Everything you need to know about slideshow presentations
Slideshow presentations are indispensable visual supplement for a public talk on any given subject. They offer a focus point for an audience and a visual stimulus for effective brainstorming. Slides also make public speaking more organized.
Less often, slideshow presentations take up the role of the speaker completely, delivering the full information on a topic, in longer texts but still in an ordered and visually attractive way. They are not so effective in front of a large public, but are very engaging when used online.
In both cases, the structure and appearance of the content in the slides is very important.
Less often, slideshow presentations take up the role of the speaker completely, delivering the full information on a topic, in longer texts but still in an ordered and visually attractive way. They are not so effective in front of a large public, but are very engaging when used online.
In both cases, the structure and appearance of the content in the slides is very important.
I. Presentations accompanying public speeches
Slideshow presentations with lots of text ruin audience's positive experience by spliting people's effort between listening and reading. Short, catchy phrases and inspiring and to-the-point visuals, on the other hand, tune up the mind for intensive listening, which is exactly what the speaker needs.
Prepare your verbal presentation before you begin to create the accompanying slideshow. In this way, you will already have a clear idea about your main message, supporting points and spech timing, which will give you the correct structure for your visual presentation.
1. Tips on your verbal presentation:
Stay focused, leave in the presentation only information that assists your main message.
Build a story. Here is one proven framework you could use:
A. Start with your grand idea or ambition. What inspired it? How did it develop?
B. Present the challenges that needed to be overcome for its achievement.
C. Build excitement as you expose the creative solutions you applied.
D. Share some perspectives about the future.
2. Tips on your slideshow (copy requirements):
Decide on one main point for each slide. Phrase a title for each and explain shortly the key takeaway. Your texts won't be used as a final copy, if not explicidly informed so. They could serve as visualization guidelines, as well.
If you provide a final version of the textual content (final copy), try to keep texts to a single sentence (one idea). Less than seven words per slide is where you should aim at.
Make sure that your texts don't repeat your planned talk in person. They should only reinforce or supplement it.
Slideshow presentations with lots of text ruin audience's positive experience by spliting people's effort between listening and reading. Short, catchy phrases and inspiring and to-the-point visuals, on the other hand, tune up the mind for intensive listening, which is exactly what the speaker needs.
Prepare your verbal presentation before you begin to create the accompanying slideshow. In this way, you will already have a clear idea about your main message, supporting points and spech timing, which will give you the correct structure for your visual presentation.
1. Tips on your verbal presentation:
Stay focused, leave in the presentation only information that assists your main message.
Build a story. Here is one proven framework you could use:
A. Start with your grand idea or ambition. What inspired it? How did it develop?
B. Present the challenges that needed to be overcome for its achievement.
C. Build excitement as you expose the creative solutions you applied.
D. Share some perspectives about the future.
2. Tips on your slideshow (copy requirements):
Decide on one main point for each slide. Phrase a title for each and explain shortly the key takeaway. Your texts won't be used as a final copy, if not explicidly informed so. They could serve as visualization guidelines, as well.
If you provide a final version of the textual content (final copy), try to keep texts to a single sentence (one idea). Less than seven words per slide is where you should aim at.
Make sure that your texts don't repeat your planned talk in person. They should only reinforce or supplement it.
II. Presentations for digital audience
These presentations could be regarded similar to any digital content circulating the net, but are very suitable for delivering more extensive information on a given topic – introduction to an organization or an issue, results from a completed research, etc., or some more creative experience, as a step by step overview of a visual process.
1. Tips on textual content:
Here, the use of longer texts is accepted, but the priority stays on brevity and visual accents. 15 words per slide is the verge of making your texts heavy for reading. And your content should work contrarily – should flow easily and engage.
Make your presentation searchable for people interested in the topic by assigning relevant headings and keywords.
An advantage to digital presentations is that you can add call-to-actions to slides and shorten the path to action for your audience. You have the option to include links not only to your web content but to other online resources relevant to your topic.
These presentations could be regarded similar to any digital content circulating the net, but are very suitable for delivering more extensive information on a given topic – introduction to an organization or an issue, results from a completed research, etc., or some more creative experience, as a step by step overview of a visual process.
1. Tips on textual content:
Here, the use of longer texts is accepted, but the priority stays on brevity and visual accents. 15 words per slide is the verge of making your texts heavy for reading. And your content should work contrarily – should flow easily and engage.
Make your presentation searchable for people interested in the topic by assigning relevant headings and keywords.
An advantage to digital presentations is that you can add call-to-actions to slides and shorten the path to action for your audience. You have the option to include links not only to your web content but to other online resources relevant to your topic.
