1. Effective Presentations
Common Sense Rules for Delivering Your Message

2. Introduction What makes a presentation effective?
A logical progression.
Addressing your audience.
Preparing for the proper delivery method.
Following general design guidelines.
Playing your role as narrator and host.

3. Logical Progression
An effective presentation has a logical progression:
Introduction in which you tell your audience what you are going to present.
Body in which you present the information.
Summary in which you tell your audience what you presented.

4. Know Your Audience Appropriate age level. Appropriate education level.
Appropriate length.

5. Delivery Method Will it be printed?
Select a light background and dark text for readability.
Will it be standalone?
Include navigation tools for the viewer.
Will it run automatically in a loop?
Keep it short so a viewer does not have to wait a longtime for the presentation to begin anew.
Will it be delivered over the Internet?
Make sure the audio is high quality.

6. General Design Guidelines
Apply a consistent theme to all slides.
Limit bullet points to no more than five per slide.
Limit the number of fonts to two per slide.
Use contrasting color when necessary to make text stand out.
For example, use a dark background color such as dark green or blue and a light contrasting text color, such as yellow.
Avoid the use of pastels, which can be hard to read.

7. General Design Guidelines (continued)
Make sure text is large enough so that even someone at the back of the room can read it.
No smaller than 18 points
No larger than 48 points
Use graphics such as tables, charts and pictures to convey key points.
Make sure graphics are sized appropriately for the slide.

8. General Design Guidelines (continued)
Be consistent!
Use consistent transitions, sounds, and animations.
Elements should enhance the presentation; not distract from the content!

9. Your Role is Key Dress appropriately. Speak loud and clear.
Make eye contact with your audience.
Use props and tools correctly.

10. Conclusion What makes a presentation effective? A logical progression.
Addressing your audience.
Preparing for the proper delivery method.
Following general design guidelines.
Playing your role as narrator and host.

11. Works Cited
“Tips for an Effective Presentation,” by D. R. Smith & S. A. Morton 1/27/2003.