OK, the basics have been covered by others so I'll just add to them...
... if you've got something complecated, like a table, graph, or (heaven forbid) a spreadsheet or anything else containing maths have a 'pack' of printouts to give to people at the beginning. Then when you get to that point in your presentation, mention that it can be refered to... obviously if you're handing out copies of the whole thing then you don't need to do specific pages.
Fonts - pick ONE and stick to it. Use a bold version, italicised and underline, but don't have a mess of loads of different fonts.
San serif fonts (Ariel, Helvetica etc) are far better in Powerpoint that serif (Times etc).
Don't use a drop shadow on any text - far from highlighting it or making it stand out it just messes with people's eyes.
However, DO make sure your pictures have some form of frame, not too heavy, just something that clearly marks the edges. Drop shadow on them can be OK.
And the biggy, if you can, don't rely on Powerpoint as your only tool - in the dark after x number of presentations, people get dozy.
Keep them alert - if you can, get someone to assist you by standing by the lightswitch. At some point part way through, request the lights be put back on and actually
show them something. Something physical, tactile, a break form a dark room and a screen.
Take your crash helmet in, with a plastic tray and a plant mister - spray water on it so they can actually physically see the point you are trying to make. Beats a photo any day.
Then you ask for the lights to be dimmed again as you proceed to the next point.
It breaks the monotony a treat and shows that you have really thought about how best to get you information across.
The above is from a past as a graphic designer and having to make presentations to clients (who generally knew what they wanted once you'd told it too them and made it sound like their idea
) as well as coaching our first group presentation on my degree course.
We aced it by the way.
