Those wary of slide presentations are not alone, despite Google Slides boasting 800 million monthly uses. The ubiquity of slide decks in both public and private sectors doesn’t seem to be changing no matter how the technology evolves. The issue though doesn’t lie in the slides themselves, but in how they are used. Here are some key considerations for your upcoming presentations:

1. **You Are the Presentation:** Regardless of the latest tools used to create presentations, remember that you are the primary focus. It is crucial to understand your audience’s needs, your goals in speaking to them, and how to effectively connect your message to both. Visual aids should complement all of that, not overshadow it. (Ask yourself when anyone approached you after a presentation and said they wished you’d have shown more slides.)

2. **Show and Tell:** Data requires more than just display; it needs interpretation. Visual elements like pictures can make that interpretation easier and more memorable, but it still must be supported by context. Think about how what you’re showing moves the audience’s understanding forward. If it doesn’t, than the slide is probably just to keep you on track and isn’t helping the audience.

3. **Less is More:** In oral communication, clarity is paramount. Present your main point upfront and then guide your audience through supporting evidence, especially with complex data. Avoid overwhelming your listeners with excessive information; instead, aim to engage and connect. Interactivity and being aware of how your audience is responding will help you stay on track.

Whether you rely on visual tools, handouts, or opt for a material-free approach, remember that your audience is looking for connection to something useful, not a reading assignment. Use your time with them to establish a purposeful connection, leaving them with valuable insights and wanting more.