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
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?
Why simple PowerPoint presentations are best
Some presenters believe that by loading their decks with text, bullet points, data, complex graphs, and dense tables they are helping their audience to understand their message. Nothing could be further from the truth. The problem: Complexity Slides like these are all to common: Note: This … [Read more...] about Why simple PowerPoint presentations are best
How can we learn from Michael Bay’s CES blunder?
To say that the Consumer Electronics Show, or CES, is an electronics and technology trade show is like saying that a 1954 Château Lafite Rothschild is a bottle of wine. It is that and so much more. It is a huge deal and presenters who are introducing new products do whatever it takes to make a great … [Read more...] about How can we learn from Michael Bay’s CES blunder?
5 top PowerPoint New Year’s resolutions for 2014
Happy New Year! It's the time of year when we reflect upon what we've done with ourselves personally and professionally over the past year and resolve to become better people. Maybe there's a new habit you want to develop (Exercise more! Drink less soda! Stop wearing fleece pants and slippers to the … [Read more...] about 5 top PowerPoint New Year’s resolutions for 2014
What’s the best kind of PowerPoint handout?
PowerPoint makes it easy to create handouts, but the default style is one of the worst things you can give your audience. Here's a better idea. Default PowerPoint handout Here's what the default PowerPoint handout looks like: It seems helpful enough. This kind of handout shows an image of your … [Read more...] about What’s the best kind of PowerPoint handout?
Presenting at trade shows: problems and solutions
The Small Business Expo—a business networking event, trade show, and conference for business professionals—was held in mid-October in Boston, Massachusetts. Among the many offerings at the SBE were numerous workshops designed to provide valuable business skills. The workshop I attended was being … [Read more...] about Presenting at trade shows: problems and solutions