How can you make your presentation slides more compelling and credible?

1 Simplify your slides

One of the most common mistakes that presenters make is to overload their slides with too much text, data, or graphics. This can confuse, distract, or bore your audience, and make your slides hard to read and follow. Instead, aim for simplicity and clarity. Use only the essential information that supports your main points, and avoid unnecessary details, jargon, or acronyms. Use bullet points, charts, or images to summarize or illustrate your ideas, but don't make them too complex or cluttered. Use consistent fonts, colors, and layouts to create a professional and coherent look.

2 Use stories and examples

Another way to make your slides more compelling and credible is to use stories and examples that relate to your topic and audience. Stories and examples can help you connect with your audience emotionally, demonstrate your expertise and authority, and illustrate your points with real-world scenarios. They can also make your slides more memorable and engaging, as people tend to remember stories better than facts or figures. To use stories and examples effectively, make sure they are relevant, concise, and vivid. Use specific details, names, and emotions to bring them to life, and link them to your main message and purpose.

3 Add variety and contrast

A third tip to make your slides more compelling and credible is to add variety and contrast to your slide design and content. Variety and contrast can help you create interest, emphasis, and hierarchy in your slides, and keep your audience alert and attentive. You can use variety and contrast in different ways, such as changing the size, shape, or color of your elements, using different types of media (such as text, images, audio, or video), or switching between different modes of presentation (such as lecture, discussion, or demonstration). However, be careful not to overdo it or create confusion. Use variety and contrast strategically and sparingly, and make sure they align with your message and goals.

4 Cite your sources

A fourth tip to make your slides more compelling and credible is to cite your sources whenever you use information, data, or ideas from other sources. Citing your sources can help you establish your credibility and authority, acknowledge the work of others, and avoid plagiarism or misinformation. It can also help your audience verify, explore, or learn more about your sources if they are interested. To cite your sources properly, use a consistent and appropriate citation style (such as APA, MLA, or Chicago), and include the author, title, date, and URL of your sources. You can also use footnotes, endnotes, or a reference list to provide more details.

5 Practice and rehearse

A fifth tip to make your slides more compelling and credible is to practice and rehearse your presentation before you deliver it. Practicing and rehearsing can help you improve your confidence, fluency, and timing, and avoid mistakes or technical issues. It can also help you familiarize yourself with your slides, and check if they are clear, relevant, and effective. To practice and rehearse effectively, use the same equipment and environment that you will use for your presentation, and ask for feedback from someone who can give you constructive and honest advice. You can also record yourself and watch or listen to your performance, and make adjustments as needed.

6 Engage your audience

A sixth tip to make your slides more compelling and credible is to engage your audience throughout your presentation. Engaging your audience can help you create rapport, interaction, and participation, and make your presentation more lively and enjoyable. It can also help you gauge the mood, interest, and understanding of your audience, and adapt your presentation accordingly. To engage your audience effectively, use eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions to communicate nonverbally, ask questions, invite comments, or conduct polls or quizzes to solicit feedback, and use humor, anecdotes, or surprises to create interest and excitement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?