Tips for creating accessible presentations

2 Apr 2021

Most lecturers will use a PowerPoint presentation when introducing a topic or starting a conversation about past and upcoming activities. Here some guidelines to make your Powerpoint as accessible as possible.

  • Use a sans-serif font type (the standard in the UM presentation template is Calibri)
  • For visually impaired students it is important that PowerPoints have a high contrast between the background color and the text.
  • Start the presentation with an overview of the content
  • Do not share too much information on one slide. Use the 7 x 7 rule for slides:
    • a maximum of 7 lines per slide
    • and a maximum of 7 words per line
    • less is better!
  • Explain important concepts both written and spoken
  • Summarize the most important information on the last slide(s), is applicable add take home messages
  • Especially in the case you provide your presentation online: use the split / share screen functionality, so that both the teacher and the presentation can be seen
  • Add narrations or voice over to your presentation. Information about this can be found on pages in the context of editing a video (e.g. adding a voice-over to your video or presentation).

 

Images

  • When using images, videos or other visual material, provide a clear description in both the text and the explanation.
  • Only use images or other visual material if it contributes to the knowledge you want to convey.
  • A so-called “thick description” helps to better understand the explanation: adding for instance feelings to actions in a certain context
[et_bloom_inline optin_id=”optin_3″]
word cloud referring to digital accessibilty
y

Library update

Last updated: 12/04/21