Presentations

 

Has anyone else noticed that the over-reliance on presentations in meetings has become excessive, often overshadowing genuine conversation and decision-making?

Meetings that once focused on open discussions and actionable outcomes, are now dominated by meticulously crafted slideshows. While technology enhances communication, it often distracts from the core purpose of collaboration.

In the past, meetings thrived on clarity of thought and effective articulation without the crutch of elaborate visuals. Today, however, presentations are seen as symbols of professionalism, leading to a culture where showing up without slides feels like turning up without pants. This mindset has made presentations more about appearance than necessity, often diluting the substance of the message.

Slides frequently become a fallback for presenters, and while they do help them stay on track, they tend to stifle spontaneity and engagement. Worse, the abundance of unnecessary graphs and convoluted data tables often leaves audiences bewildered. It’s not uncommon to encounter slides packed with color-coded spaghetti lines and pie charts that seem to have been created by someone playing "Data Art" rather than explaining anything. Sometimes, even the presenter looks as though they’re discovering the slides for the first time, adding to the general confusion.

The heavy dependence on technology shifts attention away from meaningful dialogue. Discussions take a backseat, and the human element of collaboration gets lost. While visuals can enhance understanding, their overuse often creates clutter rather than clarity.

Not every meeting requires a presentation. Clear, concise discussions can achieve the same objectives, often with better results. By prioritizing connection, clarity, and action over the perfection of slides, meetings can regain their focus.

Perhaps it’s time to put those overachieving pie charts on a diet and admit that sometimes, the most professional thing you can bring to a meeting is a good idea and a bit of common sense.