Visual elements communicate more than the oral information during your presentation … they are part of your style, your flair — and should reflect a part of your personality. Make them clear, make them readable and make them interesting. It will pay off in the long run and ensure that each presentation you make is your best.

• Make certain that you practice your presentation with your visual aids to be sure they are readable.
  
• Keep it simple. Limit amount of information on each overhead or slide. You should use only one figure, one table, or a few lines of text to emphasize a single idea.
  
• Use the visual aids as a guide. Do not read the information to the audience.
  
• Be aware of problems when using colors. Avoid colors that blend together.
  
• Avoid too many slides or overheads. Use them as an aid; do not overwhelm the audience.
  
• Know how to operate your equipment.

Old School: Overhead Transparencies

Pros/Cons of Medium

• Easy and inexpensive to prepare.
• Room need not be darkened, which allows you to have contact with the audience.
• Can be written on during the presentation.

Technical Tips

• Turn off the projector when it is not in use.
• Learn how to change to the back-up bulb, which should already be in the machine. 

Production

• Do not simply make a Xerox transparency of normal typed material. It will not be legible on the screen.
• If you can stand and read the transparency when it is lying on the floor, the type size is adequate.
• Keep text font large, no less than 30 points.
• Lay out transparencies vertically (portrait) only.
• Limit amount of text, highlighting key words or phrases
• Keep wide margins, at least 1”, around all sides in case the machine distorts.
• Number the bottom of each page in order of presentation, in case they drop on the floor!
• Bring a hard copy of your overheads and blank overhead sheets (that can go into a copier) in case one disappears.

New School: PowerPoint Presentations

Pros/Cons of Medium

• Presenters often experience technical problems with the hardware or software.
• Can be compatibility issues if bringing own laptop.
• Can incorporate audio/video.
• Can update/change presentation easily.
  

Technical Tips

• Bring backup thumb drive or CD and make sure you have emailed a copy to the conference office.  Do not bring on zip disk or floppy formats.

Production

• Keep layout simple and limit each slide to one major concept.
• Readability is maximized by following the 6 x 6 rule: no more than six words per line and six lines per “page” of text.
• A dark background with light-colored lettering works best. A white background and black letters causes eyestrain.