EFFECTIVE LECTURE SLIDES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04770A000800010010-3
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 27, 2004
• Sequence Number: 10
• Content Type: OPEN

I
I
^
SLIDES WITHOUT A MAG-
NIFIER, PEOPLE IN REAR
SEATS CAN PROBABLY
READ THEM ON THE
SCREEN
Effective
Lecture
Slides
I This pamphlet is directed at those who use slides in technical lectures. The
recommendations also apply widely to instructional slides. While the em-
phasis is on 2 by 2-inch slides, the general information applies also to other
. projected visuals. It is hoped that program chairmen will urge their speakers
to follow the recommendations.
Good slides clarify and amplify the verbal message. They command
. audience attention, stimulate interest, and help the speaker keep "on the
track." Slides merit the same careful thought and preparation that goes into
the manuscript. If slides cannot be read or understood when projected, they
distract the audience, devaluate the information presented, and are a waste
I of production effort. Think of people in the rear seats!
Ideally, the author should work with a specialist - one who is experienced
in translating information into effective visual form, and who will instruct
an artist and photographer in making slides. Unfortunately, most authors
I are without such assistance. This pamphlet is addressed primarily to the
author who must "go it alone." Here are some of the many ways to make
effective lecture slides.
I
Most errors in slide-making stem from the mistaken
assumption that legibility in oneform assures legi-
bility in another.
Our reading experience is acquired mostly from
printed and typewritten pages that we read at a
distance of about twelve inches. In a lecture hall,
slides are frequently projected onto a six-foot
screen, and unfortunately the rear seats may be
seventy feet away! Reading a slide projected on a
6-foot screen at this distance, regardless of slide
size, is like reading the one-inch-wide miniature
version of this page shown at the right. The text is
not legible. The title is legible because of the size
of the original characters.
6
Copies of this pamphlet are available at $6.00 per 100, in units of 100. Send the
order, with remittance, to Sales Service Division, Eastman Kodak Company,
Rochester 4, N. Y. Single copies free on request.
Approved For Release 2004/11/30 : CIA-RDP78BO477OA000800010010-3
Declass Review by
N(;A
 Approved For Release 2004/11/30 : CIA-RDP78B04770A000800010010-
V
Example 1
Portra Lens Data
Portra Lenses
and Focus
Lens-to-Subject
Distance
Approximate Field Size for
Ready-Mount Picture Area
Setting in Feet
in Inches*
44-46mm Lens
50mm Lens
Inf
39
21 x 30
18 x 26%
15
32%
17%Z x248
143%x22
1+ 6
25Y2
13%x19
11%x17
3%
20%
10% x 15
9 x 13%
Inf
19%
10% x 15
9 x 13%
15
17%
9y4 x 135/
8 x 12
2+ 6
15%
73/x11/
7x10
3%
138
6%x95/
6%x9
Inf
13
6%x10
6x8%
15
123/4
6'/4x9%
5%x8%
3+ 6
11%
55/x8%
5x7%
3%
98
48x7%
4%x63/
lnf
6%
3'/,6x5 3
33'6x4Y6
3+ 15
6%
33(6x48
21N6 x48
plus
3+ 6
6%
38x41 6
2%x48
3Y
53/4
2Y/ x 4'/4
2Y. x 3%
*These lens-to-subject distances apply to Kodak Portra Lenses used with any
camera. The field sizes apply only to the focal lengths shown.
Example 2
54
i rh' d d x
a3-
x
pk... hrom S rpbr r
M ~rblSmry
m ~?rudrarr -
- f lb. cart}. W(
~n~ru use /dv ame
^
?
^
?
^
I
Approved For Release 2004/11/30 : CIA-RDP78BO477OA000800010010-3
page 2 9
 This published table (left) is too crowded
with data. In such situations, either re-
duce the data to essential and rounded
figures only or present representative
data in smaller groupings as shown be-
low. Two or more simple slides are
better than one complicated slide.
PORTRA LENS DATA
(50MM LENS SET FOR 3-1/2 FT.)
LENS
LENS-SUBJ
(INCHES)
1+ 20-1/2
2+ 13-1/8
3+ 9-3/4
3+PLUS 3+ 5-3/4
The above copy area is in actual working
size, chosen for the size of the type-
written character. It is the same area as
shown on the template on page 6. Filling
a larger area with more typewriter copy
would reduce legibility.
