Visually Speaking

Many wonder when, where, or whether an identifying “logo” should appear on visual content. Some contend that after a few slides, the logo is no longer noticed, prompting others to argue “then why is it there?” Read more… →

There is a fine line between the use and the abuse of technology elements. In a featured article published in the PresentationXpert newsletter, Tom Mucciolo shares some techniques for incorporating animation, video, sound, and slide transitions into presentations.

Read the whole story: Keep multimedia from morphing into multi-mania

Certain color combinations may pose a problem for some people, particularly men. Some studies show that nearly 15% of men have a red/green deficiency. Other research suggests that close to 22% of men have some form of this deficiency. Read more… →

Having a typographical error, or typo, on a slide is not only embarrassing but distracting as well. Although some audiences may tolerate minor speaking blunders, very few, if any, will forgive spelling errors. Yes, we all make mistakes, but first impressions of printed errors leave many viewers unhappy. Read more… →

When you have related elements in the foreground of a chart, arrange them in a darker-to-lighter pattern from the bottom of the chart, upward. This “Earth-to-Sky” pattern is the way we view color naturally; that is, from the earth to the sky. Read more… →

It is important to limit the content on support visuals, as mentioned in the PowerPoint Slim-Slide Diet. But slide seduction is just as important as slide reduction. Just like with any other form of enticement, effective wording will change the perspective of your audience. Read more… →

Imagine that the slides in your presentation gain weight as you add more text or clutter. So, you just eep feeding these images your high-calorie content and, before you know it, your presentation has become a bloated blob of blubbering babble! Sound familiar? Well, SLIDE-REDUCTION is possible! There is a way to slim your slides into speaking-shape! Read more… →

Clip art images, if filled with many details, can actually become a distraction when the visual stays in view too long. Read more… →

There are two ways to offer an audience an opportunity to have “notes” on your presentation. You can create note-GIVING handouts that already contain key information; or, you can design handouts that leave some area or space for note-TAKING by the audience. Read more… →

If you decide to give handouts, the content becomes an important issue. The handouts should always be “different” from the presentation.

Don’t fall into the trap of printing out a hard copy of your visuals for the audience to take away with them. This presents a problem, especially when the presentation is designed conceptually. Read more… →