Resources Coaches Corner
Presentation Design
Two main components exist for every good PowerPoint® presentation; a compelling message and strong visual support. Suppose we have a good designer in our midst and they craft some great looking stuff, but the content is really a services listing. Chances are the audience will quickly realize there is nothing compelling and that they are listening to a live version of a brochure.
The opposite of this is that you have stepped up to the plate and your content is nailed, in fact it's a compelling story. A really good story, but the visuals are awful. If you are familiar with memory retention, you know that your retention of the subject matter is better when you both hear something spoken and see the visual support. Let's put the two elements together and make a mind-blowing presentation.
A compelling message starts with audience realization. After defining the audience and attempting to understand what they want hear, we must formulate a story to meet that need. The basic rule of content for delivering an in-person PowerPoint® presentation is to keep the content text minimal. Minimal so that you are speaking your knowledge triggered by small phrases on the slide. Thus the audience is not reading. Because after all, the audience can read faster than you can speak anyway. Advertising is a great example of this.
Design style is a personal preference. However, again, you should consider more about your audience than the fact that you prefer minimalist or linear designs. Forcing your design elements creates visuals that you like. Ask yourself this question: Does everyone you know want to own your car, clothes, or home? Design for your audience.
