You’re preparing for a speech. What tools can you use to create an effective slideshow?

While I used basic Google slides or PowerPoint for years, a colleague turned me on to BeautifulAi which is a real game changer! You can import slides previously used or enter a topic and they will create editable slides for you. Give it a try!

I'm a huge fan of Canva. It's easy to use, inexpensive, and saves my brand material for repeated use. I use the folder app to save different keynote speech slides then I can copy those slides and change the logo and lingo to match my audience.

Canva ALL THE WAY. Here is why: 1. You can use their Magic Doc feature to write out your bullet points, quotes, and ideas, which can then be converted into neat slides in a SINGLE CLICK. 2. You can then add in fun images and graphics, which can then be automatically formatted to balance with your text by clicking on the "Design" feature. 3. You can turn your phone into a clicker when presenting in public by using present mode. Just did this at the national ADHD conference and wowed the audience. 4. You can share a public view link which allows for you to update and edit it in the feature, while still allowing people to view. I prefer Canva over Ai tools which seem to create trash that is not in my voice.

Powerpoint is the ideal tool if you want to start from scratch and build an original design. Even though Canva offers an abundance of unique templates, compatibility issues can arise when presenting a Canva-made presentation from a different laptop. Be aware of this before proceeding.

When preparing for a speech, various tools can help you create an effective slideshow. Popular software options to consider based on needs, preferences, and budget include PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Apple Keynote. PowerPoint is widely used and offers a range of features for creating visually appealing presentations. Google Slides, being cloud-based, allows for easy collaboration and sharing. Apple Keynote is known for its sleek design capabilities, especially for Mac users. Choose the software that aligns with your platform preferences and offers the features necessary for your presentation. For example, if collaboration is crucial, Google Slides might be the preferred choice, while PowerPoint is suitable for extensive design options.

Templates should permit no more than 3 points per slide and have your brand logo as an anchor point to tie the entire presentation together. Use complementary colors (versus analogous) for visual distinction. Reading up on brand color selection is helpful!

Nobody is interested in reading boring black letters on a white screen tbh. A good template attracts people and helps you gather attention. At the same time, a template should be appropriate according to the occasion. It shouldn't be something too distracting and at the same time should be something which makes your presentation distinctive.

To create an effective slideshow for your speech, utilize tools like Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote. These platforms offer various templates catering to different themes and purposes. For example, if your speech is about technology trends, choose a template with a modern and sleek design. Insert relevant images, data charts, and concise text to convey key points. Ensure a consistent color scheme and font style for visual coherence. Customizing a template saves time and provides a professional and visually appealing backdrop to support your speech content.

Templates are invaluable when creating aviation or tourism presentations. They provide a structured framework that ensures consistency and professionalism. For aviation, templates with aircraft imagery lend an authoritative tone. In tourism, opt for templates featuring captivating destination photos. Leverage PowerPoint's pre-designed templates or explore Keynote's customisable options to save time and maintain a cohesive visual identity.

While templates are AMAZING tools, it is important to already have an outline in your head before you begin creating the presentation. I have found that sometimes I find myself being guided by the cool slide from the template instead of following the narrative I had created in my head. The content should always be the focus… nobody loves a beautifully-empty presentation.

This is a great rule of thumb to follow for a presentation, keep it short and to the point. Keeping to 10 slides helps with engagement as it’s not too much to digest. I’d also recommend using the 6 x 6 rule for bullet points on a slide - no more than 6 bullets and max 6 words per bullet. Makes it easy to digest. When your audience understands your slide quickly they can focus on listening to you.

I love this rule! Start by creating a concise and effective online presentation by sticking to the 10/20/30 rule. Keep it short with around 10 slides, aim for a 20-minute talk, and ensure the font size is at least 30 points for clear visibility. This approach helps you deliver focused content without overwhelming your audience, making your presentation straightforward and engaging.

Perfect tip to have an impactful slideshow. Here are my takes on how this rule can be implemented effectively 1. Prepare your slides with more visuals and less content. Content shouldn't be anything more than bullet points 2. Section-breaks can help you structure it well 3. To ensure uniformity, the elements and brand colour scheme can be followed

I would say this rule should only be a guideline for timing. So many times presenters are stuck on the 10-slide rule, but then cram each slide with far too much content. Start with your story and ensure you don't overwhelm those you are presenting to with too much information per slide. They should also be able to easily follow along with your story, so animations and slide transitions are helpful. I love Bright Carbon's site and webinars for great advice on how to engage audiences and build great presentations.

I like to use tools to gain interaction. So if virtual I might include polls or breakouts. In person it can just be a show of hands but i love Menti too

Not every member of the audience can stay for the entire presentation. Even though they may be physically present, you can only?retain their attention or regain it with the use of pictures. Thus, to always increase engagement, use high definition photos.

Experience shows that images are more quickly grasped, etched and retained in the memory of audiences. Depending on my audience, especially young people, I have had to use all picture and image slides which I speak to. The impact was electrifying. A good mix of images, pictures, charts and text is great combination, and is my template any day.

Again, adding something that makes your content more engaging. Pictures can help you convey messages that aren't expressed through words. It can help set the tone and environment. Remember not to overdo it and keep it inclined with your whole presentation. If you have some kind of a business or client presentation and you want your plans to make a long lasting impact, you can add charts that provide facts.

