Effective Business Presentations with Powerpoint

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/powerpoint-presentations

Introduction

### Course Review: Effective Business Presentations with PowerPoint #### Overview In today's data-driven world, the ability to present information effectively can significantly impact one’s career. One course that stands out in enhancing these essential skills is **Effective Business Presentations with PowerPoint**, offered by Coursera and created by the renowned firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). This course provides a comprehensive framework for transforming raw data into compelling stories and equips participants with the skills to communicate effectively and confidently in professional settings. #### Course Highlights The course is structured around three main components: 1. **Preparing a Presentation** 2. **Communication Styles** 3. **Delivering a Presentation** Within these modules, participants learn how to structure presentations thoughtfully, craft compelling narratives, and design visually appealing slides that engage an audience. #### In-Depth Review of Modules **1. Preparing a Presentation** This module sets the foundation by focusing on how to structure presentations that tell a story. Participants are introduced to essential data representation techniques, ensuring that insights are both clear and persuasive. The emphasis on design principles ensures that the visual aspects of slides enhance comprehension rather than detract from it. **2. Communication Styles** Understanding different communication styles is vital in a corporate environment. This module offers invaluable insights into enhancing one's professional presence and mastering verbal and non-verbal communication. The exploration of cultural differences in communication is particularly beneficial for professionals working in diverse environments, making this segment both relevant and applicable. **3. Delivering a Presentation** The highlight of the course comes with the hands-on experience in crafting and delivering a presentation. Participants are guided to create a 10-slide presentation based on a given client profile and business problem, utilizing Excel charts and PowerPoint tools. The peer review process incorporated allows learners to refine their skills and gain constructive feedback, refining their delivery and presentation tactics. #### Key Learning Outcomes By the end of the course, participants will: - Gain foundational skills in public speaking and storytelling that will benefit their professional interactions. - Become proficient in using PowerPoint to create engaging and professional presentations. - Learn how to apply critical communication strategies tailored to audience needs. - Develop an executive presence that enhances their impact during client-facing meetings. #### Peer Interaction and Feedback An impressive feature of this course is the ability to receive peer feedback on presentations. This collaborative element not only fosters a sense of community among learners but also enhances the learning experience by allowing individuals to learn from each other’s strengths and areas for improvement. #### Recommendations I highly recommend the **Effective Business Presentations with PowerPoint** course for anyone looking to polish their presentation skills, whether for career advancement or personal development. This course stands out not just for its solid curriculum but also for the practical, hands-on approach it employs. Completing this course will empower professionals to present data-driven insights with confidence and clarity, an invaluable skill in today’s competitive business landscape. Consider enrolling in this course if you want to elevate your presentation abilities and learn from a leader in the field. With the right guidance and practice, you will be well on your way to delivering impactful presentations that resonate with your audience.

Syllabus

Preparing a Presentation

This course is about presenting the story of the data, using PowerPoint. You'll learn how to structure a presentation and how to include insights and supporting data. You'll also learn some design principles for creating effective PowerPoint slides with visuals displaying data. Though application based exercises, you'll gain foundational communication skills - including public speaking, professional presence and compelling storytelling. Finally, you'll be given a client profile, a business problem, and a set of basic Excel charts, that you will use to create a presentation. You’ll receive peer feedback that you can use to enhance future presentations. This course was created by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with an address at 300 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10017

This week, we will be covering the different types of communications styles. You’ll start off by gaining an understanding of your personal professional presence and learn how to maximize it. You’ll learn about verbal and nonverbal communications, and strategies to enhance your questioning and listening skills. We will also discuss how differences in culture can impact how you communicate.

This week, we're discussing how to create effective slides using PowerPoint. You’ll learn about the tools available within PowerPoint, how to structure your storyline, create storyboards, identify primary elements of slide design, display data and finalize your slide presentation. There is a peer review activity where you will apply the skills learned and create a storyboard. Finally, you will also get a chance to identify errors in a presentation to test your knowledge of standard industry practices.

This week, you’re going to build and deliver a presentation to your peers, and receive feedback from them. You will create a presentation of about 10 slides, employing the guidelines and industry best practices that have been discussed in this course. You can use the presentation storyboard that you created last week, which your peers have reviewed and given you feedback on. Review what you’ve developed so far, and make changes or additions that you think will enhance the presentation. Once you’ve finalized your presentation, you will present it in a video using your smartphone or computer. Once you’re satisfied with the PowerPoint presentation and video, you will be submitting both for peer review. You can use this feedback for current and future presentations that you will make during your career.