Blog Post

PowerPoint is the most popular presentation tool used to express ideas and plans. However, while it’s easy to use, it’s not always as easy to make your PowerPoint presentations effective.

In fact, according to Seth Godin, it’s important to avoid these 5 things in your presentation if you want it to effectively make a point to the audience:

1. No more than six words on a slide. EVER. There is no presentation so complex that this rule needs to be broken.

2. No cheesy images. Use professional stock photo images.

3. No dissolves, spins or other transitions.

4. Sound effects can be used a few times per presentation, but never use the sound effects that are built in to the program. Instead, rip sounds and music from CDs and leverage the Proustian effect this can have. If people start bouncing up and down to the Grateful Dead, you’ve kept them from falling asleep, and you’ve reminded them that this isn’t a typical meeting you’re running.

5. Don’t hand out print-outs of your slides. They don’t work without you there.

While the first one might be up for debate (for some), those are basically the common mistakes people make.

So, besides avoiding these mistakes, what else can you do to create a great PowerPoint presentation?

Find out more in Melanie Pinola’s How Can I Make My PowerPoint Presentations Amazing?

About Michell Yamzon

Michell Yamzon is a sports fanatic who vehemently cheers on Manchester United and San Antonio Spurs. She is the Lead Designer at Coachzing where she showcases her creativity through design of books and marketing materials.