Design Tips for PowerPoint Projects

1. Design Tips for PowerPoint Projects for Ms. Birtcher’s Classes

2. Purpose and Use for Slides • Allows you to use multiple channels for reinforcement • Pictures are memory aids • Enhances what you say – don’t read from slide only, use it as a prop

3. Backgrounds • Keep it simple – pick 1 style template to use for the whole presentation. • Graduated backgrounds are visually more interesting than solid bkgds. • Dark backgrounds with light text are easier to read in a darkened room.

4. Color • Blue and Green Backgrounds are easiest for the eyes to see. • White, yellow, orange lettering is good on those backgrounds. • Avoid combinations ofblueandblack-not enough contrast for the eyes. • Avoid red text– it is tiring on the eyes.

5. Content Text • Average 3-4 bullet points per slide • Average 6 words per bullet point • Keep slide to what viewers can absorb in 15 seconds. • Use graphics to add visual interest

6. Fonts • Limit presentation to 1-2 fonts • Stick with the standard fonts – no funky fonts • Sans-Serif fonts are easier to read (Comic Sans) (Here is another example) • This is an example of serif font (Times New Roman)

7. Option 1 Option 2 Examples for discussion

8. Option 1 Option 2 More Examples for Discussion

9. Finishing Touches • Be sure your name is on the first slide with your title • Add your bibliography as the last slide – MLA style.

10. Proofread • Ask someone else to read your slides with “fresh eyes”. • Use spell-check!!! (It’s under TOOLS)

11. Create Handoutto turn in to Ms. B • Print what: Handouts • Grayscale • Slides per page: 6

12. Bibliography • http://presentationzen.blogs.com/presentationzen/2005/09/whats_good_powe.html • http://www.shkaminski.com/Classes/Handouts/powerpoint.htm#C. • http://chris.pirillo.com/how-to-make-a-good-powerpoint-presentation/ • http://www.healthsci.utas.edu.au/trsu/pdf/powerpoint.pdf