p2

The supportive media (p2) is everything that adds to the story (p1) in its delivery(p3) whether as a presentation or visual aids. If you have visited the site looking for tips on using powerpoint, you will be disappointed. The discussion is around design concepts, use of text in slides, images and data slides used to illustrate and support the message. It is the least important part of a presentation and some presentations may even be better without slides! Most importantly, the .ppt file is not your presentation.

Cornerstone posts include.

purpose of the p2

basic type choices

when to construct the p2

design matters

Why do you have slides?

Why do you have slides in your presentation? Whether this is an in-person or online presentation, the answer to this question is foundational to any changes one would consider in the construction of a presentation. Using slides as a script,…
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Schrodinger’s slides

Schrodinger’s slides are both there and not there at the same time. Sadly, this analogy describes many presenters’ approach to their supportive media; It is either there or not there. The decision rests with the audience. Schrodinger’s slides are either there and we will read them (because of science) or they are not there as the speaker ignores them. In this thought experiment, the audience will stop listening and default to reading Schrodinger’s slides.

Dance on the radio

Dance is a beautiful medium conveying story, emotion, and passion. Radio is ubiquitous, free, and a perfect way to communicate effectively, widely, and efficiently. Dance on the radio does not work, no matter how much we love both. Nothing from…
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Font choice matters

Font choice matters; they change the impact and meaning of your message. You may not be as aware as your audience but that doesn’t change the impact. The particular choice that you make is important; do not simply accept the…
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Screens are not books

Screens are not books. Reading from a screen is not the same as reading from a book. A recent research paper adds to the evidence that a presentation (or its supportive media) should not be viewed as some form of…
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Mobile phones

Mobile phones are a part of our existence. They have real value but can significantly affect presentations. Be aware of these issues in the planning and delivery of presentations. Mobile phones can be used actively within a presentation but most…
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A quotation

volataire and his famous quote

A quotation often serves an elegant and memorable purpose in a presentation. If well know, it strikes with resonance into the memory. If, unknown, its humanity can speak with clarity and emotion. Don’t put it on the screen. Let it speak for itself as you speak it. A quotation is valued if delivered well.

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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Pictures of slides

Pictures of slides are intended by the photographer to be used for later data retrieval. Few actually review the images, even fewer retrieve any data. Constructing a slide for this purpose is further false logic. It defeats the purpose of…
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