Abra Cadabra: [ab-ruh kuh-dab-ruh] an unnecessary, often unsuccessful PowerPoint flourish intended to compensate for droll, anemic content.
Justice must be blind. That’s why we blindfold her in paintings and statues. But we also want a little peeking now and then, just to account for certain nuanced cases. For this reason, our legal traditions treat crimes of passion somewhat differently—somewhat more leniently—than crimes that are premeditated. There is an understanding that accountability is lessened, if only a little, in situations that did not afford the individual ample time to think, and thus act reasonably.
Abra Cadabra is a premeditated crime. These stock animations and slide transitions—no more than a haphazard lot of presentation trinketry, really—are inserted by the assailant in the quiet sanctity of the office. Their addition cannot be made without a sophisticated coordination of mouse-clicks that signify intent, all long before the presentation is given. It is inconceivable that, gripped with fear and nervousness on stage, a presenter would suddenly and uncontrollably rifle through this series of clicks to add Abra Cadabra to the presentation at the last minute. This is no crime of passion. This is presentation in cold blood.
When we were young, we loved magicians. But as we matured, we developed a taste for stronger narratives, more compelling imagery, and meaningful information that has the power to advance our personal goals and aspirations. A mature audience can only be disappointed by the inter-slide magic tricks; if you want oohs and ahs, bolster the content, not the transitions.
The Takeaway: There is no substitute for solid storytelling and smart visual imagery. Animations and stock transitions have never fooled an audience. It’s what you say and how you say it that counts.
