Creating a PowerPoint presentation is a relatively simple task. Add a few pieces of Clipart, a little WordArt and some text to a few slides and you have a slideshow. However, creating an attractive and useful presentation can be challenging. Creativity plays an important role in producing an alluring environment. Research plays a crucial role in ensuring that your information is both useful, accurate and up to date. Planning is critical if you are to convince your audience that you are both prepared and competent. These are just a few of the challenges that you must face if you are to deliver a successful presentation.

Target an audience– Different audiences will be impressed by different imagery and content. Children will be impressed with relatively simple slides containing more graphics and less text. Conversely, adult audiences will probably require the reverse. If the show is only for your personal perusal, information that you might use later might prove helpful.

Exhaustively research your topic to ensure that you have enough information– Surf the Internet and/or peruse library resources to ensure that you will be able to effectively present information within a specified time allowance. Always present current and useful information.

Brainstorm ideas for theme imagery – Surf the Internet, view books and/or magazines, check the Paint Shop Pro picture tubes and scan the clipart library. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Ungroup clipart objects using only the parts that you need. Crop images to fit your needs. Use only crisp, clear graphics. Last, but by no means least, use your imagination.

Determine a navigation design- Slideshows may be set to play automatically using preset timings or on a mouse/button click. Other methods might include clearly defined universal buttons that either move the viewer forward, back, to a table of contents, to the Internet, or to an entirely different application.

Rate the importance of adding imagery to a master slide – Weigh the importance of using special items on all slides. A master slide might include your name centered on the bottom or a logo in an upper corner. Just remember any items placed in a master slide will appear on all slides in the designated area and should be kept visible.

Begin building– There’s no place to start like at the beginning, but consider creating several slides especially if you plan to use a slide master to see if you like the layout.

Assess consistency to ensure smooth transitions between slides – Similar to writing a research paper, assess the transitions from one slide to the next. Does the slide order make sense or are there abrupt breaks in the ideas and/or concepts? Will the viewer be able to comprehend how one slide connects to the next? Smooth transitions ensure understanding.

Ensure credit is given to deserving sources - Ensure that you reward people for their efforts if your you use their ideas, sounds, graphics, text and/or any other possible item. Not only is this polite, but it also ensures that you will not be questioned for stealing someone else’s work.