DOs AND DONT'S OF POWERPOINT SLIDE PRESENTATION

DOs of POWERPOINT SLIDE CREATION
• Edit slides/power point presentations down to the essence of the matter you want to communicate and use as few words as possible to convey your message.
• Be sure the design clarifies and enhances the message, not detracts from it.
• Use simple pictures or icons along with the words on bullet-point slides.
• Build slides element by element, adding one point at a time to convey the overall message.
• Use a black screen between slides to keep the jury’s attention on you.
• Use visual presentations that point to life experiences that the jury can understand.
• Use a large display screen.

DONT'S of POWERPOINT SLIDE CREATION

• Use too many words on a particular electronic or overhead slide.
• Fall prey to runaway graphic design-the overuse of pie charts, bar graphs, and clip art.
• Present all information on a slide at one time.
• Show a slide before you talk about it.
• Overlook the persuasive and visual power of color.
• Select color combinations that will be jarring or difficult to read.
• Obscure well-conceived visuals by poor display.
• Use technology for technology’s sake. Technology should not dictate the substance of your case

Gregory J. Morse, Esq. is a Partner at Morse & Morse, LLC, Criminal Trial Attorneys. www.morselegal.com