Basics of Slides

Sure! Let me explain everything in simple terms.

What is a Presentation?

A presentation is when you talk to an audience and use visual aids (like slides) to support what
you're saying. The key point is:

 Your speech is the most important part.

 Slides or other visuals should support your speech, not replace it.

Are Slides the Only Visual Aid?

No! Slides are just one type of visual aid. You can also use:

 Whiteboards (to draw or write things).

 Flip charts (big sheets of paper to write on).

 Props or objects (if you are showing a product).

 Videos or pictures (to make a point clearer).

 Demos (live demonstrations of something).

Common Mistake with Slides

Many people put too much text on slides. When this happens:

 The audience reads the slides instead of listening to you.

 They get distracted and stop paying attention to your speech.

How to Use Slides Correctly?

1. Slides should complement your speech, not repeat it.

2. Keep slides simple and clear – use pictures, keywords, and diagrams instead of long
paragraphs.

3. Think about your audience – are they in the room? Are they watching on a small phone
screen? Plan accordingly.

How Many Slides Should You Use?

A simple rule: Take the time you have (T) and divide by 2.

 If your presentation is 10 minutes long → Maximum 5 slides.

 If it's 20 minutes long → Maximum 10 slides.

 But you can always use fewer slides!

Two Types of Slide Decks

Always make two versions of your slides:

 1. Slides for speaking – simple, with only key points.

2. Slides for emailing – detailed, with extra information.

Final Tips for a Good Presentation

 Focus on your speech first, then create slides to support it.

 Avoid too much text – use images or short bullet points.

 Be aware of how people will see your slides (big screen, laptop, phone, etc.).

 Test your slides and practice speaking before your presentation.

By following these basics, you can make effective slides that help you give a great presentation! 🚀

Kinds of slides

Sure! Let's break it down into simple words.

When you make a presentation using slides, there are three types of slides you can use.

1. Document-style slides

 These slides have a lot of text and information.

 Used mostly in schools, universities, corporate training, and learning programs where
people need detailed notes.

 They include footnotes, references, and extra notes for learning.

 The slides look crowded because they have many words and little visuals.

 You, as the speaker, help guide people through the content.

2. Bullet point slides

 These are the most common slides because they are easy to make.

 They have short points (bullet points) instead of full paragraphs.

 Helps the speaker stay on track and remember key points.

 Helps the audience follow along easily.

 Used in meetings, work updates, and project presentations.

3. Visual (Presentation-style) slides

 These slides have more pictures, fewer words.

 Used to engage the audience and make them feel interested.

 A great example is Steve Jobs' product launches (like when he introduced the iPhone).
  These slides grab attention and keep the audience focused.

 Often include animations and timing to make the presentation more effective.

How to use them?

 You don’t have to choose just one—you can mix all three types.

 For example, some slides can be document-style for details, some can be bullet points for
clarity, and some can be visuals to make your speech more powerful.

Tips for making great slides

 Practice your presentation so that the slides support what you say.

 Use AI tools like PowerPoint or Canva to make your slides look better and save time.

 Make sure slides are clear, simple, and help the audience understand your message.

Now, you can start working on your presentation and use these three types of slides to make it
effective! 🚀

Do's And Dont's of slides

Do's and Don'ts of Making Slides (In Simple Words)

Creating good slides is not about using fancy colors, fonts, or animations—it's about making sure
your audience understands your message. Here are some simple do’s and don’ts to follow when
designing your slides.

❌ DON'Ts (Things to Avoid)

1. Don’t use too many colors and fonts

o Using too many colors and different fonts can be distracting.

o Stick to a simple color palette and one or two fonts.

o Your slide should be easy to read, not look like a rainbow.

2. Don’t use too many font sizes

o Keep it simple: One font size for the title and another for the text.

o If needed, one more size for subpoints, but don’t go beyond that.

o Test your slides on a phone—if you can’t read them, your audience can’t either.

3. Don’t use too much animation

o Animations can be fun but also very distracting.

 o Avoid text that flies in, spins, or makes noise.

o A simple "appear" animation for bullet points is fine if it helps you explain your
points step by step.

4. Don’t ignore spelling and grammar mistakes

o Typos and mistakes make you look unprofessional.

o Use spell check to avoid simple errors.

o A small mistake can make people focus on it instead of your message.

5. Don’t forget the basic structure

o Every slide should have:

✅ Slide number (so people can refer to it)
✅ Your name or company name (to show ownership)
✅ A simple and balanced layout (not too cluttered)

✅ DO’s (Things You Should Do)

1. Do keep the time limit in mind

o If you have 10 minutes, don’t make 20 slides—stick to 5-6 slides.

o A good rule: First slide = Title, Last slide = Thank you.

o Focus on making a few slides really good.

2. Do refine your slides

o Work on your slides like you work on a speech—improve them over time.

o Check images and make sure they are free to use (look for Creative Commons
images).

o If you use information or images from the internet, always add a source/reference.

3. Do make slides easy to follow

o Arrange slides in a logical order.

o A well-structured flow helps the audience understand what comes next.

o Example: If you’re talking about a problem, your next slide should show the solution.

