worst prezi presentations

Presentation Guru

The problem for prezi – most prezis look rubbish and don’t work.

In this article, Jim Harvey looks at Prezi as an innovation, and tries to see a bright future for this once shining, now slightly faded star.

Most Prezis look rubbish and don’t work. That’s a bit harsh isn’t it? Particularly from someone who’s been supporting Prezi and advocating its use for years. And from the guy who wrote the first ‘how to  manual’ now in it’s 7th edition and dowloaded 50,000 times.

Why would I say this? Well I guess because the honeymoon is over. 5 years ago, Prezi was still new. Just using Prezi, even in its earliest, most limited form, could help you stand out from the PowerPoint crowd. Not anymore. Most people in advertising, marketing and media circles in Europe, US, Asia, and all around the world have heard of Prezi, and many have already formed an opinion about it. For many it’s become a zooming, spinning, sick-making cliché;  something that works against the presenter before they’ve even started speaking.  How has this happened? What can we do about it?

My team at The Message Business were probably some of the first people to use it as a pitching tool for ourselves and then for our clients. We even wrote the first book about it and how to use it to best effect. We loved Prezi, but not unconditionally. We recommend Prezi still, but only sometimes, and we use Prezi, but less and less now as we, and our clients see other tools like PowerPoint. Keynote, SlideBean, Zeetings and many others close the gap.

The Diffusion of Innovation- innovators and early adopters

Using Everett Rogers’ ‘Diffusion of Innovation’ theory we can see why we are where we are with Prezi today.

Prezi was a new product back in 2009, breaking into a static market dominated by one product, PowerPoint. The innovative tool gained traction with a few ‘innovators’ and ‘early adopters’, and a cult was formed. We loved the possibilities of the tool, if not the tool itself, and we felt like we were part of a team. The geeks at Prezi and ‘us’, the users, bonding together to find a voice, a space and a use for Prezi in this slide-dominated, Microsoft world.

And we did succeed, didn’t we? We experimented, made mistakes, had great triumphs and made Prezis, sometimes creaky, and limited presentation toy, a real option for business presenters. But our enthusiasm made us blind, sometimes, to the weaknesses in Prezi.

Prezi vs PowerPoint

Prezi had no built-in visual structure – templates, slides, layouts, paths, fonts, font regulation and sizing. That came as a standard part of PowerPoint.  There was almost no such structure provided in Prezi. You got the canvas, and that was that. Everything else you had to create; frame by frustrating frame; path-point by agonizing path-point. Prezi was also (in my view) less intuitive than PowerPoint and harder to learn to use well.

But Prezi caught something in the imagination of students, academics, creative types, innovators and people who were looking for an alternative. It was an instant hit with a very small slice of the population.

I first blogged about it in 2009 , and used it for my first pitch in the real world in October of that year.

My thoughts then, can be summarised as follows:

Obviously, Prezi is not as broad, flexible, integrated or widely used as Bill’s much derided PowerPoint tool, so it’s nowhere near PowerPoint as the default option for corporates, but as an expert user of PowerPoint, I could do some things much more easily and powerfully with this little gem, and there are times that I’d choose to use it, without question, simply because Prezi’s starting position is so different.

But I was not uncritical. I thought the tool was unsophisticated, glitchy and full of challenges for the would-be advocate. By 2010 I was saying this ,

‘’…It is good and offers a new way of thinking about presenting ideas in work and life.

It’s not Microsoft – and as we know that’s enough for some people to go crazy about something that is not yet proven technology.  But it does have promise.

People confuse the medium with the message- i.e. most presentations at work are crap, most presenters use PowerPoint, therefore PowerPoint is crap and anything new must be better… Logic flawed all through. Though it’s logic that Prezi is still using today. Their latest campaign is as follows:

Will Prezi help you make a better presentation next time I get up to speak?

Answer:  No. Crap presenters will still present badly with Prezi, maybe even worse because there’s less structure to follow than in a PPT template.  But if you’re good at building and telling stories, if you have a clear point to make, if you loathe bullet slides, then maybe it will help a little.  For you creative types, thought leaders, designers, poets, CEOs who want to woo investors, show-offs, me, and people with a little bit of flair for the new and dangerous you will want to have a go anyway.  So enjoy the experience…’’

Over the next three and a half years Prezi has worked incredibly hard to stay ahead of the chasing critics and behind the existing users and fans.  They’ve listened to all kinds of people, even me, and they’ve created a much more rounded, usable and commercial presentation application.  So well done to them and in trying to make a sustainable business from a brilliant idea, they’ve added all of this functionality and continue to do so .

Where does Prezi stand today? At a crossing in the road

Today, Prezi is better, stronger, more user-friendly than we could ever have imagined that it could have been.  It has apps for mobile presenters on Apple and android products. It’s used much more widely than most of use expected, 75 million users, apparently and rising, But where are we really? Is Prezi a ground-breaking new product or a quirky craze that only students really love?

Hundreds of thousands of young, intelligent, enthusiastic people (your typical early adopters), all over the world, are using Prezi.  There are literally tens of millions of Prezis out there for people to see and use.  And most of them are rubbish. They aren’t visual aids: they’re tools for supervised reading.  Little different to the vast majority of PowerPoint slides that we’ve all panned for years.

That rapid proliferation has been part of the problem. In the ‘early days of Prezi’ we were all trying to find a way to use the tool, I made mistakes with it; we all did. But in the innovation and adoption stage, that’s what happens. Prezi still might fail to take hold, and with all of that inexpert experimentation we were helping to brand an innocent piece of software as a geek’s presentation trick.

You only have to take a look at Prezi’s website to see that many of the ‘highly recommended’ Prezis, the ones with lots of views and hundreds of ‘likes’ often look good at a glance, but fail when looked at more closely. The same is true, even for the ‘staff picks’. Prezi’s site is clogged up with lots of sincerely meant, fundamentally flawed examples of what Prezi can do.

The good news

The idea of Prezi is still alive, and clinging on with a chance of reaching the mainstream.

The second wave – Convincing the early majority

In Europe, at least, we’re entering the second wave for Prezi. Opinion Leaders have adopted it and/or rejected it vociferously. We’ve seen it used at conferences, at TED and in business presentations, and some senior people in some pretty big corporations are starting to demand it in their lives.

If Prezi is going to be around in 5 years, we have to make sure that we use it, show it and talk about it in a way that makes sense to the (rightly) sceptical ‘next generation’ of users who will try it once, and discard it if it doesn’t do what it promised. What are the challenges that must be faced if we’re to make a success of this product?  To convince the ‘early majority’ of business users, 2 things have to happen:

• We have to move away from describing Prezi as a presenting tool and understand that we can use it more much more broadly in business, because it may just be that Prezi’s success will lie in the fact that it has many potential uses, not just one use as a rather limited presenting package.
• We have to make sure that we use Prezi to it’s best advantage, for its few real strengths, and minimise its many potential weaknesses, or the impatient, change-averse corporate crowd will reject Prezi out of hand, and Prezi will probably fail to recover.

Establishing the wider business case for Prezi

Prezi is a good tool for presenting, but it may have even better, unimagined uses for many businesses – though the principles of creating a good Prezi presentation remains the same. Have you thought about using Prezi in the following ways?

• As self-running presentations on a stand-alone monitor as a part of your next conference stand or marketing event.
• As a touch-screen presentation for customers to learn about your products and services in your public areas at your business premises.
• As an easy way to create and share online learning modules hosted on your intranet as a part of your knowledge sharing offering for employees and clients.
• As embedded content on your website for your users to see your ideas, products and services in more detail. With or without narration.
• As a remote meeting and brainstorming tool to bring teams together all over the world and build ideas collaboratively.
• As a tablet/iPad tool for ‘sit-down’ discussions in business, where Prezi’s ‘off-path’ ability would allow us to use it as a discussion aid.

Here’s a really interesting Prezi from Jacco vanderKooij that shares his ideas, and expands on mine, or how you can use Prezi more widely in your business life.

Use Prezi with Skill

So if you want to make the most of your hard-won experience in using this, potentially, brilliant tool, you have to be better than the Prezi norm. You have to bring a structured, rational and business-like approach to your design of Prezis and use of the tool.

Let’s look at the fundamentals of creating and using Prezi in the best, most professional way, to help you stand out from your competitive crowd. And for each element we’ll show you best and worst practice examples from the ever-expanding Prezi world.

The opinions expressed here are all ours. You don’t have to agree with our opinions, but we believe that an opinion helps others to form theirs, and so it is with this in mind that we’ll cover the following.

• Using the big picture possibilities of Prezi to make a great impression.
• Remove sickness from the Prezi ‘vocabulary’ by reducing spinning, zooming and panning.
• Understand visual structure and layout- staking & layering

Use templates to help you hit the ground running.

Use prezi’s ‘big picture’ possibilities to make a great impression.

The thing I love most about Prezi is the big, blank canvas: a place where you can create simple, visual aids to help you tell your story. The problem with a big, blank canvas is hinted at in the name.  It’s big and it’s blank. So there’s a great challenge for non-designers. Two questions they need answering:

• What do I fill it with?
• How do I use it?

The answers :

• What do I fill it with? A big picture that frames or outlines your subject and acts as a ‘reinforcer’ of your presentation’s ‘big idea’. See our “Six presentation structures” download for examples.
• How do I use it? As an emphatic tool to help you see the big picture and how it all fits together, and then to zoom in and pan for detail, before zooming out again to allow the audience to ‘see’ how it all fits together.

Remove sickness from the Prezi  vocabulary by reducing spinning, zooming and panning

There are a few things to understand about using Prezi’s ‘tricks’ well. Essentially Prezi only allows you to do 3 things with content:

• Use Layering to create interesting ‘unveiling’ effects.
• Zoom in and out for emphasis and expansion of an idea.
• Make things appear to help build an argument, progression or an idea.

In order to get the best from the tool when presenting we need to be careful when we’re putting things onto the canvas. There are 3 concepts that we need to understand in order to do a great job.  We need to pay attention to:

Working with Proximity, Rotation & Zooming

The amount of spinning and zooming in your Prezi depends on how you arrange and align your path elements on the canvas, because Prezi looks at your path and decides for itself, the best way to move (‘transition’) from path-point to path point.

So if your next path point is a long way from the previous one, Prezi has to zoom quickly and directly between the 2 points, which can mean a very distracting and disorienting journey for the viewer.  So pay attention to the following three issues when arranging assets on your canvas and joining them with the path tool. Be aware of:

• Proximity – the closer things are to the previous path point, the smoother the transition will be.
• Rotation – Be aware of greater than 60 degree rotations from path-point to path-point and use 180-360 rotations very carefully, for deliberate reasons; for example, to zoom out to your ‘big picture’ in order to move to the next act or major part of your story.
• Scale and zoom – Zooming in deeply and zooming out strongly can be very effective ways of emphasising a key point (zooming in), and giving context, but don’t combine a big zoom with a long, lateral transition, or a greater than 60 degree rotation, or the audience will be at best confused, or at worst, sick.

Here’s a really good example of how to use Prezi’s panning and zooming to best effect – from Prezi’s excellent collection of ‘how-to’ videos, available free from Prezi.com.

