PowerPoint: How to Create Better Presentations

Have you ever attended an event where a PowerPoint presentation truly impressed you? Do you use PowerPoint to present information but feel you have not yet reached your creative peak?

If so, read on for practical tips to help you create more engaging and professional Microsoft Office presentations.

PowerPoint is presentation software that allows you to create visually compelling slides for schools, businesses, conferences and seminars. By combining visual and audio elements, a well-designed PowerPoint presentation conveys information far more effectively than plain text alone.

Here are our top tips for improving your PowerPoint presentations:

Learn How to Use PowerPoint Properly

The better you understand PowerPoint, the more you can get out of it. Start by familiarising yourself with the key terms and functions: how to switch themes, use the toolbars effectively and navigate the ribbon interface.

There are plenty of online courses and video tutorials available. You do not need to be a professional designer, but knowing the tool well gives you a clear advantage. PowerPoint is included in packages such as Office 2019 Professional Plus and Office 2021 Professional Plus, both of which are available as permanent licences from Licendi.

Consider Your Audience

Before you start designing slides, think about who will be watching. Ask yourself: How old is my audience? What is their background?

For a younger audience, keep the tone engaging and use relatable language. For an older or more formal audience, aim for a respectful but lively approach. For academic settings, use precise but accessible terminology. Understanding your audience helps you tailor both content and design.

Use PowerPoint Templates

Rather than starting from a blank slide, take advantage of templates. There are thousands of professionally designed PowerPoint templates available online, covering a wide range of styles and themes. Templates save time and give your presentation a polished look from the outset.

Keep It Simple

The most effective presentations are simple and focused. If you overload slides with text and complex graphics, you risk losing your audience. Stick to one idea per slide, use bullet points instead of long sentences, and avoid ambiguous wording. To learn more about what is included in different Office editions, see our guide on the differences between Office Home & Student 2019 and Office Home & Business 2019.

Keep It Brief

In our increasingly digital world, the average attention span is remarkably short. Aim for roughly one minute per slide. Use short sentences of no more than eight words each, and limit yourself to a maximum of six bullet points per slide.

Choose Images and Design Carefully

The best presentations create an emotional connection with the audience. Select graphics that reinforce your message and ensure that colours, fonts and bullet-point styles remain consistent across all slides. Depending on your topic, inspirational or nature-themed images often work well.

Add Animation Sparingly

Animation can add a creative touch and recapture attention at key moments. However, keep it subtle. Overly flashy transitions distract from your content rather than enhancing it.

Use Contrasting Colours

Choose simple colour combinations that make your text easy to read. The text colour should contrast strongly with the background. For instance, white text on a dark background works well. Avoid using similar colours for text and background, as this makes your slides difficult to read.

Make It Uniquely Yours

Bring in personal experiences or tell stories to teach your audience something new. When you express your personality through your slides, you create a more memorable and enjoyable experience. A touch of humour goes a long way, too.

Explore and Practise

There are no rigid rules for creating PowerPoint presentations. Experiment with layouts, effects and storytelling techniques. Practising your presentation beforehand helps you understand the flow of your slides, reduces nervousness and allows you to present with confidence. For more about the latest features available in Office, read our article on what is new in the Office 2021 Standard package.

Ready to upgrade your productivity suite? Browse all Microsoft Office licences at Licendi and find the right package for your needs.

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