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On the other hand, there's a good reason that bullet points aren't how formal communication is actually done, which is that they're terrible for actually doing

On the other hand, there's a good reason that bullet points aren't how formal communication is actually done, which is that they're terrible for actually doing the job of conveying information. For that, you need sentences in paragraphs, and PPT can't really do that. The best option is probably just an html doc — mix text (real text, not bullet points) with whatever media you want. Can be viewed on every device in the world.

graypegg 3y ago
I think what the GP comment is conveying is the cultural factor of a PPT. It’s not good for information communication when not paired with a human being giving the presentation that would say those sentences shown in bullet form. If you have the human, writing full sentences on a slide deck that they just read out is the worst. But the cultural factor is you signalling “I want to PRESENT something to you”. It implies this is a pitch, and you’re only seeing the notes. It’s a way to say “come talk to me”. The information density being so low is kind of a feature.
xattt 3y ago
> On the other hand, there's a good reason that bullet points aren't how formal communication is actually done … You clearly have not met my grad school classmates who used PPTs to lead seminars, but used slides as their full-sentence speaking notes. Slideshow presentations work, but execution is key.
ako 3y ago
There's really no need to limit yourself to bulletpoints in PPT. Powerpoint offers so many other ways of illustrating information. I really like powerpoint as it's one of the simplest tools to do visual animated story telling.
dredmorbius 3y ago
Bullet-points deliver facts and concepts. Paragraphs deliver narrative. Both have their place, and you could trace each to far earlier forms, such as religious iconography or clan shields, and sagas or mythic poems. Iconography encapsulates an existing notion, or expresses an identity or affinity. Sagas and mythic poems contain stories with characters, events, themes, morals, and other teachings, and are structured mnemonically through verse, meter, rhyme, allusion, and often musical intonation or accompaniment, to facilitate recollection both for the teller and the audience. I'm not much of a fan of slide decks myself, largely, though as a storytelling aid they can be quite useful. That takes skill however, and instruction. Edward Tufte's suggestions for how to use slides to accompany a talk (but not substitute for it) are excellent.

graypegg 3y ago

I think what the GP comment is conveying is the cultural factor of a PPT. It’s not good for information communication when not paired with a human being giving the presentation that would say those sentences shown in bullet form. If you have the human, writing full sentences on a slide deck that they just read out is the worst. But the cultural factor is you signalling “I want to PRESENT something to you”. It implies this is a pitch, and you’re only seeing the notes. It’s a way to say “come talk to me”. The information density being so low is kind of a feature.

xattt 3y ago

> On the other hand, there's a good reason that bullet points aren't how formal communication is actually done … You clearly have not met my grad school classmates who used PPTs to lead seminars, but used slides as their full-sentence speaking notes. Slideshow presentations work, but execution is key.

ako 3y ago

There's really no need to limit yourself to bulletpoints in PPT. Powerpoint offers so many other ways of illustrating information. I really like powerpoint as it's one of the simplest tools to do visual animated story telling.

dredmorbius 3y ago

Bullet-points deliver facts and concepts. Paragraphs deliver narrative. Both have their place, and you could trace each to far earlier forms, such as religious iconography or clan shields, and sagas or mythic poems. Iconography encapsulates an existing notion, or expresses an identity or affinity. Sagas and mythic poems contain stories with characters, events, themes, morals, and other teachings, and are structured mnemonically through verse, meter, rhyme, allusion, and often musical intonation or accompaniment, to facilitate recollection both for the teller and the audience. I'm not much of a fan of slide decks myself, largely, though as a storytelling aid they can be quite useful. That takes skill however, and instruction. Edward Tufte's suggestions for how to use slides to accompany a talk (but not substitute for it) are excellent.