Welcome PowerPoint And Presentation Skills: Let’s Go Back In

Welcomepowerpoint Andpresentation Skillslets Go Back In Timereme

Welcome!! PowerPoint and presentation skills! Let’s go BACK in time: Remember YOUR “whyâ€! WHY were your topic and your research question important to YOU? What SERVICE did you want to perform by conducting this research? How can you best tell that “story,†and the “story†of what you learned? What “story†will YOU tell about YOUR topic? STOP AND JOT IT DOWN – you will need it! Stories: Your story will be like a story for children in some ways! It will: • lay out the problem your research wanted to mitigate or solve • give information you learned about the problem from the research • end with your recommendation BASED on the research It will: - lay out the problem your research wanted to mitigate or solve - give information you learned about the problem from the research - end with your recommendation BASED on the research Oh wow!!!

Doesn’t that sound a LOT like the discussion section you just wrote??? Hmmmm I think it does! You just need to turn that into an impactful presentation! HOW??? First, let’s make sure your PowerPoint has IMPACT (leads to action) Presentation Action Your presentation needs to tell YOUR “story†in a way that makes people want to take some form of action as a result.

Now, let’s see HOW you can tell it BEST! 1st prize Watch a video! APA PowerPoint Design What do these have in common? H. A. T. S. • Headings - for easy navigation H. A. T. S. • Headings - for easy navigation • Access - for finding and understanding • Typeface - for ease of reading H. A. T. S. • Headings - for easy navigation • Access - for finding and understanding • Typeface - for ease of reading • Space - for effective document design H. A. T. S. • Headings - for easy navigation • Access - for finding and understanding • Typeface - for ease of reading • Space - for effective document design Let’s take a look!

Compare the 4 following slides They have the SAME exact words! 1. Pay attention to: Headings to promote easy navigation Access to promote the finding and understanding of information Typography to promote ease of reading and clear levels of information hierarchy Space to promote effective document design 2. Pay attention to headings to promote easy navigation, access to promote the finding and understanding of information, typography to promote ease of reading and clear levels of information hierarchy, and space to promote effective document design. 3. Pay attention to: Headings to promote easy navigation Access to promote the finding and understanding of information Typography to promote ease of reading and clear levels of information hierarchy Space to promote effective document design 4. Pay attention to: Headings to promote easy navigation Access to promote the finding and understanding of information Typography to promote ease of reading and clear levels of information hierarchy Space to promote effective document design Below they are featured on a single slide Which is hardest, and which is easiest to read, and WHY? 1. Pay attention to: Headings to promote easy navigation Access to promote the finding and understanding of information Typography to promote ease of reading and clear levels of information hierarchy Space to promote effective document design 3. Pay attention to: Headings to promote easy navigation Access to promote the finding and understanding of information Typography to promote ease of reading and clear levels of information hierarchy Space to promote effective document design 4. Pay attention to: Headings to promote easy navigation Access to promote the finding and understanding of information Typography to promote ease of reading and clear levels of information hierarchy Space to promote effective document design 2. Pay attention to headings to promote easy navigation, access to promote the finding and understanding of information, typography to promote ease of reading and clear levels of information hierarchy, and space to promote effective document design.

Slides are a backdrop to your words Slides are a backdrop to your words Your slide Slides are a backdrop to your words Your slide YOU! Slides almost NEVER need to stand alone Slides almost NEVER need to stand alone yawn They need YOU to tell the story GAME! Compare slides • Look at the following 3 pairs of slides GAME! Compare slides • Look at the following 3 pairs of slides • For each pair, identify the ways in which the second one is a “slam dunk†(or better)? Our 20th President • PDie He served as president for only 6 months, from March 4, 1881, until his assassination later that year James A. Garfield 20th U.S. President 6-month term 3/1881 to 9/1881 (assassinated) James A. Garfield H.A.T.S. Headings Access Typeface Space H.A.T.S. Headings Access Typeface Space The Apes of Africa • The following presentation is about the apes of Africa. • It looks at the differences in ape behavior depending on their gender. • It explores the cause of the reduction in ape population. Apes of Africa • differences in behavior by gender • cause of reduction in population What did you notice about the 2nd slide in each pair? Be “LEAN and MEAN!!!†• LESS isMORE! Be “LEAN and MEAN!!!†• LESS isMORE! • Each word costs you… Be “LEAN and MEAN!!!†• LESS isMORE! • Each word costs you ! Font sizes Which do you think is the smallest everyone can reasonably see 44 point 40 point 36 point 32 point 28 point 24 point 20 point A B C D E F G Font sizes 44 point 40 point 36 point 32 point 28 point 24 point 20 point A B C D E F G Your answer may have been different! Please do not go below this anyway!