Understand visual structure and layout

One of the next hardest things to do as we build real, high-end Prezi skills, is to understand how we can best arrange all of our assets on the canvas and then build the path through our Prezi to make the most of the strengths (layering, zooming, the large canvas etc.) and minimise the weaknesses (excessive zooming, spinning and lateral motion).  There are a few simple rules that we can follow, as a start and these include –

• Understanding basic ‘framing and layout principles’.
• Remembering to zoom in and out vertically before panning across.
• Using the screen ratio tool to make sure that what you see in a frame is what you see on the screen when presenting.
• Using simple layout ‘grid thinking’ for every frame you show, so that there’s a professional and coherent visual structure to every path point view in your presentation.
• Linking your visual structure to your story structure and have ‘chunks’ of your Prezi for each part – Prologue, Act 1, Act 2, Act 3, Epilogue – and consider the layering of the ‘chunks’ to allow you to develop an ‘In-Out’ or an ‘Out-In’ structure to help you tell that story.

Using that same Prezi again, that shows how you can use simple visual structure to help you tell your story.  Notice how we use the ‘chunks’ of the story as stages of our Prezi path. Starting off with the Prologue ‘chunk’ zoomed into grab the audience’s attention…

Then zooming out to tell the main ‘3 Acts of the story’…

And moving between the 3 Acts with short, lateral transitions, after showing the audience the ‘Big Picture’ to make sure they see the point…

Then zooming out for the last time to emphasis the real value of Prezi (and our services) which is to help the viewer stand out every time they stand up to speak.

Use a stacking strategy –  ‘In-Out’ or an ‘Out-In’

In my publication ‘ 6 Speech Structures ’ we show you how to use classic story structure to write your speech.  In short there should be the 3 ‘Acts’ that audiences expect in any well written story. Three acts, and an attention grabbing first 30 seconds, then a confident, concise closing 30 seconds.  Represented graphically as follows:

If you follow a similar structure in creating your presentations, you’ll find that you have 5 ‘chunks’ of content that you can create as 5, distinct parts of your Prezi visuals. Each chunk will have a path of its own (though, obviously, the path is continuous from section to section). To make the most of Prezi’s abilities, you can then arrange your content using scaling, layering and animation, to help you tell the story in a visually interesting way, while avoiding excessive zooming, panning and all those lateral transitions.

NB.  In each of the examples below, the red element is where you would start the presentation; blue is the 3-act story structure; green is the rousing end of the presentation.

An ‘in-out-out’ approach –

Start zoomed in for the prologue

Zoom out for the 3 Acts of the story

Zoom out again showing the whole story in the context of what you want them to do

An ‘out-in-out’ approach –

Start zoomed half-way in for the prologue

Zoom in for the 3 Acts of the story

Zoom out all the way for the epilogue, showing the whole story in the context of what you want them to do

An ‘out-out-in’ approach –

Start zoomed half-out for the prologue

Zoom out again for the 3 acts of the story

Zoom in all the way for the hard-hitting epilogue

Step-by-step to stacking and layering  

Many of the challenges we face in creating Prezis that work well, can be solved by developing your own, trusted templates with the right fonts, colours, frames, layouts and paths already made, so all you need to do is fill the empty spaces with your content and ‘tweak’ the formatting, alignment and sizing before you present.

You can use Prezis bank of templates and ‘tweak’ them with different fonts, colour schemes, backgrounds and lines, and then save them as your own template for use again and again.

This is probably a good place for you to start if you don’t have the budget to go further. But the Prezi templates don’t really use stacking and layering as we’ve discussed here. They go for the easy method of an eye-catching background and a linear progression. Pretty basic, but pretty good too.

Prezi has made a lot of movement in the right direction over the last 2 years, adding tens of new templates to the choices on offer to the new user, they’ve even used some of our thinking on 6 common story structures for business presentations .

But Prezi’s templates are still:

• Visually clichéd already and well on the way to becoming like Microsoft clipart in the 1990s.
• More ‘arty’ than practical for serious business users.
• Reliant on circular frames – which is simply mad because it wastes 50% of the screen on a 16×6 or 4×3 monitor when presented.

And they’ll become even more clichéd as this year progresses and Prezi moves towards 20 million users.

3 reasons why you should buy or make your own Prezi templates

• They’ll help you stand out – they’ll be uniquely suited to you, your organisation and your brand. They won’t be the ones that everyone is using.
• They’ll save you time – because all of the time-consuming ‘background work’: like creating layouts, paths, transitions, and scaling and zooming will be done for you, so all you have to do is add your content to the empty frames.
• They’ll save you money – because if you’re a professional, your hourly rate is probably well above $100 an hour. It’ll take you at least 3 hours to do all of that thinking and planning to layout your Prezi.  And if a template costs you $15.00…

Get started on shaping the second wave of Prezi

Our job is to help you make the most of your next presentation opportunity. To help you stand out from the crowd, for all the right reasons. Prezi is outstanding, if used well.  And if you want to learn to be the best in the business here are 3 things you could do right now to help:

• Download our free Prezi for Professionals eBook
• Download hundreds of our  free Prezi templates  here
• Look at some great Prezis done by the guys at Presentation Studio, who are setting a pretty high bar when using Prezi with their clients.
• Latest Posts

+Jim Harvey

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1st December 2020 at 5:12 am

This article is amazing in every aspect. Thank you.

5th June 2021 at 7:43 am

This article is missing a key component, and that is privacy. Prezi shares your presentations by default on a free account, and this is a huge risk for any sensitive data.

While Prezi engage in this enforced sharing policy, Prezi should never be recommended, inface it should be advocated against. Your article is disingenuous in that you don’t cover this glaring issue, or you choose to ignore it to sound like an early adopter. Either way, weak journalism.

5th June 2021 at 9:41 am

Hi there, thanks for your post. I didn’t choose to mention the privacy issue because that’s down to the individual user and I trust them to make the right decision for themselves. Don’t share things that will be shared without your consent would be my advice.

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Why Prezi failed at revolutionizing presentations

by Pierre Morsa — Tuesday 28 May 2019

In 2009, the year when TED decided to launch its TEDx license program, Prezi was born out of the desire to overcome the limitations of tools like PowerPoint and Keynote. With its dramatic zooming and panning effects, it certainly did catch the eye of audiences worldwide when it was introduced. But its over-reliance on movement effects quickly became a visual nuisance, making the audience feel as if they had been on a boat caught in a category 10 hurricane. During the first three years after its launch we got requests for Prezi presentations regularly, but it’s not the case anymore. So what went wrong with Prezi? The core problem of Prezi is simple: it does not address the real problem of PowerPoint. Audiences are not bored because of PowerPoint, but because of how PowerPoint is misused by presenters, and adding more zooming in and out ad nauseam is not going to solve anything. The true remedy to bad PowerPoint presentations lies somewhere else:

• Teaching speakers how to build a compelling narrative for their presentations before opening PowerPoint.
• Designing slides that effectively reinforce or clarify the speaker’s story.

Don’t be mistaken. With the right skills, it is possible to use Prezi to create a great visual story, but for most use cases PowerPoint will be as good or better.

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What If Awesome People Gave Awful Presentations!

Imagine that the leaders of some the greatest tech companies in the world gave the worst presentations you’ve ever seen! With a little help from Photoshop we created a few examples on how brilliant minds could fail at presenting. Would you’ve taken their ideas and vision seriously if you saw them presenting like that?

Steve Jobs – The “All Text on 1 Slide” Presenter

Steve Jobs introducing a brilliant new invention to the world. He is a little shy so the doesn’t want to talk or make a great speech. He lists all the iPhone features on slides. Raise your hand if you’re done reading so he can get on with the the next slide.

Bill Gates – The “Couldn’t Care Less” Guy

He had one assignment. He completed it. The audience is probably stupid anyway so he made it look very simple. Oh and he used Prezi because it’s free, not that stupid PowerPoint as he couldn’t find that Office 2017 torrent anyway… Why do you want to ask questions? I just showed you all the information on the slides?

Mark Zuckerberg – Simply Overcomplicated Ideas

It is important to deliver the cookies with an SSL connection that is protected with a 128-Bit Encryption. Before you confirm the database-based authentication, make sure all the data is hashed as 32-character string. That’s how easy it is to make a new friend on Facebook, duh!

Jeff Bezos – The “Last Minute & Unprepared” Guy

The most important presentation of the year. Jeff Bezos walks into the room 5 minutes before the presentations starts. Not a single minute was wasted on preparing for the presentation. Tries to connect his own laptop to the display –  not working. Let’s wait until someone finds the tech guy.

Elon Musk – The Funny Dude with Ineffective Visuals

Would you as an investor give any money to a man showing slides like these? Unfortunately I’ve seen many business pitches with similar content. It would be a perfect idea – if you were making a coloring book startup!

So I hope there were a few lessons learned here! Your ideas might be great, even the best, but if you fail at presenting, people simply won’t take you seriously. Just try to prepare for your speech even a little bit and it will have a big impact. We can be quite sure that the brilliant minds above probably did give a few awful presentations during their early days, but they definitely learned from their mistakes.

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The Best and Worst of Presentations in 2019

It goes without saying that we always have our finger on the pulse of presentations — the good, the bad, and the ugly. In order to contribute to the industry, we like to be in the know of what’s new, what’s trending, and what’s missing when it comes to both creating a deck and presenting it. The beauty of technology is that things are always evolving and changing, and as such presentations and public speaking are always improving. 

So, as the year (and decade) comes to a close, we’re looking back at the highs and lows in the world of presentations. A year in review of sorts, in case you missed any noteworthy presentations or cringe-worthy decks in the past 12 months.

Without further ado, here is a round-up of the best and worst of presentations in 2019. 

2019 Had Some Really Great Presentations

1. Srinivas Rao and The Unmistakable Creative — This year, Srinivas Rao, the popular author, host of the podcast, The Unmistakable Creative, and constant (and accomplished) keynote speaker shared his presentation hack with us. You guessed it: Beautiful.ai’s Smart Slides. In fact, he created his own Unmistakable Creative media kit in Beautiful.ai. Srinivas says, “Everyone said the media kit was breathtaking. Beautiful.ai is leaps and bounds better than the other products. I’ve even done online courses and slides in Beautiful.ai. It’s instinctive, it’s fast, and it’s nearly impossible to make a presentation hideous.” We do have to admit, his presentation style (and deck) is pretty impressive, earning a spot on our best of 2019 list.

2. Siqi Chen on Presentations — Siqi Chen, investor and CEO of Sandbox VR, knows presentations. He’s likely given and received his fair share of Pitch Decks. And while Pitch Decks are great (and wildly important for entrepreneurs), our favorite presentation from Siqi Chen is his presentation on presentations . Yep, you read that right. This year he created a 58-slide presentation sharing everything he knows about crushing presentations. It was great. He talks about the importance of storytelling, and how to provoke action from a presentation. It’s helpful to presenters of all levels, and visually appealing, which counts as a win in our book. 

3. Meghan Markle in Cape Town, South Africa — It’s no secret that Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, steals hearts worldwide every time she takes the podium. In fact, her speeches always seem to go viral from unwavering fans. But what makes her speeches so royally good ? Sure, what you have to say matters, but how you say it (and how well you connect with your audience) matters more. Meghan Markle isn’t afraid to get personal, she embraces local cultures and languages, and always makes eye contact with a smile on her face. Earlier this year she gave a heartfelt speech at a charity event in Cape Town, South Africa where she said. “I’m here as a member of the royal family, and as a wife, a mother, a woman of color. As your sister.” The crowd (and internet) melted.

And, Some Really Bad Ones, Too

1. Car and Technology — Okay, we have to admit, this presentation deck technically isn’t from 2019, but we discovered it in 2019, so that counts right? It’s the perfect example of what not to do, so we had to include it. This entire presentation screams “fail” from the lengthy paragraphs to the questionable image placements. Luckily, it’s virtually impossible to create a presentation this ugly in Beautiful.ai.

