Attending conferences is an expensive activity. The audience has a right to expect quality presentations from speakers. Unfortunately, many of us in technical areas have not had training in public speaking. When giving a talk we tend to emphasize techni cal accuracy and detail over effective presentation of information. The following guidelines provide information to aid speakers in slide preparation and presentation to help increase the effectiveness of technical presentations.

1. The purpose of slides is to save time, increase interest and attentiveness, clarify or emphasize an idea and increase audience recall of presented information. Be sure your slides effectively accomplish your desired goal.

2. The most common problem with slides is overcrowding. The print on a 2" x 2" slide should be readable without magnification. To help simplify slides consider the following:

1. Convey only one main idea per slide.

2. Express ideas in as few words as possible.

3. Consider including handout material containing extensive detail to supplement a more simplified slide.

4. Instead of one complex slide make several simplified slides with a conclusion slide describing the overall concept.

5. A good general rule is not to exceed six lines, or 45 characters and spaces per line.

3. To prepare slides that are successful in generating and holding attention, consider the following:

1. Use slides with contrasting colors or negative slides.

2. Minimize clutter.

3. Don't try to tell the whole story on one slide.

4. An excellent brochure entitled, "Effective Lecture Slides", by Kodak (Pamphlet No. S-22), is available from the ASAS Business Office (217/356-3182).

Remember, don't put yourself in a position to have to apologize for your slides. If you must introduce a slide by saying "You may not be able to read this, but ..." please consider not showing it.

There will be a room for you to preview your slides before your presentation will be available in Des Moines.

Presenters should provide their own slide carousels.