I received a question from a listener regarding making more engaging slide decks that I thought I would answer here on the blog.
“On one episode I listened to last year, I think you mentioned someone who has a website with suggestions for making better powerpoint presentations? Does this ring a bell? I've had a search on your website, but can't find it. I wanted to improve my approach to slide-making before the term starts shortly.”
Here are some ideas for you to take your slide-making to the next level. Thanks for writing in to inquire.
Podcast Episodes
- Episode 33 – The Slide Heard ‘Round the World – Bonni and Dave Stachowiak talk about how to make your presentation slides more effective.
Blog Posts
- Tools for Better Presentations, by Bonni Stachowiak
- Top Presentation Slide Decks, by Mike Taylor
- iPad Unleashed: My New Wireless Lecture Setup, by Doug McKee
- Present at Work; Storytelling at Work, by Tomas Bay
Books
- Slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations, by Nancy Duarte
- Presentation Zen, by Garr Reynolds
- Presentation Zen Design: Simple Design Principles and Techniques to Enhance Your Presentations, by Garr Reynolds
Resources
- Nancy Duarte’s site
- Garr Reynolds’ Presentation Tips
- 4 Tips and 1 Tool That Will Help You Perfect Your Slide Design, by Catrinel Bartolomeu
Your Turn
What advice do you have for creating more effective slide decks?
Thanks for these resources! I’ve also found Ann Fandrey’s Academic Slide Design: Visual Communication for Teaching and Learning to be really helpful as I revise my slides. It’s available in print or as a free download here: http://www.academicslidedesign.org/
I attended a Pecha Kucha session at the Lilly Conference in Bethesda this past summer. I’m especially excited about stringent limit for what can go on each slide, forcing the presenter and the audience alike to focus on the presentation instead of the slide.
Just a neat little tool for helping improve presentations,
W.