Presentation Archives

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.

6 Tips to Keep Your Audience Engaged and Interested

audience attention

audience engagement

presentation delivery

presentation tips

public speaking

public speaking tips

Apr 17, 2017

Imagine looking intently at your audience ten minutes into your hour-long presentation. Imagine seeing, instead of eager faces, a sea of spectators wearing I-don’t-want-to-be-here looks. Some of them are yawning; others are glancing at the time. You also spot a few snoozing in plain view, as though daring for you to call them out. Any speaker facing this situation would undoubtedly be unnerved. After all, no one wants to feel like they’re imposing themselves to others.

The scenario you’ve just played out in your mind is a proof that presentations aren’t just about content. The way you say something is just as important as what you have to say, if not more so. No matter how unique and valuable your content is, it’s useless until you present it in an interesting manner.

The thing about presentation delivery is that it’s not a “one time, big time” deal. It’s not something you can apply only at the start and end of your speech. Building momentum isn’t enough; you need to be able to sustain it throughout the presentation. Since this is harder than it seems, we’re giving away some tips to help you with this ordeal.

Keeping Your Audience Hooked from Start to Finish

There’s a certain stigma that pervades presentations: boredom. Many people perceive speeches as nothing but a waste of resources. The time is ripe for you to join the few great presenters who aim to eradicate this stigma by delivering presentations that are interesting from start to finish.

1. Tell them outright why they should listen.

Your chosen topic should be something that the audience is interested in. If you want them to listen, give them a reason to lend you their ears. Unless you make the talk about them, it’s unlikely that they’ll care at all about what you have to say.

2. Give them enough mental challenge.

Presentations are neither about spoon-feeding your audience with information nor baffling them with incomprehensible data. To keep them hooked, you should provide them with enough mental challenges that will keep them occupied without straining their mental faculties. Dispose of anything that will either underchallenge (e.g. bullet points) or overchallenge (e.g. complicated graphs) them.

3. Turn your speech into a two-way discourse.

An effective way to engage your audience is to include them in the presentation. Cook up some strategies to switch the limelight from them to you. Audience interaction doesn’t come by accident; as the speaker, you need to be the ringleader of the action. By framing the presentation in a way that encourages participation, you’ll be able to keep your audience’s minds from wandering off.

One way to elicit engagement is to embolden people to ask questions. Getting their opinions will not only bring variety to the table but also deepen the conversation. You can also post interesting questions that will get them thinking from beginning to end. Also, leveraging social media by inviting your audience to tweet or blog about your presentation can go a long way in achieving interaction. If you only want minimal engagement, however, you can just poll your audience as a group. Ask them to raise hands or stand to show agreement or dissent.

4. Grab their attention with any kind of change.

Uniformity fosters boredom, so you should veer away from any predictable patterns of speech. Add any kind of nuance, however small, to draw your audience’s minds back to the presentation. There are a lot of aspects that you can modify in a speech. For example, you can change your style of delivery depending on the type of content you share. State facts with a deliberate tone and tell stories in an animated manner. You can also change the inflection of your voice to emphasize the differences between strong and trivial statements. By varying your vocal inflections, you can add emotional layers to your words.

Another thing you can modify is the type of media you use. For instance, you can shift from a PowerPoint slide deck to a whiteboard presentation. By incorporating these small changes in your presentation, you can recapture the audience’s attention every time their minds drift away.

Audience Attention Tips: Schedule Breaks Between Sections

5. Vary the types of content you share.

Don’t limit yourself to one type of content. While it’s true that facts and data are essential in business presentations, you shouldn’t let your speech turn into a lecture just because you can’t find creative ways to present your content. As much as possible, blend in some stories into your presentation. People are hard-wired to love narratives, so they’ll be more interested to hear what you have to say when you package your content that way. You can also use metaphors to illustrate a point, or draw from a personal experience to make an example.

There are other types of content you can add to your speech. For instance, a mind map can work for organizing your thoughts. Visual elements are also good for spicing up your presentation. If you can apply humor prudently, it can also be useful in lifting the boredom and energizing your audience.

6. Schedule breaks between sections.

Don’t underestimate the rejuvenating effects of a short break. Give your audience ample time to walk around, refill their drinks, take a breath of fresh air, and get the blood flowing through their legs once again with a quick stretch. These small activities will revive your audience and keep them from dozing off halfway through your speech. Schedule breaks where they apply and see an immediate improvement in the mood of your spectators.

When you feel inclined to settle for a mediocre presentation that will no doubt bore your listeners, just remember that having a ready audience to listen to you is a privilege. It’s an honor you can earn by devoting enough resources to make your presentation worth everyone’s time and effort. Apply the tips we’ve provided, and you’ll be taking a step in the right direction. Good luck!

