Sometimes, the smartest people can create the least informative PowerPoint presentations. Why? Because they have an Engineering Mindset. The Engineering Mindset means being methodical, examining all available data, testing hypotheses, and coming to conclusions after a lengthy process. The trouble … [Read more...] about Why do engineers make such bad slides?
Why copying other people’s jokes is lame
People love to laugh, which is why marketers continue to generate funny content in the hopes of attracting attention to their products and services. Humor is also a great thing to include in your presentations—you set the audience at ease and make them more receptive to your message. But rehashing … [Read more...] about Why copying other people’s jokes is lame
The top 3 reasons to stop numbering your slides
Should you put numbers on your slides? It's a question that comes up again and again. But you're in luck because I have the definitive answer for you: "No." Here are three reasons why not. Reason #3: Slide numbers take up space When you use slide numbers, you create a footer area into which … [Read more...] about The top 3 reasons to stop numbering your slides
How do I know if I need a PowerPoint?
As a professional presentation designer, I love talking to people who want presentations designed. But sometimes I'll talk to a person who'd really be better off if they presented without a PowerPoint. When that happens, I turn the dollar signs off in my eyes and talk rationally about why they … [Read more...] about How do I know if I need a PowerPoint?
Don’t be that guy whose cell phone rings during a meeting
This will be a short post today because the topic is very simple: silence your cell phone when you're in a meeting. Especially if you're running it. Every mistake is a learning opportunity. Or, if you make the mistake while you're teaching people how to be good presenters, a teachable moment. In … [Read more...] about Don’t be that guy whose cell phone rings during a meeting
The only four PowerPoint keyboard shortcuts that matter
At Toastmasters the other day, I watched as one of my colleagues fumbled with the setup of her PowerPoint presentation. She struggled to get the deck in slide show mode. When she finally managed that, she lamented that she'd forgotten to include a black slide. Two simple keyboard shortcuts could've … [Read more...] about The only four PowerPoint keyboard shortcuts that matter
How to fix the empty seat problem at your next presentation
There comes a time in every public speaker's career when attendance at his presentation is less than what he thought it would be. Through no fault of his own, people just don't show up. He looks out into the audience and sees a few people scattered all over the hall, leaving vast swaths of empty … [Read more...] about How to fix the empty seat problem at your next presentation
Storytelling in PowerPoint
As long as there have been people, there have been stories. From the tale of Oog the Mighty who brought down a mastadon with a single blow of his club to The Hunger Games, people love a good story! We imagine ourselves as the hero, celebrating his victories and suffering his losses right alongside … [Read more...] about Storytelling in PowerPoint