Presentation Content Design
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will understand how to:
- Structure content for maximum business impact
- Create visual aids that enhance your message
- Design presentations that are accessible and inclusive
1. Techniques for Organizing Content Effectively
Essential Reading
- How to Give a Killer Presentation by Chris Anderson via Harvard Business Review
- How to Create Slides That Suit Your Superiors: 11 Tips by Nancy Duarte via MIT Sloan Management Review
Key Takeaways for Business Presentations
The Power of Structure
- Start with a compelling hook that connects to your audience’s needs
- Your slides should follow a logical flow of information
- End with a specific, actionable call to action
Executive-Level Communication
- Lead with key insights, then provide supporting details
- Keep slides focused on decisions, not just information
- Avoid long-winded explanations and too much technical jargon
Storytelling in Business
- Use case studies and real examples to make abstract concepts concrete
- Make the content relatable to the experiences of your specific audience
- Connect emotional impact with logical reasoning
2. How to Create Compelling Visual Aids
Essential Reading
- 18 Best Types of Charts and Graphs for Data Visualization [+ Guide] via HubSpot
- Meet Illustrator Mona Chalabi, the Data Sleuth Making Poignant Visualizations About the Full Impact of Racism by Naomi Rea via artnet
Design Principles for Business Audiences
Choose the Right Chart Type
- Bar charts for comparisons
- Line graphs for trends over time
- Infographics for process flows or complex relationships
Visual Hierarchy
- One main message per slide
- Limit text to bullet points or key phrases
- Ensure text is readable from the back of the room
Professional Polish
- Consistent fonts, colors, and spacing throughout
- High-quality images and graphics
- White space is powerful—don’t overcrowd slides
3. Inclusive Presentation Design
Essential Reading
- How to Create More Inclusive Visual Communications: Ensuring Diverse Representation and Accessibility by Disha Arora via American India Foundation
- Inclusive Design for Accessible Presentations by Allison Ravenhall via Smashing Magazine
Accessibility Best Practices
Visual Accessibility
- Use high contrast color combinations (avoid red-green combinations)
- Choose clear, sans-serif fonts at minimum 18-point size
- Include alt-text descriptions for images and charts
Cultural Inclusivity
- Include diverse representation in images, case studies and examples
- Avoid idioms or cultural references that may not translate
- Be mindful of religious holidays and cultural practices in scheduling
Language Considerations
- Plan to speak at a measured pace for non-native speakers
- Provide key terms in writing on slides
- Allow time for questions and clarification at the end
Application Exercise
As you begin working on your mini-presentation:
- Content Structure: Choose one organizational framework from the readings that fits your topic
- Visual Design: Identify 2-3 visual aids (charts, images, diagrams) that will enhance your message
- Inclusive Design: Consider your audience and implement at least two accessibility practices
Share Your Resources!
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🤖 AI Study Prompts
After working through these resources, deepen your understanding with these prompts:
- “Based on these content organization techniques, what are 3 additional frameworks for structuring business presentations in my field?”
- “How should visual design principles differ when presenting to international vs. domestic business audiences?”
- “What are emerging trends in business presentation design that incorporate accessibility and inclusion?”
Next Activity: Presentation Delivery where we’ll learn about presentation delivery techniques to bring your well-designed content to life.