2. Kshivets O. Lung Cancer Surgery — Again, not a 2019 design, but cringe-worthy nonetheless. We’ll give these slides the benefit of the doubt considering they were created nearly 10 years ago, but all of the graphs and charts are a disaster. Your audience should be able to digest your data without getting a migraine, so overly-complicated charts are a no for us. And this presentation is nothing but complicated.

3. The Oscars Acceptance Speech — True, not a traditional presentation, but this acceptance speech has been pegged as one of the worst of all time. Why? When Greg Cannom, Kate Biscoe, and Patricia Dehaney-Le May accepted their award for the film Vice they took turns reading their speech off of a notecard. This sounds awkward, right? It gets worse. At one point, they got confused where one left off and where the other was supposed to pick up and as a result the speech got all jumbled. The key takeaways from this? Don’t read straight off of a card (or presentation slide), and don’t pass the microphone every other word.

All that to say, a lot has changed since 1987, including presentation software and stale public speaking styles. PowerPoint is so 2000 late. What looked good then certainly doesn’t look good now, and it shows. Kate McKinnon said it best on Saturday Night Live— in our favorite skit of the year— when she poked fun at PowerPoint’s pain points.

Cheers to another year of presentations, we’re excited to see what 2020 will bring. 

Jordan Turner

Jordan is a Bay Area writer, social media manager, and content strategist.

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Jim Harvey's Presentation Skills Advice

The worst presentation slide ever.

You might have seen this slide before, as it’s often used as an example of the worst presentation slide ever. You can see why, I’m sure. But sometimes analysing extremely bad examples can help us to understand how we can improve our own presentations – even when we have (I hope) much better slides to begin with.

This slide comes from a presentation created by the US military for a discussion about (apparently) the Afghanistan war. One of the audience members is famously reported to have commented on the slide,  “When we understand that slide, we’ll have won the war.”  Is it the ‘worst presentation slide ever’? And if so, what makes it so bad?

What’s the Point?

In a presentation, the audience is concentrating on listening to what the presenter is saying, so they have little time or brain capacity to devote to understanding slides. For that reason, slides should have one clear, simple message which the audience can understand at a glace, allowing them to devote their attention to the words of the presenter.

You could spend 30 minutes staring at this diagram in  silent room, and still not understand it’s point.

Where Should I Look?

One of our top presentation rules is ‘remove clutter’ . Why? Clutter confuses the audience because they don’t know where to look. If the presenter says “as you can see from the picture” and there are five pictures on screen, the clutter is diluting the message and distracting the audience.

Simple slides give the audience one thing to look at – focusing their attention and making the most of an opportunity to provide visual back-up to the presenter’s verbal message (see more on visual and verbal channels ).

What Does it Say?

I don’t know how big a screen this diagram was shown on; but I doubt the audience could read all of it’s text. If you’ve got so much clutter that your text is too small to read, what’s the point of it? Again, removing clutter improves presentations by allowing the information you do show to be big, clear and memorable.

Is This the Worst Presentation Slide Ever?

It’s definitely bad. But we can’t know how bad because nobody knows the purpose of the slide. If the message of the slide was simply to say, “this issue is really complicated, and you don’t need to understand the detail”, then the slide was probably effective. It passes Nancy Duarte’s ‘glance test’  because after a second anybody seeing that diagram would think “that’s one complex subject”.

But if the purpose of the slide was to explain the details of the subject, it fails. The audience would not only have no clue what they were supposed to look at or how to interpret all of the information; they’d probably be put off ever delving deeper into the subject.

Perhaps the US Military should be required to read our series on explaining complex concepts.

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Avoiding Pitfalls: How Not to Deliver the Worst Presentation Ever

Estimated reading time: 19 minutes

Introduction

Crafting a presentation that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impression can feel like navigating through a minefield. With the horror stories of manuscript letters gone awry, the journey from drafting to delivery is fraught with potential pitfalls. Remember, a well-constructed presentation is like a carefully woven tapestry, each thread representing a crucial element of success. The stories of John’s slide overload and Alex’s tech-no disaster underscore the delicate balance between content and delivery.

In our quest to steer clear of becoming the protagonist in a tale of the worst presentation ever, it’s vital to embrace the lessons hidden within these all-too-common blunders. Manuscript letters should serve not as a relic of a bygone era but as a beacon, guiding us towards clarity, engagement, and relevance. Let’s channel the spirit of resilience and innovation that these letters embody, transforming our next presentation from a potential disaster into a masterclass in effective communication. Remember, the key to captivating your audience lies not in the quantity of your slides but in the quality of your story.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace an audience-centric approach by tailoring your content, tone, and delivery to their interests, knowledge levels, and expectations, ensuring your presentation resonates and engages.
• Cling to the power of simplicity in your presentation; clear and simple explanations trump complexity, making your key messages accessible to all audience members.
• Uphold the rehearsal mantra , practicing more than you think you need to, to refine and perfect your delivery, aligning content and visuals seamlessly.
• Adopt a growth mindset , actively seeking and integrating feedback for continuous improvement, turning each presentation into a stepping stone towards mastery.
• Know your tech , ensuring you have a Plan B to prevent technical glitches from derailing your presentation, complementing rather than complicating your message.
• Finally, engage and adapt , reading the room and being prepared to adjust your approach on the fly, keeping your audience involved and interested throughout.

Real-Life Horror Stories: The Worst Presentation Ever Examples

Oh boy, where to begin? We’ve all been privy to some cringe-worthy presentations. These unfortunate moments serve as learning tools for all of us. If you’ve ever wondered what not to do during a presentation, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive deep into these cautionary tales.

The Slide Overload

Ah, the classic mistake of thinking quantity over quality. Remember John from Accounting? Let me share a personal story.

John was about to present the annual financial report. Exciting stuff, right? But as he confidently clicked onto his first slide, our enthusiasm waned. The fall was a chaotic jumble of charts, texts, and images. And as he progressed, it was evident that John had tried to fit the entire year’s data onto his PowerPoint. By slide 72, Sarah from Marketing was doodling, Mike was discreetly checking his watch, and I? I was lost in a sea of confusion. Lesson learned : It’s not about how much you present but how you present it.

Tech-No Disaster

We’re in a digital age, and we want to incorporate the latest tech in our presentations. A personal buddy of mine, Alex, learned this the hard way.

Alex was about to unveil a new product and had prepared a cutting-edge video to kick things off. The room was darkened, the stage was set, and… nothing. The video just wouldn’t play. After a painful 15 minutes of failed troubleshooting and growing audience restlessness, he gave up.

The irony? His talk was on the reliability of their new product. Oops. Moral of the story : Always have a Plan B and make sure your tech complements your presentation, not complicates it.

Reading Verbatim

It’s storytime! I once attended a seminar where the speaker, let’s call her Jane, committed the cardinal sin of presenting.

Jane, with her high-end glasses and polished shoes, started her presentation. But as she began, she was clearly reading verbatim off her slides. It was as if she was merely a human slideshow transition. Her monotonous tone had us all checking our phones, thinking, “Why am I here when I could’ve just received a PDF?”

The worst part ? The slides were filled with text. I genuinely felt like I was back in my 8th-grade reading class. No offense to Mrs. Patterson, but that’s not what I signed up for.

Bonus: The Unprepared Presenter

Remember that time your colleague decided to wing his presentation? Yeah, not a great idea. Dave thought he could rely on his charm and improvise. By the third slide, he was sweating bullets, constantly retracing his steps, and umming his way through. Takeaway : A little spontaneity is good, but a foundation of preparation is essential.

While these worst presentation ever anecdotes might provide a chuckle (or a grimace) in hindsight, they’re valuable lessons in disguise. After all, as they say, we learn more from failure than from success . So, think of John, Alex, Jane, and Dave next time you’re crafting your presentation. Remember their tales, sidestep their blunders, and pave your way to presentation greatness.

Top 10 Common Mistakes of the Worst Presentations

Presentations. They’re the bread and butter of the corporate world. But let’s be honest; we’ve all witnessed some that made us cringe, yawn, or even discreetly check our phones. Why do some presentations soar while others crash and burn? Well, often, it boils down to a few common mistakes. Let’s dive deep into these pitfalls and how to sidestep them.

1. Neglecting Audience Needs

Remember Tom from Sales? He once delivered a presentation on advanced algorithms to a group of interns. The result? A room full of bewildered faces. The key to a successful production is understanding and catering to your audience’s needs.

Tip : Always conduct preliminary research on your audience’s knowledge and expectations.

2. Poor Slide Design

Visuals are meant to assist your narrative, not overshadow it. A friend of mine once used neon-colored text on a bright background. It was a visual assault, to say the least!

Anecdote : I recall when a speaker used an image of a cat to illustrate a point on productivity. Cute? Yes. Relevant? Not so much.

Golden Rule : Keep it simple, clear, and relevant.

3. Overloading Information

Data is essential. But bombarding your audience with an avalanche of stats and figures can lead to cognitive overload. I still remember a presentation where I felt like I was studying for a final exam!

Pro Tip : Highlight key takeaways and use visuals to break down complex data.

4. Lack of Rehearsal

Flashback to my college days: A classmate took the stage and blanked out mid-presentation. The culprit? Lack of rehearsal.

Remember : Familiarity breeds confidence. The more you practice, the smoother your delivery.

5. Ignoring Technology Glitches

Projectors failing, videos not playing, or mics giving feedback can all spell disaster. Have you ever witnessed a presenter fumble with tech for what feels like an eternity? It’s pure second-hand embarrassment.

Actionable Advice : Always conduct a tech run-through before the big show.

6. Ineffective Communication Skills

Story Time! I once sat through a 40-minute presentation where the speaker mumbled throughout. The message was lost in translation, literally!

Essential Skill : Voice modulation, clear articulation, and effective body language are pivotal.

7. No Clear Objective or Message

Have you ever walked away from a presentation thinking, “What was the point?” I have, more times than I’d like to admit.

Guideline : Every presentation should have a clear, concise objective. Stick to it.

8. Failing to Engage the Audience

A colleague once delivered a monologue without addressing the audience. It felt more like a soliloquy than a presentation.

Engagement Tip : Ask questions, use interactive elements, and ensure your audience is part of the journey.

9. Monotony and Lack of Enthusiasm

Personal Anecdote : A guest lecturer once spoke in a monotone for two hours straight. The content was fascinating, but the delivery? Snooze-fest!

Energy Boost : Infuse passion and enthusiasm into your presentation. It’s contagious!

10. Ignoring Feedback and Not Adapting

Post-presentation feedback is gold. I once attended a series of talks by the same speaker. Despite consistent feedback, he repeated the same mistakes. It was the definition of insanity!

Feedback Mantra : Embrace, evaluate, and evolve.

Mistakes are part and parcel of the learning curve. But awareness of these common pitfalls is your first defense against the dreaded worst presentation ever label. With preparation, mindfulness, and a sprinkle of passion, you can craft presentations that inform, inspire, and impress. So, gear up and let your next presentation be your best yet!

Expert Tips to Dodge the Worst Presentation Pitfalls

Navigating the world of presentations is akin to tightrope walking. While the glory of a well-executed production can make you the talk of the town, one misstep can have you remembered for all the wrong reasons. But fret not! Arm yourself with these expert tips and strategies, and you’ll not only avoid the worst presentation pitfalls but might just land a standing ovation.

1. The Art of Proper Planning

Have you ever heard of the 6 P’s? “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Presentation Performance.” This saying, while a bit of a tongue-twister, is packed with wisdom.