Parallel Construction Which of these sets of lines is parallel? A B C D Puppies are 1. Cute 2. Frisky 3. I love them Which is NOT parallel? Puppies are 1. Cute 2. Frisky 3. I love them Can you fix it? Puppies are 1. Cute 2. Frisky 3. Lovable Patient factors in medical care 1. Type of insurance 2. Is the doctor qualified 3. Pre-existing conditions Which is not parallel? Patient factors in medical care 1. Type of insurance 2. Is the doctor qualified 3. Pre-existing conditions Can you fix it? Patient factors in medical care 1. Type of insurance 2. Doctor qualifications 3. Pre-existing conditions Develop YOUR PowerPoint to tell YOUR story! Workshop! Time to check Time to check 1. Few words per slide, any art or graphics are relevant, and professional. (slides are a backdrop to what you say, not substituting for what you say) 2. Type size is a minimum of 32 points even in graphics Font type is the same throughout the presentation Time to check 1. Few words per slide, any art or graphics are relevant, and professional. (slides are a backdrop to what you say, not substituting for what you say) 2. Type size is a minimum of 32 points even in graphics Font type is the same throughout the presentation 3. Bulleted lists are prepared in parallel construction (see your Manual) Time to check 1. Few words per slide, any art or graphics are relevant, and professional. (slides are a backdrop to what you say, not substituting for what you say) 2. Type size is a minimum of 32 points even in graphics Font type is the same throughout the presentation 3. Bulleted lists are prepared in parallel construction (see your Manual) 4. All slides lead to main point the presenter wants to make Oral Presentations Now, for the fun part! WAIT!!! FUN???? I’m TERRIFIED of presenting!!! Oral Presentations Now, for the fun part! WAIT!!! FUN???? I’m TERRIFIED of presenting!!! Oral Presentations Now, for the fun part! WAIT!!! FUN???? I’m TERRIFIED of presenting!!! Let’s see if we CAN make it fun!! When you hear oral presentations: What do you REALLY not like? Make a list! Oral Presentations What do you REALLY not like?• Reading from the slide • No eye contact • Too quiet • No expression – all one tone • Too many “umâ€s • Other?? Oral Presentations What do you REALLY not like? If you don’t like it….. Advice: Oral Presentations What do you REALLY not like? Don’t do it!!!! If you don’t like it….. Now: Start planning! Start the timer for yourself! NO MORE THAN 5MINUTES!!! Rubric for PowerPoints Please check off where your PowerPoint is on each criterion in this rubric and submit it with your assignment Criteria Excellent Not yet excellent Not yet satisfactory Few words per slide, any art or graphics are relevant, and professional (slides are a backdrop to what you say, not substituting for what you say) Few words per slide, and art is relevant and professional Few words in some slides, or some art is not professional Most/all slides wordy, or much of the art is not professional Type size is a minimum of 32 points even in graphics Font type is the same throughout the presentation Type size is a minimum of 32 points even in graphics Font type is the same throughout the presentation Type size is a minimum of 32 points even in graphics in most slides or font type is the same throughout the presentation in most slides Type size is a minimum of 32 points even in graphics, in few slides or font type is the same throughout the presentation in few slides Bulleted lists are prepared in parallel construction (see your Manual) Bulleted lists are prepared in parallel construction Some bulleted lists are prepared in parallel construction Few bulleted lists are prepared in parallel construction All slides lead to main point the presenter wants to make All slides lead to main point the presenter wants to make Some slides lead to main point the presenter wants to make Few slides lead to main point the presenter wants to make

Paper For Above instruction

Effective presentation skills are fundamental for communicating research findings and persuasive storytelling in academic and professional settings. The core of a compelling presentation lies in clearly telling the story of the research—its purpose, the problem it addresses, the key insights gained, and the recommended actions based on the findings. This process involves crafting a narrative that engages the audience emotionally and intellectually, motivating them to take purposeful action. In this paper, I explore strategies for developing impactful PowerPoint presentations and delivering effective oral presentations that resonate with audiences, facilitate understanding, and inspire action.

