MAKING MISTAKES IN POWERPOINT

1
MAKING MISTAKES IN POWERPOINT

• (Never write titles in capitals only since its
  harder to read)

2
Dont use script fonts either...

• (because they are very hard to read from a
  distance)

3
Choose your colours wisely

• The default colours are the best
• Too many colours look un-professional
• Some colours can be very hard to read against
  some backgrounds
  
• Text is even harder to read against a graduated
  background

4
Dont add too much text

• The maximum number of words you add to a slide
  should be 50. If you add more then the text will
  be too small for the people at the back to read.
  As a result they will give up and chat or doodle
  or whatever. Remember the purpose of the
  presentation is to act as a focus for your talk.
  It should be a set of subheadings to draw
  peoples attention to what you are saying. If you
  really need to give them a lot of information
  then put it on a printed sheet and give it as
  handouts.

This bit is 50 words. Thats enough!
5
Dont add too many bullet points

• Bullet points or numbered items are good!
• They keep you focused on the item.
• You can change the shape of the bullet and the
  number style.
  
• You can use images as the bullet.
• You can make the bullets appear one at a time.
• You can animate the bullet point.
• You can add far too many bullet points.
• Seven bullets is too many.
• The more you add the smaller the text gets.
• Eventually the people at the back will not be
  able to read the text because it will be too
  small.
  
• It looks cramped with this many bullet points.
• Even if you can read this from the back of the
  room, remember that not everyone may have such
  good eyesight

6
Pointless images

• Theres no point in adding images just because
  you like the picture.
  
• Pictures add interest but are a distraction if
  they are not related to the text. Animated
  pictures are particularly bad at this.

7
Dont add too many pictures

• In general a single picture is good. It helps you
  get a point across.
  
• It can be ok to add a second picture
• Add many more and you lose the effect

8
Avoid silly animation

• This one takes forever to complete and bores the
  viewers
  
• Its not easy to read text which spins
• or swivels
• Bouncing text gets irritating