Creating the most effective PowerPoint presentation isn’t nearly slapping information and figures collectively or dazzling with snazzy graphics — it’s an artwork kind.
Throughout my time at HubSpot, I created a whole lot of displays. Since then, I’ve seen the great, the unhealthy, and the PowerPoints desperately crying for a makeover. I’ve discovered that the key isn’t simply within the textual content or visuals however in the way you serve it up.
On this information, I’ll share some professional tips about how you can make the most effective PowerPoint presentation. You’ll discover ways to maintain your viewers’s consideration and drive your message residence with readability. Plus, I’ll share real-life examples to encourage you.
What do good displays have in frequent?
I’ve found that 5 parts are vital when making a great presentation. Let’s take a look at each.
1. The presentation is very related to the viewers.
Rather a lot goes into creating displays that hit the mark. First, I clearly outline my viewers. Then, I select matters that genuinely curiosity them, provide actionable recommendation, reply their questions, or tackle their ache factors.
However this isn’t simply my technique. Mike O’Neill, founder and CEO of Backspace Travel, a contemporary journey company, additionally talks about issues that matter to his viewers.
He says, “We conduct dry runs with a smaller group to collect suggestions and refine the presentation. Testing the presentation with colleagues permits us to establish areas that resonate [with our audience] or want enchancment earlier than the ultimate supply.”
I’ve discovered that crafting a charming title influences how receptive my viewers will probably be. For instance, as a substitute of a bland title like “New Product Options,” I’d go along with one thing extra intriguing like “Uncover the Hidden Gems of Our Newest Product Options.”
It makes my viewers marvel what these hidden gems are and nonetheless lets them understand it’s about new product options.
2. The presentation has a transparent goal.
As a former content material supervisor and strategist at HubSpot, I discovered the significance of setting viewers expectations. Whether or not it’s a brand new challenge, a marketing strategy, or perhaps a gross sales pitch, I made certain my slides and commentary tied again to the important thing takeaways I wished my viewers to recollect.
Alexandria Agresta, a company coach and management improvement skilled, makes use of what she calls the three Ps of a presentation:
- Objective. What’s the aim of the presentation?
- Problem. What’s the problem your viewers is going through?
- Doable. What final result do they want?
She says this course of empowers her to convey her message in a means that resonates along with her viewers. As soon as she establishes the three Ps, she creates a transparent, concise define that features key factors and matters she hopes to cowl.
“I then create a devoted slide in the beginning of the presentation that succinctly outlines what will probably be lined throughout the presentation. This units expectations for the viewers and offers them a roadmap of what to anticipate,” Agresta says.
Regardless of the subject, spotlight your key takeaways on a selected slide (ideally the quilt slide), so your viewers clearly understands what your presentation is about from the get-go.
3. The presentation follows an organized storyline.
One factor I’ve discovered about displays is that it isn’t nearly conveying info; it’s about telling a narrative that guides your viewers from begin to end. Every slide is a chapter that results in a satisfying conclusion.
There are lots of methods to infuse storytelling into your displays. You will get as artistic as you need, like Aaron Wertheimer, a full-time web optimization advertising and marketing copywriter for Marketing Reel, does.
He says, “I infuse storytelling into my PowerPoint displays by together with a Bitmoji sticker of myself because it pertains to every slide, and I demarcate every slide with verbiage to point which a part of the sequence we’re at present at within the presentation.”
Simply ensure that to have a starting, a center, and an finish so you’ll be able to clearly display the purpose you’re main in the direction of.
4. The viewers understands the subsequent steps.
When creating my displays, I all the time specify the motion I need my viewers to take by the point we conclude. Do I need them to join a service? Contemplate a brand new perspective? Keep in mind key factors?
Chirag Nijjer, a buyer success lead at Google, normally wraps up his displays with two CTAs: one which’s useful to him and one which advantages his viewers. His displays are extra impactful when he combines each CTAs.
