Category: Articles

You’re Doing It Wrong: PowerPoint Rules You Should Be Following

Guy Kawasaki

Nancy Duarte

powerpoint rules

Seth Godin

Jun 08, 2015

For years now, people have been relying on PowerPoint to communicate ideas, sell products, facilitate meetings, and conferences. Many presenters, however, still fall short and end up with lousy, poorly designed slides that do nothing but torture their audience. Thankfully, there are experts in the field who have set the rules or standards for others to follow. After a quick search, we found two sets of the most popular PowerPoint rules that many people subscribe to. Both may not be all-encompassing but they are excellent guidelines, nonetheless.

Guy Kawasaki’s 10/20/30 Rule of PowerPoint

Guy Kawasaki is a venture capitalist, among other things. If we’re going to talk about quality and importance of simplicity in presentation design, he’s the go-to, well, Guy. He practically listens to hundreds of pitches all the time, making him knowledgeable of what works and doesn’t. For him, a PowerPoint presentation should:

  • Feature 10 slides or less
  • Last no more than 20 minutes
  • Contain font not smaller than 30pt

This rule is applicable to pitches and office meetings. And because most people cannot absorb more than 10 concepts in a single meeting, it is best that you limit your presentation to 10 slides. The 20-minute duration should give you enough time to host a Q and A discussion afterwards. A 30-point typeface will make information on a slide large enough to be readable without making it look too crowded.

Seth Godin’s Five Rules for Creating Amazing Presentations

Seth Godin is a man of many interests and as a public speaker, he’s no stranger to PowerPoint presentations. He even wrote an e-book about it. If you want to create an amazing presentation, here are the points we have taken from the book:

  1. Use no more than six words on every slide (If you include too much text, the audience will simply read the slides ahead of you).
  2. Do not use cheesy images and look for professional stock photos instead.
  3. Avoid fancy transitions such as dissolves, spins, etc, as these can be distracting, making you seem less professional.
  4. Use sound effects, but not the built-in types. You may want to rip from CDs or use the “Proust effect.”
  5. Do not provide print collateral at the start of the meeting. You want your audience to focus on the presentation, not read ahead of you.

Great presentations can trigger the right emotions, inspire change, and move people. These two sets of rules can raise the level of your next presentation from boring to life-changing. You don’t need to choose between the two, though. Applying both of them is sure to produce excellent results. But whatever you do, here’s another rule for you to remember. This one’s from presentation expert Nancy Duarte: Never deliver a presentation you would not want to sit through. Now, if there’s One PowerPoint Rule to rule them all, that would be it.

PowerPoint Storyboard: A Powerful Way to Share Your Ideas

Microsoft Visual Studio

powerpoint storyboard

storyboard

storyboarding

May 25, 2015

 Producing a corporate video – be it for sales, training, or any other business purposes – involves careful planning. To plan out your video effectively, one of the first things you need to do is to create a storyboard.

What’s a storyboard?

A storyboard is a shot-by-shot representation of how a video will unfold. It is typically composed of a series of frames with illustrations or images that represent each shot. Each frame also comes with short notes to explain what’s happening in the scene as well as script details (such as dialogues and directions).

Advantages of creating a storyboard

Sharing your vision for your video is much easier using a storyboard. There are times when, no matter brilliant our idea is and how hard we try to explain it, people just couldn’t understand it.  With a storyboard, you can show your team how the video is going to unravel.  It will also make it easier for everyone to get behind your idea.Storyboarding can also make production is relatively hassle-free. As you create a video storyboard, what you’re basically doing is setting up a production plan. You are laying out the shots needed as well as their sequence. And since you already have a guide, it also makes editing easier. In other words, the entire creation process can go smoothly.

Using PowerPoint to create your storyboard

PowerPoint has many features that can bring an ordinary storyboard to life. You can turn any idea into something graphic using shapes, text, animation, and all the other tools that PowerPoint provides.You can use the Storyboard template in PowerPoint after installing Microsoft Visual Studio 2011. With Visual Studio, making storyboards is as easy as creating and working on new slides. To create a PowerPoint Storyboard, the first things that you should is write down everything that you want to show for every frame. You can use the program’s tools to illustrate your descriptions. Once you are done with a basic storyboard, you may want to add sound and transition effects to make it more interesting.You can also use storyboards not just in creating videos but also in preparing presentation slides.

Storyboarding your presentation

To create a storyboard for your presentation, determine first the number of slides you will need. This would be dictated by the length of your entire presentation. Ideally, though, don’t use over five or six slides every 10 minutes. After that, simply follow the outline of your presentation script. Think about how to fit it into the sequential frames. Moreover, make sure that the slides show the key ideas clearly and logically.By storyboarding your presentation, you will be able to express your ideas beyond the usual bullet points. Instead, the series of frames will help you translate information into something visual.  

