This is part 3 in my new email series called The Executive Edit.  

Today we will be looking at how to ensure consistent presentation throughout your comm. 

Part 3 – Consistent Presentation 

It is sensible to assume that different communication formats require different approaches.

Emails and papers include more words and fewer images, and PowerPoint is the reverse. However, some common presentation principles apply across all forms. 

Changing the way you view your communication while testing for four specific things will help inconsistencies stand out. 

Here are 4 tactics for you to use: 

Try one or more of these ways to “change the way you view your communication”: 

1. Change the “view” on your computer to presentation mode or print layout and flick through your slides or pages one by one 
2. Print your draft on paper and flick through the pages quickly so you focus on alignment and other aspects of the presentation’s consistency, not the micro details 
3. Do a dry run through in a meeting room similar to the one you might present in 
4. Check for these patterns that help your reader follow you: 
   1. Use a consistent visual layout throughout, (i.e., colour theme, font families, sizing, spacing and alignment)
   2. Present ideas in each section so they are “parallel” (i.e., “Design strategy, Develop storyline structure, Deliver communication,” not “Design strategy, Developing structure, Delivery of communication”)
   3. Use the same words for the same things throughout (e.g., a budget is always a budget, not a budget, a cost plan and a forecast) 

I hope you find that useful. More soon. 

Davina 

P.S Don’t forget to download a copy of Part 3 of the Executive Edit to keep on hand. 

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