Design tips for PowerPoint

2. Keep it Simple

Nothing in your slide should be superfluous, ever.

Your slides should have plenty of “white space” or “negative space.” Do not feel compelled to fill empty areas on your slide with your logo or other unnecessary graphics or text boxes that do not contribute to better understanding. The less clutter you have on your slide, the more powerful your visual message will become.

Don’t overdesign

• Your slides should be simple and clear. Eliminate unnecessary information and clutter.
• Make use of white space and don’t cram too much on each slide. For each addition, ask yourself ‘is this necessary; what does it add to the message?’
• Avoid busy backgrounds that make text hard to read.

Don't go overboard with technology

• Aim to communicate, not to win an Oscar for special effects.
• Use animations sparingly. Effects like flying or flashing text can distract your audience. What value do they really add to your talk or your topic?
• Only include elements like sound and video if they are the best way to convey particular information.
• The sound effects that accompany PowerPoint animations are best avoided altogether.