Basic PowerPoint Guidelines Tips for Creating GREAT Presentations

Basic Rules Keep it simple Make bullet points- easy to read Use graphics Keep wording concise Keep font size large You are the star- not the presentation!

Fonts 48 point is better Keep size consistent No more than 2 fonts per slide Use at least a 32 point font 48 point is better PowerPoint default for this slide is 44 for header and 31 for bullets Keep size consistent DON’T USE ALL CAPS- IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO READ I used Verdana for the header and Arial for the bullet points. I prefer sans serif (without serif) fonts because they are cleaner and easier to read.

Wording Test scores will improve Expanding knowledge Use consistent wording Test scores will improve Expanding knowledge It will reduce time off task Grades increase

Bullets No more than 5 bullets per slide No more than 6-7 words per bullet Don’t use periods at the end of bullets Capitalize the first word in a bullet but no others (unless it would normally appear capped) A presentation is not a book- one thought per line AS you can see, I broke many rules creating this presentation because I needed to give you more information. Try shortening the number of words in your bullet but keep the message strong.

Text Avoid excessive amounts of words which leads to excessively lengthy text that is not only redundant but also repetitive and reiterative. Too much text makes it difficult to see and process the information. People will either try to read everything or copy down everything and will quickly lose interest. Use more slides, list only the key points, and add the details verbally.

Color and Contrast Use a dark font on a light background- best for printed slides Use a white or light font on a dark background- best for darkened rooms Microsoft created templates that work- use them Too many colors overwhelm the eye If there is not dramatic contrast between the text and the background, it is difficult for your audience to read. Simple backgrounds are best. If a slide is too busy, it detracts from the presentation. 3. If you’re projecting your PowerPoint, a white or light font on a dark background draws the audience’s eye to the text.

Backgrounds Simple backgrounds are best Set the stage and leave it alone Stick with a single background for your presentation

Centered bullets make the text ragged and difficult to read Balance Left justify bullets Centered bullets make the text ragged and difficult to read

Balance Don’t center graphics- no room for text

Balance Place graphics off center More room for text Better balance Placing graphic on left leads your eye to the text

Graphics Pick good illustrations and graphics Every image has a reason Clip art gets old Animated gif’s are distractive Use bar graphs and pie charts instead of tables of data

10 Ways to Keep Your Audience Awake Don’t forget your purpose Don’t be a slave to your slides Your slides are a visual aide You are the show Don’t overwhelm your audience with unnecessary detail Don’t neglect your opening first impression

10 Ways to Keep Your Audience Awake Be relevant Practice, practice, practice Spell check before you present Don’t panic Expect the unexpected Don’t be boring

Sources The Dummies Guide to PowerPoint Beyond Bullet Points- Cliff Atkinson 11 Commandments for PowerPoint Making PowerPoint Presentations Information Technology Services Centre College http://cms.westport.k12.ct.us