Just a sample of how to approach slide design. The real key is to be certain that the speaker and his/her presentation are congruent. At the end of the day, the presentation should never replace the presenter.

1. First, the pain…

2. 95% of presentations, regardless of industry, are pretty darned bad. These are the good ones.

3. There really is nobody to blame. Most of us are simply the victims of bad presentations.

4. After all, they are everywhere…

5. Most presentations fail because of a lack of awareness about how people learn,and an over-reliance on slides to be an effective stand in for the speaker. This usually results in an unemotional delivery, lack of audience engagement and, worst of all, minimalretention.

6. We just don’t know any better.

7. Make no mistake: there is a better way

8. Make no mistake: we are visual creatures Consider hieroglyphics, ancient cave art, and the finger painting of a four year old: we are hard wired to communicate visually.

9. In fact, 83%of retention occurs visually

10. Make no mistake: Presenting is about the transfer of emotion “Communication is about getting others to adopt your point of view. To help them understand why you’re excited (or sad, or optimistic, or whatever else you are).” Seth Godin

11. Make no mistake: your audience wants to be fully engaged Our brain has two sides. Your audience wants to use both when listening to you. They will thank you for it.

12. Make no mistake: the use of bullets is not visual storytelling FACT: we are cognitively incapable (as much as you want to believe otherwise) of reading and listening at the same time. Most people, when forced to choose, tune out the speaker. This is bad.

13. Geoff’s quick-and-dirty checklist to put you on the path to good PowerPoint

14. #1 One slide. One idea. Then move on.

15. #2 Keep It Simple, S_ _ _ _ One font A few colors Plain background

16. #3 Less is more. Respect white space. (learn to examine really good print and web marketing ads.)

17. #4 Go back to 3rd grade… and re-learn the color wheel

18. #5 Never create in PowerPoint. PowerPoint is a finishing tool

19. #6 These will kill you and your audience. Are you creating slides, or sliduments? If you need to make a handout to accompany your presentation – then make one!

20. #7 Tell your story.

21. #8 Regarding animation: Use restraint. Lot’s of it. The eye is drawn to moving objects, and away from you!

22. #9 Purchase a slide advancer. Tomorrow. When you use it,do not point it at the screen.

23. #10 Read up. Have a critical eye. Dedicate time. Practice.

24. … and speaking of practice: Encourage feedback Videotape yourself “All the great speakers were bad speakers first.”Ralph Waldo Emerson

25. Final Thought: “They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Carl W. Buechner Author and Presbyterian Minister

26. When you use it,do not point it at the screen.