Best Practices

Presentation

Use approved slide layouts to make the message easy to follow, the data easy to understand, and the presentation accessible to the audience.

01

Start with the approved deck

The template establishes the page size, theme, layouts, logo placement, colors, and typography.

  • Create a working copy of the current PowerPoint or Google Slides template.
  • Keep the 16:9 page size, Open Sans theme, approved colors, and main layouts.
  • Choose the layout that matches the content instead of rebuilding it manually.
  • Use approved co-branding only after MarComm review.

Visual example

Build from the system

  1. 1Title
  2. 2Agenda
  3. 3Section divider
  4. 4Content
  5. 5Data
  6. 6Closing

02

Make each slide do one job

Slides should support the presenter and audience - not become a document projected on a wall.

  • Write a headline that states the point of the slide.
  • Keep supporting copy brief and move detail to speaker notes or a handout.
  • Use one strong image with the correct rights and crop.
  • Label data directly, show the unit and source, and explain the takeaway.

Visual example

Example data slide

FAVORITE FRUIT

Apples lead the classroom survey

In this fictional example, 4 in 10 students chose apples. Label the takeaway, values, and source directly.

Mock dataDirect labelsSource shown

03

Check accessibility and delivery

Review the presentation as an audience member will experience it - in the room or meeting platform.

  • Give every slide a unique title and verify a logical reading order.
  • Add useful alternative text, captions, and descriptive links.
  • Check contrast, type size, animations, audio, and screen sharing.
  • Provide an accessible reference copy when the audience needs to revisit the material.

Visual example

Rehearsal check

  • Unique titles
  • Reading order
  • Type at distance
  • Media tested
  • Timing
  • Accessible handout

References and influences

These external resources informed the draft’s structure and practices. They do not replace NASPA policy or MarComm approval.

Microsoft

Make PowerPoint presentations accessible

Accessibility guidance for slide structure, reading order, images, links, and media.

Microsoft

Accessibility Checker

Guidance for using the built-in accessibility review in Office files.

Canva

Create accessible PDFs with Canva

Canva guidance for contrast, alternative text, headings, reading order, and accessible PDF export.

Last updated