Effective Business Presentations with Powerpoint from Coursera

What's inside

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

Communication styles

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.

Creating effective slides using PowerPoint

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.

Delivering a presentation

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.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops foundational communication skills, including public speaking, professional presence and compelling storytelling, which are in high demand

Teaches learners how to structure a presentation, include insights, and supporting data, which are core skills for anyone who needs to convey information effectively

Employs application-based exercises to enhance the learning experience and make the concepts more practical and relatable

Offers peer-to-peer feedback, which is a great way to refine presentations and get diverse perspectives

Created by PwC, a reputable organization recognized for its expertise in the field

Suitable for learners looking to enhance their communication and presentation skills in a professional setting

Reviews summary

Basic powerpoint foundation

Learners say that this course is a largely positive foundational introduction to presentations and PowerPoint. It is not recommended for technical PowerPoint learning.

Good foundational course

"ok"

Not for technical learning

"If you are looking for thorough technical powerpoint learning, it is not a place for you."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Effective Business Presentations with Powerpoint with these activities:

Review Communication Strategies

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Reviewing communication strategies will help set a foundation for preparing and delivering effective presentations.

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Identify effective communication techniques and methods
Practice applying these techniques in various communication scenarios

Read 'Presentation Zen'

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This book shares proven strategies and examples to create memorable and engaging presentations.

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Read the book
Take notes and highlight important concepts
Reflect on how the principles apply to your own presentations

Follow Tutorials on Slide Design Principles

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Tutorials will provide guidance on creating visually appealing and effective slides.

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Search for online tutorials on PowerPoint or slide design
Watch the tutorials and take notes
Apply the principles to your own presentations

Five other activities

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Create a Short Presentation

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Creating a short presentation will provide practical experience in applying the concepts learned.

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Define the presentation topic and purpose
Gather and organize supporting data and visuals
Design and create the presentation slides
Practice delivering the presentation

Attend a Peer Review Session

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Receiving feedback from peers helps refine and enhance presentations during the creation process.

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Attend a peer review session organized by the course or independently
Present your presentation and receive feedback

Attend a Presentation Skills Workshop

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Workshops provide opportunities to develop and reinforce presentation skills in a structured setting.

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Research and find relevant workshops
Register for and attend the workshop
Actively participate and implement the techniques learned

Practice Presenting in Front of a Mirror

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Regular practice helps build confidence and improve delivery skills.

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Find a mirror or set up a video recording
Practice delivering your presentation
Evaluate your performance and identify areas for improvement

Mentor a Junior Presenter

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Guiding others can solidify your understanding of the concepts and enhance your communication skills.

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Identify or connect with a junior presenter seeking guidance
Provide feedback on their presentations
Share your experiences and insights

Career center

Learners who complete Effective Business Presentations with Powerpoint will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Consultant

Consultants use their knowledge of how to present data and public speaking skills to help businesses make better decisions. This course will help you learn how to structure a presentation, include insights and supporting data, and design effective visuals for your slides. You will also learn about client-facing communication and how to tell a compelling story with data.

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Financial Analyst

Financial analysts use their skills in data presentation and public speaking to help businesses make better decisions. This course will help you learn how to structure a presentation, include insights and supporting data, and design effective visuals for your slides. You will also learn about client-facing communication and how to use PowerPoint to tell a compelling story with data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Data Analyst

Data analysts use their skills in presenting data to help businesses make better decisions. This course will help you learn how to structure a presentation, include insights and supporting data, and design effective visuals for your slides. You will also learn about client-facing communication and how to use PowerPoint to tell a compelling story with data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers use their skills in data presentation and communication to help businesses grow their brands. This course will help you learn how to structure a presentation, include insights and supporting data, and design effective visuals for your slides. You will also learn about client-facing communication and how to use PowerPoint to tell a compelling story with data.

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Project Manager

Project managers use their skills in data presentation and communication to help businesses complete projects on time and within budget. This course will help you learn how to structure a presentation, include insights and supporting data, and design effective visuals for your slides. You will also learn about client-facing communication and how to use PowerPoint to tell a compelling story with data.

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Sales Manager

Sales managers use their skills in data presentation and communication to help businesses grow their sales. This course will help you learn how to structure a presentation, include insights and supporting data, and design effective visuals for your slides. You will also learn about client-facing communication and how to use PowerPoint to tell a compelling story with data.

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Product Manager

Product managers use their skills in data presentation and communication to help businesses develop and launch new products. This course will help you learn how to structure a presentation, include insights and supporting data, and design effective visuals for your slides. You will also learn about client-facing communication and how to use PowerPoint to tell a compelling story with data.

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Trainer

Trainers use their skills in data presentation and communication to help people learn new skills. This course will help you learn how to structure a presentation, include insights and supporting data, and design effective visuals for your slides. You will also learn about client-facing communication and how to use PowerPoint to tell a compelling story with data.

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Teacher

Teachers use their skills in data presentation and communication to help students learn. This course will help you learn how to structure a presentation, include insights and supporting data, and design effective visuals for your slides. You will also learn about client-facing communication and how to use PowerPoint to tell a compelling story with data.

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Web Designer

Web designers use their skills in data presentation and communication to design websites that are visually appealing and easy to use. This course will help you learn how to structure a presentation, include insights and supporting data, and design effective visuals for your slides. You will also learn about client-facing communication and how to use PowerPoint to tell a compelling story with data.

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Graphic designer

Graphic designers use their skills in data presentation and communication to create visually appealing designs. This course will help you learn how to structure a presentation, include insights and supporting data, and design effective visuals for your slides. You will also learn about client-facing communication and how to use PowerPoint to tell a compelling story with data.

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User Experience Designer

User experience designers use their skills in data presentation and communication to design user-friendly products and services. This course will help you learn how to structure a presentation, include insights and supporting data, and design effective visuals for your slides. You will also learn about client-facing communication and how to use PowerPoint to tell a compelling story with data.

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Writer

Writers use their skills in data presentation and communication to help people understand complex topics. This course will help you learn how to structure a presentation, include insights and supporting data, and design effective visuals for your slides. You will also learn about client-facing communication and how to use PowerPoint to tell a compelling story with data.

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Business Analyst

Business analysts use their skills in data presentation and communication to help businesses improve their operations. This course will help you learn how to structure a presentation, include insights and supporting data, and design effective visuals for your slides. You will also learn about client-facing communication and how to use PowerPoint to tell a compelling story with data.

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Data Scientist

Data scientists use their skills in data presentation and communication to help businesses make better decisions. This course may help you learn how to structure a presentation, include insights and supporting data, and design effective visuals for your slides. You will also learn about client-facing communication and how to use PowerPoint to tell a compelling story with data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist