Effective Use of Images in Presentations

Images play an important part in any presentation. Not only the look but also colors and size are of high relevance. Here you will learn more about choosing the right images to have the best possible effect. Just follow three simple suggestions.

Less is More

You may ask yourself how many images or pictures you should place on one slide. It’s essential to avoid overcrowding your slides with too many images. Your presentation should not resemble a photo album of your last vacation; instead, the images should serve to reinforce your main thesis and statements.

A single image, graphic, or chart is often more effective, and it’s best not to exceed two. This approach helps focus the audience’s attention and minimizes confusion caused by excessive information. Remember, the more visual stimuli introduced, the more cognitive load on your audience, which can lead to fatigue and distraction.

The Size Factor

The size of an image can significantly impact its effectiveness. A small image, no matter how appealing, is likely to go unnoticed by your audience. Instead, opt for larger images to create a more elegant and impactful presentation.

Consider using images that span the full size of the slide. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also engages your audience more effectively. Unused space on a slide can make a presentation feel dull and uninviting. Always remember to select images that feature neutral colors such as white, gray, and black for a professional look.

The Hollywood-Look

Have you ever noticed how most movies adhere to specific color themes? For instance, thrillers and horror films often utilize cooler tones, while family movies project a warmer atmosphere with hues like yellow, orange, or sepia.

Hollywood Feeling for Your Presentation:

To achieve a cinematic quality in your presentation, convert your images to a 16:9 format (or 21:9 for a more authentic film-like experience), position them centrally on the slide, and apply a movie-style color scheme. While this may be easier for those experienced in image editing, numerous examples and extensive collections of images can be found on Fotolia and other online platforms.

Special Tip: Metaphors

If your presentation tackles a particularly dry or unengaging topic, consider incorporating unrelated images that illustrate metaphors and analogies. This technique can help lighten the mood and make your content more relatable and memorable.

Images: © eyetronic – Fotolia.com, © Ivan Kruk – Fotolia.com, © travelwitness – Fotolia.com