After over 20 years of presenting to, training and facilitating adults, I have rarely, if ever, used PowerPoint.  As a consequence, I commonly get feedback on how much they enjoyed a learning environment without slides.  "Refreshing" "Engaging" .

 

And yet, the number one misconception or push-back I get from presenters and trainers when I’m teaching this concept, is that they will be seen as unprofessional if they don't use slides.

 

What is more unprofessional?

 

Overloaded slides, no one can read, in a dimly lit room

OR

A subject matter expert, speaking from their heart and mind, drawing their ideas on a chart. 

 

One of the smartest women I have worked with, who is SUCH a subject matter expert, nearly fainted when I suggested she delivered her content without slides.  I pushed, cajoled, coached and eventually she did it.  And delivered an amazing workshop. 

 

Make no mistake, when you are able to deliver your whole session on flip charts, you will appear more credible and knowledgeable on your topic.  ANYONE can read a slide.  Only an expert can draw and explain their model, thinking, or ideas on a chart, on the fly.

 

To make the move away from powerpoint and to slides, here's what you need to do:

 

1. Decide to do it – choose the right time and topic
2. Get some tools – buy a nice set of pens
3. Develop your skills – practice practice practice
4. Have a practice run – get some paper on the wall and try some techniques relevant to your material
5. Capture content using sketch notes – at meetings, in front of the TV, when travelling on public transport.