Sunday, 29 December 2013
3rd opening for Naruto Shippuden - Blue Bird (ブルーバード), performed by Ikimono Gakari
Blue Bird (ブルーバード, Burū Bādo), performed by Ikimono-Gakari, was the third opening for Naruto: Shippūden.
It replaced Distance and ran from episode 54 up until episode 77 before being replaced by Closer.
1 Lyrics 1.1 Rōmaji1.2 English1.3 Rōmaji (Full Version)2 Characters3 Trivia
**************************************
Blue Bird (ブルーバード, Burū Bādo) Rōmaji (TV Version)
Habata itara modoranai to itte
Mezashita no wa aoi aoi ano sora
Kanashimi wa mada oboerarezu
Setsunasa wa ima tsukami hajimeta
Anata e to idaku kono kanjou mo
Ima kotoba ni kawatteku
Michi naru sekai no yume kara mezamete
Kono hane wo hiroge tobitatsu
Habata itara modoranai to itte
Mezashita no wa aoi aoi ano sora
Tsukinuketara mitsukaru to shiite
Furikiru hodo
Aoi aoi ano sora
Aoi aoi ano sora
Aoi aoi ano sora
**************************************
Blue Bird (ブルーバード, Burū Bādo) English
You said that if you could fly,
You would never come down
You only have eyes
For the blue, blue sky
You've yet to learn what sadness is
And are now just grasping what pain is like
Even the feelings I have for you
Must be expressed in words
As you awake from a dream into an unknown world
Spread your wings and take flight!
You say if you could fly, you’d never come back down
You only have eyes for that blue, blue sky
You know if you can just make it through, you’ll find what you seek
So keep trying to break free
To that blue, blue sky
To that blue, blue sky
To that blue, blue sky
**************************************
Blue Bird (ブルーバード, Burū Bādo) Rōmaji (Full Version)
Habata itara modoranai to itte
Mezashita no wa aoi aoi ano sora
Kanashimi wa mada oboerarezu
Setsunasa wa ima tsukami hajimeta
Anata e to idaku kono kanjou mo
Ima kotoba ni kawatteku
Michinaru sekai no yume kara mezamete
Kono hane wo hiroge tobitatsu
Habata itara modoranai to itte
Mezashita no wa shiroi shiroi ano kumo
Tsukinuketara mitsukaru to shitte
Furikiru hodo
Aoi aoi ano sora
Aoi aoi ano sora
Aoi aoi ano sora
Aisou tsukita you na oto de
Sabireta furui mado wa kowareta
Miakita kago wa hora soteteiku
Furikaeru koto wa mou nai
Takanaru kodou ni kokyuu wo azukete
kono mada wo kette tobitatsu
Kakedashitara te ni dekiru to itte
izanau no wa tooi tooi ano koe
mabushi sugita anata no te mo nigitte
motomeru hodo aoi aoi ano sora
ochite iku to wakatteita
soredemo hikari wo oi tsuduketeiku yo
Habata itara modoranai to itte
sagashita no wa shiroi shiroi ano kumo
tsukinuketara mitsukaru to shitte
furikiru hodo aoi aoi ano sora
aoi aoi ano sora
aoi aoi ano sora
**************************************
The characters in order of appearance:
Sasuke Uchiha
Naruto Uzumaki
Sakura Haruno
Shikamaru Nara
Chōji Akimichi
Ino Yamanaka
Yamato
Sai
Kurenai Yūhi
Asuma Sarutobi
Kakashi Hatake
Jiraiya
Tsunade
Iruka Umino
Fūka (First Version)
Fudō (First Version)
Fuen (First Version)
Sora (First Version)
Minato Namikaze (First Version)
Kazuma (First Version)
Izumo Kamizuki (Second Version)
Kotetsu Hagane (Second Version)
Pain
Konan
Hidan
Kakuzu
Tobi
Deidara
Itachi Uchiha
Kisame Hoshigaki
Zetsu
Orochimaru
Kabuto Yakushi
Hinata Hyūga (Movie Version)
Amaru (Movie Version)
Shinnō (Movie Version)
Neji Hyūga (Movie Version)
Yamato (Movie Version)
Zero-Tails (Movie Version)
Shino Aburame (Movie Version)
Trivia Edit In order to promote Naruto Shippūden 2: Bonds, the broadcast versions of episodes 70-73 include scenes from the movie in the opening themes, while still retaining the original music.
This is the first opening to be transmitted in High Definition.
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“Mountain a Go Go Two (マウンテン?ア?ゴーゴー?ツー, Maunten-a-gōgō-tsū) performed by Kyaputen Sutoraidam...
Mountain a Go Go Two
“Mayonaka no Orchestra (真夜中のオーケストラ; Literally meaning "Midnight Orchestra"), performed by Aqua...
