AV Guidelines

• Flipcharts
• Overheads
• PowerPoint Slides
• Handouts

Flipcharts

• Use no more than two or three points per sheet.
• Vary colors to organize points and express transitions.
• Face the audience when speaking.
• Do not present when writing.

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Overheads

• Each transparency should reflect one idea.
• Use no more than six lines and no more than six words per line.
• Use color and graphics to make transparencies more interesting.
• Use a sheet of paper to cover material until you are ready to discuss it.
• Turn the projector on when talking about the subject matter on the transparency. Turn the projector off when proceeding to the next topic or doing group work.
• Point to transparency with a pen or pointer.
• Maintain eye contact with your audience. Do not read from the transparency or screen.
• Be sure to use a font that can be read by all people in the room. Do not use typed copies as a transparency.
  Guidelines for fonts:
  
  • Minimum type size for body copy-22-24 pt
  • Type size for headings-36-44 pt
  • Type size for subtitles-30-32 pt
  • Helvetica or Arial fonts recommended to avoid blurring of text

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PowerPoint slides

• Use no more than six lines and no more than six words per line.
• Turn image on when talking about subject matter on the screen. Turn image off when proceeding to a new topic or doing group work.
• Use headlines and color.
• Darken background to reduce glare.
• Avoid the distraction of busy screens or constantly moving patterns.
  Guidelines for fonts:
  
  • Minimum type size for body copy-22-24 pt
  • Type size for headings-36-44 pt
  • Type size for subtitles-30-32 pt
  • Helvetica or Arial fonts recommended to avoid blurring of text

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Handouts

• Wait until materials have been distributed before explaining.
• Print on light color when handouts have a large amount of material.
• Keep materials brief. They're more likely to be read!
• Leave room for notes.

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