Improving your PowerPoint Presentations

by Stan Skrabut@skrabut#UWCES and #netc2010http://www.slideshare.net/skrabut

Every day, there is someone giving a bad PowerPoint presentation.

You regularly give presentations using PowerPoint.

You are concerned the information presented is not being retained.

You want to be able to create and deliver effective presentations.

Let me show you how to make more memorable presentations.

Why using this method will help you make a more

memorable presentation.

You must understand the limits of working memory.

Most viewers only remember bits and pieces of a presentation.

Working memory can only process 3-4 bits of new information at any one time.

Sensory Long TermWorking

Overwhelming viewers with information does not aid learning; break it down.

Individuals process new information in both a visual and verbal channel.

Visual

Verbal

Images, photos, charts, graphs are processed through visual channel.

Narration is processed through verbal channel.

Text is verbalized and then processed through the verbal channel, overworking the channel.

You need to guide your viewer’s attention.

One idea per slide is easy to digest.

Use complete sentences to guide thought; this increases learning.

A simple graphic should relate to the specific point at hand.

Twitter Break

@skrabut

#UWCES and #netc2010

There are 3 basic steps for creating your slide deck.

1. Develop the script using a Word template and convert them to PowerPoint slides.

The opening slides set the stage for the rest of your presentation.

Act II of the template is where you will put the main content of your presentation.

This is how you convert to Powerpoint.

2. After converting your script to a PowerPoint presentation, add notes to your slides.

The notes section is where you enter your verbal channel information.

The notes section result in a well created handout.

The notes section will also be available to you in the presenter mode of your presentation.

3. Finally, add images and graphics to tell the story.

First, sit down with a printout of your slides and sketch pictures for each slide.

Try to tie the key point slides together as well as the explanation slides.

Using your sketches, select images that will instantly add meaning to your point.

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@skrabut

#UWCES and #netc2010

How to deliver your memorable

presentation.

Step into screen when giving your presentation.

Do not split attention from the screen, stay near the screen.

Use the presenter feature of PowerPoint and keep a small screen in front of you.

Use a remote control to change the slides.

Remove as many distractions as possible to make your presentation transparent.

Keep your slides simple; do not give into temptation of adding more information to them.

Prepare the physical environment ahead of time, make sure everything works.

Plan for problems that may develop.

You should be able to easily manage the flow of your presentation.

Practice, practice, practice

Spending time in preparation will help you deliver a memorable presentation.

Remember the three elements of your presentation; headline, graphic, and your voice.

You should acknowledge and encourage the backchannel.

Add backchannel information to your introduction slide.

Incorporate Twitter breaks into your presentation.

@skrabut

#UWCES and #netc2010

Review your backchannel for feedback that will help you improve.

References