Don’t get me wrong, I love PowerPoint.  I use it extensively for client presentations, deliverables and for the training courses I deliver.  It is a great tool that can be used to illustrate and communicate all the ideas, concepts and solutions that you want to convey.

But that is all it is …….. a tool.  Unfortunately, what I’m seeing more of in the business world is PowerPoint being used as a crutch and not a tool.  A crutch in the sense that it is used to drive all aspects of a conversation .  Some people couldn’t possibly have a meeting with someone without putting together a PowerPoint “deck.”

Whatever happened to just having a meeting and engaging in a conversation?

Sure, there needs to be a topic and a reason for meeting but does it always have to be so structured?  I don’t think so.  Some of most productive conversations are the ones that can wander a bit off topic because it triggers new thoughts that take the conversation in a different direction; many times a very productive, value added direction.

Now here’s the extra bonus that you might find a bit scary!  If you wander off topic and have a real discussion, there’s a chance you might develop a more personal relationship with them!  Oh no!  Not a relationship!

Yes, by actually having a genuine, unstructured conversation, you may share things that are of a personal nature and the other party may share them back.  It seems like at some point over the past 10-20 years, we have lost sight of the value of this or have discounted it.  I’m sure that e-mail, instant messaging, texting etc. has had a significant impact.  I’m not smart enough to understand all of the dynamics but I do know the art of having productive, meaningful conversations is slipping away fast. 

Here’s my “Three Step” program for PowerPoint addiction:

Ditch the “Deck” – Go to several meetings without a deck and actually talk.  If you feel uncomfortable and start to shake from withdrawals, you will understand the level of your addiction.  Fight through it with heavy doses of eye contact and insightful, open ended questions.

Be Genuine – Don’t ask questions from a “To Do” list entitled “Build Customer Relationship.”  People see right through disingenuous banter.  It can do more harm than good.  Work on having genuine interest in their issues, challenges and motivations prior to engaging in the discussion.  If you don’t have genuine interest, maybe someone else should be responsible for relationship building.

Ensure Efficient Use of Resources – Sometimes a deck is required for a meeting.  When that is the case, start with a short informal meeting with the main recipient/s of the information to clearly understand the purpose of the deck, the expected contents and the desired outputs or next steps.  Having this meeting in advance helps to ensure that you efficiently use your team resources.

I have personally seen days, weeks and even months wasted on decks via initial preparation, review, rewriting and rewriting again simply because no one took the time to sit down with the end customer, ask good questions and find out exactly what they are looking for.

Executives would be horrified if they knew how much time was spent preparing decks.  If you are an executive, next time someone presents a deck, be sure to ask them how much time the team collectively spent on the deck.  If you are actually “horrified” at the amount of time wasted, set parameters on the amount of time that should be spent on deck preparation.

If you follow this three step program, you will be well on your way to more productive and creative conversations, more meaningful relationships and you will break free from your PowerPoint addiction.  Good luck!

Find out more about Derrick at www.derrickstrand.com or contact him at dstrand@derrickstrand.com.