Presenting in a professional environment demands a lot of tedious work. Understandably, no one wants to look unprepared when they get up in front of a crowd of their contemporaries, underlings, or worse yet, their superiors.
Because of this natural fear, we prepare cautiously–and perhaps brood nervously–on how to make the best impression possible.
We responsibly rehearse and perfect our talking points, but memorizing a speech is not the end goal. We aren’t robots, and we don’t want to be seen that way. Having a personality is a prerequisite for being well liked, therefore as much effort as we put in, sometimes we need to devote time to seeming at ease and letting our true self show.
Seinfeld co-creator and longtime head writer sparked two very different, very successful television shows. Seinfeld, which is regarded by many as the greatest sitcom there ever was (or ever will be), has received countless accolades for its outstanding writing, over which Larry David toiled as the show’s head writer for the vast majority of the series. Because of this, the dialogue of the show is memorable, hilarious, and perfectly delivered, especially that of George Costanza, a character modeled after David’s real-life neurotic ridiculousness.
When David finally waved goodbye to Seinfeld, he began a new show, HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, which has become a cult classic, and in many ways is superior to his previous project. However, unlike the carefully crafted script of Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm is almost totally improvised.
Both shows have different appeals, and are therefore successful for different reasons, but which one is superior, and how can we learn from the two when crafting our presentations.
When up in front of a crowd of respected peers, we want to come off as brilliant and ingenious as Seinfeld, but we also want to seem as effortlessly charming as Curb Your Enthusiasm. How do we find a balance?
Well, knowing how comfortable you should be with ad-libbing a portion of your presentation may require some self-analysis. Are you a comfortable, experienced speaker? If so, chances are you may already be working some off-the-cuff remarks into your public speaking engagements, because you’ve got enough experience to effectively think in the moment.
If, however, you’re new to speaking in public, or if you’ve been doing it for a long time and it still makes you uncomfortable, it’s likely that carefully planning and scripting your presentation is more beneficial to you.
I had a management job for a couple of years in college that required me to run meetings and address my staff on a near-weekly basis. This at first made me a bit nervous, and to cope with this, I’d spend a bit of time before I’d have to address them thinking about what I was going to say, writing down talking points, etc.
As the job progressed, I, of course, got more comfortable leading meetings and speaking to the staff. Eventually, I wouldn’t even blink–much less need to prepare–before getting up in front of my 20+ staff.
David’s career is comparable, and a valuable lesson into reaching this balance. The heavy reliance on improvisation seen in Curb Your Enthusiasm comes after nearly a decade of writing for a sitcom. It’s not as if David was just born with a sense of how to improvise, it came after a long time of growing comfortable with it.
So if you’re uncomfortable winging a portion of your presentation, don’t force it. Even if you may seem a little less natural or a too rehearsed, it is most likely a natural part of getting used to being up in front of an audience. First, become comfortable in your own skin during presentations before you go to this next level; your presentations will undoubtedly benefit from it.
The company is an essential component in the field of analytics. Anyone could see that both their product and service were both top-of-the-line. Even then, Captus knew what most seem to overlook, which is that it doesn’t matter how good your product or service is, if you cant convince anyone to buy it, its practically useless.
For that very reason they knew they not only deserved, but required top-of-the-line branding. Investing in the way you look as a company is one of the most crucial elements for sales.Their professional PowerPoint presentation, designed by SlideGenius, effectively showed Captus’s product, process and key capabilities, which in turn made it very easy for their audiences to understand their holistic concept and solution.By developing a very high-quality professional PowerPoint presentation, Captus was able to display the issue their worked was based off of in a useful way.
The issue they worked on was that acquiring detailed information from multiple databases takes a huge amount of effort and time.
The presentation thoroughly emphasized the benefits of choosing Captus over their competition by focusing on the core differences Captus offers.
Though Captus already had a self-made PowerPoint presentation, they knew that in order to set themselves apart from their competition they need to be be better, not just in their product or service, but in the way they are seen by others. Being different and being better is what led them to invest in, and now officially have, a chic, insightful, and effective tool for branding and pitching themselves.
“Employing proven defense and space technology, Captus brings real intelligence capabilities to serious businesses by providing complete data management and analysis solutions, not just pretty visualizations.” Now, both their product and their brand are not only unique in their own industry, but effectively maximized.
