and background pictures](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-22.jpg.webp)
In the first example above, I’ve inserted 6 text boxes, 3 icons, and 3 circles to create this layout. In the second example, I’ve inserted a full-sized picture and then 2 shapes and 2 text boxes.
The Reset Command: Because these slides are built with shapes and text boxes (and not placeholders), hitting the Reset button up in the Home tab won’t do anything.
That is a good thing if you don’t want your layouts to adjust. However, it does mean that it falls on you to make sure everything is aligned and positioned correctly.
For more on how to add and manipulate the different objects in PowerPoint, check out our step-by-step articles here:
- Using graphics in PowerPoint
- Inserting icons onto slides
- Adding pictures to your PowerPoint
- How to embed a video in PowerPoint
- How to add music to your presentation
Using Designer to generate more layouts ideas
If you have Office 365, your version of PowerPoint comes with a new feature called Designer (or Design Ideas). This is a feature that generates slide layout ideas for you. The coolest thing about this feature is that it uses the content you already have.
To use Designer , simply navigate to the Design tab in your Ribbon, and click on Design Ideas .
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint To use Designer on your slides, click the](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-23.jpg.webp)
NOTE: If the PowerPoint Designer is not working for you (it is grey out), see my troubleshooting guide for Designer .
Change the Overall Design (optional)
When you make a PowerPoint presentation, you’ll want to think about the overall design. Now that you have some content in your presentation, you can use the Design tab to change the look and feel of your slides.
For additional help thinking through the design of your presentation, read my guide here .
A. Picking your PowerPoint slide size
If you have PowerPoint 2013 or later, when you create a blank document in PowerPoint, you automatically start with a widescreen layout with a 16:9 ratio. These dimensions are suitable for most presentations as they match the screens of most computers and projectors.
However, you do have the option to change the dimensions.
For example, your presentation might not be presented, but instead converted into a PDF or printed and distributed. In that case, you can easily switch to the standard dimensions with a 4:3 ratio by selecting from the dropdown (A).
You can also choose a custom slide size or change the slide orientation from landscape to portrait in the Custom Slide Size dialog box (B).
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint To change your slide size, click the Design tab, open the slide size dropdown and choose a size or custom slide size](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-24.jpg.webp)
To learn all about the different PowerPoint slide sizes, and some of the issues you will face when changing the slide size of a non-blank presentation, read my guide here .
B. Selecting a PowerPoint theme
The next thing you can do is change the theme of your presentation to a pre-built one. For a detailed explanation of what a PowerPoint theme is, and how to best use it, read my article here .
In the beginning of this tutorial, we started with a blank presentation, which uses the default Office theme as you can see in the picture below.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint All PowerPoint presentations start with the default Microsoft Office theme](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-25.jpg.webp)
That gives you the most flexibility because it has a blank background and quite simple layouts that work for most presentations. However, it also means that it’s your responsibility to enhance the design.
If you’re comfortable with this, you can stay with the default theme or create your own custom theme ( read my guide here ). But if you would rather not have to think about design, then you can choose a pre-designed theme.
Microsoft provides 46 other pre-built themes, which include slide layouts, color variants and palettes, and fonts. Each one varies quite significantly, so make sure you look through them carefully.
To select a different theme, go to the Design tab in the Ribbon, and click on the dropdown arrow in the Themes section .
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint On the Design tab you will find all of the default PowerPoint templates that come with the Microsoft Office Suite](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-26.jpg.webp)
For this tutorial, let’s select the Frame theme and then choose the third Variant in the theme. Doing so changes the layout, colors, and fonts of your presentation.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Example choosing the Frame PowerPoint theme and the third variant of this powerpoint presentation](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-27.jpg.webp)
Note: The theme dropdown area is also where you can import or save custom themes. To see my favorite places to find professional PowerPoint templates and themes (and recommendations for why I like them), read my guide here .
C. How to change a slide background in PowerPoint
The next thing to decide is how you want your background to look for the entire presentation. In the Variants area, you can see four background options.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint To change the background style of your presentation, on the Design tab, find the Background Styles options and choose a style](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-28.jpg.webp)
For this example, we want our presentation to have a dark background, so let’s select Style 3. When you do so, you’ll notice that:
- The background color automatically changes across all slides
- The color of the text on most of the slides automatically changes to white so that it’s visible on the dark background
- The colors of the objects on slides #6 and #7 also adjust, in a way we may not want (we’ll likely have to make some manual adjustments to these slides)
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint What our PowerPoint presentation looks like now that we have selected a theme, a variant, and a background style](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-29.jpg.webp)
Note: If you want to change the slide background for just that one slide, don’t left-click the style. Instead, right-click it and select Apply to Selected Slides .
After you change the background for your entire presentation, you can easily adjust the background for an individual slide.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint You can either right-click a PowerPoint slide and select format background or navigate to the design tab and click the format background command](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-30.jpg.webp)
Inside the Format Background pane, you can see you have the following options:
- Gradient fill
- Picture or texture fill
- Pattern fill
- Hide background
You can explore these options to find the PowerPoint background that best fits your presentation.
D. How to change your color palette in PowerPoint
Another thing you may want to adjust in your presentation, is the color scheme. In the picture below you can see the Theme Colors we are currently using for this presentation.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Example of the theme colors we are currently using with this presentation](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-32.1.jpg.webp)
Each PowerPoint theme comes with its own color palette. By default, the Office theme includes the Office color palette. This affects the colors you are presented with when you format any element within your presentation (text, shapes, SmartArt, etc.).
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint To change the theme color for your presentation, select the Design tab, open the Colors options and choose the colors you want to use](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-33.jpg.webp)
The good news is that the colors here are easy to change. To switch color palettes, simply:
- Go to the Design tab in the Ribbon
- In the Variants area, click on the dropdown arrow and select Colors
- Select the color palette (or theme colors) you want
You can choose among the pre-built color palettes from Office, or you can customize them to create your own.
As you build your presentation, make sure you use the colors from your theme to format objects. That way, changing the color palette adjusts all the colors in your presentation automatically.
E. How to change your fonts in PowerPoint
Just as we changed the color palette, you can do the same for the fonts.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Example of custom theme fonts that might come with a powerpoint template](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-34.jpg.webp)
Each PowerPoint theme comes with its own font combination. By default, the Office theme includes the Office font pairing. This affects the fonts that are automatically assigned to all text in your presentation.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint To change the default fonts for your presentation, from the design tab, find the fonts dropdown and select the pair of fonts you want to use](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-35.jpg.webp)
The good news is that the font pairings are easy to change. To switch your Theme Fonts, simply:
- Go to the Design tab in the Ribbon
- Click on the dropdown arrow in the Variants area
- Select Fonts
- Select the font pairing you want
You can choose among the pre-built fonts from Office, or you can customize them to create your own.
If you are working with PowerPoint presentations on both Mac and PC computers, make sure you choose a safe PowerPoint font. To see a list of the safest PowerPoint fonts, read our guide here .
If you receive a PowerPoint presentation and the wrong fonts were used, you can use the Replace Fonts dialog box to change the fonts across your entire presentation. For details, read our guide here .
Adding Animations & Transitions (optional)
The final step to make a PowerPoint presentation compelling, is to consider using animations and transitions. These are by no means necessary to a good presentation, but they may be helpful in your situation.
A. Adding PowerPoint animations
PowerPoint has an incredibly robust animations engine designed to power your creativity. That being said, it’s also easy to get started with basic animations.
Animations are movements that you can apply to individual objects on your slide.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint To add an animation to an object in PowerPoint, first select the object and then use the Animations tab to select an animation type](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-36.jpg.webp)
To add a PowerPoint animation to an element of your slide, simply:
- Select the element
- Go to the Animations tab in the Ribbon
- Click on the dropdown arrow to view your options
- Select the animation you want
You can add animations to multiple objects at one time by selecting them all first and then applying the animation.
B. How to preview a PowerPoint animation
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint There are three ways to preview a PowerPoint animation](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-37.jpg.webp)
There are three ways to preview a PowerPoint animation:
- Click on the Preview button in the Animations tab
- Click on the little star next to the slide
- Play the slide in Slide Show Mode
To learn other ways to run your slide show, see our guide on presenting a PowerPoint slide show with shortcuts .
To adjust the settings of your animations, explore the options in the Effect Options , Advanced Animation and the Timing areas of the Animation tab .
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint The Animations tab allows you to adjust the effects and timings of your animations in PowerPoint](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-38.jpg.webp)
Note: To see how to make objects appear and disappear in your slides by clicking a button, read our guide here .
C. How to manage your animations in PowerPoint
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint You can see the animations applied to your objects by the little numbers in the upper right-hand corner of the objects](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-40.jpg.webp)
The best way to manage lots of animations on your slide is with the Animation Pane . To open it, simply:
- Navigate to the Animations tab
- Select the Animation Pane
Inside the Animation Pane, you’ll see all of the different animations that have been applied to objects on your slide, with their numbers marked as pictured above.
Note: To see examples of PowerPoint animations that can use in PowerPoint, see our list of PowerPoint animation tutorials here .
D. How to add transitions to your PowerPoint presentation
PowerPoint has an incredibly robust transition engine so that you can dictate how your slides change from one to the other. It is also extremely easy to add transitions to your slides.
In PowerPoint, transitions are the movements (or effects) you see as you move between two slides.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint To add a transition to a slide, select the slide, navigate to the transitions tab in PowerPoint and select your transition](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-41.jpg.webp)
To add a transition to a PowerPoint slide, simply:
- Select the slide
- Go to the Transitions tab in the Ribbon
- In the Transitions to This Slide area, click on the dropdown arrow to view your options
- Select the transition you want
To adjust the settings of the transition, explore the options in the Timing area of the Transitions tab.
You can also add the same transition to multiple slides. To do that, select them in the Slides Pane and apply the transition.
E. How to preview a transition in PowerPoint
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint There are three ways to preview a transition in PowerPoint](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-42.jpg.webp)
There are three ways to preview your PowerPoint transitions (just like your animations):
- Click on the Preview button in the Transitions tab
- Click on the little star beneath the slide number in the thumbnail view
Note: In 2016, PowerPoint added a cool new transition, called Morph. It operates a bit differently from other transitions. For a detailed tutorial on how to use the cool Morph transition, see our step-by-step article here .
Save Your PowerPoint Presentation
After you’ve built your presentation and made all the adjustments to your slides, you’ll want to save your presentation. YOu can do this several different ways.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Click the file tab, select Save As, choose where you want to save your presentation and then click save](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-43.jpg.webp)
To save a PowerPoint presentation using your Ribbon, simply:
- Navigate to the File tab
- Select Save As on the left
- Choose where you want to save your presentation
- Name your presentation and/or adjust your file type settings
- Click Save
You can alternatively use the Ctrl+S keyboard shortcut to save your presentation. I recommend using this shortcut frequently as you build your presentation to make sure you don’t lose any of your work.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint The save shortcut is control plus s in PowerPoint](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-44.jpg.webp)
This is the standard way to save a presentation. However, there may be a situation where you want to save your presentation as a different file type.
To learn how to save your presentation as a PDF, see our guide on converting PowerPoint to a PDF .
How to save your PowerPoint presentation as a template
Once you’ve created a presentation that you like, you may want to turn it into a template. The easiest – but not technically correct – way, is to simply create a copy of your current presentation and then change the content.
But be careful! A PowerPoint template is a special type of document and it has its own parameters and behaviors.
If you’re interested in learning about how to create your own PowerPoint template from scratch, see our guide on how to create a PowerPoint template .
Printing Your PowerPoint Presentation
After finishing your PowerPoint presentation, you may want to print it out on paper. Printing your slides is relatively easy.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint The print shortcut is control plus P in PowerPoint](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-46.jpg.webp)
To open the Print dialog box, you can either:
- Hit Ctrl+P on your keyboard
- Or go to the Ribbon and click on File and then Print
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint In the Print dialog box, make your selections for how you want to print your PowerPoint presentation, then click print](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-47.jpg.webp)
Inside the Print dialog box, you can choose from the various printing settings:
- Printer: Select a printer to use (or print to PDF or OneNote)
- Slides: Choose which slides you want to print
- Layout: Determine how many slides you want per page (this is where you can print the notes, outline, and handouts)
- Collated or uncollated (learn what collated printing means here )
- Color: Choose to print in color, grayscale or black & white
There are many more options for printing your PowerPoint presentations. Here are links to more in-depth articles:
- How to print multiple slides per page
- How to print your speaker notes in PowerPoint
- How to save PowerPoint as a picture presentation
So that’s how to create a PowerPoint presentation if you are brand new to it. We’ve also included a ton of links to helpful resources to boost your PowerPoint skills further.
When you are creating your presentation, it is critical to first focus on the content (what you are trying to say) before getting lost inserting and playing with elements. The clearer you are on what you want to present, the easier it will be to build it out in PowerPoint.
If you enjoyed this article, you can learn more about our PowerPoint training courses and other presentation resources by visiting us here .
🔒 Unlock the PowerPoint Shortcuts Trusted by Industry Leaders KKR, American Express, HSBC, and More!
Join over 114,880 professionals from diverse fields including consulting, investment banking, advertising, marketing, sales, and business development who have supercharged their PowerPoint game with our proven methods.
✅ Customize compelling presentations effortlessly.
✅ Master time-saving techniques for faster deck creation.
✅ Boost your career prospects with top-notch PowerPoint skills.
Get FREE access to the Critical PowerPoint Shortcuts module of our premium training course by entering your name and email below.
DISCLAIMER: PC Users Only!
We respect your privacy and will keep your info safe and confidential.
About The Author
Popular Tutorials
- How to Strikethrough Text (l̶i̶k̶e̶ ̶t̶h̶i̶s̶) in Word, Excel & PowerPoint
- How to Make Animated Fireworks in PowerPoint (Step-by-Step)
- Strikethrough Shortcut (l̶i̶k̶e̶ ̶t̶h̶i̶s̶) for Word, Excel & PowerPoint
- How to Create a Flash Card Memory Game in PowerPoint (Like Jeopardy)
- Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working: Solved
PowerPoint Tutorial Categories
- Strategies & Opinions
- Shortcuts & Hacks
- Pictures, Icons, Videos, Etc.
- New Features
- Miscellaneous
- Charts & Data Viz
We help busy professionals save hours and gain peace of mind, with corporate workshops, self-paced courses and tutorials for PowerPoint and Word.
Work With Us
- Corporate Training
- Presentation & Template Design
- Courses & Downloads
- PowerPoint Articles
- Word Articles
- Productivity Resources
Find a Tutorial
- Free Training
- For Businesses
We help busy office workers save hours and gain peace of mind, with tips, training and tutorials for Microsoft PowerPoint and Word.
Master Critical PowerPoint Shortcuts – Secure Your FREE Training Module and Save Valuable Time!
⌛ Master time-saving expert techniques.
🔥 Create powerful presentations.
🚀 Propel your career to new heights.
We value your privacy – we keep your info safe.
Discover PowerPoint Hacks Loved by Industry Giants - KKR, AmEx, HSBC!
Over 114,880 professionals in finance, marketing and sales have revolutionized their PPT skills with our proven methods.
Gain FREE access to a full module of our premium PowerPoint training program – Get started today!
We hate spam too and promise to keep your information safe.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Facebook . To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Cart](https://hbr.org/resources/css/images/cart-icon.png)
- SUGGESTED TOPICS
- The Magazine
- Newsletters
- Managing Yourself
- Managing Teams
- Work-life Balance
- The Big Idea
- Data & Visuals
- Reading Lists
- Case Selections
- HBR Learning
- Topic Feeds
- Account Settings
- Email Preferences
How to Give a Killer Presentation
- Chris Anderson
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://hbr.org/resources/images/article_assets/2013/06/Feb22_15_758282249.jpg)
For more than 30 years, the TED conference series has presented enlightening talks that people enjoy watching. In this article, Anderson, TED’s curator, shares five keys to great presentations:
- Frame your story (figure out where to start and where to end).
- Plan your delivery (decide whether to memorize your speech word for word or develop bullet points and then rehearse it—over and over).
- Work on stage presence (but remember that your story matters more than how you stand or whether you’re visibly nervous).
- Plan the multimedia (whatever you do, don’t read from PowerPoint slides).
- Put it together (play to your strengths and be authentic).
According to Anderson, presentations rise or fall on the quality of the idea, the narrative, and the passion of the speaker. It’s about substance—not style. In fact, it’s fairly easy to “coach out” the problems in a talk, but there’s no way to “coach in” the basic story—the presenter has to have the raw material. So if your thinking is not there yet, he advises, decline that invitation to speak. Instead, keep working until you have an idea that’s worth sharing.
Lessons from TED
A little more than a year ago, on a trip to Nairobi, Kenya, some colleagues and I met a 12-year-old Masai boy named Richard Turere, who told us a fascinating story. His family raises livestock on the edge of a vast national park, and one of the biggest challenges is protecting the animals from lions—especially at night. Richard had noticed that placing lamps in a field didn’t deter lion attacks, but when he walked the field with a torch, the lions stayed away. From a young age, he’d been interested in electronics, teaching himself by, for example, taking apart his parents’ radio. He used that experience to devise a system of lights that would turn on and off in sequence—using solar panels, a car battery, and a motorcycle indicator box—and thereby create a sense of movement that he hoped would scare off the lions. He installed the lights, and the lions stopped attacking. Soon villages elsewhere in Kenya began installing Richard’s “lion lights.”
