But a complex presentation, complete with graphics and transition effects, often isn't necessary in a general discussion or strategy session. By banning formal presentations, you save time on preparation, equipment setup and delivery. Plus a lot of presenters feel the need to include comprehensive background information when they're composing their slides. If everyone in the meeting is familiar with the background this is a waste of time. In today's jaded corporate culture, it's often easier to criticize than to compliment.
People tend to look for flaws in an idea rather than the merits.
When this happens in a meeting, everyone wastes time arguing, rather than coming up with new ideas or strategies. To overcome this, have everyone say one positive comment before they criticize. If you're forced to focus on the positive, you might actually uncover a way that a particular proposal could work, instead of vetoing it because of a minor hiccup. This is an idea we've borrowed from Native-American Indians. When a person has finished speaking, they pass the stick on.