1. Demonstrating the Use of PowerPoint
Designed to accompany pages
of the textbook by Dr. John A. Kline’s
Speaking Effectively
or the July and August 2003 Columns at :

2. Many people make the mistake of writing way too much information on one slide with the result that it is difficult to read and requires too much of the listeners’ time and attention. Besides, such slides are often way too wordy. And after the audience members have read them they can’t really remember all of what was on the slide because there was often just way too much. By now you are probably getting tired and frustrated having to read all of these words when what I’ve really been saying is that speakers should simplify their slides because listeners will appreciate the fact that you do this and also it will be less of a hassle for you. Among other things you will be less apt to read the slides as you make your presentation and you can give your listeners more attention. Also it will be less of an eye strain for the listeners and detract less from what you say.

3. The next slide illustrates the triple 6 Rule
No more than 6 lines
6 words or less per line
Can be read in 6 seconds

4. Barriers to Communication
Lack common core of experience
Same words mean different things
Different words mean same things
Misunderstanding nonverbal behavior
Not applying one’s skills effectively
Failure to apply the “Golden Rule”

5. The Slide also Used A consistent font The “build up” technique
An easy to read sans serif font
Both lowercase and capital letters
Consistent transitions between points
Color that promotes easy reading

6. Serif fonts—those with little lines or serifs at the top and bottom of the letters (like used here)—aid reading from a printed page. This is Times New Roman Font. Sans serif fonts (fonts without serifs) make PowerPoint slides easier to read. This is Arial Font.

7. USING BOTH LOWER AND UPPERCASE LETTERS MAKES A SLIDE EASIER TO READ, TAKES UP LESS SPACE, AND DOESN’T SHOUT AT LISTENERS. Using both lower and upper case letters makes a slide easier to read, takes up less space, and doesn’t shout at listeners.

9. Previous Slide was Blank
Or hit “B” on your keyboard
“W” makes it go white
Or hit button on remote
Let’s talk about using color

10. Color Selection Some colors work better Some don’t
Try different colors
Using many colors looks cluttered
Avoid pastel backgrounds

11. Also The fancy fly in technique detracts
Occasionally it might be okay; generally avoid it

12. Color Selection Some colors work better Some don’t
Try different colors
Too many colors look cluttered
Avoid pastel backgrounds

13. Color Selection Some colors work better Some don’t
Try different colors
Too many colors look cluttered
Avoid pastel backgrounds
Black on White works well

14. Bottom Line: Keep them
Simple
Clear
Consistent
Easy to Read

15. For more information see other columns at this website: