PowerPoint 101Tips for a successful PowerPoint presentation

Christine Moore, M.Ed.

cmoore@gc.edu

Compose Slides

• Do not copy/paste• Simple design – no distractors• Easy to read font• Allow room for images• Decorate selectively• Message not restricted by design

Be Consistent

• Same font• Same font size• Match colors• Same design

Use Contrast

• Black text on white background = good, but boring• Keep good contrast so text is easy to read

Apply Brilliance

• Use color to highlight your message• Do not use too many colors at once• Match colors for design and good contrast

(carefully!)

K.I.S.S.

• Keep It Straight and Simple• Keywords only• No sentences!!• Never read your slides – talk

freely

Take Home Message

• Always have a message• The point of the

presentation• A summary

• Make it a highlight – stand out

Images

• Should be relevant• Not for decoration• Reinforce or complement the message• Visualization and explanation• Can say more than a thousand words

Animation

• Don’t be silly• Use sparingly• Use to draw attention to key points/message• Use to clarify• Use to emphasize

Audience

• Who are they• What do they know• What do they need to know• What will be interesting to

them• What can you teach them• What will keep them focused

Practice

• Know the slides inside and out• Speak freely (DO NOT READ IT!)• Practice• Speak with confidence• Don’t speak too quickly• Practice• Maintain eye contact

Back up

• Save to more than one location • Save as you go – constantly• Be prepared for problems

Success

• Avoid death by PowerPoint• Follow the tips• Practice• Get the point across, clearly and succinctly• Take questions/comments• Done!