Big Picture A in Focus: ULOc.

Learn how to design an effective power

point presentation.

Metalanguage
In this section, the most essential terms relevant to technical communication and
to demonstrate ULOc was thoroughly defined and discussed in the essential knowledge
to establish a common frame of reference as to how the texts work in your chosen field
or career. You will encounter these terms as we go through the deeper concepts relative
to technical writing. Specific discussion per topic shall be provided in the later part to help
you understand more about the scope in studying this course.

Essential Knowledge
1. Designing an Effective Power Point Presentation
1.1 Make it Big (Text)
The font size of the text inside the slide must be big enough to the readers so that the text
can be read by them thoroughly. The minimum font size of the text in the slide must be
24.

Try to look at your presentation two (2) meters away from your device to see to it if it
would be visible enough to the audience.
1.2. Make It Clear
1.2.1. Capitalizations
• ALL CAPITAL LETTERS ARE DIFFICULT TO READ.
• Upper and lower case letters are easier.
1.2.2. Font
 Choose a font style that is not irritating to the audience or reader. For example,
sanserif if better than Castellar.

• Italics are difficult to read on screen.

• Normal or bold fonts are clearer.
• Underlines may signify hyperlinks.
• Instead, use colours to emphasise.

1.2.3. Numbers
Use numbers for lists with sequence.
For example:
How to put an elephant into a fridge?
1. Open the door of the fridge
2. Put the elephant in
3. Close the door
How to put a giraffe into a fridge?
1. Open the door of the fridge
2. Take out the elephant
3. Put the giraffe in
4. Close the door

1.2.4. Bullets
Use bullets to show a list without
• Priority
• Sequence
• Hierarchy

1.2.5. Colours
• Use contrasting colours
• Light on dark vs dark on light
• Use complementary colours

1.2.6. Contrast
• Use contrasting colours.
• Light on dark vs dark on light.
• Use complementary colours.
Example:
See the pictures below:
1.2.7. Size
• Size implies importance
Make sure that the size, especially for the images that you want to put into the
slide, is big enough for the audience to help them understand the information that
you want to convey to them.
1.3. Keep it Simple (Text)
1.3.1. Text
Too many colours and too many fonts and styles are not good in the eyes of the audience.
You have to observe the 6 x 7 rule, not more than six (6) lines per slide with not more
than seven (7) words per line.
For example:
This is too detailed.
This is much simpler.

1.3.2. Picture
Do not exaggerate your presentations, avoid too much pictures on your slide. Art work
may distract your audience. Remember, artistry do not substitute for content.
For example:
1.3.3. Sound
Sound effects may distract your audience too. Use sounds only when necessary.

1.3.4. Transitions & Animations

• Choose transition that is not annoying to the audience.
• "Appear" and "Disappear" are better transitions.
• Use animations that are not too distracting. Use only simple animations.
• To ensure that your animation is good, try to look at your presentation two (2)
meters away from the device that you are using.

1.4. Be Consistent
• Differences draw attention.
• Differences may imply importance.
• Use surprises to attract not distract.

1.5. Be Progressive
For example in the picture below, if you are going to show these information in one time,
your audience might be confused. To avoid that possibility, you have to show the
information one by one in the slide so that your presentation becomes progressive and
focused.