It drives me crazy when people think of their Powerpoint* slides as their "presentation". Really, truly crunchy-monkey-nut crazy. Today, I was so annoyed at this habit that I tweeted:
The tweet rang bells with a few folks, notably Chris Atherton. Well, I do like to ring bells - so, for the list fetishists among you, here are...
The Top 10 Reasons a Powerpoint Slidedeck is Just Like a Bra.
10. It is often used out of habit or insecurity - but there are plenty of situations where it only gets in the way
9. It's possible to send one by mail, but it is empty and lifeless, so why bother?
8. Technical troubles will occur at the most embarassing moments
7. Too much decoration can distract from content
6. It's certainly pretty, but do you really want someone else's design to cover up your uniqueness?
5. People usually try to fit too much inside**
4. People think they need the support, but forget it's a restriction too
3. Given confidence, you will often make a bigger impact without one
2. You can borrow or steal someone else's, but it will never fit like your own
and finally..
1. It may look basically similar, but you should NEVER confuse it with the Real Thing
Folks, Powerpoint isn't the presentation. YOU ARE.
Got any more? Add them in the comments... Oh, and you should follow me on Twitter...
Reactions:
- Linda Wu at SixMinutes comes back with 32 Reasons a Powerpoint Slidedeck is Nothing Like a Bra. Thanks Linda!
- You can also have this list in Chinese, courtesy of ExcelPro.
- STOP PRESS! There is now even a Chinese illustrated version, I kid you not!
* Or Keynote, or whatever. I don't care. Slideware. You know.
** Oprah said 8 out of 10 ladies wear the wrong size, usually too small. And what Oprah says...
** Oprah said 8 out of 10 ladies wear the wrong size, usually too small. And what Oprah says...
19 comments:
So, if the contents look disappointing without, I should ditch them?
Also, I believe the bit after the ellipsis in "what Oprah says..." is "...is mostly utterly moronic and/or woo-woo".
I know it's true, my psychic told me.
How about 'when you have a lot to pack in, a bit of support can be comfortable and effective'?
Many women wear bras. Many presenters use slides. The combination is popular for a reason.
Slides shouldn't replace presenters, but that doesn't mean a presentation should never be combination of presenter and their slides. Not everybody feels comfortable naked, and frankly, some people look better with clothes on.
"Not everybody feels comfortable naked, and frankly, some people look better with clothes on."
This culture has trained us to be insecure around our content. If we had more practice and good role models for unsupported content, we'd all be more comfortable with it, and be able to deal with it in more constructive ways.
(I agree, support can be useful, but the OP is spot-on.)
Very witty, and I loved the title! Will retweet now...
Thanks,
Lily Iatridis
www.BoomerangPresentations.com
Thanks for your thoughts, folks!
Kat - you mean Oprah isn't the highest objective authority? Say it ain't so!
Joby - not never, no, but not always either. I know you disgree, but I believe Powerpoint is, used far too often.
Anonymous - nice use of parody there yourself!
Lily - thanks for the RT; like the blog!
Haha, it's funny 'cause boobs. #6, a human trafficking joke, or confusion about the nature of online shopping? You be the judge!
Sorry, #9. My lysdexia is pretty awesome today.
Tahnks Meg!
Adam
Totally agree with you. PowerPoint dilutes your power.
Tsufit
Author, Step Into The Spotlight!
Thanks Tsufit! Down with slideware!
One more reason...a long time ago some guy said we should use one and now we can't remember why.
Great Kate! Love that one!
In respnse to the gentleman who writes about Bras, I would like to offer this perspective:
Top Ten Reasons Why a GOOD Powerpoint is like a Good Bra:
10. His Idea: It is often used out of habit or insecurity - but there are plenty of situations where it only gets in the way
A Woman's perspective: Provides support and structure to enhance user confidence
9. His Idea: It's possible to send one by mail, but it is empty and lifeless, so why bother?
A Woman's Perspective:Increases interest in the user without face to face contact
8. His Idea: Technical troubles will occur at the most embarrassing moments
A Woman's Perspective: Builds agility
7. His Idea: Too much decoration can distract from the content
A Woman's Perspective: Increases appeal of the core goods through tantalizing clues
6. His Idea: It's certainly pretty, but do you really want someone else's design to cover up your uniqueness?
A Woman's Perspective: Design reflects individual uniqueness
5. His Idea: People usually try to fit too much inside*
A Woman's Perspective: The smaller the size, the more opportunity for personal exposure
4. His Idea: People think they need the support, but forget it's a restriction too
A Woman's Perspective: Provides the basic structure so you are free to imagine other possibilities
3. His Idea: Given confidence, you will often make a bigger impact without one
A Woman's Perspective: Protects against complications associated with aging minds and bodies for longer impact
2. His Idea: You can borrow or steal someone else's, but it will never fit like your own
A Woman's Perspective: Enables sharing
and finally..
1. His Idea: It may look basically similar, but you should NEVER confuse it with the Real Thing
A Woman's Perspective: Fits the user so well, that she forgets it’s there!
His Idea: Folks, Powerpoint isn't the presentation. YOU ARE.
A Woman's Perspective: Folks, if your PowerPoint presentation fits you like a Good Bra—you can be sure, they will come back begging for more
Thanks Judi! Best reply so far... :)
Adam
(who still prefers bras to Powerpoint)
Thanks Adam, Actually I could do without both, but the PowerPoint would be harder to give up...
Well Judy, as long as it is clear which one of the two I am trying to talk you out of...
:-)
;-)
Adam
I think this is brilliant! I can visualise how well my students would respond if this approach is implemented. They would rave bout it..definitely hold their attention longer than the usual linear approach. It would just prove that you don't need complicated software to create awe-inspiring results.
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