If you want to show a lot of data, spread it out onto multiple slides, with one key message per slide.
The slide shown above comes from a recent seminar. Too many bits of information on a single slide dilute the message. In addition, the slanted writing in the background also competes with the data for attention.
If you are not familiar with Garr Reynolds and his presentation zen blog/books, take a look at some of his great examples of having just one key message per slide. His books are listed in the right column with other reading suggestions.
The temptation is often present: as you build your presentation slides, you think of the messages and words you want to say, and you end up writing them on the slide. Then you look at the “wordy” slide and decide an image might help visually. So you make room and add one on the side.
This is an example that I recently saw at a conference I attended:
The result was this:
- the audience automatically disconnected from the presenter to read ahead the text that appeared on the slide
- the audience read faster than the presenter talked
- the audience couldn’t wait for the presenter to move on to the next topic.
A better slide would have had the image at full size, the title, and nothing else. This would have allowed the presenter to get the full attention of the public and the slide would have served its purpose as a “visual” aid to enhance the message.
With no speech on the slide, the presenter needs to rehearse before the event But communication improves as the eyes of the audience stay on the presenter (unless he watches the screen).
Could you do with a second opinion on the quality of your slide presentation? Get in touch with me.
It happened again.
A good speaker, a good topic, a large and interested audience, but… the speaker frequently turned to look at the slides projected on the large screen behind him, effectively turning his back on much of the audience.
This was not necessary because:
- The stage was fitted with a couple of screens on the floor on each side facing the presenter, so he could have easily avoided turning his head away from the audience.
- He had a presentation remote, so he could have moved freely on the stage.
Next time you are up on stage, remember to keep your eyes on the audience as much as possible. Your presentation will be better.
