Save Your Deck: Methods to Recover an Unsaved PowerPoint File

Posted on January 18, 2017May 3, 2023 by Rick E

Sheer panic—that’s probably your first reaction when you realize that you couldn’t save the PowerPoint file you were working on. Maybe the power went out, or your computer unexpectedly crashed. Perhaps you were too preoccupied that you didn’t think to hit “Save.” Whatever the reason, you’ve suddenly lost hours of hard work and have no clue how to get it all back.
Luckily, there’s no reason to stress over losing an unsaved PowerPoint file. Using the latest versions of PowerPoint, you can easily retrieve and recover all your hard work. Follow these steps to recover a PowerPoint file you accidentally lost:

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Method One: Recover Unsaved Presentations

If you were interrupted before saving your PowerPoint file, you could simply look for it in the Microsoft Unsaved Files folder. Go to the File tab, make sure you’re on Recent, and click on Recover Unsaved Presentations. The icon is right below the list of folders under Recent Places.

Everything in the Unsaved folder is a temporary file. Make sure you recover and save everything you need because you might lose it after a few days.

Method Two: AutoRecover

If you’ve been periodically saving your work but was interrupted before you could save specific changes, you can retrieve your PowerPoint file using the AutoRecover function. First, check if you have it enabled. Go to the File tab, click on Options and go to Save. Make sure your options are similar to those in this picture:

If you don’t have AutoRecover enabled, there’s no other way to retrieve the changes you made to your PowerPoint file. You will have to redo your work from the last save. But if everything looks good, you can then follow these steps:
1.) Copy the file destination path in the same dialogue box.

2.) Open Windows Explorer, paste the path on the address bar, and hit Enter.

To avoid losing crucial information, ensure AutoRecover is enabled every time you create a PowerPoint deck.

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Conclusion

Retrieving an unsaved PowerPoint file is a no-brainer as long as you know these basic recovery methods.
You can either open the “Recover Unsaved Presentations” found in the “Recent Places” or use the AutoRecover function to check where that unsaved document must be hiding.
Learn these tricks by heart so you don’t have to worry about getting your presentation back!

Twitter: Lessons from Social Media

Posted on January 23, 2014December 16, 2019 by Rick E

If there is one social media platform that has changed the way we connect with the world around us, in only 140 characters or less, only one network comes to mind.

Twitter was founded all the way back in 2006, when social media started to take the tech world by storm. Like many young startups, Twitter’s popularity didn’t start growing until a few years later. It’s now one of the ten most visited sites on the Internet.

With over 500 million users and with over 400 million tweets sent daily, the platform has been noted as the “SMS” of the Internet. The application is simply designed to engage and connect users with hashtags and trending topics that spike during notable world events such as The Olympics.

Social media strategists now use Twitter to reinforce their client’s (or own brands) marketing efforts. They take advantage of the platform to boost their presence on the Internet. To successfully use Twitter there are a few rules and regulations one must follow. Some of these guidelines are also applicable in creating an effective PowerPoint presentation.

If you pay attention, there are a few similarities between creating a well-rounded “tweet” and a successful presentation.

Step 1: Simplify Your Thoughts

A tweet can only be 140 characters or less. This means your information has to be condensed and minimized to fit this requirement. A great presentation is one that is simplified. It only has minimal bullets, text, images, and animation.

Overloading your audience with too much of these will distract them from understanding your content. Before you go ahead and add extreme fonts or a fancy template, think about how less is more and how this can positively affect your presentation.

Step 2: Get With What’s Trending

Twitter is known for staying on top of prominent world topics with phrases or words that are “trending” or being tweeted by many users. Try to apply this concept to your presentation ideas. Utilize culturally in tune graphics, stories or videos within your presentation to better speak to your audience. Stay on top of the news and understand what’s going on in your audience’s culture. What do they know? What do they believe in? Knowing this ahead of time will allow you to connect with your audience at a higher level.

Step 3: Get Your Audience to Follow

Within the Twitter world, your “followers” are the equivalent to your friends on Facebook or connections on LinkedIn. You have to constantly engage and entertain your audience or followers if you want them to keep following. The same can be said for presentations.

You want to be constantly interacting with your audience the entire time. Ask them questions. Pause at the end of presentations to get feedback from them. You have to appeal to your audience over everything, if not you are basically speaking to an empty room.

References

“Keeping Your Audience in Mind : The 4 Essential Questions.” SlideGenius, Inc. December 11, 2013. Accessed January 23, 2014.
“Study Shows Simplicity Is Key When Creating a PowerPoint Presentation.” SlideGenius, Inc. July 24, 2013. Accessed January 23, 2014.
Twitter. Accessed January 23, 2014.

Oscar Speech Sounds A Lot Like…..

Posted on January 20, 2014December 16, 2019 by Rick E

Cue the famed actresses in overly expensive ball gowns. Cue the undeniably sarcastic and quirky host. Cue the applauses. It’s awards season in Hollywood.

The most prestigious, of the film awards, is of course the much anticipated Oscars. Every year The Academy nominates a few fortunate actors and actresses who are praised for their works in major motion pictures. It is a special award that every actor dreams of receiving. Only a few, however, are lucky enough to actually walk on stage and accept the gold statue themselves. After the nerve-wracking tearing of the envelope the winners are then presented on stage to deliver a speech. This speech defines their Oscar moments even as it is only done in less than two minutes.

So what can we compare an Oscar speech to?

An Elevator Pitch

Short. Simple. Sweet. And most of all, straight to the point. An elevator pitch presents a product or service in as less time as possible – usually under two minutes.

An Oscar speech follows the similar concept. It delivered quickly, with the winner wrapping up his speech of gratitude and thanks in a very small amount of time. There are a few similar adjectives that we can use to compare a successful elevator pitch (which is usually paired with a PowerPoint presentation and a well rounded Oscar speech:

1. Short

An elevator pitch, just like an Oscar speech, should be between 30 seconds to two minutes. You should impose a strict time limit to your pitches. Drawing out your pitch will make your audience become disinterested in your points and, worse, stop paying attention.

As much as possible, get your points across swiftly and avoid using fillers. Condense your content into the simplest form possible within your pitch. Your goal is to allow audience to understand and learn.

2. Memorable

Like many elevator pitches that investors and or potential clients hear daily, there are dozens of Oscar speeches going on throughout the night of the Academy Awards. A good pitch is one that is unique and becomes memorable over the other various pitches, one that stands out.

If your idea gets lost in a blur with the rest, it wasn’t a very successful one. You always remember the most unique speech of the night when you watch The Academy Awards. The same can be said for the most unique and successful pitch.

3. Passionate

An effective acceptance speech is one that is delivered with passion and pride. It simply draws you in. You can apply the same principles to an elevator pitch.

While a well-rounded Oscar speech ends with a riveting and memorable closing line, your pitch should end with a passionate power statement. When delivering a pitch, you want to present yourself to your audience as being as credible as possible. You can earn your credibility by pitching with plenty of passion.

References

Argetsinger, Amy. “Nine Oscar Speeches That Changed the World.” Washington Post. February 22, 2013. Accessed January 20, 2014.
“Ums, Likes and You Knows: Avoiding Fillers in Your Presentation.” SlideGenius, Inc. August 21, 2013. Accessed January 20, 2014.

Olympians Can Teach Presenters a Thing or Two

Posted on January 15, 2014December 16, 2019 by Rick E

Olympians are no ordinary athletes. They embody the qualities of an essential role model; an individual who represents their country and values in a positive and inspirational light. Not only are these characters unbelievably talented, but they are also a true description of a genuine champion.

With Sochi 2014 quickly approaching, Olympians from all corners of the globe will join together in Russia competing in various winter sports such as skiing, figure skating, snowboarding, and hockey. These athletes have devoted their months, and even years, to rigorous training and practice. Their hard work and dedication will soon pay off as the XXII Olympic Winter Games becomes their time to present.

Embracing the qualities that are associated with hardworking, well-respected Olympians will allow you to become a more effective presenter in the long run. Whether you’re speaking in front of a board of investors or pitching a sale to potential clients, perseverance and dedication will set you apart from the rest and allow your presentation to become effective and memorable.

There are a few questions to ask yourself before you step out on the ice or snow and present. These are the vital traits and questions Olympians from all backgrounds share in order to become gold medalists. Prior to your next PowerPoint presentation give yourself a few minutes to ask yourself these winning questions.

Have you trained adequately?

Olympians dedicate their entire lives in preparation for the big games. Long hours of training, dieting and exercise become their daily routine. A question to always ask yourself prior to your presentation is: How well prepared are you? Here are a few other guiding questions:

Will my audience be able to understand my main points?
Is this presentation marketable?
Does my pitch flow accordingly with my slides?

Do you have a strong will to win?

Olympians must have a passionate desire to go for the gold and win; take this mentality and apply it to your presentations. Though you may not necessarily, “win”, a gold medal you should have an aspiration to be the best, and be

Though you may not necessarily, “win”, a gold medal you should have an aspiration to be the best, and be your best. Your competition may not be visible at the time, but the audience will surely be comparing your presentation to other’s they’ve witnessed in the past.

Are you willing to accept the challenge?

Just as Olympic medalists overcome challenges during training and during the actual games, be prepared to accept any faults that may arise during your presentation. You might have a difficult question from an audience member or just a hard subject to tackle, in general, but going into the presentation with the mindset that things could, and may, go wrong will allow you to be better prepared.

You might have a difficult question from an audience member or just a hard subject to tackle, in general. But going into the presentation with the mindset that things could, and may, go wrong will allow you to be better prepared.

Are you Inspirational?

We’ve all be inspired by Olympic medalists such as, Gabby Douglas or Apolo Ohno, who’ve fearlessly decorated themselves with gold medals over the past years.

Learn from athletes like these, how can you inspire your audience? What makes your message different? What can you teach your audience? These concepts can push you in the right direction to be memorable, a concept that is crucial in presentation giving.

References

“Sochi 2014.” Olympic.org. Accessed January 15, 2014.
“Why Your Presentation Needs to Be These 3 Words.” SlideGenius, Inc. January 5, 2014. Accessed January 15, 2014.

Overcoming a Public Speaking Disaster: A Lesson from Michael Bay

Posted on January 13, 2014December 16, 2019 by Rick E

If you have been paying attention to recent pop culture news feeds lately, you may have heard of the phenomenon known as, “The Michael Bay Meltdown.”

