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Do’s
- Keep slides concise. Experts vary but generally agree on no more than 5-7 lines (not bullets!) per slide and no more than 5-7words per line
- Depending on the size of the room, font size should range between 48 for titles to 24 for subtitles and lists. Discipline yourself to eliminate words instead of shrinking font size.
- Use sans-serif fonts that are easy to read, such as Arial.
Did you know? Non-standard fonts may not be supported by the facility’s computer setup and their default font may change your layout with disastrous consequences!
- Use uppercase letters for the first letter
- Leave space between the lines of text
- Use statements or lists, not sentences
- Use keywords to help the audience focus on your message
Hint! Remember that slides are just a visual aid -- if you overload them, the audience may end up trying to make sense of the slides and not pay attention to you. Worse, they will feel overwhelmed and lose interest entirely. Use the space limitations of the slide format to keep you on message and focused on what is most important for the telling of your story.
Don’t’s
- Include too much details and data (7 words per line and 7 lines per slide)
- Crowd the information.
- Use flashy or curvy fonts.
- Use all uppercase letters (hard to read and can be perceived as yelling).
- Avoid obscure abbreviations.
- Skip punctuation marks for bulleted items on slides.
Color
Do’s
- Limit the use of color to 2 to 4 colors/shades.
- Use your institution’s PowerPoint template if available.
- Use colors that will stand out and be easy on the eyes (dark backgrounds and light text is best).
- PowerPoint offers many professionally designed color schemes and design templates.
- Use colors to highlight important words or concepts within the text, but don’t overdo it.
Don’ts
- Don't mix multiple color schemes in the same presentation.
- Don't use dark colors on a dark background. For example, red, blue and black should not be used together as text and background.
- Avoid overly bright background colors that will strain your audience's eyes.
- Remember that colors projected from a data projector will look different than colors on your computer screen, so avoid using nuanced (low-contrast) shades in charts and graphs.
Hint! Keep in mind that your audience might include people with partial sight or color deficiencies. This Lighthouse International webpage on Effective Color Contrast contains basic guidelines and explanations of the three perceptual attributes of color – hue, lightness and saturation – as they are used by vision scientists.
Images and Shapes
Do’s
- Include images that make the issue you are presenting more true to life, so your audience will understand and identify with it.
- Include only 1-2 images per slide.
- Look for images that reflect the demographics and characteristics of your audience to create a sense of connection.
- Use shapes to illustrate complex topics.
Don’t’s
- Don't use too many graphics, which can be distracting.
- Don't use low-quality images. Images should not be pixilated as they will appear grainy and unprofessional on a large screen.
- Avoid using cartoonish images or at least use them with care. They can undermine your credibility.
Graphs and Charts
Do’s
- Use only appropriate graphs, charts and images that closely follow or complement the concept expressed in each slide.
- Include graphs and charts that show relationships, comparisons and change.
- Illustrate your point by verbally discussing the graph or chart.
Don’t’s
- Avoid meaningless graphs that are difficult to read.
Examples of the Best and Worst of Statistical Graphics.
Sound and Animation
Do’s
- Use sounds only if they help convey, complement, or enhance the message.
- Use animation only to make a point and not to make your presentation more interesting – use content and delivery style to do that!
Don’t’s
- Avoid using sounds when they aren't appropriate. Sounds can be distracting and can make your presentation less effective.
- Don’t use too many animation effects.
Transitions
Do’s
- Use transitions to help your presentation make more of an impact by varying the way one slide replaces another.
- Keep transitions to a minimum.
- Use the same transition or a variation of the transition.
Don’t’s
- Avoid flashy transitions, as too much movement will distract your audience.
- Most experts recommend against using PowerPoint’s “Random Transition” option as being distracting
