Recently, I encountered such an outrageously bad marketing tactic, contrasted with a fantastic marketing tactic, that I wanted to share it with you. No, there's nothing about PowerPoint in this article, but I thought it was important enough to share with you. What is up with this kiosk? I was in … [Read more...] about Marketing 101: Fish where the fish are
How do you deal with a bad co-presenter?
When you are presenting with another person, coordination is key. Otherwise the other guy might get the spotlight while you get the hook. A presenter gets the shaft Here's the sad story of a friend of mine whose well-prepared speech was overwhelmed by her co-presenter's lack of preparation: So … [Read more...] about How do you deal with a bad co-presenter?
Why copying other people’s jokes is lame
People love to laugh, which is why marketers continue to generate funny content in the hopes of attracting attention to their products and services. Humor is also a great thing to include in your presentations—you set the audience at ease and make them more receptive to your message. But rehashing … [Read more...] about Why copying other people’s jokes is lame
The top 3 reasons to stop numbering your slides
Should you put numbers on your slides? It's a question that comes up again and again. But you're in luck because I have the definitive answer for you: "No." Here are three reasons why not. Reason #3: Slide numbers take up space When you use slide numbers, you create a footer area into which … [Read more...] about The top 3 reasons to stop numbering your slides
How do I know if I need a PowerPoint?
As a professional presentation designer, I love talking to people who want presentations designed. But sometimes I'll talk to a person who'd really be better off if they presented without a PowerPoint. When that happens, I turn the dollar signs off in my eyes and talk rationally about why they … [Read more...] about How do I know if I need a PowerPoint?
How to fix the empty seat problem at your next presentation
There comes a time in every public speaker's career when attendance at his presentation is less than what he thought it would be. Through no fault of his own, people just don't show up. He looks out into the audience and sees a few people scattered all over the hall, leaving vast swaths of empty … [Read more...] about How to fix the empty seat problem at your next presentation
Persuading with PowerPoint: Features vs. benefits
Understanding the difference between features and benefits will help you to create presentations that audiences will really respond to. The difference between features and benefits Simply stated, "features" are the components that make up a product or service: ingredients, parts, equipment used, … [Read more...] about Persuading with PowerPoint: Features vs. benefits
The secrets of awesome PowerPoint handouts
PowerPoint handouts help people to remember a presentation. But too often, presenters distribute handouts that are totally useless. Here's how to change that. Traditionally, handouts were printed from the Handout View in PowerPoint and looked like this: This layout allows the audience to … [Read more...] about The secrets of awesome PowerPoint handouts