Keys to Creating an Effective Presentation

It is important to note that a presentation is used to enhance your message using visual aids. YOU are still the star of the show.

The marks of a GREAT presenter

The mark of a great writer, teacher, preacher, or speaker is not how much they say but how little they say and still be just as effective:

• Provide interesting content that is tailor for a specific audience. Remember, content is king.
• Know your audience. Are they beginner, intermediate or advanced users?
• Provide relevant information.
• Use humor, whenever possible.
• Talk to the audience as though you were actually talking to them. Use “you” in your conversation.
• Rehearse and know your material “inside and out.”
• Use relevant animation, video, images, background, and transitions. Transitions can provide cues to the major bullet points being discussed.
• Speak with authority. The Bible says the Jesus spoke “as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Matthew 7:29)
• Vary your pace. Talking too slow or too fast are both monotonous to users.
• Ask questions to your audience to engage them.
• Have fun.

Things to consider BEFORE your present

Below are things you need to consider before you present:

• Keep IT Simple for the Students (KISS)
• Get rid of extra words and graphics if they are not needed which makes is easier for user to take notes and comprehend material.
• Write in the active voice when possible which is more concise and easier to understand.
• Keep IT on Track
• Don’t deviate from the topic you are talking about.
• Keep IT Moving
• Provide animation, video, and transition when needed to engage audience.
• Keep IT Interesting
• Tell a story, provide an outline. Have a beginning (intro), middle and ending (summary)

Things to consider WHILE creating your presentation

These are things that you may want to consider while you are creating your presentation:

• Make content Big, Bold and Colorful
• Repeat common elements for consistency
• Align objects (text/images) to one another
• Group related items closer to show relationship or sameness
• Add white space but avoid trapped white space