PowerPoint Presentation Tips: How to Design Slides Like a Pro

PowerPoint Presentation Tips: How to Design Slides Like a Pro

"Can you see my screen?" (Audience sees a slide with 500 words of text). Audience falls asleep.

Your slides are not your script. They are your visual aid. A great presentation is 50% You, 50% Slides. If the slides can be read without you, your presence is useless.

Here is how to upgrade your deck from "Boring" to "Brilliant."

1. The 10-20-30 Rule (Guy Kawasaki)

A simple framework for pitching.

• 10 Slides: No more. Humans can't comprehend more than 10 concepts in a meeting.
• 20 Minutes: Even if you have an hour, speak for 20. Use the rest for discussion.
• 30 Point Font: If you need smaller font, you have too much text. People read faster than you speak; if they are reading, they aren't listening.

2. One Idea Per Slide

• Bad: A slide titled "Marketing Strategy" with 10 bullet points covering SEO, Ads, Events, and PR.
• Good:
  • Slide 1: "SEO Strategy" (Visual).
  • Slide 2: "Ad Strategy" (Chart).
  • Slide 3: "Event Plan" (Photo).
• Why: Slides are free. Use more of them with less on each.

3. Visuals > Text

The brain processes images 60,000x faster than text.

• Don't write: "Our sales grew by 50% this quarter."
• Show: A big green arrow pointing up with "50%" written inside.
• Resources: Use Unsplash for high-quality photos (Not pixelated Google Images).

4. The "Glance Media" Test

Look at your slide. Close your eyes. Look away. If you couldn't understand the main point in 3 seconds, it's too complex.

• Highlights key numbers.
• Use contrast (Dark background, Light text is easier on eyes in dark rooms).

5. Kill the Bullet Points

Bullets kill interest.

• Instead of:
  • Feature 1
  • Feature 2
  • Feature 3
• Try: 3 distinct Icons arranged horizontally.

6. Consistency is Key

• Fonts: Max 2 (One for Header, One for Body).
• Colors: Max 3 (Brand colors). Don't make a rainbow.
• Alignment: Use the "Grid" or "Align" tool. Misaligned boxes look amateur.

7. The B Key (Blackout)

Pro Tip: During your speech, if you want the audience to look at YOU and not the screen, press 'B' on your keyboard.

• The screen goes black.
• All eyes shift to you.
• Make your dramatic point.
• Press 'B' again to resume.

Key Takeaways

1. You are the Star: The slides are just the background sceneries.
2. Less is More: White space is rigorous. Don't fill every corner.
3. Rehearse with Clicker: Don't be the person saying "Next slide please." Buy a ₹500 remote clicker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use animations?

"Fade" is okay. "Zoom" is okay. "Boing" sound effects or spinning text? Never. It looks childish.

Which tool is best?

PowerPoint is standard. Canva is great for design-heavy slides. Keynote (Mac) is beautiful. Google Slides is best for collaboration.

Design is intelligence made visible. Explore more design and communication tips on Sproutern