Some folks balk at the idea of using PowerPoint or Keynote for visual aids during a presentation. Such people are usually snobby speakers, frustrated meeting planners or jaded AV technicians who believe a person should just be able to jump up to a podium an deliver an electrifying speech.
Public speaking has come a long way and while it is true that many visuals shown to audiences are unnecessary because printouts are already supplied (that or the presenter reads the slides anyway), visuals have their place and often become a crucial method of idea support for modern audiences.
During such events as medical conferences, digital media summits or sustainable technologies meetings, slide shows are as integral to the experience as the person on the stage presenting. Great graphics and detailed pictures will help a presenter open a window into their industry sector that speech alone usually cannot accomplish.
So, the next time somebody suggests that a slidwshow presentation is a crutch, ignore them. BUT, you must know how to use the slides to facilitate a successful presentation.
Instead of writing a whole bunch, I am posting this video with five quick presentation tips. It is a part of my 'Better Presentations' package which will be available soon for either download or ordering a hard copy. To sum up the tips:
1) Choose a font that can be read from a distance. This usually means a big, bold font that can be read from the back of the room and even in brighter rooms. Stay away from fancy fonts, especially, when they are small.....people cannot read them from the back.
2) Choose a background color that does not interfere with the font & works in bright rooms.
3) Use as few words as possible. The slides themselves can serve as 'spark words' that can set you off on a topic. The less people have to read, the more they can listen to your message.
4) Practice as much as possible. People want you to do well, but you don't have to be the perfect presenter, you just need to be able to get the message across and be as smooth as possible. Practice speaking in your car, in a quiet room where you can't be disturbed and even consider recording your speech on a voice recorder, then listen back to it as often as possible.
5) Practice 'microphone technique'. Actually learn how to use a microphone. Sound silly? Well, a lot of people don't know how to use one properly. It's not hard, takes some time and it's easy to master the very few principles involved.
There is much more in the full package available soon. I'll cover such things as audio & video playback from a computer, presentation technology, video recording, how to make a video demo, advanced lecture tips, back up plans, DVD compatibility and a whole lot more. Enjoy the video and stay tuned for Moore!
