Tag: presentation resources

5 Presentation Tools to Encourage Audience Interaction

audience interaction

presentation resources

presentation tips

presentation tools

Jan 13, 2015

Encouraging audience interaction can do a lot for your presentation. At a time when almost anyone can share their thoughts and ideas online, audiences crave to be heard.

They’re looking for similar opportunities to connect and participate during your presentation. When you open the floor to allow their opinions in, you’ll find that their input can add an interesting new dimension to the ideas you’re sharing.

The best way to go about this is by allowing them to ask questions and share comments.

While this is an easy task for small group presentations, it’s a lot more difficult when you’re facing an audience of about 50 or so people. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can encourage audience interaction without having to waste valuable presentation time.

All you have to do is set up a poll at strategic points of your presentation.

If you want to see the diversity of opinions in your audience and use that to add flavor to your discussion, here are a few presentation tools that will allow you to encourage audience interaction:

IQPolls

IQPolls‘ response system lets audience answer questions immediately via their mobile devices. You can create a voting scale that they can respond to with a click of a button. Allow them to type down their thoughts to send your way. Best of all, you can embed the poll you made to your PowerPoint presentation to be able to show the real-time results.

DirectPoll

DirectPoll is pretty easy to set up. All you have to do is visit their website and start adding questions you want to ask, along with the answers you want to measure. When you’re done you can save your poll and access it through your browser.

Presentain

Aside from allowing you to set up polls for the audience to answer, you can also use Presentain to receive direct inquiries. Its use doesn’t stop at audience interaction either. It also allows you to use your phone as a timer and recorder. However, the most notable of its extra features is the recorder. When you record your presentation, you can share it online and stumble upon a larger audience.

SlideKlowd

As its name suggests, SlideKlowd utilizes cloud technology to receive questions, check for attendance, and conduct polls. It also gathers some useful data to help you measure audience interaction. Having that data will definitely be useful to see how you can improve your presentations in the long-run.

Sli.do

Sli.do is the perfect tool for bigger presentations and events. Using a unique code, your audience can access a platform where they can ask questions, answer live polls, and share their opinions. You can also use Sli.do to display a Twitter feed for a specific hashtag.

Audiences love a good show, but love being able to take part in that show even more. If your topic calls for it, why not consider encouraging audience interaction in your presentations? It’s a great way to help create a valuable connection between you, your message, and the people you’re trying to reach.

References

“How to Take Tough Questions Like a Presentation Expert.” SlideGenius, Inc.. July 16, 2015.
“Interactive Presentations: Using Twitter to Break the Fourth Wall.” SlideGenius, Inc.. December 17, 2014. Accessed January 13, 2015.

Featured Image: Mike Fisher via Flickr

Listen Here: 5 Podcasts for the Busy Professional

Marketing

marketing resources

podcasts

presentation resources

Presentations

Jan 06, 2015

As a busy professional, staying on top of industry trends, productivity hacks, and career development can be a challenge. Podcasts offer an easy way to absorb valuable information while on the go. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or taking a break, these five podcasts will provide you with insights, strategies, and inspiration to excel in your professional life.

1. “The Tim Ferriss Show”

Tim Ferriss, author of “The 4-Hour Workweek,” hosts interviews with top performers from a variety of fields, including business, sports, and entertainment. Each episode is packed with actionable strategies for improving productivity, mindset, and career growth.

Why You Should Listen:

  • Actionable Advice: Tim Ferriss dives deep into the routines, strategies, and habits of world-class performers.
  • Diverse Guest List: Learn from a wide range of professionals, from entrepreneurs to athletes.

Recommended Episode: “How to Build an Empire with Sara Blakely” – Learn from the founder of Spanx about resilience, creativity, and business strategy.

2. “The Tony Robbins Podcast”

Tony Robbins, one of the world’s leading business strategists and motivational speakers, shares insights on leadership, personal development, and financial freedom. The podcast features interviews with industry leaders and covers topics like mastering emotions, scaling a business, and achieving life balance.

Why You Should Listen:

  • Motivational Insights: Robbins delivers powerful advice on how to lead effectively and live a fulfilled life.
  • Business Strategies: Get practical tips on scaling businesses and achieving professional success.

