Throwing stones

Have you searched the Internet lately looking for tips and techniques to improve your PowerPoint presentations? I happened to search today and was astonished at the number of sites complaining about bad PowerPoint presentations, but without offering practical advice on how to address the complaints.

We all know (or should know by now!) that excessive text, transitions and special effects on slides nauseates audiences. Yet despite the sites that throw stones at these practises, I did not find many sites advocating principles to avoid these practises. It seems that in cyberspace, as in real life, people find it easier to throw stones than to be part of a solution.

And you? Are you willing to be part of the solution and take the time to learn how to craft slides and present effectively with PowerPoint, or are you one of the stone throwers? I dare you to take up the challenge and be part of the solution with well-thought out slides that communicate effectively.

Lest I fall into my own trap, below are practical tips to reduce the volume of text and special effects on your slides. These are only some of the strategies described in my new book Dodging the Bullet Points:

1. Follow the 10/20/30 Rule from Guy Kawasaki - no more than 10 slides in a 20 minute presentation and no smaller than 30 point font.
2. Replace text with images wherever possible.
3. Do not read your slides to your audience.
4. Less is more. Use only the transitions and special effects that you need to use. No more than what is essential.

That's it. You are now armed to present with Pow'R.