During a Samsung CES press event that introduced their new 150-inch model television, the famed director was supposed to describe the product in detail. He started out great. When the teleprompter failed, however, he decided to just give up and casually walk off stage. If you haven’t had a chance to see the viral video, you can check it out here.

The fear of speaking in front of many people is a fear that most of us share. Whether it’s in front of an audience of one or a few hundred, public speaking can be intensely nerve-wracking. It causes any normal human being to experience moments of sheer panic. The best ways to learn from your presentation mistakes are to actually make them and adhere to these changes later down the road.

Though Michael Bay blamed the teleprompter failing for his public speaking woes, being the presentation specialists that we are, there are various lessons to take away from his blunder that could have, and will happen, to any presenter at any time.

1. Don’t Memorize a Script

Memorizing a script isn’t always good when it comes to public speaking. Talking points are far different than following an actual script or prompt, and focusing on memorizing your verbiage will allow for more opportunities to slip up and freeze. Though you should always be prepared with a script, don’t focus on remembering your content word for word.

Try to focus on describing and elaborating your information with your slides. If you slip up or get lost, your slides are there to highlight your talking points and act as an outline — which is crafted in your storyboard. Improvisation is always a great alternative if you slip up!

The mistake that Michael Bay made was that he was so focused on doing a word for word delivery. Unfortunately, it only caused him to freeze up. If he had just improvised his speech, this would’ve helped him get past the situation.

2. Being Honest Will Help You in The Long Run

Everyone is bound to slip up and make mistakes, especially with public speaking. Apologizing to your audience and throwing in some laughter will show how honest and sincere you are – and this is key to being a credible presenter.

If you can’t remember what to say, or mess up your words, just laugh it off to ease the situation then apologize and move forward. Chances are your audience wouldn’t have even noticed! If you get frustrated, just take a deep breath and continue to speak. Just giving up and walking off stage like Michael Bay did shows a lack of maturity and preparation.

3. Own Up to Your Mistakes

Michael Bay made a monumental mistake by announcing to his audience that the teleprompter failed. Never let your audience become aware of your faults. This not only takes away your credibility but shows them that you are not responsible enough to fix the errors yourself.

If technical difficulties occur with the PowerPoint presentation, a public speaking professional will step up and engage with the audience until the problem is solved.

Conclusion

All in all, there is no way you can prevent a presentation or a public speaking disaster from happening. Things will go wrong, you’ll get nervous and forget your words sometimes. But giving up entirely is never the proper, or professional, solution.

Reference

“Watch: Director Michael Bay’s CES Fail.” Bloomberg.com. Accessed January 13, 2014.

The Similarities Between Presentations and Advertisments : Super Bowl Edition

Posted on January 10, 2014December 16, 2019 by Rick E

With Super Bowl XLVIII in the near future, this brings the excitement millions of Americans will come to share on February 2, 2014, as two national football teams will go head to head in one of the most highly televised programs of the year.

Apart from the notoriety of the game itself, between the AFC and NFC champions battling it out for the esteemed title, the Super Bowl is also known for creative, humorous advertisements that air during game breaks. We can expect to see some of the most well-known brands putting their best foot forward in their most ingenious and creative commercial installments of the year.

These infamous advertisements share various similarities to what can be described as successful and effective PowerPoint presentations. Compiling a presentation that speaks to your audiences and engages them is a similar concept that should be applied to distinguishing an innovative commercial that markets and intrigues viewers. Below are a few shared examples that both successful Super Bowl commercials and presentations have in common.

Emotion Plays a Part

A good presentation is one that is memorable, and a memorable presentation is one that evokes emotion. Audience members are always captivated by content that is presented with emotion, which can be done by sharing a story or moving visuals. The same concept is applicable to an effective commercial as the brand’s focus is to connect with the audience on an emotional level. After all, the purpose of an advertisement is to sell. Appealing to the consumer’s emotion can make them feel connected to your product or message and in turn, generate sales.

Convey a Message

Every presentation should have a definitive message and this should be clearly repeated throughout your PowerPoint presentation. Having too many themes or conflicting ideas will leave your audience confused: you should attempt to actually teach them something. It’s important to stay on the same page with your audience throughout the entire presentation. The same can be said for a successful commercial, a good Super Bowl advertisement conveys a great message that not only covers what product or service it’s selling but the story behind it.

Become Memorable

Everyone’s favorite Super Bowl commercials are the ones they remember. Your PowerPoint presentation is a compilation of several different components, including graphics, statistics, bullets and talking points. As the presenter, it’s your job to carefully select these in order to project the purposes and themes you want your audience to remember overall. The most memorable Super Bowl commercial of all time was the Apple 1984 Introduction of the Mac Computer. You can watch the commercial here.

What’s your favorite Super Bowl commercial? Comment below and tell us why!

References

Apple 1984 Super Bowl Commercial Introducing Macintosh Computer. YouTube. Accessed January 10, 2014.
Met Life Stadium. Accessed January 10, 2014.

Maintain Audience Attention With This One Technique

Posted on January 7, 2014December 16, 2019 by Rick E

Catching someone’s attention is one thing. Keeping them interested is another.

So here’s your challenge: What can you do to maintain audience attention? It’s almost an unmanageable task due to different factors. For one, every audience member analyzes and processes information differently. This makes appealing to all types of thinkers quite a daunting task.

Another issue is that people have this aversion to sales talks, even if you are simply selling them a particular idea, not a product. So above everything, it’s imperative that your audience learns something interesting about your message instead. There is one rule of thumb that can help you make sure your presentation is above all, understandable….

Put Yourself in Their Shoes

When drafting up a presentation ask yourself this very simple question throughout the preparation of your PowerPoint. Will my points and train of thought be able to hold audience attention and keep them interested? Is this information useful to them? Is there too much content on this slide? Will they comprehend my message?

But placing yourself in the role of your audience will help guide you to think outside the box. Putting everything in their perspective, when you are outlining and creating your presentation, will not only help you cut down excess (and useless) information but also allow you to design a better PowerPoint.

Selfishness Hinders Audience Connections

While most of us subconsciously create our work in the mindset of thinking about us – think about them instead. Take this theory and apply this to your next presentation, you can practice it by going over your finished presentation and jot down notes at places you may think could use some editing and re-designing.

See if you are wholly interested throughout your PowerPoint presentation, and if your mind seems to wander at moments where information isn’t digestible or understandable. Take that into account because it is likely that your audience’s mind would wander at those exact same moments.

Conclusion

To maintain audience attention for a designated period of time does seem almost impossible. With breakthrough statistics categorizing the average adult attention span at a mere 5-12 minutes long, it makes sense for any professional presenter to panic. Sure, there are a few steps that you can take to enhance your professional PowerPoint presentations. However, they don’t offer a real guarantee that you will be able to capture audience attention or make them comprehend your ideas completely.

Being able to communicate effectively is the single most important factor in presentation science, regardless of your topic or message, your audience needs to be on the same page as you.

References:

“4 Types of Audience Members You Need to Present For.” SlideGenius, Inc. November 13, 2013.
Vidyarthi, Neil. “Attention Spans Have Dropped from 12 Minutes to 5 Minutes — How Social Media Is Ruining Our Minds [Infographic].” SocialTimes. December 14, 2011.

Why Your Presentation Needs to be These 3 Words

Posted on January 5, 2014December 16, 2019 by Rick E

Regardless the topic of your presentation, regardless the audience in front of you, regardless time allotted to you, and regardless the goal you have in mind; every single one of your presentations should be about these three words: Understandable, Memorable & Emotional.

Shape your presentation to concurrently fit these three categories, and you will be able to make millions! Not really, but you will definitely have a very effective presentation, which will lead to more sales.

Here is a Forbes’ breakdown of these three categories and the significance of each one:

Understandable.

Without clear and understandable slides, your professional PowerPoint presentation is practically useless. Simplicity is key when it comes to design. In aims to make your content and CTA’s clear to your audience, aim to keep your deck to ten slides and at a very maximum of 4 points per slide.

Bullet points are probably the most widely used form of delivery, but they aren’t necessarily the best. “In 2001 the iPod was “1,000 songs in your pocket.” In 2008, the MacBook Air was “The world’s thinnest notebook.” Steve Jobs always described his products in one sentence.” Bullet points can be effective because they are simple and quick, which makes them easy to understand, but nothing beats delivering your point in a conversational, one-sentence structure. Saying your point as if you were telling it to your mom, friend, or a random stranger is a great way to think of your delivery during your presentation.

Another useful way of thinking of understandability is the “Twitter Test.” If you can express your point in 140 characters or less, you’ll make your point in its simplest form, which is always the best form.

Memorable.

Memory’s magic number is 3! “Neuroscientists generally agree that the human mind can only consume anywhere from three to seven points in short-term, or “working memory” (This is why the phone number is only seven digits. Long ago scientists discovered if you ask people to remember eight digits, they forget just about the entire sequence of numbers). Incorporate this concept of 3 in your presentations. This can be done in a handful of creative ways: describe concepts in three words, divide your whole presentation into three parts (and say that you’re doing that), give the “three next steps,” or use the idea however you see fit. Rule-3 packaging makes things easier to understand, which in turn is more memorable.

Emotional.

Not all people are logical, but I can assure you that everyone is emotional. An emotional story will be more likely to reel in sales than a scientific finding. Ethical, unethical, right or wrong, it seems hearts and guts prove to be better salesmen than brains! Emotion can be presented in a multitude of useful venues. These include, but are not limited to photographs, videos, songs, colors schemes, the way you dress, the way you talk, and even the lighting in the room you present in. Everything around us can sway the way we feel in some way; large and small. Knowing your audience well enough to the point that you can identify what will make them cry, laugh, scream, or sing can be the single most useful tool at your disposal. Be emotional in the way you talk; if you want your audience to be excited, talk as if you were excited!

To sum up, when you’re designing your next corporate presentation, or investor pitch, or just any PowerPoint presentation, make sure you can describe the deck as understandable, memorable, and emotional, and you will find yourself accomplishing whatever the deck was created to accomplish.

Reference:

Gallo, Carmine. “The Three Basic Secrets of All Successful Presentations.” Forbes. February 22, 2013.

7 Apps Every Presenter Should Use

Posted on December 27, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

“With all the apps out there, it’s easy to get stuck with the same icons on your home screen — and never so much as click on the newer ones that would benefit your business most.” – Mashable

Each of these apps have the capability to make your presentations more effective, organize your time to complete those PowerPoint presentations more efficiently, or just make your life easier in general.

