Top 10 Presentation Hacks Blogs
A good presentation depends on a number of factors, from your speaking style to subject-matter expertise to which font you use on your slides. These blogs, generally by certifiably successful individual presenters, help you master the facets of presenting so you can "knock 'em dead" the next time you're in front of an audience.
The need to succeed in an ever-changing roster of jobs in the law, management, politics and small business has led New Zealand's Olivia Mitchell to become one of the Web's most authoritative sources on presentations. Offers tips on public speaking, use of images, knowing your audience, the importance of Toastmasters in getting her started, and more.
Garr Reynolds, author of Presentation Zen, explains why presentations succeed or fail, whether you use PowerPoint or a ukulele. Reynolds is hard at work on a book titled The Naked Presenter, so he particularly emphasizes presenting "naked"--no props, no song and dance, just total mastery of your area of expertise.
Jerry Weissman started out prepping corporate execs to go on initial-public-offering (IPO) roadshows in front of--let's just say "skeptical" audiences. You benefit from that experience and the lessons his current firm, Power Presentations Ltd., teaches on this blog.
The presentation blog of Sims Wyeth, as an adjunct to his presentation-coaching business. Offers nuts and bolts everyone should know about presenting, such as the five languages you must master (your audience's language, your own vocal presence, the message you convey by listening, body language, and clothes and grooming).
The principals at Decker Communications analyze what works and what doesn't when public figures speak, debate, campaign and advertise. Topics include speaking plainly, message stickiness, the power of the unexpected, and even good ol' eye contact, among many others.
The technical aspects of public presentations, including sound, video, lighting and more, in the service of better and more persuasive Internet marketing. Also discusses how to "stage" yourself and sell more effectively.
Vivek Singh focuses on presentations and speeches, especially those using PowerPoint and other slide-generating software for illustration. Plenty on what to do or avoid, with frequent posts by guest bloggers who round out Soza's perspectives.
Nick Morgan runs through the gamut of presentation concerns, from choosing the right topic for an audience to the danger of "talking to your slides," and from personal charisma to the importance of conveying passion about your subject. Pays special attention to the link between body language and impact in public speaking.
Highly granular looks at presentations with an emphasis on speaking, including fear of being on the spot, how to handle a lack of questions when you ask if there are any, the importance of consistency in all elements of a presentation, and the power of movement and silence.
This blog is simultaneously a light-hearted look at what can go wrong with presentations ("HAG: [hag] an acronym meaning horrible at gestures that is applied to presenters whose physical style is...regrettable") and a commitment to helping you get it right. Includes video by the Ethos3 team analyzing topics such as their favorite speakers and presentation dos and don'ts.
What's your favorite presentation tip or blog? Add it in the comments!
Comments