OK, it is the New Year, and goals are on everyone's mind. As per my recent post, trainers should aim to use less PowerPoint this year. Some of you may be thinking, yes, we have been told to do this, and we don't any longer! However, I can assure you it is still a thing! I want you to remember this statement which is nice and clear:

DON'T BE A POWERPOINT MONKEY!

I train many people on our PTT Train the Trainer, and in nearly every course, someone will tell me the most significant thing they have learnt is not to use it so much; sometimes, this is from experienced trainers.  Trainers must know that overusing PowerPoint can harm the learning experience. Here are a few reasons why trainers should not overuse PowerPoint:
  • PowerPoint can be distracting - If a PowerPoint presentation is filled with too many graphics, animations, and transitions, it can be visually overwhelming and distract the audience from the actual content being presented. This can lead to a decrease in the retention of the material.
  • PowerPoint can make the presenter passive - When relying heavily on PowerPoint, the presenter may be tempted to read the slides to the audience. This can make the training session feel more like a lecture rather than an interactive and engaging learning experience.
  • PowerPoint can make the audience passive - If the audience is being shown slide after slide, they may become passive learners, simply absorbing the information without actively engaging with it. This can lead to a decrease in understanding and retention of the material.
  • PowerPoint can be impersonal - Using PowerPoint can make the training feel more like a corporate presentation rather than a personalised learning experience. This can make it more difficult for the audience to connect with the material and the trainer.
So what should I focus on instead? Effective engagement always wins over PowerPoint when delivering training:
  • Increased retention - Learners are more likely to retain the information when training is delivered in an engaging and interactive way. This is because they actively participate in the learning process rather than simply passively receiving information.
  • Enhanced motivation - Engaging training methods can motivate learners, as they are more likely to feel invested in the material. This can lead to better performance and a more positive learning experience overall.
  • Greater understanding - Interactive training methods, such as group discussions and activities, can help learners better understand the material. This is because they have the opportunity to ask questions, apply the information to real-world scenarios, and receive feedback.
  • Better transfer of learning - Engaging training methods can help learners apply the information they have learned in their everyday lives or on the job. This is because they are more likely to retain the material and be able to use it effectively in practice.
PowerPoint can be a valuable tool in training, but it should not be relied upon too heavily and should be supplemented with other interactive and engaging methods. Effective engagement is crucial in training, as it helps learners retain the information, stay motivated, understand the material, and apply it in their lives or on the job. With effective training and quality assurance, all trainers can learn real skills they can use immediately. Remember, don't be a PowerPoint Monkey!