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Creating Bilingual Visuals
Combining languages on a slide can be effective—as long as the text is in
different sizes. One language needs to be visually subordinate to the other.
When I present in Japanese, the Japanese text is larger than the English text
(but in a way that creates a harmonious fit). If my talk is in English, the English
text is larger. When text from both languages is the same size, it creates
visual discord as the type elements compete with each other for attention.
The technique of placing text from one language in a clearly dominant position
is commonly used in signage for public transportation and in advertising. On
general principle, we need to keep text to a minimum in visuals; when creating
bilingual slides, we have to be extra careful with limiting the text. Samples
from my own presentations appear on the opposite page.
The technique of placing text from one language in a clearly dominant position is commonly used in
signage for public transportation and in advertising.
In the first example on the left, all the text is very close to the same size and color. In the second example, the
Japanese text is subordinate. Which is easier to scan in an instant?
158 Presentation Zen