Bullet Levels

Some presenters are not satisfied with one level of bullets, so they use sub-bullets, thinking this will enable them to elaborate on their ideas. Sometimes this doesn't seem to be enough, so they use sub-sub-bullets. Occasionally, presenters completely surrender to temptation, and they go deeper, and deeper, and deeper, and deeper … all the way down into the right brain basement (Figure 7.6). The trouble is that most audiences can't follow the presenter's mind that far down.

Do your audience a favor: Restrict yourself to one sub-bullet level only. A single level of sub-bullets (or no sub-bullets at all) keeps slides clear, crisp, and easy-to-read. It avoids forcing the audience into mental contortions as they struggle to track the presenter's own internal logic. Additionally, avoid the Morse-code effect by using no symbols for sub-bullets, only an indent to create a space. Less Is More.

If you do use sub-bullets, distribute the same number to each bullet, as in Figure 7.7. If the first bullet carries two sub-bullets, then every other bullet should carry two sub-bullets. The resulting symmetry creates a balanced image, as well as the message that your ideas are logical. The visual organization sends a subliminal message of Effective Management.