The bare minimum!  Just because you can type text on a PowerPoint slide, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.  Read more for my number one, don’t break rule of creating an effective slide.

I’ve seen elaborate equations for the amount of text that should be on a slide screen that follow the “If Y = X, then T + Z/R – V” model.  Confusing!  Forget the math and stick with the simple.  What is the purpose of presentation software, such as PowerPoint?  It’s a visual enhancement for your presentation. How visual is text?  Not very.  Leave the words for the handout and follow this simple rule:  Look at each slide and for every word you see, ask if a photo could more powerfully convey the message and enhance your communication.  Nine times out of 10, there’s a picture that truly is worth a thousand words.

Want to learn more about creating a Powerful Presentation? Check out Dale’s DVD and workbook. Click here.