We’ve all been part of presentations where we’ve had to stifle our yawns or plaster interested looks on our faces, haven’t we? Well, what happens when the tables are turned? What happens when you need to make a presentation to your client, potential client, or an investor? How then, do you design a PPT that reflects your brand ethos, while also retaining your audience’s attention? After all, the look and feel of your PPT can make or break a presentation — no matter how relevant the communication.
The answer is simple, though it may not sound like it — visualisation of content.
While we all know the basic rules, i.e. avoid paragraphs and busy graphics. Nobody has the time or inclination to read that much, or to make sense of content within a maze of design. The question is, what can you do so that the content you have pops? How can you represent it in a way that makes even the most restless member of your audience sit up and take notice?
It’s no longer enough to stick regular graphs, pie charts, and percentages on each slide. Think out of the box — are you pitching your takeout brand to investors? Use different pasta shapes to depict the growth of your company — penne works best for bar graphs! To show the variety of cuisines on offer, fill in your pie charts with images of signature dishes from each. It’s all about adding a touch of uniqueness, and elements from your brand to your presentation. After all, anyone can use a template, but it’s the clever ones who take the opportunity to truly represent their brand and run with it!
Next, use infographics. Really, include as many as you can. Humans are drawn to images, and there’s no better way for you to bring their attention to what you have to say. Use infographics downloaded from the internet, instead of the basic ones PowerPoint has to offer, and look up brands you admire for inspiration. For example, an American yoga mat brand once released an infographic taking the viewer through a yogi’s relationship with their mat. The images were big enough for the viewer to catch every distinct feature, while the colors were easy on the eyes. It’s all about balance between the elements — do you want to bring attention to a particular statistic? Place it next to a small icon in a bright color, with the number being the focus in large font and a neutral color.
When D-Day arrives, keep in mind that the words on the screen are simply cues for your oral presentation. Come thoroughly prepared, use each slide as a framework for your thoughts, and time yourself to make sure you don’t go too fast or too slow.
Designing and delivering the perfect presentation is an art — one that takes thought, a sense of aesthetics, and practice. But don’t let it overwhelm you! If there’s anything your brand needs in this regard, get in touch and we’ll take it from there.
Tina launched the company in 2011, and today, it is known for its award-winning work in creative & business communications, and digital services. She comes with extensive experience in the creative industry, and is passionate about empowering women entrepreneurs.
Be the first to comment on "PPTs 101: How to nail your next presentation"