SlideXpress

A Presentation Design Blog
By SlideXpress

What Gandhi Can Teach Us About Powerful Presentations

Oct 14, 2026

Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent leader of India's independence movement, known worldwide for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. He connected with people from all walks of life, inspiring them to unite around a shared vision of freedom. So what can we learn from...

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Read the Room: How to Make Your Presentation Actually Land

Oct 7, 2026

A good presentation is not just about having the right information. It is about knowing the audience and what they actually care about. That is where audience insights make a difference. Start with what they already know Do not waste slides explaining the obvious. Work...

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The Latest in Healthcare Data Visualization Techniques

Sep 30, 2026

Healthcare is generating more data than ever from clinical trials and patient records to research findings and real-world health trends. But data alone does not create understanding. The real challenge is turning millions of data points into simple, meaningful stories...

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The Human Advantage In An AI-Driven World

Sep 23, 2026

The Rise of AI and the Need for Human Oversight Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way businesses work. It can analyze information, generate content, and accelerate tasks that once required significant time and effort. However, as AI becomes more advanced,...

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Action Plans: Transforming Goals Into Execution

Sep 16, 2026

A presentation can align teams around a vision, but an action plan defines the path to achieving it. By converting goals into specific tasks, timelines, ownership, and measurable outcomes, action plans help teams move from strategy to execution. What Is an Action Plan?...

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Choosing the Right Presentation for Business Communication

Aug 28, 2026

Business presentations serve different purposes from informing and persuading to training and aligning teams. Choosing the right format, tone, and storytelling approach helps ensure the message resonates with the intended audience. Sales and Pitch Presentations...

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Create First, Disrupt Later

Aug 19, 2026

Looking Beyond Competition The business world often celebrates disruption. Companies aspire to change the game, challenge competitors, and shake up industries. While disruption makes for compelling headlines, it is rarely the best starting point. The real opportunity...

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Improving Healthcare Communication with the SlideXpress Edge

Aug 13, 2026

Healthcare communication has a difficult job: turning complex scientific, clinical, and business information into messages that different audiences can quickly understand and act upon. From healthcare professionals and patients to employees and senior stakeholders,...

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Eye to Eye: Why Eye Contact Matters in Presentations

Jul 22, 2026

The Power of Eye Contact Eye contact is one of the simplest yet most powerful communication tools. It signals confidence, sincerity, and attentiveness, helping speakers build trust with their audience. In face-to-face interactions, it creates a sense of connection that...

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How to Overcome Blank Slide Syndrome

Jul 8, 2026

Introduction Blank slide syndrome is a common starting point in presentation work, where the biggest challenge is not a lack of ideas but the inability to structure them into a clear narrative. It creates a logjam between thinking and execution, often making even...

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The Power of Human-AI Collaboration

Jul 1, 2026

Balancing generative AI with human input is about assigning the right role to each. AI should act as a foundation for speed and scale, while humans ensure the output remains authentic, emotionally resonant, and strategically aligned. The goal is not replacement, but...

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Proposals Made Simple

Jun 24, 2026

Creating a strong business proposal is key to winning clients, securing investment, or forming strategic partnerships . A proposal is more than just a document. It's a story of how your solution addresses a real problem, delivers value, and stands out from the...

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Mastering Scientific Presentations The Slidexpress Way

Jun 19, 2026

Delivering a scientific presentation is more than just sharing data. It's about communicating insights clearly, confidently, and convincingly. Slidexpress helps researchers and professionals turn complex information into presentations that engage and inform. Here's the...

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Introduction To C Suite Presentations

Jun 10, 2026

C suite presentations are not ordinary business updates. They are built for leaders who need to make decisions quickly, align stakeholders, and understand the business impact behind the numbers. Unlike functional presentations, which may focus on process or detailed...

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Presentation Enhancements

May 27, 2026

Understanding qualitative information is critical in business, UX, and analytics. While traditional tables and text can convey data, visual methods make insights faster and easier to grasp. Here are some modern techniques widely used today. 1. Iconography & Symbols...

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Your Brand Is Only as Strong as Your Slides

May 13, 2026

Your brand doesn't live only in your logo or color palette, it shows up in every presentation you share. For most organizations, presentations are the most frequent touchpoint with clients, leadership, and stakeholders. Yet, this is where brand consistency often breaks...

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Visual Thinking: The Game-Changer for Business Narratives

Apr 29, 2026

Person wearing glasses surrounded by cut outs of eyes The Power of Visual Thinking At Slidexpress, we believe in the transformative power of visual storytelling. While words are essential for conveying information, visuals have the unique ability to transcend language...

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Align. Act. Achieve.

Apr 15, 2026

Align Stakeholders Before Designing Great decks don't start in PowerPoint; they start with alignment. Our projects often involve founders, CXOs, and multiple teams, each with different expectations. We map stakeholders early, align on the core message, and define what...

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Sam Altman’s 5 Communication Principles for Leaders

Mar 18, 2026

In the fast-moving world of startups and technology, clear communication can often make the difference between success and confusion. Sam Altman, known for leading companies through rapid growth and innovation, often emphasizes a few simple but powerful communication...

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Slidexpress vs Gamma: Which is Better?

Mar 2, 2026

Choosing the right presentation solution can make a big difference in how your message lands, especially when you need clarity, professionalism, and impact. Two popular names that often come up are Slidexpress and Gamma . While both help users create presentations,...

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Best Presentation Platforms of 2026

Feb 24, 2026

Real business decks. Real performance. No fluff. Presentation tools have matured significantly in 2026, specially with the inclusion of AI. But not all platforms handle real business complexity well. Board decks, investor narratives, data-heavy slides, and brand...

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How AI Can Turn Raw Ideas into Polished Slides in Minutes

Feb 16, 2026

Creating presentations used to take hours…sometimes days. You start with a rough idea, open a blank slide deck, and then struggle with structure, design, and wording. Today, AI is changing all of that. From Scattered Thoughts to Clear Structure Most presentations begin...

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The Future of Branding: AI, Authenticity, and Micro-Brands

Feb 2, 2026

From Loud Branding to Meaningful Connection Branding is no longer about who can shout the loudest. It's about who can connect the deepest. As we move forward, three forces are reshaping the branding landscape: artificial intelligence, authenticity, and the rise of...

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How to Audit Your Brand in 5 Steps

Jan 22, 2026

A brand audit is like a health check for your business. It helps you understand if your brand still looks, sounds, and feels the way you want and whether customers experience it the same way you imagine. Here are five simple steps to audit your brand. Step 1: Review...

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Branding Mistakes Startups Should Avoid

Jan 14, 2026

Branding is more than just a logo or a catchy tagline. It's how customers perceive, trust, and connect with your startup. In the rush to launch, many startups make branding mistakes that limit growth or confuse audiences. Avoiding these common pitfalls can save time,...

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SEO & Branding: Why They Must Work Together

Dec 17, 2025

Clicks Don't Equal Connection Let's be real: getting clicks isn't the same as building a brand. Millennials and Gen Z discover brands through search, but they decide whether to trust them in seconds. If your site ranks well but feels generic or disconnected, people...

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The Role of Packaging in Brand Perception

Dec 11, 2025

Let's face it: packaging is more than just a box. For Millennials and Gen Z, it's the first impression that shapes how they feel about a brand. It's that moment of excitement when you tear open a package and are hit with a wave of personality. And let's be honest…if...

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Branding in the Digital Age: From Social Media to Websites

Nov 18, 2025

Branding today isn't just about having a cool logo or catchy slogan, it's about creating a vibe people actually feel connected to. In the digital age, where scrolling is practically a reflex, brands need to show up where their audiences live online: social media and...

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Iconic Brand Logos and What Makes Them Timeless

Nov 12, 2025

Some logos don't just represent a brand, they define an era. Think of Starbucks' twin-tailed siren , Adidas' three stripes , or Coca-Cola's flowing script . Decades later, they're still everywhere, still relevant, and still instantly recognizable. So, what gives these...

