In the competitive world of B2B sales, a meticulously crafted presentation serves as your company’s silent ambassador. It’s not merely a vehicle for conveying information; it’s a powerful tool that can significantly influence the outcome of your business relationships.
Based on the current trends in presentation design, here are 10 anti-trends or outdated practices to avoid in corporate presentations:
1. Overcomplicated slides
Avoid cluttering slides with too much information or visual elements. Simplicity and clarity are key.
2. Excessive use of stock images:
Generic stock photos can make your presentation feel inauthentic and disconnected from your brand.
3. Overreliance on text
Slides filled with dense paragraphs of text are difficult to read and engage with. Focus on key points and use visuals to support them.
4. Inconsistent branding
Failing to maintain consistent colors, fonts, and design elements throughout the presentation can make it look unprofessional.
5. Outdated or cliché clip art
Using dated or overused clip art can make your presentation look amateurish and out of touch.
6. Overuse of animations and transitions
While some animation can be effective, excessive use of slide transitions and effects can be distracting and unprofessional.
7. Poor color contrast
Low contrast between text and background colors can make content hard to read, especially when projected.
8. Lack of data visualization
Presenting raw data or complex information without proper visualization can make it difficult for your audience to grasp key points quickly.
9. Using non-standard fonts
Stick to widely available fonts to ensure your presentation looks consistent across different devices and platforms.
10. Trend-Chasing Over Brand Consistency
Why it’s problematic:
- Loss of brand recognition:
When presentations constantly change to match the latest trends, it becomes difficult for clients and partners to recognize and remember your brand’s unique visual identity. - Inconsistent messaging:
Frequent style changes can lead to inconsistencies in how your company’s core messages and values are communicated visually. - Misalignment with company culture:
Trendy designs might not always align with your company’s established culture and values, potentially creating a disconnect for your audience. - Short-lived relevance:
Design fads come and go quickly. By the time you implement a trend, it might already be on its way out, making your presentation look dated. - Distraction from content:
Overly trendy designs can overshadow your actual message, drawing attention to the style rather than the substance of your presentation. - Lack of authenticity:
Constantly changing your presentation style to match trends can make your brand appear inauthentic or lacking in confidence about its own identity. - Increased design costs:
Frequently updating your presentation templates to match new trends can be time-consuming and expensive. - Audience confusion:
Regular clients or investors might find it jarring to see drastically different presentation styles from your company, potentially affecting their trust and familiarity with your brand.
By prioritizing consistent brand identity over fleeting design trends, you ensure that your presentations remain recognizable, authentic, and aligned with your company’s core values and positioning.