Effective PowerPoint Slideshows Patsy D. Lewis, PhD Journalism 1 English 9 Honors

Tip #1: Have a Plan Scripting what you plan to say is great Like an essay, you should follow a basic structure –Introduction –Hook –Body –Conclusion

Tip #2: One Point at a Time, Please Plan so that you have one point on a slide at a time Your audience will read ahead If you have several points on a single slide, they will be waiting for you to catch up You should lead the presentation Limit most presentations to 10 slides

Tip #3: No Paragraphs Blocks of information on a slide are ineffective Use a bulleted list Keep it short and simple One idea per bullet Less is definitely more

Tip #4: Pay Attention to Design Beware of transitions that annoy Use a Sans Serif font for the body text (this type is the easiest to read on screen) –Helvetica –Calibri –Arial Decorative font should ONLY be used for headings

Tip #5: Backgrounds and Fonts Dark text on a light background is easiest to read If you use dark backgrounds, use lightly- colored fonts Bump the size up 2-3 notches Align text left or right (it is easier to follow) Avoid clutter

Tip #6: Images Use images sparingly Images should have a purpose Avoid the standard Microsoft clipart because most people have seen it repeatedly Never use an image for the sake of using an image

Tip #7: Focus on You Although the room may be dark, think about where you will stand Consider that you should be the focus regardless of how interesting your slides Think about you presentation style

Tip #8: Questions Appropriate tool for some presentations Ask a question and allow time for your audience to think Use questions to quiz your audience Hold a question and answer segment at the end Use questions sparingly and only if appropriate

Tip #9: Modulation Do not mumble Speak clearly Speak loudly Speak slowly (pause frequently) Speak as if you were speaking to a friend Remember you may be speaking over the air-conditioner

Tip #10: Break the Rules Use your judgment; these are guidelines Not every rule applies to every situation If you break a rule, have a good reason Shoddy, boring presentations lead to –Boredom –Depression –Psychopathic breaks –Bad grades