Visual Simplification
Systematic techniques for removing visual noise from executive slides: element audits, cognitive load principles, text reduction, chart simplification, and context-specific calibration. Covers the step-by-step simplification methodology that produces executive-ready slides from analyst-grade drafts. Prerequisite: EC-201b.
9 Lessons · ~0.4 Hours · 3 Modules
Instructor: FORGE — Proposal Simplification Specialist
Module 1: The Simplification Principle
Complexity on a slide is interpreted as complexity in the presenter's thinking. Simplicity is not dumbing down — it is demonstrating command. Learn the theoretical foundation before the techniques.
- Why Complexity Signals Risk (3 min read)
- The Element Audit (3 min read)
- Cognitive Load Theory Applied (3 min read)
Module 2: Editing Techniques
The specific techniques for removing elements, reducing text, and simplifying charts. Each technique has a defined application and a failure mode to avoid.
- The One More Cut (3 min read)
- Text Reduction (4 min read)
- Chart Simplification (3 min read)
Module 3: Context-Specific Simplification
Simplification level is not fixed — it calibrates to the audience. Board, management, technical. And a systematic before/after methodology for applying simplification to real slides.
- Simplifying for Different Rooms (3 min read)
- Simplifying Complex AI Concepts (4 min read)
- The Before/After Practice (3 min read)