Mayonaka no Orchestra
Retrieved from "http://naruto.wikia.com/wiki/Blue_Bird?oldid=773404"Related Categories
Naruto Shippuden
_Opening 3rd -
Blue Bird by Ikimono-gakari
飛翔(はばた)いたら 戻らないと言って
habataitara modoranai to itte
目指したのは 蒼い 蒼い あの空
mezashita no wa aoi aoi ano sora
“悲しみ”はまだ覚えられず “切なさ”は今つかみはじめた
“kanashimi” wa mada oboerarezu “setsuna sa” wa ima tsukami hajimeta
あなたへと抱く この感情も 今“言葉”に変わっていく
anata e to idaku kono kanjou mo ima “kotoba” ni kawatte iku
未知なる世界の 遊迷(ゆめ)から目覚めて
michi naru sekai no yume kara mezamete
この羽根を広げ 飛び立つ
kono hane o hiroge tobitatsu
飛翔(はばた)いたら 戻らないと言って
habataitara modoranai to itte
目指したのは 白い 白い あの雲
mezashita no wa shiroi shiroi ano kumo
突き抜けたら みつかると知って
tsukinuketara mitsukaru to shitte
振り切るほど 蒼い 蒼い あの空
furikiru hodo aoi aoi ano sora
蒼い 蒼い あの空
aoi aoi ano sora
蒼い 蒼い あの空
aoi aoi ano sora
愛想尽きたような音で 錆びれた古い窓は壊れた
aisou tsukita you na oto de sabireta furui mado wa kowareta
見飽きたカゴは ほら捨てていく 振り返ることはもうない
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net ]
miakita kago wa hora sutete iku furikaeru koto wa mou nai
高鳴る鼓動に 呼吸を共鳴(あず)けて
takanaru kodou ni kokyuu o azukete
この窓を蹴って 飛び立つ
kono mado o kette tobitatsu
駆け出したら 手にできると言って
kakedashitara te ni dekiru to itte
いざなうのは 遠い 遠い あの声
izanau no wa tooi tooi ano koe
眩しすぎた あなたの手も握って
mabushi sugita anata no te mo nigitte
求めるほど 蒼い 蒼い あの空
motomeru hodo aoi aoi ano sora
墜ちていくと わかっていた それでも 光を追い続けていくよ
ochite iku to wakatte ita sore de mo hikari o oitsuzukete iku yo
飛翔(はばた)いたら 戻らないと言って
habataitara modoranai to itte
探したのは 白い 白い あの雲
sagashita no wa shiroi shiroi ano kumo
突き抜けたら みつかると知って
tsukinuketara mitsukaru to shitte
振り切るほど 蒼い 蒼い あの空
furikiru hodo aoi aoi ano sora
蒼い 蒼い あの空
aoi aoi ano sora
蒼い 蒼い あの空
aoi aoi ano sora
Lyrics from <a href="http://www.elyrics.net">eLyrics.net</a>
Naruto
Opening
1st - (R★O★C★K★S) by Hound Dog
2nd - Haruka Katana (遥か彼方. Far Away) by Asian Kung-Fu Generation
4th - GO! by FLOW
5th - Seishun Kyosokyoku by Sambomaster
6th - No Boy No Cry by Stance Punks
7th - Namikaze Satellite by Snowkel
8th - Remember by FLOW
9th - Yura Yura by Hearts Grow
Naruto Shippuden
Opening
1st - Hero's Comeback by Nobody Knows
2nd - Distance by Long Shot Party
3rd - Blue Bird by Ikimono-gakari
4th - Closer by Joe Inoue
5th - Hotaru no Hikari by Ikimono-gakari
6th - Sign by FLOW
7th - Tōmei Datta Sekai by Motohiro Hata
8th - Diver by NICO Touch the Walls
9th - 「LOVERS」 by 7
PowerPoint tip 40
PowerPoint tip 40
Practice, Practice, Practice
The best way to be comfortable when delivering your presentation is to
actually feel prepared! There is no substitute for practice. All of the
good speakers you have ever seen have practiced the art of
presenting many times. Practice with your computer and projection
equipment if possible to get a feel for it. Practice everything you plan to
say, but do not memorize it because a memorized speech sounds
"canned" and not like a conversation, the way a good presentation does.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The best way to be comfortable when delivering your presentation is to
actually feel prepared! There is no substitute for practice. All of the
good speakers you have ever seen have practiced the art of
presenting many times. Practice with your computer and projection
equipment if possible to get a feel for it. Practice everything you plan to
say, but do not memorize it because a memorized speech sounds
"canned" and not like a conversation, the way a good presentation does.
PowerPoint tip 39
PowerPoint tip 39
Use the Proper Chart
Charts - graphs and tables - can be a great way to present
information if they are used properly. When selecting the type of chart,
consider whether the data you are trying to show is time sequenced or
not and how many data sets you will need to show. For complex ideas,
splitting a graph up into smaller amounts of data tied together in an
overall graph may be the best way to go.
Use the Proper Chart
Charts - graphs and tables - can be a great way to present
information if they are used properly. When selecting the type of chart,
consider whether the data you are trying to show is time sequenced or
not and how many data sets you will need to show. For complex ideas,
splitting a graph up into smaller amounts of data tied together in an
overall graph may be the best way to go.
PowerPoint tip 38
PowerPoint tip 38
Use Visuals Instead of Text
When possible, look for ways to use a visual, such as a diagram or
photograph, to illustrate the point you are making instead of slide after
slide of text. Audiences respond better to visuals that get them
thinking.
Use Visuals Instead of Text
When possible, look for ways to use a visual, such as a diagram or
photograph, to illustrate the point you are making instead of slide after
slide of text. Audiences respond better to visuals that get them
thinking.
PowerPoint tip 37
PowerPoint tip 37
Avoid Movement of Slide Elements
While moving text or graphics around the slide may look like fun, it is
very distracting to the audience. Avoid the animation effects where
movement is outside the boundaries of the text or graphic. The
preferred build effect is the Appear effect where the text just appears in
the correct spot on the slide.
Avoid Movement of Slide Elements
While moving text or graphics around the slide may look like fun, it is
very distracting to the audience. Avoid the animation effects where
movement is outside the boundaries of the text or graphic. The
preferred build effect is the Appear effect where the text just appears in
the correct spot on the slide.
PowerPoint tip 36
PowerPoint tip 36
Build Bullet Text Points
When using bullet points, build them one by one on the slide using the
simple Appear animation effect. This way, you can speak to each point
individually and the audience will know which idea you are expanding
upon.
Build Bullet Text Points
When using bullet points, build them one by one on the slide using the
simple Appear animation effect. This way, you can speak to each point
individually and the audience will know which idea you are expanding
upon.
PowerPoint tip 35
PowerPoint tip 35
Use Bullet Points
Instead of full sentences, use bullet points to deliver the key ideas on
your slides. When using bullet points, make sure not to put too much
information on a slide. The 6 by 6 guideline is a good one to keep in
mind ¨C on average, each bullet should have no more than 6 words and
each slide should have no more than 6 bullet points.
