PowerPoint Presentations – What to do and what not to do!

A guide by Jeff Birch

Be careful using Flashy Animations, Sound or Video

• They can be distracting and annoying when they don’t function properly

• Keep original source files with the PowerPoint

• Always perform a “dry run” of your presentation using the equipment at the presentation site.

Design Rules

• Try your best not to use too many words or sentences on a slide. You should only summarize your points and use your verbal presentation to explain all of the nuances of your point. Too many words on a slide makes it difficult to read, difficult to remember (for your audience), and causes your words to begin to float off the page so that your words are no longer able to be (this is an excellent example of what “not to do”)

Design Rules

• Period’s are not necessary on bullet points• Use no font smaller than 24 point• No more than 6-8 words per line• For bullet points, use the 1 x 6 x 6 Rule -

One thought per line with no more than 6 words per line and no more than 6 lines per slide

• Use dark text on light background or light text on dark background

Design Rules

• Do not use all caps except for titles • Avoid italicized fonts as they are difficult to

read quickly • Keep the background consistent and

subtle • Do not use gaudy or distracting

backgrounds

Design Rules

• Charts, graphs, photos and clipart are acceptable, but use them only for emphasis and only sparingly

• Keep the design clean and uncluttered• Leave empty space around the text and

graphics• Check all colors and backgrounds on a

projection screen before the actual presentation

General Presentation

• Always check spelling and grammar• Do not read the presentation – the text

should be a cue for the presenter• If the content is complex, print out the

slides for the audience• Beginning - Always give a

introduction/summary of what you are going to cover

• End – Always review the main points

You are now all Experts on PowerPoint Design

I expect to see wonderful presentations from you all.