The presentation paradox is ubiquitous. Audience members, if questioned, will list the nature, content and delivery of a presentation that they dislike/hate/ignore. When their turn comes to produce a presentation, these same individuals will deliver a presentation with the same nature, content and delivery, the presentation paradox.
The presentation paradox isn’t about a lack of intelligence. It isn’t about a lack of intention. It isn’t because presenters don’t care. No one intentionally delivers a bad presentation. A presentation full of bulletpoints, read out whilst staring at the screen isn’t what presenters want to do, but that’s what happens mainly because they think that’s what’s expected, that’s what everyone else does and they fear being judged for doing things differently. Fear of change, in most spheres of life, is greater than any perceived benefit of change.
The problem is systemic, enhancing the paradox. Poor practice is modelled, encouraged and even taught in short sessions. This “learning” is principally copying what is observed and sharing this as “Best Practice” even knowing that it isn’t. The paradoxical persistence of “busy slides,” complex data tables and “slideuments” is not about effective communication but about copying. Presentating is a skill. It is not learned by copying any more than a surgeon watching anaesthesia being delivered becomes an anaesthetist.
This paradox will not solve itself. You are the solution. Be the change you would like to see. Discuss with colleagues their approach to presentations and question how it might be improved. There are many ways to change. The presentation paradox exists only because we currently cannot see a solution. When that is available, the world will become a better place.