Top 10 tips
for better
PowerPoint
presentations
1
Use a consistent font throughout
your presentation.
• The WuXi AppTec default font is “Arial.”
• Be consistent in use of capitals and lower
case. Try to avoid use of initial caps
(“Title” style) when it is unnecessary.
• Avoid using ALL CAPS.
• Be consistent when using bold text.
• Avoid using italics and underlining as it
makes text difficult to read.
2
2
Use as little text as possible so
slides have white space and
words are a legible size.
Keep Headlines Short
This will enable you to use a larger size font
to make it more visible.
The recommended size for body text is at
least 24 pt., and should never be smaller than 18 pt.
3
3
Be moderate in your use of color
and bolding for text.
Coloring or bolding particular text can
sometimes help set off headings, add
focus, or highlight important information.
But use with care to ensure your slides
do not become too busy.
And always be consistent in how you
apply such formatting.
4
4
Be diligent in using correct
language.
Double check that all of your text adheres
to correct grammar rules, including:
• punctuation
• noun / verb agreement
• pronoun agreement
And be sure to run spell check to catch
unnoticed errors.
5
5
Watch for special usages.
Be correct and consistent.
Some common examples include:
•“mL” for milliliter (standard in the U.S., though Europe
often still uses “ml”)
•“U.S.” (with periods) when referring to the country, though
“US FDA” can be written without periods.
•“sq. ft” is often used as an abbreviation to save space but
should be written out when used in a sentence – “…the
facility comprises 20,000 square feet” OR
“it is a
20,000-square-foot facility” (note hyphens). The use of
“ft2” should be limited to calculations.
6
6
Be consistent in your bullet style.
Keep bullet styles simple and make sure
they are consistent from slide to slide.
• Indentations should always line up on a
single slide when you have more than
one bulleted list.
– For sub-bullets, indent and use a different
bullet style.
– You can also help set off sub-bullets by
reducing the font size a little.
• When possible, use spacing between
bullets to make them easier to read.
7
7
Use the PowerPoint ruler to
set indents.
• For paragraphs and bulleted lists, setting
your indents and tabs on the ruler allows you
to control the spacing and be consistent.
• For bullets this will provide consistent
spacing between the bullet and the text and
ensure that return lines are even.
8
8
Use parallel construction.
This is especially important in bulleted lists.
• Write the report.
• Write the report.
• Include the data.
• Include the data.
• Ensure accuracy.
• Accuracy is important.
• Send to the client.
• Send to the client.
9
9
Use photos and other images to
add visual interest.
TIP:
A jpeg image file has a white
background that will show up
when it is placed over another
image or on a field of color.
jpeg
Sometimes adding a border to
it will help improve appearance.
Best option is to use a png file
with a transparent background.
png
10
10
Number your slides.
Page numbers should be featured on
each slide in the bottom right corner.
Be careful when inserting slides from
other presentations – the page
numbers may not be correct.
11
Have a great
presentation!