Communication Assessment & Learning Lab
CALL |  Tip Sheets Table of Contents                                                                                                                                                                                     Calendar    Directory    Map    myASU

Creating a PowerPoint Presentation 

1. Do not use “fluff”; each slide should be necessary and contribute to the story you are telling
2. Do not let high-tech special effects distract from the story; use the presentation to enhance your speech, not overpower it
3. Put slides in a logical sequence, and save the file under an appropriate title
4. Keep the same font throughout, and use an appropriate font size (e.g., titles = 28 pts, bolded; sub-titles = 24 pts, bolded; body = 22 pts)
5. Make sure the background color and font have a high enough contrast because if it is too light or too dark it will be hard to read when it is projected
6. Make sure the chosen color denotes importance (e.g., Will colorblind individuals be able to see the difference?), and use the same background throughout the presentation
7. Use enough white space
8. Use a font that is large enough to read from the back of the room. Print out a slide and put it on the floor—if you can read it standing up, your audience should be able to read it in the classroom
9. Include citations for all graphics, quotes, etc.
10.  Use a duplicate of the title slide at the end of your presentation so that you are not answering questions with a blank, glaring white screen behind you