And yet we continue to validate this pompous form of presentation

How many time have you sat through a PowerPoint presentation that has shielded the presenter from needing to have full knowledge of the subject matter? Or indeed has delivered a series of bullet points that has not necessarily aligned to a rhythm of coherent and fluid thoughts and ideas?  Or has been handed out as hard copies in a meeting and you have had your hand slapped for daring to skip to the last page or even turn the page before the designated time? 

PowerPoint has a time and a place, but its relevance is diminishing in many cases as inexperienced presenters default to PowerPoint as a means to talk to an audience believing the heritage of PowerPoint is still current. In its infancy the novelty of a single, captured focus on screen was innovative enough to compel us. No more pesky hand outs and photo-copying that was surely old school. But as the essence of communication becomes, and should be, more vital (energetic, rigorous and lively), the one dimensional bore fest that is PowerPoint suddenly becomes outdated and tedious and indeed an obstacle to organic thought and inspiration. 

As indicated in this article, Ted embodies all the PowerPoint is not.  A compelling and spirited forum for story telling (yes, a business proposal is describing and stimulating participation in a journey) Ted is the anti-thesis of PowerPoint on a grand scale. An epic if you like that engages and stirs the audience via its modus operandi as much as its content - without conscious intent. 

What about mini Teds?  Short stories of business matter that articulate an agenda, a purpose, a goal and share the passion of business objectives.  Next year's budget, return on investment, the ever pervasive 'transformation change', for example, have at their heart, the people, the decision makers and the leaders who should be passionate about their purpose.  Being able to engage (being taught how to engage?) an audience with language, eye contact, confidence, humour, collaboration and reality must surely arouse more connection and participation. After all inclusion and feeling valued remain the key indicators that people (the audience) seek and expect in company and business life. 

As already stated PowerPoint has a place, but the engagement happens at another level and one that so many businesses or business stakeholders ignore. Evolution of communication must remain valid and updated and at times it seems that this method is embraced for its heritage, not for its contemporary contribution.