After a presentation I gave in the Netherlands a couple of weeks ago, a colleague asked me about a (plain) black slide I had inserted in my presentation. It’s something I learned from a workshop, a book or a blog … I can’t remember exactly. The idea is that during your presentation you may want to “pause” the presentation in order to get everyone’s attention, and make a specific point.
I use this pause in a variety of ways. I will
- tell a special story
- demonstrate a unique feature of one of my products
- involve the audience in an activity
- introduce the next topic in my presentation, to give it context
When you intentionally put up the black slide (pause the presentation), the audience immediately focuses on you. This is the ideal time to make your point, or have your STAR moment (Something They’ll Always Remember – see previous post).
Remote presentation “clickers” have a feature that “goes to black”, however I find by actually inserting the black slide I don’t have to remember to use the feature. The black slide appears at exactly the place I want and keeps me on track. The pause also breaks up the rhythm of the presentation; it adds some contrast, a visual break for your audience.
Has anyone else heard of, or tried, the black slide technique? How does it work for you?
Joe Pops
Refuse to be boring
Hi, good point on the pause!
Instead of including a black slide what I do is use the B key, it makes the screen black. I think it gives you a bit more flexibility in that you can choose when to do it, if you see the audience is losing interest, for example. Plus, there’s a button on every remote that has the B key function.
Byron
Thanks for the comment. I hate to be stuck to my laptop (too much like a podium). I know the remote has the functionality and I certainly agree it can be useful. I like the black slide because it’s part of my presentation design – it makes sure I hit the “pause button” on cue.
JP
The black slide is a great tool and seems to be a lot of discussion about this recently on Linked In and Twitter too!
In training we use it for providing a break between modules.
When we want to engage audience or start a discussion, we use the B key function on the remote mouse as Byron has mentioned here.
Don’t use a plain black slide if your favorite presentation attire is a black sport coat or dress! You will blend into the background and become a presentation ninja. See:
http://joyfulpublicspeaking.blogspot.com/2011/03/dont-be-public-speaking-ninja.html
Hi Joe. Like you, when speaking, I want to be able to move from the laptop or podium. On Tuesday I had the worst combination – a laptop on a podium and a very wide room.
I use the occasional black slide for the “special moments” you describe and also use the B key. Black slides for the planned pauses in the presentation. B key when I sense that the audience needs more explanation/another example or when I get a question.
Good Post, Joe.
I use the blank slide and the “B” button to blank the screen.
YOU are the presentation – not your slides!
The slides are a prop. When not specifically using a prop if should be placed out of site else it becomes a distraction. The same is true of a slide. After your speaking has provided the text for the visual slide, hit the “B” button so the audience’s attention goes from the screen to you – where it should be!
Thanks!