Many times, we're asked to present using someone else's platform. Maybe you're a Zoom expert who needs to use Microsoft Teams for the first time. Or maybe GoToWebinar's your jam, but your client uses BlueJeans. How do you get up to speed with a new platform before showtime? Tech checks, that's … [Read more...] about Tech check? Yes, please!
The Virtual 2020 Presentation Summit Was Amazing!
The Presentation Summit is the premier conference for presentation designers. (What, you didn't think we had a club? Think again!) Every year, it attracts people from all over the world who gather together to geek out about presentation design and to learn from the industry's heavy hitters, such as … [Read more...] about The Virtual 2020 Presentation Summit Was Amazing!
Dealing with the BIGGEST remote presenting problem
I was very excited to be chosen to speak at the annual Women Transforming Technology conference in Palo Alto! I love travel and was looking forward both to the presentation and to my hiking trips in the California hills. But like many conferences, this one became virtual by the end of March. "No … [Read more...] about Dealing with the BIGGEST remote presenting problem
Weird room setup kills Presenter View
During a presentation, the Presenter View can be a real help! You get to read your notes and see what slides are coming up next, while the audience sees only the slides. Usually, if you're presenting off a laptop or desktop computer, you can make the Presenter View visible on your screen while … [Read more...] about Weird room setup kills Presenter View
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!
Creating a cool animated title slide
Presenters often overlook a valuable opportunity to connect with their audience: their title slides. Title slides are usually displayed long before the start of a presentation and they can be be very effective billboards...if you design them well. Before ZZZZZZZZZZZZ...snork! Wha...what? I'm … [Read more...] about Creating a cool animated title slide
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!
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