Dear Notebook reader,
We’ve been working with presentation design and slide decks for a decade now. We’ve failed. We’ve succeeded. But most importantly, we’ve learned.
At some point, we started to compile all the most important lessons we’ve learned in a little notebook — as a way to get smarter and make sure we didn’t repeat the same mistakes over and over. A few notes quickly became a lot, and this notebook was born. Basically, the notebook details everything you need to consider when making slides: lessons learned, insights, and dos & don’ts.
Based on our own experiences, we wanted to create useful, hands-on advice in a digestible format. We use the notebook ourselves in our daily work. So this notebook also gives you the opportunity to benefit from all the lessons we have learned and become even better at what you do.
Given that our knowledge and experience will keep evolving, so will this notebook. So follow our Instagram for updates.
We hope you enjoy our notebook!
All the best,
P.S. If you enjoy the notebook, you might be interested to know that we have also released a notebook on infographics and one on animation. You’re welcome!
The Notebook
on Presentations
Hard-earned insights from our notebook
about slides and presentation design.
Hands-on, honest and condensed.
Create a strong beginning
Every great movie needs a great opening scene to hook viewers from the start. Presentations are no different. If a presentation kicks off with a thrilling opener, the audience is more likely to stay engaged.
The opener could be a surprising act, an open question, a striking visual, an anecdote, an icebreaker — or whatever fits your style. Ideally, your opener should also capture the essence of your presentation and prepare the audience for what’s coming. But the most important thing is that the opener hooks your audience right away and keeps them engaged and excited to dig into the subject.
Use humour (in moderation)
Humour is a powerful tool to engage your audience, but it needs to be used wisely. Too much wit can detract from the message you are trying to convey and undermine your credibility. However, a well-placed joke or clever quip can make your audience react emotionally, listen more closely, and remember your message long after your presentation.
It is a delicate balance, but knowing your audience and the context is key. It should enhance your message, not detract from it. A genuine and engaging presentation is always more effective than forced or inappropriate humor.
State your purpose
The first thing your audience wants to know is: Why are we here? What’s the purpose of this presentation? Be crystal clear about your subject matter and your objective. In just a few sentences, communicate the main takeaways and the value your audience will gain from listening. Let them know upfront what to expect, and they’ll be more likely to stay engaged.
Don’t just lecture: interact!
Presentations risk becoming a long, tiresome, and passive experience for the audience, even if the topic is exciting. Avoid simply lecturing. Instead, aim for a dynamic and interactive approach. Engage your audience in active discussions, and incorporate interactive elements.
For example, use open-ended questions, conduct a poll, or present a challenge by asking your audience how they would address a specific issue. Any activity that breaks up the presentation and encourages audience participation is beneficial.
Identify your key visuals
Not all slides are equally important. Your presentation is likely built around a few key ideas, and your key visuals should capture these ideas. Focus your effort on these key visuals, as these are what your audience should remember long after your presentation. Make these visuals your top priority; everything else is secondary.
Begin with a Script
Before diving into slides, take a step back and write a script for your presentation. Outline your story, structure, and delivery. Start with a Word or Google doc and create a detailed outline or script for the entire presentation. This will help you visualize the flow of information and how your audience will experience it.
Tell one coherent story
A coherent narrative should be the backbone of a compelling presentation. While each slide can have a clear individual message, the true power lies in weaving them into a single, compelling story. This will guide your audience and connect disparate points, making your message memorable. Without it, your presentation risks becoming a jumble of facts. A strong narrative arc keeps the audience engaged and invested throughout.
Choose your titles well
Good titles for your slides can not be underestimated. A well-crafted title helps both you and your audience understand the key message of each slide. Titles should be short and distinct to make your point clear. Avoid generic titles that could be applied to any slide of the same type. Instead, aim for titles that are memorable and engaging. Take the time to craft compelling titles that capture attention and guide your audience through your presentation.
Visuals should enhance meaning
Visuals like photos and illustrations are powerful assets in your presentations. They can support and enhance your message. But random or poorly chosen visuals can do the opposite: distract, miscommunicate, or clutter your message. A metaphor that is too abstract, too concrete, or inaccurate can also be detrimental. It should be absolutely clear why the audience is exposed to a visual and why it’s paired with your message. So use simple, distinct visuals that enhance meaning rather than blur it.
Build a dramatic structure
Think of your presentation as a story. Presenting an idea within a narrative allows your audience to engage with it. Presentations are no exception.
Create a basic skeleton to help you build a dramatic structure. This structure can vary, depending on your content, your audience, and the setting, of course. But simply by following a classic three-part story structure (beginning, middle, and end), you can create a more engaging message that is easier to digest, remember, and retell.
