H2 — The big idea
Start by stating the single, clear message you want the audience to remember. Too many presentations try to do everything — instead pick a main takeaway and weave every slide back to that point. A strong opening sets expectations and gives listeners a simple frame for incoming details.
H3 — Structure your story
Organize content like a short story: context, problem, solution, evidence, and call to action. Each section should have one short headline and 2–4 supporting bullets. Use repetition: repeat the main takeaway at least three times using different words and examples so it sticks.
H4 — Visual clarity
Slides are visual aids, not scripts. Keep text minimal — headlines and 3–6 words per bullet. Use charts to show trends rather than tables full of numbers; when numbers matter, highlight the one figure that matters using color or size. High contrast, readable fonts, and consistent spacing make slides feel professional.
H5 — Fonts, colors, and accessibility
Choose legible fonts and large sizes (minimum 24px for body text). Use color meaningfully: one accent for actions, another for highlights. Ensure accessible contrast — test slides in grayscale to check visibility. Add alt text to images if you’ll distribute slides as a PDF.
H2 — Delivery and pacing
Practice aloud to hit time targets and smooth transitions. Aim for conversational tone rather than reading slides. Pause after important points — silence gives the audience time to absorb. Have one sentence summaries ready for Q&A.
H3 — Preparation checklist
Before you present: check the room and tech, bring backups (PDF on a USB and a copy in cloud storage), confirm screen resolution, and verify remote clicker or presenter notes. If presenting online, test camera framing, lighting, and microphone levels ahead of time.
H4 — Handling questions
Repeat or paraphrase questions so everyone hears them. If you don’t know an answer, be honest: say you’ll follow up and capture the asker’s contact details. For difficult objections, acknowledge the concern and pivot to evidence or next steps.
H5 — Keep slides slim
Limit slides to one idea each. Use a cover slide with the title and speaker, followed by an agenda slide that’s revisited mid‑presentation. Avoid opening with a huge block of dense text — people tune out quickly. Use animation sparingly; it should support the point, not distract.
H2 — Closing with impact
Summarize the three main points, restate the primary takeaway, and finish with a clear next action: sign up, approve, reply, or schedule. A memorable closing could be a striking statistic, a short quote, or a concrete, time‑bound call to action.
H3 — Simple slide template (copy‑paste)
<section class="slide">
<h2>Slide headline</h2>
<ul><li>Key point 1</li><li>Key point 2</li></ul>
</section>