A500.8.2.RB – Good Presentation Design

Richard Martinez

December 9, 2015

MSLD 500

            Based on my background in the U.S. Army my thought process on a good presentation design will most likely be very different than most individuals. PowerPoint presentations were a daily routine for me in the military specifically the last twelve years while I served in various senior leadership positions. In the Army the purpose of most presentations was to deliver a vast amount of information to senior leaders. Some presentations were done for training Solders on a specific topic. For the most part they conveyed information to a group of individuals. So with the amount of information being presented sometimes it was very difficult to have a well-designed presentation. In these presentations we used photos, graphics, charts, and text in bullet format. We would apply transitions from slide to slide and even incorporate video as well. But based on our learning this week on good presentation design the military presentations that we did would most likely be considered poor designs. The most important thing for us was to present the information and most of the time the slide format was given to us by our higher headquarter. Only specific emblems were changed depending on who you were briefing. So basically if you were briefing your next higher headquarters you would put their Unit emblems on the slides and not yours.

            Not all slides in the military were designed to present an abundance of information. We did some presentation to be used as a training devise for our soldiers on many different subjects. On these presentations we had more freedom to create a good presentation design. When creating a good presentation design there are a few key things that you want to keep in mind. First what is the purpose of your presentation what are going to be the key topics and what are you expecting from your audience? You have to be able to present all your key information in the allotted time frame. Plan your presentation out first on a dry erase board or pen and paper. This gives you an idea of what your presentation will look like. This is referred to as “analog mode.” If it’s possible include stories that can help you explain complicated ideas. The stories must underscore the point of your information in your presentation. Keep your text to a minimum on your slides and even have no test at all on some slides. The slides act to support the narration which is the presenter. It’s also a good point to not read word for word from the slide. Keeping your slides simple is also part of the good design. Many people tend to make slides that are too busy and that can be very confusing and distracting. Avoid Microsoft templates, clip art, or cartoonish line art and use high quality graphics and photos to enhance your presentation. Limit one idea per slide if possible unless side by side comparison is called for.

            When designing your slide presentation there are four key elements to incorporate into you design. These are Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity. Contrast shows the differences in the slides and is done through the manipulation of space through color choices, text selection, and the positioning of the elements on the slide.  By applying these four elements will greatly enhance your presentation. The end state is to design a well-balanced presentation that keeps your audience focused on you and the information that you are presenting.