You’ve been assigned to do a presentation to report on the project you’ve been leading. You know your data inside and out, and you’re confident about your interpretation and analysis of the numbers. Reporting on your project is not what you’re worried about–it’s the deck that you will be making to supplement your presentation.
This is actually a very valid and common concern, especially among those who do not think they are creative enough to create a presentation deck. A good-looking deck does not make an effective presentation, though. It’s important, yes, but that’s not what it will boil down to, ultimately.
Still, it would be helpful for both yourself and the audience if you have a well-made presentation deck. Fortunately, there are many software presentation apps readily available online, which you can use to complete your deck in a matter of minutes.
Here are some tips to help you create an effective presentation deck that will complement your superb information and data analysis nicely.
Balance Image and Text Layout
Not all slides need to have an image on them, but should you add one, then make sure to balance it with the text. You can upload an image as background or as an inset; either way, you need to make sure that it’s not going to overpower the text. Unless, of course, the point of the slide is to show the photo, and the text functions as a mere copy to it.
Check that the text will still be readable despite the presence of the images, and that the slide won’t come out looking overly crowded. Don’t be afraid to break up text into several slides. This can also be helpful for you because then you can also break down the pace of your delivery and not seem so rushed.
Use Transitions Moderately
Transition effects are nice and help keep your deck looking dynamic. However, as with everything else, moderation is key. Again, this does not have to be applied to each and every slide, although if you should, make it consistent throughout.
It doesn’t have to be too flashy or showy either. Technically speaking, it doesn’t really add value to the content of your presentation per se, but it does help switch up the pace of the presentation once in a while.
Simply Charts and Graphs
If your presentation features charts and graphs, it is highly recommended that you try to simplify them as much as possible. Remember, this deck is meant to be a visual aid for your report, not your actual report per se. Editing the amount of information you add into the deck makes up a huge chunk of the work. The more prudent you are about the information you share on there, however, the better the clarity of your message could be.
If possible, you can even recreate your existing graphs using the native application in your preferred software. This allows you to use a preset template for all of them, so you can get the consistent look and feel that you want.
Mind the Media
Apart from the images, it’s also possible for you to integrate video in your presentation slides. If you must, however, it is highly recommended that you disable autoplay. You want to be able to control when it plays so that it doesn’t disrupt the presentation.
Again, these are but some of the more simple but helpful tips for an effective presentation. Last but not least, have fun!
