How to Make an Effective Presentation Fernando Pérez-Muñoz University of Puerto Rico

Introduction This presentation seeks to help students prepare good presentations There are six keys principles: – Size – Simplicity – Clarity – Progression – Consistency – Summary

Size Size is according to importance – Indented text should be a bit smaller Power Point adjusts font size automatically to help fit If text becomes too small, you are including too much info in the slide Your text should be readable on the monitor from a distance of 2 meters (~6 feet)

Size This is Arial 44 This is Arial 36 – Good for Titles!! This is Arial 28 – Good!! This is Arial 24 – Good for indented text!!! This is Arial 18 – You are really pushing it here!!! This is Arial 12 Arial 12 or 10 is good for written reports, but bad for presentations!!

Simplicity - Text Avoid paragraphs Use bullets Focus on most important words Break extensive subjects in various slides for example…

Simplicity - Text A core requirement of engineering globalization is an understanding of how the different cultures of the global market place shape product development, multi-national engineering teams, and consumer expectations.

Simplicity - Text Engineering globalization requires understanding of – Effect of culture on product development – Multi-national engineering teams – Consumer expectations

Simplicity – Graphs and Tables Avoid overload and distractions Focus on message to be delivered Use proper headings Use proper scales

Simplicity – Graphs and Tables

Simplicity – Art and Pictures Avoid distractions Use only in support of text If used to call attention, allow it to work! Size implies importance for example…

Simplicity – Art and Pictures There is no way to keep the audience attention!!! Do you really care what I am saying?

Clarity Proper font type ALL CAPITALS IS HARD TO READ AND GIVES THE IMPRESSION YOU ARE YELLING AT THE AUDIENCE Bullets vs. numbers – Numbers imply priority, sequence or order – Otherwise use bullets for example…

Clarity How to put an elephant in a cooler 1. Open cooler door 2. Put elephant in 3. Close door How to put a giraffe in a cooler 1. Open cooler door 2. Take elephant out 3. Put giraffe in 4. Close door

Carity Colors should contrast – Poor contrast – This is better!! Colors should contrast Good Contrast!! Poor Contrast!!

Consistency Differences draw attention Differences may imply importance Use surprises to attract, not distract The above apply to fonts, visuals, colors, ect

Summary Start reminding the objective – Be sure to state how it was met Briefly but clearly mention the main findings Itemize recommendations Let audience know you ended – Allow time for questions

Questions?