It Depends! How Many Slides Should You Have for a 10-Minute Presentation?

Many conferences and meetings restrict the number of slides that a presenter has.

I'm sure this comes with good intentions (e.g. making sure people are prepared to stay within their time - a huge problem for most event organisers), however, I don't believe it results in an improved presentation or event.

One of the common pieces of advice I hear from academics and researchers is to only have 10 slides for a 10-minute presentation. It's a neat, easy-to-remember rule of thumb, but is it truly helpful?

I'm not so sure.

I recently ran a poll asking how many slides one should have for a 10-minute presentation. The results are in, and they sparked a great discussion! Here’s what we found:

As you can see, the majority of respondents said "It depends"!

A quarter said "none".

16% said "10 slides".

No one answered "20 or more slides".

Many of you shared insightful comments, revealing that the ideal number of slides largely depends on various factors. Here are some key takeaways from the discussion:

1. Complexity of Information:

One commenter highlighted that if your information is complex and requires visual support to explain structures, more slides may be necessary (an argument for 20+ slides??).

Conversely, if your talk is fluid and straightforward, fewer slides or even none might be sufficient.

2. Presentation Style and Content:

Another connection emphasized the importance of tailoring the number of slides to your presentation style and content.

Quality and authenticity should take precedence over quantity.

3. Use of Graphics:

It was pointed out that a few well-chosen graphics can be powerful.

However, slides aren't always be necessary (a vote for "None"!), especially for shorter presentations where the spoken word can suffice and when connection with the audience is paramount.

4. Reinforcing Key Messages:

One professional recommended using 3-5 slides to reinforce key messages, ensuring they complement rather than overwhelm the presentation.

5. Content of Slides:

Another connection stressed that the content of the slides is more important than the number. They shared an experience of using 15 slides in a 10-minute presentation to provide detailed information, suggesting that the focus should be on clarity and conciseness.

Despite the results of the poll, I believe there is also a time and place when you can use "None" and "20 or More" Slides.

Let me explain in what situations this might be appropriate:

None:

• When your presentation is highly engaging and relies on storytelling or compelling spoken content. This can be challenging for many professionals who have traditionally relied heavily on having slides to refer to (and hide behind?).
• If the presentation setting is informal or the audience is small and interactive, minimizing distractions.

Remember - you are the hero of your presentation, so consider carefully whether the slides are a distraction or an assistance to your audience.

• When it's more effective to use alternative visual aids like a whiteboard or flipchart to draw or write key points in real-time, fostering interaction and spontaneity. Good old-fashioned paper and pen can go along way!

20 or More:

• For highly visual topics where each slide contains minimal text and serves to illustrate or emphasize points quickly. For this sort of presentation, the presenter would potentially only be speaking to the slides for a couple of seconds and then move on.
• If the presentation involves step-by-step instructions, detailed data analysis, or complex processes that benefit from visual aids. It's much easier to digest complex information if we can cut out the noise and just concentrate on one topic, graph or illustration at a time. It's actually harmful to try to cram in too much information into one slide, hence the need for more slides.
• For presentations driven by audience interaction (for example, when using non-linear presentations) where you choose slide sections to cover based on their interests, potentially using a larger slide deck but only discussing a specific section, which might include 10 slides.
• When you rapidly move through 5-6 visual slides and then spend 2-3 minutes on another slide, using animations to bring in elements as you discuss them. Not all slides are created or used equally, and how you use them can vary significantly.

Indeed, it’s not the number of slides that counts – it’s how you use them.

The number of slides should be tailored to the presentation's content, style, and audience’s needs. Quality and clarity are key, and visuals should support the message without overwhelming the audience.

Remember these steps in putting together a presentation:

1. Understand the audience's needs, expectations, background, knowledge etc.
2. Define what you want the audience to think, feel or do after your presentation.
3. Map out your presentation and the journey that you'll take the audience on to reach your destination.
4. Consider what visual aids, if any, would best illustrate your presentation and the number of slides becomes irrelevant.

Finally, a couple of things I ALWAYS remind presenters of:

1. People can't read and listen to you. Don't make them choose. Your slides should complement what you are saying, in a visual way.
2. Your slides are not your script. They are a visual support for your audience.

For more tips on creating effective PowerPoint presentations, check out my PowerPoint tips.

Feel free to share your experiences and insights in the comments below!

Helen von Dadelszen is on a mission to help professionals speak with more confidence. As the founder of the Present Potential Academy, she provides practical coaching and training on a range of speaking and presentation skills.

Her superpower is unlocking professionals' potential when they speak - whether it's in front on their industry, their board, their staff or a potential funder or client. She believes that finding the right words and matching that with a confident and professional delivery leads to success. She specialises in using the voice and body effectively and teaching pesky butterflies to fly in formation. Helen works mostly with non-native English speakers and those from academia, NGOs and the healthcare field.