Biology 675
Project Guidelines

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Number of slides. A 10-minute presentation may consist of 8-10 slides. A good presentation includes just enough slides to get across main points without bombarding the audience with information or useful slides.

Slide format. Use a sans serif font such as Arial. Text should be no smaller than 18 point. (Reference citations can be 14 pt.). Use good contrast between text and the background.

Slide content. Slides should be varied: include images, data, and bulleted lists

A proper introduction. Start off the presentation by introducing the topic as well as yourself and any other speakers.

Conclusions. Make sure to review major points on one slide and include a final slide that opens the door for comments.

Don’t use full sentences. Keep all points under five words (short phrases). If the topic can be presented by simply reading the slides verbatim, the slides contain way too much text. Cut down on text and move extra info down into speaker notes. The bullet points should be prompts more than anything else.

Have a focused message. Slides should flow logically from one to the next. A presentation with multiple purposes can become confusing for the audience, not to mention difficult to write. Keep the presentation focused on a central idea and drive home the point with concrete opening and closing slides as well as logical arguments throughout.

Consider the audience. A presentation should be appropriate for the intended audience. Spend less time covering background information and focus on facts. Include references, data, unique viewpoints.

Best Tips for Getting a Good Grade on a PowerPoint Presentation
If all of the tips above had to boiled down into four points, they would be:

  1. Cover all elements of the assignment as stated in the instructions.
  2. Focus the slideshow on a central theme.
  3. Support all major points with specific details and examples when possible.
  4. Include a clear closing and perhaps open the floor for discussion in the final slide.