Tips for Creating Audience-Friendly Slides

One great presentation can do what multiple applications can't. Over the years, my presentations have earned awards, speaking invitations, and opportunities I never applied for. Most recently, at MAA MathFest 2024, someone from the audience approached me and said: "Your talk was so engaging. You made such a complex topic accessible." On the spot, he invited me to speak to high school students in Chicago. Full expenses paid + speaker fee. Here is the framework I use every single time... (You might want to save this.) 1. Know your audience before you make a single slide → Kids? Public? Policy makers? Academics? → Your job is to design your talk to suit them. → Picture one person in the audience, let's call them "Bola." 2. Map out the entire talk first → Write the takeaway from each slide in one sentence. → Connect each slide logically to the next. → Ask yourself: Will Bola digest this information? 3. Ditch the jargon → Would Bola understand this? → If not, go back to the drawing board. → Use simple, plain English. 4. Make it visual → One message per slide. Big font. Bullet points. → Use visuals or illustrations instead of text (if possible.)  → The moment your audience starts reading your slides, you've lost them. 5. Practice as you build each slide → After creating each slide, ask: What will I say here? → This reveals what to add, remove, or fix as you go. → Once done, practice the full presentation again. 6. Never read off your slides during delivery → Deliver like you're telling a story. → Everything on screen is just supporting visuals. → Know your slides inside out. Keep eye contact. 7. Use your body language intentionally → Don't stare at the ceiling, ground, or stand frozen. → Your movement and energy speak louder than words. → This automatically communicates confidence and authority. Great presentations aren’t about showing how smart you are. They’re about making your audience feel something... curiosity, clarity, and inspiration. That’s what makes you memorable. And that’s what opens doors. --- PS: What's ONE thing that's helped you improve your presentations? PPS: Want to see this framework in action? Link to the Chicago talk is in the comments. ♻️ REPOST if this was useful. Thanks!

How to create great MBB slides as a PRO (even if you’re not a designer) I’ve probably made over 10,000 slides in my career. According to Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000-Hour Rule, that technically makes me a slide master God. (Or maybe just someone who needs new hobbies.) But here’s the twist: I’m not a designer. I’m a lawyer by training. My natural design instincts are zero. And yet, I’ve learned to make slides that work, not because of fancy design skills, but because of a few simple principles that anyone can apply. Here’s how to make slides that actually work: 1. Always start with the message. Before adding any charts, graphs, or visuals, ask yourself: • What is the key takeaway? • How do I want the audience to react? • What elements best support this message? Tattoo this on your brain: A slide where the elements don’t support the message is a bad slide. Period. 2. Use a strong title and subtitle. Every slide needs a clear title that tells you what it’s about and a subtitle that provides the key insight. Example: • Title: “Global sales performance” • Subtitle: “North America drives 60% of growth” 3. Stick to simple and consistent layouts. A good slide should be easy to read at a glance. My go-to layouts: • One chart with commentary: Chart on the left, key takeaways on the right. • Two simple charts side by side: For comparing metrics or trends. • Three columns: When comparing options or showing steps, use three aligned boxes with short text. • Image and text pairing: Image on one side, the message on the other. Keep it simple. The art belongs in the museum, not on your slide. 4. Less is more with text • Bullet points, not paragraphs. • Short phrases, not long sentences. • If your slide looks like an essay, start over. 5. Alignment and precision matter. Nothing makes a slide look messier than poor alignment. • Align elements consistently. • Use symmetry wherever possible. • White space is not your enemy, clutter is. 6. Keep charts simple and actionable • Bar charts, line charts, scatter plots, stick to what works. • Always label axes and show units. • Highlight key data points. 7. The 5-second rule • Can you tell what the slide is about in 5 seconds? • Is the key insight crystal clear? • Would a stranger understand it instantly? The bottom line: If your slide doesn’t support your message, it’s just a distraction. And if your message isn’t clear, neither is your impact.

