Firstly, apologies, I’ve not been posting regularly here lately, partly due to being away on holidays in the lovely city of Copenhagen, partly because things were busy once I got back.

Anyway, back to presentations. Kathy Sierra has a great post on presentation how tos. The gems include:

* Take a ridiculously long time to prepare. … a minimum of 20 hours per hour of presentation, to work on your slides and talk.

* The slides go with the words–they aren’t just there as backdrops.

* The slides are NOT the words. They represent the idea you’re talking about, either directly or emotionally.

* Vary the pacing. Fast fast fast fast then… slow… then fast fast fast… (but don’t get bogged down)

* Use humor. Somehow.

* Don’t make it all about YOU.

* Use huge, readable fonts (and very very few words)

* Make visually attractive slides. If you don’t have the graphics chops yourself, GET HELP. (Worry about things like contrast, color, balance, etc.)

* Don’t read from your notes.

* Be energetic. Be enthusiastic. Dare I say… be passionate.

* Care.
Care about the audience. Care about their time. Care about their attention. Care about what they probably paid in time and money to be there.

* Shake things up. Keep us interested, and for that — you need to keep some novelty in your pacing, slides, voice, everything.

But the one thing I don’t agree on is this:

* Use a lot of slides. Change them rapidly.

Maybe for amazingly entertaining speakers like the one Kathy’s writing about, this works. But for most people, who regard presenting as a bit of ordeal, this will read: “Oh great, I can use lots and lots of powerpoint. The slides will remind me what I’m supposed to say, when.” This can get pretty confusing for someone struggling with nerves who’s just trying to get their message out.

If you follow all the other great tips, the message will be heard loud and clear and slides won’t matter all that much. 4 - 5 per 10 minute presentation should be plenty.