Have you been drinking a lot of espresso to jumpstart creative ideas for your presentation? If you were staying up to the wee hours…be sure to do a double check before you head into your presentation.

Sometimes those brilliant brainstorms can do more harm than good. Here’s what I’m talking about.

You may be telling a story that is confusing because you are mixing up metaphors. And I have to warn you: this is a danger zone. It’s possible to really turn off your audience if you switch back and forth between themes. Your audience can’t tell what’s what. And they will check out.

In a recent meeting, I coached several presenters for a critical presentation. At first, the possible metaphors were flying around… all over the map.

To describe a new talent management solution–metaphors went far and wide.

One person suggested that their new strategy was like planting a field. He already had animated cartoons of crops growing… corn and wheat sprouting all over the talent management field. And these animations were sprinkled throughout the presentation.

Another team member was convinced that the only metaphor that was right was one of climbing a mountain. His slides were focused on: how to reach the peak, watch out for falling rocks and get the right gear.

Each metaphor had serious problems. And each could also work for the right audience. They had to choose.

Instead of fighting about the metaphor…or even worse…not choosing one…focus on what will work for your audience.

A simple, easy-to-understand metaphor is your best bet. Don’t over commit yourself in the presentation design–in case you want to make last minute adjustments.

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