Color

• Choose a background to match the lighting of the room; use a dark color in a darkened room, a light color in a lightened room.
• Don't change colors just because you can. Use color for emphasis.
• Use contrast; dark text works best on a light background and light text works best on a dark background.

Font

• San-serif fonts are easiest to read when projected (Arial, Helvetica, Verdana).
• Avoid using all caps, underlining, or shadows. The audience expects underlined text to be a hyperlink.
• Make text large enough to read; use 24-point fonts when possible, 18-point at the minimum.

Graphics

• Make sure graphics are large enough for audience to see.
• Don't overlap text and graphics.
• Centering graphics makes it difficult to fit text on the same slide.

Content

• Convert sentences to phrases.
• Make sure breaks make sense and information flows smoothly.
• Use the 6-6-6 guideline: no more than six bullets per slide, no more than six words per line, no more than six text slides in a row.
• Poor grammar and spelling detract from your credibility; proofread your slides carefully!

Above all, think consistency and simplicity!

• Be consistent with colors, fonts and backgrounds.
• Keep graphics and animation simple and appropriate.

Additional Resource

A Bit Better PowerPoint FAQ: A comprehensive PowerPoint "how-to" guide. http://www.bitbetter.com/powerfaq.htm