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How Great Brands Trigger Emotional Connections

Oct 29, 2025

Some brands do not just sell products. They become part of who people are. They inspire loyalty so strong that customers proudly represent them, recommend them, and return to them again and again. The secret behind this loyalty is emotional connection. Great brands tap...

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Visual Branding 101: Logos, Fonts, and Style Guides

Oct 20, 2025

Your brand has a voice and it's speaking even when you're silent. Every color, curve, and font choice tells a story. That's the magic of visual branding : it turns design into emotion, and emotion into connection. 1. Logos: The Face That Says It All Your logo is your...

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The Power of Storytelling in Brand Building

Oct 15, 2025

Let's be real, nobody vibes with boring ads anymore. We scroll past salesy posts in a second. What actually grabs our attention? A story that hits different. In today's digital world, storytelling isn't just a marketing trick, it's the secret sauce that turns a random...

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Why Brand Consistency Builds Trust (and How to Achieve It)

Oct 7, 2025

Trust isn't built overnight. It's built through repeated, reliable experiences, and that's where brand consistency comes in. Every interaction a customer has with your brand sends a signal. If your website says one thing, your social posts say another, and your...

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Differentiating Your Brand in a Crowded Market

Sep 17, 2025

In today's fast-paced, saturated market, standing out isn't just an option, it's a necessity. Think about it…even to buy something simple like peanut butter, we are inundated with choices. Jif, Skippy, Trader Joe's, Smucker's, etc. How can you carve out your niche and...

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Brand Voice: Defining How Your Brand Speaks

Sep 10, 2025

Every brand has something to say, but how you say it is what sticks. Your brand voice is the personality woven into every message: whether it's a cheeky tweet, a reassuring customer email, or a bold campaign headline. A distinct voice makes your brand recognizable and...

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How to Craft a Brand Positioning Statement

Sep 3, 2025

A strong brand positioning statement is the foundation of every successful brand strategy. It clarifies what your brand stands for, who it serves, and why it matters, all in a concise, memorable way. Without it, your marketing risks being inconsistent or easily...

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How to Create a Memorable Brand Name and Tagline

Aug 29, 2025

A strong brand name and tagline are the cornerstones of lasting brand recognition. They don't just identify your business, they capture its personality, values, and promise. Getting them right can make the difference between being forgettable and being top-of-mind for...

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Psychology of Color in Branding

Aug 20, 2025

Ever noticed how certain brands are instantly recognizable just by their colors? Think Coca-Cola's bold red, Starbucks' calming green, or Tiffany's signature blue. That's not a coincidence, it's color psychology at work. Colors don't just make things look pretty; they...

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Building a Brand from Scratch: A Beginner’s Roadmap

Aug 13, 2025

Building a brand from scratch can be an exciting yet overwhelming journey. Whether you're launching a new product, service, or even a personal brand, creating a strong and authentic brand is key to standing out in a competitive market. Here's a simple roadmap for...

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Brand Identity vs. Brand Image: Why Both Matter

Aug 6, 2025

Understanding Brand Identity and Image Brand identity is how a company presents itself to the world through logos, colors, messaging, and its overall mission. Brand image , on the other hand, is how the public perceives the brand, shaped by customer experiences,...

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What Is a Brand? More Than Just a Logo

Jul 31, 2025

When people think of a “brand,” they often imagine a logo. But a brand is much more, it's the personality, experience, and emotions that make a business unique. Essence of a Brand A brand is the identity of a company, embodying its values, culture, and promises to...

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Mastering Visual Storytelling in Static Designs

Jul 23, 2025

In today's fast-paced digital world, where attention spans are shorter than ever, mastering visual storytelling in static designs is essential. The key is creating designs that not only grab attention but also communicate powerful messages. Each design element, color,...

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How to Give & Receive Constructive Criticism in Creative Teams

Jul 18, 2025

Working in a creative team can feel like magic, ideas bouncing around, sparks flying, and suddenly, something amazing comes to life. But let's be honest: when it comes to giving or receiving criticism, things can get… awkward. No one wants to hurt feelings, and no one...

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Design Trends That Are Overhyped, & What to Focus on Instead

Jul 10, 2025

Design trends are like fashion, some make a big splash but quickly fade, while others quietly stick around because they actually work. In a world flooded with flashy visuals and viral aesthetics, it's easy to get caught up in what's “in.” But not everything that's...

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The Future of Branding: AI, Authenticity & Micro-Brands

Jul 2, 2025

AI Makes Personalization Scalable Artificial intelligence is transforming branding by making personalization not only possible but scalable. Machine learning analyzes massive datasets to predict what individual consumers want and when they want it. This capability...

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The Power of White Space: Minimalism Done Right

Jun 18, 2025

In design, white space, also called negative space, is the empty area between elements. It doesn't have to be white; it simply refers to any unused space that surrounds and separates visuals, text, or other components. Though often overlooked, white space is a...

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Design Tools Showdown

Jun 11, 2025

In the fast-paced world of UI/UX design, choosing the right tool can significantly impact workflow and collaboration. Among the top contenders, Figma , Adobe XD , and Sketch, each offers a distinct blend of features tailored to different design needs. But with so many...

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Ethics in Design: Are You Manipulating or Inspiring?

May 21, 2025

Where Design Meets Influence In the fast-paced world of digital design and advertising, the line between persuasion and manipulation is increasingly blurred. UX designers and marketers are constantly challenged to influence behavior, whether it's nudging users toward a...

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Brand Consistency vs. Creativity: Finding the Right Balance

May 14, 2025

In today's fast-moving digital world, brands are constantly challenged to stand out, but also to stay recognizable. This tension between brand consistency and creative innovation often sparks a key question: Can you be creative without breaking the brand? The answer...

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Rise of Generative Art in Design

May 7, 2025

In recent years, generative art has rapidly emerged as a powerful tool in the design world, transforming the way artists and brands create visual content. At the heart of this movement lies the use of algorithms and code to produce art, blending logic with aesthetics in...

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How Print Design is Evolving in a Digital World

Apr 30, 2025

Despite the rise of digital marketing, print design remains essential in luxury branding, packaging, and tactile marketing, offering unmatched sensory appeal to convey a brand's identity, exclusivity, and quality. This blog explores how print design is evolving in the...

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Color Grading vs. Color Correction in Visual Design

Apr 9, 2025

Color isn't just aesthetic, it's strategic. For graphic designers, it shapes perception, directs focus, and builds emotional connections. Behind every impactful visual lies the highly technical craft of color correction and color grading . While they may seem similar,...

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The Art of Storytelling Through Visual Design

Apr 2, 2025

In a world overflowing with content, grabbing someone's attention, and keeping it, is no small feat. That's where graphic designers come in. Their job goes far beyond making things look good. Great designers are visual storytellers, turning scattered information into...

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The Evolution of Logo Design: Trends, Lessons, & Timeless Tips

Mar 26, 2025

Logos are the heartbeat of a brand. They tell a story, spark recognition, and leave a lasting impression. But have you ever wondered how logos have evolved over time? From ancient symbols to sleek digital designs, the journey of logo design is a fascinating one, filled...

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Iconography in Design: Crafting Simple Yet Powerful Symbols

Feb 19, 2025

Iconography is a visual language that enhances communication by simplifying complex information through symbols. It improves clarity, accessibility, and user experience in digital and print design. Well-crafted icons create intuitive interactions, reinforce branding,...

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Designing for Emerging Technologies: AR, VR & Beyond

Feb 5, 2025

Alternative Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are reshaping digital experiences, bringing both exciting possibilities and unique design challenges. To succeed, designers must blend usability with immersion, creating intuitive and comfortable experiences that...

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DeepSeek: The Chinese AI Revolution You Can’t Ignore

Jan 30, 2025

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] All You Need to Know January 27, 2025: The Day AI Changed Forever January 27, 2025, will be remembered as the day the tech world would be rocked...