III. Data-centered presentations
Data visualizations are very important for presentations which deliver extensive and complicated statistical or other information. There is not much point in throwing at your audience, for the few minutes you have in a public talk, a bunch of numerical statistics and to expect it to assimilate it. What you really need is few charts which explain visually the crucial points drawn from this overwhelming information. See some examples of effective data visualizations in our infographics section.
Generally, we pick the type of chart which will best combine and relate the indicated by you most important relationships. This is why they should be explained in detail with the supply of your main statistical information.
Data visualizations are very important for presentations which deliver extensive and complicated statistical or other information. There is not much point in throwing at your audience, for the few minutes you have in a public talk, a bunch of numerical statistics and to expect it to assimilate it. What you really need is few charts which explain visually the crucial points drawn from this overwhelming information. See some examples of effective data visualizations in our infographics section.
Generally, we pick the type of chart which will best combine and relate the indicated by you most important relationships. This is why they should be explained in detail with the supply of your main statistical information.
Client questionnaire guidelines
I. GENERAL INFORMATION Qs
Question 1 - You should provide first and last name of the main contact person we are going to communicate with during our collaboration process.
Question 2 - Most of our communication with the client is conducted via e-mail. As our observation of deadlines relies exceedingly on your timely feedback, you should provide a mailbox which you are sure you will review regularly.
Question 3 - You should provide the name of the company/brand the content will be about.
Question 4 - This should be the web address of the company provided on the previous question.
Question 5 - Try to answer the following questions: In what field does your company specialize? What is the product or service you offer? What is the main customer benefit you offer? Resolution of a problem, achievement of a desired outcome or fulfillment of a need.
Question 6 - Describe your customers in terms of location of residence, nationality, age, gender (if relevant), financial and educational status, lifestyle, values.
Question 7 - A brand personality is similar to a person’s personality and is something your customers can relate to. Imagine your brand is an individual. What qualities/values would he/she have?
Question 8 - Continuing from the previous question, how does this person usually talk, what is his voice? Official, casual, emotional, bold, restrained, smart, authentic, personal, down-to-earth, etc.
II. CONTENT & DESIGN Qs
Question 1 - project - We will use this title to refer to your project in our communication with you and inside our team.
Question 2 - context - The context which your presentation will be used in provides information about the suitable lenght and language it should have. Business presentations are usually given in front of a small group, with specific background knowledge. Presentations covering scientific research need to be detailed and full of in-depth concepts and should make use of many data visualizations, as they talk to an already educated audience. Slideshows aiming at personal communication should be accompanied by additional guidelines on mood and tone of voice, so that they correspond to the particular relationship.
Question 3 - use - There is a big difference if you will use your presentation in-person or publish it online - mostly in the lenght and style of texts. Presentations accompanying public speeches should have very short, but inspiring text, as they provide only visual and thematic support for the speaker. Slideshows created for digital use are richer in content, as they include the entire supportive information on the discussion.
Question 4 - audience - The size of your audience is decisive for the communication methods and type/size of visualizations which will be employed. Try to make a tentative estimation of the number of people who will attend your presentation, if you are not sure about a specific count.
Question 5 - topic - Give the topic of your presentation in a few keywords. This will set a direction for our creative thinking at an early stage.
Question 6 - goal - Your presentation could have all four purposes - to inform, persuade, inspire and also compel to action, or seek one or some of those. All presentations offer less or more information on a specific topic. Still, if providing useful information is the main goal of your content, we should take this in mind. For persuasive presentations we make use of stronger visuals and words. The same, when the aim is to inspire audineces - we aim at surprising and exciting visual language. For compelling viewers to action, we count on factual information and strong, clear-cut conclusions.
If you have a more relevant definition for the purpose of your presentation, let us know in the provided fill-in field.
Question 7 - communication - The more efficient communication method - straighforward or creative, depends on the type of audience you will address. Creative approach is effective for inspirational or persuasive presentations and makes use of metaphorical expression of ideas. Straightforward communication works in all cases.
_
PREMIUM PACKAGE:
Question 8 - tone of voice - Professional tone of voice is based on lots of terminology and excludes casual langauge. If it is accompanyed by partcular phrases of advice or encouragement, it becomes also an educational tone of voice. The second has also an energizing vibe, differing it it from the simple professional tone, which is rather contained.
_
Question 8 - communication appeals - Do you want your audience to relate to your topic on an emotional or an logical level? An example for emotional appeal is a picture of a happy dog surrounded by a family in a presentation on animal adoption. A logical appeal will be a statistical graph showing the incidence of misfortunes while travelling abroad in a presentation on the importance of accident insurance during holidays.
Choice options: The middle point marks a balance between emotion and logic. Any deviation towards left or right points to a certain advantage (less or more) for one of both options.
Question 9 - humor - Humor could be a useful means for reaching people and holding attention. It is welcome in defferent degrees depending on specific topics and purposes.
