1. Introduction to PowerPoint
Show 1: Design Basics

2. Your presentation will be graded on the following design suggestions.

3. Make it easy to read:
Not too much text (no more than 25 words per slide.)
Enough contrast in color to make it easy to read.
No busy photos. Make the words on a solid background.

4. EXAMPLE: Too much text on one slide is not effective.
If you put too much text on one slide it is hard to read, and you end up reading instead of presenting your entire presentation. This can make your show seem very monotone and can lead to extreme boredom afflicting your audience. Your message will be lost in an abundance of information and ultimately an extremely ineffective use of this communication tool. Don’t be wordy!

5. The same ideas applies to bullets as well – do not use too many!
If you use too many bullets
Your topic is busy
Your show is confusing
Your audience gets lost
And tired of you talking
It’s just too much!
Use no more than three bullets per slide or text box.
Otherwise it’s irritating
See what I mean
Have I lost your interest yet?
I’m not interested any more
What was I saying?

6. Clip art & photos: In general…
Use only one or two visuals per slide.
Make sure they contribute to your message not distract attention from it.
Don’t use poor quality or grainy photos.

7. Better use of a photo & contrast:
Use dark on light
and light on dark.

8. EXAMPLE: This photo is too busy to use as a background & the color contrast is not effective.
Frogs are my favorite animal.

9. Too much animation… Makes your slide show busy.
Takes away from the message.
Can be just obnoxious and annoying!

10. Too many sound effects…
Make your slide show busy.
Take away from the message.
Can be just obnoxious and annoying!

11. To be continued…