A simple way to improve slides - Tell and Show

Well, simple is maybe not exactly the right word for this but anyway... If you start from a slide that is a bit complicated and that covers several points, then break up all these points into separate slides. So the rule is one point per slide. Then make that point in a short phrase and put it into the title bar.

Now delete every other bit of text from your slide. Then fill the rest of the slide with a diagram or picture or illustration of some kind that helps to explain your point. Think of the simple phrase Tell and Show. You know, the reverse of Show and Tell that kids do in school.

Tell them what the point is and then show them what you mean.

You can handle many slides in this way. If the actual point you're making is in the title then everyone will get it and if they're really interested they will take in the accompanying explanation. If they're not really paying attention or a bit sleepy then hopefully the point will get across anyway. If you don't have an illustration to add, then you could have a text box with some key words as long as it's not complete sentences.

This is useful of course if you really need to get your message across to your audience. If you just want to blind them with science and show them how much you know then please just carry on filling slides with masses of text and details. :)

HAPPY EASTER!!