Use Bullet Points
Instead of full sentences, use bullet points to deliver the key ideas on
your slides. When using bullet points, make sure not to put too much
information on a slide. The 6 by 6 guideline is a good one to keep in
mind ¨C on average, each bullet should have no more than 6 words and
each slide should have no more than 6 bullet points.
PowerPoint tip 34
PowerPoint tip 34
Pick Fonts that are Large Enough
My rule is that you should usually not use a font below 24 point size,
with the preference being 28 to 32 point size. For titles or headings,
use 36 to 44 point size fonts. If the font is too small, no one will be able
to read the words and the message will be lost. For a more detailed
discussion of how room and screen size impacts the font size, see this
research. (If you are selecting colors and fonts to design a PowerPoint
template, you will want to get the book Building PowerPoint Templates
Step by step with the experts. Read more and order here.)
Pick Fonts that are Large Enough
My rule is that you should usually not use a font below 24 point size,
with the preference being 28 to 32 point size. For titles or headings,
use 36 to 44 point size fonts. If the font is too small, no one will be able
to read the words and the message will be lost. For a more detailed
discussion of how room and screen size impacts the font size, see this
research. (If you are selecting colors and fonts to design a PowerPoint
template, you will want to get the book Building PowerPoint Templates
Step by step with the experts. Read more and order here.)
PowerPoint tip 33
PowerPoint tip 33
Select Colors that Have High Contrast
When you are designing your slide look, pick colors that have high
contrast so that the text and graphics can be easily seen when shown.
Popular color choices include dark backgrounds such as navy blue or
dark purple with a light text color such as white or yellow. This makes
the text float on top of the background. Check the contrast of your
colors with the online Color Contrast Calculator.
Select Colors that Have High Contrast
When you are designing your slide look, pick colors that have high
contrast so that the text and graphics can be easily seen when shown.
Popular color choices include dark backgrounds such as navy blue or
dark purple with a light text color such as white or yellow. This makes
the text float on top of the background. Check the contrast of your
colors with the online Color Contrast Calculator.
PowerPoint tip 32
PowerPoint tip 32
Use a Presentation Structure
Once you have a goal, you need to determine where the audience is
right now and have a plan to move them from where they are at the
start of your presentation to where you want them to be at the end of
the presentation. This will include analysis of the knowledge level and
bias of the audience as well as the level of credibility you have with
them.
Use a Presentation Structure
Once you have a goal, you need to determine where the audience is
right now and have a plan to move them from where they are at the
start of your presentation to where you want them to be at the end of
the presentation. This will include analysis of the knowledge level and
bias of the audience as well as the level of credibility you have with
them.
PowerPoint tip 31
PowerPoint tip 31
Decide on the Goal of the Presentation
Most business presentations are either informative ¨C trying to inform
the audience of some information ¨C or persuasive ¨C trying to persuade
the audience to take some action. Decide what the audience should
know or do at the end of the presentation.
Decide on the Goal of the Presentation
Most business presentations are either informative ¨C trying to inform
the audience of some information ¨C or persuasive ¨C trying to persuade
the audience to take some action. Decide what the audience should
know or do at the end of the presentation.
PowerPoint tip 30
PowerPoint tip 30.
At all times: courteous, gracious, & professional
When audience members ask questions or give comments, you should be gracious
and thank them for their input. Even if someone is being difficult, you must keep to the
high ground and at all times be a gentleman or lady and courteously deal with such
individuals. The true professional can always remain cool and in control. Remember, it
is your reputation, so always remain gracious even with the most challenging of
audiences.
At all times: courteous, gracious, & professional
When audience members ask questions or give comments, you should be gracious
and thank them for their input. Even if someone is being difficult, you must keep to the
high ground and at all times be a gentleman or lady and courteously deal with such
individuals. The true professional can always remain cool and in control. Remember, it
is your reputation, so always remain gracious even with the most challenging of
audiences.
PowerPoint tip 29
PowerPoint tip 29.
Use a TV for small groups
If you are presenting to a small group, then you can
connect your computer to a large TV (via the s-video
line-in). With a TV screen, you can keep all or most
of the lights on. Make sure your text and graphics are
large enough to be seen on the small the screen. You
will probably have to increase the type size
significantly.
Use a TV for small groups
If you are presenting to a small group, then you can
connect your computer to a large TV (via the s-video
line-in). With a TV screen, you can keep all or most
of the lights on. Make sure your text and graphics are
large enough to be seen on the small the screen. You
will probably have to increase the type size
significantly.
PowerPoint tip 28
PowerPoint tip 28.
Keep the lights on
If you are speaking in a meeting room or a classroom, the
temptation is to turn the lights off so that the slides look better. But
go for a compromise between a bright screen image and ambient
room lighting. Turning the lights off besides inducing sleep puts
all the focus on the screen. The audience should be looking at you
more than the screen. Today projectors are bright enough to allow
you to keep many of the lights on.
Keep the lights on
If you are speaking in a meeting room or a classroom, the
temptation is to turn the lights off so that the slides look better. But
go for a compromise between a bright screen image and ambient
room lighting. Turning the lights off besides inducing sleep puts
all the focus on the screen. The audience should be looking at you
more than the screen. Today projectors are bright enough to allow
you to keep many of the lights on.
PowerPoint tip 27
PowerPoint tip 27.
Make good eye contact
Try looking at individuals rather than scanning the group. Since you are using a
computer, you never need to look at the screen behind you ¡ª just glance down at the
computer screen briefly. One sure way to lose an audience is to turn your back on
them. And while you¡¯re maintaining great eye contact, don¡¯t forget to smile as well.
Unless your topic is very grim, a smile can be a very powerful thing.
Make good eye contact
Try looking at individuals rather than scanning the group. Since you are using a
computer, you never need to look at the screen behind you ¡ª just glance down at the
computer screen briefly. One sure way to lose an audience is to turn your back on
them. And while you¡¯re maintaining great eye contact, don¡¯t forget to smile as well.
Unless your topic is very grim, a smile can be a very powerful thing.
PowerPoint tip 26
PowerPoint tip 26.
