PowerPoint Presentations –
What to do and what not to do!
A guide by Jeff Birch
Be careful using Flashy
Animations, Sound or Video
• They can be distracting and annoying
when they don’t function properly
• Keep original source files with the
PowerPoint
• Always perform a “dry run” of your
presentation using the equipment at the
presentation site.
Design Rules
• Try your best not to use too many words
or sentences on a slide. You should only
summarize your points and use your
verbal presentation to explain all of the
nuances of your point. Too many words on
a slide makes it difficult to read, difficult to
remember (for your audience), and causes
your words to begin to float off the page so
that your words are no longer able to be
(this is an excellent example of what “not to do”)
Design Rules
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•
•
•
Period’s are not necessary on bullet points
Use no font smaller than 24 point
No more than 6-8 words per line
For bullet points, use the 1 x 6 x 6 Rule One thought per line with no more than 6
words per line and no more than 6 lines
per slide
• Use dark text on light background or light
text on dark background
Design Rules
• Do not use all caps except for titles
• Avoid italicized fonts as they are difficult to
read quickly
• Keep the background consistent and
subtle
• Do not use gaudy or distracting
backgrounds
Design Rules
• Charts, graphs, photos and clipart are
acceptable, but use them only for
emphasis and only sparingly
• Keep the design clean and uncluttered
• Leave empty space around the text and
graphics
• Check all colors and backgrounds on a
projection screen before the actual
presentation
General Presentation
• Always check spelling and grammar
• Do not read the presentation – the text
should be a cue for the presenter
• If the content is complex, print out the
slides for the audience
• Beginning - Always give a
introduction/summary of what you are
going to cover
• End – Always review the main points
You are now all Experts on
PowerPoint Design
I expect to see wonderful presentations from
you all.