PREPARING AND PRESENTING 35 MM SLIDES AND VIEWGRAPHS
We believe that if you follow these guidelines, your audience will be able to focus on your ideas instead of being distracted by problems with your presentation.

USE 35 MM SLIDES OR VIEWGRAPHS TO:
o Outline a topic
o Clarify an important point
o Give information quickly
o Support your talk

TO HELP YOUR AUDIENCE FOLLOW YOUR TALK:
o Allow about 2 minutes for each frame
o Remove a frame when you are not discussing it
o Insert blank frames when you do not need visuals; use an opaque sheet for overhead projectors
o Use duplicate frames when you repeat information so that you don't have to spend time searching for previous frames.

FOR AN EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION:
o Practice giving your talk using your visual aids
o At the Conference you will have an opportunity before the session to coordinate and preview with your projectionist
o Carry your visuals with you -- Do NOT check your visuals through in your baggage
Most speakers find that they can comfortably get through only 10 or so frames in a 25-minute talk. Once you have concluded your formal presentation, you can always present an additional frame or two if necessary to help you answer questions.

PREPARING EFFECTIVE 35 MM SLIDES AND VIEWGRAPHS
1. Do not copy tables, figures, or text from publications (the content is generally too small)
2. Use short, simple text--for example, headings and/or subheadings; list ideas using numbers or bullets
3. Use fewer than 7 words per line
4. Use fewer than 8 lines per frame
5. Charts and graphs: Axes should be labeled clearly and simply. Include legends. Work on making each item simple.
6. Drawings: While a drawing is often very effective, a crudely done sketch will generally distract your audience. You do not want to leave the impression that you lack the technical skill or simply do not care enough to communicate effectively. We strongly suggest that you have your drawings done professionally.
7. Color: The best readability comes from high contrast of intensity rather than by clashes of color. A dark background with light lettering generally works best for 35 mm slides. For overhead transparencies the opposite is usually best: dark lettering on a clear, or light, background. Limit the number of colors to 3 or fewer per frame. Also consider people who are color deficient (red/green is the most common): do not use shades of those two colors with each other or with brown or gray. In addition, red often is interpreted as "error" or "danger".
8. Maintaining order: Clearly number your frames. This will make the reorganization task much easier if they get dropped. Label your slide carousels with the order in which you want them mounted. If you choose to use carousels provided by the conference, they must be returned immediately following the session. Your name written on each frame will help unite them with you should they get lost.

FOR LEGIBLE VIEWGRAPHS:
1. Use typeset lettering, not typewritten copy
2.Lettering should be no smaller than 5 mm or 3/16" in height (20-point type) for lowercase letters; use 6.5 mm or 1/4" (24-point type) for uppercase letters. 24 to 28-point type works best.
3.Do not use marking pens on clear acetate film
4.To test for readability, place your mounted viewgraph on the floor and view it from a standing position. If you cannot read it, use larger letters.

FOR LEGIBLE 35 MM SLIDES: 1. Have your copy professionally typeset.
2. Typeset copy should be no smaller than 5 mm or 3/16" in height (20-point type) for lowercase letters; use 6.5 mm or 1/4" (24-point type) for uppercase letters. 24 to 28-point type works best.
3. Type should be medium to bold in weight.
4. Arrange typeset copy into a 23 cm x 15 cm or 9" x 6" area, leaving at least 13 mm or 1/2" margin on each side
5. Use white or yellow characters on a medium blue or black background
6.To test for readability, hold your mounted 35 mm slide at arm's length. If you cannot read it, use larger letters.
7.Have your slides mounted in glass (not plastic) for use in high powered (hot) projectors.
We thank the Human Factors Society and CHI Conference for the inspiration and the materials from which the above has been adapted.

***********************************************************************

MY ADDITIONS:
0) Never ever begin with "The title of my talk is ..."
1) Ensure a linear narrative
2) Use pictures to convey ideas
3) Use voice modulation to emphasise your points
4) Check that the slide is properly positioned on the screen
5) Talk facing the audience, not the screen
6) Rehearse your talk several times, especially the entry and exit of each slide.
7) Listen to questions carefully and answer only after you have understood the question completely.