- CA Chris Anderson is the curator of TED.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://hbr.org/resources/css/images/hmm/HBR-learning-icon.png)
Partner Center
Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Presentations > PowerPoint Tips: Make The Most of Your Presentation
PowerPoint Tips: Make The Most of Your Presentation
Got a presentation coming up but you’re not that familiar with PowerPoint ? We can help you get started with some easy PowerPoint tips and tricks that’ll help you create an impactful presentation , no matter what the occasion.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint An image showing a PowerPoint presentation slide layout.](https://m365contenthub.wpengine.com/en-us/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1600x600_PowerPoint-Tips-Its-Easier-Than-You-Think.jpg)
Our PowerPoint for beginners tips will show you how to:
- Make an outline.
- Choose a theme.
- Find a font.
- Use visuals.
- Not use too much text.
- Limit your color.
- Use a free online “speaker coach”.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Tell your story with captivating presentations Banner](https://m365contenthub.wpengine.com/en-us/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/50-50-bounce-powerpoint.jpg)
Tell your story with captivating presentations
Powerpoint empowers you to develop well-designed content across all your devices
Outline your presentation before you start. Don’t spend time making unnecessary slides for your presentation. Create an outline before you start. Not only will this make it easier to put the content on the slides, but it will also let you know how many slides you need to make. Rather than winging it and making slides as you go, use your outline to make your slides efficient and organized . Working without an outline can sometimes lead to jumbled slides with more information than you need.
Choose a theme and template. Not everybody is a graphic designer, so coming up with the perfect slide theme and template can seem hard. Thanks to PowerPoint templates, it isn’t. Find a free online template that gives you the design, layout, color scheme, and aesthetic you want. Be sure to choose something that fits what you’re talking about (e.g. Don’t use a whimsical theme with bright colors and butterflies if you’re presenting a serious topic.)
Find the right font . Knowing which font to use for your presentation isn’t always easy. When it comes to the basics of selecting the best font, follow best-practice recommendations that say an easy-to-read sans-serif font is preferred. Fonts like Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, and others like it make for simple fonts that are easy to read. Although, there are some serif fonts that still look great on PowerPoint and are easy to read on high-resolution screens. When you’re building out the format of your slides, a great way to distinguish the title section from the body text is by using a different font for each or bolding your title font.
Use visuals . Words on a page aren’t nearly as engaging as visuals. Keep your audience’s attention during your presentation by using visuals like graphics, animations, photos, and videos. PowerPoint makes it easy to insert clipart, tables, graphs, and much more by using the features built into the program. You can also include gifs and YouTube videos to up the ante on your presentation.
While it’s great to use fun gifs or YouTube videos to enhance your presentation, don’t go crazy. Eventually, your audience will get tired of looking at a five-second loop on a gif as you speak, and videos don’t always have the impact you want. Videos can be distracting to your audience because they change the pace of your presentation, so it’s a good idea to limit the number of videos you include.
Tip: If you’re going to lay words over a picture, use a colored box with the opacity down around 50% to create more contrast between the image and the words.
Limit your text. Your audience doesn’t want to read; they want to listen to you. Don’t fill your slides with long sentences and complex phrasing. Instead, include only the most important points of what you want to say. The PowerPoint 6×6 rule suggests limiting your slides to six lines with a maximum of six words per line. Following this rule makes for slides that include only the most important points while avoiding information overload. Using bullet points is a great way to stick to the 6×6 rule.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint A graphic showing multiple different forms of bar graphs and charts available in PowerPoint.](https://m365contenthub.wpengine.com/en-us/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1064x500_PowerPoint-Tips-Its-Easier-Than-You-Think.jpg)
Go easy on the colors. Be careful of the colors you use when making a PowerPoint presentation. Too many bright colors can be hard on the eyes and reduce the contrast between the letters, making them hard to read. It’s generally a good idea to use a black or white font with a color that makes the font pop against the background. Black on white is always easy to read, and white looks great against most solid colors. If you’re not sure how a specific font color looks against a background, sit back in your chair, and try to read it. If it’s hard to read with the font and background you have, it’s a good idea to change one or both.
Use a free online “speaker coach”. Rehearsing in front of a mirror is good, but using free speaker coaching software is even better. Do you say “um” a lot? Are you talking too fast? Did you use a culturally insensitive term? A free digital “coach” with built-in AI will catch all that stuff and more.It’s the best way to assess your strengths and weaknesses and identify areas of growth.
These PowerPoint tips are enough to get you started on your presentation. Soon, you’ll be creating and presenting a beautiful deck.
Get started with Microsoft 365
It’s the Office you know, plus the tools to help you work better together, so you can get more done—anytime, anywhere.
Topics in this article
More articles like this one.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://m365contenthub.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/How-to-introduce-yourself-in-a-presentation-494x278-1.jpg)
How to introduce yourself in a presentation
Gain your audience’s attention at the onset of a presentation. Craft an impressionable introduction to establish tone, presentation topic, and more.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://m365contenthub.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/How-add-citations-to-your-presentations-494x278-1.jpg)
How to add citations to your presentation
Conduct research and appropriately credit work for your presentation. Understand the importance of citing sources and how to add them to your presentation.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://m365contenthub.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-work-on-a-group-presentation-494x278-1.jpg)
How to work on a group presentation
Group presentations can go smoothly with these essential tips on how to deliver a compelling one.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://m365contenthub.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-create-a-sales-presentation-494x278-1.jpg)
How to create a sales presentation
Engage your audience and get them interested in your product with this guide to creating a sales presentation.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Microsoft 365 Logo](https://m365contenthub.wpengine.com/en-us/wp-content/uploads/M356_Logo_180x30.png)
Everything you need to achieve more in less time
Get powerful productivity and security apps with Microsoft 365
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint LinkedIn Logo](https://m365contenthub.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/LinkedIn.png)
Explore Other Categories
We use essential cookies to make Venngage work. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Manage Cookies
Cookies and similar technologies collect certain information about how you’re using our website. Some of them are essential, and without them you wouldn’t be able to use Venngage. But others are optional, and you get to choose whether we use them or not.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are always on, as they’re essential for making Venngage work, and making it safe. Without these cookies, services you’ve asked for can’t be provided.
Show cookie providers
- Google Login
Functionality Cookies
These cookies help us provide enhanced functionality and personalisation, and remember your settings. They may be set by us or by third party providers.
Performance Cookies
These cookies help us analyze how many people are using Venngage, where they come from and how they're using it. If you opt out of these cookies, we can’t get feedback to make Venngage better for you and all our users.
- Google Analytics
Targeting Cookies
These cookies are set by our advertising partners to track your activity and show you relevant Venngage ads on other sites as you browse the internet.
- Google Tag Manager
- Infographics
- Daily Infographics
- Popular Templates
- Accessibility
- Graphic Design
- Graphs and Charts
- Data Visualization
- Human Resources
- Beginner Guides
Blog Beginner Guides How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]
How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]
Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 20, 2023
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint How to make a good presentation](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/How_To_Make_a_Good_Presentation_Blog_Header.png)
A top-notch presentation possesses the power to drive action. From winning stakeholders over and conveying a powerful message to securing funding — your secret weapon lies within the realm of creating an effective presentation .
Being an excellent presenter isn’t confined to the boardroom. Whether you’re delivering a presentation at work, pursuing an academic career, involved in a non-profit organization or even a student, nailing the presentation game is a game-changer.
In this article, I’ll cover the top qualities of compelling presentations and walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to give a good presentation. Here’s a little tip to kick things off: for a headstart, check out Venngage’s collection of free presentation templates . They are fully customizable, and the best part is you don’t need professional design skills to make them shine!
These valuable presentation tips cater to individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, encompassing business professionals, sales and marketing teams, educators, trainers, students, researchers, non-profit organizations, public speakers and presenters.
No matter your field or role, these tips for presenting will equip you with the skills to deliver effective presentations that leave a lasting impression on any audience.
Click to jump ahead:
What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?
Step-by-step guide on how to prepare an effective presentation, 9 effective techniques to deliver a memorable presentation, faqs on making a good presentation, how to create a presentation with venngage in 5 steps.
When it comes to giving an engaging presentation that leaves a lasting impression, it’s not just about the content — it’s also about how you deliver it. Wondering what makes a good presentation? Well, the best presentations I’ve seen consistently exhibit these 10 qualities:
1. Clear structure
No one likes to get lost in a maze of information. Organize your thoughts into a logical flow, complete with an introduction, main points and a solid conclusion. A structured presentation helps your audience follow along effortlessly, leaving them with a sense of satisfaction at the end.
Regardless of your presentation style , a quality presentation starts with a clear roadmap. Browse through Venngage’s template library and select a presentation template that aligns with your content and presentation goals. Here’s a good presentation example template with a logical layout that includes sections for the introduction, main points, supporting information and a conclusion:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-62-767x1024.png)
2. Engaging opening
Hook your audience right from the start with an attention-grabbing statement, a fascinating question or maybe even a captivating anecdote. Set the stage for a killer presentation!
The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – check out these 15 ways to start a presentation to set the stage and captivate your audience.
3. Relevant content
Make sure your content aligns with their interests and needs. Your audience is there for a reason, and that’s to get valuable insights. Avoid fluff and get straight to the point, your audience will be genuinely excited.
4. Effective visual aids
Picture this: a slide with walls of text and tiny charts, yawn! Visual aids should be just that—aiding your presentation. Opt for clear and visually appealing slides, engaging images and informative charts that add value and help reinforce your message.
With Venngage, visualizing data takes no effort at all. You can import data from CSV or Google Sheets seamlessly and create stunning charts, graphs and icon stories effortlessly to showcase your data in a captivating and impactful way.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-63-814x1024.png)
5. Clear and concise communication
Keep your language simple, and avoid jargon or complicated terms. Communicate your ideas clearly, so your audience can easily grasp and retain the information being conveyed. This can prevent confusion and enhance the overall effectiveness of the message.
6. Engaging delivery
Spice up your presentation with a sprinkle of enthusiasm! Maintain eye contact, use expressive gestures and vary your tone of voice to keep your audience glued to the edge of their seats. A touch of charisma goes a long way!
7. Interaction and audience engagement
Turn your presentation into an interactive experience — encourage questions, foster discussions and maybe even throw in a fun activity. Engaged audiences are more likely to remember and embrace your message.
Transform your slides into an interactive presentation with Venngage’s dynamic features like pop-ups, clickable icons and animated elements. Engage your audience with interactive content that lets them explore and interact with your presentation for a truly immersive experience.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-64-648x1024.png)
8. Effective storytelling
Who doesn’t love a good story? Weaving relevant anecdotes, case studies or even a personal story into your presentation can captivate your audience and create a lasting impact. Stories build connections and make your message memorable.
A great presentation background is also essential as it sets the tone, creates visual interest and reinforces your message. Enhance the overall aesthetics of your presentation with these 15 presentation background examples and captivate your audience’s attention.
9. Well-timed pacing
Pace your presentation thoughtfully with well-designed presentation slides, neither rushing through nor dragging it out. Respect your audience’s time and ensure you cover all the essential points without losing their interest.
10. Strong conclusion
Last impressions linger! Summarize your main points and leave your audience with a clear takeaway. End your presentation with a bang , a call to action or an inspiring thought that resonates long after the conclusion.
In-person presentations aside, acing a virtual presentation is of paramount importance in today’s digital world. Check out this guide to learn how you can adapt your in-person presentations into virtual presentations .
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Peloton Pitch Deck - Conclusion](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/69ea63d9-bbd7-4977-986f-93ddc3f128fc-1024x576.png)
Preparing an effective presentation starts with laying a strong foundation that goes beyond just creating slides and notes. One of the quickest and best ways to make a presentation would be with the help of a good presentation software .
Otherwise, let me walk you to how to prepare for a presentation step by step and unlock the secrets of crafting a professional presentation that sets you apart.
1. Understand the audience and their needs
Before you dive into preparing your masterpiece, take a moment to get to know your target audience. Tailor your presentation to meet their needs and expectations , and you’ll have them hooked from the start!
2. Conduct thorough research on the topic
Time to hit the books (or the internet)! Don’t skimp on the research with your presentation materials — dive deep into the subject matter and gather valuable insights . The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in delivering your presentation.
3. Organize the content with a clear structure
No one wants to stumble through a chaotic mess of information. Outline your presentation with a clear and logical flow. Start with a captivating introduction, follow up with main points that build on each other and wrap it up with a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.
Delivering an effective business presentation hinges on captivating your audience, and Venngage’s professionally designed business presentation templates are tailor-made for this purpose. With thoughtfully structured layouts, these templates enhance your message’s clarity and coherence, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience for your audience members.
Don’t want to build your presentation layout from scratch? pick from these 5 foolproof presentation layout ideas that won’t go wrong.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-65-646x1024.png)
4. Develop visually appealing and supportive visual aids
Spice up your presentation with eye-catching visuals! Create slides that complement your message, not overshadow it. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, but that doesn’t mean you need to overload your slides with text.
Well-chosen designs create a cohesive and professional look, capturing your audience’s attention and enhancing the overall effectiveness of your message. Here’s a list of carefully curated PowerPoint presentation templates and great background graphics that will significantly influence the visual appeal and engagement of your presentation.
5. Practice, practice and practice
Practice makes perfect — rehearse your presentation and arrive early to your presentation to help overcome stage fright. Familiarity with your material will boost your presentation skills and help you handle curveballs with ease.
6. Seek feedback and make necessary adjustments
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek feedback from friends and colleagues. Constructive criticism can help you identify blind spots and fine-tune your presentation to perfection.
With Venngage’s real-time collaboration feature , receiving feedback and editing your presentation is a seamless process. Group members can access and work on the presentation simultaneously and edit content side by side in real-time. Changes will be reflected immediately to the entire team, promoting seamless teamwork.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Venngage Real Time Collaboration](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-66.png)
7. Prepare for potential technical or logistical issues
Prepare for the unexpected by checking your equipment, internet connection and any other potential hiccups. If you’re worried that you’ll miss out on any important points, you could always have note cards prepared. Remember to remain focused and rehearse potential answers to anticipated questions.
8. Fine-tune and polish your presentation
As the big day approaches, give your presentation one last shine. Review your talking points, practice how to present a presentation and make any final tweaks. Deep breaths — you’re on the brink of delivering a successful presentation!
In competitive environments, persuasive presentations set individuals and organizations apart. To brush up on your presentation skills, read these guides on how to make a persuasive presentation and tips to presenting effectively .
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-69-814x1024.png)
Whether you’re an experienced presenter or a novice, the right techniques will let your presentation skills soar to new heights!
From public speaking hacks to interactive elements and storytelling prowess, these 9 effective presentation techniques will empower you to leave a lasting impression on your audience and make your presentations unforgettable.
1. Confidence and positive body language
Positive body language instantly captivates your audience, making them believe in your message as much as you do. Strengthen your stage presence and own that stage like it’s your second home! Stand tall, shoulders back and exude confidence.
2. Eye contact with the audience
Break down that invisible barrier and connect with your audience through their eyes. Maintaining eye contact when giving a presentation builds trust and shows that you’re present and engaged with them.
![](http://sektorel.online/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
3. Effective use of hand gestures and movement
A little movement goes a long way! Emphasize key points with purposeful gestures and don’t be afraid to walk around the stage. Your energy will be contagious!
4. Utilize storytelling techniques
Weave the magic of storytelling into your presentation. Share relatable anecdotes, inspiring success stories or even personal experiences that tug at the heartstrings of your audience. Adjust your pitch, pace and volume to match the emotions and intensity of the story. Varying your speaking voice adds depth and enhances your stage presence.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-67-814x1024.png)
5. Incorporate multimedia elements
Spice up your presentation with a dash of visual pizzazz! Use slides, images and video clips to add depth and clarity to your message. Just remember, less is more—don’t overwhelm them with information overload.
Turn your presentations into an interactive party! Involve your audience with questions, polls or group activities. When they actively participate, they become invested in your presentation’s success. Bring your design to life with animated elements. Venngage allows you to apply animations to icons, images and text to create dynamic and engaging visual content.
6. Utilize humor strategically
Laughter is the best medicine—and a fantastic presentation enhancer! A well-placed joke or lighthearted moment can break the ice and create a warm atmosphere , making your audience more receptive to your message.
7. Practice active listening and respond to feedback
Be attentive to your audience’s reactions and feedback. If they have questions or concerns, address them with genuine interest and respect. Your responsiveness builds rapport and shows that you genuinely care about their experience.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-72-814x1024.png)
8. Apply the 10-20-30 rule
Apply the 10-20-30 presentation rule and keep it short, sweet and impactful! Stick to ten slides, deliver your presentation within 20 minutes and use a 30-point font to ensure clarity and focus. Less is more, and your audience will thank you for it!
9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule
Simplicity is key. Limit each slide to five bullet points, with only five words per bullet point and allow each slide to remain visible for about five seconds. This rule keeps your presentation concise and prevents information overload.
