Give yourself time for preparation. Do not procrastinate.

Visualize the order in which you want to present information. It may differ from a paper.

Exchange good ideas for power point design with other students.

Use a Power Point template if Power Point design is new to you.

Create easy to read slides with limited amounts of text. Too much information on a slide can detract from the presentation. ****

If you have a lot of text make sure you put in a picture or figure for the visual learners.

Make sure text is legible and clearly visible against any images or backgrounds. ***

Be sure to use a simple, large font, 28 pt or larger.

Do not animate each individual letter of each word.

Animation effects work well for bulleted slides. Bringing them in one at a time forces the audience to be focused only one point at the time you cover it.

Provide a sharp contrast for text and figures.

Figures and photographs should be clear and easy to digest in a short period of time.

Choose a background you like, and that will complement your text and images. *

Background and animations should not be complicated or distract audience. Do not include animation just for the sake of animation. Use it only if necessary to keep up audience interest. **

Pictures and graphics help keep an audience's attention Use as many graphical representations as possible.

If images are the focal point of the side make them as big as possible. *

When projecting map images, use a bar-scale and NOT a number-scale such as "1:5000".

Put arrows and labels on pictures and figures if you plan to mention specific parts of them.

Connect with the audience. A joke or funny comment might help you connect with the audience or gets them to refocus on what you are saying if their attention is wavering.

Mix it up – throw in a random slide with a funny picture or saying that relates to your topic Something that makes the audience laugh.

Don't switch media, such as a change from Power Point to chalk board.

Don't go out to the bar beforehand. And if you do, stop drinking when you begin to slur.

Practice, practice, practice. Practice your timing, practice your movements, and practice your words. Practice to the point of where your presentation becomes second nature. *

Make sure you run through the presentation beforehand, and on a projected screen, not just the monitor.

Time the talk under "live" conditions to insure that you will not run long (or far short) on time.

Relax.

State the title and purpose up front

Speak clearly and loudly.

Control the pace of your presentation! Don't speed through the slides, and don't leave any one slide up for long periods of time. Keep the presentation moving at a steady pace.****

Speak in a conversational style (i.e. don’t use a monotone voice or sound like you are reading your notes verbatim).

Do not shuffle or fidget. This detracts from your presentation. Get rid of excess or nervous energy by squeezing a ball or something else to remove the energy.

Try to limit the number of times you say "um" or "uh", as it is distracting and unprofessional. *

Stay within your time limit.

* denotes repetition of a tip by more than one student.