Overcome Anxiety Like Presentation Expert Warren Buffett

presentation anxiety

public speaking

Warren Buffett

May 04, 2015

No one is born with eloquent communication skills, but everyone has the potential to hone these abilities. Even the most famous people in history had the jitters when speaking in public.Billionaire investor Warren Buffett is one such business leader who struggled to deliver speeches in front of crowds. At the age of 21, Buffett decided that it was time to overcome his anxiety.He actually enrolled in a public speaking class but dropped out before it started. “I lost my nerve,” he said.How did he face his anxieties head-on? Here are some of Buffet’s practical tips on how to manage your performance worries and become a presentation expert:

1. Look for Wholistic Inspiration

Instead of spending so much time worrying, why not look for inspiration? Motivating yourself with other people’s success stories is one way to overcome your fear.It’s reassuring to see other people overcome the same trials.At eight years old, Buffett discovered the book How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. One of the most important lessons he learned was this:“Rule number one: Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain.”How is this related to presenting ideas? According to Carnegie, “criticism puts people on the defensive,” making them more likely to defend themselves.Imagine you’re in the middle of your pitch, and somebody in the audience counters what you’ve said. Will you go on the defensive and criticize your audience’s concerns? Or will you humbly accept the criticism and take it as a lesson learned for your future presentations?Buffett took life advice and applied it to his fears. Taking control of his overall weaknesses allowed him to break through his self-doubt.Improving yourself as a person also makes you a better speaker. Keep an open mind and treat all lessons as opportunities to hone your abilities.

2. Face Fear with Passion

When you’re associating with people that you love, doing what you love, it doesn’t get any better than that. – Warren Buffett

Think of something scary you’ve always wanted to try. For example, many people want to try bungee jumping at least once in their lives. Most people shy away from it because they dread heights. Should you let this keep you from doing something you’ve always wanted to do?The same can be said about public speaking. Don’t let fear stop you from pursuing your goals.Be realistic: What’s the worst thing that can happen if you mispronounce a word? A viewer or two may giggle, and that’s about it. The best case scenario is that nobody notices the mistake at all.Anticipating the act is more nerve-wracking than actually doing the feat itself.You may feel nervous waiting for your turn to go onstage, but once you step onto the podium, it’s never as bad as you thought it would be.In the same way that Warren Buffet eventually faced his fears, you’ll only see what’s ahead of you if you stop looking away from what scares you.

3. Do What You Fear

“Practice makes perfect” is an old adage, but it’s the surefire way to master anything. In fact, a study from the University of Colorado suggested that practice accounts for an individual’s ability to improve and optimize their skills.When presentation anxiety strikes, practice is your best friend. “You have to get out there and you have to do it. And the sooner you do it, the better,” Buffett said.Buffett chose to sign back up for the course he once left. He needed to improve, and he realized he could only do this by practicing over and over again. Eventually, he started teaching a night course at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, wherein he taught investment principles to students twice his age.Practicing your speech doesn’t mean memorizing it. Instead, remember the main points you want to get across, as well as the flow of the discussion. This’ll allow you to talk more naturally as well as be flexible in delivering your ideas. Reciting line by line will only stress you out, and thinking of specific words will make it harder for you to get back on track.

Conclusion

Becoming an effective presenter requires great skills, but what good are they if you’re afraid of showing them off in front of a crowd? That nerve-racking feeling may dent your presentation delivery, but it shouldn’t take over your life.Don’t let your worries control you. Instead, control your fear. Let it strengthen your ability to receive criticism. Allow it to fuel your enthusiasm for sharing your message with as many people as you can.Like Warren Buffet, inspire yourself, motivate yourself, and practice as often as you can. The more you do something that scares you, the less frightening it becomes over time.With enough practice and determination, you may start enjoying your time speaking in front of an audience. 

References:

“5 TED Talk Secrets for Persuasive PowerPoint Presentations.” SlideGenius, Inc. April 29, 2015. Accessed May 4, 2015.Ericsson, K. Anders, and Ralf Th Krampe. “The Role of Deliberate Practice in the Acquisition of Expert Performance.” Institute of Cognitive Science, December 1992, 3-68.Gallo, Carmine. “How Warren Buffett And Joel Osteen Conquered Their Terrifying Fear Of Public Speaking.” Business Insider. May 16, 2013. Accessed May 4, 2015.Schroeder, Alice. The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life. New York: Bantam, 2009.”Self-Evaluation Guide after a PowerPoint Presentation.” SlideGenius, Inc. April 22, 2015. Accessed May 4, 2015.Featured Image: Huffington Post

How to Turn a Business Plan into a Great Pitch Deck for Investors

investment powerpoint

pitch deck

Jul 11, 2014

Turning a business plan into a pitch deck requires distilling key information into a clear, concise, and engaging format that appeals to investors. While a business plan covers every detail of your company, a pitch deck should highlight the most critical aspects of your strategy in a way that captures attention. Here’s how to transform your business plan into a winning pitch deck.

