How to Design Slides that Don't Suck (and Actually Impress)
Softalya Software Inc.
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"The best stories infuse wonder-"
-says Pixar's Andrew Stanton. But can your PowerPoint presentations deliver a captivating punch? In today's landscape, younger, sexier competitors like Google Slides and Canva challenge PowerPoint's reign. Here's how to design presentations that ditch the "suck" factor and truly impress.
? DONT'S:
1. Bullet point graveyards.
We've all seen them: slide jungles of bullets, data points, and jargon. Don't make your audience decipher a novel on the screen.
To combat this, you should ditch the dense blocks and prioritize visuals. Distill ideas into concise statements, one per slide, keeping text minimal. Slides introduce your point; your voice drives it home. Studies show repeating bullet points actually reduces comprehension. Remember, "less is more," as TEDx expert Aaron Weyenberg advises. Progressively reveal text if needed, but show, don't tell.
2. Underestimating visual storytelling.
Video is the underutilized hero of presentations. Embed a clip showcasing your product in action, or let a renowned figure speak for themselves.
3. Whatever This Is.
??DO'S:
1. Steal like an artist.
Not a graphic designer? No problem! Borrow inspiration from online platforms like Freepik.com. Choose a complementary font combination (e.g., script and sans-serif) and incorporate your brand's color palette for a cohesive look and feel.
See the difference between generic "title + bullets + image" and a curated, visually appealing slide? That's the power of design!
For example, instead of this:
领英推荐
You can try this:
See the difference?
2. Video control.
Autoplay can be a disaster. Set videos to "click to play" for predictable timing and avoid awkward silence or skipped content.
3. DIY charts.
Simply dropping an image of a chart can disrupt the overall flow and quality of your presentation. If the data is simple and you have time, redraw it in the native presentation application for better control over colors, typography, and overall consistency.
4. Minding the cognitive load.
It's not about short attention spans; it's about limited time and information overload. Audiences have less capacity to process information than we think. You've had months to prepare, they have minutes. Emphasize key points with visuals, simplify charts, and avoid text-heavy slides. Remember, they're tuning in to you, not your presentation - make it worth their time and attention.
By ditching the "don'ts" and embracing the "dos," you can transform your presentations from snoozefests to attention-grabbing showstoppers. Go forth and impress!
Thank you for reading!
Boring Don’t Sell
9 个月This statement is just plain wrong. "Slides introduce your point; your voice drives it home." No, you are the expert. You introduce your point and your slides support you, primarily by either amplifying or clarifying your point. The other thing they do is repetition. They visually repeat a key word, phrase, or concept that the speaker has introduced orally.
General Coordinator @ Softalya Software Inc. | Strategy & Business Analysis Lead
1 年"Zehra, your post on slide design is exceptional, offering clear, insightful tips on presentation design. For an effective presentation, remember to engage with your audience, maintain eye contact, and use storytelling to make your points memorable. Your ability to simplify complex design principles into actionable advice is invaluable in our professional world. Thank you for sharing your expertise and enriching our understanding. Your insights are a great asset for anyone aiming to enhance their presentation skills!"