EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS II

Arrangement

The English language is read left to right,

• The arrangement should generally read left to right.
• Eyes tend to land in the optical center of the screen
• When a visual is first shown, the eyes tend to land in the optical center of the screen.
• The optical center is a spot slightly above and to the left of center.
• Create a visual balance between all the text and graphic components
• Without this visual balance, the text and graphic components may run together and make it difficult for the audience to comprehend the point you are trying to make.
• Don’t crowd your information too close to the edges
• Information too close to the edge is a sure sign of too much information on a slide.
• Some overhead systems may not show information too close to the edge of a slide.
• Leave space between lines of type
• Space between the lines of type ensures legibility.

Templates

Use a template for your slides

• Templates create a theme or sense of unity throughout your presentation.
• The audience will “learn” the template, and thus not be distracted by a changing environment.

Templates include a background design and color scheme

• The background design may vary throughout the presentation.
• Only vary it to the extent of showing different concepts or for graphics readability.
• The color scheme should stay consistent throughout the presentation.

Standardize positions, colors, and styles for common elements

• Throughout the presentation, titles and subtitles should appear in the:
• same location;
• same color; and
• same font.

A logo or other identifying information may be incorporated into the template.

• The template is a good place to advertise:
• your institution;
• your department; or
• the conference at which you are presenting.

The bottom right corner is the best place for the logo

• The eye travels to the bottom right corner as a visual is being changed. This spot may be a good place for the logo or information.

Color

Limit the use of color

• Unless you are using a full-color photograph or picture, you should use no more than three or four contrasting colors.

Use colors that contrast

• Optimal color choices should complement the human vision and perception physiology rather than just being your own favorite.
• Stick with contrasting combinations of red, green, blue, yellow, black, and white whenever possible.

Beware of certain combinations

• Red letters on a blue background causes “stereopsis.”
• Red and green combinations don’t work because many people are red/green colorblind.

Dark background with light text and images is best

• Good background colors include dark blues and greens.
• Good text colors are white and pale yellows.