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How Generative AI Is Shaking Up The Design Game

Jan 29, 2025

Generative AI is straight-up changing the design world, and it's not just about making things faster, it's about flipping the script entirely. From speeding up workflows to unlocking next-level creativity, AI is giving designers tools they never dreamed of. But with...

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Top 10 Graphic Design Trends of 2025

Jan 14, 2025

Graphic design is constantly evolving, and 2025 is set to be a year of groundbreaking innovation and creative exploration. Designers are embracing new technologies like AI, AR, and VR, while also drawing inspiration from the past to create fresh, impactful visuals....

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The Importance of Visual Hierarchy in Graphic Design

Jan 8, 2025

In the dynamic world of graphic design, where aesthetics meet communication, visual hierarchy stands as a cornerstone principle. It's the art of guiding the viewer's eye to the most important elements of a design, ensuring that the intended message is delivered...

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5 Step Rebranding Process

Dec 18, 2024

Rebranding is a strategic process that involves reshaping a company's identity to better reflect its vision, values, and goals while meeting the evolving needs of its audience. Whether driven by market shifts, business expansion, or the desire to modernize, a...

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7 Ways to Stay Creative in a World Full of Distractions

Dec 11, 2024

In a world brimming with distractions, staying creative can feel like a constant challenge, especially for graphic designers who rely on focus and inspiration to bring ideas to life. With endless notifications, screen fatigue, and a flood of content vying for...

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Is It Time to Rebrand?

Dec 4, 2024

Your brand is one of your business's most valuable assets. A strong brand drives customer loyalty, builds trust, and influences purchasing decisions. But knowing when to rebrand is crucial. Done right, rebranding can be transformative; done poorly, it can waste time...

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Creating a Cohesive Visual Brand Identity

Nov 27, 2024

A cohesive visual brand identity is more than just an attractive logo, it's a strategic tool that communicates your brand's essence, values, and promise. It ensures consistency across every platform and touchpoint, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. Here's a...

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Design for All: Methods to Make Graphic Design Inclusive

Nov 19, 2024

Design is a powerful tool that shapes our interactions, experiences, and perceptions. However, when a significant portion of society cannot engage with these designs, we fail to achieve universal communication. Inclusivity in graphic design is not just a fleeting...

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Top 5 Graphic Design Softwares of 2024

Nov 13, 2024

Welcome to the future of design! In 2024, graphic design software is revolutionizing creativity with AI-driven tools that bring sketches to life and streamline workflows. These top platforms combine advanced tech with intuitive interfaces, making powerful features...

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5 Most Influential Typography Trends

Oct 30, 2024

Typography is key to graphic design, as font choices greatly influence how messages are conveyed, evoke emotions, and create lasting impressions. Whether designing logos, websites, or marketing materials, choosing the right fonts is crucial for effective communication....

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Color Psychology: Marketing’s Secret Weapon

Oct 23, 2024

It is a known fact that colors influence behavior, emotions, and perceptions. The psychological effects of colors including their emotional impact play a part in shaping both individuals and cultures. Obviously therefore, marketing, design, and branding use color...

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10 Tips to Create Compelling Infographics

Oct 16, 2024

An infographic isn't just a bunch of data on one piece of paper. In every set of data, there's a story. Infographics use data to tell that story in a compelling, visual manner. They simplify complex information, making it easier to digest and more engaging for your...

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4-Step Approach to Making Every Presentation A Game-Changer

Oct 9, 2024

While big pitches get all the spotlight, it's the everyday presentations, those routine reports, strategy sessions, and training materials, that hold just as much potential to shape major decisions, align teams, and propel business success. When you recognize that every...

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4 Emerging Technologies of Graphic Design

Oct 3, 2024

With rapid technological advancements, the design world is evolving faster than ever, blending creativity with cutting-edge tech across graphic design, industrial design, UX, and more. Here are the four most exciting innovations shaping the future: 1. Artificial...

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Six Workflow Tips for Design Process

Sep 24, 2024

Design planning is the heartbeat of any digital product's success. It pulls every piece into place, igniting collaboration and smooth execution. With crystal-clear objectives and guidelines, you'll not only manage resources like a pro but also tackle challenges...

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7 Steps for Measuring Success of Design Projects

Sep 18, 2024

Evaluating the impact of your design project is the key to reaching business goals and delighting your users. A well-executed design doesn't just look good, it boosts usability, drives engagement, and strengthens brand loyalty. By assessing key metrics, gathering real...

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8 Methods to Integrate Feedback Into Design Process

Sep 11, 2024

Integrating feedback into the design process within an organization involves actively collecting input from stakeholders, analyzing it, and incorporating it into iterative design cycles. This approach ensures that services are continuously refined based on user needs...

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5 Methods of Using Design for Social Good

Sep 4, 2024

Design can address various social and environmental issues, improve lives, and create positive change. Here are 5 ways design can be used for social good: Accessible and Inclusive Design: This can be effectively showcased with visuals of diverse users interacting with...

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8 Benefits of AI in Presentations

Aug 28, 2024

In today's fast-paced world, simplifying daily tasks is essential, particularly in business where presentations play a crucial role. AI-generated tools are gaining popularity for their efficiency and effectiveness. Expert designers specializing in high-quality...

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AI for Content Creation

Aug 21, 2024

Generative AI, which produces new content like text, graphics, and videos, is transforming digital content creation. By analyzing data patterns and automating tasks such as text generation and video editing, advanced AI tools improve precision and efficiency. However,...

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Guerilla Marketing Principles

Aug 14, 2024

Guerrilla marketing is where creative, low-budget tactics and unexpected approaches are used to stand out and generate word-of-mouth buzz, contrasting with conventional, expensive ad campaigns. Take for example, UNICEF installing a vending machine selling $1 bottles of...

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7 Key Design Principles

Aug 7, 2024

Design principles are foundational guidelines that shape how visual and interactive elements are used to communicate effectively and enhance user experience. By understanding and applying these principles, designers can create cohesive, engaging, and functional...

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Role of Prototyping in Design

Jul 31, 2024

Prototyping is a crucial step in the presentation design process, especially when aiming to deliver compelling and effective presentations. Here's why prototyping matters: Visualizing Concepts : Prototyping allows you to visualize your ideas before finalizing them. It...

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Role of Branding in Design

Jul 24, 2024

Branding is vital in design, serving as the cornerstone of how a company or product is perceived by its audience. It's not just about creating a logo or a catchy tagline; it's about crafting a holistic experience that communicates a brand's values, personality, and...

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8 Most Common Presentation Design Errors

Jul 17, 2024

Many presentations fall short due to common design errors that can distract and disengage your audience. Here's a list of 8 most common presentation design errors to avoid and create impactful and professional presentations: Alignment: Creating order with design...

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Role of Branding in Design

Jul 10, 2024

Branding establishes your company's identity. By incorporating it into your PowerPoint presentations, you educate your audience about your brand. When they see your presentation, they'll always associate it with your company. Below are five reasons why branding is...

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Design & Sustainability

Jul 3, 2024

In today's environmental crisis, sustainability is crucial for businesses. Companies must show commitment beyond profits, and presentations are key to demonstrating this. Eco-friendly presentations can shape perceptions and reinforce a company's reputation for...

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McKinsey & Co.’s Approach to Presentation Design

Jun 26, 2024

Effective presentation design is crucial as it enhances clarity, engages the audience, and reinforces key messages. It ensures information is communicated effectively, leaving a lasting impact and facilitating better understanding and retention of content. The...

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Contrarian Design Principles of Elon Musk

Jun 20, 2024

Contrarians defy popular opinions, sparking fresh ideas and deeper insights. The purpose and principles behind their vision are more important than the benefits. In a competitive market focused on customer attention and profitability, standing out is essential....

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10 Top Qualities Of A Presentation Designer

Jun 12, 2024

As businesses continue to use presentations for communication with clients and employees, the demand for presentation designers will grow. But what does one need to become a sought-after Presentation Designer? A creative eye? Proficiency in software? Problem-solving...