Creating an effective slideshow involves incorporating compelling visuals like images and charts. For example, in a presentation about market trends, you can use charts to visually represent data, making complex information more digestible. Adding images relevant to your content not only enhances aesthetics but also reinforces key points. A well-designed chart showcasing sales growth or a striking image depicting industry shifts can significantly elevate the impact of your speech, ensuring your audience remains engaged and gains a clearer understanding of the information presented.

Harnessing the power of visuals can elevate your aviation or tourism presentation. Picture this: you're discussing the growth of low-cost airlines in aviation. Include images of pioneering budget carriers, like Ryanair, or charts illustrating their market share over time. In the tourism realm, transport your audience with breathtakingly captivating photos of exotic destinations and support your narrative with charts depicting the rise in global tourism. Leverage PowerPoint's image editing features to enhance visual appeal, or employ Keynote's cinematic animations to create an immersive experience, ensuring your audience is not only informed but also captivated.

An animation, in my opinion, has the power to elevate or diminish?your presentation. We should be aware of how much is too much as creators. You won't be able to use appropriate animations in your presentations till then. Make sure all of the animations you plan to utilize are compatible with the laptop you will be using for the presentation before you start.

Animations and transitions should be decent, relevant and should sit according to the occasion. Refrain from using very complex or distracting effects as this makes your presentation less casual. Basic and simple transitions are best for business and client meetings! You can experiment with something complex in an informal gathering but again... THERE ARE NO RULES Something might be good for a particular occasion and bad for some other occasion.

In preparing a speech, leveraging animations and transitions in your slideshow can enhance engagement and emphasize key points. Popular tools such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Apple Keynote offer features to incorporate dynamic elements. For example, you might use a subtle fade-in animation for bullet points to create a smooth transition between ideas. Additionally, employing slide transitions, such as a gradual dissolve or slide flip, can add a professional touch. However, it's crucial to use animations judiciously to avoid distraction or information overload. A well-timed animation, like revealing data points one by one, can maintain audience focus and make your presentation more memorable.

In my view, animations can greatly enhance or detract from your presentation's impact. As creators, we must be mindful of striking the right balance. Until we achieve this, it's difficult to effectively incorporate suitable animations into our presentations. Ensure that all planned animations are compatible with the laptop you'll be using for the presentation before getting started.

NOOOOOOOOO! Please don't ever use transitions or effects. It's jarring enough for many folks to move from one slide to the next - esp. on huge screens. For neurodiverse and others - those who've experienced concussions, trauma, or otherwise - transitions can cause nausea, anxiety, and more. Just go slide to slide to slide. Please! Better yet... don't use presentation software at all. Just speak.

Use AI-powered tools like PowerPoint’s Presenter Coach to gain valuable feedback and insights in your presentation deck and presentation style. Things such as pace, the use of filler words (and how many), or whether you’re just simply reading the presentation slides word for word can be provided in a dashboard style interface highlighting potential areas for improvement.

To create an effective slideshow, it's critical to practice and test your presentation using various tools. Leading tools such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Apple Keynote provide rehearsal features that allow you to practice your speech with the slides. Additionally, consider using platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams that offer a practice mode for virtual presentations. These tools enable you to run through your slideshow, perfect your timing, and identify any technical issues. For example, rehearsing your presentation in a virtual meeting room with screen sharing can help you simulate the actual presentation environment, ensuring a smooth and confident delivery when it's time to speak to your audience.

An actor friend of mine told me once you have to practice something 50 times to have it committed to memory. That's not always possible, but the point is practice as much as possible and you'll be more natural and engaging.

You need to know your material practice the more you know your material your audience will be more interested in your presentation the other important component is who is the audience, and what you want to accomplish and be confident

Better yet... practice before you even start designing. Record yourself talking about whatever you're going to be presenting on. Then start to think through what some slides might be. Strategize for how you and your voice can be the focus of the presentation, not all the text and junk on your slides. If at all possible - get rid of bullet points altogether. If you have a timeframe to present within - please, please practice - and add in buffer time. Presentations almost always take longer than expected and practiced.

The most critical thing to consider is your audience. You have to know your audience and understand their behaviors to determine what tools they will best respond to. As you develop your presentation, you must have a great hook, be able to engage the audience and provide value. Always assume your audience is highly intelligent and never firehose them with too much content. Overwhelm and confusion cause paralysis and people stop paying attention. Above all else, be authentic and make them laugh and make them cry (because you've moved them).

Consider additional tools to create an impactful slideshow when preparing for a speech. Embrace non-traditional options like Prezi for dynamic presentations with zooming effects, cultivating audience engagement. Sway, a digital storytelling app offers a fluid design for captivating narratives. Beautiful.AI automates the design, streamlining the creation of visually appealing slides. Haiku Deck focuses on simplicity, promoting concise visuals for enhanced clarity. These tools provide unique features, allowing speakers to craft compelling presentations that stand out from traditional slideshows.

Especially on zoom** Remember that when you put a deck or slides up, you become a tiny thumbnail. Your slides will never be as exciting or interesting as YOU are. You are animated and have feelings, a slide is usually pics and words. Remember, if there's a slide up you need to work harder with your expressions, to make those pictures and words come to life!

People have a tendency to hide behind slides, or use them as a crutch. Generally speaking, slides have a place on about 20% of your speech. If you're giving a talk on something very complex or technical, you might need more. But your speech should be mostly... your speech. Not your slides

Try not to use the AI tools much as your efforts are directly linked to the attention of the Audience. The least effort, you put into the presentation the least the audience will be invested in what you have to say. And any successful speech is when the audience is able to learn, retention, precise feedback and it should somehow influence their thought in the direction of inferences or thoughts of the speech.