We get it, when you give a presentation it is about the content. However, the format and design of that presentation goes a long way in showing authority on the subject, and helping readers/listeners retain information. When giving a presentation properly formatted slides assist and enhance a wealth of knowledge, conversely poorly made slides divert attention away from the information given. That is why today we wanted to give some tips and ideas on creating the best possible design for your slides.
Use templates
This is the easiest and most obvious option, but it helps immensely. Whether it was made by you or someone else, templates are a great way to ensure consistent patterns, along with the look and feel to a presentation. Templates are not a cure all, there is a lot of customization that is needed when using a template. With that said, they serve as a great foundation for any presentation. If PowerPoint doesn’t have what you need, there is no shortage of options that exists out there at relatively cheap prices.
Pay attention to general design tactics
Yes, you are right, you are not a designer. Yet, it does not hurt to understand some basic tactics that will elevate the look and feel of what you are creating. As a start, you can utilize color theory, adding this to your arsenal will drastically improve the look and feel of your presentations. Another tenant of design is Typography, the art of fonts. Nearly every slide has type on it. Learning how to leverage the design of your fonts can go a long way in not only helping people retain information, but also makes your decks look more modern and professional.
Keep things simple
Simplicity is the key that ties all these concepts together. Even if you design the entire slide correctly, any slide can be ruined by information overload. The point of a PowerPoint is to be your assistant in a presentation, not for each slide to be a novel. Using simple graphics on the slides with your information is a best practice, and make sure your deck tells a story that is easy to follow. In general, you want to limit text, utilize graphics, and allow for a real story to be told through speech.