Question 10 - reference designs - The examples could feature any visual content you like. Just make sure, when you include these files, to choose which graphic parts should be exemplary for your product. Take in mind the aims of your presentation and the audience it targets.
The reference designs are used only as guidelines and inspiration. They won't - by no means, be copied one-to-one.
Question 11 - visual elements -
PHOTOS
Photographs are a very useful visual resource for slideshow presentations as they make more straightforward emotional appeals than illustrations, and emotion plays a key role in this type of content. They are also necessary for driving discussions about reality, which generally prevail in cases of public speaking over conceptual topics.
Often the perfect for the aim photos are not directly available (barriers: image quality, copyright) and they need to be purchased from a stock photos bank or produced specially for the occasion.
ILLUSTRATIONS
Presentations visualized mainly with illustrations have really nice, conceptual look. In order all illustrations in the slides to be in the same style, we prefer to draw them ourselves, but this drives the cost of the final product up.
Illustrations balance visually better with text than photographs. They also make very original content.
TYPOGRAPHY
In typography-based slideshows, we create visual interest through the use of interesting fonts and the general layout of words.
The use of typography alone is not too popular in presentation design, but such slideshows have very minimalistic look and make good corporate content, which has its distinct visual style. Simple, beautiful fonts, combined with stylish data charts, results in very efficient scientific presentations.
DATA VISUALIZATIONS
Data visualizations employ charts, plots, histograms or more innovative depictions to deliver complicated statistical information in a more understandable way. They are extremely useful in data related presentations, as these visualizations allow the quick and effective communication of the important points drawn from the many groups of abstract numbers.
Question 12 - visual style -
CORPORATE/ COMMERCIAL/ BALANCED
This is always a good option, as it is balanced for every aesthetic taste and is more recognizable as corporate content. Text prevails over images and is beautifully organized on a plain background. Colors and forms follow the brand style guidelines if such are provided and if not, modesty is leading. The advantage here is that it imposes a distinctive visual style, which is serious and trustworthy.
ARTISTIC/ CONCEPTUAL/ MINIMAL
As a best example here could be given presentations with beautifully designed text and simple, оne-color illustrations. The emphasis is on conceptual and creative, the second accomplished more moderately than in the Hip visual style. Conceptual feel could be accomplished also with the use of professional images following a distinct photographic style.
This aesthetic style works well for content by luxury brands or institutions in the field of the arts. Or when you aim for a more sophisticated visual feel.
HIP/ BRAVE/ RICH
Overall, this style aims at being as attractive as possible and at entertaining the eye. It will provoke the viewer with funky typography, surprising images, wealth of colors.
Question 16 - brand manual - The brand style guide is a set of approved standards on the visual communication of your brand. It defines specific types, colors and imagery for the creation of advertising or other branded materials, so that there is consistency in the brand's commercial look.
I. GENERAL INFORMATION Qs
Question 1 - You should provide first and last name of the main contact person we are going to communicate with during our collaboration process.
Question 2 - Most of our communication with the client is conducted via e-mail. As our observation of deadlines relies exceedingly on your timely feedback, you should provide a mailbox which you are sure you will review regularly.
Question 3 - You should provide the name of the company/brand the content will be about.
Question 4 - This should be the web address of the company provided on the previous question.
Question 5 - Try to answer the following questions: In what field does your company specialize? What is the product or service you offer? What is the main customer benefit you offer? Resolution of a problem, achievement of a desired outcome or fulfillment of a need.
Question 6 - Describe your customers in terms of location of residence, nationality, age, gender (if relevant), financial and educational status, lifestyle, values.
Question 7 - A brand personality is similar to a person’s personality and is something your customers can relate to. Imagine your brand is an individual. What qualities/values would he/she have?
Question 8 - Continuing from the previous question, how does this person usually talk, what is his voice? Official, casual, emotional, bold, restrained, smart, authentic, personal, down-to-earth, etc.
II. CONTENT & DESIGN Qs
Question 1 - project - We will use this title to refer to your project in our communication with you and inside our team.
Question 2 - context - The context which your presentation will be used in provides information about the suitable lenght and language it should have. Business presentations are usually given in front of a small group, with specific background knowledge. Presentations covering scientific research need to be detailed and full of in-depth concepts and should make use of many data visualizations, as they talk to an already educated audience. Slideshows aiming at personal communication should be accompanied by additional guidelines on mood and tone of voice, so that they correspond to the particular relationship.
Question 3 - use - There is a big difference if you will use your presentation in-person or publish it online - mostly in the lenght and style of texts. Presentations accompanying public speeches should have very short, but inspiring text, as they provide only visual and thematic support for the speaker. Slideshows created for digital use are richer in content, as they include the entire supportive information on the discussion.
