Powerpoint Presentation Considerations at Hybrid Events

Over the years I have heard speakers actually apologizing for their PowerPoint (PPT) presentations! This came as something of a shock to me initially, after all why would anyone present their content in a way that they were not happy or proud of? But, there are some speakers/coaches/facilitators that do just that. To be fair they probably don’t mean to present in such a way but it does happen.

At a recent event I was listening and looking at a presentation and all was going well until the dreaded graphs appeared as part of the PowerPoint. It was at this point that the speaker made an apology for the slide(s) and I rapidly lost interest in the presentation.  

There was something of significance on the slide but I couldn’t see it and the graphs were not explained so I found myself unable to follow the point of that slide. Was it essential to the presentation? I will never know. Did it affect my ability to follow the key point of the presentation? Unfortunately, my concentration was disturbed and I was no longer in the flow of the presentation.

I have been to live events, where to have seen the PowerPoint I would have needed a telescope!

If graphs are going to be used that is fine but I think the key point of the slide needs to be developed in such a way that it becomes obvious without the need for the audience member trying to figure out what all the miniature figures/statistics actually mean.

I think there is little point in saying that if you cannot see the figures don’t worry as they will be e mailed after the presentation. What’s the point? The speaker has the audience there and then and that is the time to make the presentation really work.

A bad PowerPoint has no place at any event and even more so when a hybrid event is being produced. Just think how quickly your online audience will turn off if they cannot understand the slides or even see them.

Be proud of your presentation and never apologise. If you think you have to apologise then that is a sign to re-think the point of the slide in your presentation. 

Remember also that you have an online audience to consider and you certainly will not see them leave the room but they will go if your presentation isn’t keeping their interest. 

Related Posts and Resources 

The Hybrid Event Centre 

110% Effort is Not Enough

This post is largely aimed at students and new entrants but equally can apply to anyone wishing to move forward in their career. 

I have heard 110% effort become one of those very common clichés that to me really means nothing.

This sounds harsh I know, after you saying that you will put in 110% effort. That has to seal the deal surely? Surely, you have convinced me to give you that job interview or that job? Well, no, not really, because just making the statement on your CV or covering letter is not enough.

You see I am anticipating that if you want to work with me in my organisation then you will be bringing me huge amounts of effort anyway as you step on to your career path.

The expression for me is a little tired now anyway. After all, you are unlikely to say that you will bring me 30% effort so why the 110%? It is meaningless.

But, demonstrate through your CV or covering letter that you are providing all this effort anyway in a different form and I will be much happier.

You could show me by demonstrating; your understanding of the industry language, your understanding of key business terms, showing me that you have been connecting to event professionals, that you have some voluntary experience, that you have taken a position of some responsibility and that you understand the issues facing my organisation and its environment.

Now you have my attention, so kick the old cliché into touch and just show me how your work through details of your activities and then I will know you are really putting the effort in. Now I am ready to talk. 

Related Posts/Resources 

Writing the Perfect CV

Student Zone on Planet Planit