Effective PowerPoint

Presentations

By Brenden Geraghty

Plan and Practice Before making a

PowerPoint: Write a script Conduct research Have the PP flow

from start to finish

Practice: Take time at home

to recite the PP to yourself or a friend

Proofread and look for dull moments to avoid them when giving the presentation

Limit Writing; Use Visuals

Avoid paragraphs Large font enhances the point No one wants to read a big block of text

Pictures help visualize the message Clip Art and Graphics attract the audience

Colors and Themes Use contrasting colors to make the text

stand out Use and customize design templates Use images and WordArt that

coordinate with the color scheme

Text Guidelines Use large font that stands out Keep a basic, consistent font style Do not use fancy font that will distract

the audience from the topic Don’t center the text, that makes it

harder to read

Animations and Transitions

Use the same effects throughout the slideshow

Do not distract the audience with over-dramatic effects

Keep it simple

Summary1. Practice makes

Perfect!2. Research info 3. Plan & Proofread your

PPT.

1. Use Pictures2. Limit amount of

text3. Help audience

visualize

1. Keep colors matching throughout

2. Customize your theme

3. Coordinate pics with colors

1. Use large text2. Don’t use anything

to distract audience3. Keep it simple

1. Keep consistent effects2. Don’t make

transitions/animations too crazy

Sources Montecino, V. (1999) Creating an Effective

PowerPoint Presentation. Mason.gmu.edu. Retrieved January 29, 2014 from http://mason.gmu.edu/~montecin/powerpoint.html

Wax, D. (2008) 10 Tips for More Effective PowerPoint Presentations. Lifehack.org. Retrieved January 29, 2014 from http://www.lifehack.org/articles/technology/10-tips-for-more-effective-powerpoint-presentations.html