PowerPoint Presentation Tips

Rhian Lewis

Stay Consistent

Use one background throughout your presentation

Change your layout only when it is absolutely necessary.

Keep it Simple

Avoid graphics that are too large and try not to use too many pictures.

Don’t use flashy transitions.

Example.

Don’t do this.

• It distracts your audience.

Speaking

Keep eye contact Do not read directly from the slide. Speak clearly and enunciate. Use proper

grammar and pace yourself well.

Text

Use bullet points instead of writing paragraphs. Text should be large enough to read. (Size 24 or above)

Sentences should be short and concise. Use dark text on a light background or vice versa, it

reduces glare and makes your writing easy to read. Check your spelling and punctuation before you

present.

Engage Your Audience

Use animations and images- but in moderation.

Interactive slides (such as those that pose a question or suggest a discussion topic) are useful in retaining the attention of your audience.

Charts and Graphs

These elements should be clearly labeled, bright, and easy to understand.

Redundancy

YOU DON’T WANT IT YOU DON’T WANT IT YOU DON’T WANT IT YOU DON’T WANT IT YOU DON’T WANT IT.

If there is too much information on a slide, people will read the slide instead of listening to you.

The Final Slide

Your audience will remember how the presentation ended. Close with a summary of your presentation or even a witty statement. At the very least, have a blank slide at the end of your PowerPoint so that the audience isn’t distracted while you finish your talk.

Sources

"Bates College | PowerPoint: Presentation Tips." Bates College. Web. 15 Mar. 2010. <http://www.bates.edu/powerpoint-tips.xml>.

"Presentation Tips." San José State University : College of Business. Web. 15 Mar. 2010. <http://www.cob.sjsu.edu/splane_m/presentationtips.htm>.

"Tips for Effective PowerPoint Presentations." Cheney USD268. Web. 16 Mar. 2010. <http://www.cheney268.com/training/powerpoint/powerpointtips.htm>.