Category: Infographics

Why ‘Planning Analog’ is Better than ‘Going Digital?’

business presentation

planning analog

Powerpoint

powerpoint presentation

Presentations

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Jun 29, 2016

There are two basic steps to planning: conceptualizing, and organizing your ideas. These steps determine your presentation’s core message. After all, you won’t be able to discover what points would work and what wouldn’t without careful planning. This involves in-depth research and freewriting before you can come up with the best ideas that you can focus on. But where do most presenters begin when planning for their pitch and deck? In some cases, most of them go digital to start the process. They use presentation software programs like PowerPoint to identify and structure their discussion points. Alternatively, some still prefer writing down and outlining rough ideas using the analog approach. They use this method to allow their thoughts to flow naturally without the distraction of any digital devices. You might be asking, between these two methods, where do you begin planning your business presentation? Should you think digital, or plan analog? In this post, we’ll cover how planning analog is more effective than the digital method. However, before we proceed, let’s examine how each approach differs to determine which one best suits your purposes.

A man in a white shirt sits at a desk with a laptop in a modern office, reflecting on enhancing client experience slides for consulting firms. Gazing off to the side, he rests his chin on his hands. The softly lit office features glass walls and chairs scattered among desks in the background.

The Downside of ‘Planning Digital’

Nothing’s wrong with going digital when you start throwing in all your presentation ideas. It actually helps you do straight edits and modifications on your slides, making your work easier. While others may view this approach as helpful, some may not agree with putting their ideas straight to the deck. Just by doing it often might negatively affect the deck’s overall quality.PowerPoint offers support to your performance, but it can also distract the crowd when your edits result in a cluttered slide deck. Outlining your thoughts this way limits your ideas from flowing naturally since you’re editing on the fly. Giving in to what PowerPoint can provide makes you stay within your comfort zone. With a digital device on hand, planning won’t be smooth sailing compared to an idea generated with a pen and paper.

The Benefits of ‘Planning Analog’

The analog technique uses brainstorming as a mind-mapping strategy to dig up brilliant ideas. It enables speakers to generate ideas on a paper, sticky note, or whiteboard, helping you to flesh out more important points for your topic. Here are more good reasons why you should opt for this approach during the planning stage:

a. Provides Clearer Objectives

Listing down your ideas helps you determine what you want your audience to understand, even if this list was made on a simple sticky note. This involves bringing together your key points and highlighting your presentation’s main message. Also, it gives you an idea of identifying what objectives will successfully execute your plans.In this way, you can think of effective strategies that will not only generate audience interest, but will also guide you in creating an outline that compresses your thoughts.Focus on your goals to develop cohesive content that emphasizes your core objective.

b. Reinforces Creativity

Structuring your pitch using a pen and a paper allows you to come up with better ideas to improve your visuals. Choosing these traditional drawing tools helps you produce different concepts relevant to your subject.Dumping your thoughts straight to PowerPoint can make your deck’s structure look haphazard since content weren’t arranged systematically beforehand. When planning, consider going to other places where you can discover new ideas that can build up your pitch. Squeeze out your creative juices by creating a storyboard using traditional tools. This lets you sort out and prioritize your points first.

c. Saves Time

It doesn’t only unleash your creative side, but it also saves you time when creating a perfectly-designed deck. Planning analog gives you more time to categorize and specify each idea that you’ve gathered and thought of.According to sales trainer Jerson James, arranging your ideas using a computer will only distract you with other things. These distractions include email alerts and even other office tasks, which only draw attention away from your main priority.Time yourself when organizing your thoughts. Even something as simple as taking a five to ten-minute breather to sort out your ideas can help you arrange everything afterwards.

Let’s Go Analog!

