So, Geoffrey James (@Sales_Source) from @Inc thinks @PowerPoint is garbage.
Geoffrey James is incorrect.
Let’s explore this, shall we?
For cred, I own a 23 year old presentation company (@msnglnk). In 2019 I spoke in 26 countries, & I’m a member of the @PresentationGuild.
Geoffrey James is incorrect.
Let’s explore this, shall we?
For cred, I own a 23 year old presentation company (@msnglnk). In 2019 I spoke in 26 countries, & I’m a member of the @PresentationGuild.
First off the author confuses “used as intended” with “used effectively”. You know what Listerine, bubble wrap, and plah-doh, have in common? They weren’t used as intended. mentalfloss.com/article/57861/… 
No, actually this is not the premise behind PowerPoint. The premise behind PowerPoint is to reduce cognitive load through the use of dual-channel processing (as we’ll explore further). It also assists both the speaker and the audience.
At last, data 😊
If these studies are correct and still relevant, the author has refuted his own claim that PowerPoint is bad as there is “no difference”.
Also, people are more aware of what makes for a good slide than they were in '05.
If these studies are correct and still relevant, the author has refuted his own claim that PowerPoint is bad as there is “no difference”.
Also, people are more aware of what makes for a good slide than they were in '05.
Attention is a diminishing resource, a well-timed slide can change can bring an audience straight back to you.
To say PowerPoint does can not help, is saying that the inclusion of imagery can not help. The absurdity of this statement is staggering.
To say PowerPoint does can not help, is saying that the inclusion of imagery can not help. The absurdity of this statement is staggering.
We’re back to the “used as intended” vs. “used effectively” problem. The author is making his point assuming that the slide repeats what is said, of course this is bad. What if an image on the slide augments what is said?
For this I need to introduce you to Richard E Mayer’s "Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning" specifically dual-channel processing. Here’s the relevant bit (you’re welcome). (listen for 33 seconds).
The use of images (slides) REDUCES cognitive overload as it does much of the heavy lifting for you.
I once shared a stage with @gladwell where he described a battlefield using just words & gestures. The mental gymnastics we had to do was unnecessarily grueling. One image for five seconds would have helped immensely. I did a video explaining this here:
Okay, created in PowerPoint is a far cry from displayed in PowerPoint. I also use Gen McChrystal’s quote and slide… just not to avoid PowerPoint, but to use it properly.
Just sayin'...
McChrystal’s slide that the author refers
One of my slides (I chose a busier one intentionally).
Diagrams are not bad. Bad diagrams are bad.
Diagrams are not bad. Bad diagrams are bad.
Massive overkill?! PowerPoint takes folders of images and presents them in a linear fashion, making it easy for you to navigate through at the touch of button. If anything, it’s under-kill! It makes it LESS effort.
As for the resources consumed. He’s just making that up. Importantly though that processing done by PowerPoint frees the presenter up to do their job instead of finding the next file on their desktop.
No. What constricts discussion is not the image on the screen, it’s the person on the stage with the mic. The situation mentioned is as true with slides as not.
Also, sometimes I don’t actually want my audience to interrupt me.
Also, sometimes I don’t actually want my audience to interrupt me.
WTF!? Really? Is that actually the built-in assumption? Clearly the author has never delivered a pitch in his life. There are questions after. Plenty of them.
While I’m talking about pitches, how would the author want me to deliver the pitch of an event we’re trying to win? With interpretive dance? I have to show décor, venues, speaker clips etc. Should I just have icons on my desktop?
What kinda crazy-ass meetings is this dude attending? I’ve been in meetings for 23 years and never heard this at all! Heck, as well as my Presentation company, I own a notebook company too (humanwrit.es). They are not and never have been mutually exclusive.
For every one great speaker that doesn’t use visuals, there are a hundred that do – and well. I eat plant-based, I could show five other celebs that eat that way too - that by itself doesn’t make it right, just right for them. bustle.com/articles/14951…
Sure there bad ppt users, there are also bad driver. The author would solve this by telling them to stop using cars, I'd try help them drive better - but you do you.
Last but certainly not least. The author's bio says he is a professional speaker. Do a quick YouTube search for one of his talks (I'll wait - it won't take long). The read his advice while pondering the quote:
NEVER TRUST A SKINNY CHEF!
NEVER TRUST A SKINNY CHEF!
There's a lot more to presenting than debating software. If you want to do it well, start with what to say. Then use tools to help land that well.
Feel free to read my book on the topic.
boredomslayer.com
Feel free to read my book on the topic.
boredomslayer.com
