Quality-Presentations

What five characteristics comprise a good presentation?
 * When using Keynote/Power Point for a presentation, the topic is the focus. Use text to communicate with brief phrases, not complete sentences.
 * Visual images (photos/graphics). Use a limited number of images. Select and use images which strengthen your message.
 * The choice of font, size, style and color should strengthen your presentation of the topic - not get in the way.
 * The software's special effects (transitions and builds) should be used judiciously.
 * When making a presentation, do not read the slides to the audience. Use it to emphasize your "key notes" or "powerful points" about the presentation.

I've summarized these into five bullet points:
 * Focus on the topic using "key notes" or "powerful (bullet) points"
 * Strengthen with images and video
 * Maintain uniformity
 * Use special effects judiciously
 * Communicate with your audience

Here are some strategies that we've shared with students in the past: Do you want to create a “knock-your-socks- off” presentation? Great presentations take thought and good decision-making. By following these guidelines, you will be on your way to success.
 * Presentation Software (Keynote) Guidelines**


 * Plan Presentation** - Use a storyboard and after gathering your research, map out every element of your presentation from title card to “key” information, to conclusion and bibliography. Consider your audience and your objective for this presentation. Are you informing or persuading?


 * Communicate Clearly** - Consider using images, video clips, diagrams, charts, graphs, and statistics. Critically analyze each of these options and how they can best be used to convey a clear message. Make wise choices when using key “notes” (text). Ask yourself, “Which words are “key” to my message?”


 * Chose and Use** - Make effective choices for theme/template, font, color, contrast, transitions, sound effects, and music. These elements should enhance not distract from the presentation.

You will find success if you remember the following:
 * The theme/template should create the intended mood for your topic.
 * Font style, size, and color should be clearly readable and effective from 10 feet away. Contrasting colors such as a dark background with lighter text or light background with darker text is most effective.
 * Titles and Headlines: suggested font size is 44 to 54 point.
 * Key “Notes”: suggested font size is 28 to 36 point.
 * Use a font style that enhances the content and is consistent with the mood of the presentation. Fonts can convey an emotion from serious, business-like to open and relaxed; they can shout or give a message quietly.
 * Using a limited number of fonts, styles, themes, transitions, and colors strengthens your presentation. Consistency is important. Try to limit your number of choices for any one element to no more than two per slide, and no more than three per presentation.
 * Limit the number of words on a slide. Don’t fill an entire slide with a paragraph of words. (You will be presenting detailed information in your what you say. Use the presentation slides to reinforce “key” points.)
 * 80% of what an audience remembers comes from visual images. Think about the power of pictures in your message. (Whenever possible use pictures as they are stronger than clipart.)