Creating Effective

PowerPoint
Presentations
Grand Canyon University
Sample A. Student
 Objectives
• Outlining the objectives allows readers to identify the
reason for the presentation.
• Objectives should be brief and to the point.
• List information about what the reader should learn from
the presentation.
• Objectives should be listed in presentation order.
 Slide Structure
• Use bullets to separate out ideas.
• Try to follow the 6 X 6 rule.
• Limit to 6 bullets per slide.
• Limit to 6 words per bullet.
• Too much slide information causes confusion.
• The audience may become distracted.
 Slide Appearance
•Stay consistent.
•Use one theme throughout the presentation.
•Align text for consistency between slides.
•Use transition effects wisely.
•Use readable fonts.
•Font must be readable.
•Font and background colors should contrast.
•Font size must remain consistent.
 Content
• Keep it simple.
• Break up information between slides.
• One slide need not house everything.
• Be concise.
• Wordiness will confuse the reader.
• Brevity is always preferred.
Visual Aids
• Visual Aids can enhance a
presentation.
• Images must pertain to
the presentation.
• An abundance of images
can be distracting.
Charts and Graphs
• Graphs/charts should tell
a story.
• Graphs/charts must be
clear and pertinent.
• Use bullets to provide
supporting information.
 Presentation of
Information
• Always check spelling, grammar, and formatting.
• Check for consistency before presenting.
• Slide theme
• Slide transitions
• Punctuation
• Ensure that key points are delivered accurately.
 Questions

• End the presentation with a

section for questions.
• This encourages
audience involvement.
 Review

• Revisit the objectives to ensure all were met.

• Briefly review the key information covered.
• Check for any need to follow up.
 References

• Provide references for any outside sources.

• Follow the guidelines for the required citation style.
• Follow the citation style rules on when and how to cite
images and graphics.