I recently watched a talented friend and communicator give a briefing on content he knew really well.
He was engaging, and had interesting stories to tell, too.
But he used PowerPoint slides, which everyone stared at for the entire briefing. In fact, the presenter also stated at the slides as he was presenting. Everyone seemed focused on the words on the screen, instead of the words being said.
Here’s a safe presentation planning assumption: if there are slides, people will stare at them. I think there’s something about human nature here – if you give people a chance to avoid eye contact, they’ll take it.
And less eye contact means less opportunity to connect, and confirm understanding.
Almost literally, slides are light bulbs taking peoples’ focus off your words.
Sure, you can make great slides so your audience gets the message despite their distraction.
Or you can just not use slides.
(Photo by Pvt. Hayden Allega, DVIDS)
