Links to check out:
1. When to Use Visual Aids
Think about using visual aids at the following times:
Introduction
- display the title of your presentation;
- define particular technical terms or units;
- indicate a structure to your presentation by listing your main points;
- display an image which encapsulates your theme(s);
- highlight a question you intend answering during the course of your presentation;
Main points
- highlight new points with an appropriate image or phrase;
- support technical information with clearly displayed data;
- indicate sequence by linking points together;
- offer evidence from your research to support your argument;
Conclusion
- summarise your main points on a slide;
- present your conclusion in a succinct phrase or image;
- display your key references to allow your audience to read more on your topic.
2. PowerPoint General Design Rules
Text:
- Not too much text on the slide.
- Don't give away the content before you've said it, or you will lose the audience's interest (they know what you are about to say so they check out)
Colour:
- Using the same or similar colour schemes for your slides is visually appealing and adds consistency to your presentation. You can use PowerPoint's design templates for this.
- There are two types of contrast – brightness and colour. The highest brightness contrast is between black and white. The highest colour contrast is when the colours are complementary.
- Avoid red or green text or highlighting. It is difficult to read.
- Dark background colours and bright colours for the text avoids glare. i.e. white font on a deep blue background is a very good combination
Font:
- Use sans serif font types such as Helvetica, Arial and Veranda
- Avoid italic font style
- Don't use all caps
- At least 32 point size
- Left justification
- Try not to use more than one font type per slide. If you do, decorative fonts should only be used for the title text.
Images:
- Even more impactful than text.
- NO CLIP ART
- Be aware that images have copyright – make sure you search for copyright free images
- Images should be the appropriate size (don't try to enlarge a small image if it will get distorted).
- Images should be relevant and not just decorative.
- Images should be simple enough to be easily seen at a distance
3. Sources for Content and Inspiration
adlib.info/design-resources/
This page links to over 70 places where you can find design inspiration, infographic makers, creation tools, free stock photos, fonts, icons, and more.
4. Resources
Wolfe J. Team writing: A guide to working in groups. Bedford/St. Martin's; 2010. [Click here for SMH catalogue link]
Saver C. Anatomy of writing for publication for nurses. Sigma Theta Tau; 2014 Mar 24.[Click here for SMH catalogue link]
Elements of a Paper/Structured Abstract https://www.nlm.nih.gov/bsd/policy/structured_abstracts.html
5. PowerPoint Shortcuts
Shortcut Key
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Function
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Space, N, right or down arrow, enter or page down
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Advance to the next slide
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Backspace, P, left or up arrow, or page up
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Return to the previous slide
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Number followed by Enter
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Go to that slide
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B
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Blacks/Unblacks the screen
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Esc
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End slide show
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F5
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Start slide show
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