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PowerPoint Presentations Properly
Pointers For Using PowerPoint
Presentations Properly
If ever there was a tool that could add so much to your
public speaking, yet can also be the biggest downfall for a public speaker,
then PowerPoint is that tool. Debate has been raging whether you should use
PowerPoint presentations or not in your speech – some speakers swear by this
program, whilst others won’t go near it.
Personally, I like to use PowerPoint presentations in my
speeches as I believe that it adds value to my speech. However, I do
understand the reasoning behind why you shouldn’t use PowerPoint displays.
If they are done correctly, they can turn a low-quality amateur speech into
a high-quality professional one. However, if used incorrectly, the
consequences are catastrophic.
Therefore, I have compiled five simple pointers on how to
improve your PowerPoint presentations. I have tried to ignore the obvious
ones i.e. make sure that the text on your PowerPoints is big enough so
everyone in the audience can read it, and give you pointers that I find some
public speakers are doing incorrectly.
Point 1 – Talk to Your Audience, Not to the PowerPoint
If you are continually looking at your PowerPoint when you
are speaking publicly, you are not going to connect with your audience.
Generally speaking, when you are using a PowerPoint, it is displayed behind
you. Therefore, if you are talking to your PowerPoint, then you are going to
have your back to the audience. Your audience will very quickly get bored of
looking at the back of your head! Also your voice is not being directed at
your audience, therefore it will be harder to hear. So if you want to
deliver an effective speech, remember to talk to your audience, not to the
wall.
Point 2 – Don’t Read from your PowerPoint/Don’t Let the
Audience Read from your PowerPoint
Your PowerPoint should not contain chunks of text on it,
which are the exact same words that you are presenting in your speech. Your
PowerPoint should contain dot points, pictures, diagrams, charts or other
visual representations. Your audience came to hear you deliver a speech, not
read large chunks of text off a wall. Consider your PowerPoint to be the
notes that your audience would write down, not the textbook that they would
read.
Point 3 – Don’t Let Your Power Point Distract Your Audience
to a Point that they are not Listening to You
If there is too much happening in your PowerPoint, then your
audience’s attention is going to be distracted, therefore they will not be
focusing on you and your message. That is why I recommend that you only use
pictures and not movies during your public speech. Also, try and leave the
picture/slide on the screen for a bare minimum of 60 seconds average.
Point 4 – Don’t Use Sound Effects
There is no point having all these crashes for each slide
transition and a whoosh every time a paragraph comes on screen. It is just
too complicated and pointless. Now I have no problems if, during your public
speech, you do a couple of sound effects to get the audiences attention i.e.
sound of the cash register just before you talk about money, but don’t
overdo it. Try to limit your sound effects to no more than ten per speech,
regardless of length.
Point 5 – Don’t Rely On Your PowerPoint So Much That You
Cannot Deliver Your Speech Without It
Technology has a habit of not working when you need it to
work! Regardless of whether you have a multi-million dollar technology
budget or not, you cannot rely on technology! Therefore, there is no excuse
for you to not to be able to deliver your speech if technology fails you.
You should be able to effectively explain all of your visuals during your
speech.
If you are uncertain whether you should include something in
your speech or not, always remember the KISS theory - Keep It Short and
Sweet or Keep It Simple Stupid. Remember that your PowerPoint is an aide,
but not essential to your speech. The message that you are trying to convey
in your public speaking should come from you, not your PowerPoint.
My Name Is Christopher
Carlin And I Want To
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Speaking Tips
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