PowerPoint design tips to keep the student audience awake

The basic general tips always apply:

• Limit the number of words to a minimum by keeping

only main points and keywords.

The basic general tips always apply:

• Avoid using a blank background, pre-installed templates or plain solid colours by

adding texture, layering shapes or adding a background image.

The basic general tips always apply:

• Use images. Not clipart. Proper photos, pictures or diagrams that

will help aid in your topic.

For the business student:

• Always keep a ‘clean space’ in the major part of the slides ie. Use a solid colour

background where your text and information is placed. Avoid placing lightened images

behind text.

For the business student:

• Use SmartArt where appropriate.

For the science student:

• Avoid using busy templates or designs that will distract from your research.

For the science student:

• Use images and arrows rather than words to explain complicated processes.

For the science student:

• Avoid using complicated tables by making pie charts and graphs instead.

For the science student:

• When using graphs, the simpler the better. Don't add unnecessary 3D graphics, redundant

information or colours that may confuse the audience.

For the lecturer:

• Avoid using slides as a dumping zone for information by rather using animated diagrams,

pictures and flow charts

For the lecturer:

• Students can’t multitask during lectures. Don’t expect them to take notes, read off of the

slides and listen to what you are saying.

• Avoid providing handouts. Use slides as a graphic aid rather than a crutch for study

material.

A design tip to remember:

If there are elements in another person's PowerPoint

presentation that put you to sleep or cause you to roll

your eyes, DON'T add the same styles in your

presentation.

• If there are elements in another person's PowerPoint presentation

that put you to sleep or cause you to roll your eyes, DON'T add the

same styles in your presentation.

Visit my website at www.slideright.co.za to see more indepth

tips and tutorials on PowerPoint design for students.