1. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 1 Enhancing Presentations with Slides and Other Visuals

2. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 2 Planning Presentation Visuals Improve quality and impact Improve audience learning Improve your professional image

3. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 3 Selecting Visual Aids Overhead transparencies Electronic presentations Chalkboards and whiteboards Flip charts Other visual combinations

4. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 4 Verifying Your Design Plans Ensure that visuals will help your audience understand your message Make words and visuals work together Double-check cultural assumptions Prefer simplicity and accuracy Use your time wisely

5. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 5 Creating Effective Slides Writing content Modifying graphics Selecting design Being consistent Adding animation

6. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 6 Writing Readable Content Select a central idea Limit the content Write short phrases Use parallel grammar Prefer the active voice Use short informative titles

7. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 7 Modifying Graphics for Slides Reduce details Avoid repetition Shorten numbers Limit data Highlight key points Adjust size and design

8. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 8 Selecting Design Elements Color schemes Background designs and artwork Fonts and type styles

9. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 9 Achieving Consistency Slide master feature –Color choices –Font styles –Design elements Layout templates –Bulleted lists –Charts –Graphics

10. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 10 Animation and Special Effects Functional animation Transitions and builds Hyperlinks and action buttons Multimedia elements

11. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 11 Completing Slides and Support Materials Readable Simple and consistent Audience centered Clear and focused Concise and grammatical Fully operational

12. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 12 Enhancing Your Presentation Title slides Agenda and program details Navigation slides –Moving blueprints –Bumper slides Running headers or footers

13. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 13 Creating Effective Handouts Complex charts or diagrams Technical papers Magazine articles Case studies Lists of websites Copies of presentation slides

14. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 14 Practicing Your Delivery Present naturally Check equipment Track your time Speak clearly Introduce slides Anticipate questions Anticipate objections Check message clarity

15. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 15 Online Presentations Advantages –Global reach –Cost savings –Convenience Disadvantages –Limited feedback –Technology issues –Training issues

16. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 16 Online Presentation Tips Send preview materials Keep content simple Get frequent feedback Consider the audience

17. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter 17 - 17 Online Presentation Tips Fine-tune the presentation Ensure compatibility and connectivity Consider using a moderator Engage the audience frequently