L06: Graphics and PowerPoint with a Leadership Edge

L06: Graphics and PowerPoint with a Leadership Edge

As being mentioned on the step of presentation, adding appropriate graphics to a presentation could help individual reach audience easily. The leaders can use graphics to improve presentations and documents, particularly if the material is structural, so complicated that it can be illustrated more efficiently and more effectively with a visual aid that with words alone. When select appropriately and designed carefully, graphics embody and carry the meanings that create the messages. Also, leaders use visuals that are integral to the communication of their intended meanings.

Also, graphics will contribute to the success of the oral and written communication because it makes presentation more persuasive. Knowing how to deliver messages effectively with words and pictures is a powerful tool for leader.

When using graphics and PowerPoint in the presentation, they should always be purposeful. In other words, graphics should make the content more understandable; emphasize the main ideas expressed by the speaker. Concept graphics are also useful in clarifying ideas and in creating mental pictures for the audience. Graphics normally work better to help an audience understand relationships and concepts of presentation.

For graphics adding to the presentation, the data and text charts should be simple enough for audience to understand easily, and convey the messages clearly and effectively to the audiences. Individual should ensure choosing the most effective colors and fonts, which do not distract audiences.

To summarize, the goal of having graphics in presentation is to aid the audiences in understanding the data and central message of presentation. Graphics should be chosen purposefully and make the presentation more persuasive. Leaders should use graphics to support the message and PowerPoint as the tool it is intended to be. Using correct graphics design will provide a leadership edge and help individual project a positive ethos.

Question

1. What are the fundamental graphic content & design principles?

Designing a slide:

§  Keep it simple: Remember “Less is more” 

§  Have only one message per slide

§  Make sure the slide title captures the “so what?” 

§  Select graphics that support the message 

§  Use shading to guide audience to the message

§  Use animation only if it reinforces the message

Using colors in slides:

·      Dark background (dark blue to black)

·      White, cream, yellow, or gold font

·      Arial or similar sans serif font

·      At least 20 point font size for text, depending on size of the room

·      28+ font size for titles, depending on room

Colors and fonts to avoid:

·      White background

·      Black serif font

·      All Uppercase in titles or text

·      Initial caps except in titles

·      Underlining of text

·      Red font on blue backgrounds

2. What is the purpose of graphics in presentation?

 The graphics in the presentation serve the following purposes

§  Reinforce the message 

§  Provide a roadmap to the structure

§  Illustrate relationships or concepts visually

§  Support an assertion

§  Emphasize important ideas

§  Maintain and enhance interest

3. What are the effective data charts?

§  Pie - Compare proportions and relative amounts

§  Bar or Column -Convey absolute value data, relative sizes, or close comparisons

§  Histograms- Show what’s typical or exceptional

§  Line - Demonstrate trends or interactions between variables

§  Scatter Plot - Illustrate how well one thing predicts another