Resources:

Belknap, Leslie. “How to Find a Story to Enhance Your Public Speaking Presentations.” Ethos 3. November 6, 2015. www.ethos3.com/2015/11/how-to-find-a-story-to-enhance-your-public-speaking-presentations

Brownlow, Hannah. “10 Ways to Keep Your Audience’s Attention.” Bright Carbon. June 18, 2015. www.brightcarbon.com/blog/10-ways-to-keep-your-audiences-attention

DeMers, Jayson. “10 Presentation Tricks to Keep Your Audience Awake.” Inc. August 11, 2015. www.inc.com/jayson-demers/10-presentation-tricks-to-keep-your-audience-awake.html

Grissom, Twila. “How to Make a Presentation: The Importance of Delivery.” CustomShow. November 27, 2014. www.customshow.com/giving-great-presentation-importance-delivery

Hedges, Kristi. “Five Easy Tricks to Make Your Presentation Interactive.” Forbes. January 28, 2014. www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2014/01/28/five-easy-tricks-to-make-your-presentation-interactive/#223ff6ae2586

Martinuzzi, Bruna. “How to Keep Your Audience Focused on Your Presentation.” American Express. September 14, 2012. www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/openforum/articles/how-to-keep-your-audience-focused-on-your-presentation

Mitchell, Olivia. “7 Ways to Keep Audience Attention During Your Presentation.” Speaking About Presenting. n.d. www.speakingaboutpresenting.com/content/7-ways-audience-attention-presentation

Patel, Neil. “When, How, and How Often to Take a Break.” Inc. December 11, 2014. www.inc.com/neil-patel/when-how-and-how-often-to-take-a-break.html

Why Listening Is the Most Important Communication Skill

communication

Communication Skill

custom powerpoint

Listening

Marketing

pitch deck

public speaking

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Apr 10, 2017

In the realm of communication, listening is often overlooked, but it is arguably the most crucial skill to master. While speaking clearly and effectively is important, active listening fosters better understanding, builds stronger relationships, and enhances overall communication. Whether you’re leading a meeting, giving a presentation, or engaging in a casual conversation, listening is essential to effective communication. Here’s why.

1. Builds Trust and Rapport

When people feel heard, they are more likely to trust and respect you. Listening actively—without interrupting or jumping to conclusions—demonstrates that you value the other person’s thoughts and opinions.

Why It’s Important:

Encourages Openness: People are more likely to share their honest thoughts and feelings when they feel genuinely listened to.
Fosters Stronger Relationships: Listening helps build rapport, which is crucial in both personal and professional relationships.

How to Do It:

Focus fully on the speaker, making eye contact and giving them your undivided attention.
Use verbal and nonverbal cues (like nodding or brief affirmations) to show that you’re engaged.

2. Improves Understanding

Listening carefully allows you to fully understand the speaker’s message. Without active listening, you may miss key details, misinterpret the speaker’s intent, or make incorrect assumptions.

Why It’s Important:

Prevents Misunderstandings: By truly listening, you can avoid confusion and ensure that you understand the message as intended.
Leads to Informed Responses: Listening helps you respond thoughtfully and accurately, rather than giving off-the-cuff remarks.

How to Do It:

Summarize or paraphrase what the speaker has said to ensure you’ve understood their points correctly.
Ask clarifying questions if something is unclear.

3. Enhances Problem-Solving

In collaborative environments, effective listening is key to identifying issues and finding solutions. When you actively listen to all perspectives, you gain a broader understanding of the problem, which helps you come up with more effective solutions.

Why It’s Important:

Gathers All Perspectives: Listening to various viewpoints helps you consider all aspects of a situation before making decisions.
Fosters Creative Solutions: Hearing others out allows for collaborative brainstorming, leading to more innovative problem-solving.

How to Do It:

Encourage others to voice their opinions and ideas.
Withhold judgment or counterarguments until you’ve fully understood everyone’s perspective.

4. Encourages Respectful Dialogue

Active listening can de-escalate tensions and create a more respectful conversation. By listening rather than dominating the conversation, you create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their views.

Why It’s Important:

Decreases Conflict: Listening can help defuse misunderstandings or disagreements before they escalate.
Promotes Mutual Respect: Respect is cultivated when people feel that their views are acknowledged and valued.

How to Do It:

Practice patience by letting the speaker finish before responding.
Avoid interrupting, even if you disagree with what’s being said.

5. Strengthens Leadership Abilities

Strong leaders are often those who listen the best. By listening to your team’s concerns, ideas, and feedback, you demonstrate empathy and foster an environment of collaboration and mutual respect.

Why It’s Important:

Builds Team Morale: Team members feel valued and respected when their input is genuinely considered by leadership.
Improves Decision-Making: Leaders who listen gain valuable insights that can inform better decisions.

How to Do It:

In meetings, give everyone an opportunity to speak and ensure you listen attentively to their input.
Make it a habit to seek feedback regularly and act on the insights you gather.

6. Boosts Emotional Intelligence

Listening is a key component of emotional intelligence (EQ). It helps you understand not only the words being spoken but also the emotions and underlying needs of the speaker. High EQ is essential for successful communication, conflict resolution, and leadership.

