Here are common mistakes to avoid when making PowerPoint presentations:
- Putting too much text on the slide that is impossible for the audience to read. A lot of speakers say, “I know you can’t read this, but …” If you know we can’t read it, why is it up there?
- Using the wrong color for your lettering, such as yellow. I know it seems boring, but black lettering is the easiest for your audience to read.
- Turning your back to the audience as you read each slide. This breaks your all-important connection with them.
- What you say and whatʻs on the slide are not in sync. The audience will struggle between paying attention to you and trying to make sense of the slide. This also breaks connection.
The most captivating PowerPoint presentations are those that make frequent use of images instead of words. Find, or create, images that are congruent with the words you are speaking. “A picture is worth 1,000 words.”
Tell the audience in advance how many slides you will be showing them. “And now I will show you 10 images of Honoluluʻs historic downtown buildings.” This prepares people to save enough “band-width” for whatʻs ahead.
Apply some of these principles to your next presentation and I bet you and your audience will appreciate the results!
