PowerPoint Basics

First Steps1. Create outline2. Divide information into reasonable slides3. Choose from preset themes (stick to it)4. Create timing• Slide Show > Rehearse Timings• Transitions > Options > Advance Slide

automatically5. Practice!

Information – Don’tDon’t put an entire sentence or

paragraph on the screen. The audience will read the slide instead of paying attention to you, reducing the effectiveness of your presentation.

Don’t overload your slides with information. Squeezing too much information on a single slide is much worse than adding an extra slide.

Information - DoBe conciseLogically organize materialUse information to reinforce most

important pointsLeave out unnecessary details

Design – Don’t Different fonts/colors on each slideCrazy or funny fontsBright, obnoxious colorsImages that don’t relate to contentToo many animations

Design - DoClear, professional fontOne theme for whole

presentationAesthetically pleasing

colorsOnly images that

enhance content

Additional TipsPractice, practice, practice!

You should NOT look at the screen while presenting

TEST your PowerPointFont legible from far awayTimed slides match presentation pace (trial

and error, careful planning)Content reinforces main speaking points