by Freddy Rangkuti

Created on: February 17, 2008

Microsoft PowerPoint is a software program to enhance your presentation and to keep the audience focused on your subject. I am convinced that Microsoft PowerPoint can be used very effectively and be a real asset to give your presentation. But only if you understand the basic benefit of Microsoft PowerPoint in the first place. The best Microsoft PowerPoint slides will be virtually meaningless without the narration from the speaker. The slides are supposed to support the narration of the speaker, not make the speaker superfluous.

Here are nine tips to enhance your presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint:
Firstly, be sure to keep the PowerPoint presentation simple. Microsoft PowerPoint has powerful tools to support the speaker with various graphical information, moving text and sound. The slides themselves were never meant to be "everything". People come to hear you and be moved by your message. Do not let your message and your ability to present get confused by slides that are not related with your ideas, too complicated, full of pictures, colors', and so many messages.

Secondly, use at least a 24 - points and different size fonts for main points and secondary points. If the title font is 36 - point and the main point font is 28 - point, and the secondary point is 24 - point. The best slide usually using similar fonts.

Thirdly, show one point at a time. This strategy will help audience concentrate on what you are saying and help you keep your presentation focused. Do not make complicated word; your audience will spend too much time trying to read your sentences instead of listening to you.

Fourthly, use a color of font that contrast sharply with the background and use the same background consistently throughout your presentation. For example, blue font on white background. Color of font usually using to emphasize a point, but only use this occasionally. Using color for decoration is distracting and annoying. Do not use a different color for each point.

Fifthly, using plenty of white space or empty areas in your slides. The less clutter you have on your slide, the more powerful your visual message will become. Avoid unnecessary graphics or texts that do not contribute to better understanding.

Sixth, make your own background templates which will be more suitable with your themes and ideas. For example, if you want to present how to cultivate your land, the background should be related with green land and agriculture activities. Avoid using Microsoft PowerPoint template

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>