How do you create impactful visuals for webinars?

1 Choose the right tool

There are many tools available to create visuals for webinars, such as PowerPoint, Canva, Prezi, or Google Slides. The best tool for you depends on your budget, your skill level, and your preferences. Some factors to consider are the ease of use, the design options, the compatibility with your webinar platform, and the file size. You want a tool that allows you to create high-quality visuals that match your brand identity and your webinar theme, without compromising the speed and performance of your presentation.

2 Use simple and relevant images

Images can help you illustrate your points, evoke emotions, and grab attention. However, too many or too complex images can also distract, confuse, or overwhelm your viewers. To avoid this, use simple and relevant images that support your main message and fit your topic. Avoid generic, cliché, or low-resolution images that don't add value to your presentation. You can use stock photos, icons, charts, or screenshots, but make sure they are clear, consistent, and properly cited.

3 Apply the rule of thirds

The rule of thirds is a design principle that helps you create balanced and appealing visuals. It divides your slide into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines. The idea is to place the most important elements of your visual along these lines or at their intersections, where the eye naturally tends to look. This way, you can create a focal point, avoid clutter, and enhance the readability and aesthetics of your slide.

4 Use contrast and alignment

Contrast and alignment are two other design principles that can help you create impactful visuals for webinars. Contrast refers to the difference between the elements of your visual, such as colors, fonts, sizes, or shapes. Contrast can help you highlight key information, create hierarchy, and improve legibility. Alignment refers to the arrangement of the elements of your visual in relation to each other and to the edges of your slide. Alignment can help you create order, harmony, and professionalism. You can use grids, guides, or snap tools to align your elements properly.

5 Add animations and transitions

Animations and transitions are effects that can make your visuals more dynamic and interactive. Animations are movements that you apply to the elements of your slide, such as fading, zooming, or spinning. Transitions are movements that you apply to the whole slide, such as sliding, wiping, or flipping. You can use animations and transitions to emphasize important points, create suspense, or show relationships. However, don't overuse them or use them inconsistently, as they can also distract, annoy, or confuse your viewers.

6 Test and optimize your visuals

Before you go live with your webinar, you should test and optimize your visuals to ensure they work well and look good on different devices and browsers. You can use tools like Zoom or Webex to preview your presentation and check for any errors, glitches, or formatting issues. You can also ask for feedback from a colleague or a friend to see if your visuals are clear, engaging, and relevant. You can then make any adjustments or improvements to your visuals to make them more impactful and effective.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?