FabSwingers.com forum: Powerpoint presentation for interview

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

So I have a 2nd job inter_iew next week and the company have requested I do an presentation. No problem with that, but as far as what looks good - do any of you have any tips please?

eg. I think animations look naff so I'm steering clear of that, but anyone else recommend any do's or don'ts please?

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By *inaTitzTV/TS
over a year ago

Titz Towers, North Notts

Congrats on getting so far.

I've done a few presentations, both at Uni and in various jobs. I've found the tricks are to know the subject and be confident in it and to keep it light and to entertain.

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By *alandNitaCouple
over a year ago

Scunthorpe

Don't necessarily limit yourself to PowerPoint. . Using something different could make you stand out. One of the teachers where I work loves an online presentation software called Prezi. You would need Web access to use it, but I think you can use it for free.

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By *urreyfun2008Man
over a year ago

East Grinstead

The slides should be summaries or data to help illustrate your talk, ie complement it.

All too often presenters just repeat text on a slide which is mega boring.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Don't necessarily limit yourself to PowerPoint. . Using something different could make you stand out. One of the teachers where I work loves an online presentation software called Prezi. You would need Web access to use it, but I think you can use it for free."

My daughter showed me that last night, it does look good, but I'm under a time limit to get it done and so I think I need to concentrate on the content rather than getting to grips with new software, but yes Prezi looks great

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Think well outside of the PowerPoint Box

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By *alandNitaCouple
over a year ago

Scunthorpe

Also, don't avoid animations and transitions.. just keep them subtle and consistent through the presentation (as with themes and fonts).

I usually use the presentation to prompt me what to say, rather than provide all the detail. There's no point talking if it's all on your slide. People just think..."I can read you know"

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By *alandNitaCouple
over a year ago

Scunthorpe

If you don't mind us asking... what's the topic?

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By *offee and Cream 2Couple (MM)
over a year ago

Loughborough

Keep it simple and do it well.

Tell em what you are going to tell em

Then tell em

Then tell em what they have just heard

i.e

Introduction..... body...... summary

Good luck!

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By *onestjohn1962Man
over a year ago

Sheffield

If you want to be stand out - try PechaKucha

You just pick 20 pictures and have them on a 20 second slideshow - so you can do that in PPT

Pick images that are outstanding and use key words in your presentation.

I promise you that you will stand out from the crowd.

I can't send the website link but you can Google it or PM me and I will reply.

And GOOD LUCK !

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"If you don't mind us asking... what's the topic? "

They have given me a set of questions to answer to start with all based upon my thoughts on how to do the role, then finishing with an action plan for the first year.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think the PP presentation should be there to back up what you're saying rather than being the centre of attention.

I've used short videos and talked over them which always seemed to work well.

Good luck!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The usual guide to determine the time limit for each slide in a minute per slide and not to have too much text, as it's too much for the audience to handle whilst you're talking. Good luck.

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By *rumCoupleCouple
over a year ago

birmingham

Also prepare a handout of the presentation to pass around before you start. It can be a great aid to people who might struggle to read on a screen, and also demonstrates that you are thinking in advance - what if the projector broke ? Also maybe invest a couple of quid in a USB stick, and leave that behind. With the presentation in native format (PPT ?) and maybe PDF as well ?

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By *alandNitaCouple
over a year ago

Scunthorpe

I remember a similar thing from an inter_iew many moons ago. I was inter_iewing for network manager. For each of the questions I had to answer, I presented them with images of iconic figures with my face... ie superman, sherlock Holmes etc... got loads of laughs.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Practice so much so you know exactly when to change slides etc. YouTube graphics etc to give you ideas. Some are really cool.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

hmmm food for thought indeed. My first natural reaction would be to go with the humour, but I'm not sure how Koreans would _iew this

I better play safe and be professional me thinks!

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

Do the presentation in interpretive dance. That should ensure you stand out and they remember you

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By *ncorMan
over a year ago

Ipswich

All sounds good advice. Know your topic. Keep things simple. Be enthusiastic. Not too many slides. Talk slowly with presence.

Good luck. ??

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"hmmm food for thought indeed. My first natural reaction would be to go with the humour, but I'm not sure how Koreans would _iew this

I better play safe and be professional me thinks!"

The koreans? Hmm what kinda job we helping you get here?

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Do the presentation in interpretive dance. That should ensure you stand out and they remember you

Dare I ask what interpretive dance is

does it involve nipple tassles?

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"hmmm food for thought indeed. My first natural reaction would be to go with the humour, but I'm not sure how Koreans would _iew this

I better play safe and be professional me thinks!

The koreans? Hmm what kinda job we helping you get here?

it's all legal and above board !

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

"Do the presentation in interpretive dance. That should ensure you stand out and they remember you

Dare I ask what interpretive dance is

does it involve nipple tassles?

It could do.

From wiki:

Interpretive dance is a family of dance styles that seeks to translate particular feelings and emotions, human conditions, situations, or fantasies into movement and dramatic expression combined. It can also translate major characteristics of any traditional ethnic movements into more modern expressions through exploration of the origins, cultural influences, rhythms, movements, emotional manifestations, and intonations, as well as the stories inherent in the dances themselves. Around 1900, in the formative years of the modern dance, interpretive dance marked a departure from traditional theatricals and used classical concert music.

Likened to the higher form of arts, interpretive dance can be seen in many Broadway musicals as well as in other forms of mainstream and non-mainstream media. While it was—and most often, still is—thought of as a performing art, interpretive dance does not have to be performed with music.

