When using a PowerPoint to deliver your presentation, do not…

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Often, you will want to use illustrations and visuals when delivering your presentation. If you use PowerPoint or another presentation design software, use these tips as you design your slides:
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10Avoid illustrations that are decorative instead of genuinely informative.
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10Avoid slides with complicated illustrations. Viewers won't have the time or the ability to study tables and figures in detail. The message of your illustrations must be immediately evident.
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10Do not read your slides to your audience (unless you have listeners with limited or no vision). Let the audience read each slide as you make it available, then begin to comment. Use slides as visual aids, not to deliver your presentation for you.
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10If you have listeners with limited or no vision, make sure to identify and briefly describe each illustration.
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10If your presentation will include a video or audio clip, limit this engaging section to about 10% of the entire presentation. Prepare your audience for the clip by introducing it with a brief description and noting about how long it is. Make sure the clip is closed-captioned for the hearing impaired. Also practice your presentation to verify that the audio or video clip (and the closed captions) will operate as you anticipate. Have a back-up slide or option if the technology fails.
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10Avoid overpowering your audience with a rapid fire of innumerable slides. You will keep your viewers attentive and receptive if your keep your presentation as short as possible, using only two or three slides per minute.
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10If your presentation has no specified time limit, estimate for your audience about how long you will speak and number your slides (e.g., 7 of 25, 8 of 25) to alert the audience to your progress through the presentation.
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10If you are new to your audience, seize the opportunity of this presentation to introduce yourself. Include your name and organization on the title slide and in a footer on every slide.

When Using a PowerPoint to Deliver Your Presentation, Do Not…