Tag: presentation

Using Humor During a Pitch

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humor

Humor During Presentation

pitch

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presentation

presentation tips

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

May 08, 2017

Using humor during a pitch can be an effective way to engage your audience, lighten the mood, and make your presentation memorable. However, humor must be used carefully—it needs to be relevant, appropriate, and well-timed to avoid detracting from the professionalism of your pitch. When used correctly, humor can build rapport, ease tension, and make your message more relatable.Here’s how to use humor effectively during a pitch:

1. Break the Ice and Build Rapport

Humor can be a great way to start your pitch by breaking the ice and creating an immediate connection with your audience. A light, non-controversial joke or humorous observation can set the tone and make your audience more receptive.How It Helps:

  • Eases Tension: A little humor at the beginning of your pitch helps calm nerves (yours and the audience’s) and makes the environment more relaxed.
  • Builds a Connection: A well-placed joke or witty comment can establish a connection with the audience and make you appear more relatable.

Example: Starting a sales pitch with a humorous comment like, “I promise I’ll keep this short—shorter than my grocery list, anyway,” can set a friendly tone and make the audience more comfortable.

2. Use Humor to Illustrate a Point

Humor can be used to highlight an important point or concept, making it more memorable. A funny story or metaphor can simplify complex ideas and help your audience better understand your message.How It Helps:

  • Makes Points Memorable: Humor sticks in people’s minds. If you tie a joke to a key message, your audience is more likely to remember that point.
  • Simplifies Complex Ideas: Humor can turn a complicated idea into something more digestible by using relatable, funny examples or analogies.

Example: If you’re explaining a technical solution, you could use a humorous analogy like, “Our software is like a GPS for your data—it tells you where you’re going, and it never asks for directions.”

3. Keep It Relevant and Audience-Appropriate

When using humor in a pitch, it’s important that it aligns with your message and is appropriate for your audience. Misjudging the audience’s humor preferences or making inappropriate jokes can backfire, damaging your credibility.How to Do It:

  • Know Your Audience: Consider the demographics, background, and context of your audience. Tailor your humor to suit their sensibilities.
  • Keep It Professional: Avoid controversial, inappropriate, or offensive humor. Keep your jokes light, non-political, and non-offensive.

Example: In a business pitch, stick to industry-related humor, like, “This is the kind of solution that even your IT guy will love—and they never love anything.”

4. Time Your Humor Wisely

Humor is most effective when it’s well-timed and delivered naturally. Don’t force it into your presentation at random moments—use humor strategically to add emphasis or lighten the mood when necessary.How to Do It:

  • Use Humor as a Break: After presenting a series of complex or dense points, a well-placed joke can give your audience a mental break and re-engage their attention.
  • Practice Delivery: Practice your timing and delivery to make the humor feel natural. The more naturally it flows, the more effective it will be.

Example: If your pitch covers a complex financial model, you could insert a light-hearted comment afterward like, “I know that’s a lot of numbers—don’t worry, there’s no pop quiz at the end.”

5. Use Self-Deprecating Humor Sparingly

Self-deprecating humor can make you appear humble and approachable, but it needs to be used sparingly and strategically. It’s important not to undermine your own expertise or the seriousness of your pitch.How to Do It:

  • Keep It Light: If using self-deprecating humor, focus on small, harmless jokes that make you seem relatable without damaging your credibility.
  • Balance with Confidence: Make sure your humor doesn’t overshadow your message or make you seem unprepared.

Example: A gentle self-deprecating joke, such as “I’m no mathematician, but I promise these numbers add up,” can make you seem more approachable without undermining your competence.

Final Thoughts

Humor can be a valuable tool during a pitch, helping to break the ice, engage your audience, and make your message more memorable. When used effectively, humor can ease tension, simplify complex ideas, and build rapport with your audience. Just remember to keep your humor appropriate, relevant, and well-timed to ensure it enhances your pitch rather than distracts from it.

How Stage Presence Can Boost Your Presentation

custom powerpoint

pitch deck

presentation

public speaking

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

stage presence

May 01, 2017

Stage presence is the combination of confidence, energy, and control that a speaker exhibits during a presentation. It’s not just about what you say—it’s about how you say it, how you move, and how you connect with your audience. Great stage presence can captivate and energize your audience, making your message more impactful and your delivery more memorable.Here’s how stage presence can boost your presentation:

1. Builds Confidence and Credibility

When you present yourself with confidence, your audience is more likely to trust your message. A strong stage presence conveys that you are in control and knowledgeable about your subject matter, enhancing your credibility as a speaker.Why It’s Effective:

  • Increases Trust: Confident speakers are seen as more trustworthy and authoritative.
  • Sets a Positive Tone: A speaker who appears confident sets a positive, professional tone for the presentation.

How to Do It:

  • Maintain good posture by standing tall with your shoulders back.
  • Use a calm, steady voice and make deliberate movements to exude confidence.
  • Rehearse your presentation multiple times to feel more in control of your material.

2. Engages the Audience

A presenter with strong stage presence is more likely to capture and maintain the audience’s attention. By using purposeful gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact, you can create a more engaging and dynamic presentation.Why It’s Effective:

  • Captures Attention: Body language and facial expressions can make your message more interesting and engaging.
  • Creates Connection: Eye contact helps you build a connection with individual audience members, making your message feel more personal.

How to Do It:

  • Make regular eye contact with different sections of the audience to engage them.
  • Use hand gestures to emphasize key points and add energy to your delivery.
  • Smile or use facial expressions that match the tone of your message to convey enthusiasm or seriousness.

3. Conveys Energy and Enthusiasm

Your energy level on stage directly influences how engaged and excited your audience feels. If you appear passionate and enthusiastic about your topic, your audience is more likely to share that enthusiasm.Why It’s Effective:

  • Increases Audience Excitement: Enthusiastic speakers can make even mundane topics feel more exciting and important.
  • Keeps Attention: High energy helps maintain the audience’s focus and prevents them from losing interest.

