Comments on: The Lazy Man’s Way to Building a Great PowerPoint Presentation http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/ Quick Sprout is a digital marketing and business blog based on the experiences of an entrepreneur, Neil Patel. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:09:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: How to Raise Funding / Venture Capital http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-83351 How to Raise Funding / Venture Capital Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:41:58 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-83351 [...] that you understand how the world of venture capital works, you will need to create a power point presentation (also known as a “deck”) that you can use to pitch VCs. Here is an example of a good [...] [...] that you understand how the world of venture capital works, you will need to create a power point presentation (also known as a “deck”) that you can use to pitch VCs. Here is an example of a good [...]

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-68804 Neil Patel Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:55:32 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-68804 They just don't seem to convey the message entirely though, I agree They just don’t seem to convey the message entirely though, I agree

]]> By: Inner Game http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-68750 Inner Game Wed, 30 Jun 2010 06:19:15 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-68750 despite powerpoints presentations are important i believe cominication skills and presence are far more important, but thats just my opinion despite powerpoints presentations are important i believe cominication skills and presence are far more important, but thats just my opinion

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-67474 Neil Patel Fri, 21 May 2010 00:50:08 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-67474 I wouldn't know the answer to that, I would recommend speaking to the support department. I wouldn’t know the answer to that, I would recommend speaking to the support department.

]]> By: Jen http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-67411 Jen Tue, 18 May 2010 22:11:22 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-67411 I'm wondering if you could answer a question for me. I'm trying to attach a PDF but it appears to be a really distorted slide. Any insight you could provide would be very much appreciated. Thanks so much! Jen I’m wondering if you could answer a question for me. I’m trying to attach a PDF but it appears to be a really distorted slide. Any insight you could provide would be very much appreciated. Thanks so much!

Jen

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-65890 Neil Patel Mon, 12 Apr 2010 04:58:30 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-65890 Keeping it simple is how small companies become bigger and successful. Keeping it simple is how small companies become bigger and successful.

]]> By: Net Age http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-65819 Net Age Fri, 09 Apr 2010 06:02:29 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-65819 Cool Bananas! That was pretty much the best slideshow presentation I've viewed in a while. Great way to convey your message, Neil! You sure do have a way of doing things. Keep it simple works for me! Thank you for sharing, mister! Cool Bananas! That was pretty much the best slideshow presentation I’ve viewed in a while. Great way to convey your message, Neil! You sure do have a way of doing things. Keep it simple works for me! Thank you for sharing, mister!

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-65118 Neil Patel Fri, 26 Mar 2010 06:20:48 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-65118 Speaking is a lot better than power point, but if you must use a power point, you need to do it the right way. Speaking is a lot better than power point, but if you must use a power point, you need to do it the right way.

]]> By: Sport Supplement http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-65008 Sport Supplement Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:20:13 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-65008 Dont you think speaking will help a lot rather than a power point. Dont you think speaking will help a lot rather than a power point.

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-59281 Neil Patel Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:53:10 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-59281 Speaking is great, but more often than not, you probably need a ppt Speaking is great, but more often than not, you probably need a ppt

]]> By: forum http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-59148 forum Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:18:43 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-59148 Here’s a better suggestion. Learn to speak, skip the powerpoint. Here’s a better suggestion. Learn to speak, skip the powerpoint.

]]> By: Beginner’s Guide to Attending Conferences http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-52976 Beginner’s Guide to Attending Conferences Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:51:51 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-52976 [...] can clearly see the presenter and their PowerPoint presentation (if there is [...] [...] can clearly see the presenter and their PowerPoint presentation (if there is [...]

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-46152 Neil Patel Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:57:11 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-46152 It makes them look very bad. It makes them look very bad.

]]> By: Network 21 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-45925 Network 21 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 23:22:10 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-45925 Yes, test before time. The proportion of presentations I attend where the speaker spends a few minutes trying to figure out how to use the system (after we are all in the room) is over 50%! It's embarrassing and frustrating. Yes, test before time. The proportion of presentations I attend where the speaker spends a few minutes trying to figure out how to use the system (after we are all in the room) is over 50%!
It’s embarrassing and frustrating.

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-44020 Neil Patel Sun, 08 Feb 2009 22:41:48 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-44020 Thanks! I feel those don't provide as much value as simple templates. Thanks! I feel those don’t provide as much value as simple templates.

]]> By: Motorcycles for sale http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-43925 Motorcycles for sale Thu, 05 Feb 2009 06:30:57 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-43925 I actually like his powerpoint template. It is clean and simple which looks much better than those tacky ones with bright backgrounds and sound effects. I actually like his powerpoint template. It is clean and simple which looks much better than those tacky ones with bright backgrounds and sound effects.

]]> By: Mike Goad http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-17788 Mike Goad Sat, 09 Feb 2008 17:21:34 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-17788 I had seen that video a couple of weeks ago and thought of you. I also though of sending it to some other presenters I know, but then I decided that they (not you) would either not get it or would be insulted by it. It is hilarious, but oh so true. I had seen that video a couple of weeks ago and thought of you. I also though of sending it to some other presenters I know, but then I decided that they (not you) would either not get it or would be insulted by it.

It is hilarious, but oh so true.

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-17787 Neil Patel Sat, 09 Feb 2008 17:16:13 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-17787 Nice tip! I will have to try it out. Nice tip! I will have to try it out.

]]> By: Mike Goad http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-17783 Mike Goad Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:50:49 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-17783 Since I posted my earlier comment, I've gone back to work as a contract instructor on a 6 month contract and am back to editing some of my old PowerPoint presentations. One alternative way to do the bulleted slide is to have each bullet item "dim" to a color near that of the background when you move to the next item. That way the slide is limited to the point you're focusing on now. Since I posted my earlier comment, I’ve gone back to work as a contract instructor on a 6 month contract and am back to editing some of my old PowerPoint presentations.

