How to Create an Effective PowerPoint

Find a topic that you can talk about with some knowledge., Create a basic outline on a sheet of paper. , Apply a template (one that is not hard on the eyes, and looks organized and professional). , Summarize the main purpose or idea of your...

17 Steps 2 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Find a topic that you can talk about with some knowledge.

    Choose an interesting angle for your talk.
  2. Step 2: Create a basic outline on a sheet of paper.

    ,,, Choose text that is large and clear to see.

    Make sure that it is visible from the back of the room you'll be presenting in.

    It should be clear, easy to read and not blending into the background used. , The references can even be placed below the slide, making them easily findable should you send the slides to people by email. , They make it hard to read the text.

    If you feel you must use a picture as a background, use a transparency behind your text so it is easy to read, and have your text and your transparency contrasting colors.

    To do this, right click the text box, click on format placeholder, and change the fill to a color and make it transparent. (Around 70-80% transparency works well) On the other hand, pictures in the background catch the reader's attention and makes your presentation look professional.

    However, make sure that the words contrast with the background.

    Also, find large pictures that aren't blurry.

    Try searching up vector. ,, Remember the 5 by 5 rule.

    Five bullets with less than 5 words each.

    Please, no long paragraphs or slide long quotes! , Don't over-exaggerate your animations, slide-ins work really well for bullets. , Don't try to mix it up because then it will look sloppy.

    Note: just because you should stick to one slide transition does not mean that you should only stick to one animation. , Look for mistakes and do touch-ups.

    Best of all, read it through as if you were giving the presentation and see how it all pulls together.
  3. Step 3: Apply a template (one that is not hard on the eyes

  4. Step 4: and looks organized and professional).

  5. Step 5: Summarize the main purpose or idea of your PowerPoint in your title slide.

  6. Step 6: Use the appropriate size for the text.

  7. Step 7: Instead of citing your sources all on one slide

  8. Step 8: cite the sources you referenced as you present them throughout the PowerPoint presentation.

  9. Step 9: Try not to use pictures as a background.

  10. Step 10: Use graphs and tables to show your information often

  11. Step 11: but not too often.

  12. Step 12: Use short sentences and phrases

  13. Step 13: keep your text short.

  14. Step 14: Only use animations for emphasis.

  15. Step 15: If you use slide transitions

  16. Step 16: stick to only one.

  17. Step 17: Look over the presentation at least five times.

Detailed Guide

Choose an interesting angle for your talk.

,,, Choose text that is large and clear to see.

Make sure that it is visible from the back of the room you'll be presenting in.

It should be clear, easy to read and not blending into the background used. , The references can even be placed below the slide, making them easily findable should you send the slides to people by email. , They make it hard to read the text.

If you feel you must use a picture as a background, use a transparency behind your text so it is easy to read, and have your text and your transparency contrasting colors.

To do this, right click the text box, click on format placeholder, and change the fill to a color and make it transparent. (Around 70-80% transparency works well) On the other hand, pictures in the background catch the reader's attention and makes your presentation look professional.

However, make sure that the words contrast with the background.

Also, find large pictures that aren't blurry.

Try searching up vector. ,, Remember the 5 by 5 rule.

Five bullets with less than 5 words each.

Please, no long paragraphs or slide long quotes! , Don't over-exaggerate your animations, slide-ins work really well for bullets. , Don't try to mix it up because then it will look sloppy.

Note: just because you should stick to one slide transition does not mean that you should only stick to one animation. , Look for mistakes and do touch-ups.

Best of all, read it through as if you were giving the presentation and see how it all pulls together.

About the Author

N

Natalie Hill

Committed to making creative arts accessible and understandable for everyone.

73 articles
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