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BUS5 162: International and Comparative Management

Statistics, country information, etc. for Business 162.

Some Specifics for Your PowerPoint Presentation

Fonts

 

  • Use font size no smaller than 24 point.
  • Clearly label each screen. Use a larger font (35-45 points) or different color for the title.
  • 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.

 

Graphics and Design

 

  • Keep the background consistent and subtle.
  • Use only enough text when using charts or graphs to explain the concept.
  • Clearly label the graphic.
  • Keep the design clean and uncluttered. Leave empty space around the text and graphics.
  • Use quality clipart and use it sparingly. The graphic should relate to and enhance the topic of the slide.
  • Try to use the same style graphics throughout the presentation (e.g., cartoons, photographs)
  • Limit the number of graphics on each slide.
  • Avoid flashy graphics and noisy animation effects unless they relate directly to the slide.

 

Color

 

  • Limit the number of colors on a single screen.
  • Use no more than four colors on one chart.

 

General Presentation

 

  • Check the spelling and grammar.
  • Do not read the presentation. Practice the presentation so you can speak from bullet points. The text should be a cue for the presenter rather than a message for the viewer.
  • It is often more effective to have bulleted points appear one at a time so the audience listens to the presenter rather than reading the screen.
  • Do not turn your back on the audience. Try to position the monitor so you can speak from it.

 

Presentation Practice Room 

 

The library has a presentation specifically designed to help you practice your individual or group presentations! To learn more and to reserve the room, which includes a green screen for background editing, please visit the Presentation Room Guide


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.