SLIDEDOCS IMPROVE COMMUNICATION Below is a summary of this book. The summary page should reinforce key points from your slidedoc. We used colored text in this summary page to illustrate how some of the exact page titles throughout the slidedoc can be used in the summary. The way we communicate is changing. In our time-strapped world, we like information that is consumed quickly. This has led organizations to look for a way to fill the gap between long-form documents and presentations. What has emerged are slidedocs. A slidedoc is a visual document intended to be read and referenced instead of projected. Slidedocs work for a variety of communication scenarios, from sales collateral to in-meeting reference material. And because of their modular nature, slidedocs can spread your smart thinking throughout your organization.
But creating a great slidedoc also means taking the time to do it right—and that means investing in both the writing and the design. Effective slidedocs are developed by knowing your audience, understanding how they consume information, and by having one clear big idea. From there, following good writing practices and writing compelling copy well help you create a slidedoc that spreads. Developing effective slidedocs also means visualizing ideas and making the information easy to navigate. To do that, you need to highlight what’s important while using diagrams and data to show the relationships between the different elements of an idea.
Using basic design principles—like creating structure with a grid and adding white space to give your content room to breathe—helps amplify what’s important and helps readers digest your information. Slidedocs are one of the most effective tools for communicating ideas quickly and establishing consensus. Your ideas deserve the best possible communication vehicle. Slidedocs are designed for the way we communicate today, and these best practices will give you the skills you need to change your organization for the better.
© Duarte, Inc. 2014
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