Simple presentations are more engaging because they are easier to follow. Summarize your presentations and keep them simple with Venngage’s gallery of simple presentation templates and ensure that your message is delivered effectively across your audience.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-68-814x1024.png)
1. How to start a presentation?
To kick off your presentation effectively, begin with an attention-grabbing statement or a powerful quote. Introduce yourself, establish credibility and clearly state the purpose and relevance of your presentation.
2. How to end a presentation?
For a strong conclusion, summarize your talking points and key takeaways. End with a compelling call to action or a thought-provoking question and remember to thank your audience and invite any final questions or interactions.
3. How to make a presentation interactive?
To make your presentation interactive, encourage questions and discussion throughout your talk. Utilize multimedia elements like videos or images and consider including polls, quizzes or group activities to actively involve your audience.
In need of inspiration for your next presentation? I’ve got your back! Pick from these 120+ presentation ideas, topics and examples to get started.
Creating a stunning presentation with Venngage is a breeze with our user-friendly drag-and-drop editor and professionally designed templates for all your communication needs.
Here’s how to make a presentation in just 5 simple steps with the help of Venngage:
Step 1: Sign up for Venngage for free using your email, Gmail or Facebook account or simply log in to access your account.
Step 2: Pick a design from our selection of free presentation templates (they’re all created by our expert in-house designers).
Step 3: Make the template your own by customizing it to fit your content and branding. With Venngage’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can easily modify text, change colors and adjust the layout to create a unique and eye-catching design.
Step 4: Elevate your presentation by incorporating captivating visuals. You can upload your images or choose from Venngage’s vast library of high-quality photos, icons and illustrations.
Step 5: Upgrade to a premium or business account to export your presentation in PDF and print it for in-person presentations or share it digitally for free!
By following these five simple steps, you’ll have a professionally designed and visually engaging presentation ready in no time. With Venngage’s user-friendly platform, your presentation is sure to make a lasting impression. So, let your creativity flow and get ready to shine in your next presentation!
Discover popular designs
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/infographic-maker.webp)
Infographic maker
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/brochure-maker_v2.webp)
Brochure maker
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/white-paper-maker.webp)
White paper online
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/newsletter-maker.webp)
Newsletter creator
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/flyer-maker.webp)
Flyer maker
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/timeline-maker.webp)
Timeline maker
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/letterhead_maker_v2.webp)
Letterhead maker
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/mindmap-maker.webp)
Mind map maker
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/ebook-maker.webp)
Ebook maker
Unsupported browser
This site was designed for modern browsers and tested with Internet Explorer version 10 and later.
It may not look or work correctly on your browser.
- Presentations
How to Create Great PowerPoint Presentations (With Top 2024 Examples)
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Laura Spencer](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=40/uploads/users/988/profiles/19497/profileImage/profile.jpg)
If you're in business, odds are great that you're going to have to create a presentation at some point during your career. And when you do, odds are also good that you'll use Microsoft PowerPoint to do it. According to statistics from iDatalabs over 150,000 companies use PowerPoint .
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint powerpoint presentations](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/988/posts/31975/image/powerpoint-examples%20(1).jpg)
There's a real need for people who can create relevant, engaging PowerPoint presentations. But creating a good presentation is more than just throwing together a bunch of slides. Not everyone knows how to make a good presentation.
In this tutorial, you'll learn the steps to making good PowerPoint presentations. The steps can be used for any presentation, of course, but they're especially relevant to Microsoft PowerPoint. I'll provide some tips on how to use a PowerPoint template. You'll also see how to make a good slide presentation with Slideshare examples.
For even more information about how to make a presentation, be sure to download our free eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations . It'll help you master the complete presentation process.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint make a presentation](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/71/posts/31975/image-upload/eBookPromo_850x150px.jpg)
How to Make Great PowerPoint Presentations (Plan, Design, & Deliver)
Whether you're going to give your PowerPoint presentation as a speech or share it online, you'll want to make sure you create a good presentation that stands out. Here are seven steps you can follow to help you learn how to make a good PPT presentation:
Note : While these techniques specifically reference PowerPoint , most of them work well with other presentation author tools as well such as Keynote and Google Slides .
1. Know Your Target Audience
The target audience for your presentation is the group of people who you want to listen to or view your presentation. Not all audiences are the same. Audiences vary depending on your company's goals. A presentation that works well with one audience may not work well (or at all) with another.
Researching your target audience is a very important first step for creating any kind of marketing or informational material —that includes PowerPoint presentations. If you really want your presentation to be successful, learn all that you can about your audience.
For some guidance on how to define a target audience, study the following tutorial:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=400/uploads/users/988/posts/29368/preview_image/target-audience%20-%20A%20(preview).jpg)
2. Target Your Presentation to Your Audience
Once you know who you're creating your PowerPoint presentation for, you can begin to customize it for them. Start by choosing a topic that you know will be relevant to your audience. Ideally, your topic will be something that interests your audience or solves a problem for them.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint A good PowerPoint presentations targets your audience](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/23/posts/31975/image/good-powerpoint-presentation-targets-your-audience.jpg)
You also need to consider your audience's existing knowledge when writing your presentation. How will they take in and understand your presentation?
Obviously, it won't be helpful to create a presentation filled with industry-specific jargon if your listeners don't know what those words mean. At the same time, if you're targeting a group of experts for your presentation basic information may bore them.
3. Start With an Outline
Once you've researched your target audience and chosen a topic that's relevant to them it's time to start writing your PowerPoint presentation . The quickest, most efficient way to do that is to use an outline. Plus, an outline can easily be converted to individual slides when the time comes.
Be sure to use language that's geared to your target audience. For most audiences, a conversational style works best. Also, limit the amount of material you put on each PowerPoint presentation slide. Cluttered slides are hard for audience members to follow.
To learn more about how to write a presentation, study these tutorials on how to write a speech:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=400/uploads/users/988/posts/30218/preview_image/how-to-write-a-motivational-speech%20(preview).jpg)
4. Use a Professional PowerPoint Template
One way to make sure that you've got a great, visually appealing PowerPoint presentation is to use a premium PowerPoint template such as those available through Envato Elements or GraphicRiver .
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint powerpoint examples](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/988/posts/31975/image/powerpoint-slide-examples.jpg)
In fact, there are hundreds of creative PowerPoint presentations examples available on Envato Elements .
All you need to do is pay one low monthly price and you can download as many templates as you want. You'll have access to other creative assets as well such as WordPress themes, stock photos, and even courses and eBooks.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Rockefeller - Creative PowerPoint Presentation Design](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/23/posts/31975/image/rockefeller-creative-powerpoint-templates-presentation-ideas.jpg)
Check out some of our best PowerPoint templates with creative ideas from Envato Elements in this quick video. Also, discover a handful of helpful PowerPoint presentation slide design tips.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/yuhKzIb_8_4/maxresdefault.jpg)
You can find some more great creative PowerPoint presentation template examples in this article:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=400/uploads/users/23/posts/26667/preview_image/creative-presentation-templates-with-innovative-ideas.jpg)
5. Keep Slides Short
When it comes to making great PowerPoint presentations, it’s important to remember that your slide deck is a helpful tool that highlights the main points of your presentation and serves as a visual representation of the data and facts you’re sharing.
To make a really great PowerPoint presentation, keep the slides short to avoid boring your audience and losing their interest.
6. Practice Your PowerPoint Presentation (For Live Presentations)
Great PowerPoint presentations don't happen without practice. So, if you'll be presenting your PowerPoint personally, set aside some time to practice it after you've created it. If you can, practice with a friend or family member. But if no one's available you may still be able to practice giving it alone.
For a helpful checklist for practicing a speech, study this tutorial:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=400/uploads/users/988/posts/31021/preview_image/improve-public-speaking%20(preview).jpg)
If your job requires you to give a lot of PowerPoint presentations, you may benefit from improving your public speaking skills. Consider joining Toastmasters International to become a better speaker. Or you can attend a Public Speaking Meetup .
7. Stay Focused
While you're giving your presentation, stay focused on your topic. If you're making the presentation in person, it's easy to lose track of what you're talking about.
Focus is another reason why practice is so important. If you've practiced your presentation, you're less likely to get off track. Also, if people have questions, ask them to wait until the end. That way you can stay focused on your topic.
If you're creating a presentation to be shared online, focus is still important if you want your PowerPoint presentation to be a great one. Review the copy you've written carefully to make sure that it fits with your target audience and goals. Be careful not to include irrelevant information.
8. Study Great PowerPoint Presentation Examples
One great way to learn how to make a great PowerPoint presentation is by example. Studying great PowerPoint examples can serve as inspiration for your own PowerPoint slideshow. By studying great PowerPoint examples, you'll be able to pick up common design elements that they use, notice how the slides are laid out, and how the whole PowerPoint presentation is structured. You can use that knowledge to your advantage, and it'll serve you well when it comes time to make your own great PowerPoint presentations.
5 SlideShare Examples of Great Presentations
In this section, I'm going to share five great presentations examples from SlideShare to help inspire you to create your own great PowerPoint Presentations.
Each of these great presentation examples currently has over a million views on SlideShare, so you know that they must have done something right. For each example, I'll explain what works.
Now let's look at some great presentation examples:
1. Work Rules - Great Visual PowerPoint Presentation Example
This presentation from Laszlo Bock , former Senior Vice President of People Operations at Google, Inc., clearly explains the importance of culture at tech giant Google. He does it with engaging illustrations and a nicely coordinated yellow and blue color theme. Notice how each slide contains enough information to make his point, but none are too cluttered.
2. Pixar's 22 Rules to Phenomenal Storytelling
Consultant Gavin McMahon brings us this engaging slideshow on the importance of storytelling. Drawing inspiration from filmmaker giant and master storyteller, Pixar, was a great idea for this presentation. It gives the audience something they can relate to. Notice the use of bold colors throughout.
3. 25 Mission Statements From the World's Most Valuable Brands
Does your business have a mission statement? If it doesn't, it needs one. Palo Alto Software solves a problem for their target audience by using the mission statements of some of the most successful corporations as examples (good and bad). The presentation also links to a companion article from company founder, Tim Berry, with more details on the same subject.
4. Congratulations Graduate! Eleven Reasons Why I Will Never Hire You
With the shocking opening statement, PR Managing Director Mark O'Toole is sure to capture the attention of his intended audience of young graduates. Add to that a bold red and black color scheme and plenty of engaging graphics and you've got a slideshow that's gotten over two million views. Incidentally, viewers who read to the end will gain some valuable job-hunting tips.
5. Thirst - Good PowerPoint PPT Presentation Design Example
The one word in the center of the compelling graphic on the cover of this slideshow from Jeff Brenman of Apollo Ideas draws the viewer in. As you begin to scroll through the slides, arresting images combine with startling quick facts to convey an urgent message: the world is facing a serious water shortage. This compelling presentation is sure to stick in the viewer's mind for a long time.
For even more great examples of good presentations, look at these articles:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=400/uploads/users/988/posts/31857/preview_image/idea-splash-inspirational-powerpoint.jpg)
5 Tips for Working With PowerPoint Presentation Design Templates
We've already mentioned some of the advantages of using a PowerPoint template to create your presentation. Here are three tips to make sure you get the most from the PowerPoint templates you select:
1. Don't Fall Into the Free Templates Trap
If you've decided to use a PowerPoint template, you may be tempted to download a free PPT template . However, downloading a PowerPoint template for free is usually not the bargain you might think it is. Here are some disadvantages to free PowerPoint templates:
- Little to No Support . Often free templates don't have support or aren't updated. If you run into problems, you're on your own.
- Lack of Uniqueness . Since free templates are available to everyone, it's more likely your audience will have seen the template before.
- Limited Slide Designs . Free templates are often limited to only a few simple slide designs that you may or may not be able to use.
2. Look for a Reputable Template Provider
Your best bet for selecting great PowerPoint templates is to choose a reputable provider, such as Envato Elements or GraphicRiver . These services have thousands of creative assets available (including PowerPoint presentation templates)—all created by professional designers.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Examples of our best-selling PowerPoint templates on Envato Elements](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/1223/posts/32976/image/amazing-powerpoint-templates-unlimited.jpg)
Each template offers the flexibility and design options you need to make your presentation really unique.
What’s more, when you sign up for Envato Elements low monthly plan, you'll get access to thousands of other creative design assets such as fonts, images, and more. Each asset, whether it’s a PowerPoint presentation or a font, can be used in an unlimited number of projects and you can download as many items as you need.
You can then use these elements in your PowerPoint presentations and take them to the next level.
3. Do Incorporate Creative Elements
If you're creating a presentation, you might hesitate before adding a truly creative element such as an infographic or timeline to your presentation. After all, designing a creative element can add a lot of extra time and work to your project.
This is exactly where pre-built templates can help. Many templates include pre-designed creative elements that you can simply adapt to your own needs. Here are a few creative PowerPoint presentation examples:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=400/uploads/users/23/posts/27006/preview_image/medical-health-powerpoint-templates.jpg)
Even if you can't find a template specifically tailored to your field, it's easy to customize these templates to suit your need.
4. Choose a PowerPoint Template That Matches Your Topic
When you’re going through the process of choosing a PowerPoint template, be sure to keep your presentation topic in mind. This will make it a lot easier to customize the template as you won’t have to spend time looking for extra elements such as the right icons or the right presentation elements.
For example, check out this great PowerPoint example that was tailored made with the architecture industry and topic in mind:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Picazo PowerPoint template](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/1223/posts/32976/image/Picazo%20PowerPoint%20Template.jpeg)
5. Experiment With Slide Layouts
When you’re creating a PowerPoint presentation, take advantage of all the different layout options that the template offers. You'll make your presentation more visually engaging and interesting. Take a look at this professional PowerPoint example that offers a number of different layout designs for each slide type:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Lorem Ipsum PowerPoint Template](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/1223/posts/32976/image/lorem%20ipsum%20powerpoint%20template.jpeg)
How to Make Great PowerPoint Presentations Quickly (With PPT Templates)
It's easier to learn how to make a good PPT presentation when you start with a template. You'll find the pre-built slide designs that are sure to spark ideas and creative designs. But, how can you make them your own?
Have no fear: templates help you master how to make a great PowerPoint presentation . They're flexible enough to adapt to your presentation purpose.
Let's work with The X Note in this section. We'll customize two slides in five steps. This section will show you how to make a good PowerPoint presentation with the help of a template.
1. The Team Slide - Update Images
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Team Slide Starting Point](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/151/posts/34613/image/Team%20Slide%20Starting%20Point.jpg)
One tip I advise every presenter learning how to make a good presentation PPT: remember your team! You've got to credit and showcase the key members that contribute to your project. Let's use slide 7 to do that.
As a first step, let's update the images on this slide. We need to add the members of our team in the image placeholders.
To do that, start by right-clicking and choosing Group > Ungroup on the circle graphics. This helps us select just the shape that we can fill with an image.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Ungroup Images](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/151/posts/34613/image/Ungroup%20Images%20Skitch.jpg)
Now, right-click an image and choose Format Pictures. You'll see a new menu open. on the Fill settings, choose Picture or texture fill, then browse to your replacement profile image.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Picture Fill The X Note](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/151/posts/34613/image/Picture%20Fill%20The%20X%20Note.jpg)
Just repeat this process with the other image placeholders. Soon, you'll have a totally personalized and people-focused PowerPoint slide.
2. The Team Slide - Update Text
Now that you've added your team's photos, there's another crucial step: updating the text! As you'll see in templates that help you master how to make a good PPT presentation, the included text boxes tell the story.
To update text, all you need to do is type over the placeholders. Use the pre-built text boxes to help you avoid the hard work of selecting fonts, sizing, and colors each time.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Updated Text in The X Note](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/151/posts/34613/image/Updated%20Text%20in%20The%20X%20Note.jpg)
You can also delete any text boxes that you don't need. Just click and select them, then press Delete on your keyboard. That removes text boxes. Less is often more, according to pros that know how to make a great PowerPoint presentation.
3. The Team Slide - Update Branding
You might have noticed while working with this slide that there are a few objects that don't seem to be selectable. That includes the logo in the upper corner and text in the lower-left corner.
That's because this text lives on the Slide Master. To adjust it, we'll need to edit the lower-level slide design. Go to the View > Slide Master menu. Now, you'll find that you can select and edit elements that were previously locked.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint View and Edit Slide Master](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/151/posts/34613/image/View%20and%20Edit%20Slide%20Master.jpg)
Consider replacing the logo with one of your own, plus adjust the text reading Presentation name goes here. That makes your slide totally customized. Let's move onto editing another slide.
4. The Data Slide - Update Data
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Update PowerPoint Presentations Data](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/151/posts/34613/image/Update%20PowerPoint%20Presentations%20Data.jpg)
Let's switch gears and work on a second slide. Slide 27 includes a pre-built chart. This is a great example of easing the learning curve of creating a good PowerPoint presentation. Use the starter chart template with your data.
Right-click on the chart and choose Edit Data. You'll see an embedded Excel window. This table controls the data that shapes the chart. Just type over the start data to update it.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Update Data in PowerPoint Presentations](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/151/posts/34613/image/Update%20Data%20in%20PowerPoint%20Presentations.jpg)
When you're finished, close the embedded Excel window. The chart will automatically update with your new data. You can always update data by returning to this same menu.
