Slides That Support, Not Distract
Practical ways to make slides that support rather than distract, so your voice stays the star.
Slides are a backdrop. Less text, more meaning.
10 tips that really help
These ideas come from Building a StoryBrand (Donald Miller), Pitch Anything (Oren Klaff), Made to Stick (Chip Heath and Dan Heath), and everyday practice. The first six help the most. Pick one and try it today.
Slides should support you, not replace you
The audience came to hear and see you, so slides should add clarity, not compete for attention.
Reduce your slides.
Use one idea per slide
When a slide tries to say five things, people read instead of listening and remember nothing.
Check each slide.
Use large, readable text
If people at the back cannot read it, it is too small and the slide is wasted.
Use at least 28 point.
Prefer pictures to bullet lists
A strong image carries meaning quickly and is more memorable than lines of text.
Replace one bullet list.
Limit the words
Aim for under twenty words per slide, and say the rest out loud.
Cut half of the text.
Keep a consistent style
The same fonts and colours throughout make your presentation look professional and calm.
Use one template.
Do not read your slides
Reading them aloud loses the audience and shows you are not prepared.
Practise speaking from memory.
Make charts simple
One clear message per chart, with labels you can read quickly, helps understanding.
Remove clutter.
Prepare a backup
Technology can fail, so keep a printed copy or a second device ready.
Save on a USB stick.
Share the deck afterwards
Sending slides before the talk invites reading ahead, while afterwards supports memory.
Plan to send it later.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many sales conversations.
“One idea per slide.”
“Let the picture do the talking.”
“Keep words to a minimum.”
“Can the back row read this?”
“I will explain what is not on the slide.”
“Thanks for your attention.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Cut text on each slide
Use large fonts
Use one clear image per slide
Use consistent colours
Avoid reading slides aloud
Test on a big screen
Ask for feedback
Further reading
- Building a StoryBrand (Donald Miller)
- Pitch Anything (Oren Klaff)
- Made to Stick (Chip Heath and Dan Heath)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
Keep your place and keep growing
Create a free account to save your progress and pick up the next lesson where you stopped. No card needed.
Start freeThese lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.
More lessons in “Tell Stories That Sell”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: The Three-Point PresentationNext: Demo the Result, Not the Features →
- Why Stories Beat Statistics
- The Simple Story Shape: Problem, Struggle, Win
- Make the Customer the Hero
- Find Stories in Your Everyday Work
- Keep It Short, Keep It Real
- Add One Vivid Detail
- End Every Story With a Point
- Collect Stories While They Are Fresh
- The Before, During and After Story
- Use Real Numbers Honestly
- Tell a Story Like Your Customer Would
- Match the Story to the Buyer
- Case Studies People Actually Read
- Ask for Testimonials Without Awkwardness
- Your Ten-Second Introduction
- The One-Sentence Pitch
- Cut the Jargon
- Lead With the Problem You Solve
- Make the Benefit Obvious
- Use Simple Words and Short Sentences
- The Message Test: Can They Repeat It?
- Open With a Hook
- The Three-Point Presentation
- Slides That Support, Not Distract
- Demo the Result, Not the Features
- Use Pauses Like a Pro
- Handle Questions Mid-Presentation
- Close Your Presentation Strongly
- Hold the Room Without Shouting
- Use Your Hands and Eyes
- Control Your Pace Under Pressure
- Recover From a Slip
- Pitch to One Person or Twenty
- Pitch Over Video With Energy
- A One-Page Proposal That Wins
- Open With Their Problem, Not Your Company
- Show Options: Good, Better, Best
- Make Pricing Easy to Understand
- Add a Clear Next Step
- Proofread Like a Professional