1. Lift

Lift helps you achieve your goals, big or small. With your busy schedule, traveling, and running from conference to conference, it is important to stay organized, and keep the important goals you have in check. Lift will force you to keep consistently working on your important goals or tasks at whatever frequency you want.

2. CloudMagic

CloudMagic is a universal and indispensable search engine for all your data. CloudMagic lets you search across Gmail, Yahoo, Dropbox, Evernote, etc., through one simple search box. Very useful when putting together data for any investor pitch, corporate presentation, or sales pitch!

3. TripIt

Tripit is most useful for our “always traveling” presenters. TripIt gives you the ability to organize your travels just by forwarding your booking confirmations to an email address. This app will reduce your stress five times over and will allow you to relax and focus on your presentation instead of the flight.

4. Refresh

Refresh digs through social networks to provide users with a bio on anyone before meeting them; a great way to get some research on your audience prior to delivering your PowerPoint! Knowing the dirty “deets” on specific audiences will allow you to relate to them, which will in turn keep them interested.

5. Audible

As a speaker, you should always be learning and reading books. It’s a great way to keep a steady stream of personal stories, quotes, or news that will come in handy to keep your data unique, interesting, and relevant. I’ve found Audible extremely helpful to listen to books while on the go.

6. LIA

With LIA you can access sales content in the field on a tablet and it works. When you only have 5 minutes with your prospect – trust LIA

7. Corkulous

Corkulous is an easy-to-use idea board only for iPads in which you can collect, organize, and share your ideas in a completely natural and organic way.

8. Sadun’s Whiteboard

This app lets you transform your IPad into a presentation screen and connect to any projection system using an Apple VGA connection or composite/component video-out cable and draw directly to an external screen using standard whiteboard markers and erasers. Really creative way to do live examples of anything you’re presenting on.

If you know any other useful apps for presenters or work related to presentations, feel free to comment them below to be added to this post!

References:

Gerber, Scott. “15 Underrated Apps Every Entrepreneur Should Use.” Mashable. October 26, 2013.

Tan, Kay. “30 Useful IPad Apps for Business & Presentation.” Hongkiatcom.

A Lesson from A Christmas Story: How to Build Your Credibility

Posted on December 23, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

Effectively gaining your audience’s trust is imperative in any presentation setting. Building that sense of reliability can be fairly tricky but there are a few lessons we can takeaway from one of the greatest holiday movies and a certain little boy named Ralphie.

If you aren’t familiar with Jean Shepard’s, A Christmas Story, it’s the classic story of a boy who will do anything to get what he wants for Christmas. In Ralphie’s case, he fantasizes about the, “official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model BB rifle with a compass in the stock “, the one and only thing he wants for Christmas. Throughout the entire film, Ralphie is set on a determined quest to convince his “Old Man”, mother, teacher and Santa himself that he absolutely needs this gift, even though he could potentially “shoot his eye out with that thing”.

So what can we learn about a hopeful little boy who desperately wants a gun for Christmas? It’s simple, Ralphie was able to build credibility with his parents because in the end he got what he wanted when they surprised him with his beloved BB gun. Though his parents were well aware of the possible danger of shooting his eye out, Ralphie constantly assured them that he “would be careful”- enabling their trust.

Here are a few suggestions to help you establish that credibility and trust from your audience when giving a PowerPoint presentation:

Ensure Strong Verbal Delivery and Body Language

Speak loud and clear: the more understandable you are to your audience, the more they can trust what you’re saying. Use effective body language as well: stand tall and don’t fidget nervously to assure them that you’re cool, calm and confident.

Teach More, Sell Less

The purpose of your presentation is to teach your audience your content- selling them goes simultaneously with this. The more your audience learns, the more they remember.

Engage Constantly

Ask questions and listen to their ideas. Effective communication goes along way with trust building: your audience can believe your ideas when you believe in their concerns.

Share Beneficial Content

Skip the fluff, even if your content is simplified—another important PowerPoint tip. Only provide your audience with information that is useful and relatable. Don’t project a ton of text and statistics that they will soon forget, less is more!

Design, Write and Look Professional

This is a three step process. You want your PowerPoint to look neat, clean and presentable so skip the over abundance of animation and bordered backgrounds. Grammar and spell check multiple times before presenting, even ask for a second pair of eyes for extra edits. And most importantly, look presentable! It’s better to be overdressed than under dressed.

These four tips will help you build trustworthiness with any audience base. Whether you are presenting to a conference room full of people, or even just one person, you are building a reputation for yourself within that time period. From start to finish your audience is meticulously judging your words, content and overall appearance of your professional presentation. Capture their attention in a good way and establish that trust from beginning to end.

Though Ralphie may not be a great example in this case, because in the end his parents ended up being right when he almost shot his eye out, he successfully built his own credibility by convincing his parents that they could trust him. In your next professional presentation consider these tips in order to effectively gain your audience’s trust, I double dog dare you.

How to Be the Best : Lessons from Brands that Changed the World

Posted on December 20, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

Netflix. GoPro. The iPod.

What do all of them have in common? These are all original products and concepts that uniquely redefined their industries. They revolutionized the way we watch movies, listened to music and recorded the world around us.

It was pure originality that allowed these ideas to become the most popular name brand names of the era. Simplistic and innovative ideas combining together to create a one of the kind solution to certain problems. 10,000 songs in your pocket, a portable video camera, and a virtual Blockbuster.

So what can we learn from these very different products? Their ingenuity enabled them to become the most successful products and concepts in their markets and it is originality that allows you to create the most impactful PowerPoint presentation. There are a few concepts to utilize in your next presentation to create an innovative and unique PowerPoint.

Branded Templates: Market your way through every slide. Include customized branding and logos throughout your presentation, which gives each slide it’s own unique flair.

Simplicity: This concept goes hand in hand with originality. Minimalize your key points and make sure your content is easily understandable and memorable.

Creative Graphics, Visuals, and Animation: The most creatively designed PowerPoints are the most memorable presentations. Utilize impactful images, sensible animation, and visuals that will excite your audience.

In essence, creating an original PowerPoint doesn’t mean to go out of the standard boundaries of presentation etiquette. You should always have an organized outline with a beginning, middle and end that keeps your story flowing. Being unique is utilizing creativity as a supplementary component of something that is already structured.
An original presentation is not only an impressive one, but one that also shows your creative marketing strategy. Think of ways to use innovation and apply this to your content throughout your presentation. Tell a story, throw in some humor and ask questions throughout your presentations to engage your audience. Do what it takes to be different.

Reference:

“Putting Your Presentation before Your PowerPoint.” SlideGenius. December 9, 2013.

Lessons from Social Media: Instagram

Posted on December 18, 2013May 22, 2023 by Rick E

Whether it be taking picture of plane wings, an appetizing dinner or an artsy photo of your latte, Instagram has become one of the most prominent forms of social media to date. The application became so popular that it was acquired by Facebook this past year in a hefty billion dollar deal. It may be the pure simplicity of photo sharing that draws so many users to the app, but there are certain steps one must partake in to get the perfect “Insta”. We’ve created a comparison between the steps of taking the perfect picture and creating the perfect powerpoint presentation.

Step 1 : Picking the Perfect Angle

The first step of taking any Instagram is getting a unique angle, just like picking a perfect (and direct) angle for your audience when creating a presentation idea. Your ideas and thoughts presented (simply) within your powerpoint should be original and one of a kind, the better the ideas the more these will resonate with your audience.

Step 2: Picking the Perfect Filter

No Instagram is complete without a perfect filter to give it a spruce of color and the same is said for sparking up your presentation. You can add character to any powerpoint slides with eye-opening graphics, videos and images, the more colorful and put together- the better!

Step 3: Picking the Appropriate Hashtag

After you’ve snapped your picture and added the perfect filer, tagging hashtags is necessary to make the Instagram complete. The same step should be used in your final completion of your PowerPoints you should always review your finished slides to make sure all your ideas connect with each other and most importantly- make sense!

Avoiding a PowerPoint Penalty Flag

Posted on December 17, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

You can really use PowerPoint for just about anything…..

This past week’s story in the world of sports came from a man who submitted a PowerPoint presentation as his resume for an open coaching position for the University of North Dakota’s football team. Turns out he doesn’t quite have the standard credentials we were expecting to see. Christopher McComas, who currently works as an technician at Marshall University, made headlines this week as his application for the position went viral on the Internet. He listed out many his esteemed qualifications which included his many years of experience playing Madden and NCAA Football on his beloved Playstation.

The story of Christopher’s application became an Internet sensation. Between the lack of actual qualifications that are appropriate for a collegiate athletic position and his horribly put together powerpoint design, there are a few take aways we can learn from his errors.

Here are a few mistakes we noticed in Christopher’s presentation:

Formatting : Avoid using Comic Sans and boring templates, this shows a lack of effort and preparation.
Grammar/Spelling: With bullet points people tend to think run on sentences are acceptable, but try to avoid this and utilize appropriate and professional language
Lack of Content: There is no significant or persuasive content within his presentations that supports his claim.
Organization: There is no real structure – a presentation should have all three components: a title, a body and a takeaway.

Though we wish Christopher the best of luck in his attempts to coach football at the University of North Dakota, one thing we can guarantee is that this PowerPoint is less than impressive and maybe next time he should just stick to the normal resume format for his next job application.

Full Story: http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2013/12/11/5202166/sb-nation-endorses-chris-mccomas-for-north-dakota-head-coach

The Top 5 Major PowerPoint Mistakes

Posted on December 15, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

Save yourself from a PowerPoint disaster with SlideGenius’s top five list of major PowerPoint presentation no’s of the year. Avoiding these common mistakes will have you going from PowerPoint amateur to professional in a matter of minutes – creating your most impressive presentation yet.

5. Paragraphs on Slides

Having giant paragraphs on your slide will guarantee you two things: a disinterested audience that won’t remember your content. We tell stories with words and images, having a ton of paragraphs up on your slides will distract your audience from listening to your points. Too much text also provides you with more of an opportunity to read directly off of your slides, which of course is another major presentation no. You can avoid this by using bullet points as your primary text formatting- this allows you to broadcast important information without causing your audience to fall asleep.

4. Sound Effects per Animation

Sound effects cause too much chaos during any presentation and will divert your audience’s attention, prevent this mistake by eliminating sound with your transitions. You can easily do this by making sure you’ve clicked “none” in the sound options in the animation box.

