09/30/2026
Read caption below:
"You might cry..."
I say this at the start of my workshops,
and 90% of the time, this is the exact response I get from the audience.
Let's face it: Powerpoint slides have a terrible reputation.
No one comes to a presentation thinking
"I'm so excited to sit here for two hours to watch the speaker read paragraphs from their slides written in size 8 font."
>>Here are 3 things I tell myself if I'm ever going to use slides.
1- Only use slides to show something that amplifies your message.
2- Use the 'Glance Test' - Audiences should be able to look at the slide, immediately understand, then look back at you, the speaker.
3- Do not show all your bullet points on the slide, all at once.
The audience will read all the bullet points on screen faster than you, then they're just waiting for you to catch up. They will zone out in the meantime.
4- Use slides as a structure, not as a script.
You don't need to memorize the entire sequence of your presentation. your slide will tell you 'what' to talk about, but not word-for-word what to say. If you're going to read from your slides, you might as well just email the deck to the audience and save everyone the time.
5- Practice your speaking without slides.
The biggest upgrade I saw in my communication skills was when I let go of the slides and learned to engage the audience just with how I spoke. I recognize, you can't always do that. I now do 6 hour workshops with no slides. If you ever get the chance, try it. It'll upgrade your skillset massively.
P.S - If you want to work with my team on your next presentation or to become a world-class communicator, follow me and comment 'Level Up' and I'll message you the details.
