Business

Nathan Sinsabaugh of the brand design firm Kristian Andersen + Associates posted a blog entry this week entitled "Why I love PowerPoint".  Here is an excerpt:

It wears on you after a while, and I used to hate PowerPoint just like most designers. As far as I was concerned, PowerPoint was the lowest form of design, and possibly even communication, on earth. Then, in the middle of developing a deck a few months ago, I came to a realization: PowerPoint is the medium of the elite.

Sinsabaugh goes on to explain a proper design function of PowerPoint and encourages design schools to include business presentation as a core part of their programs.  I cannot disagree with him at all.  From my business law and business background I have found that PowerPoint has become the crutch of all crutches for presenters and is usually poorly utilized.  When I attend seminars, I know within two minutes if it is going to be PowerPoint regurgitation presentation, and if so, I know it will be painful to sit through.  "PowerPoint" has become synonymous with "boring".

In my final presentation of my final MBA course a few years back, my professor disallowed the class use of PowerPoint.  Many of the students appeared lost in their delivery.  PowerPoint had become their presentation guide - their excuse for not really knowing their subject matter and delivery as well as they should.  The lesson was telling.  PowerPoint needs to help convey the message of the presenter, not the other way around.  Attendees are interested in the passion, knowledge, excitement and insight of the individual.  Be excellent.  Know your subject matter.  Use technology to assist you, not replace you.