Buy this book!
I just started reading Rick Altman’s totally irreverent – and totally relevant book this past weekend. I love this book! Even better, I love the advice that Rick share with his audience.
How many time have you sat in the audience while the presenter proceeded to read the slide – “word-for-word.?”
Better question – How many times have you – the presenter – read your slides “word-for-word?”
The answer to both questions – “Way too many times!”
Now, we can’t directly change how other people choose to present – unless they are are one of our direct reports; or, they come to us seeking coaching on their presentations. However, we can implement “Preventive PowerPoint Practices” to improve our own presentations.
Rick helps us with 2 “Universal Axiom’s:
Universal Axiom #1:
“If a slide contains complete sentences, it is practically impossible for even the most accomplished presenters to avoid reading the entire slide word for word.”
Universal Axiom #2:
“When you read your slides word for word, you sound like an idiot.”
So what is the solution? How can you implement”Preventive PowerPoint Practices?”
Simple – Do not put complete sentences on your slides!
I can attest to this first hand. From time to time, I deliver training using PowerPoint slides created by my client. Many of the slides contain complete sentences hiding as “bullet points.” I have to really force myself to not look at the slides lest I succumb to the temptation to “read the slide word-for-word.” And I am an experienced presenter. I have to consciously remind myself to look at the audience and not at the slide!
It is so much easier when you implement “Preventive PowerPoint Practices” – Do not put complete sentences on your slides!
The Four-by_Four Rule
In an earlier post, I demonstrate the “Four-by-Four Rule for PowerPoint”
- No more than “Four” Bullet Points per Slide.
- No more than “Four” words per Bullet Point.
Read Rick Altman’s Book – “Why Most PowerPoint Presentations Suck… And How You Can Make Them Better.”
Go back to ALL of your PowerPoint Presentations and remove Every Complete sentence. Now – before you forget.
There is one exception to this rule: If you are using a quotation on your slide. A good quotation is usually brief. Just make sure that you choose a quotation that complements your point.
