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When you are called on to give a presentation, consider very carefully your topic, your message, and your delivery. Few presenters use PowerPoint or other presentation software effectively, but you don't have to be one of them!

First, know your topic so well, you could give a presentation on it without PowerPoint software. If your projector or computer breaks, you will need to improvise and give your speech without electronic help.

Next, plan and design your presentation slides carefully. Use visual elements sparingly, but effectively- you don't want to have to explain to your audience why you chose a particular piece of clipart. Use your slides to provide charts, graphs, and short video or animation examples.

Most presenters using PowerPoint use too much text. Limit yourself to four lines of text, each of which is no more than seven words long. It's quite a limitation! If you find yourself rehearsing by reading the text from the slide, stop and take the text out. Your presentation should be supported by the slides, not replaced by them!

Don't overlook the "eye candy" part of your presentation. PowerPoint templates provide a good starting point, and there are many free PowerPoint templates and backgrounds available. Look for uncluttered templates and backgrounds, and unless the lighting in your presentation room is uncertain, go for light backgrounds instead of dark. They are easier to read in general. Dark backgrounds with *white* text are better for rooms that have more ambient lighting available. Don't use yellow-on-blue or red-on-white for your color combinations. Both are harder to read than high contrast black and white.

Finally, assume that your presentation will take longer whenever you use PowerPoint. On average, I find that giving a speech with PowerPoint slides adds about 30% to the amount of time I need for the same topic presented without slides. It is very tempting to use slides when you don't need them, and they can become a kind of public speaking "crutch." Beware of unnecessary slide use, and remember that *you* are the expert on this subject, not the PowerPoint file!

Learn more about this author, Stephanie Bryant.
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