Design Basics The Speaker's Visual Support

The Speaker vs. The Screen

**Slide Design Basics** covers the principles of creating visual aids that support the speaker not distract the audience. The fundamental rule of effective visual aids is that the speaker should always be the **primary focus** of the presentation. Slides are merely tools to illustrate complex data, display striking images, or provide simple structural cues to reinforce the **Outlining** and **Storytelling** elements of the speech. When a slide is too cluttered or complex, the audience instantly shifts their attention from the speaker to the screen, creating a visual competition that the speaker will lose.

Good design maximizes comprehension by reducing cognitive load. This requires adherence to technical standards for readability, contrast, and visual simplicity, transforming the slide from a teleprompter into a genuine aid.

Readability Standards and Text Limits

The text on your slides must be immediately legible from the back of the room. This requires rigid rules for font size and text density.

The 10/20/30 Rule (Guy Kawasaki)

While originally designed for sales pitches, this rule is an excellent standard for maximum impact:

• **10 Slides**: Limit your entire deck to ten slides. This forces ruthless editing and concentration on the core message.
• **20 Minutes**: Deliver your presentation in 20 minutes (leaving time for Q&A). This guarantees respect for the audience's attention span.
• **30 Point Font**: Use a minimum font size of 30 points. If you cannot fit your text onto the slide using 30pt font, you have too much text.

The 6x6 Rule

An even simpler constraint to combat text overload is the 6x6 rule: **No more than six lines of text** and **no more than six words per line**. This forces you to use keywords and phrases, aligning with the methodology of the **Speaking Outline**, thereby preventing the audience from reading the slide instead of listening to you.

Contrast and Color Theory

Use high contrast to maximize readability. **Black text on a white background** or **white text on a deep blue/black background** are the safest choices. Avoid low-contrast combinations (e.g., yellow text on a white background or light blue text on a gray background), especially in rooms with imperfect lighting. Color should be used purposefully to highlight key data points or maintain branding, not as decoration.

Visual Hierarchy and Image Quality

**Visual Hierarchy** is the principle of organizing elements so the viewer’s eye is drawn immediately to the most important information. In slide design, this means prioritizing a single, powerful visual over text.

One Idea Per Slide

Each slide should communicate only **one central idea, one major chart, or one powerful image**. If you need to present multiple points, use multiple slides. This segmentation simplifies the information and helps control the **Pausing & Pacing** of your speech, allowing you to click the slide when you transition to the next idea.

The Power of Imagery

Images are processed by the brain 60,000 times faster than text. Use **high-resolution, professional imagery** that fills the screen and relates directly to the emotional or logical point you are making. Avoid cliché stock photos. **Never stretch or distort a low-resolution image** to fit the screen; this instantly degrades the professionalism of your presentation and distracts the audience.

Chart Clarity

When presenting data, simplify your charts:

• **Eliminate Chart Junk**: Remove unnecessary grids borders and 3D effects. Focus only on the data points that matter.
• **Label Directly**: Use large, bold labels directly on the relevant bars or sections of the chart, eliminating the need for a separate legend that the audience has to search for.

The Technical Execution of Delivery

Even a perfectly designed slide can fail with poor delivery technique. Always remember that your visual aids are part of your stage presence.

Avoid Reading the Slide

The most common and damaging mistake is reading the text from the screen. Your slides should contain only triggers or summaries. The moment you start reading, you lose both your **Eye Contact** and your credibility, treating the audience like they cannot read. If the text is necessary, summarize it or use it as a quote, but deliver the main content from memory (i.e., your well-rehearsed **Script Writing**).

Use the Remote and the Laser

Maintain control of your pacing with a wireless remote clicker. This allows you to stand away from the laptop, maximizing your **Body Language** and movement. If you use a laser pointer, use it sparingly and deliberately to highlight a specific data point, then turn it off immediately. Do not wave the laser pointer aimlessly, as it causes a distracting jittery focus.

The 'B' Key Technique

When a slide's image or data is no longer relevant, press the 'B' key (in PowerPoint or Keynote) to black out the screen. This instantly shifts the audience's attention back to you, the speaker, allowing you to deliver a final punchline or transition to a new idea without visual competition. Press 'B' again to bring the next slide up.

By adhering to these technical standards, your visual aids become powerful strategic partners in your presentation.