Can you imagine Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous oration, “I have a dream,” highlighted in PowerPoint?
Many compelling messages get lost in translation to PowerPoint. Why then, do so many of today’s presenters assume that PowerPoint will improve their … READ MORE
Which statement below are you most likely to remember?
“Many children die by accidental drowning every day.”
“A classroom of children accidentally drowns every day.”
If you are like most, the second statement creates a visual image in your mind … READ MORE
Audiences respect presenters who think and speak, not read, their presentation.
The last thing audiences want is a recitation of PowerPoint slides that they can read themselves. Audiences expect presenters to take the leading role. A presenter who wisely uses … READ MORE
Simplicity is the secret ingredient that delights and engages audiences. Many educated and intelligent presenters find this difficult to accept. Yet even Aristotle acknowledged that the best persuaders use common, everyday language. In this age of “data pollution,” audiences relish … READ MORE
Unlike murder mysteries or action-packed movie thrillers, technical presentations delivered orally should start with the conclusion.
Why? Readers of published data can skim back and forth between pages when they need to assimilate information. Not so in an oral presentation. … READ MORE
Can you imagine a John Grisham novel beginning with, “Hi, my name is John Grisham. The name of my book is The Firm”? Or Bruce Springsteen starting a concert with, “I’m Bruce Springsteen, and tonight I thought I’d sing you … READ MORE
It’s 9:00 a.m. Monday morning. You’re about to hear a 10-minute report from your manager. He begins his comments on cue. At the same time, he launches a 22-slide PowerPoint. You start to struggle. Where should you focus your attention? … READ MORE
If you get nervous before presenting, you’re normal. Studies show that 85% of people have some form of jitters or stage fright when approaching the spotlight.
The good news is, nervousness can be a powerful ally. Viewed from this perspective, … READ MORE