How to improve the design of your presentation?

Memorable presentations are backed by great slides and the great slides are created by using great designs. Although the design of the presentation slides can be overlooked, it is important to know that the audience can spot a poorly-made slide and this can cause them to lose interest in the presentation after one or two hours thereby reducing the level of interest in the brand. 

Improving the design of your presentation means paying attention to the four basic principles of presentation design: these are:

• Balance: Balance is divided into a Symmetrical balance and Asymmetrical balance. Symmetrical balance focuses on making sure that elements on different sides of the design are of the same size and location. One side should not be an inch above or below the other side. Asymmetrical balance focuses on making sure that elements, though different in size, still work together to complement each other on the screen.
• Emphasis: This means that the design should have elements that stand out and attract the audience’s attention should be emphasized using texts, size, fonts, or colors. The most important feature of the slide should be emphasized to draw attention to it.
• Unity: This means that the elements of the design should all unite to have a consistent feel and pass an orderly message. Elements should relate to each other and have a purpose towards the overall information relayed by the slide. Any design element without purpose should be taken out of the slide.
• Movement: Design and movement go hand-in-hand. Movement is used in design to lead the audience’s gaze from one point to the other letting the information flow seamlessly from one point to the other.

Combining the principles together helps maximize the effects of the presentation design to suit the business’ needs.

Other points that improve the overall look and feel of the presentation include:

1. Using a layout to your advantage: Just as in the principle of movement, knowing how the members of the audience read is a good way to place images and texts you want to be viewed before the other. Most people read from left to right, so, place elements you want to be looked at first then lead them through understanding the whole slide step by step till the page is understood and when with people who read from right to left, place the elements accordingly to ensure understanding
2. Use bullet points: Highlight simple words with bullet points to aid understanding. The speaker will use whole sentences to relay information so the slides only need to emphasize the points to ensure understanding and quick retention. 
3. Less is more: White space is bliss when presenting. The amount of free space on a slide helps draw the attention of the viewers to the sides of the slides that are occupied making the information important in the minds of the viewers.
4. Fewer colors, simple texts: Using fewer colors on slides help keep the audience more engaged and help them connect with each emotion the colors represent. Light text on dark colors and dark texts on lighter colors also emphasizes texts without making them seem too busy. Too many colors distract the viewers and may completely turn them off the presentation.

The design of a presentation is very important as it helps direct the viewer’s attention towards various elements of the slide, helps them make opinions, and help them understand the presentation better.