Category: PowerPoint

5 PowerPoint Pitch Deck Tips For SEO-Friendly Slides

online presentations

pitch deck

Powerpoint

powerpoint slides

Presentations

SEO

slideshare

Jan 29, 2015

There are plenty of great benefits in creating a solid content marketing strategy.

As we’ve discussed before, we found that it’s an easy way to connect and engage with consumers. By sharing content that is relevant to them, you help them create an emotional connection with your brand.

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Of course, gaining leads through this method isn’t always easy. Sure, sharing your PowerPoint slides on the Internet does introduce your brand to a wider audience. The problem is that it might take them a while to find your content, even if you’ve created slides that are relevant and useful for them.

To nudge these potential consumers in your direction, let your slides stand out. The way to do that is by making your PowerPoint and pitch deck presentations SEO-friendly.

BrightEdge CEO Jim Yu stresses that unlike its earlier stages, SEO content no longer means stuffing your work with random keywords, but incorporating them into meaningful and well-researched content.

So how can you optimize your PowerPoint’s searchability? Follow our five tips:

Optimize your title slide

The title slide is an important part of your presentation, especially if you’re sharing it online. It’s the first thing that people will see when they’re browsing and come across your PowerPoint deck on SlideShare or any other site.

It’s also the title slide that will help them decide if your content is relevant to their interests. As such, optimize your title slide.

Take the time to craft the perfect title for your presentation, which needs to contain the keyword you’re optimizing for. The keyword should flow naturally with the single phrase you come up with.

Also have visuals that match your creative and SEO-friendly title. While the keyword helps search engines decide that your content is a match, it’s the visuals that will capture your target audience’s attention.

Use long tail keywords in the content

Using keywords shouldn’t stop at the title slide. The long tail keywords you choose should also be incorporated to the content of your slides.

For SEO beginners, that means you should incorporate keywords that are quite specific to the topic you’re discussing and optimizing for. This way, your content doesn’t get buried under millions of results for a general search term.

HubSpot contributor, Corey Wainwright, explains the use of long tail keywords. Such keywords flow naturally with the rest of your writing. Doing otherwise might end up alienating your audience.

Provide an accurate description

Aside from content, you also have to provide an accurate and thought-provoking meta description of your presentation.

Focus on the core message of your presentation and make sure that stands out in what you write.

A good description isn’t too long. A few, quick sentences will do. This will serve as the space where you can include information about your company, like links to your website and social media profiles.

Carefully tag your pitch deck presentation

Another crucial step to SEO-friendly slides are the tags. Sites like SlideShare allows up to 20 for your presentation.

Tags are keywords that will make it easier to categorize and find your content. Make sure you use those that are relevant to your content and your brand.

Tagging random keywords might damage you in the long run by marking you as spam. Always relate your tags to what your presentation is actually about.

Share presentation on social media

Finally, it’s time to share your presentation on social media platforms. When you upload your PowerPoint deck, you don’t have to sit around and wait for the audience to appear.

Do the heavy lifting and take your presentation to them. Share links to your newly-uploaded PowerPoint pitch deck presentation on your social media profiles. This will give your followers a heads up.

In turn, they can share it on their own profiles or websites. Search engines prioritize results that have plenty of back links. The more you share your pitch deck presentation, the larger your reach will become.

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Sharing your presentations online can help you reach out to a wider audience. Do it right by making sure your PowerPoint slides have SEO advantage. Take note of these tips and do your best to connect and engage with consumers through the large world of the Internet.

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References:

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

 

Featured Image: Picjumbo.com

Quick PowerPoint Tips: Designing for SlideShare

PowerPoint Design

Powerpoint tips

presentation design

slideshare

Jan 21, 2015

SlideShare is a powerful platform for sharing presentations, but designing slides for SlideShare requires a slightly different approach than designing for live presentations. Since users view your slides at their own pace, without your verbal explanation, your slides need to be clear, concise, and self-explanatory.

Here are some quick tips to help you design effective presentations for SlideShare:

1. Make Each Slide Self-Explanatory

Since your audience won’t hear you speak, each slide needs to stand on its own and clearly communicate the key point.

