A forgettable presentation is delivered by a low-energy guy. He may fidget or fumble. He reads from his slides in a monotone and expects you to just sit there and listen. He's boring. But some presenters are exciting! What they say sticks with you for years to come. An exciting presenter moves … [Read more...] about 5 ways to amp up your presentations
When somebody plagiarizes your slides
What can you do if somebody uses your slides without your knowledge or permission? It's a valid question, considering that PowerPoint files are regularly exchanged among designers, clients, prospects, coworkers, conference organizers, attendees, etc., etc., etc. At any point the files can be … [Read more...] about When somebody plagiarizes your slides
Hate PowerPoint? Ditch the slides.
Today I persuaded someone not to hire me. And it didn't bother me one bit, because I knew I was doing him a favor. Sometimes we're asked to communicate in ways in which we're not comfortable. When that happens, people can tell you're not at your best. In the case of my client, maybe he really … [Read more...] about Hate PowerPoint? Ditch the slides.
How long do you have to present? It makes all the difference in the world.
Public speakers are teachers. We research our topics, come up with ways to explain them, and present them in a way that we hope is exciting. Energetic, prepared presenters can motivate an audience like crazy! On the other hand, unprepared presenters can look like they lack confidence and, by … [Read more...] about How long do you have to present? It makes all the difference in the world.
Making the best of a bad room setup
Have you ever had to present in a room that looked like it was designed by somebody who has never given a presentation? When you have to deal with a less-than-optimal presenter setup, there are ways to make the best of this bad situation. Portrait of a really bad layout The above photograph was … [Read more...] about Making the best of a bad room setup
Where can I find free pictures for PowerPoint?
Some people think that images they find online are free because they are, well, online. This is wrong, and in many cases it is a breach of copyright law to use photos you find online without paying for them. Unless you are given explicit permission, whether it is granted to you in writing or if you … [Read more...] about Where can I find free pictures for PowerPoint?
How to attribute photographs in PowerPoint
I've written about about sources for free photos. You've gotten this far, now it's time to learn how to correctly attribute all of those great images! Since there doesn't seem to be a consensus, I'll write about how I attribute photographs in the presentations I create for myself and my … [Read more...] about How to attribute photographs in PowerPoint
Nationwide’s scare tactics shameful and pointless
In marketing we sometimes try to capture people's attention by highlighting the benefits of using our products or services and illustrating the pitfalls of not doing so. This often works, but other times it backfires horribly. Nationwide is on your side? If you were paying attention to the ads … [Read more...] about Nationwide’s scare tactics shameful and pointless