Tips for Effective PowerPoint Presentations

1. Tips for Effective PowerPoint Presentations David Robinson Source:Roblyer, M.D. & Edwards, J. (2006). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching, Fourth Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall

2. Purpose • Identify and state the purpose/objective of the presentation.

3. The purpose of this presentation is to present tips for effective PowerPoint Presentations.

4. Large Enough Type • Use at least 32-point font; use larger type if audience is large and a long distance from the presenter. • Use at least 32-point font; use larger type if audience is large and a long distance from the presenter.

5. Contrast Text and Background • Use high contrast to background. • The next slide presents are example of poor contrast.

6. Example of poor contrast • Hyperlink: http://www.yahoo.com

7. Minimize Text on Each Frame • Use text to focus attention on main points, not present large amounts of information. Summarize ideas in brief phases. • No more than seven lines of text per slide.

8. Example of too much text. • Class Discussion and Participation • A major portion of this class is based on weekly readings.  • All students are expected to carefully read the assigned readings for each week and be prepared to participate in classroom discussions and activities.   • You are encouraged to share items that you think might add to and improve the quality of the class.  • This includes, bringing in relevant articles, web sites, new technologies, software, or anything you think might be appropriate.       • Projects • There are six projects plus a final project assigned throughout the course of the semester.  Each of the projects is discussed in specific detail below.  Every project has an assigned due date.  Your project is expected to be ready for submission when class begins that day.  Unless specific circumstances have been discussed on a one to one basis prior to the due date, late projects will not be accepted.

9. Too Many Items on One Frame • Too many items can interfere with reading, especially if some items are in motion. • See the next slide for an example.

10. Example: Too Many Items • Fine Arts are an important facet of education.

11. Avoid too Many Fancy Fonts • Use Plain Fonts – easier to read as demonstrated below: • Use Plain Fonts • Use Plain Fonts

12. Avoid Gratuitous Graphics • Graphics interfere with communication when used solely for effect. http://entimg.msn.com/i/mu/b/beyonce/Beyonce_150.jpg http://mlb.com

13. Avoid Gratuitous Sounds • Sounds interfere with communication when used solely for effect.

14. Use Graphics Not Just text • Well-chosen graphics help communicate messages. Text alone does not make the best use of presentation software.

15. Avoid Reading Text Aloud • Do not read what the audience can read for themselves. Use text to guide main points of discussion.

16. Consistency • Layout – same/similar items displayed on same/similar locations on more than 1 slide. • Transitions • Effects