Rule #1:  Always use two contrasting colors for font and background selection.
Rule #2:  Never put too much data on one slide.

Font Color Selection

Your font should contrast well with the background for clarity. Once you have selected your background color, choose varying font colors to determine what color works best with your background color. 

Font & Size Selection

• Notice what works and what doesn't. 

• Use the largest font for your slide's title area.

• As a general rule, fonts on a slide should never be smaller than 24 point as they will not be readable from all areas of a room.

Background Selection

• Always choose a background that has a significant contrast to the font color. Blue backgrounds are typically best, with either a solid or gradient color texture.

• The highest contrast available is to use a white background and black font or vise versa. 

• Keep the background simple and clean. If they get too busy, your point will get lost in the complexity of the slide.

Helpful PowerPoint Hints

• Plan your talk around the number of slides.

• Maintain consistency among your slides.

• Use "keywords" to make your points.

• Avoid the Use of ALL CAPITAL letters.

• Clearly label charts and graphs.

• Simplify whenever possible.

• Provide media in slides (photographs)

• Insert clip art and images in a tasteful and useful manner.

• Never insert objects into slides just for the sake of doing so.

• Provide PPT handouts when appropriate.

PowerPoint Guidelines: Advanced Tools

Master Slide Set-Up

The "master slide" will allow you to make changes that are reflected on every slide in your presentation.

You can change fonts, colors, backgrounds, headers, and footers at the "master slide" level.

In PowerPoint: 

1. First, go to the "View" menu.

2. Pull down the "Master" menu.

3. Select the "slide master" menu.

You may now make changes at this level that meet your presentation needs.

To place a logo on the Master Slide, follow these steps:

1. Go to "Master Slide" (see above)

2. Go to the "Insert" menu and select "Picture from file".

3. Browse your computer to find the logo. 

4. Select "Insert."

Chart or Graph Insert

To insert a chart or graph image on your slide, follow these steps:

1. Go to the "Insert" menu.

2. Select "Object"

3. Select "MS Excel Chart"

4. Select either create  from "new" or "file"

In Summary

PowerPoint is an effective way to enhance your presentation and message.