Seven Deadly Sins for Multimedia Presentations

Sin # 1 Letter fonts are too ornate, too many different fonts, styles and font colors in a single presentation

Sin # 1 Solution Select one simple, easy to read font and keep it consistent throughout presentation

Sin # 2 Font sizes and/or graphics are too small

Limit text and make it BIG Sin # 2 Solution Limit text and make it BIG

Sin # 3 The background is too “busy” and/or the background and text color combinations do not have enough contrast for legibility.

Sin # 3 Solution The importance is text, so focus on it. Make backgrounds light and text dark or vice versa.

Sin # 4 Crowding too much information onto a single slide

Sin # 4 Solution Keep things simple and clear. 6x6 rule. Give more information as you speak!

Sin # 5 Leaving a screen unchanged for too long or not leaving a screen up long enough for the audience to take notes.

Sin # 5 Solution Create suspense Layer your presentation Provide basic handouts

Overusing special effects

Sin # 6 Solution Don’t use too many effects Maintain focus on content, not effects

Sin # 7 Presentation is all text, no pictures!

Sin # 7 Solution This is a VISUAL media, use it! Use pictures, charts, graphs and cartoons to illustrate…..make sure they are relevant!

Questions?? End your presentation with a simple question slide to: Invite your audience to ask questions Provide a visual aid during question period Avoid ending a presentation abruptly

Bibliography “Avoiding Seven Deadly Multimedia Design and Presentation Sins” by Thomas H. Cunningham, PhD