4. Do check the overall look of your slides

o Slides should be clean and professional, not crowded.

o Check that text is aligned properly and not just on one side.

o Ask yourself: Would I be proud to show this slide to my boss or professor? If yes,
you’re good to go!
Final Tip:

Your slides don’t have to be artistic—they just need to be clear, professional, and easy to read.
Focus on communication, not decoration!

Putting together A Persuasive Presentation

Sure! Here’s a simple breakdown of how to create a persuasive presentation step by step:

1. Don’t Start with Slides – Start with Your Message

Before you jump into making slides, focus on what you want to say. If you've planned your speech
well, your slides will naturally come from that.

2. What’s Your Goal? (Title Slide)

The first slide should have:

 Your main message (e.g., "Remove Soda Vending Machines from Campus")

 Your name, class, or job title (if needed)

 Keep the font big and clear, with a pleasing color palette.

3. Why Should People Care? (Main Points)

The next slides should support your argument with strong evidence.
For example, if your topic is about stopping soda consumption, you can create a slide like this:

 Title: Why Soda is Bad for Health

 Left Side: Bullet points with facts (e.g., "Too much sugar leads to obesity and diabetes").

 Right Side: A powerful image (e.g., a visual showing how much sugar is in soda).

Make sure to cite sources if you take facts or images from the internet.

4. Call to Action (Final Slide)

This is what you want people to do.

For example:

 "Replace vending machines with healthier options like fruit juices and snacks."

 Highlight the benefits (e.g., "Better health, more energy, fewer medical issues").

 This can be combined with a simple "Thank You" slide.

5. Two Types of Presentations

 For Speaking: Fewer slides, more visuals, and less text.

 For Emailing: More slides with detailed explanations (so people can understand without you
speaking).
6. Final Touches

 Check for spelling mistakes.

 Use clean and simple visuals.

 Maybe add small animations or callouts to highlight key points.

By following this structure, you’ll have a strong and persuasive presentation that is easy to
understand and visually appealing.

Harmonizing Verbal and Non verbal Aspects in Presentations

How to Deliver a Powerful Presentation Using Slides

Now that your slides and speech are ready, it’s time to present. Here’s an easy way to make sure your
presentation is effective and engaging.

1. YOU Are the Presentation, Not the Slides

 Many people think the slides are the most important part of a presentation. But actually, you
are the main focus.

 The slides should support your message, not take attention away from you.

 If your audience spends all their time looking at the slides, they won’t focus on what you’re
saying.

2. Start Speaking First, Show Slides Later

 Don’t start your presentation by immediately showing the slides.

 Speak for the first 30-45 seconds to introduce your topic and engage your audience.

 Then, show your first slide. This way, people are already paying attention to you before they
look at the slides.

3. How to Control Attention

 If people look at the slides too much, they stop listening to you.

 Keep their focus on you by using your voice, gestures, and movement.

 Use simple phrases like:

o “Look at the top right of this slide.”

o “Let me summarize what this means for you.”

 o “I have a story to explain this better.”

 These phrases bring their attention back to you.

4. Plan for Smooth Delivery

 Use a remote control to change slides without stopping your flow.

 If you don’t have a remote, make sure your laptop is close so you don’t have to ask someone
to change slides.

 Test all equipment before your presentation to avoid problems with projectors, cables, or
Wi-Fi.

5. Avoid Common Mistakes

 Don’t stand in front of the projector—your body will block the slide, creating a distraction.

 Use the “blackout” feature (a button on remotes or projectors) to temporarily turn off the
slides when you want full attention on you.

 If technology fails, don’t panic. Speak confidently without slides if needed.

6. How to Use Slides Effectively

 Give the audience time to read important information. Say:

o “Take 20 seconds to read this.”

o Then, explain the key points.

 Don’t overload slides with too much text. Keep it simple with bullet points and visuals.

7. End Strong

 At the end of the presentation, turn off the slides and bring the focus back to you.

 Summarize your key points clearly.

 End with a strong call to action (what you want the audience to do next).

Final Tip: Practice!

 Rehearse your presentation multiple times.

 Do a test run with a friend or in front of a mirror.

 The more you practice, the more confident and natural you’ll feel.

By following these simple steps, your presentation will be smooth, engaging, and impactful! 🎤💡
 Preparing for Online Presentation

How to Prepare for an Online Presentation (In Simple Words)

Giving a presentation online is very different from presenting in person. You’re not in the same room
as your audience, and you don’t get the same kind of feedback from them. This makes it more
challenging. But don’t worry! Here are some simple tips to make your online presentation effective.

1. Understand the Online Medium

Online presentations happen through platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. Unlike
a physical meeting, you are speaking to a camera, not real people in front of you. Many participants
won’t turn on their cameras, making it hard to know if they are paying attention.

It’s like being in space with no gravity—there’s no natural feedback! Just like astronauts train for
space, you need to train yourself for online presentations.

2. Common Problems in Online Presentations

Here are some challenges you might face:

 Lack of feedback – You don’t see people’s reactions, so you don’t know if they’re engaged.

