This book is intended to do two things to help you maximize the effectiveness of
your presentations. The first is to focus on the best use of visual aids used in
presentations (primarily business presentations), and specifically on the use of
the Microsoft Office PowerPoint slides that are now so much a part of
presenting. This is not a technical computer guide to physically using
PowerPoint, but a guide to the creation and deployment of the right kind of
slide material. Specifically it offers advice and ideas that are realistic for
the busy executive or manager. Though very sophisticated things are possible
with PowerPoint (see page 99), everything suggested here can be implemented
simply and quickly without the cost of elaborate graphic design.

Secondly, rather than assume that readers understand the broad principles of how
to deliver a good presentation, one that is clear, informs and does so in an
interesting, perhaps memorable way, a summary of the key personal skills of
presenting are given in the Appendix. You can choose in which order to read the
book. You can start with the Appendix if you are new to the presentational
process or want to review, or recap, the core principles, and return to the
beginning of the viibook after that. Equally you can leave the Appendix until
the end and start from the beginning.

The slides shown in the book are, of necessity, in black and white, so some
imagination is required, although the principles of using colour are referred to
in context.

Key points affecting the use of visual aids in general, and PowerPoint slides in
particular, are summarized in boxes called ‘Never forget’. Making a presentation
is always an exposed position to be in. But it is also an opportunity and should
always be regarded as such. It is worth getting it right. You have to work at
making it good and take advantage of every approach that will help you do so;
making the best use of visual aids is very much part of this and can help you
maximize your effectiveness.