How to Make an Effective Presentation

Fernando Pérez-Muñoz

University of Puerto Rico

Introduction

This presentation seeks to help students prepare good presentations

There are six keys principles:– Size– Simplicity– Clarity– Progression– Consistency– Summary

Size

Size is according to importance– Indented text should be a bit smaller

Power Point adjusts font size automatically to help fit

If text becomes too small, you are including too much info in the slide

Your text should be readable on the monitor from a distance of 2 meters (~6 feet)

Size

This is Arial 44This is Arial 36 – Good for Titles!! This is Arial 28 – Good!! This is Arial 24 – Good for indented text!!! This is Arial 18 – You are really pushing it here!!! This is Arial 12

Arial 12 or 10 is good for written reports, but bad for presentations!!

Simplicity - Text

Avoid paragraphs Use bullets Focus on most important words Break extensive subjects in various slides

for example…

Simplicity - Text

A core requirement of engineering globalization is an understanding of how the different cultures of the global market place shape product development, multi-national engineering teams, and consumer expectations.

Simplicity - Text

Engineering globalization requires understanding of– Effect of culture on product development– Multi-national engineering teams– Consumer expectations

Simplicity – Graphs and Tables

Avoid overload and distractions Focus on message to be delivered Use proper headings Use proper scales

Simplicity – Graphs and Tables

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100000000

Lbs

1st Qtr 2ndQtr

3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

This is TOO LOADED!!

East Section of theHouseWest Section of theHouseNorth Section of theHouse

Simplicity – Graphs and Tables

0

20

40

60

80

100

Mill

ion

lbs

1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

Better!!

EastWestNorth

Simplicity – Art and Pictures

Avoid distractions Use only in support of text If used to call attention, allow it to work! Size implies importance

for example…

Simplicity – Art and Pictures

There is no way to keep the audience attention!!!

Do you really care what I am saying?

Clarity

Proper font type ALL CAPITALS IS HARD TO READ AND

GIVES THE IMPRESSION YOU ARE YELLING AT THE AUDIENCE

Bullets vs. numbers– Numbers imply priority, sequence or order– Otherwise use bullets

for example…

Clarity

How to put an elephant in a cooler1. Open cooler door

2. Put elephant in

3. Close door

How to put a giraffe in a cooler1. Open cooler door

2. Take elephant out

3. Put giraffe in

4. Close door

Carity

Colors should contrast– Poor contrast– This is better!!

Colors should contrast

Good Contrast!!

Poor Contrast!!

Consistency

Differences draw attention Differences may imply importance Use surprises to attract, not distract

The above apply to fonts, visuals, colors, ect

Summary

Start reminding the objective– Be sure to state how it was met

Briefly but clearly mention the main findings Itemize recommendations Let audience know you ended

– Allow time for questions

Questions?