I've built a lot of slides in 9 yrs at Google. Here are 9 practical tips I've learned: 1/ 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴. Write your headlines first. Figure out your "flow." Don't flesh out your slides until you've nailed the storyline. This will save you hours of wasted effort later on. 2/ 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. Most people have way too many slides. Cut it down. The less flicking around you need to do, the more attention you'll get, and the sharper your message will be. 3/ 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 "𝘀𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁" 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱. Most content is written with no bias towards action. They get presented — and then forgotten — since there's no implied next steps. Do the opposite. Think hard about your calls-to-action and articulate it well. 4/ 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆. Writing chronologically means you're burying the lead. You'll lose your audience quickly. Always lead with the conclusion instead. 5/ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀. Don't simply throw big numbers onto a slide and hope it'll impress. It won't work. Instead, help your audience out by thoughtfully benchmarking or indexing. 6/ 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆. Slides make it easy to get away with lazy thinking. So you often end up with colorful boxes with generic buzzwords, or bullet points with incomplete thoughts. Avoid this trap. Challenge yourself to articulate complete thoughts while still achieving brevity. 7/ 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 "𝗱𝘂𝗵" 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁, 𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗹𝘆. Ask yourself if anyone would read what you wrote and go either "duh!" or "no sh*t!" If so, you're wasting people's time. Sharpen it until there's actual insight. 8/ 𝗕𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲. Your use of space always tells a story. Don't give disproportionate real estate to unimportant content. And vice versa. Otherwise you'll undermine yourself. 9/ 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 "𝗱𝘂𝗺𝗯" 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀. Avoid littering your slides with corp-speak. Be straightforward whenever possible. Of course, this doesn't give you the right to ignore numbers or engage in generic platitudes. It just means that you find the simplest way to anchor your audience. Then you can back it up with detail. __ 𝗣.𝗦. Looking to nerd out a bit more? Grab the 50-page playbook I built for free: 🎯 hernglee.gumroad.com It's what I wish someone gave me at the start of my career. So I built it! __ 👋 Hi! I'm Herng, and I write about my learnings as a strategy manager at Google. Follow for more tips! ♻️ Reshare this post if it can help others!

Want your audience to remember nearly 6x more of your presentation? Then start leveraging a cognitive science principle called the Picture Superiority Effect. If people only hear information, recall hovers around 10% in 14 days. But if they both hear and see a compelling visual, recall jumps to 65%. That's a 550% increase! Why? Because of Dual Coding. Your brain stores information in two channels: auditory and visual. When both fire together, memory strengthens. You are not just telling… you are encoding. That is why in the LOUD & CLEAR framework from my book "Silver Goldfish," we share that visualization is not decoration. It is communication. Yesterday, outside Philadelphia, I led a presentation skills workshop for IKEA. Talk about preaching to the choir. Their catalogs and internal decks are masterclasses in visual storytelling. Big images. Clear focus. Minimal words. They understand that images move the message. So, here are two rules to apply immediately in your presentations: 1. Use powerful images. Emotion drives attention. Attention drives recall. 2. Make the image the entire slide. No clutter. No bullets. One idea. One visual. Lagniappe Tip: Use the Rule of Thirds Imagine a tic-tac-toe grid with two vertical and two horizontal lines over your slide. Where the lines cross each other creates four intersection points (aka the "Powerpoints"). Then... • Place the subject of your image on one intersection. • Anchor your text on the opposite side/corner. • Leave white space elsewhere. Your audience’s eye goes to the image first, then to the message. That sequencing improves comprehension and retention. Next time you build a deck, ask yourself: 👉 If I removed all the words, would the slide still tell the story? Because in presenting, people remember what they see… not what you said. #SilverGoldfish #PresentationSkills #Retention #DualCoding

