Making Good PowerPoint Presentations into Outstanding Ones AGRI 196 Spring 2004

Think of a great presentation you witnessed Why was it great? What did the speaker do ? What techniques did he/she use? What was the format of the presentation?

But first, a little quiz…

The objectives of your presentation should include: A. The material you have decided to cover B. What you want your audience to listen to C. What you as a speaker want to get out of the presentation D. What you want your audience to know and do at the end of the presentation

The two main things to focus on when preparing a Presentation are: A. Subject and audience B. Format and room arrangement C. Timing and visual aids D. Beginning and Conclusion

People tend to remember those points that are covered: A. Mostly in the middle B. Only at the end C. Throughout the presentation D. At the beginning and end

The primary reason for using A/V aids is to: A. Help keep the speaker on track B. Highlight and emphasize key points C. Switch from audio to visual stimulation D. Establish rapport with the audience

Which has the most impact on your audience: A. Body B. Voice C. Content D. Attitude

The single most important voice element in giving a presentation is: A. Breathing regularly B. Pacing correctly C. Inflecting naturally D. Pausing appropriately

Now, let’s take a look at an Informational Presentation Checklist.

IT Presentation Issues Why use Presentation software? Amount of information Font Color Extras Examples

Why use PowerPoint? Reach different learning styles Reinforce key information Give clear prompts and keeps speaker on track Move presentation directly to your web site Serves as Ockham’s razor

Amount of information Ockham’s razor: “entities are not to be multiplied beyond necessity” Rule of Thumb: Less is more No more than 6 words per line. No more than 6 lines per slide. What do I really want them to know? What can they see / read / take in?

Why use PowerPoint? PowerPoint allows me to reach students of different learning styles because it adds a visual element to my oral presentation. This is especially important because today’s students seem to be more visual than other generations. It helps reinforce the key information in my presentation and keeps student interest focused on the front of the room. It allows me to give students clear prompts for their assignments, especially in-class assignments. They can always look up to refocus their attention to the assigned task. A PowerPoint presentation can be moved directly to your web site so that students can look at it again after class and as many times as they want. It serves as Ockham’s razor by helping me structure my thoughts.

Why use PowerPoint? Reach different learning styles Reinforce key information Give clear prompts and keeps speaker on track Move presentation directly to your web site Serves as Ockham’s razor

Font Choose font size and type for your particular context. Use same font for continuity. Use 2 contrasting fonts to organize information, for emphasis. -- Comic Sans & Arial --

Font: Legibility Which is easier to read? ALL CAPS or Upper & Lower case

Font: Type Style Serif Which of these is easier to read? (Times New Roman 36) Sans Serif Which of these is easier to read? (Arial 32)

Font: Size 12: Read this. 20: Read this. 32: Read this. 36: Read this. 40: Read this. 44: Read this. 60: Read this.

Font: Color Uses: contrast, emphasis, interest Contrast between text & background -- computer projection often uses a dark background with light text -- overhead projector: light background, dark text

Color Uses: contrast, emphasis, interest Contrast between text & background -- computer projection: dark background, light text -- overhead projector: light background, dark text light background, dark text

Font: Color Use a consistent color scheme for continuity. Avoid reds & greens. Use color sparingly for emphasis. Don’t get carried away!

Extras: Pictures & Animation

EZ to Use Graphing Function A B C DF A B C DF

Images Generate interest Illustrate points Decorate Content FontColor AmountExtras Visual Literacy

Russia: From Empire to Federation

Expand on ideas introduced by images Russia: From Empire to Federation

You can introduce text or images one by one Be careful, don’t overdo it. Stick to one animation type Practice until you are smooth

Public Speaking Rule 1: Know Your Subject

Public Speaking Rule 2: Know Your Audience Public Speaking Rule 2: Know Your Audience

Don’t Get Carried Away… …with animations …with sounds …with slide transitions …with clip art …with pictures …lots of text …with all the bells and whistles

Remember the KIS Principle Keep it Simple And…

Don’t forget… Practice to a live audience and ask for feedback Practice your slide transitions in PowerPoint Don’t memorize your speech, but use the slides to guide you through your talk each time. Paraphrase, don’t read slides to us, it’s boooooooooooooring.

And now, are there any questions…? If not, let’s take a look at the assignment.