Tag: technology powerpoint

A Quick Guide to Presentation Handouts

biotech powerpoint

pharmaceutical powerpoint

presentation handouts

presentation tips

technology powerpoint

Nov 25, 2014

If you’re dealing with a topic that involves a dense amount of information, it’s ridiculous to assume that the audience will try to memorize every detail. As the presenter, it’s your job to do most of the heavy lifting. You need to craft your presentation carefully, taking time to simplify and illustrate complex details. It’s your job to give them an experience that stands out and is easy to remember.

This isn’t always an easy task, especially if you’re expected to share a lot of facts, data, and complicated concepts. Still, there’s one way you can make sure everyone can easily review the key points of your presentation. You can turn your core message into a concrete takeaway by creating presentation handouts.

Why are presentation handouts important?

Presentation handouts aren’t always ideal for every scenario. However, if yours is similar to what we’ve just described, handouts can be beneficial for both you and your audience.

For starters, you can make use of handouts to include additional details about the points in your presentation. Since presentations are meant to be simple and concise, you would have to cut a lot of the data out from your slides. Your handouts can then serve a similar function to end notes or an appendix page.

With presentation handouts, your audience is also more likely to listen to what you’re saying. Most of the time, a lot of people worry about taking down notes and missing out on something important. If you give them something they can review in the future, they will be more likely to sit back and just absorb your entire delivery.

After the presentation, your handouts can also serve as a great reference material for your audience. If the data or facts you provide are particularly important and informative, they can refer to you in their own reports and presentations.

One of the challenges to delivering presentations is making sure your audience remembers all the key details. By creating presentation handouts, you can provide them with something they can easily access and look over.

Useful tips for creating presentation handouts

All that said, there are a few things you should keep in mind when making handouts for your presentation. It’s not enough that you distribute a printed version of your slides. As we constantly point out in this blog, your PowerPoint deck is a visuals aid, specifically created to make your presentation more engaging and dynamic. Your presentation handouts need to be more detailed and exhaustive than that.

Here are our quick tips for the best presentation handouts:

Keep it structured and well-organized

Aside from containing all the helpful information you had to cut out of your presentation, your handouts should also be properly structured and organized. Like you would with a presentation, organize everything into the main sections of your discussion. From there, you can expound on the details you had to condense. You can also add graphs and other illustrations you used to represent data.

Handle extra information with care

While you should provide the audience with additional info, keep in mind that too much can be overwhelming. Your job is to discuss a topic in an accessible way. Loading everyone with every piece of data you have will hurt this objective. Knowing your subject matter well, you can easily strike the balance between ‘too little’ and ‘too much’. Your presentation handouts should delve a bit deeper, but it shouldn’t feel like a cornucopia of information.

Don’t forget to cite references

It’s important to cite the references you used in your presentation. This shows the audience that you used credible and reliable sources. They can also check them out easily should they want more information. It will also be helpful if you can provide them with additional resources that might be helpful. Leave them with a list of websites, blogs, articles, and books that can provide them with additional insight on your discussion.

It might take an extra step, but creating presentation handouts can bring plenty of benefits. Give your audience something they can read and review long after your presentation. For a presentation that’s heavy with data and complex concepts, handouts can increase the impact you leave.

Featured Image: Joel Penner via Flickr

3 Steps to Simplify Your Complex Technology PowerPoint

Powerpoint tips

technology powerpoint

technology presentation

Sep 24, 2014

Delivering a presentation about technology-related topics can be quite challenging. For one, you will have to simplify various concepts for the benefit of your audience and to maximize your allotted presentation time. You’ll also need to organize your ideas into concise and easy-to-understand PowerPoint slides.

You need to keep your technology PowerPoint deck from being looking too complex. On top of it all, you have to make a connection with the audience. It becomes even more challenging when you’re presenting to people who are not familiar with the topic or technology you’re discussing.

