If you want to use this device … follow these principles

Text: Fonts

• Avoid words with all upper case letters (CAPITALS)
• Avoid italics
• Do not use too much bold text
• Avoid using too many fonts
• Use Arial or Times New Roman

Text: Lines

• Keep text short and simple (per screen - no more than 36 words, 6 lines, 6 words per line)
• Put plenty of space between lines of text
• Use flush left for easy reading
• Avoid full justification: align text on left

Bullets

• Use no more than 3-5 bullets per slide
• Use one line of text per bullet
• Use appropriate bullet symbols

Data charts (graphs)

• Create a chart that can be interpreted quickly
• Avoid too much detail
• Make data elements (bars, lines) the thickest and brightest colours
• Make the frame and grid lines the thinnest and darkest colours
• Make sure the chart is titled and labelled
• Put data in a logical order (largest to smallest)

Clip art

• Use when appropriate to the message: to capture attention and clarify points, to explain, to describe, to show relationships
• Keep simple
• Use humour if it is in good taste and enhances message

Graphic devices

• Use borders, boxes, lines, or arrows when needed
• Use with restraint  - do not overuse this feature

Transitions

• Avoid too many different types of transition in one presentation

Animation

• Limit to providing highlights or use for emphasis
• Consider sliding text bullets

Sound

• Use only when appropriate
• Use to create a mood
• Use to create a sense of unity

Colour: Use

• Use colour to emphasise without distracting
• Use colour to show topic changes
• Keep colours simple and limited to 3 to 4 per presentation
• Use consistent colours throughout the presentation