During my copywriting career, I’ve created or tidied up many a PowerPoint presentation (affectionately referred to by some as “non-prescription Ambien.”)
I’ve come to the conclusion that this much-maligned medium is probably used inappropriately more often than not. (How about those 50-slide monsters crammed with graphics and bullets about the latest and greatest in routers and switches?) But that’s a topic for another post.
In this post, I want to turn you onto “Good PPT Design!” by Alex Osterwalder, who bills himself as a “Business Model Thought Leader.” Now I think this title is a touch over the top, but Mr. Osterwalder has offered up such value in this deck that he can call himself “King of the Universe” for all I care.
Here are his four basic rules for a good PowerPoint preso:
Design from your audience’s perspective, not yours
- Limit the content to core message and story
- Keep the visual design simple and stick to the essentials
- Entertain your audience and involve them to keep their attention
In his aforementioned presentation, Mr. Osterwalder provides the flesh for these bones in a wonderfully edutaining way. Don’t be alarmed at its length. I guaranteed that the 135 slides are possibly the fastest, funniest, and smartest you’ve ever experienced.
So, go to it. Read, mark, and inwardly digest, and let me (and him) know what you think.
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