It's Worth Noting | by Levi Smith
In Technology

Try speaking with pictures instead of words

The next time you’re putting together a presentation, ask yourself whether a slide can be replaced with a picture. If you can get your main point across with a picture instead a chart, bullet point list or block of text, do so. Pictures are engaging and memorable. Charts and text are boring and forgettable.

As an example, I used the picture above in a presentation when discussing the perilous path ahead. As I made my case, this image stayed on the screen  and really drove home the desired takeaway. I could have used complex charts, long bullet lists and blocks of small text, but my audience would have gotten lost in the supporting evidence instead of focusing on the main point. If a simple picture seems too risky, remember you can always supply the charts and text in a supplementary hand-out.

A few tips:

  • Use images that do not require their own explanation. The meaning of the image should be obvious and near universal.
  • Use images that the audience can relate to or are familiar with.
  • Use high resolution images. The images should be crisp and lively at screen resolution, not dull or pixilated.
  • You can purchase images from sites like iStockPhoto, but I think an even better source is the free repository of images on sites like flickr. By using compfight, you can quickly search for flickr images and filter for those that have a creative common license appropriate for public display or alteration.
  • Use the rule of thirds when positioning an image on a slide. Turn the grid feature on in Keynote or PowerPoint and line up the focal point of the image on one of the four intersections created by two evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines (tic-tac-toe grid).
  • Experiment with the guidance above. Focus on your audience and find your style.

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5 Comments

  1. Todd Nagel

    Great, great lesson on presenting material. 

  2. Todd Nagel

    This is one if my all time favorite posts. I try to communicate these points to all the people that make presentations to our staff. Your idea is influencing folks at FamilyLife!