PDCs Presenter Toolkit

Presenting at an upcoming conference, seminar or online presentation?
Get ideas, tips and recommendations below to help you prepare for a successful presentation. 

If you have any presenter suggestions, please contact Oonagh Barrow, Jennifer Corbin or Kara Mitchell.

Content Suggestions from Members

Need ideas for your next seminar or conference session topic? Download this list of suggested topics and bring it to your next committee meeting.


Contact a Staff Member for an Up-to-Date List of Topics

  • All Presenters must use the Illinois ASBO PowerPoint Template. Do not use any other templates as the introductory slide must be included in all presentations. How to merge the PowerPoint Template with Google Docs
  • Keep Text to a Minimum PowerPoint should assist you in delivering your presentation and are not the main source of information. Limit the amount of information on a single slide. Stick to one main idea per slide and limit yourself to using no more than three bullet points per slide. 
  • Use Large Font Sizes Remember, those sitting in the back of the room should still be able to read the slide.  Consider using 40 pts for headings and going no smaller than 28 pts for the content text.
  • Make Sure Fonts Are Readable Avoid using script or decorative fonts that could be hard to read. Recommended fonts include Verdana, Calibri, Palatino, Tahoma, Georgia or Times.
  • Enhance Data with Charts or Graphs Use charts or graphs to make abstract data easier to understand.   Keep size in mind, as too much information will be difficult for audience to see.
  • Be Consistent with Style Settings Keep your design style and fonts consistent across all slides to ensure that the entire presentation is visually appealing.
  • Use Color Sparingly Color can make your presentation more visually appealing, however use sparingly.  Avoid red letters, which are difficult for some people to read. The best readability comes from high contrast of intensity rather than by clashing colors.  Instead use color to highlight an idea or take away.
  • Add Contact Information Be sure to include your contact information on the last slide of your presentation to allow attendees to contact you with follow-up questions.

Remember, it's always a good idea to bring a backup copy of your presentation.

Review other helpful tips on our Speaker Resource Page.

Use this template for any Illinois ASBO event unless otherwise specified.

Download Illinois ASBO template


Event-specific speaker information including important deadlines, AV information, speaker tips and moderator responsibilities.

Access Resources


Have you ever wondered how some well-known figures make public speaking look like child’s play?

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The following presentation tools represent alternatives to the standardized PowerPoint template provided by Illinois ASBO.

View the Tools


Read this short article for tips on how to best prepare for online delivery.

Read Here


Learn about actionable event formats for the virtual world.

Read Here


Ask yourself these questions to better understand your audience before your presentation.

View the Questions

Join a PDC

Professional Development Committees (PDCs) create learning opportunities and provide relevant content that makes Illinois ASBO indispensable to members. Find the committee that is right for you.

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