Whether you prefer to do it on your laptop or on a piece of paper, planning is important to deliver your message effectively. Choosing between planning digital and analog isn’t a problem. Skipping the stage can only make things worse. However, using the analog approach is more advisable since it opens a doorway of great and clearer ideas, as James wrote in his article. Remove any barriers when planning for a visually-appealing presentation. Concentrate on drafting your pitch to produce clearer objectives that’ll help you achieve your main goal. Use traditional tools to reinforce creativity that offers fresh, new perspectives that’ll entice the audience. Plan analog to save time and keep you from any distractions that’ll put the entire presentation at stake. Once you’re done, then you can open your PowerPoint and execute your plans to craft a winning deck. Need a well-designed PowerPoint presentation? Contact the SlideGenius team now to get a free quote!

Reference

James, Jerson. “Preparing for a Presentation? Think Analog.” LinkedIn. July 13, 2014. Accessed October 19, 2015. www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140713181747-35264839-preparing-for-a-presentation-think-analog

How Does Fidgeting Affect Your Professional Presentation?

bad habit

body language

fidgeting

nonverbal clues

preparation

presentation

presentation tips

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Jun 01, 2016

Good posture is essential in public speaking because it allows you to project confidence. Slouching, swaying, and moving restlessly will only make you look nervous and unprepared.Projecting yourself professionally involves cutting off bad habits like fidgeting. If you aren’t aware of how it can affect your performance, you’ll end up distracting and disappointing your audience.Fidgeting is a display of constant movements that disturb others. In her book, How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships, internationally acclaimed communications expert and motivational speaker Leil Lowndes advises presenters to avoid committing the behavior: “Whenever your conversation really counts, let your nose itch, your ear tingle, or your foot prickle. Do not fidget, twitch, wiggle, squirm, or scratch.”Fiddling with your notes, playing with your hands, loosening your collar, and gripping the lectern’s corners are only a few examples of this behavior.Presenters subconsciously fidget when they’re experiencing performance anxiety or stage fright, which trigger stress hormones. Here are a few tips to cut off the bad habit and ace your professional presentation:

Observe Yourself

According to public speaking coach Jacki Rose, body language makes up the biggest part of successful communication. As you rehearse, consider recording yourself to observe how you behave during your pitch. It doesn’t only help you identify what you need to improve on; it also lets you pinpoint what needs to be removed, including unnecessary movements.Ask your peers to watch you and let them give feedback afterward. Do this several times and review what causes you to commit the same habit. Is it because of technical problems? Did someone from your listeners distract you?Once you recognize what prompted this act, use your positive habits to counter the negative ones and emphasize your ideas. If tapping your foot on the ground is one of those good habits, start stepping forward when explaining a certain point.

Take Time to Relax

You might think this is common for presenters, but it’s not.Reminding yourself to relax releases tension and lets you focus on what you need to accomplish. If speaking in front of a large crowd makes you fidget, develop positive self-talk and feed yourself with encouraging thoughts.Worrying won’t help. Believing in yourself improves your confidence, allowing you to maintain a positive outlook while speaking in public. Never allow fear to overpower your self-esteem. Calm your nerves by breathing deeply to soothe anxiety. With deliberate practice, you can improve your strengths and slowly overcome your weaknesses.

Be Well-Prepared

Whether you’re a skilled veteran or a novice, preparation is still vital for your success. Delivery is more important than well-prepared visuals in achieving an effective presentation.Preparation involves training yourself. In this case, you’re training to catch yourself fidgeting or projecting unnecessary gestures. Stand in front of a mirror to give you an idea of how you look while presenting.Once you’re ready, you’ll be more confident to speak and convince your audience to listen.

Stop Fidgeting

You won’t be able to overcome negative behavior without figuring out what causes bad mannerisms. Having a positive mindset will help you move toward achieving self-confidence.Remember, your audience doesn’t only rely on your presentation’s content. Nonverbal cues also contribute in interpreting your message clearly. Break bad habits by observing yourself, calming your nerves, and being well-equipped to prevent any distractions that can ruin your performance and delay your success.Resist the temptation to start fidgeting and notice how it makes you a better presenter.Back up your skills with a well-designed PowerPoint presentation by letting our team to assist and offer you a free quote!

