PowerPoint Tips

Margy Ingram
Learning Technology Services
University of Wisconsin-Stout
 Tip - Master View
Use Master View (View) when you wish to make
changes to every slide
Type Attributes
Logo or other photo/
graphic element
Move/change
template elements
Eliminate distracting
background elements
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 Tip - Choosing Templates
Allow for contrast
No conflict with message
Graphic elements don’t interfere with text
At times, “turn off” template or graphic
elements

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 Tip - Using Images
Keep file sizes small
300 - 400 pixels
4 - 5 inches

Resize images using

digital imaging software
Photoshop
IrfanView
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 Tip - Use Charts
Use charts (insert) instead of tables of figures
More easily understood
Variety of styles
Colors can change 20.4 20.4

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Position of legend
can be moved
90
Type style and size
can be adjusted
1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr
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 Tip - Line Spacing
Adjust line spacing (format)
Improve readability
• Separation between levels does not have to be as
large as between the main bullet points.
• Space between the lines of text can be closer
together for readability

Looks more professional

Allows for better use of “white space”
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 Tip - Revealing Sub-points
May wish to allow sub-points to enter one at a time
Usually an option in custom animation
Click on the arrow down of the item you wish to
animated
Go to Text Animation and change the box after
Group Text:
Sub-points are referred to as levels
Select appropriate level
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 Tip - Personalize
Personalize your presentation
Change slide color scheme (format)
Change type style or color in master view
Add logo or visual element
Change image on template
Insert pictures, keep images small

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 Tip - Backgrounds
Change look of presentation using background
(format) control
Color
Gradient
Texture
Picture
Use pattern sparingly
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 Tip - Consistency
Be consistent

Background/Template

Type style

Capitalization

Transitions

Effects

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 Tip - Contrast
Contrast between the background and type
Dark letters on a light background - best for
websites and transparencies
Light letters on a dark background - good for
slides and electronic presentations
Avoid shades of the same color for background
and type.
Choose a template where the background
elements are not distracting
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 Tip - Effects
All effects should enhance the message
Type should enter from the right or bottom
Messages should not enter word-by-word or
letter-by letter
Type should not crawl, peek, flash once, etc.
No element should pulse
Avoid sounds
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 Tip - Saving for the Web
Small File size
Reformat as a Flash File
Retain functionality
Animations, transitions, and effects
Save as a PowerPoint presentation (.ppt)
Will need a PowerPoint player

Simple slide show

Click from one screen to another
Save as a web page (.htm)
No viewer needed
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 Tip - Custom Sizes
click on File then go to Page Setup
Go to slides sized for click on triangle
and select a size or custom
Click on Options and select the appropriate
paper size and orientation
Begin typing

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 Tip - Follow Principles

Simple

Organized and compatible

Legible and readable

Appropriate graphics

Consistent

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 Tip - Attention!! Go Black
During lengthy discussions
To focus attention
Before presentation begins
Press “B” key - screen will go black
To return to presentation, press “B” key again

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 Tip - Ask Questions!!!