We’re here because you don’t like dirt spots … Slide makeover magic
Read time: 6 minutes.
As a presentation professional, I frequently had people send me some slides and say, “Work your magic.” I doubt people thought I really had magical powers, but I did add the word “magician” to my business card title.
In the realm of presentation design, the concept of slide makeovers often sparks intrigue and curiosity, generating ideas and providing concepts for the DIY (do-it-yourself) presentation creator. What exactly are slide makeovers, and why are they such a valuable tool in the arsenal of anyone needing to communicate through a presentation?
Why Slide Makeovers?
I started doing slide makeovers in response to several people in my company who didn’t like the new presentation template that was sent out. When I asked for specifics and some slides to illustrate, people sent in slides … but nothing about the template, just questions about how they could make their slides better. Well, they did have one valid complaint. The light background of connected dots on low-resolution monitors looked like dirt spots. I quickly removed that and sent a revised template. In response, I did a training session using slide makeovers with those slides they sent in. To start, I asked, “Do you know why we’re here?” After a few mumbled responses, I said, “We’re here because you don’t like dirt spots.” That got a laugh; then, we had a very successful slide makeover session.
They leverage real-world content.
Slide makeovers leverage real-world content, providing a tangible platform to illustrate communication concepts using presentations. Familiarity makes it relatable, whether it’s your own content or industry-specific material.
They offer guidance for transformation.
With a structured, step-by-step process, slide makeovers offer guidance for transforming ordinary slides into extraordinary narratives. Starting with existing content alleviates the daunting task of facing a blank canvas, facilitating a smoother transition toward crafting impactful presentations.
Getting the Most Value from Slide Makeovers
To maximize the benefits of slide makeovers, it’s essential to approach them with the right mindset. Here are a few things to know.
I have to make assumptions.
As a presentation professional, I know little about everything and not much about anything, so I have to make some assumptions about the slide content. And yes, I know what they say about making assumptions. In most cases, I’m not the subject matter expert. I’ll guide you through my reasoning behind each step of the makeover process, offering insights into why I approach each adjustment in a particular manner.
There’s more than one right way.
There’s more than one right way to create effective slide media. There are some wrong ways, too, but many, many right ways to communicate well. If I gave a slide to everyone reading this, we would end up with as many ways to rework it as there are people here. I’ll show you some best practices in a step-by-step way so you can apply the concepts to your own slides.
This is a no-judgment zone.
People have great ideas and content; it’s just not in a presentation format. Thank you to all of the people who have shared slides with me, and thank you in advance to those of you who will send some in the future. Seeing real-world content being reworked is critical to understanding how slide media can enhance your message, improve understanding, and inspire action.
From one to many slides.
A slide makeover for one slide, in most cases, means we’ll be creating more than one. It will likely be a series of slides in order to communicate the message well. We’ve all seen the 1,000 words on a slide versus maybe a picture that’s worth 1,000 words. Nobody knows or cares how many slides you have. They do care about their time and they want value from your presentation.
How Do Slide Makeovers Work?
The mechanics of slide makeovers are straightforward yet powerful:
We’ll transform slides step-by-step.
Each makeover unfolds in a structured manner, with every change documented on a new slide. This approach provides transparency into the makeover process, empowering individuals to replicate the methodology in their own presentations.
We’ll explore concepts for effective communication.
Beyond surface-level modifications, slide makeovers show the underlying principles of effective communication using presentation media. By dissecting the rationale behind each makeover step, you’ll gain valuable insights into the art and science of presentation design.
You get to keep the made-over slide(s).
The impact of slide makeovers extends far beyond the confines of a single training session. You get to keep the made-over slides and can integrate them into future presentations and rework them with new content.
Are you struggling with a particular slide in your presentation?
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you find yourself grappling with a challenging slide or simply seeking a fresh perspective. Your contributions serve as invaluable learning material, enriching the collective understanding of presentation communication concepts.
Slide makeovers represent a paradigm shift in the way we approach presentation design. By harnessing the power of real-world content, collaborative effort, and presentation refinement, slide makeovers will empower you to elevate your communication skills and captivate your audiences with spotless slides. Embrace the makeover journey, and let your slides tell stories that resonate and inspire.
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