References

Lowndes, Leil. How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships. Chicago, IL: Contemporary Books, 2003.Rose, Jacki. “Body Language – stop your nervous fidgeting!” Public Speaking Can Be Fun, January 8, 2007. www.publicspeakingcanbefun.blogspot.com/2007/01/body-language-stop-your-nervous.html

Using Laser Pointers for Effective PowerPoint Presentations

body language

laser pointer

presentation

presentation tip

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

May 18, 2016

How often do you use a laser pointer to highlight a key point on your slide? Though they’re useful tools for your presentation, laser pens or pointers can unintentionally distract audiences from focusing on your topic. This may happen when you’re overly focused on highlighting a certain point on your deck instead of explaining each idea clearly from your pitch.While they can help you emphasize a particular idea projected onscreen, they can also keep you from actively engaging your listeners. How? Pointing out something on your slides forces you to look at it rather than establishing an eye contact with your audience. If done frequently, it might prevent you from moving closer to the crowd and interacting with them.

To Use or Not to Use?

Pointing at data or objects on the slide with a laser pointer easily attracts attention. This is because the human eye is more sensitive to things in motion rather than still ones. That said, a gleaming and clear dot can be easily detected by our eyes, causing others to pay attention to the detail being pointed out.However, there are speakers who subconsciously wave it around the room. The reason might be forgetting to turn it off while trying to expound on facts and arguments. Other presenters can also mistakenly point it at their audience. This is why in-depth practice is needed to avoid such incidents. When preparing for the big day, make sure to rehearse your pitch together with your slides to give you an idea when to use the laser pointer when delivering your message.Whether caused by nervousness or unsteady hands, these actions negatively impact your presentation. Instead of drawing your audience to your performance and directing them to pay attention to your slides, they might get disturbed and distracted. This, in turn, will keep them from getting the intended message and understanding your point.This is why you need to be careful in handling this tool to avoid losing their interest.

What Should You Do?

You may be asking if a mere pointing device can really improve and strengthen your pitch. However, the answer may depend more on how you convey your message.With or without a laser pointer, an engaging and dynamic approach keeps your audience in tune with your discussion. However, in this post, we’ll focus on how its usage makes an effective pitch.Indeed, there are speakers who use laser pointers to read text or encircle an object on the slide. This can work well if you’re speaking in front of a few people. Take note that these shouldn’t be abused and overdone to avoid turning off your listeners.Aside from crafting a well-designed deck that summarizes your main points, here are a few tips on how you can amplify your performance with laser pointers:

1. Choose your words wisely

If you’re trying to put emphasis on a particular point, make sure not to state the obvious. Instead of uttering phrases like “This one,” start saying “The image shows” to describe the object displayed on your slide. Aside from displaying professionalism by not stating something that can be seen by the audience, it’s also beneficial to some members who find hard to see the laser pointer.Doing so also gives you the impression that you’re well-prepared and experienced in terms of speaking appropriate words that show respect to your listeners. If they notice that you’ve given much effort in it, they’re more likely to listen and focus on what you’re saying.

2. Maximize your body movement

If your topic requires a dynamic approach, then feel free to move and maximize your body language. Whether you’re emphasizing a certain key point or describing something that requires exaggerated movements, do so to support and complement the object of discussion. However, it doesn’t mean that you can use whatever movements or gestures you desire to show without considering if it’ll help strengthen what you’re trying to convey.Also, make sure to turn off the laser pen when doing so to avoid pointing it towards the audience.

3. Learn to pause

If you know your topic by heart, you’ll be aware of when to stop and proceed. If you want your audience to recall an important idea, you’ll give them enough time to absorb your message by learning the art of pausing. This can be mastered through deliberate practice and preparation before your actual performance. Before you speak in front, go back to your script, pinpoint those statements that need emphasis, and mark them to guide you when to pause.You can also record yourself when rehearsing. This will help you pace your speech and match the right words with appropriate body movements.

To Sum It Up: Don’t Overuse Your Point

Whether you’ll be using a laser pointer or not, you still need a well-designed and animated PowerPoint deck to complement your message. Select the right words, maximize your body language, and learn to pause when using a laser pointer to help you deliver more interesting and impactful PowerPoint presentations.Consider using pointers as a way to highlight elements in your slide deck for a focused presentation. Never allow your laser pointers to control you. Instead, control them to aim for your purpose.Our PowerPoint professionals can assist and offer you a free quote to produce well-crafted PowerPoint decks.