 Small screen space – People might be watching on their phones, so slides should be simple
and clear.

 Noise and distractions – People may be in noisy places or multitasking (watching WhatsApp,
Netflix, etc.).

Since you can’t control these, focus on what you can control.

3. How to Make a Good Online Presentation

To overcome these challenges, follow these steps:

a) Start Strong

 Begin by showing your face for 30–40 seconds to create a connection.

 Then, share your slides (keep them simple with big fonts and few words).

b) Keep Your Audience Engaged

 Ask for reactions – Say, "Give me a thumbs-up if you can hear me."

 Use the chat box – Ask questions and read out people’s answers.

 Speak slower than usual – Talk at 100 words per minute instead of 120.

 Pause often – This helps the audience process what you’re saying.
  Check in regularly – Say, "Are you with me? Shall I move forward?"

c) Control the Noise

 Ask everyone to stay on mute to avoid background sounds.

 If you're the host, mute anyone making noise.

 Allow questions only in the chat box to keep things clear.

d) Use Fewer Slides

 In a physical presentation, 10 slides may be fine.

 Online, reduce it to 2–3 slides with only key points.

4. Ending Your Presentation

 Summarize the main points.

 Thank your audience.

 Take questions using raised hands or the chat box.

Final Thoughts

You can’t control what your audience is doing (like watching WhatsApp), but you can control how
engaging your presentation is. Use these simple techniques, and your online presentation will be
effective and persuasive.

Practice & Feedback

Practice & Feedback – Explained in Simple Words

Why Practice is Important

Just like anything in life, practice makes you better. If you want to be good at giving presentations,
you must practice a lot. In this course, you’ve learned how to overcome nervousness, structure a
talk, create persuasive messages, and design slides. But without practice, none of this will work.

How to Get Feedback

Before you present in front of an audience, test your presentation with someone else. This could be a
family member, a friend, or even a colleague. Show them a few slides or talk about your key points
and ask, “What do you think?”

 If they look confused, it means something needs to be improved.

 If they understand, you’re on the right track.

You can also get feedback from a small group of people before showing it to a larger audience. If
possible, ask important people like your boss, teacher, or customers for their opinion. The more
feedback you get, the better your presentation will become.

How to Practice Effectively

Once your content is good, you need to practice delivering it. Here’s how:

1. Practice Alone – Stand in front of a mirror and speak.

2. Record Yourself – Watch the video to see how you sound and look.

3. Simulate the Real Situation – Pretend you are giving the real presentation. Do it in your
room or any private space.

The more times you practice, the more confident you’ll become. Your brain will get used to it, making
it easier when the real moment comes.

The 10,000-Hour Rule

There is a famous idea that says if you do something for 10,000 hours, you will become an expert at
it. Whether it’s sports, music, or public speaking—if you keep practicing and improving, you will
become great at it.

Learn from Your Mistakes

Every bad presentation is a chance to improve. Instead of feeling discouraged, think:

 What went wrong?

 How can I make it better next time?

A Real-Life Example: Free Solo

There’s a documentary called Free Solo about a climber who climbed a huge mountain called El
Capitan without any ropes. He didn’t do it randomly—he practiced for a long time, studying every
step and move. This shows that preparation and practice lead to success.

Don’t Just Wing It!

Some people think they can give a presentation without practice. That usually leads to failure.
Instead, put in the effort. If your audience sees that you are well-prepared, they will respect and
listen to you.

Final Tips:

 Practice as much as possible

 Get feedback from others

 Don’t take feedback personally—use it to improve

 Keep trying until you get better

With practice and feedback, you will not only persuade your audience but also become a better
version of yourself! 🚀
 Dress and appearance

Dress and Appearance – Explained Simply

Why Your Appearance Matters

When you give a presentation, people don’t just listen to your words—they also notice how you look
and what you wear. Your clothes send a message about you before you even start speaking.

 Your dress shows confidence and professionalism.

 It shows respect for your audience.

 It helps reduce distractions, so people focus on what you’re saying.

Dress for the Occasion

Think about how you would dress for:

1. A job interview – Most people wear formal clothes like a suit, shirt, and tie.

2. A class presentation – Many students dress too casually.

If you make an effort to look professional for an interview, why not do the same for a presentation?

Be Professional, But Comfortable

 Don't overdress – You don’t always need a suit and tie.

 Don’t underdress – Avoid clothes that are too casual or distracting.

 Think about the weather – Wearing heavy clothes in hot weather will make you sweaty and
uncomfortable.

For Men: A simple pant and shirt usually works well.

For Women: Choose professional clothes that fit your style and culture (salwar kurta, sari, or a
western suit).

It’s Not About Expensive Clothes

Looking professional doesn’t mean wearing branded or costly clothes. It’s about dressing in a way
that makes you look ready and confident.

Final Tips

✔ Be consistent – Dress professionally for all important presentations.

✔ Think about your audience – What will make them take you seriously?
✔ Remember, everything communicates – Your dress, colors, and style affect how people see you.
✔ Respect the occasion – Dress in a way that makes people want to listen to you.

Dressing well helps you look professional, feel confident, and persuade your audience better. 🚀