This week I attended a public speech that left me reflecting on something we see time and time again at The Presenter Studio — our over-reliance on slides. The speaker came from a cool, young, innovative company. A brand that was clearly fresh, vibrant, and full of energy. Yet their presentation said otherwise.

Instead of connecting with the audience, the presenter hid behind a deck of tired, lifeless slides. They spoke more to the screen than to the room. The visuals felt dated and lacked any real sense of creativity or personality. It felt like a missed opportunity. And what was most disappointing is that this isn’t unusual. It’s become the norm.

Historically, we’ve all leaned on slides when it comes to public speaking. Somewhere along the line, they became a standard part of the format — something we include without even asking why. But that’s exactly the question we ask every client at The Presenter Studio to consider: Why are you using slides at all?

There’s a great tradition in copying what others do. We use slides because we’ve seen others do it. We fill them with bullet points because that’s what’s always been done. But just because something is familiar doesn’t mean it’s effective.

Every presentation should be unique. Just like you. Your talk should be tailored not only to your personality and communication style, but also to the brand you represent. If you're bold and modern, your slides should reflect that. If you're more understated and thoughtful, let that guide the tone of your visuals — or consider not using them at all. The most memorable presentations are often the ones that break away from convention.

At The Presenter Studio, we help people design talks that are truly personal. Sometimes that means using slides, and sometimes it means leaving them out entirely. The key is to make a conscious choice — not a default one.

What slides often do is act as a barrier. They can distance you from your audience and dilute your message. If they’re too text-heavy, people read instead of listen. If they’re poorly designed, they undermine your professionalism. If they’re overused, they turn what could be a dynamic experience into something forgettable.

The truth is, slides should support your story, not replace it. They should enhance your impact, not distract from it. So the next time you're preparing for a public speech, ask yourself: Do I really need these slides? What would happen if I used fewer? Or none at all?

Take a moment to think about what you’re really trying to say, how you want people to feel, and whether your slides are helping or hindering that goal. And remember the power of that old saying: less is more.

When you strip away what’s unnecessary, what you’re left with is you — your message, your voice, your energy. And that’s what audiences really remember.