3 Using Elementary Fonts

While we all we’ll admit to using our longtime favorites Comic Sans or Garamond Script (yes they are pretty and cute) avoid using these types of fonts within a professional presentation. Stick with the most basic and easily legible fonts available so your audience can actually read your text without wondering if that letter is a g…or maybe a y?

2. Unusual Color Choices and Palettes

Skip choosing awkward color schemes that don’t match well and could possibly distract your audience by let’s say, blinding them. Avoid unusual color combinations such as red and green that are bright and disruptive. Keep your color scheme consistent throughout your entire presentation utilizing the same two or three colors. Also, avoid using those tempting patterned or textured powerpoint themes that will cause your font to be lost in the midst of an chaotic background.

1. Avoiding T.M.I.

T.M.I or Too Much Information is the ultimate general mistake when drafting up any PowerPoint presentation. Too much text, too many slides, and too much content will backfire on transcribing your ideas to your audience. Remember that the average adult thinking span is only five to seven minutes long, so keep all information simple and short -less is more! Tips to avoid this are having time limits and slide maximums (this should be around 15 slides) so you aren’t going overboard with your presentation.
Works Cited: http://presentationsoft.about.com/od/presentationmistakes/tp/080722_presentation_mistakes.htm

Keeping Your Audience in Mind : The 4 Essential Questions to Ask Yourself

Posted on December 11, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

“A good teacher, like a good entertainer who first must hold his audience’s attention, then he can teach his lesson” – John Henrik Clarke

If you ask any author what questions they ask themselves before drafting up their next bestseller, chances are they’ll tell you the first and most foremost step is targeting a specific audience. Presentations are all universally based around an audience because they are the reason why presenters, present. Before you start gathering content or building an outline for your next PowerPoint presentation, you should ask yourself these essential questions first.

Who Are They?

Your first step is knowing the basic knowledge and understanding of who your audience is. These include aspects such as their size, prior knowledge, and expectations. Are you presenting to a small or large group? What kind of production are they expecting? What kind of company culture do they share? Reaching out and personally connecting with them will make all the difference.

What Do They Know?

You don’t want to be going over concepts that the audience is already aware of. Understand what they have prior knowledge of and exclude sounding redundant in your presentation by not utilizing this information. This may require a substantial amount of research, but knowing this background information will put you a step ahead in the game.

What Interests Them?

Losing your audience’s interest is the ultimate presentation backfire, keep them entertained with personalized facts and ideas that are tailored to them exclusively. Do a substantial amount of research on their current projects and incorporate this knowledge within your powerpoint slides.

What Do You Want Them To Learn?

Your takeaway is the most essential feature of your entire presentation. The most vital question (before starting any presentation) is what do you want your audience to remember most? You are the teacher giving your audience a lesson- they should learn from you and your ideas. When crafting your presentation make sure to emphasize these themes or points regularly so your audience can remember the key points first.

Reference:

Sieber, Tina. “10 PowerPoint Tips for Preparing a Professional Presentation.” Makeuseof.com. May 23, 2009.

Our Best PowerPoint Recommendations of 2013

Posted on December 10, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

The developing art of PowerPoint changes year by year; bringing forth new ideas that create all around better presentations. We’ve compiled our list of the most effective and beneficial tips from 2013.

Stay Consistent.

Consistency is key when it comes to your companies branding – the basic marketing should be universal throughout your entire presentation. This uniformity should include your companies logos, color, background, theme and graphic styling. The consistency will help reflect your company’s mission and philosophy by remaining constant on all platforms and this will create a recognizable brand to customers and audience members alike- which builds trust and loyalty.

Back to Basics.

You tell a story with your presentation slides, so think of your PowerPoint as a high school essay that starts with an outline; organizing your introduction, your main points, counterpoints and conclusion. Your presentation should include all of these concepts and flow through accordingly.

Outline Smart.

Every substantial project starts somewhere and your powerpoint presentation should always start with a storyboard. This tool keeps your slides on point and helps you follow your persuasive argument throughout the entire presentation. A storyboard efficiently allows you to write all your points and ideas down prior to starting your powerpoint, which organizes your ideas effectively.

Images Speak Louder than Words.

A picture is worth a thousand words. The images that you place within your slides should be carefully chosen to fit your presentation. Another tip to consider is to chose high quality images, look for HD or downloadable high-res images when searched on the Internet for your content, these will look much more polished on a large projector.

Applying the Right Tools.

Utilizing effective outside tools can be used to enhance many components of your presentation slides. Touching back on a few we’ve covered in the past include beneficial support sites including, The PowerPoint FAQ that answers all your common day PowerPoint questions.

Putting Your Presentation Before Your PowerPoint

Posted on December 9, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

When drafting up any big presentation it’s easy to get caught up and forget about the vital questions that you should be asking yourself. With everything that is contributed to a PowerPoint presentation remember the key points you really want your audience to focus on.

A common misconception when giving any PowerPoint presentation is making your slides the focus, rather than your message- or actual verbiage. This is done by reading directly off your slides and reciting the text word for word. What most people don’t understand is that your PowerPoint is there as a supplementary piece that is used to solely enhance and elaborate your message.

While most of us have the urge to initially focus on getting all of our main points physically written onto a presentation- keep in mind that the PowerPoint slides are suppose to highlight takeaways and provide the content which is used accompany your story. The worst mistake you can make as a presenter is reading your slides word by word, which results in your audience completely losing interest and attention. Remember that, “communication is a transfer of emotion” and this becomes vital in getting your audience to understand your points and ideas.

Before you become caught up in dedicating your time to sprucing up your PowerPoint with tons of facts and fancy themed templates, understand that your speech is equally as important. Your story and words are just as significant as any statistic or graphics you have on your slides, so don’t forget to adequately prepare for your verbal content.

Your presentation is your message. It is the sole reason you even stand up in front of an audience and give PowerPoint in the first place. Be careful not to lose sight of the most significant details in any presentation preparation and make sure your message is portrayed in the most clear and effective way possible.

Works Cited: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2007/01/really_bad_powe.html

Remapping the Self: A TEDx Talk with Erika Casriel

Posted on October 26, 2013December 16, 2019 by Rick E

How does one define themselves? Why is it that we tend to think our judgements and ideas surpass those around us; and why do our emotions play a part in this? Psychology journalist Erika Casriel discusses new developments within the neuroscience field in a describing a new concept titled, “conciocenterism”, an idea she presented with TED, an organization that broadcasts “ideas worth sharing”.

SlideGenius developed her TEDx Presentation which you can watch here.

Some of Erika’s presentation ideas about this revolutionary notion of “conciocenterism” included concepts such as, instead of thinking of ourselves as the center of the universe we must challenge ourselves and see the more rational sides of our emotions and actions. Her theory challenges us to step outside ourselves and silence the illusion of the “little man inside our mind”. She provides a great analogy stating that instead of seeing ourselves as the lead actor in our life we should place ourselves within the audience position as well; therefore not letting irrational emotions and single minded judgments get the best of ourselves but to look at the bigger picture.

This idea of drifting away from egocentrism can also be tied back into giving a presentation, as you as the presenter must see both sides of the picture in order to connect with your audience by allowing them to see your inner thoughts as well.

References:

Casriel, Erika. “Remapping the Self: Neuroscience Gets Personal.” Lecture, Navesink, January 1, 2013

“Why Your Presentation Needs to Be These 3 Words.” SlideGenius. January 5, 2014.

What Breaking Bad Can Teach Us about Closing a Presentation No Spoilers!

Posted on October 16, 2013April 24, 2020 by Rick E

Breaking Bad, AMC’s hit crime drama we’ve all come to know, love, and mournfully wave goodbye too, ended two weeks ago in a (without giving too much away) justified, epic climax after five seasons of watching Walter White (A.K.A. Heisenberg) turn from sheepish high school chemistry teacher to roaring meth kingpin.

For those of you who haven’t seen BrBa to its bitter-sweet end, I won’t go into details. What I will say of it is that I was thoroughly pleased with its conclusion, but not altogether satisfied, which is exactly what a great ending should be.

Ending our presentations requires the same careful planning. The show’s infamously meticulous Executive Producer Vince Gilligan put a great amount of thought and effort into the show’s final chapter, and that’s because he knows what his audience is going to remember.

There’s a famous saying in the sports world: “You’re only as good as your last game.” From this, we can take away that we’ll be remembered for our most recent victory and defeat. Our significance is who we are today. For a TV show–and for a presentation–the finale, or the closing, will be what is most remembered.

Even if the first 90 percent of your presentation is brilliant, but the last 10 percent is a total wash, guess what they’ll remember from the presentation? The horrific ending. Fair? maybe not, but definitely the reality.

So how to make sure your audience is left with the perfect ending? Here’s a few things Breaking Bad executed flawlessly that we can work into our presentations.

Leave Your Audience Wanting More

I previously stated that Breaking Bad’s ending was fantastic, yet not entirely satisfying. This is because, to me, the show ended at its peak, which I believe is precisely what Gillian planned. The series had a great story arc that resolved all issues, but we all still wanted the show to go on.

You don’t want your audience counting the minutes until you stop talking by the time you’re on the later half of your presentation. In fact, you should end the presentation saying everything you need to say, but your audience wants to keep listening. This will not only have them leaving with a favorable impression of you, but it will keep you and your presentation on their minds, ultimately leading to your information being better retained.

Don’t leave loose ends

There’s a big difference between a show ending at its peak and one that ends open-ended and often confusingly (I’m looking at you, Lost).

Just like this confusing promotional poster, Lost's conclusion left watchers scratching their heads. — Just like this confusing promotional poster, Lost’s conclusion left watchers scratching their heads.

Make sure everything in your presentation is adequately addressed and all questions answered. Many presentations leave their audience almost more confused that when the presentation started. A great way of ensuring your audience understood what you had to say is to leave time at the end for a Q&A session. At SlideGenius, we recommend to allot an equal amount of time for your Q&A session as for your presentation.

Hammer home your message

Just like Bogdan's eyebrows, our endings — Just like Bogdan’s eyebrows, our presentation’s message in our conclusion should be apparent and unavoidable.

Breaking Bad brought it all back out of the wood works for the finale. Characters we hadn’t seen in a couple seasons come back to life to be part of this modern-day western, and the episode even opens with Walter White back in his early meth-cooking days, where he still lies to his wife about having to work late at the car wash for its egotistical owner Bogdan. Don’t just end, recap. Remind them of your key points and overall message. Ending on your last point will likely reinforce the idea that the last point is the oly thing to take away, when it’s usually just one of many that you made.