How to Do It:

  • Vary your tone of voice to keep your delivery dynamic and engaging.
  • Move around the stage with purpose—use the space to interact with the audience and convey energy.
  • Show passion for your topic by smiling, using animated gestures, and expressing genuine excitement in your voice.

4. Enhances Persuasiveness

Stage presence helps you deliver a persuasive message by making you appear more confident, credible, and passionate. These elements combine to make your arguments more convincing.Why It’s Effective:

  • Strengthens Arguments: A confident, passionate speaker is more likely to persuade the audience to agree with their point of view.
  • Inspires Action: When you appear fully committed to your message, your audience is more likely to follow your lead.

How to Do It:

  • Use strong, assertive language to reinforce your points and show conviction.
  • Incorporate powerful gestures and movements to emphasize your most persuasive arguments.
  • Maintain an open, approachable posture to invite the audience to engage with your message.

5. Maintains Control of the Room

Speakers with good stage presence have the ability to command the room, keeping the audience focused and managing any distractions or disruptions that may arise. When you’re in control, you can steer the presentation back on track even if things don’t go as planned.Why It’s Effective:

  • Reduces Distractions: A strong stage presence helps minimize audience distractions and keeps their attention on you.
  • Improves Flow: Speakers who remain calm and composed, even during interruptions, can smoothly navigate challenges and keep the presentation moving forward.

How to Do It:

  • If disruptions occur, address them calmly and professionally without losing your composure.
  • Use pauses effectively to regain control of the audience’s attention.
  • Stand firmly on the stage and project your voice to maintain authority over the room.

6. Makes the Message More Memorable

Stage presence enhances the delivery of your message, making it more memorable for the audience. Dynamic speakers who use expressive body language, varied vocal tones, and purposeful movement create a lasting impression that helps their message stick.Why It’s Effective:

  • Leaves a Lasting Impact: Strong stage presence makes your presentation more engaging and memorable.
  • Amplifies Key Points: Using body language and voice modulation can help emphasize and reinforce the most important parts of your message.

How to Do It:

  • Use pauses, gestures, and movement to highlight key points in your presentation.
  • Incorporate storytelling, humor, or personal anecdotes to make your message more relatable and memorable.
  • End your presentation with a confident, memorable conclusion that leaves a strong final impression.

Final Thoughts

Stage presence is a vital element in delivering an impactful presentation. It boosts your confidence, engages your audience, and makes your message more persuasive and memorable. By mastering body language, voice modulation, and purposeful movement, you can elevate your stage presence and take your presentation skills to the next level.

Public Speaking Fear: Getting Rid of It in a Jiffy

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presentation

presentation design

presentation tips

public speaking

Public Speaking Fear

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

stage fright

Mar 20, 2017

Let’s face it: public speaking is frightening. Even the best speakers experience jitters before they go onstage. They just hide it really, really well—or they’re so used to stage fright that it’s no longer an issue after their warmup exercises.Audience members pick up on signs of discomfort when you as a speaker have a hard time onstage: excessive sweating, stuttering, shortness of breath, etc. When they do, you become more conscious about what you’re doing, and the anxiety starts to build up. Does that mean you’re not ready? Possibly.There’s no denying that some people, to no fault of their own, have a hard time dealing with high-stress situations—and you can bet that giving a speech in front of a crowd is stressful. Imagine the scenario: You’re minutes away from being called onstage. Your presentation is ready, perhaps designed by a PowerPoint design agency. The lights focus on your spot. But backstage, butterflies are abuzz in your stomach; your knees are shaking, and your palms are sweaty. You feel a bit lightheaded. Dizzy even.These are uncontrollable responses to nervousness. While completely natural, especially in the context of public speaking, they’re still something that faze lots of people—80 percent of the US population, in fact. However, there are people easily debilitated by the mere thought of speaking in public. Those who suffer from a specific social anxiety disorder, glossophobia, feel nauseous and are prone to having panic attacks, which is why they try to stay away from doing it as much as possible.For those who need to speak in public, though, how do you deal with stage fright? The ways to do it vary from person to person since each individual handles stress differently. Check this infographic to learn a few tricks to calm down and nail that speech.https://www.slideshare.net/SlideGenius/public-speaking-fear-getting-rid-of-it-in-a-jiffy

Resources:

Hagen-Rochester, Susan. “Got Public Speaking Jitters? Experts Say Embrace the Fear.” Futurity. April 8, 2013. www.futurity.org/got-public-speaking-jitters-experts-say-embrace-the-fearMcClafferty, Alex. “12 ‘Fear of Public Speaking’ Symptoms and How to Beat Them.” Forbes. January 12, 2015. www.forbes.com/sites/alexmcclafferty/2015/01/12/fear-of-public-speaking/#b4fe7fd37a0cMorgan, Nick. “Why We Fear Public Speaking and How to Overcome It.” Forbes. March 30, 2011. www.forbes.com/sites/nickmorgan/2011/03/30/why-we-fear-public-speaking-and-how-to-overcome-it/#4848c54fea43Jamieson, Jeremy P., Matthew K. Nock, and Wendy Berry Mendes. “Changing the Conceptualization of Stress in Social Anxiety Disorder: Affective and Physiological Consequences.” Clinical Psychological Science. 2013. journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2167702613482119

Corporate Forecast: The Future of Company Presentations

Future of Presentations

Powerpoint

powerpoint designer

presentation

Presentation Agency

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Feb 26, 2017

As technology evolves and business practices adapt, the landscape of corporate presentations is rapidly changing. The future of company presentations lies in interactivity, engagement, data visualization, and digital accessibility. Here’s a look at the key trends shaping the future of corporate presentations and how businesses can stay ahead.