Personal Anecdote : I had a close friend, Jamie. She was tasked with presenting a crucial project to stakeholders. Given her knack for public speaking, she took it lightly, relying on her charisma. Come D-Day, she realized she had missed several key points. Instead of being a home run, the presentation turned into a series of awkward pauses and hasty improvisations. The verdict? Planning isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Guideline : Draft a clear outline, break down key points, anticipate potential questions, and weave in a story or two. Remember, a well-prepared presenter exudes confidence, making it easier to connect with the audience.

2. Visual Aids Mastery

A picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes, less is more, especially regarding slide design.

Revisiting our earlier Slide Overload debacle, it’s evident that cramming slides with information does more harm than good. Your slides should enhance your message, not compete for attention.

Case Study : Microsoft’s presentations for Windows launches are a testament to the power of minimalistic slide design. They employ crisp visuals, concise text, and ample white space, ensuring the audience focuses on the product and the presenter.

Expert Tip : Balance is essential. Use visuals like graphs, charts, or infographics to distil complex points. But always ensure they serve a purpose and enhance the narrative.

3. The Magic of Practice

There’s a reason why the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” Whether it’s a TED talk, a keynote speech, or a quarterly review meeting, rehearsal is the secret sauce.

Fun Fact : Did you know Beyoncé spends hours rehearsing for her performances? If Queen Bey sees value in practice, who are we to skip it?

And as for winging it, while your cousin Bob’s off-the-cuff barbecue speeches might be endearing, a professional setting demands more.

Golden Rule : Rehearse multiple times. Familiarize yourself with the content, iron out glitches, and refine your delivery. It’s all about being comfortable and authentic on stage.

4. The Skill of Reading the Room

Picture this: A speaker, engrossed in their world, while the audience’s interest wanes, eyes wander, and phones emerge. It’s a familiar scene and one you’d want to avoid.

Anecdote : At a digital marketing seminar I attended, the speaker, engrossed in technical jargon, failed to notice the audience’s diminishing interest. Sensing the disconnect, a brave soul asked for more straightforward explanations. Instead of taking offence, the speaker pivoted, adjusted his approach, and salvaged the presentation.

Insight : Active engagement is a two-way street. Regularly check in with your audience, ask for feedback, and be ready to adapt on the fly. Remember, it’s about them as much as it’s about you.

Presentations can be daunting, but with the right approach, tools, and mindset, they can be a delightful experience for both the presenter and the audience. So, as you prepare for your next presentation, let these expert tips guide you. Here’s to delivering captivating, impactful, memorable presentations that resonate and inspire!

The Humorous Side: Why We Love Watching the Worst Presentation Ever

Let’s be honest; there’s a quirky side to us that takes guilty pleasure in others’ faux pas. Who doesn’t enjoy a good laugh, especially when it’s not at our own expense? But when it comes to the world of presentations, this humor often finds its muse in the cringe-worthy performances of some unsuspecting souls. Let’s dive into the psychology behind this and the lessons we can glean from it.

Understanding Schadenfreude

Ah, Schadenfreude . A term that’s as tricky to pronounce as the emotion it describes is to explain. Borrowed from German, it literally translates to “harm-joy.” Sounds ominous, right? But it’s a sentiment many of us have felt.

Personal Anecdote : I remember attending a conference where a speaker’s pants split in the middle of a passionate gesture. While the situation was genuinely mortifying for him, after a brief moment of shock, the audience erupted in laughter. It was a classic case of Schadenfreude. We found humor in someone else’s misfortune, thinking, “Thank heavens, it’s not me up there!”

The Lure of “Worst Presentation Ever” Videos

YouTube is rife with compilations labeled “worst presentation fails” or “public speaking disasters.” These videos garner millions of views. But why?

• Relatability : Who hasn’t feared public speaking or making a blunder in front of peers? Watching someone else go through it, we feel a kinship of shared fears.
• Humor as a Defense Mechanism : Finding humor in uncomfortable situations is a coping mechanism. It distances us from the fear and embarrassment, allowing us to laugh it off.
• Ego Boost : Let’s face it; seeing others falter can sometimes boost our self-esteem. It’s a momentary lapse, thinking, “Glad that’s not me!”

Lessons in Disguise

While these videos provide a hearty laugh, they’re also a treasure trove of lessons. They’re visual case studies of what not to do.

Fact Check : A survey found that 78% of professionals have learned a valuable lesson from watching others’ presentation mistakes. It’s like learning to ride a bike. Sometimes, watching someone else wobble can teach you to balance better.

Golden Rule : It’s essential to watch with an analytical eye. Ask yourself, “What went wrong?” and “How can I avoid making the same mistake?”

The Balance

While watching and chuckling at the worst presentation ever compilations is fun, it’s crucial to approach them with empathy and a learning mindset. After all, we’re all human, prone to gaffes and slip-ups. Today’s viewer could be tomorrow’s presenter. Let’s ensure our giggles today pave the way for applause tomorrow.

Schadenfreude, while a complex emotion, is innately human. It’s okay to indulge in a chuckle or two, but always pair it with compassion and the quest for knowledge. As the old saying goes, “Laugh and learn.” Here’s to finding humor, learning from it, and delivering memorable presentations for all the right reasons!

The “People Also Ask” Corner

Ah, the realm of frequently asked questions. They’re like the compass guiding the lost souls of the presentation world. Let’s address some of the burning questions that plague both rookie and seasoned presenters.

1. How Can I Identify a Bad Presentation Technique?

Spotting a flawed presentation technique is a skill, but with keen observation, it’s not hard to master. Let’s break it down:

• Audience Disengagement : This is the tell-tale sign. If eyes wander, phones emerge, and yawns are frequent, something’s amiss. Personal Anecdote : I once sat through a presentation where the speaker droned on with endless statistics without context or explanation. Halfway through, the room resembled a sleep clinic!
• Over-reliance on Visuals : Remember our Slide Overload horror story? If a presenter hides behind their slides, using them as a crutch rather than a complement, red flags should be waving.
• Lack of Clarity in Messaging : Have you ever walked away from a talk wondering, “What was the main point?” If the core message isn’t clear, the presentation technique needs refinement. Pro Tip : As a member of the audience, if you can’t summarize the presentation in a sentence or two, there’s a good chance the presenter’s technique was off.

2. What Should I Do if My Presentation is Going South?

Ah, the dreaded realization that your presentation is unraveling. But even here, there’s hope and strategy.

• Stay Calm : First and foremost, keep your composure. A flustered presenter can exacerbate an already shaky situation. Anecdote Time : I recall a seminar where the speaker’s tech failed. Instead of panicking, he joked, “Well, looks like the tech gods need more coffee!” The room erupted in laughter, diffusing the tension.
• Acknowledge the Hiccup : If there’s an apparent glitch, address it. Ignoring the elephant in the room can alienate your audience.
• Pivot and Adapt : The best presenters can think on their feet. Lost your train of thought? Open the floor to questions. Tech failed? Dive into a related anecdote or case study. Golden Nugget : Adaptability is a speaker’s superpower. Embrace it, and you’ll transform potential disasters into memorable moments.

The world of presentations is dynamic and unpredictable. While preparation is critical, the ability to adapt and learn is what differentiates a good presenter from a great one. So, the next time you’re faced with a presentation challenge, channel your inner adaptability superhero, take a deep breath, and remember: Every hiccup is a learning opportunity in disguise. Here’s to delivering presentations that resonate, engage, and inspire, regardless of odds!

Key Takeaways to Avoid the Worst Presentation Ever Label

Ah, the crescendo of our deep dive into presentations! As we wrap up this enlightening journey, let’s distill the essence of what we’ve learned. These key takeaways are like the golden rules, the non-negotiables, the bedrock upon which stellar presentations are built. Let’s unpack them!

1. Audience-Centric Approach: Always Put Your Audience First

Imagine crafting a beautiful, elaborate presentation, only to realize it doesn’t resonate with your audience. It’s like preparing a seafood feast for a group of vegetarians—a misdirected effort!

Personal Anecdote : I once attended a tech conference where a speaker, engrossed in his expertise, delved deep into intricate code. The problem? The audience was a mix of marketers, salespeople, and designers. The result? Confused faces and early exits.

Golden Rule : Know your audience. Tailor your content, tone, and delivery to cater to their interests, knowledge levels, and expectations.

2. The Power of Simplicity: Clarity Beats Complexity

Einstein once said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” In the realm of presentations, this rings exceptionally true.

Story Time : Think of Sarah from HR, who had a penchant for elaborate, jargon-filled slides. While they might have looked scholarly, they often left the audience more befuddled than enlightened.

Guideline : Aim for clarity and simplicity. Break down complex ideas, use relatable analogies, and remember: If an 8th-grader can’t understand your message, it’s time to simplify.

3. The Rehearsal Mantra: Practice More Than You Think You Need To

Ah, the age-old wisdom of practice. But in presentations, it’s not just about memorizing lines—it’s about refining, iterating, and perfecting your delivery.

Case Study : Steve Jobs, the master presenter, was known for his captivating product launches. But behind the scenes, he would rehearse for weeks, fine-tuning every detail.

Pro Tip : Rehearse out loud, in front of a mirror, and, if possible, with a test audience. It’s all about aligning your content, delivery, and visuals into a seamless narrative.

4. The Growth Mindset: Embrace Feedback and Always Seek to Improve

Feedback, while sometimes hard to swallow, is the breakfast of champions. It’s the compass that points to areas of improvement.

Anecdote : Post one of my early presentations, a colleague pointed out my overuse of fillers like “um” and “you know.” While initially stung, I took it to heart, worked on it, and saw a marked improvement in my subsequent talks.

Golden Nugget : Solicit feedback, evaluate it constructively, and integrate valuable insights. Remember, every piece of feedback is a stepping stone towards mastery.

Presentations, while challenging, are a powerful medium to inform, influence, and inspire. With these key takeaways in your arsenal, the dreaded worst presentation ever label will be a distant mirage. So, as you gear up for your next presentation, let these guiding principles steer you toward excellence, impact, and resounding applause. Onwards and upwards, dear presenter!

Charting the Course Away from the Worst Presentation Ever

As we draw the curtains on our deep dive into the world of presentations, it’s essential to remember that nobody—yes, nobody—steps onto that stage, aiming for the infamous title of the worst production ever . It’s the unplanned detours and overlooked potholes that sometimes lead us astray.

Personal Anecdote : I recall one of my early presentations, where I was armed with data, infographics, and what I believed was an unshakeable confidence. But 10 minutes in, I realized I was addressing the wrong target group! Oh, the horror. But it taught me a crucial lesson: Always double-check your audience and setting.

While such hiccups are part of the learning curve, they’re not the final destination. The roadmap to a successful presentation is dotted with:

• Preparation : Remember our age-old adage, “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Presentation Performance.” Equip yourself with a clear outline, rehearse, and prepare for those unpredictable curveballs.
• Awareness : From reading the room to identifying potential pitfalls in your approach, staying attuned can be your shield against unexpected snags.
• Humor : A dash of humor can lighten the mood and endear you to your audience, especially when things go awry. Fun Fact : Did you know that 73% of people believe humor can enhance a presentation and make it more memorable? So, even if there’s a hiccup, a chuckle can save the day!
• Continuous Learning : The world of presentations is dynamic. New tools, techniques, and trends emerge. Staying updated and embracing feedback ensures you’re always ahead of the game. Golden Nugget : Every presentation, whether a roaring success or a lesson in what not to do, is a stepping stone. Embrace each experience, refine your approach, and aim for the stars.

