How to Create Less Annoying Powerpoints
Choose a simple template with high contrast between text and background, though preferably not a white background with black text, which can cause eye strain (and effectively blind people in a darkened presentation room)., Avoid gradient...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Choose a simple template with high contrast between text and background
They make text clarity inconsistent, and are reproduced less faithfully across different monitors and projectors. , The more you show it, the less it means. , Using three or more fonts/sizes is called "ransom noting" in the design community; it is the annoying mark of the amateur. , Put further details in the Notes section. , In a business setting, it makes you look like you don't know what you're talking about, and puts the audience to sleep. , Arial, Helvetica) because they are easier to read on-screen.
Serif fonts (e.g.
Times Roman) are easier to read in print; use those for printed notes. , Notice how your reading speed accelerated when the last sentence switched to lowercase? There's no advantage in capitalizing beyond the first word in a sentence. , After you've completed your presentation, select View > Master > Slide Master (command will vary per PowerPoint version; these directions are based on PowerPoint 2003).
Depending on your template, you will probably see a <#> on the lower or upper right corner.
Immediately after it, add a space and the words "of x" and replace x with the number of slides in your presentation, so your fifth slide will read "5 of 23," for example.
Depending on your version of PowerPoint, there are fields/macros that also perform this function. , Add a closing slide, or at minimum a blank slide to end the show. , there is nothing more annoying then trying to read something and it is coming one word/letter at a time. -
Step 2: though preferably not a white background with black text
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Step 3: which can cause eye strain (and effectively blind people in a darkened presentation room).
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Step 4: Avoid gradient backgrounds.
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Step 5: Avoid the temptation to put your logo on every slide.
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Step 6: Use no more than five fonts and font sizes throughout the presentation.
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Step 7: Use the 8 x 24 rule: no more than 8 lines and 24 words
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Step 8: per slide.
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Step 9: Never read an entire PowerPoint slide verbatim to your audience
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Step 10: unless they're in kindergarten and you're reading them a story.
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Step 11: Use sans-serif fonts (e.g.
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Step 12: Use capitalized words sparingly
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Step 13: because they decrease reading speed.
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Step 14: Let the viewer know how much longer he has to suffer by having "x of y" on every slide; this will help the audience pace itself in terms of attention and energy.
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Step 15: Don't end your presentation with the default black screen with on it.
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Step 16: Never use the one word/letter at a time animation.
Detailed Guide
They make text clarity inconsistent, and are reproduced less faithfully across different monitors and projectors. , The more you show it, the less it means. , Using three or more fonts/sizes is called "ransom noting" in the design community; it is the annoying mark of the amateur. , Put further details in the Notes section. , In a business setting, it makes you look like you don't know what you're talking about, and puts the audience to sleep. , Arial, Helvetica) because they are easier to read on-screen.
Serif fonts (e.g.
Times Roman) are easier to read in print; use those for printed notes. , Notice how your reading speed accelerated when the last sentence switched to lowercase? There's no advantage in capitalizing beyond the first word in a sentence. , After you've completed your presentation, select View > Master > Slide Master (command will vary per PowerPoint version; these directions are based on PowerPoint 2003).
Depending on your template, you will probably see a <#> on the lower or upper right corner.
Immediately after it, add a space and the words "of x" and replace x with the number of slides in your presentation, so your fifth slide will read "5 of 23," for example.
Depending on your version of PowerPoint, there are fields/macros that also perform this function. , Add a closing slide, or at minimum a blank slide to end the show. , there is nothing more annoying then trying to read something and it is coming one word/letter at a time.
About the Author
Peter Stewart
Specializes in breaking down complex hobbies topics into simple steps.
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