Presentation Tips
Presentation Tips
Presentation Tips
Fonts
Select sans-serif fonts such as Arial or Helvetica. Avoid serif fonts such as Times
New Roman or Palatino as they are sometimes more difficult to read.
Use no font size smaller than 24 point.
Clearly label each screen. Use a larger font (35-45 points) or different color for
the title.
Use a single sans-serif font for most of the presentation. Use different colors,
sizes and styles (bold, underline) for impact.
Avoid italicized fonts as they are difficult to read quickly.
No more than 6-8 words per line
For bullet points, use the 6 x 6 Rule. One thought per line with no more than 6
words per line and no more than 6 lines per slide
Use dark text on light background or light text on dark background. However,
dark backgrounds sometimes make it difficult for some people to read the text.
Do not use all caps except for titles.
To test the font, stand back six feet from the monitor and see if you can read the slide.
Color
Limit the number of colors on a single screen.
Bright colors make small objects and thin lines stand out. However, some vibrant
colors are difficult to read when projected.
Use no more than four colors on one chart.
Check all colors on a projection screen before the actual presentation. They may
project differently than what appears on the monitor.
General Presentation
Adapted from:
Bankerd, Kathy. “How to Optimize Projection Technology: Using Fonts, Graphics, and
Color to Maximize the Effectiveness of Your Presentation”. Syllabus.
November/December 1997.
Bird, Linda. “Avoid the Mistakes of PowerPoint Rookies.” Smart Computing. January
2001.
Brown, David G. “PowerPoint-Induced Sleep.” Syllabus. January 2001.
*Posted with permission from Richard Soash, Technology Director & Curriculum Coordinator of Cheney USD
268, Cheney, Kansas ~ 10/22/2010