Page 58 - AV Presentations - Student Textbook

8. Use the 2/4/8 rule

When I look back at my most successful slide decks there’s a pattern, I call it the 2/4/8 rule: about every
2 minutes I have a new slide (about 30 slides for a 60-minute speech), no more than 4 bullets per slide,
and no more than 8 words per bullet.

Just like any recipe, use the 2/4/8 rule as a guide and then vary the ingredients as needed.

9. Fade to black when speaking

Your slides are not the point—you are. When you fade to black you regain your audience’s attention.
For example, after I present one solution (that’s also shown on the screen), I’ll fade to black while I
expound on how to apply the solution in your work.

It’s no different than a close-up in a movie – the director wants you to focus only on the speaker. Note
that some remotes don’t have the black screen feature – if you’re shopping for a remote be sure it does.

10. When in doubt, remove it.

If you’re Al Gore explaining trends in CO2 emissions, slides can be essential – they can also be a
distraction. When I’m struggling, trying to decide if I need a slide, or not, I ask myself: “Will it make my
speech better?” If not, I remove it.

Remember, nobody will miss what isn’t there.

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