Power Point Presentations

The articles were very interesting to read and really did help me out a lot. Though the information they gave seemed somewhat obvious, I didn’t realize just how significant an influence a good (or bad) presentation can have on one’s audience. I was intrigued by the research done on the color schemes and how to most effectively use them. I also thought it was a good point made when one article reminded me how the audience cannot read the slides and listen to the narrator at the same time without missing out on something. I’m glad these articles were here to teach me. I always knew how to make a power point, but now I know how to use them to their fullest potential. I wish some of my professors would consider what was said in these articles, since many of their power point presentations are weak and sometimes even get on my nerves. The worst is when a professor overloads a slide with too much information or uses too many images and animations that it actually detracts from the valuable information. My biggest pet peeve, however, is when a professor just stands there and reads from the slides as if they were a script. I rarely take anything away from those lectures. Because of these annoyances and the inspiration from the articles, I have created a short list of my Best Power Point Presentation Tips for my peers to read and share. Hopefully this helps someone.

5. Make sure that your power point is easy to understand and follow. Your audience won’t be able to process the slides if the font size isn’t legible or if the font color blends into the background.

4. Avoid using “cheesy” cartoons and clipart from Microsoft Word. These images have been seen again and again. Instead, upload your own photographs to add a professional appeal. Graphs are also ideal for easily comparing groups of data.

3. It is very important that your slides connect to each other and have a uniform look throughout. Microsoft Word has saved a set of templates and themes to help you with this.

2. Avoid distracters that can take away from your presentation. DO be sure to make your slides interesting, but DO NOT go overboard. Simplicity and plenty of “white space” is a good thing. The text is usually the most important factor for the audience to digest, so limit complicated backgrounds and overwhelmingly large images.

And the number one tip I have to share with you is…

1. Remember that a power point is a visual aid- and just that. It is there to support the narrator’s words, so don’t simply have the slides repeat what is said, and whatever you do, never just read straight from the slides. You will quickly lose interest from your audience. Turn the screen off while talking if necessary: just make sure the audience’s attention is on YOU.