5. The Data Slide - Update Text
This last tweak is an easy one. Just like our prior slide, typing over the text boxes is all that it takes to finish rounding out the slide.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Growth in PowerPoint Presentations](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/151/posts/34613/image/Growth%20in%20PowerPoint%20Presentations.jpg)
As you can see in the example above, reducing the text helps too. I deleted the sub-headline so that there's more focus on the data.
As you saw, templates are like the answer key to a test of how to make a good presentation PPT. Use templates like The X Note to tap into the secrets of great PowerPoint presentation design.
5 Great PowerPoint PPT Templates for 2024
If you're learning how to make a good PowerPoint presentation, don't forget that templates are a major advantage. They're the antidote to creating designs on a totally blank canvas. They help you leverage the learning and design work of others.
With the help of Envato Elements , you unlock unlimited downloads. That includes PowerPoint presentations plus stock photos and graphics that really complement your content.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Envato Elements PowerPoint Presentation Library](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/151/posts/34613/image/Envato%20Elements%20PowerPoint%20Presentation%20Library.jpg)
You don't have to learn how to make a good PowerPoint presentation design on your own. Instead, see what makes a great PowerPoint presentation when you use templates.
Let's look at five of the best PowerPoint presentations included with Envato Elements:
1. The X Note - PowerPoint Template
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint The X Note PowerPoint Presentations](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/151/posts/34613/image/1-elements-x-note.jpg)
Time and time again, presenters learning how to make a great PowerPoint presentation choose The X Note. It's easy to see why. The slides feel like a professionally designed presentation that a seasoned executive would trust. A PowerPoint presentation design like this instantly gives your content credibility.
2. Fashioned Stylist PowerPoint
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Envato Elements Fashioned Stylist PowerPoint](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/151/posts/34613/image/2-elements-fashioned.jpg)
Here's a tip while learning how to make a good presentation PPT: use on-trend designs. When your presentation matches trendy and modern designs, your audience knows that you stay up-to-date. That's why a template like Fashioned Stylist is so powerful. It instantly builds credibility and trust so that you command attention from the audience.
3. SINDE - Business PowerPoint Template
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Business PowerPoint Sinde Template](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/151/posts/34613/image/Business-PowerPoint-Sinde-Template.jpg)
Templates like Sinde hold the secret of how to make a good slide presentation. With 30 slides and five color schemes mean that you've got all of the combinations you need to create a polished and professional presentation. You'll find slides like portfolio layouts that help you put your best foot forward.
4. Oceania - Sea & Ocean PowerPoint Template
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Oceania Sea and Ocean PowerPoint Template](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/151/posts/34613/image/Oceania%20PowerPoint%20Slide.jpg)
Isak Dinesen once said, "the cure for anything is saltwater: sweat, tears or the sea." The last of those options is the inspiration for this template. Oceania evokes feelings of relaxing on the beach with the sea in sight. As you learn how to make a good presentation PPT, keep this in mind: templates are only the starting point. Use the ocean-inspired view to start your design, but remember that it works with any content.
5. Galaxi PowerPoint Presentation Template
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Galaxi PowerPoint Presentation Template](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/151/posts/34613/image/Galaxi%20PowerPoint%20Presentation%20Template.jpg)
Blast off to success with a PowerPoint presentation like this one. It's got infographics that help you master how to create a good PowerPoint presentation, easily. The graphics serve to explain complex ideas with easy-to-follow visuals.
Still want to learn how to make a good presentation slide? Try out even more templates. Jump to our articles below for more PowerPoint presentations:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=400/uploads/users/2659/posts/34492/preview_image/CLEAN%20Premium%20PPT%20Template%20thumb.jpg)
Make Great PowerPoint Presentations ( Free PDF eBook Download )
Our free eBook makes a perfect complement to this tutorial. It'll take you through the complete presentation process—from start to finish. Learn how to make a good PowerPoint presentation from writing it, designing it like a pro, and preparing it to present powerfully.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Free PDF ebook](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/71/posts/31975/image-upload/eBookPromo_850x500px.jpg)
Download our new eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations . I t's available for free with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter.
Learn More: How to Make the Best PowerPoint Presentations Fast
We also have a number of helpful PowerPoint tutorial resources on Envato Tuts+. Learn more about working creatively with PowerPoint to make great presentations quickly :
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=400/uploads/users/988/posts/29182/preview_image/preview_5_minute_presentations_new.jpg)
Start Making Your Own Great PowerPoint Presentations Today
You've just learned the steps for making great PowerPoint presentations. I've also shared some good presentation examples with creative ideas that could apply to your PowerPoint presentation design. You now have the information you need to begin making your own great presentation.
As we discussed earlier, one way to give your PowerPoint presentations a head start is to use a premium template designed by professionals. We've even shared some tips on how to design a PowerPoint presentation by working with top PowerPoint presentation templates .
Why not download a presentation template from Envato Elements or GraphicRiver and begin creating your own great PowerPoint presentations today?
Editorial Note: This tutorial was originally published in October of 2018. I t's been comprehensively revised to include new information—with special assistance from Brenda Barron and Andrew Childress .
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Laura Spencer](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=64/uploads/users/988/profiles/19497/profileImage/profile.jpg)
27 Super Hidden PowerPoint Tips and Tricks Only The Pros Know!
Ausbert Generoso
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint 27 Super Hidden PowerPoint Tips and Tricks Only The Pros Know!](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/New-Blog-Featured-Images-16.png)
Ever felt like your PowerPoint presentations could use a little magic? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a seasoned presenter or just getting started, there’s a world of PowerPoint tips and tricks waiting for you. In this guide, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of Microsoft PowerPoint to uncover 30 hidden gems that’ll transform the way you create and deliver slides.
From making your designs pop to streamlining your workflow, these PowerPoint hacks are designed for real-world impact. No jargon, just practical insights that’ll have you presenting like a pro in no time.
Let’s cut through the noise and get straight to the good stuff – your next presentation is about to level up. Ready? Let’s get started.
27 PowerPoint Tips and Tricks That Put The Power in PowerPoint
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint tips and tricks](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/New-Blog-Featured-Images-7-1.png)
1. Morph Transition for Seamless Animation
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint Morph Transition](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-304.png)
What’s it for: Elevate your presentation by seamlessly animating objects and creating smooth transitions between slides. Morph transition is your key to a dynamic and visually engaging storytelling experience, allowing you to captivate your audience effortlessly.
How to do it:
- Position the same object in different parts on multiple slides
- Select all slides, and go to the Transitions tab.
- Choose “Morph” as the transition effect.
2. SVG Image Integration
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint SVG Image Integration PowerPoint](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-305.png)
What’s it for: Did you think SVG’s only work for websites and professional photo editing tools? They do, too, in PowerPoint! Import high-quality Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). Maintain image clarity, resize without loss, and enhance your presentations with crisp logos and icons.
- Save your chosen SVG on your device.
- Click on the Insert tab.
- Choose “Pictures” and select your SVG file.
- Adjust the size without compromising image quality.
3. Designer Feature for Quick Layouts
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint Designer](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-306.png)
What’s it for: Effortlessly create professional-looking slides with the Designer feature. Receive instant layout suggestions based on your content, saving time and ensuring your presentation looks polished.
- Select a slide.
- Go to the Design tab and click Designer on the far right along the ribbon.
- Select through ready-made slide designs for instant layouts.
4. Insert 3D Models
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint 3D Models](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-307.png)
What’s it for: Amp up your presentations with manipulable 3D models, adding a dynamic dimension. Whether it’s showcasing products or visualizing data, 3D models bring your slides to life.
- Click on the “3D Models” dropdown and proceed to Stock 3D Models.
- Search for a 3D model of your choice and insert.
- Manipulate and customize as needed.
5. SmartArt Graphics for Visual Hierarchy
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint SmartArt Graphics](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-308.png)
What’s it for: Convey complex ideas with visual hierarchy using SmartArt graphics. These graphics offer a structured and visually appealing way to organize information, making your content more digestible.
- Go to the Insert tab.
- Select “SmartArt” and navigate through the available categories.
- Select a graphic template that fits your presentation needs.
- Enter your content and customize as needed.
6. Eyedropper Tool for Color Matching
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint eyedropper](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-309.png)
What’s it for: Maintain a cohesive design by using the Eyedropper tool to pick colors from images or elements within your presentation. Ensure consistency and professional aesthetics in every slide.
- Select the editable, native PowerPoint object you wish to customize.
- Go to the Shape Format tab and click on the Shape Fill dropdown.
- Select “More Fill Colors…” and click the eyedropper icon to begin color appropriating.
7. Record and Insert Audio
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint record audio](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-310.png)
What’s it for: Infuse personality into your presentation by recording audio directly within PowerPoint. Ideal for adding voiceovers, explanations, or personal touches that enhance audience engagement.
- Click on “Audio” and choose “Record Audio.”
- Record your audio and insert it into the slide.
8. Presenter Coach for Rehearsing
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Presenter Coach PowerPoint](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-311.png)
What’s it for: Elevate your presentation skills with Presenter Coach. Receive valuable feedback on pacing, filler words, and more, refining your delivery for a confident and impactful performance.
- Click on the Slide Show tab.
- Choose “Rehearse with Coach” to start practicing.
9. Hyperlink Navigation for Seamless Transitions
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint hyperlink](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-312.png)
What’s it for: Streamline your presentation flow by implementing Hyperlink Navigation. This trick allows you to create clickable links within your slides, enabling effortless transitions between related content or external resources, enhancing the overall navigational experience.
- Select the text or object you want to hyperlink.
- Right-click and choose “Hyperlink” or use the Ctrl+K shortcut.
- Specify the destination, whether it’s another slide, a website, or a file, to create a seamless navigational experience.
10. Alt Text for Accessibility
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint Alt Text](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-313.png)
What’s it for: Improve accessibility by adding descriptive alternative text to images and objects. Ensure inclusivity for visually impaired individuals, making your presentation accessible to a wider audience.
- Right-click on the image or object.
- Choose “Edit Alt Text” and enter a descriptive text.
11. Slide Zoom for Dynamic Navigation
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint Slide Zoom](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-314.png)
What’s it for: Elevate your presentation’s navigation with Slide Zoom, offering the flexibility to jump to specific slides during a presentation without adhering to a linear sequence. This dynamic feature ensures a more engaging and tailored audience experience.
- Set a master slide where you’d like to put your “mini slides” altogether.
- Navigate to the Insert tab > Zoom dropdown > Slide Zoom.
- Select the slides you want to link onto your master slide and insert.
12. Live Captions and Subtitles
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint Live Captions and Subtitles](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-315.png)
What’s it for: Foster inclusivity by enabling live captions and subtitles in multiple languages. This feature enhances accessibility, making your presentation more engaging and comprehensible for a diverse global audience.
- Go to the Slide Show tab.
- Select “Always Use Subtitles” and choose your language.
13. Password Protection for Security
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint Password](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-01-19-at-4.45.40-PM.png)
What’s it for: Safeguard your presentation’s sensitive content by adding a password. This security measure ensures that only authorized individuals can access and view the information, adding an extra layer of protection.
- Navigate to the File tab.
- Select “Info” and click on “Protect Presentation.”
- Choose “Encrypt with Password” and set your password.
14. Animation Painter for Consistent Animations
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint animation painter](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-316.png)
What’s it for: Maintain a polished and consistent look throughout your presentation by using the Animation Painter. Copy and apply animations across different objects with ease, ensuring a cohesive visual experience.
- Select the object with the same, desired animation as the others.
- Go to the Animation tab.
- Click on “Animation Painter” and apply to other objects.
15. Linked Excel Charts for Real-Time Updates
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Link Excel charts with PowerPoint](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-317.png)
What’s it for: Integrate linked Excel charts for real-time updates in your PowerPoint presentation. Any modifications made to the linked Excel file automatically reflect in your slides, ensuring data accuracy.
- Copy your Excel chart.
- In PowerPoint, use “Paste Special” and choose “Microsoft Excel Worksheet Object.”
16. Custom Slide Sizes
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint custom slide sizes](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-318.png)
What’s it for: Tailor your presentation to various screen dimensions by customizing slide sizes. This feature, accessible through the Design tab, ensures your content fits seamlessly across different display settings.
- Navigate to the Design tab.
- Click on the “Slide Size” dropdown and choose “Page Setup”.
- Change “Slide sized for” to Custom.
17. Grid and Guidelines for Precision
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint grids and guidelines](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-319.png)
What’s it for: Achieve precise object alignment with gridlines and guides. This feature, essential for creating visually polished and organized presentations, ensures your content is visually appealing and professionally structured.
- Go to the View tab.
- Check the “Grids” and “Guidelines” toggles for display options and customization.
18. Slide Master for Consistent Design
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint Slide Master](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-320.png)
What’s it for: Establish a cohesive presentation design by utilizing the Slide Master. This time-saving feature enables you to set consistent layouts, fonts, and colors throughout your presentation.
- Click on “Slide Master” to access and customize master slides.
19. Quick Access Toolbar Customization
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint quick access to toolbar](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-321.png)
What’s it for: Streamline your workflow by personalizing the Quick Access Toolbar with your most-used commands. This customization ensures quick access to essential tools, enhancing efficiency during presentation creation.
- Click on the dropdown arrow on the Quick Access Toolbar.
- Select “More Commands” to customize your toolbar.
20. Ink Annotations for Handwriting
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint ink annotations](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-322.png)
What’s it for: Personalize your presentations with a touch-enabled device using ink annotations. This feature allows you to draw or write directly on slides, adding a unique and handwritten touch to your content.
- Go to the Draw tab and click on Draw to begin drawing.
- Choose “Ink to Text” or “Ink to Shape” for handwriting annotations.
21. Crop to Shape for Image Customization
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint Customise Crop Shapes](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-323.png)
What’s it for: Unleash your creativity by utilizing the Crop to Shape feature, allowing you to create custom image shapes. This adds a distinctive flair to your presentation, providing a visually dynamic and engaging experience.
- Select the image.
- Navigate to the Picture Format tab.
- Click on “Crop” and choose “Crop to Shape.”
- Select the shape you want your image to have as frame.
22. Slide Show Recording with Narration
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint slide show recording with narration](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-324.png)
What’s it for: Capture your entire presentation, including narration and animations, by recording a self-running slideshow. This feature is invaluable for sharing presentations with a wider audience, ensuring a consistent and engaging delivery.
- Click on “Record Slide Show” and choose recording options.
23. Dynamic Color Scheme Switch for Vibrant Slides
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint color scheme](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-325.png)
What’s it for: Infuse energy into your presentation by dynamically switching color schemes. This handy trick allows you to quickly experiment with various color palettes, giving your slides a vibrant and fresh appearance in just a few clicks.
- Explore different color options by selecting “Colors” and experimenting with the available palettes. Instantly transform the look of your presentation to match your desired mood and style.
24. Smart Alignment and Distribution for Pixel-Perfect Precision
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint smart alignment of shapes](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-326.png)
What’s it for: Attain pixel-perfect precision in your presentation design with the Smart Alignment and Distribution trick. This technique allows you to not only align objects with accuracy but also evenly distribute them horizontally, ensuring a polished and visually appealing layout.
- Select the objects you want to align.
- Navigate to the Format tab.
- Click on “Align” to access options like Align Left, Center, or Right for precise alignment.
- Further refine your layout by choosing “Distribute Horizontally,” ensuring equal spacing between objects and achieving a professional design.
25. Insert Online Videos
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint insert online videos](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-327.png)
What’s it for: Seamlessly integrate online videos directly into your presentation. This feature eliminates the need for external players, offering a smooth and immersive viewing experience for your audience.
- Click on the “Video” dropdown and select Online Movie.
- Paste the video link and your video should be embedded onto your PowerPoint slide.
26. Embed Fonts for Portability
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint embed fonts](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-328.png)
What’s it for: Ensure consistent visual appeal on any device by embedding fonts in your presentation. This is particularly useful when sharing your work with others who may not have the same fonts installed, enhancing portability.
- Go to the File tab.
- Select “Options” and go to the Save tab from the window popup.
- Check “Embed fonts in the file” as well as “Embed all characters”.
27. Text Transformation
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint PowerPoint text transformation](https://cdn.classpoint.io/wp-content/uploads/image-329.png)
What’s it for: Uncover the elegance of text transformation with the Shape Format trick. This hack allows you to access a myriad of text transformation designs, offering a swift and sophisticated way to elevate the visual appeal of your presentation.
- Select the text you want to transform.
- Navigate to the Shape Format tab.
- Click on “Text Effects” and explore the “Transform” options for a variety of stylish text designs. Instantly apply a transformation that suits the tone and style of your presentation.
5 Critical Best Practices to Implement These Pro PowerPoint Tips and Tricks for a Technically Proficient Presentation
Enhance the technical brilliance of your presentation by focusing on these crucial best practices:
1. Streamlined Font Selection
- Practice: Limit your font styles to a maximum of three per slide.
- Why: Simplifying fonts enhances readability, maintains visual consistency, and prevents distraction, ensuring your message is clear and impactful.
2. High-Resolution Images
- Practice: Source HD images from reputable free resource websites like Freepik or Unsplash .
- Why: High-resolution images prevent pixelation, ensuring clarity and professionalism. Crisp visuals contribute to a visually appealing presentation.
3. Cohesive Color Palette
- Practice: Stick to a consistent color palette throughout your slides; use the eyedropper tool for precise color matching.
