Powerpoints

When making a powerpoint, the most basic goal is to asthetically appeal to the viewer while transmitting information in a clear, understandable way.  It is not an easy task to, when compiling data and information with which you are very interested or knowledgable, convey that knowledge in a ledgible, helpful way.  When I am viewing a presentation, there are a few critical things that can make or break a powerpoint for me:

1)  There can't be too much text on a single slide.  Bullet points are much more helpful in giving the presenter a starting point from which to speak; however, insterting entire paragraphs onto a slide is risky and can often overwhelm the viewer. 

2) Poor quality clip art can really throw me off.  If there is a poorly drawn/designed cartoon or, even worse, animation, then it not only distracts from the information but it also makes the project appear less professional. 

3) Tacky sound effects are the wrost.  If the powerpoint is casual and the presenter uses a funny sound to humor the group, then that is one thing; however, excessive use of noises just distracts and takes away from the integrity of the presentation. 

4) Even worse than lengthy text on a single slide is use of wordy language or grammatical/spelling errors on a slide.  Just use Spell Check!

and 5) When presenters jump through slides too quickly.  I hate it when a professor won't allow students time to copy information from slides.

In a communications class in high school I was exposed to several great powerpoints that looked professional in their simplicity.