Mastering the Art of Delivering Impactful Presentations: A Guide to Effective Presentation Skills

You are looking to land a new client. The pitch meeting to discuss your services is in a few days. It would help if you created a presentation.  While there are many visual software options to choose from – PowerPoint, Canva, Keynote, to name a few, today, we are going to focus on the actual presentation, not the means by which you are presenting it. You want to show just enough information but not too much. You want your presentation to be creative but not too wordy or copy-heavy. In this article, we are going to discuss the presentation trends and how you can implement them in the new year.

Less has always been more

This saying dates back to middle school. Who enjoys sitting through long presentations containing a lot of numbers and unnecessary, confusing data? Not me. What's the next trend, please?

Speak clearly, slowly, and confidently

While this isn’t necessarily a trend, it is a must, a given for any successful presentation, so I had to include it. You need to project your voice, maintain a steady pace (don’t talk super fast), and vary your tone. I know this dates me, but who wants to hear a presentation delivered by the Micro Machine commercial guy or Ferris Bueller’s homeroom teacher? I rest my case.

What type of font should you use?

While the Lucida Handwriting font might be great for a presentation if you are an event coordinator presenting a newly engaged couple what each of your packages includes, it will probably not be the best choice of font if you are in medical sales and trying to land a new physician's office as a client.

Microsoft explains that there are two main classes of fonts – serif and sans serif.  Serif fonts are more decorative and used for formal designs. They create a sense of elegance and professionalism in a presentation. On the other hand, sans-serif fonts have a cleaner, more modern appearance. They are often considered more versatile and easier to read on digital screens, making them a popular choice for presentations, significantly when projected onto larger screens or viewed on different devices. Sans serif fonts are commonly used in digital interfaces and websites.

Ultimately, the choice between serif and sans serif fonts depends on the tone and purpose of your presentation. A serif font might be suitable if you're aiming for a more formal or classic look. If you prefer a contemporary and clean design, a sans-serif font could be a better fit. Consider your audience, content, and the overall aesthetic you want to convey to make an informed decision.

How do I display statistics?

Data is one of the most important parts of any presentation, and how you present it is even more important.

Using charts and graphs is excellent to showcase your information, but remember to keep it simple. Don’t get too complex.  Present clear, concise numbers that you know your audience understands. When in doubt, put yourself in their shoes.  Ask yourself, “What information do I want to see if I were them?” Visually, use different colors in graphs when comparing and highlighting key statistics using bold or bright colors.

Light background or dark background – too many choices!

Microsoft indicates that a darker background adds drama to your presentation and reduces eyestrain on your audience.  A darker background can provide an excellent backdrop to highlight and emphasize these elements if your presentation includes images, charts, or graphs. The contrast between the dark background and vibrant visuals can make them more visually striking and impactful.  In addition, dark backgrounds are particularly suitable for certain presentation themes, such as technology, innovation, or creative industries, where a contemporary and sophisticated look is desired. They can help create a unique and memorable visual identity for your presentation.

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