Tag: Nancy Duarte

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.[sg-blog-modules module=three]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.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

Improve Your Presentations with the Power of the Metaphor

metaphors for presentations

Nancy Duarte

presentation expert

presentation tips

Nov 18, 2014

Metaphors are a powerful tool for simplifying complex ideas and making abstract concepts more relatable. By comparing unfamiliar concepts to something your audience already understands, you can make your message clearer, more engaging, and easier to remember.Here’s how you can harness the power of the metaphor to improve your presentations:

1. Clarify Complex Concepts

When you’re dealing with difficult or abstract ideas, a well-chosen metaphor can help your audience grasp the concept more quickly. Metaphors act as mental shortcuts, making complex information easier to understand.Why It’s Important:

  • Simplifies Information: Metaphors break down complex ideas into more familiar terms, helping your audience grasp them faster.
  • Engages the Audience: Metaphors make your presentation more engaging by using vivid, relatable imagery.

How to Do It:

  • Use a metaphor to compare your concept to something familiar. For example, explaining a company’s growth strategy by comparing it to a tree’s growth, with roots representing foundations and branches representing expansion.

2. Make Your Presentation More Memorable

Metaphors help create vivid mental images that your audience is more likely to remember. These mental connections make your message stick long after the presentation is over.Why It’s Important:

  • Increases Retention: Metaphors can make your key points more memorable by tying them to familiar or striking images.
  • Strengthens Engagement: People are more likely to stay engaged with a presentation that uses creative, relatable language.

How to Do It:

  • Use metaphorical language to paint a picture for your audience. For example, “Our company’s strategy is a chess game—every move is calculated to get us closer to checkmate.”

3. Appeal to Emotions

Metaphors can evoke emotions, which in turn help reinforce your message. When your audience connects emotionally with your content, they are more likely to be persuaded or moved to action.Why It’s Important:

  • Builds Emotional Connections: A well-crafted metaphor can resonate emotionally with your audience, helping them connect with your message on a deeper level.
  • Inspires Action: Emotionally charged metaphors can inspire your audience to take action or think differently about your topic.

How to Do It:

  • Use metaphors that evoke positive emotions and relate to your audience’s experiences. For example, “Launching this product is like setting sail on a new adventure—we’re ready to weather the storms and reach our destination.”

4. Avoid Overcomplicating Metaphors

While metaphors can be powerful, they should not be overly complicated or obscure. The goal is to simplify the concept, not confuse your audience with an abstract or far-fetched comparison.Why It’s Important:

  • Prevents Confusion: A complex metaphor can confuse your audience rather than clarify your point.
  • Maintains Focus: Simple, direct metaphors help keep the focus on your main message.

How to Do It:

  • Choose metaphors that are simple and easy to understand. For example, “Think of our supply chain like a relay race—each department hands off the baton to the next, ensuring smooth operations.”

Final Thoughts

Metaphors are a powerful communication tool that can clarify complex ideas, make your message more memorable, and build an emotional connection with your audience. By incorporating metaphors into your presentations, you can engage your audience more effectively and help them understand your key points in a more relatable way. Keep your metaphors simple and relevant to ensure they enhance, rather than complicate, your message.

How to Create a STAR Moment for Your Presentations

Nancy Duarte

presentation delivery

presentation expert

presentation tips

star moment

Sep 26, 2014

A STAR Moment (Something They’ll Always Remember) is a memorable point or experience in your presentation that leaves a lasting impression on your audience. Designed by communications expert Nancy Duarte, a STAR Moment captures attention and makes your message resonate long after the presentation is over. Here’s how to create a STAR Moment for your presentation:

1. Identify the Key Message

  • Why it matters: The STAR Moment should amplify your core message. It’s the idea or point you want your audience to walk away remembering. Having a clear, central theme helps ensure that the STAR Moment reinforces the overall goal of your presentation.
  • How to apply: Before planning your STAR Moment, ask yourself: What is the one takeaway I want the audience to remember? For example, if you’re presenting a business proposal, your STAR Moment should highlight the most compelling benefit or insight.

