Problem
Presentations become unfocused when the main message is unclear.
Action
Decide on a single idea that the audience should remember before building slides.
Outcome
The presentation becomes easier to understand.
Chapter: Creating a New Slide Ideology
Problem
Weak structure leads to disconnected slides.
Action
Develop and arrange your ideas before opening presentation software.
Outcome
The presentation communicates a stronger message.
Chapter: Creating Ideas, Not Slides
Problem
People struggle to understand complex relationships from text alone.
Action
Show connections, processes, and structures with simple diagrams.
Outcome
Complex ideas become easier to grasp.
Chapter: Creating Diagrams
Problem
Important insights can be hidden inside charts and numbers.
Action
Display only the data needed to support the key point.
Outcome
The audience can see the meaning of the data more quickly.
Chapter: Displaying Data
Problem
Visual choices can make information harder to absorb.
Action
Remove anything that does not help communicate the message.
Outcome
The audience understands the content more easily.
Chapter: Thinking Like a Designer
Problem
Poor layout makes people unsure where to look first.
Action
Place elements in a clear visual order based on importance.
Outcome
The audience follows the information more easily.
Chapter: Arranging Elements
Problem
Visual clutter reduces clarity.
Action
Use simple backgrounds, readable text, and purposeful color choices.
Outcome
Important information stands out clearly.
Chapter: Using Visual Elements: Background, Color, and Text
Problem
Decorative images distract from the main point.
Action
Use images that explain, reinforce, or strengthen the idea.
Outcome
The audience remembers the message better.
Chapter: Using Visual Elements: Images
Problem
Showing too much information at once overwhelms the audience.
Action
Use movement to introduce content in a controlled sequence.
Outcome
The audience stays focused on the current point.
Chapter: Creating Movement
Problem
Inconsistent slides weaken communication.
Action
Create templates that define common layouts and formatting rules.
Outcome
Presentations remain consistent and easier to create.
Chapter: Governing with Templates
Problem
Reading slides reduces audience engagement.
Action
Speak directly to the audience while using slides as visual support.
Outcome
The audience becomes more engaged.
Chapter: Interacting with Slides
Problem
Information alone does not create change.
Action
Connect every part of the presentation to a clear desired action.
Outcome
The audience is more likely to respond.
Chapter: Manifesto: The Five Theses of the Power of a Presentation