I have a theory and as with most theories once it takes root in my consciousness it develops and expands. Hitherto unnoticed patterns move from outside of my awareness to cross the boundary of my subconscious mind. As the theory builds structure these thought/feelings start to connect, the dots begin to join and a picture emerges.💡This light bulb represents the emerging picture or theory as previously described it does nothing however to 'illuminate' the point (did you see what I did there)?. I
Sometime ago my respect for the PowerPoint 📀🎥 (what no natty little graphic for PP?) style of presentation began to leak away.
Initially it was an emotional reaction (😱😢😡) to this default style of presentation, my subconscious aversion to the way a message or idea could be considered 'enhanced' by a slick graphic representation.
Overtime it occurred to me that it was often a small idea or theory in fancy dress.
As I considered this I became aware that the areas of self improvement, sports (💪🥇🏃🏾♀️) and business management (📞🖨💰) attracted these in the highest volumes.
In the case of sports 🏉🥊🏂⛹️♀️coaching it became apparent that there was another strand to this. Often the graphics assumed a level complexity that I believe was intended to imbue the message with importance.
In effect a tool that should clarify and simplify was being used to obscure and confuse.....
Why?
My suspicion is that by simultaneously impressing and confusing an audience the empowered pointer could gain both authority and prestige.
At the "are their any questions?" stage of a presentation, much power and status could be gained by the pointer as they translated the presentation back into spoken language.
This is of course assuming that anyone was still awake or prepared to waste anymore
of their life on it. In these situations I am usually inclined to thank the Powerful Pointer for their insight and escape as quickly as I'm able.
In my view it provides an easy way to dress obvious points and sell them on as a deep insights.
I believe that PowerPoint was at the forefront in the business of 'original thought' replacement, but graphic representation of ideas and feelings has now grown to fill every corner of the digital world.
With software like Photoshop, Indesign, and Illustrator, the memes, emoji, and general graphic pollution is providing a backdrop to Twitter and Facebook with endless lists detailing everything from how to improve your confused and pointless life, to your sporting performance or coaching relationships. These guides are usually littered with those patronising little graphic symbols.
We cannot presumably be expected to understand that someone is leaving for a foreign holiday without the necessary small airplane and cocktail glass? ✈️🍸
The growth and popularity of these forms of graphic representation suggest to me that they might be fulfilling a wider need and I believe that it's partly an external tribal signal
( I belong to the 'in' group as demonstrated by my use of these little symbols).
In short if you have a good idea and would like me to know about it, stand in front of me, (without a screen please) and tell me about it.
Wave your arms about by all means and if you need a graphic representation to help you explain your point please use a flip chart.
We do not need an software package as an intermediary, your brain can talk directly to mine.
If you are feeling sad about something consider those feelings and express them in words it's more demanding than using that that little sad face but also much more genuine.
Love you (and this little heart proves it) ❤️
