Invented
in 1984, PowerPoint is the public-speaking software
used everywhere from the classroom to the board room,
but it is often not used well!
Remember that PowerPoint is not the
goal; presenting the results of your research is the
goal! Before you click that PowerPoint icon on your
computer, your research should be complete. You should
have a story map or a note card for each slide which
includes title, text, sequence, placement of graphics
and narration text. No amount of fancy graphics, animations,
or sounds can compensate for lack of real content!
PowerPoint Dos and Don'ts:
DO
Choose a template design that harmonizes
with your theme and is appropriate for your topic.
Be sure there is good CONTRAST between
words and background.
Have just ONE IDEA and a few supporting
facts on each slide--absolutely no more than 8 lines
of text.
Use just one or two fonts for your
entire presentation, and be sure it is large enough
for people to read from the back of the room--certainly
nothing smaller than 28 pt.
If you use background music, try
it out with an audience to be sure your voice can
be heard clearly.
Choose powerful images; use original
art or your own photographs if possible.
Apply artistic criteria to each slide:
balance, proportion, harmony, RESTRAINT, originality.
Keep animations simple. Practice
your timing to be sure the words on the screen aren't
trailing in long after you have finished speaking.
Be sure your presentation flows
logically.
Understand your audience and you
will be more likely to reach them with your ideas.
Make eye contact with your audience
and speak with conviction.
Remember that the best presentations
do more than merely present information; they challenge
the audience to think.
DON'T
Don't use a different background
for each slide. Just because you CAN, it doesn't
mean you SHOULD.
Don't get carried away with special
effects and animations. Good designers believe that
LESS IS MORE. Keep repeating those words as you
work!
Don't oversimplify your topic. Be
aware that it can be challenging to present a complicated
idea in a simple format that uses headings and bullet
points.
Don't just read the words
on each slide. Remember that your audience
can read, too. Slides accompany or illustrate your
talk; they should not BE your whole talk. Use words
on your slides to highlight what is important.
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Invented
in 1984, PowerPoint is the public-speaking software
used everywhere from the classroom to the board room,
but it is often not used well!