Practical tips for a simple slide makeover

Do you have some slides with a list of bullet points on them? If so, why not select one for a slide makeover?  It’s a great way to simplify your slide and “recycle” it into a more engaging presentation visual. First, remove anything that is purely decorative (like clip art).  It is often distracting and does not add anything to your message.  Next, carefully review each phrase or sentence on the slide. Remove any words that are not absolutely necessary.  Remember the slide is there to amplify or enhance your words, not to repeat/replace them. Leave the most important numbers or words; they don’t have to be in full sentences.… Read More

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Don’t forget to let some passion shine through.

On a number of occasions I’ve had the opportunity to work on presentations outside of my work environment. This has been a wonderful experience. As a consultant on these presentations, I noticed that the presenters are often so content-focused that they forget to let their passion for the topic shine through.  But it’s often the passion that will impact the audience the most. These presentations that I have worked on share a common denominator – passion by the presenter. The passion could be for someone they met, for sharing their knowledge and experience, or it could be compassion for animals or humans.  Here are a couple of title slides from… Read More

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Making an Impact with Images

A simple picture and a few words is sometimes all you need to connect your audience to your message. The sample slides in the collage below are a few of my favorites from presentations I have designed. Images connect us to a special moment, place, emotion, or idea.  With the right image you can add drama, emotion, or a sense of urgency to your presentation to reinforce your message.  There are stock photography web sites which have a great variety of images, my favorite is www.istockphoto.com.  You have to pay a little, but for important presentations I think the investment is worth it. You can also find royalty free sites… Read More

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