Do I have to be an expert?
This idealized timeline for creating presentations mentioned on the previous page highlights an underlying tension throughout Slide:ology between stated audience and actual audience. The book claims to be directed toward anyone who needs to be able to present their ideas more effectively; however, as can be seen in the extensive time and budgetary commitment recommended for developing presentations, some of the advice comes across as relevant only for an upper echelon of speakers who have the resources to access either an internal team of helpers or hire the services of an outside designer.
This tension is rooted in the somewhat conflicting purposes inherent in Duarte’s need to tread the line between convincing readers of their ability to create their own effective presentations and convincing readers to create effective presentations by hiring an actual designer (such as those at her own company). For example, she encourages readers to
This tension is rooted in the somewhat conflicting purposes inherent in Duarte’s need to tread the line between convincing readers of their ability to create their own effective presentations and convincing readers to create effective presentations by hiring an actual designer (such as those at her own company). For example, she encourages readers to
"be prepared to enlist the help of a designer (you did plan far enough ahead to make sure you’ve got one available, right?). There’s no shame in seeking professional help, after all; what’s important is effective communication, regardless of whether you have the skill set to execute it." (Duarte, p. 41)
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It would have been helpful to see more accessible examples of how of how to follow the principles outlined in the book rather than focusing on those that require the assistance of an outside professional.