The Ultimate Presentation Checklist: 10 Must-Haves for Any Presentation Pro

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Find ten must-have tips for creating the perfect presentation. Learn how to turn your content into a winner, from design to quality graphics.

Let’s face it: giving a presentation is never easy. Whether you’re concerned about getting your message across or you’re simply not well prepared, getting it right the first time takes some practice.

But wouldn’t it be nice if there was a cheatsheet somewhere that could help you determine how to build the perfect presentation? Wouldn’t it be nice to have the ability to quickly reference a single webpage to jumpstart ideas on how to build the perfect presentation?

Luckily for you, we here at AirDeck have decided to build that for you. Below, you’ll find ten must-have tips for the perfect presentation. From the importance of a snappy design to quality graphics, the following features will turn your presentation into a winner.

Read on to learn more:

Snappy Design

There’s nothing like a compelling design. Too often, you’ll find presenters using templates or boring colors that bore the audience and create more issues in their ability to get their message across. Rethink your design and consider using graphics, images, and bright colors that don’t look garish. It’ll go a long way in helping you connect with your audience.

Introductions

This may sound simple, but make sure you introduce yourself when you start a presentation. Tell the audience who you are and why you’re qualified to give a presentation. Most importantly, be sure to tell them what you plan to say. Then, as you work through your presentation, keep your word. When it’s all said and done, be sure to explain again what you said so there’s no confusion.

Streamlined Message

Make sure to arrive at a key message at the onset and stick with it throughout your presentation. Remember, you are trying to effectively convey your message and support it with data, graphics, and confidence. Getting caught up in the data or other elements that support your message will distract your audience and detract from your presentation. So find your message and stick with it — your audience will be glad you did.

Consider Narration

Even if you are giving a live presentation to an audience, there are times when you want to share your presentation at a later date or otherwise have scripted components. In those cases, consider using tools like AirDeck that will allow you to easily add audio or video narration and create a different way of engaging your audience.

No Grammatical Errors

To establish credibility, having appropriate grammar and spelling is essential. Though your presentation may utilize bullet points, your spelling and abbreviations should make sense. Nothing takes the audience out of the presentation like poor grammar or spelling gaffes.

Appropriate Attire

Just like your presentation, how you’re dressed can also distract your audience. Be sure to dress appropriately for the occasion and ensure you are conveying in the way you dress exactly what you’re conveying through your presentation.

Be Familiar with Your Content

Look: It never pays to not be prepared. You should be familiar with your presentation’s content. Don’t memorize everything or try to focus too heavily on what your sides say. Practice, practice, practice. Show the audience that you know and understand your content inside and out — and they should, too.

Ask Questions

At the end of your presentation, you may want to include questions for your audience. This allows them to reflect and engage in further understanding your presentation. Better yet, tools like AirDeck also let you create surveys, so you can easily ask your audience about their thoughts and feelings on the topics you’ve raised.

Leave Room for Discussion

Make room for questions and answers at the end of your presentation. While it is okay to allow questions throughout your presentation, it may prove to be a distraction. Protip: Encourage discussion after your presentation to enhance engagement.

Track, Track, Track

Just because your presentation is complete, it doesn’t mean you should stop tracking your audience. Offer those in attendance the ability to access your presentation online or via e-mail. And when you do, be sure to track who opens the presentation and when, so you can see how engaged the audience really was.

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