Identify the primary audience for the production and what the audience members have in common, such as industry affiliations, shopping patterns, or hobbies. Use a calendar to schedule which tasks will get accomplished each week so the deadline is clear.
Write the main message the audience needs to remember once the production is over. Creator Garr Reynolds, author of "Presentation Zen," advises using a white board to make a storyboard before creating PowerPoint slides. Create computer folders and files to organize the content based on the storyboard sketch. Label each folder with its purpose, such as "script," "images," or "video footage."
Write an outline to support the main message. Fill in each section of the outline with factual information and stories to provide an emotional appeal. Assign each section of the outline to a PowerPoint slide, and then assign the supporting information to individual slides. Write headlines for each section along with bullet points that highlight the main points the audience needs to remember.
Choose the information that is best illustrated through still photos and videos. Arrange with local photographers to acquire specific images or use an online stock photo service to obtain images that convey critical points. Use a digital camera with at least 12 megapixels or rent a video camera that can transfer to a file compatible with either Mac- or PC-based editing systems.
Ask the subjects who will appear on video to answer, in one or two sentences, a thought related to the main topic and the supporting topic. Rent a lavaliere microphone to ensure acceptable sound quality.
Open the PowerPoint slides and drop the images and video clips in the assigned slides. Review the slides as the project nears completion. Evaluate the presentation for clarity and logic of message, ensuring that the images are in the proper position and the quality of the video clips is sufficient to reinforce the theme.
Ask one or two people who are not familiar with the project to watch the presentation. Provide them with a sheet to jot down notes on information that was confusing. Make edits and re-write as necessary, then allow enough time to do at least two rehearsal runs prior to the presentation. Sign up for a free website account to load the presentation online.