Powerpoint 101: Use and Misuse of the Cool Stuff

Kelly Kristl

*This is a presentation I plan to keep handy in case I’m ever demonstrating how to make, or ruin, a powerpoint presentation to a group of middle school-age kids. From that perspective, it is also me having a ton of fun with powerpoint. When else do you actually get to use the neon rainbow background?

Choose a Background

• White backgrounds hurt eyes and are harder to read on than dark backgrounds.

Choose a Background

• Isn’t this nice?• Slightly off-white fonts work well too (I used

very light blue.)

• However, not all dark backgrounds are created equal…

This SlideCauses Migraines

• A Dark background makes a light font stand out

• Some fonts are easier to read than others

• Serious fonts fit a serious topic• In Moderation, fun fonts can

accentuate a fun topic

Which Font is Easier to Read?

• Serif?• Sans Serif?• Bold?• Narrow?• Cursive?

• 48 point?• 20 point?

Backgrounds can be different styles

• Dive in to my report on lifeguarding, fresh water usage, or fish

Join me on a journey through my book report about a fantasy book, set in a time long long aGo

Consider Adding Effects

• Bullets can fly in for effect.• Consider if you want the same effect

for all of them.• Consider if the effect is going to slow

your presentation down.• Consider if the effect might make

somebody dizzy.

Ever Tried Word ART?

Clip art can also make a boring slide less boring.

Use Visuals to Make Your Point

• Blah blah blah blah blah blah

Transitions: Cool and Eye Catching

Another Transition

Expert tip: Consider if your transitions help focus, or distract your audience.

And Finally, A Slice of π

• 3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419716939937510582097494459230781640628620899862803482534211706798214808651328230664709384460955058223172535940812848111745028410270193852110555964462294895493038196442881097566593344612847564823378678316527120190914564856692346034861045432664821339360726024914127372458700660631558817488152092096282925409171536436789259036001133053054882046652138414695194151160943305727036575959195309218611738193261179310511854807446237996

There is no demonstration of audio content in this powerpoint

• I know how to do it• I don’t have headphones• The other library patrons thank you

dearly for taking my word

The End!