Recommended Episode: “Master the Mindset of Achievement” – Tony Robbins discusses strategies for overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals.

3. “HBR IdeaCast”

Produced by Harvard Business Review, HBR IdeaCast offers insights from experts on leadership, strategy, management, and innovation. The podcast covers a wide range of topics relevant to professionals looking to advance their careers or grow their businesses.

Why You Should Listen:

  • Expert Perspectives: Interviews with business leaders and researchers provide cutting-edge insights on management and innovation.
  • Diverse Topics: Covers everything from leading remote teams to the future of work.

Recommended Episode: “Why Empathy is Key to Better Leadership” – Learn how empathy can transform workplace relationships and improve leadership effectiveness.

4. “The School of Greatness” with Lewis Howes

Hosted by former pro athlete turned entrepreneur Lewis Howes, this podcast offers inspiring interviews with some of the world’s most successful individuals, including entrepreneurs, athletes, and thought leaders. The podcast focuses on achieving greatness in all areas of life, from career to personal development.

Why You Should Listen:

  • Inspiration for Personal Growth: Howes shares stories of overcoming adversity and achieving success.
  • Wide Range of Guests: From athletes to entrepreneurs, guests offer unique perspectives on what it takes to succeed.

Recommended Episode: “How to Master Public Speaking with Grant Baldwin” – Learn how to improve your public speaking skills and boost your confidence.

5. “The Daily Stoic”

If you’re looking for daily inspiration and practical advice, The Daily Stoic is the perfect podcast for professionals. Hosted by Ryan Holiday, author of “The Obstacle is the Way,” the podcast explores the teachings of Stoicism and how they can be applied to modern life, especially in business and leadership.

Why You Should Listen:

  • Short, Digestible Episodes: Perfect for busy professionals, each episode is brief but packed with wisdom.
  • Timeless Philosophy: Learn how ancient Stoic principles can help you navigate the challenges of modern life.

Recommended Episode: “Why Discipline is More Important Than Motivation” – A short but powerful reminder of the importance of self-discipline in achieving success.

Final Thoughts

Podcasts are a convenient way to stay informed and inspired while juggling a busy schedule. Whether you’re looking for leadership advice, productivity hacks, or personal development tips, these five podcasts will provide valuable insights to help you succeed in your professional life.

Where to Find Unique Images for Your Presentation Design

PowerPoint Design

presentation design

presentation resources

presentation tools

Dec 19, 2014

Images are a critical component of any successful presentation. They help convey your message visually, engage your audience, and make your slides more dynamic. However, finding the right, unique images that stand out and complement your presentation design can be challenging. Instead of relying on generic stock photos that everyone else uses, there are a number of resources available that offer high-quality, unique images for your presentation.

Here’s a guide to where you can find unique images for your presentation design, ensuring your slides look polished and professional.

1. Unsplash

Why It’s Unique:

Unsplash is one of the most popular platforms for high-quality, royalty-free images. The site offers a large selection of images taken by photographers from around the world, making it a go-to for unique, artistic, and modern visuals.

Best For:

  • Stunning landscapes
  • Artistic and lifestyle photography
  • Modern, creative imagery

License:

All images are free to use for commercial and non-commercial purposes with no attribution required, though it’s always appreciated.

Website:

Unsplash

2. Pexels

Why It’s Unique:

Pexels offers a vast collection of free stock photos and videos contributed by photographers. The platform excels in providing visually appealing images that are curated for quality, ensuring that they’re both relevant and aesthetically pleasing.

Best For:

  • Minimalist designs
  • Professional and creative imagery
  • High-quality video clips

License:

Images and videos are free to use for commercial and non-commercial purposes. No attribution is required, though it’s encouraged.

Website:

Pexels

3. Pixabay

Why It’s Unique:

Pixabay is a well-rounded platform that offers not only photos, but also vectors, illustrations, and videos. With over 1.9 million free stock images, it’s easy to find the right image for your presentation, regardless of your theme or topic.

Best For:

  • Illustrations and vectors
  • Abstract and conceptual photography
  • Nature and travel photography

License:

Pixabay offers images that are free for commercial and non-commercial use, with no attribution required.