What Professional Athletes Can Teach Us about Preparing for a Winning Presentation

Posted on October 9, 2013November 25, 2019 by Rick E

There’s a saying in the sports world that 90 percent of performance is mental.

This isn’t to say that all the intense physical preparation, practice, and training for the big game won’t have a huge effect on an athlete’s performance, but none of that hard work will matter without being mentally prepared for the pressures of high-level competition.

Similarly, while it’s obviously vital to practice, obtain the best professional PowerPoint possible and plan all aspects of your presentation carefully, to avoid stress and pressure affecting you at the moment of your presentation. If you’re not mentally prepared then that presentation you worked so hard to perfect might never come to fruition. Look at some of today’s top athletes, like Peyton Manning and Lebron James, prepare themselves physically and mentally before any big game and have this down to an exact science.

Visualize Success

There was a study conducted by Dr. Judd Blaslotto at the University of Chicago in which the subjects were divided into three groups. At the beginning of the study, he tested each group on how many free throws they could make.

After this, he had the first group practice free throws every day for an hour, the second group just visualized making free throws successfully for an hour, and the third group didn’t do diddly squat.

After 30 days, the groups were retested. The third group didn’t improve. The first group improved by 24 percent and the second—the ones who did nothing but sit around all day thinking about shooting free throws—they improved by 23 percent.

young boy thinking — Success can look as easy as this. Simply imagining the success of your presentation can help ensure it.

Visualizing success is imperative to that success manifesting itself. If you are continually thinking about all the terrible things that could go wrong during a speech, this negative reinforcement may result in a poor performance. However, if you make it a point in your preparation to picture yourself giving a winning presentation, studies show that this will have a discernible positive impact.

Golfing and Grace Under Pressure

When pro female golfer Inbee Park won the U.S. Female Open earlier this summer, she credited her success to two things: her experience and her mental health coach.

This reiterates the two-part recipe for success in both sports and presenting to an audience. Preparation, practice, and experience are the foundation for success, but mental toughness is the final ingredient to a winning presentation.

Champion golfer Inbee Park employs a mental health coach to help keep her cool on the course.

Many golfers now use a mental coach to learn how to embrace anxiety before a tournament in order to use it to their advantage. The right amount of anxiety can heighten our awareness and sharpen our senses. The trick is to stay on top of your anxieties, controlling them rather than letting them control you.

While obviously this post can’t do what a mental coach can, some important lessons a mental coach often provides are:

–Don’t carry mistakes from the previous hole through the rest of the round. When giving a presentation, don’t let past flubs haunt you. View each presentation as a unique opportunity to prove yourself.

–Deep breaths can go a long way. It will lower your heart rate and allow you to think clearly and rationally about the situation.

–Enjoy yourself. When you’re having fun, you won’t be weighed down by the pressure of the situation. Realize that people just want to enjoy your speech and have fun with it.

Maintain a Positive Outlook

Psychology today analyzed endurance sports such as marathon running and found that a key part of enduring these grueling races is mental outlook. While there isn’t as much crossover between presentation and endurance sports, there is a good lesson to learn about maintaining a positive attitude in the face of unexpected challenges, which is important when things don’t go as planned during our presentations.

“The key is how people respond to the stressful conditions,” writes psychologist Jim Taylor, Ph.D. “If you have two athletes of equal ability and one sees, for example, rain and wind as a threat that scares and intimidates them and the other as a challenge that they know they can overcome, the latter athlete will be more successful.”

This guy might be enjoying the rain a little too much, but he's certainly a good example of not letting misfortunes bog you down. — This guy might be enjoying the rain a little too much, but he’s certainly a good example of not letting misfortunes bog you down.

So if there’s a technology malfunction, an unruly crowd , or any of the unforeseeable flubs that tend to arise, remember to view them not as a death sentence to your presentation, but as another challenge to overcome and prove yourself with.

Check out our Webinar for ON24 :Teaching the Importance of Simplicity

Posted on October 7, 2013November 25, 2019 by Rick E

SlideGenius Founder and CEO Rick Enrico spoke last Thursday on the importance of simplicity in presentation design as a part of ON24’s very first installment of its Webinar Academy.

To view the webinar, titled, “Avoiding Information Overload: The Importance of Simplicity in Presentation Design,” do the quick, 1-minute registration here and view the entire webinar series created by ON24, a leading virtual communications company. Along with Rick’s, you’ll find several other Webinars that have a lot to teach about presenting in the digital age.

While most presentations designed by SildeGenius are given in person, the attention ON24 is giving to Webinars is indicative of a growing trend toward Internet-based presenting and how this is expanding our scope of how we can reach an audience. By viewing our webinar, you’ll see that all the key elements of an effective PowerPoint presentation are still there, but coupled with it is the ability to reach millions of people at the click of a button by creating your presentation online.

How to Think Like $5.99 and Not Like $6.00

Posted on September 6, 2013November 25, 2019 by Rick E

Imagine you own a clothing store. Now you decide to begin a sale for that store. Let’s say a particular type of shorts usually costs $20 per short, but for the purposes of the sale you’re going to mark them down to $15 a piece.

There are two ways you could present that discount. The first would be as a percentage. Going from $20 to $15 would be 25% off. The second would be as an absolute number with $5 off. Which way is better?

Both discounts amount to the same final price. 25% off $20 and $5 off $20 both result in the customer paying $15 for the shorts. So both representations of the discount should have the same effect, right?

Wrong. Jonah Berger, author of Contagion, explains to us that the consumers find the 25% discount more attractive than the 5$ off. While the two discounts are the same economically, they don’t trigger the same psychological effect. One feels like a larger discount than the other.

Accordingly, the next time you’re reporting numerical information, pay attention to how you are presenting it. The way changes are represented can have a big impact on how they’re perceived.

Focus on the final number.

Like the story above, most people seemed to be more enticed by the offer when the discount number was larger. Rule of thumb would be whenever you are offering a discount under $100 display it as a percentage, and when the offer is greater than $100 display it as an absolute number. This will make sure you are always maximizing your psychological impact. Simpler is better. No one cares about a page of numbers and figures that look like the green screen display from the matrix. You need to simplify your results, and then simplify them again. Think of your raw data as a pile of freshly picked vegetables. People don’t want to eat them when they still have dirt and leave stems on them. People want a quick and painless way to stay healthy, so what do you do? You take those vegetables, clean them, cut them, put them in a blender and make a smoothie. Then you take that smoothie and turn it into a wheatgrass shot. Quick and to the point. So yes, your data should be reduced to the size of a wheatgrass shot! After all, the simpler your can represent your findings, the easier it will be for your audience to understand you, which will in turn make your call-to-action more successful.

Tell a story.

Everyone knows the best stories are the ones told with pictures, so use them. Portraying data graphically reveals patterns in the data that are hard to notice otherwise Visual depictions of data are almost universally understood without requiring knowledge of a language. It is also useful to alter your tone and speed as you approach the finding of any given graph. Much like when telling a story, the storyteller tends to get really excited toward the climax or “best part” of the story; it is not only useful but critical to draw attention to the most important features of the data.

I’ll leave you with Hans Rosling’s fascinating TED talk revolved around displaying data effectively, which you can watch here.

References:

Berger, Jonah. “Fuzzy Math: What Makes Something Seem Like A Good Deal?” linkedin. August 28, 2013.

Kakutani, Michiko. “Mapping Out the Path to Viral Fame.” The New York Times. February 25, 2013.

Rosling, Hans. “The Best Stats You’ve Ever Seen.” ted.com. February 2006.

The Proofreading Process for Pitch Decks

Posted on December 8, 2023December 6, 2023 by Rick E

Even the most brilliant ideas can fall flat if you can’t present them accurately and effectively. The proofreading process is your precaution against costly oversights and mistakes that could undermine your pitch.

In the highly competitive world of startups and business ventures, investors and potential partners are not just looking for promising ideas; they are also assessing the team’s attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

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Let’s explore proofreading your pitch deck and how it can impact your pitch’s success.

The Pre-Proofreading Preparation

Before you dive into the nitty-gritty of proofreading, it is critical to set the stage for a review—this involves understanding your audience and purpose.

Are you pitching to venture capitalists, angel investors, or potential clients? Knowing your audience’s expectations and preferences is crucial for tailoring your pitch deck’s content and tone.

Then, gather and organize all the content for your pitch deck. Ensure the content is comprehensive, accurate, and relevant to your pitch. Gaps and inconsistencies can distract your audience and erode your credibility. Therefore, organize your slides logically to create a smooth flow of information.

Additionally, double-check the design and layout of your pitch deck. Consistency in design elements, including fonts, colors, and visual style, is essential for a professional presentation. A cluttered or inconsistent design can detract from your message.

The Initial Proofreading Pass

With your pitch deck’s content and design in order, it’s time for the initial proofreading pass. Here, focus on the fundamentals.

Spelling and Grammar

Errors in spelling and grammar can create a negative impression. Use proofreading tools or software to help catch these mistakes.

Consistency in Formatting and Style

Ensure that all text is formatted consistently, including headings, bullet points, and text alignment. Check for proper use of italics, bold, and underlining.

Clarity and Coherence

Your pitch deck should tell a compelling story your audience can easily follow. Avoid jargon and overly technical language that might confuse your audience.

Check for Visual Elements

Verify that all images, charts, graphs, and other visual elements are accurate and relevant. Make sure they enhance your message and are properly labeled.

The Comprehensive Proofreading Pass

The initial proofreading pass addresses the basics, but it’s the comprehensive pass that elevates your pitch deck to the next level.

Review Jargon and Technical Language

Ensure that your pitch deck avoids excessive jargon and technical language that might alienate non-expert audiences. Make your content accessible and relatable.

Compelling Storytelling

Your pitch deck should not be a data dump but a compelling narrative. Check if your pitch tells a story that captures your audience’s attention and inspires confidence in your business idea.

Verify Data Accuracy

Any statistics, numbers, or data presented must be accurate. Even a minuscule error can undermine your credibility. Cross-check your data with reliable sources.

Legal and Compliance

If your business operates in a regulated industry, or if your pitch includes financial projections or legal considerations, ensure that it complies with relevant regulations.

Seeking External Feedback

No matter how thorough you are, fresh eyes can always find areas for improvement.

Share your pitch deck with colleagues, mentors, or trusted friends. Collect their feedback and suggestions for revisions. External perspectives can uncover blind spots and provide valuable insights.

