What are some tips for creating engaging and interactive slides for a remote audience?

Use a clear and consistent structure, but think outside the linear box. Start with a problem-solution format, framing your topic as a challenge and building anticipation for the answer. Use non-linear storytelling techniques, like flashbacks or flash-forwards, to reveal information in a captivating way. Experiment with micro-stories within each slide, using visuals and text to tell mini-narratives that support your points.

Think of it as a conversation. Write out your talking points on a document (I prefer pen a paper at this stage). Imagine you are allowed to only read out your headline (slide titles). The headlines, read one after the other, should be able to summarize your entire session.

Ok, so visual simplicity actually wins remote attention — too much clutter kills focus. Break content into digestible chunks, you know? Interactive polls literally grab wandering minds back. Clean typography in a way matters more than fancy graphics; remote viewers squint at small text. Bite-sized slides often beat comprehensive ones. Consider using animation just to highlight key points... but sparingly. Color psychology pretty much affects mood; blue calms while red creates urgency. Stories somewhat stick better than facts alone. Virtual backgrounds sometimes distract; keep them neutral. Test your slides on a small screen — if they work there, they'll work anywhere.

Once you have your slide headlines in place, use visuals, animations and additional text to support the headline. Think of them as supporting cast - which is exactly what they are.

Adding animations and annotations make it easy for the audience to understand and process the information. Movement helps the information to be held in the audience's mind longer and contributes to the enjoyment of the presentation. When adding visuals think about these design rules: (1) proximity of elements, (2) harmony- the cohesiveness of color, size, shapes, etc. (3) balance- the weight of the elements and (4) contrast - use opposing colors, shapes, textures, sizes or concepts. The images should be consistent and don't have too many different images. If your content is attractive, the audience will stay longer and remember it better.

There is more than one type of remote presentation. There is virtual and also the option to save it as a "PowerPoint Show." With this option the file has a specific PowerPoint extension (.ppsx) that only allows it to be viewed in presentation mode. PowerPoint Show viewing is magical as it creates the opportunity for including links that jump to different slides in the presentation, QR codes that will go anywhere or even the inclusion of MS forms (you can format these as a survey or quiz). The options are as limitless as your imagination!

Interactivity is key. It is the difference between a monologue and a dialogue. Too many presenters go talk-talk-talk-talk. The best ones go talk-listen-talk-listen. Visualize audience responses in real-time, whether online or in-person. Use chat and AI powered tools like StreamAlive to do so (full disclosure: I am a co-founder). Ask your audience questions like where they're joining from, and visualize their responses in a map. Have games and movement - there's a child in each of us.

Use tools to collaborate and moderate responses too. Collaboration cal also be with your audience where you co-create slides by channeling audience responses using engagement tools

I follow a simple 1-2-3 formula: 1x = time spent on my slides and interactions. 2x = time spent on my narrative aka “what will I say” 3x = time spent on delivery, rehearsal, and ensuring I stick to time.

Consider your audience's current mindset and interests. Are they coming in excited or jaded? Are they familiar with the topic or starting from scratch? Tailor your slides accordingly to address potential confusion or simply build on existing knowledge. This ensures they connect with your message on a deeper level.

Slides aren’t interactive. The presenter is. The audience interacts with the presenter. The slides support the presenter in 5 ways: information, navigation, amplification, clarification and decoration.