This document provides tips for creating a successful PowerPoint presentation. It recommends keeping slide design simple with easy to read fonts and colors that provide good contrast. Slides should be consistent in formatting and reinforce the main message of the presentation. Key points include keeping content concise using keywords and images to support the message, practicing presentations to speak freely without reading slides, and ensuring the PowerPoint aids the speaker in getting their point across to the audience.

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!