10 tips for better presentations
In a group setting, you can help make everyone feel included.
Por Tony Knoderer
For any Kiwanis club, communication is crucial. Without a clear understanding, engagement and enthusiasm falter — whether the club is addressing the community or someone from the community is addressing the club.
Either way, you can make sure everyone feels included during a group presentation. These 10 tips can help account for a range of factors, from audiovisual needs to diverse cultural backgrounds:
- On slides, use font sizes 18-24 points or larger.
- Elija fuentes comunes y fáciles de leer, como Arial y Georgia.
- Reduzca al mínimo el texto de las diapositivas (de seis a ocho líneas por diapositiva y no más de 30 palabras).
- Escriba en fragmentos de frases, utilizando palabras clave y listas con viñetas.
- Evite los colores fuertes y los fondos recargados.
- Stick with simple animations or don’t use them at all. Audience members with visual impairments or learning disabilities such as dyslexia could have trouble reading words that move.
- Utilizar un lenguaje inclusivo que muestre respeto por todas las personas y culturas.
- Evita el lenguaje sexista y los comentarios sexistas.
- Conozca a su público: evite los acrónimos siempre que sea posible y asegúrese de que las anécdotas o el humor son apropiados para todos.
- Si utilizas software, activa los subtítulos automáticos, si están disponibles.
Of course, one way to avoid communication mishaps is to let at least one other member preview the presentation materials (such as a script and slide deck) and then provide feedback.
Similarly, ask a guest speaker to create those materials ahead of time for review. You might even consider having the speaker sign a basic agreement that outlines expectations.
We offer more guidance — including the tips above — in our downloadable information sheet, “How to Host Inclusive Presentations.” Download a copy and share it (or the webpage link) with fellow members!
