Effective Computer Presentations

Effective Computer Presentations
An Example Illustrating Acceptable Design
Elements for HPS Meeting Presentations
using Computer Projection

Sample Presentation
This sample includes examples of text,
graphs, tables, and photographs that
may be included in typical HPS oral
presentations. These slides also include
additional remarks in the “Notes”
section visible in Microsoft Power Point.
Please refer to these notes for
additional guidance.

Design
•
Dark background with light text
–
White or yellow on black, dark blue or dark
maroon
–
Maximize contrast
•
Avoid gradients to light shades
•
Avoid borders

Font

•
Use large font size
–
>36 point for title, >32 for bullets,
–
24 for smallest print
This line is in 24 point type
•
Use sans serif fonts
–
Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, Comic Sans MS, Impact,
Verdana
•
DO NOT USE ALL CAPS

Text
•
Single topic per slide
•
Use text to highlight
–
Verbal remarks fill in detail
–
Limit text to 5-7 lines

Graphs
0
100
200
300

1998 1999 2000 2001
Year
Number of Abstracts
Poster Oral Total

Tables
Length of
Talk
Target No.
of Slides
Max. No.
of Slides
15 min. 12 20
30 min. 25 40

Photos

Presentation Size
•
Number of slides is limited by time
–
General rule of 1 slide per minute
–
More than 20 slides for a 15 minute
presentation may require a run through
•
File size is limited by upload ability
–
Files should be limited to 15 Mb
–

Contact HPS Secretariat if file is larger

File Format
•
Files must be read by Microsoft Power Point
2000
•
Files will be converted to MS Power Point
2000 format for presentation on a computer
running MS Windows 2000
•
All fonts, photos, tables, and graphs must be
embedded
•
No hyperlinks, audio, or video permitted!

Additional Formatting
•
Files named with abstract designation
–
MPM-A.1.ppt
–
TAM-D.3.ppt
•
Transitions
–
Simple and consistent
–
Instantaneous

Deadlines
•
Presentation received for review: July 11, 2003
•
Presenter check in:
–
According to schedule listed in “Information for
Computer Projection Presentations” and also
published in the Preliminary Program
–
Check in at the Speaker Ready Room
–
Review the presentation
–
Back-up overhead transparencies recommended
–
Changes to computer file allowed only as time
permits!