Page 311 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 08 11/20/02 12:51 PM Page 300
300 The Creative Training Idea Book
Time the usage of transparencies so that you display only those items you are actually
addressing. A maximum suggested length of viewing time is about 3–4 minutes. The
minimum time for projection is 1 minute to allow notetaking.
If you find that the projected topic generates considerable conversation, turn the pro-
jector off (remember—light attracts attention and so does the buzz of the motor),
discuss the issue, then turn the projector on again. This also helps extend bulb life.
Have backup training aids (e.g., flip charts, handouts, pictures, job aids, or posters) avail-
able in the event your projector stops functioning. This allows you to project an air
of professionalism as you continue with you presentation using the alternate aids
without excuses, and as if nothing happened.

Transparency Design Considerations

Like any other part of your presentation, you want to ensure that your transparencies
are designed to send a powerful message that reinforces what you say. Many of the rules
for flip chart design and art usage also apply when creating material for projection. The
following are some specific considerations when preparing materials for use with a
projector.

Prepare an introductory transparency for you presentation. You might have a graphic,
program title, your name, corporate logo, date, or other information on it.
Transparencies should follow a standard format, all printed either vertically or hori-
zontally. Switching between horizontal and vertical formats can be frustrating for
you and your participants. Because most overhead projector models have a glass
surface that is approximately 10 inches wide and high, horizontal formats work
best. In addition, the vertical format does not work well because the size of a nor-
mal transparency is 8.5 × 11 inches. Using this entire area for text causes portions of
the message to be off the viewing surface and the transparency has to be moved up
or down to get the image onto the screen.
Sans serif ⁄4-inch lettering (approximately 30-point font) is usually large enough for text.
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Title lines should be slightly larger to make them stand out. A quick rule of thumb—
place the page of text that you will use to make the transparency on the floor and
stand above it on a chair. If you can read it easily, it’s probably large enough for about
40–50 feet.
When preparing projection transparencies, use uppercase for title lines and for the first
letter of a word on a new topic line or for proper nouns, followed by lowercase for
text. This makes reading easier.
Use bold lettering to make the words stand out on the screen.
Limit transparencies to eight to ten lines of text and to six to eight words per line to avoid
a cluttered look.
Add color to your transparencies by having the title line a different color from that of
the text. You can use any dark color or even red to make the title stand out.