Illustrations for Examples 2 through
6 do not represent an artwork size. They
are reduced to fit the page.
Illustrations in textbooks are usually
drawn carefully and explained in detail,
as in the illustration at the left. An
attempt to copy such illustrations in
slide form usually shows thatwhatmay
be adequate on the printed page is in-
adequate on the screen. Line widths
must be incr
a
d
d
i
e
se
, an
capt
ons must
be reduced in number, simplified, and
increased in size (right).
(INCHES)
9 x 13-1/2
6-1/8 x 9
4-1/2 x 6-3/8
2-5/8 x 3-15/16
Approved For Release 2004/11/30 : CIA-RDP78BO477OA000800010010-3
 Approved For Release 2004/1
4
POPULATION TRENDS
CITY YEAR 1900 I 1940
POPULATION IN THOUSANDS
NEW YORK
3437
7455
CHICAGO
1699
3397
PHILADELPHIA
1294
1931
DETROIT
286
1623
0 LO WRDP78
0477
AGO08
 a
I
I
I
9
I
I
I
0
I
I
At left is another illustration that is
satisfactory in a technical report but
has a caption that is too long and set in
too small typeface for use as a legible
slide. On the right is the graph redrawn
with larger and simplified captions.
Line graphs reproduced from pamphlet,
Make Slides Worth While, courtesy of author
B. A. Jones, Ethyl Corporation.
Artwork need not necessarily be shown
in its entirety. Unless all the surround-
ings of a particular operation must be
shown, don't. Maybe an overall view and
a close-up are needed. A close-up
presents important details clearly. This
slide, right, was made from a selected
portion of the original negative.
Cropping in the camera is always
preferable. However, if this has not been
done and the author has slides made for
him, he should indicate proper cropping
on each print.
If you reduce a blueprint to slide form
and project it, the screen image will be
illegible (left). Lines will be too faint,
lettering will be too small, and the
narrator will usually lose his audience
while trying to explain in words what
the audience should be seeing. Either
a thick-line tracing made with crayon,
felt-nib pen, etc, of essentials or a
simplified version as shown at the right
is preferable.
The significance of data can be grasped
more quickly in graph form than in tab-
ular form. In the table, left, population
increase is not immediately evident. In
the graph, comparisons are made easily.
Use rounded figures.
Keep graphs simple. Be sparing in
the use of captions.
Approved For Release 2004/11/30 :
page 5
POWER vs FUEL REQUIREMENT
VARIABLE MANIFOLD PRESSURE
KNOCK-LIMITED
IMEP
flHVfl
t
Heat Exchanger (Developer)`y-
l _ COLD WATER IN
Wash Tanks
Flow Control Valve 4 GPM
NEW YORK
CHICAGO
PHILA.
DETROIT
L. A.
KEY
- 1900
? 1940
1 1
RDP78 4 yJ,0Adocf8obo I 0 TION IN MILLIONS
 Approved For Release 2004/11/30 : CIA-RDP78BO477OA000800010010-1
TEMPLATE FOR TYPEWRITTEN COPY FOR 35MM SLIDES
Use the template below, same size, as your guide for typing title and text
slides. The projected image of the slide will be legible if all copy is typed
within the area defined by the inner solid line. The template is also good
for use with standard black-and-white or color photofinishing prints. The
art work or picture area of a photographic print should extend to the
dotted line.
If lower-case pica typewriter type is used, the text will be legible at
about 45 feet from a 72-inch screen.
If only capital letters of elite type are used, the projected image should
be legible at a somewhat greater distance.
Also use this template as a target for setting up a 35mm camera to
photograph your typed titles. (A 50mm lens focused for 3 1/2 feet and with
two 3+ KODAK PORTRA Lenses added or a 50mm KODAK RETINA Lens
with an R1:3 lens added will include the proper area.) When set up and
focused, the camera should just barely include the dotted-line rectangle.
(The space between the dotted line and solid line is a necessary margin for
safety.) Once the camera is set up, positions of the corners of the template
can be marked, the template removed, and the typed titles carefully placed
in the same position for photographing. The template can also be used for
drawings (see below).
USE THIS TEMPLATE SAME SIZE FOR
TYPING. ENLARGE THIS INNER AREA
TO 6 x 4 1/2 INCHES FOR ALL
DRAWINGS AND ART WORK. USE LINE
WIDTHS AND LETTER SIZES SHOWN
ABOVE RIGHT.
