Why PowerPoint is Killing Your Meetings

Jeff Bezos built Amazon into a global powerhouse by prioritizing two key principles: customer obsession and speed. But speed, in Bezos’ view, didn’t just mean moving fast—it meant making better, more informed decisions quickly.

One of the most impactful ways he achieved this? Replacing PowerPoint presentations with written memos.

Instead of allowing flashy slides to dictate meetings, Bezos required that every discussion be guided by a well-structured, six-page memo. This method forced deeper thinking, clearer communication, and sharper decision-making—without the distractions of design gimmicks or surface-level summaries.

Why Memos Work Better Than PowerPoint

Most meetings rely on PowerPoint, but Bezos recognized its flaws:
❌ Encourages style over substance – A good-looking slide deck can disguise weak ideas.
❌ Allows for ambiguity – Bullet points don’t force deep thinking or full explanations.
❌ Limits critical thinking – Quick presentations don’t provide enough depth for real discussion.

By contrast, a written memo demands precision and clarity:
✅ Forces deeper thought – Writing makes you analyze, refine, and structure your ideas.
✅ Eliminates vagueness – A well-written memo clearly states the problem, solution, and next steps.
✅ Encourages better conversations – Meetings become discussions of real ideas, not just reactions to slides.

How to Write an Effective Memo (Amazon-Style)

Want to implement this method in your own business? Follow Bezos’ simple framework for writing high-impact memos:

TL;DR / Summary – Start with a brief explanation of the memo’s purpose and what decision needs to be made.
Background – Provide context: What’s the problem? What data supports your proposal?
The Idea & Implementation – Outline your proposal clearly and explain how it would work.
Conclusion – Summarize key takeaways.
The Ask – Clearly define what you need from each person in the meeting.

Before the meeting, have someone else review your memo. Their feedback will ensure that your message is clear and actionable.

Why This Works for Any Entrepreneur

If you’re leading a business, adopting a memo-first approach can improve decision-making, reduce wasted time, and create a culture of deeper thinking. Whether you’re presenting to investors, aligning your team, or strategizing a new product, a well-written memo ensures your ideas are fully formed before they’re discussed.

Want to run more productive meetings? Ditch PowerPoint. Start with a memo.