Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication – Leonardo da Vinci is said to have once stated or written. Although there is no evidence that he actually expressed this thought, the wisdom it contains is worthy of the Renaissance master himself. Steve Jobs referred to this idea when designing his products and presentations. And today, many communication masters draw on it as well. They do so because they know that only a simple message will be a clear message. But how can we achieve this simplicity and clarity? Here are a few tips for you.
My favorite quote about simplicity, however, is not da Vinci’s famous one. I believe that German expressionist painter Hans Hofmann (a mentor and associate of the better-known Jackson Pollock) captured simplicity most accurately: “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” So how do we simplify presentations?
Focus on the core message
Define the key idea you want your audience to remember. Stick to this idea throughout your presentation. A clear vision of what you want to say will guide you in deciding what’s worth including and what isn’t.Opt for minimalist design
Avoid overcrowding your slides. If you’re creating a presentation for a conference or an important external meeting, present only one idea per slide. Don’t include lengthy texts – a few key phrases are enough. You can elaborate on them in your speech.Choose cohesive visuals
Use high-quality images, icons, and charts that support your message. Avoid unnecessary decorations that might distract your audience. Remember: less is more when it comes to colors. The optimal number of distinctive colors on a slide is two: a primary color and an accent color. That’s all you need. The rest should be neutral tones (white, black, gray).Ensure logical structure
Your presentation should have a clear layout: introduction, development of key points, and a concrete conclusion. You can use structures such as: from problem to solution; general to specific; significance to details; chronological order, or the “What? So what? Now what?” structure.Use concise language
Use simple words and avoid incomprehensible jargon. Speak clearly and stay on point, ensuring your thoughts are easy to understand. Avoid linguistic mannerisms (e.g., filler sounds like “uhhh” or frequently repeated phrases like “kind of,” “you know?”, “and so on”).Highlight key points
On slides, emphasize key words using bold text, contrasting colors, or larger font sizes. Don’t overdo it with formatting – for example, underlining can suggest a hyperlink. Forget about fancy effects found in PowerPoint’s Shape Effects or Text Effects menus. They – truly! – do not yield good results.Practice your presentation
To make your speech smooth, engaging, and on-point, be sure to rehearse. This allows you to sound natural. If any parts seem overly complicated, work on simplifying them or find alternative ways to express them.
If you want to take your presentations to a masterful level, ask me about training in professional presentations or simple communication.