Powerpoint is a great tool if you are making a presentation to a group of clients, prospects or colleagues.
But don’t let your presentation software upstage you, advises Melanie Novis, a professional speech and communications coach and president of Toronto-based Corporate Speech Consultants.
Novis and Cathleen Fillmore, owner of Speakers Gold, a Toronto-based speakers’ bureau, offer these tips to help you make a powerful impression on your audience, even if you’re not a professional speaker:
> Be Brief.
When preparing your presentation, put no more than six bullet points on each slide; any more is text-heavy and difficult to read.
> Mix It Up.
Use a mixture of bullet points, graphs and graphics — as well as pictures — to add visual variety.
> Be Prepared.
On the day of the presentation, check in advance to ensure all equipment is working properly and you know how to operate it.
>  Position Yourself.
Stand to the left of the screen. This adds balance, as people read from left to right.
> Don’t “Hide” Behind Your Powerpoint.
Use what’s on the screen as a backup to what you have to say. Remember that the people are there to see you, not just your slides.
> Don’t Be Nervous.
Keep in mind that the audience is on your side.
“Most people want you to succeed,” Novis says. IE
Make a powerful presentation
PowerPoint is useful, but the audience is there to see you, not slides
- By: Monica Joseph-McIntyre
- September 3, 2008 September 3, 2008
- 10:30