| I have difficulty using slides (F5-F7).
Advanced software can only help you with the form of your presentation. It can help you get the message across better; but it never substitutes content and argumentation. Many people tend to use PowerPoint as the solution to all their communication problems. This is certainly incorrect.
Good slides require simplicity, succinctness and clarity.
Simplicity
Never put too much information on one slide, because people first start reading, then watching and finally not listening. Complex tables and figures are not suitable for slides, because they are often difficult for the audience to read. Most of the time, the information included in complex tables or analyses can be split up into more ‘manageable’ parts.
Succinctness
- Use keywords. Do not write down whole sentences on slides, except if you use a separate slide for that and only when strictly necessary.
- With data, use rounded figures: 6.5 instead of 6.349, 10 instead of 9.96. There is one exception to this rule of course: when the added digits matter a lot. Use PowerPoint tools to highlight some of the most telling data. For the rest: keep this kind of information in the written (hand-out) material.
Clarity
- Use clear letters (capitals) that everyone is able to read, even in the back of the room.
- Do not use too much complex vocabulary. Do not use professional jargon, unless your audience is made up out of professionals, or you are prepared to explain it in your presentation.
- Include a short header or footer on each slide, stating the topic of the presentation or the part of the presentation you are in. This gives extra information to the audience and keeps their attention focused. Use only short headers and footers.
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