ten sins of powerpoint presentations by donald w. larson donald w. larson august 18, 2004

Ten SinsTen Sins

OfOf

PowerPoint PresentationsPowerPoint PresentationsByBy

Donald W. LarsonDonald W. Larson

August 18, 2004August 18, 2004

A Rubik’s Cube Of SortsA Rubik’s Cube Of Sorts

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#10 Making It The Focus#10 Making It The Focus

PowerPoint is not the focus of the PowerPoint is not the focus of the speechspeech

You are the focusYou are the focus You hold the power of listeners’ You hold the power of listeners’

attention at all timesattention at all times


#9 Lack Of Homework#9 Lack Of Homework

Not verifying the media, display, and Not verifying the media, display, and any sound system requirementsany sound system requirements

CD-R format onlyCD-R format only FloppyFloppy Remote ControlRemote Control


#8 Missing Opaque Slides#8 Missing Opaque Slides

Black or Dark BlueBlack or Dark Blue First SlideFirst Slide Last SlideLast Slide Allows control of light beamAllows control of light beam


#7 Bad Fonts And Images#7 Bad Fonts And Images

Use standard fonts for textUse standard fonts for text Review Tom Savell's guide:Review Tom Savell's guide:

Visual Aids (Visual Aids (onlineonline)) Check timing of slide transitions and Check timing of slide transitions and

effectseffects


#6 #6 Slide ComplexitySlide Complexity

Too much information per slideToo much information per slide Distracting itemsDistracting items Too many graphicsToo many graphics Excessive special effectsExcessive special effects


#5 #5 Wrong Cue OrderWrong Cue Order

Select first blank, opaque slideSelect first blank, opaque slide Prevent jumping aroundPrevent jumping around Remove unused slidesRemove unused slides


#4 #4 Where's The Start Button?Where's The Start Button?

MacOS X Button IconMacOS X Button Icon Windows XP Button IconWindows XP Button Icon

Emergency exit via “Esc” keyEmergency exit via “Esc” key


#3 Poor Pace#3 Poor Pace

Use a reasonable paceUse a reasonable pace Know the software and screen controlsKnow the software and screen controls ForwardForward BackwardBackward Stop on last blank, opaque slideStop on last blank, opaque slide


#2 #2 Standing StillStanding Still

Move around outside of light beamMove around outside of light beam Practice your timingPractice your timing Use your Toastmasters gesturing skillsUse your Toastmasters gesturing skills


#1 #1 Reading The SlideReading The Slide

Assume your audience can readAssume your audience can read Use it as an outlineUse it as an outline Cover key points onlyCover key points only


The EndThe EndThank you for your time!Thank you for your time!

Click your mouse-button Click your mouse-button to end this to end this presentation.presentation.

Don LarsonDon [email protected]@mac.comwww.timeoutofmind.comwww.timeoutofmind.com

Photo copyright © 2003 by Donald W. Larson

ten sins of powerpoint presentations by donald w. larson donald w. larson august 18, 2004

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