Google the phrase “how to create a power point presentation” and you will receive a trillion links. So, if you are looking for a quick solution, that don’t help too much, does it?

I can chip in and recommend that you look at a wonderful article by Ian Sanders and also  those that critique the techniques of the late Steve Jobs. In addition, there is an excellent review by the founder of TED, Chris Anderson, on how to give a killer presentation. He cites some brilliant examples from his conferences.

For all that, you still have to sit down, take a deep breath and put something to paper……or on to your screen. How? What to write? Some here is a quick and practical check list that I show my clients. It is designed to save you a lot of hours, redrafting slides that actually make no real sense. This 4-point approach should see you coming up with something “wowish”.

First: Think! Take some time to think. What are you actually selling? What is the key message that you want your audience to understand and then act upon?

Fast food chains are not providing foods but a fun social experience. Clothes shops are not offering a range of well-cut pieces of cotton and lace, but a ‘feel-good’ / ‘look-right’ feeling. Equally, a client of mine was asked recently what was his business model for a high-tech product still under development. Pushed and shoved into the depths of brain-storming sessions, the team suddenly realised that the core value addresses a large, new and eager market. That explanation will be seriously interesting and challenging for a listening audience.

Second: Know your audience – composition, how many, potential boredom factor. Above all, ask the yourself a very simple question. What is going to make them under your key message. For example, a forum of financial investors is unlikely to want to hear you spouting technical and long-winded phrases. And as a rule of thumb, slides should have few words, feature a use of consistent colours / fonts, and should support rather than detract from the words of the speaker.

Third: Be passionate – because if you are not, your audience will not care either. Many of us become nervous before delivering in front of others. If so, I suggest that you start off as if you are talking to a friend in a noisy coffee shop, when you have no inhibitions. And by the way, if a 12 year old Kenyan tribesboy can win over a TED audience, you too can get through to anyone. Do not be afraid to be yourself.

Fourth: Put the kettle on. It is time to stop procrastinating and to start thinking, with a hot drink by your side.