Transcript Commandments for PowerPoint

You should use the 7-by-7 rule.
 No more than 7 lines on a slide
 No more than 7 words per line.
 No long sentences.
You should not use fonts smaller
than 28-point.
 Limit 3 fonts per presentation.
 Don’t use UPPERCASE.
 Sans serif fonts are best.
You should not use busy
backgrounds or ineffective colors.
 Use the same background
throughout.
 Light fonts on a dark background
are best for projection.
 Dark fonts on a light background
are best for printed slides.
You should not complicate slides
with too many figures and tables.
 If a large table needs to be part
of a presentation, break it into
chunks on several slides and
focus on one aspect of it at a
time.
You should use animation, audio,
and pictures in moderation.
 Use pictures and audio to
enhance your message, instead
of letting them become the
message.
 Use one transition per slide.
You should acknowledge all
references used.
 When you use a quote,
table, figure, or summarize
someone else’s work, cite
the source.
You should not read the slides
word for word.
Use the slides as guides
for a presentation.
You should use proper spelling
and grammar.
Use Spell Check—
Review>Proofing>
Spelling
You should practice.
PowerPoint is only a
tool—one you need to
use with poise and
confidence.
You should allow the listener time
to process the slides.
 Don’t put up a slide and then
skip over it—that’s very
confusing.
 Always allow time for questions
and encourage your audience to
ask them.
http://www.nvcc.edu/home/lshulman/
PowerPoint.htm