Remember the "B" key
If you press the "B" key while your PowerPoint or Keynote slide is
showing, the screen will go blank. This is useful if you need to digress
or move off the topic presented on the slide. By having the slide blank,
all the attention can now be placed back on you. When you are ready
to move on, just press the "B" key again and the image reappears.
Remember the "B" key
If you press the "B" key while your PowerPoint or Keynote slide is
showing, the screen will go blank. This is useful if you need to digress
or move off the topic presented on the slide. By having the slide blank,
all the attention can now be placed back on you. When you are ready
to move on, just press the "B" key again and the image reappears.
PowerPoint tip 25
PowerPoint tip 25.
Use a remote-control device
To advance your slides and builds, use a small, handheld remote. A
handheld remote will allow you to move away from the podium. This is
an absolute must. Keyspan has two good ones. I highly recommend the
Keyspan Presentation Remote. Many people like the Interlink remote as
well.
Use a remote-control device
To advance your slides and builds, use a small, handheld remote. A
handheld remote will allow you to move away from the podium. This is
an absolute must. Keyspan has two good ones. I highly recommend the
Keyspan Presentation Remote. Many people like the Interlink remote as
well.
PowerPoint tip 24
PowerPoint tip 24.
Move away from the podium
Get closer to your audience by moving away from or in front of the podium. The
podium is a barrier between you and the audience, but the goal of our presentation is
to connect with the audience. Removing physical barriers between you and the
audience will help you build rapport and make a connection.
Move away from the podium
Get closer to your audience by moving away from or in front of the podium. The
podium is a barrier between you and the audience, but the goal of our presentation is
to connect with the audience. Removing physical barriers between you and the
audience will help you build rapport and make a connection.
PowerPoint tip 23
PowerPoint tip 23.
Keep it short
Humans have short attention spans when it comes to passively
sitting and listening to a speaker. Audience attention is greatest at
the opening and then again when you say something like “In
conclusion….” This is just the human condition, especially so for
the busy (often tired) knowledge worker of today. So, if you have
30 minutes for your talk, finish in 25 minutes. It is better to have
the audience wanting more (of you) than to feel that they have had
more than enough. Professional entertainers know this very well.
Keep it short
Humans have short attention spans when it comes to passively
sitting and listening to a speaker. Audience attention is greatest at
the opening and then again when you say something like “In
conclusion….” This is just the human condition, especially so for
the busy (often tired) knowledge worker of today. So, if you have
30 minutes for your talk, finish in 25 minutes. It is better to have
the audience wanting more (of you) than to feel that they have had
more than enough. Professional entertainers know this very well.
PowerPoint tip 22
PowerPoint tip 22
Start strong
You’ve heard it before: First impressions are powerful. Believe it. The first 2-3 minutes
of the presentation are the most important. The audience wants to like you and they
will give you a few minutes at the beginning to engage them — don’t miss the
opportunity. Most presenters fail here because they ramble on too long about
superfluous background information or their personal/professional history, etc.
Start strong
You’ve heard it before: First impressions are powerful. Believe it. The first 2-3 minutes
of the presentation are the most important. The audience wants to like you and they
will give you a few minutes at the beginning to engage them — don’t miss the
opportunity. Most presenters fail here because they ramble on too long about
superfluous background information or their personal/professional history, etc.
PowerPoint tip 21
PowerPoint tip 21.
Show your passion
If I had only one tip to give, it would be to be passionate about your topic and let that
enthusiasm come out. Yes, you need great content. Yes, you need professional, well
designed visuals. But it is all for naught if you do not have a deep, heartfelt belief in
your topic. The biggest item that separates mediocre presenters from world class
ones is the ability to connect with an audience in an honest and exciting way. Don’t
hold back. Be confident. And let your passion for your topic come out for all to see.
Show your passion
If I had only one tip to give, it would be to be passionate about your topic and let that
enthusiasm come out. Yes, you need great content. Yes, you need professional, well
designed visuals. But it is all for naught if you do not have a deep, heartfelt belief in
your topic. The biggest item that separates mediocre presenters from world class
ones is the ability to connect with an audience in an honest and exciting way. Don’t
hold back. Be confident. And let your passion for your topic come out for all to see.
PowerPoint tip 20
PowerPoint tip 20.
Spend time in the slide sorter
According to the Segmentation Principle of multimedia learning theory, people
comprehend better when information is presented in small chunks or segments. By
getting out of the Slide View and into the Slide Sorter view, you can see how the
logical flow of your presentation is progressing. In this view you may decide to break
up one slide into, say, two-three slides so that your presentation has a more natural
and logical flow or process. In this view you will be able to capture more of the gestalt
of your entire presentation from the point of view of your audience. You will be able to
notice more extraneous pieces of visual data that can be removed to increase visual
clarity and improve communication.
Spend time in the slide sorter
According to the Segmentation Principle of multimedia learning theory, people
comprehend better when information is presented in small chunks or segments. By
getting out of the Slide View and into the Slide Sorter view, you can see how the
logical flow of your presentation is progressing. In this view you may decide to break
up one slide into, say, two-three slides so that your presentation has a more natural
and logical flow or process. In this view you will be able to capture more of the gestalt
of your entire presentation from the point of view of your audience. You will be able to
notice more extraneous pieces of visual data that can be removed to increase visual
clarity and improve communication.
PowerPoint tip 19
PowerPoint tip 19.
Use video or audio
Use video and audio when appropriate. Using
video clips to show concrete examples
promotes active cognitive processing, which is
the natural way people learn. You can use
video clips within PowerPoint without ever
leaving the application or tuning on a VCR.
Using a video clip not only will illustrate your
point better, it will also serve as a change of
pace thereby increasing the interest of your
audience. You can use audio clips (such as interviews) as well. Something to avoid,
however, is cheesy sound effects that are included in PowerPoint (such as the sound
of a horn or applause when transitioning slides). The use of superfluous sound effects
attached to animations is a sure way to lose credibility with your audience.
