Have you ever seen a PowerPoint slide containing stuff something like this:
About Us
- Founded in 1922.
- 94 offices across the world.
- Specialist technical expertise.
- Exceptional client service.
- Awarded EHSI status.
It’s just rubbish:
- Irrelevant content
- Nobody cares
- Looks rubbish
- It sounds the same as everyone else
- Stupid jargon (“EHSI” stands for Everyone Hates Stupid Initials)
And then it gets even worse…
The presenter shows us this slide. So we read ahead. So we already know what the presenter is about to say. And then we have to watch the presenter read to us something we already know.
Just rubbish.
So, here are some simple rules about slides:
- Don’t use them. Unless visuals will help your audience understand your message
- Use slide builds. This stops people reading ahead
- Delete most of your words. Only keep the critical ones
- Use a compelling title. This helps engage your audience
- Make it look nice. Maybe use SmartArt? Avoid bullet points. It’s supposed to be a visual thing, not a Word doc projected onto a screen
If it helps, watch a weather forecast on TV.
Note how well they use a visual to help us understand their message.
And note that they do NOT have bullet points repeating what the forecaster says.
Action Point
For your next slide set, use the five points to ensure your visuals are as epic as you are!