Invented in 1984, PowerPoint is the public-speaking software used everywhere from the classroom to the board room. Why is it so popular? PowerPoint makes it easy to gather text, pictures, graphs, charts and sound into a cohesive, sequential presentation.

You should follow the same research process, whether your result is an essay, a research paper, or a PowerPoint presentation. 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 hand-written 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.
• There should be one focal point (use the "Rule of Thirds").
• 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. Use the text on the slides as you would use notes for a prepared speech.

RUBRIC
Here's a rubric you can use to create a truly superior presentation.

VIDEO
Super Presentationman shows you the way!