This post is one that I'm carrying over from my old blog. Working in a corporate environment, I've seen the demise of both good writing and the power of oratory. Why? Blame it on PowerPoint--or, rather, on the refusal of my colleagues and managers to think about most anything unless it's presented as a PowerPoint deck.
What would have happened if Lincoln had been forced to use PowerPoint at the Gettysburg cemetery dedication? That's what Peter Norvig asked himself after he'd heard one too many presentations in which PowerPoint got in the way of what could have been a good speech. (By the way, Peter now works at Google, so I don't know whether he has to endure decks like this anymore.)
If your employer seems to live or die by PowerPoint, you're sure to love this deck of six slides. Start first by refreshing your memory about the real Gettysburg Address. Then, on to Peter's version...
The intro in the email my friend Diane forwarded to me really set the scene. I couldn't find it on Peter's site, so I've included it here:
Moderator: Please welcome President Abraham Lincoln. [Applause]
Lincoln: Good morning. Just a second while I get this connection to work. Do I press this button here? Function-F7? No, that's not right. Hmm. Maybe I'll have to reboot. Hold on a minute.
Well, while we're waiting, let me just say that my name is Lincoln and I'm your president. I want to thank Judge David Wills, chairman of the committee supervising the dedication of the Gettysburg cemetery. It's great to be here, Dave. You and the committee are doing a great job.
...Gee, sometimes this technology does have its glitches, but we couldn't live without it, could we? Oh, there. Now it's ready. OK, here we go.
And now, the PowerPoint version of the Gettysburg Address.
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