1. Start with Your Value Proposition

Your value proposition is one of the most important elements of your pitch deck. This slide should clearly state what your company does, the problem it solves, and why it’s unique.Why It’s Important:

  • Grabs Attention: Investors need to quickly understand what sets your business apart.
  • Sets the Tone: Starting with a strong value proposition sets the tone for the rest of your pitch.

How to Do It:

  • Summarize your business in one or two sentences that convey your value, market opportunity, and unique selling proposition.

2. Highlight the Market Opportunity

Investors want to know the size and scope of the market you’re targeting. Use data and visuals to convey the potential for growth and demand for your product or service.Why It’s Important:

  • Validates Your Business: Showing that you’re addressing a large, growing market makes your business more attractive to investors.
  • Justifies Investment: Investors need to see the opportunity for a strong return on their investment.

How to Do It:

  • Include charts or graphs to illustrate market size, growth rates, and trends. Be specific about your target market and its potential.

3. Focus on Your Business Model

Your pitch deck should clearly explain how your business makes money. Investors are looking for a sustainable and scalable business model that can generate profits over time.Why It’s Important:

  • Demonstrates Profitability: A clear, sustainable business model reassures investors that your company has long-term potential.
  • Clarifies Revenue Streams: Investors want to understand how you plan to generate revenue and the potential for growth.

How to Do It:

  • Outline your key revenue streams, pricing strategy, and customer acquisition model in a simple, easy-to-follow format.

4. Showcase Your Team

Investors invest in people as much as they invest in ideas. Highlight the key members of your team and their relevant experience and expertise.Why It’s Important:

  • Builds Credibility: A strong, experienced team can increase investor confidence in your ability to execute your plan.
  • Shows Leadership: Investors want to see that your team has the skills and knowledge to overcome challenges and grow the business.

How to Do It:

  • Include short bios with key accomplishments for each member of your leadership team. Focus on their experience, industry knowledge, and relevant skills.

5. Outline Your Financial Projections

Financial projections are essential in demonstrating your company’s growth potential and profitability. While you don’t need to provide exhaustive details, you should include key financial metrics.Why It’s Important:

  • Informs Investment Decisions: Investors need to see your projections to understand the potential return on their investment.
  • Shows Growth Potential: Strong financial forecasts indicate that your company is poised for growth.

How to Do It:

  • Present a high-level overview of your financial projections for the next 3-5 years, including revenue, expenses, and profit margins. Use clear visuals to support your numbers.

6. Present Your Funding Needs

Clearly outline how much funding you’re seeking and how you plan to use it. This section should tie back to your financial projections and business strategy.Why It’s Important:

  • Clarifies Your Ask: Investors need to know exactly how much you’re asking for and what you’ll do with the money.
  • Justifies the Investment: Showing how the funds will drive growth and profitability helps justify the investment.

How to Do It:

  • Break down your funding needs by categories such as product development, marketing, and operations. Be specific about how the funds will accelerate growth.

7. End with a Call to Action

Conclude your pitch deck with a strong call to action that invites investors to take the next step. Whether it’s setting up a meeting, scheduling a demo, or following up with more information, make it clear what you want from them.Why It’s Important:

  • Encourages Action: A strong call to action prompts investors to engage with you further.
  • Leaves a Lasting Impression: Ending with a clear ask helps ensure your pitch is memorable.

How to Do It:

  • Include contact information and suggest a next step, such as scheduling a meeting or follow-up call.

Final Thoughts

Turning your business plan into a compelling pitch deck requires distilling your company’s most important aspects into a concise, engaging format. Focus on your value proposition, market opportunity, business model, and team while backing up your claims with data and visuals. By clearly outlining your funding needs and ending with a call to action, you’ll be well-positioned to attract investor interest.

4 TED Talks to Inspire Innovative Thinking in Your Company

TED talks

Jun 27, 2014

Forbes contributor Cheryl Conner recently shared five TED Talks for entrepreneurs in search of creativity and inspiration. While the presentations she chose offered practical tips for those looking for continued success in business ventures, all of them offer great advice for anyone who  wants to enhance their careers.Living up to its motto, “ideas worth sharing,” TED is never short on great presentations. We’re expecting even more when TED Global 2014 rolls around this October. While we wait for a fresh set of ideas, here are four TED Talks that can help inspire innovative thinking in your company—regardless of where you are on the corporate ladder.

Shawn Achor: ‘The happy secret to better work’

We’re often taught that happiness follows success, but psychologist Shawn Achor believes otherwise. In his TED Talk, Shawn offers that we reverse this formula. Actually, it’s happiness that inspires productivity.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLJsdqxnZb0

90 percent of your long-term happiness is predicted not by the external world, but by the way your brain processes the world. And if we change it, if we change our formula for happiness and success, what we can do is change the way that we can then affect reality. What we found is that only 25 percent of job successes are predicted by I.Q. 75 percent of job successes are predicted by your optimism levels, your social support and your ability to see stress as a challenge instead of as a threat.

