Power of Titles in Presentations

Subtle details can significantly impact the effectiveness of a presentation. One of the details that has a huge influence on a presentation, are the titles in a slide deck.

Titles serve an essential function in presentations. As the largest text on the slide, they naturally draw attention, making them a powerful tool when used effectively. Here are a few ways to leverage the power of titles:

1. Use Titles to Prompt Your Key Phrase

It’s common for presenters to click to a new slide, glance at the title, and momentarily forget what they want to say. This often leads to filler words like “um” or “uh” as they try to recover their train of thought.
To avoid this, place the key phrase or word you want to remember in the slide title. When you advance to a new slide, the title becomes your visual cue, guiding you to the right opening phrase. Not only does this create smoother transitions, but it also benefits your audience. When the words they see match the words they hear, it enhances clarity and keeps folks engaged from the start.

2. Avoid Questions in Titles

Unless your presentation directly addresses specific questions (such as a research aim or customer inquiry), avoid using questions in your slide titles. Repeated question marks can subtly imply uncertainty around the work.
Instead, it’s better to use statements. Statements convey confidence and stability, making your data or ideas feel more grounded. For example, a question like “Why is this important?” could be reframed as: “The Importance of This Work.” This shift reinforces certainty and strengthens the overall tone of the presentation.

3. Focus on Empowering Words

Many slide titles inadvertently emphasize “effort” or “work,” which can unintentionally make the presentation feel like a list of challenges or burdens. Instead, highlight the goal or outcome in your title to create a more positive and motivational tone.

For instance:

• Change “Where We Need to Put Effort” to “How to Create Momentum”
• Reframe “Areas to Improve” as “Current Opportunities”

This adjustment can shift the focus from labor and effort towards empowerment and progress.

Using your slide titles strategically by incorporating key phrases, avoiding unnecessary questions, and highlighting empowering words can elevate the entire presentation. Thoughtful, intentional titles not only guide your delivery but also create a more engaging and impactful experience for your audience.

Author: Bri McWhorter
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