He explains with an instance: “If I’m presenting to a gaggle of professors who intend to make use of the data to show their college students, I’d write, ‘Would you want entry to the abstract slides and a listing of challenge concepts in your college students to study this subject? Fill out the suggestions kind and provides me your electronic mail tackle.’”
I can see why this technique works. The e-mail tackle permits him to contact his viewers, and he additionally advantages them by educating them how you can flip his displays into worthwhile motion. It’s like killing two birds with one stone!
Keep in mind, although, if you’d like your viewers to carry out an motion after your presentation, be clear about what you need them to do subsequent.
5. The viewers leaves with contact info and/or assets.
I’ve noticed that on the finish of my displays, most attendees need extra info or an opportunity to debate the subject additional.
That’s why I all the time present my contact particulars or further assets. So, if anybody desires to succeed in out for a one-on-one chat or learn additional, they’ll have what they should delve deeper into the fabric.
For instance, after a presentation on digital marketing strategies, I would present my electronic mail tackle and invite attendees to succeed in out if they’ve any questions. I might additionally share a listing of really helpful books, articles, and even YouTube movies for individuals who wish to take their digital advertising and marketing journey to the subsequent degree.
The right way to Do the Greatest Powerpoint Presentation
Now that I’ve lined what to search for in a killer slide deck, let’s leap proper in and discuss how one can make your subsequent presentation unforgettable.
1. Much less is extra.
I’ve used PowerPoint lots, and it’s tempting to pack slides with flashy graphics and tons of textual content. Nevertheless, I discovered the exhausting means that much less is usually extra.
As soon as, I used to be tasked with presenting a brand new content material technique to the advertising and marketing group. Desirous to impress, I packed my slides with gorgeous visuals, intricate graphs, and a great deal of textual content explaining each element of the technique.
I assumed the extra info there was, the higher. However as I began presenting, I shortly realized my mistake.
The group appeared overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of knowledge on the slides. They have been so busy attempting to decipher the infographics and skim the tiny texts that they missed out on the details I used to be attempting to convey.
Ultimately, I might sense that I hadn’t made the impression I had hoped for. It was a humbling expertise, nevertheless it taught me a worthwhile lesson: simplicity is vital.
Since then, I’ve made a acutely aware effort to streamline my displays with a transparent message and keep away from complicated particulars that might distract my viewers.
Listed below are some key factors to all the time bear in mind:
- Let the main focus be in your message as a substitute of the slides themselves.
- Preserve the slides related and easy sufficient so folks can take note of what you’re saying.
- Your visuals and fonts ought to help your message, not steal the highlight.
2. Preserve textual content to a minimal.
From my expertise, you’ll be able to inform that including an excessive amount of textual content overwhelms folks, and as a substitute of listening to you, they give attention to attempting to learn the slides. And that’s not what you need. You need your viewers to be engaged, hanging onto your each phrase, not attempting to decipher paragraphs of textual content.
So, use fewer phrases in massive fonts. That means, you’ll ensure that everybody, from the entrance row to the again, sees what’s on the display screen with out squinting.
3. Rethink visuals.
Persons are 30 times more likely to learn infographics than written articles. This stat simply places a stamp on what I’ve stated about decreasing the quantity of textual content in your displays. It’s like a neon signal screaming: “Much less textual content, extra visuals!”
Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to simply throw some nice-looking images onto your pitch deck and transfer on. Like every other content material technique, your visible recreation should be on level and related.
Let me share the various kinds of visuals I’ve come throughout in my years of doing displays that can assist you work out what works greatest.
Templates
PowerPoint templates have come a good distance since Microsoft first unveiled this system to the world, and I often use them in my displays.
Nevertheless, to make my PowerPoint slides stand out, I all the time go for a theme that my viewers hasn’t seen dozens of occasions earlier than — one which vibes with my model and suits the subject I’m speaking about.
