Chapter 13 |

PowerPoint Guidelines

How to create compelling presentations

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July 2014

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Table of Contents
Getting Started 3
Setting Up the New Template

Converting Existing Presentations

Template Page Layouts 5

Slide Types

5-8

Title and Closing Slides

Content, Large-object and Instructional Slides

Comparison, 6-Column and Split-page Slides

Split-page-with-Caption and 1/3 Page Slides

Presentation Best Practices 9

Key Basics of an Effective Presentation
Stucturing a Presentation
Imagery Styles

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9
10
11 - 12

Modifying Imagery

13

Avoiding Complicated Visuals

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Getting Started
Introduction
Schneider Electric has developed a new, modern Microsoft PowerPoint template for creating
clear and effective presentations. This template has been designed in line with best practises for
communicating the Schneider Electric brand. It will replace the existing PowerPoint templates
(SE08_EN and SE08_FR), and should be used for all internal and external presentations to ensure
brand consistency.

Setting up the new template

Note
You can download
the new PowerPoint
template from the
Digital Brandbook.

Install the new template using the following steps:

1. Download and save the new template file onto your computer.
Choose one of the following files:
SE14_16x9_EN.potx
SE14_16x9_FR.potx
SE14_4x3_EN.potx
SE14_4x3_FR.potx
The recommended version for high-definition screens is 16x9.
2. Be sure the .potx file maintains its extension so that it can be used as a PowerPoint
template (MS PP)
3. Place the template into the MS PP templates folder, which can be found in this directory:
(e.g. C:\Documents and Settings\your user name\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates)

If the above directory location is not correct for your computer, do the following:
1. Open the template .potx file in PowerPoint.
2. Select PowerPoint Template (*.potx) from the Save as type drop-down menu.
3. Saving the file as a .potx should automatically save it into your Microsoft\template folder.
4. To start a new presentation, choose New from template in the dropdown menu and select
this template.
5. Start designing your presentation.

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Getting Started (continued)

Converting existing presentations to the new template
It is recommended that you do not convert existing presentations to the new
templates unless it is absolutely necessary, as you may have formatting issues with
charts and visuals. If you must convert a presentation, use the following steps:
1. Open the presentation you want to convert. View it in Slide Sorter mode.
Select all slides and choose copy.
2. Open a copy of the new template. Give it a new name to preserve the original file.
3. While both files are in Slide Sorter mode, paste all the slides into the file with the new template.
3.1 A paste options clipboard icon will appear.
3.2 Roll your mouse over the icon and follow the down arrow.
3.3 Select Use Destination Theme.
4. Each slide will need to have the appropriate slide layout applied.
4.1 Right-click on the actual slide or in the slide thumbnail pane and select Layout.
4.2 In the Layout pane, mouse over the layout thumbnail and select it to apply it
to the current slide. *Note: this will need to be done on a slide-by-slide basis.
4.3 Choose Reset Slide to ensure titles and content are positioned correctly.
5. Graphic elements will need to be adjusted to reflect the new colour palette.
5.1 When converting charts and graphs from the old template, the colors may change.
5.2 To avoid this, place both of your presentations into slide sorter mode, and copy and
paste into the new presentation.
5.3 Then choose Keep Source Formatting in the Paste Options clipboard to retain
the graphics existing color scheme.
6. Some slide elements may need layout adjustments to conform to the 16:9 aspect ratio
of the new template and the new formatting.

Compatibility
Some compatibility issues may arise, including difficulties opening files, files causing the computer
to crash or difficulties playing, listening to or viewing multimedia in a presentation. Issues will frequently
occur with .ppt vs .pptx file formats and Mac-to-PC/PC-to-Mac cross platform conversions or using
embedded multimedia files. If your presentation will be widely distributed avoid embedding content
such as videos, Flash, or other multimedia files.
Users with Microsoft 2003 (or older) will not be able to open a .pptx file. But users who have Microsoft
2007 and newer should be able to open any .ppt or .pptx file.

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Template Page Layouts

Slide Types
The Schneider Electric PowerPoint template offers a variety of slide types.

Title Slides and Closing Slides

A title slide includes the name of the presentation with an optional subhead; along with the date, and
the author. Limit word count to 10-15, maximum.
Closing slides thank the audience and/or direct them to next steps. They also contain the appropriate

Note

copyright notice needed for your presentation.

Do not change or alter

images featured in the
approved title slides.

Transition Slides
Transition slides are used to separate chapters or sections, or to change visual direction. Limit text
to 10 words, avoid adding any design elements.

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Template Page Layouts (continued)

Content Slides
Content slides form the bulk of the presentation, with information expressed either as continuous copy

Note

or bullet points. Pictograms may be used to reinforce the message.

To add bullets to lists

in your presentation,
simply hit enter and then
tab to format indents
and create a pleasing
visual hierarchy.

Large-object Slides
Large-object slides include a title along with visual information such as large images, charts,
graphics, videos, or smart art and caption text.

Instructional Slides
Instructional slides typically contain statistics, percentages, screen shots, and other elements
of factual information.

