Tips for presentations

Main Contents Page

Before you start

STEP 1: STARTING out

STEP 2: FINDING

STEP 3: EVALUATE

STEP 4: Legal and ethical USE

STEP 5: COMMUNICATE

- Writing an essay/assignment

- Tips for presentations

Preparing

Transparencies/slides

Presenting

- Tips for posters

- Tips for brochures

- Tips for displays

- E-communication guidelines

- Writing styles

- Quiz

Designing transparencies or slides

It is important to keep the following in mind when you design transparencies or slides for your presentation:

  Keep it short and simple   Your slide show or transparencies should include only important and relevant key words to remind you of what you want to talk about. Limit the amount of information per slide. You will lose your audience if there is too much information on the slides. Rather have more detailed hand-outs available for your audience.  
  Use correct Font and Size   Use a font and font size that will be easy to read. An example of an easy to read font is "Arial". Make sure your font size is big enough so your audience will be able to read the information that you are presenting. The normal typing font size "12" is too small for slides and transparencies. It should at least be "18" points or larger. Do not make use of too many different font types - keep it simple and clear.  
Colour combinations When you make use of colour, be aware of the colours that you are using. Certain colours, like certain yellows, etc., are difficult to see. The text and the background colours you use should complement each other. Make sure your foreground colour (text) is clear and soft on the eyes when combined with the background colour.