Format and Design Digital Presentations

A digital presentation uses slides to share information with an audience. Good design makes your message clear and easy to follow. Poor design — like tiny text, too many bullet points, or clashing colors — makes it harder for your audience to pay attention.

Principles of Effective Slide Design

• One idea per slide — focus each slide on a single key point so the audience is not overwhelmed.
• Large, readable font — use at least size 24 for body text; the title should be even bigger.
• High contrast — use dark text on a light background, or light text on a dark background.
• Minimal text — use key words and short phrases, not full paragraphs.
• Relevant visuals — add images, diagrams, or icons that directly support your message.

Common Design Mistakes to Avoid

• Too many bullet points — cramming 10 points on one slide confuses the audience.
• Tiny font — text that is too small cannot be read from a distance.
• Low contrast — light yellow text on a white background is nearly invisible.
• Irrelevant images — decorating slides with random pictures distracts from the message.
• Reading from the slides — your slides should support what you say, not replace it.

Presentation Structure

1. Title slide — your topic and name.
2. Introduction / hook — grab attention with a question, image, or surprising fact.
3. Key point 1 — first main idea with supporting evidence or example.
4. Key point 2 — second main idea.
5. Closing slide — summary, conclusion, or call to action.