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How to Stand Out in Presentation Services

Nov 14, 2023

A compelling blend of creativity, strategic planning, and an understanding of your audience will help you to stand out in the realm of presentation services. Some key elements that can help an organization stand out are: Make excellent, error-free, and good-looking...

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A glass apart!

Oct 20, 2022

And no, that's not a typo! Glassmorphism began as a hugely popular UI design trend in 2021. By 2022 it was embraced by those in the business of designing presentation decks. Before we explain why, let's have a look at what it is: Glassmorphism is a term used to...

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Local differences for (better) global presentations

Aug 11, 2022

Did you know that American audiences generally prefer to have the conclusions first, and German audiences the background? Did you know that in Japan, the busier the slide, the better? Or that there could be color taboos in some cultures? When preparing presentations...

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Project Management: the best software

Aug 10, 2022

In line with this week's focus on things connected with the management of assets like presentations rather than their creation (which our entire blog is devoted to!), this post looks at ‘project management'. What does the term mean? Simply, an efficient way of...

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Presentation Management: the way to go

Aug 8, 2022

This week, we want to shift from the art of making best-in-class presentations, and direct your attention to an overlooked aspect of corporate presentations, “presentation management”. What does the term mean? The way we understand it: it's the centralized...

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RULES, NO-RULES

Jul 28, 2022

“R ules are not necessarily sacred, principles are. ” Franklin D. Roosevelt This quote strikes us this morning as we try and understand how one can find a balance between being stuck and breaking free. And no, we're not thinking of that great project called life,...

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UN-BULLET, ON-POINT

Jul 27, 2022

Sometimes, organizing material is simply re-organizing material! This illumination from an earlier post on sequencing presentations comes back to us on this Wednesday with new light. Asking us to consider: what can we do with those lists that sometimes seem to be the...

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“Is data the new oil, or the new soil?”

Jul 15, 2022

To close this week's shares of enriching TED Talks that speak directly to those who are in the daily business of creating presentations, here's a wonderful talk by data journalist David McCandless, delivered with characteristic British humour. Not only does he explain...

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“Why should you care?”

Jul 13, 2022

About the ‘3 Magic Ingredients' of successful presentations? Of course you care, that is, if you believe, as we do, that “in through one ear, out through the other” is not the desired outcome of any presentation, be it internal or external, a fund-raiser or a...

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“Follow the white spot!”

Jul 8, 2022

And to know what we mean, listen to this relevant (and irreverent) TED Talk on how to “Avoid death by PowerPoint” ! Perfect dose of neural reactivation when it comes to avoiding the same-old same-old…. Watch it for laughs, for smarts, and for how to make those “short...

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Word to PowerPoint? Here’s how!

Jun 6, 2022

Has it ever happened that you've spent hours putting down your flow of thought in a Word document, only to realise that it would be much easier to present if you had had done it in PPT to begin with? If it has, it might be reassuring to learn that not only are you not...

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Have you used the right hook?

Jun 3, 2022

“When you advertise fire-extinguishers, open with the fire,” says advertising executive David Ogilvy . You have only 30 seconds in a TV commercial to grab viewers' attention. The same applies to a presentation. Knowing how to hook your audience in the first 30 seconds...

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Expectations and Assumptions

Jun 1, 2022

When creating a presentation there are two levels to consider: the presenter's and the recipient's. Some presentations fail to deliver the desired outcome because they haven't accounted for the audience's expectations. How can one factor this in? We believe asking...

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Thinking out of the box

May 11, 2022

Wednesday always makes us want to … break the pattern, disrupt the routine, and yes: think out of the box. This phrase, which is so intrinsic to design thinking and any form of strategic/creative strategizing, made us want to investigate its origins. Where did it come...

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Music for motion graphics, or how to make sound choices

May 9, 2022

In our last post, we defined and demonstrated what motion graphics are . In today's post, we're picking up where we left off. With music. Or rather, with how to make sound choices when picking audio clips from the vast repository of free sounds available online. Here's...

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Design Thinking, the ideation behind the idea

Apr 27, 2022

Design thinking is more than a buzzword, it's a strategy that makes sense not only for designers of product and experience, but also for business presentations. Does that mean that presenters have to be designers? Not necessarily. The implications of applying “design...

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Because the pros know all the cons

Apr 21, 2022

You'll forgive us the word-play, once you read on! In our last post we mentioned three scenarios where expressive doesn't necessarily equate to effective … unless the verbal-visual spiel is perfectly balanced. And while there are as many strategies to presenting as...

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When does expressive equate effective?

Apr 20, 2022

Does ‘expressive' already suggest ‘effective'? Not necessarily. After all, there are different kinds of “expressive” and expressiveness converts into effectiveness only when what you say/show connects directly with the target audience (TA), resulting in the desired...

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When in doubt … consult!

Apr 18, 2022

Ever wondered: What's the difference between a presentation and a deck? Is a “slide deck” the same as a “pitch deck”?? Aren't Slide Deck and PPT synonymous??? If your answer is a (hesitant) “yes”, don't worry, you're not alone. Others have obviously wondered along the...

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Why “Effective Animation” Makes Sense

Apr 12, 2022

While we're on the topic of animation, for this week, and because we love sharing, here are some insightful pointers on why animation adds impact and appeal to PPT presentations when done effectively! 1/ Effective Animation shows how things work Use animation and...

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Entrances and Exits

Apr 11, 2022

And no, we're not talking about a stage career here, simply about how to add a dramatic touch to your next PowerPoint Presentation, with a little hands-on animation. Here are two of our top reasons why animation makes sense: i) When you're presenting, marking the...

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Presentation Videos

Apr 8, 2022

And no, we're not talking about video explainers, that's a whole different ball game, where designing and presenting a video can indeed save the day! In this post, we will direct your attention to a video on “ how-to-save-your-PPT-presentation-as-a-video “! As you...

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Document Checks

Apr 6, 2022

And no, we're not talking about passport control! We're talking about ensuring that you do a thorough check of your PowerPoint presentation prior to sharing with colleagues and clients. First: fact-check In data-heavy presentations, it always pays to double-check all...

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Managing knowledge, the key to better communication

Mar 23, 2022

Just as people-knowledge makes better presenters, especially in external communication, knowledge management (KM) is increasingly being acknowledged as a key for better internal communication. As we all know, PPT slides are a tried and tested medium for collating,...

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People-knowledge, the key to better presentations

Mar 21, 2022

Did you know that people absorb more in 20-minute chunks than in one uninterrupted session of 60 minutes? Or that if you have too many visual distractions, e.g. videos/graphics, then multi-channel engagement does not deliver 100%? If you didn't know, or simply...

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Where angels fear to tread?

Mar 2, 2022

Remember that old saying, “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread”? And wasn't it Heraclitus who said, “You can't step into the same river twice?” Well, there's truth in both: because the river is always changing as it flows; and because investors are nobody's...

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Do’s and Don’ts of Investor Pitch Decks

Feb 28, 2022

So you've got a billion-dollar idea for a startup. Only hitch is that you need a billion dollars to get it up and running! Enter the fundraising pitchdeck, which could make or break your bid for the best. That's when we pitch in, not only by creating those kickass...

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How hyperlinks help

Feb 21, 2022

Have you noticed that the traditional way of presenting is invariably linear? On this blog, we've thought about organizing principles that play with chronological sequence and beyond . One often overlooked aspect of PPT presentations is the way in which hyperlinks can...

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Seriously speaking…

Feb 18, 2022

Have you thought about the things that should be actively avoided when making presentations? As a follow-up to our previous post on which business presentation phrases sound professional , here's a fab round-up on which phrases are best avoided !

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Have you prepped properly?

Feb 11, 2022

Every industry has its own jargon, all the catch phrases, short forms and technical terms that are clear as crystal to the insiders but could very well seem like double-dutch to those not in the know! Overburdening any presentation with industry-specific jargon can be...