Use video or audio
Use video and audio when appropriate. Using
video clips to show concrete examples
promotes active cognitive processing, which is
the natural way people learn. You can use
video clips within PowerPoint without ever
leaving the application or tuning on a VCR.
Using a video clip not only will illustrate your
point better, it will also serve as a change of
pace thereby increasing the interest of your
audience. You can use audio clips (such as interviews) as well. Something to avoid,
however, is cheesy sound effects that are included in PowerPoint (such as the sound
of a horn or applause when transitioning slides). The use of superfluous sound effects
attached to animations is a sure way to lose credibility with your audience.
PowerPoint tip 18
PowerPoint tip 18.
Choose your fonts well
Fonts communicate subtle messages in and of themselves, which is why you should
choose fonts deliberately. Use the same font set throughout your entire slide
presentation, and use no more than two complementary fonts (e.g., Arial and Arial
Bold). Make sure you know the difference between a Serif font (e.g., Times New
Roman) and a Sans-Serif font (Helvetica or Arial). Serif fonts were designed to be
used in documents filled with lots of text. Serif fonts are said to be easier to read at
small point sizes, but for on screen presentations the serifs tend to get lost due to the
relatively low resolution of projectors. San-serif fonts are generally best for
PowerPoint presentations, but try to avoid the ubiquitous Helvetica. I often choose to
use Gill Sans as it is somewhere in between a serif and a sans-serif font and is
professional yet friendly and “conversational.” Regardless of what font you choose,
make sure the text can be read from the back of the room.
Choose your fonts well
Fonts communicate subtle messages in and of themselves, which is why you should
choose fonts deliberately. Use the same font set throughout your entire slide
presentation, and use no more than two complementary fonts (e.g., Arial and Arial
Bold). Make sure you know the difference between a Serif font (e.g., Times New
Roman) and a Sans-Serif font (Helvetica or Arial). Serif fonts were designed to be
used in documents filled with lots of text. Serif fonts are said to be easier to read at
small point sizes, but for on screen presentations the serifs tend to get lost due to the
relatively low resolution of projectors. San-serif fonts are generally best for
PowerPoint presentations, but try to avoid the ubiquitous Helvetica. I often choose to
use Gill Sans as it is somewhere in between a serif and a sans-serif font and is
professional yet friendly and “conversational.” Regardless of what font you choose,
make sure the text can be read from the back of the room.
PowerPoint tip 17
PowerPoint tip 17.
Use color well
Color evokes feelings. Color is emotional. The right color can help
persuade and motivate. Studies show that color usage can
increase interest and improve learning comprehension and
retention.
You do not need to be an expert in color theory, but it’s good for
business professionals to know at least a bit on the subject.
Colors can be divided into two general categories: Cool (such as
blue and green) and Warm (such as orange and red). Cool colors work best for
backgrounds as they appear to recede away from us into the background. Warm
colors generally work best for objects in the foreground (such as text) because they
appear to be coming at us. It is no surprise, then, that the most ubiquitous
PowerPoint slide color scheme includes a blue background with yellow text. You do
not need to feel compelled to use this color scheme, though you may choose to use a
variation of those colors.
If you will be presenting in a dark room (such as a large hall), then a dark background
(dark blue, grey, etc.) with white or light text will work fine. But if you plan to keep
most of the lights on (which is highly advisable) then a white background with black or
dark text works much better. In rooms with a good deal of ambient light, a screen
image with a dark background and light text tends to washout, but dark text on a light
background will maintain its visual intensity a bit better.
Learn more:
PresentationPro.com has some great Flash tutorials including one on color.
Go to the CreativePro.com to learn more about color.
Dummies.com has a good short article on how to use the Color Schemes in PowerPoint.
Use color well
Color evokes feelings. Color is emotional. The right color can help
persuade and motivate. Studies show that color usage can
increase interest and improve learning comprehension and
retention.
You do not need to be an expert in color theory, but it’s good for
business professionals to know at least a bit on the subject.
Colors can be divided into two general categories: Cool (such as
blue and green) and Warm (such as orange and red). Cool colors work best for
backgrounds as they appear to recede away from us into the background. Warm
colors generally work best for objects in the foreground (such as text) because they
appear to be coming at us. It is no surprise, then, that the most ubiquitous
PowerPoint slide color scheme includes a blue background with yellow text. You do
not need to feel compelled to use this color scheme, though you may choose to use a
variation of those colors.
If you will be presenting in a dark room (such as a large hall), then a dark background
(dark blue, grey, etc.) with white or light text will work fine. But if you plan to keep
most of the lights on (which is highly advisable) then a white background with black or
dark text works much better. In rooms with a good deal of ambient light, a screen
image with a dark background and light text tends to washout, but dark text on a light
background will maintain its visual intensity a bit better.
Learn more:
PresentationPro.com has some great Flash tutorials including one on color.
Go to the CreativePro.com to learn more about color.
Dummies.com has a good short article on how to use the Color Schemes in PowerPoint.
PowerPoint tip 16
PowerPoint tip 16.
Use appropriate charts
Always be asking yourself, “How much detail do I need?” Presenters are usually guilty
of including too much data in their on-screen charts. There are several ways to
display your data in graphic form; here are a few things to keep in mind:
Pie Charts.
Used to show percentages. Limit the slices to 4-6
and contrast the most important slice either with
color or by exploding the slice
Horizontal Bar Charts.
Used to compare quantities. For example,
comparing sales figures among the four regions of the company.
Line Charts.
Used to demonstrate trends. For example, here is
a simple line chart showing that our sales have
gone up every year. The trend is good. The arrow
comes in later to underscore the point: Our future looks good!
In this title slide, the image is primary. In this slide of the same presentation, the
image is secondary and “pushed” to the back
by editing it first in Photoshop.
In general, tables are good for side-by-side comparisons of quantitative data.