You can also consider hiring a professional proofreader or editor for an expert review. Their trained eyes can catch subtler issues and ensure a polished final product.

Final Proofreading and Polishing

After incorporating feedback and making revisions, conduct a final proofreading and polishing pass. Be meticulously attentive to detail.

Review the pitch deck one last time for any overlooked errors.
Pay attention to minor details, such as font consistency, alignment, and spacing.
Confirm all references, citations, and sources. Make sure all attributions are accurate.

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Your pitch deck is often your first and best chance to make a lasting impression. Invest time and effort in proofreading your pitch deck to refine your message and ensure your pitch deck is flawless.

Why Investors Crave Quantitative Insights

Posted on December 7, 2023December 6, 2023 by Rick E

In the fast-paced world of investment, data is king. Gone are the days when investors decide solely based on gut instincts or a compelling story. Today, they crave quantitative insights, and for good reason.

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Let’s explore the significance of quantitative insights in pitch decks and how they shape investment decisions.

The Significance of Data-Driven Decision Making

Investors are increasingly relying on data-driven decision-making to guide their choices. The shift towards this approach can be attributed to the undeniable power of data.

Quantitative insights provide a solid foundation for understanding market trends, industry dynamics, and the potential of startups. They are the compass in investments, guiding investors toward well-informed choices.

Consider this: A venture capitalist has two pitch decks in front of them. One has compelling narratives, and the other is rich in quantitative insights. While a great story can capture attention, it’s the hard data that sustains it.

Investors are keen on understanding the numbers behind the story because they know that data-driven decisions are more likely to succeed. When you present investors with quantitative insights, you demonstrate that you’ve done your homework, and you’ve got the numbers to back it up.

Quantitative Insights in Pitch Decks

What sets a winning pitch deck apart is the inclusion of quantitative insights. These insights go beyond flowery language and visions; they provide hard evidence of a startup’s potential.

Quantitative insights in pitch decks can include financial projections, market research data, growth metrics, and key performance indicators. They help investors gauge the startup’s trajectory, market fit, and scalability.

By presenting insights, startups offer a clear picture of their financial health and growth prospects, making it easier for investors to evaluate the opportunity.

The Impact of Market Trends and Industry Analysis

Investors don’t operate in a vacuum. They keep a keen eye on market trends and industry dynamics, and quantitative insights play a pivotal role in this regard.

By analyzing data, investors can assess the potential risks and opportunities within an industry. They can identify emerging trends, potential disruptors, and the overall market sentiment.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Every investment carries a degree of risk, and understanding and managing these risks is crucial.

Through analysis of historical data, market volatility, and financial models, investors can gauge the potential risks associated with an investment. They can identify red flags and areas that need more attention.

Risk assessment is not just about avoiding risky ventures; it’s also about finding ways to mitigate those risks. Data-driven insights help investors develop strategies to protect their investments.

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Quantitative insights bridge the gap between a brilliant idea and a successful investment. As the investment landscape evolves, those who embrace data-driven decision-making will be best positioned to thrive.

Working with a Presentation Design Agency for Successful Projects

Posted on December 6, 2023December 6, 2023 by Rick E

Professional presentation design has become a vital tool for businesses and individuals. Whether it’s a sales pitch, a project proposal, or a webinar, your presentation is often the first impression you make on your audience. That’s why working with a presentation design agency can be the key to a successful project.

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Let’s explore the benefits of collaborating with a presentation design agency, how to choose the right one, and the crucial elements of a successful partnership.

Why Work with a Presentation Design Agency

Expertise and Experience

Presentation design agencies specialize in crafting visually appealing and persuasive presentations. They have a deep understanding of design principles, storytelling techniques, and the psychology of effective communication.

Their expertise can elevate your presentation from ordinary to extraordinary.

Access to a Skilled Design Team

When you hire a presentation design agency, you gain access to a team of talented designers and creatives who work together to bring your vision to life. The collaborative approach ensures that your presentation is not only visually stunning but also well-structured and engaging.

Time and Cost Savings

Creating a compelling presentation can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive task.

By outsourcing work to professionals, you free up your time to focus on what you do best, while also potentially saving costs in the long run. Presentation design agencies can work efficiently, meeting deadlines and producing high-quality work.

Choosing the Right Presentation Design Agency

Research and Selection Process

The first step in working with a presentation design agency is to research and select the right one for your needs. Identify your presentation requirements, including the type of project, your target audience, and your objectives. Then, conduct thorough research to identify agencies specializing in your industry or niche.

Evaluating Portfolios and Case Studies

Once you have a shortlist of potential agencies, evaluate their portfolios and case studies. This will give you a glimpse of their past work, style, and capabilities. Look for examples that resonate with your vision and goals.

Meeting Your Specific Needs and Objectives

When choosing an agency, it’s essential to ensure they can meet your specific needs and objectives.

Do they have experience in your industry? Are they familiar with the content or subject matter of your presentation? Are they capable of customizing their approach to align with your brand and messaging?

Collaboration and Communication

Establishing Clear Project Goals and Expectations

Effective collaboration with a presentation design agency starts with clear project goals and expectations.

Share your vision, objectives, and any specific ideas you have in mind. A transparent and well-defined project brief will set the foundation for a successful partnership.

Providing Content and Information

Your role in the partnership is to provide the agency with the content and information they need. This includes the text, data, images, and any other elements that will be included in the presentation.

The more comprehensive your content, the better the agency can tailor their design to your message.

Regular Updates and Feedback

Throughout the design process, maintain open lines of communication with the agency. Request regular updates and provide feedback to guide the project in the right direction.

Effective communication ensures that the final presentation aligns with your expectations.

Customization and Creative Input

Tailoring Designs to Your Unique Brand

One of the advantages of working with a presentation design agency is their ability to customize designs to your brand.

Ensure the agency understands your brand guidelines, such as colors, fonts, and visual style. This consistency reinforces your brand identity.

Encouraging Creative Collaboration

While you have a clear vision for your presentation, don’t hesitate to embrace the creative input of the agency. They bring fresh ideas and innovative design approaches to the table.

Collaborative discussions can lead to creative solutions that enhance your presentation’s impact.

Ensuring Alignment with Your Vision

Balance is key. While creativity is crucial, it should always align with your vision and objectives.

The agency’s design choices should reinforce your message and enhance the presentation’s effectiveness.

The Design Process

Initial Concept and Brainstorming

The design process typically begins with an initial concept and brainstorming session. During this phase, the agency will develop a design direction based on the project brief and your input.

Design Iterations and Revisions

After the initial concept, the agency will create design iterations. These drafts will go through a series of revisions based on your feedback.

The iterative process ensures the final design is finely tuned to meet your expectations.

Finalization and Delivery

Once you are satisfied with the design, the agency will finalize the presentation, ensuring it is polished and ready for your project.

They will deliver the presentation files in the required format, ensuring a seamless integration into your workflow.

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Working with presentation design agencies can be the game-changer that takes your projects to the next level. Their expertise, access to a skilled design team, and the collaborative process can lead to presentations that captivate your audience and drive your message home.

Techniques for an Effective Conference Presentation

Posted on December 5, 2023December 6, 2023 by Rick E

When it comes to delivering a conference presentation, the way you convey your message is just as important as the content itself. Effective delivery can transform a mundane presentation into a memorable experience for your audience.

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Let’s learn techniques to enhance your delivery skills, helping you become a more confident conference public speaker.

Body Language and Non-Verbal Communication

Maintaining Eye Contact

A powerful way to connect with your audience is through eye contact.

Gaze at individuals in different parts of the room to make everyone feel involved and engaged to build trust and convey your confidence in the subject matter.

Using Gestures and Posture Effectively

Your body language can amplify your message or detract from it. Use purposeful gestures to emphasize key points and maintain a confident posture that radiates authority.

Avoid nervous fidgeting or slouching, as these can distract from your message.

Managing Nervous Energy

Pre-presentation jitters are normal, but you can manage them effectively.

Deep breaths, mindfulness techniques, and a quick warm-up can help channel nervous energy into a dynamic, engaging performance.

Voice Modulation and Pacing

Varying Tone and Pitch

A monotone voice can put your audience to sleep. Instead, use vocal variety to keep them engaged. Adjust your tone and pitch to convey enthusiasm, empathy, and authority.

Practice emphasizing keywords or phrases to make them stand out.

Controlling Your Speaking Pace

Speaking too quickly can leave your audience struggling to keep up while speaking too slowly can lead to disengagement.

Find a comfortable pace, and use strategic pauses for emphasis. Be mindful of your audience’s comprehension and adjust your pace accordingly.

Visual Aids and Slides

Designing Clear and Engaging Slides

Your slides should complement, not overshadow, your presentation.

Keep them simple, using visuals, bullet points, and minimal text. Use high-quality images, graphics, and charts to illustrate your points effectively.

Avoiding Information Overload

Less is often more. Therefore, avoid cramming your slides with information.

Focus on the key takeaways and elaborate on them verbally. Keep your audience engaged with you—not your slides.

Storytelling Techniques

Incorporating Personal Anecdotes

Storytelling is a powerful tool to captivate your audience.

Share personal anecdotes related to your topic to create a connection and make your content more relatable. Stories are memorable and resonate with your audience on an emotional level.

Using Storytelling to Engage the Audience

Craft your presentation as a narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use storytelling to engage your audience emotionally and lead them on a journey.

Convey your message more effectively, but keep your audience invested in your presentation.

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Effective conference presentation is a skill you can hone with practice and dedication. Apply the techniques outlined in this blog, and don’t shy away from seeking feedback and continuous improvement.

Advantages of Diversifying Startup Funding Sources

Posted on December 4, 2023December 6, 2023 by Rick E

Traditionally, startups might seek a single funding source, such as a bank loan or venture capital investment, and become heavily reliant on it. However, in today’s dynamic and uncertain business landscape, diversifying startup funding sources has become a strategic imperative.

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Let’s delve into the numerous benefits of diversifying your startup’s funding sources and how it can be a game-changer for your entrepreneurial journey.

Why Diversify Startup Funding Sources?

Reducing Risk

A primary advantage of diversifying startup funding sources is risk reduction.

Relying solely on one funding source can put your business in a precarious position. Imagine being dependent on a single investor or loan provider; if they pull out or change their terms unexpectedly, your startup’s survival could be at stake.

Diversification allows you to spread the risk across multiple sources, decreasing the impact of any one source’s fluctuations or unexpected challenges.