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The design is in the process

Jan 10, 2022

As professionals, we tend to take process as a given. Years of practice, application and successful output makes process so internalized and intuitive that sometimes it can be difficult to even articulate what those stages are. Luckily for all of us, established and...

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Pivotal moments

Jan 7, 2022

From creating PivotTables for corporate presentations to tabling pivotal moments in corporate strategy, that's where our thought-flow has taken us today. (Because, the way we see it, the business of designing successful presentations is linked with the process of...

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How to pivot your presentation

Jan 5, 2022

For some the middle of the week feels like a bump, a slump… For us, Wednesday is the pivotal day! The turning point to the week, with the satisfaction of well-begun is half-done, and the motivation of “let's max the moment” (so that there's no chance of a wasted...

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Ideas with impact

Jan 3, 2022

Good morning, newness! Getting off to a fresh start often means brushing up on things we think we know… Here's a read on how presenters can, indeed must, find their own key to unlocking their best potential by understanding not just the “what” but also the who, why...

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Closing remarks, question or clincher?

Dec 31, 2021

On the last day of this year, we naturally think about closure. In the context of presentations, what's the role of that closing slide? Is it to say: “Thank you!”? (how often have YOU groaned when you saw this?) Is it to ask: “Any questions?” (how often did this lead...

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The journey or the destination, which matters more?

Dec 27, 2021

This is a question that might be top of mind, especially when so many of us have had travel plans turned upside down, and the only flights we might take without any stress are flights of imagination! We thought we'd turn this pause into an opportunity for learning and...

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Taking stock, should you or shouldn’t you?

Dec 22, 2021

It's that time of the year, when we all take stock, what were the highs and lows, what goals did we set, which ones were met, and so on and so forth! Today's post, though, is about the ifs and buts of using “stock footage” for business presentations and explainer...

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Be convincing, not coercive!

Dec 20, 2021

In other words, gone are the days of the iron hand in the velvet glove! You can't bully anyone into paying attention to your presentation, nor can you wheedle, cajole or bribe them into believing what you say… Then how do you pull them in? Could it be the gentle art...

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Can growth be a mindset?

Nov 29, 2021

We think so! And so do thinkers on this topic, right here , a brain-pick for you this Monday! Relevant for all of us, in every field! Happy reading.

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STILL TRENDING

Nov 26, 2021

Way back in January, we listed our picks of favorite design trends for 2021. As we head towards the wrap of this year, we thought we'd take a look at how some of those translated into concepts that are here to stay . The ones that we've been able to actualize and the...

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Signpost language: the road to clearer presentations

Nov 11, 2021

Have you ever been at the receiving end of presentations where the speaker hems and haws, erm s and uh s? Nothing underlines uneasiness and hesitation more than these awkward “fillers”, these bumpy transitions from point to point or slide to slide. Which is why, today,...

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Be a better presenter: 10 best practices

Nov 9, 2021

Today, we thought we'd share an illuminating guide on how to be a better virtual presenter. It's from way back in 2016, but it's still spot-on in 2021… and we love it for the way it distills the essentials into 10 memorable reminders to the self.

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The 1-2-3 of Successful Presentations

Oct 28, 2021

Could successful presentations be as easy as 1-2-3? We believe so, if you know just which 3 steps you need to take! Read on as we outline them, each with a couple of suggestions: CAPTIVATE ATTENTION a) By telling a story This is a time-tested tactic, and these...

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<strong>ZOOM IN ZOOM OUT</strong>

Sep 23, 2021

There is no getting away from the fact that online meetings are here to stay, and how! While we have spoken before about how best to maximize screen presence and presentation, for today's post we turn to other experts for inspiration and guidance, because hey, even...

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The Temptation of Templates

Apr 5, 2021

Are you the kind who sees the word “template” and runs screaming in the opposite direction? The kind who believes that everything must be invented from scratch to be brilliant? Our reaction to both these positions/questions is this: i) Some templates are indeed...

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Organizing Principles: going beyond chronology

Mar 8, 2021

In our last post we spoke of various ways of organizing presentation material within a chronological paradigm. Today, we look at some other modes of organization which answer 3 essential questions:: What's it all about? What's the difference? Where's the evidence?...

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Organizing Principles: how to play with sequence

Feb 8, 2021

As humans, we are programmed to doing things sequentially. A series of actions, carried out in the right sequence, is how we navigate our waking moments, our work and our leisure. Lists are one of our favorite means of organizing our lives. Organizing material for a...

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Audience preparedness: some hints and helps

Feb 3, 2021

In our last post we mentioned how professional presenters (especially speakers) are great at adapting their ready-made presentations to suit the audience they find themselves facing. But what happens if you are just beginning, and are depending almost entirely on your...

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Audience understanding: some types and tips

Jan 18, 2021

When talking about presentations and impressing your audience with a well-designed and effective set of slides, we often speak of the audience as if it were a monolith. Far from it. There are audiences and there are audiences. We've spoken on this blog about knowing...

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Audience engagement: some tricks and tools

Jan 15, 2021

With interactivity becoming the staple of our online lives, it seems only natural that we should give a thought to how interactivity can be enhanced while making a PowerPoint presentation. Conferences in the brick-and-mortar world made it easier to involve the audience...

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Slide decks for social media

Jan 13, 2021

As we noted in our last post, social media slide decks are predicted to be one of the top trends of 2021. How different is the process behind a successful social media deck? Let's find out! Firstly, the fact that it's on social media does not indicate that the slide...

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Design trends for 2021

Jan 11, 2021

2020 changed our vision of the way we do business, the way we live, the way we work, and yes, the way we make presentations! You only have to take a look at some of our posts from the year gone by to know how fluid and dynamic the demands and responses have been. Going...

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Video explainers explained

Dec 28, 2020

https://www.slidexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/animation4.mp4 Video explainers have never been more in demand. Be it for business presentations, company websites or internal training and communication purposes, these have become the short-sharp way of...

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Pitching it right

Dec 14, 2020

Today we're thinking about the difference between pitches and presentations… In other words, we're also thinking: how does one pitch a presentation and present a pitch? And yes, we know some of you might be thinking: what's the difference? And, what difference does it...

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To factor in online fatigue is to overcome it!

Nov 13, 2020

These days, preparing for a meeting is both simpler and more complex than before. Avoiding tiring commutes was one reason to rejoice in WFH! However, if you're wondering why working from home leaves you more tired than it should, and what you could do to alleviate the...

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the future of presentations is here

Nov 4, 2020

Even as recently as 2018, the future of presentations was being discussed as something yet to happen. Virtual platforms, enhanced audience interaction, and the use of “hi-tech” holograms (to mention one feature) as a way of zapping audiences in almost-cinematic sci-fi...

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(some) tips on typography

Oct 5, 2020

There's no two ways about it. Typography can make or break a slide. We've spoken before on this blog of the importance of getting the visuals right but don't forget that visualizing text, i.e. thinking typographically, is just as crucial. Here are a few tips that may...

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(some of) the superpowers of powerpoint

Sep 22, 2020

There are times when one is so focused on just getting the basic PowerPoint slides in place that getting the presentation to fly becomes secondary. Sometimes, there just aren't enough hours in a day (or even minutes in an hour) to get the end-result you would ideally...

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going live is going strong

Aug 25, 2020

Who would have imagined that going live on a social media platform could be such a powerful new tool for business presentations and brand communication! While webinars come across as the more “formal and business-like” option for corporate communication and educational...

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Q & A made Quick & Easy!

Aug 17, 2020

For those who have the Monday morning blues, thinking about the week's demands, we thought we'd share two resources that cut through the clutter and cut to the chase, in answer to 2 simple questions: Q: Designing presentations for the web? A: Here's a how-to that can...

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knowledge shared is knowledge multiplied

Aug 7, 2020

As the lines between work and play get blurred, so do the lines between roles as individuals have to toggle between team leader, presenter, content-creator, editor, and, who would have thought, technician. It's truly a brave new world! In these DIY days, sometimes...

