In various public speaking scenarios, such as speeches, presentations, pitches, and addresses, slides play a pivotal and anticipated role. They serve to simplify intricate information, display pertinent images, and maintain the audience’s focus. Interestingly, the most impactful slides are not the ones that draw attention with overt brilliance; rather, they seamlessly convey content, harmonizing with the speaker’s words.
In today’s visually-oriented culture, the significance of delivering high-quality slides cannot be overstated. According to Paul Jurczynski, co-founder of Improve Presentation and a collaborator with TED speakers on slide enhancement, we exist in a world driven by visuals. With platforms like Instagram setting standards for visual excellence, this trend has permeated into presentations as well.
While there’s no fixed formula for the “right” number of slides, Jurczynski emphasizes that each slide, including even the seemingly blank ones (more on those later), must intricately connect with the narrative. In the following section, he imparts six specific tips for crafting slides that are not only effective but also seamlessly aligned with the speaker’s message.
#1. Simplify and Streamline Your Slides
“The most prevalent error I encounter is the creation of overcrowded slides. People often have the inclination to include every detail and overload slides with excessive information,” notes Jurczynski. Beyond being unappealing and indicative of amateurish design, such all-encompassing slides can detract from your spoken words. The goal is to have your audience focus on the carefully crafted message, not struggle to decipher an overwhelming slide.
Adhering to the golden rule, Jurczynski advises having one central claim or idea per slide. If there’s more to convey, utilize the next slide. A hallmark of an effective slide is the strategic placement of words and images, guiding the audience’s gaze naturally. Leverage position, size, shape, and color to signal the sequence – what comes first, second, and so forth. Jurczynski emphasizes, “You’re not just managing what the audience sees; you’re controlling how they perceive it.”
#2. Thoughtfully Select Colors and Fonts
Colors and fonts serve as the seasoning for your presentation, akin to herbs and spices. When employed purposefully, they enhance your slides, but if applied indiscriminately, they can turn your presentation into an unappealing mishmash.
Starting with color, Jurczynski emphasizes its role in visually communicating and evoking emotions. “Color can be a game changer,” he notes. While the instinct may be to choose a favorite color, he advises using color with intent. For instance, a presentation on a positive topic benefit from bright, playful colors, whereas a serious subject like gun violence or lung cancer may warrant darker or neutral tones.
Although incorporating a variety of colors is acceptable, maintaining a consistent color scheme or palette is crucial. Jurczynski reassures that creating a palette doesn’t require a deep understanding of color theory; there are free tools like Coolors or Color Hunt to assist in assembling cohesive color schemes.
Regarding fonts, limit yourself to one or two, ensuring they align with the presentation’s tone. Jurczynski encourages experimentation with fonts beyond those provided by standard programs like PowerPoint, thanks to the availability of easily installable, designer-created fonts. Swap out common fonts like Arial for alternatives such as Lato or Bebas, both examples of numerous lesser-known fonts accessible online. Most importantly, don’t overlook font size. “Use a big enough font, which people often forget to do,” advises Jurczynski, recommending a size of around 30 points for legibility from the back of the room.
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#3. Avoid Using the Same Old Pictures and Ideas
When aiming to convey concepts visually, push beyond the initial ideas that readily come to mind. The ease with which they surface might stem from their status as clichés. For instance, according to Jurczynski, using a light bulb as a symbol for innovation has become overly familiar. Similarly, metaphors like a bull’s-eye target or shaking hands are frequently overused. Once you’ve settled on a symbol or idea, Jurczynski advises against succumbing to the convenience of Google Images, which often offers clichéd and low-quality options. Instead, explore alternative free image platforms such as Unsplash for more distinctive visuals. As a tip, if using stock images, enhance them with a color overlay or other adjustments to mitigate their stock-like appearance.
Consider a more personal source for pictures, if fitting to your storyline. Jurczynski suggests leveraging your own images, citing a TED Talk where a doctor shared impactful photos from his experiences treating people in Africa. However, a crucial caveat applies: Personal photos should directly contribute to and support your speech or presentation. Avoid wasting your audience’s time with gratuitous pictures, no matter how aesthetically pleasing they may be, if they don’t serve a purpose in your narrative.
#4. Avoid Overwhelming with Charts and Graphs
In the realm of data visualization, simplicity is key. Keep charts and graphs concise. As you construct them, ponder these questions:
- What is the key takeaway I want the audience to glean from my infographic?
- Why is this information essential for them to grasp?
- How does it align with my overarching story or message?
Highlight crucial numbers or data points using visual techniques like color, bolding, enlargement, or other methods that draw attention.
Maps are a commonly employed form of infographic. Exercise discretion and incorporate them only if they enhance your presentation. Jurczynski advises against including a map simply due to a lack of alternative ideas. If used, employ labels, color schemes, or highlighting to guide your audience’s focus. For those with artistic skills or access to an artist, Jurczynski even suggests considering a hand-drawn map for a unique touch.
#5. Embrace the Power of Blank Slides
It might go against intuition, but there are instances in your speech or pitch where the most impactful visual is… no visual at all. “I wasn’t initially a fan of blank slides,” admits Jurczynski. “However, the more talks I’ve witnessed, the more I appreciate them. There are moments when you want all the attention focused on yourself, without distraction from the slides. Blank slides can also provide the audience with a visual pause amidst a series of slides or be employed to shift the mood or tempo of the presentation.”
A blank slide serves as the visual equivalent of a pause, offering a beneficial breather in most narratives. Jurczynski emphasizes one key caveat when it comes to blank slides: “Avoid using completely white blank slides, as people might interpret it as a technical issue.”
#6. Don’t Forget to Practice
To see if your slides really work, ask a friend, family member, or colleague to help you practice your entire presentation. Sometimes, people focus so much on saying their words perfectly that they forget to check if their slides match what they’re talking about.
“Even if your visuals are amazing, it’s important to practice in front of someone else. As you practice, you might notice things like, ‘I’m telling a sad story, but the slide behind me is funny, and that doesn’t make sense,'” explains Jurczynski. “Or, ‘This could be a good spot for a blank slide.'”
Conclusion
In conclusion, crafting compelling slides involves key considerations, as outlined by TED presentation expert Paul Jurczynski. Simplicity, thoughtful color and font choices, steering clear of clichés, and avoiding chart overload are crucial. The strategic use of blank slides and the necessity of practicing with others emerge as valuable insights for ensuring an impactful and seamlessly aligned presentation.
Curated by Danielle Tan.
Reference:https://ideas.ted.com/6-dos-and-donts-for-next-level-slides-from-a-ted-presentation-expert/