Regardless of how great your ideas are in your virtual sales pitch, webinar, or team meeting… People are most likely checking their email, browsing social media, or working on other things while you present. How can you prevent that and actually get your audience to pay attention? Here are 4 of the most powerful techniques we use for our own virtual training courses: 1. Win the first five seconds According to research from the University of Toronto, people need only five seconds to gauge your charisma and leadership as a speaker. In virtual environments, this first impression is even more critical. To establish instant rapport: - Keep your posture open and inviting (avoid fidgeting, crossed arms, and closed-off postures) - Use open gestures that welcome the audience into your space - Gesture with your palms showing at a 45-degree angle - Speak with clear articulation and energy from the very first word The quickest way to lose your audience? Starting with tentative body language that signals you’re unsure or unprepared. 2. Design your presentation for virtual viewing When designing slides, assume varied viewing conditions. Design for the smallest likely device and the slowest likely Internet speed. Make your slides accessible by: - Using larger fonts (24-32pt) - Applying higher contrast colors - Limiting each slide to ONE clear idea - Adding more space between lines when using smaller text - Stripping excess content (you can provide additional information in a separate document) 3. Vary your delivery Our research shows the optimal length for linear presentations is just 16-30 minutes, while interactive ones can maintain engagement for 30-45 minutes. People’s attention will go through peaks and valleys during that time, so try these techniques to keep their attention: - Vary your speaking pace (faster to convey urgency, slower to express gravity) - Use intentional pauses to let key points land - Adjust your vocal tone (lower pitch for authority, higher for approachability) - Shift between slides, stories, and data at regular intervals Each change helps reset your audience’s attention and signals importance. 4. Build in structured interaction Don’t make your audience wait until the end of your presentation to interact. According to our research, presentations that incorporate audience engagement through polls, chat responses, or breakout discussions maintain attention longer. For the highest engagement: - Use a variety of interaction types throughout your presentation - Incorporate breakout rooms for small-group discussions - Switch modalities regularly to keep it interesting Remember: In virtual environments, you need to recreate the natural engagement that happens in person. Your virtual presentation success isn’t measured by perfection…it’s measured by action. Master these techniques and your audience won’t just pay attention, they’ll respond. #VirtualPresentations #CorporateTraining #WorkplaceLearning

Creating effective PowerPoint presentations is an essential skill for administrative professionals. Here are some tips to help you create compelling and professional presentations: 1. Plan Your Presentation Outline Your Content: You can start with a clear presentation outline. Determine the main points you want to cover and the order in which you will present them. Set Clear Objectives: Know what you want to achieve with your presentation. This will guide your content and design choices. 2. Design with Clarity and Simplicity Use Consistent Themes: Choose a professional theme and stick with it throughout the presentation. This creates a cohesive look. Limit Text on Slides: Aim for a maximum of 6 bullet points per slide, with no more than six words per bullet point. This keeps slides easy to read and visually appealing. High-Quality Images: Use high-resolution images and graphics. Avoid pixelated or stretched images. Readable Fonts: Use sans-serif fonts like Arial or Calibri. Ensure the font size is large enough to be read from the back of the room (minimum 24pt for body text). 3. Master the Tools Shortcuts and Tools: Learn keyboard shortcuts for quicker editing. Use tools like SmartArt to create diagrams and infographics. Templates and Slide Masters: Use PowerPoint templates and slide masters to maintain consistency across your presentation. This saves time and ensures uniformity. 4. Effective Use of Data Charts and Graphs: Present data using charts and graphs. Choose the correct type of chart for your data (e.g., pie charts for proportions, line charts for trends). Simplify Data: Don’t overload slides with too much data. Highlight key points and trends. 5. Visual Hierarchy Highlight Important Information: Use font size, bold text, and colors to emphasize key points. Whitespace: Use whitespace to avoid clutter and make slides easier to read. 6. Practice Delivery Rehearse: Practice delivering your presentation multiple times. This helps you become familiar with the content and timing. Feedback: Get feedback from colleagues and make necessary adjustments. 7. Technical Preparedness Check Equipment: Ensure all equipment (projector, computer, etc.) is working before your presentation. Backup: Always have a backup of your presentation on a USB drive or in the cloud. 8. Know Your Audience Tailor Content: Adapt your presentation content and style to suit your audience's knowledge level and interests. Engagement Strategies: Consider how to engage different types of audiences, such as executives, clients, or colleagues. 9. Review and Edit Proofread: Check for spelling and grammar errors. Ensure all information is accurate. Consistency: Review the presentation for consistency in fonts, colors, and slide layouts.