As we wrap up, remember: Every presenter, from the novices to the seasoned pros, has faced their share of challenges. But with determination, insight, and a sprinkle of humor, you can navigate away from potential disasters. Keep refining, keep growing, and soon, you’ll be the presenter everyone looks up to and wants to emulate. So, here’s to your next presentation—may it be impactful, memorable, and spectacular! 🌟

FAQ Section

Navigating the realm of presentations can be tricky. Here’s a concise guide addressing common queries to help you avoid that dreaded worst presentation ever label.

While no one aims for a lackluster presentation, inevitable missteps like overloading slides with information, neglecting audience needs, or failing to rehearse can lead to this outcome.

Absolutely! Everyone makes mistakes. The key is acknowledging the error, pivoting gracefully, and moving on. It’s all about adaptability and resilience.

A lousy presenter often lacks clarity in their message, fails to engage the audience, overly relies on visual aids, and neglects feedback.

Some significant pitfalls include not understanding the audience, overcomplicating slides, neglecting rehearsals, and failing to have a clear message.

Yes, avoid making offensive remarks, straying off-topic, using excessive jargon, and making unsupported claims. Always prioritize clarity and respect.

In the journey to avoid the label of the worst presentation ever , we’ve traversed through tales of caution, soaked up sage advice, and now stand at the brink of mastering the art of captivating presentations. The essence distilled from each story and misstep imparts a blueprint for success: an audience-first mindset, the clarity of simplicity, the rigor of rehearsal, the wisdom of feedback, the readiness of technology, and the flexibility to adapt. These guiding stars align to form a pathway away from the dread of failure towards the summit of presentation excellence.

As we draw this exploration to a close, let it be known that the shadow of the worst presentation ever need not loom over us. Instead, armed with insights and emboldened by preparation, each presenter has within them the power to transform potential pitfalls into platforms for engagement, learning, and unforgettable impact. Remember, it’s not the fear of making mistakes that defines our journey, but the courage to learn from them and the determination to rise above them. Here’s to your next presentation—not as a tale of caution, but as a testament to the power of growth, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

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Bad Presentations: How To Avoid Common Presentation Pitfalls In 2023

Table of contents.

It’s easy to make a presentation, but it’s difficult to make a good presentation.

There are simple mistakes that are made when it comes to the fine art of designing and performing a presentation if you haven’t been doing it for the past 15 years, over and over, like we have!

In this article we explore the common pitfalls most presentation designers/presenters make , and how you can avoid them.

What Impact Can A Bad Presentation Have?

Bad presentations and good presentations have something in common, they’re memorable. Whether it’s a speech at a wedding, or pitching to investors, if it’s bad, it stands out.

The impact a bad presentation can have on your, your business or your brand is profound. It’s more than just the performance on the day. In today’s world, everyone is connected and people talk. It’s difficult to shift your image if you make the wrong impression.

Below are just a few hurdles you can expect to face if your presentation bombs.

Loss Of Confidence In You Or Your Company

When you have or give a bad presentation, it’s easy for your audience to lose confidence in you. After all, at that moment in time, you’re the face of the company and a direct representation of who you represent.

If you drop the ball, that’s what your audience is going to expect you to do if they decide to partner with you. How can they do business or trust in you if they don’t have confidence in you.

Fortunately, we understand how much hard work, time, and dedication it takes just to get the opportunity to deliver a presentation to your audience, your clients, your investors, or your own company. Which is why our presentation design services will help take care of the visual and organizational side of your slides.

We Can Make You Look Goood!

You Can Develop A Negative Reputation

Ineffective presentations are a waste of time, and as we all know, time is valuable. Simple things like unpreparedness, lack of audience engagement, talking too much, a poorly structured or visual presentation design.

These things DO NOT go unnoticed and you will develop a reputation that will most certainly work against you professionally. It takes a lot more work to repair damage that it does to put your best foot forward in the first place.

Slower Business Growth

If your presentation misses out on the key points and the words you’ve chosen for your slides are poor, you will experience slower business growth as there is less information for your audience about your brand. If they are missing out on the key idea because your slides are too simple, they won’t want to buy into your brand.

Here Are The Most Common Mistakes You Can Make With Your Presentation

There’s common mistakes that are both easy to make and easy to avoid if you know what you are looking for. There are common mistakes presenters make because most presentations have too much information, pictures and the information that you as the presenter are trying to communicate gets lost in the jumble of the presentation.

Talking Too Much About Yourself

Presenters who spend too much time speaking about themselves while they present is one example of a common mistake. The audience members want the informative information about your brand, not the informative information about you as the speaker.

Focusing Too Much On Facts And Not Storytelling

You want to engage your audience by using both facts and storytelling to sell them on your brand. If you focus too much on facts, it’s the worst thing you can do for your presentation because you’ll quickly lose your audience’s attention.

Poorly Designed Visual Aids

Visual aids are important to making a great presentation, but not if they are poorly designed. It’s important to have engaging visual aids, dark text on white background is a great way to focus the audience’s attention. Make your presentation your own by choosing well designed visual aids that add to your presentation as a whole.

Disorganized Information (No Logic Or Order)

Are your slides all over the place? Your examples don’t make sense to your brand? The worst presentations are hard to follow, confusing and distracting from the main points. An audience wants to sit through an engaging presentation, and by having order and logic to your slides with words that point back to your idea, you will capture their attention and keep them captivated.

Too Much Information

If you have too many points on your slides, or paragraphs that you’ll be reading off during your presentation, you have too much information. Have less on the slides, keep to the point and spend more time talking directly to your audience rather than reading to them.

No Engagement Or Interaction

A common pitfall that is easy to fall into, is not interacting with the audience members, by making eye contact, allowing time for questions or asking questions to the audience. They are sitting right in front of you (Physically or Virtually) so interact with them right from the beginning so they expect it throughout the presentation. If you need some tips on how to make a presentation interactive , we’ve got you covered.

If you’re looking for a few tips on, this article on being a better presenter can help.

Reading Directly From Your PowerPoint Presentation

When you read directly from the PowerPoint Presentation, your body language is not open to the audience, and it means that you aren’t engaging with either the material or your listeners. If you spend time in preparation and writing out what you will be saying, you can speak directly to the audience and portray confidence in your brand. By purposefully making eye contact, you are connecting with those who are listening to you.

Ending The Presentation Abruptly

When you finish your talk and forget to allow time for questions, you are sending a message that you don’t care about the audience’s understanding of the material you have presented. All it takes is one slide to finish a presentation well and leave space for the audience to ask questions.

Animation Overload

When you overload on animation, you make your presentation look cheap and distracting from your important points. It’s an easy way to make ineffective presentations, as it’s distracting to the main goal of your presentation. Keep animations to a minimum and bullet points on your slides instead to create engaging presentations.

So Is A Bad Presentation Worth The Risk?

Don’t talk too much about yourself, but tell stories about your brand so the audience can connect with you as the presenter and your company. You want to engage with the audience through well chosen visual aids, and keep order to your information both in your slides and your speech. Don’t overload in cheap looking animations and always leave room for your audience to ask questions at the end.

It’s best to be prepared, put our best foot forward and invest the time/money in making sure you’re well rehearsed and have some kick ass slides to back you up. Effort and intent are noticed, as long as they’ve been put it.

Are You In Need Of A Good Presentation To Give The Right Impression?

Your slides are more than just beautiful graphics, they’re opportunities for you to share your stories/ideas. Leave the PowerPoint, Prezi, Google Slides to us and focus on nailing the public speaking part!

Just click the button below and get the conversation started today! We’re here to support you, so connect with a Presentation Geek and take the first step towards a presentation that blows your competition out of the water.

Author:  Content Team

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7 PowerPoint mistakes that are killing your presentation

By Paul Moss

Join 100k+ subscribers on our YouTube channel and enjoy highly engaging lessons packed full of best practices.

A few careless powerpoint mistakes can dramatically impact both the effectiveness and professionalism of your presentation..

Over the course of my career in consulting and strategy (and as a PowerPoint instructor for those industries), I’ve seen a lot of slides – great slides, terrible slides, and everything in-between. And what I’ve come to learn is that there’s a handful of common PowerPoint mistakes that many people don’t realize are hurting their presentation.

In this post I’m going to talk about the mistakes I see most often. I’ll give some basic examples of each mistake, explain why it hurts the presentation, and show you what you should be doing instead.

For the list, I’ll mostly be focusing on corporate style presentations, like what you’re likely to see day to day in the business world, but many of the lessons can be applied to other types of presentations as well.

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Table of Contents

1. Complicated Visualizations

Your job as a slide creator is to make it as easy as possible for the audience to understand your message, and unnecessarily complicated visuals don’t help you do that. Instead, they just confuse the audience. 

In this slide from Muckerlab there is a simple sales funnel on the left, with various sales channels on the right. With enough time I can figure out the message, but it’s a bit challenging for my brain to map sales channels to the various stages of the funnel.

“Ecommerce & Digital Marketing” Muckerlab, 2014

You might think that your visual is easy enough to understand, but remember that the audience hasn’t had the same amount of time to look at the slide as you have, so it’s much more difficult for them to grasp the key takeaway quickly. 

In the slide below from Edelman there are four different charts, but each one is communicating the same type of information. By mixing up the chart style like this it makes the slide overly complicated. Instead of showing four simple column charts, they’ve forced the audience to understand and interpret each type independently. This just makes it harder for the audience to grasp the key takeaways of the slide.

“Global Deck” Edelman Trust Barometer, 2012

Instead, ask yourself, what’s the key takeaway of the slide, and how does my chart or graphic help support that key takeaway. Avoid trying to make yourself look smart, and instead figure out the simplest way to communicate the idea you’re trying to communicate. 

This slide from Credit Suisse is a great example of keeping the chart simple and clear. It’s just a normal-looking stacked column chart with easy to read data labels, a clear background, and a simple takeaway. The result is an effective and professional looking slide that’s easy for the audience to understand. 

“Analyst and Investor Call” Credit Suisse, 2022

2. Simple Titles

The point of a title on a slide is to get a quick summary of the slide’s main takeaway, so the audience can better read and understand the details.

In this slide from BCG for example, the title says “Rising housing costs may be driving creatives out of the city”. So naturally, the audience is going to skim through the content looking for evidence of rising housing costs and creatives leaving the city, which makes for more effective delivery. (

“Melbourne as a Global Cultural Destination” BCG. For more BCG content be sure to check out our full BCG slide breakdown

But unfortunately, many titles aren’t this descriptive. Instead what I see are titles that tell me the topic of the slide and nothing else . I get an idea of what the slide is about, but I’m forced to come up with my own takeaway.

“Fixed Income Investor presentation” Credit Suisse, 2022

You see this especially on slides with summaries of data, like this slide from Salesforce about its finances. But even on these slides it’s usually a good idea to put a takeaway in the title.

“Finance Update Q4 FY21” Salesforce

In this example from Orsted , they’ve shown some annual financial data, but they’ve also summarized what they want the audience to take away from the slide – that they are in line with expectations. 

“Investor presentation Q4 and full-year 2020” Orsted, 2021

By including a full sentence for your title, ideally one that summarizes the main takeaway of the slide, you make it much easier for the audience to understand what it is you’re trying to tell them.  

3. Default PowerPoint Designs

The third mistake I see more often than I’d like is using default PowerPoint designs. The worst case of this is using old slide themes, like in this example. Anyone who has spent any amount of time in PowerPoint recognizes this design, and aesthetics aside, it just looks like the slide was thrown together last minute. 

