5 Strategies to Command Attention During Your PowerPoint Presentation

What’s behind the epidemic of costly domestic mishaps? Is it the frenetic pace of technological advancement, or the overwhelming number of tasks we juggle with limited time? Perhaps it’s a mix of both. To unravel this mystery, Lloyds TSB Bank conducted a study, revealing an intriguing insight: the average adult’s attention span has dwindled from 12 minutes a decade ago to a mere 5 minutes today. This phenomenon is especially pronounced during summer months, as most of us would rather be lounging on a beach.

If you’re gearing up for a pivotal presentation that could sway your career trajectory, and it’s scheduled for a 30-minute slot, Sean O’Brien’s words should resonate: “Given the average attention span of 5 minutes, audiences are disengaged for 84% of a 30-minute talk—unless you find ways to keep them hooked.” As the Executive Vice President of PGi, an Atlanta-based online conferencing and collaboration company, O’Brien is well-versed in captivating audiences. His advice stems from PGi’s latest e-book, ‘The Little Black Book of Presentation Ideas’, available for free download on their website.

1. Reconsider the Need for Slides: O’Brien cautions, “PowerPoint is the go-to because it’s simple and ubiquitous, but it won’t set you apart. Audiences have seen the same format countless times, leading to ‘slide fatigue’.” Alternatives like Prezi, Easel.ly, or SlideRocket offer fresh visual dynamics and ease of use.

He adds, quoting Steve Jobs, who famously said, “People who know what they’re talking about don’t need PowerPoint.” Furthermore, surveys indicate that 41% of American workers would rather do taxes or visit the dentist than sit through another slide show, with 62% admitting to having nodded off or left meetings due to tedious presentations.

2. Keep Slides Minimal and Impactful: If slides are necessary, make each count. “Your opening slide must be exciting, leveraging visuals and concise language,” suggests O’Brien. Limit yourself to five to ten slides for a half-hour talk. He emphasizes, “Thirty slides in thirty minutes is a recipe for disaster. Each slide should have one key point, no more than 15 words.” Succinctness is key to retaining interest.

3. Harness Uncommon Fonts and Colors: Experiment with fonts beyond the defaults in Microsoft Office or Keynote. Websites like Dafont, 1001 Free Fonts, Fontsbytes, and Fonts.com provide variety. “Widen letter spacing and ensure text size is readable from the back of the room,” O’Brien advises. Color psychology matters too; red denotes power and urgency, blue conveys calm, and orange symbolizes energy and passion. Use colors intentionally to evoke specific emotions.

4. Personalize and Engage: “Exceptional presentations create an emotional connection by sharing personal anecdotes, favorite quotes, or a glimpse into your personal life,” says O’Brien. However, moderation is crucial. Sheryl Sandberg’s iconic 2010 TED Talk, which inspired her book ‘Lean In’, is a testament to the power of vulnerability and humor sans any slides.

5. Break the Fourth Wall: Ever been in a lecture where the professor randomly calls on students? This age-old technique keeps everyone on their toes. Translate this to presentations by encouraging interruptions for questions or by involving random audience members in discussions.

Some speakers, like former GE CEO Jack Welch, use Twitter to field questions live during their talks, heightening engagement and focus. It’s a bold move, but in today’s era, it’s a surefire way to command undivided attention.