Sometimes my philosophy on presentation design can apply to real life situations. At a recent public meeting, I witnessed firsthand the benefits of making a presentation less about one's self and more about the audience. The people’s forum Here in New England, town meetings form the foundation … [Read more...] about It’s the audience, stupid!
How to quiet an audience so you can start talking
You're about to speak to a large group of people and you're excited! You take the stage, get behind the mic, and wait for a hush to settle over the crowd. But what if they keep on talking and don't notice you're about to begin your speech? Here are three ways you can get people to stop … [Read more...] about How to quiet an audience so you can start talking
How inclusive are your presentations?
From being picked last for a team in gym class to not being invited to an after-work get-together, it feels bad not to be included. I recently experienced that sensation firsthand. And I didn't like it one bit. Could you be creating that same feeling of exclusion during your own presentations and … [Read more...] about How inclusive are your presentations?
The top 3 presentation tips for researchers and scientists
Recently, one of my newsletter subscribers asked me a question on behalf of his son, who's working on a Master's degree in genetics. By his own admission, he needs to make "better, more impactful presentations." I'm glad he asked, because knowing one has a problem is the first step in solving … [Read more...] about The top 3 presentation tips for researchers and scientists
Features vs. Benefits: What’s the difference and why should you care?
Last week, I was teaching a workshop about how to write effectively for presentations. In one of the exercises, I showed the group a slide that they had created about the benefits to potential clients of choosing their company. Trouble was, it was actually a features list, which isn't nearly as … [Read more...] about Features vs. Benefits: What’s the difference and why should you care?
What language are you speaking?
Last week I had a choice. Either I could accompany my sons on a Scout cabin-camping trip where I could experience them and their little buddies burping, farting, swearing and all the other things that teenage boys like to do, or I could take a solo trip to Montreal. Guess which one I did? I … [Read more...] about What language are you speaking?
I give you the gift of time: A homemade meal that’s on the table in about 30 minutes
Ah, the holidays. The time of year we plan elaborate parties for friends and family, dust off old copies of Martha Stewart Living to learn how to make festive decorations from the flowers we've preserved this year from our gardens, and make gingerbread houses from scratch with help from the whole … [Read more...] about I give you the gift of time: A homemade meal that’s on the table in about 30 minutes
Why is connecting with your audience so important?
Within the space of two weeks I attended two presentations that related to my son, one at his high school and one at a college he was touring. Interestingly, they shared a common theme: speakers who didn't try to connect with the audience. I don't know if this is something that educators usually … [Read more...] about Why is connecting with your audience so important?