Using Visuals - 90% of speakers get this WRONG

When you’re stepping on stage to deliver a talk, it’s easy to think that a slick slideshow with all the bells and whistles will carry you through. But here’s the truth: Visuals should enhance your presentation, not steal the spotlight.

You want your audience to focus on your message, not get distracted by flashy graphics or cluttered slides.

Here’s a guide to help you use visuals wisely so that they support your talk and make a real impact.

1. Keep It Simple

Less is more.

When it comes to visuals, simplicity is your best friend. Overloading a slide with too much text or too many images makes it harder for your audience to focus. They’ll end up reading instead of listening, and you’ll lose that connection you’ve worked so hard to build.

Action Step: Limit each slide to one key idea.

• Use clean, minimal designs that reinforce your main points without overwhelming your audience.
• A great rule of thumb is to use no more than six words per slide—just enough to emphasize your message without distracting from your voice.

2. Choose High-Quality Images

Quality visuals make a difference.

Blurry, pixelated images scream unprofessional. On the flip side, well-chosen, high-quality visuals can enhance your presentation and make it memorable. Images can help illustrate concepts, evoke emotions, and drive your point home.

Action Step: Use high-resolution images that are relevant to your content.

• Sites like Unsplash and Pexels offer a range of free, high-quality visuals.
• When choosing images, make sure they align with the tone of your presentation—whether that’s professional, playful, or inspirational.

3. Use Visual Metaphors

Images can speak louder than words.

Visual metaphors are powerful tools because they make abstract concepts easier to understand. For example, showing a mountain to represent a big challenge or a maze to symbolize a complex issue helps your audience grasp your ideas quickly.

Action Step: Think about the core message of each section of your presentation. What visual metaphor could simplify this idea?

• Incorporate those images into your slides. Just make sure they enhance your point and don’t confuse your audience.

4. Don’t Let Your Slides Do the Talking

You're the star, not your slides.

Slides are there to support what you’re saying, not replace it. If your audience can get your entire message just by reading your slides, then they’re not really listening to you.

Action Step: Use slides to reinforce key points with bullet points, images, or brief phrases.

• Leave the detailed explanations to your speech. This way, your visuals act as a prompt for your audience rather than a script.

5. Incorporate Graphs and Charts Effectively

Data is powerful when presented well.

If you’re sharing statistics or data, don’t just slap a table on your slide and expect people to make sense of it. Instead, turn your data into simple, clear graphs or charts. Effective visuals can make complex information digestible.

Action Step: Choose the right type of graph for your data. Bar graphs work well for comparing numbers, line graphsare great for showing trends over time, and pie charts are best for displaying parts of a whole. Keep the design clean and highlight the key takeaway so your audience can quickly understand the data.

6. Use Video Clips Wisely

Videos can break up your talk, but don’t overdo it.

A well-timed video clip can illustrate a point, evoke emotion, or provide a needed break during your presentation. But be cautious—long videos can lose your audience’s attention, and if your entire presentation relies on video, you risk disengaging them completely.

Action Step: If you’re going to use video, keep it short (under 2 minutes is ideal).

• Make sure the clip is relevant and directly ties into your talk.
• Always have a backup plan in case the tech gods aren’t on your side.

7. Be Consistent with Style and Branding

Consistency creates a professional look.

Using different fonts, colors, and layouts on every slide can make your presentation look chaotic and distracting. Consistent styling reinforces your brand and keeps the audience’s focus on what matters—your message.

Action Step: Pick a color palette and font style that align with your brand, and stick with them throughout your presentation.

• Make sure your slides follow a clear, consistent design pattern so your audience isn’t distracted by visual chaos.

Conclusion: Visuals as Support, Not a Crutch

Visuals are a powerful part of any presentation, but only if you use them wisely. The best speakers know how to create slides that enhance their message, not overpower it. Keep your slides simple, use high-quality images, and always make sure your visuals serve a purpose.

Ready to up your speaking game? I’m offering a free strategy call where we can dive into your presentation skills, including how to use visuals effectively.

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