PowerPoint (PP) presentations are a wonderful thing. However, I believe they are being overused in the wrong way. PowerPoints are not to repeat the information you are saying; they are to enhance what you are saying.
Here are few guidelines I think you should follow when creating a PP:
1. DO NOT offer slides that are a bullet list of what you are going to say. The visual aid should add to what you are saying, not repeat it. The PowerPoint should have VERY few words on the slide.
2. Use graphs or clip art, more than just words, but do not go over on the clip art.
3. Make it simple, you must explain the PP.
4. Use a single color/design – avoid using more than 2-3 colors.
5. One slide every 2 minutes. Insert blank slides between or conceal a slide
6. Have a back-up plan!