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optimizing screen-sharing in 4 easy steps

Jul 27, 2020

Online meetings have made screen-sharing a must. And while most of us are just happy to press ‘Share Screen', here are a few things that any able professional should keep in mind. One: the screen resolution should be set for optimal viewing. This will ensure that the...

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two videos on visual thinking

Jul 24, 2020

Thinking visually, experts say, is ideal for this digital age. And yet, it's an old and very powerful source of game-changing ideas, as this video shows us . While, in earlier posts, we've enjoyed thinking about the important role of images and the importance of...

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fitting big ideas on small screens

Jul 8, 2020

With business presentations being made in virtual meeting rooms, a whole new design aspect needs to be considered: the size of the screen… PowerPoint presentations would conventionally be projected on a large screen in a real conference room, with light and sound...

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how ad(d)ing the right words adds up

Jun 10, 2020

Last week, we suggested thinking of each slide not as a mini-brochure jam-packed with text but rather as an ad, or even a billboard. This, we argued, would ease the burden of communication, which has been made so much more difficult by having to do most of it online....

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(re)thinking and (re)imagining your next online presentation

Jun 3, 2020

Presenting online presents a new set of challenges. And a new set of opportunities. One of the biggest challenges, is how to keep the audience with you, despite technical glitches and other interruptions of the virtual kind (see last week's post )… When you lose the...

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face-to-face vs facelessness (or how to avoid the void)

May 27, 2020

Hello and welcome to our ongoing series on “things to remember when presenting online”. Last week's post (about getting technicalities right) ended with the possibility of having to turn off your video while making an online presentation, and the fear of talking into...

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let’s get (a bit) technical

May 22, 2020

Welcome back. Today we begin our series on “things to remember when presenting online”. As we mentioned in last week's post, impact, effectiveness and clarity are even more critical in today's brave new world of business presentations. In a pre-pandemic scenario, you...

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the more (some) things change, the more they remain the same

May 15, 2020

Why webinars make sense and what role slide decks have in this brave new world This blog-post is being written from home. The current pandemic has collapsed the borders between “work” and “home” for so many of us. What had felt new only a couple of months ago is now...

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THE ROLE OF IMAGES

Mar 11, 2020

Everyone knows the importance of images. Be it one's one self-image or the image one projects in different environments based on role-playing and need. In presentations, images are often used without clearly understanding the role they play and the need they fulfill....

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KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

Feb 24, 2020

When you think about the audience for your presentation, you're most likely thinking of a mass. An amorphous entity, a row of nameless faces. This is not very conducive to hitting the right note, because as we all know, it's easier to talk to a single person than to a...

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Learning never stops!

Feb 21, 2020

When you're feeling that Friday-fatigue, and are wondering how to tackle the next big presentation, don't despair. There is a wealth of tutorials and how-to's online that will make your life easier, and help you stay on top of the situation. And to make your life...

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QUESTION TIME

Feb 19, 2020

One hallmark of a confident presenter is how you handle questions. In today's post, we will look at how not just answering questions but asking questions during your presentation can be a powerful strategy. For example, the usual approach would be to directly dive into...

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H is for Handouts

Feb 10, 2020

In a working environment where soft copies are in, and hard copies passé (not to mention frowned upon for being a waste of paper), what relevance can handouts continue to have? That's the topic we'd like to address in this post. The first question that comes to mind...

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JAZZ UP YOUR PRESENTATION IN A GIFFY!

Feb 7, 2020

Continuing the thread on multi-media, one of the easiest and most effective ways of adding a dynamic element to your presentation is to add in gifs. Having said that, it's important to choose wisely and well. When you're spoilt for choice, it helps to have a few handy...

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M is for Multimedia

Feb 3, 2020

In our post The A-Z of PPT , M was for both memorability and multimedia. The way we look at it, a great way to make a presentation memorable is to design it as a multimedia presentation. And if that seems complicated, relax. All it means is that your presentation...

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THINKING THEMATIC: TAKE FOUR

Jan 6, 2020

In an earlier post we had written about the importance of thinking thematically. Theme as a creative structuring principle for your presentations, a way of making all the pieces of the puzzle fit together with clarity and impact. Today, we'll look at theme in a...

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EXPLORE THESE EXCITING ADD-INS

Dec 30, 2019

On the verge of a new year, we thought we'd look at some new ways in which you can enhance your PowerPoint presentations, for free! From the 11 exciting add-ins listed here , we've highlighted the ones we think might be most useful, especially if you're planning to do...

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COLOR COUNTS

Dec 20, 2019

In an early post on design, we wrote about the importance of color coordination when designing your slides. If you already have a design template to work within (as is the case with corporate presentations) the color options and grids are already decided for you,...

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THINKING ABOUT THE “PRE-” OF PRESENTATIONS

Dec 13, 2019

In this post we'd like to think about the pre- of presentations. Sometimes, we're so focused on the after (i.e. the end result, which is the presentation itself) that we may forget to think clearly and carefully about the before … Here are some basic pointers that we...

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LEFT-BRAIN RIGHT-BRAIN BALANCE

Nov 22, 2019

Everyone knows that the left-brain functions logically and objectively, and the right-brain intuitively and creatively. And while certain personality types may have one side dominant over the other, in general, it is best to assume that the average individual reacts...

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FIVE FANTASTIC FREE FONTS

Nov 20, 2019

The best thing about the world wide web is how it enhances connectivity. One of the readers of our blog reached out to us, with a wonderfully proactive suggestion regarding free fonts on the web. Many available fonts are free only for personal use, not professional....

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TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Oct 18, 2019

This applies not just in life, and on the field, but also to PowerPoint Presentations. Here are some timely suggestions on how to make sure your presentation doesn't drag, and to make the most of your precious time with the client. Do a dry-run: This is essential to...

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HOW TO LIGHTEN UP A DATA-HEAVY PRESENTATION

Oct 11, 2019

Today's question is: How can you lighten up data-heavy presentations without making the presentation feel light-weight? There are a few tried-and-tested ideas that go a long way to making data-heavy presentations easier to digest. And all of them have one thing in...

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 A PICTURE IS WORTH…

Sep 30, 2019

Having acknowledged the importance of words and improving the word-power of your PowerPoint presentation over the last few posts, today we will acknowledge the wisdom of the well-known saying: “A picture is worth a thousand words”… However, and this is something we...

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The A to Z of PPT

Sep 27, 2019

We love lists. Job lists. To-do lists. Inspiring lists. Lists of places to visit. Books to read. Movies to see. Lists are a way of making life easier. And there's nothing quite like seeing all the points on your job-list ticked off by the end of the day! Today, we...

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KEY WORDS UNLOCK CONTENT

Sep 23, 2019

Words are a kind of magic. The “Open Sesame!” into the treasure trove of ideas. And what is a presentation if not a treasure trove of ideas? Very often, a potentially impressive presentation is less-than because the information has been overloaded with too many words,...

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MORE POWER TO YOUR INNER STORYTELLER

Sep 11, 2019

In our two previous posts we spoke of the power of storytelling and the power of storyboarding, sharing handy how-to s and simple yet vivid examples. If every presentation is a potential story, it follows that every presenter is a potential storyteller. If you start...

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THE POWER OF STORYBOARDING

Aug 12, 2019

In our last post we shared some suggestions on how you can start building up your storytelling skills. One way to make this easier is to think visually before you plunge ahead. In other words to storyboard your story. It's what filmmakers and animators do. Even for the...

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THE POWER OF STORYTELLING

Aug 8, 2019

Today we'd like to talk about presentation fatigue. By which we don't mean how tired you feel at the idea of working on another presentation which wows (!) but rather the fatigue that is caused by tired formats, presented in repetitive and boring ways. One of the most...

