PowerTips

Think First: Do you really need a PowerPoint presentation to get your point across? Consider a straightforward speech, without backup.

Keep It Simple: Address one idea per slide and limit subheadings.

See It Their Way: Empathize with your audience: Stand at the back of the room and see if you can read the slides.

Ask for Help: Before PowerPoint, graphic designers were employed to create informative, appealing slides. They are professionals. Use them.

Hit the High Points: Don't bury main ideas at the bottom of a slide. Put them prominently at the top.

Write It Out: Include a written report, particularly if your presentation addresses an important topic.

Rehearse: Try out your presentation on friends or colleagues, and ask them to critique it.

Anticipate Questions: Don't presume your audience is only interested in your bullet points. They may ask questions about topics you don't address.

Don't Recite: If you only read your PowerPoint slides aloud, you'll put your audience to sleep. Talk to people and give them something more than what's on the screen.

Limit the Flash: Complicated illustrations and sound effects are often more trouble than they're worth. Wean yourself from clip art.