Kathryn Schulz: ‘Don’t regret regret’

Kathryn Schulz is a writer that specializes on ‘Wrongology’. In this TED Talk, she discusses the all-too-familiar feeling of regret, and how we should use it as a positive source of motivation.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka8L1YMR88U

You’re going to experience more regret in that situation if you missed your flight by three minutes than if you missed it by 20. Why? Well because, if you miss your flight by three minutes, it is painfully easy to imagine that you could have made different decisions that would have led to a better outcome. “I should have taken the bridge and not the tunnel. I should have gone through that yellow light.” These are the classic conditions that create regret. We feel regret when we think we are responsible for a decision that came out badly, but almost came out well.

Stanley McChrystal: ‘Listen, learn… then lead’

Four-star general Stanley McChrystal used to be the commander of the U.S. and International forces in Afghanistan. For his TED Talk, he shares how he managed to lead people of different backgrounds, skills, and ages into working toward a common goal.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmpIMt95ndU

And as soon as I hit, the first thing I did is I’d see if I’d broken anything that I needed. I’d shake my head, and I’d ask myself the eternal question: “Why didn’t I go into banking?” (Laughter) And I’d look around, and then I’d see another paratrooper, a young guy or girl, and they’d have pulled out their M4 carbine and they’d be picking up their equipment. They’d be doing everything that we had taught them. And I realized that, if they had to go into combat, they would do what we had taught them and they would follow leaders. And I realized that, if they came out of combat, it would be because we led them well. And I was hooked again on the importance of what I did.

Nilofer Merchant: ‘Got a meeting? Take a walk’

It might seem like an odd idea to have a business meeting while taking a walk, but as corporate director Nilofer Merchant suggests, fresh air and exercise can have a huge impact on how you think.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE9HMudybyc

And if we’re going to solve problems and look at the world really differently, whether it’s in governance or business or environmental issues, job creation, maybe we can think about how to reframe those problems as having both things be true. Because it was when that happened with this walk-and-talk idea that things became doable and sustainable and viable.

Find more inspiring presentations at the TED Talks library. Featured Image: Gisela Giardino via Flickr

Technology PowerPoint: Developing a Killer Presentation for Your Video Game Pitch

game industry

gameplay

technology powerpoint

video game

Jun 19, 2014

The video game industry is highly competitive, and creating a compelling pitch for your game can be the difference between success and failure. A well-structured, visually dynamic PowerPoint presentation can help you convey your game’s unique selling points and capture the attention of investors, publishers, or potential partners. Whether you’re an indie developer or a part of a larger team, your pitch should combine clear messaging, captivating visuals, and a concise narrative that showcases your game’s potential.Here’s how to develop a killer video game pitch using PowerPoint:

1. Start with a Strong Concept Introduction

The opening slide should grab attention right away by introducing your game concept with a clear and compelling hook. This is your chance to communicate what makes your game unique and exciting.How to Do It:

  • Create an attention-grabbing title and tagline that summarizes your game’s concept.
  • Include a key visual, such as the game’s logo, concept art, or an in-game screenshot.
  • Briefly explain the core gameplay, genre, and target audience.

Example: “Introducing Galactic Odyssey – A space exploration game where players can chart unknown worlds, battle alien species, and shape the future of an intergalactic empire.”

2. Highlight the Gameplay Mechanics

One of the most important parts of a video game pitch is explaining how the game will be played. This includes detailing the core mechanics, gameplay loop, and what players can expect in terms of challenges and rewards.How to Do It:

  • Use screenshots, GIFs, or short video clips to visually demonstrate key gameplay features.
  • Break down the gameplay into its core elements, such as combat, exploration, puzzle-solving, or story progression.
  • Highlight unique mechanics that set your game apart from competitors.

Example: Include a slide showing the core loop of exploration, resource gathering, and shipbuilding in your space exploration game, with each step clearly visualized.

3. Showcase Your Art and Aesthetic

Visual appeal is critical in video game pitches. Investors and publishers want to see that the game has a clear artistic direction and style. Use your presentation to showcase concept art, character designs, environments, and UI elements that define the game’s look and feel.How to Do It:

  • Include high-quality concept art, in-game visuals, or 3D models to give a sense of the game’s atmosphere.
  • Use slides that highlight character designs, world-building elements, and special visual effects.
  • Provide insight into how the art style complements the game’s mechanics and narrative.

Example: Create a slide showing different alien species and their designs, explaining how each visual style reflects their unique abilities and cultures in the game.

4. Define the Target Market and Audience

Understanding your target audience is key to selling your game. Investors want to know who will buy your game, why it appeals to them, and how you plan to reach them.How to Do It:

  • Use demographics, player personas, or market research to identify your primary audience.
  • Explain why your game will appeal to this audience—what specific needs or interests does it address?
  • Provide examples of similar successful games and how yours will stand out in the market.

