Keep it Simple - Use the 5-5-5 Rules
Keep the text on each slide short and to the point. Stick as closely as possible to the 5-5-5 rule. It doesn't work 100% of the time but it's a good guide.
The 5-5-5 Rule
- no more than 5 words per line of text
- 5 lines of text per slide
- 5 text-heavy slides in a row
![Screenshot of a powerpoint slide with too much text](https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/224160/images/Screenshot_2024-02-26_at_11.45.46 AM.png)
![screenshot of powerpoint that adheres to the 5-5-5 rule](https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/224160/images/Screenshot_2024-02-26_at_11.46.11 AM.png)
Use Design Templates to Make Your Slides Interesting
Use a built-in template from the Design Menu in Powerpoint in combination with the 5-5-5 Rule to make your Powerpoint more appealing. You can also upload a template from the websites below.
![Screenshot Design Template shows the basics of Supply and Demand in a Simple but Interesting Way](https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/224160/images/Screenshot_2024-02-26_at_12.07.23 PM.png)
Slides CarnivalFree PowerPoint and Google Slides Templates for your Presentations. Free for any use, no registration or download limits.
MicrosoftCreate engaging presentations for school, business, extracurriculars, and more!
SlidesgoCreate engaging presentations, faster!
Free templates for Google Slides and PowerPoint.
Use Good Contrast - Readable Colors and Fonts
Your text should be easy to read and pleasant to look at. Large, simple fonts and theme colors are always your best bet. The best fonts and colors can vary depending on your presentation setting. Presenting in a large room? Make your text larger than usual so people in the back can read it. Presenting with the lights on? Dark text on a light background is your best bet for visibility.![Screenshot - good color combinations dark letters on light backgrounds](https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/224160/images/Screenshot_2024-02-26_at_11.51.25 AM.png)
Add an Image to Your Powerpoint
Adding pictures can make your presentations more interesting and engaging. You can insert a picture from a file on your computer onto any slide. PowerPoint even includes tools for finding online pictures and adding screenshots to your presentation.
![screenshot example of an image on a powerpoint slide with a definition of Supply](https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/224160/images/Screenshot_2024-02-26_at_12.19.05 PM.png)
How to Add an Image to Your PowerpointTutorial that shows you how to Insert a picture into your Powerpoint presentation.
UnsplashFind free-to-use images for your Power Point.
PixabayCopyright-free photos, illustrations, graphics, and videos.
Noun ProjectFind black and white icons (like used in this LibGuide) to add to your Powerpoint.