PowerPoint Presentation Tips and Rules to Follow Tami L. Winters February 21, 2005

General Tips Start with a title slide. Introduce one idea per slide. Use small words and sentences. Apply the 6 X 6 rule: –6 words/line –6 lines or bullets/slide.

General Tips (continued) Use strong headings to grab attention and summarize the slide. Don’t use all capitals; they are hard to read. Don’t use text smaller than 24 points. Don’t use sound unless it adds quality to your presentation. Keep it simple!

Choosing Colors Stick with what works – Use a template!! Don’t use too many colors--3 is best. Use 1 color for background. Use 1 color for title. Use 1 color for text. Text and background should be contrasting colors.

Choosing Colors (continued) Use dark background and light text for screen presentations. –Dark blue works well in darkened room –Light background good for lighted room Use color to… – indicate relationships between information –to convey a particular message –to emphasize the information Be consistent. Use the same colors throughout the presentation.

Make It Clear (Complement) Use contrasting colors Light on dark vs dark on light Use complementary colors These colors do not complement

Make It Clear (Complement) Use contrasting colors Light on dark vs dark on light Use complementary colors These colors complement!

Choosing the Fonts Sans Serifs ( Helvetica, Arial ) fonts are the easiest to read when viewed from a distance. Avoid ornate fonts ( Old English, Script ) because they are hard to read. Don’t mix fonts; use no more than 2 fonts in a presentation. Check font size as it will be used--on a screen, computer monitor, etc.--to see if it can be easily read.

Understanding Technology Floppy disk User interface CPU I/O Error Backup system Software Mouse Debugger Function key Main Storage Too many & not focused

Understanding Technology Floppy disk User interface CPU I/O Error Backup system Software Mouse Debugger Function key Main Storage Progressive & thus focused

Don’t get carried away! Too much animation can become very annoying and can detract from your presentation.