proper powerpoint.
Posted by nathan on 30 Jan 2007 | Tagged as: Tech Stuff., random.
Do you know what an effective powerpoint presentation is? How about a really horrible one? i think we’ve all had to sit through a horrible powerpoint presentation at some point.
Recently, Seth Godin blogged about proper use of power point.
i wanted to highlight a few things he had to say:
- No more than six words on a slide. EVER. There is no presentation so complex that this rule needs to be broken.
- No cheesy images. Use professional stock photo images.
- No dissolves, spins or other transitions.
there is a lot more stuff he suggests, and i recommend reading the full article for the ‘big picture’ of what he’s saying, but thought i’d list a few of the tangibles…
What do you think about what he has to say about proper use of power point?
2 Comments »
on 30 Jan 2007 at 1:18 pm 1.
joe said …
I AGREE!!!!!
I’ve been a fan of Seth Godin for years, and this is not the first time he has talked about this. I adopted the style he recommends almost two years ago, and have never looked back, Unless the customer specifically demands it. Then I try really hard to help them see the benefits of this approach.
However, I think it’s important to realize that there is a time to break rules. I don’t think we should use cheesy images, but there is a time when it is the most effective way to get the point across. Effectiveness trumps “no cheesy images” every time. Same thing with all of the other rules, with the possible exception of six words on a slide. And I think Seth Godin would agree. At least, that’s where I learned the concept. Admittedly, the majority of the time, by far, you can find a more effective method than cheesy images and spinning twirling transitions.
I would go so far as to say if the background, or any other element, you use throughout the presentation does not specifically reinforce the message you want to communicate, get rid of it. It is a distraction, and that takes away from your message. It’s better to have black text on a white background and get the point across, then it is to have a cool element that is really nothing more than visual noise.
So, if people around you can’t quickly identify, without lots of critical thinking, how each element reinforces the message, then get rid of the element.
on 03 Feb 2007 at 8:15 pm 2.
Compass said …
Yeah, he articulated what I had been trying to explain to people for year. Have a hunt around for his presentation ot Google, its interesting to watch how he used slides as discussion triggers rather than information that stood alone by itself…