My PowerPoint presentations have a tendency to become long series of bullet lists. What can I do to make them a bit more pleasing, without using cheesy animations and things like that?

Best use of PowerPoint is to show images that reinforce the story you're trying to tell. For example, if you're introducing a new data architecture make a graphic map as your slide background then speak to the areas or flow of the map. Maybe have some pop-up bullets that reveal as you review each step or something like that. Or if you're explaining financial data, show a graph, chart, or table then speak just to the key data that make up the graph, chart of table.

Depending on the type of presentation, graphics may be appropriate. Presentations meant to persuade will get extra punch from compelling graphs and charts.

I’ve found informational and instructional presentations become more engaging and informative when bullets are in the form of “fill in the blanks” so as to keep the audience’s attention. It’s hard to zone out if you have to pay attention to write in key information.