What's the best way to choose and use software and tools for your conference presentation?

1 Assess your needs and goals

Before you start looking for software and tools, you need to assess your needs and goals for your presentation. What is the main message you want to convey? Who is your audience and what are their expectations? How much time do you have and how much detail do you need to cover? How do you want to interact with your audience and get feedback? These questions will help you narrow down your options and focus on the most relevant and effective software and tools for your presentation.

2 Compare and test different options

Once you have a clear idea of your needs and goals, you can compare and test different options for software and tools. There are many platforms and applications available for creating and delivering presentations, such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi, Keynote, Zoom, YouTube, etc. You can also use online tools and resources to enhance your presentation, such as Canva, Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay, etc. To choose the best option for you, you should consider factors such as ease of use, compatibility, features, cost, support, and reviews. You should also test your software and tools before your presentation to make sure they work properly and smoothly.

3 Customize and optimize your presentation

After you have chosen your software and tools, you can customize and optimize your presentation to suit your style and purpose. You can use different fonts, colors, images, animations, transitions, and effects to make your presentation more attractive and appealing. You can also use charts, graphs, diagrams, icons, and infographics to make your presentation more informative and concise. You can also use audio, video, or interactive elements to make your presentation more engaging and dynamic. However, you should avoid overloading your presentation with too many or too complex elements that might distract or confuse your audience.

4 Practice and rehearse your presentation

Before you deliver your presentation at the conference, you should practice and rehearse it several times using your software and tools. This will help you improve your confidence, timing, delivery, and performance. You should also check your equipment, internet connection, microphone, camera, and speakers to make sure they are working well. You should also have a backup plan in case of any technical issues or glitches during your presentation. You can also ask for feedback from a friend, colleague, or mentor to improve your presentation.

5 Engage and interact with your audience

During your presentation at the conference, you should engage and interact with your audience using your software and tools. You can use polls, quizzes, surveys, Q&A sessions, chats, or comments to involve your audience and get their opinions and questions. You can also use gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, and voice modulation to connect with your audience and show your enthusiasm and passion. You should also be prepared to answer any questions or address any concerns that your audience might have about your presentation.

6 Evaluate and improve your presentation

After your presentation at the conference, you should evaluate and improve your presentation using your software and tools. You can use analytics, feedback, ratings, or reviews to measure the effectiveness and impact of your presentation. You can also use recordings, transcripts, or notes to review your presentation and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can also use online platforms, blogs, podcasts, or social media to share your presentation and reach a wider audience. You can also use online courses, books, podcasts, or mentors to learn new skills and techniques to improve your presentation.

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?