Blog #13: Follow the 6x6 rule (≤6 bullets, ≤6 words each).
“If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.” – Blaise Pascal
Introduction
Too many slides drown in bullet overload—walls of text that no one will ever read. The 6x6 rule gives you breathing room: no more than 6 bullets, no more than 6 words each. This simple boundary forces clarity, trims the fluff, and respects your audience’s time. Think of it as a discipline that makes your slides stronger and your delivery sharper.
Why the 6x6 rule matters
Slides overloaded with bullets don’t just look bad—they lose your audience. People read faster than you speak, which means if your slides are dense, your viewers will skim ahead or tune out. By sticking to the 6x6 rule, you set a limit that keeps your slides scannable. It forces you to cut down to the essentials, ensuring your audience actually follows along with you instead of reading on their own.
How to apply the 6x6 rule
Start by editing your existing slides. Take any bullet list and ask: Can I trim each line down to 6 words or less? Can I reduce the number of bullets to 6 or fewer? If you need more detail, speak it instead of typing it. Slides should guide your story, not replace your script. Use icons, visuals, or diagrams to replace text when possible. The discipline of the 6x6 rule will sharpen not only your slides, but your entire message.
The impact on audience clarity
Slides built on the 6x6 rule give your audience space to think. Instead of scanning endless text, they can quickly absorb each point while still listening to you. This balance creates focus: they see the essentials on the screen, and they hear the story from you. The result is better engagement, stronger recall, and more persuasive presentations. In short: less text, more clarity.
Quick Takeaways
• Stick to 6 bullets max per slide.
• Keep each bullet ≤6 words.
• Replace text with visuals when possible.
• Speak the detail, don’t show it.
• The 6x6 rule improves clarity and recall.
Conclusion
The 6x6 rule isn’t about restriction—it’s about liberation. It frees your slides from text overload and lets your message breathe. Cut the clutter, respect the 6x6, and your audience will thank you.
Challenge
Take one of your longest, most cluttered slides. Rewrite it into 6 bullets, each with 6 words or fewer. See how much stronger it becomes.
Next Week Preview
Next week we’ll dive into whitespace—how giving your slides room to breathe reduces visual noise and boosts comprehension.
Call to Action
Have you tried the 6x6 rule yet? Share your before-and-after slide—we’d love to see your transformation!