1. Data-Driven Storytelling

With the rise of big data and analytics, companies are increasingly relying on data-driven presentations to inform stakeholders, demonstrate progress, and make business cases. The future of presentations will focus on turning complex data into compelling narratives that drive decision-making.

Why It’s Important:

  • Simplifies Complexity: Data-driven storytelling breaks down complex information into digestible and relatable narratives.
  • Informs Decision-Making: Presenting data in a clear and engaging way helps decision-makers better understand the insights and make informed choices.

How to Do It:

  • Use tools like Tableau or Power BI to visualize data and incorporate it into your presentations.
  • Focus on creating a narrative around the data that leads your audience to a conclusion or call to action.

2. Interactive Presentations

Gone are the days of one-sided presentations. Future presentations will increasingly focus on interactivity, allowing the audience to participate in the experience, whether through live polling, real-time feedback, or interactive content.

Why It’s Important:

  • Engages the Audience: Interactivity keeps the audience engaged and makes them feel involved in the presentation.
  • Improves Retention: Allowing the audience to interact with content helps reinforce the key messages and increases information retention.

How to Do It:

  • Incorporate tools like Mentimeter or Poll Everywhere to allow for live audience interaction and polling.
  • Use touchscreens or interactive elements to let your audience explore data or visual elements in real time.

3. Virtual and Hybrid Presentations

As more businesses move toward remote and hybrid work environments, virtual presentations will continue to rise. These presentations must cater to both in-person and remote audiences, blending live interaction with digital elements.

Why It’s Important:

  • Increases Flexibility: Virtual presentations allow businesses to reach a global audience, breaking down geographical barriers.
  • Enhances Accessibility: Hybrid presentations cater to both in-person and remote participants, ensuring everyone can access the content.

How to Do It:

  • Use platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet to host virtual presentations.
  • Ensure that your presentations are accessible and engaging for both in-person and remote attendees by using high-quality visuals, interactive elements, and clear audio.

4. Personalized Content

Tailoring presentations to the needs and preferences of different audiences will become more prevalent in the future. With advancements in AI and data analytics, businesses can create personalized presentations that deliver content specific to each viewer’s needs and interests.

Why It’s Important:

  • Increases Relevance: Personalized content resonates more with the audience, leading to higher engagement and better outcomes.
  • Improves Audience Connection: By addressing specific pain points or opportunities for each audience segment, personalized presentations create stronger connections with viewers.

How to Do It:

  • Use audience segmentation and data analytics to customize presentations for different groups or stakeholders.
  • Incorporate AI-powered tools to dynamically adjust content based on audience feedback or preferences.

5. Immersive Technology

As virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technology continues to evolve, the future of presentations will include immersive experiences. Companies will be able to create VR and AR presentations that allow audiences to experience products or data in an interactive, 3D environment.

Why It’s Important:

  • Enhances Engagement: Immersive technologies capture attention and provide a more engaging, interactive experience.
  • Differentiates Your Brand: Using cutting-edge technology sets your presentations apart and positions your company as innovative.

How to Do It:

  • Explore VR and AR platforms that can integrate with presentations, such as Oculus or Microsoft HoloLens.
  • Develop immersive demos, virtual walkthroughs, or 3D data visualizations to enhance audience engagement.

6. Mobile-First Presentations

As more professionals rely on mobile devices for work, presentations must be optimized for viewing on smartphones and tablets. Presentations of the future will be mobile-friendly, allowing viewers to access and interact with content on the go.

Why It’s Important:

  • Increases Accessibility: Mobile-friendly presentations ensure that your content can be accessed anytime, anywhere, increasing reach.
  • Improves Convenience: Mobile optimization provides a better viewing experience for users who prefer to consume content on their phones or tablets.

How to Do It:

  • Use responsive design principles when creating presentations, ensuring that content adapts to different screen sizes.
  • Choose presentation platforms like Prezi or Microsoft Sway, which are designed to be mobile-friendly.

7. AI-Assisted Presentations

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how presentations are created and delivered. AI tools can assist with everything from generating content to analyzing audience engagement in real time. Presenters can leverage AI to tailor their content dynamically and make data-driven adjustments.

Why It’s Important:

  • Saves Time: AI tools automate the process of creating content and slides, reducing preparation time.
  • Enhances Personalization: AI can analyze audience reactions and preferences to suggest tailored content during the presentation.

How to Do It:

  • Use AI-powered tools like Beautiful.ai or Zoho Show to create presentation designs automatically based on content.
  • Integrate AI analytics platforms to gather audience feedback in real-time and adjust content flow accordingly.

8. Sustainability and Paperless Presentations

As companies strive to meet sustainability goals, the push for paperless presentations is increasing. Digital presentations eliminate the need for printed handouts and physical materials, reducing a company’s environmental footprint.

Why It’s Important:

  • Supports Sustainability Goals: Going digital aligns with environmentally conscious business practices and reduces paper waste.
  • Increases Accessibility: Digital presentations can be shared electronically, making them more accessible for remote attendees and those who prefer digital formats.

How to Do It:

  • Provide digital versions of handouts, brochures, or data sheets during presentations.
  • Use tools like Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint, or Prezi to share presentations with participants via email or cloud links.

9. Engaging Visual Storytelling

The future of presentations will rely heavily on visual storytelling, where data and narratives are presented through compelling imagery and minimal text. Rather than bombarding audiences with bullet points, companies will focus on creating visually immersive stories that resonate emotionally with viewers.

Why It’s Important:

  • Increases Engagement: Visual storytelling captivates audiences and keeps them focused on the core message.
  • Simplifies Complex Information: Complicated data or processes are easier to understand when presented visually, especially with infographics or flowcharts.