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Template Page Layouts (continued)

Comparison Slides
Comparison slides are typically used to compare two sets of information, such as quarterly
or yearly results, or data presented as either charts/graphs or bulleted lists.

6-Column Slides
6-Column slides are typically used to present a large number of items along with a very short
description of each item, or to outline a multiple-step process.

Split-page Slides
Split-page slides provide information and evoke emotion at the same time.

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Template Page Layouts (continued)

Split-page-with-caption Slides
Split-page-with-caption slides may be used for testimonials. The caption box may also be used for
references, taglines, or captions.

1/3 Page Slides

1/3 page slides include a horizontal divide, either 1/3 or 2/3 down the slide. They feature the title
of the slide at the very top, while the main body of the slide will typically include copy or a large image.

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Presentation Best Practices

Key Basics of an Effective Presentation
An effective PowerPoint presentation will:
Engage the audience and keep them focused.
Include strong visuals to convey the message.

Keep the following tips in mind when developing a presentation:

Know your audience.
Offer a compelling narrative or logical story.
Include a distinct beginning, middle, and end to your message.
Use short words, punchy sentences, and bullets.
Limit the number of images.
Avoid unnecessary animations or distracting transition effects.
PowerPoint slides help the audience process and remember the presenters message. They should
serve as a guide, not a source of in-depth information.

Note
To find out more about developing successful presentations, including information about formatting
pictures and text you can complete PowerPoint training available on MyLearning Link.

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Presentation Best Practices (continued)

Structuring a Presentation
A presentation should tell a story that leads to a conclusion. In the case of external,
customer-facing presentations, the story should lead to a Schneider Electric solution.
Each slide should contain a single, essential, and easy-to-understand idea or message.
Each idea should build on the one before it, leading to a clear conclusion.
Transitions should be logical and smooth, connecting slides and forming a narrative.
Presentation time should be limited to one to two minutes per slide.

Divide your presentation into three sections:

Section 1: Set-up
Often contains an agenda
and objectives.
Introduces a challenge, issue,
or pain points that the target
audience is facing.
Provides meaningful context for the
next section of the presentation.

Section 2: Evolution
Illustrates relevant global
and/or local trends.
Includes data to reinforce
our credibility.

Section 3: Conclusion/Solution
Focuses on the added value
that Schneider Electric can
bring to the target audience.
Lays out the key elements
of our promise.

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Presentation Best Practices (continued)

Imagery
Photographs
Schneider Electric has an approved photography style which must be followed in all communications,

Reference

including presentations. For more information on photography for presentations, please refer to our
Brand Photography Guidelines.

Please consult the

Digital Brandbook
for information
on photography,
illustrations, and
infographics,
as well as the
Brand Image Library.

Pictograms
Pictograms communicate messages without the need for lengthy explanations. A library of approved

Note

pictograms is available on the PowerPoint template master page.

Only use the approved

Schneider Electric image
style and never use
clip art or word art.

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Presentation Best Practices (continued)

Imagery
Isometrics and Silhouettes
Isometric illustrations are representations of three-dimensional objects rendered in two dimensions.
They are used most often for technical and engineering drawings.

Silhouette graphics are flat, singlecolour silhouettes that use colour tints to create

Best Practice

the perception of depth.

When working with

infographics and
silhouette graphics,
it is acceptable to
use tints. However,
to ensure the colour
shows up well on the
screen, the tint should
not go below 30%.

Infographics
An infographic is a visual means of communicating complex information simply and quickly.

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Presentation Best Practices (continued)

Modifying Imagery and Text
Avoid these Powerpoint tools and filters in your presentations.

Note
Do not apply any
effects or rounded
corners to charts
or tables.

Dont use the Recolor tool on photographs

Dont use shadows or reflections

as it renders images that do not look

on shapes.

realistic or natural.

Dont use shadows or reflections on text.

Avoid the Glow effect on text.

Do not apply the Transparency filter

Avoid using the Bevel effect

to photography.

on shapes or photography.

Attention
DONTs
Do not increase font size beyond the approved template options.
Do not over emphasize text by changing font weights, colors or size too often in your presentation
Do not use more than five font sizes in the entire presentation.

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Presentation Best Practices (continued)

Avoiding Complicated Visuals
PowerPoint slides complement the presentation; they are not the entire presentation itself.
Avoid complicated visuals that might overwhelm your audience.
Include clear hierarchy of information with easy left-to-right narrative.
Avoid mixing illustrations with photographs.
Avoid low resolution elements to eliminate pixelation.
Do not use images with imbedded text; otherwise, the source file will be un-editable.

Remember, graphically complicated slides compete with the point you are trying to make.
Sometimes,less is more.

Note
Use 16 pt Arial for labels on graphs, charts, pictograms, and any other text references in a
complex visual. If necessary, you may reduce the font size but do not make it smaller than 12 pt.

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Schneider Electric

Global Marketing Creative Solutions

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Phone: 00 + 1 + 800 788-1704

Fax: 00 + 1 + 401 788-2782

www.schneider-electric.com

998-1238387_GMA-UK

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