PMI-PM Network: “Improve the powerpoint skills of a project manager”

In the number of PM Network September 2011 (www.pmi.com), there is a very interesting and useful article “Improve your powerpoint skills” addressed to Project Managers, with a collection of recommendations.

             

I proposo you to access to it and read it complete details, but I want to list some of them:

• Don’t rush it. Like a project, presentation should begin with a plan
• Don’t overuse jargon. Too many project management terms will only befuddle most audiences
• The fewer slides, the better. Project managers should keep presentations brief – particularly when presenting to internal stakeholders such as executives
• Use storytelling techniques. When presenting to external stakeholders, including the public, project managers often are trying to build relationships
• Focus on the essentials. Limit each slide to no more than two takeaways
• Pay attention to alignment. “Turn on the gridlines in PowerPoint”
• Take the readability test. Print out your deck and place those sheets of paper on the floor
• Make adjustments – even mid – presentations

 

And be sure to avoid:

• Use of fonts hard to read
• Poor color combinations
• Too much text per slide
• Tacky clip art