Guidelines for Visual Aids
I often receive questions about PowerPoint slides and how they should be used. Some people believe PowerPoint is simply an awful tool. I maintain that the problem is not with the tool or the technology, but rather with how it is used by the presenter.
If you cram a bunch of content that your audience can’t see or read onto your slide, of course it will be a distraction. That kind of material isn’t valuable to you or your audience. What should you do instead? Here are a few of the top tips I offer regarding making the most of your PowerPoint slides:
- Use bullet points only (no sentences)
- Minimum font size guideline is 28 point
- Use color
- Use one simple font
- Use upper and lower case
- 4 x 6 rule: Use either four lines of text with six words per line, or six lines of text with four words per line
- Enlarge one section of a diagram or spreadsheet for easy explanation and comprehension
The bottom line is to keep it simple. Think of your audience. What do they need to know and how can you communicate that information in a clear, concise way?
Make Every Presentation Great!
Sheri Jeavons
