Strike the balance

Hi,

Let’s talk about one element of presentations that many speakers get confused about:

What presentation slides should look like.

There are those who believe that effective slides are visually appealing.

…And by that, they mean each slide has plenty of images.

But think of it this way.

Imagine yourself deep into a speaker’s discussion.

The room is dark, and the lone spotlight is on them.

As their introduction comes to an end, they click on the remote…

And you see the first slide of their presentation so saturated with graphs and charts.?

It can get overwhelming, right?

The reality is that in the realm of presentations, the adage "less is more" reigns supreme.

Simplicity always wins when it comes to presentation slides.

Why?

See, our brains are hardwired to process visual information far more efficiently than text.?

But an overload of images on your slides can overwhelm your audience.

It can lead to cognitive fatigue in your audience, preventing them from grasping your message.

So, what should you do?

1. Complement, Don't Complicate

Visual aids should be just that – aids.?

They're there to support your message, not overshadow it.?

That’s why you must ensure that every image you include on a slide serves a clear purpose.?

2. Distill Complex Data

If you're presenting intricate data, consider breaking it down.?

Instead of having one slide that’s brimming with charts and graphs…

Use a series of slides that gradually unpack the information.?

This step-by-step method will help your audience comprehend the data and stay engaged.

3. Emphasise Key Takeaways

Highlight the most important parts of your presentation.

Use bold text, colours, or visuals to emphasise key points for your audience.?

These subtle nudges can make a difference between a forgettable slide and an impactful one.

4. Engage with Every Slide

Think of each slide as a fresh canvas—a new opportunity to engage and captivate.?

So, don't just read the data off the slide.

Instead, weave it into your narrative.

For instance, share a related anecdote or ask a thought-provoking question related to the data.

Understand that the strategic use of visual aids can elevate your presentation.

But you need to strike the right balance to be effective.

Cheers,?

Carmen

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