(This is Part 2 of the PowerPoint and Keynote slides Marketing Tip. Be sure to read Part 1, delivered in the June 2009 Newsletter.)
PowerPoint slides usually look their best when viewed directly within the PowerPoint application on a high-resolution computer monitor. However, many slide shows are seen via a video projector on a presentation screen or even as part of a multimedia presentation on CD-ROM or video. In these instances, additional guidelines should be followed:
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๏Use contrasting colors. Dark backgrounds with light text (or charts and graphs) can work well as can light backgrounds with dark text. And don’t overlook basic black and white, which is what most people are used to reading on a daily basis. The key here is to test a few sample images in the medium you will be using to make your formal presentation. If your medium will be via a projector on a large screen in a fairly bright room, some of your colors may not show up as they did on your computer screen, necessitating a change in format. You don’t want a last-minute surprise ruining your presentation.
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๏Stay away from the edges of the slides. Too often a slide show that’s being shown on a projection screen or as part of a video has words or pictures missing or cut off because the entire height or width of the slide cannot be seen. Keeping a 10-15% “safe” border around the outside edge of each slide will help eliminate any material from being missed. A safety border is also generally more pleasing to the eye.
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๏Use larger text. Blowing up an image with a projector or shrinking it down to be shown on something other than a full-screen computer monitor can create a change in resolution and, therefore, a loss of image quality. By keeping everything large, you’ll ensure that everything can be easily read. Remember – several easy-to-read slides are better than one difficult-to-read slide.
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๏Avoid multi-color, textured backgrounds. While more visually appealing backgrounds may seem more professional or high quality, they can loose some of their effect – or even become distracting – when being viewed via something other than a computer monitor. Simple one-color backgrounds or soft gradients will usually look best.
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๏Use easy-to-read fonts. Again, the change of resolution or size when switching formats can make serifs on fonts or fonts with wide-ranging thickness difficult to read. Keep things basic.
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๏Remove all transitions before converting. If your presentation uses transitions, you’ll probably want to delete them before converting the slides to another file format, such as .jpg or .bmp. The transitions are an effect built into the software and won’t carry over to most other image types.
Good use of PowerPoint and Keynote slides can aid in almost any oral presentation. But make sure your message is getting across by ensuring that your audience can easily read your slides. It’s always a good idea to develop several different styles of slides then test them in the environment you plan to use them. This will help you pick the best format. Show your slides to co-workers who you know will provide honest and valid feedback. Having someone give a fresh look at the presentation can provide valuable insight.
