Most presentations fail due to poor understanding of how people learn and excessive reliance on slides, leading to disengagement and low retention. Effective presentations should prioritize visual storytelling and emotional connection, using simple slides that convey one idea at a time. Key guidelines include minimizing text, respecting white space, and practicing with feedback to enhance delivery.

1. First, the pain…

2. 95%of presentations, regardless of industry, are pretty darned bad.These are the good ones.

3. There really is nobody to blame.Most of us are simply the victims of bad presentations.

4. After all, they are everywhere…

5. Most presentations fail because of a lack of awareness about how people learn,and an over-reliance on slides to be an effective stand in for the speaker. This usually results in an unemotional delivery, lack of audience engagement and, worst of all, minimalretention.

6. We just don’t know any better.

7. Make no mistake: there is a better way

8. Make no mistake: we are visual creaturesConsider hieroglyphics, ancient cave art, and the finger painting of a four year old: we are hard wired to communicate visually.

9. In fact, 83%of retention occurs visually

10. Make no mistake: Presenting is about the transfer of emotion“Communication is about getting others to adopt your point of view. To help them understand why you’re excited (or sad, or optimistic, or whatever else you are).”Seth Godin

11. Make no mistake: your audience wants to be fully engagedOur brain has two sides. Your audience wants to use both when listening to you. They will thank you for it.

12. Make no mistake: the use of bullets is not visual storytellingFACT: we are cognitively incapable (as much as you want to believe otherwise) of reading and listening at the same time. Most people, when forced to choose, tune out the speaker. This is bad.

13. Geoff’s quick-and-dirty checklist to put you on the path to good PowerPoint

14. #1One slide.One idea.Then move on.

15. #2Keep It Simple, S_ _ _ _ One fontA few colorsPlain background

16. #3Less is more.Respect white space.(learn to examine really good print and web marketing ads.)

17. #4Go back to 3rd grade… and re-learn the color wheel

18. #5Never create in PowerPoint.PowerPoint is a finishing tool

19. #6These will kill you and your audience.Are you creating slides, or sliduments?If you need to make a handout to accompany your presentation – then make one!

20. #7Tell your story.

21. #8Regarding animation:Use restraint. Lot’s of it.The eye is drawn to moving objects, and away from you!

22. #9Purchase a slide advancer. Tomorrow.When you use it,do not point it at the screen.

23. #10Read up.Have a critical eye.Dedicate time. Practice.

24. … and speaking of practice:Encourage feedbackVideotape yourself“All the great speakers were bad speakers first.”Ralph Waldo Emerson

25. Final Thought:“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”Carl W. Buechner Author and Presbyterian Minister

26. When you use it,do not point it at the screen.