Presentation Q&A: Using Animations and Transitions

Question: Animations and Transitions – should they be used or not?

Answer: Like clipart, there are a number of presentation gurus who feel that you should never use animations or transitions in your slide deck.

The reason why animations and transitions are dismissed so quickly is that they are see as nothing more than a distraction and don’t add any value to your message or your presentation.

This is something that you must decide for yourself. Whenever you are considering adding an animation or transition you should always ask yourself :

  • Will this help my message?
  • Will it add strength and value to my message or will it distract?
  • Will the audience remember the animation more than the ideas you’re trying to convey?