Handout #1 Standard 7b Lesson 1/1
Tips for Creating and Presenting an Effective
Presentation
Preparing the Presentation:
1.
Make a Plan. After you have determined your audience, decide what to say and how to say it.
Create an outline after you have analyzed what items must be covered and how you want your
audience to respond.
2.
Analyze Your Audience. Take the time to determine who will be listening. Ask yourself, “Why
am I giving this presentation?”
3.
Keep the Number of Words Per Slide to a Minimum. The general rule is to limit the number of
words per slide to eight. It is better to have more slides with less information than vice versa.
4.
Keep it Short. Resist creating a lengthy presentation. The longer the presentation, the greater
the danger of losing your audience’s attention.
5.
Start with a “title” slide to introduce yourself and presentation.
6.
Slides should not repeat what you have to say; they should supplement your presentation.
7.
Choose a sans serif font. Keep the font style consistent.
8.
Choose a font size that your audience can read from a distance. Font measurements indicate
the size of a font on your computer screen, not projected on a screen for your audience.
9.
Keep your text simple by using bullet points or short sentences. Keep to one line without text
wrapping. You want your audience to listen to you present rather than read the screen.
10.
Use graphics to help tell the story. Don’t overdo!
11.
Make backgrounds/themes subtle and keep them consistent. You don’t want the design to
distract from your message.
12.
Use high contrast between background color and text color. Use dark background with light
colored text.
13.
On the last slide, reference all the sources used.
14.
Check the spelling and grammar.
Handout #1 Standard 7b Lesson 1/1
Page 2
Delivering the Presentation:
1. Be prepared; make sure your presentation will work on another computer.
2. The presentation should be well organized. It must have an introduction, a main body, and
conclusion.
3. Know your audience. Don’t make your presentation too complicated or too simple.
4. You must rehearse your presentation. Practice the timing to make sure you stay within the
allotted time. Know the topic so you can answer questions.
5. Speak clearly and loudly enough to be heard in the back of the room.
6. DO NOT READ THE PRESENTATION.
7. Dress properly; be relaxed, cheerful, and enthusiastic.
8. Face the audience and have good eye-contact.
9. Maintain an even speaking pace. Most people talk too fast when they are nervous. Don’t rush
or go too slowly.
Handout #1 Standard 7b Lesson 1/1