The Good, The The Good, The Bad, and The Bad, and The

Ugly: Ugly: PowerPoint PowerPoint

BasicsBasicsBy: Vicky Knickerbocker and Brent By: Vicky Knickerbocker and Brent

OlsonawskiOlsonawski

Purpose of PowerPointPurpose of PowerPoint• To keep audience’s attention

• Organization

• Visual Aids

• Help explain something the presenter cannot– Such as diagrams, charts, pictures, etc.

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Purpose of PowerPointPurpose of PowerPoint• So students do not have to take notes in

class

• So instructors have something to read to class

• To entertain students

• Demonstrate computer literacy

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TextText• Dark colored text

• Large print (28 point or larger)

• Common font type (Arial, Times New Roman, etc.)

• Avoid slang

• Check spelling

GOODGOOD BADBAD UGLYUGLYhttp://www.imgsrv.worldstart.com/download/spellchck-big.jpg

TextText• Use fancy-dancy writing styles Use fancy-dancy writing styles

because it add s character to the because it add s character to the presentationpresentation

• UUssee aa vvaarriieettyy ooff ccoolloorrss ooff tteexxt t == Looks Looks pretty!pretty!

• The smaller the text, the more you can cram onto the page = Less slidesThe smaller the text, the more you can cram onto the page = Less slides

• Evarybudy nos how too speel corectle!Evarybudy nos how too speel corectle!

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ColorColor• Simple, light-colored backgrounds• Avoid colors on opposite positions of color

wheel• Remember individuals with colorblindness• Colors reflect mood of presenter

– Green = Relaxing– Red and Yellow = Urgent colors– Blue = Sad and Relaxing– Black = Power Color

• Preview the color in presentation room

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ColorColor• Use your favorite colors because it shows Use your favorite colors because it shows

your characteryour character

• Any color will look great in every room for Any color will look great in every room for every presentationevery presentation

• Colors add to the excitementColors add to the excitement

• Honestly, how many people are colorblind?Honestly, how many people are colorblind?

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AnimationAnimation• Use consistent transition throughout

presentation

• Keep transitions short and attention grabbing

• Do not use sound bites with transitions

• Old text dimmed when new text arrives

• Use in moderation

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AnimationAnimation• The effects add to the presentation

• Students like to be entertained and distracted from boring lectures

• Sound bytes are cool!

• Little bells, whistles, or horns will keep the students awake.

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Sources or CitationsSources or Citations• Give credit where credit is due

• Put little disclaimer at bottom of page

• Cite sources used at the end of presentation

GOODGOOD BADBAD UGLYUGLYhttp://lib1.uwec.edu/TILT/module3/images/citing.GIF

Sources or CitationsSources or Citations• Who cares?

• I put together this PowerPoint, I did all the work.

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Information OverloadInformation Overload• Use the 6 by 6 rule

– Six bullets/lines consisting of six words

• Only have headings or concepts

• Don’t include all of the notes/presentation

• Avoid too much animation or pictures

• Timing of slides– 1 slide per minute = Too fast!

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Information OverloadInformation Overload• I can cram a lot of information onto one page and that way the

students will not have to print off so many copies of these powerpoints and all of my notes will be nice and organized and I won’t have to worry about anything I missed in class because all the notes will be right here in front of me all on one page and plus I don’t have to go to class because of all the notes being here on this one page and I don’t know why the professor is even here because all I do in this class is read the notes from this PowerPoint presentation and copy them down word for word and plus my hand is really starting to hurt because the instructor is soon going to flip to the next slide which will be packed with just as much, if not more information. By the way, what did the last slide say? Oh, well, at least I have a copy of it.

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CreativityCreativity• Hyperlinks can be used to create games

• Pictures and animation can be used (Moderation)

• Lack of creativity = Boring!!!

• Do not use black font with white background

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Creativity

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SummarySummary• Purpose : To enhance presentation• Text: Large, dark colored, common font type• Color: Pick colors that are appropriate for

setting• Animation: Use in moderation• Sources: Give Credit• Information Overload: Limited and

complimentary to presentation• Creativity: Use, but not a distraction

Questions, Comments, Concerns?Questions, Comments, Concerns?

• Is there a way you can use PowerPoint in your class?

• How can it benefit or enhance a presentation?

• Does everybody need to use PowerPoint?

• What is one way you as a PowerPoint user can change to make your presentations better?

SourcesSources• http://www.wtvi.com/teks/luddites/imgs/powerpoint02.jpg• http://www.imgsrv.worldstart.com/download/spellchck-big.jpg• http://lib1.uwec.edu/TILT/module3/images/citing.GIF• http://www.biblepicturegallery.com/Thumbs/ca/teaching/

x_teach/lifestyl/Mr%20Me%20pointing%20to%20himself%20Remember%20me.jpg

• http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/cbo/lowres/cbon2l.jpg

• Shriner, Wally and Michael Russell. 2001. Community College Instructors at Mount Hood Community College. Access complete study at http://www.gst-d21.com/TLC/TLCProj.html#S6