1. PowerPoint 101Tips for a successful PowerPoint presentation
Christine Moore, M.Ed.
cmoore@gc.edu

2. Compose Slides
• Do not copy/paste
• Simple design – no distractors
• Easy to read font
• Allow room for images
• Decorate selectively
• Message not restricted by design

3. Be Consistent
• Same font
• Same font size
• Match colors
• Same design

4. Use Contrast
• Black text on white background = good, but boring
• Keep good contrast so text is easy to read

5. Apply Brilliance
• Use color to highlight your message
• Do not use too many colors at once
• Match colors for design and good contrast
(carefully!)

6. K.I.S.S.
• Keep It Straight and Simple
• Keywords only
• No sentences!!
• Never read your slides – talk
freely

7. Take Home Message
• Always have a message
• The point of the
presentation
• A summary
• Make it a highlight –
stand out

8. Images
• Should be relevant
• Not for decoration
• Reinforce or complement the message
• Visualization and explanation
• Can say more than a thousand words

9. Animation
• Don’t be silly
• Use sparingly
• Use to draw attention to key points/message
• Use to clarify
• Use to emphasize

10. Audience
• Who are they
• What do they know
• What do they need to know
• What will be interesting to
them
• What can you teach them
• What will keep them focused

11. Practice
• Know the slides inside and out
• Speak freely (DO NOT READ IT!)
• Practice
• Speak with confidence
• Don’t speak too quickly
• Practice
• Maintain eye contact

12. Back up
• Save to more than one location
• Save as you go – constantly
• Be prepared for problems

13. PowerPoint Final Reminders
• Is not the main focus
• Should provide aid in making the point
• Visual clues
• Facilitator makes the point
• Check your PowerPoint
• Stand alone presentation = rework it
• Offers visual aid to make point = keep it

14. Success
• Avoid death by PowerPoint
• Follow the tips
• Practice
• Get the point across, clearly and succinctly
• Take questions/comments
• Done!