A huge problem exists that anybody who has ever put out a call for file submissions has experienced at least once in their career. I've seen it from my early days as a newspaper layout production artist to my current position as a presentation coach and Cheater of Death by PowerPoint. And it has … [Read more...] about How to name your files the RIGHT way
Do your pictures speak the RIGHT thousand words?
You've probably heard that "a picture speaks a thousand words." This means that rather than spend time trying to describe something, you can communicate more quickly and efficiently with an image. This instant communication occurs whether you want it to or not, so choosing the right images for your … [Read more...] about Do your pictures speak the RIGHT thousand words?
Exclusive offer, but not for you
Creating a sense of exclusivity can be a very effective marketing tactic. Check out this copy from luxury goods providers Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Singapore Airlines, and Mikimoto: "Bespoke is Rolls-Royce" "Our Singapore Airlines Suites…provide the distinguished few with their very own haven of … [Read more...] about Exclusive offer, but not for you
How to fix a boring presentation
Do boring presenters set out to be that way? Do they wake up in the morning and say to themselves, "Gee, I hope I can get someone in the room to fall asleep during my presentation today!" or "I want to over-complicate my presentation so the investors don't know whether or not to fund me." Of course … [Read more...] about How to fix a boring presentation
What happens when you assume?
"As I'm sure you're all aware…" "We all know that…" "Is there anybody in the world who doesn't like…" If you attend live presentations such as meetings, conferences, and lectures, maybe you've heard one of these lead-in phrases. If you haven't, congratulations! You've been spared the shame … [Read more...] about What happens when you assume?
How do camp counselors communicate so well?
Just about the last place you might turn for inspiration on public speaking might be summer camp. In fact, summer camp is full of experienced speakers who engage with difficult audiences all day long. The job of a camp counselor is to guide kids through the activities at camp; to ensure that their … [Read more...] about How do camp counselors communicate so well?
Create an awesome Ignite in 6 steps
What if you only had 5 minutes and 20 slides to wow a roomful of people? That's the premise of an Ignite talk. Your slides auto-advance every 15 seconds. That means that you have to choose your words carefully, create slides with a lot of visual impact and be very entertaining. Think of it as an … [Read more...] about Create an awesome Ignite in 6 steps
How to improve your newsletters
Do you publish a newsletter? I hope the answer from all of you is a resounding "YES!" If not, you're missing a great opportunity to speak to your community. If you have a newsletter, here's another question. Does it read like it was composed by the NewsOMatic 3000? Or would somebody reading it … [Read more...] about How to improve your newsletters