Rules for Viewgraphs

• On the one hand:
  • Each Transparency should illustrate a single point.
  • Simple viewgraph better communicates information.
  • Complex data/figures confuse audience unless
      speaker separates them into a series of simplified units.
• On the other hand:
  • Flipping through many viewgraphs fragments the talk.
  • Organizing coherent story on one viewgraph gives audience sufficient in-one-place info to absorb it.
  • Putting related figures/data on one viewgraphs allows relationships to be displayed and explained.

Agreement exists on:

• Avoid showing tables. If do, keep least significant digits.
• Equations induce audience "tune out." If must use:
  • Introduce physics of the symbols first.
  • Never change a symbol in or between viewgraphs.
• Lettering on viewgraphs: 18 point minimum.
• Uniform style accents flow and coherence of the talk.
• Figures
  • Clearly label axes (horizontally) with at least 18pt type.
  • Delete all information from figure irrelevant to talk.
  • Explain main points of figure on its viewgraph.