Page dimensions of the four visual media all vary. Know your intended output so your layout is correct and information isn’t cut off the edges when you present.

Set your computer screen show or 35mm slide show in a horizontal or landscape orientation. Projection screens are oriented as horizontal or landscape. Computer slide shows usually are already set up for a horizontal orientation as default. Transparencies should be in portrait or vertical orientation as an overhead projector will not display all of a landscape page. Just make sure the visuals fit on the projector screen you use.

Computer design programs like Microsoft PowerPoint or Lotus Freelance allow the use of one template per file. A template is a file that has been setup with a “look” for your presentation. The template is pre-designed with a color scheme, font specifications, and page layout. You just need to add your information. Use one template design throughout a technical talk. This helps the audience quickly become familiar with the layout after a few slides.

Decide what typeface, type size, colors, graphics, background design, and layout to use for your entire presentation. While you can use some variation, strive for consistency. The audience learns to read your slides - where title will be, what a certain color represents, etc. - and understands the information faster.

Overall, a limited number of elements, big graphics, and big text makes reading easier. Less is more and big is beautiful.

Poor Example

Good Example