However, many people overlook the application’s versatile features, leaving them with generic, lackluster slides. Fortunately, you can create a presentation that relays valuable information without boring your crowd by sprinkling in a few simple additions. Read on for nine ways to grip an audience by creating engaging, impactful PowerPoint presentations.
Figure out your goal
One of the first steps to creating a cohesive and entertaining PowerPoint is identifying your presentation goals. What do you want your viewers to ascertain from your presentation? What knowledge are you hoping they absorb? Once you have a clear idea of central objectives, begin working towards an outline that supports your main priorities.
Convert a PDF Directly into a PowerPoint
When it comes to creating a powerful PowerPoint, documenting critical information is an essential step. However, it can be challenging to compile hoards of material into different slides efficiently. Thankfully, you can utilize handy shortcuts to cut down on tedious processes without sacrificing quality. For example, if you already have the necessary information in a separate PDF document, you can convert PDF to Powerpoint and save yourself wasted time and energy.
Spread out information bulks across slides
A common mistake many PowerPoint users make is overloading each slide with lines of information, making it challenging for viewers to follow along. Instead of flooding your presentation with big bulks of material, consider spreading out info over multiple slides to reduce confusion and sensory overload. By highlighting condensed material and limiting large paragraphs, you will capture your audience’s attention instead of forcing them to digest overwhelming amounts of information per slide.
Be careful with fonts and colors
When designing PowerPoint presentations, be sure to follow graphic design principles to dodge distracting color clashes and unharmonious font types. Instead of splattering random colors onto your template and mashing typefaces together willy-nilly, stick to balanced themes to keep your slides cohesive. If your program lacks font variety, consider installing fonts from reputable sites to dress up your presentation. Just make sure the typeface you select is easy to read to sidestep confused, squinting audience members. As far as color schemes go, opting for a simple theme is safer than mixing and matching potentially clashing colors. However, with helpful color theory tips, you can add pops of color without disrupting your overall theme, spicing up your presentation. Once you’ve landed on a harmonious color set, carry it through every slide for consistency.
Images and video are key
With the average human attention span shrinking with each passing year, traditional text-only PowerPoints are becoming a thing of the past. To keep the audience eyes on the presentation, consider inserting eye-catching images and short videos to lasso any drifting minds. However, avoid overwhelming your presentation with visuals, as too many focal points cancel each other out, creating a messy, unorganized look. By placing visuals and videos deliberately instead of tossing media in to fill space, you’ll capture your viewer’s attention without distracting them from your overall message.
Use snap-to-grid
If you aren’t already, be sure to use the helpful snap-to-grid feature to create perfect symmetry in your slides. This element lets you line up text and images with ease, automatically snapping each box into place. Instead of guessing where the center of your slide is, PowerPoint will direct you to the exact spot. To activate this feature and restore balance to messy pages, simply go to View>Show>Grids and Guides to access this feature. From there, select the snap-to-grid box to engage assistive placement.
Go beyond the template
Though the built-in PowerPoint templates may come in handy for beginner users and quick presentations, consider customizing repetitive aspects for a more engaging slide. By this point, everyone has seen standard templates time and time again. So, if you want your PowerPoint to stand out from the crowd, finding fresh templates is a must. Fortunately, numerous custom template websites are available, offering both free and paid options to power up your PowerPoint presentation.
Use notes pages for more information
Though you should limit bulky paragraphs when building your PowerPoint, you can still add additional information by utilizing the note section at the bottom of each slide. For example, if you’re a teacher or professor, incorporating helpful notes below can aid students in study efforts or add context for curious learners.
Limit effects
PowerPoint is loaded with exciting effects, transitions, and animations that can take your slides from drab to fab with the click of a button. However, many users overdo the effects section, creating a moving muddled mess for viewers to interpret. Fortunately, you can still add stand-out transitions without distracting from valuable information by limiting over-the-top animations. Sprinkling in special effects instead of over-seasoning your PowerPoint keeps each slide interesting and highlights essential material for viewers.
Parting shot
Your presentation doesn’t have to be boring or feel like it came straight out of the 1990s to be effective. By following the PowerPoint tips listed above, you can create an engaging, entertaining, and effective presentation.
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