2. Use Strong Visuals or Demonstrations

  • Why it matters: Visuals are powerful tools for creating memorable moments. A surprising or stunning visual can leave a lasting impact.
  • How to apply: Use a compelling image, infographic, or video that reinforces your message. You can also consider live demonstrations. For example, Steve Jobs was known for incorporating STAR Moments in Apple presentations by unveiling new products in dramatic and unexpected ways.

3. Tell a Powerful Story

  • Why it matters: People connect with stories on an emotional level. A well-told story can make complex ideas relatable and memorable.
  • How to apply: Share a real-life anecdote or a personal story that supports your key message. Ensure it’s emotionally engaging and relevant to your audience. For example, a speaker introducing a new healthcare solution might tell a moving story about how it transformed a patient’s life.

4. Create a Dramatic Moment or Big Reveal

  • Why it matters: Surprises grab attention and make information stick. A big reveal or unexpected twist can make your STAR Moment unforgettable.
  • How to apply: Plan a moment where you introduce a surprising statistic, stunning fact, or reveal an innovative product that catches the audience off guard. This could involve unveiling new information or a solution in a way that the audience doesn’t expect.

5. Incorporate a Call to Action or Challenge

  • Why it matters: A powerful call to action can inspire the audience to take the next step and keeps your presentation in their minds.
  • How to apply: End your presentation with a bold challenge or call to action that motivates the audience to act. For example, if you’re presenting on sustainability, ask the audience to commit to making a specific change in their lifestyle or business operations.

6. Use Silence or Pause for Emphasis

  • Why it matters: Pausing at the right moment can build tension and anticipation, making your point more impactful.
  • How to apply: After delivering a significant statistic or major point, use a strategic pause. This allows the audience to absorb the information and adds weight to your message.

By focusing on these elements, you can craft a STAR Moment that leaves a lasting impression, helping your presentation stand out and making your message “Something They’ll Always Remember.”Sources:

  • Nancy Duarte’s STAR Moment Concept in her book Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences.

These are the 5 Presentation Books that Should Be on Your Reading List

book suggestions

books to improve presentation skills

bruce gabrielle

Carmine Gallo

Garr Reynolds

jerry weissman

Nancy Duarte

presentation books

Jun 06, 2014

If you want to improve your presentation skills and create compelling slides, here are the five presentation books that should be on your reading list:

1. “Presentation Zen” by Garr Reynolds

  • Why it’s essential: This book emphasizes the art of simplicity in presentation design. It focuses on visual storytelling and the importance of using minimal text and powerful imagery to convey your message.
  • Key takeaways: Garr Reynolds teaches how to create clean, engaging slides, avoid information overload, and communicate more effectively through visuals and storytelling.

2. “Slide

” by Nancy Duarte

  • Why it’s essential: Nancy Duarte, a leading expert in presentation design, explores how to transform data and ideas into visual stories. She highlights the power of design in shaping presentations that resonate with audiences.
  • Key takeaways: The book is packed with practical design principles for creating persuasive slides, as well as tips on audience engagement through visuals and data storytelling.

3. “The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs” by Carmine Gallo

  • Why it’s essential: Steve Jobs was renowned for his ability to captivate audiences, and this book dissects his presentation techniques. Gallo provides actionable strategies for delivering presentations with charisma and clarity.
  • Key takeaways: Learn how to structure a compelling story, use simple visuals, and deliver powerful, memorable messages like Steve Jobs.

4. “Resonate” by Nancy Duarte

  • Why it’s essential: This book dives into the science of persuasion and storytelling in presentations. It explains how to structure your content to create an emotional connection with your audience, making your message more impactful.
  • Key takeaways: Storytelling techniques, using contrast (what is vs. what could be), and delivering presentations that move people to action.

5. “Confessions of a Public Speaker” by Scott Berkun

  • Why it’s essential: This book offers a behind-the-scenes look at public speaking from a seasoned speaker. Berkun provides practical advice, humorous anecdotes, and solutions to common problems that speakers face.
  • Key takeaways: The book is ideal for learning how to handle stage fright, engage an audience, and troubleshoot presentation challenges.