One alternative way to do the bulleted slide is to have each bullet item “dim” to a color near that of the background when you move to the next item. That way the slide is limited to the point you’re focusing on now.

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-17327 Neil Patel Sun, 03 Feb 2008 23:02:28 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-17327 LOL, I thought you were kidding at first. That is probably the best example of what not to do. LOL, I thought you were kidding at first. That is probably the best example of what not to do.

]]> By: Mattus http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-17209 Mattus Sat, 02 Feb 2008 11:14:24 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-17209 How NOT to use Powerpoint: http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=ORxFwBR4smE&feature=related How NOT to use Powerpoint:

http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=ORxFwBR4smE&feature=related

]]> By: KG http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-15264 KG Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:09:12 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-15264 I base my presentations after GUI's that can be found on DVD menus, cellphones (iPhone), and even operating systems like Vista and Leopard. Makes it easier for the audience to follow. I base my presentations after GUI’s that can be found on DVD menus, cellphones (iPhone), and even operating systems like Vista and Leopard. Makes it easier for the audience to follow.

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-13828 Neil Patel Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:57:43 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-13828 I think 100 would seem overwhelming. Maybe there is a good middle ground with more slides and less information on each slide. I think 100 would seem overwhelming. Maybe there is a good middle ground with more slides and less information on each slide.

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-13827 Neil Patel Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:56:30 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-13827 As a student, I prefer it when teachers do not use a PowerPoint. It just makes things a bit more interesting as you already know. As a student, I prefer it when teachers do not use a PowerPoint. It just makes things a bit more interesting as you already know.

]]> By: Mike Goad http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-13804 Mike Goad Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:15:30 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-13804 Before retiring a year ago, I had been a professional instructor for over 23 years. I started out using transparencies and marker boards and, eventually, graduated to PowerPoint. I was one of the first users of PowerPoint in my organization. One problem with PowerPoint is how people use it -- they overuse it -- they use it as a crutch. Attention spans are limited. Ever heard of the phrase, "death by PowerPoint." When you're giving a presentation, look in the audience and see how many people in the audience are becoming glassy-eyed. Some of the best received presentations I've ever given limited the use of PowerPoint. In some, I reduced the slide to one idea or concept per slide. It makes for a faster pace going through the slides, but, also, the audience has to focus more on what your saying than being distracted by reading your slide. The concept doesn't even have to be words. It can be represented by pictures. In many others, Power Point was only part of the presentation. Other parts included use of the marker board and group discussions. Occasionally, I would go PowerPointless -- I would teach a class without using PowerPoint at all! Discussion and interaction with the audience took it's place. Before retiring a year ago, I had been a professional instructor for over 23 years. I started out using transparencies and marker boards and, eventually, graduated to PowerPoint. I was one of the first users of PowerPoint in my organization.

One problem with PowerPoint is how people use it — they overuse it — they use it as a crutch.

Attention spans are limited. Ever heard of the phrase, “death by PowerPoint.” When you’re giving a presentation, look in the audience and see how many people in the audience are becoming glassy-eyed.

Some of the best received presentations I’ve ever given limited the use of PowerPoint.

In some, I reduced the slide to one idea or concept per slide. It makes for a faster pace going through the slides, but, also, the audience has to focus more on what your saying than being distracted by reading your slide. The concept doesn’t even have to be words. It can be represented by pictures.

In many others, Power Point was only part of the presentation. Other parts included use of the marker board and group discussions.

Occasionally, I would go PowerPointless — I would teach a class without using PowerPoint at all! Discussion and interaction with the audience took it’s place.

]]> By: Mike Goad http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-13802 Mike Goad Thu, 03 Jan 2008 07:56:42 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-13802 Black background power point slides can be printed out as text only. Black background power point slides can be printed out as text only.

]]> By: Mike Goad http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-13801 Mike Goad Thu, 03 Jan 2008 07:52:58 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-13801 I'd rather have 100 slides than 10 sides with 10 bullets each or twenty slides with 5 bullets each. The problem with bulleted slides is that everyone does them and everyone has seen them hundreds of times. Going with less bullets and more slides is <i>different</i> I’d rather have 100 slides than 10 sides with 10 bullets each or twenty slides with 5 bullets each.

The problem with bulleted slides is that everyone does them and everyone has seen them hundreds of times. Going with less bullets and more slides is different

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-13487 Neil Patel Sat, 29 Dec 2007 05:04:40 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-13487 International comments are always the hardest ones to follow. ;) Conan? I say it looks more like Leno. International comments are always the hardest ones to follow. ;)

Conan? I say it looks more like Leno.

]]> By: Jay, writer MemberSpeed.com http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-13482 Jay, writer MemberSpeed.com Sat, 29 Dec 2007 03:08:03 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-13482 Hey, somebody just wrote a comment in Japanese. That should be a tough act to follow. Harhar. Anyway, I've come across a lot of people who get so carried away with their presentations that they put too much stuff on the slides, steering the audience away from the real message. And is it just me or does that powerpoint eater guy looks like Conan O'Brien? Hey, I'm a big fan of his show. Hey, somebody just wrote a comment in Japanese. That should be a tough act to follow. Harhar. Anyway, I’ve come across a lot of people who get so carried away with their presentations that they put too much stuff on the slides, steering the audience away from the real message. And is it just me or does that powerpoint eater guy looks like Conan O’Brien? Hey, I’m a big fan of his show.

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12061 Neil Patel Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:51:47 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12061 I think this works well in long presentations, but in short 5 or 10 minute presentations it can become too repetitive. I think this works well in long presentations, but in short 5 or 10 minute presentations it can become too repetitive.

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