Tips for Effective PowerPoint Presentations

Fonts

§ Select sans-serif fonts such as Arial or Helvetica. Avoid serif fonts such as Times New Roman or Palatino as they are sometimes more difficult to read.

§ Use no font size smaller than 24 point.

§ Clearly label each screen. Use a larger font (35-45 points) or different color for the title.

§ Use a single sans-serif font for most of the presentation. Use different colors, sizes and styles (bold, underline) for impact.

§ Avoid italicized fonts as they are difficult to read quickly.

§ No more than 6-8 words per line

§ For bullet points, use the 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. However, dark backgrounds sometimes make it difficult for some people to read the text.

§ Do not use all caps except for titles.

To test the font, stand back six feet from the monitor and see if you can read the slide.

Graphics and Design

§ Keep the background consistent and subtle.

§ Use only enough text when using charts or graphs to explain clearly label the graphic.

§ Keep the design clean and uncluttered. Leave empty space around the text and graphics

§ Use quality clipart and use it sparingly. The graphic should relate to and enhance the topic of the slide.

§ Try to use the same style graphics throughout the presentation (e.g. cartoon, photographs)

§ Limit the number of graphics on each slide.

§ Check all graphics on a projection screen before the actual presentation.

§ Avoid flashy graphics and noisy animation effects unless they relate directly to the slide.

§ Limit the number of transitions used. It is often better to use only one so the audience knows what to expect.

Color

§ Limit the number of colors on a single screen.

§ Bright colors make small objects and thin lines stand out. However, some vibrant colors are difficult to read when projected.

§ Use no more than four colors on one chart.

§ Check all colors on a projection screen before the actual presentation. They may project differently than what appears on the monitor.

General Presentation

§ Check the spelling and grammar.

§ Do not read the presentation. Practice the presentation so you can speak from bullet points. The text should be a cue for the presenter rather than a message for the viewer.

§ Give a brief overview at the start. Then present the information. Finally review important points.

§ It is often more effective to have bulleted points appear one at a time so the audience listens to the presenter rather than reading the screen.

§ Use a wireless mouse or pick up the wired mouse so you can move around as you speak.

§ If sound effects are used, wait until the sound has finished to speak.

§ If the content is complex, print out the slides so the audience can take notes.

§ Do not turn your back on the audience. Try to position the monitor so you can speak from it.

Adapted from:

§ Bankerd, Kathy. “How to Optimize Projection Technology: Using Fonts, Graphics, and Color to Maximize the Effectiveness of Your Presentation”. Syllabus. November/December 1997.

§ Bird, Linda. “Avoid the Mistakes of PowerPoint Rookies.” Smart Computing. January 2001.

§ Brown, David G. “PowerPoint-Induced Sleep.” Syllabus. January 2001.