Guidelines for Presentation Aids
1. Guidelines for Preparing Visual Aids
a. BEGIN well in advance
b. Keep it simple
c. Large enough to see
d. Use limited amount of text
e. Use Fonts, Colors, backgrounds effectively (some people are colorblind)
f. Use images strategically (i.e. only use when needed to make/emphasize a point in your
speech)
2. Guidelines for Presenting Visual Aids
a. Display where listens can see
b. Avoid passing among audience
c. Display only while discussing them
d. Explain clearly and concisely
e. Talk to audience not to visual aid
f. Practice with visual aid (emphasize this point)
g. Check the room and equipment
3. Guidelines for Using PowerPoint
a. Use for displaying charts, graphs, photos, and videos.
b. Great aid…when used effectively…disaster when not
c. Keep it simple…don’t show off your technical proficiency with bells and whistles…Good
Rule of thumb: The fancier the PowerPoint presentation, the less valuable the ideas being
presented” (Technology expert Herb Lovelace)
d. Don’t overwhelm with slides and information
e. One slide per main point = 1-3 slides for a 3-5 minute talk
f. 5 words per line and no more than 5 lines
g. Watch the colors….see text for good hints on the use of colors.