To find out how you can start developing your brand and presentation more effectively sign up for a 15-minute discovery call with Slidegenius!
Nothing stops a public figure’s momentum dead in its tracks quicker than being called out for misleading or flat-out lying to the public. In a professional setting, credibility will go right down the drain when our honesty and integrity are put into question.
Like our scolding parents always told us, lying is wrong, right?
So as far as why you shouldn’t lie to or mislead your audience, it’s pretty simple. Not only is it morally incorrect, it’s not worth the risk.
The how to be honest is a bit more subjective. You hear phrases like, “put the right ‘spin’ on that information,” that hint at manipulation, but learning how to be honest and remain likable is all about providing context.
Let’s look at Robin Hood as a good example of providing context.
View #1:
Robin Hood is an outlaw and a thief who robs unsuspecting victims in the woods.
When you state just this aspect of the situation this Robin Hood character doesn’t sound like such a great guy, but when you give the situation a bit of context and perspective, it doesn’t seem so bad.
View #2:
Robin Hood is an outlaw and a thief who robs unsuspecting victims in the woods, but they are always members of the exploitative monarchy and Robin Hood gives all of his bounty back to the starved, impoverished poor. He’s also a pretty snappy dresser.
Neither statement was a lie, but the second statement framed a compromising fact with the necessary, and it is the true context that allows the audience to understand Robin Hood’s motives and actions.
This lesson can be applied to any presentation in which you’re obligated to present information that your audience may interpret negatively. For instance, say you’re presenting a disappointing quarterly report. There’s nothing you can do short of flipping the line graph upside down and outright fudging the numbers to make it look positive. Instead of going into the presentation and stating, “revenue is down 40% and 10% of our clients left.”
Instead, admit the negatives, but put them in some perspective. Sure, the depleted revenue is a disappointing outcome, but this is a very key transition period for the company. We went through a great deal of change this quarter, and a few bumps in the road should be expected.
While admitting the bleak negatives in a presentation can be difficult, it’s important to show your confidence levels to your audience. Remain positive and self-assured. If you act defeated by the awful quarterly report, the audience will take the news all the harder.
To circle back to the most important aspect of honesty, straightforwardness and owning up to the hard-to-face facts will always earn you the respect of your audience and colleagues. Approach and embrace this aspect of presenting to them head on and you’ll be all the better for it.
Presentations are a vital part of the business world, whether you’re pitching a product, presenting results, or sharing a vision. To make your presentation stand out, you need more than just compelling content—you need inspiration. We’ve compiled our seven favorite quotes for presenters that not only provide motivation but can be used effectively in any professional PowerPoint presentation. These quotes are versatile, applicable across industries, and perfect for any presenter aiming to captivate their audience.
Steve Jobs was a master of impactful presentations, and his philosophy about design resonates deeply in the world of business presentations. A well-designed presentation isn’t just visually appealing—it’s functional, organized, and helps the audience understand your message. Use this quote to remind yourself and your audience that design is crucial in how your message is received.
Presentations are often about introducing new ideas or processes. Hopper’s quote is a powerful reminder to challenge the status quo and think innovatively. Use this quote when proposing a new strategy or solution, urging your audience to embrace change and forward-thinking.
In the rush to add more content, data, or graphics, it’s easy to overwhelm your audience. Da Vinci’s quote is a gentle nudge towards minimalism. The simpler your message, the more sophisticated and effective it becomes. This is a great quote to use when emphasizing clarity and focus in your presentation.
A presentation filled with data and information is important, but it’s the human element that resonates with your audience. Sinek’s quote is a timely reminder that people matter more than the slides or statistics. Incorporate this quote when highlighting teamwork, leadership, or customer-centric strategies.
Franklin’s quote is a lesson in engagement. The best presentations are interactive, encouraging participation from the audience. Whether you’re hosting a Q&A session or asking for feedback, this quote highlights the importance of involving your audience for better retention of your ideas.
Even the most innovative ideas are useless if they’re not effectively communicated. Iacocca’s quote underscores the importance of delivery. This is an excellent quote to use at the beginning of a presentation, encouraging your audience to focus not only on what you’re saying but how you’re saying it.
Einstein’s wisdom reminds presenters of the importance of mastering their subject. Complicated jargon and overly technical explanations can alienate an audience. Use this quote as a personal reminder—or as part of your presentation—to emphasize the need for clarity and simplicity.
Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or new to the world of professional presentations, these quotes offer guidance, motivation, and a little wisdom to help you along the way. Presenting isn’t just about conveying information; it’s about engaging, inspiring, and connecting with your audience. Incorporate these quotes into your next PowerPoint presentation and watch how they resonate with your audience. Remember: your message is only as powerful as your ability to communicate it clearly, effectively, and with purpose.
In today’s competitive construction industry, standing out from the crowd can make or break a company’s chances of winning a major project. For Acme Construction, a regional leader in commercial and residential projects, the stakes were higher than ever when they had the opportunity to bid on a high-profile contract that could take their business to the next level. Recognizing the importance of their client presentation, Acme Construction turned to SlideGenius, a leading presentation design firm, to create a visually stunning and persuasive pitch. The result? A powerful presentation that helped them stand out and left a lasting impression on their prospective client.
Acme Construction was invited to bid on a multi-million dollar project that would not only enhance their portfolio but would also place them on the national stage. The bid required them to present their technical expertise, construction capabilities, project management approach, and innovative design ideas. With so much on the line, Acme knew that delivering an exceptional proposal was crucial. However, they also understood that content alone wouldn’t be enough—how they presented that content would be the key to winning the client over.
Acme Construction knew they needed more than just a standard PowerPoint deck—they needed a partner who could elevate their message through design and storytelling. That’s when they sought the help of SlideGenius, an industry leader in creating custom PowerPoint presentations for companies across all sectors. With SlideGenius’ extensive experience in presentation design and business communication, they were the ideal partner to help Acme make a lasting impression.
SlideGenius took a strategic approach to Acme Construction’s client bid, focusing on three main components: compelling design, clear messaging, and interactive elements.
Thanks to SlideGenius, Acme Construction’s presentation was nothing short of impressive. The client not only commented on the professionalism of the pitch but also appreciated the clarity with which Acme communicated their value proposition. The presentation’s flow, combined with its engaging visuals and interactive features, made it easy for the client to see why Acme was the right choice for the project.
Ultimately, Acme Construction won the contract, securing the high-profile project that will elevate their brand and open doors to even larger opportunities in the future.
For Acme Construction, partnering with SlideGenius was a game-changer. The presentation design experts provided more than just a PowerPoint deck—they offered a comprehensive solution that blended storytelling, design, and strategy to create a winning proposal.
Here’s why Acme Construction and countless other companies trust SlideGenius for their high-stakes presentations:
Acme Construction’s success with SlideGenius underscores the importance of a well-crafted presentation when it comes to winning major contracts. Whether you’re bidding for a multi-million dollar project or pitching to potential investors, the way you present your message can be the difference between success and failure.
If your business is looking to elevate its presentations, SlideGenius offers the tools and expertise to help you stand out. Like Acme Construction, you can rely on SlideGenius to create compelling, professional presentations that leave a lasting impression.
For more information on custom presentation design, visit SlideGenius or check out their pre-built templates at SlideStore.
Heinz has built a reputation for transparency and consumer trust, a model that other companies can learn from and adopt. In an era where consumers demand more insight into the products they purchase, Heinz’s approach serves as a blueprint for success. Here’s how Heinz practices transparency and how your business can apply these principles.
Heinz has always prioritized clear and honest labeling, providing customers with detailed information about ingredients. This transparency builds trust and ensures consumers know exactly what they’re buying.
Why It’s Important:
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Heinz is committed to ethical sourcing and sustainability, which are communicated transparently to customers. This dedication to responsible sourcing practices enhances the brand’s credibility.
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Heinz regularly engages with its consumers, providing a platform for feedback and questions. This open communication fosters trust and allows Heinz to address concerns proactively.
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Heinz involves consumers in the product development process by sharing updates on new products and innovations. This openness fosters a sense of collaboration and trust between the brand and its customers.
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Heinz’s model for transparency has helped the brand build a loyal and trusting customer base. By focusing on clear labeling, ethical sourcing, open communication, and transparent product development, Heinz sets a standard for brands that want to create long-lasting relationships with their consumers. Adopting these principles can help your company build trust and stand out in today’s transparency-driven marketplace.
There are two ways you could present that discount. The first would be as a percentage. Going from $20 to $15 would be 25% off. The second would be as an absolute number with $5 off. Which way is better?
