Optimize the Content
Before you begin to design the visual look of your slides, spend some time preparing the content conceptually. If you give some thought to the ideas in this section, it will be easier to design the actual slides, and you’ll have a fuller, richer presentation.
In The Non-Designer’s Design Book I narrowed down the time-honored principles of design into four basic ideas: contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity. In the section following this one, I’ll repeat those principles again as applied specifically to presentation slides.
But before we actually design the slides, let’s go over four principles you need to consider before you begin the design process. These principles will give you things to think about as you start putting your project together.
Can the clutter. Get to the point. Simplify. Be specific. Edit. You don’t have to tell them everything. Open up the text—don’t cram all the information together.
Don’t confuse the issues with irrelevant stuff on the slide or in the talk. Relate ideas and graphics to your topic, as well as to that particular audience. Also, everything you say and how you say it should relate to who you are and why you’re there.
Understand how to take advantage of relevant animation and transitions to clarify your information, not to confuse it.
Tell the story. Define the path you plan to take and why you’re going there. Start at the beginning and stop at the end. If the project warrants it, build it up to a climax (then wind down and get out). Inject some humanity into your presentation. Talk to your audience.
If you have these ideas in your mind before you begin, you’ll create a presentation that your audience will enjoy experiencing.