Slide Preparation

  • The first slide should give the title of your presentation and list all speakers with affiliations
  • Select a good, readable font, such as Arial, in which all letters are easily recognized with minimal confusion, avoid script & italic fonts and very small type (18 point or larger recommended). Do not use all capitals except for titles
  • Backgrounds should be consistent and subtle
  • Dark text on light backgrounds usually easiest to read
  • Try to limit each slide to one unified idea
  • Generally 6 words per line and no more than 6 lines per slide
  • Avoid abbreviations and acronyms
  • Use color and variety to maintain interest
  • Use pictures, graphs, charts and figures but keep them bold, simple and containing only essential details. If a considerable amount of data needs to be presented it may be better to provide a handout and highlight key data only in the slide presentation
  • Spell check your slides!

Presentation Preparation

  • Rehearse your presentations with the slides, particularly focusing on timing
  • Do not just read from your slides - Slides are “enhancements” to help the audience understand your presentation and should not be a script of your presentation.
  • Give a brief overview first, then present, finally review important points
  • Often more effective is to have bulleted points appear one at a time so audience does not read ahead
  • Speak clearly and slowly

What To Do In Case Of Technical Difficulties During Your Presentation

  • Do not stop your presentation, please notify the audience that the technical issues are being addressed and continue your presentation. An AV Technician or ISPOR staff member will assist in determining and correcting technical difficulties. The timing of your session will remain unchanged.
  • For additional information please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.