why should the presenter listen to the designer?
just as a pro golfer ignores the caddy's advice at his or her peril, it would be crazy for presentation not to listen to their presentation consultants. consultants are not paid to let clients suffer the consequences of their poor choices. A designer should challenge a presenter's excessive use of text and recommend particular kinds of graphics, and also look for opportunities to use the media in some crearive new way. the designer should find the courage to tell the presenter(and provide professional alternatives) when an important presentation is marred by gratuitous clip art or innocuous sound effects.
the way I see it, presenters and designers have two choice:
continue to feel victimized by an ineffectual presentation-design process, or forge a partnership that adds more value to the designer's contribution. being a presentation lackey is not much fun. being a presentation partner is infinitely more enjoyable. being an effective team is even better.