When should I create a presentation and when not?

When should I create a presentation and when not?

Not every time that you have to share an idea, you need to create a proper presentation. In fact, I would say that roughly:

  • 80% of the time, a quick document like a Notion or Dropbox Paper or Miro is good enough for sharing an idea, a report or a piece of information. And if needed you can always make a short three-minute video in Loom commenting on the document for additional interactivity.

  • 15% of the time, you could create a presentation just using a template or an app like Paste by Wetransfer that makes it quick to create a presentation.

  • 5% of the time, you really need to create something custom and spend hours in choosing the perfect images, perfect words and perfect layout. Think of these presentations like a mini TED talk or pitch to investors.

So most of the time, a simple document is the smartest route: it takes less time for you to create, and get's all the key information shared too. And if you use apps like Notion or Dropbox Paper, your document adapts also perfectly to be read on both a desktop or a smartphone.

I have to admit that I myself still create too many presentations, and want to get better at this, but I'm getting there, and I'm sure you can too. Let's save a few hours this month by creating less fancy presentations!

Q&A: Presentations and Service Design

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Efficient presentations

  • What are tools to create presentations faster?
  • When should I create a presentation and when not?
  • What are good storylines I can use to structure a presentation?
  • How to create quickly summaries for presentations?
  • What's one of the best slide structure and design?

Interactive presentations

  • How can I use a presentation as a prototype?
  • How can I embed a whiteboard in my presentation?
  • How can I embed a timer in my presentation?

Presentations and public speaking

  • How can I keep the engagement and focus high during a presentation?
  • How can you write and prepare good presenter notes for your presentations?
  • ▶️ How can I make presenting less painful?

Long presentations

  • How to create presentations that work for multiple stakeholders?
  • How can I fix a presentation that goes all over the place?
  • What are good ways to finish a presentation?