Sticky Presentations bite size article: Infographics for presentation slides - LOVE or HATE

Infographics LOVE or HATE

Jan 26, 2015

The usage of infographics is gaining popularity in today's business world—mostly seen in posters, magazines, brochures, etc. and in presentation slides too. As we are representing information in a visual format in presentation slides, it is a form of infographics too. Love or hate depends on how we adapt them effectively for presentation slides.

The infographics that we use for presentation slides are not quite the same as those used for posters and magazines. In presentation slides, we need to ensure clarity and visibility. Infographics designed for presentation slides must be simple and large enough to be seen from the last row where the audience is sitting. Break up complex infographics into simpler segment and present them in multiple slides.

Here is an example of infographic that is not suitable for use in presentation slides.
Example of infographic slide showing complex information format that is not suitable for a presentation
Pick up bite size information from complex infographic and present them in a more focused and simpler form is preferred when the information is used for presentation slides.
Infographic: inflation 4.1% to 14%, an example of focused data suitable for presentation slides inspired by Sticky SPY.
Infographic: New Registration of Motor Vehicle 2009-2013, an example of focused data suitable for presentation slides inspired by Sticky SPY.
Infographic: Petroleum Consumption 2012 & 2013, an example of focused data suitable for presentation slides inspired by Sticky SPY.
Infographic: New employment opportunities 14% vs 86%, an example of focused data suitable for presentation slides inspired by Sticky SPY.
We can also add related photo image to the slide background to create more interesting visuals. To do that, we must ensure that the contrast between the background image and foreground information is good and clear.
Infographic: Inflation and GDP growth with background image of supermarket, an example of focused data suitable for presentation slides inspired by Sticky SPY.
Infographic: Petroleum Consumption with background image of car at gas pump, an example of focused data suitable for presentation slides inspired by Sticky SPY.
Infographic: New registration of motor vehical with background image heavy road traffic, an example of focused data suitable for presentation slides inspired by Sticky SPY.
Infographic: New employment opportunities in 2013 with background image of executives going to work, an example of focused data suitable for presentation slides inspired by Sticky SPY.

Infographics that incorporate paragraphs of text are not suitable for presentation. For presentation slides, we should design infographics for SEEing, and NOT for READing.

There are many online tools that will help us create exciting infographics for various applications. Before we jump into using any of those tools, we should be clear of our communication objectives. Always ask ourselves, "What is the key message that we want the infographic to communicate?"

Be focused and simple.

The author, ANG Tian Teck is a coach, trainer, and speaker, specialising in inspiring organisations and business leaders to deliver high impact presentations. He has coached, trained, and infected over 10,000 individuals across the region with his Amazing Sticky Presentations approach. Tian Teck is also the author of two books, Sticky Presentations, and Spinning I.D.E.A.S.

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