However, tables can lack impact on a visceral level. If you want to show how
your contributions are significantly higher than two other parties, for example, it
would be best to show that in the form of a bar chart (below, right). If you’re
trying to downplay the fact that your contributions are lower than others,
however, a table will display that information in a less dramatic or emotional way.
Use appropriate charts
Always be asking yourself, “How much detail do I need?” Presenters are usually guilty
of including too much data in their on-screen charts. There are several ways to
display your data in graphic form; here are a few things to keep in mind:
Pie Charts.
Used to show percentages. Limit the slices to 4-6
and contrast the most important slice either with
color or by exploding the slice
Horizontal Bar Charts.
Used to compare quantities. For example,
comparing sales figures among the four regions of the company.
Line Charts.
Used to demonstrate trends. For example, here is
a simple line chart showing that our sales have
gone up every year. The trend is good. The arrow
comes in later to underscore the point: Our future looks good!
In this title slide, the image is primary. In this slide of the same presentation, the
image is secondary and “pushed” to the back
by editing it first in Photoshop.
In general, tables are good for side-by-side comparisons of quantitative data.
However, tables can lack impact on a visceral level. If you want to show how
your contributions are significantly higher than two other parties, for example, it
would be best to show that in the form of a bar chart (below, right). If you’re
trying to downplay the fact that your contributions are lower than others,
however, a table will display that information in a less dramatic or emotional way.
PowerPoint tip 15
PowerPoint tip 15.
Have a visual theme, but avoid using PowerPoint templates
You clearly need a consistent visual theme throughout your presentation, but most
templates included in PowerPoint have been seen by your audience countless times
(and besides, the templates are not all that great to begin with). Your audience
expects a unique presentation with new (at least to them) content, otherwise why
would they be attending your talk? No audience will be excited about a cookie-cutter
presentation, and we must therefore shy away from any supporting visuals, such as
the ubiquitous PowerPoint Design Template, that suggests your presentation is
formulaic or prepackaged.
You can make your own background templates which will be more tailored to your
needs. You can then save the PowerPoint file as a Design Template (.pot) and the
new template will appear among your standard Microsoft templates for your future
use. You can also purchase professional templates on-line (for example:
www.powerpointtemplatespro.com).
Have a visual theme, but avoid using PowerPoint templates
You clearly need a consistent visual theme throughout your presentation, but most
templates included in PowerPoint have been seen by your audience countless times
(and besides, the templates are not all that great to begin with). Your audience
expects a unique presentation with new (at least to them) content, otherwise why
would they be attending your talk? No audience will be excited about a cookie-cutter
presentation, and we must therefore shy away from any supporting visuals, such as
the ubiquitous PowerPoint Design Template, that suggests your presentation is
formulaic or prepackaged.
You can make your own background templates which will be more tailored to your
needs. You can then save the PowerPoint file as a Design Template (.pot) and the
new template will appear among your standard Microsoft templates for your future
use. You can also purchase professional templates on-line (for example:
www.powerpointtemplatespro.com).
PowerPoint tip 14
PowerPoint tip 14.
Use high-quality graphics
Use high-quality graphics including photographs. You can take your own high-quality
photographs with your digital camera, purchase professional stock photography, or
use the plethora of high-quality images available on line (be cautious of copyright
issues, however). Never simply stretch a small, low-resolution photo to make it fit
your layout – doing so will degrade the resolution even further.
Avoid using PowerPoint Clip Art or other cartoonish line art. Again, if it is included in
the software, your audience has seen it a million times before. It may have been
interesting in 1993, but today the inclusion of such clip art often undermines the
professionalism of the presenter. There are exceptions, of course, and not all
PowerPoint art is dreadful, but use carefully and judiciously.
Use high-quality graphics
Use high-quality graphics including photographs. You can take your own high-quality
photographs with your digital camera, purchase professional stock photography, or
use the plethora of high-quality images available on line (be cautious of copyright
issues, however). Never simply stretch a small, low-resolution photo to make it fit
your layout – doing so will degrade the resolution even further.
Avoid using PowerPoint Clip Art or other cartoonish line art. Again, if it is included in
the software, your audience has seen it a million times before. It may have been
interesting in 1993, but today the inclusion of such clip art often undermines the
professionalism of the presenter. There are exceptions, of course, and not all
PowerPoint art is dreadful, but use carefully and judiciously.
PowerPoint tip 13
PowerPoint tip 13.
Limit transitions & builds (animation)
Use object builds and slide transitions judiciously. Object builds (also called
animations), such as bullet points, should not be animated on every slide. Some
animation is a good thing, but stick to the most subtle and professional (similar to
what you might see on the evening TV news broadcast). A simple “Wipe Left-to-
Right” (from the “Animations” menu) is good for a bullet point, but a “Move” or “Fly”
for example is too tedious and slow (and yet, is used in many presentations today).
Listeners will get bored very quickly if they are asked to endure slide after slide of
animation. For transitions between slides, use no more than two-three different types
of transition effects and do not place transition effects between all slides.
Limit transitions & builds (animation)
Use object builds and slide transitions judiciously. Object builds (also called
animations), such as bullet points, should not be animated on every slide. Some
animation is a good thing, but stick to the most subtle and professional (similar to
what you might see on the evening TV news broadcast). A simple “Wipe Left-to-
Right” (from the “Animations” menu) is good for a bullet point, but a “Move” or “Fly”
for example is too tedious and slow (and yet, is used in many presentations today).
Listeners will get bored very quickly if they are asked to endure slide after slide of
animation. For transitions between slides, use no more than two-three different types
of transition effects and do not place transition effects between all slides.
PowerPoint tip 12
PowerPoint tip 12.
Limit bullet points & text
Your presentation is for the benefit of the audience. But boring an audience with bullet
point after bullet point is of little benefit to them. Which brings us to the issue of text.
The best slides may have no text at all. This may sound insane given the dependency
of text slides today, but the best PowerPoint slides will be virtually meaningless with
out the narration (that is you). Remember, the slides are meant to support the
narration of the speaker, not make the speaker superfluous.
