RIP HRH the Queen of Power Point

Observing an unexpected loss in retirement

This image shows an AWFUL power point slide with way too much content in font sizes that are entirely illegible. The reason you are looking at the back of the audience members’ heads is that it’s only 8 am and they’re all asleep. (Image by TRESOR69 from Pixabay)

As I transitioned into retirement, I experienced a lot of changes that I expected: more free time, loss of professional status, lower income, increased autonomy, better sleep, fewer frustrating clients.

But now as I am fully embracing my new status, I’m observing a couple of changes that I’d never anticipated.

One of these that has hit me particularly hard is realizing that I’ve stopped using Power Point.

I know. It’s the software program everyone loves to hate. Death by a thousand slides, boring presenters whose idea of presenting is reading what’s on the screen, special effects that completely detract from the message of the talk.

Still.

Power Point persisted for so long because it can be useful when it’s used thoughtfully, with care and economy.

Used right, it can bridge the gap between auditory and visual learners.

It can re-engage audience members who can’t always hear the speaker.

It can offer an image to reinforce or even unlock the meaning of a concept that might not always “come across” strictly in words.