PowerPoint handouts help people to remember a presentation. But too often, presenters distribute handouts that are totally useless. Here's how not to do that. You might have seen handouts that look like this: How useless is this handout? If the presenter is lazy and exports every slide, even … [Read more...] about How to make amazingly useful PPT handouts
Bad at public speaking? Not a problem!
On September 28, Elon Musk contradicted everything I've ever learned about public speaking. He stuttered, looked nervous, went off on tangents, and forgot where his slides were. But guess what? He gave a great presentation! Mr. Musk spoke at an event that was being held at a SpaceX launch site in … [Read more...] about Bad at public speaking? Not a problem!
It’s the audience, stupid!
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!
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?
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?
How to create looping animations in PowerPoint
PowerPoint has some incredible animation tools. Incredibly frustrating, that is. One thing that's eluded PowerPoint animators for years has been a way to loop an animation sequence on a slide. Friends, I'm happy to announce that the wait is over. I've learned of a way to cheat the system! The … [Read more...] about How to create looping animations in PowerPoint