If you’re in a similar situation, here are three key pointers to keep in mind when working on a technology PowerPoint presentation:

1. Focus on the core message

Avoid over-explaining the concepts in your slides by zeroing in on the key points you want to share. Before you open PowerPoint, start by creating an outline. What is the main takeaway of your presentation? Is it really necessary to explain particular concepts? If it is, which part of your explanation is the most crucial? Keep editing and trimming down your points until you arrive at the main ideas you want to share.

2. Explain with images and illustrations

As we know, research has shown that visual elements can better engage the attention of an audience. Instead of piling paragraphs of text onto your technology PowerPoint, you can make use of images to expound on key points. You can also make use of flowcharts or SmartArt graphics to illustrate concepts that might be harder to understand.

3. Don’t forget the story

Knowing that you’ll be presenting about technology, you might want to simply focus on answering the “how-to’s”. But other than that, you should also remember to tell your story. At the heart of all the tech-speak, what is the narrative behind the topic you’re presenting? A story is a great way to make an emotional connection with your audience. As an example, consider this ad run by Apple for the iPhone 5s.

Conclusion

Creating an engaging technology PowerPoint is challenging, but it isn’t impossible. All you need to do is create a solid plan and focus on making a valuable connection with your audience.

While interesting stories may temporarily engage, don’t forget to link it all back to your core message. Text can be effective in getting straight to the point, but illustrating your point may be even better in catching people’s attention. Make use of diagrams and other images to relate to your pitch.

Giving people hard facts can tire people out. Structure your presentation like a story with a convincing hook, line, and sinker. Don’t forget to tie it all in with a powerful conclusion and call to action.

Need a nudge in the right direction? Here at SlideGenius, we create different types of presentations and technology PowerPoint is one of our specialties. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Featured Image: crabchick via Flickr

Get Free PowerPoint Templates to Jump Start Your Presentation Design

free powerpoint templates

technology powerpoint

Jun 23, 2014

In the past, we wrote about several ways you can enhance your technology PowerPoint design. But if you’re still grappling to get started, you can try some of the free PowerPoint templates available at Microsoft.com.

There are experts who will tell you to avoid using free PowerPoint templates at all cost. They say most templates are cliched and overused. While it’s definitely great to have a unique design for your slides, beginners might feel overwhelmed starting out with just a blank slide. Starting with a PowerPoint template can help you visualize where you want to take your design. You have plenty of choices, especially if you take the time to find a template that suits the theme of your presentation.

Here’s a template you can use for technology PowerPoint presentations:

One of the free PowerPoint templates you can download from Microsoft.com
Business Digital Blue Template – Download HERE

Just like this one, all free PowerPoint templates from Microsoft are customizable. Use this template as a starting point, and from there, edit the slides as you wish. You can add your own images, fonts, or backgrounds. You can change color schemes. You can change animation styles and slide transitions.

Still need inspiration? Check out our technology PowerPoint portfolio. It’ll give you some great ideas on how you can enhance your free PowerPoint templates.

Featured Image: Paul Inkles via Flickr

Technology PowerPoint: Developing a Killer Presentation for Your Video Game Pitch

game industry

gameplay

technology powerpoint

video game

Jun 19, 2014

The video game industry is highly competitive, and creating a compelling pitch for your game can be the difference between success and failure. A well-structured, visually dynamic PowerPoint presentation can help you convey your game’s unique selling points and capture the attention of investors, publishers, or potential partners. Whether you’re an indie developer or a part of a larger team, your pitch should combine clear messaging, captivating visuals, and a concise narrative that showcases your game’s potential.

Here’s how to develop a killer video game pitch using PowerPoint:

1. Start with a Strong Concept Introduction

The opening slide should grab attention right away by introducing your game concept with a clear and compelling hook. This is your chance to communicate what makes your game unique and exciting.

How to Do It:

  • Create an attention-grabbing title and tagline that summarizes your game’s concept.
  • Include a key visual, such as the game’s logo, concept art, or an in-game screenshot.
  • Briefly explain the core gameplay, genre, and target audience.

Example: “Introducing Galactic Odyssey – A space exploration game where players can chart unknown worlds, battle alien species, and shape the future of an intergalactic empire.”

