Presentation Skills / Advanced PowerPoint

Course Overview

Transform your presentations into powerful, persuasive, and professional experiences.

This two-day blended learning course equips participants with the skills to design, refine, and deliver compelling presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint. Learners will work on a personal 5-minute presentation they prepare before the course, enhancing it throughout the training to maximise clarity, impact, and audience engagement. By combining advanced PowerPoint techniques with presentation delivery skills, this course ensures participants can communicate ideas effectively, confidently, and professionally.

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Who Should Attend?

This course is suitable for:
• Individuals who regularly present to colleagues, clients, or wider audiences
• Professionals who wish to elevate their presentation design and delivery skills
• Anyone looking to gain confidence and polish in public speaking
• Participants who want practical, hands-on experience with real presentations

Required Knowledge:
• No formal prerequisites are required
• Basic familiarity with using a computer and navigating Microsoft PowerPoint is highly recommended
• Each participant must prepare a 5-minute presentation on any topic in advance, using visual aids or PowerPoint slides. This presentation must be the participant’s own work and brought to the course start.
• For guidance on preparing your presentation, contact support@dti.ie

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What You Will Learn

Presentation Fundamentals
• Define the purpose of your presentation and identify key objectives
• Recognise the central message and structure content for maximum clarity
• Tailor presentations to engage your target audience effectively
Advanced PowerPoint Techniques
• Build professional presentations using master slides, consistent layouts, and branding
• Integrate multimedia elements such as video, audio, and animation effectively
• Create interactive slides using hyperlinks and action buttons

Refining Your Delivery
• Identify and overcome common presentation pitfalls
• Enhance confidence through practice and rehearsal
• Master the use of voice, tone, pacing, and body language
• Use nerves constructively to energise your performance

Practical Application
• Critically review your pre-prepared presentation for improvement opportunities
• Apply design principles to enhance slide readability and visual appeal
• Deliver your 5-minute presentation using your revised slideshow to the group
• Receive structured feedback to further refine delivery skills

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Exclusions:

This course does not cover:
• In-depth corporate branding strategies
• Extensive data analysis within presentations
• Formal public speaking theory beyond practical delivery and interaction skills
• Creating complex macros, advanced slide programming, or integrations beyond standard PowerPoint functionality

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Key Learning Outcomes

At the end of this training, you should know how to:
• Design visually compelling, professional presentations
• Identify and communicate key messages clearly
• Apply advanced PowerPoint features to enhance engagement
• Deliver presentations confidently, using voice, tone, and body language effectively
• Evaluate and improve your own presentations through practical feedback

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Delivery Format

This is a classroom-based course, interactive course focused on personal development and soft skills.

The instructor will facilitate learning through guided discussions, practical exercises, role-play, and group activities.

Participants will be encouraged to contribute their own experiences and practice skills in a supportive environment, receiving real-time feedback throughout the session.

Training Environment Includes:
• Comfortable classroom setting designed for interaction and engagement
• Course materials, handouts, and reference notes provided
• Opportunities for individual reflection, group work, and peer learning

Each participant will have access to a fully equipped workstation with Microsoft 365 installed. The instructor will guide the course using live demonstrations, practical exercises, and real-time feedback.

Training Environment Includes:
• Individual PCs with Microsoft PowerPoint
• Course materials and online notes
• Comfortable classroom setting conducive to learning

Participants are not required to bring their own laptop.

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Recommended Progression Pathway

After completing this course, learners may consider:
• Advanced Public Speaking and Presentation Coaching
• Leadership and Influence Through Presentations
• Storytelling and Visual Communication for Business

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Learner Support

Participants will have indefinite online access to all practice files and notes at https://www.dti.ie. Email support will also be offered on items covered during this course at support@dti.ie.