10 top tips from an expert PowerPoint designer

PowerPoint. You either love it, or hate it, right? Even for the most seasoned PowerPoint designers, we sometimes need to regroup ourselves and try find ways to make a boring presentation more exciting.

We spoke to our team of PowerPoint designers and here are a selection of our top tips for a PowerPoint that connects and engages with your audience.

1. What do you want? Start your PowerPoint presentation with a clear objective

Before you do anything, stop and take a breath. Ask yourself “What is the single thing I want to achieve from this presentation?”. Once you’ve set a clear objective, you then need to think what is the key message you want to convey. If you can’t articulate this to yourself, how can you present it?

It doesn’t need to be convoluted jargon, just a clear goal and message. So let’s say you’re doing a pitch deck – your goal could be to educate your potential investor about the benefits of your solution. So you know you need to articulate this clearly and avoid confusion.

Once you know your objective, define the structure of it. Remember to have a defined beginning, middle and end, with an identifiable call to action (what do you want your viewers do to once they’ve seen your presentation?).

A clear objective and structured content will be the foundation of an expert PowerPoint presentation.

2. Keep your presentation simple and focused

Repeat after me: “Less is more”. Less is often more when it comes to PowerPoint presentations. Avoid cluttering your slides with too much information. Focus on one key idea per slide and use bullet points to break down complex information. Simplicity helps keep your audience engaged and makes your expert PowerPoint presentation more effective.

3. PowerPoint designers use high-quality visuals

High-quality images, graphics, and videos can make a significant impact. Ensure that all visuals are relevant and support your message. Avoid using low-resolution images that can make your presentation look unprofessional. You also need to ensure that you’re using images that are copyright compliant – you can’t just take images off Google, they need to have the correct rights for you to use. As PowerPoint designers, we like using Pexels and Unsplash which have beautiful images which are free and copyright compliant.

4. Choose the right fonts and colours for your PowerPoint design

Design principles apply when using type and colour. Because typography and colour schemes play a crucial role in the readability and aesthetics of your presentation. Use easy-to-read fonts and maintain a consistent style throughout. We recommend no more than two fonts – one for Headings and one for Body copy. You can use Google Fonts freely, but make sure to embed them in your presentation if you are sharing it with anyone.

Stick to a limited colour palette that aligns with your brand or the tone of your presentation. Contrast is key – ensure your text stands out against the background, so don’t have colours that are similar on top of each other.

5. Utilise slide masters for consistency

Slide masters in PowerPoint allow you to create a consistent look and feel across your presentation. By setting up a slide master, you can define fonts, colours, and layouts once and apply them to all slides. This not only saves time but also ensures your expert PowerPoint presentation looks cohesive and professional.

6. Incorporate data wisely

Data can add credibility to your presentation, but it needs to be presented clearly. Use charts, graphs, and infographics to make data more digestible. Ensure that data visuals are simple and easy to understand at a glance. Highlight key data points to draw attention to the most important information in your expert PowerPoint presentation.

7. Practice good animation etiquette

Animations and transitions can add a dynamic element to your presentation, but they should be used sparingly and purposefully. Overusing animations can distract and overwhelm your audience. Stick to subtle effects that enhance your message rather than detract from it. Consistent and restrained use of animations will give your expert PowerPoint presentation a polished look.

8. Check, check, and check again.

We can’t stress this enough – there is nothing more unprofessional than having spelling errors. Make sure to do a spell check. Even better, ask a colleague with great attention to detail to proofread your document for you.

9. Include a Call to Action

Remember point 1 – what do you want to achieve? Every expert PowerPoint presentation should have a clear call to action. Whether you want your audience to contact you, buy a product, or consider a new idea, make sure your call to action is direct and easy to follow. Place it at the end of your presentation or at strategic points throughout to guide your audience’s next steps.

10. Rehearse and Seek Feedback

Practice makes perfect. Rehearse your presentation multiple times to become familiar with the flow and timing. Pay attention to areas where you might stumble or need to refine your delivery. Seeking feedback from colleagues or peers can provide valuable insights to improve your skills as an expert PowerPoint designer and presenter. Consider recording yourself to identify areas for improvement. This does feel awkward, but it’s a valuable tool for improving your presentation skills to learn where you’re struggling and how you can improve your presenting skills.

Channeling a PowerPoint designer to create an expert PowerPoint presentation involves careful planning, design, and practice. By following these tips, you can enhance the quality of your presentations, engage your audience, and effectively communicate your message. Remember, the goal is not just to inform but also to inspire and connect with your audience.

Would you rather speak to a PowerPoint designer? Then reach out to us and we can help you with your next PowerPoint presentation design.