Generally, I discover presentation platforms aside from PowerPoint (like Prezi) to find contemporary templates. There are additionally tons of visible content material design websites that provide customizable templates I can tweak to match my model and subject completely.
Canva is one among my favorites. It provides a plethora of templates and permits me to create displays from scratch.
I’ve additionally examined out Venngage’s free presentation maker and located it tremendous useful for getting eye-catching slide templates, icons, and high-quality inventory images for my PowerPoint tutorials.
Professional tip: Obtain our 10 PowerPoint presentation templates totally free to simplify your design course of. Every template is made so as to add that additional aptitude to your presentation in order that your slideshows not solely look nice but additionally resonate deeply along with your viewers.
Charts and Graphs
One in every of my favourite methods to again up what I’m saying in my presentation is to toss in some stats and information visualization. Charts and graphs jazz issues up and make the numbers far more fascinating.
Nevertheless, I don’t simply share the information; I let my viewers know the story behind these numbers. For instance, as a substitute of simply presenting quarterly gross sales figures to my group, I’d spotlight the challenges we confronted, the methods we applied, and the victories we celebrated to reach at these digits.
One factor you all the time must do, although, is to ensure your charts and graphs mix in seamlessly with the remainder of your presentation’s visible theme. In any other case, these graphics usually tend to steal the present than allow you to get your level throughout.
Shade Scheme
I perceive that colours can actually play with my viewers’s feelings. So, even when I’m not attempting to shut a cope with my presentation, I would wish to fire up particular emotions or impressions, and the colour palette I select might help with that.
Max Shak, founder and CEO of nerDigital, even considers cultural variations and colour associations to ensure his displays hit the suitable notes with numerous audiences.
I’d suggest trying out Coschedule’s guide to color psychology in marketing. It’s a goldmine of how completely different tones, shades, and colour combos can sway shopping for selections. You’ll undoubtedly elevate your presentation recreation by following this information.
Font
After I add textual content to my slide decks, I need it to be easy sufficient for everybody to learn. If it’s tiny or crammed, folks find yourself squinting and lacking out on what I’m saying.
That’s why I like to recommend utilizing web-safe fonts like Sans-Serif or Arial. They’re simple on the eyes and may show appropriately even when a person hasn’t put in them on their pc.
4. Incorporate multimedia.
I might discuss one thing all day lengthy, nevertheless it received’t have the identical impression as displaying it to you.
That’s the place multimedia is available in — it’s the key sauce for maintaining folks engaged in your displays.
After I do a easy Google seek for “music in presentations,” it pulls up a bunch of outcomes that discuss how you can add music to my slide decks. From this, it’s clear that utilizing music in my displays is a singular technique to have interaction my viewers or a minimum of set a welcoming tone earlier than and after I converse.
However if you’d like folks glued to your slideshows all through your presentation, incorporate movies. I imply, a whopping 96% of individuals admit they tune into explainer movies to study extra a couple of product.
So why not give folks what they need? Movies can convey theories to life in a means that phrases or images alone simply can’t match.
Greatest PowerPoint Displays
In my years of expertise, I’ve come throughout many pitch decks, and the most effective ones all the time lower by way of the muddle. On this part, I’ll share 15 PowerPoint presentation examples that set the bar for what an expert presentation ought to seem like.
1. The HubSpot Culture Code by HubSpot Co-founder Dharmesh Shah
To not sing our personal praises, however The HubSpot Tradition Code has been one among our most profitable displays. The key? Shah chooses a central theme — the acronym HEART (humble, empathetic, adaptable, outstanding, and clear).
This acronym embodies our firm’s values whereas offering a central message for the presentation. Plus, coronary heart icons on the slides make the connection clear.
I just like the type and message of this presentation. It sticks to our model colours and fonts and makes all the pieces tremendous clear and straightforward on the eyes.
I particularly benefit from the superhero theme on slide 26 — it’s a enjoyable technique to say that we’re all about empowering our clients to be their greatest. It elevates the concept of buyer help from an obligation to a mission, which I discover very motivating.
