1. PowerPoint Presentations – What to do and what not to do!
A guide by Jeff Birch

2. Be careful using Flashy Animations, Sound or Video
They can be distracting and annoying when they don’t function properly
Keep original source files with the PowerPoint
Always perform a “dry run” of your presentation using the equipment at the presentation site.

3. Design Rules
Try your best not to use too many words or sentences on a slide. You should only summarize your points and use your verbal presentation to explain all of the nuances of your point. Too many words on a slide makes it difficult to read, difficult to remember (for your audience), and causes your words to begin to float off the page so that your words are no longer able to be (this is an excellent example of what “not to do”)

4. Design Rules Period’s are not necessary on bullet points
Use no font smaller than 24 point
No more than 6-8 words per line
For bullet points, use the 1 x 6 x 6 Rule - One thought per line with no more than 6 words per line and no more than 6 lines per slide
Use dark text on light background or light text on dark background

5. Design Rules Do not use all caps except for titles
Avoid italicized fonts as they are difficult to read quickly
Keep the background consistent and subtle
Do not use gaudy or distracting backgrounds

6. Design Rules
Charts, graphs, photos and clipart are acceptable, but use them only for emphasis and only sparingly
Keep the design clean and uncluttered
Leave empty space around the text and graphics
Check all colors and backgrounds on a projection screen before the actual presentation

7. General Presentation Always check spelling and grammar
Do not read the presentation – the text should be a cue for the presenter
If the content is complex, print out the slides for the audience
Beginning - Always give a introduction/summary of what you are going to cover
End – Always review the main points

8. You are now all Experts on PowerPoint Design
I expect to see wonderful presentations from you all.