Why It’s Important:

Enhances Empathy: By listening closely, you can better understand how the other person is feeling, which strengthens your ability to empathize.
Improves Interpersonal Relationships: People with high EQ are more effective in their interactions because they can connect on both intellectual and emotional levels.

How to Do It:

Pay attention to the speaker’s tone, body language, and nonverbal cues to fully understand their message.
Respond with empathy by acknowledging their emotions and validating their feelings.

Final Thoughts

Listening is the cornerstone of effective communication. Whether in a professional setting or personal relationships, listening improves understanding, builds trust, and strengthens connections. By practicing active listening, you can enhance your communication skills and become a more empathetic, effective, and respected communicator.

Fundamental Elements of a Strong PowerPoint Slide

Powerpoint

PowerPoint Design

Powerpoint tips

slide elements

Apr 03, 2017

Creating strong PowerPoint slides requires attention to clarity, design, and engagement. Here are the fundamental elements of a well-designed PowerPoint slide:

1. Concise and Focused Content

Why it matters: A strong slide should deliver one key message or idea. Overloading slides with too much information distracts the audience and makes it harder for them to retain important points.
How to apply: Limit your slide to 3-5 bullet points or key ideas. Use short, direct sentences or phrases, and avoid long paragraphs. Each slide should support a single concept, allowing the audience to focus on the message without becoming overwhelmed.

2. Clear and Readable Text

Why it matters: If your audience cannot easily read the content on your slides, they’ll lose interest quickly. Legibility is essential for effective communication.
How to apply: Use large, sans-serif fonts like Arial or Calibri, with a minimum font size of 24 points for body text and 36 points for headings. Stick to consistent fonts and colors across all slides. Ensure there is sufficient contrast between the text and background, making it easy to read even from the back of the room.

3. Visual Balance and Design

Why it matters: An aesthetically pleasing slide keeps the audience’s attention and ensures your content is well-organized. Too much clutter can distract from the message.
How to apply: Utilize white space to give your slides a clean, organized look. Limit images and design elements to only those that enhance your message. Align your text, images, and visuals neatly to create visual balance on each slide. A consistent layout across all slides contributes to a professional appearance.

4. Engaging Visuals

Why it matters: Images, icons, and charts can convey ideas more powerfully than text alone, helping to increase understanding and retention.
How to apply: Incorporate relevant visuals like photos, icons, or infographics that support your message. Use charts and graphs to present data visually, but make sure they are simple and easy to understand. Avoid generic or irrelevant images that don’t add value to the presentation.

5. Consistent Branding

Why it matters: Consistent branding helps reinforce your message and creates a professional, cohesive presentation. It ensures that your slides reflect your company or personal brand.
How to apply: Use your brand’s colors, fonts, and logo consistently throughout the presentation. Stick to a color palette that complements your brand and is easy on the eyes. Make sure your slides align with your brand’s style guidelines for consistency.

6. Minimal Transitions and Animations

Why it matters: While transitions and animations can add engagement, overusing them can be distracting and make your presentation feel unprofessional.
How to apply: Use simple transitions and animations, like fade-ins or appear, sparingly and only to highlight key points. Avoid flashy effects like bouncing text or excessive movement, which can distract from your core message.

7. Actionable Call to Action (CTA)

Why it matters: A clear call to action helps direct the audience to the next steps, especially in business or sales presentations. It turns passive listeners into engaged participants.
How to apply: Place the CTA in a prominent spot on the final slide, using bold text or a contrasting color. Use specific, actionable language like “Sign up today” or “Contact us for more information” to drive engagement.

By focusing on these core elements, you can create effective, engaging, and professional PowerPoint slides that communicate your message clearly and resonate with your audience.

WWE and Marketing: Exploring the Common Ground Between

custom powerpoint

Marketing

marketing tips

pitch deck

presentation science

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

WWE

WWE and Marketing

Apr 03, 2017

The WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) may seem like a world away from traditional marketing, but the reality is that the two share significant common ground. WWE is a masterclass in branding, storytelling, and audience engagement—core elements that are also essential to successful marketing campaigns. By looking at how WWE captivates its audience, brands can gain insights into how to build loyalty, create compelling content, and establish a strong market presence.

Here’s how WWE and marketing share common principles and what businesses can learn from the wrestling giant:

1. Storytelling is at the Heart of Both

WWE’s success is built on its ability to tell captivating stories. Each match is part of a larger narrative, often featuring ongoing rivalries, character development, and plot twists. Similarly, in marketing, storytelling is essential to engaging customers and creating emotional connections with brands.

How WWE Does It:

Character Development: WWE creates larger-than-life personas for its wrestlers, allowing the audience to invest in their stories. The backstories, motivations, and conflicts keep fans engaged.
Ongoing Storylines: WWE’s storylines continue over time, with matches building on past events and foreshadowing future ones. This keeps fans hooked and eagerly awaiting the next development.

Marketing Takeaway: Build a compelling brand story. Just as WWE develops characters, companies should craft brand identities that resonate with their audience. Whether it’s through product development or content marketing, brands should create an ongoing narrative that customers want to follow.

