Some thoughts on Presentation Graphics

Powerpoint, Prezi, Keynote. Whatever you use, the key to remember is that YOU are the attraction, not the graphics. There are many Top10-type blogs out there about creating slides. I'll toss in my thought that there are primarily 2 types of presentations: Motivational & Educational. Yes, they can be intermixed, but the type of content you create is for different audiences. And how you share that content is important. 

In the motivational world it is paramount to keep your slides brief (2-3 words), include photos, and completely remember they support YOU. 1 slide per 2 minutes TOPS. 

In the educational realm, using dense content is usually necessary. Where the issue arises is with the wrong technology and poor preparation.

Picture yourself in the audience of the last meeting or conference you attended. Could you see the slides? Were you distracted by them? Was it frustrating? I see many spreadsheets included on slides; it's not necessarily bad. But do you have large enough screens for your audience size? Did you provide printed copies to the audience to follow and take notes? Did you send the presentation to them to open on a device? You can be a hero for doing these things and the last 2 have nothing to do with your AV budget.

Is the presentation being recorded or streamed? That viewer has the benefit of the image being full-screen. Up close and personal just for them.

So go out there and make good slides! And feel free to talk to your AV tech. They really are there to help you be a success!

Did you notice my text is black and not some shade of gray? I find it easier to read, and I leave sites that think trendy is good for their reader. I'm gettin' old (er). Make it easy for me. Read about the grey/gray spelling debate.