Do you ‘word diet’? Make it simple.

According to Harvard Business Review, people should be able to understand a PowerPoint slide in about THREE SECONDS. This is known as the "glance test".

So, when I see a presentation, my first instinct is to ask, “how can this be simpler and easier to digest?” I’m not talking about just whole sections of content; I’m talking about dropping repetitive words and shortening sentences to hold the audience.

For example, if each of your bullets starts with ‘The’ – drop it! Then think about how to make each bullet shorter and more concise.

BEFORE: What are the 3 main causes of pollution?

·       The cars on the road are driving too much.

·       The smoke that rises from forest fires.

·       The fumes coming from chemical production.

AFTER: Three main causes of pollution:

1. Excessive driving

2. Forest fires

3. Chemical production fumes

Your audience does not need extra words to make your point. They will appreciate seeing less to convey the same message. Combine it with effective visuals and BAM! You have now passed the glance test.

Remember, keep it simple.

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