Example: “Our primary audience consists of 18-35-year-olds who enjoy strategy and resource management games like Stellaris and No Man’s Sky. Our unique feature set will appeal to players looking for a deeper exploration experience.”

5. Outline the Business Model and Monetization Strategy

The financial viability of your game is a critical concern for potential investors. Be clear about how the game will generate revenue, whether through initial sales, in-game purchases, subscriptions, or other methods.How to Do It:

  • Describe the pricing model—whether it’s a one-time purchase, free-to-play with in-app purchases, or subscription-based.
  • Highlight potential revenue streams such as downloadable content (DLC), expansions, or microtransactions.
  • Provide revenue projections or a sales forecast based on market research.

Example: “Galactic Odyssey will launch as a $29.99 premium game, with future revenue generated through expansion packs and cosmetic microtransactions.”

6. Provide a Development Timeline and Milestones

Investors need to understand the project’s development roadmap. Include a timeline that outlines key milestones, such as pre-production, alpha and beta stages, and the planned release date.How to Do It:

  • Present a clear timeline showing where the game currently stands and the milestones you expect to achieve over time.
  • Identify any major dependencies or risks that could impact the timeline.
  • Include a projected release date and plans for marketing or promotional activities leading up to the launch.

Example: “We are currently in pre-production, with alpha testing scheduled for Q2 2024, beta testing by Q4 2024, and a full release in Q2 2025.”

7. End with a Call to Action

Your final slide should make it clear what you want from the audience, whether it’s investment, partnership opportunities, or another form of support. Include your contact information and be ready to answer questions.How to Do It:

  • Clearly state what you are seeking, whether it’s funding, publishing support, or marketing partnerships.
  • Provide contact information for follow-up.
  • End with a memorable, visually impactful slide that leaves a lasting impression.

Example: “Join us in bringing Galactic Odyssey to life. Contact us to learn more about investment opportunities and partnership options.”

Final Thoughts

A killer video game pitch combines compelling visuals, clear gameplay explanations, and a well-structured narrative to capture your audience’s attention. By focusing on the unique aspects of your game, its target market, and the potential for success, you can create a PowerPoint presentation that not only informs but excites investors, publishers, and partners.

Map Out Your Presentation With Mind Mapping

ConceptDraw

iMindMap

mind mapping

Rick Enrico

Jun 13, 2014

Mind mapping is a powerful tool for organizing ideas visually, making it easier to structure presentations and communicate complex information. By creating a mind map, you can break down topics into manageable parts, find connections between concepts, and create a logical flow for your presentation. Here’s how you can use mind mapping to enhance your presentations.

1. Organize Your Thoughts Visually

Mind maps allow you to organize your ideas in a visual format, with a central theme or topic branching out into subtopics. This structure helps you see the big picture while also breaking down specific details.Why It’s Important:

  • Simplifies Complex Topics: Mind maps help you break down large, complex topics into smaller, more digestible parts.
  • Provides Clarity: The visual format allows you to clearly see the relationships between ideas and ensures nothing important is overlooked.

How to Do It:

  • Start with the main topic of your presentation in the center of the map, then branch out to key points and subpoints.
  • Use colors, images, or symbols to differentiate ideas and make the mind map easier to read.

2. Create a Logical Flow

A well-structured mind map helps you organize your presentation in a logical sequence. By seeing how your ideas connect, you can create a clear and cohesive flow that guides your audience through the presentation.Why It’s Important:

  • Improves Flow: Mind mapping ensures that each section of your presentation flows logically into the next, creating a cohesive narrative.
  • Engages the Audience: A clear, well-organized presentation is easier for your audience to follow and understand.

How to Do It:

  • Use the mind map to outline the order of your presentation, ensuring that each point builds upon the last.
  • Identify the natural transitions between sections and use these to guide the flow of your presentation.

3. Identify Gaps and Connections

Mind mapping allows you to identify any gaps in your content or areas where additional information might be needed. It also helps you see connections between ideas that you may not have considered initially.Why It’s Important:

  • Ensures Comprehensive Coverage: Mind maps help you identify any areas that need more detail or explanation.
  • Strengthens Arguments: Finding connections between ideas can help you build stronger, more cohesive arguments.

How to Do It:

  • As you create your mind map, look for any gaps in your branches where additional points or explanations are needed.
  • Draw connections between related ideas to strengthen the overall argument or narrative of your presentation.

4. Use Mind Maps for Audience Interaction

Mind maps can also be used as an interactive tool during your presentation. By displaying a mind map on a slide, you can show the audience the structure of your presentation and walk them through each section in a clear, visual format.Why It’s Important:

  • Engages the Audience: Visual aids like mind maps keep your audience engaged by providing a clear overview of your content.
  • Helps the Audience Follow Along: Showing the overall structure of your presentation helps the audience understand where each section fits within the bigger picture.

How to Do It:

  • Display a simplified version of your mind map at the beginning of your presentation to provide an overview.
  • Refer back to the mind map as you move through each section to remind the audience of the overall structure.

