How to position 3D objects in PowerPoint slides

I am not a big fan of heavy 3D graphics in PowerPoint. Similar to animations, or 3D bar/column charts: the fact that PowerPoint enables you to do it, does not mean you have to use it.

• It is tricky to get things to look realistic: PowerPoint is not a 3D design tool. A failed 3D chart looks very amateurish
• 3D charts make it almost impossible to work with images. If given a choice, I would use an image rather than 3D objects. You can't have them both.
• 3D is hardly ever required to make a point: less is more in good PowerPoint design. Exceptions to this rule could be things emerging at the horizon, long-term outlooks, etc.
• Text becomes harder to read

If you do want to use a 3D composition, use guide lines and an imaginative vanishing point to make sure your objects are aligned properly.

UPDATE: more on positioning text (with reflection) in 3D in PowerPoint in a folow up post to this one.