We recommend starting with a word document and creating a core message. Only then can the need for slides be assessed. Powerpoint should be thought of as a “Visual Aid” and not a “Presentation Crutch”. So in general we advocate minimum slides – none if possible but no more than 10 if needed.
One of our delegates reminded us of “Slideshare”. He felt the highlighted daily presentations were good examples of how powerpoint can inform and entertain in a quick and punchy manner, using say 75 slides and singles messages with the careful use of visuals.
We can’t argue with this if the aim is to get across a straightforward message over the internet.
BUT, if you have been given the chance to have a face-to-face meeting with your audience, real or virtual, then this type of presentation simply won’t work. It will become another reading lesson admittedly one that even a 4 year old could handle. But in order to deliver that number of slides, to remember their order, the presenter has to refer constantly to the screen. They have to script themselves tightly and in so doing lose the spontaneity of a delivering a message in a relaxed and conversational manner.
We’ve revised and updated our Advanced Presentation course. During the day’s programme we discuss the role of visual aids and in particular powerpoint – as we call it “the elephant in the room”. If you’d like to know more about our NEW Advanced Presentations Workshop please get in touch at info@speakersco.co.uk or call: 0044[0]2086053782.
Posted by Sally Clare on Wednesday, July 17th, 2013 in Features › News ›
Tags: communicate to influence, core message, persuasive presenting, powerpoint, single message