HELP WANTED Send your tough questions about exhibiting to Linda Armstrong, larmstrong@exhibitor magazine.com

I know that PowerPoint isn't always the best tool for effective presentations. But given our limited budget, it's sometimes the only tool I have in our exhibit. How can I create the best presentation possible when PowerPoint is all I've got?

You're right, "death by Power-Point presentation" has become one of the most painful ways to go. However, if it's PowerPoint in your booth or nothing, you can alleviate some of the pain - and increase the effectiveness of your presentation - with these five "leastyou-should-know" tips.

1. Keep it simple. Your slides should contain summarized versions of your main points - not a running commentary of your entire presentation. Plus, the more data each slide contains, the less likely your audience is to read it in its entirety. So limit each slide to one main idea with no more than six bullet points. If a slide absolutely requires more than six points to relay your information, split the data into two or more slides.

2. Use horizontal format. Some people argue that vertical-formatted presentations, i.e. those in "portrait" view, resemble a printed sheet of paper, which the audience is somehow more comfortable viewing. While that may be true in rare circumstances, the theory doesn't account for the orientation of most screens, which is horizontal. Thus, a horizontal, or "landscape," format will offer you the most viewing area, and will in turn, increase readability.

3. Use light-colored type on dark backgrounds. A light background creates a harsh and distracting glare, so use a dark, neutral background color, such as black or grey. Then use a light-colored text, such as white or beige, which will pop out against the background. To test your color scheme, run your presentation from your laptop and stand roughly 20 feet from the screen. If you can easily make out all of the words, you're probably in the clear.

4. Use the B and W keys to redirect attention. If you stick a slide up on the screen, people will read it, and many will keep reading it or rereading it until you change the slide. To focus the attention back on yourself and any additional points you're trying to make verbally, switch to a black or white screen. Simply touch the "B" or "W" key on your keyboard to switch to a black or white screen respectively. Touch the key a second time, and your presentation will resume.

5. Pay attention to timing. Attendees need time to view and comprehend each slide while listening to you at the same time. So prior to giving your presentation, view each slide and time how long it takes you to grasp the message. Then find the average time per slide, add at least 30 seconds per slide, and pace your presentation accordingly. If PowerPoint is all you've got, these quick tips will help make sure your points are truly effective and powerful, not boring and deadly.

- Thom Walker, vice president of special projects, Winntech, Kansas City, MO