Design Tips
for
PowerPoint Projects
for
Ms. Birtcher’s Classes
Purpose and Use for Slides
 Allows
you to use multiple channels for
reinforcement
 Pictures
are memory aids
 Enhances
what you say – don’t read from
slide only, use it as a prop
Backgrounds
 Keep
it simple – pick 1 style template
to use for the whole presentation.
 Graduated
backgrounds are visually
more interesting than solid bkgds.
 Dark
backgrounds with light text are
easier to read in a darkened room.
Color

Blue and Green Backgrounds are easiest
for the eyes to see.

White, yellow, orange lettering is good on
those backgrounds.

Avoid combinations of blue and black - not
enough contrast for the eyes.

Avoid red text – it is tiring on the eyes.
Content Text
 Average
3-4 bullet points per slide
 Average
6 words per bullet point
 Keep
slide to what viewers can
absorb in 15 seconds.
 Use
graphics to add visual interest
Fonts

Limit presentation to 1-2 fonts

Stick with the standard fonts – no funky
fonts

Sans-Serif fonts are easier to read
(Comic Sans) (Here is another example)

This is an example of serif font (Times New
Roman)
Examples for discussion

Option 1

Option 2
More Examples for Discussion

Option 1

Option 2
Finishing Touches
 Be
sure your name is on the first slide with
your title
your bibliography as the last slide –
MLA style.
 Add
Proofread
 Ask
someone else to read your slides with
“fresh eyes”.
 Use
spell-check!!! (It’s under TOOLS)
Create Handout
to turn in to Ms. B
 Print
what: Handouts
 Grayscale
 Slides
per page: 6
Bibliography

http://presentationzen.blogs.com/presentationze
n/2005/09/whats_good_powe.html

http://www.shkaminski.com/Classes/Handouts/p
owerpoint.htm#C.

http://chris.pirillo.com/how-to-make-a-goodpowerpoint-presentation/

http://www.healthsci.utas.edu.au/trsu/pdf/powerp
oint.pdf