Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jul 2024

Advancing the Knowledge Base on Effective Presentation Slide Design: Three Pilot Studies

Joanna Wolfe Carnegie Mellon University ; Nisha Shanmugaraj Carnegie Mellon University ; Juliann Reineke Carnegie Mellon University ; Laura Caton Peet Carnegie Mellon University ; Craig P. Moreau

Abstract

The cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML) describes a set of empirically tested principles that technical and professional communication research largely acknowledges as important to the design of presentation slides. However, presenters often run into difficulties understanding how to apply CTML principles to contexts in which it has not been tested. We present three pilot studies that extend our knowledge of how to apply CTML principles. Pilot study one suggests that CTML principles can be effective for presenting advanced research to expert audiences. Pilot study two highlights the importance of user testing nonessential images added primarily for visual interest, specifically finding that visual organizer images such as Microsoft PowerPoint's SmartArt, can backfire by unintentionally indicating imprecise relationships while adding little in terms of visual interest. Pilot study three suggests that, when needing to present a long quotation, presenters should avoid verbatim reading and consider abridging or paraphrasing the quotation.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2024-07-01
DOI
10.1177/00472816231169433
CompPile
Search in CompPile ↗
Open Access
Closed
Topics
professional writing
Export
BibTeX RIS

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

  1. Osipovskaya et al. (2025)
    From Classroom to Workplace: Developing Presentation Skills and Recognizing Com…
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  2. Wolfe et al. (2025)
    Comparative Study of Scientific Research Poster Design Favors Complete Assertio…
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication

References (52) · 7 in this index

  1. 10.1037/a0026147
     ↗
  2. Alley M. (2003)
    The craft of scientific presentations
  3. Alley M., Schreiber M., Muffo J. (2005, October). Pilot testing of a new design for pre…
     ↗
  4. Amare (2006)
    To Slideware or Not to Slideware: Students' Experiences with Powerpoint Vs. Lecture
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  5. Atkinson C. (2007)
    Beyond bullet points: Using Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 to create presentations that…
Show all 52 →
  1. 10.1177/1609406918786335
     ↗
  2. 10.1300/J017v24n02_07
     ↗
  3. Cavanagh (2023)
    Cognitive and Graphic Design Principles for Creating Well-Organized, Visually A…
    Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
  4. Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation (14 October 2019). Managing cognitive lo…
  5. 10.1007/BF01320076
     ↗
  6. Angelo (1986)
    The Topic Sentence Revisited
    College Composition and Communication
  7. Donaldjo (30 April 2014). Effective narrated presentations . Ecam…
  8. 10.1002/acp.3513
     ↗
  9. 10.1075/idj.14.2.08far
     ↗
  10. Garner J. (2013)
    International Journal of Engineering Education
  11. 10.18260/1-2--17510
     ↗
  12. Garner J. K. (2016)
    International Journal of Engineering Education
  13. 10.1145/2556325.2566239
     ↗
  14. 10.1037/0022-0663.89.1.92
     ↗
  15. Haswell (2005)
    NCTE/CCCC’s Recent War on Scholarship
    Written Communication
  16. 10.1177/0092055X12444071
     ↗
  17. Hsin W. (2013)
    Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges
  18. 10.1080/17439884.2011.585993
     ↗
  19. 10.1111/j.1365-2923.2011.03988.x
     ↗
  20. 10.1177/0098628311421333
     ↗
  21. 10.1007/s10648-007-9051-6
     ↗
  22. 10.1207/S15326985EP3801_4
     ↗
  23. 10.1518/001872098779480587
     ↗
  24. Kernbach et al. (2015)
    Slip-Sliding-Away: A Review of the Literature on the Constraining Qualities of …
    Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
  25. Lam et al. (2023)
    An Introduction to Quasi-Experimental Research for Technical and Professional C…
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  26. MacKiewicz (2008)
    Comparing Powerpoint Experts' and University Students' Opinions about Powerpoin…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  27. 10.1109/ICIT52682.2021.9491115
     ↗
  28. 10.1002/tl.47
     ↗
  29. Mayer R. E. (2005). Cognitive theory of multimedia learning. In R. Mayer (Ed.), The Cam…
     ↗
  30. 10.1037/0022-0663.93.1.187
     ↗
  31. 10.1207/S15326985EP3801_6
     ↗
  32. 10.1080/01638539609544975
     ↗
  33. 10.5688/aj710116
     ↗
  34. 10.1002/9781118796139
     ↗
  35. Neeley K. A. (2009)
    Technical Communication
  36. Reynolds G. (2008)
    Presentation zen: Simple ideas on presentation design and delivery
  37. Rudolph M. (2017)
    Journal of Online Higher Education
  38. 10.1037/edu0000209
     ↗
  39. 10.3390/vetsci8020013
     ↗
  40. 10.2753/MER1052-8008210205
     ↗
  41. 10.1007/s10648-020-09522-4
     ↗
  42. 10.1023/A:1022193728205
     ↗
  43. 10.1016/j.compedu.2010.10.028
     ↗
  44. 10.1207/S15326985EP3801_2
     ↗
  45. 10.1109/FIE.2006.322455
     ↗
  46. 10.1016/j.learninstruc.2012.05.004
     ↗
  47. 10.1037/a0031971
     ↗
CrossRef global citation count: 2 View in citation network → Build reading path →

Related Articles

  1. Computers and Composition Jun 2026
    “Article laundry” or “tutor in pocket?”: Multilingual writers’ generative AI-assisted writing in professional settings ↗
    Qianqian Zhang-Wu
    writing pedagogy teacher development professional writing qualitative research digital rhetoric artificial intelligence multilingual writers
  2. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly May 2026
    Communicating Diversity and Inclusion in LinkedIn Job Advertisements ↗
    Rashid Ashraf; Said Badreddine; Mohamed I. Albeshr; Hamsa Al Ammari; Malik Muhammad Sheheryar Khan; Pranav Naithani
    discourse analysis professional writing race and writing
  3. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly May 2026
    Andrew Carnegie and the Rhetorical History of Business and Professional Communication ↗
    Joe Edward Hatfield
    rhetorical criticism teacher development professional writing archival research
  4. Written Communication May 2026
    Categorizing Human Identity in Writing Research: A Case for Participant Self-Identification in the Disaggregation of Data ↗
    Jennifer Burke Reifman
    modern rhetorical theory professional writing empirical research
  5. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly Apr 2026
    Bridging Curricula and Workplaces in China: A Needs-Based Model for Arabic Business Communication ↗
    Suo Yan Mei; Suo Yan Ju; Zarima Mohd Zakaria
    discourse analysis teacher development professional writing