- Why: A unified color scheme enhances visual harmony, reinforces brand identity, and elevates the overall aesthetics of your presentation.
4. Efficient Data Visualization
- Practice: Use charts and graphs for data-driven slides, choosing appropriate chart types for different data sets.
- Why: Visualizing data through charts improves comprehension, making complex information more accessible and engaging for your audience.
5. Transitions with Purpose
- Practice: Apply slide transitions judiciously. Choose transitions that complement the content and avoid excessive animations.
- Why: Subtle transitions maintain audience focus, while excessive animations may distract from the core message.
Final Thoughts
In presentation-making, technical practices harmonized with thoughtful design is the key to delivering an impactful message. Whether it may be as simple as considering font choices, to incorporating high-resolution visuals, you do not only get to enhance the aesthetics but also ensure your audience’s undivided attention.
Remember, a technically proficient presentation is not just a showcase of information, but also one that leaves a rather immersive experience for those who will see. But at the end of the day, it comes down to your delivery. So, no sweat! You’re doing amazing, rockstar!
Find them useful? Save them, or share these PowerPoint tips and tricks with others to make their day!
About Ausbert Generoso
Try classpoint for free.
All-in-one teaching and student engagement in PowerPoint.
Supercharge your PowerPoint. Start today.
800,000+ people like you use ClassPoint to boost student engagement in PowerPoint presentations.
10 Tips for creating an effective training presentation
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Ximena Portocarrero](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/04/Ximena.png)
Creating a training presentation is not a simple task. Unlike your usual PowerPoints, a training deck should convey work-related information in a way that keeps your team engaged and creates a positive learning experience. Quite a challenge, if you ask me - especially in online environments.
That’s why today I’ve got a little help from the 24Slides presentation designers . They work on thousands of eLearning slides for companies every month, so they pretty much know what it takes to create an impressive training deck.
By the end of this post, you’ll have learned:
- What exactly a training presentation is
- The benefits of corporate training
- 10 training presentation tips you can execute right now
Let’s begin!
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/12/Generic-2--New-version----Leaderboard-1.png)
What's a Training Presentation?
A training presentation is a corporate learning material that helps build the right skills employees require to perform their jobs. For optimal results, ideal training presentations showcase the specialized knowledge in well-structured, easy-to-read slides, and encourage active participation during the whole learning experience.
To give you an idea, common training presentation topics include company policies, safety and health at work, cybersecurity, industrial processes , and more.
Why Should Businesses Provide Employee Training?
Employee training is a business investment, and as such, it’s normal for higher-ups to question whether some corporate learning and development activities are needed. However, as Henry Ford said, “ The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay! ”
And if that’s not enough reason, here are some long-term benefits you can list to show the value of employee training in your organization:
- Training sessions leverage new employees’ productivity faster
- Employee training reduces the chances of errors and accidents on the job.
- Well-trained employees need less supervision, which translates into more time for managers to dedicate to their own tasks.
- Learning and development activities help increase employee retention and job satisfaction.
- Constant employee training makes it easier to identify the team’s weaknesses and creates improvement opportunities for the whole organization.
Now that we understand why staff training is important, let’s see how to create a good training presentation.
Top Tips for Creating an Effective Training Presentation
What we commonly call “effective presentation” is the right balance of two elements: the content you provide and how you deliver it. The first part is on your expertise and every piece of information you can share. But the second part is where the real magic happens .
How do you convey your knowledge? How can you make the online learning experience one to remember? Well, a lot relies on the way you present that information. In this section, we’re going to cover both sides through 10 training presentation tips:
#1 Showcase the knowledge of your company’s experts
Internal expertise is a top learning resource many companies fail to see. Just think about how much your sales head or finances specialist can say about the best practices and workflows from their respective areas. Or the industry trends and developments they experience in their day-to-day activities. You don’t need to look outside the office when you already have expert sources that can provide you with valuable know-how for your training slides.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/12/QUOTE-SLIDE.jpg)
And don’t curb to technical topics. If the training is on leadership or negotiation skills, why don’t you invite a project manager or sales rep to talk about their experiences? This is a fantastic way to recognize employees as experts and promote team engagement at the same time.
#2 Use your visuals wisely
Visual content is ideal to catch your audience’s attention in a matter of seconds. Plus, studies confirm that visuals help process information faster and facilitate learning . However, this doesn’t mean we should plaster graphics and illustrations all over our slides. Instead, use your visuals strategically only for what’s relevant.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/12/visuals.jpg)
It’s like highlighting a textbook. A mark signals the main idea from the hundreds of words in every chapter. But what’s the point if you’re going to highlight the entire page? It would lose its whole purpose!
As Benny Prasetyo, Design manager from 24Slides , says:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/12/benny-1.png)
So keep that in mind. Your images, icons, and other graphics are not merely decorative devices. They tell people where to look and have the power to amplify your key messages.
#3 Appeal to different learning styles
According to the VARK model , there are four main learning styles: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. And people tend to prefer one or two modalities over others. The good thing is that you can appeal to the four of them within your training PowerPoint presentation. Here’s how:
- For visual learners, maps, flow charts, and process diagrams are the way to go. They respond better to all these devices that explain something graphically instead of words.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/12/learning-proces-1200.jpg)
- Auditory learners make the most out of synchronous training because they learn by hearing and discussing ideas. However, you can also adapt your PowerPoint materials to them. Think about adding audio files or linking to podcasts that further expand the main topic. Another great way to appeal to aural or auditory learners is using a conversational style in your slides, so they can read your PPT as if you were talking directly to them.
- People who process information through reading and writing will appreciate text-based explanations and assignments. Lists, quotations, and case studies are ideal for this type of learner.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/12/text.jpg)
- For the kinesthetic modality, you can showcase personal experiences or feature practical exercises that allow students to apply what they’ve learned. We’ll talk more about this kind of content in the following sections. But bear in mind that kinesthetic learners are “tactile” and prefer to assimilate new information by exploring it in the real world.
To sum this point up, add elements in your presentation that respond to the four learning styles, and you’ll get an immersive and more dynamic training session.
#4 Keep it real
Want to make your corporate training relevant to your team?
Include scenarios from real situations - extra points if these examples come from their actual work. Here’s the thing: People are more perceptive to things that make an impact on their lives. So, if you connect your session to what they go through in their daily tasks, you’re adding emotion and making your training 10x more relatable.
Ideally, your presentation gives solutions to an issue the business has identified. In this case, you need to explore a little: What has changed or happened in the company that employees require training? How’s the day-to-day of the areas involved? What’s the ideal scenario the company expects?
Now, use your findings to integrate realistic situations as examples or exercises that show trainees the value of your session. The key to an engaged and motivated audience is to keep things real.
#5 Make use of storytelling
Effective training is more than informative sessions. The real objective is to spur change. You want to take employees from point A to point B in their development, and one of the most powerful tools to inspire action is storytelling.
In a few words, storytelling is the art of using a story to communicate something. It might not sound like a big deal, but stories speak to the emotional side of humans, and that’s how you can start building a connection that makes every session memorable.
Some ways the 24Slides designers help incorporate storytelling into training presentations is through comics, animated slides, and PowerPoint illustrations.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/12/storytelling.jpg)
If you’re keen to challenge the status quo in your team, check out these 7 storytelling techniques to create a compelling training deck.
#6 Take every chance to engage with your audience
Getting active participants during online training is like finding the saint grail nowadays. With muted mics and off-cameras, sometimes you don't even know if someone is listening on the other side. But hang in there.
In this section, I will show you some interactive elements you can use to boost your audience engagement.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/12/questions.jpg)
Usually, the host would end the presentation with an “Any Questions?” slide, but what about you asking the questions? Inquiry your audience’s minds and create open questions for anyone to share their opinions. This is a good old trick with the potential to spark great-in-class discussions. You can even transform it into a gamified experience with slides like the one you see above.
Online audience engagement tools such as Slido , Mentimeter , or Kahoot make it super easy to create interactive quizzes and polls. The cool thing about them is that they give you a presentation code, which allows your audience to send their answers and see the team's results in real-time.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/12/quizz.jpg)
But if you prefer a more traditional approach, there are PowerPoint slides that can do the trick too. Take this multiple-choice quiz template as an example. It comes with a wide array of designs to hold your participants’ attention while assessing their knowledge. You just need to insert questions and alternatives regarding your topic, and voilá!
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/12/Slide6.jpg)
Self-assessment activities are a great way to engage with your audience - even when you’re not there to guide them! Here’s a creative quiz template in PowerPoint you can use to add fill-in-the-blank exercises, short-answer questions, and multiple-choice tests to your training deck.
#7 Brand your corporate training deck
Considering that training presentations talk to one of the company’s most important stakeholders (the employees), it should be a no-brainer to keep them on-brand.
But it’s more than giving a professional look to your slides. Adding the company’s brand to training materials shows your team that you care. You’re making the same effort to deliver a polished product to them as the company does to the customers. And that speaks volumes!
Plus, keeping visual consistency across all materials helps your team become familiar with the brand and reinforce that they’re part of the company's activities.
We’ve got a whole article on why branding is essential in presentations , but at this point, it’s clear that spending some time on the aspect of your slides provides more benefits to the business than not. So, remember to inject the brand’s identity into your training decks.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/12/Branding-1--New-version----Leaderboard.png)
#8 Close with summary slides
How often have you seen participants more worried about taking notes from your slides than actually following your speech? This is a common situation in learning scenarios, and it’s not because your participants don’t care about what you’re saying. Quite the contrary, they want to take it all in.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/12/Slide3.jpg)
And you can make their learning experience easier by simply adding summary slides . These final slides contain the key points from your lesson and help viewers retain the essentials.
This way, you ship away your participants’ worry of missing something important, and you get another chance to reinforce your main messages. Everybody wins!
#9 Make your presentation accessible
“Accessibility” is a term that has gained popularity in the last few years, and it refers to the practice of ensuring people with disabilities can access the same information fully and independently as people without disabilities. This is extremely important in eLearning because you want everyone in the organization to benefit from your lessons.
For instance, employees with hearing difficulties might have a hard time watching an instructional video with no captions. Likewise, participants with visibility issues might need an easy-to-read font size in the slides or color contrast in your presentation visuals.
If you want to start now, PowerPoint has an accessibility checker that gives you a detailed report on what you can do to improve your slides. To activate it, follow this route: File tab > Information > Check for issues (next to Inspect Document) > Check Accessibility
You might be surprised by all the details we take for granted, but they make a huge difference to people with different abilities.
#10 Don’t Underestimate The Power of Your Presentation Design
All these good practices confirm that a good design can enhance any corporate learning experience. It helps your employees better comprehend information. It signals the importance of each item in your slides and how they should be read. A good design provides structure and visual flow. And the list can go on, but I prefer you see for yourself.
Damilka Rojas, Design manager at 24Slides , gives us expert input on the right design approach for effective training presentations:
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/12/damilka.png)
Plus, many training slides are stand-alone materials with the task of conveying information without a live instructor. That’s when you can rely on a good design to deliver a coherent interpretation of your lessons.
Upgrade your training presentations today!
Now, it’s time to put these training presentation tips into practice. Whether you apply one or all of them together, I’m sure you’ll see a marked difference in your new slides. But if you have several presentations to upgrade or designing in PowerPoint is not exactly the most productive way to spend your time, let the 24Slides team handle it for you !
Our expert designers can create stunning slides to draw your audience’s attention while keeping the professional look your training decks deserve. They provide presentation design support to some of the biggest companies worldwide , so rest assured your slides will be in good hands. Ready to take your presentations to the next level?
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/12/Generic-2--New-version----Landscape-1.png)
Create professional presentations online
Other people also read
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint 6 Presentation Styles of Famous Presenters](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/wordpress/2016/05/6-Presentation-Styles-of-Famous-Presenters-01.png)
6 Presentation Styles of Famous Presenters
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint 24Slides](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/03/Logo.jpeg)
How to create and deliver a powerful presentation introducti...
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint The seven worst presentations of all time and why they went wrong](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/wordpress/2017/08/worst-presentations.jpg)
The seven worst presentations of all time and why they went ...
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Ceri Savage](https://24slides.com/presentbetter/content/images/2021/03/ceri.jpeg)
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Logo](https://graphically.io/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Logo-Orange-pahca2rkxuwrsw33mv6e1cl0ht6acwbnwkk9lzdrfu-pdq790zvgvuegp4ogdf4389m3ipr2y3mh6goixjpyi.png)
10 Expert Tips to Make Your PowerPoint Presentations More Engaging and Effective!
- Sathish Shanmugam
- January 8, 2023
- No Comments
PowerPoint presentations are an essential part of many business meetings, conferences, and even online classes. However, while PowerPoint can be a great tool to get your message across, it can also easily become boring and unengaging if not done right. Luckily, you can use plenty of tips and tricks to make your presentations more effective and engaging.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint powerpoint presentation](https://graphically.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/charlesdeluvio-wn7dOzUh3Rs-unsplash.jpg)
Here are ten expert tips to help you create powerful and engaging PowerPoint presentations.
Table of Contents
1. Organize your content for maximum impact
Use 10-20-30 rule, use colors, shapes, and images effectively to draw attention, ensure design consistency, use visuals to support the narrative, benefits of using animation, things to consider when using animation, incorporate audio, video, and interactive elements, balance multimedia content with other elements, use charts and graphs to illustrate data points, understand the audience, utilize a logical structure, incorporate design templates and slideshows, prepare a script to help you stay on track, 8. consider using presentation platforms, 9. encourage audience participation, ask for feedback, review the notes, check the presentation, follow up with the audience.
Organizing content for PowerPoint presentations is important as it helps to keep the presentation focused and engaging. When organizing content, it is important to create an introduction, body, and conclusion that flow logically. Additionally, it is important to use visual cues such as headings and images to help the audience follow the presentation. Finally, it is important to use a consistent color palette, font, and style to help create a cohesive presentation that is visually appealing and easy to understand.
2. Choose an engaging visual design
When it comes to making a PowerPoint presentation engaging, visuals are key. Visual designs can help set the tone of your presentation and get your message across. Here are some tips on choosing an engaging visual design for your PowerPoint presentations .
The 10-20-30 rule for slideshows suggests that you should have no more than ten slides, 20 minutes of content, and 30-point font size. This is important because too many words or slides can be overwhelming and distracting. Instead, focus on the most important points and let visual elements do the work.
Consider using abstract shapes, large-high-quality photos, and vibrant colors to ensure that the visuals you choose are appealing and draw attention. Additionally, make sure that the visuals you choose are relevant to your message. For example, use visuals to show off its features if you’re discussing a product. You can also embed attractive QR codes with logos to provide more information on that product by linking to external resources.
To ensure that you keep your design consistent throughout the presentation, you must use similar colors and font sizes throughout. To make this easier, you can use dynamic presentation software or a template with hundreds of example slides that all follow the same design theme.
Visual design is an incredibly powerful tool for enhancing the narrative of a PowerPoint presentation. With the right elements, visuals can help to make a presentation more interesting and memorable for the audience. Visuals should be used strategically to support the narrative. Using visuals that reflect the presentation’s theme will help create a cohesive story that resonates with the audience.
Check out the video to learn about the core prinicple of visual design:
3. Enhance the presentation with animation
Animation can enhance a PowerPoint presentation by making it more visually engaging and helping control information flow.
- Animation can add energy to static images and text and can also be used to add surprise elements that help make the content more memorable.
- Animations can help to draw your audience’s attention, making it easier for them to stay focused and remember the key points of your presentation.
- It is important to use animations sparingly, as too many animations can detract from the main message of your presentation. So, make sure to use animation to control the presentation’s pace and keep the audience engaged.
- When adding animations, wait until you have added all the information and objects to the slides.
- Ensure that animations are visible and clear in a PowerPoint presentation to help the audience follow the content.
- Animations should also be used to keep the audience on track and help them to jump back into the topic at any time.
How to make animated powerpoint slide?
4. Include multimedia components
Including multimedia components in PowerPoint presentations is an effective way to make them more engaging. Multimedia combines different types of media, such as audio, video, animation, and images, which can help capture and maintain your audience’s attention.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint powerpoint presentation](https://graphically.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/slide_2-1.jpg)
Including multimedia components in Powerpoint presentations is quite easy. For example, you can crop images to fit shapes, play music in the background, embed YouTube videos , insert screenshots or screen clippings, remove background from pictures, combine shapes to create a custom shape, add sound effects to animations, etc.
Multimedia content can be a great way to bring your presentation to life, but it should not be the only element you use. While multimedia content can be eye-catching, too much of it can distract from the message you are trying to convey.
Instead, try to use a mix of multimedia content, text, images, and diagrams that will help ensure that your presentation is visually appealing and informative. For example, if you have a video clip, don’t just rely on it to convey the message, but rather provide some additional information in the form of a text block or image that summarises the key points of the clip. This will provide context and help support the message you are trying to get across.
Additionally, consider using multimedia content and other elements such as text, images, and diagrams to create a more interactive presentation. This will help keep the audience engaged and allow them to better understand the message you are trying to communicate.
5. Utilize data visualization and infographics
Utilizing data visualization and infographics in PowerPoint presentations can be beneficial for a few reasons. First, data visualization and infographics can help to illustrate complex concepts in an easy-to-understand way. Additionally, data visualization and infographics can help to make the content more engaging and visually appealing. Furthermore, data visualization and infographics can help ensure the audience can retain the information presented. Finally, data visualization and infographics can help to add a professional look to the presentation.
