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Figure 5.3 (below) has lots of text and an image on it. First, there are too many different messages on the slide. Also, this organization is encouraging people to use their on-line service and the image is of a handyman. The quote is too long. Figure 5.4 portrays the same message in a better way: "Experts are on call for you." This slide is more aesthetically pleasing to look at; it is more understandable with only one message on it; and the presenter can animate the autoshapes one at a time and explain in more detail how the experts on call respond to requests.
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| Fig. 5.3 |
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| Fig. 5.4 |
3. Make the Slides Consistent
An often overlooked, but important consideration in designing slides is theneed for the audience to absorb information in a short period of time. Bykeeping the slides consistent in the way they present information, youwillhelp the audience quickly understand the overview and the details. Figures 5.5 and 5.6 are an example of how to set up a consistent structure for a presentation. Figure 5.5 shows the five phases as a text slide. Figure 5.6 shows the five phase names as shapes. The slide is aesthetically pleasing and the phases are clear.
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| Fig. 5.5 |
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| Fig. 5.6 |
Figure 5.7 is an example of showing one phase. Every phase is discussed a bit differently. Figure 5.8 shows an explanation of the analysis phase. As each phase is being discussed, that phase's shape changes to yellow. The text that goes with that phase is divided into two chunks -- the process to be done and the questions to ask. This creates consistency in the discussion of each phase. The audience can easily compare each phase now that each is explained in the same manner.
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| Fig. 5.7 |
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| Fig. 5.8 |
Further Considerations
Here are some other things to keep in mind as you design slides.
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Covering Less Is Better. It is better to cover less information in a relaxed and energized style than it is to cover so much information that you feel hurried and out of time before you start. No one likes to listen to someone in a hurry who keeps saying, "I just don't have enough time."
Determining Length Takes Some Work. There used to be guidelines about how many slides to use in a presentation. Generally, you could plan on about three minutes per slide. Now in the world of electronic presentations it is different. When you use builds and show diagrams that are created in front of the audience's eyes, it is harder to judge how many screens youneed for a thirty-minute speech. Practicing out loud is the only way to know how long it will take. (Speaking it in your mind won't give you a sense of how long it will take.) But for those of you who want some guidelines, here they are:
The number is totally dependent on your subject and on how much time you plan to spend explaining each slide. A technical person could spend five to ten minutes on one slide. That's why you must practice out loud. Also, if you will take questions during your speech, create fewer slides. You may spend much of your time answering questions. Of course, you can show slides that clarify your responses.
Also, if you are a technical specialist and you tend to ramble, you should add some time for your rambling. Even better, learn to be concise and stick to the point, but budget in some time for detouring from the presentation's slide content. However, there is nothing wrong with not showing all of your slides. If your audience wants to discuss a different subject, then discuss it. If your audience is sold on your idea after the first slide, then stop. Your use of yourslides should be determined by the audience's reaction, not by your belief that you must show and discuss every slide you have!
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