Question 4 - audience - The size of your audience is decisive for the communication methods and type/size of visualizations which will be employed. Try to make a tentative estimation of the number of people who will attend your presentation, if you are not sure about a specific count.
Question 5 - topic - Give the topic of your presentation in a few keywords. This will set a direction for our creative thinking at an early stage.
Question 6 - goal - Your presentation could have all four purposes - to inform, persuade, inspire and also compel to action, or seek one or some of those. All presentations offer less or more information on a specific topic. Still, if providing useful information is the main goal of your content, we should take this in mind. For persuasive presentations we make use of stronger visuals and words. The same, when the aim is to inspire audineces - we aim at surprising and exciting visual language. For compelling viewers to action, we count on factual information and strong, clear-cut conclusions.
If you have a more relevant definition for the purpose of your presentation, let us know in the provided fill-in field.
Question 7 - communication - The more efficient communication method - straighforward or creative, depends on the type of audience you will address. Creative approach is effective for inspirational or persuasive presentations and makes use of metaphorical expression of ideas. Straightforward communication works in all cases.
_
PREMIUM PACKAGE:
Question 8 - tone of voice - Professional tone of voice is based on lots of terminology and excludes casual langauge. If it is accompanyed by partcular phrases of advice or encouragement, it becomes also an educational tone of voice. The second has also an energizing vibe, differing it it from the simple professional tone, which is rather contained.
_
Question 8 - communication appeals - Do you want your audience to relate to your topic on an emotional or an logical level? An example for emotional appeal is a picture of a happy dog surrounded by a family in a presentation on animal adoption. A logical appeal will be a statistical graph showing the incidence of misfortunes while travelling abroad in a presentation on the importance of accident insurance during holidays.
Choice options: The middle point marks a balance between emotion and logic. Any deviation towards left or right points to a certain advantage (less or more) for one of both options.
Question 9 - humor - Humor could be a useful means for reaching people and holding attention. It is welcome in defferent degrees depending on specific topics and purposes.
Question 10 - reference designs - The examples could feature any visual content you like. Just make sure, when you include these files, to choose which graphic parts should be exemplary for your product. Take in mind the aims of your presentation and the audience it targets.
The reference designs are used only as guidelines and inspiration. They won't - by no means, be copied one-to-one.
Question 11 - visual elements -
PHOTOS
Photographs are a very useful visual resource for slideshow presentations as they make more straightforward emotional appeals than illustrations, and emotion plays a key role in this type of content. They are also necessary for driving discussions about reality, which generally prevail in cases of public speaking over conceptual topics.
Often the perfect for the aim photos are not directly available (barriers: image quality, copyright) and they need to be purchased from a stock photos bank or produced specially for the occasion.
ILLUSTRATIONS
Presentations visualized mainly with illustrations have really nice, conceptual look. In order all illustrations in the slides to be in the same style, we prefer to draw them ourselves, but this drives the cost of the final product up.
Illustrations balance visually better with text than photographs. They also make very original content.
TYPOGRAPHY
In typography-based slideshows, we create visual interest through the use of interesting fonts and the general layout of words.
The use of typography alone is not too popular in presentation design, but such slideshows have very minimalistic look and make good corporate content, which has its distinct visual style. Simple, beautiful fonts, combined with stylish data charts, results in very efficient scientific presentations.
DATA VISUALIZATIONS
Data visualizations employ charts, plots, histograms or more innovative depictions to deliver complicated statistical information in a more understandable way. They are extremely useful in data related presentations, as these visualizations allow the quick and effective communication of the important points drawn from the many groups of abstract numbers.
Question 12 - visual style -
CORPORATE/ COMMERCIAL/ BALANCED
This is always a good option, as it is balanced for every aesthetic taste and is more recognizable as corporate content. Text prevails over images and is beautifully organized on a plain background. Colors and forms follow the brand style guidelines if such are provided and if not, modesty is leading. The advantage here is that it imposes a distinctive visual style, which is serious and trustworthy.
ARTISTIC/ CONCEPTUAL/ MINIMAL
As a best example here could be given presentations with beautifully designed text and simple, оne-color illustrations. The emphasis is on conceptual and creative, the second accomplished more moderately than in the Hip visual style. Conceptual feel could be accomplished also with the use of professional images following a distinct photographic style.
This aesthetic style works well for content by luxury brands or institutions in the field of the arts. Or when you aim for a more sophisticated visual feel.
HIP/ BRAVE/ RICH
Overall, this style aims at being as attractive as possible and at entertaining the eye. It will provoke the viewer with funky typography, surprising images, wealth of colors.
Question 16 - brand manual - The brand style guide is a set of approved standards on the visual communication of your brand. It defines specific types, colors and imagery for the creation of advertising or other branded materials, so that there is consistency in the brand's commercial look.