In COM 1010, you created a presentation using PowerPoint. Another presentation tool is Google Slides.

Because virtual presentations are the expectation in almost every discipline and field, it is important to become comfortable with Google Slides –a vital tool for presentations in not only academia (including graduate school), but also your career.

How do I use Google Slides?

Here is a link to assist with understanding, using, and making effective Google Slides. 

What is a Google Slides Presentation?

• It should be a presentation – do not just copy and paste full paragraphs of your essay and paste them onto your slides!
• Slides should be legible and clear, with minimal writing (i.e. no paragraphs) and minimal bullet points (typically, 1-3 bullet points per slide). Note: if you want to read a piece of your memoir, do so off-slide.
• Use visuals/images that represent your story, as well as pieces of the story itself (Remember: you DO NOT want to read from your PP presentation – it should only be a tool to ASSIST you).
• Have eye contact, and interact with your audience: pose questions, etc.
• Design is important – meaning, you do not want to have too much going on to where the audience is overwhelmed or confused, i.e. using a picture from Google as a background on a slide.
• Color is good, but it should be appropriate and professional:
  • Colors can be divided into two general categories: Cool (such as blue and green) and Warm (such as orange and red).
  • If you will be presenting in a dark room (such as a large hall), then a dark background (dark blue, grey, etc.) with white or light text will work fine. But if you plan to keep most of the lights on (which is highly advisable) then a white background with black or dark text works much better. In rooms with a good deal of ambient light, a screen image with a dark background and light text tends to washout, but dark text on a light background will maintain its visual intensity a bit better.
• Be conscientious of your font choice. Use the same font set throughout your entire slide presentation.
  • Serif fonts (Times New Roman) were designed to be used in documents filled with lots of text. Serif fonts are said to be easier to read at small point sizes, but for on screen presentations the serifs tend to get lost.
  • San-serif fonts (Arial) are generally best for PowerPoint presentations.
  • Regardless of what font you choose, make sure the text can be read from the back of the room.
• Video and audio are welcome! This helps to keep the audience’s attention and to add some flair to a sometimes monotone presentation.
• Check your organization! Just like a paper, your presentation (slides) should flow. It should make sense to the reader how you move from one slide to the next.
• Check your spelling and grammar! Your presentation represents you, and in turn, your ethos (credibility).