For me in any presentation the visuals should do the talking and hence the following are my personal favorites:-
have appropriate universally accepted icons.
using good information graphics to transform boring statistics to eye-catchy content with data visualization, disciplined array of text, and professional colour schemes.
vector graphics is yet another personal favorite as it is editable and good enough to catch attention but not to get lost in the imagery.
simple skeuomorphism can be helpful too (I personally don't prefer it much in anything which is serious as the way I process information digitally and physically is quite different.)
big fan of flat designs in presentations (Good bye to plain text and bullet points with this.)
typography will add so much of emphasis and personality to your words, after all words is what is going to stay with your audience. Tap the power of it. (Imagine the word 'Love' written plainly and where it is written with 'o' in the form of a heart won't you instantly feel more loved.)
powerful images can help you invoke deep emotions in your audience mind.
Content - Clear message, structure and less is more should be the thumb rule.
For me in any presentation the visuals should do the talking and hence the following are my personal favorites:-
have appropriate universally accepted icons.
using good information graphics to transform boring statistics to eye-catchy content with data visualization, disciplined array of text, and professional colour schemes.
vector graphics is yet another personal favorite as it is editable and good enough to catch attention but not to get lost in the imagery.
simple skeuomorphism can be helpful too (I personally don't prefer it much in anything which is serious as the way I process information digitally and physically is quite different.)
big fan of flat designs in presentations (Good bye to plain text and bullet points with this.)
typography will add so much of emphasis and personality to your words, after all words is what is going to stay with your audience. Tap the power of it. (Imagine the word 'Love' written plainly and where it is written with 'o' in the form of a heart won't you instantly feel more loved.)
powerful images can help you invoke deep emotions in your audience mind.
Content - Clear message, structure and less is more should be the thumb rule.
Strive for lean content and 3-D graphics that are relevant to your topic. Use an interactive infographic if possible and tell a story rather than relate content.
Whatever the presentation techniques you adopt the main attention should be paid to be in natural while presenting. Nowadays technology has been contributing a lot to make people smarter presenter but without blending the proper pedagogy with that technology no success would come. Being natural, using known words and life related examples, communicating tot he audiences with proper body language might help one significantly to be a good presenter.
PowerPoint presentation is best because 1) it is visual and enables your audience to understand your viewpoint;2) shows that you are confident in handling latest technology.But let not technology substitute for knowledge.Keep your points brief and with a pointer explain each point.But first learn how much time you will be allotted.That will enable you to be better prepared.
While I agree with the recommendations others have helpfully contributed, one technique I started to use a few years ago has not yet been suggested. That is, embedding in my PowerPoints links to engaging short videos on the topic, followed by my learners' small group reflective discussion reaction to the videos, increases their interest and participation in the lesson. Thanks for asking the questions and to all for sharing ideas on this topic.
I also use YouTube videos during my lections but mainly as a background. I control the movie by often stopping it (scrolling backwards and forwards) and commenting on the content.
I also use cloud techniques during lections - I upload the current lecture on GoogleDrive in advance so my students (and I) can also watch it on-line on their (and my) smartphones; this gives some extra convenience.
During the lecture, I connect my laptop to the multimedia projector by wireless so I can move around the lecture hall between my students. In addition, I use a wireless mouse which gives me extra mobility.
A few years ago I tried to involve my students to our ResearchGate discussions by writing comments on-line during lectures and labs... as in the links below:
To have an "eye to eye contact with audience" (Sadhana), I look both at the projector screen and students (not at the laptop screen) when presenting... and point on the screen by the mouse...
If you want to make an impact, avoid the conventional tools people use - especially Powerpoint. PPP, (Powerpoint Poisoning) is a nauseous state of mind and body induced by viewing "professional presentations."
My top tip would be to incorporate tangible, specifically related objects if at all possible. For example, on a seminar with "Change" as the topic, I use these two ax heads to show the rate of change over 400,00 years, in South London.
The purpose of that is to reassure people that our current environment is not normal in terms of rate of change.
Content is king. Make it interesting. Talk to people who are at the top of their specialism. Ask them questions, and drop these in.
The slicker it is, the fewer will be interested. Make it real and interactive. Share insights with people.
Know what you want to accomplish before your presentation
Always make sure that you know your audience and establish a relationship with them.
Excellent visual and verbal presentations that are not appropriate for the audience are of no value.
How does this topic relate to what the participant wants or needs to know?
What is the knowledge base of the participants related to this topic?
Why are the participants here?
What do the participants expect from this presentation?
Connect with them...
What do you know about their similarities? Are they all teachers, physicians, fans, students,
Mention their town...did their basketball team just will the Big East tournament? Is their area known for something. Tell them something great about their town or state that they don't know.
Receptivity of the participants:
Are they refreshed, or is it the end of the day? Adjust the presentation accordingly...maybe shorter slides or visuals that pop interspersed frequently, more participant participation, games or funny anecdotes or puzzles to engage them and break up the presentation.
Have they just eaten? Remember the carbohydrate slump. If you are unfortunate enough to have a speaking slot just after the conference lunch or dinner, be prepared to lose some participant engagement and try using interesting ways to get them involved. Ask questions and include prizes or other fun ideas to keep them interested.
Avoid distractions: Consider comfortable environment (seating, lighting, sound, visibility, tables or chairs? Tables and water and mints are welcome and promote relaxation. Pay attention to your mannerisms, nothing worse than a clicking pen or over use of phrases " you know" or "um"
Get feedback during the presentation, not just after....ask questions..Is there anything else that you would like to know?
Be personal...introduce yourself and validate your expertise, share something personal
Tell them what you are going to do. People like to know where they are going when they take a trip. Let them think of your presentation as a trip and let them know where they will end up and what they will end up with.