Why It’s Important:

  • Ensures Clarity: Your audience should be able to understand the content of each slide without needing additional context or explanation.

How to Do It:

  • Use clear, concise headlines and include supporting text that explains your main point.
  • Avoid too much jargon or complex concepts unless they are explained clearly on the slide.

Example: If you’re presenting on market trends, include simple, easy-to-read charts with brief descriptions explaining the data.

2. Use Simple, Clean Visuals

SlideShare presentations are often viewed on smaller screens, such as laptops or mobile devices. To ensure readability, keep your design simple and avoid clutter.

Why It’s Important:

  • Improves Readability: Simple visuals ensure that your slides are easy to read on any device.
  • Enhances Focus: Clean designs help direct the viewer’s attention to the key message of each slide.

How to Do It:

  • Stick to a minimalist design with plenty of white space.
  • Use large fonts and high-quality images that won’t lose clarity when scaled down.

Example: For a presentation on digital marketing strategies, use icons and short bullet points to summarize each strategy rather than overcrowding the slide with text.

3. Focus on One Key Point per Slide

SlideShare users often skim through presentations quickly. To keep their attention, make sure each slide conveys just one main idea or key point.

Why It’s Important:

  • Maintains Engagement: Slides that are too busy or contain multiple points can overwhelm viewers and lead to disengagement.
  • Increases Retention: Focusing on one point per slide makes it easier for viewers to digest and remember the content.

How to Do It:

  • Break up complex ideas across multiple slides.
  • Summarize your key points using headlines or short bullet points, and avoid adding unnecessary details.

Example: Instead of listing all product features on one slide, dedicate one slide to each feature and explain its benefit briefly.

4. Use High-Contrast Color Schemes

On SlideShare, slides need to be visually appealing and easy to read. High-contrast color schemes help ensure that text and visuals are legible, even on small screens.

Why It’s Important:

  • Improves Visibility: High contrast makes it easier for viewers to see your text and graphics.
  • Keeps the Presentation Professional: Avoid using too many colors or clashing schemes that can make your slides look unprofessional.

How to Do It:

  • Use a dark font on a light background or vice versa.
  • Stick to a cohesive color palette of 2-3 colors for consistency.

Example: Use a white background with dark blue text and a contrasting color (like orange) for key points or calls to action.

5. Add a Strong Call to Action

If your presentation has a specific goal (such as promoting a product, sharing insights, or driving traffic to a website), include a clear and compelling call to action at the end.

Why It’s Important:

  • Encourages Audience Engagement: A call to action guides your audience on what to do next, increasing the likelihood of further interaction.
  • Helps Achieve Your Presentation’s Purpose: Whether you want viewers to visit your website, download a report, or contact you, a strong call to action drives results.

How to Do It:

  • Use action-oriented language like “Download the full report,” “Contact us today,” or “Learn more on our website.”
  • Place the call to action prominently on the final slide.

Example: For a product launch presentation, include a link to your product’s landing page with a call to action like, “Discover how [Product Name] can help your business grow—visit [website URL].”

Final Thoughts

Designing for SlideShare requires a focus on clarity, simplicity, and self-explanatory slides. By keeping your design minimal, using high-contrast visuals, and focusing on one key point per slide, you can create presentations that engage your SlideShare audience and communicate your message effectively. Don’t forget to include a strong call to action that directs viewers toward the next step.

Why Simplicity Wins When it Comes to PowerPoint Slides

Powerpoint

powerpoint slides

presentation science

presentation tips

Jan 08, 2015

Simplicity wins when it comes to PowerPoint slides because it enhances clarity, engagement, and retention. Overloading slides with too much information, complex visuals, or lengthy text can overwhelm and disengage your audience. Here’s why a simpler approach works best:

1. Clarity of Message

  • Why it works: Simplicity ensures your audience understands your core message without distractions. Slides filled with text, graphs, or unrelated visuals make it hard for the audience to focus on the key points.
  • Supporting research: Studies show that people retain more information when the message is clear and concise. Garr Reynolds, a presentation expert, argues that simplicity in design helps remove “noise,” allowing the message to stand out .