Example: Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign isn’t just a tagline—it’s part of an ongoing narrative about perseverance, excellence, and pushing limits, much like WWE’s stories of overcoming adversity.

2. Build and Leverage Brand Loyalty

WWE has an incredibly loyal fanbase, with fans who continue to support the brand and its superstars year after year. This loyalty is a result of WWE’s ability to create emotional connections through its content and consistent engagement with its audience.

How WWE Does It:

Fan Engagement: WWE keeps its fans engaged through regular content across multiple platforms, including live events, TV shows, social media, and merchandise.
Fan Participation: WWE encourages fan participation through live chants, fan votes on match outcomes, and opportunities to interact with superstars at events.

Marketing Takeaway: Engage with your audience consistently and offer them opportunities to participate in your brand. By creating two-way communication and making your audience feel involved, you can build deeper connections and brand loyalty.

Example: Brands like Starbucks use social media to engage with customers, solicit feedback, and even crowdsource ideas for new products. This involvement helps strengthen customer loyalty.

3. The Power of Consistent Branding

WWE’s brand is instantly recognizable—from its logo and color scheme to the distinct personalities of its superstars. Everything WWE does is consistent with its core identity of entertainment, action, and drama. In marketing, consistent branding is key to creating a strong and memorable brand image.

How WWE Does It:

Visual Consistency: WWE’s logo, fonts, colors, and ring designs are always consistent across platforms, reinforcing the brand’s identity.
Character Branding: Each superstar has a distinct brand—whether it’s John Cena’s patriotic persona or The Undertaker’s dark, mystical character. These brands extend to merchandise, social media, and appearances.

Marketing Takeaway: Develop a consistent brand identity across all touchpoints. From your website to social media, your branding should be cohesive to create a strong and recognizable image.

Example: Coca-Cola has maintained consistent branding for decades. From its logo to its red-and-white color scheme and iconic bottle shape, Coca-Cola’s brand is instantly recognizable worldwide.

4. Create Spectacle and Memorable Moments

One of WWE’s strengths is its ability to create spectacle. Whether it’s a dramatic entrance, an unexpected plot twist, or a climactic title match, WWE knows how to deliver moments that fans will talk about for years. In marketing, creating memorable experiences can elevate your brand and leave a lasting impression.

How WWE Does It:

Big Events: WWE builds up to its major events, such as WrestleMania, creating hype and excitement leading up to the spectacle.
Surprises and Twists: WWE is known for its unexpected moments—returns, betrayals, or surprise victories—that create buzz and excitement among fans.

Marketing Takeaway: Create memorable moments in your marketing campaigns that stand out. Whether it’s through experiential marketing, a viral social media moment, or a creative product launch, brands that deliver spectacle capture attention.

Example: Apple’s product launches are legendary for their spectacle, often featuring new innovations that are unveiled in dramatic fashion, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation.

5. Leverage Multiple Platforms for Maximum Impact

WWE understands the importance of being present across multiple platforms. From television and live events to social media and streaming, WWE ensures its content is accessible everywhere, keeping its audience engaged across all channels. Similarly, in marketing, using an omnichannel strategy allows brands to reach their audience where they are.

How WWE Does It:

Multi-Platform Content: WWE creates content for TV, YouTube, social media, and its own streaming service, WWE Network. Each platform has unique content tailored to that audience.
Fan Interaction on Social Media: WWE uses social media to interact with fans, share exclusive content, and build anticipation for upcoming events.

Marketing Takeaway: Ensure your brand is present and consistent across multiple platforms. Tailor your content for each platform, but maintain a unified message and brand identity across all of them.

Example: Brands like Nike and Adidas create different types of content for Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube while maintaining a cohesive brand message. This approach allows them to engage with their audience in different ways across platforms.

Final Thoughts

The common ground between WWE and marketing lies in their shared focus on storytelling, audience engagement, and consistent branding. WWE’s ability to build strong fan loyalty, create memorable moments, and leverage multiple platforms offers valuable lessons for marketers looking to connect with their audience. By adopting WWE’s approach to storytelling, brand consistency, and engagement, marketers can create campaigns that are just as powerful and captivating as a main event match.

6 Useful Mobile Applications for Public Speakers

Mobile Applications

public speaking tips

Mar 15, 2017

In this era, dependence on technology has never been higher, flow of information is better than ever, and communication is faster.
One gift of technology is the smartphone. Whatever brand you have, the ease of use and accessibility a smartphone offers means flexibility, especially when the Internet is concerned. This 24/7 connectivity is practically why these mobile gadgets are essential.
With smartphones come applications, software programs you can install and update through the App Store for Apple, Google Play for Android, and Microsoft Store for Microsoft (there are also desktop and laptop apps for the corresponding operating system). From games to social media to even fitness trackers and mobile banking, to name a few, apps essentially make your phone a very personal gadget. There are even apps that can help public speakers. Here are six of them:

Camera Apps

What’s better than practicing in front of a mirror? Watching yourself practicing.
Open your pre-installed camera app (or use other notable ones are Camera Awesome and Filmmaker Pro), adjust the settings to your preference, place your phone a reasonable distance away, and record while you rehearse. When you’re done, watch it. You get to see what your audience-to-be will see: how you look, your gestures, eye contact, etc. Instead of focusing on just your face, you get a fuller and bigger picture of how you do onstage.
The best aspect is that you get to be part of the crowd that will watch you speak. If you can spot glaring errors, then you can bet others will too. By then, you’d know what to fix and polish.
This isn’t just limited to your camera though. Any video-recording device is fine. If you have a camcorder, you can use it. Your phone’s built-in camera is one option of many.

