1. Slidedocs: Between Presentations and Memos
What is a Slidedoc?
Why are they relevant?
How will I use them?
Properties of Slidedocs
Chunking
Integrated Media
Formatting Pages
Editing
3. A slidedoc is a new medium invented
by Nancy Duarte that uses presentation software
like PowerPoint to create documents that are
meant to be read. Presentation software offers
many advantages over traditional word processing
tools: it is easily edited into a variety of formats; it
is designed to combine graphics and text; and it
can be used to embed support materials including
multimedia to maximize the likelihood that
readers will engage with the information.
Slidedocs combine the versatility of
Presentation software with all the best and most
difficult aspects of excellent writing: focusing on
the audience; insisting on lean prose; editing for
flow between ideas; and attending to editorial
layout.
Finally, we have found a way to cure Death by PowerPoint.
A Sample Slidedoc
Advantages of Creating Slidedocs
Visual Versatile
Scalable Interactive
4. As a pre-read
Distribute a slidedoc
before a meeting and
reserve a majority of
the meeting for
building consensus.
This is particularly
helpful when the topic
is highly complex or
technical.
As an emissary
People in positions of
influence will
sometimes say, “send
me your slides” before
they’ll book a meeting
with you. Slidedocs
help you fully explain
your idea without
being there.
As reference material
Information should
enhance a
conversation, not
distract from it.
Combining words and
visuals around a single
idea with book-like
navigation makes it
easy for people to refer
to the information.
As follow-up material
Presentations often
answer the question,
“Why should I embrace
your idea?” After a
formal presentation,
people need answers
to the question “How
do I embrace your
idea?” Slidedocs fill the
gap.
Applying the idea with students.
HOW WILL I USE A SLIDEDOC?
EXECUTIVES
Keep it to 5 slides.
SALES MATERIAL
Cheap and effective.
BEFORE THE MEETING
Keep it to 20 min.
DURING THE MEETING
10 minutes is a waste
of time.
AFTER A LECTURE
Like sending a thank
you note after an
interview: answer
unasked questions,
review resonating
points.
BEFORE THE MEETING
Make it dense wih data
in graphical form.