Website:

Pixabay

4. Burst by Shopify

Why It’s Unique:

Burst is Shopify’s free stock photo platform, offering high-resolution images designed to help entrepreneurs and businesses create engaging visuals. The images are primarily focused on business-related themes, including eCommerce, technology, and marketing.

Best For:

  • Business, tech, and eCommerce themes
  • Product-based presentations
  • Modern and lifestyle photography

License:

All images are free to use with no attribution required, though crediting the photographer is encouraged.

Website:

Burst

5. Reshot

Why It’s Unique:

Reshot is a platform for discovering truly unique stock photos, particularly for startups, freelancers, and designers. The images on Reshot are non-stocky, meaning you won’t find overly staged or generic-looking visuals here. It offers more creative and authentic imagery compared to other free stock photo websites.

Best For:

  • Authentic, non-stocky visuals
  • Candid lifestyle images
  • Startup and tech-related photography

License:

Reshot’s photos are free for commercial and personal use with no attribution required.

Website:

Reshot

6. Death to Stock

Why It’s Unique:

Death to Stock offers a unique take on stock photography by providing high-quality, creative images that are less traditional. The platform offers both free and premium subscriptions, and their imagery tends to be artistic, contemporary, and stylish.

Best For:

  • Creative, artistic photography
  • Editorial-style images
  • Story-driven visuals

License:

Free users can access a limited selection of images for personal and commercial use. A premium membership unlocks access to the full library of images.

Website:

Death to Stock

7. Morguefile

Why It’s Unique:

Morguefile is one of the oldest free stock image sites on the web, offering a large library of user-contributed images. While the site’s focus is on raw and unpolished images, it’s a great resource if you’re looking for something less commercial and more authentic.

Best For:

  • DIY-style images
  • Everyday life photography
  • Quirky and unconventional visuals

License:

All images are free for commercial and personal use, but attribution is required in some cases.

Website:

Morguefile

8. Canva’s Free Photo Library

Why It’s Unique:

Canva is a well-known graphic design tool that also provides access to a free library of stock photos. While Canva is primarily used for design, its free stock photo library is rich in modern, high-quality images that work well for presentations, marketing, and social media.

Best For:

  • Business and marketing presentations
  • Modern, lifestyle images
  • Seamlessly integrated design and photo elements

License:

Images in Canva’s free library are available for both commercial and personal use, and Canva also offers premium options.

Website:

Canva

9. LibreStock

Why It’s Unique:

LibreStock is a meta-search engine for free stock images. It searches through dozens of free stock photo websites (like Pexels, Pixabay, and others), aggregating them into one easy-to-search platform. This helps save time and ensures that you’re exposed to a wide variety of unique images.

Best For:

  • Comprehensive image searches
  • Easy access to multiple free photo platforms
  • Curated, high-quality visuals

License:

The images are aggregated from multiple sites, so licenses may vary, but most are free for commercial use without attribution.

Website:

LibreStock

10. StockSnap.io

Why It’s Unique:

StockSnap.io offers a large collection of high-resolution stock photos with a focus on quality and style. The platform features a search function that makes it easy to find trending and popular images, giving you access to some of the most eye-catching and unique visuals available.

Best For:

  • High-resolution, modern photos
  • Business, nature, and lifestyle photography
  • Trending and popular images

License:

All images on StockSnap.io are free for personal and commercial use with no attribution required.

Website:

StockSnap.io

Final Thoughts

Finding unique images for your presentation doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By exploring these platforms, you can discover high-quality, unique images that will elevate the visual appeal of your slides and help communicate your message more effectively. Whether you’re looking for professional business photos, abstract illustrations, or creative lifestyle imagery, the platforms mentioned above offer a wide variety of options to suit your needs.

When selecting images, make sure they align with your overall presentation theme and message to ensure that your visuals support, rather than detract from, the content you’re delivering.

Presentation Science: 5 Thought-Provoking Presentation Resources You Need to See

presentation resources

presentation tips

Nov 14, 2014

Mastering the art of presenting isn’t just about charisma or design; it also involves understanding the science behind communication, audience engagement, and cognitive psychology. Whether you’re a seasoned presenter or just starting out, there are numerous resources that can help you deliver more effective and thought-provoking presentations.