2. Better Audience Engagement

  • Why it works: Simplified slides create space for the presenter’s voice to shine. When slides are minimalist, the focus shifts to what you’re saying, encouraging the audience to engage with you, rather than reading paragraphs of text.
  • Example: Steve Jobs’ keynote presentations are often cited for their simple yet impactful slides. His use of bold imagery and minimal text allowed him to engage the audience effectively .

3. Improved Information Retention

  • Why it works: Cognitive load theory suggests that the human brain can only process a limited amount of information at once. Simplified slides help reduce cognitive overload, making it easier for the audience to digest and remember key information.
  • Supporting research: John Medina, in his book Brain Rules, explains that people retain 65% of visual information three days later, compared to only 10% of written information . Minimalist slides with clear visuals reinforce the message and aid memory retention.

4. Professional and Polished Aesthetic

  • Why it works: Simplicity leads to a more polished and professional look. Clean designs, well-spaced text, and consistent visuals reflect professionalism and demonstrate thoughtfulness.
  • Example: The most effective business presentations, including sales pitches and investor decks, often use clean layouts with limited text and high-quality visuals, giving them a sleek, polished look that resonates with stakeholders .

5. Reduces Distractions

  • Why it works: Cluttered slides with excessive text, animations, or mixed fonts can distract from the core message. Simplicity helps remove unnecessary elements, allowing the audience to focus solely on the key points.
  • Supporting research: Nielsen Norman Group emphasizes that too many distractions, such as complex backgrounds or irrelevant visuals, can confuse the audience and reduce the effectiveness of the presentation .

Conclusion

By embracing simplicity in PowerPoint design, you ensure that your presentation is focused, engaging, and memorable. A clear, minimalist approach allows your audience to grasp and retain the message while enhancing your professional credibility.

Sources:

  1. Garr Reynolds, Presentation Zen
  2. Steve Jobs keynote presentations
  3. John Medina, Brain Rules
  4. Investor and sales deck best practices
  5. Nielsen Norman Group, user experience studies

Presentation Tips: 5 Quick Ways to a PowerPoint Design Boost

PowerPoint Design

powerpoint design tips

presentation design

presentation tips

Dec 29, 2014

Do you still have a presentation that needs to be wrapped up before the year ends? Don’t forget to give your PowerPoint design a much needed boost. As you know, it’s important to end the year with a bang. The last message you share for 2014 should resonate with the audience. Aside from learning the best way to communicate with them, you have to make sure that your visuals are eye-catching and unforgettable.

Here’s a quick rundown of simple tips and tricks for a PowerPoint design boost: 

1.) Use bullet points correctly 

As we mentioned previously, there’s a time and place for bullet points in your PowerPoint design. Most people use bullet points to list down lengthy paragraphs of text when they should only be used to list down key information. In other words, using bullet points should help you present details in a way that’s easy for your audience to digest. You don’t use them to cram a dozen different sentences in a single slide. You use them to create a list of important information that the audience can easily see and discern. There’s nothing wrong with using bullet points, but don’t forget that there’s a right way to utilize them.

2.) Experiment by creating custom templates 

If you’re in a hurry to finish your presentation, using PowerPoint templates will definitely make the job easier. However, these templates often have a reputation of being boring and repetitive. Luckily, there’s a way you can use them without sacrificing your creativity. As we detailed in this tutorial, you can create custom PowerPoint designs by using the Slide Master option. It might take a bit more effort, but it’s worth it to have a template that’s unique to your presentation. Tailor fit any template for your specific situation by changing up the look to match your branding.

3.) Create the perfect mood with the right colors

Speaking of branding, picking the right colors is one of the best ways to make sure your business identity is evident in your PowerPoint design. The correct color choices will also add more dimension to what you’re delivering. Since colors are often have specific cultural associations, choosing the right color will help you add more meaning to the topic you’re tackling. For example, the color blue and gray is often associated with professionalism. On the other hand, the color purple connotes luxury and exclusivity. If you want to create a palette that matches the mood of your presentation, do some quick research on the different cultural associations behind specific colors. You can start here.

