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/ I'm Kind of a Big Deal Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:33:38 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 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.

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12060 Neil Patel Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:50:51 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12060 I like the idea of taking concepts from magazines. Magazines are usually nicely designed, simplistic, and tasteful. Overall, nice points! I like the idea of taking concepts from magazines. Magazines are usually nicely designed, simplistic, and tasteful.

Overall, nice points!

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12059 Neil Patel Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:48:05 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12059 Never be afriad to comment. :) You make an interesting comment about studying Steve Job's slides. Because I did this post, I got an email from an ex Apple employee who stated: "Hi Neil, I liked your tips for better Ppoint presos. I used to work at Apple and many of those themes were ones that were used for public presentations..." I personally think Apple is all about simplicity when it comes to design and PowerPoints. Never be afriad to comment. :)

You make an interesting comment about studying Steve Job’s slides. Because I did this post, I got an email from an ex Apple employee who stated:

“Hi Neil,

I liked your tips for better Ppoint presos. I used to work at Apple and many of those themes were ones that were used for public presentations…”

I personally think Apple is all about simplicity when it comes to design and PowerPoints.

]]> By: ５号館のつぶやき http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12049 ５号館のつぶやき Thu, 13 Dec 2007 12:39:11 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12049 <strong>すごいパワーポイントを簡単に作るたった６つのルール</strong> 　インターネット・マーケティング・コンサルタントの Neil Patel さんという方のブログの、「怠惰な人間が素晴らしいパワーポイントのプレゼンテーション・ファイルを作る方法」という... すごいパワーポイントを簡単に作るたった６つのルール

　インターネット・マーケティング・コンサルタントの Neil Patel さんという方のブログの、「怠惰な人間が素晴らしいパワーポイントのプレゼンテーション・ファイルを作る方法」という…

]]> By: Havelock Holmes http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12039 Havelock Holmes Thu, 13 Dec 2007 07:11:53 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12039 Not the best advice, I'm afraid. My couple of cents... Use the full palette of effects, and use them tastefully, including transitions, visual metaphors for points made, builds that build understanding. *Taste required. Don't use the TITLE/body page default of ppt, as this has become meaningless and nearly invisible, just as banner ads have become invisible through endless repetition. Do read up on Wabi-Sabi, the aesthetic of simple design this advice is attempting to channel, though I'm afraid rather ignorantly (sorry! I appreciate the effort!). Do study the presentations of Steve Jobs, the true master of presentations. (And maybe, stop using ppt. It forces you into line with its crappy design notions in exchange for all that "power." Try Keynote to get your hands on a true blank canvas full of potential - and communicative power.) Not the best advice, I’m afraid. My couple of cents…

Use the full palette of effects, and use them tastefully, including transitions, visual metaphors for points made, builds that build understanding. *Taste required.

Don’t use the TITLE/body page default of ppt, as this has become meaningless and nearly invisible, just as banner ads have become invisible through endless repetition.

Do read up on Wabi-Sabi, the aesthetic of simple design this advice is attempting to channel, though I’m afraid rather ignorantly (sorry! I appreciate the effort!).

Do study the presentations of Steve Jobs, the true master of presentations.

(And maybe, stop using ppt. It forces you into line with its crappy design notions in exchange for all that “power.” Try Keynote to get your hands on a true blank canvas full of potential – and communicative power.)

]]> By: annon http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12010 annon Wed, 12 Dec 2007 22:15:08 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12010 I disagre. - Design your presentation primarilly as if it is to be printed out, stuck on a board (letter/A4 size) and understood if you were not there. You are trying to communicate and many times you will end up printing/emailing it. Pinning it up on a board/spreding it on a table is often much better for discussion....design it for this and you only need to make it once. - "Borrow" layout designs from magazines etc, these actually tend to be very simple. I have examples of magazines that the people who I present to typically read. ie: when presenting to bussines folks I "borrow" harvard bussines review's layout/colours etc... - Use graphic models or labled images wherever possible..a picture tells a thousand words. Just putting lables in boxes and using arrows/sizes/colours to indicate relationships can communicate things that text never can. - Never use ppt animations if you audience has any sense of taste....or, make it in flash and use animations that ppt cant do at critical key points in the presentation...it drives ppt fans (marketing) crazy. - If you are looking for lazy tricks...you obviously are not passionate enough about what you are presenting and you have already lost your audience. Get another job. - If you are serious about your subject, learn a propper illustration tool such as illustrator. You can export to pdf, flash, jpeg, png etc (and put jpeg/png in to ppt if you must) I disagre.
- Design your presentation primarilly as if it is to be printed out, stuck on a board (letter/A4 size) and understood if you were not there. You are trying to communicate and many times you will end up printing/emailing it. Pinning it up on a board/spreding it on a table is often much better for discussion….design it for this and you only need to make it once.
- “Borrow” layout designs from magazines etc, these actually tend to be very simple. I have examples of magazines that the people who I present to typically read. ie: when presenting to bussines folks I “borrow” harvard bussines review’s layout/colours etc…
- Use graphic models or labled images wherever possible..a picture tells a thousand words. Just putting lables in boxes and using arrows/sizes/colours to indicate relationships can communicate things that text never can.
- Never use ppt animations if you audience has any sense of taste….or, make it in flash and use animations that ppt cant do at critical key points in the presentation…it drives ppt fans (marketing) crazy.
- If you are looking for lazy tricks…you obviously are not passionate enough about what you are presenting and you have already lost your audience. Get another job.
- If you are serious about your subject, learn a propper illustration tool such as illustrator. You can export to pdf, flash, jpeg, png etc (and put jpeg/png in to ppt if you must)

]]> By: cj http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12009 cj Wed, 12 Dec 2007 21:18:14 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12009 As a trainer, you always want to: 1. Tell them (the audience) what you are going to tell them 2. Tell them 3. Tell them what you told them == It helps. Just my $.02 As a trainer, you always want to:

1. Tell them (the audience) what you are going to tell them
2. Tell them
3. Tell them what you told them
==
It helps. Just my $.02

]]> By: Web 2.0 Announcer http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12005 Web 2.0 Announcer Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:13:54 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12005 <strong>Lazy Man?s Way to Building a Great PowerPoint Presentation</strong> [...]Delivering a breathtaking presentation that wows the audience isn?t easy. Here is a kick ass PowerPoint template to take some of the stress off your speaking experience.[...] Lazy Man?s Way to Building a Great PowerPoint Presentation

[...]Delivering a breathtaking presentation that wows the audience isn?t easy. Here is a kick ass PowerPoint template to take some of the stress off your speaking experience.[...]

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12004 Neil Patel Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:07:49 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12004 You make a valid point about printing black slides. When giving speeches at conferences the last thing you want is cheesy animation. Using them may work in school, but in business most of those extra features are not needed. Good point about the font, I should have used something more generic. You are rigtt about pictures, I should have acknowledged the source even if I modified the image. Depending on the type of presentation you are giving laser pointers can work well, but in most cases they are not needed. You make a valid point about printing black slides.

When giving speeches at conferences the last thing you want is cheesy animation. Using them may work in school, but in business most of those extra features are not needed.

Good point about the font, I should have used something more generic.

You are rigtt about pictures, I should have acknowledged the source even if I modified the image.

Depending on the type of presentation you are giving laser pointers can work well, but in most cases they are not needed.

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12003 Neil Patel Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:03:34 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2007/12/10/the-lazy-man%e2%80%99s-way-to-building-great-powerpoints/#comment-12003 Yes, many of these things are obvious, but it is the obvious things that most people overlook. Yes, many of these things are obvious, but it is the obvious things that most people overlook.

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