Tips for Effective PowerPoint Presentations (PDF)

Tips for Effective PowerPoint Presentations Fonts ƒ Use font size no smaller than 24 point. ƒ Clearly label each screen. Use a larger font (35-45 points) or different color for the title. ƒ Avoid italicized fonts as they are difficult to read quickly. ƒ No more than 6-8 w...

Tips for Effective PowerPoint Presentations Fonts ƒ Use font size no smaller than 24 point. ƒ Clearly label each screen. Use a larger font (35-45 points) or different color for the title. ƒ Avoid italicized fonts as they are difficult to read quickly. ƒ No more than 6-8 words per line ƒ For bullet points, use the “6 x 6 Rule.” One thought per line, with no more than 6 words per line and no more than 6 lines per slide ƒ Use dark text on light background or light text on dark background. However, dark backgrounds sometimes make it difficult for some people to read the text. ƒ Do not use all caps (except for titles). To test the font, stand back six feet from the monitor and see if you can read the slide. Graphics and Design ƒ Keep the background consistent and subtle. ƒ Use only enough text when using charts or graphs to explain the concept. ƒ Clearly label the graphic. ƒ Keep the design clean and uncluttered. Leave empty space around the text and graphics. ƒ Use quality clipart and use it sparingly. The graphic should relate to and enhance the topic of the slide. ƒ Try to use the same style graphics throughout the presentation (e.g., cartoons, photographs) ƒ Limit the number of graphics on each slide. ƒ Avoid flashy graphics and noisy animation effects unless they relate directly to the slide. Color ƒ Limit the number of colors on a single screen. ƒ Use no more than four colors on one chart. ƒ Check all colors on a projection screen before the actual presentation. They may project differently than what appears on the monitor. General Presentation ƒ Check the spelling and grammar. ƒ Do not read the presentation. Practice the presentation so you can speak from bullet points. The text should be a cue for the presenter rather than a message for the viewer. ƒ It is often more effective to have bulleted points appear one at a time so the audience listens to the presenter rather than reading the screen. ƒ Use a wireless mouse, or pick up the wired mouse, so you can move around as you speak.  ƒ If the content is complex, print out the slides so the audience can take notes. ƒ Do not turn your back on the audience. Try to position the monitor so you can speak from it. Adapted from: ƒ Bankerd, Kathy. “How to Optimize Projection Technology: Using Fonts, Graphics, and Color to Maximize the Effectiveness of Your Presentation.” Syllabus. November/December 1997. ƒ Bird, Linda. “Avoid the Mistakes of PowerPoint Rookies.” Smart Computing. January 2001. ƒ Brown, David G. “PowerPoint-Induced Sleep.” Syllabus. January 2001.