Sometimes the most effective slide contains nothing at all.

I went to an interesting show recently called How Sneaking into Taylor Swift Cost Me $1,989.

It was an engaging mix of comedy and commentary about getting into concerts and sporting events without a ticket.

Unlike most of the shows I saw, the comedian used a combination of videos and slides.

But one presentation technique really caught my attention.

When You Want the Attention Back

At certain points, the comedian wanted the audience to focus entirely on him rather than the screen.

Each time, he pressed the clicker and a blank, dark slide appeared.

Suddenly, there was nothing to look at on the screen.

So the entire audience looked at him.

It worked a treat.

Using a blank slide in a presentation can be an incredibly simple way to redirect attention.

Don’t Compete with Your Own Slides

Too many speakers use visuals containing lots of detail.

Naturally, everyone looks at the slide.

The speaker then finishes talking about it and tries to get the audience’s attention back.

But the slide remains on the screen.

Inevitably, part of the audience continues looking at it.

A blank screen removes that distraction instantly.

Decide Where You Want Them Looking

If you use slides, don’t leave one on the screen simply because it happens to be the last one you used.

Instead, ask yourself:

Where do I want the audience’s attention to be?

If you want them looking at the visual, show the visual.

If you want them looking at you, consider using a blank slide in your presentation.

The screen should support what you’re trying to achieve — not compete with you for attention.

The Simple Test

When there is a contest between a visual and a speaker, the visual often wins.

When there is a contest between a blank slide and a speaker, the speaker always wins.