PowerPoint Packs A Punch

Well in these technologically advanced times we can hook up with someone using sms, we can fall madly in love over the internet and for those of us who happen to be application savvy, there is even the option of breaking up via Powerpoint. No seriously. I read an article by someone who claimed to have done this and although I can perfectly understand the reaction that was received (wouldn’t you be a little offended to say the least?), I can kind of understand the attraction as well. Its sad but true – some individuals out there get all warm and fuzzy when in the presence of a perfectly presented argument. The ability to amass truly insurmountable evidence to support a desired conclusion, and to accompany it with its own subtitles and colour scheme too…well it’s a beautiful thing. Freaky but beautiful.

Apparently the whole thing started out quite innocently. For the author there were a series of niggling doubts, petty resentments and hurt feelings that gradually built up over time with the aid of procrastination and denial. These were for one reason or another jotted down at various intervals until there came a point at which they begged for consolidation and organisation. The relationship was also then at a stage where an ‘I don’t want to do this any more’ definitely wouldn’t have cut it and dating etiquette required a more personal breakup. For this individual, Powerpoint was the answer. After all, would this not show that due consideration had gone into the matter? This would not be a refection of a hasty decision but rather a well thought out and reasoned stance on the relationship in question. You know what they say about the best laid plans though…

Not surprisingly the two part presentation failed to impress. Neither the graphs nor the photo montages won over the intended recipient with their visual representation of a romance gone sour. The messages somehow missed their mark and the bullet points enumerating the good times that were shared did nothing to alleviate the pain inflicted overall. Despite the fact that there was a significant difference between the scathing, acerbic and occasionally virulent notes put to paper and the text imparting the sentiment and feeling on the presentation, the project was not a success. Well, it was in the sense that there was definitely no relationship to be considered afterwards but it was not the kind and gentle let down that was envisaged.

So yeah, in case you ever wondered how to break up with someone, I would suggest that you do NOT try this approach. I can easily understand the desire to express your thoughts clearly and completely. I am aware of how emotions get in the way when it comes down to the crunch and I can not tell you how many times I have actually had conversations with others in my head, rescripting the exchange until it comes out ‘right’. Some things just aren’t meant to be though and others are meant to be face to face.