Do’s & Don'ts of slide presentations

Thamsanqa Hemeni 201410572

Major errors done in slide presentations

• Indecent choice of font style and size• Inappropriate choice of background and text color• Information overload and too many lines of text

Textual content

• Text should be short and straight to the point• Include key words and phrases•Highlight key points

Content layout

• There should be consistency in:• Position of headings, subheadings• Size of margins• Font styles, size, color should be consistent

Font

• Readable font style•Use same font throughout presentation• Font size should be visible•Do not use font smaller than 24pts

Font cont…

•Use readable font style•Do not use all capital letters•Use italics for quoting and highlighting

Use of a template

•Use a set font and color scheme•Do not use different styles as they may hinder readability•Do not use multiple backgrounds in presentation because they are distracting• Avoid use of clashing colors, e.g. green on red, or orange on green

Graphs and charts

•Make sure the audience can read the graphs and charts• Avoid using graphs that are difficult to read

Graphs and charts

Good graph Bad graph

Tables and illustrations

• Always place table on a separate slide•Use illustrations when needed• Illustrations should relate to the message and help make point

Animation and transitions

•Use the same type of animation throughout entire presentation•Using too many animations can pose a distraction•Use appropriate transitions• Avoid using too many transitions • Avoid the use of too many slides

References

• Aamer Nadeem, 2014• Aishwaryabaile, 2013• Kathryn Harth, (2011). Program Coordinator at Kansas State University• PlusOrMinusZero, (2009). Teaching at VAST, Thrissur, India