“First 30 Days” Markstar, 2017

You certainly don’t want to overdesign your slide, but at the very least try to avoid the out-of-the-box designs PowerPoint provides for you. Many of these designs haven’t changed in years, and usually they’re meant for a different kind of presentation (like a school project). 

And the same goes for PowerPoint shapes, graphics, and even colors. They all come across as unprofessional and overused, so it’s in your best interest to avoid them altogether.  

But where I think this is most easy to mess up is with tables. A table like this for example looks fine enough, but with just a few tweaks it can be made to look significantly better.

In this example, all I did was bold the titles, turn the negative values red, left align the first column and right align the others, make the top line extra thick, then add other lines to separate the regions. The result is a much better looking, and much easier to read table. 

When it comes to design, even just a little bit of extra effort can help you avoid cliche, unprofessional looking slides.

4. Unrelated Content

In corporate style presentations, it’s completely okay to have lots of content, so long as each piece of content has a purpose. What I see way too often is stuff that’s just there to fill space, and doesn’t have an actual purpose. 

In this Starboard Value slide , there are a lot of unnecessary distractions. For example, the box at the bottom is really just a repeat of what’s in the subtitle. Likewise, there’s a lot of text in the bullet points that could be trimmed down or eliminated without changing the message of the slide. It would help the audience focus more on the key takeaways, without getting distracted by all the fluff. 

“Transforming Darden Restaurants” Starboard Value, 2014 See our full breakdown of this slide here .

But what bothers me the most is the picture at the bottom, which really isn’t adding to the slide in any meaningful way. Yes, it’s on topic – the slide is about breadsticks after all – but it’s not giving me any useful information. We all know what breadsticks look like, and this doesn’t help me understand the key takeaway any better. 

Pictures are typically the most common culprit when it comes to unrelated content. It can be really tempting to throw a picture on a slide to fill up the extra space – especially if that picture looks professional and seems to loosely match the topic of the slide. 

Even McKinsey is guilty of this sometimes, as in this example . The picture looks great, but it doesn’t help the audience understand the main message of the slide about digital manufacturing being a high priority for a majority of companies. Instead, it just distracts the audience. 

“Moving Laggards to Early Adopters” McKinsey & Co., 2018 Learn more about how McKinsey designs data heavy PowerPoint slides.

In this example from a different presentation, they kept the slide fairly simple, with only information that supports the main takeaway of the slide, and nothing else. The result is a clear and easy to understand slide with a well-supported takeaway. 

“Capturing the full electricity potential of the U.K.” McKinsey & Co., 2012

So when you’re adding content to your slide, whether that’s a picture, chart, or anything else, make sure it contributes to the message in some way. And if it doesn’t then just leave that part blank and adjust the other parts of the slide accordingly. 

5. Distracting Backgrounds

This is related to the last mistake about unrelated content but is important in and of itself. A bad background can completely ruin a presentation. At best it’s distracting, but at worst it looks horribly unprofessional and makes the content hard to look at. 

Once again this is where PowerPoint is to blame. Some of the default backgrounds make it almost impossible to read the text, especially if that text doesn’t provide any contrast.

But even simple backgrounds can be distracting, as in our previous example from Starboard Value . Shading the background makes it difficult for my eyes to know where to focus my attention. Not to mention it makes some of the text slightly harder to read. 

Even subtle text or images in the background can be distracting, as in this BCG example . 

“Projecting US Mail volumes to 2020” BCG, 2010

The general rule of thumb with backgrounds is if you notice it, you should change it. The idea is you want to reduce the number of distractions on your slide so that the audience can focus on the insights. In that regard, you can almost never go wrong with a plain white background. This keeps the audience focused on your content, and ultimately on your message. 

This slide from Accenture is a great example of a non-distracting background that keeps the emphasis on the content. Nothing is diverting my attention and I can focus on what they’re trying to tell me. 

“Fintech New York: Partnerships, Platforms and Open Innovation” Accenture, 2015

But of course, the background doesn’t always have to be white. Sometimes darker backgrounds work better for longer, live presentations, especially when those presentations are given on a large screen. 

In another example from later in the presentation, Accenture uses a darker blue background that’s simple, clear, and professional. And most importantly, it doesn’t take my attention away from the content on the slide. 

6. Not Guiding the Audience

Most modern business presentations are full of text and data, which can make it difficult for the audience to process the information on a slide and see the key insights . In a live presentation, it is even more difficult – the audience has to simultaneously listen to the speaker, read through the content on the slide, and think critically about the information. 

The easy way to manage this challenge is to guide the audience through your slide with visual cues – things like text, callouts, and boxes. Unfortunately, it is something that many people just don’t think to do.  What this leads to is dense, difficult to read slides , as in these two examples:

“Bridging the Gap Between CIO and CMO” Isobar, 2014

“Transforming Darden Restaurants” Starboard Value, 2014

And the same thing can happen with charts . By just putting up a chart with no real commentary or guidance, you make it hard for the audience to understand what it is you’re trying to tell them. 

“Fifth Assessment Report- Synthesis Report” IPCC, 2014

In many ways, this is the counterpoint to the last mistake. Whereas you don’t want unimportant pieces like your background to be distracting, you do want the important parts of your slide to be distracting, because it helps the audience quickly grasp the key takeaways. 

Returning to our Accenture example, notice how they’ve used bolded text to help call attention to what’s important. Likewise, they’ve also used a line to put emphasis on the title of the slide. 

Check out our full breakdown of this slide here .

This BCG slide has quite a bit of information on it, but they’ve made it easy to work through by drawing the most attention to the title with green font and large text, then the next amount of attention to the subtitles with bold black text and green lines underneath, and then the least amount of attention to the bullet points. It helps the process the information on the slide in the way they want them to – starting with the highest level idea, and working their way through the details. 

“Evaluating NYC media sector development and setting the stage for future growth” BCG, 2012

This chart from McKinsey is another good example of guiding the audience.  Instead of just keeping the chart plain, they’ve added callouts that help emphasize the message in the title. 

“Jobs lost, jobs gained: Workforce transitions in a time of automation” McKinsey, 2017

Guiding the audience can be as simple as adding an arrow or bolding important text. But even small changes like this can make a big difference in your presentation. 

7. Too Many Colors

It can be tempting to use a variety of colors on your slide, but doing so just distracts the audience and takes attention away from the important parts. And not only that, it can look really unprofessional. 

On this slide for example they’ve decided to separate each of these sections by color to make it easier to distinguish between them. But instead of making it easier to read, the slide is difficult to understand and hard to look at. The sections are already naturally separated, with lines, titles, and even icons. But by adding bright colors, in addition to the orange and green that’s already on the slide, they’ve reduced the slide’s readability considerably. 

“Harnessing the Power of Entrepreneurs to Open Innovation” Accenture, 2015

The best slides use color strategically, to help highlight key points and ideas.

In this Bain slide for example, they’ve decided to highlight the important columns in red, while keeping the less important columns in grey. It provides a nice contrasting effect that helps emphasize the message. 

“2011 China Luxury Market Study” Bain, 2011

Likewise, this Deloitte slide contains a minimal amount of color, making it easy to sift through the data and focus on only what’s important. Not to mention it keeps the visuals of the slide clean and professional. 

“Consumer privacy in retail” Deloitte, 2019

It’s a bit counterintuitive, but when it comes to color, sometimes less is more.

Final Thoughts

A few simple tweaks to your presentation can really make a difference in both its quality and overall professionalism. Above all, be sure to focus on your main message, and avoid any distractions that might take away from that message. If you can keep an eye out for cliché, unprofessional, and meaningless content, you’ll be well on your way to creating high-quality, insight-rich presentations.

P.S. – If you’re really looking to up your PowerPoint game, be sure to check out our full courses: Advanced PowerPoint for Consultants and Advanced Presentations for Consultants .

You can watch a video version of this article on YouTube .

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Prezi vs. PowerPoint: Which One Has the Wow Factor?

Are you looking for the right tool to prepare a formal presentation?

We can assume that your presentation's material will make or break the entire affair. A presenting tool, on the other hand, will capture the interest of your audience. Prezi vs. PowerPoint? Which is better for standing out in your talks?

Whatever you pick, the presentation's outcome will be heavily influenced by the material and how it is delivered.

However, a greater grasp of the two programs is necessary for you to make an informed choice on which software to use for your school assignment or business presentation .

Prezi vs. PowerPoint: The Ultimate Showdown

Prezi and PowerPoint each have their own style to the interface.

Prezi employs a zooming user interface (ZUI) that allows users to zoom in and out. While PowerPoint is linear, Prezi isn't. Prezi's non-linear approach, which allows viewers to transition between various concepts rapidly, is reportedly disturbing PowerPoint users.

While Prezi and PowerPoint have their shining parts, they both have drawbacks. As a result, whether you are planning an instructional or a commercial presentation, you should comprehend all parts of the Prezi versus PowerPoint debate .

Want an alternative? Check out our  review of a new presentation software, Prezentar, here .

The web-based nature of Prezi means that, unlike PowerPoint, the user has access to a blank canvas on which to build their presentation. None of the old-school slides are present.

However, the infinite canvas allows you to arrange your thoughts in a non-linear form, with various possible routes connecting your ideas.

Prezi makes it simple to zero in on a specific section of text for closer examination. Many people prefer Prezi over PowerPoint because of the presentation format's interactive features .

Highlights of Prezi

Non-linear navigation.

Prezi's primary benefit is its ability to zoom out and get a bird's-eye perspective of a presentation. Prezi's trademark navigation also provides a fresh point of view from which to create and experience presentations. The whole presentation is built in chunks rather than slide by slide .

If the presenter or audience needs to return to the main menu slide, they may easily do so by selecting it. Presentation makers bored with the standard method will greatly appreciate Prezi.

Compatibility

The wide number of available integrations is Prezi's second selling point. Apps like Slack, Zoom, and Google Meet may be linked directly to your Prezi presentation.

As a result of these add-ons, Prezi presentations may be easily shared and given to groups of people.

Affordability

The free edition is perfect for basic school assignments that don't need a lot of bells and whistles. The cheapest monthly fee for a premium plan is just $3.

Drawbacks of Prezi

Complicated interface.

Prezi's primary strength is also its worst weakness. Many people find that constantly panning in and out is too much information to process at once.

In addition, if the recipient of a shared Prezi presentation is unfamiliar with the software, they may get overwhelmed by the complexity of the presentation.

It's also simple for the maker to give up on the zooming navigation. It might be challenging to present cohesively if the slides and sections aren't well-organized and straightforward.

Offline Access Is Not Free

The second drawback of Prezi is that presentations made using free editions need access to the internet to be viewed.

Navigation might be quite difficult when using Prezi over a slow internet connection. In addition, only premium subscribers have access to content when offline. This drawback gives PowerPoint an edge as users can access and edit their presentations offline.

Limitations in Data Customization

Prezi provides a few chart and graph choices. However, unlike PowerPoint, these charts cannot be edited to give your presentation a unique appearance and feel.

While Prezi's new design function is an improvement over previous attempts at data visualization customization, it still falls short of competing alternatives.

• Allows users to zoom in and out easily
• Adding media like photos and videos is a breeze
• Possible to embed a presentation into a website or blog
• Users may give the presentation the appearance and feel of traditional media, such as newspapers and magazines
• Accessible on any with an internet connection
• Relatively new to most people
• Offline access requires a pricey Prezi Desktop subscription

Since 1978, PowerPoint has revolutionized the concept of presentations. PowerPoint has drastically developed, and it is now in its 12th iteration. Due to its popularity as a presenting tool, PowerPoint is now a standard feature of almost all presentations.

