Especially when you are presenting at a conference or a meeting, when people come in before your presentation begins they usually glance at the screen and decide whether to stay or not solely based on what they see on the first slide. You need to be sure that the slide you are projecting is aligned with their expectations about the topic of your speech. Information about the location and the date aren’t really helpful, this information is just filler which only a really confused attendee would appreciate.
Even on internet, the first slide is important, since it is the preview image of the presentation posted on social media and shared. Entice viewers by a great slide, that will make them click on the link. Slideshare, a popular slide hosting site, uses the first slide to invite you to click and share the link. The presentationmagazine.com website advises you on how to craft a great first slide.
1. First slide has many purposes and functions
The message of the presentation should be clearly visible on the first slide and some pieces of information are necessary. The title of the talk is necessary and it is great when you can illustrate it with a high-quality image. Therefore, the title of your speech and an image are core elements of your powerful first slide.
2. It has to clearly show and convey the presentation topic
Also, your audience should be able to recognize the key message contained in the next slides. Therefore Title and Subtitle of the traditional template are important. Focus on the objective.
3. Your name
Sometimes, depending on the setting, it is preferable to have your name or your twitter name included.
4. Something about you
It can help to display your biography, just a very briefly, a 3 word version of it. When you are representing of a certain company, you should display its logo as well. When your output format is paper or slide sharing platform, devote your second slide to personal information.
-jk-