Technology has changed the way we learn, access and store information, and how we communicate personally and professionally.  In the corporate world, PowerPoint is an expected feature of presentations.  However, most PowerPoints are poorly designed with long lists of bullet points and slides crammed with text.  This interferes with and distracts from facilitating communication.  Michael Hyatt, the President of Thomas Nelson, lists Five Rules for Better PowerPoint Presentations on his blog called Working Smart.

His blog entry includes links to other helpful websites and several good, common-sense tips…

Michael’s common-sense rules for making more effective PowerPoint presentations include:

1. Don’t give PowerPoint center stage.  PowerPoint is a tool to enhance a presentation; it should not be the presentation.  YOU, as the presenter, are the focus. A great PowerPoint cannot make up for a weak presentation.
2. Create a logical flow to your presentation.  Create an outline.  Let your audience know what you are going to say, say it, and then summarize what you just said.  Although this method seems redundant, it will reinforce your main points and help your audience say focused instead of becoming distracted.
3. Make your presentation readable. Your slides may look good on your computer, but imagine your slides being projected in a large conference room.  Ask yourself, “Will everyone, even in the back of the room, be able to read my slides?” A few things to keep in mind: avoid paragraphs or long blocks of text, use appropriate fonts, and avoid detailed reports (give a handout).
4. Remember, less is more. Sound effects, fancy slide transitions, fly-ins etc can be distracting.  Use a basic dissolve from one slide to another and have bullet points appear at once instead of one at a time. Decrease the amount of slides. Every point of your presentation does not need to be included on a slide.  Keep it simple and use slides for the major points.
5. Distribute a handout.  A handout lets people take notes, follow along and stay focused on you

To read his entire article, go HERE.