Transcript Workable Presentations - Informing Science Institute

Workable Presentations
20 or so Tips to a
Successful Presentation
Created by S. L. Shea
Dept of Family & Comm. Medicine
Southern Illinois University
School of Medicine
Modified by N. Mogharreban
Dept. of Computer Science
Southern Illinois University
Tips on Background
Is white is boring?
Clutter is confusing.
Avoid “cute”,
Backfires
Text Choice
Select font for
clarity and
readability
Fancy fonts confuse
Text Choice, examples
Fewer Words = Better
Do not type a full sentence in each point, but rather
just a word or two to help you remember and
communicate your thought.  Wordiness = Bad
This Circus of fonts may be “look” ok to you
but detracts
This pretty font is all but impossible to read.
Talk about what’s on the slide.
Less is better
Omit items not in talk
Exception: if you think a particular
question is likely, add a slide to your file
and place it after your closing so it’s there
if you need it. Or hide it.
How many slides?
The extremes are easy to set
No more than 1 or 2 slides per minute.
At least 1 slide every 5 minutes
(unless they contain animation).
How many points per slide?
Depends on the complexity of the
points, but …
Maximum of 6 or 7 bullets per slide
Need more? Use another slide
Color
~ 5% of audience is colorblind.
To them, these words
Red
Green
May look the same color.
Color, continued
Is black and white alone effective?
If not, consider color?
printed handouts: black & white or color
Preview both talk and the handouts in BW and
color
Contrast
Contrast = darkness minus paleness of
the colors.
Black and white are highest contrast:
usually easy to read.
Background of this slide is gray, so text in
white could disappear.
Microphones
Do you need one? Large room  Yes
Speak slowly and clearly.
If narrating slides, use good mike
No hum, strong sound
Presentation
Have someone else review your
presentation
Need fresh pair of eyes and ears
Spell check your presentation.
And then do it again. Backwards!
(reading the slides from #20 to #1).
Presentation
Start your presentation strong.
Speak loudly and clearly.
Do not rush through your presentation
Cover less in talk : Put details in Paper
Practice presentation several times until you
can deliver it in the allotted time without
rushing it.
Show enthusiasm.
Size of Images
When in doubt, make images and text
too large.
Rule of thumb, read 5 feet from
computer screen or they’re too small.
Transition/Animations
Can use transitions and animations
to bring attention to points
But …
Keep them simple and consistent.
Random animation disrupts
Plan for Disaster
Bring paper copy of your talk
Bring copies on both CD and memory stick
Place copy on web
Talk to Audience
Don’t talk to your slides
Slides just summarize your talk
Look at different people, face to face
Turn back to screen
once you’re sure the right slide is up.
Humor
Frequently good,
But sometimes recipe for disaster.
If not sure of audience,
play it straight.
Your Message is Special,
so limit “special effects”
Don’t let Fancy Effects
detract from your message
Tell people when you’re done.
Put in a slide that says “The End” or
“C’est Fini” or “Thank You”.
(How else will they know when to applaud?)
Thank you.
Extra Slide of Explanation
Include just-in-case slides if needed to
cover some obscure point or potential
objection
Normally these are not shown
Prepare them if you anticipate a question or
objection