How to Do It:

  • Incorporate high-quality visuals, including images, charts, and icons, to replace excessive text.
  • Create a narrative arc in your presentation, starting with a problem or challenge and leading to a solution or success story.

10. Remote Presentation Tools

With the increase in remote work and virtual meetings, the demand for effective remote presentation tools is growing. Presenters need platforms that allow them to deliver seamless presentations to a global audience, while engaging with participants in real time.

Why It’s Important:

  • Reaches a Global Audience: Remote tools allow businesses to connect with stakeholders worldwide without the need for in-person meetings.
  • Improves Collaboration: Tools that offer real-time collaboration make it easier to share ideas, gather feedback, and engage participants remotely.

How to Do It:

  • Use remote-friendly platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Webex to deliver presentations to virtual audiences.
  • Encourage real-time collaboration with tools that allow shared editing, live Q&A, and interactive whiteboards.

11. Focus on Accessibility

As inclusivity becomes a key value for companies, ensuring presentations are accessible to all participants, including those with disabilities, is paramount. Future presentations will incorporate design practices that make content accessible, including closed captions, screen reader compatibility, and color-blind-friendly palettes.

Why It’s Important:

  • Promotes Inclusivity: Ensuring presentations are accessible to everyone helps foster a more inclusive environment.
  • Increases Reach: Accessibility features like captions or sign language interpretation help reach a broader audience, including individuals with hearing or visual impairments.

How to Do It:

  • Use tools like PowerPoint’s closed captioning feature or Zoom’s live transcription to make your presentations accessible to hearing-impaired audiences.
  • Select color palettes that are legible for color-blind viewers and ensure text size is large enough for easy readability.

12. On-Demand Presentations

Future presentations will not just be confined to live events. Businesses are moving toward offering on-demand presentations that can be viewed at the convenience of the audience. This makes presentations more accessible, especially for global teams operating in different time zones.

Why It’s Important:

  • Increases Flexibility: On-demand presentations allow participants to access content at their convenience, ensuring no one misses out due to scheduling conflicts.
  • Expands Audience Reach: By making presentations available on-demand, companies can reach a wider audience long after the live event is over.

How to Do It:

  • Record your live presentations and make them available on your company’s website, YouTube channel, or internal platforms.
  • Use platforms like Vimeo or Wistia to host on-demand presentations with features like analytics to track engagement.

Final Thoughts

The future of corporate presentations will be shaped by advancements in technology, a greater emphasis on data and interactivity, and a focus on accessibility and sustainability. By staying ahead of these trends and incorporating AI, data visualization, immersive technologies, and remote-friendly tools, companies can deliver presentations that are not only informative but also engaging and impactful. Adapting to these changes will position businesses to connect with diverse audiences and foster deeper engagement in the years to come.

Exporting PowerPoint to Paper: Tips for Enticing Printout Content

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handouts

Powerpoint

powerpoint designer

powerpoint presentation

presentation

presentation design

printout

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Feb 19, 2017

While PowerPoint is typically used for digital presentations, there are times when you’ll need to export your slides for physical printouts. Whether it’s for a meeting, a workshop, or a leave-behind document, ensuring that your PowerPoint slides translate well to paper requires some special considerations. Simply printing slides as-is can lead to poor readability or formatting issues, so here are some tips to make your PowerPoint content enticing and effective when printed.

1. Adjust Slide Layout for Printing

When designing for print, the layout that looks great on a screen may not always translate well to paper. It’s important to adjust your slide layout to ensure that all content remains clear and legible.How to Adjust the Layout:

  • Use a 4:3 Aspect Ratio: For most printed documents, a 4:3 aspect ratio is preferable over the typical 16:9 widescreen layout. Go to Design > Slide Size > Standard (4:3) to switch your slide dimensions.
  • Increase Margins: Leave wider margins on each side of the slide to avoid text or images getting cut off during printing.
  • Optimize for Page Size: Before printing, check the Print Preview to ensure the slides fit properly on the selected paper size (e.g., letter or A4).

2. Focus on Readability

Printouts need to be easily readable, even from a distance. If your slides are text-heavy, consider breaking them into smaller sections or making adjustments to improve legibility.How to Ensure Readability:

  • Increase Font Size: Use a minimum of 24pt font for titles and 18pt for body text to ensure the text is legible on paper.
  • Choose Readable Fonts: Stick to simple, sans-serif fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica that print well. Avoid overly stylized or light fonts that may become difficult to read.
  • High Contrast Colors: Make sure your text and background have sufficient contrast. Light text on a dark background might not print well, so stick to dark text on a light background for printed slides.

3. Use Handout Formatting

PowerPoint offers handout formatting options that let you print multiple slides per page, helping you save paper and create a cleaner, more concise printout.How to Use Handout Formatting:

  1. Go to File > Print: In the Print menu, choose Handouts under the Print Layout section.
  2. Select Slides per Page: You can print 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, or 9 slides per page. For professional printouts, 3 or 4 slides per page strike a good balance between space and readability.
  3. Include Lines for Notes: Select the option to print slides with lines for note-taking. This is useful for meetings and presentations where participants may want to jot down thoughts or feedback.

4. Optimize Visuals for Printing

Images and graphics often look different in print compared to on-screen. Before printing, ensure that all visuals are optimized for high-quality printing.How to Optimize Visuals:

  • Use High-Resolution Images: Make sure your images are at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) for sharp, clear printouts.
  • Simplify Charts and Graphs: Complex charts that look fine on-screen may become unreadable in print. Simplify your data visualizations by using fewer elements and larger fonts for labels.
  • Avoid Overuse of Color: Bright, bold colors that look vibrant on-screen can become overwhelming or too dark in print. Stick to a more muted color palette when printing.

