3 Things You’re Doing Wrong in Your Slide Deck
PowerPoint presentations can sometimes get bogged down by formatting issues that interrupt workflow and impact quality. Here are some solutions to the most common PowerPoint formatting questions, so you can streamline your presentation and keep the focus on content. This article focuses on PowerPoint (more on other competitors further down), but the tips apply to all slide deck formats.
~Lauren McCullough, Co-Founder & Creative Director
1. File Size Is Too Big to Email
One of the most common PowerPoint headaches is an oversized file that’s too big to email. Start by checking if there are multiple, unnecessary slide masters, which can add weight to your file. Go to View > Slide Master and clean up any redundant slide designs.
To shrink file size further, compress images by selecting File > Compress Pictures then scroll to “Picture Quality,” select the desired compression level, and check “Delete cropped areas of pictures”. This reduces the overall presentation size without compromising quality.
2. Fixing Lost Page Numbers and Dates (i.e., Editing the Footer in Slide Master)
PowerPoint footers can sometimes disappear or fail to update across slides, especially with multiple slide masters. To resolve this, go to View > Slide Master and edit the footer for consistency. If page numbers or dates are missing, enable them under Insert > Header & Footer, check the boxes for date and slide number, and apply them to all slides.
3. Slide is Too Text Heavy
When there’s too much text on a slide, the font often ends up too small, making it difficult to read. Instead of crowding the slide, move additional information to the Notes section. This way, you have the necessary details to refer to during your presentation, but the slide itself remains clean and focused on the most important points.
What about Google Slides and Keynote?
While Google Slides and Keynote each have their own advantages, PowerPoint often stands out as the best tool for crafting professional presentations. PowerPoint offers a more robust set of features, including extensive design and formatting options, advanced animations, and powerful data visualization tools like SmartArt and chart customization. PowerPoint’s customizability and professional polish make it an excellent choice for those who need more control over every aspect of their presentation design, setting it apart from the more simplified features in Google Slides and Keynote.
By following these formatting tips, you can keep your PowerPoint presentations clean, professional, and easy to share. Focus on simplicity and clarity, and let PowerPoint work as an aid to your message—not a distraction from it!