The document provides guidance on effectively reusing presentations by highlighting common pitfalls, such as copy-pasting without context, overloading slides with text, and ignoring audience relevance. It emphasizes the importance of adapting content, maintaining consistency in design, and ensuring that visuals enhance the message. Best practices include assessing relevance, updating content, and tailoring the presentation to the audience to maximize engagement and impact.

1. How Not To Use Existing
Presentations
Avoiding Common Pitfalls and
Creating Impactful Presentations
Your Name/Company Name
Date

2. Introduction
• Why This Matters:
– Explain the importance of using presentations
effectively and the potential negative impacts of
misusing existing slides.
• Purpose of This Presentation:
– To help you avoid common mistakes when reusing
slides and ensure your presentations are engaging,
relevant, and impactful.

3. Mistake 1 - Copy-Pasting Without
Context
• Explanation:
– Copying slides from a different presentation
without adapting them to your current topic or
audience.
• Example:
– Show a slide with irrelevant data or outdated
information.
• Solution:
– Always tailor slides to your audience's needs and
the specific topic you're addressing.

4. Mistake 2 - Overloading Slides With
Text
• Explanation:
– Reusing slides that are text-heavy, making it
difficult for the audience to engage.
• Example:
– Display a slide filled with dense paragraphs of text.
• Solution:
– Simplify content, use bullet points, and ensure
that each slide communicates one key message.

5. Mistake 3 - Using Inconsistent
Design and Formatting
• Explanation:
– Combining slides from different presentations that
have varying fonts, colors, and layouts.
• Example:
– Show a slide deck with mismatched styles.
• Solution:
– Standardize your design by using consistent fonts,
colors, and layouts. Utilize a cohesive template for
the entire presentation.

6. Mistake 4 - Ignoring Audience
Relevance
• Explanation:
– Including slides that are not relevant to the
audience or the presentation's objectives.
• Example:
– Presenting detailed technical data to a non-
technical audience.
• Solution:
– Understand your audience and focus on
information that resonates with them. Cut out
irrelevant slides, even if they are well-crafted.

7. Mistake 5 - Failing to Update
Content
• Explanation:
– Using old slides without checking if the data,
images, or references are outdated.
• Example:
– A slide showing statistics from 5 years ago as if
they are current.
• Solution:
– Regularly review and update slides to ensure the
content is accurate and up-to-date.

8. Mistake 6 - Overusing Complex
Visuals
• Explanation:
– Reusing slides with complex charts or visuals that
might confuse the audience.
• Example:
– A slide with an overly detailed infographic.
• Solution:
– Simplify visuals and ensure they clearly support
the message you want to convey. Provide
explanations if necessary.

9. Mistake 7 - Neglecting to Practice
and Customize Delivery
• Explanation:
– Assuming that reusing slides means you don't
need to rehearse or customize the presentation.
• Example:
– A presenter struggling with slide transitions or
forgetting key points.
• Solution:
– Practice your delivery, customize your narrative for
the specific presentation, and be prepared to
engage with the audience.

10. Best Practices for Reusing Slides
• Assess Relevance:
• Review each slide to ensure it aligns with your
current objectives.
• Update Content:
– Refresh data, visuals, and examples.
• Maintain Consistency:
– Use a uniform design template.
• Tailor Your Message:
– Adapt your narrative to the specific audience and
context.

11. Conclusion
• Key Takeaways:
– Recap the importance of not simply reusing slides
without adaptation and the benefits of a
thoughtful approach.
• Call to Action:
– Encourage your audience to critically assess and
adapt existing presentations to maximize impact.

12. Q&A
• Prompt for Questions:
– Open the floor for any questions or further
discussion.