Preparing a Professional Presentation

Compose Slides  Keep it basic and simple.  Use easy to read font face.  Decorate scarcely.  Don’t let the design restrict message.

Use Consistency  Use the same font face and sizes on all slides.  Match colors.  Don’t overload your slides images and highlights.  Use parallel structure and proper writing conventions.

Colors  Carefully use color.  Don’t weaken the color by using too many colors in one slide.  Match colors for design and contrast.  Review Choosing the Right Colors.Choosing the Right Colors

KISS  Keep It Straight and Simple.  Use keywords.  Use short sentences or phrases.  Never read your slides, talk freely.

Add Images  Do not use images to decorate.  Images can reinforce or complement your message.  Use images to visualize and explain.

Don’t Be Silly  Use transitions appropriately  Use animations and media sparingly.  Use animations to clarify a model or emphasize an effect.

Keep Your Audience In Mind  What do they know?  What do you need to tell them?  What will be interesting to them?  What can you teach them?  What will keep them focused?

Practice  Know your slides inside out.  Speak freely.  Speak with confidence – loud and clear.  Don’t speak too fast.  Maintain eye contact with the audience.

References  Maffin, T. (Photographer). (2006). T minus 10 minutes. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from  Microsoft Office. (2011). Choose the right colors for your powerpoint presentation. Retrieved from gb/powerpoint-help/choose-the-right-colors-for-your-powerpoint- presentation-HA aspxhttp://office.microsoft.com/en- gb/powerpoint-help/choose-the-right-colors-for-your-powerpoint- presentation-HA aspx  Sieber, T. (2009, May 23). 10 powerpoint tips for preparing a professional presentation. Retrieved from preparing-a-professional-presentation/ preparing-a-professional-presentation/ Son of Citation Son of Citation created the APA format entries above.