Visual Slide Design for Engaging, Memorable Presentations
Michele Van HoeckMargot Hanson
Cal Maritime Library
According to the picture superiority effect, pictures are remembered better than words—especially for casual exposure to information for limited time.
Use pictures and words together so they reinforce the same information for optimal effect.
See this effect used widely in marketing communications, such as posters, billboards, brochures, annual reports, etc.
Visual imagery is a powerful mnemonic tool that helps learning and increases retention compared to, say, witnessing someone read words off a screen.
Garr Reynolds, Presentation Zen Design
Slideument
Picture Superiority Effect:
• Pictures remembered better than words in cases of:• casual exposure• limited amount of time
• Reinforce by using pictures and words together
• Used extensively in:• posters• billboards• brochures• annual reports
Visual imagery is a powerful mnemonic tool that helps learning and increases retention.
Teleprompter
Image from Presentation Zen Design by Garr Reynolds
Text Only
Pictures Only
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Recognition Rates
from Brain Rules, John Medina
Visuals support learning
“Several studies show recognition doubles for a picture compared with
text.”
Dr. John Medina, Brain Rules
Dr. John Medinaauthor, Brain Rules
Recognition doubles for a picture
compared with text.
Who is your audience?
From The National Archives (United Kingdom)
One idea per slide1
Preserve“white space”
A slide's message should be able to be processed within three seconds. 3
Make time to translate ideas into pictures
Insert: ShapeTo create visual emphasis
Insert: SmartArtTo show relationships or process
Research Assignment
Thesis Statement
Research Question
Topic
Flight PlanSan
Francisco
Glasgow
RomeAthens
Belize City
More organic farming
More deforestation
More global warming
Article in The Economist says:
Insert: PictureFor emotional impact
Inspiration & Alternatives
Sample slide with bullets
We will select a couple of elements to convert to visual format
Group Practice
Watchstanding• All cadets “stand watch” on the TSGB or on campus• Watches are scheduled in four-hour blocks from 4:30
p.m. until 7:30 a.m. during the week and 24 hours per day on weekends
• Provides security and safety on campus and on the ship
• Part of Leadership Development by providing cadets with increasing levels of responsibility as they progress through their education
All cadets stand watchOn TSGB On Campusor
Watchstanding Hours
12:30-4:30
4:30-8:30
8:30-12:30
Increasing leadership responsibility
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Open slides you brought with you...
Your Turn!
Make them visual!
Bibliography
Nancy Duarte. Slide:ologySebastopol, CA: O'Reilly Media, 2008
Garr Reynolds. Presentation ZenBerkeley, CA: New Riders, 2010
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