Types of Slides and Best Practices

1. Types of Slides

1. Document Slides

• Used in academic and corporate training environments.
• Text-heavy with detailed explanations, footnotes, and references.
• The speaker guides the audience as they read and listen.

2. Bullet Point Slides

• The most common type, used for general presentations.
• Helps both speaker and audience stay connected to the content.
• Ideal for project updates, business meetings, and structured discussions.

3. Visual Presentation Slides

• Highly engaging, minimal text, more visuals.
• Used in high-impact speeches (e.g., Steve Jobs' product launches).
• Requires precise timing and practice for maximum effect.

2. Best Practices for Slide Design

Do’s

• Use the T ÷ 2 Rule – Use half the number of slides as your presentation time (e.g., 10 min = max 5 slides).
• Keep It Simple – Less text, more visuals, ensure slides support the speech.
• Use High-Quality Images – Prefer licensed images and cite sources when necessary.
• Maintain Structure – Ensure a logical storytelling flow for easy audience understanding.
• Proofread – Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes that distract the audience.

Don’ts

• Avoid Too Many Colors & Fonts – Stick to a simple color palette and 1-2 font styles for consistency.
• Limit Animation – Excessive transitions and effects distract from the message.
• Ensure Readability – Slides should be visible and clear even on mobile screens.
• Include Slide Numbers & Ownership Info – Add slide numbers, a copyright note, or a logo for clarity.

3. Key Takeaways

• Choose the right slide type based on the presentation’s purpose.
• Slides should enhance, not replace, the speaker’s message.
• Follow design best practices to create clear, professional, and persuasive slides.

By applying these principles, slides become an effective tool for impactful communication