--- title: "Wednesday Buzz: Break Away From Predictable PowerPoints" id: "33450" type: "post" slug: "wednesday-buzz-break-away-from-predictable-powerpoints" published_at: "2016-05-25T16:20:09+00:00" modified_at: "2026-11-09T16:47:15+00:00" url: "https://associationsnow.com/2016/05/25/wednesday-buzz-break-away-from-predictable-powerpoints/" markdown_url: "https://associationsnow.com/2016/05/25/wednesday-buzz-break-away-from-predictable-powerpoints.md" excerpt: "See how moving away from a cookie-cutter approach with the classic presentation platform can help improve your event. Plus: What to do with your webinar audience." taxonomy_category: - "Meetings / Events" taxonomy_post_tag: - "AssociationsNow" - "Meetings" - "presentations" - "visuals" - "Webinar" taxonomy_content_format: - "Article" taxonomy_role: - "Association CEO / Executive Director" - "Director" - "Executive Team" - "VP" taxonomy_persona: - "Association Professionals" --- [Home](https://associationsnow.com/) » [Articles](https://associationsnow.com/format/article/) » Wednesday Buzz: Break Away From Predictable PowerPoints Microsoft’s PowerPoint is an old-school tool for conference speakers. While it has been a reliable presentation method, many associations have fallen into the habit of using a uniform template that appears outdated and is unpleasant for attendees to look at. And some events actually mandate that certain templates be used, making things even worse. It’s time for associations to transform the way PowerPoint is used, [according to Velvet Chainsaw‘s Dave Lutz (opens in a new tab)](http://velvetchainsaw.com/2016/05/20/lose-ppt-template/) , and a good first step is moving toward simpler visuals with stronger impact. “Attendees can’t read, listen, and think at the same time,” writes Lutz. “Challenge and teach your presenters to create image-rich and text-lite slide decks to help increase attendee learning and their presentation skills.” Lutz also suggests that associations encourage presenters to revamp their education techniques and help provide resources for a more successful event. “Invest in your speakers and they’ll pay you back through their appreciation, influence, and delivering for you.” Whether associations change their templates, do away with them, or adopt an entirely new platform, it’s important to remember that these tools should benefit the attendees. ### Tweet of the Day > 5 tips for converting your webinar audience (by [@WebinarReady (opens in a new tab)](https://twitter.com/WebinarReady?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > ) [https://t.co/5rCILRcoCJ (opens in a new tab)](https://t.co/5rCILRcoCJ) > [#assnchat (opens in a new tab)](https://twitter.com/hashtag/assnchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > [pic.twitter.com/DreSmTTj45 (opens in a new tab)](https://t.co/DreSmTTj45) > > — Deirdre Reid, CAE (@DeirdreReid) [May 24, 2016 (opens in a new tab)](https://twitter.com/DeirdreReid/status/735194422497968128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) **Hosting online events** is a great way to cast the line for new members, but now that your association has them on the hook, it’s time to reel them in. Mike Agron, co-founder of WebAttract, explains how to [convert webinar attendees into full members (opens in a new tab)](http://www.convinceandconvert.com/digital-marketing/converting-your-webinar-audience/) . ### Other Good Reads **All jobs come with frustrations**, but you mustn’t let them control you. In a piece for *Entrepreneur*, *Esquire* editor Ross McCammon offers techniques [to keep anger in check (opens in a new tab)](https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/273462) . **Having trouble attracting members?** Your brand may need some pizazz. *Association Marketer* contributor Makenzie Davies explains [why a brand needs style (opens in a new tab)](http://associationmarketer.com/brand-must-social-style/) . **Foursquare is entering the world of bots.** [Tech Insider‘s Alex Heath explores (opens in a new tab)](http://www.techinsider.io/foursquare-releases-marsbot-chat-bot-for-finding-restaurants-2016-5) the new chat-based restaurant recommendation app [Marsbot (opens in a new tab)](https://marsbotapp.com/) . (iStock/Thinkstock) [Ernie Smith](https://associationsnow.com/author/ernie-smith/) Ernie Smith is a former senior editor for Associations Now. [More articles by this author](https://associationsnow.com/author/ernie-smith/) Tags: [#Meetings](https://associationsnow.com/tag/meetings/) [#presentations](https://associationsnow.com/tag/presentations/) [#visuals](https://associationsnow.com/tag/visuals/) [#Webinar](https://associationsnow.com/tag/webinar/) **Stay Informed** [Subscribe to our free newsletter](https://associationsnow.com/newsletter/) , *Associations Now Daily News*, to find out what’s happening in the association world every business day. ## You Might Like - [VideoNimble Nimble for AMS Demo DaysMarch 9, 2021](https://associationsnow.com/2021/03/09/nimble-nimble-for-ams-demo-days/) - [VideoYM for AMS Demo DaysMarch 9, 2021](https://associationsnow.com/2021/03/09/ym-for-ams-demo-days/) - [Video2025 Power of Associations Awards WebinarApril 24, 2025](https://associationsnow.com/2025/04/24/2025-power-of-associations-awards-webinar/) - [VideoInnovation Impact Survey Informational WebinarSeptember 18, 2025](https://associationsnow.com/2025/09/18/innovation-impact-survey-informational-webinar/) ## Comments **Comments are for ASAE members.** [Learn more about comments on this site.](https://associationsnow.com/comments/) [Log in](https://associationsnow.com/login?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fassociationsnow.com%2F2016%2F05%2F25%2Fwednesday-buzz-break-away-from-predictable-powerpoints%2F%23comments) to your member account or [join ASAE](https://my.asaecenter.org/select-a-membership-type/) !