Death to PowerPoint

Death to PowerPoint?

Let’s get one thing clear: PowerPoint isn’t evil. It’s a tool, nothing more. The problem comes when it becomes the *only* tool, when training starts and ends with a deck. That’s when learning turns flat, forgettable, and painfully predictable.

Learners don’t need another slide. They need a reason to care, a reason to engage, and a reason to remember.

I’ve spent over a decade helping organisations transform “mandatory training” into something people actually look forward to. And here’s the truth: the best learning experiences rarely start with a slide.

Training should feel like discovery.

What's wrong with PowerPoint-led training?

Three big problems usually appear when training leans too heavily on slides:

1. It treats learners like passive note-takers rather than participants.
2. It front-loads information instead of weaving knowledge into action.
3. It hides the story. Learning isn't about clicking through 60 slides; it's about memorable moments that change behaviour.

A slide deck can support good learning design. But it should be the learning design.

What's the alternative?

The alternative simple, it's experience-first design: building around what you want learners to do, not what you want to say or tell them.

Here are three shifts to make:

1. Start with the outcome:
   Don't ask: "What content do we need to cover?" ❌
   Ask: "What should learners do differently tomorrow?" ✅
   Everything flows from there.
2. Design for interaction:
   Whether it's a live workshop, an online module, or a blended journey, include moments where learners make decisions, test ideas, or explore scenarios.
3. Tell a story:
   Humans don't remember bullet points. They remember narratives, characters, and challenges. Frame learning as an adventure of a problem to solve.

Examples in Action

Look, I'll have some case studies and projects to showcase over here in the near future. But until then - for retail sales colleagues I built bespoke customer scenario game cards to create unique customer journey stories to tailor the perfect solution to their needs. I've replaced boring lectures with hands on real-lays supported with feedback loops. And rather than 45 slide inductions, I've created interactive branching journeys where new colleagues explore their company like a story.

I can't wait to share these with you.

The Future of Learning

The future of learning is curiosity driven, playful and fun but with real outcomes, and truly iterative, tested measured and improved - never just a one and done. Slides might still appear in a session, but they belong in the supporting cast and not the starring role. Storytelling workshops where we roll dice to determine what direction our story takes, rather than clicking next to another text-heavy slide?

If you are still defaulting to building a deck, it is time to rethink. PowerPoints aren't inspiring any one, but you can. Start with the learner. Prototype experiences. Tell stories. Above all, creating learning moments people will never forget.

Death to PowerPoint. Long live incredible learning experiences.