5. Test Print in Grayscale

Not all printers can produce high-quality color printouts, so it’s a good idea to test how your PowerPoint slides look when printed in grayscale.How to Test Grayscale Printing:

  1. Go to File > Print: In the Print menu, choose Grayscale under the Settings menu.
  2. Check for Contrast Issues: Ensure that your slides maintain sufficient contrast between text, images, and backgrounds when printed without color.
  3. Test Before Large Print Runs: Always do a test print to see how your slides look in grayscale before printing large quantities.

6. Add Headers, Footers, and Page Numbers

Adding headers, footers, and page numbers to your printed slides makes them look more professional and easier to navigate, especially in longer documents.How to Add Headers and Footers:

  1. Go to Insert > Header & Footer: Check the boxes for Date, Footer Text, and Page Numbers to include them in your printouts.
  2. Customize the Footer: Add your company’s name, the presentation title, or any other relevant information to the footer to create a cohesive, branded printout.
  3. Align the Page Numbers: Ensure that page numbers are placed consistently across all slides for easy reference.

7. Use the “Save as PDF” Option for Digital Printouts

If you’re sharing the slides electronically for participants to print themselves, consider saving the PowerPoint as a PDF. This ensures that the formatting remains consistent and looks professional across devices.How to Save as PDF:

  1. Go to File > Save As: Choose PDF from the file format options.
  2. Choose Handouts or Full Slides: You can either save the full slides or opt for the handout view to include multiple slides per page.
  3. Distribute Electronically: Share the PDF via email or cloud storage for easy access and printing by your audience.

Final Thoughts

Exporting PowerPoint presentations for print requires careful consideration of layout, readability, and visual quality. By optimizing your slide designs for paper, adjusting fonts and colors, and using PowerPoint’s handout options, you can create enticing, professional printouts that maintain the impact of your digital presentations. Whether you’re distributing printed slides at a conference or sending out PDF handouts after a meeting, following these tips will help you create high-quality, readable, and visually appealing content.

PowerPoint as a Communication Tool When Rebranding a Business

Branding

communication

Powerpoint

powerpoint designer

presentation

presentation tips

rebranding

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Feb 14, 2017

PowerPoint is an effective communication tool when rebranding a business, as it allows for clear visual storytelling, presenting complex ideas in a simplified, engaging way. During a rebrand, key stakeholders, employees, and clients need to understand the new brand identity, its values, and its visual elements. Here’s how PowerPoint can play a vital role in this process:

1. Visualizing the Brand Identity

  • Why it matters: PowerPoint presentations enable businesses to visually demonstrate the new brand’s logo, color schemes, fonts, and design elements. Visuals are crucial in communicating the changes in a brand’s identity effectively.
  • How to use it: Create slides that show before-and-after comparisons of logos, packaging, or marketing materials. Use the slides to showcase how these new visual elements align with the company’s refreshed identity and mission. This visual comparison helps the audience understand the shift in tone and aesthetic.

2. Articulating the Brand Story

  • Why it matters: Rebranding involves more than just a visual change—it also means conveying a new or refined brand story. PowerPoint can help narrate the evolution of the brand, from where it began to what it stands for today.
  • How to use it: Use PowerPoint’s narrative flow to tell the brand’s journey in stages, from the old brand identity to the newly redefined one. Add key messages that explain the brand’s vision, mission, and goals, using storytelling to engage stakeholders emotionally.

3. Highlighting Market Research and Insights

  • Why it matters: A successful rebrand is often driven by market insights and customer feedback. PowerPoint can be used to showcase the research behind the rebranding decisions, offering a transparent view of the data that influenced the change.
  • How to use it: Present graphs, charts, and infographics to explain customer sentiment, competitor analysis, and market positioning. This builds trust among employees, clients, or partners by showing that the rebranding is grounded in concrete data.

4. Educating Employees and Stakeholders

  • Why it matters: Internal stakeholders need to understand how to implement the rebrand consistently. PowerPoint presentations are an efficient tool for conducting training sessions on how to apply the new branding across various platforms.
  • How to use it: Create training decks that provide guidelines on using the new brand elements, including templates for emails, internal documents, and social media posts. Use slides to offer practical examples of what to do—and what not to do—when applying the new brand.

5. Communicating Brand Strategy and Future Goals

  • Why it matters: PowerPoint can help communicate the strategic direction of the rebrand, highlighting how it aligns with the company’s long-term goals. It offers a structured way to convey key milestones and next steps.
  • How to use it: Use the presentation to map out future marketing campaigns, product launches, or partnerships that align with the new brand. Showcase the brand’s evolving role in the market, using timelines and roadmaps to outline future initiatives.

6. Creating Investor and Client Buy-in

  • Why it matters: PowerPoint presentations can be used to pitch the rebrand to investors or clients, providing a professional and polished way to showcase the potential benefits of the new brand.
  • How to use it: Create a deck that highlights the rationale behind the rebrand, its anticipated impact on business growth, and how it will improve customer engagement. Use statistics and market projections to show the value of the rebrand to investors or partners.

7. Driving Consistency Across Multiple Channels

  • Why it matters: For a rebrand to be successful, consistency across all channels is crucial. PowerPoint can serve as a brand guideline document that is shared with all departments.
  • How to use it: Develop a comprehensive PowerPoint that acts as a style guide for the new brand. Include detailed instructions on how to apply the branding across print, digital, and social media platforms. This ensures uniformity in the way the brand is presented externally.

By using PowerPoint as a communication tool during a rebrand, businesses can ensure that they visually communicate their new identity, explain the rationale behind the changes, and educate key stakeholders on how to apply the brand consistently across channels. This combination of visual storytelling and structured messaging is crucial for ensuring that the rebrand is well-received and effectively implemented.

