In effective communication design, and especially in the area of presentation visuals, we want to be as simple as possible. This not only makes delivery easier, but also aids better understanding.

Then, why do the many presentations we attend tend to be confusing, boring and difficult to understand?

It is not always easy to for many of us to simplify our messages, especially if we are using visuals to aid our delivery. We often have too many things that we need to deliver in that presentation and we want to have them all on slides. Thus, resulting in our visuals being cluttered and complex.

Here are 3 key considerations for creating simple messages in presentation visuals.

Clean

Keep your visuals clean. Do not over use images. Use not more than 5-10 words on each slide. Leave plenty of space giving breathing room for text or images.

Focus

Be focus. Use one main point per slide. Know what you want to convey and summarise your thoughts in the least possible words. Use a single image on your slide instead of multiple images.

Clear

Make your messages clear. Use simple words. Use simple images. Stay away from complex and confusing illustrations. 

Presenters need to be aware that people can only remember simple things and reject things that are too complex or difficult. So the simpler our messages, the easier it is for our listeners to understand.

Always remember to make your presentation visuals Sticky by ensuring that your messages are Simple.