{"id":1227,"date":"2017-10-09T13:07:34","date_gmt":"2017-10-09T13:07:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ffolliet.com\/staging\/?page_id=1227"},"modified":"2024-10-29T17:26:27","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T17:26:27","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ffolliet.com\/staging\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"faq"},"content":{"rendered":"

frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n

frequently asking questions is a good way to gain a better understanding of a topic.<\/p>\n

Originally, the site was a series of blog posts but over time, and with discussion, it’s evolved into a presentation skills resource. I\u2019ve briefly answered some frequently asked questions below, but you can find more detailed answers by following the links.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is wrong with the way we currently do presentations?<\/strong>
They don’t work! <\/a>Broadly speaking, the science behind it is that <\/span>heavily bullet-pointed slideuments<\/span><\/a>\u00a0are counterproductive to education. This negatively impacts the delivery, and as a result, reduces engagement.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is p cubed?<\/strong>
I believe there are three parts to a presentation;<\/a> the story (p1), the supportive media (p2) and its delivery (p3). The value of that presentation is the product of those three presentation parts, that is:
p1 x p2 x p3 = p cubed.<\/p>\n

Isn’t it all just about pretty slides?<\/strong>
No, it is about a fundamental, but simple, reconstruction of presentations <\/a>with attention to the needs of the audience and focus on learning rather than teaching. You can then illustrate, instead of annotate.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Where do I start to improve presentations?<\/strong>
At the very beginning.<\/a> It can be tempting to <\/span>just<\/span><\/i> work on the slides.<\/span> Instead, understand the concept, and then work from there.<\/p>\n

I’d like to change but I think my boss wouldn’t like it<\/strong>.
But how do you know?<\/a> Our experience is that good educators have been looking for an alternative to standard presentations for a long time. Even so, why not try anyway and see what the response is? Sometimes their resistance is a retrofit of the reasons it fails- “I need something to read”,<\/a> “Where’s all the data” and finally, “It’s not scientific.”<\/a><\/p>\n

Can’t I just reduce the text on my slides?<\/strong>
No, it’s like a drug<\/a>.\u00a0Having text on your slides will simply result in both you and your audience reading it. As a result, you\u2019ll limit your engagement- and this will only cause you to stumble. Presentation is not just about downloading data<\/a>. Recognise this- then you\u2019ll be released to share your ideas with others.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does this work for scientific\/serious presentations?<\/strong>
Yes. This is not just fluff but itself scientifically based. I’ve presented at numerous, prestigious and international scientific meetings and received praise and encouragement, not just for the delivery but for the clarity and retention of the message. Examples are available in near future. Science is about persuasion and clarity, while not overwhelming the audience with data<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Why can’t I just reproduce my scientific paper on the screen?<\/strong>
Because it is a paper, not a presentation<\/a>. It’s a totally different medium while having a completely different purpose.<\/p>\n

What about branding on the slides?<\/strong>
It’d be naive to believe that such “branding” is of any value. Consequently, it distracts from the visual. If the audience need to know where you are from, tell them, but not on every slide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Can I take an old presentation and make it better?<\/strong>
You can, but retro-fitting takes a whole lot of work<\/a> and actually it is probably best to start fresh.<\/p>\n

What about some quick tips?<\/strong>
Presentation ninja tips here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What about templates?<\/strong>
Precisely. What about templates? To put it simply…
<\/a>No. Nope, never. Don’t use templates, ever. No, seriously, don’t do it.<\/p>\n

I’m terrified of public speaking, will this help me?<\/strong>
Totally.<\/a> Many of the things we do to overcome our nerves actively make things worse such as following a script verbatim, standing behind a podium and thinking we don’t need to prepare as it is basically reading and anyone can do that. Change to the p cubed approach and you will notice a huge improvement.<\/a><\/p>\n

So how do you DO a presentation?<\/strong>
There are a series of guides on #htdap (how to do a presentation)<\/a> in addition to a storify, step by step with worked examples.<\/p>\n

If I reduce the text where will my script be?<\/strong>
You don’t need a script<\/a> if you realise that the purpose of a presentation is not a massive data download. That doesn’t work and the audience are looking for a message not a ton of facts. With practise you will understand the steps in your presentation and that you don’t need a script.<\/p>\n

What are the biggest mistakes people make in presentations?<\/strong>
The seven deadly sins<\/a>.<\/p>\n

1. Starting with the Powerpoint
2. No Message
3.The Slideument
4. Distracting Slides
5. Using a Script
6. Not enough Practise
7. No passion<\/p>\n

Where did you get your ideas for all this?<\/strong>\u00a0
I always reference my Sensai, Garr Reynolds and his seminal book Presentation Zen. My journey started with Garr.<\/a><\/p>\n

Where can I learn more<\/strong>?
Invite me to your place of work or come to one of my workshops. I’m happy to visit anywhere and share these ideas.<\/p>\n

What or who is ffolliet?<\/strong>
It is a welsh christian (first) name<\/a>. My Chief in surgery had a room mate with that name and the same surname as me: ffolliot Fisher. So, I was called ffolliet, as an improvement on my old nickname.<\/p>\n

less frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n

Those are some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have others, try the search function (top right). If there isn’t an easy answer, why not ask through twitter<\/a> or, leave a comment below. I want this site to be as valuable as possible, and without your help, it simply won\u2019t be as good. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

frequently asked questions frequently asking questions is a good way to gain a better understanding of a topic. Originally, the site was a series of blog posts but over time, and with discussion, it’s evolved into a presentation skills resource. 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