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Tips for Effective PowerPoint Presentations
1. Simplify and limit the number of words on each screen.
- Font size should be 24pt or larger.
- Use multiple slides for a set of points, if needed, rather than putting too much text on a single slide.
- Use key phrases and include only essential information.
- 5 lines and 7 works per line is a good rule of thumb.
2. Limit punctuation and avoid putting words in all capital letters.
- Empty space on the slide will enhance readability.
3. Use contrasting colors for text and background.
- Dark text on a light background is best for a presentation room in brightly lit rooms.
- Dark background with light text if the presentation room when lights dimmed for the program.
- Patterned backgrounds can reduce readability of text and should be avoided.
4. Limit the number of slides. A good rule of thumb is one slide per minute.
5. Learn to navigate your presentation in a non-linear fashion. PowerPoint allows the
presenter to jump ahead or back without having to page through all the interim slides.
- Know how to and practice moving forward AND backward within your presentation. Audiences often ask to see the previous screen again.
6. View your slides on the screen you'll be using for your presentation. Make sure they
are readable from the back row seats.
7. Have a Plan B in the event of technical difficulties.
- Have your presentation of a thumb/flash drive as a backup.
- Have print copy(s) available
Things to avoid in a presentation:
- Do not read from your slides.
- In general, the audience will be finished reading your slide in about 10 seconds. You should assume that they will do this as soon as it appears on the screen!
- Do not speak to your slides. Many presenters face the direction of their presentation rather than their audience.
- Do not apologize for anything in your presentation. If you believe something will be hard to read or understand, don't use it.
- Have handouts for dense tables and graphics.
Tips for Effective PowerPoint Presentations
- ACCME Essentials (PDF)
- ACCME Standards for Commercial Support (PDF)
- ACPE Accreditation Standards for Continuing Pharmacy Education (PDF)
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