Here’s a quick look at … Copyright Frederick E. Talbott 2003

Graphics

Form follows function. Graphics key:

This is 24 point type. It’s yellow bold on a dark background. Can you see it clearly? Do the lights need adjusting? Should it be enlarged?

Always ask: What is the slide’s purpose?

Plan: Use the “slide sorter view” to build your show’s storyboard (just like Hollywood!).

Three Graphics Approaches Charts and Graphs Visuals Layout and design

Use Visual Aids To… Clarify Simplify Emphasize Summarize Reinforce Attract Impress Unify

Vital Questions: Q: Can everyone in the room see it? Q: Can everyone in the room understand it? Q: Do all graphic elements serve a clear purpose?

Keep It Clear – Avoid Confusion Go to MS Excel to look at charts. Excel!!!!!

Remember… Simplicity Sells

Always ask… …is it helpful? …is it accurate? …is it honest?

Now let’s build a simple bar chart using the box tool at the screen bottom…

June July August September October A bad October… $

Now build a simple line chart using the individual line tool at the bottom of the screen and the “wipe” animation effect…

Units Shipped 0 1,000 5,000 10,000 20,000 15,000 June July August September October A great October…

Notice the power of this simple graph…

BravesHawksFalconsNascarFlames Atlanta Annual Sports Revenue Million $ 225__ 200 __ 175__ 150__ 125__ 100__ 75__ 50__ 25__

PowerPoint Tips and Reminders: 1. Use the blank slide with no template background for the greatest flexibility.

Templates are attractive… …but they are repetitive and gobble useful space.

A clear slide gives you complete graphic flexibility… …enabling you to focus your viewer on key elements.

2. Use contrast Ex: Light background, dark type; dark background, light type.

Can you see this?

3. When in doubt, use a light background. Re: Dark can darken the room… and put people to sleep!

4. Size does matter

Always carefully Proofraed Proofread Fact: Larger type is more difficult to proofread.

What’s the best way to use… bullets?

 Feed them one at a time.  Minimum 24 point type.  M Maximum six bullets per slide.  Maximum eight words per line. If it takes more than five seconds to read, you’ve lost the viewer.

 You can also dim each bullet after it’s read.  Then dim the next.  Just remember: When you dim them they are harder to read.

Division A met its sales goals. Division B missed its sales goals by $3 million. Division C has not reported, but plans to by September 22. Division D will brief us at noon Friday. Division E exceeded its sales goals by $4 million. Division F exceeded one goal by $1 million, met two others, and missed one goal by $210,000. The upcoming chairman’s report will focus on a divisional merger that is designed to enhance sales performance.

Want to share detailed notes? Solution: Give them a detailed handout copy. It’s worth the extra effort.

Print handouts in black and white mode. Grayscale may share “foggy” backgrounds making it difficult to read text: The key to leadership is believership, not followership. People want and need to believe in a leader, a mission, and a purpose. And themselves. Rarely do people want to be perceived—by themselves or others—as “followers.” Black and WhiteGrayscale The key to leadership is believership, not followership. People want and need to believe in a leader, a mission, and a purpose. And themselves. Rarely do people want to be perceived—by themselves or others—as “followers.” Slide Show

When printing in Black and White, remember to first darken light type. If you don’t, it will print like this. If you do, it will print like this.

Consider TIMING: Should you share the handouts: 1.Before or at the start of the talk? 2.During the talk? 3.At the end of the talk? Think: Will they be helpful or distract your viewer?

Remember, only use sound or video clips if they enhance your presentation. Avoid them if they may distract your viewer or interrupt your presentation flow.