{"id":3545,"date":"2016-01-08T17:32:49","date_gmt":"2016-01-08T17:32:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theswitch.us\/blog\/?p=3545"},"modified":"2016-01-26T16:13:19","modified_gmt":"2016-01-26T16:13:19","slug":"build-a-better-deck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/switch.us\/blog\/build-a-better-deck\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Build a Better Deck: PowerPoint 101"},"content":{"rendered":"

Public speaking is the most common fear in the U.S.<\/a>, ranking above heights, bugs and even drowning. While the local Toastmasters chapter might help you polish those speaking skills, nothing cuts confidence like a defective deck.<\/p>\n

As a professional deck designer, I understand and respect the power of a presentation. But I\u2019m also hyper aware of the destructive power of subpar design and performance. Even the most enlightening information can be tarnished by silly mistakes. In this post, I share my best practices for not only building clean, informative presentation decks, but also tips for a smooth delivery.<\/p>\n

Step away from the computer<\/h1>\n

One cause of uninspiring decks is the lack of preparation. How much time will you have to present? Will you be using your own laptop, or will there be a show laptop? Mac or PC? Knowing the answer to these questions prevents you from running into embarrassing issues down the road.<\/p>\n

To ensure your presentation will fit within in the timeframe allotted, write out what you want to say before you create a single slide. Transferring the message from your head to paper forces you to carefully organize how you want to convey your points.<\/p>\n

Create your slides to size<\/h1>\n

Over the past couple decades, our monitors, laptops and TVs have evolved from 4:3 dimensions to 16:9, accommodating HD widescreen footage. However, the default size for a PowerPoint file is still 4:3, more reminiscent of older tube TVs. You can change the dimensions manually, which grants more real estate to populate and sizes it to match any videos that may be added to your deck.<\/p>\n

When setting up a PPT for 16:9, use these custom settings:<\/p>\n

For PC, select \u201cDesign\u201d from the top menu. Then choose Slide Side > Custom Slide Size and set Width to 13.333 inches. Leave Height at 7.5 inches.<\/p>\n

\"pc-ppt-setup\"<\/a><\/p>\n

On a Mac, go to Theme > Slide Size > Page Setup and set Width to 13.333 inches. Leave Height at 7.5 inches.<\/p>\n

\"mac-ppt-setup\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The reason for this is two-fold; one, should you need to convert the deck to 4:3, all your images maintain their vertical height. Two, if you have embedded a 1280×720 video, it will play in full screen.<\/p>\n

Slide design<\/h1>\n

PowerPoint is a visual tool. It\u2019s a supportive element for engagement and clarity that hinges on design. But not everyone knows basic design guidelines. Based on the company, audience, message, event type and more, variations may occur. But a few basic guidelines include:<\/p>\n