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Talk Tenet: Slide Simplicity

Tenet: slide-simplicity

Title: Slide Simplicity

Description: Each slide should contain a limited amount of information to ensure clarity and comprehension. Specifically, slides should have a maximum of three bullet points or two formulae. This constraint prevents cognitive overload, allows the audience to absorb information effectively, and maintains audience engagement. Simplicity on slides shifts the focus to the speaker’s verbal explanation while using visual elements as support rather than the primary information carrier.

Quote: “A slide should be a glance, not a stare.”

Examples:

• A slide with a single powerful image and minimal text
• A technical slide with two formula expressions and appropriate annotation
• A slide with three concise bullet points that elaborate on a key concept

Counter-examples:

• Slides with dense paragraphs of text
• Technical slides with multiple formula expressions stacked together
• Slides with numerous bullet points that overwhelm the viewer

Conflicts:

• Technical Depth: Some complex topics might seem to require more information on a single slide
  • Resolution: Break complex topics into multiple slides with logical progression
• Comprehensive Coverage: Desire to cover all aspects of a topic might push toward information-dense slides
  • Resolution: Prioritize the most important points for slides and use notes for additional detail

Version: 1.0 (2024-06-15)