- 17 Aug, 2024
- 0 Comments
- 1 Min Read
Death by PowerPoint: Avoid Visual Suicide when Presenting
Be honest – how many times have you said it, even about your own presentation — Death by PowerPoint — it is REAL (even if you are not using powerpoint but a fancy new AI tool)
I cannot imagine that you have not been there.
You’re sitting through a presentation, the speaker’s words are a blur, your eyes are glued to a slide crammed with bullet points, tiny fonts, and an overwhelming amount of information [yes on ONE slide only].
It’s a recipe for disengagement, boredom, and a severe case of “Death by PowerPoint.” [or whatever tool you are using for your presentation].
Visuals are supposed to enhance your presentation, not bury it. When misused, they become a distraction, a barrier to communication, and a surefire way to lose your audience’s attention.
Common [read basic] Visual Sins [there are plenty others responsible for DbPP]
- Tiny Fonts and Overcrowding: Trying to fit everything on a single slide leads to microscopic font sizes and an overwhelming visual experience.
- Cluttered Charts and Graphs: Overly complex charts with confusing legends and too much data are impossible to decipher.
- Stock Photos That Say Nothing: Generic images that have no connection to your message or audience can be distracting and irrelevant.
Visual Redemption [in general]: How to Make Your Slides Shine [the basics]:
- KISS [Keep It Simple …]: One idea per slide! Use clear, concise language and avoid too much information.
- Prioritize Visuals over Text: Use images, charts, graphs, and infographics to illustrate your points
- Embrace Whitespace: We all want to live in a wide open world. Thus, give your visuals room to breathe!
- Practice Visual Restraint: If you do plan to use animations keep in mind the stimulation this might cause and avoid these being a distraction..
BUT, Beyond the Slides:
Visual communication isn’t limited to your slides. YOU are your own visual. YOUR body language, gestures, and voice is also your engagement with your audience.
Visuals, including yourself as a visual, are powerful tools. Used these strategically and purposefully.