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CRACKING THE 2.4.8 RULE

Jul 25, 2019

Experts emphasize, and practitioners know, the 2.4.8 rule: 2 minutes per slide / 4 bullet points per slide / 8 words per bullet point . But how often do we actually follow it? And how easy is it? The “2 minutes per slide” rule is something we can't really test here...

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CUTTING CLUTTER

Jul 16, 2019

Everyone knows what de-cluttering is: bestsellers have been written on it, pros tell you how to de-clutter your home, your brain, your life. Our question for today is a lot simpler, how does one de-clutter a PowerPoint Presentation? In our post on what can (and does)...

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WHY UNCERTAINTY IS UNCOOL, AND HOW YOU CAN OVERCOME IT

Jul 10, 2019

Behind every successful presentation is a successful presenter. In our last post , we spoke of uncertainty being one of the factors that could damage a presentation that on paper, and on screen, looks impressive. In terms of impact and takeaway, what can turn a good...

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KILLER PRESENTATIONS vs PRESENTATION-KILLERS

Jul 3, 2019

There are killer presentations. And there are presentation-killers. To make the first a reality, you need to know the second. Sometimes in the heat of getting things done, the most-made-mistakes may escape your attention. Which is why we're listing our top 5 no-nos....

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SLOW AND STEADY MAKES YOU PRESENTATION-READY

Jun 28, 2019

Picture this: It's Friday. You're on top of all your deadlines. Everything is going well. You're looking forward to the weekend. And then, just as you're getting set to punch-out, your boss informs you that you need to make a very important presentation at 10 a.m. on...

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COMMUNICATION IS THE STUFF OF LIFE, AND PRESENTATIONS

Jun 26, 2019

We all know the basics of communication because it's the basis of our interaction with each other. Day in, day out, we communicate, through our words, our gestures, even our actions. It's the stuff of life. Why, then, do some presentations feel like they have no life...

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DESIGN IS NOT A BAD WORD

Jun 21, 2019

It's not unusual to encounter a mindset that thinks design is frivolous. That a serious corporate presentation achieves its goals by being deadly-boring to look at. We beg to disagree. Which doesn't mean that frills and fuss are any good either. When we say design, we...

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THINK THEMATIC

Jun 17, 2019

So you've burned the candle at both ends getting all your facts and figures down, all your graphs and charts together. In fact, you've even gone one step ahead and got your gifs and jazzy bits in place. But just as you get set to put it all into that crackerjack killer...

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Team Presentations

Jan 11, 2019

Teamwork always gives the best results, in most cases. Often for a meeting, you may be required to present along with your colleague, or in groups. These team presentations are crucial when you pitch your point across, as they would decide the fate of the deal or...

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How to Overcome Audience Resistance

Jan 9, 2019

When you walk into a room as a presenter, it's easy to feel as if you're the central figure, however in reality, your audience is. It's in their power to embrace or reject your ideas. You're presenting because you need them to change their beliefs or behavior in some...

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10-20-30 Rule of Powerpoint

Jan 7, 2019

If you are not familiar with the 10/20/30 Rule of PowerPoint created way back in 2005 here's how it goes: The most effective PowerPoint presentations should contain no more than 10 slides, last no longer than 20 minutes, and feature font no smaller than 30 points. This...

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What To Do If you Lose your Presentation

Jan 4, 2019

Imagine, you burnt the midnight oil and clocked countless hours working on a very important PowerPoint Presentation. You exit out of your presentation, grab a snack and after you return to your PC, you discover that your PowerPoint file is missing! Of course, the...

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5 Alternatives to PowerPoint

Jan 2, 2019

A Presentation software is an important piece of presenter's arsenal. Having the right software allows you to create an easy presentation to understand for you and your audience. Just because PowerPoint has always been used, it doesn't mean it is very effective. Here...

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Tips to Nail your Next Presentation

Dec 31, 2018

PowerPoint presentations can help you convey your message to your audience in the right way. However, while making a presentation you need to ensure that your presentation and information on the slides is to the point and concise. Hence, to help you nail your next...

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Hints to select Great Pictures for your Presentation

Dec 28, 2018

Pictures in presentations is a powerful tool to help elevate your presentation design and keep your audience engaged. However, for a certain topic there are various pictures available and often you might get confused as to which picture to select. To help you with...

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Handouts during Presentations

Dec 26, 2018

A handout can be defined as a piece of printed information that is provided, free of charge, especially to accompany a lecture or advertise something. Handouts are often considered a vital part in the corporate setting to tell more about your work to your client. Here...

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Adding GIFs to Your Presentations

Dec 24, 2018

GIFs are the happy medium between images and videos. A few years ago, using GIFs in presentations would have seemed quite unprofessional. However, with the emerging social media trends and the advancements in technology, using a GIF in your presentation is almost a...

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The Best Ways to Use Speaker Notes in your Presentation

Dec 21, 2018

Speaker Notes in PowerPoint help you remember important points such as key messages, stats or figures while you give your presentation. The speaker note section is generally at the bottom of your screen. You could use the speaker notes to add more information or...

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Simple Ways to Make Mobile Friendly Presentations

Dec 19, 2018

Today's generation is the internet generation. We live in a mobile- based culture where everyone from drivers to vegetable vendors now a days have mobiles. Various audience, for the sake of convenience prefer to have their presentations on their mobile devices. Having...

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The Best Way to Use Stories in Presentations

Dec 17, 2018

It is said that stories engage seven parts of the brain whereas facts and figures engage only two. However, these days for presentations, most people rely on facts and figures and do not involve stories. Maybe because facts and figures are to build more credibility....

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Add Charts In Your Presentations Like An Expert

Oct 22, 2018

If expert data presentation is the game, tables and charts are the game. Charts are what you use to add life to your numbers, show comparisons effectively and make the presentation make sense to even laypeople. Charts are of different types, and each type serves a...

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The Relevance of SmartArt in your Presentations

Oct 8, 2018

In this generation, learning how to make presentations has been a journey. In going from paragraphs of text to images and text in bullet points, to learning how to use only the important text in presentations, and it all gets exciting the day you discover Smart Art....

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How to Add Icons to Your Powerpoint Slides Like A Designer

Oct 5, 2018

If you've seen a designer's report or presentation, you must have noticed one feature that sets them apart, iconography. Iconography is the use of visual images and symbols and interpretation of those. In reports and presentations, iconography is used to supplement...

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Design Element 5: Shape

Sep 26, 2018

Lines evolve into space. Shape is a two-dimensional area confined by an actual line or implied line (an edge for example). In drawing shapes are created when the ends of lines are joined to enclose areas. There are two primary types of shapes we can use, Geometric and...

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Design Element 4: Space

Sep 24, 2018

Going further from Colour , Type and Lines , we come to Space as the fourth element of design. Spaces is important in most places. It helps create music, it helps in relationships and it even helps in public spaces. Lack of space creates noise. The same is true...

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Design Element 3: Lines

Sep 20, 2018

Now that we are moving forward with a base in colour and type , we focus on the next element of design that is lines. Lines are the simplest design tool with a lot of usefulness. • Lines help convey feelings, moods and can add strength to the presentation / artwork....

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Design Element 2: Type

Sep 18, 2018

The second element of note in our “Design Elements” series is Type. Type design is something that can be intimidating to many, with complicated terminology like kerning, ascender, tail, baseline, leading, etc. to accompany it. Don't worry, we'll get there but first we...

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Design Element 1: Colour

Sep 17, 2018

Color is one of the most powerful and obvious elements we have at our disposal to produce good design. Here is a base to understand colour definitions: Hue, the descriptive name of the color. eg. Red, Green, Orange, Pink are all Hues. Primary Color, Red, Yellow and...

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What is the two-sentence takeaway for your presentation?

Sep 17, 2018

There is a common experience people face, you hear someone tell a long story, or say you are in a meeting and someone is on a long rant, and the minute it ends you have just one reaction. “So?” It's that moment of bewilderment where your mind scrambles to understand...

