Build Visual Impact In Minutes

Big presentation coming up? Is your visual message clear and compelling?

Visual impact will determine in whether your presentation will be a winner. Take a moment right now and ask a single question…

Is your message instantly clear?

If you have to think too long (more than a couple seconds) then the answer is: no.

Your visual message must be immediately obvious. If you are in doubt and think maybe there's something you don't know–use these 5 instant impact tips to give your presentation a quick visual tune up.

Instant Impact Tip 1: Are The Visuals Attractive?
People don't love looking at ugly icky stuff. They want to see pretty pictures and bright colors. If your pictures are drab, ugly or visually disgusting, you are shooting yourself in the foot.

Don’t risk this. It's not worth it – unless you are marketing and selling something extremely ugly. Otherwise, make sure your pictures, charts and diagrams are aesthetic and visually pleasing.

Instant Impact Tip 2: Are The Pictures Simple?
Complicated charts and diagrams are, well…complicated. Maybe they tell an important story. But most viewers are too busy to wade through the mud to find out what you are trying to say.

It's not that your research or story is at fault. It's just that the depiction is too complicated. If you want to have the most impact, keep the pictures extremely simple.

Recently, I coached a client who was preparing a presentation for his public speaking class. I told him about this principle. Here's how he said it back to me, "Oh – you mean I should over-simplify everything?"

Yes. That's exactly what I mean.

Don't overload your audience with details. Provide a simple and easy to understand picture.

Instant Impact Tip 3: Show Pictures of What You Provide
If you provide a service, show a picture of the service you provide. If you sell a product, show photos of people using the product.

Your audience is preoccupied, distracted, and focused on many urgent business matters. It's up to you to focus their attention on your presentation. Use pictures to show your viewers what you are talking about.

Instant Impact Tip 4: Show Emotion With Pictures
Use pictures to add a dimension of emotion. Most people make emotional decisions to buy – whether they are buying a product, service, or strategy. You are building a powerful connection to your audience.

Speak the language of emotion–in pictures.

Instant Impact Tip 5: Show Process Steps In Pictures
Show a visual step-by-step view of the process. This may be the buying process, selling process or a project management process.

Keep steps short and simple. Think of one-two-three as the most effective way to show step one, step two and step three of any process.

When you use pictures, icons and color to emphasize steps in a process, it's easier for people to understand your message.

Use these 5 instant tips, you'll have visual impact in minutes.