Charts and graphs are powerful tools to make your PowerPoint presentations more engaging and effective. Not only do they help to break up the presentation to make it easier for the viewers to digest, but they also allow you to provide a visual representation of complex data that is easy to understand.
Here are some tips on how to use charts and graphs effectively in your PowerPoint presentations:
- Choose the right type of chart or graph: You have to choose the right charts or graphs depending on your data. For example, bar graphs are better suited for categorical data, while pie charts are better for numerical data.
- Keep it simple: Avoid overloading your charts and graphs with too much information, as this can make them difficult to read. Stick to just one or two key points you want to illustrate, and choose colors and fonts that are easy to read.
- Label your axes: Make sure your x and y axes are clearly labeled so audiences can easily follow the data points.
- Make sure your data is accurate: Before you present it, double-check to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date. This will ensure that your conclusions are reliable.
- Use the right scale: When creating your chart or graph, make sure that the scale is appropriate. If the scale is too large or small, it can be difficult to interpret the data.
How to make good infographic?
6. Create an effective structure and flow
Creating an effective structure and flow to make your PowerPoint presentation more engaging is key to captivating your audience. Here are a few ways to create a flow and structure for your PowerPoint presentation .
The first step is understanding your audience and what their needs are. Knowing your audience’s interests can help you tailor your presentation to be more engaging and interactive. Once you have a good idea of who you’re speaking to, create an outline that will focus on the important points of your presentation. You can use the best AI presentation maker to help you with this.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint powerpoint presentation](https://graphically.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Banter_Target_Audience_V1_BlogCover_-1.jpg)
A logical structure helps to organize the information clearly and logically, making it easier for the audience to follow and understand. It also helps to keep the presentation focused and on track, preventing it from becoming disorganized or tangential. A logical structure can be achieved through the use of clear headings and subheadings and visual aids such as charts and diagrams to illustrate key points.
Use design templates and slideshows to keep the look of your presentation consistent and visually appealing. Ensure to align all objects with the grid to ensure your visuals are perfectly in line.
7. Rehearse and practice
Preparing and rehearsing your presentation allows you to get comfortable with the material and will help you convey your message in a more confident and engaging way.
Having a script for your PowerPoint presentation can be an invaluable tool to ensure that you stay on track and keep to the main points you want to make. In addition, by preparing a script, you can ensure that your presentation runs smoothly and is more engaging and effective.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint powerpoint presentation](https://graphically.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/presentation-script-memory-memorise-remember-speech-1-2-1024x576-1.png)
Here are some tips to help you write an effective script:
- Start with an outline of your presentation. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure you don’t forget any important points.
- Write down the main points you want to make. Think about what information you want to convey in each section and decide how to present it.
- Include visuals. Think about how visuals or diagrams can help illustrate your points.
- Make sure your language is clear and concise. Avoid jargon and long sentences.
- Keep it conversational. Speak to your audience as if you are having a conversation with them.
- Become familiar with it and make sure you don’t forget any important points
- Timing yourself is an important factor in creating a good PowerPoint presentation. It is important to allocate enough time to cover all the necessary information but not so much time that the presentation becomes tedious for the audience. When practicing, note how long it takes to go through each slide. This will allow you to adjust the length of the presentation as needed and ensure that it flows smoothly.
Presentation platforms offer a wide range of features to help you create an interactive, visually appealing experience for your viewers. Many of these platforms have built-in templates and tools that make it easy to customize the look and feel of your slides. They also provide interactive elements such as quizzes, videos, audio clips, and animations that can add life to your presentation and keep your viewers engaged.
Encouraging audience participation is key to making a PowerPoint presentation more engaging. There are several techniques that can be used to foster engagement with the audience during a PowerPoint presentation.
- Firstly, maintaining eye contact, smiling, and using dynamic gestures and facial expressions will help make your message more memorable and engaging.
- Secondly, hosting an expert discussion panel or inviting guest appearances on stage can add an extra layer of engagement for the audience.
- Thirdly, you can use props or tangible objects to demonstrate ideas and allow the audience to engage with them.
- You can ask questions to keep your audience engaged with your PowerPoint presentations. Questions help to build suspense for the next slide, engage the audience in real time, and make people pay closer attention. It also causes people to reflect rather than merely take in the information one way.
- You can use live polling tools to get real-time feedback.
Effective methods to engage an audience in a presentation
10. Follow-up and review
Following up and reviewing a PowerPoint presentation is important in ensuring that the presentation is effective and that the audience understands the main points. There are several ways to follow up and review a presentation:
Ask the audience for feedback on the presentation, including what they found most useful or interesting and what they would like to see more of in the future.
Go over the notes you made during the presentation to see if there are any areas you may have missed or could have explained more clearly.
Review the presentation and make any necessary edits or updates based on the feedback you received.
Follow up with the audience after the presentation to see if they have any additional questions or concerns and to address any issues that may have come up during the presentation.
Creating engaging and powerful presentations with PowerPoint doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right tips and tricks, you can create presentations that will grab and hold your audience’s attention. Try out some expert tips to take your PowerPoint presentations from boring to brilliant! You can also take the help of professional designers to help you out with the visual aspect of your presentation.
At Graphically.io , we are your go-to for all your creative needs! Our global network of customers can enjoy unlimited, custom-designed graphics and illustrations for one flat rate. We are committed to delivering exceptional and affordable designs, always ready for when you need them, no matter how soon. We also offer video creation in our standard package at no extra cost that can capture and captivate the attention of your clients and potential customers.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Magic-Of-Subscription-Workforce](https://graphically.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Magic-Of-Subscription-Workforce-1-1007x1024.jpg)
Reduce Your Creative Design Budget by 92% With Us!
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Colby Wren](https://graphically.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Colbys-1-1.png)
100+ Agencies use Graphically.io for their creative needs. Signup now for actionable content & GREAT deals. We won’t SPAM, we promise!
Useful Resources
Discover the Best Unlimited Graphic Design Service for Your Business Needs
Is Design Pickle Worth It? Find a Better Alternative
Top 7 Types of Graphic Design Services You Need to Know
Best Graphic Design Packages Prices: A Complete Guide
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://graphically.io/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Logo-Orange.png)
Copyright © 2024 Graphically
All rights reserved. | Terms of Services
Quick Links
- Scope of Service
- Testimonials
- How It Works
- Graphically 4 Cats 🐱
- Women In Graphically
- Cost Calculator
- Client Panel
- Youtube Channel
- [email protected]
- Book A Demo
- +1 343 303 6668
![Badge-01.png Badge-01.png](https://graphically.io/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Badge-01-q6n9snl6svg96x7tp5arn8xp4mpcor7m6laru71iw8.png)
More From Forbes
5 principles for making powerpoint slides with impact.
- Share to Facebook
- Share to Twitter
- Share to Linkedin
A presentation using Powerpoint. Corporate presentations may combine all forms of media content. ... [+] (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Delivering effective and powerful presentations is critical to business success. It’s about making an impact that influences your audience, whether you are an entrepreneur pitching investors, a small business owner pitching a product to a retailer or potential customer, a startup presenting a new initiative, or a manager asking for budget or staffing resources.
Here are five principles you must use to create powerful PowerPoint presentations:
1. It’s About You, Not the Slides
Whatever the purpose is for the presentation, it’s about your purpose or message, what you know, your passion, and your delivery. It’s not about what’s written on the slides.
Switch the focus of attention from the slides themselves and onto your message, your expertise, and your grasp of the content -- not to mention your ultimate goal for the presentation itself.
You won’t be able to do that if you let the slides themselves dominate the presentation, if you read from your slides, or have so much text on your slides that the audience themselves read the slides instead of listening to you.
2. Let Your PowerPoint Slides Support Your Point, Not Make It
I’ve seen people, including experienced professionals at senior levels, essentially read from their slides when presenting. Or their slides have lots of points but the presenter ignores them and leaves the audience confused about whether to focus on the side or the presenter.
Slides that accompany a presentation shouldn’t be the focus of attention or prop up a poor presenter.
So, don’t develop slides so you can read them. Develop them to support you. Start with what you need to say by developing your outline, then create slides that complement and emphasize your points rather than starting with a slide and then scripting what you say around the slide.
More AllBusiness:
The Top 25 Home-Based Business Ideas
10 Websites Where You Should Have Your Company Profile Listed
25 Frequently Asked Questions on Starting a Business
The 10 Most Creative New Business Ideas Out There
3. Incorporate Graphics Into Your PowerPoint Presentation to Evoke Emotion
Slides don’t need to have bullets. If you do your presentation slides properly, they will be a guide or support to what you are saying. While you can accomplish that with short bullet points on your slides, you will have more impact with graphics and images.
And you don’t need follow the so-called rules of thumbs for the number of slides, since the time you spend on each slide is what should guide you.
Take the slide with five bullets and make five separate slides with either just a graphic that illustrates the point or a graphic and a word or two, but without a bullet point. You can spend the same amount of time on the five separate slides as you would on a single five-bullet slide, yet you will end up with more impactful slides.
4. Keep Your PowerPoint Slides Simple
If you are making a point, be clear and concise on your slide. Eliminate as many words as possible, use graphics as mentioned above, and, if you are creating a graph or using a table to show information, simplify them down to the essential elements that matter. Don’t just take a standard Excel graph and copy it onto your slide. Either simplify the Excel graph or create a simplified graphic in PowerPoint instead.
Take a look at a few examples of infographics to see how information can be conveyed in a more simplified, impactful way.
Beyond the content, make your template streamlined. Be a rebel and scrap your organization’s standard template. A simple single-colored background is best. Or use a colored slide for sections or to change topics, then simple white slides in between for your actual content. If you are using graphics to emphasize your point, make them full-slide size and your background template becomes a non-issue.
Also, eliminate the logo, contact information, or whatever else your marketing department added to the templates that show up on each slide. If you are presenting, they should know who you are. Putting your corporate info on the intro page and then possibly on the last page is all you need.
5. Tell a Story with Your Presentation
Storytelling has always been an effective way to convey information and make it more memorable. So, don’t just give information, facts, and figures on your slides.
Build a story into your presentation, whether a single scenario that you carry through your presentation or separate stories (or examples) throughout your presentation to emphasize and give context to specific points. Not only will it be more memorable if you can tailor your story to the audience, it will connect more readily.
The story isn’t for entertainment, although it should be interesting. The story should be related to the topic. For instance, if you are presenting a business case about new equipment, your story should be about the old equipment you are replacing and what happens when the new equipment is used. Create your story based on the real-life implications and benefits in a real-world application instead of just presenting uninteresting facts and figures that your audience will immediately forget.
Read all of Michel Theriault's articles on AllBusiness.com.
Related Articles on AllBusiness:
9 Ways to Make Your Presentations More Powerful
The 7 Best Tools and Apps for Amazing Presentations, Proposals, and Prototypes
The Keys to Great Sales Presentations
Ten Tips for Avoiding PowerPoint Limbo
For more great small business articles such as The Top 25 Home-Based Business Ideas and Keeping Your Business Ideas Confidential , visit AllBusiness.com and AllBusiness Experts . For local business information on 15 million businesses, be sure to check out InBusiness.com .
- Editorial Standards
- Reprints & Permissions
Master productivity and efficiency with interactive think-cell courses. Get started >
- 7 steps to building a compelling PowerPoint presentation
- Content hub
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint .](https://www.think-cell.com/img/containers/assets/en/blog/images/compelling_pp_presentation/tc--7-steps.png/9dbdbd4c253d1166f48b3c0fdfa3e0c9/tc--7-steps.jpg)
7 min read — by Amos Wong
How many times have you sat through a PowerPoint presentation that raised more questions than it answered? For instance, just look at the image shown above. Or how often have you seen slides so packed with information that you can’t even read them before the presenter has moved onto the next slide? If you have been in such situations, this blog is for you.
Avoiding these problems isn’t as simple as it seems when you’re creating a presentation from scratch and have a lot of information to present. The trick is to break it down into manageable pieces, starting with the broad overview and then circling in on the details. To help you do it, this article examines a 7-step process for building a compelling PowerPoint presentation, including how to structure it, lay out slides and create charts that support your message.
Learn more about how to build a better slide deck with our free eBook on PowerPoint best practices
1. Determine your presentation type
The first step in building your PowerPoint presentation is determining which type of presentation you’re giving. This helps clarify your overarching goal, while also influencing how you structure your slides.
Presentations typically fall under one or more of the following categories representing a continuum from light to heavy content:
- Key message presentations: This type of presentation is usually lighter in content and tells a persuasive story, such as a TED talk or pitch deck.
- Recurring reports: Recurring reports include more repetitive presentations like monthly reports or slide decks for team meetings. They often include more detail to document results, trends or activities.
- Insights and research outcomes: Presentations such as survey data or market trend reports distill information from large datasets into high-level conclusions.
- Documentation: This type of presentation provides detailed summaries of findings, typically with many charts and limited commentary depending on the audience.
2. Build your story
Your next step is to ask what message or story you want the audience to walk away with. With your top-level message in hand, you can then begin to structure your slide deck around it.
This is the essence of the Pyramid Principle , a strategy for creating effective business communications ubiquitous in the consulting world. With the Pyramid Principle, you lead with your most important idea, followed by supporting ideas and facts. If your conclusion is that Acme Company should enter a new market, say it up front. Then go through each supporting argument in order of relative strength.
An important corollary to the above is the MECE Principle , which stands for mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint MECE principle: Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive.](https://www.think-cell.com/img/containers/assets/en/blog/images/mece_blog/mece-principle-updated.png/f7cc26f45abaf30307b6390764c5a2ab/mece-principle-updated.jpg)
Compared with presenting a laundry list of ideas, MECE is a way to group them in a way that covers all relevant points without overlap. Using MECE to organize and group your ideas ensures a logically sound argument, while making the information easier for your audience to absorb.
3. Write your action titles
Once you have a defined structure for your PowerPoint presentation, you can get down to creating your slides. One of the most important things to remember as you do this is that each slide should present exactly one idea summarized in a single action title. All information presented on the slide must support the action title, including any charts. It is also important to avoid including any visual or textual elements that may convey or imply a different or conflicting message apart from the one in the action title.
One common strategy is to first write action titles for each slide to ensure they tell a complete story on their own. From there, you can go back to each slide and add details such as bullet points and charts.
4. Use a clean layout and formatting
When creating slides, it is crucial to avoid overcrowding them with excessive information or elements that can create visual confusion. One way to approach this is to visualize your slide as a table, laying out elements in columns and rows. Commonly used slide layouts consist of either two to three or four quadrants, depending on the nature of the content and the desired visual representation. You’ll also want to consider:
- The rule of thirds: Placing elements at one-third or two-thirds from the edge of the slide, and particularly where these gridlines intersect, is a universal rule for building a visually appealing slide.
- White space: Resist the temptation to pack too much into your slides. Leaving sufficient white space is essential for readability and helping the audience take in each slide’s main point.
- Presentation type: Key message presentations will have less content on each slide, compared with documentation presentations that include more detail.
- Fonts: Use the same font color and size for titles and body text throughout your slide deck, ideally in a sans serif font like Arial. Titles should be 20 to 24 point size, with body text 12 to 18 point based on the amount of content on the slides.
5. Organize your bullet points
A long list of bullet points is confusing and hard for audiences to digest. Instead, stick to three or five bullets, with a maximum of seven. Again, avoid packing in too much information, and all text should support the action title.
To improve clarity, write bullet points using parallel structure. In other words, if one bullet is a sentence, all of them should be in sentence form. The same goes for using sentence fragments or individual words. Each bullet should start with the same part of speech (e.g., noun, verb, adjective).
6. Choose the right chart
All chart data should be relevant to the slide’s action title. Say It with charts by Gene Zelazny offers a useful approach to choosing your chart in three steps:
- Identify which aspect of the data your chart will highlight
- Determine what you’re comparing, whether it’s components, change over time or correlation
- Select your chart according to the comparison you’re trying to make
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Chart type vs data comparison cheat sheet.](https://www.think-cell.com/img/containers/assets/en/blog/images/compelling_pp_presentation/compelling_pp_blog_image.png/5eef4d2f5bc2ed5f2f860de7d253d184/compelling_pp_blog_image.jpg)
7. Format your chart
Once you create a basic chart, you’ll want to format and annotate it in a way that conveys your message without confusion. This means:
- Including a chart title that summarizes the data and aligns with the slide’s action title
- Labeling both the x-axis and the y-axis with measurement units
- Using color sparingly to highlight the chart’s conclusion, for example using muted tones with one key vertical bar highlighted in a bolder color
- Adding trendlines to charts that can visually indicate patterns or trends in the data, for example, CAGRs
- Displaying legends to help viewers understand the meaning of different colors, symbols, or patterns used in the chart
A PowerPoint add-in like think-cell can help you create better slide decks and charts faster. Dynamic charts, process flows, annotations and text boxes all help organize complex information into visually sophisticated presentations, so you can spend less time struggling with formatting and more time on building a compelling story.
