A500.8.3RB_Good Presentation Design

             MLSD 500: Leadership Found in Research

     A500.8.3RB – Good Presentation Design

Submitted to ERAU Worldwide

in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Degree of MBAA

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Worldwide

Online Campus

September 30, 2015

         

HOW TO ROCK YOUR PRESENTATION!

The backlash to the traditional PowerPoint has started. There are ways in which we can improve our effectiveness and allow our content to connect in more powerful ways. One key concept is simplicity. Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, that is creativity (Reynolds, 2015).

One key factor for consideration is how the audience will actually process the presentation. A design must take advantage of how people process information. People process information is three ways: dual-channels, which is having separate information that separates visual and verbal material; limited capacity, where people can pay attention to only a few pieces of information in each channel at a time; and active processing, understanding the presented material when the audience pays attention to the relevant material.  That means it is organized in a coherent mental structure and integrated within their prior knowledge (Reynolds, 2015). 

Multimedia combines the use of several media or medium of expression or communication, such as sound/narration and images.  The results are more impactful and memorable than single mediums. Modality principle focuses on audio narration over on-screen text, particularly for complex presentations, as in these cases, the concept is that people learn better when words are presented as narration rather than text. The redundancy principle states that people learn more readily with narration and graphics/animation and that text is not necessary. And, the coherence principle asserts that people learn better when extraneous visual material is excluded (Reynolds, 2015).

When creating a PowerPoint presentation, one should limit the use of slide information, as that it overloads people's cognitive systems. Successful PowerPoint presentations use verbal and visual methods, limiting them to three seconds for effective comprehension. Following these recommendations, the presenter will be assured of targeted learning capability. A good presentation guideline will include the following elements:  a targeted end as an initial step; creation in analog mode; and, cultivation of a sense of community. It is best to avoid reading from slides, and instead to include pamphlets for distribution after the presentation.  It is always best to keep it simple (Reynolds, 2015).

People respond well to PowerPoint presentations that use high-quality graphics, photography, slide transitions, and video and audio (Reynolds, 2015).

When delivering the presentation, one should pretend that everyone in the audience is naked, connect with the audience by making eye contact and smile (my late grandmother was a very famous politician and these were her words of wisdom and advice)!

Contrast is what we notice, that is, how things differ, and it is what gives a design its energy. Contrast is one of the most powerful design concepts of all, because any design element can be contrasted with another. It can be achieved through manipulation of space, colored choices, text selection, and the position of elements. Contrast allows the viewer to understand the point of the design quickly. Every good design has a strong and clear focal point and having a clear contrast among elements helps. Designs that have strong contrast attract interest and help the viewer make sense of the visual (Reynolds, 2015). 

Repetition means that the same elements are reused throughout the presentation. It brings a sense of unity, consistency, and cohesiveness. Repetition is viewed as being part of a larger whole. However, too much repetition may overload viewers and creative a negative reaction (Reynolds, 2015). 

Alignment refers to organization within a presentation, where everything is lined up via an invisible line. Alignment is about obtaining unity among elements of a single slide, but with a visual connection. Without alignment, presentations look less sophisticated and less professional (Reynolds, 2015).

Proximity has to do with movement of things closer or farther apart to achieve a more organized look. Information, images and content should be grouped together so they are processed as a group or idea, as opposed to conflicting ideas. It is important not confuse so that the information is clearly presented. A rule of thumb is to group like-minded things together so that it catches one’s eye (Reynolds, 2015). It is all about location, location, location! 

Bottom-line:

• Design matters, yet design is not about decoration or ornamentation.         

  Design is about making communication as easy and clear for the viewer as possible.

• The principle of signal-versus-noise should be kept in mind so all nonessential elements are eliminated.  Visual clutter should be removed and 3-D effects avoided.

• People remember visuals better than bullet points. Always consider how the use of strong visual—including quantitative displays to enhance narrative.

• Empty space can be a powerful tool. Learn to see and manipulate empty space to give slide designs greater organization, clarity, and interest.

• The principle of contrast can create strong dynamic differences among elements that are different. If it is different, make it very different.

• The principle of repetition can be used to repeat selected elements throughout the slides. This can help give the slides unity and organization.

• The principle of alignment can be used to connect elements visually (through invisible lines) on a slide. Grids are very useful for achieving good alignment. This will give the slide a clean, well-organized look.

• The principle of proximity may be used to ensure that related items are grouped together. People will tend to interpret items together or near to each other as if they belong to the same group.

References:
Reynolds, Garr. (2015). Presentation Zen: How to deliver presentations like a pro. Sociable Media, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.garrreynolds.com/Presentation/pdf/presentation_tips.pdf
Reynolds, Garr. (2015). Presentation Zen: How to deliver presentations like a pro. Sociable Media, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.presentationzen.com/chapter6_spread.pdf