How to Make a Compelling PowerPoint Presentation

A PowerPoint presentation acts as a visual aid as the presenter presents their ideas to the target audience. Slides shouldn't be too wordy, and the visuals should only contain basic points. To make more compelling presentations, specific issues need to be considered. These include:

1. Consider the setting.
   

   Settings should consider the target audience that will be addressed during the presentation. Settings include casual or formal settings and small or large rooms to respond with appropriate approaches.

2. Take time to develop content.
   

   Great content is essential in developing the presentation, so that the audience is held attentive.

3. Create an outline of your main points.
   

   A simple outline of your key points is essential to develop the presentation.

4. Follow the 3 acts structure.
   

   These structures include the introduction, which can serve as a story or illustration, the main body detailing the problem, and the final act, which describes the solution.

5. Have one main point for each slide.
   

   Don’t try to cover too much of the topic on one slide. It is advisable to make one point on each slide.

6. Avoid using too many bullets.
   

   Bullets can often be overused in a slide, drawing attention away from the presenter as the audience reads the bullets. The purpose of a PowerPoint presentation is for the audience to keep their focus on the presenter by listening.

7. Less is good.
   

   The purpose of the slides is to support the presentation because fewer visuals and many words can complicate the presentation. Keeping things simple gives a more compelling presentation.

8. Employ large texts.
   

   Using a larger font size makes it easier for audiences to read the slides as well as retain the information acquired.

9. Include visuals that are captivating.
   

   Messages that accompany pictures tend to be more significant than words when placed alone. A large and powerful photo on a slide is preferable to several small images crowding the slide. Choose images related to the topic of the presentation.

10. Use data wisely.
    

    Application of the most recent graphs and charts that are simple to understand helps pass the message to the audience.

11. Avoid reading.
    

    Reading notes during the presentation is often dull for the audience and shows that the presenter is not knowledgeable. Notes should be used as cues, not narratives, for the presentation.

12. Engage with the Audience.
    

    Engaging with the audience brings the presentation alive. Making the audience laugh, not talking too fast, making eye contact, and projecting the voice are ways a presenter can engage with the audience.

13. Treat the presentation like a conversation and have adequate preparation.
    

    Present the information like a conversation whereby you don’t talk down to the audience nor recite the information, but speak as though you are talking to one person at a time. Adequate preparation before the presentation allows this to be possible through knowledge of the topic, making the presentation organic and natural.