Beyond Bullet Points: Crafting Captivating Presentation Slides In today's fast-paced business world, attention spans are shorter than ever. Compelling presentations are no longer a luxury, they're a necessity. But how do you move beyond the dreaded bullet points and create slides that resonate with your audience? Here are some key strategies: 1. Tell a Story, Not Just Data: Facts are important, but weaving them into a narrative creates impact. Use concise yet evocative language, powerful visuals, and even humor to connect with your listeners emotionally. 2. Design Matters: Ditch the monotonous templates! Opt for clean, visually appealing layouts with high-quality visuals. Consistent color palettes and fonts enhance professionalism and brand recognition. Remember, white space is your friend. 3. Less is More: Information overload is the enemy. Limit text per slide, opting for impactful headlines and key takeaways. Trust your audience to engage and ask questions for details. 4. Data Visualization Done Right: Charts and graphs should be clear, concise, and tell a story. Avoid complex visuals that distract from the message. Consider interactive elements to spark audience participation. 5. Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse your delivery, ensuring smooth transitions and confident body language. Anticipate questions and tailor your responses accordingly. Bonus Tip: Embrace technology! Explore interactive elements, live data feeds, and multimedia integration to keep your audience engaged. By following these tips, you can craft presentations that inform, inspire, and most importantly, leave a lasting impression. Remember, it's not just about the slides, it's about the story you tell. Now go out there and captivate your audience! #PresentationTips #WSJBusiness #EngageYourAudience

Creating an Effective Presentation: Tips for Impactful Communication Creating an effective presentation is more than just compiling slides—it's about telling a compelling story that engages your audience and drives your message home. The art of presentation lies in how well you can communicate your ideas with clarity, simplicity, and impact. Here are some key strategies to keep in mind: ⭐️Start with a Clear Structure: Your presentation should have a logical flow. Begin with a strong introduction that sets the stage, followed by the main content organised into key points, and end with a powerful conclusion. Think of it like a story with a beginning, middle, and end. ⭐️Keep It Simple: Avoid overcrowding your slides with too much text or too many visuals. Focus on the key messages you want to convey and use concise language. The simpler your slides, the easier it is for your audience to follow along and retain the information. ⭐️Use Visuals Wisely: Visual aids can enhance your message, but only if used effectively. Use high-quality images, graphs, and charts that support your points and help to explain complex information more clearly. Remember, visuals should complement your narrative, not overshadow it. ⭐️Engage Your Audience: Ask questions, use anecdotes, or include interactive elements to keep your audience engaged. The more you can involve them, the more memorable your presentation will be. ⭐️Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your presentation multiple times to get comfortable with the content and the flow. This will help you deliver your message more confidently and allow you to focus on engaging with your audience rather than worrying about what comes next. ⭐️Connecting When Presenting Online: In the virtual world, connection is just as important as in-person. Become familiar with the technology so that both you and your presentation appear on screen. This ensures that your audience can see your expressions and gestures, which are crucial for conveying enthusiasm and engagement. Practice switching between your presentation and direct engagement with the camera, so you can maintain a strong connection with your audience throughout. Creating an effective presentation is about more than just the slides; it’s about how you connect with your audience and make your message stick. Whether you're pitching a new idea, sharing research, or leading a training session, following these tips can help ensure your presentation is both impactful and memorable. #PresentationSkills #EffectiveCommunication #PublicSpeaking #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment

This one may seem nit-picky but… your slide titles make or break your presentation We often treat slide titles as an afterthought. We spend all our time making charts, adding (too much) text, and packing in as much information as we can. Then we slap on a generic slide title like “Methodology” or “Recommendation” But slide titles are the monkey bars of your presentation. The audience should be able to swing from title to title and fully grasp your message. Ineffective slide titles: - Describe the section/topic (e.g., “methodology”) - Use a passive voice (“Multiple methods were used to…”) - Lack a logical flow Great slide titles: - Describe the key takeaway - Use an active voice (“We used multiple methods…”) - Logically flow from slide to slide Here’s how: ➤ Once you know the story you want to tell, write it down in a series of concise bullet points. Each bullet should be a complete sentence. The structure should flow from problem/question → findings → recommendation.  ➤ Now read the bullets aloud: do they tell the full story of your presentation? Could someone understand the context and recommendations without needing to look at any of the data? ➤ These bullet points now become your slide titles. Anything that isn’t directly related to these bullets go in the appendix (or aren’t needed at all). Example: 1/ Employees struggle to utilize unlimited PTO effectively. 2/ Our analysis revealed structured vacation policies encourage more time off. 3/ Data demonstrates a 20-day policy maximizes employee vacation usage. 4/ We recommend implementing a 20-day vacation policy for all employees. 5/ This new policy will improve employee well-being and productivity. Slide titles might not be the moooost exciting topic, but when done right, they can help reinforce your key messages, keep your audience engaged, and guide them through the presentation. —-— 👋🏼 I’m Morgan. I share my favorite data viz and data storytelling tips to help other analysts (and academics) better communicate their work.