Speakers Don't Need Powerpoint

Did you ever go to a keynote speech or general session and the speaker has this big screen behind them with an outline of their speech on it? Do you really watch the speaker or just look at the screen to see what's coming next and half tune-out the speaker? I feel that a power point outline is distracting and takes away the attention that the person speaking should be getting. If you are just watching the screen why have the speaker at all, just use a video and save the speaker fee. Of course as a speaker, I don't believe this and think the power point has to go during speeches.

Some speakers (especially new ones) use the powerpoint  outline as a crutch and notes for their speech. Why not have a lectern off to the side with the outline on it and walk over occaisionally to see what's next. A screen with a logo or slogan is fine because it doesn't change and grab the audience attention away from the speaker. If the audience sees an outline and reads something coming they are not interested in they may get up and leave, take a washroom break or just start texting. The speaker will always be more interesting than words on a screen and may have new information the screen can't offer.

If you are teaching a class and need people to remember certain points, a powerpoint list may be helpful because the speaker just explains it. Another option is a handout but with an audience of over 100 people, limits that option. If a speaker has confidence in his/her information and stories to keep attention, powerponit is not necessary. Another reason is that sometimes it does not work correctly and the audience has to sit there while it's being fixed. They start getting bored and the entire presentation suffers. Powerpoint is great for some situations but not for a speech.

Barry is available to speak at your meeting (no powerpoint needed) anywhere safe in the world. For topics, bio, videos check www.idealetter.com