Microsoft Powerpoint presents the users with a wide range of services that they can make use of to create powerpoints for their presentation. However, with such a free range of tools, one can sometimes either go overboard in their eagerness to create a good powerpoint presentation. Here are 5 basic powerpoint mistakes to avoid in order to make effective presentation slides:
- Overshare
One mistake a lot of users unfortunately make would be attempting to cram as much information as they could on their presentation slides. Here’s the thing- your presentation slides are supposed to visually engage your audience and give you cues to continue verbally presenting. In a room of 30 + people, the more you try to cram information into a slide, the smaller the text and the harder it is to see. Not only will people find it difficult to see, the people who do see your text may be overwhelmed with so much information coming their way so space it out and take care of sizing.
- Overuse animation
The more animated effects you use, the harder Microsoft Powerpoint has to work. Take care not to use too much animated effects as it may hinder the functionality and playing speed of your slides. Using too much animation can also pose as a problem since it either seems effective or takes up too much time. It can also potentially distract your audience from the main focus/point of your presentation slides, which should be your message instead of little gimmicks.
- All text
When making presentation slides, too much text information can be difficult for readers to process. Make sure to highlight points with occasional images, charts and other useful data visualisation tools that you can use. In fact, certain times when it comes to data, charts and tables are much better compared to just text description as it’s a clearer more straightforward way of processing information.
- Prioritise design over quality
With the number of things you can edit and customise in your presentation slides, it’s natural to get carried away in light of enthusiasm. However, remember the focus of your presentation slides is to get your message across. Too much design elements are distracting and can give impressions that it’s informal so make sure to keep your presentation slides formal.
- Fail to structure
The structure of your presentation slides are essential when it comes to delivering your points smoothly. Failing to structure and run through your presentation can be risky since you run the risk of making your pacing seem unnatural during presentations. You should also have an idea of the slide that comes up next so make sure that your points and slides transition smoothly.
