- PowerPoint presentations should be concise, easy to read, and use high contrast colors and fonts. Text should be at least 24pt for body and 36pt for headings. - Limit one or two images per slide and use simple charts and graphs to illustrate comparisons. Avoid overusing shapes, transitions, and animations. - Sound effects can be used to complement messages if not excessive. Large audio files should be linked rather than embedded. Videos can also be linked or played within PowerPoint.

1. PowerPoint Dos and DontsOn the following slide you can watch a video available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cagxPlVqrtM According to Don McMillan, here is a humorous & yet insightful viewpoint on how people (teachers included) should not be using PowerPoint.

2. Getting started TipsDecide on an appropriate slide layout and styleBe consistent - keep slides conciseDo keep it brief - get to the pointDon’t include too many details and data - don’t over clutterLimit the number of slidesUse statements not sentencesUse keywords that help audience focus on an ideaCreate contrast using font sizes and coloursCheck your grammar and spellingSave your work often

3. Text – Font AdviceDOUse appropriate clear fonts that are easy to read (Arial,Helevtica)Font size for body text should be at least 24+ Font size for titles/headings should be at least 36+Use dark colours for text DON’TUse all uppercase lettersUse flashy or curvy fontsUse font types that are hard to readInclude too much textUse different fonts and colours on each slide

4. Font ExamplesBad examplesAppropriate fontsCan you read me?

5. Can you read me?

6. Can you read me?

7. Can you read me?

8. Can you read me?

9. Can you read me?

10. Can you read me?

11. Can you read me? – Times New Roman

12. Can you read me? - Arial

13. Can you read me? - Perpetua

14. Can you read me? – Bell MT

15. Can you read me? – Book Antiqua

16. Can you read me? – Bookman old style

17. Can you read me? - Cambria

18. Can you read me? - Calibri

19. Can you read me? – Century

20. Can you read me? – Garamond….and many more!

21. Colour AnalysisDODON’TUse appropriate colours Use high contrast (light backgrounds and dark text or vice versa)Use PowerPoint’s predefined colour schemesLimit the use of colour to 2-4Use too bright coloursUse multiple colour schemesUse bright background coloursUse dark colours on dark backgroundsUse yellow on blue and red on green

22. GoodGoodBadBadGoodBadGoodBad BadGoodUse Contrasting Colors

23. Graphs, Shapes and ChartsDODON’TUse 1-2 images per slideUse shapes to illustrate complex topicsInclude graphs and charts that show relationships, comparisons and changeUse relevant images and graphicsOveruse shapes, charts.Use too many graphics – this can be distractingUse low-quality images

24. Special effects: Animations, transitions and noise effectsDODON’TUse sounds to help convey and complement the messageAvoid excessive motionUse sounds when they aren’t appropriateOveruse transitions and animations

25. PowerPoint Tools and TipsSmall audio clips can automatically be embedded in PowerPointLarge audio clips can be linkedPowerPoint can run videoPowerPoint links to videosInsert images, graphs, charts and shapes from the ‘Insert’ buttonInsert links to websites, readings, etc from the ‘Insert’ button

26. Useful LinksGetting Started with Powerpoint :Video demonstrationsImprove your PowerPoint skills :Support Guide (.pdf)Presentations for the UoMMBS templates

27. How can we help you?Please take a look at our eLearning intranet pages, subscribe to our mailing lists and keep an eye out for our quarterly MBS eLearning newsletter.We would value your feedback! Kind regards, MBS eLearning Teamhttp://intranet.mbs.ac.uk/elearning.aspx