7 tips to preparing an effective slideshow

Recently, presentation skills have become just as important as having knowledge of foreign languages. As professionals, we have to make presentations to colleagues, in front of the clients, at school and be ready to demonstrate our ability to do so during a job interview. The way we act determines the outcome of our actions.

At LIGS University you can learn the right ways to present and revive any slideshow. For example, the Interactive Online MBA program includes a course called International Business Meeting, which is specially designated for sales managers whose job it is to close deals and finalize contracts with customers. It is important to present offers to clients clearly, interest them and get them on your side. This skill is useful even when you are pursuing a Ph.D. degree.

Tips for improving your presentation

Be prepared, enthusiastic and real

Appear confident and professional, and be able to capture your audience.  This is only possible if your presentation is perfectly developed and practiced. If you want to convince someone of your opinion, you need a decent amount of enthusiasm – you must radiate passion for the cause.

Engaging introduction

If you want to make your presentation stand out and be impactful, you need to have an engaging introduction (e.g. a question to the audience, quote, or joke).

The power of non-verbal communication

Do not underestimate your physical appearance – it is important to have a relaxed and open posture and appropriate gesticulation that can hold people's interest to the presentation and make it more engaging; eye contact is paramount in this process.
The course of Communication included in the Interactive Online MSc program, will introduce you to the basic forms of communication and teach you how best to use them.

Build a relationship with your audience

If possible, use the names of the people who are in your audience, you will capture their attention. Talk about what the audience is interested in and intersperse your presentation with stories and examples.
Be up to date and use information from newspapers and magazines. Face the audience – if you make a presentation with your back turned or you are looking out of a window, they will soon lose their interest.

Revive your slideshow with music

Inserting audio to the PowerPoint is easy and will grab the attention of your audience. You can simply complete your message with a short video demonstration related to the content of your presentation. For example, if you introduce a new product, you can play the commercial for this product and comment on it with your insights and suggestions.

Prepare for questions

Think about what kind of questions the audience might ask and try to answer them in advance. People’s questions have the potential to make your subject matter more interesting or provocative. Have the sources and data (even visual) for these questions ready.

Avoid filler words

Avoid ‘verbal graffiti’ by not using expressions such as 'uhm,' 'actually,' 'basically,' 'like,' etc. Using these expressions distracts the attention of your audience. Conversely, having a strong and firm voice, a clear and distinct pronunciation and appropriate pauses between sentences along with additional questions can ensure that you have a strong presentation.