The goal of a visual is to make it visual, and easy to understand.
Here are a few tips for effective slides:
- Have a title or headline – this lets audience know what the slide is about
- Use graphic elements – you can use text, but when it’s possible to depict an idea in a visual matter, it is much more effective
- Avoid paragraphs – instead use bullets with a few words; your job as the presenter is to explain the rest. When using bullets, limit them to 6 per slide.
- Font size should be legible – The smallest font size you should use is 18 pt in a conference room, and in a larger room 24 pt
- Proofread – spellcheck does not catch everything. Ideally, have someone else look it over as well.
- Avoid clutter – use a simple background and contrasting colors
Visuals reinforce an idea. The slides are not speaker notes.
Some companies may expect the slides printed out as a stand-alone document. In that case, create 2 slide decks: one to print out and one to present from.
Keep it simple!