Powerpoint Presentations

Purpose of a PowerPoint Informative Visual

Content Hints YES NO(TES) Brief (32 pt font) Outline Essential not too much on one slide (23 pt font) Outline reminders for speaker Essential key words for audience You don’t want to have too many words on a page because it is difficult to read. Your audience will pay more attention to the text instead of what you are saying. (20 pt font) An outline will provide a good reminder for you as speaker. It is enough information to keep you on track, but not so much that you would be tempted to read. Use only essential key phrases. They are helpful for your audience to follow along and know what’s important, but it’s not so much information that the audience is trying to read.

Bullet Points and Text no sentences parallel structure 3-5 per slide starts with verb starts with noun has uniform capitalization 3-5 per slide color to emphasize to contrast 36 point font 26 point font

Citations Cite (in a smaller font) all of your information on the slide that needs the citation. Facebook’s profit fell 12 percent, to $205 million, as its expenses continued to climb. Source: De La Merced, Michael J. The New York Times 23 April 2012

Sounds and Transitions Use sparingly distracting time-consuming annoying

Design Consistent Readable Color Font Size Clean

Design Consistent Readable Color Font Size Clean

Background Design Consistent vary layout vary background by topic in long presentations by creating sections

How to Wow Your Teacher (and others who will ultimately judge you on how you present yourself in life)

Speech Talk at a natural, moderate rate of speech Project your voice, speak to the back of the room Speak conversationally, but with authority

Body Language Don’t turn your back to the audience Don’t hide behind the lectern or sit or block your own PowerPoint or rock, fidget, or distract in other ways Avoid looking at your notes

Professionalism Dress appropriately for your audience Turn off your cell phone Spit out gum

Polish Time yourself Rehearse without notes add meaningful material subtract extraneous material Rehearse without notes Practice in front of an audience