Enhance your next public speaking engagement with these simple tips.
- Consistency of background, colors, fonts and images is essential.
- Contrast darker background colors with lighter text and graphics to maximize contrast and readability.
- Powerpoint is best utilized for simple imagery. Use handouts to disseminate more detailed information.
- In general, seek to limit the amount of text or data in the presentation.
- Clearly label charts and graphs and simplify whenever possible.
- Numbers in tables are can be hard to see and understand.
- Graphics should make a key concept clearer.
- Place your graphics in a similar location within each screen.
- Using imported photos, images and video can enhance a presentation.
- Remember to transfer any external media (video etc.) to external drives if you travel with your presentation.
- Use only Key Points and keep text simple and easy to read.
- Limit the amount of text to 5-7 lines per frame and 5-7 words per line
- Strive for similar line lengths for text.
- Use 30 to 36 point type for headings and titles.
- Use 24 pt type at a minimum for words within the body of a frame
- Use Sans Serif fonts such Helvetica and Arial.
- Avoid using all capital letters or underlining for emphasis.
- Use bold face or brighter colored text for emphasis.
- Proof read everything, including visuals and numbers.
- If your audience is reading the slides they are not paying attention to you. If possible, make your point with graphics or simplify text.
- Take advantage of rehearsals and speaker ready rooms at events.
- Make a list of key words/concepts to discuss for each slide.
- Keep your sentences short, about 10-20 words each is ideal.
- Practice your presentation to see how much time you use for each slide and for the entire presentation.
- Are you using the right amount of time per slide? Decide which slides or comments need alteration to make your presentation smoother.
- Speaker timer lights can help, but to end on time, you must practice.
- When practicing, try to end early. You need to allow time for audience interruptions and questions.
- If possible, make sure slides are readable from the back row seats. Text and graphics should be large enough to read, but not so large as to appear "loud."
- Know how to and practice moving forward and backward within your presentation. Audiences often ask to see the previous screen again.
- Start Strong-End Strong. Rehearse your opening and closing statements to maximize their impact on your audience.
- Briefly state the problem or topic you will be discussing.
- Summarize your main theme for an idea or solution.
- Talk at a natural, moderate rate of speech
- Speak clearly and distinctly and project your voice.
- Repeat critical information and pause for effect.
- Pause briefly to give your audience time to digest the information on each new slide.
- Don’t read the slides aloud. Your audience can read them far faster than you can talk.
- Do not speak to your slides. Many presenters face the direction of their presentation rather than their audience.
- Only use notes as reference points to keep you on track.
- Concisely summarize your key concepts and the main ideas of your presentation at the end.
To learn how Dyventive can assist you in increasing the impact of your next
presentation contact us at 888 736-8972 for more details.
Copyright 2009 Dyventive. All Rights Reserved. 1-888-736-8972