Approved For Release 2004/11/30 : CIA-RDP78B04770A00080009.001D
 LEROY PEN #3
WRICO PEN #4
LINE WIDTH (IN.)-.035
LINE WIDTH (IN.)-.026
GRAPH. CURVE
LINE WIDTH (IN.) .055
GRAPH BORDER
LINE WIDTH (IN.) .021
> HORIZONTAL SCALE LEROY
Line weights should be planned carefully for greatest legibility. Curves
should be relatively prominent. Coordinate axes and grid lines should be
clearly visible but relatively inconspicuous.
The above illustration is reproduced same size from a portion of the
original material which measured 6 inches wide and 4 1/2 inches high.
Reference for grid and line weights: ASA Y15.1-1959.
OBSERVE THESE IMPORTANT POINTS
? Use 2 x 2-inch color slides - they are more effective; easier to make;
and cheaper, considering darkroom time. Color film is also convenient for
black-and-white copy slides.
? Use a dark-colored background - it is better than black or white.
? Limit each slide to one main idea.
? Use a slide series for progressive disclosure - it clarifies greatly.
? Limit each slide to 15 to 20 words, or 25 to 30 data; include no more
than you will discuss.
? Leave space - at least the height of a capital letter - between lines.
? Include titles to supplement, not duplicate, slide data.
? Use several simple slides rather than one complicated one, expecially
if you must discuss something at length.
? Use duplicates if you need to refer to the same slide at several different
times in your talk. It is not practical to ask the projectionist to reshow a
slide.
? Plan your slides for a good visual pace in your presentation. Don't leave
a slide on the screen after discussing its subject.
? Thumb-spot all slides in the lower-left corner when the slide reads
correctly on hand viewing. Add sequence numbers.
PREPARE FOR A SMOOTH PRESENTATION
? Rehearse your slide presentation several times so that you will be fa-
miliar with the order of the slides.
? Several days in advance, let the program chairman know the size and
mounting (glass, metal, ready-mount, etc.) of your slides, and the kind of
Approved For Release 2004/11/30 : CIA-RDP78BO477OA000800010010-3
page 7
 tray you will use, so that he will be sure to provide the right projector. Be
sure you use a widely acceptable mount.
? On your trip, carry your slides with you. Don't trust them to your baggage
if it is checked through.
? Check with the projectionist early concerning the required projector.
Also, plan for the time it will take to load a projector tray.
? Request a projector with remote control that you can operate from the
lectern. Otherwise, have a signal light for the projectionist or prearrange
some other silent signal for him.
? Give your slides to the projectionist before the meeting, when you'll have
time to discuss any special instructions with him. If you wait to do this
until just before your talk, he may then be busy with the previous speaker's
slides.
? Use the slides to supplement and support your oral presentation, not
simply to repeat what you are saying.
? Request a pointer, if needed, and know how to use it.
? In the interests of most effective projection of your slides, give the man
in charge of local arrangements a copy of Foundation for Effective Audio-
visual Projection (KODAK Pamphlet No. S-3) well ahead of the meeting;
see reference list.
? Consider your audience size in terms of screen size and projector output.
As an example, an audience of 400 needs both a screen 12 feet wide and a
capable projector.
Further detailed information can be found in the following pamphlets. Single
copies are available upon request from the address below. When ordering,
be sure to mention both the title and the letter-number designation of each
REFERENCES
Kodak AV Handbook (W-27). Contains S=8 and 5-21 (above), plus
Industrial Motion Pictures, Magnetic Sound Recording for Motion Pictures, and
publication desired.
Art-Work Size Standards for Projected Visuals (S-12)
Foundation for Effective Audiovisual Projection (S-3)
Legibility Standards for Projected Material (5-4)
Planning and Producing Visual Aids (S-13)
The following publications are sold by your local
Photographic Production of Slides and Filmstrips (S-8),
Basic Titling and Animation (S-21), 64 pages. $1.00.
appropriate pamphlets. $6.95.
Sales Service Division
EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY ? ROCHESTER 4, N.Y.
Appf;omesdl4car.rRaleasoI2OIk1i /30 :FGL DPe76BO4s7t7,OAOOO8 0010010-3
Effective Lecture Slides 2-63 New Pamphlet
491-L-RH-CX