1. PowerPoint

2. Fonts
The preferred minimum font size is 24 point
Fonts that work well include: Arial, Lucida Sans, MS Sans Serif, and Tahoma
Using bold fonts generally increases readability

3. Backgrounds Dark blue backgrounds with white text work best
Neutral backgrounds with black text also work well
Simple backgrounds are best

4. Text Avoid too much text Headlines with bullets work best
Limit each slide to 6 bullet points
Every bullet is followed by a capital letter

5. Text (continued) Each bullet has 8 words or less
Use succinct phrases instead of sentences
Avoid paragraphs
No ALL CAPS for an entire bullet (maybe a word)

6. Graphics Limit graphics to 1-3 per page
Too many graphics can be distracting
Add to the message of the slide
Face the middle of the slide (people or word)

7. Transition
Use one transition for all slides

8. Effects and Animations
Bells and whistles are fun to put in
They tend to be distracting for the viewer
Make sure that special effects have a purpose
Use up to three different effects on bulleted text

9. Effects and Animation (cont.)
Avoid animation effects on graphics copies from Internet
No more than three clicks to complete a slide

10. Proofreading
Check for spelling errors
Check for grammar errors

11. Presentation Don’t read your presentation word for word
Slides are designed to supplement your presentation
Use slides to zero in on important topics
Add more material orally

12. References Do not plagiarize Cite the source for quotes and graphics
Cite the source if you summarize someone’s work