ARW Notes 2/8 Monday - Death by PowerPoint, Tips on Visuals for Presentations

After confirming schedule items such as the upcoming exam on Wagar and the JLP exchange class, and making sure everyone understood their essay drafts need to be shared with me some time this week, we examined the concept of effective visuals for presentations.

I showed the following video Death by PowerPoint, which make four nicely illustrated points about how presentations need Significance, Structure, Simplicity, and Rehearsal. I will probably need to clarify my expectations one more time on Monday next week, but I hope these concepts will help the groups as they begin to collaborate on their presentation materials.

Notice: It is best to use a small number of key words per slide, and use large, full-screen images that illustrate the points. Also, make sure fonts are easily visible with clear color contrasts!

Our Rule= 7 Words or Less / Slide




Also, I recommend checking out the Presentation Zen website tips on visuals. The nice three slide comparison is taking from the Presentation Zen site.


Bad slide--Too much text and main point is NOT clear. The audience will be busy reading, the presenter will be busy reading, and little communication will occur. Also, the clip art image is not very professional and has little impact. Visuals are NOT your notes. Your notes should be separate. Your visuals should make a point with impact.


Good slide --point is clear. 7 words or less. Big font. Good image.


Best for impact. The presenter has selected what should be emphasized and has visualized the information.