This morning I once again had the pleasure of hosting the Tech Coast Angels at the university. They are the largest angel investor organization in the U.S. (see an earlier blog post “Finding investors is art, not science.” ). At their screenings, they typically have 2-3 entrepreneurs pitch their ventures. Today’s pitches were some of the best I’ve seen in a while in terms of the actual businesses they were pitching; but, I have to say that “death by PowerPoint” is still alive and well with entrepreneurs. I certainly have been doing my best to get my students to shed the text-laden slides that force you to choose between what the presenter is saying and trying to read the rendition of War and Peace that is on the slide. Unfortunately, not enough of you have been listening. 

The purpose of PowerPoint slides is to be a backdrop for the story you’re telling about your business. The operative words here are “backdrop” and “story.” Backdrop means just that – it should not dominate but rather enhance what you’re saying. Key words, a great, readable graphic, or a photo really add to what you’re saying. On the other hand, tons of bullet points (can we still say this?) with tiny print make the audience wonder if it’s time for their annual eye exam or if you’re actually expecting them to multi-task. The story is what matters, and you have to be the one who tells it—passionately, convincingly—so that the audience is captivated by what you’re saying and wants to know more.