Building a PowerPoint presentation from scratch can seem like a tall order. By breaking it down into manageable steps, however, you can streamline the process while ensuring your audience leaves with a clear understanding of your message.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint .](https://www.think-cell.com/img/containers/assets/en/blog/images/mece_blog/mece-tumbnail-image.png/c8ea0b6bd54783ffcfcb90dafd132fac/mece-tumbnail-image.jpg)
How to apply the MECE principle to PowerPoint presentations
Learn about the MECE principle and examples of how to apply it, plus how to use it to create stronger PowerPoint presentations faster.
May 17, 2023 | 11 min read
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint .](https://www.think-cell.com/img/containers/assets/en/blog/images/pyramid-tumbnail-image.png/dd5d8ed017014cae8d3ac93f4615d937/pyramid-tumbnail-image.jpg)
Using the Pyramid Principle to build better PowerPoint presentations
Learn how to use the Pyramid Principle to create more effective PowerPoint presentations, including how to organize ideas, present data and clarify your message.
February 07, 2023 | 6 min read
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint .](https://www.think-cell.com/img/containers/assets/en/blog/images/powerpoint-tumbnail-image.png/f83170ee6e082c17fc4fda99e385f9a6/powerpoint-tumbnail-image.jpg)
Why you should change the way you think about PowerPoint
Presentations shape the conversations and decisions that move business forward. And by approaching them this way, you can accelerate your growth.
February 07, 2023 | 3 min read
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Role of data visualization plays in business decision-making.](https://www.think-cell.com/img/containers/assets/en/blog/images/data_viz_blog/tc---role-of-data-visualization-in-business-decision-making-.png/43bbd1fd14083c83ebdf8d46face0637/tc---role-of-data-visualization-in-business-decision-making-.jpg)
Role of data visualization in business decision-making
Understanding the rapid processing of visual information by the brain has significant implications in the business world, particularly for decision makers. In this blog, we will delve into the pivotal role data visualization plays in business decision-making.
July 25, 2023 | 8 min read
- Why think-cell?
- All features
- Continuous improvement
- Customer references
- New customer
- Renew licenses
- Find a reseller
- Academic program
- Startup program
- Existing customer
- Video tutorials
- Tips and tricks
- User manual
- Knowledge base
- think-cell academy
- C++ Developer (f/m/d)
- C++ Internship (f/m/d)
- All job offers
- Talks and publications
- Developer blog
Presenting with Confidence (Online)
How Great Leaders Craft and Deliver Persuasive Presentations That Sell Ideas, Inspire Teams, and Build Brands
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint a confident presentation being given in a well-lit room](https://pll.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_medium/public/2024-07/AdobeStock_498147004%20-%20confidence%20presenting_1.jpeg?itok=ZcCt0GMf)
Associated Schools
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Harvard Graduate School of Design](https://pll.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/styles/4_5_xsmall/public/schools/logo/harvard-design.png?itok=S42Yqusk)
Harvard Graduate School of Design
What you'll learn.
Learn the unbreakable laws of communication that will make your next presentation engaging, attractive, and actionable.
Identify the most effective types of stories to connect with your audience.
Learn the science behind emotional, engaging, and persuasive storytelling.
Discover the three most important tactics for developing confident body language to help you present authentically in front of any type of audience.
Build a message map to pitch your idea in as little as 15 seconds (elevator pitch), or create the outline for a longer, well-crafted presentation.
Explore methods for how to make data instantly memorable.
Course description
Ideas are the currency of the 21st century. The ability to communicate your ideas persuasively is the single greatest skill you can learn to succeed in a globally competitive world. Through stories, videos and case examples, this program offers an actionable, step-by-step method anyone can adopt to create and deliver inspiring in-person or virtual presentations that are engaging, persuasive and memorable.
Key topics include: applying storytelling methods, creating presentation headlines, utilizing the rule of three, building multi-sensory experiences, making statistics instantly memorable, delivering authentic presentations with confidence, creating a message map around your story; learning practice methods for seamless delivery in-person or virtually. This online program includes an optional private one-on-one consultation via phone or remote video with the instructors following the program dates.
You may also like
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Man giving conference presentation](https://pll.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_medium/public/course/teemu-paananen-bzdhc5b3Bxs-unsplash.jpg?itok=-Tv45iQO)
Communication Strategies: Presenting with Impact
Gain the skills needed to engage, inform and inspire others — and improve your ability to communicate as a leader.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint business meeting](https://pll.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_medium/public/course/amy-hirschi-JaoVGh5aJ3E-unsplash_0.jpg?itok=ISo6ROOT)
Negotiation Skills: Strategies for Increased Effectiveness
Enhance your ability to negotiate through effective techniques and skills.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Negotiation](https://pll.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_medium/public/course/amy-hirschi-JaoVGh5aJ3E-unsplash.jpg?itok=s8hG2PrM)
Advanced Negotiation Skills
Develop sophisticated negotiation skills to create value for all parties at the bargaining table.
Join our list to learn more
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint The image is a logo with the word "SLIDEGENIUS" written in capital letters. To the left of the word is a stylized speech bubble containing an abstract design, representing innovative slide design. The entire logo is white.](https://www.slidegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/slidegenius-logo-hd.png)
How can I effectively create a PowerPoint slide deck for a company review presentation?
July 8, 2024 /
Creating an effective PowerPoint slide deck for a company review presentation involves several key steps to ensure clarity, engagement, and professionalism. Start by outlining your main points and organizing them into a logical flow. This typically includes an introduction, a review of key metrics, achievements, challenges, and future plans.
- Content Planning : Begin with a clear agenda slide to set expectations. Each subsequent slide should focus on a single topic or data point to avoid overwhelming your audience. Use concise bullet points and avoid large blocks of text.
- Visual Design : Choose a clean, professional template that aligns with your company’s branding. Consistent use of fonts, colors, and graphics helps maintain a cohesive look. High-quality images, charts, and infographics can make complex data more digestible and engaging.
- Data Presentation : Use charts and graphs to present data clearly. Ensure that all data visualizations are easy to understand and accurately labeled. Highlight key figures and trends to draw attention to the most important information.
- Storytelling : Weave a narrative throughout your presentation to keep your audience engaged. Explain the significance of the data and how it impacts the company’s goals and strategies. Personal anecdotes or case studies can add a relatable touch.
- Practice and Feedback : Rehearse your presentation multiple times to ensure smooth delivery. Seek feedback from colleagues to refine your slides and delivery. This can help identify any areas that need clarification or improvement.
- Technical Considerations : Ensure your slide deck is compatible with the presentation equipment you’ll be using. Test your slides on different devices to avoid technical issues during the actual presentation.
By focusing on these elements, you can create a compelling and professional PowerPoint slide deck that effectively communicates your company’s performance and future direction.
View Our Presentation Portfolio
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint](https://www.slidegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/CarID-PowerPoint-Deck.png)
Get a Quote on a Custom Designed Presentation
Popular posts.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint A person is standing in front of a large presentation screen with a graph, addressing an audience. The PowerPoint slide is titled "Innovation and Research," mentioning R&D investments and product launches. Several audience members are seated, facing the presenter attentively.](https://www.slidegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SG_Common-Challenges-in-Tailoring-Presentations—and-Solutions_Featured-Image_SG01-750x410.jpg)
Common Challenges in Tailoring Presentations—and Solutions
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Two people working at a desk with a laptop, tablet, and documents with graphs. One person holds a tablet and stylus, preparing a PowerPoint slide, while the other writes in a notebook. A disposable coffee cup is also on the desk. Both individuals are wearing long-sleeve tops.](https://www.slidegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SG_Dos-and-Donts-of-Pre-Seed-Pitch-Deck-Creation_Featured-Image_SG01-750x410.jpg)
Dos and Don’ts of Pre-Seed Pitch Deck Creation
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint A man with glasses and a light blazer smiles while typing on a laptop at a desk. The desk has office supplies and a potted plant. A whiteboard with sticky notes is in the background, along with a large window. He appears focused, likely perfecting his PowerPoint presentation slides.](https://www.slidegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SG_How-to-Write-a-Teaser-Pitch-Deck-that-Captivates_Featured-Image_SG01-750x410.jpg)
How to Write a Teaser Pitch Deck that Captivates
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint An audience of professionally dressed individuals, both men and women, are attentively listening to a PowerPoint presentation. Many are wearing name badges. The setting appears to be a conference or seminar room with chairs arranged in rows, showcasing the latest pitch deck on the screen.](https://www.slidegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SG_Tips-for-a-Persuasive-How-It-Works-Slide_Featured-Image_SG01-750x410.jpg)
Tips for a Persuasive How It Works Slide
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint A man with long hair, wearing a white shirt, is presenting a Pitch Deck on a screen to three colleagues seated around a table in a modern office. The slide shows various charts and graphs. Laptops, plants, and office supplies are on the table.](https://www.slidegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SG_What-Not-to-Do-When-Presenting-Funding-History_Featured-Image_SG01-1-750x410.jpg)
What Not to Do When Presenting Funding History
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Two men in business suits sit at a table next to a window, engaged in conversation. One holds a clipboard and pen while the other reviews a presentation slide. The older man with a gray beard and the younger man with a neatly styled beard appear to be preparing for an important pitch deck in their professional office setting.](https://www.slidegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SG_Why-Raising-Funds-Without-a-Pitch-Deck-Can-Backfire_Featured-Image_SG01-750x410.jpg)
Why Raising Funds Without a Pitch Deck Can Backfire
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Logo](https://varthana.com/student/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/400x400-new-logoc.png)
- Board of Directors
- Our Investors
- Student Loan
- Why Varthana?
- Student Loan Process
- VCARE – Varthana care for you
10 Tips for Creating Effective Presentations
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint Tips for Creating Effective Presentations](https://varthana.com/student/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10-tips-for-creating-effective-presentations.jpg)
- Posted on July 30, 2024
- in Career Guidance , Technology
Whether it’s delivering a class project, pitching an idea, or sharing research findings, mastering the art of presentation is an important tool that can improve your academic experience and prepare you for future success.
Do you remember the tension that accompanied your first major presentation? The struggle to organize your thoughts clearly, and the challenge of engaging your audience. However, over time, you discovered that the ability to present effectively not only boosted your grades but also built your confidence and opened doors to numerous opportunities. This could happen only when you have created an effective presentation and the way you presented in front of the audience.
“The success of your presentation will be judged not by the knowledge you send but by what the listener receives.: – Lilly Walter
What is Presentation?
A presentation is a structured delivery of information or ideas to an audience. It often involves a presenter or speaker communicating a particular topic or content using spoken words, visual aids, and sometimes multimedia elements. Presentations can provide various purposes, such as educating, persuading, informing, or entertaining the audience.
1. Key Elements of a Presentation:
A. speaker or presenter:.
The individual or group delivering the content. The presenter’s role is to effectively convey the message, engage the audience, and meet the presentation’s objectives.
b. Audience:
The group of people to whom the presentation is presented. Understanding the audience is crucial for preparing the content and delivery style to their needs, interests, and level of understanding.
c. Content:
The information or ideas being presented. This includes the main points, supporting details, and any evidence or examples used to clarify or enhance the message.
d. Visual Aids:
Tools used to support and enhance the spoken message through slides (PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.), charts, graphs, images, videos, and infographics. Visual aids help to illustrate key points and keep the audience engaged.
e. Structure:
The organization of the presentation, typically consisting of an introduction, body, and conclusion. A clear structure helps the audience follow the progression of content and understand the main message.
Why is it Important to Create an Effective Presentation?
Creating an effective presentation is particularly important for you for several reasons, impacting your academic performance, building confidence, professional development, and personal growth. By honing your presentation skills, you can communicate more effectively, engage and persuade your audience, and achieve your academic and career goals. Here are the key reasons:
1. Academic Success
Presentations are often integral to college coursework, including class projects, research papers, and group assignments. Creating and delivering high-quality presentations can significantly affect your grades and overall academic performance.
2. Skill Development
By practicing and refining your presentation skills in college, you prepare yourself for future job opportunities and career advancement.
3. Confidence Building
Presenting in front of an audience helps build confidence and reduce anxiety associated with public speaking. This confidence can translate into other areas of life, making you more assertive and self-assured.
4. Effective Communication
Presentations require you to organize your thoughts and communicate them clearly and concisely. This skill is valuable not only in academic settings but also in everyday interactions and future professional environments.
5. Engagement and Persuasion
Engaging your audience and persuading them of your viewpoint is a valuable skill. Effective presentations can help you develop the ability to influence others, an important competency in many fields.
6. Critical Thinking and Organization
Creating an effective presentation includes researching your topic, organizing your thoughts, and synthesizing information. This process enhances your critical thinking and organizational skills.
7. Collaboration and Teamwork
Many presentations are group projects, requiring collaboration and teamwork. Working with peers to create and deliver a presentation helps you develop interpersonal skills and learn how to work effectively in a team.
8. Feedback and Improvement
Presentations often include a question-and-answer session, providing immediate feedback on your performance. This feedback is important for improving your presentation skills and understanding your audience’s needs.
Tips For Creating Effective Presentations
Creating an effective presentation is an essential skill. Whether you’re delivering a class project, presenting research findings, or participating in a competition, mastering the art of presentation can make a significant difference in your academic and professional life. Here are ten tips to help you create impactful and compelling presentations.
1. Understand Your Audience
Before you start creating your presentation, it’s crucial to understand who your audience is. Consider their knowledge level, interests, and what they hope to gain from your presentation. Preparing your content to meet the audience’s needs will help you connect with them more effectively.
Key Questions that need to be questioned yourself:
- What is their prior knowledge on the topic?
- What are their interests?
- What do they expect to learn?
2. Define Your Objective
Are you trying to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire your audience? Then be clear about the purpose of your presentation. Defining your objective will guide the structure and content of your presentation.
Examples of Objectives:
- To inform classmates about recent research in environmental science.
- To persuade the audience to adopt a new study method.
- To inspire peers with a motivational talk on overcoming challenges.
3. Structure Your Content
A well-organized presentation is easier to follow and more effective.
Typical Structure:
- Introduction: Introduce yourself, and your topic, and outline what you will cover.
- Body: Present your main points, supported by evidence and examples
- Conclusion: Summarize your key points and restate your main message.
4. Design Visually Appealing Slides
Your slides should enhance your presentation, not distract from it. Use a clean, professional design with a consistent color scheme, and limit the amount of text on each slide.
Design Tips:
- Use high-quality images and graphics.
- Limit text to key points.
- Use bullet points for clarity.
- Maintain a consistent style and layout.
5. Use Effective Visuals
Visuals can help illustrate your points and keep your audience engaged. Use charts, graphs, and infographics to represent data and complex information.
Effective Visuals:
- Charts and graphs for statistical data.
- Infographics for complex information.
- Photos and illustrations for visual appeal and emphasis.
6. Practice Good Slide Etiquette
Avoid reading directly from your slides. Your slides should serve as prompts for you to elaborate on your points. Maintain eye contact with your audience and use your slides as a reference.
Etiquette Tips:
- Practice your presentation without relying on the slides.
- Use slides to highlight key points, not as a script.
- Keep text minimal to avoid reading verbatim.
7. Engage Your Audience
Interacting with your audience can make your presentation more dynamic and memorable. Ask questions, encourage participation, and be responsive to feedback.
Strategies to Engage:
- Start with a question or a thought-provoking statement.
- Invite audience questions and comments during or after the presentation.
- Use polls or interactive elements if required.
8. Manage Your Time
Be mindful of the time allotted for your presentation. Ensure that you cover all your points within the given time frame and leave time for questions if required.
Time Management Tips:
- Plan each section of your presentation.
- Use a timer during practice sessions.
- Be prepared to adjust if you run out of time.
9. Practice, Practice, Practice
Rehearse your presentation multiple times. This will help you become more familiar with your content, improve your presentation, and reduce anxiety.
Practice Tips:
- Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself.
- Rehearse in front of friends or family and seek feedback.
- Time your presentation to ensure it fits within the allotted time.
10. Prepare for Questions
Anticipate possible questions from your audience and prepare answers in advance. Being able to confidently address questions will enhance your credibility and demonstrate your thorough understanding of the topic.
Preparation Tips:
- Think about possible questions and their answers.
- Review your material to ensure you can elaborate on key points
- Practice answering questions with a friend or mentor.
Creating an effective presentation involves careful planning, design, and practice. By understanding your audience, defining your objective, structuring your content, designing visually appealing slides, and engaging your audience, you can deliver a presentation that is both informative and impactful. Effective presentations are important because they enhance academic performance, develop essential life skills, build confidence, and prepare you for professional success. Remember, practice makes perfect, so take the time to rehearse and refine your presentation skills. Be a confident and effective presenter!
1. What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?
- Clear Structure: Organize your presentation logically with a clear introduction, main points, and a conclusion.
- Engaging Content: Use relevant, interesting content that resonates with your audience’s interests and needs.
- Visual Appeal: Utilize appropriate visuals like charts, graphs, images, and videos to enhance understanding and engagement.
- Confidence and Clarity: Speak clearly and confidently, maintaining good eye contact with your audience.
- Interactivity: Encourage audience interaction through questions, discussions, or activities to keep them engaged.
- Relevant Examples: Use real-life examples or case studies to illustrate your points and make them more relatable.
- Effective Use of Technology: Utilize presentation tools effectively, ensuring they enhance rather than distract from your message.
- Time Management: Respect your audience’s time by sticking to your allotted time and avoiding rushing or going over.
- Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt to unexpected changes or questions during your presentation.
- Call to Action: End with a clear call to action or a summary of key points to reinforce your message.
2. What are the 7 steps to make an effective presentation?
- Define Your Objective: Clarify the purpose of your presentation. What do you want to achieve? Define your main message or takeaway.
- Know Your Audience: Tailor your content and delivery style to match their interests, knowledge level, and expectations.
- Organize your presentation into clear sections: introduction, main points, and conclusion. Use a logical flow to guide your audience through your ideas.
- Create Impressive Visuals: Use visuals such as charts, graphs, and images effectively to enhance understanding.
- Practice and Refine: Rehearse your presentation multiple times to familiarize yourself with the content and timing.
- Engage Your Audience: Encourage questions and discussions to foster engagement.
- Review and Prepare: Prepare contingency plans for technical issues and anticipate potential questions or objections.
3. What are the 5 tips for designing effective presentations?
- Keep your slides clean and uncluttered.
- Incorporate relevant visuals such as charts, graphs, images, and videos to illustrate your points.
- Maintain a consistent design theme throughout your presentatio
- Use visuals to convey complex ideas or data, and use text sparingly to highlight key takeaways or reinforce important points.
- Use high contrast between text and background colors, choose readable fonts, and avoid using color as the sole means of conveying information.
4. What are the 7 Cs of effective presentation?
- Clarity: Use simple language and structure your content logically.
- Conciseness: Be concise and avoid unnecessary details.
- Context: Understand the context of your presentation, including your audience’s background, interests, and expectations.
- Content: Provide valuable and relevant content that addresses your audience’s needs and interests.
- Confidence: Maintain good posture, eye contact, and a clear voice to engage your audience effectively.
- Connection: Engage them through storytelling, humor, or interactive elements to maintain interest and attention.
- Consistency: Maintain consistency in your message, design, and delivery throughout your presentation
5. What are the 4 elements of creating an effective presentation?
- Content: It should be relevant, accurate, and tailored to your audience’s needs. Focus on key messages and supporting points, providing clear, concise, and well-organized information.
- Design: The visual aspect of your presentation. Incorporate visuals like images, charts, and graphs to support your message and make your presentation more engaging.
- Delivery: How you present your content. Pay attention to your tone, pace, and body language. Engage with your audience through eye contact and interaction.
- Engagement: Keeping your audience interested and involved. Tailor your presentation to address the audience’s interests and encourage participation.
6. What is the 777 rule in presentation?
The 777 rule in PowerPoint presentation recommends limiting each slide’s text to no more than seven lines, with no more than seven words per line and seven bullet points. This guideline aims to enhance clarity, simplicity, and focus in designing engaging slide content.
7. What are the six elements of a presentation?
- Title Slide: This is the first slide of your presentation and includes the title of your presentation, your name, date, and any relevant affiliations. It sets the stage and gives your audience an immediate understanding of the topic.
- Introduction: This provides an overview of what will be covered. It should grab the audience’s attention, introduce the main topic, and outline the objectives or key points of the presentation.
- Content: Organize your content logically, using clear headings and subheadings. Ensure that each slide focuses on one main idea, supported by evidence, examples, and visuals.
- Transitions: Smooth transitions between sections and slides help maintain the flow of your present
- Conclusion: Summarize the key points of your presentation and reinforce your main message.
- Q&A: This engages the audience, clarifies any doubts, and provides an opportunity for further discussion.
Latest Blogs
July 30, 2024, navigating student loan applications in the online era, july 12, 2024, empowering your dreams: how varthana can help you finance your higher education, july 15, 2024, most viewed blogs, evolution of higher education in india and what the next 5 years look like, july 18, 2024, beyond interest: unveiling new revenue streams in the student loan industry, july 19, 2024, secrets to ace indian entrance exams, july 11, 2024.
- Career Guidance
- Career Opportunities
- College Tips
- Education loan
- Entrance Exams
- Higher education
- Internships
- Mental Health
- Skill Development
- Student Guide
- Student loan
- Student Loans
- student productivity
- Technology in Education
- Uncategorized
- Women Empowerment
Your details have been submitted successfully.
Select City Delhi Pune Bangalore Chennai Coimbatore
How-To Geek
How you can use onenote to maximize your productivity.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint 4](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress%2Fwp-content%2Fauthors%2F656a6f6a0a53e-download%20%282%29.png?fit=crop&w=90&h=90)
Your changes have been saved
Email Is sent
Please verify your email address.
You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.
Which Chatbot Subscription Gets You the Most for Your $20?
How to use checkboxes in excel to track task progress, why i still prefer the word desktop app to the online version, quick links, categorize and prioritize tasks using tags, set reminders for important tasks, use ocr to extract text from images, use voice recording for effective notetaking, add collaborators to a notebook, create notes on your smartphone’s home screen.
OneNote is a versatile digital notebook that can help maximize your productivity. We're going to show you how to use features like tags, reminders, OCR, and transcription to get the most out of OneNote when handling your daily tasks.
As you use OneNote in your everyday life , you should take advantage of tags to help you categorize and prioritize tasks. Tags makes tasks easier to find by making them easily searchable.
To tag a task in OneNote, select the text where you want to insert the tag. In the Home tab, click one of the tags in the Tags section of the ribbon.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint tag-select-onenote](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tag-select-onenote.png)
You will see the “To Do” and “Important” tags, but there are more. To see them, click the arrows next to them. You can select “Question,” “Remember for Later,” “Critical,” “Idea,” “Password,” and other tags as well.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint tags-more-onenote](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tags-more-onenote.png)
To find tasks you have tagged, click “Find Tag” in the Tags section of the ribbon. You can browse through the tags in the Tags Summary panel that appears on the right.
Setting reminders in OneNote ensures you don't forget an important task, especially if you have to complete it by a certain date. You can set a reminder for a task by adding it to your Outlook tasks list. On the due date, Outlook will notify you of the pending task through a pop-up reminder, email, or push notification (if you have the Outlook mobile app installed).
To set a reminder, highlight the task and click Outlook Tasks in the Tags section of the ribbon in the “Home” tab. Select one of the tags, such as “Tomorrow” or “Next Week,” from the list. A flag will appear next to the task you have set the reminder for.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint reminder-outlook-task-onenote](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/reminder-outlook-task-onenote.png)
You can also select the “Custom” tag set when exactly you want to get the reminder. This will open an Outlook window with the “Task” tab selected. Tick the checkbox next to Reminder, enter a date and time, and click “Save & Close” in the Actions section of the ribbon.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint reminder-custom-outlook](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/reminder-custom-outlook.png)
You can view the list of Outlook tasks by opening the desktop app and clicking To Do—the blue checkmark icon—in the left side menu.
Be sure to click the flag icon next to the task to mark it as complete once you have done it.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is one of the lesser-known features of OneNote , but it can be incredibly helpful. OCR boosts productivity by allowing you to quickly extract text from images instead of manually typing it out.
OCR may have trouble recognizing text from handwritten notes.
To use OCR, right-click an image in OneNote, and then select “Copy Text from Picture” in the menu. With the text extracted, you can paste it into OneNote or any other program that accepts text input.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint ocr-extract-text-image-onenote](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ocr-extract-text-image-onenote.png)
Suppose you're in a meeting or having a conversation that you need to remember. You can easily record it in OneNote and transcribe it later instead of trying to take notes and listen at the same time. This can help you recall important details and action items, maximizing your productivity in the process.
To record audio in OneNote, select the “Insert” tab, click “Transcribe” and select “Record Audio” in the menu. After you're done recording the audio clip, click “Stop” on the ribbon at the top.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint audio-recording-transcribe-onenote](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/audio-recording-transcribe-onenote.png)
To listen to the audio, click on the clip in OneNote and select the play button in the widget that appears above it.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint audio-recording-stop-onenote](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/audio-recording-stop-onenote.png)
As you listen to it, you can take note of the important parts of the meeting or conversation.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint audio-recording-play-onenote](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/audio-recording-play-onenote.png)
OneNote is a great tool for planning simple projects, and like other Microsoft 365 apps, it has real-time collaboration. Whether it is for work or a personal project (e.g., a birthday celebration or a DIY home project), you can add multiple collaborators to help with the planning, tracking, and execution.
To do that, click “Share” in the top-right corner of the screen and select “Share Entire Notebook” in the menu.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint share-onenote-notebook](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/share-onenote-notebook.png)
In the pop-up, enter the email addresses of the people you want to share the notebook with and then click the “Send” button.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint share-send-onenote-notebook](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/share-send-onenote-notebook.png)
Your collaborators will get an email with a link that allows them to access the notebook.
Whether you are on an iPhone or Android device, you can place the OneNote widget on the home screen to easily create and view notes. You need to download OneNote from the App Store or Google Play and sign in to your Microsoft account first. Afterward, you can add the widgets.
On iPhone, tap and hold a blank space on the home screen and tap the plus icon in the top right corner.
Scroll down to the list of apps and top “OneNote” in the list. In the pop-up, swipe left until you see the “Quick Capture + Recent Notes” widget. Then, tap “Add Widget” to place it on the screen.
Tap “Note” in the widget to open OneNote and create a new note.
Adding the widget on Android will depend on the device you have, but the instructions should be generally the same. We are using a Samsung device. Now, tap and hold a blank space on the home screen and tap “Widgets” at the bottom.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint widget-option-onenote-android](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/widget-option-onenote-android.jpg)
Scroll through the list of apps and tap “OneNote” from the list. Tap the “OneNote New Note” widget and then tap “Add” to place it on the screen.
![how to create effective presentations in powerpoint widget-new-note-onenote-Android](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/widget-new-note-onenote-android.jpg)
When you tap the widget, it will open a new notebook in OneNote. You can try out the other OneNote widgets to see which ones will help you remain productive.
OneNote can boost the way you get work done with its productivity features, allowing you to get things done efficiently. Keep in mind that we can't discuss every way OneNote can make you productive in one guide, but this should help you get started. Beyond that, it can also help you organize everything in your life .
- Microsoft OneNote
- Microsoft 365
![](http://sektorel.online/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Create A Standout Presentation In Minutes With Canva's Presentation Creator. Try It Now. Design, Download, Print And Share All In One Platform. Try Canva For Free!
Smallppt : Create Stunning AI Presentations & Mind Maps. Smallppt is able to create a compelling starting point for presentations in just minutes.
Tips for creating an effective presentation. Tip. Details. Choose a font style that your audience can read from a distance. Choosing a simple font style, such as Arial or Calibri, helps to get your message across. Avoid very thin or decorative fonts that might impair readability, especially at small sizes. Choose a font size that your audience ...
A great PowerPoint presentation is: Prepared to Win. Research, plan, and prepare your presentation professionally. It helps you deliver an effective message to your target audience. Designed Correctly. Your visual points should stand out without overwhelming your audience. A good PowerPoint visual shouldn't complicate your message.
Make Bullet Points Count. Limit the Use of Transitions. Skip Text Where Possible. Think in Color. Take a Look From the Top Down. Bonus: Start With Templates. Slideshows are an intuitive way to share complex ideas with an audience, although they're dull and frustrating when poorly executed.
Get your main point into the presentation as early as possible (this avoids any risk of audience fatigue or attention span waning), then substantiate your point with facts, figures etc and then reiterate your point at the end in a 'Summary'. 2. Practice Makes Perfect. Also, don't forget to practice your presentation.
Avoid unnecessary animations. Only add content that supports your main points. Do not use PowerPoint as a teleprompter. Never Give Out Copies of the Presentation. Tips To Making Your Presentation More Engaging. Re-focus the attention on you by fading into blackness. Change the tone of your voice when presenting.
Fonts have very different personalities and emotional impacts, so make sure your font matches the tone, purpose, and content of your presentation. 6. Stick to 30pt Font or Larger. Many experts agree that your font size for a PowerPoint presentation should be at least 30pt. Sticking to this guideline ensures your text is readable.
This will give your presentation the "wow" factor. When using PowerPoint to deliver a PowerFUL point, your goal isn't to design the best presentation but the most effective one. This means creating a presentation that your audience can connect with through interest, participation, memory recall, and ideally, learning something useful.
Flow: Removing Barriers. Let's begin with the opening of your presentation. A good opening or first slide should be able to grab the audience's attention and state the purpose and objectives ...
1. Open PowerPoint and click 'New.'. A page with templates will usually open automatically, but if not, go to the top left pane of your screen and click New. If you've already created a presentation, select Open and then double-click the icon to open the existing file. Image Source.
10 Tips for Effective PowerPoint Presentations. Tip #1: Choose an Interesting Topic. Tip #2: Do Some Deep Research. Tip #3: Use an Amazing Presentation Tool. Tip #4: Pick Out a Presentation Template. Tip #5: Keep Your Audience in Mind. Tip #6: Add Eye-Catching Headings and Text. Tip #7: Keep it Engaging With Animations.
Here are a few tips for business professionals who want to move from being good speakers to great ones: be concise (the fewer words, the better); never use bullet points (photos and images paired ...
To do that, simply go up to the Home tab and click on New Slide. This inserts a new slide in your presentation right after the one you were on. You can alternatively hit Ctrl+M on your keyboard to insert a new blank slide in PowerPoint. To learn more about this shortcut, see my guide on using Ctrl+M in PowerPoint.
Frame your story (figure out where to start and where to end). Plan your delivery (decide whether to memorize your speech word for word or develop bullet points and then rehearse it—over and ...
We can help you get started with some easy PowerPoint tips and tricks that'll help you create an impactful presentation, no matter what the occasion. Our PowerPoint for beginners tips will show you how to: Make an outline. Choose a theme. Find a font. Use visuals. Not use too much text. Limit your color.
Apply the 10-20-30 rule. Apply the 10-20-30 presentation rule and keep it short, sweet and impactful! Stick to ten slides, deliver your presentation within 20 minutes and use a 30-point font to ensure clarity and focus. Less is more, and your audience will thank you for it! 9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule. Simplicity is key.
Now, right-click an image and choose Format Pictures. You'll see a new menu open. on the Fill settings, choose Picture or texture fill, then browse to your replacement profile image. Use File > Picture or texture fill with your image to update the slide with profile photos.
Ensure consistency and professional aesthetics in every slide. How to do it: Select the editable, native PowerPoint object you wish to customize. Go to the Shape Format tab and click on the Shape Fill dropdown. Select "More Fill Colors…" and click the eyedropper icon to begin color appropriating. 7.
The Assertion-Evidence Model of Slide Design. 1) Clearly assert the slide's main idea in a complete sentence. a. Appears at the top of the slide. b. Contains one distinct point. c. Flows logically from previous slide. 2) Reinforce the argument with visual evidence. a.
Top Tips for Creating an Effective Training Presentation. What we commonly call "effective presentation" is the right balance of two elements: the content you provide and how you deliver it. The first part is on your expertise and every piece of information you can share. But the second part is where the real magic happens.
Here are ten expert tips to help you create powerful and engaging PowerPoint presentations. Table of Contents. 1. Organize your content for maximum impact. 2. Choose an engaging visual design. Use 10-20-30 rule. Use colors, shapes, and images effectively to draw attention. Ensure design consistency.
Keep the background consistent and subtle. Use only enough text when using charts or graphs to explain the concept. Clearly label the graphic. Keep the design clean and uncluttered. Leave empty space around the text and graphics. Use quality clipart and use it sparingly. The graphic should relate to and enhance the topic of the slide.
1. It's About You, Not the Slides. Whatever the purpose is for the presentation, it's about your purpose or message, what you know, your passion, and your delivery. It's not about what's ...
1. Determine your presentation type. The first step in building your PowerPoint presentation is determining which type of presentation you're giving. This helps clarify your overarching goal, while also influencing how you structure your slides. Presentations typically fall under one or more of the following categories representing a ...
Identify the most effective types of stories to connect with your audience. Learn the science behind emotional, engaging, and persuasive storytelling. ... Key topics include: applying storytelling methods, creating presentation headlines, utilizing the rule of three, building multi-sensory experiences, making statistics instantly memorable ...
Creating an effective PowerPoint slide deck for a company review presentation involves several key steps to ensure clarity, engagement, and professionalism. Start by outlining your main points and organizing them into a logical flow. This typically includes an introduction, a review of key metrics, achievements, challenges, and future plans.
Effective presentations can help you develop the ability to influence others, an important competency in many fields. 6. Critical Thinking and Organization. Creating an effective presentation includes researching your topic, organizing your thoughts, and synthesizing information. This process enhances your critical thinking and organizational ...
Effective Text Presentation Techniques. Here are some proven techniques to effectively incorporate text into your multimedia presentations: 1. Keep It Concise. ... Convert it to PowerPoint format for use with Google Slides or PowerPoint effortlessly. Create PPT from Gamma Url.
1.Utilizing PowerPoint Software:Open your PowerPoint presentation. Click on "File" in the menu bar. Select "Save As" and choose PDF as the format. Converting through PowerPoint software offers a straightforward method, ensuring your presentation's basic elements are preserved.
Click on "Blank presentation" to create your presentation from scratch, or pick your preferred free PowerPoint template from the options at the top (there's also a host of editable templates you ...
You will see the "To Do" and "Important" tags, but there are more. To see them, click the arrows next to them. You can select "Question," "Remember for Later," "Critical," "Idea," "Password," and other tags as well.