Designed with McNair Scholars in mind, this presentation helps anyone trying to make their research more understandable and engaging. By using multiple visual techniques you can help your research findings resonate with any audience.
Edward R. Tufte
Pr o f e s s o r e m e r i t u s o f p o l i t i c a l s c i e n c e
c o m p u t e r s c i e n c e s t a t i s t i c s a n d g r a p h i c
d e s i g n a t Ya l e U n i v e r s i t y
8.
The Cognitive Styleof
PowerPoint
• Thin Evidence
• Low Resolution
• Single-Path Structure
• Fragmented Narrative
• Format over Content
• Pitching not Presenting
9.
Thin Evidence
Tufte studied28 manuals on creating good PPT
PP had the thinnest statistical graphics of any
publication (except Pravda.)
Small visual real estate
encourages slogans with
thinly argued claims.
10.
Low Resolution
• Printhighest resolution @
• 1200 dpi = to 50-250 slides
• Evidence is best when shown
visually adjacent
• PPT forces multiple slides
Break out ofthe template
Simplify the message
Develop a strong oral & visual narrative
Introduce some drama
Design & simplify slide content
Visuals trump text
Direct the viewers attention through form & movement
Make the data meaningful
Become a more immediate speaker
Be inspired
Break out of the template
Simplify the message
Develop a strong oral & visual narrative
Introduce some drama
Design & simplify slide content
Visuals trump text
Direct the viewers attention through form & movement
Make the data meaningful
Become a more immediate speaker
Be inspired
The New Presentation Gurus
Suggest the following correctives:
• which createsa high morbidity
• and mortality rate
According to the old de
fi
nition, a pandemic involves:
• a new virus
• which goes around quickly
• for which you don't have immunity
A Matter of De
fi
nition
26.
INFO MOLECULES
A curatoris an information chemist. He or she mixes atoms together in a
way to build an info-molecule. Then adds value to that molecule.
Philosophical implications of
DominantTerms
✤ Act - Realism
✤ Scene - Materialism
✤ Agent - Idealism
✤ Agency - Pragmatism
✤ Purpose - Mysticism
The Pentad
A
c
t
A
g
e
n
t
A
g
e
n
c
y
S
c
e
n
e
P
u
r
p
o
s
e
30.
Signi
fi
ers & Referents
Thoughts/ Reference
Symbol Referent
C H A I R
an open back wooden
red chair with lattice
scrollwork & velvet
cushion
Symbol
Thoughts / Reference