Design Tips for PowerPoint Projects for Ms. Birtcher’s Classes

Purpose and Use for Slides  Allows you to use multiple channels for reinforcement  Pictures are memory aids  Enhances what you say – don’t read from slide only, use it as a prop

Backgrounds  Keep it simple – pick 1 style template to use for the whole presentation.  Graduated backgrounds are visually more interesting than solid bkgds.  Dark backgrounds with light text are easier to read in a darkened room.

Color  Blue and Green Backgrounds are easiest for the eyes to see.  White, yellow, orange lettering is good on those backgrounds.  Avoid combinations of blue and black - not enough contrast for the eyes.  Avoid red text – it is tiring on the eyes.

Content Text  Average 3-4 bullet points per slide  Average 6 words per bullet point  Keep slide to what viewers can absorb in 15 seconds.  Use graphics to add visual interest

Fonts  Limit presentation to 1-2 fonts  Stick with the standard fonts – no funky fonts  Sans-Serif fonts are easier to read (Comic Sans) ( Here is another example)  This is an example of serif font (Times New Roman)

Examples for discussion  Option 1  Option 2

More Examples for Discussion  Option 1  Option 2

Finishing Touches  Be sure your name is on the first slide with your title  Add your bibliography as the last slide – MLA style.

Proofread  Ask someone else to read your slides with “fresh eyes”.  Use spell-check!!! (It’s under TOOLS)

Create Handout to turn in to Ms. B  Print what: Handouts  Grayscale  Slides per page: 6

Bibliography  n/2005/09/whats_good_powe.html  owerpoint.htm#C.  powerpoint-presentation/  oint.pdf