Powerpoint

Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation package which can be used to communicate in ways that paper cannot match.

However, paper-based communication has a long history, whilst computer-based presentation is relatively new. As with all computer technologies, it's easy to get carried away with special effects and fonts, and obscure the importance of your subject!

Designing a Powerpoint presentation is a creative process which requires discipline & order to avoid choas and confusion. God created your being according to his design. In the same way your Powerpoint presentation should be both coherent (all parts working together to make a whole) and balanced (don't add ten arms and forget the heart!).

Psalm 139:14 I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (NKJV)

Coherence

• Use two or three appropriate fonts throughout
• Choose (& stick to) a consistent colour scheme
• Consistent navigation - 'Next' button always in same place, etc
• Tell a story - each slide should expand on/follow from the previous one
• Help your audience understand & remember what they saw and heard:
  • Tell 'em what you're going to tell them (quick introduction)
  • Tell 'em what you want to tell 'em (most of your slides are here)
  • Tell 'em what you told 'em (quick summary)

Balance

• Don't focus too much on any one part - spread your effort for even results
• Work on the outline first, then fill in the details
• Stick to one idea per slide
• If something doesn't seem to 'fit', move it somewhere else (or remove it!)
• Rather than trying to cram everything in, aim to keep things simple

Class Four are given an Introduction To Powerpoint in the Spring Term.

Web links

• The do's and don'ts of Power Point presentations
• The Gettysburg Presentation?
• Anatomy of a Good Presentation

• Planet Typography
• Guide to mixing type

Books

• The Non-Designer's Design Book

Related pages: Introduction To Powerpoint

Categories: ICT, Current Work

Author: Mr Kershaw