Author Archive: ffolliet

At work I'm a Consultant Paediatric Surgeon. That involves Surgical Oncology, Neonatal Surgery and Trauma. There's also a lot of teaching and mentoring. None of this actually makes me particularly clever. I'm pretty heavily into improving presentations and long for the world to lay down the weapon of bulletpoints and embrace creative and engaging presentations. I lead presentation workshops and am currently working up a book on presentations. I did a wee thing at TEDx Stuttgart in 2014 of which I'm quite proud https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFza3W87eDg Outside all of that I struggle to keep fit, cycle a bit and the odd triathlon. I'm a father, singer, laugher, learner, sharer, blogger, thinker, strummer and much more.

Presentation is not data transfer

The purpose of a presentation is not data transfer. If you believe as though it is, you will be disappointed. This fact should change how presentations are constructed, delivered, and received. Data transfer simply does not work; we cannot broadcast…
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One change

One change to change your presentations, forever. One change to engage every audience you present to. One change to set you as an inspiration to everyone who seeks to improve their presentations. One change to rule them all? Will you…
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p cubed presentations

In 2007 my personal organisation structure was terrible. I saw a video of a talk at Google by Merlin Mann on the concept of Inbox Zero . I was completely blown away not just the idea but by the presentation. Merlin credits…
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You’re doing great

If you have come to this site to improve presentations, you’re doing great. That is NOT because I think all the knowledge of presentation skills is held here. You’re doing great because you have recognised that you want to improve…
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QR code

A QR code is a valuable tool in transferring complex data. It is easily constructed. It should be displayed at the end of a presentation when the audience will not distracted and can activate both their device and the software….
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Conference template

Scientific organisations frequently prescribe a specific conference template. Do not use templates. Templates steal real estate in slides, they are visually distracting and unnecessary. If requested, use the template for the first slide and while answering questions. Conference templates are…
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environment

man on dark presentation stage

The environment into which a presentation is delivered can significantly affect its reception. As a presenter, you can influence this. It may require negotiation and time, but the environment should be maximised for the best reception of a presentation. Environments can be changed.

p cubed

Ross standing in front of a presentation screen that says, " remember, all I am offering is the truth, nothing more."

The p cubed value of a presentation is the product of its message (p1), the supportive media (p2) and delivery of that (p3), in the view of the individual audience members. This construct is useful for addressing the construction, delivery…
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Pointless

cat looking at a laser pointer in a confused manner

A pointer in a presentation is pointless. Whether a laser on the stage or the cursor in an online presentation, there is no point in a pointer. It is pointless. Construct and deliver your presentation such that there is no…
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imposter phenomenon

a lion cub over a puddle. the reflection is not the lion cub but a full grown adulty lion

The imposter phenomenon affects virtually every presenter. The belief, that as you wait for your moment in the spotlight, that you don’t deserve this opportunity, that others are more qualified or that everyone knows more about the topic than you…
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