Check out and share our infographic!

References

“Effective Presentations with Laser Pointers.” Colblindor. May 22, 2006. www.color-blindness.com/2006/05/22/effective-presentations-with-laser-pointers“Presentation Myths: I Need a Laser Pointer.” The Singular Scientist. July 21, 2013. www.womeninwetlands.blogspot.com/2013/07/presentation-myths-i-need-laser-pointer.html

The Hunt is On: How Presentations and Easter Eggs are Alike

Easter egg hunt

Easter eggs

presentation tip

Presentations

public speaking

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Mar 24, 2016

“Resurrection Sunday,” commonly known as “Easter,” is an annual Christian celebration, with Easter Eggs being symbols of rebirth. Today, this celebration is usually associated with rabbits and decorated eggs, with Easter Egg hunts being one of the most exciting and highly anticipated events.As a professional presenter, you can share the same fun and excitement to your audience. Showcasing your proposal as a treat for their business is a good way to get them interested in what you have to say.Compelling slides and pitches can help you achieve your goal, so get a head start by gathering useful facts about your topic, removing unnecessary information that can mislead the audience, and incorporating your idea with visuals that accentuate your content. However, you also need to consider other elements that can complement your overall idea, such as body language and hand gestures. Your content and delivery work hand in hand to convey your message clearly and give life to your performance, ensuring success.It’s no surprise that you want to give the best for your audience, but it’s impossible to do this unless there’s mutual effort from both parties. While you’re aiming to deliver your existing message in a way they can easily understand, most audiences are much more excited to hear about something new.How, then, can you take inspiration from Easter egg hunts to spice up your presentation?

Let the Hunt Begin

Award-winning speaker and marketing expert Chakisse Newton says that some pitches have ideas that are like treasures from an Easter egg hunt: useful and sought-after but hidden too well. When presenting to your audience, though, you don’t have to make your meaningful insights so hard to find. First, get them excited about what they can expect to hear from you, like when you are getting people excited about what treasures they’ll find. Then, present your ideas in a way that isn’t obtuse—make it clear but give them just enough hints at the beginning to get them wanting for more. Give them facts, guidelines, and benefits to capture their interest and motivate them to take action, whether in the form of relatable videos or visual representations.However, it’s not just about sharing information that you think is relevant to your subject. Rather, it’s about meeting their needs without making them have to spend too much time finding your core message. Here are some possible ways to generate audience interest and convince them to look for hidden treasures from within your presentation without making it so hard that they give up and quit:

1. Surprise the Audience

Packaging your proposal as a surprising treat is a good way to arouse people’s curiosity. Just like in an Easter egg hunt, children look forward to the surprises that they’ll run into as they hunt for their prizes. Likewise, your audience will look for something that makes you stand out from the competition.This is why answering your listeners’ most important concern is still one of the most effective ways to make them more interested and attentive. That question is: “What’s in it for me?”Before you stand in front of the crowd, make sure you’ve taken the time to find an answer to their question. While establishing facts enhances learning, telling stories can stimulate curiosity as it allows the crowd to visualize what they’re being told about. By using familiar tropes, arcs, and outlines, you can use storytelling to make your point easier to find and understand.You also need to prepare your outline as well as a list of facts to help you meet their expectations. This includes conducting research or surveys about their interests and then matching the results to your topic’s main message. Don’t let that excitement die down. Arrange all the necessary things, such as your visually appealing PowerPoint deck and fresh insights, to excite the audience on your big day.

