You want to create a visually appealing presentation. How can you use technology to make it happen?

1 Choose the right tool

The first step to create a visually appealing presentation is to choose the right tool for your purpose and audience. There are many options available, from the classic PowerPoint to the more innovative Prezi, Canva, or Adobe Spark. Each tool has its own features, advantages, and limitations, so you need to do some research and experimentation before deciding which one suits your needs. Some factors to consider are the ease of use, the design options, the interactivity, the compatibility, and the cost of the tool.

3 Add some animation

Animation can add some dynamism and interest to your presentation, especially if you want to show a process, a change, or a comparison. But animation can also be overdone, making your presentation look amateurish, chaotic, or annoying. To use animation wisely, you need to follow some simple rules: use animation sparingly and only when it adds value to your message; use smooth and subtle transitions and effects; avoid using sound effects or flashy animations that can distract or irritate your audience; and test your animation before presenting to make sure it works properly.

4 Incorporate video and audio

Video and audio can enhance your presentation by adding some variety, depth, and engagement to your content. They can also help you explain complex or abstract ideas, show examples or testimonials, or create a connection with your audience. But video and audio can also pose some challenges, such as technical issues, copyright issues, or compatibility issues. To incorporate video and audio effectively, you need to follow some best practices: use short and relevant video and audio clips that support your main points; avoid relying on video and audio as your main content or

replacing your own voice; check the quality, volume, and format of the video and audio files; and make sure you have a backup plan in case of technical problems.

5 Use charts and graphs

Charts and graphs can help you present data and information in a clear and concise way, making it easier for your audience to understand and remember. They can also help you highlight trends, patterns, or relationships that might otherwise be overlooked. But charts and graphs can also be confusing, misleading, or boring if they are poorly designed, inaccurate, or irrelevant. To use charts and graphs effectively, you need to follow some guidelines: use the right type of chart or graph for your data and purpose; use simple and consistent design elements, such as colors, fonts, and labels; avoid using too many or too complex charts or graphs that can overwhelm or confuse your audience; and explain the main insights or implications of your charts or graphs.

6 Get feedback and revise

The final step to create a visually appealing presentation is to get feedback and revise your work. Feedback can help you identify and fix any errors, gaps, or inconsistencies in your presentation, as well as improve your design, content, and delivery. To get feedback and revise your presentation, you need to do some actions: ask for feedback from someone who is familiar with your topic, audience, and objectives; ask for specific and constructive feedback on both the strengths and weaknesses of your presentation; use the feedback to make changes and improvements to your presentation; and practice your presentation until you feel confident and comfortable.

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?