TED App

The annual TED Conference is arguably one of the biggest public-speaking events. Professionals from different countries and industries respect and admire the gathering since it features a collection of the world’s bests. As such, it sets a high standard for presenters and serves as an inspiration for many budding public speakers.
What if you can bring the wide coverage of the TED Talks anytime, anywhere? Enter the TED app, released by the same organization and peppered with the same features as the website, like videos, reviews, comments, etc. With good connectivity, you have talks on different subjects right at your fingertips. You can watch the best speakers, learn and emulate their onstage tricks and styles, and create your own. Who knows? You might even be one of them soon.

SpeakerClock

Every talk has an allotted time limit for speakers. Be it less than or more than 10 minutes, you need to tailor your speech to fit the time you have.
Enter SpeakerClock. Using the same look and design of a TED Talk timer, and with a little imagination, it gives the sense that you’re speaking in a TED Conference. No need to feel the pressure though. That’s why you’re practicing not going over your time limit. That way, you know which points you need to emphasize more and longer.
Of course, there are other timer apps out there, but none like SpeakerClock. Who doesn’t want to feel like they’re a TED speaker?

Metronome Beats

You’ve been practicing with a time limit; how fast are you going with your speech? Musicians use a metronome to measure beat and tempo, ticking per a time signature. Transpose that to a public speaking context, and you have Metronome Beats, an app that works just like a metronome with just a few swipes and adjustments.
In a way, you could liken your speech to a music piece: allegro (fast) to adagio (slow) then allegro again and adagio again, making sure the right parts are accented by the right combination of pace and strength, until the finale. Making sure the beat and tempo of your piece are harmonic is a great way to ensure that a) you emphasize your main points by slowly talking about them (adagio) and b) you set the pace of your whole speech to fit within your timeline.

Ummo

What if you had an app that records your speech as you practice, provides a transcription, and counts how many filler words you said? You don’t have to imagine.
Ummo works exactly like that. When looking at your transcript, you get an idea of how many “uhms,” “ahs,” “likes,” etc., you uttered. You can then work on reducing them. There are also two bonuses. With a full transcript, a short analysis can identify where filler words were used the most and whether your diction and pronunciation is clear enough for even a computer to create an almost-accurate copy—homonyms and punctuation the obvious areas of problem.
Still, an app that does a lot of things for your benefit is great in anybody’s book.

Rhetoric – The Public Speaking Game

The only game in this list, Rhetoric was initially made by John Zimmer and Florian Mueck as a board game in 2011. It crossed over to the digital world as both an improvement tool for public speakers of different calibers and a fun method of bonding with friends and/or family. Best of all is that you don’t have to play it alone.
The rules are the same with the board game, and it plays out like a real gaming app (think Monopoly on your phone). All in all, if you’re looking for a game where players take turns speaking, then Rhetoric is your cup of tea.
There are many tools that can help improve your public-speaking skills, and apps on your smartphone are just a few options. Traditional practice and hard work are still the best ways to get better, but you need to have great self-discipline. If anything, that’s the best quality to have: the mindset that you can always be better if you work hard enough and learn more than expected.

Resources:

Avery, Ryan. “5 iPhone Apps for Public Speakers.” How to Be a Speaker. n.d. www.howtobeaspeaker.com/5-iphone-apps-for-public-speakers
Brown, Christopher. “5 Presentation Apps that Will Calm Your Nerves When Speaking in Public.” Lifehack. n.d. www.lifehack.org/454813/5-presentation-apps-that-will-calm-your-nerves-when-speaking-in-public
Lloyd-Hughes, Sarah. “10 Great Public Speaking Apps for Killer Presentations.” Ginger Public Speaking. n.d. www.gingerpublicspeaking.com/public-speaking-apps/?utm_referrer=https://www.google.com.ph
Scheinin, Richard. “The Best Apps for Improving Your Public Speaking.” July 17, 2016. The Mercury News. www.mercurynews.com/2016/07/17/the-best-apps-for-improving-your-public-speaking
Studach, Melissa. “6 Apps that Will Turn You Into an Expert Public Speaker.” Inc. June 9, 2016. www.inc.com/melissa-studach/6-apps-that-will-turn-you-into-an-expert-speaker.html
Zimmer, John. “Rhetoric. The App Is Here!” Manner of Speaking. July 24, 2016. www.mannerofspeaking.org/2016/07/24/rhetoric-the-app-is-here
“Mobile Apps for Public Speakers and Presenters.” SlideShop. December 23, 2016. blog.slideshop.com/2016/12/23/mobile-apps-for-public-speakers-and-presenters
“The 7 Best Apps 4 Public Speakers.” Meeting Application. May 1, 2015. blog.meetingapplication.com/7-apps-4-public-speakers

