Demonstrating the Use of PowerPoint

1. Demonstrating the Use of PowerPoint Designed to accompany pages 110-114 of the textbook by Dr. John A. Kline’s Speaking Effectively or the July and August 2003 Columns at :www.klinespeak.com

2. Many people make the mistake of writing way too much information on one slide with the result that it is difficult to read and requires too much of the listeners’ time and attention. Besides, such slides are often way too wordy. And after the audience members have read them they can’t really remember all of what was on the slide because there was often just way too much. By now you are probably getting tired and frustrated having to read all of these words when what I’ve really been saying is that speakers should simplify their slides because listeners will appreciate the fact that you do this and also it will be less of a hassle for you. Among other things you will be less apt to read the slides as you make your presentation and you can give your listeners more attention. Also it will be less of an eye strain for the listeners and detract less from what you say.

3. The next slide illustrates the triple 6 rule; that is, after the heading there are: no more than 6 lines and no more than 6 words to a line, and can be read in 6 seconds.

4. Barriers to Communication • Lack common core of experience • Same words mean different things • Different words mean same things • Misunderstanding nonverbal behavior • Not applying one’s skills effectively • Failure to apply the “Golden Rule”

5. Notice: The Slide also Used • A consistent font • The “build up” technique • An easy to read sans serif font • Both lowercase and capital letters • Consistent transitions between points • Color that promotes easy reading

6. Serif fonts—those with little lines or serifs at the top and bottom of the letters (like used here)—aid reading from a printed page. This is Times Roman Font.Sans serif fonts (fonts without serifs) make PowerPoint slides easier to read. This is Arial Font.

7. USING BOTH LOWER- AND UPPERCASE LETTERS MAKES A SLIDE EASIER TO READ, TAKES UP LESS SPACE, AND DOESN’T SHOUT AT LISTENERS.Using both lower- and upper case letters makes a slide easier to read, takes up less space, and doesn’t shout at listeners.

9. The previous slide was a neutral or blank slide. You can do the same thing by hitting the letter “b” on your keyboard.By the way “w” makes it go white.Let’s talk about using color.

10. Color Selection • Some colorsworkbetter • Some don’t • Try differentcolors • Using many colors looks cluttered • Avoid pastel backgrounds

11. Also • The fancy fly in technique detracts • Occasionally it might be okay; generally avoid it

12. Color Selection • Some colors work better • Some don’t • Try different colors • Too many colors look cluttered • Avoid pastel backgrounds

13. Color Selection • Some colors work better • Some don’t • Try different colors • Too many colors look cluttered • Avoid pastel backgrounds • Notice: Black on White works well

14. Bottom Line: Keep them • Simple • Clear • Consistent • Easy to Read

15. For more information see other columns at this website: www.klinespeak.com