2. 2022 Women in the Workplace Briefing by McKinsey & Firm
This slide deck lays out key information from McKinsey’s 2022 analysis on girls within the office. It makes use of a mixture of graphs, photos, and different visible representations as an example how the expectations girls face at work have advanced over time.
I’m impressed by how they’ve maintained their model colours all through the presentation. I’m a giant fan of consistency, and this slideshow nails it by sticking to its colour scheme from begin to end. It creates a cohesive look and reinforces their brand identity, which makes the presentation look skilled.
One other factor I like about it’s that the titles instantly say what every slide is about. It helps you navigate the presentation effortlessly and retains you centered on the details.
3. SEO, PPC, and AI in 2023 and Beyond by Lily Ray
Lily Ray and Inna Zeyger from Amsive Digital took inspiration from the world of science fiction. It’s fairly cool how they playfully usher in imagery from films like “Blade Runner“ and “Ghost within the Shell” when speaking about AI and the future of marketing of their SlideShare presentation.
The entire futuristic vibe with vibrant colours grabs my consideration straight away. It’s a contemporary break from the standard bland company stuff, they usually do a unbelievable job of constructing certain you get pleasure from their presentation whereas studying one thing new.
4. ChatGPT: What It Is and How Writers Can Use It by Adsy
All of us get author’s block typically. Belief me, I’ve been there, looking at a blinking cursor, feeling the frustration construct up. However ChatGPT acts like a trusted sidekick, nudging me alongside and whispering, “Hey, how about this concept?”
This presentation breaks down what ChatGPT is, its limitations, and extra importantly, what it might probably do. I discover it fairly useful, particularly in case you’re new to the AI chatbot.
One factor I like most in regards to the SlideShare presentation is that it has a whole lot of use instances that may encourage you. For instance, if it tells you ChatGPT can write a YouTube script, it exhibits you the immediate the creator used and the outcomes they acquired.
I additionally love the way it makes use of a mix of daring white textual content in opposition to a blue background or black and blue textual content on a white background to name out vital headings. And people key definitions are proper there within the heart, surrounded by all that whitespace, virtually begging you to take a more in-depth look.
5. Insights from the 2022 Legal Trends Report by Clio
I’m a giant advocate of including visuals to your small business displays. However it doesn’t need to be the identical outdated boring workplace inventory images. Take a cue from Clio’s presentation.
Clio has integrated summary parts to maintain issues contemporary — easy shapes like triangles, rectangles, and circles. These shapes mix seamlessly with completely different charts and graphs, including an inventive contact to the slide decks.
6. Email Marketing Trends by Gabriel Blanchet
Gabriel Blanchet creates a brief presentation to elucidate some key parts of electronic mail advertising and marketing and its traits to indicate us why it’s nonetheless a worthwhile device regardless of the rise of social media.
What do I really like about these slides? They’re superior. Vibrant colours, clear visuals — they’ve acquired all of it. What seals the deal for me is how Gabriel breaks down every level and explains why it issues.
7. 2022 GWI’s Social Report by GWI
I’m actually impressed by how Leticia Xavier makes use of completely different shades of pink and purple so as to add some distinction to the slides. All the pieces, from the graphs to the backgrounds and pictures, sticks to this similar colour palette.
If I’m ever nervous about my visuals not contrasting sufficient, I’ll undoubtedly draw inspiration from Leticia’s colour palette. Choose one or two colours and mess around with completely different shades and tones to tie the slides collectively and make them pop.
8. Digital 2023 Global Overview Report by DataReportal
I selected this slide deck from DataReportal as a result of it jogs my memory that robust distinction between textual content and background is essential. It’s what makes my slides simple to scan.
The presentation makes use of a darkish background all through. The graphs and icons pop in brilliant orange, crimson, blue, and inexperienced, whereas the textual content retains it white.
