Using the presentation program Microsoft PowerPoint has become a staple occurrence in this computer age. It is a common household name, as the program is not only used in the academic setting but also in the working world. Students and professors use it for academic presentations and lectures while employees and employers use the program for reports and briefings. Thus, the application has become a common tool that almost everyone uses.
The powerpoint has become so common that people have begun to disregard the true purpose of the program, which is to effectively convey a message in an efficient manner. Efficiency means achieving a result with minimum use of resources and time. Some people have begun to create presentations that are contrary to the true purpose of the program. Instead of effectively conveying the message, some presentations effectively put the audience into sleep due to boredom.
These are some mistakes that would render one’s presentation ineffective.
- Some presenters rely on the slides during the presentation. This should not be, since the slides are based on the presenter’s report, not the other way around. Reading the slides is a no-no.
- Some people tend to place too much information on a single slide. This will result in low information retention. The bullets are there to highlight important points, not to serve as separator of sentences.
- There are presentations that are completely ineffective because the audience cannot see what were written on a slide as the font used is unreadable or too small.
- Using too much slides might bore the audience while presenting too little slides might fail to effectively convey the message.
- The use of animations is recommended. Using too many animations in a presentation will take away the attention of the audience from the message.
- Attempting to use different slide background and fonts distracts the audience. It is better to use a single theme throughout the presentation.
- The most embarrassing mistake in a powerpoint presentation is the failure to check the equipment to be used. If they do not work, there is no presentation.
Related Article: Tips to Making a Powerful Powerpoint Presentation
