Being able to effectively address any audience is a necessary leadership skill. Remember that you are the speaker, not a projectionist. Your purpose is not to present a slide show. Your audience is there to listen to what you have to say, not read your slides—or worse, listen to you read them. Design your presentation slides to compliment and reinforce your message and engage your listeners.

1. Keep it simple: Avoid cluttering your slides with too much information or too many visuals. Stick to one main point per slide, and use simple and clear language to convey your message.
2. Use visuals wisely: Visuals can be a powerful tool to help reinforce your message and engage your audience. Use high-quality images, charts, and graphs that are relevant to your message and help illustrate your points.
3. Use color strategically: Color can help highlight key points and create visual interest. However, be mindful of your color choices and use them consistently throughout your presentation.
4. Limit text: Avoid using long sentences or paragraphs on your slides. Use bullet points or short phrases to convey your message, and use the speaker notes to provide additional information.
5. Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice your presentation, the more comfortable and confident you will be when delivering it. Practice in front of a mirror or with a colleague to get feedback on your delivery and make any necessary adjustments.

Remember, your presentation slides should complement and reinforce your message, not distract from it. By using these tips, you can design slides that engage your audience and help you deliver a memorable and effective presentation.