2. Satisfy Their Needs

Some Easter egg hunt organizers handle such events for fund-raising projects, knowing that investing in this kind of activity can provide benefits to others. Likewise, addressing your audience’s needs makes them feel that you care about their problems more than your own. Giving them enough reasons to stay connected also makes them feel that you’re worth their time and effort.Above all, show that you value their presence and that they’re your priority by attending to any questions or concerns they might bring up. You can do this by introducing cost-effective services they can depend on in the long run. Identifying their own objectives also enables them to see how serious you are about providing them with the solutions that they’re looking for. Will you make a long-term or short-term partnership? Are you just going to sell something or build up a client with a portfolio of services to offer them?Once you get this information, keep them entertained by adding humorous elements to your pitch. You can play with words and use puns while talking about facts and ideas related to your topic. Aside from this tactic, incorporating stunning images, interactive videos, and visual representations of facts like graphs and charts will support your message and increase audience recall.

3. Stimulate their Impulses

After you successfully grab their attention and keep them engaged, you can end with a call-to-action that’ll persuade them to take immediate response. Always leave them with a URL to your Web site, social media accounts, and other contact information to ensure your connection with them and allow you to conduct followups. With this information in hand, they can easily reach out to you and ask about your offerings. You can include these contact details in your freebies, handouts, or any other take-home resource materials.Since their motivation is what keeps them going, it’s important that you establish the foundation first. Focus on how you can make your personal branding stand above the rest by highlighting your distinctiveness. Once they notice that you’re determined to offer something beneficial, they’re more likely to take action and choose you over the others, making them want to come back for another transaction.

Finders Keepers

While Easter is celebrated every year, you can make its essence last for more than a moment. Likewise, your pitch’s message isn’t only confined to any one venue or auditorium. Convincing your audience to participate in your activity makes them feel involved and valued, so do your best to create an impact on them that will last even after your presentation is over.Planning before your performance helps you prepare some surprises to build up their interest and enable them to give you their undivided attention. Meeting their expectations and addressing their concerns make them feel satisfied and fulfilled thanks to your hard work. Keeping them connected and engaged inspires them to act without delaying it any further.Encourage them to search for hidden treasures without having to stress themselves out. Make the experience worthwhile by giving them something they can keep and cherish. Make your pitch memorable so that they’ll look forward to a more exciting and fun-filled activity during your next performance.Need to give your audience something memorable? Our presentation specialists can assist you with a free quote!

Check out and share our infographic about Easter eggs and presentations!

References

Newton, Chakisse. “Are Your Presentations Like Easter Egg Hunts?” Newtons Laws of Influence. April 25, 2011. www.newtonslawsofinfluence.com/2011/04/are-your-presentations-like-easter-egg-hunts

How Stepping into the Beam Can Help Your Presentation

Powerpoint

powerpoint presentation

presentation tips

public speaking

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Mar 21, 2016

In public speaking, crossing the projector’s beam is one of the biggest no-nos that every presenter should be aware of. It’s a careless act that greatly distracts audiences from a distance while also lessening your credibility.Like other disruptions, this can lose your audience’s interest and prevent your presentation’s success, no different from how poor delivery and cluttered PowerPoint decks make the crowd zone out. However, is walking over the beam and covering your projection really all that bad all the time?

Can It Really Be Effective?

In every rule, there’s an exception. While it’s true that blocking off the audience from viewing your slides is a mistake, it could still work for certain situations.In her article, presentation trainer and public speaker Olivia Mitchell explains that delivering a pitch with statistical concepts can be difficult, with all the numerical data displayed. However, it can be better understood by using visual illustrations, such as graphs and charts, to make it more interesting. TED speaker Hans Rosling, a data visionary and global health expert, is an example of a professional presenter who brings complex statistics into life. While speaking, he likes to get into the beam. But instead of distracting audiences, it makes it easier for them to understand the statistical facts that he’s presenting.

What Does It Indicate?

Making your data sing doesn’t only provoke interest. It also convinces your audience to listen attentively. This is what Hans Rosling does to show his enthusiasm in interacting both with his slides and audience. He makes sure that the crowd understands his message by exaggerating body movements that emphasize his words.In doing so, he considers his PowerPoint presentation as his partner in conveying his main idea. While laser pointers can help you emphasize a certain point, circling around a particular word or phrase can be distracting, putting the focus on the pointer instead of on your speech. Simply pointing to it using your finger can work to deliver a clearer idea.

How Do You Get in the Beam?