5. Adapt Your Mind Map into Slides

Once your mind map is complete, you can easily adapt it into individual PowerPoint slides. Each branch of the mind map can become a new slide or section of your presentation, providing a ready-made outline to guide your slide creation.Why It’s Important:

  • Streamlines Slide Creation: Mind maps provide a clear structure that makes it easier to translate ideas into individual slides.
  • Maintains Cohesiveness: Following the structure of the mind map ensures that your slides flow logically and consistently.

How to Do It:

  • Take each main branch of your mind map and create a slide or section for it in your presentation.
  • Use the subtopics from each branch to guide the content of each slide, ensuring that the presentation follows a logical sequence.

Final Thoughts

Mind mapping is an invaluable tool for organizing your ideas, structuring your presentation, and ensuring a clear, logical flow of information. By visually breaking down complex topics and identifying connections between ideas, you can create a presentation that’s easy for both you and your audience to follow. Whether you’re brainstorming new content or refining an existing presentation, mind mapping can help you build a more cohesive and engaging presentation.

Just Scroll With It: Why Convert Your Slides into a Scrolling Web Presentation

Powerpoint

presentation

scrolling web presentation

slide deck

slides

web page

Jun 06, 2014

In today’s fast-paced digital world, static slide presentations can feel limiting and outdated. Converting your traditional slide deck into a scrolling web presentation can offer a more dynamic, engaging, and user-friendly experience for your audience. Here’s why you should consider making the switch.

1. Improved Engagement

A scrolling web presentation allows viewers to consume content at their own pace, which can lead to increased engagement and retention. Instead of passively clicking through slides, users can actively scroll through content, interacting with it more naturally.Why It’s Important:

  • Encourages Interaction: Scrolling presentations are more interactive, keeping the audience engaged.
  • Caters to Different Viewing Speeds: Audiences can move through the presentation at their own pace, ensuring they absorb the information thoroughly.

How to Do It:

  • Use tools like Microsoft Sway, Prezi, or websites built on platforms like WordPress to convert your slide deck into a seamless, scrolling experience.

2. Flexibility Across Devices

Scrolling presentations are often easier to view on different devices, including smartphones and tablets. This format is especially useful for remote or mobile users, ensuring your content is accessible and visually appealing regardless of screen size.Why It’s Important:

  • Mobile Optimization: Scrolling presentations translate well across devices, ensuring a consistent experience for all users.
  • Increases Accessibility: By ensuring compatibility across devices, you can reach a wider audience.

How to Do It:

  • Use responsive design elements in your presentation to ensure it adapts well to both desktop and mobile screens.

3. Continuous Narrative Flow

Traditional slides often break up content, making it harder for viewers to follow a cohesive story. Scrolling presentations, on the other hand, offer a continuous narrative flow, making it easier to guide viewers through a logical progression of information.Why It’s Important:

  • Streamlines Storytelling: The continuous nature of scrolling allows you to maintain a smooth narrative flow.
  • Enhances Clarity: Viewers can easily follow the progression of your ideas without the disruption of slide transitions.

How to Do It:

  • Structure your content to flow naturally, using a clear beginning, middle, and end. Consider breaking up long blocks of text with visuals to maintain engagement.

4. Incorporates Interactive Elements

Web-based presentations allow for more interactive elements, such as clickable images, embedded videos, and dynamic infographics. These features not only make your presentation more engaging but also give your audience more control over how they interact with your content.Why It’s Important:

  • Increases Engagement: Interactive elements keep your audience actively involved with the content.
  • Enhances Understanding: Videos and infographics can help explain complex concepts more effectively than static slides.

How to Do It:

  • Embed multimedia content, such as videos and interactive graphs, to provide a richer, more engaging experience for your audience.

5. Greater Shareability

Scrolling presentations are typically easier to share via web links, making them more convenient for distribution. This format is ideal for virtual meetings, emails, and social media, ensuring that your content reaches your intended audience without needing to download large files.Why It’s Important:

  • Simplifies Sharing: A web-based format makes it easy to distribute your presentation through a simple link.
  • Increases Reach: By making your content more shareable, you increase the chances of it being viewed by a larger audience.

How to Do It:

  • Publish your presentation on a platform that provides easy-to-share URLs, and promote it across your digital channels for maximum visibility.

Final Thoughts

Converting your traditional slides into a scrolling web presentation offers a more modern, dynamic, and engaging way to present information. With improved engagement, flexibility, and shareability, this format is ideal for today’s mobile, digital-first audience. By leveraging the benefits of scrolling presentations, you can create a seamless experience that captivates your viewers from start to finish.

Adventure Time Lessons for Preparing Your Presentation

adventure time

Jun 04, 2014

Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time is one of those kid shows that have crossed generational boundaries and become a hit among adult viewers. Sure, animated shows for older viewers have been produced before (Beavis and Butthead comes to mind. And then there’s The Simpsons). Adventure Time, however, is a charming, honest-to-goodness children’s cartoon that just happens to appeal to adults.

