Slides

Create an effective opening slide

A good opening slide, also called a title slide, should grab your audience’s attention and set the tone for your presentation.

Choose a meaningful title

The title or name of your presentation should clearly identify the main topic you'll be covering. You can use a subtitle to clarify. Try to avoid using generic titles like "Assignment 1".

Add important details

In addition to the title of your presentation, you will want to list the names of all presenters on the title slide. You may be asked to provide other information like the date or your course code. Be sure to check your assignment instructions to determine if your instructor has preferences for information on your opening slide.

Use an eye catching graphic or image

Using a large graphic or image can help grab your audience's attention. Try to choose something that sets the tone of your presentation and matches the look and feel you want to use throughout. You can also try using layouts or SmartArt in PowerPoint.

Why have an agenda?

An agenda lists the main sections of a presentation in order. This gives your audience a better sense of what to expect from your presentation and can help them stay focused.

Try section headers

You can highlight each of your talking points by using section headers or “scaffolding” slides. You can highlight which section you're in, while also showing what information has already been covered and what is yet to come. This will layout the structure of your presentation and show progression.

Effective use of colours

Colour can convey tone and emotion and make your presentation more visually appealing. Below are some tips to consider when selecting colours.

Try using a colour scheme

Using one colour palette or scheme throughout your presentation will give it a consistent and cohesive look throughout.

Consider how colours work together

You can change the colour of fonts or icons in addition to images and graphics. Look for colours that compliment each other to give a cohesive look to your presentation.

You can review the blog post Color Theory for Presentations: How to Choose the Perfect Colors for Your Designs (blog post) for ideas of how to combine colours.

Use colour contrast

Contrast makes content on a slide stand out. If a background colour and the text or images on top are too similar they may blend into one another and be harder to see.

One general rule is that when using light coloured content use a dark background and when using dark coloured content use a light background.

Colour contrast will make your content easier to read for a wide range of audience members, including those using mobile devices with smaller screens.

You can check the contrast between colours using an online colour checker.

Using different slide layouts

Alternating between 2-3 different layouts throughout your presentation can add variety while maintaining a consistent look. This can help keep your presentation looking fresh and appealing throughout.

Aim for one main point per slide

Avoid having too many ideas or concepts on one slide. You can spread them out throughout your presentation. This will give your audience a chance to take everything in

Use larger font sizes

Your audience may be watching from a small screen. Larger fonts will make your words easier to read. You can condense your ideas to have only main points on the screen and speak to the details instead of reading word for word from your slide.

Use basic animations or leave them out

Animations on your slides aren't required. If you decide to use animations on your slide, try to use simple effects like appear or disappear. More complex animation effects may not translate as well when being broadcast across video conferencing software.

What is copyright?

Copyright gives creators control over how their work can be used. In Canada, all creative works (including videos, images and music), are automatically protected under copyright law even if you don't see a copyright symbol. Some creators may choose to give more options for sharing their work, using tools like Creative Commons licenses.

If you're using other people's creative work for your presentation, you'll need to make sure that you have the right to use it.

Where can I find free content for my presentations?

There are several good sources for images, music, video clips and other creative works that are free and legal to use for your assignments. The Sandbox's Finding Free Images and Audio Online guide lists several free options. You can also look for a Creative Commons license on a website to let you know how the work can be used.