Creating an Effective PowerPoint The quick and easy guide R.A.F.S. Education

FONTS Size 24 or larger. Use Arial or Helvetica. Times New Roman is harder to read. Italicized words are harder to read. Use the same font throughout. (Change colors, sizes, etc.)

Size 24 or larger.

Use Arial or Helvetica.

Times New Roman is harder to read.

Italicized words are harder to read.

Use the same font throughout.

(Change colors, sizes, etc.)

COLOR Light colors on dark backgrounds. Dark colors on light backgrounds. Bright colors can be hard to read. Don't use too much color on one slide.

Light colors on dark backgrounds.

Dark colors on light backgrounds.

Bright colors can be hard to read.

Don't use too much color on one slide.

SLIDES 6-8 words per line. Larger font for titles: Smaller for text. Use all caps on TITLES only. Too many numbers can become confusing. If using bullets, use 6X6 rule: 6 lines and 6 words or less on a line.

6-8 words per line.

Larger font for titles: Smaller for text.

Use all caps on TITLES only.

Too many numbers can become confusing.

If using bullets, use 6X6 rule:

6 lines and 6 words or less on a line.

IMAGES Not too many per slide. Use them only when necessary. Relate them to the idea of the slide. Don't have them take up all the space. You don't want to confuse people.

Not too many per slide.

Use them only when necessary.

Relate them to the idea of the slide.

Don't have them take up all the space.

You don't want to confuse people.

TRANSITIONS Don't use a lot of them. One throughout the presentation is fine. Your presentation will run smoother.

Don't use a lot of them.

One throughout the presentation is fine.

Your presentation will run smoother.

ANIMATIONS/SOUNDS Not recommended unless needed. Can be distracting.

Not recommended unless needed.

Can be distracting.

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