Slideshows are quick to produce, easy to update and effective to inject visual interest into the presentation. However, slideshows can also spell disaster even for experienced presenters. The key to success is to make certain your slideshow is a visual aid and not a visual distraction.

Clear, easy-to-follow organization is essential to a successful speech. If the audience cannot follow your message, they cannot understand it. If they cannot understand your message, they are unlikely to be impacted in the way you intended. So, spend time organizing your thoughts into an outline. An outline is to a speech as an overview of directions is to the GPS on your phone. It shows you the big picture and makes getting to your desired point much easier than making the trip alone. All outlines have three general elements: introductions, bodies, and conclusions.