The Joke Used To Be "Death By PowerPoint" - Now Your Job Depends On It

"Fired for poor PowerPoint skills as an entry-level analyst just started" -  Reddit Consulting, October 2024

Many of the 199 responses to this post indicate that doing PowerPoint right - that is according to the organization's format and content messaging - has become a fundamental skill that must be learned. Those commenting tend to concede that, just like being a great sales representative or public speaker, this skill is rarely one you are born with. And you have to make it your business to master having to put together a slide deck.

When PowerPoint first became available as part of Microsoft Office presentations using it tended to be clunky and way too much. There was even a joke: Death by PowerPoint. But it evolved into a must-visual platform for messaging. Currently it is expected for everything from pitching for new business to explaining a strategy to clients to pleading for funding. 

Given how embedded it is in current communications, I was surprised that when I was participating in Toastmasters there wasn't more attention focused on acquiring this skill. Instead there were the usual exercises on how to improve public speaking in general. Currently there is a lot more to the game than those. I left Toastmasters after about six sessions. I assessed there wasn't more I was going to learn.

Even if you are not using PowerPoint now, it could enhance your marketability to get up to speed on best practices. Offer to make slide decks for those on your network for free and include those samples in your portfolio. 

Life is hard. Business is even more difficult these days. Get answers – and relief. Jane Genova is a results-driven intuitive coach, tarot reader and content-creator related to careers. Complimentary consultation (please text/phone 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com)


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