Create professional presentations using Powerpoint

PowerPoint presentations can help you accomplish anything from landing a new account to motivating employees. Here are some ideas to help you create a PowerPoint that is professional and effective.

Let’s start at the beginning.

First, remove any text boxes from your first slide. Now right click the slide and choose Background. From the background color dropdown, select black and click Apply. When you set up your slideshow, you can have it all ready to go and let it sit on the first slide. This will give you a plain black screen rather than letting everyone gawk at your desktop, and when you’re ready to roll just click to the next slide.

While unusual fonts can be interesting, it’s best to stick with those that aren’t narrow or condensed.

Use a background color that isn’t too dark or too light. A background that is too dark with a very light font or vice versa can be hard on the eyes. A medium blue, green or purple gives a nice effect. When deciding on a font color, size and slide colors, do a trial run. Stand at the back of the room and see for yourself whether or not your slides are legible.

Transitions, animated graphics and sounds can definitely enhance your presentation but hold to the adage that less is more. Too much can seem like fluff, and you want the focus to be on what you have to say.

Finish as you started, with a plain black slide. This gives the viewer a sense of finality, and again, looks very professional.

wizTEQ Staff