4.) Find balance by using well-matched fonts

It’s also important to keep your PowerPoint design well-balanced and harmonized. One way you can do that is by making sure you choose fonts that match each other. Even when you have plenty to choose from, make sure that your fonts complement each other. You can opt for a contrasting Serif and Sans Serif pair, but you can also create a unified look by choosing fonts from the same family or typeface. Whatever you decide, just make sure to limit your choice within 2-3 styles. Going overboard will create too much distraction and your PowerPoint design will end up looking inorganic. Another important rule to keep in mind is readability. Make sure everything in your slides can be read by the farthest person from the screen.

5.) Highlight your message with the perfect images

Finally, your PowerPoint design won’t work if you don’t have images to illustrate your points. This is a tip we’ve repeated so much in the last year because it should never be left unsaid. Your PowerPoint design will be far more effective if you let go of lengthy paragraphs and use images to highlight your message instead. The Internet is a great source to find whatever you need. Take the time to browse through all these sites to find something that will help you tell the story of your presentation. Visual storytelling is a growing trend in the world of business, so make sure your PowerPoint design doesn’t fall behind.

These tips may seem ordinary, but they all bear repeating. You can’t expect to boost your PowerPoint design if you don’t start at the basics. Follow these tips and work your way towards more creative and memorable presentations.

If you need more help, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact our PowerPoint design experts!

 

Featured Image: Life of Pix

Presentation Tools and Gadgets for Your Christmas Wishlist

christmas wishlist

Powerpoint tips

presentation gadgets

presentation tips

presentation tools

Dec 15, 2014

The right presentation tools and gadgets can significantly improve your performance, making your presentations more engaging, polished, and seamless. Whether you’re a seasoned presenter or just starting out, upgrading your gear can help you present with confidence and professionalism.

Here’s a list of presentation tools and gadgets that should be on your Christmas wishlist:

1. Wireless Presenter Remote

A wireless presenter remote is a must-have for anyone who regularly gives presentations. These remotes allow you to advance slides from anywhere in the room, giving you the freedom to move around and engage with your audience without being tethered to your computer.

Why It’s Great:

  • Increases Mobility: Move freely around the room while advancing slides, which helps you interact with your audience and maintain their attention.
  • Improves Flow: With buttons for forward, backward, and screen blackout, you can control the flow of your presentation seamlessly.

Example: The Logitech Spotlight is a popular wireless presenter that features advanced slide control, a digital pointer, and Bluetooth connectivity.

2. Portable Projector

A portable projector is perfect for presenters who often travel or give presentations in different locations. These compact devices are easy to carry and set up, allowing you to project your slides anywhere without relying on built-in equipment.

Why It’s Great:

  • Convenient for Travel: A portable projector lets you take your presentation anywhere, from conference rooms to off-site meetings.
  • High-Quality Projection: Many portable projectors offer excellent image quality and brightness, ensuring that your slides look professional and clear.

Example: The Anker Nebula Capsule is a compact, highly portable projector that offers 360-degree sound and up to 4 hours of projection on a single charge.

3. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver when you’re practicing your presentation or focusing on last-minute edits in a noisy environment. These headphones block out background noise, allowing you to concentrate fully on perfecting your performance.

Why It’s Great:

  • Improves Focus: Noise-canceling technology eliminates distractions, helping you stay focused while preparing for your presentation.
  • Ideal for Travel: If you travel frequently for presentations, noise-canceling headphones are perfect for blocking out noise during flights or while working in busy locations.

Example: The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a top-rated choice, known for its superior noise-canceling capabilities and comfortable design.

4. Presentation Timer

A presentation timer is an essential tool for staying on track during your presentation. It allows you to manage your time effectively, ensuring that you don’t run over or cut your presentation short.

Why It’s Great:

  • Helps You Stay on Time: A timer helps you stick to your allotted time, preventing you from going over your time limit or rushing through your slides.
  • Provides Real-Time Feedback: Some timers have built-in alarms or vibration alerts to give you real-time updates on how much time you have left.

Example: The Time Timer MOD is a simple, highly visible timer with customizable alert settings, making it easy to manage your presentation time.

