Guidelines for Preparing PowerPoint Presentations

Guidelines for Preparing Power-point Presentations

Objectives

• Identify the need for a presentation
• Understand how to make a good presentation
• Recognize a bad presentation
• Learn tips to create an effective presentation

Basic Rules for Presentations

• Contrast is essential: use dark text on a light background for paper and light text on a semi-dark background for projection
• Text and images should be placed within 95% of the PowerPoint slide to fit on most screens
• Maintain layout continuity throughout the presentation

Slide Structure

• Use 1-2 slides per minute of presentation
• Write in point form, not complete sentences
• Avoid wordiness: use key words and phrases only
• Limit to one topic per slide
• Follow the 6 x 6 rule: 6 lines of text with 6 words per line

Fonts

• Font style should be readable: recommended fonts are Arial, Tahoma, and Veranda
• Standardize the font throughout the presentation
• Use a minimum of 36-point font for titles and 24-point font for body text
• Avoid combining small font sizes with bold or italics

Colors

• Use a set font and color scheme to avoid distractions
• Avoid using multiple backgrounds in the presentation
• Reds and oranges are high-energy colors, while greens, blues, and browns are mellower
• Avoid color combinations that are difficult to see, especially for the color blind

Background Colors

• Avoid bright colors and ensure readability
• Remember that dark slides with light-colored text work best for large hall events
• Avoid white backgrounds, as they can be blinding in a dark room

Charts and Graphs

• Make sure the audience can read them
• Avoid using graphics that are difficult to read
• Use good line widths and colors to make graphs and charts readable
• Keep tables simple and concise, and place them on a separate slide if necessary

Illustrations

• Use illustrations only when necessary and ensure they relate to the message
• Ask yourself if it makes the message clearer
• Simple diagrams are great communicators

Bullets

• Use bullets instead of numbers, unless showing rank or sequence
• Keep each bullet to 1-2 lines and limit the number of bullets to 6
• Use the same color for bullets as the title of the slide
• Avoid crowding too much text and use cues to guide the audience

Learn how to create effective PowerPoint presentations with guidelines on structuring slides, choosing fonts, colors, and backgrounds, and more. Improve your presentation skills with these valuable tips.