Powerful Professional Presentations

Have you been asked to develop and/or record a professional presentation? 

You can have a "Powerful Presentation" utilizing these three simple steps:

1. Develop the Critical Content
2. Tell a Visual Story
3. Record Your Message

Step 1: Develop the Critical Content

Suggestions for Developing the Critical Content

  • Know your audience.
  • Map out the presentation.
  • Include charts, pictures and data.

View the brief video recording with tips on creating critical content.

Tips on Creating Critical Content


Step 2: Tell A Visual Story

Suggestions for Telling A Visual Story

  • Be precise and concise. Simple is good. Avoid too much written information.
  • Minimum recommended font size for PowerPoint Presentation is 30 pt. 
  • Click here for font recommendations for Poster Presentations (May vary depending on poster content)
  • Font color should be readable. If a dark background is used, consider a white or light color font.
  • Sans Serif fonts are recommended for small amount of large text because they do not have small projections at the ends of each letter stroke.
    • Helvetica
    • Verdanda
  • Serif fonts are recommended for larger amounts of text because they have small projections at the end of each letter, which helps, guide the reader's eye along larger amounts of text.
    • Times New Roman
    • Georgia
  • It is possible other fonts may have cross-operating system display issues. Letters should be easily read (avoid Old English and other "fancy" fonts)

View the brief video recording with tips on telling a visual story.

Tips on Telling A Visual Story


Step 3: Record Your Message

Suggestions for Recording Your Message

1. Select a program/platform to use for recording the presentation.  Below are two options:

PowerPoint - To learn how to record in PowerPoint (Office 365), click the button below.


Zoom - To learn how to record in Zoom, click the button below:

                            Zoom Recording Instructional Video
                                                     
2.  Become familiar with the technology you plan to use.
3.  Use a microphone
4.  Be aware of time limits
5.  Find a time to practice
6.  Select a quiet location with no distractions or potential for interruptions.
7.  Introduce yourself. Who are you? What are your qualifications?
8.  Tell a story through your presentation.
  • What will make this memorable?
  • Use data if appropriate.
  • Define terms.
  • Insert quotes.
9.  Relax!!  Try not to read.  Speak with enthusiasm.
      10.  Determine if you want to be visible in the presentation.  View the brief video to the right if you are considering being visible in the recording. 
        • Consider light if you will self record.
        • Position camera at eye level if possible.

      11.  Saving and Exporting the Recording
      • Confirm the file size is within the limits.
      • Be sure to SAVE or EXPORT your file as an MP4.  See links below for instructions regarding file formats.

      Turn Your PowerPoint into an MP4


      Zoom Recording Formats






















          Example Video with Presenter Visible