Design readable slides
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The idea in everyday life
Create a consistent visual system that makes one meaningful point at a time and remains usable for diverse audiences.
Each slide is a billboard seen briefly, not a page read privately at arm’s length.
One step at a time.
Use the sample or information you have permission to use. Keep your work as you go. You can pause between steps.
- 1
Choose a small set of fonts, colors, spacing rules, page layouts, and reusable slide elements. Use strong contrast and large text.
- 2
Write takeaway headlines that state the point rather than labels such as “Results.”
- 3
Use one primary visual hierarchy, remove decorative clutter, and split overloaded slides.
- 4
Add alt text, reading order, captions, non-color cues, and an accessible shared version or handout.
See how it works.
Priya turns six paragraphs into a takeaway headline, one annotated funnel, and two short supporting facts, then moves detail to notes.
Did you cover these?
- Your work includes a complete slide deck using a documented visual system and accessibility checklist.
- Check this common mistake: Shrinking text to preserve every bullet instead of editing or separating ideas.
- The main point of every slide is readable from the back of the intended room and understandable in a quick scan.
What to finish
A complete slide deck using a documented visual system and accessibility checklist.
Watch for this
Shrinking text to preserve every bullet instead of editing or separating ideas.
How can I tell I understand it?
The main point of every slide is readable from the back of the intended room and understandable in a quick scan.
Quick knowledge check
Answer all 3 questions. Get at least 2 right and the lesson completes automatically.
You’ll get an explanation for each answer. Signed in? Your results save to your account.
Pass the check. We’ll save the progress.
Answer all 3 questions above and get at least 2 right. You can review the explanations and try again.
Go to the knowledge checkOptional course overview video · same video as Lesson 1
How to Avoid Death by PowerPoint
From TEDx Talks. Watch here or open it on YouTube .
Watch for an idea you can use in the practice below. You can pause or skip this optional overview.Tools, templates, and lesson sources
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Sources and further reading
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