As with most software, presenters only used a small fraction of the features available while using this application. PowerPoint presentations are mostly a collection of slides with text and bullet points.

Presenters read from slides, employ logical graphics, and attempt to captivate listeners with animations that don't belong in their presentations. This gap led to the creation of innovative presentation tools such as Prezi.

If you're a fan of Microsoft Office, you'll be happy to hear that PowerPoint has had significant updates in the last year. The intense rivalry between the two systems has spurred significant development in both areas.

Therefore, PowerPoint has received some wonderful updates that make it more competitive against Prezi, which is gradually developing a reputation as the most inventive presenting tool.

PowerPoint is the program of choice for many people who need to create a presentation. It's more suited for professional presentations that need a linear plot and gentler on the user and the learner.

Highlights of PowerPoint

The first PowerPoint pro is that it is widely adopted. With decades in the market and hundreds of updates, PowerPoint has earned the trust of millions. PowerPoint presentations are very accessible and widely understood.

Hence, it is simple to disseminate and share with coworkers. In fact, many consider it the standard presentation tool.

Extensive Multimedia Features

PowerPoint's many options for incorporating media into presentations are a huge plus.

Users can use multimedia elements like video, audio, voiceover, and animations to maintain audience attention. It is possible to increase a presentation's visual impact by using these tools.

Various Templates

PowerPoint's third selling point is access to a wide variety of premade slides, and it is not directly inside the application but rather via other web resources and online markets.

Since PowerPoint is the standard for creating presentations, many premade themes exist for presenting on various topics .

Drawbacks of PowerPoints

Yes, PowerPoint presentations are connotated with boredom. Often, you'll hear a coworker say: "I fell asleep during a PowerPoint." Users have used PowerPoint to the point where it has become synonymous with homework.

As a result of this notoriety, numerous presenters began providing novel approaches. There's even a phrase 'death by Powerpoint'.

PowerPoint requires the perpetually pricey Microsoft 365 Office Suite , which is a major drawback. Users may independently get PowerPoint, but doing so comes at a steep price, and it costs money each month since it's included in Microsoft 365's comprehensive package. 

Compared to purchasing the Software Suite, purchasing the software individually does not include any data backup or storage.

Incompatibilities

The third con relates to PowerPoint's longevity in the business . Sometimes older computer applications won't work with more modern formats. Alternatively, the newest PowerPoint won't run on PCs that can't handle it.

For instance, if you wish to use their cloud for collaborative editing of a PowerPoint presentation, you can't use a PPT file. You'll need a more recent format.

Lastly, the offline version of Microsoft PowerPoint is only available in Windows operating systems. People using Linux and Mac may experience challenges using them.

• Comes with customizable pre-designed slide templates
• Suitable for a musically and aurally pleasing presentation
• Compatible with voiceovers and video clips
• Easy to print the slides
• Easy to access linked resources
• No internet connection is required to open and navigate the presentation
• Difficult to return to a previous slide quickly
• Few options for premade slide designs
• Part of Microsoft Office Suite, so you'll need to install it on your computer

Prezi vs. PowerPoint? Which is More Impressive?

Consider how easy it is to go with your preference. Give some thought to the field you work in and the specifics of your employment.

It doesn't matter whether you're a teacher , a salesman, or a businessman, PowerPoint will help you create a more polished presentation. You may find many sets of professional templates, backgrounds, and slides online and use them in your presentation.

With its compatibility with Excel and other tools, PowerPoint is an excellent tool for business presentations.

On the other hand, Prezi will keep your audience interested throughout your presentation, and it will do wonders for promoting your business.

Prezi is great for attention-grabbing presentations, especially those with a narrative, and PowerPoint is like a well-thought-out guidebook, whereas Prezi is like a moving infographic.

Comparing Prezi with PowerPoint

PowerPoint is perfect for creating fast presentations ( like Ignite ) that get the idea across. It is often used in academic contexts, such as presentations, lectures, and seminars, when the knowledge the audience is seeking is the focus of the presenter's efforts.

But Prezi is a better choice for young people. If your audience loves eye-catching graphics, make sure there are plenty of special effects, humorous animations, and other features.

Your audience profile and interests should be front and center in your mind whenever you pick out a presentation tool.

Wrapping Up

Prezi vs. PowerPoint? Your digital skills and the profile of your audience will determine which tools are best for you.

Reading this post, you may weigh the benefits of each tool and select the tool that will dazzle your audience. As a takeaway, always consider your audience, their needs, and the presentation's content.

Want an alternative? Check out our review of a new presentation software, Prezentar, here .

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The Best And Worst PowerPoint Presentation Examples

Engaging presentations are the lifeblood of effective communication in today’s information-driven world. Whether you’re in a boardroom pitching a new idea, standing in front of a classroom of curious learners, or delivering a keyote speech to an interested investor, the ability to create and deliver engaging presentations is a skill that can truly make or break your message. 

Various elements contribute to making a presentation good or bad, from compelling visuals to persuasive delivery; these factors collectively influence how your ideas are received and remembered. So, in this article, we will look at some of the good and bad presentation examples to help you transform your presentations and make them more engaging.

Main Differences Between Good V/S Bad PowerPoint Slides

Knowing the difference between the best and worst PowerPoint presentations is vital for creating engaging presentations.

What Makes A Good PowerPoint Presentation?

Have you ever wondered how you differentiate between a good design v/s bad design PPT? In this section, we’ll look at some examples of making PowerPoint presentations that inspire and engage the audience. Look at what’s behind the slides that stick in mind long after the projector is turned off:

• Less text, more impact
• Choose a color scheme that works
• Proper balance of animation and texts
• Logical flow of information
• Context-relevant graphics or illustrations

READ MORE: The Golden Rules for Impactful Presentations 

1. Less Text, More Impact

Imagine your presentation as a visual storybook. Less text on each slide means your audience can focus on your story, not squint at paragraphs. Use striking images or a single powerful phrase to grab attention. It makes your presentation look impressive and helps people remember the article’s key points. Keeping about 30 words per slide or 6-8 lines in your presentation will help maintain a proper flow of words and pictures, resulting in a fluid presentation.

2. Choose A Color Scheme That Works

You don’t need to be an artist to pick the right colors. A good presentation uses colors that work together nicely. Choosing harmonizing colors can guide the audience to focus on important information. Choose colors that look good together and don’t hurt the eyes. Microsoft Office’s color schemes can save the day if you’re short on ideas. Avoid using light colors on a dark background and vice versa.

3. Proper Balance Of Animation And Texts

Animations and transitions can be like party crashers in your presentation if not used wisely. They might steal the show from your message. A top-notch presentation keeps both animations and texts in check, ensuring they don’t overpower each other. However, don’t ditch them altogether! Use transitions and animations only to highlight key points. For example, make bullet points appear individually instead of all at once. It keeps your audience focused.

READ MORE: How to add animation in PowerPoint?  

4. Logical Flow Of Information

Think of your presentation as a road trip. Imagine if your GPS gave you all mixed up directions. Chaos, right? Similarly, your slides need a logical order and a roadmap. Maintaining the logical flow of your slides helps the audience follow the information easily. A logical flow makes your message clear and easy to remember. It’s like telling a great story with a beginning, middle, and end.

EXPLORE: Flowchart PowerPoint Templates

5. Context-Relevant Graphics Or Illustrations

A picture speaks volumes. Our brains love visuals. Using context-related graphs, photos, and illustrations that complement your slides can amp up important pointers and keep your audience engaged during the presentation. However, while presenting, make sure to explain why a graphic or a picture is there. Explaining the graphics verbally makes your message crystal clear and memorable.

EXPLORE: Want to create stunning presentations? Check out our presentation services !

A PowerPoint presentation shall excel in these aspects of making it engaging, informative, and memorable. These good PowerPoint presentation examples could help you make a better PPT in one or more areas, not leaving the audience disengaged or confused. 

While it’s important to look at good presentation examples, it’s equally important to avoid mistakes that can turn your presentation dull.

What Makes A Bad PowerPoint Presentation?

Ever been in a room with a presentation that made you want to escape through the nearest exit? We’ve all been there! In this section, we’ll highlight some common mistakes that turn a good presentation into a dull one. With many examples of good and bad PowerPoint slides on the internet, we have listed some bad examples that show the ‘DON’Ts’ and ‘AVOID AT ALL COSTS’ of PowerPoint mistakes:

• Image behind the text
• Using only bullet points and no paragraphs
• Having no symmetry in texts and pointers
• Being too minimal
• Keeping text too small

1. Image Behind The Text

Anyone who considered utilizing an image as a background most likely missed the memo. Text and images simply do not work together. One of the worst PowerPoint presentation examples is text overlaid on an image. Keeping the image in the background complicates understanding the text, and the main image should be clarified. Finding a text color that shines out in the background is nearly tough because all of those colors merely draw your attention away from the words. To avoid this calamity, avoid utilizing photos as slide backgrounds when you have text to highlight.

EXPLORE: Best PowerPoint Backgrounds Collection

2. Using Only Bullet Points And No Paragraphs

To make a presentation audience-friendly, reducing paragraphs to bullet points is a wise choice. However, it is critical to emphasize that this is more than simply putting only bullet points and leaving out all paragraphs. Using 5-8 bullet points is ideal for a slide. If the text size shrinks to 12 or 10 points, you’ve written a lot. Lengthy bullet points tend to bore the audience; some might even think of them as paragraphs.

3. Having No Symmetry In Texts And Pointers

A lack of balance or alignment between textual material and supporting visual elements, such as arrows, bullets, etc., can make your presentations appear unpleasant. When text and pointers are strewn about, it’s difficult for the audience to follow a logical flow of information; a common bad PowerPoint slide example to avoid at any cost. Your audience will be obsessed with deciphering the relationship between the text and graphics if your presentation needs more harmony.

4. Being Too Minimal

Being too minimalistic is as bad as overdoing it. Not having the required text on slides or keeping them blank makes them dull and non-engaging. You don’t need a color explosion or too many texts, but bringing some life to your slides is always a good idea. Using pre-made PowerPoint templates is a good idea to keep your content balanced; however, it is best not to leave blank spaces. A blank slide with no colors or text might give the impression of minimal effort. Strive for a balanced approach to keep your audience engaged and awake.

EXPLORE: 40,000+ PowerPoint Templates and Google Slides Themes

5. Keeping Text Too Small

Another thing to avoid is making your font size too tiny, almost like the size of a peanut. The size of the font is extremely important in any presentation. Think of it like trying to enjoy a beautiful scenic view through a tiny keyhole – not very enjoyable, is it? It’s the same with your PowerPoint. Your slides can be perfect with great colors, and graphics, but it’s a bummer if your audience can’t read them. A simple trick is to stand at the back of the room where you’ll present. If you can read the font comfortably, then you should be fine!

READ MORE: Best Presentation Fonts

A bad PowerPoint presentation will dismiss all your efforts and disengage your audience. To look more, avoid these bad PowerPoint presentation examples at any cost while making your next presentation.

We have carefully curated a visual appearance of how your PowerPoint presentations change by following the aforementioned points.

A good PowerPoint presentation is a balance – not too much, not too little. It’s about enhancing your message, not taking the spotlight away from you. However, striking that balance requires a lot of practice and trial and error.

You can always opt for presentation design services , like SlideUpLift. It gives you the advantage and access to presentation specialists. We design visually appealing presentations, with modern design elements, graphics, and illustrations; maintaining a perfect balance of every element. 

Whether you want to customize your slides completely or just tailor the color or font, we ensure that your brand or personal style always reflects in your presentation. 