To help you out, here’s a few guidelines for getting into the projector’s beam:

1. Be aware of your position. Going to the venue prior to your performance can give you an idea on where to put yourself come presentation time. You can also practice walking around the podium and plan the right location to stay in.2. Don’t block off your audience’s view. Allowing the crowd to see your slide completely is one of your goals as a presenter. You don’t want to hinder your audience from comprehending your message. Once you display your text or visual onscreen, you can get into the beam and let your body language heighten your performance.3. Interact with your listeners. Explaining your slides is important, but focusing on your audience is more important. You can physically go into your visuals but make sure not to set the crowd aside.

To Beam or Not to Beam?

Getting into the beam while presenting can be distracting. However, considering your audience can help you pull it off for a more interesting and persuasive presentation. Though it’s frequently considered a recipe for a disastrous performance, there are always exceptions to the rule.Be conscious of your body language, your venue, and your audience so you can judge for yourself if you should be jumping into the beam. Our PowerPoint professionals can assist and offer you a free quote to craft PowerPoint decks that stand out.

Check out and share this infographic!

https://www.slideshare.net/SlideGenius/beam-it-up-how-to-step-into-the-light

Reference

Mitchell, Olivia. “How Getting in the Beam Makes You a Better Presenter.” Speaking About Presenting. September 17, 2009. www.speakingaboutpresenting.com/delivery/getting-in-the-beam

Know Your Role: When to Use Sway and PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Sway

powerpoint presentation

presentation tips

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Mar 14, 2016

Microsoft Sway is an app that lets you create storyboards with Web content. It’s been considered a more user-friendly substitute for PowerPoint thanks to its accessibility and importing features. Some even lauded it as Microsoft’s response to complaints thrown at the long-standing presentation aid.Launched August 5 last year, Sway imports social media and Web content to create scrolling Web-based presentations. According to Stu Robarts of Gizmag, it’s also connected to other apps that optimize your work. Despite these functions, its has been met with some apprehension from both loyal PowerPoint users and skeptics alike.Is it really an alternative for corporate presentations? Can it really tell stories in a visually engaging way for the boardroom? Or is it meant for a more general audience on the Web?

Strengths and Weaknesses

Like any product, this latest alternative still needs to prove its long-term efficiency. However, there are traits we can take at face value to compare with PowerPoint.According to Sway’s senior product manager, David Alexander, it was designed with the intention of moving away from PowerPoint’s originally paper-based analog format to digital presentations. This may explain Sway’s inclination for app collaboration and its scrolling format. Its easy edit and layout options, as well as its optimal performance on mobile, make it perfect for on-the-go individuals who have no time to meticulously attend to their decks but still want visually engaging presentations.On the other hand, PowerPoint still stands its ground as the leading visual aid, not just because it’s been around longer but also because of its wider range of features to choose from, particularly in terms of animation and transitions. While Sway may have an auto-edit option, the more hands-on approach PowerPoint offers allow corporate pitches to be shown exactly the way its presenters want it.Since both tools bring individual strengths to the table, it’s time to take a closer look at Microsoft’s new little brother:https://www.slideshare.net/SlideGenius/know-your-role-when-to-use-sway-and-powerpoint

References

Lopez, Napier. “Microsoft’s Sway App Takes on PowerPoint with New Features and a Windows 10 App.” TheNextWeb. August 5, 2015. thenextweb.com/microsoft/2015/08/05/microsofts-sway-app-takes-on-powerpoint-with-new-features-and-a-windows-10-appRobarts, Stu. “What Is Microsoft Sway?” GizMag. August 12, 2015. www.gizmag.com/microsoft-sway-introduction/38833″Sway Is Not Replacing PowerPoint: The Real Story.” Think Outside The Slide. November 21, 2014. www.thinkoutsidetheslide.com/sway-is-not-replacing-powerpoint-the-real-story”Sway Preview Expands and Delivers More Feature Improvements.” Microsoft Office. December 15, 2014. blogs.office.com/2014/12/15/sway-preview-expands-delivers-feature-improvements

[Super Bowl 50] Land a Presentation Touchdown with Teamwork [Infographic]

presentation

presentation success

presentation tips

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Super Bowl

teamwork

Feb 05, 2016

Sports and presentations may seem like two unrelated things, but they’re not as different as you think. Both are geared towards scoring the ultimate goal—a touchdown that satisfies your supporters. However, before you reach that field goal, you need to tackle audience expectations with a solid presentation outline that contains your key points. Much like a football game, your skills and your tools have to be at their best to reach your performance’s peak.You don’t have to do all of this alone. Presenters under the spotlight still need a team to back them up and help them polish their presentation.

