Presentation Design
A presentation is not a document projected on a wall. The slides support the speaker; they do not replace the speech or repeat it word for word.
One idea per slide
Each slide should have one job: establish a mood, show a place, explain a process, compare two things or land a conclusion. If a slide needs a paragraph of explanation, it is probably doing too much. Put the explanation in the speech and keep the slide visual.
Visual hierarchy
| Element | Question | Common problem |
|---|---|---|
| Focal point | What should the audience see first? | Everything is the same size. |
| Contrast | Is the text readable against the background? | Low-contrast text or busy images. |
| Alignment | Do elements share an edge or centre line? | Objects scattered across the slide. |
| White space | Is there room for the eye to rest? | Every space filled with text or decoration. |
| Type | Is the font legible at a distance? | Too many fonts or very small text. |
| Colour | Does the palette support the mood and meaning? | Colour used for decoration only. |
Words on slides
- Use a short phrase, not a full paragraph.
- Keep the font large enough to read from the back of the room.
- Do not read the slide aloud; say something the slide cannot say.
- Use a quotation only when the exact words matter, and keep it short.
- Check spelling, names and dates before presenting.
Showing data
A chart should answer a question. Label the axes, choose a chart type that fits the data and highlight the one number or trend the audience should notice. A table of raw numbers is rarely a good slide. If the audience needs the full data, provide it as a handout or a linked document.
Accessibility
- Use high contrast and a readable font size.
- Add alt text to images that carry meaning.
- Do not rely on colour alone to convey information.
- Keep transitions simple; avoid rapid flashing or spinning effects.
- Provide a spoken description of any image the audience needs to understand.
- Share the slides or a summary afterwards for people who cannot see the screen.
Rehearse the transitions
The weakest moment in many presentations is the space between slides. Rehearse the sentence that takes the audience from one idea to the next. A clear transition does more for a presentation than an animated effect. Practise with the actual screen, clicker or remote you will use.
Three-slide plan
- Open: an image, question or phrase that creates attention.
- Main: the one idea, with a visual that helps the audience see it.
- Close: a return to the opening or a clear final thought.
The speaker is the presentation. If the slides disappeared, the audience should still understand the talk. Design the speech first, then the visuals.