In addition, economic downturns can be particularly unforgiving to startups with limited funding sources. By diversifying, you increase your chances of weathering tough times and maintaining business operations during a downturn.

Enhancing Flexibility

Every startup has unique financial needs that evolve. A one-size-fits-all funding approach can be limiting.

Diversifying your funding sources offers the flexibility to tailor your financial strategy to your needs. For example, you can use different sources for different purposes. You can use venture capital for expansion and crowdfunding for product development.

This flexibility is invaluable when navigating the changing landscapes of a growing business. You can adjust your funding mix as your business matures and market conditions shift. With the right mix of sources, you can pivot better when necessary, adapt to market demands, and seize opportunities as they arise.

Advantages of Diversification

Increased Access to Capital

Diversification opens doors to various channels of capital.

Bootstrapping, angel investors, venture capital, crowdfunding, grants, and strategic partnerships are just a few examples of funding sources. By casting a wide net, you enhance your ability to secure the financial resources needed to grow your business.

Moreover, different funding sources bring diverse investor networks. These networks not only provide capital but also offer valuable insights, connections, and mentorship that can accelerate your startup’s growth.

With each source you diversify into, you gain a unique pool of individuals or organizations willing to support your vision.

Lowering the Cost of Capital

Every funding source has its terms, whether equity, interest rates, or a combination.

Diversifying funding sources allows you to compare these terms and negotiate better deals. This competition among sources can lead to lower capital costs for your startup.

For example, by mixing debt financing with equity investment, you can optimize your capital structure. Debt financing might have lower interest rates, while equity investors may provide valuable expertise and connections. By balancing these elements, you can minimize the cost of capital while still obtaining the support you need.

Fostering Innovation

Startups thrive on innovation, and diversification encourages creative thinking and problem-solving.

When you’re not reliant on a single source, you’re more likely to explore alternative avenues. Different sources may have unique expectations, which can stimulate fresh ideas and strategies for your business.

Furthermore, managing multiple funding sources requires adaptability and resourcefulness. This culture of flexibility and innovation can permeate your entire organization. It fosters a dynamic mindset that is well-suited to the ever-changing landscape of the startup world.

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Diversifying your startup’s funding sources can be a game-changer. It can be the key to survive and thrive in the challenging world of startups.

How Investor-Founder Compatibility Impacts Funding Outcomes

Posted on December 3, 2023December 6, 2023 by Rick E

Funding outcomes are not solely determined by the amount of money on the table or the potential of the business idea. A factor that is frequently underestimated but plays a significant role in shaping these outcomes is the compatibility between investors and founders.

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Let us explore the profound influence of investor-founder compatibility on funding outcomes, delving into what compatibility entails, the factors that influence it, and the tangible effects it can have on a startup’s funding journey.

The Significance of Investor-Founder Compatibility

Investor-founder compatibility refers to the degree of harmony, shared values, and mutual understanding between the entrepreneurs seeking funding and the investors providing it.

Compatibility can have a profound impact on the trajectory of a startup. When both parties are in sync, it paves the way for a successful partnership.

A strong compatibility fosters a more productive and harmonious working relationship. Founders and investors with the same vision are more likely to collaborate effectively, make decisions efficiently, and communicate openly. This alignment of values and goals can lead to a smoother and more supportive investor-founder dynamic.

Factors Influencing Compatibility

Several factors can influence compatibility between investors and founders, and these factors often go beyond financial considerations. They include:

Values and vision alignment

When founders and investors are on the same page regarding the company’s long-term vision and core values, it lays the foundation for a harmonious partnership.

Communication and trust

Effective communication and a high level of trust are essential for any successful collaboration. When these aspects are present, compatibility is strengthened.

Skillsets and expertise

Compatibility is enhanced when investors bring expertise and connections that complement the founder’s skillset, helping to bridge gaps and overcome challenges.

Risk tolerance and decision-making

When both parties share a similar risk appetite and approach to decision-making, it leads to a more cohesive strategy and execution.

Expectations and timelines

Misaligned expectations and unrealistic timelines can cause friction. Compatibility is enhanced when there is a shared understanding of the journey and the expected timeframes.

The Effects of Compatibility on Funding Outcomes

The impact of investor-founder compatibility on funding outcomes is substantial. Let’s examine both the positive and negative effects:

Positive outcomes of strong compatibility

Increased funding opportunities: Compatible investors are more likely to provide additional funding rounds, bridge financing, or support during tough times because they believe in the founders and their vision.
Faster decision-making and due diligence: When there is a high level of trust and understanding, the due diligence process becomes smoother, and investment decisions are made more swiftly.
Improved strategic guidance: Investors who are compatible with founders can provide more effective strategic guidance and mentorship. Their insights are better aligned with the startup’s objectives, leading to better decision-making and execution.

Negative outcomes of poor compatibility

Funding challenges and delays: Founders seeking investment from incompatible investors may face difficulties in securing funding, leading to extended fundraising timelines and potential cash flow issues.
Strategic misalignment: Misaligned goals and visions lead to confusion and conflicts in the direction of the business. This misalignment can hinder progress and create obstacles to securing future funding.
Potential conflicts and disputes: Incompatible investor-founder relationships can deteriorate into disputes that not only harm the business but can also damage the startup’s reputation, making it less attractive to other potential investors.

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The compatibility between investors and founders is a pivotal factor influencing a startup’s funding outcomes. When both parties are on the same wavelength, it leads to smoother processes, enhanced strategic guidance, and better chances of success. Founders should recognize the importance of founder-investor compatibility, prioritizing building strong relationships with those who share their values and vision.

Components of an Exit Strategy Slide

Posted on December 2, 2023December 6, 2023 by Rick E

One often overlooked but crucial slide in a pitch deck is the Exit Strategy Slide. It outlines the plan for providing a return on investment to potential investors. Moreover, it demonstrates foresight and commitment to delivering tangible gains.

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Let’s delve into the essential components of an Exit Strategy Slide to help you craft a compelling and convincing pitch.

The Purpose of an Exit Strategy Slide

Investors are motivated by returns on their investments. They want to know how and when they can cash out. An Exit Strategy Slide assures investors you have a plan to make their investments worthwhile.

It’s not just about addressing investor concerns; it’s about aligning their interests with your company’s goals. Furthermore, it sets expectations, giving investors a clear picture of potential ROI.

Exit Scenarios

The first component of your Exit Strategy Slide is to discuss your exit scenarios. You should address the options available, such as an initial public offering (IPO), acquisition, merger, or even a management buyout.

Clearly state which scenarios are most relevant to your business and why. Convey flexibility and adaptability, indicating you are open to the best opportunity possible.

Timing and Milestones

Estimate the timeline for your exit strategy. What are the key milestones and achievements that will trigger the exit?

You could mention reaching a certain level of revenue, user base, or market share. Be explicit about how you plan to achieve these milestones. Investors want to see a clear and realistic path to the exit.

Market Analysis

Investors are keen to know that your exit strategy is not just a pipe dream. You must provide a robust market analysis that justifies your chosen exit strategy.

Analyze current market conditions and trends, explaining how they support your strategy. Compare your plan to industry benchmarks to illustrate that your approach is competitive and well-informed.

Valuation and Returns

Explain how investors will realize returns on their investments. Provide a realistic valuation of your company and illustrate how the exit strategy will impact this valuation.

Investors want to see the potential financial gains, so use data and projections to present your claims.

Team and Talent

Your management team is a critical asset when executing the exit strategy.

Highlight the strength and experience of your team and explain how they will play a pivotal role in achieving the exit. Demonstrating the capability and commitment of your team is essential for building investor confidence.

Risk Assessment

Every business venture comes with its own set of risks. Therefore, identify potential challenges and risks associated with your exit strategy.

Investors appreciate transparency, so be open about the hurdles you might face. However, don’t stop there. Explain how you plan to mitigate these risks. Show that you’ve thought through contingencies and are prepared to navigate the storm.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory hurdles can be a significant roadblock when it comes to exits.

Address any legal and regulatory requirements that pertain to your chosen exit strategy. Explain how your company will navigate these challenges while complying with the law.

Demonstrate your understanding of the regulatory landscape to build trust with investors.

Exit Strategy Alignment with Business Plan

Emphasize how your exit strategy aligns with your overall business plan. Your exit should not be a standalone goal but part of a bigger vision for your company.

Demonstrate the alignment to reinforce the idea that the exit strategy benefits both the company and the investors.

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Your pitch deck’s Exit Strategy Slide should address the concerns of potential investors and align their interests with your company’s goals. By paying careful attention to the components we’ve outlined, you can create a compelling and convincing Exit Strategy Slide that sets you on the path to securing the investments your startup needs to thrive.

Ways to Build an Impactful Pitch Deck Summary Slide

Posted on November 24, 2023November 24, 2023 by Rick E

Your pitch deck’s Summary Slide can seal the deal or leave investors and stakeholders scratching their heads. It’s a make-or-break moment where you need to convey the essence of your idea succinctly and persuasively.

Let us explore strategies for crafting an impactful Summary Slide that captures attention, piques interest, and compels your audience to learn more.

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Keep it Concise

When creating a Summary Slide, less is often more. The key to success here is conciseness. Your Summary Slide should be a snapshot, not a novella. You want to offer a taste of what’s to come, not overwhelm your audience with information.

Limiting the Content to the Essentials

Trim the fat from your summary slide. What is the most critical information your audience needs to know to grasp your pitch’s core message? Focus on these key points and cut anything extraneous.

Consider using bullet points, short sentences, or just a few carefully chosen words to convey your message. Remember, your goal is to entice, not inundate. Save the in-depth details for the main body of your presentation.

Avoiding Clutter and Overwhelming Visuals

Cluttered slides are a surefire way to lose your audience’s attention. Simplicity is your friend. Ensure your slide isn’t crowded with too many elements—stick to one or two visuals, a title, and minimal text.

Visuals should enhance your message, not detract from it. Choose high-quality images or graphics that reinforce your narrative. If you’re using charts or diagrams, make sure they are easy to read and interpret.

Focus on Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) sets your pitch apart. It’s the ‘X factor’ that makes your idea unique and compelling. Highlight it prominently on your Summary Slide.

Highlighting What Sets Your Pitch Apart

Your USP should be front and center on your summary slide. It’s what makes your solution unique, whether it’s a groundbreaking technology, a revolutionary approach, or a market gap you’re filling. Make sure it’s crystal clear to your audience.

