Workable Presentations 20 or so Tips to a

Workable Presentations 20 or so Tips to a Successful Presentation Created by S. L. Shea Dept of Family & Comm. Medicine Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Modified by N. Mogharreban Dept. of Computer Science Southern Illinois University

Tips on Background Is white is boring? Clutter is confusing. Avoid “cute”, Backfires

Text Choice Select font for clarity and readability Fancy fonts confuse

Text Choice, examples • Fewer Words = Better • Do not type a full sentence in each point, but rather just a word or two to help you remember and communicate your thought. Wordiness = Bad • This Circus of fonts may be “look” ok to you but detracts • This pretty font is all but impossible to read.

Talk about what’s on the slide. Less is better Omit items not in talk Exception: if you think a particular question is likely, add a slide to your file and place it after your closing so it’s there if you need it. Or hide it.

How many slides? • The extremes are easy to set – No more than 1 or 2 slides per minute. – At least 1 slide every 5 minutes • (unless they contain animation).

How many points per slide? Depends on the complexity of the points, but … Maximum of 6 or 7 bullets per slide Need more? Use another slide

Color ~ 5% of audience is colorblind. To them, these words Red Green May look the same color.

Color, continued Is black and white alone effective? If not, consider color? color printed handouts: black & white or color Preview both talk and the handouts in BW and color

Contrast = darkness minus paleness of the colors. Black and white are highest contrast: usually easy to read. Background of this slide is gray, so text in white could disappear.

Microphones Do you need one? Large room Yes Speak slowly and clearly. If narrating slides, use good mike No hum, strong sound

Presentation Have someone else review your presentation Need fresh pair of eyes and ears Spell check your presentation. And then do it again. Backwards! (reading the slides from #20 to #1).

Presentation Start your presentation strong. Speak loudly and clearly. Do not rush through your presentation Cover less in talk : Put details in Paper Practice presentation several times until you can deliver it in the allotted time without rushing it. Show enthusiasm.

Size of Images • When in doubt, make images and text too large. • Rule of thumb, read 5 feet from computer screen or they’re too small.

Transition/Animations Can use transitions and animations to bring attention to points But … Keep them simple and consistent. Random animation disrupts

Plan for Disaster • Bring paper copy of your talk • Bring copies on both CD and memory stick • Place copy on web

Talk to Audience • Don’t talk to your slides – Slides just summarize your talk • Look at different people, face to face – Turn back to screen • once you’re sure the right slide is up.

Humor Frequently good, But sometimes recipe for disaster. If not sure of audience, play it straight.

Your Message is Special, so limit “special effects” Don’t let Fancy Effects detract from your message

Tell people when you’re done. Put in a slide that says “The End” or “C’est Fini” or “Thank You”. (How else will they know when to applaud? )

Thank you.

Extra Slide of Explanation Include just-in-case slides if needed to cover some obscure point or potential objection Normally these are not shown Prepare them if you anticipate a question or objection