Presentation Design: 20 Tips For PowerPoint, Keynote and Co.

How to create PowerPoint presentations that make you and your message look good
Presentation design

Presentation design

 

What makes a convincing presentation with presentation software? Here are some tips for presentation design with PowerPoint, Keynote and Co.

You have something to say? Let's make sure it gets the chance it deserves.

PowerPoint™, Keynote™ & Co.

 

The majority of PowerPoint presentations should be protected from laws such as those governing the misuse of narcotics. For a long time, the audience has to endure lengthy presentations with details that provide neither personal reference nor inspiration and certainly do not generate any positive emotions. Typical are tons of meaningless numbers, a lot of text, and boring theory. Overloaded slides dominate. Unprepared presenters cling to the bullet point. The interest of the audience is put to sleep!

 

Note:
PowerPoint from Microsoft™ is a widespread computer presentation program of Microsoft™. Another product for this purpose is Keynote™ from Apple™, and there are other programs or apps. Presentations can be created and accompanied by such programs.

 

 

 

Criticism

 

Presentation software is always under criticism. Like any tool, it can be used well and badly. Negative examples are usually based on the fact that no basic knowledge and skills were acquired to build presentations. Then the information is ruthlessly squeezed into the presentation slides.

PowerPoint is when someone works 4 hours, so he can show in 20 minutes what he could say in 5 minutes.

20 tips for presentation design and presentation

 

PowerPoint can be a powerful tool to support a presentation. But it can also cause the listener to fall asleep, called Death by PowerPoint. Or being misused to distract from the essential. Like any tool, it is the user who decides whether to use it wisely or not.

 

 

 

1. Keep your distance from the computer at the beginning

 

Do not start the presentation design with the presentation software. If you start right away with PowerPoint and Co., then you restrict your possibilities right from the start.

 

 

 

 

2. Bullet points

 

With enumerations, the creation of presentation slides is quick and easy. That’s why bullet points are so common. During the presentation, speakers orient themselves along with the keywords and think they can save time for proper preparations.

For the audience, this is no pleasure! Use bullets as sparingly as possible.

 

 

 

3. Use simple graphics

 

Graphics should be easy to understand. Complex images bind the audience’s attention for too long and reduce the speaker’s impact.

 

 

 

4. Each slide has a maximum of one core message

 

Stay concentrated and encourage your audience to do the same. Dedicate a maximum of one core message to each slide.

 

 

 

5. Do you have a beautiful logo?

 

It is great if you are proud of your logo. Just, please don’t overdo it. It is enough to have the logo on the first and last pages. The same applies to your domain and other contact details.

 

 

 

6. Visual gimmicks

 

It flickers and flutters, and every animation PowerPoint offers should be tried out? Don’t torture the eyes and nerves of your audience.

 

 

 

7. Embed fonts

 

If the presentation software allows it, embed your fonts in the file. Otherwise, impressive visual effects may occur during the presentation on a foreign system. They rarely support your message.

 

 

 

8. Keywords

 

Put keywords on your slides instead of worded text. Long texts tempt you to read them aloud, and the audience will do the same. This makes you superfluous or even disturbs the reading of the audience. And to be honest; how well can you read aloud, and would you like to experience this yourself as a participant in the audience?

 

 

 

9. Simple graphics or photos instead of lots of text

 

Visualize your messages in such a way that they can be understood quickly and clearly. A simple photo, a sketch underlining the statements of speakers are good.

 

 

 

10. Embed multimedia elements

 

It is safer to embed multimedia elements so that they also work during the presentation. What worked in the office can look completely different on another computer. Also, file often on the computer or server in the office and are inadvertently not taken along.

 

 

 

11. Standard quality

 

A large headline, about five bullet points and quickly set a nice picture next to it. Ready?

Most presentations with PowerPoint and Co. look similar. This quickly leads to fatigue in the audience. Those who design their slides more differently and appealingly attract and hold the attention of the audience.

 

 

 

12. Fonts

 

The choice of font is a statement. Beyond standard fonts, such as Times New Roman and Arial, there are worthwhile fonts to discover. In addition to readability, the message of the font also plays an important role. Please be careful with the number of fonts used.

 

 

 

13. Own hardware for the presentation

 

Preferably, use your trusted hardware for the presentation. Better be safe than sorry! Murphy is already waiting to be remembered.

 

 

 

14. Corporate design

 

Coordinate the presentation with the corporate design.

 

 

 

15. Graphic designers can be very helpful

 

Not everyone has the budget for first-class graphic designers. But they can do what only graphic designers can do: excellent design!