Looking Back on the Birth of PowerPoint

infographics

Powerpoint

powerpoint history

Mar 13, 2017

It’s hard to imagine life without the comforts of modern technology that people know today: smartphones, 24/7 Internet access, computers that basically provide anything and everything with the push of a few buttons, and the like. Now, you’d think that innovation is an everyday occurrence, but that wasn’t the case in the mid-1900s, especially for businesses.

Back in the early 60s, Roger Appeldorn invented the first overhead projector. It had a simple principle of using light reflected upon mirrors to display data printed on transparencies (a.k.a. foil or viewgraph), paper-sized sheets of cellophane. The bulky instrument became a mainstay in meeting rooms, but the processes to create one sheet of transparency were tedious and time-consuming (inkjet printing was still a new thing). If not printed, then presenters would handwrite data to be projected on the transparencies. That is, until the 90s. What happened?

Microsoft PowerPoint happened.

Its revolutionary and innovative approach to creating presentations gave it an edge over its more than thirty competitors. Its timing with the booms of both the Apple and Windows operating systems—primitive as they were—cemented its growth. And its fundamental function hosted other uses it wasn’t intended for, like classroom operations and simple public speaking exercises (and not-so-simple ones like the TED Talks). Yes, it’s that flexible.

Today, PowerPoint is at its latest version: PowerPoint 2016, as part of the Microsoft bundle Office 2016. More than two decades since the first version was published, PowerPoint is at its prime—with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Although it has seen its share of competitors, the presentation designer software remains as strong as ever, if not stronger.

So how did this juggernaut of a program come to fruition? How about a teaser? For starters, did you know that PowerPoint didn’t start as an internal project of Microsoft? The following infographic will take you through decades across the technological history to the go-to presentation software that is—and will always be—Microsoft PowerPoint.

https://www.slideshare.net/SlideGenius/looking-back-on-the-birth-of-powerpoint

Resources:

Akanegbu, Anuli. “Vision of Learning: A History of Classroom Projectors.” EdTech Magazine. February 28, 2013. www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2013/02/vision-learning-history-classroom-projectors

“Life Before the Web – Running a Startup in the 1980’s.” The Zamzar Blog. July 13, 2016. blog.zamzar.com/2016/07/13/life-before-the-web-running-a-startup-in-the-1980s

Can Hosting a Webinar Expand Your Audience?

Powerpoint

powerpoint designer

Presentation Agency

presentation design

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Web Seminar

webinar

Webinar Presentation

Mar 13, 2017

Hosting a webinar is an incredibly effective way to expand your audience and grow your business, brand, or personal profile. With the rise of digital communication and remote working, webinars have become a preferred tool for engaging with broader audiences, providing value, and building meaningful connections. By offering a blend of valuable content, interactivity, and convenience, webinars allow businesses and individuals to reach and attract new audiences far beyond traditional geographical limitations.

Here’s how hosting a webinar can help you expand your audience and the key benefits that come with it.

1. Global Reach Without Geographical Boundaries

One of the biggest advantages of hosting a webinar is the ability to connect with audiences from all over the world. Unlike in-person events, webinars are not restricted by physical location, travel costs, or venue capacity. This means you can engage with a global audience, reaching people who might never have been able to attend your events otherwise.

How It Expands Your Audience:

Attract International Participants: Webinars allow you to promote your event online, reaching potential attendees from different regions and time zones.
Reduce Barriers to Entry: With no need for travel or accommodation, more people are likely to register for your event, increasing your overall reach.

Example:

A software company can host a product demo webinar and attract attendees from multiple countries, increasing awareness of their product in regions where they may not have had a physical presence.

2. Cost-Effective Way to Attract New Leads

Webinars are a cost-effective way to generate new leads and grow your audience. Compared to in-person events, webinars typically require fewer resources, such as venue costs, catering, and travel expenses. This makes them an affordable option for companies and individuals looking to attract and engage new prospects.

How It Expands Your Audience:

Lower Costs, More Accessibility: Webinars allow more people to attend without high registration fees, making them more accessible to your target audience.
Lead Generation Opportunities: During the registration process, you can capture valuable contact information such as email addresses and business details. These contacts can then be nurtured as leads.

Example:

A marketing agency can host a free webinar on social media strategies, collecting registration details and using the webinar as a lead magnet to build their email list and follow-up with potential clients.

3. Content Longevity Through Recordings

One of the major benefits of hosting webinars is that they can be recorded and reused, giving your content longevity and allowing you to reach an even wider audience long after the live event has ended.

