How do I create a strong PowerPoint presentation?

To create a strong and aesthetical PowerPoint presentation, consider the following:

• Organization. Just like in a paper, use a clear beginning, middle, and end for your presentation.

• Audience. Be sure to consider your audience and what tone would be appropriate for your presentation. Will formality or comradery be your focus? Will your audience be familiar with the topic, or will they need more context? Think through your audience and their background, prior knowledge, perspective, and so on. 

• Background color. Don’t distract readers with busy background themes and patterns that distract from the content of the presentation.

• Text. Use consistent fonts in the presentation, large enough to read and in a clear style, such as a sans serif font.

• Images. Relate your images directly to the text, and make sure they are relevant.

• Visual clarity. See more general visual presentation guidelines. 

Additional Resources:  

• What are some tips for giving a conference presentation?
• For tech tips from the Academic Skills Center, see How do I make a PowerPoint presentation?
• How do I cite my sources in a PowerPoint presentation?

Further Questions?

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Do you have other general writing questions? Ask OASIS ! 

Other questions about your doctoral capstone or the Form & Style review? E-mail the Dissertation Editors at [email protected].

Want to peruse other writing resources? Go to the Writing Center’s homepage.