Many people often say something like this: “Sorry I missed your presentation. I hear
it was great. Can you just send me your PowerPoint slides?” But if they are good
slides, they will be of little use without you. Instead of a copy of your PowerPoint
slides, it is far better to prepare a written document which highlights your content
from the presentation and expands on that content. Audiences are much better
served receiving a detailed, written handout as a takeaway from the presentation,
rather than a mere copy of your PowerPoint slides. If you have a detailed handout or
publication for the audience to be passed out after your talk, you need not feel
compelled to fill your PowerPoint slides with a great deal of text.
We’ll talk more about this in the delivery section below, but as long as we are talking
about text, please remember to never, ever turn your back on the audience and read
text from the slide word for word.
Limit bullet points & text
Your presentation is for the benefit of the audience. But boring an audience with bullet
point after bullet point is of little benefit to them. Which brings us to the issue of text.
The best slides may have no text at all. This may sound insane given the dependency
of text slides today, but the best PowerPoint slides will be virtually meaningless with
out the narration (that is you). Remember, the slides are meant to support the
narration of the speaker, not make the speaker superfluous.
Many people often say something like this: “Sorry I missed your presentation. I hear
it was great. Can you just send me your PowerPoint slides?” But if they are good
slides, they will be of little use without you. Instead of a copy of your PowerPoint
slides, it is far better to prepare a written document which highlights your content
from the presentation and expands on that content. Audiences are much better
served receiving a detailed, written handout as a takeaway from the presentation,
rather than a mere copy of your PowerPoint slides. If you have a detailed handout or
publication for the audience to be passed out after your talk, you need not feel
compelled to fill your PowerPoint slides with a great deal of text.
We’ll talk more about this in the delivery section below, but as long as we are talking
about text, please remember to never, ever turn your back on the audience and read
text from the slide word for word.
PowerPoint tip 11
PowerPoint tip 11.
Keep it Simple
PowerPoint uses slides with a horizontal or “Landscape”
orientation. The software was designed as a convenient
way to display graphical information that would support
the speaker and supplement the presentation. The slides
themselves were never meant to be the “star of the
show” (the star, of course, is your audience). People
came to hear you and be moved or informed (or both) by
you and your message. Don’t let your message and your
ability to tell a story get derailed by slides that are
unnecessarily complicated, busy, or full of what Edward
Tufte calls “chart junk.” Nothing in your slide should be
superfluous, ever.
Your slides should have plenty of “white space” or “negative space.” Do not feel
compelled to fill empty areas on your slide with your logo or other unnecessary
graphics or text boxes that do not contribute to better understanding. The less clutter
you have on your slide, the more powerful your visual message will become.
Keep it Simple
PowerPoint uses slides with a horizontal or “Landscape”
orientation. The software was designed as a convenient
way to display graphical information that would support
the speaker and supplement the presentation. The slides
themselves were never meant to be the “star of the
show” (the star, of course, is your audience). People
came to hear you and be moved or informed (or both) by
you and your message. Don’t let your message and your
ability to tell a story get derailed by slides that are
unnecessarily complicated, busy, or full of what Edward
Tufte calls “chart junk.” Nothing in your slide should be
superfluous, ever.
Your slides should have plenty of “white space” or “negative space.” Do not feel
compelled to fill empty areas on your slide with your logo or other unnecessary
graphics or text boxes that do not contribute to better understanding. The less clutter
you have on your slide, the more powerful your visual message will become.
PowerPoint tip 10
PowerPoint tip 10.
Confidence — How to get it
The more you are on top of your material the less nervous you
will be. If you have taken the time to build the logical flow of
your presentation, designed supporting materials that are
professional and appropriate, there is much less to be
nervous about. And, if you have then actually rehearsed with
an actual computer and projector (assuming you are using
slideware) several times, your nervousness will all but melt
away. We fear what we do not know. If we know our material
well and have rehearsed the flow, know what slide is next in
the deck, and have anticipated questions, then we have
eliminated much (but not all) of the unknown. When you remove the unknown and
reduce anxiety and nervousness, then confidence is something that will naturally take
the place of your anxiety.
Confidence — How to get it
The more you are on top of your material the less nervous you
will be. If you have taken the time to build the logical flow of
your presentation, designed supporting materials that are
professional and appropriate, there is much less to be
nervous about. And, if you have then actually rehearsed with
an actual computer and projector (assuming you are using
slideware) several times, your nervousness will all but melt
away. We fear what we do not know. If we know our material
well and have rehearsed the flow, know what slide is next in
the deck, and have anticipated questions, then we have
eliminated much (but not all) of the unknown. When you remove the unknown and
reduce anxiety and nervousness, then confidence is something that will naturally take
the place of your anxiety.
PowerPoint tip 9
PowerPoint tip 9.
The art of story telling
Good presentations include stories. The best
presenters illustrate their points with the use of
stories, most often personal ones. The easiest way
to explain complicated ideas is through examples or
by sharing a story that underscores the point. Stories
are easy to remember for your audience. If you want
your audience to remember your content, then find a
way to make it relevant and memorable to them. You
should try to come up with good, short, interesting stories or examples to support
your major points.
In addition, it is useful to think of your entire 30 minute presentation as an opportunity
to "tell a story" Good stories have interesting, clear beginnings, provocative,
engaging content in the middle, and a clear, logical conclusion. I have seen pretty
good (though not great) presentations that had very average delivery and average
graphics, but were relatively effective because the speaker told relevant stories in a
clear, concise manner to support his points. Rambling streams of consciousness will
not get it done; audiences need to hear (and see) your points illustrated.
The art of story telling
Good presentations include stories. The best
presenters illustrate their points with the use of
stories, most often personal ones. The easiest way
to explain complicated ideas is through examples or
by sharing a story that underscores the point. Stories
are easy to remember for your audience. If you want
your audience to remember your content, then find a
way to make it relevant and memorable to them. You
should try to come up with good, short, interesting stories or examples to support
your major points.