How It Expands Your Audience:

On-Demand Access: By offering recordings of your webinar, you can attract people who weren’t able to attend the live session. This extends your content’s reach and gives new viewers a chance to engage with your brand.
Repurposing Content: You can repurpose your webinar content into other forms such as blog posts, social media snippets, or eBooks, which can reach different segments of your audience.

Example:

A thought leader in the health industry can record their wellness webinar and offer the replay on their website, YouTube, or other platforms, allowing more people to watch it over time and increasing overall visibility.

4. Targeted Audience Through Niche Topics

Webinars are highly customizable, making it easy to target specific audiences based on your niche or area of expertise. By offering specialized, valuable content, you can attract a more engaged and relevant audience that is genuinely interested in your products or services.

How It Expands Your Audience:

Attract Interested Participants: Niche topics help attract participants who are specifically interested in the subject matter, leading to a more engaged audience.
Establish Expertise: By delivering expert insights, you position yourself or your business as a thought leader, which can attract a dedicated following.

Example:

An e-commerce consultant can host a webinar on “Improving Conversion Rates for Online Retailers,” attracting business owners specifically looking to enhance their online sales, which could lead to more targeted and engaged leads.

5. Interactive and Engaging Content

Webinars allow you to interact directly with your audience in real-time through Q&A sessions, polls, chat features, and live demonstrations. This interactive element helps build stronger connections and allows attendees to feel more involved in the event.

How It Expands Your Audience:

Build Rapport with New Audiences: Engaging with attendees during the webinar helps establish a relationship and builds trust, encouraging future interaction and loyalty.
Address Pain Points: By allowing your audience to ask questions or vote in polls, you can better understand their needs and provide tailored solutions, increasing the likelihood of converting them into long-term followers or customers.

Example:

A SaaS company hosting a live Q&A during a product demo webinar can address specific questions from potential customers, providing direct value and boosting confidence in their product.

6. Partnerships and Co-Hosted Webinars

Collaborating with other brands, influencers, or industry experts on webinars can significantly expand your audience. By partnering with someone who already has an established following, you can leverage their audience while also adding credibility to your event.

How It Expands Your Audience:

Tap into Existing Networks: When you co-host a webinar, your partner will promote the event to their own audience, giving you access to potential new followers or customers.
Cross-Promotional Opportunities: Cross-promotion with partners can introduce your brand to a larger, highly relevant audience, leading to greater exposure.

Example:

A fitness app could co-host a webinar with a well-known nutritionist to discuss the benefits of diet and exercise, promoting the event to both the app’s user base and the nutritionist’s followers, thus expanding the audience for both.

7. Social Media Promotion

Social media platforms offer a significant opportunity to promote your webinar to a broader audience. By sharing your event across multiple platforms and encouraging your audience to share it as well, you can attract a wide range of participants from different demographics.

How It Expands Your Audience:

Viral Reach: Social media sharing can exponentially increase the visibility of your webinar. The more your event is shared, the greater your reach becomes.
Targeted Ads: Platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram offer targeted ad options that allow you to promote your webinar to specific audiences based on their interests, professions, or demographics.

Example:

A digital marketing agency can use Facebook Ads to promote their webinar on “SEO for Small Businesses,” targeting users who have shown interest in digital marketing, SEO, or entrepreneurship.

8. Networking and Building Relationships

Webinars provide a great opportunity to build relationships with your audience, industry experts, and peers. Participants get a sense of your expertise and personality, and you can use webinars to establish lasting connections.

How It Expands Your Audience:

Networking Opportunities: Hosting a webinar gives you a platform to connect with potential customers, collaborators, or industry influencers who may promote your brand to their own networks.
Follow-Up Engagement: After the webinar, you can continue engaging with participants through email follow-ups, social media, or even inviting them to future events.

Example:

An entrepreneur hosting a webinar on “Scaling Your Startup” could follow up with attendees by offering additional resources, starting discussions on LinkedIn, or inviting them to future networking events, thus growing their professional network and audience.

Conclusion

Yes, hosting a webinar can significantly expand your audience by providing value in a flexible, accessible format. From increasing brand awareness to generating leads and nurturing relationships, webinars offer a highly effective platform for reaching new people and deepening connections with your existing audience.

By focusing on content that delivers real value, promoting your webinars across multiple channels, and engaging your participants in real-time, you can grow your reach, establish authority in your niche, and achieve your business goals. Whether you’re a small business, an individual entrepreneur, or a large corporation, webinars are an essential tool for expanding your audience in today’s digital landscape.

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-information

Boitnott, John. “How to Pitch Your Brilliant Idea Without Making the People You Need Feel Stupid.” Entrepreneur. October 10, 2014. www.entrepreneur.com/article/238176

Bonilla, Christina. “Want to Be Taken Seriously? Communicate Like a Boss.” Smart Like How. October 13, 2015. www.smartlikehow.com/blog-native/2015/10/12/l0d6fzogavxj6p72p0yucsuzvdpd9w

Cohan, Peter. “5 Ways to Communicate More Clearly.” Inc. December 4, 2012. www.inc.com/peter-cohan/five-ways-to-improve-your-communication-success.html

Edinger, 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/#59a3132b2281

Groth, 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-2012-1

Herrity, Joseph P. “Communicating Ideas Effectively.” Preferred Visions. n.d. preferredvisions.com/publications/thought-provokers/communicating-ideas-effectively

Madden, 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.idea

Myatt, 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

Looking for creative presentations that can leverage your business? Enjoy free PowerPoint templates from SlideStore! Sign up today.