5. Digital Stylus

A digital stylus is great for presenters who want to annotate slides in real-time or sketch out ideas on an interactive whiteboard. Whether you’re using PowerPoint, Prezi, or a virtual whiteboard app, a stylus can add a creative and interactive element to your presentations.

Why It’s Great:

  • Enhances Interactivity: A stylus lets you draw, highlight, and annotate slides or whiteboards, making your presentation more engaging and interactive.
  • Improves Precision: Compared to using a mouse or finger, a stylus offers much greater precision for drawing or annotating on digital slides.

Example: The Apple Pencil is a top choice for iPad users, offering pixel-perfect precision and lag-free performance. For non-Apple devices, consider the Microsoft Surface Pen or Wacom Bamboo Ink.

6. Portable Document Scanner

A portable document scanner is useful for scanning contracts, notes, or any printed materials that you may want to include in your presentation. It’s a handy tool for both professional and personal use, especially if you need to digitize documents on the go.

Why It’s Great:

  • Saves Time: Scan documents quickly without the need for bulky equipment or visiting an office.
  • Improves Organization: A portable scanner lets you easily organize and digitize important documents for your presentations.

Example: The Doxie Go SE is a compact, wireless scanner that can digitize documents anywhere, making it ideal for business trips or meetings.

7. Portable Power Bank

A portable power bank is essential for ensuring that your devices don’t run out of power during a crucial presentation. Whether you need to charge your smartphone, tablet, or projector, having a portable power source on hand can be a lifesaver.

Why It’s Great:

  • Prevents Battery Issues: A power bank ensures your devices stay charged, even if you don’t have access to an outlet during your presentation.
  • Perfect for Travel: Portable power banks are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry with you wherever you go.

Example: The Anker PowerCore 26800 offers high-speed charging with multiple ports, allowing you to charge several devices at once.

8. Wireless Lavalier Microphone

If you’re presenting in a large room or at a conference, a wireless lavalier microphone can ensure that your voice is heard clearly by everyone in the audience. These clip-on mics allow you to move freely while amplifying your voice through the room’s sound system.

Why It’s Great:

  • Improves Sound Quality: A lavalier microphone picks up your voice clearly, even in large or noisy environments.
  • Increases Mobility: Wireless mics allow you to move around the stage or room without being tied to a podium or microphone stand.

Example: The Rode Wireless GO II is a popular option, offering crystal-clear sound and easy connectivity for presentations, interviews, or public speaking.

Final Thoughts

These presentation tools and gadgets can elevate your performance and help you deliver more professional, engaging presentations. Whether you’re looking for wireless remotes, portable projectors, or time management tools, adding these gadgets to your wishlist can make a big difference in how you present. Upgrading your gear this Christmas might be just what you need to enhance your presentation game.

Design Ideas: How to Improve PowerPoint Templates

custom powerpoint templates

PowerPoint Design

powerpoint templates

Powerpoint tips

powerpoint tutorial

Dec 10, 2014

Using a PowerPoint template can save time and effort, but improving upon an existing template can help ensure that your presentation is unique, professional, and tailored to your specific needs. Here’s how to enhance PowerPoint templates and elevate your presentation design.

1. Customize the Color Scheme

Most PowerPoint templates come with a preset color scheme, but customizing these colors to match your brand or the theme of your presentation can make a significant difference.

Why It’s Important:

  • Enhances Brand Consistency: Aligning the color scheme with your company’s branding ensures a cohesive visual identity.
  • Increases Visual Appeal: A custom color palette that complements your content will make your slides more visually engaging.

How to Do It:

  • Go to the Design tab and click on Variants > Colors.
  • Choose Customize Colors to create a color scheme that fits your brand or presentation theme.

2. Use Custom Fonts

The fonts included in templates are often generic. Replacing them with custom fonts that align with your brand or add a modern touch can improve readability and visual appeal.

Why It’s Important:

  • Improves Readability: Selecting the right font ensures that your text is easy to read and fits the tone of your presentation.
  • Adds Personality: Custom fonts help differentiate your presentation from others using the same template.

How to Do It:

  • Highlight the text you want to change, then go to the Home tab and select a custom font from the dropdown menu.
  • Use sans-serif fonts for clarity and readability in body text and bold fonts for headings.

