How to Succeed in PowerPoint Without Really Trying

3D animations and impressive graphics that seem difficult to achieve are actually available in PowerPoint and other similar presentation programs. While achieving certain effects may appear intimidating, the process of creating them can be surprisingly user friendly. Here are some tips to making your presentation the talk of the conference.

Slide Master

The Slide Master is where the template and layouts are built for your presentation. Within this menu you can adjust how fonts, backgrounds, tables, charts, and images are displayed throughout your entire presentation instead of having to manually adjust each slide. This will help with consistency as well as organization. You are free to go into the Slide Master at any point of editing to adjust the formatting of all your slides.

Keep It to the Point

Having a lot of words on the screen can lose your audience quick. Keeping your slides to short and simple bullet points instead of lengthy paragraphs keeps everyone engaged. Think of your slides as notecards or visual examples. This creates an organized flow and keeps you on course throughout your presentation.

Backgrounds Matter

Having a nice background may seem like a small detail, but it can also be that key ingredient that gives your slides that extra flare. Adding textured backgrounds of granite or marble or using nature landscapes can make your images really pop. You can also use a gradient or different shades of your company's colors to add depth while still giving your slides a clean look.

Shapes and Picture Cropping

Images don’t have to be in a box! Most programs give you the ability to change any image into any shape by using the “Crop to Shape” option. Have a photo that looks like it's floating on the page? You can add abstract shapes around it with some added notes about what you are addressing on your slide.

Picture Formatting

Pictures still looking flat? Some programs can not only add 3D elements to your presentation, but they can also make your images have different perspectives or added shadows. They can even make an image look like a painting. 

Graphics below were made in PowerPoint using PowerPoint 3D elements.

Magic and Morphing

PowerPoint's Morph Transition and Keynote's Magic Move have the ability to move objects, words, or characters from one slide to a selected point of destination on the next to give an impressive animation feel without needing to use After Effects.

Charts and Tables

Charts and tables may not be an attractive option at first, but they can wow your audience if done correctly. Use the 3D options in your charts and graphs to give the audience a better sense of the company's current status. 

Make sure your table has enough spacing between each line to clearly show your numbers. If there is too much to show at once, separate the data by section and use multiple slides to make sure your message is clear.

3D Models and Icons are the New Clip Art

One of the newest features PowerPoint has added to its roster are 3D models. Examples of our solar system as well as animals, emojis, avatars, and more are preloaded. PowerPoint also added hundreds of new icons for your convenience.

The below graphic was made in PowerPoint using PowerPoint 3D elements.

Add Video

It’s not always easy to get your point across if you're only using slides. Use video examples and testimonials to refresh your audiences’ eyes and show them your thorough research. Just be sure you have a backup method to avoid any potential holdups or issues with playing the video.

Don’t Over Animate

Animations can be a fun effect to add to your slides, but too much motion can make your audience ill. Be careful not to have too many fly-through and bouncing objects. Focus on the motion from slide to slide with some added fades or fly-in for your bullets. For these effects, a little bit goes a long way.

Your event is a reflection of your brand and company culture, so take this opportunity to design the best experience and leave a lasting impression. For questions or assistance with your next big event, feel free to reach out to our AVmedia family.

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