Presentation Tips to Counterpunch Your Nerves

Powerpoint

powerpoint designer

Presentation Agency

presentation tips

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Feb 07, 2017

Even experienced presenters can feel nervous before stepping in front of an audience. The fear of public speaking can cause anxiety, shaking, or even mental blocks, but with the right techniques, you can manage and overcome these nerves. The key is to counterpunch your nerves with strategies that build confidence and calm your mind.

Here are some presentation tips to help you manage nerves and deliver with confidence:

1. Practice, Practice, Practice

Preparation is the best antidote to nerves. The more you practice your presentation, the more familiar you’ll become with the material, and the less likely you are to feel anxious. Rehearse your presentation out loud multiple times so that you can deliver it naturally and confidently.

Why It Works:

Builds Familiarity: Repeated practice helps you internalize your content, making it easier to recall under pressure.
Increases Confidence: The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel about delivering your presentation smoothly.

How to Apply It:

Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or rehearse in front of friends or colleagues.
Pay attention to your pacing, tone, and body language during rehearsals.

Example: Run through your presentation 3-5 times before the actual event to ensure you’re fully prepared and can anticipate any challenging sections.

2. Breathe Deeply

Deep breathing is a simple yet effective technique to calm your nerves and reduce anxiety before and during your presentation. It helps regulate your heart rate and relaxes tense muscles, allowing you to regain control when you feel overwhelmed.

Why It Works:

Reduces Physical Symptoms: Deep breathing helps reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart or shaky hands.
Centers Your Focus: Focusing on your breath shifts your attention away from negative thoughts or fears, helping you stay present and grounded.

How to Apply It:

Before starting your presentation, take a few deep breaths—inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth.
Use deep breathing during your presentation if you start to feel nervous.

Example: Take three slow, deep breaths before you walk on stage or begin your virtual presentation to help calm your mind and body.

3. Visualize Success

Visualization is a powerful technique that involves imagining yourself successfully delivering your presentation. By visualizing a positive outcome, you can reduce anxiety and boost your confidence, making it more likely that you’ll perform well in reality.

Why It Works:

Boosts Confidence: Visualization helps replace negative thoughts with positive ones, making you feel more confident and in control.
Prepares Your Mind: When you visualize success, you mentally rehearse the actions and behaviors that will lead to a positive outcome.

How to Apply It:

Close your eyes and imagine yourself walking confidently onto the stage, delivering your presentation smoothly, and receiving positive feedback from your audience.
Visualize every detail, from your body language to the way you articulate your key points.

Example: Before your presentation, spend a few minutes visualizing yourself delivering the presentation confidently and receiving applause from the audience.

4. Channel Nervous Energy into Enthusiasm

Nervous energy doesn’t have to be a bad thing—it can be channeled into enthusiasm and passion. Instead of trying to suppress your nerves, use that energy to engage more with your audience and bring excitement to your presentation.

Why It Works:

Turns Anxiety into Positivity: Channeling your nervous energy into enthusiasm helps transform anxiety into something positive and productive.
Engages the Audience: Passionate delivery captures the audience’s attention and makes your presentation more compelling.

How to Apply It:

Focus on the message you’re passionate about and let that passion drive your delivery.
Use gestures, facial expressions, and a lively tone to express enthusiasm.

Example: If you’re excited about a new project, let that excitement show in your voice and body language, turning nervousness into positive energy.

5. Start with a Strong Opening

The first few moments of your presentation are critical for setting the tone and calming your nerves. Starting with a strong opening—whether it’s a personal story, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question—can help you gain control and establish confidence from the get-go.

Why It Works:

Builds Momentum: A strong opening helps you gain confidence early in the presentation, making it easier to maintain your composure throughout.
Captures Attention: A compelling opening immediately grabs the audience’s attention, allowing you to focus on delivering your message instead of worrying about nerves.

How to Apply It:

Plan and rehearse your opening several times so that you feel confident in delivering it smoothly.
Choose an opening that resonates with your audience and relates to the main message of your presentation.

Example: Start with a surprising statistic or a personal anecdote that ties into your presentation topic to establish credibility and engage the audience from the beginning.

Final Thoughts

Overcoming presentation nerves requires preparation, mental focus, and the right techniques to calm your body and mind. By practicing your presentation, using deep breathing, visualizing success, channeling nervous energy into enthusiasm, and starting with a strong opening, you can counterpunch your nerves and deliver with confidence. These tips will help you transform anxiety into positive energy that enhances your performance and engages your audience.