Almost every week, we hear something like this: “PowerPoint is so boring, we’d like to try something more dynamic, maybe Prezi.” Many people expect us, as Prezi experts, to agree enthusiastically.
We don’t. Because it isn’t true. PowerPoint isn’t boring. Boring presentations are.
PowerPoint is just a tool
Software can help you create something good. But it’s never solely to blame for a bad result. Nobody blames their car when they drive into the one in front.
Yes, you can create brilliant presentations with Prezi, if you know how. But you can with PowerPoint too, if you know how. It’s the know-how that separates a convincing presentation from a boring one, not the tool.
Why PowerPoint still so often feels boring
PowerPoint’s reputation isn’t a coincidence. There are three reasons:
- Everyone uses it. PowerPoint is the standard in almost every company. That’s its biggest strength and its biggest weakness at the same time. Almost everyone has to present with it, but hardly anyone has learned how to design a presentation.
- The templates invite text. Every new slide greets you with “Click to add text” and a bullet point. Follow the template and you end up in slide overload, also known as death by PowerPoint.
- Company templates are built for documents. Many corporate templates have fixed text boxes, a logo on every slide and little room for images. They ensure a consistent look, but rarely impact.
If you then switch to Prezi without working on your message and structure, you’ll have the same text-heavy slides on a canvas. Only now they fly around too.
6 ways to make your PowerPoint engaging
1. Don’t start in PowerPoint
Before you open the software, clarify your audience, your goal and your key message. Most boring presentations happen because people start straight away with the slides.
2. Tell a story
Arrange your content as a story: starting point, problem, solution, next step. Facts in a story stick, facts in a list don’t.
3. One statement per slide
Better 20 slides with one idea each than 5 slides with six points each. The headline is a full sentence that contains the statement. Why we skip bullet points entirely is explained in bullet points in presentations.
4. Images and numbers instead of text
A strong image or a big number says more than a paragraph. Charts show only what matters and highlight it in color. More on this in good presentation design.
5. Dare to design your own slides
Stick to your corporate design’s colors and fonts, but not necessarily to every standard slide in the template. An empty slide with one image and one sentence is possible in your corporate design too, and usually much stronger.
6. Speak, don’t read
Your slides support you, they don’t replace you. If you read out what’s on the slide, you make yourself redundant. Notes belong in presenter view, not on the screen. A strong opening also helps you win your audience over from the very start.
When Prezi is the better choice
There are occasions when Prezi really can do more: when you want to show how things connect, when you want to move freely between topics or when a presentation runs in a loop at a trade show. Then switching is worth it. Our page What is Prezi? explains when each tool fits.
But the reason to switch should never be that PowerPoint is boring. It should be that Prezi is a better fit for this particular presentation.
Conclusion
PowerPoint isn’t boring. Boring presentations are, and they can be made in any tool. If you work on your message, story and design, you can create PowerPoint presentations people talk about long afterwards. If you’d like support, we’re happy to build your PowerPoint presentation with you.
Frequently asked questions
Why are PowerPoint presentations often boring?
Because they're often created without a clear message, contain too much text and bullet points, and don't tell a story. The standard templates practically invite you to fill slide after slide with points. The problem is how PowerPoint is used, not the software.
Is Prezi better than PowerPoint?
Not in general. Prezi is strong when you want to show how things connect and you present without notes. PowerPoint is better when many people work on a presentation or slides get passed around. A weak story won't become engaging in either.
How do I make my PowerPoint presentation more engaging?
With a clear key message, a story that hangs together, one statement per slide, images instead of blocks of text, big numbers instead of tables and an opening that grabs attention. And by speaking to your audience instead of reading out your slides.
Is there a good alternative to PowerPoint?
Yes, for example Prezi, Keynote or Google Slides. But a different tool doesn't change your message, structure or delivery. If you switch because PowerPoint is boring, you'll usually take the real problem with you.
