Presentation

Presentation is literally how the piece of writing looks on the page. If the reader can’t tell what you are trying to say because your handwriting is careless, too slanted, loopy, or tiny, it makes the task of understanding your message just that much harder, or even impossible. Handwriting is an important qualify of the final presentation of your piece and so, if you have problems here, think about writing your piece on the word processor so it is easier to read.

Using a word processor can be a big help in presentation. Watch out, however, for overuse of all those really cool fonts (2 per page is usually the maximum) or overuse of pictures, graphs and charts. Remember, the whole key to success in working with presentation is to make your piece INVITING to the reader – not cause them a migraine!

Here’s another tip for making your paper look good as the reader prepares to take the plunge…use lots of white space to set up your text in the best possible way. Think of it as framing the words – top, sides and bottom margins need to be appropriately sized. Beware of the margin dribble, where words just get closer and closer to the edge of the page until the whole piece looks like it was written on a slant!

Depending on the type of writing, you may want to include some sign posts along the way to help the reader clearly understand the message. If you are writing a list – number it. If you are making a series of points that all fit together – use bullets to guide the reader’s eye.  How about page numbers? Would they be helpful? Has the teacher given you specific instructions for how the piece should look when it is finished? FOLLOW THEM! Same goes for pictures, charts, graphs, etc. They are very helpful if the reader understands why they are there and that they make sense.

Ask yourself, is this the best I can do? Will the reader WANT to read this because the presentation attracts them to the page? The answer should be YES!

“I can’t read this Do it over.”

- Thomas Jefferson’s mother…(just kidding!)

Presentation

5.    Paper-Visually clear and pleasing to the eye

The way I place everything on my page makes it easier for the reader to understand what I am trying to say.

•    My letters and words are written neatly. My letters slant in the same direction and stay on the line. There is enough space between the words.

•    If I am using my computer, I will choose a readable font and font size.

•    My spaces and margins around my text help the reader focus on my writing.

•    When I use graphs, charts or drawings they will have a definite purpose to help the reader understand the text.

3.    Paper-Readable, but can use some improvements

There are a few messy areas on my paper that need to be changed before I publish.

•    My handwriting is readable, although some parts are easier to read than others.

•    Some of my font sizes are fine – I have gone overboard on others.

•    I have not made a frame around my text. My margins are crowded or I may have used one margin and forgotten about the other.

•    It may be hard for the reader to connect my visuals to the text.

•    I have included some titles, numbers and bullets but I do not use them as often or with as much control as I should.

1.    Paper-Whew! Almost impossible to read

The text is difficult to read and understand because of its placement on the page.

•    OOPS! My spac ing is un even and some of my wordsruntogether.

•    My letters slant different ways and are not well formed.

•    I am having too much fun with fonts – they are not always the right style and size for what I am writing.

•    I use very few titles, numbers, or bullets to help my reader connect one section of the text to another.

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