Bullet Levels

Some presenters are not satisfied with one level of bullets, so they use sub-bullets, thinking this will enable them to elaborate on their ideas. Sometimes this doesn't seem to be enough, so they use sub-sub-bullets. Occasionally, presenters completely surrender to temptation , and they go deeper, and deeper, and deeper, and deeper all the way down into the right brain basement (Figure 7.6). The trouble is that most audiences can't follow the presenter's mind that far down.

Figure 7.6. Multiple levels of sub-bullets. How low can you go?

Do your audience a favor: Restrict yourself to one sub-bullet level only . A single level of sub-bullets (or no sub-bullets at all) keeps slides clear, crisp, and easy-to-read. It avoids forcing the audience into mental contortions as they struggle to track the presenter's own internal logic. Additionally, avoid the Morse-code effect by using no symbols for sub-bullets, only an indent to create a space. Less Is More.

Avoid the Morse-code effect by using no symbols for sub-bullets, only an indent to create a space.

If you do use sub-bullets, distribute the same number to each bullet, as in Figure 7.7. If the first bullet carries two sub-bullets, then every other bullet should carry two sub-bullets. The resulting symmetry creates a balanced image, as well as the message that your ideas are logical. The visual organization sends a subliminal message of Effective Management .

Figure 7.7. One level of sub-bullets only.