Using PowerPoint

Date of Report: 08/2003
Author:  Lucy Bradley-Springer, PhD, RN, ACRN, Director, Mountain Plains AETC
Source: Mountain Plains AETC
Description: The following outline was taken from a PowerPoint presentation .

Effective Visual Aids

	35 words or less
	Shortcuts: lean phrases delete words abbreviations
	Use titles

Decreasing Words

	Use symbols: , &, >, <, etc.
	Abbreviate: HCV, OB, ART, VL, etc.
	Leave out words: "There are several indications for the use of ART in pregnancy" Alternate: "Indications for ART in pregnancy"

Titles

	Give learner focus
	Can title take place of some of your content?
	Ex: ART in Pregnancy
	Divide & conquer -- make multiple slides out of one with a lot of content (repeat title as needed)

Effective Visual Aids

	Readable: big font, bold, use whole screen
	General rules for font size: 48-54 points for titles, 36-40 points for main points, no smaller than 28 points
	Strong color contrast
	Minimize details on tables, charts, graphs

Effective Visual Aids

	Make it simple: use as outline/organizer
	Add interest: pertinent pictures/graphics
	Don't believe what you see on the computer screen: project on wall to know for sure

How to know . . .

	Print a handout with 6 slides to a page: if you can't read it on printout, they can't read it on the screen
	If you have to say, "I know you can't read this, but . . .", don't use it!

What if they NEED all that information?

	Give a handout
	Give a reference
	Refer to information in a slide that follows the rules & ask the audience to follow on the handout

Bottom Line(s) . . .

	Don't waste your time/effort
	If they can't see it, they won't read it

Handout Tips

	Don't print picture slides
	Don't print cartoons or slides meant to be surprises -- it decreases the ability of these slides to keep people alert & interested