Images can make or break your presentation. They can capture attention, convey emotions, illustrate concepts, and support your message. But how do you select images that engage your audience and avoid boring or confusing them? Here are some tips to help you choose the right images for your slides.
The first rule of image selection is relevance. Your images should match your topic, purpose, and audience. They should also align with your key points and transitions. Avoid using images that are too generic, abstract, or unrelated to your content. They will only distract or confuse your audience and weaken your credibility. Instead, use images that are specific, concrete, and meaningful to your message.
My current hack here is to use GenAI-enabled imagery that relate to the audience. A simple example is changing the subject or background to match the industry, especially if there isn't a perfect match with regular stock photos. For example, for a public safety client the other day, I created an image of a hazmat investigator using augmented reality glasses (which isn't commonly found) to make it much more personal to the client. I've also added my own "deepfaked" image to presentations with personal stories so the audience can easily imagine and follow my journey (they love these!). GenAI makes adding relevant imagery easier than ever - which spice up your slides and massively delights the audience.
The second rule of image selection is quality. Your images should be clear, sharp, and well-lit. They should also have a suitable resolution, size, and format for your presentation. Avoid using images that are blurry, pixelated, or distorted. They will only make your slides look unprofessional and hard to read. Instead, use images that are crisp, bright, and well-balanced for your presentation.
The third rule of image selection is appropriateness. Your images should suit your tone, style, and context. They should also respect your audience's culture, values, and expectations. Avoid using images that are offensive, insensitive, or controversial. They will only create negative reactions and damage your rapport. Instead, use images that are respectful, relevant, and positive for your audience.
The fourth rule of image selection is variety. Your images should add interest, diversity, and contrast to your slides. They should also complement each other and create a coherent visual theme. Avoid using images that are too similar, repetitive, or boring. They will only make your slides look monotonous and dull. Instead, use images that are different, dynamic, and engaging for your audience.
The fifth rule of image selection is simplicity. Your images should be easy to understand, process, and remember. They should also support your verbal explanations and reinforce your main points. Avoid using images that are too complex, cluttered, or busy. They will only overwhelm or confuse your audience and obscure your message. Instead, use images that are simple, clean, and focused for your audience.
The sixth rule of image selection is emotion. Your images should evoke feelings, emotions, and reactions in your audience. They should also connect with your audience's needs, desires, and goals. Avoid using images that are too neutral, bland, or boring. They will only make your slides look dry and impersonal. Instead, use images that are expressive, powerful, and persuasive for your audience.