Effective Powerpoint

Brent Martin

Beaverton Rural School

January 31, 2008

EFFECTIVE POWER POINT PRESENTATION

Fonts Use the 6 x 6 rule for bullet pointsUse contrast

Dark text on light backgroundLight text on dark background

Do not use ALL CAPS except for titlesTest font by standing six feet from monitor

FontsSelect san serif fontsNo smaller than 24 pointsEach page should have a titleUse the same font on all pagesAvoid italicized fontsNo more than 6-8 words per line

Graphics & DesignKeep the background consistentKeep the background subtleKeep the design clean and unclutteredLimit number of transitionAvoid flashy or noisy animation

Graphics & DesignUse clipart sparinglyUse the same style graphic throughoutLimit number of graphicsAll graphics should relate to the presentation

ColorLimit the number of colors on a single screenUse no more than four colors on a chartCheck all colors on a projection screen before presentation

General PresentationCheck spelling and grammarDo not read the presentationGive a brief overview at start, present

information, review important pointsHave bulleted items appear one at a time

General PresentationPractice before you presentShow up early to test equipmentTurn off screen savers and power management

General PresentationUse a wireless mouseIf sound effects are used, wait until sound finishes before speakingIf content is complex, give audience handoutsDo not turn your back to the audience

General PresentationBackup your slide show and take an extra

copy with youProvide the audience with contact

information if they have questionsAvoid dark backgrounds if presenting in a

poorly-lit roomAvoid light backgrounds if presenting in

well-lit room