Evaluate the Situation

Assess what the most crucial parts of your pitch will be. These are the most noticeable elements in your presentation, such as your PowerPoint visuals and the key points you’ll choose to discuss. Tailoring these according to your audience’s preferences require plenty of observation and investigation on current market demands.Because of this, you may need plenty of help with refining your topic. Since content research and deck design are two of the common aspects presenters have trouble with, see which departments from your company are best suited for each of these tasks.

Build Your Dream Team

Don’t let data-gathering intimidate you. There are plenty of sources in your company that you can tap into for reliable information. You can find these in the sales and marketing teams in your company or from teaming up with outside agencies that provide the services you need.Delegating the responsibilities accordingly helps you avoid making mistakes as much as possible. Let others watch your back when you fall, so it’s always easier to get back up. On that note, have someone double check the finished output before you present them to the audience. This includes your facts, design, and even your speech itself.

Grow from Feedback

Efficient tasking and teamwork will give you enough time to polish your delivery. Take advantage of this to get objective feedback from others. You’ll easily miss a few blind spots when you’re alone because you already thoroughly know what you’re talking about. However, since your audience might be unfamiliar with your topic, having an observer comment on vague points can give you insight on how to revise your words. Let them help you grow and improve your pitch.

There’s No “I” in Team

Assigning tasks to others doesn’t mean you’re lazy. It simply means you want to perfect your overall presentation—from deck to delivery.

Check out and share our infographic about football and presentations!

References:

Root, George N., III. “Importance of Teamwork at Work.” Small Business Chron. www.smallbusiness.chron.com

Content Creation / Curation: Find the Sweet Spot [Guest Infographic]

content creation

content curation

content marketing

infographics

online marketing

SlideGenius

Dec 03, 2015

Have you ever met someone who only ever talks about their own interests, qualities and successes without showing any concern whatsoever for your input?It’s not always the most engaging conversation for both parties, and by the end of it you’ll likely think of them as a self-centered and arrogant individual whom you would do anything in your power to avoid.The same idea applies to businesses that use overly self-promotional advertisements, or create content that points all fingers back in their direction.You don’t want to be stuck with absolutely no chance of being seen either.The trick is to find a balance between how much of your content should be curated, and how much should actually be original content.First, let’s get a better understanding of the difference between content creation and content curation.

Content Creation

According to Curata, content creation refers to “… the original creator of the content, either the author, illustrator, researcher or whomever is the original source.”Content creation is necessary for influencers and marketers to position themselves as thought leaders within a particular area of marketing.However, content creation can be extremely time-consuming, and crafting content that stands out requires a lot of research.

Content Curation

Content curation is similar to content aggregation (i.e. collecting a bunch of articles or references on a particular subject), except that this content is handpicked by the author.This is a great way to take existing ideas and either provide an opinion on them or simply provide your audience with a selection of refined resources that you recommend.So how do you find the sweet spot of content curation and creation?Convince and Convert did some great research on how well an article performs based on where your outbound links lead to, and how frequently you should lead to your own work.The following infographic by Venngage visually summarizes just how you can find the content curation and creation sweet spot.content curation infographic

This infographic was made with the Infographic maker Venngage.

Rock the Presentation Floor in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5! [Infographic]

featured Article

Infographic

presentation

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Nov 25, 2015

Prefer Visual Learning?

If you’re someone who enjoys absorbing information through engaging visuals, feel free to scroll to the bottom of this post — we’ve included an infographic that summarizes everything for you.

Facing a Presentation and Unsure Where to Begin?