6 Ways to Effectively Communicate Ideas at Work

business

Business Communication

communication

Idea

ideas

Marketing

Office Communication

pitch

powerpoint designer

presentation

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Feb 12, 2017

That brilliant idea you have which can affect positive change in the workplace is largely useless until you communicate it to someone who can bring it to life. However, pitching an idea to a colleague is easier said than done. It’s not easy to explain a concept to someone who has a different background. You’ll need to bridge a knowledge chasm that separates you from your intended recipient. You also have to watch your manner of speaking since you can’t afford to insult your recipient with the faintest hint of condescension. In the same way, you can’t be too naïve to assume that the other person is on the same page as you.Presenting an idea to a coworker, whether it be a superior or an equal, is always a risk. There’s a possibility of your proposal getting turned down, or worse, ignored. This is why you need to be fully prepared before making your business pitch. Make sure you possess not only flair and poise but also valuable content—a worthwhile idea that can sell itself. Keep in mind what Dorothy Tannahill Moran from Next Chapter New Life, said: “There is a difference between a great idea and an idea that will truly advance the cause of business.”

Know the Recipient’s Hot Buttons

People have different ways of processing information. Some learn best with visuals while others prefer one-on-one talks. Others are still more comfortable with written exchanges. Conduct a research that will allow you to learn what’s best for your audience. You should possess a heightened sense of contextual awareness if you are to thoroughly understand your recipients. Be astute in sensing their moods, values, and attitudes. Develop a contingency plan that will allow you to align your objectives with theirs. After all, the pitch is not for you but for the company as a whole.

Make Your Pitch Direct and Concise

Trim the fat from your pitch and go straight to the point. Don’t bore your recipient with unnecessary details. Instead, stick to what your idea will do for them and the organization. “Managers want solutions to the problems that are keeping them awake at night,” said Leigh Steere from Managing People Better. He couldn’t have said a truer statement. When delivering your pitch, make sure to keep the buzz words out. Cut to the chase before your recipient tunes out from your smooth talking. Remember, substance should always come before form.

Gain the Recipient’s Trust and Confidence

People don’t usually open up to those they don’t trust, so you should try to gain your audience’s confidence before asking them to accept your idea. You can gain your recipient’s trust by displaying a level of authenticity and transparency. Be relatable when delivering your pitch by telling stories, using examples, and applying humor in appropriate situations. Speak to your recipient’s emotions, and let your message take deep root with them. Engage in a meaningful conversation by encouraging a dialogue. Surely, you can learn from them as much as they can learn from you.

Assert Yourself and Speak with Tenacity

When speaking with superiors and senior colleagues, you should talk and act like they do. Treating them like peers will encourage them to do the same to you. Respect their authority and position, but don’t be deferential and submissive. Show them that you’re thinking in the same level as they are. This will give them the impression that you can stand by your idea and defend it when the need arises.

Prepare and Practice Diligently

No matter how great your idea is, if you don’t practice how to deliver it, your pitch will likely prove unsuccessful. To maximize your chances, have someone to practice your pitch on. This person should have a total lack of knowledge regarding your idea. He or she should also be willing to provide you with honest feedback. You can practice your pitch on more than one person to take more perspectives. Presenting your pitch to a test audience will help you pinpoint the aspects of your presentation that need improvement. If the test audience understands and approves of your idea and the manner by which you present it, you’ll know that you’re starting off on the right foot.

Find the Right Time to Make Your Pitch

Let’s say you’re ready with your pitch. You have a cutting-edge idea and an innovative way of presenting it. The only concern that remains now is, when is the right time to deliver your pitch? There isn’t one answer to this question since every circumstance is different. You’re on your own to assess whether your recipient is ready to participate in your presentation. Perhaps Tannahill Moran’s words can help you. She said, “If the house is on fire, a new idea tossed into the mix may not go over well unless the idea helps the immediate crisis. You want to present an idea when the ability to focus and plan exists.”

The Aftermath: How to Brace Yourself for Responses

Prepare yourself for the many kinds of responses you may receive. There’s a high possibility that your recipient will pepper you with questions to test your thinking. Think two steps ahead and formulate a response to every possible concern. When you’re faced with antagonism, keep an open mind. A dissenting opinion can help you improve on your idea. If, however, your pitch is ignored, follow up until you get an answer—just do so in a non-imposing way. After all, your audience don’t owe you their participation. It’s up to you to get them engaged.You might only have one shot at presenting your newfangled idea. Make sure you put your best foot forward and deliver a pitch that is worthy of your recipient’s time.

Resources:

Baxter, Susan. “Learning Styles: Three Ways to Process Information.” Top Ten Reviews. n.d. www.toptenreviews.com/software/articles/learning-styles-three-ways-to-process-informationBoitnott, John. “How to Pitch Your Brilliant Idea Without Making the People You Need Feel Stupid.” Entrepreneur. October 10, 2014. www.entrepreneur.com/article/238176Bonilla, Christina. “Want to Be Taken Seriously? Communicate Like a Boss.” Smart Like How. October 13, 2015. www.smartlikehow.com/blog-native/2015/10/12/l0d6fzogavxj6p72p0yucsuzvdpd9wCohan, Peter. “5 Ways to Communicate More Clearly.” Inc. December 4, 2012. www.inc.com/peter-cohan/five-ways-to-improve-your-communication-success.htmlEdinger, Scott. “If You Want to Communicate Better, Read This.” Forbes. March 20, 2013. www.forbes.com/sites/scottedinger/2013/03/20/if-you-want-to-communicate-better-read-this/#59a3132b2281Groth, Aimee & Lockhart, Jhaneel. “7 Smart Ways to Come Up with More Ideas at Work.” Business Insider. January 21, 2012. www.businessinsider.com/7-smart-ways-to-come-up-with-more-ideas-at-work-2012-1Herrity, Joseph P. “Communicating Ideas Effectively.” Preferred Visions. n.d. preferredvisions.com/publications/thought-provokers/communicating-ideas-effectivelyMadden, Kaitlin. “Have a Great Idea? How to Tell Your Boss.” CNN. March 16, 2011. edition.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/03/16/cb.tell.boss.good.ideaMyatt, Mike. “10 Communication Secrets of Great Leaders.” Forbes. April 4, 2012. www.forbes.com/sites/mikemyatt/2012/04/04/10-communication-secrets-of-great-leaders/#1b42d2021e06