3. Incorporate High-Quality Visuals

Templates often come with generic images or icons. Replacing these with high-quality visuals, such as custom photos, branded icons, or professional graphics, can enhance the overall design.

Why It’s Important:

  • Improves Engagement: High-quality visuals capture attention and make your presentation more engaging.
  • Reinforces Your Message: Relevant visuals help illustrate key points and reinforce the overall message.

How to Do It:

  • Go to the Insert tab and choose Pictures or Icons to add relevant visuals.
  • Ensure images are high-resolution and appropriately sized for the slide.

4. Simplify Slide Layouts

Some templates may have overly complex or cluttered slide layouts. Simplifying these layouts can make your presentation easier to follow and more visually appealing.

Why It’s Important:

  • Enhances Clarity: Simplified layouts ensure that your audience can easily focus on the key message of each slide.
  • Reduces Distractions: A clean and organized design minimizes distractions and keeps the audience engaged.

How to Do It:

  • Remove unnecessary design elements, like background patterns or excessive text boxes.
  • Use white space effectively to create balance and focus on the most important content.

5. Add Consistent Branding

To ensure that your presentation aligns with your company’s brand identity, add consistent branding elements like your logo, taglines, and brand colors.

Why It’s Important:

  • Builds Brand Recognition: Consistent branding throughout your presentation helps reinforce your company’s identity.
  • Increases Professionalism: A branded presentation looks more polished and professional.

How to Do It:

  • Add your logo to the master slide so that it appears on every slide without manual repetition.
  • Use brand-approved fonts, colors, and graphics to maintain consistency across all slides.

6. Animate Purposefully

Many templates include animations by default, but not all animations are necessary or effective. Review and adjust animations to ensure they enhance the content rather than distract from it.

Why It’s Important:

  • Maintains Focus: Purposeful animation guides your audience’s attention without overwhelming them.
  • Improves Flow: Well-timed animations can help control the pace of your presentation, keeping the audience engaged.

How to Do It:

  • Use Fade or Wipe animations for a subtle, professional effect.
  • Avoid using too many animations on a single slide, and limit animation to key elements.

Final Thoughts

Improving a PowerPoint template by customizing colors, fonts, visuals, and layouts can make your presentation more engaging, professional, and aligned with your brand. Simplify unnecessary elements, add purposeful animations, and maintain consistent branding throughout to elevate your presentation from a basic template to a standout design.

The Complete Presentation Checklist

presentation checklist

presentation planning

presentation preparation

Nov 26, 2014

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

1. Content Preparation

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

2. Slide Design

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

3. Technology Check

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

4. Practice and Rehearsal

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

5. Day of the Presentation

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

6. Engaging the Audience

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

7. Post-Presentation Follow-Up

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

8. Review and Improve

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

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

Troubleshooting Your PowerPoint Display Issues

powerpoint display issues

troubleshooter

Oct 22, 2014

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

Here’s how to troubleshoot some of the most common PowerPoint display issues:

1. Display Resolution Mismatch

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

How to Fix It:

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

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

2. Missing Fonts or Incorrect Formatting

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

How to Fix It:

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

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

3. Images Not Displaying Properly

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

How to Fix It:

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

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

4. PowerPoint Crashes During Presentation

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

How to Fix It:

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

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

5. Presenter View Not Working

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

How to Fix It:

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

PowerPoint Design

Powerpoint tips

presentation structure

Oct 20, 2014

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

1. Start with a Strong Introduction

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

How to Do It:

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

Example:

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

2. Organize Content into Clear Sections

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

How to Do It:

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

Example:

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

3. Simplify the Visuals

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

How to Do It:

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

Example:

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

4. Use Transitions to Guide the Flow

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

How to Do It:

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

Example:

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

5. End with a Strong Conclusion and Call to Action

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

How to Do It:

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

Example:

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

Final Thoughts

Structuring your PowerPoint deck effectively is crucial to delivering a smooth, engaging, and successful presentation. By starting with a strong introduction, organizing your content into clear sections, simplifying your visuals, using transitions to guide the flow, and ending with a strong conclusion and CTA, you ensure that your message is conveyed with clarity and impact.

