Presentation Pointers - Look! Look! Look!

Flashy presentation effects often backfire—true engagement comes from focusing on the audience’s interests, not on visual gimmicks.

The article, Using Computer Generated “Dazzle” to Generate Attention Usually Backfires on the Presenter by Dag Knudsen, highlights the pitfalls of relying on flashy PowerPoint effects and gimmicks to engage an audience. It argues that such "dazzle" often distracts from the core message, leaving audiences disengaged and unfocused. Instead, effective presentations should be audience-centered, focusing on their interests rather than the presenter’s desire to impress with visual tricks. Overuse of effects leads to forgettable presentations, while clarity and relevance foster true engagement.

This item is a publication of Dag Knudsen, Inc.