PowerPoint presentations are a standard tool in meetings, workshops and lectures.
But all too often they lose their impact because important principles are neglected.
Here are the seven most important commandments that will help you create an impressive presentation – and really captivate your audience.

Before you start with your slides, think about the following: What is the goal of my slides?
Formulate this with the following questions:

• What should be different after the presentation?
• What was the benefit?
• What was made possible?

1. combine font and image: let them click into each other

A picture is worth a thousand words – but only if it is used sensibly.
A common problem with presentations is the discrepancy between image and text.
The first commandment therefore asks you to combine text and images in a targeted way so that they click together like two plugs.
The images should not just be decorative, but should support and complement the content.

Instead of randomly inserting images, think about each slide: Which image best illustrates my message?
Find visualizations that reinforce your key message and make it tangible for the audience.
This will not only make your presentation more informative, but also more memorable.

2. send one key message per slide

Don’t overload your slides with too much information.
The second commandment demands this: Each slide should only convey one central message.
If you try to cram too many ideas onto one slide, the effect will be diluted.
The audience will lose the central theme and clarity will be lost.

Before you start designing, think carefully about the message you want to convey for each slide.
Then reduce the content to this core idea.
Clarity is key.
With just one key message per slide, you keep the focus and help your audience to understand and remember the essentials.

3. write key messages in complete and active sentences

Short catchwords or fragmented phrases are often used in presentations.
But the third commandment recommends: Use complete sentences with subject and predicate.
Active sentences are clearer and more memorable because they tell the listener directly who is acting and what is happening.

Instead of writing “Growth and progress” on the slide, for example, actively formulate it as “Our company is continuously growing and developing.”
This is more convincing and gives your presentation a more lively and personal touch.
It also helps you to communicate your ideas precisely.

4. use animations sparingly and selectively

Animations in PowerPoint are like spices: A little can liven up the presentation, but too much spoils the taste.
The fourth commandment warns you to only use animations if they support the content and do not lead to distraction.

Too many animated transitions, text flying in or images popping up can overwhelm your audience.
Choose animations carefully, for example to present complex information step by step or to draw the audience’s attention to important points.
Less is often more – and this is especially true for animations.

5. banish attention hoggers

Visual clutter is a common mistake in PowerPoint presentations.
Logos, images and graphics that do not serve a clear purpose are called “visual noise”.
The fifth commandment demands: Banish these attention-grabbers.

Instead of overloading a slide with logos, show them once at the beginning or end and then let the actual content speak for itself.
Unnecessary visual elements are unconsciously distracting and weaken the impact of your core message.
Keep your slides clean and focused so that the audience can concentrate on the essentials.

6. plan about one minute of speaking time per slide

Time management is a decisive factor for a successful presentation.
The sixth commandment recommends: Plan about one minute of speaking time per slide.
This prevents you from lingering too long on one slide or boring your audience with too many details.

Practice your presentation and time it to make sure you have a good flow.
One minute per slide is a good guideline to keep the presentation dynamic and keep the audience interested.
If a slide takes less time, that’s fine – but make sure you keep the pace and don’t linger too long on individual points.

7. use strong images with clear functions

The last commandment demands: Only use images that have a clear function.
Images should visually support and clarify your message.
If an image does not offer any clear added value, leave it out.

Remember that images have an emotional impact and are often more memorable than words.
Therefore, use them specifically to reinforce your message and reach your audience emotionally.
Instead of using random images, choose strong, meaningful visuals that emphasize your core message and make the content clearer and more memorable.

TIP: You can find such images on Canva, for example, and we are increasingly using ChatGPT to generate specific images with AI.

With these seven commandments, you will take your PowerPoint presentations to a new level.
They will ensure that your presentation remains clear, concise and effective.
Your audience will absorb and retain the messages better – and you will be perceived as a professional, competent speaker.