Recording-2025-03-11T09:51:38.705Z

Designing Presentation Aids

• Keep It Simple

  • Avoid clutter by not overloading slides with images and text.

  • Audience struggles to read while listening; lengthy paragraphs deter engagement.

• Structure Your Slides

  • Follow the structure of your speech or essay:

    • Introduction slide

    • Main points slides (average of 3 for short speeches)

    • Conclusion slide

  • Allocate approximately one minute of talk time per slide.

  • For a five-minute presentation, aim for no more than five slides.

• One Message Per Slide

  • For multi-part arguments, use separate slides for each piece of evidence.

Rules for Slide Content

• Six by Six Rule

  • Limit slides to a maximum of six bullet points.

  • Each bullet point should contain no more than six words.

  • Maintain visual breathing room; avoid excessive empty space.

• Visual Elements

  • Use visuals on every slide for engagement (e.g., images or charts).

  • Design elements (font, color, size) should remain consistent throughout the presentation.

Font and Color Guidelines

• Font Selection

  • Choose conservative fonts that convey stability and trustworthiness.

  • Avoid distracting or overly vibrant fonts.

• Color Backgrounds

  • Use either dark text on a light background or light text on a dark background.

  • Avoid stark contrasts like white backgrounds with black text; opt for slight variations to reduce glare.

• Color Interpretations

  • Be mindful of how colors evoke different associations across industries (e.g., blue in healthcare).

Presenting Statistics Effectively

• Present Statistics Clearly

  • Avoid overwhelming audiences with complex or unreadable statistics.

  • Opt for clear and easy-to-digest presentations of statistical data.

Citing Information on Slides

• Placement of References

  • Instead of a final slide of references, place citations at the bottom of the relevant slide in smaller font size (e.g., size 12), adhering to APA format.

Tips for Delivery With Presentation Aids

• Backup Your Presentation

  • Save your slideshow on both a USB drive and virtually (e.g., Google Drive).

  • It’s crucial to have both options in case of technology failures.

• Check File Compatibility

  • Be aware that presentations created on Apple software may not display correctly on PCs.

• Focus on Your Audience

  • Treat your slideshow as supporting material rather than the focus of your presentation.

  • Engage with the audience while using the slides to reinforce your points.