In December 2014, Microsoft Office closed the doors permanently on its Office.com Clip Art library. For people who avoided it thinking that there was nothing to be had there except for Screen Beans-type illustrations, outdated drawings, and useless doodles, it's probably no big deal. For those of us … [Read more...] about Microsoft Office dumps clip art, promotes Bing
How many slides should my presentation have?
Do these quotes sound familiar? "I only want to see three slides." "My boss says we get one slide per presenter." "We don't want to go over 20 slides for this presentation." It's very common to be restricted to a certain number of slides in a presentation. And it's a very silly way to do … [Read more...] about How many slides should my presentation have?
Don’t read your PowerPoint slides!
Sometimes you need to do a presentation for which you aren't fully prepared. Maybe you didn't get your act together, or maybe the presenter duties were thrust upon you at the last minute. Whatever the circumstances, there are usually two ways a presentation like this can go. If you're an experienced … [Read more...] about Don’t read your PowerPoint slides!
PowerPoint on an iPad? Pretty cool idea!
On November 6, 2014, Microsoft announced that it was offering free upgraded versions of its Office software for iPhones and iPads. This is big news, because until recently people were only able to view, not edit, Office docs on their iDevices. Microsoft saw the writing on the wall and decided to go … [Read more...] about PowerPoint on an iPad? Pretty cool idea!
Marketing 101: Fish where the fish are
Recently, I encountered such an outrageously bad marketing tactic, contrasted with a fantastic marketing tactic, that I wanted to share it with you. No, there's nothing about PowerPoint in this article, but I thought it was important enough to share with you. What is up with this kiosk? I was in … [Read more...] about Marketing 101: Fish where the fish are
How do you deal with a bad co-presenter?
When you are presenting with another person, coordination is key. Otherwise the other guy might get the spotlight while you get the hook. A presenter gets the shaft Here's the sad story of a friend of mine whose well-prepared speech was overwhelmed by her co-presenter's lack of preparation: So … [Read more...] about How do you deal with a bad co-presenter?
How to make a terrible first impression
How often have you heard that first impressions are important? Only about a bazillion times, right? People tend to form judgments on others within the first few seconds of meeting them. If you make a good first impression as a presenter, then you will have a more positive impact on your audience. … [Read more...] about How to make a terrible first impression
How to give a lousy presentation: confidence vs. doubt
You only get one chance to make a good first impression. If you're able to prepare for your presentations, to anticipate any questions and to thoroughly practice what you're going to say, then you're going to do great! On the other hand, if you have any self doubt you need to be able to overcome it … [Read more...] about How to give a lousy presentation: confidence vs. doubt