Tag: Presentation Habits

Creating Creativity: Creative Habits to Practice Everyday

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Presentation Habits

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Nov 13, 2015

Successful people think outside the box and offer something new every time. Fortunately, according to Sir Ken Robinson in his famous TED Talk “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” everyone has the capacity to be creative. It’s just a matter of perspective and persistence.

Making creativity a habit can boost your performance. You’ll be able to keep your audience interested with your originality.  However, the benefits of ingenuity aren’t limited to your professional life. Practice it every day to become a happier, better-rounded individual.

Look for Inspiration Everywhere

Fresh material can be found in the most unexpected places. Resourceful thinkers let their minds and bodies wander to find original ideas. Daydreaming allows your brain to branch out into different possibilities, which is essential for creative thinking. You actually come up with the best concepts when you least expect them. Try getting fresh air and step outside to look for inspiration.

But being on the go not only helps you find your muse, it also literally improves your thought process. Studies provide evidence on the correlation between physical movement and cognitive activity. The next time you come across a mental block, consider going out for a run.

Passion Precedes Excellence

A project done half-heartedly is bound to fail. Creative people know this, so they give their all in their work, and the results follow. While committing yourself to one thing seems tedious, single-tasking can be very rewarding. Focusing on one project gives you more time to scrutinize and polish its quality.

Because this requires a lot of patience, you have to really be interested in what you’re working on to keep going at it. It doesn’t have to be your immediate interest. It just has to be something you’re willing to invest effort in.

Angel investor and entrepreneur Amy Rees Anderson, writes in her article on Forbes that passionate pursuit yields monetary return, citing examples such as Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. The more enthusiastic you are, the higher the chances are of a good result.

Criticism Nurtures Growth of Ideas

People are naturally social beings. Finding like-minded individuals who can share your vision and assist your progress is crucial in the creative process. Although originality seems personal, making connections and collaborating with others can help you come up with better ideas.

Ed Catmull, co-founder and current president of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios, discloses the process behind Pixar’s creative successes in an article on the Harvard Business Review. In his definition of creativity, Catmull debunks the misconception of creativity as a “mysterious solo act” and instead emphasizes the collaboration of great minds in producing good output. Those who seek out communities to foster imagination and growth are more likely to succeed in their craft than people who remain solitary.

For one thing, other people won’t know your work exists if you keep it to yourself. For another, getting feedback allows you to improve on skills. In the case of a presenter, showing your content and visuals to your peers or to other experts gives you different perspectives on your presentation.

After all, an audience will look at it in the end, so why not get constructive opinions now? Being around other creatives can also build a network of ideas that you can tap into anytime.

Conclusion

Creativity has many benefits. It enhances your personal and professional life. Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t limited to a chosen few, either. To achieve creative thought, simply go out of your comfort zone and explore. You can get inspiration from everything around you.

Work hard and be patient in crafting your ideas into worthwhile output. When you’re ready to let your work be known, surround yourself with people who are willing to support you and give you feedback. It’s a healthy practice to integrate creativity into your daily routine.

Need help making a creative and stimulating presentation? Contact our SlideGenius experts and get a free quote!

 

References

Anderson, Amy. “Does Being Passionate About the Work You Do Increase Your Chance of Succes?”. Forbes Magazine. Accessed October 9, 2015. www.forbes.com/sites/amyanderson/2013/03/27/does-being-passionate-about-the-work-you-do-increase-your-chance-of-success
Catmull, Edwin. “How Pixar Fosters Collective Creativity.” Harvard Business Review. September 1, 2008. Accessed October 9, 2016. www.hbr.org/2008/09/how-pixar-fosters-collective-creativity
Chan, Amanda. “Regular Exercise Could Boost Creativity.” The Huffington Post. December 9, 2013. Accessed October 9, 2015. www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/09/exercise-creativity-physical-activity_n_4394310.html

Featured Image: “Chalk” by Dean Hochman on flickr.com

5 Presentation Habits That Skilled Speakers Should Avoid

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Presentation Habits

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Aug 25, 2015

Skilled speakers can still fall into common traps that undermine their effectiveness. Here are five presentation habits that skilled speakers should avoid to maintain engagement and professionalism:

1. Overloading Slides with Text

  • Why to avoid it: Filling slides with excessive text overwhelms the audience and shifts attention from the speaker to reading. Audiences may struggle to absorb both spoken words and on-screen text.
  • Solution: Use minimal text and focus on key points. Support your spoken message with visuals and bullet points to keep slides clean and impactful.

2. Using Too Many Filler Words

  • Why to avoid it: Repeated use of filler words like “um,” “uh,” “you know,” or “like” can distract your audience and reduce your credibility. It may give the impression that you are unprepared or lack confidence.
  • Solution: Practice pausing instead of using filler words. Regular rehearsals and mindfulness about your speech patterns can help you speak more clearly and confidently.

3. Reading Directly from Slides or Notes

  • Why to avoid it: Reading directly from slides or notes makes the presentation feel scripted and monotonous, causing a loss of audience engagement.
  • Solution: Memorize your main points and speak more conversationally. Use slides as a visual guide rather than a script, and maintain eye contact with the audience.

4. Neglecting to Engage the Audience

  • Why to avoid it: Failing to engage with the audience can make your presentation feel like a lecture, causing people to lose interest. Audience interaction enhances retention and interest.
  • Solution: Ask questions, encourage feedback, or use interactive tools like polls or quizzes to create a more engaging experience.

5. Rushing Through the Presentation

  • Why to avoid it: Rushing can lead to unclear communication, leave important points under-explained, and create an impression of nervousness or unpreparedness.
  • Solution: Focus on pacing and build in natural pauses to allow the audience to absorb information. Time your presentation during practice sessions to ensure you’re not speeding through it.

By avoiding these habits, even skilled speakers can elevate their presentations and ensure their message resonates with the audience.