• Part 1 – The Relationship
• Part 2 – The Student
• Part 3 – The Instructor
• Part 4 – Your Presentation Skills
• Part 5 – The Classroom Setting
• Part 6 – The Presentation
• Part 7 – PowerPoint

Part 7 - The PowerPoint

 7.1 Introduction

Don’t let your presentations get lost in the overkill of PowerPoint slides. Be sure that the PowerPoint is used as an outline, not read word-for-word. Try to use photographs and illustrations to explain technical points or difficult issues. Remember that “a picture is worth a thousand words.”

• Use consistent backgrounds with your PowerPoint slides
• Use light colored backgrounds which are easier to read – avoid white in small areas
• Use readable fonts that contrast with the background so they are easily seen
• Tahoma font is very readable
• Good font sizes are 28 point for the body, 36 point for the heading
• Don’t use numerous font styles, sizes or colors, which will tire the eye
• Don’t use a lot of different transitions from slide to slide - this can be distracting
• Don’t use multiple sound effects for transitions - this can get very tiring
• Be sure your PowerPoint show is organized so you will not jump from slide to slide

If slides are all text only, the listener will read the text quickly then do something else. To maintain interest, use bright images, short video clips, and interesting photos to change the pace and wake your listeners up.

Inter-mix stories with your data. Look at your slides and plan places to tell a story or give an example that will interest your audience. Tell stories about real situations and people if you can.

Cut words from PowerPoint slides to make room for images:

• Omit repeated words on a slide.
• Delete adverbs and adjectives, such as “really” and “very.”
• Omit non-impact words, especially in titles
• Omit needless phrases
• Use shorter words

7.2 PowerPoint Slides

Welcome Slides
“Welcome” slides can be used to provide useful information on the meeting facility such as:

• Thank them for attending
• Hotel restaurant meal arrangements and procedures
• Request to turn off or mute participant cell phones
• Fire alarm pull stations and emergency exit locations
• Class hours
• Class breaks
• Potential adverse weather condition alerts
• Provide hotel check out times and procedures

Break Slides
Use a countdown clock in a PowerPoint presentation to cue participants as to the amount of break time remaining and/or insert a slide with something of interest.

The students’ attention can be tapped during this time to focus their thoughts on pertinent topics, or on upcoming events, classes, or instructional media and books available at the presenter’s Website. A question and answer format on the timer slides will provide a chance to review class material for students who return from break early.

Lunch Time Slide
A lunch time guide can be provided in the PowerPoint slides at the beginning of the lunch break that would show pictures of places to eat that are within walking distance and how to get there.

Summary Slides
Include summary slides at the end of the presentation that can be used to provide a basis for closing discussions if you complete the main program early.

Closing Slide
A closing presentation should thank the participants for attending this workshop.

7.3 PowerPoint Resources

• Claudyne Wilder has some great resources on using PowerPoint, including PowerPoint training seminars. Her Website is at www.WilderPresentations.com.
• CrystalGraphics.com for PowerPoint and presenter aids including “Go Speak” sound system.
• DigitalJuice.com for PowerPoint and presenter aids and licensed music and video clips.

Stay tuned for the Review and Summary. If you're interested in our upcoming Instructor Webinar please email paula@mikeholt.com.