That stated, in case you’re prepping for an in-person presentation, take into consideration the room. If it’s dim with the lights off, a darkish background like that is spot on. But when it’s all brilliant and sunny, follow a light-weight background with darkish textual content.
9. ThinkNow Culture Report 2022 by ThinkNow
ThinkNow impresses me with how they’ve combined magenta and yellow within the background of their PowerPoint design. In the meantime, the graphs follow traditional black and white. It’s a wise transfer that creates sharp distinction and makes the visible parts simple to scan.
Plus, I admire how the headers are in a readable font, summarizing what every slide covers.
10. 2023 Metro CERT Annual Event by MNCERTs
I’m shocked by how easy this Metro CERT presentation is. It shows just some phrases per slide, all in massive, daring fonts. The distinction between the blue and yellow colours is hanging and makes all the pieces actually pop.
And you understand what’s much more artistic? There are a great deal of photos of individuals sprinkled all through. It provides a pleasant private contact that retains issues fascinating.
11. Pecan Creek Winery 2023 in Pictures Presentations
As I used to be going by way of Pekan Creek Vineyard’s enterprise presentation, I observed the way it sticks to a easy colour palette of simply white and black. It’s clear and glossy and lets the content material shine with none distractions.
It’s additionally filled with a great deal of footage that showcase occasions and the wine-making course of. That’s precisely the way you craft a presentation that will get folks pumped up about your model.
12. LLMs in Healthcare and Pharma. VTI day
This partaking presentation impresses me with its visuals. From charts to images and even some enjoyable animations, it’s acquired a little bit little bit of all the pieces to maintain its viewers hooked.
It retains the fonts easy, which I admire. Plus, these brilliant background colours make the black and blue textual content stand out.
The presentation can be spiced up by the story of a canine named Sassy. It provides a private contact. And who doesn’t like a superb story? It’s a surefire technique to hold attendees glued to your presentation.
13. Exploring Advanced API Security Techniques and Technologies by Sudhir Chepeni
The subsequent time I do a data-heavy presentation, I’ll take some inspiration from Sudhir Chepeni’s slide designs. The darkish background paired with brilliant textual content instructions consideration. And people easy, readable fonts make it simple to digest the data.
Plus, I love how he sprinkled charts and information all through. It retains issues fascinating and breaks up the textual content properly.
14. Competition in Energy Markets by Georg Zachmann
Simplifying technical info could be a robust nut to crack, particularly when you need to clarify it in a slide deck. However Georg Zachmann isn’t afraid of the problem.
He makes use of graphs and charts to interrupt down complicated technical points in regards to the vitality disaster into clear visible representations, which I actually love.
I additionally observed the massive, daring headings that instantly let you know what every slide is about. You may skim the doc shortly and hone in on the important thing factors you might want to know.
15. 10 Things That Helped Me Advance My Career by Thijs Feryn
This presentation impresses me proper from the quilt slide. The picture of a person ascending the steps captures a way of effort and accomplishment, which is exactly what the presentation is all about.
The keynote speaker, Thijs Feryn, nails it with the storytelling facet. Every slide seems like a brand new chapter unfolding and transitioning seamlessly into the subsequent.
And the visuals? They’re top-notch — from charming images to energetic animations and even a useful map. Plus, these brilliant colours and big textual content fonts ensure that each element pops, even for the individual chilling within the again row.
Create the Greatest PowerPoint Presentation Designs
As somebody who’s created numerous displays, I’ve seen firsthand the transformation that occurs whenever you put a little bit soul into these slide layouts — whether or not including glossy visuals, chopping down on muddle, or weaving a narrative that carries your message.
Implement the information I’ve mentioned right here so that every slide can act as a stepping stone that lightly guides your viewers to the place you need them subsequent. These little touches can flip a superb slide deck into your greatest PowerPoint presentation but.
Editor’s observe: This submit was initially revealed in March 2023 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.
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