PowerPoint presentations - good for business?

I'm sure we've all sat through a PowerPoint presentation which seems to be never ending, the dull tones of the presenter and the endless slides appearing and disappearing. Or a presentation where we're trying to take everything in, but there's just too much! So what's the answer to perfecting PowerPoint presentations and are they the best means of communication for you and your business?

If you are preparing a PowerPoint, here are a few useful tips:

1) A PowerPoint presentation should be an aid to presenting, not an excuse to read from the screen directly with your back to the audience. Eye contact with your audience is extremely important as is your body language.

2) Trying to read, listen and make notes all at the same time is a big ask. If you have hand-outs or are emailing everyone a copy of your PowerPoint presentation, say so at the beginning so that people aren’t frantically copying the slide before it disappears – and not listening to a word you’re actually saying!

3) Make sure your slide is not overfilled with text. Mix it up with images.

4) Make sure the text is big enough - there's nothing worse than your audience complaining that they can't read it.

5) Avoid rambling; plan your presentation carefully. Your presentation should clarify to your audience what you’re saying – it’s not to remind you of everything you want to say.

6) An information overload should be avoided at all costs – don’t assume that your audience will be able to take in huge amounts of information, even if it is all bullet- pointed. Make it a realistic length as learning through listening and speaking is very different to reading and writing.

7) Use creative images and not just lines and lines of words – the audience may loose interest completely through being uninspired!

8) Have as few slides as possible - too many slides will just distract everybody.

Remember, a great PowerPoint presentation relies on a good speaker so practice these skills as much as you can.

Check out the Enterprising Women website for more top tips for running your business. If you have any great tips, share them with us here.