Introduction

PowerPoint presentations serve as visual backdrops that enhance oral delivery, rather than replacing it. To maximize their impact, slides should be minimalistic, relevant, and professionally designed, with consistent font sizes and styles, and a logical flow that guides the audience through the narrative. Similarly, oral presentations require intentional planning, engaging delivery techniques, and the avoidance of common pitfalls such as reading directly from slides, a lack of eye contact, or monotone speaking. The integration of visual and verbal elements is crucial for an effective presentation that makes a lasting impression.

Storytelling in Presentations

The essence of storytelling within presentations is rooted in the research’s “why” and the subsequent journey of discovery. Begin by reflecting on why the research mattered—what motivated the researcher to pursue this topic and how it served a purpose beyond academia, such as addressing community issues or solving a significant problem. This personal connection cultivates authenticity and passion, which are vital for audience engagement. The narrative then progresses by highlighting the problem, presenting key findings derived from research, and culminating in practical recommendations. This structured approach ensures clarity and impact, turning technical content into a compelling story.

By framing research as a story that mitigates or solves a problem, presents new data, and offers solutions, presenters can create a memorable and convincing message. Incorporating relatable language and a logical progression enhances understanding and retention.

Design Principles for PowerPoint

Designing impactful PowerPoint slides entails adherence to specific principles exemplified by the HATS model: Headings, Access, Typeface, and Space. Headings facilitate navigation and comprehension, guiding the audience through sections. Clear, legible typefaces at a minimum of 32 points ensure readability even from the back of a room. Consistency in font style maintains professionalism throughout the presentation. Use of relevant graphics and minimal text prevents cognitive overload, emphasizing key points without unnecessary clutter. Proper use of space and visual hierarchy enhances clarity and aesthetic appeal.

Effective slides are “lean and mean,” meaning their content is concise and directly supports the speaker’s message. Avoiding wordy slides and overused graphics sustains the audience’s interest and attention.

Effective Oral Delivery

Public speaking anxiety is common, but preparation and adherence to best practices can transform the presentation experience into an engaging and even enjoyable activity. Key tips include avoiding reading from slides verbatim, making consistent eye contact, employing expressive voice modulation, and minimizing filler words such as “um”s. Practice timing to ensure each presentation stays within a designated five-minute window, allowing sufficient coverage of key points without rushing. Using storytelling techniques and visual cues enhances audience connection and comprehension.

Planning is essential; creating an outline, rehearsing aloud, and seeking feedback can significantly boost confidence and delivery quality.

Assessment and Improvement

Using rubrics that evaluate clarity, professionalism, and coherence ensures continuous improvement. Criteria such as relevance of visuals, consistency in font size and style, parallel construction of bullet points, and alignment of slides with the main message are essential benchmarks. Being “lean and mean,” and ensuring every element supports the main point, enhances the overall effectiveness of the presentation.

Feedback from peers, self-evaluations, and recorded practice sessions are invaluable tools for refining presentation skills. Emphasizing audience-centered delivery—reading the room, adjusting tone, and engaging listeners—turns a standard presentation into an impactful communication experience.

Conclusion

Mastering presentation skills involves a strategic combination of storytelling, sound design principles, and confident delivery. As presenters, embracing the narrative of the research, crafting professional slides grounded in the HATS model, and practicing engaging delivery techniques can elevate any presentation from merely informative to truly influential. Ultimately, effective presentations inspire audiences to reflect, inquire, and act—making them powerful tools for knowledge dissemination and change.

References

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