In competitive industries, it is valuable to have skills that set us apart in order to become innovative or to evolve. When it comes to presentations, PowerPoint is wonderful but often expected in a professional setting. Recently, I attended a conference in which each speaker went through each of their PowerPoints, slide after slide predictably.
PowerPoint definitely hits the nail on the head for professionals, but depending on your industry and audience, we have a few recommendations, should you feel adventurous or want to try something new. After all, this could be what sets you apart or indicates your potential for a better position in the future. Here are four ways to upgrade your work presence when it comes to your boardroom presentation.
1. Skip the PowerPoint
If you are looking to have a unique presentation, we suggest trying a user-friendly yet dynamic alternative like Prezi. With plenty of templates to choose from that range from ‘plain jane’ to ‘unimaginably original’, you can wow your audience with the aesthetics as well as a more creative approach.
The truth is, everyone and their dog uses PowerPoint. You are likely aware of this by now, if you have been in your role for a few years. Dropping this for something that is more technologically advanced or digitally appealing can make you look organized, confident and innovative.
2. Poll the audience
Are you presenting for a hard-to-please group? Give them a dose of democracy, and poll them using technology like sli.do. This allows your audience to anonymously vote during your presentation if you have designed questions for them to answer. You can also activate a live Q&A period, in which participants can write in questions for you to address.
I recently used this during a conference I spoke at, and found it quite easy to use. It actually worked very well for keeping my audience awake and active during our session. Especially when you need to be watching several presentations consecutively, it can help to have something different.
3. Know Your Group
Perhaps you are presenting for a group that is smaller than ten? A presentation style that is a bit more intricate is Keynote, an app that specialises in presentation design on a mobile device. You can deliver your message in style on an iPad, with an easy-to-use format and several options in graphics and animation.
Additionally, this could allow you to strut into an interview and show exactly why you deserve a place at the table, potentially using graphs to indicate your strengths or creative ability to show that you love what you do.
4. Avoid the Typical Mistakes
There are a few traits that can give PowerPoints a hard time – spelling errors, excessive bullet points, too much information, too much cheese, too few images or diagrams, or a lack in focus can drive your PowerPoint right into the ground, regardless of how bright or talented you are.
Of these four ways to upgrade your work presence, be sure to take #4 to heart when it comes to your presentation content. Even if you prefer to stick with an old-fashioned PowerPoint, making sure it is correct and organized will be sure to give you an edge.
In a world that is becoming increasingly tech-based by the minute, jumping on board with software and methods that showcase your informative with creative appeal is helpful. As you have seen, this is helpful in the sense of making you look good and showcasing your ability. However, it also makes existing in a presentation room more bearable for those watching and attending – and who doesn’t want happy observers when presenting?