2. Highlight the Gameplay Mechanics

One of the most important parts of a video game pitch is explaining how the game will be played. This includes detailing the core mechanics, gameplay loop, and what players can expect in terms of challenges and rewards.

How to Do It:

  • Use screenshots, GIFs, or short video clips to visually demonstrate key gameplay features.
  • Break down the gameplay into its core elements, such as combat, exploration, puzzle-solving, or story progression.
  • Highlight unique mechanics that set your game apart from competitors.

Example: Include a slide showing the core loop of exploration, resource gathering, and shipbuilding in your space exploration game, with each step clearly visualized.

3. Showcase Your Art and Aesthetic

Visual appeal is critical in video game pitches. Investors and publishers want to see that the game has a clear artistic direction and style. Use your presentation to showcase concept art, character designs, environments, and UI elements that define the game’s look and feel.

How to Do It:

  • Include high-quality concept art, in-game visuals, or 3D models to give a sense of the game’s atmosphere.
  • Use slides that highlight character designs, world-building elements, and special visual effects.
  • Provide insight into how the art style complements the game’s mechanics and narrative.

Example: Create a slide showing different alien species and their designs, explaining how each visual style reflects their unique abilities and cultures in the game.

4. Define the Target Market and Audience

Understanding your target audience is key to selling your game. Investors want to know who will buy your game, why it appeals to them, and how you plan to reach them.

How to Do It:

  • Use demographics, player personas, or market research to identify your primary audience.
  • Explain why your game will appeal to this audience—what specific needs or interests does it address?
  • Provide examples of similar successful games and how yours will stand out in the market.

Example: “Our primary audience consists of 18-35-year-olds who enjoy strategy and resource management games like Stellaris and No Man’s Sky. Our unique feature set will appeal to players looking for a deeper exploration experience.”

5. Outline the Business Model and Monetization Strategy

The financial viability of your game is a critical concern for potential investors. Be clear about how the game will generate revenue, whether through initial sales, in-game purchases, subscriptions, or other methods.

How to Do It:

  • Describe the pricing model—whether it’s a one-time purchase, free-to-play with in-app purchases, or subscription-based.
  • Highlight potential revenue streams such as downloadable content (DLC), expansions, or microtransactions.
  • Provide revenue projections or a sales forecast based on market research.

Example: “Galactic Odyssey will launch as a $29.99 premium game, with future revenue generated through expansion packs and cosmetic microtransactions.”

6. Provide a Development Timeline and Milestones

Investors need to understand the project’s development roadmap. Include a timeline that outlines key milestones, such as pre-production, alpha and beta stages, and the planned release date.

How to Do It:

  • Present a clear timeline showing where the game currently stands and the milestones you expect to achieve over time.
  • Identify any major dependencies or risks that could impact the timeline.
  • Include a projected release date and plans for marketing or promotional activities leading up to the launch.

Example: “We are currently in pre-production, with alpha testing scheduled for Q2 2024, beta testing by Q4 2024, and a full release in Q2 2025.”

7. End with a Call to Action

Your final slide should make it clear what you want from the audience, whether it’s investment, partnership opportunities, or another form of support. Include your contact information and be ready to answer questions.

How to Do It:

  • Clearly state what you are seeking, whether it’s funding, publishing support, or marketing partnerships.
  • Provide contact information for follow-up.
  • End with a memorable, visually impactful slide that leaves a lasting impression.

Example: “Join us in bringing Galactic Odyssey to life. Contact us to learn more about investment opportunities and partnership options.”

Final Thoughts

A killer video game pitch combines compelling visuals, clear gameplay explanations, and a well-structured narrative to capture your audience’s attention. By focusing on the unique aspects of your game, its target market, and the potential for success, you can create a PowerPoint presentation that not only informs but excites investors, publishers, and partners.

Adding Visuals to Your Technology PowerPoint

diagrams

technology powerpoint

visual aids

Jun 18, 2014

Incorporating visuals into your PowerPoint presentations is essential, especially when dealing with technical subjects. Technology presentations can easily overwhelm audiences with data, jargon, and complex ideas. The right visuals can help break down complicated information and make your message more engaging and digestible. Here’s how to enhance your technology PowerPoint with powerful visuals.