Often the style includes grand, large, eloquent movements, like wide swooshes of the arms, spins, and drops to the floor. It is frequently enhanced by lavish costumes, ribbons, or spandex body suits. Interpretive dance sometimes includes costumes as many different characters.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Keep your inter_iewers involved and engaged. People often go into autopilot if they're being talked at and don't pay attention to things you're saying.

So put some comments and questions their way so it keeps them on their toes. It makes sure that you have there attention. It's also a easy way of buying some time while you collect your thoughts for the next thing you have to say.

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By *onestjohn1962Man
over a year ago

Sheffield

Don't give a handout before your presentation !!!

The audience will look at that and not at you. You can give it out when you have finished.

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By *rumCoupleCouple
over a year ago

birmingham

"Don't give a handout before your presentation !!!

The audience will look at that and not at you. You can give it out when you have finished."

So assume everyone can read at a distance, and that English is their first language ? Or am I odd in working in quite an international environment ?

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville

sounds pretty cool.

Think how they will receive it, presentations can be boring as fuck if its just 'mug and jug' - someone just chatting and chatting, so maybe try ways of having them interact or use links to demonstrate your examples?

Just ideas as 2 weeks isn't that long - but it would make it stand out..?

... how about plugging your laptop into your TV! You will get a much better idea of how it looks on a bigger screen

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By *adybee77Woman
over a year ago

MAMOBA, miles and miles of bugger all (Aberdeenshire)

Don't clutter your slides, use a consistent font and imagery throughout.

Be prepared for the technology f'ing up, so have back ups printed and ready.

Don't have too many things zooming about or changing, but just still slides are boring as well.

Good luck!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If it's for take Koreans No eating dogs jokes...and blue un fussy slide background with yellow writing is the best...don't go for flash animations but use it as a prompt for your sparkling delivery...mind you...we have known you for a while and they will be transfixed by your fabulous bangers....

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Time is drawing near.

OMG I'm getting nervous !!

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By *amslam1000Man
over a year ago

willenhall

"The slides should be summaries or data to help illustrate your talk, ie complement it.

All too often presenters just repeat text on a slide which is mega boring."

nowt worse than "Death by PowerPoint" a monotonous repetition of what is on every slide

a monotonous repetition of what is on every slide

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

That's in hand I got that one sorted

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By *ark x t cMan
over a year ago

limerick city

please do not use sound files, they are so tackey,

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By *ark x t cMan
over a year ago

limerick city

keep your text short and to the point, highlight key words, and don't waffle on and on, make sure you also have your timing right.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Congrats for getting to the inter_iew stage and good luck.

As a trained inter_iewer i can advise you to

1. Remember the inter_iew is about you and not how good your presentation looks.

2. Know your subject matter behind the presentation.

3. Keep each slide short n sweet. Highlight key words and talk around them.

4. Avoid jargon, animations and cartoons as this can distract the panel.

5. Use no more than 3 text sized and formats for the whole presentation.

6. Use about 1 slide for every 2 mins talking.

7. If youre going to use speaking notes, keep them short or bullet points too. I always type them out in a large font so i can follow them.much easier instead of fumbling through them to find my place.

I hope this helps you a wee bit and most of all STAY CALM.x

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Thanks everyone. I'm feeling a bit better now

Taking a break for a bit and watching a bit of Midsomer

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

good luck

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Bring back the days when inter_iews consisted of face to face with folk and using judgement.

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By *onestjohn1962Man
over a year ago

Sheffield

"Don't give a handout before your presentation !!!

The audience will look at that and not at you. You can give it out when you have finished.

So assume everyone can read at a distance, and that English is their first language ? Or am I odd in working in quite an international environment ?"

It's supposed to be a presentation not a reading class. And I have delivered presentations in 17 different countries - so I do know what I am talking about.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I am waiting to hear today if I have the job

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By *emmefataleWoman
over a year ago

dirtybigbadsgirlville

"I am waiting to hear today if I have the job

"
Good luck xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I am waiting to hear today if I have the job

fingers crossecsweetie!!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Ty everyone

Sounds like it's going to be right at the end of play to day! It's torture!!

Had another inter_iew yesterday and should have another two next week as well

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By *inaTitzTV/TS
over a year ago

Titz Towers, North Notts

Hope it all goes well

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I prepared my powerpoint for a 2nd inter_iew ,practised a few times and hey presto got offered the position next day

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Good Luck

Fingers and legs crossed x

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville

hope you get some good news!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"The slides should be summaries or data to help illustrate your talk, ie complement it.

All too often presenters just repeat text on a slide which is mega boring."

THIS!

Also don't mix n match fonts, styles, fly-ins etc...keep it consistent.

If you can make sure the company logo appears on each slide too...make it personal to them!

Good luck

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

What ever presentation format you use, keep it brief on the presentation as in the slide and make sure you talk off the screen. In other words one or two lines on the screen and you speak in more detail about each bit.

Also open with a question, as in asking what do people think when they hear the word or subject.... Obviously it has to tie in wih your subject. It gets people talking.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"So I have a 2nd job inter_iew next week and the company have requested I do an presentation. No problem with that, but as far as what looks good - do any of you have any tips please?

eg. I think animations look naff so I'm steering clear of that, but anyone else recommend any do's or don'ts please?

1. keep limited information on the slides and give them seperate handout which we then talk freely about

2. Layout the structure of your presentation on your opening slides informing your auidence you will allocate time for questions at the end (keeps your flow going & shows you can control the room)

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