How Using Images in Your PowerPoint Can Keep Your Audience Awake

Before we get into how using images in your PowerPoint can keep your audience awake, I have a confession to make. I’ve been guilty of falling asleep during meetings.

Ok, don’t look at me like that! I’m sure I’m not the first person to doze off in the middle of a monthly business review. Be honest. You’ve accidentally caught a few winks too. I’ll take that slight head tilt as a “yes”. Good to know I’m not alone.

Of course, when I say I sometimes fall asleep I don’t mean full-on REM but more like those quick moments where you realize your eyes were closed for sliiiightly longer than the average blink. Those moments when you look around to see if anyone caught you and then release a sigh of relief when you confirm you’re in the clear.

WHY

So, why does this happen to people like you and me who are hard-working, overachievers? The simple (and scientific) answer is because the material being presented to us is unmotivating.

Now, you might be thinking “what’s supposed to be motivating about a quarterly earnings update or a monthly team meeting?”. The honest answer is probably “not much” but this is where the science comes in. According to a study published by Nature Communications, a brain that isn’t motivated or engaged by its surroundings will send signals that it’s time to fall asleep.

Next time you’re in a meeting fighting the urge to yawn, the culprit might not actually be your late-night Netflix binge but the dull, unmotivating content being presented.

AN EASY WAY TO COMBAT BOREDOM AS A POWERPOINT CREATOR

Now that we’ve identified why people fall asleep during meetings the next logical question is

“How do I stop my audience from falling asleep when I’m presenting?”.

This is a common question and, luckily, there’s a quick fix that can increase engagement and decrease head-bobbers.

The answer is to use images in your PowerPoint. I know that seems like such a simple change that it could not possibly make an impact. However, studies show the using images in your PowerPoint has many benefits including;

-drawing your audience back into the presentation

-improving the overall look and feel of the presentation which increases credibility

-helping your audience to remember the associated message

TIPS FOR USING IMAGES

1. Make sure the image supports the message on the slide. Adding arbitrary images will only confuse your audience and may lead to unnecessary questions. Who has time for that?!
2. Use large, high-quality images. Small or blurry images will surely be a distraction for your audience as they try to decipher what the picture is showing. Distractions mean no one is listening to your message (or the message of your presenter).
3. Consider stock photography or company images where allowed. Drafting a slide that details an upcoming team-building event? Include a stock image of a group of professionals smiling or laughing. Creating a presentation around employee volunteer efforts? Ask for a picture from the event to showcase your team members.
4. Ask about your company branding library. Many companies maintain a library of approved icons, logos, and other various images. Ask around to see if this exists and get ready to receive major kudos for creating a beautifully branded presentation.

CONCLUSION

Using images in your PowerPoint presentations is a #QuickWin if you are hoping to improve the look of your presentations. Of course, there will be some variance on what kind of images are appropriate based on your particular company and/or the presentation topic but if you can add them I would highly recommend it.

Looking for a step-by-step guide on HOW to add high-quality images to your presentations? You know I’ve got you covered! You can download my free PDF guide >>> Boost Your Audience Engagement with Images for quick and easy instructions for finding and adding high-quality images to your presentation (without ever leaving PowerPoint).

Still have questions? Comment below and let me know what’s on your mind or DM me on Instagram or Facebook @whitneydwalter. I can’t wait to hear from you. 🙂

 

Source mentioned here.

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