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Best Design Blogs to Follow to Refine your Aesthetic sense

Sep 10, 2018

As a designer or a design enthusiast, one of the most important aspects of the process of creation is to reference and to be inspired. For this inspiration, it is always a struggle to find a ever-flowing stream of content. Therefore, we bring to you a list of some of...

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How to Get Rid of Filler Words

Sep 4, 2018

Clarity in speech is something we all aim for. Everybody wants to sound like a great orator when they speak, not just on stage but also to each other. Clear speech makes one sound refined, strong and pedigreed. One aspect of clear speech is not having filler words....

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How to convert a PDF to PowerPoint

Aug 21, 2018

Every so often we have to send and edit files in different formats than the one we have. Therefore, we need to be able to convert files from one to another. Here is a step by step guide for PDF to PPT: Open a file in Acrobat. Click on the Export PDF tool in the right...

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How to convert PowerPoint to google slides

Aug 21, 2018

Google Slides can readily convert presentations in other formats to a Google Slides presentation format. That means that if you are asked to change or update a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation, for example, you can do it using Google Slides. Here is a step by step...

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Best practices in design

Aug 21, 2018

Making a good ppt is an art, and the principles of good design can be used to make your ppt look like a work of art. For this, we draw from Dieter Ram's Ten Principles of “Good Design” 1. Good Design Is Innovative Don't believe anybody who tells you the possibility for...

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How long should your presentation be?

Aug 21, 2018

The first question to answer here is to think about what information you want to convey. One should know that the presentation is what is important, and what you intend to convey. The slideshow is just one part of this equation, the focus should be on the information...

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The 10 step guide on how to speak during your presentation

Aug 21, 2018

Try these 10 tips to get over your nervousness and to develop confidence while speaking. Be prepared Know that even experienced speakers get nervous, so expect nervousness before your presentation. Don't force your jitters away. Accept them and turn them into energy...

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Your guide to various mediums to use in presentations

Aug 21, 2018

There are various kinds of mediums that can be utilised when one makes presentations, but each come with certain benefits and ill-effects that we should account for to ensure the best possible presentation experience for our audience. 1. Lap visuals Pros of using lap...

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Key tips to deliver an outstanding presentation

Aug 8, 2018

To deliver an unforgettable and remarkable presentation, there are 3 skills that need to be acquired. You need to get CONFIDENCE, CONVICTION and ENTHUSIASM. These qualities will help your audience to engage with you during your presentation. Confidence The best way to...

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How to tackle questions during your presentation

Aug 8, 2018

Most speakers panic when asked questions and distastefully try their level best to avoid them. Unfortunately these tactics are often seen through by the audience and the speaker's credibility is scrutinised and seen as an incapable presenter. These are obvious tactics...

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Why you need to incorporate big text in your presentation

Aug 8, 2018

No one complains when your presentation lettering information is too big but they will, and should if it is too small. Legibility is a big part of presentations. As the speaker, you are not expected to read out word-by-word every sentence in a paragraph- the audience...

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5 steps to rehearse for your presentation

Aug 8, 2018

Before big presentations, a great way to build confidence and practice lines is rehearsing several times. It may be time consuming and tedious but it is a great way to build confidence, smooth out any imperfections in your presentation and find mistakes. Step 1 Try and...

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Tips to use humour effectively in a PPT

Aug 8, 2018

- A great way to cover feelings of nervousness is to use humour. Letting your audience know you are nervous may not necessarily create a bad impression, it could endear you to them., Humorous anecdotes and sharing personal experiences could help support your objective...

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Presentation Problems and Solutions: Setting up

Aug 8, 2018

Imagine you are about to deliver a key piece of information during your presentation and suddenly the screen behind you goes blank- A speaker's worst nightmare. To prevent this (including other mishaps like tripping over wires or losing audio) you should set up...

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How to build your presentation

Aug 8, 2018

Your structure of your PowerPoint is important. It should have a flow of ideas and a narrative your audience can follow. Often, when creating PowerPoints you can get caught up in creating details and specifics for a slide which does not need it. While creating a...

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Why silence is an unexpectedly useful tool in presentations

Aug 7, 2018

Silence doesn't always have to be uncomfortable or awkward. Use it to your advantage to create a strong impression. Overloading the audience with information and speaking fast may quicken the time spent on the presentation but it could affect the way information is...

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5 essentials to keep in mind while presenting your PowerPoint

Aug 7, 2018

Familiarise yourself with your presentation and practice multiple times beforehand. This way you will be prepared for questions and will be able to answer them calmly. Arrive before your audience and take your time to set up. Make sure you do a screen test, sound check...

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5 essentials to keep in mind while creating visuals

Aug 7, 2018

Simplify and do not complicate your designs. Remove unnecessary footnotes and chart sources. Ensure your information presented on screen or in your presentation is legible to the people sitting furthest away from you. Do not use colour for decorative purposes as it can...

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Tips on how to handle long presentations

Aug 7, 2018

‘How long is this going to take?', a question that races through the audiences mind before the actual presentation starts. The shorter your presentation, the better because after the one hour mark you can be sure that half your audience will tune you out. Audiences...

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How to ensure your PowerPoint is valid and worthwhile

Aug 7, 2018

The reason for putting together a PowerPoint presentation is to influence and make your audience believe in an idea that you have confidence in. Most people dislike sitting through PowerPoint presentations and may feel it's a waste of time so you must give them an...

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How to treat your audience when giving a presentation

Aug 7, 2018

Respect your audience It is important to check your tone before speaking to a fellow audience member. It is unadvisable to speak down (or even up!) to a fellow audience member. Speaking respectfully to your audience builds relations and ultimately the presentations...

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PowerPoint animations: An ally or distraction?

Aug 7, 2018

The most important thing to remember when using animations in PowerPoint is to keep it simple. While PowerPoint provides a lot of options for animating pictures, shapes, slides and more, over-using them can distract your audience and make your presentations look...

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Bold text and why PowerPoint presentations need it

Aug 7, 2018

Bold text is trending and here's why you need to dump the tiny text Using larger and bolder fonts emphasise content over aesthetic Simple looking and legible text is eye catching and appreciated by the audience Increases legibility Bold fonts encourage the audience to...

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Why it’s better to stick with simple fonts

Aug 7, 2018

Stick with the classics… here's why you need to. With the surplus of new extravagant fonts and flashy images, animations and videos people tend to forget that less is more. Using over the top decorations and multimedia could distract your audience and you from the main...

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The Ultimate Battle: Powerpoint vs. Keynote

Aug 7, 2018

Learn the Pros and Cons of Microsoft's biggest competitor. PowerPoint: This software is synonymous with ‘presentations.' and is part of Microsoft's office suite. It is used widely by professionals all over the world. Pros PowerPoint's best feature is its usability....

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8 ways to make your presentation easier to understand

Aug 7, 2018

Thoroughly research your point If you understand your material well then it will be easier to explain it to others. This way, answering doubts or queries will be much easier. Use humour Include relatable stories and jokes to explain points. It is often more effective...

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Who is your audience and how do you convince them

Jul 28, 2018

After forming your objective it is imperative to know who your audience will be and then, according to your analysis, thinking of ways to get your information across. ‘There is no such thing as a dumb audience. If they don't understand it's because you can't...

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How to ensure your PowerPoint is valid and worthwhile

Jul 28, 2018

The reason for putting together a PowerPoint presentation is to influence and make your audience believe in an idea that you have confidence in. Most people dislike sitting through PowerPoint presentations and may feel it's a waste of time so you must give them an...

read more

Top 10 tips for long presentations

Jul 28, 2018

‘How long is this going to take?', a question that races through the audiences mind before the actual presentation starts. The shorter your presentation, the better because after the one hour mark you can be sure that half your audience will tune you out., Audiences...

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Your essentials for a great PowerPoint

Jul 28, 2018

5 essentials to keep in mind while creating visuals 1. Simplify and do not complicate your designs. Remove unnecessary footnotes and chart sources. 2. Ensure your information presented on screen or in your presentation is legible to the people sitting furthest away...

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