Coming up with a presentation that is not only interesting but captivating is not easy, more so for those who don’t have much experience with them. To help you, we’ve curated a few simple tips so that you can make your presentation stand out from the rest.
1. KISS (Keep it simple silly) concept
Keeping something simple does not mean that you dumb it down for your audience, but that the contents in every slide should be brief, clear and concise statements that sum up the point that you are trying to get across. Elaborate on your point verbally so that your audience’s attention is on you and not your slide.
2. Use graphics and pictures to illustrate your point.
These not only make your presentation more interesting, it also gets your point across clearly so that they are not misinterpreted.
3. Three is your magic number.
Endeavour to keep each slide to only three bullet points.
4. Practice, practice and more practice.
This is key. Practise first by yourself in front of a mirror and then in front of a friend for feedback.
5. Tell a story.
Scientific concepts and complex ideas are easier to comprehend within the context of a story. Flow is also crucial in a presentation. Make sure that the transition from one slide to another makes sense to you audience.
6. Tell it twice.
Your introduction should provide a brief overview of your whole presentation. Your summary slide should repeat briefly what you have just tried to explain.
7. Minimum font size should be 24 points.
Any smaller and the people at the back of the auditorium will have to struggle and squint to make out the words in your presentation.
8. Employ contrasting colours for your text and background.
This makes your text a lot easier to see. They also make your presentation visually appealing. If you’ve selected a more adventurous background, ensure that your text can still be read and preview them in the same way that your audience will see them.
9. Consistency is everything
Always check that your font and style of presentation (for instance where you place your title, your page number, footer etc are always in the same place).
10. Know your audience
What does professor prefer? Recall how he presents and conducts his lessons. Has he mentioned anything in particular that he would like to see in your presentation? If yes, make sure that you include that. Some professors and examiners prefer data presented in a clean manner, others prefer them displayed with all of the bells and whistles.
We hope that these 10 tips have helped you in preparing your presentation. All the best!
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