If you're tempted to use slides in your next presentation, the first question to ask yourself is:
Am I hiding behind my slides?
If you think you might be using slides to get the attention off you, this is not a good enough reason to use slides! Ask yourself:
Do I really need slides?
Will slides help me show my audience something they can't see any other way? Will slides help them "get" my message better than my words? If so, great! But if you're only using them to hide behind, ditch them!
Don't make your slides do 2 other jobs
If you’d rather see Gigi teach this lesson about slides, watch this!
As a presenter, you may be tempted to use your slides to do 2 other jobs: You might use them as your detailed notes AND as your handouts. This may seem like a good idea because it saves you time. In fact, it means that your slides will be too detailed to be effective. Don't do this!
Take the time to create separate notes (if you need them) and a separate handout. This practice will make for a much stronger presentation and slides that pack a punch and help your audience remember your message long after they click "leave meeting."
Please note: it's fine to use your slides as your "talking points" — meaning they remind you what you're going to say but the slides are not bogged down with details your audience doesn't need.
Do we need to talk about your slides?
If you haven't taken advantage of your free 30-minute consultation with me, now may be the time. We can talk about your slides and so much more that will take your public speaking to a whole new level. Email Gigi or fill out this brief form to sign up for your consult.
Don’t hide behind your slide deck!