The strength and sophistication of Powerpoint means that it is now really easy to put together sales presentations that are accompanied by all kinds of additional data and information. Powerpoint presentations are practically demanded in the industry; without one audiences feel that there is something left out. However, the relative difficulty of strong powerpoint design means that it is extremely easy to put together a slideshow that actually contributes very little to a presentation; in fact, it can detract from your talk, leaving the viewers bored and frustrated. We have all had to sit through lacklustre presentations. In many cases, the slideshow feels like a bolt-on extra: something that has been added almost as an afterthought. This is because in many cases, it has – merely because it is expected.
To create a good Powerpoint presentation you have to bear in mind a few principles. The slides should complement your talk, not duplicate it. Again, you will doubtless have had to listen to talks in which the slides simply repeat the spoken content – sometimes in detail. The purpose of the slides is to support and illustrate the spoken material, making it more memorable and full of impact. Instead, they are often used to render it unnecessary.
Complexity is another key issue. Many beginners make the mistake of putting too much information into a slide, on the grounds that a picture is worth a thousand words. Simplicity is better, though this does not mean dumbing down your message. You are generally looking for bold, clear ways of communicating vital statistics, facts and information. If there is too much on the screen then your audience will be distracted from your talk as they work to decipher and absorb it. Graphs can be very powerful, since they can be used to show trends that otherwise take a great deal of description. You should add headlines or brief bits of text to your slides, but not too much. You want your audience to know exactly what you are showing them, without giving them more than they require.
In the end, Powerpoint presentations are supposed to contribute to your talk, not to replace it or repeat it. Sales presentations are all about being convincing and communicating your message as clearly and economically as possible. Look for the take-home points, the concepts that you want people to remember above all else. Make sure your powerpoint design helps you achieve this, rather than hindering it.
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