If you’re planning a presentation or event and want to make it more accessible for neurodivergent adults—such as those with dyslexia or ADHD—you’re in the right place! Creating an inclusive experience helps everyone feel comfortable and engaged, whether virtual or in person. Based on our internal best practices, here are some simple but powerful tips to help you design a presentation that works for diverse learning styles.
Tips for Virtual Presentations
Enable Live Captions: Live captions are a game-changer for slow processing and focus. At the beginning of your event, show attendees how to turn them on so they can follow along at their own pace.
Playback Options: If your event will be recorded, explain how to access playback features. Let attendees know they can adjust playback speed and enable captions when watching the recording later. These options give your audience control over how they absorb information.
Tips for Any Presentation Format
Use a Standardized Slide Deck: Consistency helps audiences follow along more easily. For example, designate a specific slide style (like a white slide with pink text) to indicate a topic change. This visual cue signals transitions, helping people stay on track while giving you a moment to shift gears.
Start Big, Then Break It Down: Before diving into the details, begin with the big picture. This approach is especially effective for dyslexic thinkers, who often thrive on understanding the overarching structure before zooming into specifics.
Incorporate Videos: Videos aren’t just engaging—they’re also incredibly helpful for ADHD and visual processing. Including a short video clip can add variety and hold attention.
Avoid Text Overload:
Use large-font headlines for key ideas, with smaller text providing additional details.
Explain slides verbally, adding stories or examples for context.
If you need more text, spread it across multiple slides. This reduces visual overwhelm and keeps things moving—a win for both dyslexic and ADHD brains.
Embrace White Space: Avoid cluttered slides. Clean layouts with plenty of white space make it easier to focus on key points.
Make It Interactive: Neurodivergent learners often benefit from a multisensory approach. Incorporate movement or interaction, like swapping seats, raising hands, or small group discussions. Engaging more senses leads to better focus and retention.
Final Thoughts
Whether your audience includes neurodivergent adults or not, these tips create a better experience for everyone. Thoughtful design, clear communication, and opportunities for engagement make presentations more accessible and memorable.
Have more tips or success stories? We’d love to hear them! Share your thoughts in the comments below, or reach out to let us know how these strategies worked for you.
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