The Permanent Conference Committee reviews all Technical Session evaluations and comments for common traits, both positive feedback and constructive criticism is reviewed. The suggestions listed below are among the most prevalent and are intended to assist you in making an effective presentation.

Presentations

• Successful and well-received presentations are
• Current, accurate, and objective
• On target with a focused message
• Understandable, presenting clear and concise data
• Well illustrated with commentary and visuals
• Clear and simple, so they effectively convey ideas

Commercialism

Presentations that suggest commercialism are not acceptable. Technical sessions are intended to be educational and thought provoking; instructors are not permitted to sell, promote, display, or advertise services, products, materials, books, tapes, or any other commercial items. Use caution to ensure that examples do not resemble or sound like trade names (for example, ABC Company). Do not use company logos in printed handout materials.

If you possess the content copyright, you may place your organization’s name and the copyright notice on the first slide of the presentation only. If you are using someone else’s copyrighted content, you must include copyright permission information within your presentation.

Presentation tips

• Always face the audience and speak in a clear, strong voice.
• Use an informal conversational style, as it is the most effective mode of delivery.
• Avoid jargon, highly specialized vocabulary, and abbreviations. Define all acronyms.
• Do not read the presentation word for word.
  
• Repeat students’ questions for all to hear, and for the session recording, before answering.
• Provide appropriate tie-ins between speakers.
• Utilize innovative and interactive learning aids.
• Develop learning objectives and outcomes that relate to the audience’s expectations.
• Use visuals that support the presentation and emphasize important points.

PowerPoint slides

• Use Microsoft PowerPoint and software templates whenever possible.
• Use horizontal slides, which fill the screen better than vertical slides.
• Begin with a title slide containing
  • The name of the presenter
  • The name of the company
  • The presenter or company’s e-mail address
• Identification information may also be placed on the last slide of the presentation.
• Create “word slides” in a precise outline; so the audience has time to absorb the message.
• Keep style and spacing consistent.
  • Use a plain font such as Arial or Times Roman in a minimum of 24-point type. Fonts other than these should be embedded into the PowerPoint presentation.
  • Maintain consistent graphic elements.
  • Number all slides.
  • Keep in mind the following points for text:
  • It should be at least 24 points
  • Headings should be no less than 36 points.
  • Writing in all capitals and underlining should be avoided.
  • Bold and italics should be used sparingly.
• Note that slides should
  • Be simple and uncomplicated (use basic tables and graphs)
  • Incorporate no more than two fonts per slide
  • Be based on a single point or idea (use multiple slides to expand on a point)
  • Be double-spaced with five or six lines each
  • Be effective with just three bullets per slide
  • Have no more than 30 characters per line
• Keep slide color schemes simple, and be mindful that participants may be colorblind.
  • Light colors such as white and yellow should be used for text. Never use red, blue, or green for text.
  • Dark colors such as black or blue should be used as a background color.
• Display all slides in the same direction, all either landscape or portrait.
• Note the following while inserting images:
  • Avoid dated pictures or images.
  • Avoid background graphics.
  • Use images and graphics from digital cameras, scanners, and the Internet. Images that project well on a 17-inch monitor will project well in electronic presentations.
  • Mix images and text on a single frame or alternate frames.
  • Import the images as background. Images should be resized to approximately 800 ´ 600 pixels and saved as JPEG or TIF files.
  • Insert images from the slide using “the insert/picture/from file” command.
  • Label charts and graphs clearly and include legends
  • Proofread, spell-check, and correct errors.
• Note the following while embedding audio or video:
  • If the presentation contains embedded video or audio, confirm that all needed files are in the SAME FOLDER as the presentation slides. If these files are not present in the folder, they will be unavailable on-site. The “pack and go” option may also be used to properly link the presentation and the video or audio files.
  • Presenters using audio or video must see the AV technician in the Speaker Ready Room well in advance of their session.
• Coordinate the use of audio and video to avoid interference when presenting.

Saving the presentation

• Save your presentation and associated files on a CD-ROM, ZIP disk, compact flash card, media stick, multimedia card, SD card, or USB thumb drive.
• If you create a CD, please be certain to close your session; otherwise, you will not be able to access the CD from any computer.
• Create a back-up copy of the presentation and test it to ensure it runs properly.

Conduct and content

• Arrive a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes prior to the start of the session (not just your individual presentation) to load your slides onto the computer. Familiarize yourself with the audiovisual equipment.
• Attach the lavalier (neck) microphone to your jacket/shirt as instructed by the AV staff.
• Speak in a normal voice, slowly and deliberately. Avoid slang, jargon, and acronyms.
• If you have difficulty remembering certain phrases or difficult pronunciations, use index cards as prompts.
  
• Limit each slide to no more than one per minute, and aim to finish speaking two minutes prior to the scheduled end time. If you exceed your allotted time, the session moderator will politely terminate your presentation.
• Review any proprietary or significant financial interests or other relationships with manufacturers of any commercial products, providers of commercial services, or any commercial supporters.
• Be sure to allow time for review and wrap-up at the end of the session.
• Provide a reference and resource list including current and correct URLs.
• Allow time for audience question and answer periods.
• Above all, do not read your presentation word for word off index cards or paper.