Creating Effective PowerPoint Presentations: 5 Keys for Success
Samantha J. BlevinsJuly 25, 2012
OverviewWhy are effective presentations important?
Discussion 5 key points Examples and non-examples
Activity: 8 slide presentation on your favorite hobby
Conclusion
Why are effective presentations important?PowerPoint can put your audience to
sleep if you Read your slides Include too much text or too many
graphics Don’t proofread Make each slide different
Luckily, there are 5 keys to help prevent audience boredom!
Image Source: http://mikeramm.com/2007/05/an-awful-presentation/
5 Keys to Creating Great PresentationsChoose a theme
Be consistent
Color is important
Less is more
Whitespace is your ally
Choose a ThemeGives a professional feel
Can provide structure Fonts and color are preselected and coordinated
Can be tweaked to meet your needs
Example and Non-example
Be ConsistentFont should be the same throughout your
presentation Color Size Placement
Punctuation Differences can be distracting
Slide transitions should be complimentary A different transition for each slide can be
distracting
Example and Non-example
Color is ImportantMood for presentation
i.e. Use school or company colors when appropriate
Legibility Make sure your text color doesn’t interfere with
your background color Contrasting colors can help
Example and Non-example
Images Source: http://www.thugmed.com/2009/01/medical-presentation-skillz/
Less is MoreDon’t fill up every square-inch of your slide
Watch out for distracting slide or text effects Too many can overwhelm
Example and Non-example
Image Source: http://speakupforsuccess.com/services/powerpoint/Image Source: http://carmenchongky.blogspot.com/
Whitespace is Your Ally Images
Effective when appropriate Don’t need to take up the whole slide Golden rule: 2 per page
Text Keep it brief
Example and Non-example
Image Source: http://speakupforsuccess.com/services/powerpoint/Image Source: http://www.mondofacto.com/study-skills/presentation/how-to-create-a-presentation/03.html
Summary of the 5 KeysChoose a theme
Be consistent
Color is important
Less is more
Whitespace is your ally
Practice ActivityLet’s practice using the key points of our
discussion Create an 8-10 slide PowerPoint Presentation Topic Ideas
Favorite hobby Favorite vacation Place you want to visit
Expectations: Present your topic in an open discussion Credit will be given for completion Let’s learn from each others triumphs and mistakes
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