10 Gimmicks to Start Your Presentation Strong

business

presentation

presentation tips

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Jan 31, 2017

Your first few minutes onstage is an opportunity to capture your audience’s attention. If you want your listeners to be all ears when you start talking, prove from the outset that your presentation is worth their time. Your opening remarks will set the tone of your talk, so you should make them as gripping as possible.Don’t waste your introduction on platitudes and pleasantries. There are better ways to form first impressions and establish a connection with the audience.

1. Kick off with a dramatic pause.

Silence makes people apprehensive. That’s why it’s a powerful tool to start a presentation. Before you deliver your speech, take a moment to pause and amble around the stage while keeping a confident stance. Even the audience members who are busy with their gadgets won’t be able to resist the dramatic pull of the moment you’ve created. A whole minute or two of silence will draw all eyes on you.[sg-blog-modules module=three]

2. Appeal to the audience’s imagination.

Take your audience to a different space and time. Introduce a “what if” scenario that they can delve into and explore. The power of imagination will reel them in and make them a willing audience to your presentation.For better effects, use props and visual aids such as videos or an informational design Try a gimmick that has never been done before. Take one of Bill Gates’s TED Talks, for example. While introducing his talk about malaria, he released a scourge of mosquitoes from a jar. The mosquitoes were, of course, malaria-free, but Gates didn’t tell the audience that until after a minute or so.

3. Drop a series of rhetorical questions.

If you want your audience to participate in your presentation, ask rhetorical questions that stimulate the mind. They may not engage with you physically, but they’ll be with you mentally, pondering over your questions and framing their own answers.

4. Relay your message through storytelling.

The human brain is hardwired to love stories. If you have an interesting narrative to tell, share it. You’ll establish a stronger connection with your audience if you do so. The vulnerability is a powerful tool if you use it to communicate a message.

5. Turn heads with a contrarian statement.

One of the easiest ways to grab an audience’s attention is by contradicting a universally accepted concept. Whether your listeners agree with you or not, they’ll be at the edge of their seats to hear what you have to say, no matter how unconventional it may be. Just make sure that the statement you make offends nobody.

6. Underline a shared pain point.

If there’s a common problem you share with the audience, express it. You can win their sympathy and make yourself relatable by doing so. Your presentation will be more relevant if you can address something that the audience is concerned about.For example, everyone can relate to the frustration of creating website passwords. There seems to be no end to the list of requirements needed: the number of characters, the types of characters, the capitalization of letters, the inclusion of numbers, and so on. Discussing a topic like this captures your audience’s interest because you’re shedding light to a common issue they think is unique to them. You’re uniting the audience and bringing them to a common ground where your sentiments and theirs are one.

7. Promise something irresistible.

What do great presentations have in common? They all leave something for the audience. It doesn’t matter if it’s an idea, a tangible object, a lingering feeling, or a solution to a pressing issue. As long as it’s something that the audience finds useful, it can increase the value of your presentation.

8. Use multimedia to catch attention.

Words can make an impact, but videos and graphics often send a clearer message when used properly. If you’re unsure about how multimedia can complement your talk, use a multimedia presentation PowerPoint service that will do all the work for you. That way, your slides will not only look professional but also engaging.

9. Break the ice with a joke.

Popular opinion will claim that jokes are a good way to kickstart a presentation, but professional speakers should know better. Strictly speaking, it’s your sense of humor that elicits smiles and chuckles from the audience. It’s the humor, not the joke, that lightens up the atmosphere. So the more you can make the audience crack up and feel at ease without forcing a joke, the better.

10. Add a twist to an old saying.

Quotations are a common way to start a speech, but you can make yours stronger by tweaking it a bit. A cliché will sound fresher if you add your own take to it. For example, you can say, “To err is human, and to forgive is simply an acknowledgement of the error.”Of course, this will only work in a casual and laid-back presentation. If you’re opting for a more serious delivery, you can use proverbs or references to historical events instead.Coming up with an exciting presentation grabber is a task that takes time, effort, and talent. If you do it right, it pays off in the end.

Creating an Effective Financial Presentation

business

financial presentation

presentation

presentation design

presentation tips

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Jan 29, 2017

An effective financial presentation is key for communicating important data, whether it’s for investors, board members, or internal teams. The goal is to present complex financial information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. An impactful financial presentation not only makes the data easy to understand but also helps the audience grasp key insights and make informed decisions.Here are steps and best practices for creating an effective financial presentation.

1. Define the Purpose and Key Message

Before diving into data, it’s essential to define the purpose of your presentation. Whether you’re giving a quarterly earnings report, pitching a new investment, or reviewing financial performance, having a clear objective will help you focus your content and message.

How to Do It:

  • Identify Key Takeaways: Decide on 2–3 key messages or takeaways for your audience. For example, are you highlighting profitability growth, cost-cutting measures, or the impact of market trends?
  • Tailor Content to the Audience: Understand your audience’s knowledge level and interests. For example, executives may want big-picture financial insights, while a finance team might need more detailed data and metrics.

Example:

In a quarterly earnings presentation for investors, your key messages might focus on revenue growth, profitability, and future outlook, with charts and numbers supporting each point.

2. Start with an Executive Summary

An executive summary at the beginning of your presentation helps set the stage for what you’ll cover. It allows your audience to quickly understand the context and key findings before diving into detailed financial data.