So what is it about the show that pulls the grownups? Maybe it’s nostalgia (the old-school RPG Dungeons and Dragons was an inspiration) or the characters’ dark and witty sense of humor. Whatever it is, Adventure Time has made many of us look beyond the cartoon’s candy-colored fairy-tale exterior and appreciate the lessons in each episode. BuzzFeed has even created a post, “lessons for living a better life,” in reaction to the shows’ positive appeal.

In response, we are also creating our own list of things that we have learned from the show and how they apply to PowerPoint design.

Focus on what matters

The show follows Finn, a young boy, and his dog friend Jake, who possesses super stretching powers, as they fight candy zombies and foul gnomes in the Land of Ooo. In one episode, Finn overanlyzes a conversation he had with his ex-girlfriend, Flame Princess. The princess didn’t laugh at Finn’s joke. This prompted our hero to overthink their relationship and jump to conclusions. Thankfully, Jake the dog knocked some sense into him.

What he told the boy can also be applied to presenters who are too absorbed in unnecessary PowerPoint details. Stop being hung up on imaginary problems but rather, focus on what’s real.

In designing PowerPoint slides, many of us tend to be anxious about what elements to include in hopes of creating an impact. We forget that the message is more important than any flashy graphics or fancy animation and sound effects.

Never underestimate people  

Many characters in the show appear unassuming yet capable of surprising you in the end. Cinnamon Bun is one of them. A typical lovable oaf, this guy was always underestimated by everyone. Nobody expected him to do anything extraordinary. Until in one episode, wherein he saved the day and got the girl. Finn’s reaction was priceless. “Did I just get shown up by Cinnamon Bun?”

One of the mistakes that you can make in delivering a presentation is underestimating your audience. This may show in the poor quality of your slides and lack of interest in making proper preparation. “They are just there to listen. Why should I even prepare?” You’ll get your answer after the presentation, when the audience starts throwing questions at you.

It’s okay not get it right the first time

Novice presenters can learn so much from this line from Jake:

adventure time lesson

You can apply this to any situation but if you’re being hard on yourself because of an initial presentation failure, take heart and remember this advice.

Stay optimistic – even if you don’t have enough sleep

And after several sleepless nights of designing your slides and practicing your speech, you may feel worried that you won’t be able to pull it off. Don’t worry. Princess Bubblegum (the ruler of the Candy Kingdom and friend of Finn and Jake) has something to say about that.

Jake: Princess Bubblegum, are you okay?

Princess Bubblegum: Yeah, I’m fine. I’m good. Haven’t slept for a solid 83 hours, but… yeah, I’m good.

‘Nuff said.

Why It Matters to Have a Quality Healthcare PowerPoint

healthcare industry

healthcare powerpoint

powerpoint presentation

professional powerpoint

May 28, 2014

A smiling elderly male doctor with white hair and beard is wearing a white coat and a stethoscope around his neck. He stands in a bright room with large windows behind him, reminiscent of the clean aesthetics often used for animations in pitch decks.

In the healthcare industry, effective communication is essential for educating patients, training professionals, and presenting critical data. A high-quality PowerPoint presentation can make a significant difference in delivering complex information clearly and engagingly. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, researcher, or administrator, a well-crafted PowerPoint can enhance understanding, support decision-making, and improve outcomes.

Here’s why it matters to have a quality healthcare PowerPoint:

1. Clarity in Communicating Complex Information

Healthcare often involves the presentation of intricate and technical data, such as medical procedures, research findings, or treatment plans. A quality PowerPoint breaks down these complexities into clear, digestible content, allowing both healthcare professionals and non-experts to understand and act on the information.

Why It Matters:

  • Improved Understanding: Medical terminology and data can be overwhelming. A well-designed presentation uses visuals, such as charts, infographics, and diagrams, to simplify and explain concepts clearly.
  • Consistency: Quality PowerPoints ensure that the same accurate and standardized information is communicated, reducing the risk of misinterpretation or errors.
  • Audience Engagement: Well-organized slides with clear, concise content make it easier for your audience to stay focused and grasp the key points.

Example:

When explaining a new surgical technique, using a step-by-step visual diagram along with brief, clearly written descriptions can help both medical staff and patients better understand the procedure and its benefits.

2. Professionalism and Credibility

In healthcare, credibility and professionalism are paramount. A polished, professional PowerPoint presentation demonstrates that the presenter has prepared thoroughly and takes the subject matter seriously. It reflects the quality and reliability of the institution, research, or practice being presented.

Why It Matters:

  • Building Trust: Whether addressing colleagues, stakeholders, or patients, a high-quality presentation builds trust and shows that you are organized, knowledgeable, and credible.
  • Reinforcing Expertise: A well-crafted PowerPoint enhances the presenter’s authority on the topic, ensuring that the audience perceives the information as accurate and reliable.
  • Consistent Branding: For institutions, consistency in presentation design, colors, and logos reinforces the brand and reflects a professional, organized approach.