Explore from our collection of 40,000+ PowerPoint templates and Google Slides themes. Utilize our presentation design services to create stunning PPTs. Give us a try with our custom-slides service , or schedule a call with us to know more!

What is the biggest difference between the best and worst PowerPoint presentations?

A good PowerPoint presentation effectively communicates its message, engages the audience, and uses visuals, layout, and content in a clear and compelling manner. In contrast, a bad PPT has cluttered slides, too much text, poor design choices, or distracting elements that hinder understanding.

How can I avoid making a bad PowerPoint presentation?

To avoid creating a bad PowerPoint presentation, focus on simplicity, use visuals wisely, keep text concise, maintain a logical flow, use appropriate fonts and colors, and avoid excessive animations or irrelevant content. Seek feedback from peers or experts to improve your overall presentation.

What role do visuals play in differentiating a good design v/s bad design PPT?

In a good presentation, visuals support and clarify key points. While in a bad one, they may be excessive, distracting, or irrelevant, overshadowing the main message.

How important is the audience's experience in determining the quality of a PowerPoint presentation?

The audience’s experience is essential in evaluating a presentation. A good PPT keeps the audience engaged and attentive compared to a bad PPT, which leads to disengagement and confusion.

How can I fix my bad PowerPoint presentation?

You can fix your PowerPoint presentation by opting SlideUpLift as your presentation buddy. With over 40,000+ PowerPoint Templates and Google Slides Themes to explore, you can choose what’s best for you. In case you have very specific presentation needs, you can opt for their presentation design services or custom slide service to create stunning PPTs. Schedule a call to know more.

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Overcome presentation deadlines with Prezi AI: User success stories

Get your team on prezi – watch this on demand video.

Naba Ahmed May 21, 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, deadlines loom closer than ever. Whether it’s a presentation scheduled for later today or looming on the horizon later this week, the pressure can be overwhelming. That’s where Prezi steps in to alleviate the stress with our innovative AI-powered features, designed to empower you to create captivating presentations effortlessly.

The “tomorrow problem” encapsulates the urgency individuals feel as presentation deadlines approach rapidly. It demands swift action and resolution within tight timeframes. With Prezi AI , we offer a solution that ensures your message is clear and remembered long after the presentation ends.

Build a presentation with AI

Our latest feature update to Prezi AI allows you to generate a presentation with AI in a matter of minutes, simply from a few keywords or ideas. No more staring at a blank page, grappling with where to start. Prezi AI streamlines the process, guiding you through content creation effortlessly.

But don’t just take our word for it. Let’s hear from some of our users who have successfully tackled their tomorrow problem with Prezi AI.

A teacher’s guide to engaging presentations with Prezi AI 

Time is a huge commodity for teachers. 

For sixth-grade teacher Jamie Ewing , who was recently nominated as America’s Favorite Teacher , said it was a breath of fresh air when he discovered Prezi Video in 2019 because it transformed his ability to communicate in a great, fresh, modern way.

And in 2024, his life changed again…with Prezi AI . 

“Prezi AI is a game changer. As a teacher, I was initially skeptical about AI programs, but Prezi AI proved me wrong. It’s transformative. So much of the work that I used to labor over is now done for me in seconds. All I have to do is upload my directions, tweak a few details, and spend a little time putting my final touches into the presentation.”

For his recent farm trip, Jamie employed Prezi AI to create a Class Review for the first week of May, and shared his tutorial on how to do so.  

Jamie shares how he most effectively creates presentations using Prezi AI, and how using Prezi AI gives him time back to do what he likes to do most.

Here’s Jamie’s guide to using Prezi AI: 

1. Keep your theme simple. Don’t over-explain it; you’ll get better results.

2. Type up exactly what you want to include in your presentation.

3. Once you have your first template, play around with color themes, background

photos, making slides transparent, or moving items.

4. Test drive it to see what you might need to tweak.

5. Enjoy having more time for other things.

So follow Jamie’s advice and revolutionize your communication and engagement in the classroom with Prezi AI. 

How Prezi AI transforms ideas into professional presentations 

Ted Toussaint , a seasoned speaker and behavioral scientist based in France, attests to the transformative capabilities of Prezi AI. According to Ted, the latest feature update offers users the ability to generate visually stunning presentations with ease. By simply inputting a few keywords or ideas, Prezi AI provides a structured outline, allowing users to focus on refining their message rather than grappling with the initial blank canvas.

“The professional look is easy to adjust to match your branding and still allows the outstanding freedom of creativity that Prezi is known for.”

Creating A-worthy class presentations 

Dani, a high school student in Hungary, echoes the sentiments above and has embraced the transformative power of Prezi AI. In Dani’s experience, Prezi AI has not only expedited his workflow but has also elevated the aesthetics of his presentation. 

“Prezi AI has not only made my work faster and easier, but it has also taken the beauty of my presentations to a new level. Thanks to the capabilities of Prezi AI, it was a great success in the class.”

A new, faster approach to creating presentations 

For presentation expert Fuji based out of Japan, Prezi AI revolutionizes the traditional approach to creating presentations. Instead of having users spend a lot of time laying out their content, they can focus more on crafting compelling narratives. 

Prezi’s dynamic nature and zooming capabilities not only captivate the audience’s attention but also enhance the overall delivery of information, making presentations more memorable and impactful.

“Prezi AI creates a new frontier in presentations by automating both intuitive structuring and unique super-smooth motions.”

Conquering the blank page 

Another challenge with creating presentations is when you’re staring at the screen, not knowing where to start, which tech consultant Christian Gajda refers to as “blank paper anxiety.” He recommends using Prezi AI to tackle this common problem. 

With Prezi AI, you can start creating a beautiful, AI-generated foundation tailored to your preferences. This makes the presentation creation process more efficient and inspiring, providing you with a creative canvas to add your personal touch. 

Beat deadlines & create impactful presentations with Prezi AI

Our users highlight the diverse ways in which Prezi AI has revolutionized the presentation creation process. From educators to students to seasoned professionals, Prezi AI offers a seamless solution to the “tomorrow problem,” ensuring that your presentations are not only delivered on time but also leave a lasting impression.

So, the next time you’re faced with a looming deadline and the pressure is mounting, remember that Prezi AI is here to help you tackle the “tomorrow problem” with ease. Say goodbye to blank paper anxiety and hello to effortless, impactful presentations with Prezi AI .

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5 Better Alternatives To Google Slides

I f you're looking to create a compelling presentation to showcase a new idea or persuade others, Google Slides may be the first option that comes to mind. But with few built-in templates, basic themes, and a limited graphics collection, you'll likely have a hard time making your presentation stand out against others.

If you want to make your presentation truly stand out, there are several alternatives to Google Slides that offer extra perks and features to give your presentations an edge. While Google focuses on integrating Slides with its other work-based apps like Sheets and Docs, other presentation apps focus more on design elements, transitions, and themes to help you convey your brand or personal image throughout your presentation.

We've tested these Google Slide alternatives to give you an idea of other available options to deliver impactful presentations. If you're looking for a way to make boring information more fun and engaging, here are the best presentation apps to replace Google Slides.

Read more: Major Graphics Card Brands Ranked Worst To Best

Microsoft PowerPoint

There's a reason so many businesses around the globe use Microsoft PowerPoint. Building its reputation as the go-to option for delivering high-quality presentations, the software generated $100 million in annual sales only three years after its initial release in 1990.

Microsoft PowerPoint may be Google Slides' largest competitor, but there are plenty of unique features that can add an extra flourish to your slides. PowerPoint excels in its impressive library of custom animations and slide transitions, which are fairly limited in Google Slides. Another unique feature is its AI-powered Designer tool. This provides professional design schemes that mirror the words used in your slides. For instance, if your title slide is named "Basketball Team 2024," Designer will automatically suggest pictures and slide layouts associated with basketball.

As PowerPoint has been in development longer than Google Slides, it naturally offers more nuanced features if you're looking for something specific. For example, you can save individual slides as an image file (using .png or .jpeg formats) or as a separate presentation file. There's also a large library of free PowerPoint templates designed to speed up your workflow. Moreover, PowerPoint integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Teams with its PowerPoint Live function, allowing you to easily share your presentation with your co-workers.

Prezi offers an innovative approach to showing presentations with its unique canvas feature. Unlike traditional presentation software, Prezi lets you zoom and pan around a flexible canvas. The canvas may feel distant to something of a presentation program, but there is still some linear order provided thanks to the Timeline view.

Finding ways to visualize data is one of the biggest challenges when dealing with presentation software. Prezi resolves this struggle with the help of its Story Blocks: a series of infographics available in multiple designs to visually represent data. You can easily edit infographics and even add animations to individual shapes. This can help add a story to your presentation and help you emphasize key points.

To further enhance your presentation visually, Prezi offers several topic path settings, which let you change how Prezi transitions from one topic to another. These options include subtopics, which are super helpful for breaking large chunks of information down. If you're looking for a unique, modern approach to presenting information, Prezi is a top pick.

If you're looking to create a professional presentation to convince potential clients about your business idea, Slidebean is a popular choice among professionals with plenty of customization options. One of the issues with Google Slides is its fairly limited template library, which is filled mostly with basic designs. Slidebean offers a better alternative with a broad selection of innovative templates split into categories for convenience.

The app's user interface is easy to navigate so that you can create slides in less time. Each slide has a dedicated Design and Outline tab. You can use the Outline tab to quickly edit the information on each slide without being distracted by all the visual elements. Another productivity-enhancing feature is the ability to generate a presentation theme from your website. Simply enter your URL, and Slidebean will automatically apply the theming to your presentation.

Slidebean is another presentation app to take advantage of AI. Using the Auto-Design feature, you can generate recommended slide layouts based on your existing content. It also features AI text suggestions designed to suit different industries. Overall, Slidebean offers a quicker, more efficient method for creating stunning presentations compared to Google Slides.

Canva is a well-known app among graphic designers, but it's also capable of making stunning presentations. The app also has mobile editions, so you can easily create and edit presentations on your Android phone , iOS device, or tablet. As long as you have an internet connection, you can modify your designs wherever you are.

To get started, head to Canva's online presentation maker . Canva offers a vast range of templates categorized by topic, which easily surpasses the simple templates in Google Slides . While some of the templates are only available to Canva Pro members, there is an ample amount of free templates to help you get started. You'll also find a large selection of stock photos, shapes, and illustrations to create beautiful customized slides.

Because Canva is built for graphic designers, you can access several features to give your presentation consistent theming. These include color palettes, font sets, and even a brand kit that allows you to add your company's fonts (available to Pro members only). One time-saving feature is Canva's Uploads tab, which lets you access recently uploaded media files. This offers a convenient way to copy content between different presentations.

Visme is a powerful visual design tool able to create videos, infographics, and presentations. One of the perks of using Visme is the company's free educational content, which offers advice on how to create impactful content to boost your brand. After signing up, the company also asks whether you're using Visme for your business, education purposes, or personal use to offer personalized tips.

In terms of charts and graphs, Visme offers some of the most impressive features we've seen from a presentation app, so you can effortlessly convey important statistics. From the Data tab, you can access dozens of graph styles to visually represent your data. Then, simply double-click a chart inside your presentation to edit the values instantly in a simple table format.

Another area that Visme excels in is collaboration. You can either generate a link to publish your presentation on the web or share your presentation privately with others. For each team member, you can choose who can view, edit, and comment slides for a seamless workflow. There's also a Slack integration that lets you receive messages whenever changes are made to your presentation. Visme is free for all users, with limited features available in its premium plans.

Read the original article on SlashGear .