Ten Commandments of PowerPoint Presentation Design

Have you ever wondered why everyone equates "PowerPoint" with "bullets"? It's because Microsoft ® made the default layout for the new slides automatically create a bullet point list of text.

Do not be lured into the trap point bullet. Experiment with different slide layouts - especially with "Blank", and with the input of text and graphics in different places. The slides are actually blank canvasses on which you can put anything anywhere. If you find that fear - as too much freedom - gain some 'confidence by learning some elements of good design. A good source of ideas for color combinations, as well as the density and placement of text and graphics, is advertising in magazines and even billboards. The argument is irrelevant. Simply identify the ads that are enjoyable and effective, considering the patterns of color and texture, and you'll soon discover some common characteristics, such as layout simple and uncluttered, easy-to-read text, etc.;

To give you a quick start on how to design presentations with a little 'of polish and pizazz, I developed the Ten Commandments of Design PowerPoint ® Presentation. They are the first steps in designing heavenly presentations.

1. You do not clutter a slide with bulleted lists.

2. You will use color text and graphics that have high contrast with the background.

3. You will go to ensure that the text is large enough to be read by those sitting in the back of the room.

4. You do not put to use animations for free.

5. You will choose transitions that reveal slides in a logical manner.

6. You design only ordered, slides balanced with a white space in order to ensure the aesthetic composition.

7. You will be the graphics use, rather than bullets if it transmits the information more clearly.

8. Thou shalt design slides that are enjoyable to watch.

9. You do not need to put say "I know that you can not read this, but ...".

10. You Honor the public with the design of presentations that are interesting and engaging....