Example:

When presenting a new hospital policy to the board, a sleek, well-organized PowerPoint with clear data visualization and consistent branding helps position your institution as professional and forward-thinking.

3. Better Patient Education

Patients often need clear, concise, and visually engaging information to understand their diagnoses, treatment options, or medical procedures. A well-designed PowerPoint presentation can significantly enhance patient education efforts, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.

Why It Matters:

  • Simplifying Medical Jargon: Many patients find medical terminology confusing. A quality PowerPoint can use visuals, such as illustrations or animations, to explain complex medical terms in a way that is easy to grasp.
  • Visual Aids for Learning: People learn better with visuals. For example, using an infographic to show the process of managing a chronic condition makes the information more accessible and memorable.
  • Improved Compliance: Patients who understand their treatment options or care plans are more likely to comply with medical advice, leading to better health outcomes.

Example:

A PowerPoint presentation on diabetes management for newly diagnosed patients could include simplified graphics on how insulin works, interactive slides for tracking blood sugar, and step-by-step guides on dietary adjustments.

4. Enhancing Training and Education for Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals are continually learning—whether through medical training, continuing education, or research updates. High-quality PowerPoint presentations are essential tools for conveying important information in an organized and efficient manner, ensuring that learning is effective.

Why It Matters:

  • Retention of Information: Visuals, summaries, and well-structured slides help healthcare professionals retain complex medical information more effectively.
  • Standardized Learning: A professional PowerPoint ensures that all training sessions, whether conducted in person or remotely, deliver the same high-quality content.
  • Interactive Learning: Incorporating quizzes, case studies, or interactive elements into a presentation encourages active participation, improving engagement and knowledge retention.

Example:

In a medical training session on handling emergency situations, a PowerPoint presentation with case scenarios, decision-making flowcharts, and interactive assessments can help medical professionals apply what they’ve learned in real-world situations.

5. Data Visualization for Research and Analysis

In healthcare research, data plays a crucial role. Whether you are presenting clinical trial results, patient outcomes, or research findings, high-quality data visualization in your PowerPoint presentation helps make the information understandable and actionable.

Why It Matters:

  • Clarity in Data Representation: A well-designed PowerPoint can present large datasets in a clear and concise way, using charts, graphs, and tables to highlight key insights.
  • Highlighting Trends and Comparisons: PowerPoints help audiences see important trends, comparisons, or correlations that may not be immediately apparent in raw data.
  • Supporting Decision-Making: Accurate and clear data visualization allows stakeholders to make informed decisions about research directions, policy changes, or clinical practices.

Example:

A researcher presenting the results of a clinical trial could use bar graphs to show comparative outcomes between a new treatment and standard care, making it easier for the audience to evaluate the efficacy of the new approach.

6. Effective Collaboration and Decision-Making

Healthcare often involves collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, including doctors, nurses, administrators, and external partners. A high-quality PowerPoint can facilitate better communication and collaboration by providing clear, structured information that everyone can follow and understand.

Why It Matters:

  • Aligned Understanding: A professional presentation ensures that all team members, regardless of their role or background, are aligned with the same information and can make decisions based on a unified understanding.
  • Simplified Communication: For teams working on complex healthcare initiatives, a well-organized PowerPoint simplifies communication by presenting data, strategies, and goals in a clear and structured manner.
  • Facilitating Discussions: PowerPoint slides can help guide discussions, ensuring meetings stay focused and productive.

Example:

In a strategy meeting about improving hospital operations, a PowerPoint presentation that outlines data, goals, and action plans helps all team members contribute to the discussion and collaborate effectively on decision-making.

7. Supporting Public Health Education and Awareness

Public health campaigns, whether about vaccinations, disease prevention, or lifestyle changes, rely on effective communication. High-quality PowerPoint presentations can play a pivotal role in educating the public and increasing awareness about important health issues.

Why It Matters:

  • Reach a Wider Audience: A visually engaging and clear PowerPoint can be used in community health seminars, schools, or public webinars to effectively reach diverse audiences.
  • Increasing Retention: Simplified slides with key messages and visuals increase the likelihood that your audience will remember the information and act on it.
  • Consistent Messaging: Ensuring that your presentation is well-designed and accurate means that your messaging will remain consistent, even when presented by different healthcare providers.

Example:

A public health presentation on flu prevention could use infographics to show how flu viruses spread, highlight the importance of vaccinations, and offer simple tips for maintaining hygiene during flu season.

Conclusion

A high-quality healthcare PowerPoint presentation is essential for effectively communicating important information in a clear, organized, and engaging way. Whether educating patients, training healthcare professionals, presenting research, or collaborating on decisions, a well-designed PowerPoint enhances the understanding, professionalism, and impact of your message. Investing time in creating a visually appealing, well-structured presentation can improve communication, lead to better outcomes, and build trust with your audience.