If you've been presenting for any length of time, you've experienced some sort of technical glitch in your presentation. How presenters react to technical glitches is what separates the pros from the noobs! Have a Plan B for when things go south. Here are two examples of real-life presentation … [Read more...] about What’s your Presentation Plan B?
How to fake PowerPoint’s Morph transition
As a PowerPoint professional, I keep up with the latest versions of the software with an Office 365 subscription and by being an Office Insider. It's pretty sweet, because I get to use all kinds of cool new toys that make presentations look awesome...but only on my computer. Here's how I got … [Read more...] about How to fake PowerPoint’s Morph transition
Lawyer vs. Lawyer: A study in public speaking
Public speaking takes many forms, from TED talks to client presentations to teaching and beyond. I recently served on a jury, exposing me to another kind of public speaking: lawyering. A trial lawyer has to be a very good presenter. No matter how skilled he is in matters of the law, no matter how … [Read more...] about Lawyer vs. Lawyer: A study in public speaking
How to create a fun PowerPoint game
PowerPoint is often viewed as an instrument of destruction. True, in the hands of an uncaring person a PowerPoint presentation can ruin any idea. However, I recently came across the use of PowerPoint as a force for good that I'd like to share with you. Not only did the presenter use PowerPoint in an … [Read more...] about How to create a fun PowerPoint game
Nobody likes busywork and pointless tasks
Have you ever been assigned a task only to find out afterwards that there was no point to completing it? If you're a marketer or public speaker, you have to avoid the temptation to give your audience busywork disguised as something they need to do. Because when they find out what you've done, … [Read more...] about Nobody likes busywork and pointless tasks
A great presentation is more than just pretty slides
It can be daunting to create a presentation from scratch. Many people start by designing a set of great-looking slides, then developing a script to match. But this is the exact opposite of what you should be doing. You need to start with a strong foundation of ideas and words before you get to the … [Read more...] about A great presentation is more than just pretty slides
The best PowerPoint keyboard shortcuts
There are a few keyboard shortcuts for PowerPoint that I rely on so often I don't even know I'm using them. Unless I'm trying to do it on a Mac, in which case they don't work (sorry, Mac folks!). But if you use PowerPoint on a PC, then you can take advantage of these great keyboard shortcuts to … [Read more...] about The best PowerPoint keyboard shortcuts
The National Scout Jamboree is no place for a political rally
In my work as a presentation consultant, I always tell my clients is that they must consider the wants and needs of their audience. No matter what the goal of the presentation—whether it's to sell, persuade, inspire or teach—it's important that we tailor our speeches for each audience so that they … [Read more...] about The National Scout Jamboree is no place for a political rally