Keep Your Slides Simple
And we're on to the last two of Tom Peters' Sales25 Principles. Here, he makes a strong case for simplicity - great design is simple. When our plans are clear and simple, it is not only well understood but easier to execute as everyone is clear on what to do.
Keep Your Slides Simple.
If you're in sales (and again, if you're in the WOW Project Business, you're in the Full-Time Sales Business), sooner or later you drag out Ye Old PowerPoint Presentation. So: Keep those bloody presentation slides lean and full of meaning!
As noted, this Sales25 discussion stems from a presentation that I made to salespeople at a major tech company. As part of my prep work, I reviewed some of their presentations. And I was... appalled. This is a company that peddles some great products. But each of their slides had way too much stuff on it.
Is it just my age? Am I just too old to see the fine print? No, damn it! The point of a presentation is to persuade... not to perplex.
SETH SPEAKS – VERY BRIEFLY
Consider the immortal words of Seth Godin: “If you can't describe your position in eight words or less, you don't have a position.”
SLIDE RULES
Don't let your slide show become a side-show. Here are a few basics on keeping the pith in your pitch:
• Keep it clear.
• Keep it simple.
• Declare your benefits.
• State your case.
• Tell your (COMPELLING) “story.”
• Sit down.
• Shut up.