When it comes to a presentation, schedule support from graphic designers.

Note:
I’m not a graphic designer, so I’m always interested in recommendations of graphic designers. If you know someone …?

 

 

 

16. Presentation slides are aids

 

More is better? No, the saying “less is more” also comes true in presentations. With presentation software and presentation slides, the respective goal should be supported. Even the most beautiful slides should not replace the speaker’s presentation. Otherwise, the file could be sent by e-mail. Not every piece of information you want to convey should be found on the slides. The slides should not replace the presentation but underline it. Remember that the focus is on you as the speaker and your message, not your presentation slides.

 

 

 

17. Presentation slides as a handout

 

To save time, presentation slides are created in such a way that they serve as a handout. The opulent result then confuses the audience.

 

 

 

18. Printout

 

Murphy prefers to be seen where it is most spectacular because that is his nature. So: Print out your slides! The poor forest? Yes, that’s right, but it calms you down.

 

 

 

19. Media combinations

 

Even the best digital presentation slides can be supplemented with analog sketches completed on site. Reach for the pen in between and go to the flip chart. This will help you attract attention.

 

 

 

20. Emotions

 

Make sure that the desired emotions are also transported via the image protection presentation.

 

Preparing Important Speeches and Presentations

 

 

The Art of Effective Communication

 

Those who do not speak are not heard, and even those who do speak are not always successful. True success in communication requires mastering a few additional, critical steps to ensure your message resonates.

 

 

Make Your Message Shine

 

Do you want your message to be convincing and your personality to shine? I can help you prepare your speeches and presentations to achieve exactly that. Whether you need comprehensive guidance or just a few tweaks, you decide the level of support that fits your needs. At a minimum, I recommend a test run with professional feedback to fine-tune both your delivery and your content. This helps you understand how you and your message are perceived, identify what works well, and determine areas for improvement.

 

 

Why Wait for Feedback?

 

Why wait until after your real performance to receive valuable feedback, when it's too late to adjust? Early preparation is key. As the saying goes: 'Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.' With thorough preparation, you will not only feel more confident but will also be well-equipped to make a lasting impact.

 

 

Tailored Support to Fit Your Goals

 

You can decide where the effort is most worthwhile, based on the expected benefits. I offer support covering all areas of effective communication, including psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical techniques, and the use of media like PowerPoint. My goal is to help you deliver a well-rounded, impactful presentation.

 

 

Flexible Meeting Options

 

Not in Berlin? No problem. We can meet via telephone or video call. Of course, visiting Berlin can also be an enriching experience, and I am happy to welcome you here.

 

 

Overcome Stage Fright

 

Many people struggle with intense stage fright, which can cause their performance to fall short of its true potential. With my guidance, you can overcome these challenges and deliver your best possible performance. Together, we'll turn anxiety into confidence, ensuring that your message and personality shine through.

Professional Feedback: The Key to Impactful Presentations​

 

How Impactful Are Your Presentations?

 

How effective are you in your speeches and presentations? Are your skills strong in the 111+ essential areas of impactful presenting?

Since 1998, I have analyzed countless speeches and presentations. This extensive experience—including learning from my own mistakes—has given me a deep understanding of what works for different audiences.

Get the feedback you need to excel. With my help, you will receive actionable recommendations and insights that will allow you to connect with your audience and deliver your message effectively, regardless of the context.

 

Ready to Improve?

 

Interested? Here’s how you can receive valuable feedback to enhance your speeches and presentations.

 

Contact Me for More Information

 

If you have specific questions or want to know more about how I can help, just ask me directly. For questions that might interest others, please feel free to post them in the comments section below.

 

 

Looking for Professional Support?

 

If you're interested in coaching, training, or consulting, have organizational questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, the best way to reach me is through this contact form (where you can choose whether to provide your personal data) or by email at mail@karstennoack.com. You can find the privacy policy here.

 

 

Transparency and Frequently Asked Questions

 

Transparency is important to me. To help you get started, I've provided answers to frequently asked questions about myself (profile), the services I offer, fees, and the process of getting to know me. If you like what you see, I'd be delighted to work with you.

I have read and accept the privacy policy.

Remarks:

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P.S.

 

What belongs to a convincing presentation with presentation software? Do you know further tips for the presentation design with PowerPoint, Keynote and Co.?

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Presentation slides
should support you and not replace you. - Karsten Noack

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: February 3, 2007
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: November 19th, 2024
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/praesentationsfolien-praesentationsdesign/
K:
H:
T: RR
#332

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