
Text in the presentation
For more articles on the subject Planning, preparation and delivery of presentations
When it comes to writing text for a presentation, one must distinguish between a presentation that is actually presented (on a screen, in front of an audience) and a presentation that is sent to the audience by email so that they can view it on their computer. A submitted presentation should be detailed and include a lot of text. A presentation delivered in front of an audience should be concise, with less text, and leave space for the presenter to explain the presentation to the audience.
A presentation to show on a computer (without an audience)
When the presentation is sent separately from the presenter, and he is not there to explain it, the text must fill his place and explain in detail the content and intentions of the presentation. Therefore, in such a presentation, much more text is needed.
Moreover, two main limitations on excess text in a 'live' presentation do not exist here: firstly, you can use a small font because the 'audience' is sitting next to the screen and can also read 14 and even 12 size text. Second, there is no narrator who speaks while the viewer reads the text and distracts his opinion
In the example on the left it is possible See a presentation designed for viewing on a computer – Lots of text and explanations.
A presentation to show in front of an audience
The main problem of many presenters is a huge excess of texts on the screen. It is important to understand: most of us read much faster than we read, so when the presenter reads a paragraph of text on the screen, he will reach a third of the paragraph when the audience has already read more than half. The result is that the audience hears one thing with their ears and reads something else with their eyes. The result is a mismatch (dissonance, although not cognitive dissonance) which impairs the audience's concentration, causes a feeling of being overwhelmed, and therefore often results in the audience disconnecting from the presentation or the speaker (or both).
In the example on the left you can see it A presentation adapted to be presented in front of an audience: with much less text and much more graphics.
Some rules for writing tacts for a presentation (to the audience)
- First rule: write chapter heads, not chapters
No need to explain the whole idea on the screen. That's what you're there for. The text on the screen should mainly be chapter headings so that the audience knows what the main topic is being talked about. - Second rule: have their own grammar presentations
Because of the nature of the text in the presentation as a title, it is not necessary to use full sentences in the presentation and it is very acceptable to use abbreviations. For example, there is no need to write "the forecast for the fiscal year 2009 is a sharp decline". You can write "Forecast 09′: sharp decline". By the way, the alternative proofreading does not concern your speech which should remain correct and standard. - Third rule: minimum design and graphic games in the text
The text is meant to be read, so any unusual design distracts from the message that the audience is supposed to read. Therefore, minimize the use of highlights (one highlight for every two transparencies is an acceptable maximum - and I will emphasize maximum). It is customary to use normal underlining, but a different text color is also allowed if normal underlining is not prominent enough. Do not use italicized text (italics) because in Hebrew it is against the direction of writing and therefore not comfortable. Do not use an underscore because this is the accepted way to mark Link. - Text animation
It's a good idea to gradually bring up the titles as your speaking rate progresses. I devote an extensive explanation to animations in presentations, but in terms of text, the calculation of animation is that it emphasizes what you say, creates visual dynamism and prevents the audience from running forward with the reading. But you should beware of two common mistakes:- It is important that each row comes up with a mouse click and not be pre-scheduled. You will never be able to adjust the timing exactly. This is a presentation - not karaoke.
- Use subtle and not overly enthusiastic animations.