1. Use Diagrams to Simplify Complex Processes

Technology presentations often involve explaining complex systems or processes. Using diagrams can help simplify these concepts and make them easier for your audience to follow.

Why It’s Important:

  • Clarifies Information: Diagrams help break down complex processes into manageable, understandable parts.
  • Engages Visual Learners: Visual learners can grasp the information more easily when it’s presented in a clear, diagrammatic form.

How to Do It:

  • Create flowcharts, network diagrams, or process maps to explain systems like IT infrastructure or software development workflows.
  • Use arrows and shapes to visually guide your audience through the steps or components of a system.

2. Incorporate Infographics to Visualize Data

Technology presentations often include data-heavy content, such as usage statistics, performance metrics, or market trends. Infographics can help you present data in a more engaging and accessible format.

Why It’s Important:

  • Makes Data Easier to Understand: Infographics condense data into a visual format that’s easier for your audience to absorb at a glance.
  • Enhances Engagement: Visual data is more engaging than spreadsheets or bullet points, keeping your audience focused and interested.

How to Do It:

  • Use tools like Canva or PowerPoint’s built-in features to create custom infographics that visualize key data points.
  • Incorporate charts, icons, and color coding to make the data easy to interpret.

3. Use High-Quality Images to Reinforce Key Points

Including relevant, high-quality images can reinforce your message and help illustrate key points. For example, images of hardware, software interfaces, or screenshots of code can provide visual context in technology presentations.

Why It’s Important:

  • Provides Context: Images help contextualize abstract concepts, making them more relatable to your audience.
  • Improves Retention: Audiences are more likely to remember information when it’s paired with a relevant visual.

How to Do It:

  • Add images of technology products, prototypes, or real-life use cases to visually support your explanations.
  • Ensure all images are high resolution and professional to maintain credibility.

4. Use Icons and Symbols for Better Visual Flow

Icons and symbols can help guide your audience’s attention and visually organize information. These simple, yet effective visuals can highlight key points, break up text, and direct the audience’s focus.

Why It’s Important:

  • Enhances Readability: Icons break up dense text and make slides more visually appealing.
  • Adds Visual Hierarchy: Use symbols to create visual distinctions between main points and supporting details.

How to Do It:

  • Use technology-related icons (e.g., computers, gears, cloud symbols) to represent different sections of your presentation or key concepts.
  • Place icons next to bullet points or titles to make the slides more scannable.

5. Animate Visuals for More Dynamic Presentations

Adding animations to your visuals can make your presentation more dynamic and engaging. Animations can also help emphasize important points or guide your audience through a complex diagram step by step.

Why It’s Important:

  • Keeps the Audience Engaged: Movement grabs attention and keeps your audience focused on the presentation.
  • Emphasizes Key Information: Animating visuals draws attention to specific points and helps pace your delivery.

How to Do It:

  • Use PowerPoint’s animation features to reveal diagrams or charts in stages as you explain each part.
  • Apply subtle animations like Fade In or Wipe to introduce new visuals smoothly without overwhelming your audience.

6. Use Consistent Visual Themes

A consistent visual theme throughout your presentation helps create a cohesive and professional look. Whether you’re using diagrams, infographics, or images, ensure that the style, color scheme, and fonts remain consistent across all your slides.

Why It’s Important:

  • Creates Visual Harmony: Consistency in visuals prevents your presentation from looking disjointed and maintains a polished appearance.
  • Strengthens Branding: Using consistent visuals that align with your company’s brand colors and fonts reinforces your identity.

How to Do It:

  • Choose a visual theme and color scheme before you start designing your slides.
  • Stick to the same style of icons, fonts, and colors to maintain uniformity throughout the presentation.

Final Thoughts

Adding visuals to your technology PowerPoint presentations can enhance clarity, improve engagement, and make complex information more accessible. Whether you’re using diagrams, infographics, or animations, the key is to ensure that your visuals support your message and help your audience understand the technical content more effectively. Keep visuals consistent, relevant, and high-quality to create a polished, professional presentation.