If you’re about to create a presentation but don’t know how to get started, here’s a simple but surprisingly effective approach:
Take a brief pause. Tune in to the radio or music. Then, start counting in your head.

This may sound unrelated, but numbers can actually guide your thinking. Think of it as learning choreography — each count represents a step in building a strong, well-structured pitch.

Step 1: Define Your Core Message

Start by identifying the central theme of your presentation. This foundational idea will influence every aspect of your deck — from tone and content to visual design and verbal delivery.

Step 2: Build Meaningful Comparisons

Once your theme is clear, focus on developing effective juxtapositions. Which comparisons and contrasts can help sharpen your argument? Highlighting these will make your ideas more impactful and easier for your audience to grasp.

Step 3: Structure the Flow

Break your pitch into three key segments: the beginning, the middle, and the end. Each part should transition smoothly into the next, creating a logical flow. But beyond structure, aim to make each section memorable — capturing your audience’s attention from start to finish.

Step 4: Anticipate the Aftermath

Think beyond the presentation. Ask yourself: What questions might come up? What reactions can you expect? Make a list of potential scenarios so you can prepare responses in advance. This level of foresight will help you appear confident and well-prepared.

Step 5: Deliver a Strong Finish

The final five minutes are crucial. Don’t exit the stage without bringing your story full circle. A strong ending could be a powerful quote, a call to action, or a striking insight. Choose your closing moment intentionally — it’s your last opportunity to make an impression.

Numbers as a Creative Framework

Using numbers isn’t just about calculation — it’s about creating order. Start with the basics and develop your own formula for a winning pitch. Like solving an equation, once you know the variables, the solution becomes clearer.

Ready to Master the Art of Presentation?

Explore the infographic below for a visual breakdown of these principles — crafted by the experts at SlideGenius to help you pitch like a pro.

Share this infographic!

https://www.slideshare.net/SlideGenius/rock-the-presentation-floor

Polish Your Point with PowerPoint’s Comments Feature [Infographic]

creating presentations

featured Article

infograhic

infographics

powerpoint comment

PowerPoint Design

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

visually-appealing deck

Nov 24, 2015

Want to digest this blog post in a more visually-compelling manner? We’ve repurposed this topic into a handy infographic. Just scroll down to the bottom of this article to check it out! What if there comes a need to revise particular copy in each slide, and adding remarks to someone’s deck is the only way to track specific elements?PowerPoint is more than just a software for creating presentations. Not only does it allow you to create a visually-appealing deck, but it also lets you pinpoint what needs to be improved and removed to deliver an error-free presentation. Are you still worrying about how you can give comments without messing up the slide itself? PowerPoint can address your concerns and reduce your workload without missing a spot.

Presenting… PowerPoint’s Comments Feature!

With PowerPoint’s Comments function, you can insert feedback into certain slide objects, allowing you to add, modify, and delete text or visual elements, while giving comments and suggestions to specific objects.This limits the use of text boxes and shapes, where you can also type in your observations. This method, however, makes it harder for you to adjust and place your remarks on specific slide texts or objects without getting in the way. Comments enable users to point out unnecessary words or information that can negatively affect your presentation’s overall message. So before presenting in front of a crowd and delivering your message with informative copy and visuals, make sure to check if:

  • Each point supports the presentation’s main idea to provide a more comprehensive message.
  • There are filler words you can eliminate to convey a more direct and concise approach.
  • Every word or statement is free from any issues regarding punctuation, spelling, or verb tenses.
  • The sentence structure and organization of ideas promote consistency for a smoother presentation flow.

Refine your deck by identifying all the details that can either make or break an otherwise effective presentation. Here’s an infographic to give you an overview on what to look out for when adding comments and recommendations to specific slide texts with less hassle.

About SlideGenius: SlideGenius.com is your presentation specialist for business. Based in San Diego, California, SlideGenius has helped enhance the presentations of more than 5,000 clients all over the world, including J.P. Morgan, Harley-Davidson, Pfizer, Verizon, and Reebok, among others. Let us help you with your presentation needs! Call us at 858-217-5144 today.