HOW TO POWERPOINT _ A guide for students.pptx

This powerpoint is a tongue in cheek guide for students to understand common errors people make in creating powerpoint presentations

1. HOW TO POWERPOINT

2. FONT RULES Sans Serif for Headings, Bullets Arial, Calibri, Tahoma, etc. No smaller that 24 pt. (this is 24 pt.) Choose fonts that are common, and no more than 3 Bullets should be simple (not like this one)

3. MORE ON FONTS For 1-4 words, sans serif all caps fine If more, use upper and lower case for readability Best readability for longer text (to be avoided) is a serif font Times New Roman ONLY USE ALL CAPS FONT FOR EMPHASIS, AND SHORT BULLETS

4. DESIGN RULES Small gradient okay Stay away from graphics that cross the page and cause you to have to change the text color Sufficient contrast between text and background Consistency

5. Color Choices Choose very dark with white letters for light rooms Choose light with dark contrast for dark rooms

6. LIMIT WORDS Words should not extend into graphics Fewer words means more listening to what you say Fewer words means more writing (engagement) Fewer words = good

7. See What I Mean? Sometimes we have a tendency to write everything we want to say as a visual prompt for ourselves This can be distracting, because why shouldn’t they just read, themselves, ya know what I mean? When we put full sentences in front of people, they can’t help but try to process what they are looking at, which means that they aren’t fully listening to us. This means that we are losing them already and they will be less likely to retain the information especially as it gets smaller and smaller and goes down into the graphics, which is distracting

8. 7 x 7 RULE no more than seven lines of text and no more than seven words in each of those lines.

9. GRAPHICS MUST ADD

10. A pictures is worth 1000 words The jaguar is one of the most iconic and powerful wild cats in the world. As the largest feline in the Americas and the third-largest globally—after the tiger and lion—the jaguar commands respect in the ecosystems it inhabits. Known for its striking coat, formidable strength, and elusive nature, the jaguar plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance across its range. Physical Characteristics Jaguars are robust and muscular animals, with males typically weighing between 100 to 250 pounds (45 to 113 kg), and females slightly smaller. Their body length ranges from 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters), excluding the tail, which adds another 2 to 3 feet. The jaguar’s coat is a golden-yellow hue adorned with black rosettes—spots with a central dot—which help camouflage it in the dappled light of forest environments. Some jaguars are melanistic, appearing almost entirely black, though their rosettes are still faintly visible. Their powerful jaws and large skulls give them one of the strongest bites among big cats, capable of crushing bones and even piercing the shells of armored reptiles like turtles. This strength allows jaguars to hunt a wide variety of prey, including animals much larger than themselves. Habitat and Range Historically, jaguars roamed from the southwestern United States through Central America and into South America, as far south as northern Argentina. Today, their range has significantly diminished due to habitat loss and human encroachment. The largest populations are found in the Amazon rainforest, particularly in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. Jaguars prefer dense, tropical rainforests, but they are also found in dry forests, scrublands, and wetlands. They are highly adaptable and can live in a variety of environments, provided there is sufficient cover and prey. Water is a key component of their habitat, as jaguars are excellent swimmers and often hunt aquatic or semi-aquatic animals. Unlike lions, jaguars are solitary animals. They establish and defend territories, which vary in size depending on the availability of prey and habitat quality. Males typically have larger territories that may overlap with those of several females, but they rarely tolerate other males. Jaguars are mostly nocturnal, hunting at night and resting during the day. They use stealth and ambush tactics rather than long chases, relying on their camouflage and patience to get close to prey before delivering a fatal bite. Their preferred method of killing is unique among big cats: they often bite directly through the skull of their prey, targeting the brain. Diet and Hunting Jaguars are opportunistic carnivores with a broad diet. They prey on over 85 species, including: Mammals: deer, peccaries, capybaras, tapirs Reptiles: caimans, turtles, snakes Birds and fish Their hunting technique is versatile. In forested areas, they stalk and ambush terrestrial prey. In wetlands, they swim and dive to catch fish or aquatic reptiles. Their powerful bite allows them to tackle armored or hard-shelled animals that other predators avoid. Threats and Conservation Status Jaguars face numerous threats, primarily due to human activities: Habitat Loss : Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urban development has fragmented jaguar habitats, isolating populations and reducing genetic diversity. Poaching : Jaguars are hunted for their pelts, teeth, and other body parts, often used in traditional medicine or sold illegally. Human-Wildlife Conflict : Jaguars sometimes prey on livestock, leading to retaliation from farmers and ranchers. Climate Change : Altered rainfall patterns and rising temperatures affect prey availability and habitat suitability. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the jaguar as Near Threatened , with populations declining across much of their range. In some regions, they are considered endangered or locally extinct. Conservation Efforts Numerous organizations and governments are working to protect jaguars through: Protected Areas : Establishing national parks and reserves in key habitats. Wildlife Corridors : Creating pathways that connect fragmented habitats, allowing jaguars to move freely and maintain genetic diversity. Community Engagement : Educating local communities about the importance of jaguars and promoting coexistence through sustainable practices. Research and Monitoring : Using camera traps, GPS collars, and field studies to track jaguar populations and understand their behavior. Anti-Poaching Laws : Strengthening enforcement against illegal hunting and trade. One notable initiative is the Jaguar Corridor Initiative , which aims to connect jaguar habitats from Mexico to Argentina, ensuring long-term survival across their range. Cultural Significance Jaguars have held spiritual and cultural importance for centuries. In many Indigenous cultures of Central and South America, the jaguar is revered as a symbol of strength, power, and mystery. The ancient Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations incorporated jaguars into their mythology, art, and rituals. Today, the jaguar remains a powerful emblem of wild nature and conservation. It inspires efforts to protect not only the species itself but the vast ecosystems it inhabits. Conclusion The jaguar is a magnificent creature, embodying the wild beauty and complexity of the natural world. Its strength, adaptability, and ecological importance make it a keystone species in the Americas. Yet, despite its prowess, the jaguar faces growing threats from human activity. Protecting this iconic feline requires coordinated conservation efforts, habitat preservation, and a commitment to coexistence. By safeguarding the jaguar, we also protect the rich biodiversity and ecological integrity of the landscapes it calls home. =

11. PICTURES

12. http://photofunia.com/categories/halloween

13. HIGHLIGHTING Helps audience focus on the key words But , you can over do it—use sparingly !

14. Delete DISTRACTING Material Wordart GIFs Animations Sounds

15. No more than 3 ideas per slide More ideas? Break into more slides!

16. THINK ABOUT The Need For Progressive Display Because it typically slows you down and makes you look disorganized if you say it before it shows

17. Graphs are tricky… Show full design, but then…