Addressing the Problem and Solution Clearly

Your Summary Slide should address the problem your pitch is solving and how your solution addresses it. Be succinct but comprehensive. Investors need to understand the pain point and how you’re providing relief.

Incorporate Data and Metrics

Numbers don’t lie—and they can be a persuasive element on your Summary Slide. Incorporating relevant data and metrics can bolster your pitch.

Providing Key Statistics or Growth Figures

If your product or idea is associated with impressive growth figures, market trends, or any other significant data, include it on your summary slide. Instill confidence in your audience about the potential of your venture.

Supporting Your Claims with Data

If you make bold claims about your project, back them up with data. Investors appreciate evidence that your pitch is grounded in reality, not just wishful thinking.

Tell a Story

People remember stories much better than a string of dry facts. Use the power of storytelling to make your Summary Slide memorable.

Structuring the Summary Slide as a Narrative

Craft your summary as a concise story. Start with the problem statement, explain how you came to your solution, and build up your USP and the impact it can make. Even in just a few words, you can create a narrative that engages your audience.

Creating a Compelling Story That Resonates with the Audience

Your story should resonate with your audience. Make them care about the problem and the solution. Use emotional triggers that align with your investors’ values and interests.

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The Summary Slide is the hook that grabs your audience’s attention; it’s the teaser that makes them want to learn more. By keeping it concise yet impactful, you can craft a Summary Slide that leaves a lasting impression.

What to Include in Your Pitch Deck’s Team Slide

Posted on November 23, 2023November 24, 2023 by Rick E

In startup fundraising, the pitch deck is your golden ticket to securing the much-needed capital to turn your vision into reality. One of the most critical slides in your pitch deck is the Team Slide. Why? Because investors don’t just bet on ideas; they bet on the people behind those ideas.

The Team Slide is your opportunity to showcase the brilliance, experience, and commitment of your team.

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Let us explore what you should include in your pitch deck’s Team Slide to make a compelling case for your startup.

The Team Members

At the heart of your Team Slide are the individuals who will drive your startup to success.

Introduce your key team members. Include the founders, co-founders, and any essential members of your management team.

Provide a snapshot of each team member’s background, including their educational qualifications, relevant work experience, and notable achievements. Highlighting their credentials instills confidence in potential investors. After all, investors want to know that they’re entrusting their money to capable and knowledgeable hands.

Furthermore, go deeper and share how each team member’s unique skills and expertise complement the others. Emphasize how their collective knowledge and experience will be crucial in addressing the challenges your startup will face.

Team’s Roles and Responsibilities

To ensure a clear understanding of how your team functions, detail the roles and responsibilities of each member. Clarify how their contributions align with the startup’s goals.

Having a well-defined organizational structure shows investors that you’re serious and organized and helps them visualize the working dynamics within your team. It’s a sign that you’ve thought through the personnel needs of your startup and have the right people in place to fulfill those needs.

Past Achievements and Track Record

Past performance is often a reliable predictor of future success.

Showcase the team’s track record and past achievements. Highlight key milestones, accomplishments, and relevant successes from your team members’ professional backgrounds.

When presenting these achievements, connect them to your current venture. Explain how the skills and knowledge acquired in the past will be instrumental in the success of your startup. Reinforce the credibility of your team and demonstrate the direct relevance of their past experiences to the current project.

Relevant Advisors and Mentors

Investors want to know that your team has guidance and mentorship from industry experts. If you have influential advisors or mentors on board, mention them. Share how these individuals contribute to the team’s collective knowledge and provide valuable insights.

Having advisors and mentors indicates a strong network of support and guidance, which can be invaluable in steering your startup in the right direction. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate that your team is not only capable but also well-connected in the industry.

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Investors are not just investing in your idea; they’re investing in the people who will bring that idea to life. Therefore, provide a well-rounded picture of your team when preparing your Team Slide.

How to Back Your Pitch When There’s No Product Yet

Posted on November 22, 2023November 24, 2023 by Rick E

In entrepreneurship, ideas are the currency of innovation. But how do you convince investors and customers to believe in your idea when there’s no tangible product to showcase? It’s a challenge many entrepreneurs face when starting a venture. You need a unique set of skills to back your pitch effectively.

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Let’s learn the strategies and elements that can help you craft a compelling pitch in the early stages of product development.

Crafting a Compelling Vision

At the heart of every successful pitch is a compelling vision. Your vision should be crystal clear, answering the fundamental question: What problem are you solving?

The more precise and relatable your vision, the easier it is for your audience to grasp the potential impact of your idea.

Creating a vivid picture of the future with your product is crucial. You should be a storyteller, painting a narrative that captivates your audience.

Your narrative should convey not just what your product does but also why it matters. If your vision can resonate with the hopes and aspirations of your target audience, you’re on the right track.

Moreover, it’s essential to connect your vision to current market trends and demands. Show that your idea is not only innovative but also in line with what the market needs. The alignment with market needs will help you demonstrate that your idea is not just a flash in the pan but has the potential for long-term success.

Market Research and Validation

No pitch is complete without robust market research and validation. Arm your presentation with data and insights that support your claims.

Conduct thorough market research to understand your target audience, competitors, and the overall market potential. Use data to back your assertions, and make sure your research is up-to-date.

Gathering user feedback is another powerful way to validate your idea. Consider creating surveys, conducting interviews, or developing prototypes to engage with potential users. Early engagement provides valuable insights and demonstrates to investors there is real interest in your concept.

Presenting this data and insights is crucial during your pitch. Show potential investors that you’ve done your homework and that there is demand for your solution. It instills confidence in the viability of your idea.

Building a Strong Team

Investors often look beyond the product itself; they want to invest in the people behind the idea. That’s where your team comes in.

To back your pitch effectively, you must showcase your team’s expertise. Highlight the skills, experience, and achievements of your team members that make them well-suited to execute the vision.

Emphasize any past successes your team has had, especially those relevant to your current project. Success begets success, and demonstrating your team’s track record can build investor confidence.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to define roles and responsibilities within your team. When investors see a well-structured and complementary team, they are more likely to believe in the project’s execution capabilities.

Technology and Development Plan

Investors must understand how you plan to turn your idea into a product—this is where your technology and development plan comes into play. Explain the technology stack, tools, and methodologies you plan to use. Be transparent about the technical aspects of your project.

Outline a clear development roadmap with specific milestones, timelines, and key deliverables. Investors want to see that you have a structured plan in place and that you know how to execute it.

Additionally, address potential technical challenges and how you intend to overcome them. Investors appreciate when you’re prepared for obstacles and have strategies to tackle them.

Business Model and Monetization Strategy

Investors want to know how your idea translates into a sustainable business. You must clearly define your business model and how your company plans to make money. Explore different revenue streams, such as subscriptions, freemium models, or potential partnerships.

Show potential for scalability. Investors often look for long-term potential, and a scalable business model can make your pitch more enticing.

Demonstrate Traction and Milestones

If you have any early traction, such as a waiting list, letters of intent, or partnerships, showcase them. They demonstrate that your idea is already gaining traction in the market.

Set achievable milestones and clearly outline your plans to reach them. These milestones can include product development stages, customer acquisition targets, or revenue goals. Having these milestones can instill confidence in investors, as they can see the progress your project is making.

Additionally, provide a timeline for the product launch. Investors like to know when to expect a viable product to hit the market.

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By incorporating the strategies outlined in this blog into your pitch, you can inspire confidence and attract the support you need to bring your idea to life. Remember that in entrepreneurship, a compelling vision and a well-prepared pitch can be as valuable as the product itself.

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Method One: Recover Unsaved Presentations

Method Two: AutoRecover

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If there is one social media platform that has changed the way we connect with the world around us, in only 140 characters or less, only one network comes to mind.

Step 1: Simplify Your Thoughts

Step 2: Get With What’s Trending

Step 3: Get Your Audience to Follow

References

Cue the famed actresses in overly expensive ball gowns. Cue the undeniably sarcastic and quirky host. Cue the applauses. It’s awards season in Hollywood.

So what can we compare an Oscar speech to?

An Elevator Pitch

1. Short

2. Memorable

3. Passionate

References

Have you trained adequately?

Do you have a strong will to win?

Are you willing to accept the challenge?

Are you Inspirational?

References

If you have been paying attention to recent pop culture news feeds lately, you may have heard of the phenomenon known as, “The Michael Bay Meltdown.”

1. Don’t Memorize a Script

2. Being Honest Will Help You in The Long Run

3. Own Up to Your Mistakes

Conclusion

Reference

Emotion Plays a Part

Convey a Message

Become Memorable

References

Put Yourself in Their Shoes

Selfishness Hinders Audience Connections

Conclusion

References:

Regardless the topic of your presentation, regardless the audience in front of you, regardless time allotted to you, and regardless the goal you have in mind; every single one of your presentations should be about these three words: Understandable, Memorable & Emotional.

Understandable.

Memorable.

Emotional.

Reference:

“With all the apps out there, it’s easy to get stuck with the same icons on your home screen — and never so much as click on the newer ones that would benefit your business most.” – Mashable

1. Lift

2. CloudMagic

3. TripIt

4. Refresh

5. Audible

6. LIA

7. Corkulous

8. Sadun’s Whiteboard

References:

Effectively gaining your audience’s trust is imperative in any presentation setting. Building that sense of reliability can be fairly tricky but there are a few lessons we can takeaway from one of the greatest holiday movies and a certain little boy named Ralphie.

Ensure Strong Verbal Delivery and Body Language

Teach More, Sell Less

Engage Constantly

Share Beneficial Content

Design, Write and Look Professional

Reference:

You can really use PowerPoint for just about anything…..

1. Avoiding T.M.I.

“A good teacher, like a good entertainer who first must hold his audience’s attention, then he can teach his lesson” – John Henrik Clarke

Who Are They?

What Do They Know?

What Interests Them?

What Do You Want Them To Learn?

Reference:

References:

There’s a saying in the sports world that 90 percent of performance is mental.

Visualize Success

Golfing and Grace Under Pressure

Maintain a Positive Outlook

Imagine you own a clothing store. Now you decide to begin a sale for that store. Let’s say a particular type of shorts usually costs $20 per short, but for the purposes of the sale you’re going to mark them down to $15 a piece.

Focus on the final number.

Tell a story.

References:

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The Pre-Proofreading Preparation

The Initial Proofreading Pass

Spelling and Grammar

Consistency in Formatting and Style

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Conclusion

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