Evils of Corporate Life Part 2 - Death by PowerPoint

PowerPoint decks. Every company has them. They are like gremlins -- get them wet and they multiply.

Here are pet peeves of decks:
1. Never, ever, ever, EVER read your deck word for word in a presentation. I can read it myself in less time, thank you.
2. Don't put too much information in a deck. More than 10 pages and most people think twice about reading it. Not to mention printing them destroys small trees each time.
3. Don't overload on decks. Not everything is appropriate for a deck. If there are instructions for a process, try a simple Word document or even a checklist.
Think about it -- simple checklist vs 28 page deck....hmmmmm..........
4. Version control!!! Document what version it is on the cover page and the footer. It's great in the file name, however once printed, the file name doesn't do much good.

In November '04 I started a new position. Sadly, I must say, my Director had on her desk a pile of PowerPoints that was at LEAST 2 foot high! This was background information. Sigh. I just recylced at least 10 decks that were sent, printed for meetings (or given at a meeting) that I have not since touched. There are now at least 3 newer versions of most.

There are good uses for a PowerPoint deck. IF done properly. A good PowerPoint that is easy to read (especially when projected on a screen), has enough information to understand & not forget what you're told, but not so much that you overload and can be understood without requiring a presentation can be a great tool.

But, can I please go one week -- just ONE week without having a new deck sent to me!!!!!