what makes a good powerpoint? -...

What Makes a Good

PowerPoint?

Bullets - BAD

Bullets should be aligned to the left

Not to the right side or centered

It’s very confusing and hard to read when

they’re not aligned

Bullets - GOOD

Bulleted lists should align to the left.

It is much easier to follow left to right.

It also looks much cleaner.

Look of Presentation - BAD

Look at how boring!

This page is plain!

Boring = snoring!

Look of Presentation - GOOD

Spruce up your presentation by adding a background

Makes your presentation look more put together and makes you

look more prepared

Backgrounds – BAD

Backgrounds can be very helpful in making your

PowerPoint look nice.

Background - BAD

Your background should never:

distract from your text

make your text hard to read.

Background - GOOD

A good background is simple and does not distract from

the content on your page.

Graphics - BAD

When using graphics, using multiple can also be very

distracting.

Make wise choices

Graphics - GOOD

Usually, ONE good graphic is more effective than multiple.

It is less for the viewer to focus on.

They pay more attention to your content and what you’re saying.

Also you should make sure that your graphic relates to your content.

Rule of 4 - BAD

When making a PowerPoint

You’ll want to use the rule of four

That means not listing more than 4 points on any slide.

When you include more than 4 bullets,

It can be overwhelming for the viewer.

Make sure you’re not overloading your audience with

info.

Rule of 4 - GOOD

Notice how when reading this page

The content is not overwhelming.

Make sure to use the rule of 4

In your PowerPoints.

Fonts - BAD

Varying Colors are Distracting

Stay Away from Gimmicky Fonts

AVOID USING ALL CAPS!

Sizes should also be consistent

Fonts - GOOD

Simple Fonts

Bold and Italics are good for adding emphasis

Amount of Text - BAD

When you are giving a PowerPoint presentation,

remember that your slides are only there to assist you.

That means that you should not put everything you

intend to talk about on your slide.

No one wants to read all of your content straight from

your slide show.

The majority of your time should be spent speaking to

your audience, rather than facing and reading off of

your slide.

Amount of Text - GOOD

Bullets are a reminder (talking points)

Know your material

Talk to, rather than read to your audience

Transitions/Animations - BAD

Variety of effects can be distracting

Noises

Animations

Transitions

Transitions/Animations - GOOD

Variety of effects can be distracting

Avoid noises, unless they add to your presentation

No need for fancy animations

Transitions should be simple