Both discounts amount to the same final price. 25% off $20 and $5 off $20 both result in the customer paying $15 for the shorts. So both representations of the discount should have the same effect, right?
Wrong. Jonah Berger, author of Contagion, explains to us that the consumers find the 25% discount more attractive than the 5$ off. While the two discounts are the same economically, they don’t trigger the same psychological effect. One feels like a larger discount than the other.
Accordingly, the next time you’re reporting numerical information, pay attention to how you are presenting it. The way changes are represented can have a big impact on how they’re perceived.
Like the story above, most people seemed to be more enticed by the offer when the discount number was larger. Rule of thumb would be whenever you are offering a discount under $100 display it as a percentage, and when the offer is greater than $100 display it as an absolute number. This will make sure you are always maximizing your psychological impact. Simpler is better. No one cares about a page of numbers and figures that look like the green screen display from the matrix. You need to simplify your results, and then simplify them again. Think of your raw data as a pile of freshly picked vegetables. People don’t want to eat them when they still have dirt and leave stems on them. People want a quick and painless way to stay healthy, so what do you do? You take those vegetables, clean them, cut them, put them in a blender and make a smoothie. Then you take that smoothie and turn it into a wheatgrass shot. Quick and to the point. So yes, your data should be reduced to the size of a wheatgrass shot! After all, the simpler your can represent your findings, the easier it will be for your audience to understand you, which will in turn make your call-to-action more successful.
Everyone knows the best stories are the ones told with pictures, so use them. Portraying data graphically reveals patterns in the data that are hard to notice otherwise Visual depictions of data are almost universally understood without requiring knowledge of a language. It is also useful to alter your tone and speed as you approach the finding of any given graph. Much like when telling a story, the storyteller tends to get really excited toward the climax or “best part” of the story; it is not only useful but critical to draw attention to the most important features of the data.
I’ll leave you with Hans Rosling’s fascinating TED talk revolved around displaying data effectively, which you can watch here.
Berger, Jonah. “Fuzzy Math: What Makes Something Seem Like A Good Deal?” linkedin. August 28, 2013.
Kakutani, Michiko. “Mapping Out the Path to Viral Fame.” The New York Times. February 25, 2013.
Rosling, Hans. “The Best Stats You’ve Ever Seen.” ted.com. February 2006.
LSR had a basic presentation deck they designed in-house, but realized that while their business model was a winner that their presentation wasn’t quite on the same level of excellence. SlideGenius took in and performed a complete overhaul, turning an otherwise unremarkable group of slides into a captivating, winning presentation that did their business justice.
Now when Live Sports Radio pitches themselves to huge events (you don’t get much bigger than the Super Bowl), they have a PowerPoint presentation fit for the equation.
About SlideGenius
It safe to say we are living in the times of PowerPoint. This has proven to be an invaluable tool to present new information, science, medicine, problems, and goals. Though, with its great uses, come great problems. Most companies today have an ongoing issue with managing presentations in both large and small scale.
One of the main PowerPoint issues that companies face revolves around management. The common trend is that a company will create or outsource a certain presentation, distribute it to all of its sales teams, and without clearance, each sales team will make edits to the presentation on their own, leaving the company with a handful of variations of the same presentations. This leads to a mixed company message. Mixed messages lead to uncertainty. Uncertainty can lead loss of clients, sales, and even employees. Needless to say this epidemic needs a cure.
Imagine a platform that could directly address the issues with managing presentations on a large and small scale. SlideSuite is a program conceived for the purpose of controlling and managing presentations on a regional and global level.
SlideSuite provides a central management system for your presentations allowing for easy edits by any party without deteriorating the slide template and design. SlideSuite was developed by the Presentation Experts at SlideGenius, Inc. in San Diego, California. The program was designed in collaboration presentation designers, who interact with PowerPoint dozens of presentations daily. This led to a very useful and highly effective central management system and design.
It all comes down to impressing your audience. A polished, organic, and professional presentation has the potential to help you close more sales and clients. On the other hand, being a company with mixed presentations all talking about the same thing can do quite the opposite; it is bad for branding and bad for business. SlideSuite is the best solution out there. Once the presentations framework have been created in SlideSuite, editing can take place by anyone without harming the integrity of the slides.
“SlideSuite.” SlideSuite.
“PowerPoint Usage Statistics and Market Share.” PowerPoint Info. February 15, 2012.