How to Do It:

  • Summarize Key Points: Provide a brief overview of the presentation’s objectives and key financial metrics (revenue, net income, cash flow, etc.).
  • Highlight Major Insights: Identify any trends, changes, or standout metrics that will be discussed in more detail later in the presentation.

Example:

For an earnings report, the executive summary might highlight total revenue, year-over-year growth, and net profit, as well as an upcoming product launch that will impact the next quarter.

3. Use Visuals to Simplify Complex Data

Financial presentations often contain large volumes of data that can be difficult to digest. Well-designed visuals help simplify and clarify this information, making it easier for the audience to follow and interpret.

How to Do It:

  • Use Charts and Graphs: Visual aids like bar charts, pie charts, and line graphs are ideal for comparing financial metrics over time, displaying proportions, or showing trends.
  • Limit Data Per Slide: Avoid cramming too much data onto a single slide. Focus on one key metric or insight per slide to maintain clarity.
  • Highlight Key Figures: Use bold colors, callouts, or icons to emphasize important numbers or insights. This draws attention to the most critical points.

Example:

In a revenue performance slide, use a line graph to show revenue growth over the past five years, with key years or quarters highlighted to illustrate significant growth or decline.

4. Provide Context for the Numbers

Numbers alone don’t tell the full story. It’s important to provide context around the financial data to explain what it means, why it matters, and how it impacts your company’s performance or strategy.

How to Do It:

  • Explain the “Why”: For every key metric, explain why it’s important and what factors are driving the results. For instance, if operating expenses increased, highlight what led to the change (e.g., investments in R&D, marketing).
  • Compare with Benchmarks: Provide comparisons to past performance, industry benchmarks, or competitor metrics to give the audience a sense of relative performance.
  • Use Trends: Where possible, show trends over time (monthly, quarterly, annually) to illustrate how performance has evolved.

Example:

If you’re reporting an increase in gross margin, explain that it’s due to improvements in production efficiency or changes in product pricing strategies. Compare the current margin to last year’s margin and industry averages.

5. Highlight Key Financial Metrics

While financial presentations include a lot of data, certain metrics are especially important depending on your audience. Highlighting key performance indicators (KPIs) ensures that the most relevant numbers are given the attention they deserve.

Key Metrics to Include:

  • Revenue and Profitability: Show total revenue, net income, gross margin, and profit margins.
  • Cash Flow: Include cash flow statements, particularly focusing on operational, investing, and financing cash flows.
  • Cost Structure: Break down operating expenses, COGS (cost of goods sold), and major cost categories.
  • Liquidity and Solvency: Show metrics like working capital, current ratio, and debt-to-equity ratio to give insights into financial stability.
  • Growth Metrics: Highlight year-over-year (YoY) growth rates for revenue, earnings, and other financial metrics.

Example:

In an investor presentation, dedicate slides to key metrics like revenue growth, operating margin, and return on investment (ROI), with charts and explanations of any major fluctuations.

6. Address Risks and Opportunities

Every financial presentation should address potential risks and opportunities that could impact future performance. By providing a balanced view, you help your audience make informed decisions and show that you’re aware of factors that may affect future outcomes.

How to Do It:

  • Identify Risks: Highlight potential risks such as market volatility, regulatory changes, or operational challenges. Quantify the potential financial impact where possible.
  • Explore Opportunities: Share opportunities for growth, such as new markets, product launches, cost-cutting initiatives, or strategic investments. Support these opportunities with data or projections.
  • Provide Mitigation Plans: For each risk, outline how your company plans to mitigate the potential impact. Similarly, explain how you plan to capitalize on the identified opportunities.

Example:

In a financial forecast presentation, you might highlight economic risks such as inflation or rising material costs, while also discussing opportunities like expanding into a new geographic market or launching a new product line.

7. Simplify the Language

Not all of your audience will be financial experts, so it’s important to present financial data using simple, straightforward language. Avoid jargon and technical terms unless your audience is familiar with them, and ensure that your message is easy to understand.

How to Do It:

  • Explain Financial Terms: If you need to use terms like EBITDA, leverage, or net income, provide simple definitions or explanations.
  • Use Plain Language: Avoid overcomplicating the narrative. Focus on what the numbers mean rather than just listing metrics.
  • Be Concise: Keep explanations brief and to the point. Use bullet points to break down information into digestible parts.

Example:

Instead of saying, “Our EBITDA margin increased due to improved SG&A efficiencies,” you could say, “Our earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation increased because we reduced selling, general, and administrative costs.”

8. End with a Clear Conclusion and Call to Action

Conclude your financial presentation by summarizing key points, providing actionable insights, and outlining the next steps. A strong conclusion reinforces your main messages and leaves your audience with a clear understanding of the actions needed moving forward.

How to Do It:

  • Summarize Key Findings: Recap the most important metrics and takeaways, such as financial health, growth potential, or areas that need improvement.
  • Provide Actionable Recommendations: If applicable, offer suggestions or action points for how to address challenges or capitalize on opportunities.
  • Include a Call to Action: Encourage your audience to take the next step, whether it’s approving a budget, making an investment decision, or scheduling a follow-up meeting.

Example:

At the end of an investment pitch, conclude by summarizing your company’s strong financial performance, highlighting upcoming growth opportunities, and providing a clear CTA such as “We encourage you to schedule a meeting to discuss investment opportunities.”

Final Thoughts

An effective financial presentation is not just about presenting data—it’s about telling a clear, compelling story backed by numbers. By defining your key message, simplifying complex data, using visuals, and providing context, you can deliver a financial presentation that engages your audience and drives action. Always keep your audience in mind, and tailor your content, language, and visuals to ensure your presentation is clear, insightful, and actionable.