These books will provide you with a strong foundation in both the design and delivery aspects of creating impactful presentations. By focusing on visual storytelling, audience engagement, and persuasion techniques, you’ll be able to elevate your presentation skills significantly.

Our Five Favorite Books on Presenting with PowerPoint

Al Gore

Bruce Gabriel

Carmine Gallo

Cliff Atkinson

Custom Designed Presentations

how to

Nancy Duarte

PowerPoint Agency

PowerPoint Design

PowerPoint design experts

PowerPoint specialist

presentation

Presentation Agency

Presentation Company

Presentation Consultation

Presentation Designers

Presentation Firm

Presentation Zen

Steve Jobs

Aug 29, 2013

When it comes to improving your PowerPoint presentation skills, nothing beats learning from the experts. There are countless books available that offer valuable insights on creating impactful presentations, but a few stand out as must-reads. Here are our five favorite books on presenting with PowerPoint that will help you elevate your presentation game.

1. “Presentation Zen” by Garr Reynolds

Garr Reynolds’ “Presentation Zen” is a classic for a reason. It focuses on simplifying slide design and using visuals to enhance your message, rather than overwhelming the audience with text.Why It’s a Favorite:

  • Focuses on Minimalism: Reynolds advocates for clean, uncluttered slides that keep the focus on the presenter.
  • Promotes Visual Storytelling: The book emphasizes the importance of visuals in conveying your message.

Key Takeaway: Less is more. Create slides that support your narrative without distracting from it.

2. “Slide

” by Nancy Duarte

Nancy Duarte’s “Slide

” dives deep into the art of visual thinking and design. Duarte offers practical advice on how to make your slides visually compelling while staying true to your core message.Why It’s a Favorite:

  • Design-Centric: The book offers a masterclass in slide design, with real-world examples and tips.
  • Visual Thinking: Duarte teaches how to use design to communicate ideas more effectively.

Key Takeaway: Good design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about communicating your ideas clearly and effectively.

3. “The Naked Presenter” by Garr Reynolds

Another gem from Garr Reynolds, “The Naked Presenter” focuses on the art of live presentation delivery. It covers how to connect with your audience and engage them through storytelling and authenticity.Why It’s a Favorite:

  • Focuses on Delivery: This book goes beyond slide design and delves into how to effectively deliver a presentation.
  • Encourages Authenticity: Reynolds emphasizes the importance of being genuine and open when presenting.

Key Takeaway: Engaging your audience requires more than good slides—it’s about connecting with them on a personal level.

4. “Resonate” by Nancy Duarte

“Resonate” is all about the power of storytelling in presentations. Duarte breaks down how to craft a narrative that captivates your audience and drives home your key points.Why It’s a Favorite:

  • Narrative Focused: The book teaches how to structure your presentation like a compelling story.
  • Emotional Connection: Duarte explains how to use emotional appeal to connect with your audience.

Key Takeaway: A strong narrative is the foundation of a memorable presentation.

5. “Beyond Bullet Points” by Cliff Atkinson

In “Beyond Bullet Points,” Cliff Atkinson offers a practical framework for creating presentations that go beyond the typical bullet-point format. The book introduces a three-step method to help structure your presentation effectively.Why It’s a Favorite:

  • Actionable Framework: Atkinson provides a clear, step-by-step approach to creating more engaging presentations.
  • Breaks the Mold: The book encourages presenters to move away from the conventional bullet-point format.

Key Takeaway: Presentations should tell a story, not just list information. Structure your content to guide the audience through a narrative.

Final Thoughts

These five books offer invaluable insights into both the design and delivery of PowerPoint presentations. Whether you’re looking to improve your slide design, craft a compelling narrative, or connect more effectively with your audience, these books will provide the tools you need to succeed. Incorporate their lessons into your next presentation, and watch your PowerPoint skills soar.