Slides can be grouped in 4 categories:
- Visualizations. A layout of data and/or elements with relationships that show something that is very hard to explain in linear text. Reading out all the columns of a data table is boring. Explaining the structure of DNA in words is impossible
- Background graphics. A nice picture or a few words that fill up that giant screen on stage and makes the overall picture frame (you + slide) look a lot better
- Trackers. A favorite of management consultants: some sort of table of contents that reassures you were we are in the overall story.
- Transcripts. Bullet points mapping 1-on-1 what the speaker is saying.
Think about when to use which one for what.
Complex visualizations might not work as a dramatic background image when you reveal your product. Background graphics will not say much in a document that you email without explanation. Trackers don’t say anything. Transcripts are horrible on stage, but might work when emailing to someone (i.e., a text document).