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What is the 10/20/30 Rule?

Published in Presentation Guidelines 2 mins read

The 10/20/30 rule is a guideline for creating effective and engaging PowerPoint presentations, popularized by Guy Kawasaki. It dictates that a presentation should have:

  • Ten slides maximum: This forces presenters to focus on the most crucial information, eliminating unnecessary details and improving clarity.
  • A maximum duration of twenty minutes: Keeps the audience engaged and prevents information overload. A shorter presentation demonstrates respect for the audience's time.
  • No font size smaller than thirty points: Ensures readability from a distance, making the presentation accessible to everyone in the room.

Why is the 10/20/30 Rule Important?

This rule combats the common problem of lengthy, boring presentations filled with excessive text. By adhering to these limitations, presenters can create more impactful and memorable presentations. The larger font size also enhances accessibility and readability for the entire audience.

This rule was originally created to improve presentations in the venture capital community, but its principles are applicable to various presentation contexts. The emphasis is on concise communication and audience engagement.

Examples and Practical Insights

  • Instead of dense paragraphs of text, use bullet points and visuals. This helps maintain audience interest and improves information retention.
  • Prioritize key takeaways. Focus on the most critical messages you want your audience to remember.
  • Practice your presentation thoroughly. This helps ensure you stay within the 20-minute time limit.

While primarily associated with PowerPoint presentations, the underlying principles of conciseness and clarity are valuable for presentations across all mediums.