Here are five presentation resources that delve into the science of effective communication and can significantly improve your skills:

1. “The Back of the Napkin” by Dan Roam

Dan Roam’s “The Back of the Napkin” is a fantastic resource for understanding how visuals play a key role in communicating complex ideas. Roam argues that anyone can use simple drawings to clarify their thinking and convey powerful messages. The book explains how visual storytelling can help you break down abstract concepts into easily digestible parts.

Why It’s Thought-Provoking:

  • Simplifies Complex Ideas: The book demonstrates how simple sketches can effectively communicate complex concepts.
  • Focuses on Visual Thinking: Roam explores how visual thinking can enhance your presentation’s impact and help the audience understand difficult topics.

Key Takeaways:

  • Use basic visuals like diagrams or charts to explain complicated information.
  • Don’t overcomplicate your visuals—simplicity is key.

2. “Made to Stick” by Chip and Dan Heath

“Made to Stick” explores why certain ideas succeed and others fail. The Heath brothers break down the principles that make ideas memorable and offer practical advice on how to apply these principles in presentations. The book delves into the psychology of storytelling, emotion, and how to frame your message to make it “stick” with your audience.

Why It’s Thought-Provoking:

  • Explores the Science of Memorable Ideas: The book focuses on how to make your message clear, engaging, and unforgettable.
  • Provides Practical Frameworks: The Heath brothers offer actionable tips for crafting messages that resonate with audiences.

Key Takeaways:

  • Use the SUCCES framework (Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, Stories) to craft memorable presentations.
  • Focus on telling stories that evoke emotion and leave a lasting impact.

3. TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking by Chris Anderson**

Chris Anderson, the head of TED, shares insights from some of the most successful TED Talks in “TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking.” This book goes beyond presentation techniques and dives into the mindset and preparation required to deliver engaging talks. Anderson explores the science of public speaking, including how to captivate audiences and effectively communicate your ideas.

Why It’s Thought-Provoking:

  • Focuses on Presentation Mindset: Anderson emphasizes the importance of preparation, structure, and audience connection.
  • Based on Real TED Talks: The book draws from hundreds of TED speakers, providing proven examples of what works in public speaking.

Key Takeaways:

  • Focus on delivering a clear, central idea in your presentation.
  • Create an emotional connection with your audience by sharing personal stories or experiences.

4. “The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint: Pitching Out Corrupts Within” by Edward Tufte

Edward Tufte’s “The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint” critiques PowerPoint’s tendency to oversimplify complex information and argues that presentations should encourage deeper thinking and understanding. Tufte advocates for better data visualization and warns against relying too heavily on bullet points and templates. His work is a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their presentation’s effectiveness.

Why It’s Thought-Provoking:

  • Challenges Conventional PowerPoint Use: Tufte critiques how PowerPoint oversimplifies information and offers alternatives for more effective communication.
  • Emphasizes Data Visualization: The book focuses on how to present data in ways that encourage deep understanding and insight.

Key Takeaways:

  • Avoid over-reliance on bullet points and use more visuals or data to convey complex information.
  • Focus on clarity and precision in your presentation design.

5. “Presentation Zen” by Garr Reynolds

“Presentation Zen” by Garr Reynolds focuses on simplicity, clarity, and visual storytelling. Reynolds offers a design-centric approach to presentations, emphasizing minimalism and the importance of aligning visuals with your spoken narrative. His work is highly regarded for merging presentation design with principles from Zen philosophy, making it a great resource for presenters looking to elevate their visual and communication skills.

Why It’s Thought-Provoking:

  • Emphasizes Simplicity and Clarity: Reynolds advocates for minimalistic, elegant presentations that focus on key messages.
  • Blends Design with Philosophy: The book incorporates Zen principles to promote a mindful, thoughtful approach to presenting.

Key Takeaways:

  • Keep your slides simple and focused—less is often more.
  • Use visuals to complement your narrative, not distract from it.

Final Thoughts

These five resources combine the science of communication with practical techniques to help you deliver more engaging, memorable, and thought-provoking presentations. Whether it’s understanding the power of storytelling, improving your visual communication, or refining your presentation style, these resources will elevate your skills and help you connect more deeply with your audience.