Remember, the goal is to keep your audience engaged from start to finish, so focus on delivering content in a logical, well-paced manner that aligns with your objectives. When your PowerPoint deck flows smoothly, your presentation will leave a positive and lasting impression on your audience.

9 Simple Rules for an Effective Sales Presentation

sales pitch

sales presentation tips

sales presentations

Oct 08, 2014

There’s a lot at stake when delivering a sales presentation. After cold calls and endless follow-ups, you now have the opportunity to meet with prospects and have a worthwhile discussion with them. You get to showcase the service or product you’re offering and all the benefits attached to it.

In order to succeed, you can’t just throw a PowerPoint deck together and deliver a haphazard presentation. Instead, you need to be mindful of the correct techniques, making use of your creativity to leave a lasting impression.

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Here are 9 simple rules to make sure your pitch goes according to plan:

1.) Keep it short and simple

It’s easy to lose interest in a presentation that seems to go on forever. Even with an extremely engaging topic, most audiences have a hard time focusing their attention for more than a couple of minutes.

The first step to improving your sales presentation is by cutting down the content. Focus only on the points that are crucial to the message you’re delivering.

2.) Hook the audience with a story

There’s nothing more compelling than a good story. Instead of presenting your pitch in a traditional, matter-of-fact way, you can spin it into a narrative. Following the dramatic arc of ancient Greek plays, or use the AIDA method as a guide.

With a specific and structured narrative, you can easily determine which points are crucial to your message, and which ones feel excessive or unnecessary. This technique can also lead to a stronger connection between you and your audience.

3.) Create tension by identifying challenges

All the best stories are able to build tension for conflict and suspense. The same thing should be true for your sales presentation. Briefly show your prospects just how crucial your product or service is. Let them know that you’re aware of the problems they encounter. Describe a scenario that enumerates the challenges they face. Aside from making your pitch more compelling, this will let your prospects see how much you understand their current situation.

4.) Release tension by detailing your solution

Of course, you’ll need to do more than talk about the problems. Too much suspense can also kill engagement, so balance your story out by bringing attention to positive details as well. Delve into the features of your product or service, and focus on the opportunities it can give your prospects. Show them how your solution is the best way to overcome their challenges.

5.) Showcase your accomplishments, expertise, and experience

Another thing you can’t miss is to showcase the value of your brand and company. Build audience trust by enumerating your key accomplishments and relevant industry experience. Let your prospects understand the culture and logic behind your product or service, but don’t spend too much time blowing your own horn. Majority of your sales presentation should be spent on connecting with your prospect and showcasing the benefits of your offer.

6.) Emphasize your message with slides that incorporate your brand

Your brand encapsulates your entire company identity. By creating a PowerPoint deck that mirrors your brand, you can help your presentation become more unique and distinguishable. The easiest way to go about this is by using a color palette that’s similar to your logo. You can also incorporate the overall theme of your product into your design. These examples can serve as inspiration.

7.) Prepare for the difficult questions

You can never tell how the audience will react to your presentation. Your prospect might ask you questions that are difficult to answer. They could also bring up points you weren’t made aware of in your previous conversations. For situations like this, it’s always better to be prepared. Get ready to improvise. It will also help if you list down and answer all the possible questions that your audience might ask. Consult your colleagues and other members of your team to expand your list.

8.) Close with a specific Call-to-Action

The Call-to-Action (CTA) is perhaps the most crucial part of your sales presentation. It summarizes the purpose of your pitch in a bold statement that urges your prospects to take positive action. In other words, the CTA puts the ball on their side of the court. To be effective, a CTA needs to be direct, precise, and straight to the point.

9.) Don’t forget to follow up

Your work doesn’t stop even after your sales presentation ends with positive feedback. You can’t assume that your prospects will immediately act on your presentation. The people in your audience, especially the key decision makers, often have busy schedules. To make sure the impact of your sales presentation doesn’t dwindle, send an email to your prospects and reiterate your points.

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READ MORE: What Makes a Sales Pitch, As Told by Mad Men’s Don Draper

Featured Image: Ted Eytan via Flickr