Think of your slides as a billboard, not a document. The audience should be able to grasp your point in a few seconds, then turn their attention back to you, the speaker. This is the core idea behind slidewriting.

Slidewriting is the art of creating presentation slides that are simple, clear, and supportive. They aren't meant to be a script for you to read. Instead, they should reinforce your message, highlight key data, and provide visual hooks that help your audience remember what you say.

The biggest mistake in slide design is including too much information. When a slide is packed with text, your audience will read it instead of listening to you. To avoid this, stick to one central idea per slide. This forces you to be concise and helps your audience focus.

Use short phrases or bullet points instead of full sentences. If you find yourself writing paragraphs, that content might be better suited for a handout or a follow-up email. The goal is to create signposts that guide the audience through your narrative.

Visual clarity starts with your font. For presentations, it's best to use sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri. They lack the small decorative strokes (serifs) found on fonts like Times New Roman, which makes them easier to read on a screen, especially from a distance.

Font size is just as important. Text should be large enough for someone in the back of the room to read comfortably. A good rule of thumb is to keep your text above 24 points.

A simple, high-contrast color scheme also improves readability. Dark text on a light background or light text on a dark background works best. Avoid busy backgrounds or color combinations that make the text hard to see.

Visuals can often communicate ideas more quickly and powerfully than words. High-quality images, simple icons, and clear charts can make your presentation more engaging and your message more memorable. Instead of describing a complex process with bullet points, show it with a simple diagram.

The key is to use visuals that are relevant and support your point. A decorative image that doesn't add meaning will only distract your audience. Every element on your slide should have a purpose.

When you successfully balance a small amount of text with a meaningful visual, you create a slide that is both informative and easy to understand. Your audience can quickly get the point and refocus their attention on what you're saying.