In addition, it is useful to think of your entire 30 minute presentation as an opportunity
to "tell a story" Good stories have interesting, clear beginnings, provocative,
engaging content in the middle, and a clear, logical conclusion. I have seen pretty
good (though not great) presentations that had very average delivery and average
graphics, but were relatively effective because the speaker told relevant stories in a
clear, concise manner to support his points. Rambling streams of consciousness will
not get it done; audiences need to hear (and see) your points illustrated.
PowerPoint tip 8
PowerPoint tip 8.
Can you pass the elevator test?
Check the clarity of your message with the elevator test.
This exercise forces you to sell your message in 30-45
seconds. Imagine this is the situation: You have been
scheduled to pitch a new idea to the head of product
marketing at your company, one of the leading technology
manufactures in the world. Both schedules and budgets are
tight; this is an extremely important opportunity for you if you
are to succeed at getting the OK from the executive team.
When you arrive at the Admin desk outside the
vice-president's office, suddenly she comes out with her
coat and briefcase in hand and barks, sorry, something
come up, give me your pitch as we go down to the lobby Imagine such a scenario.
Could you sell your idea in the elevator ride and a walk to the parking lot? Sure, the
scenario is unlikely, but possible. What is very possible, however, is for you to be
asked without notice to shorten your talk down, from, say, 20 minutes, to 10 minutes
(or from a scheduled one hour to 30 minutes), could you do it? True, you may never
have to, but practicing what you might do in such a case forces you to get your
message down and make your overall content tighter and clearer.
Author, Ron Hoff ("I Can See You Naked") reminds us that your presentation should
be able to pass the David Belasco test while you're in the planning stages. David
Belasco was a producer who insisted that the core idea for every successful play he
produced could be written as a simple sentence on the back of a business card. Try
it. Can you crystallize the essence of your presentation content and write it on the
back of a business card? If the task is impossible for you, then you may want to
think again and get your message down pat in your mind. This too is certainly
something you do before you ever begin to open up PowerPoint (Keynote).
Can you pass the elevator test?
Check the clarity of your message with the elevator test.
This exercise forces you to sell your message in 30-45
seconds. Imagine this is the situation: You have been
scheduled to pitch a new idea to the head of product
marketing at your company, one of the leading technology
manufactures in the world. Both schedules and budgets are
tight; this is an extremely important opportunity for you if you
are to succeed at getting the OK from the executive team.
When you arrive at the Admin desk outside the
vice-president's office, suddenly she comes out with her
coat and briefcase in hand and barks, sorry, something
come up, give me your pitch as we go down to the lobby Imagine such a scenario.
Could you sell your idea in the elevator ride and a walk to the parking lot? Sure, the
scenario is unlikely, but possible. What is very possible, however, is for you to be
asked without notice to shorten your talk down, from, say, 20 minutes, to 10 minutes
(or from a scheduled one hour to 30 minutes), could you do it? True, you may never
have to, but practicing what you might do in such a case forces you to get your
message down and make your overall content tighter and clearer.
Author, Ron Hoff ("I Can See You Naked") reminds us that your presentation should
be able to pass the David Belasco test while you're in the planning stages. David
Belasco was a producer who insisted that the core idea for every successful play he
produced could be written as a simple sentence on the back of a business card. Try
it. Can you crystallize the essence of your presentation content and write it on the
back of a business card? If the task is impossible for you, then you may want to
think again and get your message down pat in your mind. This too is certainly
something you do before you ever begin to open up PowerPoint (Keynote).
PowerPoint tip 7
PowerPoint tip 7.
Dakara nani? (so what?)
In Japanese I often say to myself, “dakara nani?” or “sore
de…?”which translate roughly as “so what?!” or “your
point being…?” I say this often while I am preparing my
material. When building the content of your presentation
always put yourself in the shoes of the audience and ask
“so what?” Really ask yourself the tough questions
throughout the planning process. For example, is your
point relevant? It may be cool, but is it important or help
your story in a very important way…or is it fluff? Surely
you have been in an audience and wondered how what
the presenter was talking about was relevant or supported his point. “So what?” you
probably said to yourself. “So what?” — always be asking yourself this very
important, simple question. If you can’t really answer that question, then cut that bit of
content out of your talk.
Dakara nani? (so what?)
In Japanese I often say to myself, “dakara nani?” or “sore
de…?”which translate roughly as “so what?!” or “your
point being…?” I say this often while I am preparing my
material. When building the content of your presentation
always put yourself in the shoes of the audience and ask
“so what?” Really ask yourself the tough questions
throughout the planning process. For example, is your
point relevant? It may be cool, but is it important or help
your story in a very important way…or is it fluff? Surely
you have been in an audience and wondered how what
the presenter was talking about was relevant or supported his point. “So what?” you
probably said to yourself. “So what?” — always be asking yourself this very
important, simple question. If you can’t really answer that question, then cut that bit of
content out of your talk.
PowerPoint tip 6
PowerPoint tip 6.
Have a sound, clear structure
Take a page out out the McKinsey presentation
handbook: presentation structure is paramount. Without
it, your wonderful style, delivery and great supporting
visuals will fall flat. If you took the time in the first step
to outline your ideas and set them up in a logical
fashion, then your thinking should be very clear. You can
visualize the logic of your content and the flow of the
presentation. If your ideas are not clear first, it will be
impossible to design the proper structure later when you create visuals and/or
supporting documents. Your audience needs to see where you are going. And it is not
enough to simply have an “agenda” or “road map” slide in the beginning that illustrates
the organization of your talk. If you do not actually have a solid road of logic and
structure, then an outline slide will be of no use. In fact, the audience may become
even more irritated since you made the promise of organization in the beginning, but
then failed to deliver the promise with a presentation which is muddled and lacks
Have a sound, clear structure
Take a page out out the McKinsey presentation
handbook: presentation structure is paramount. Without
it, your wonderful style, delivery and great supporting
visuals will fall flat. If you took the time in the first step
to outline your ideas and set them up in a logical
fashion, then your thinking should be very clear. You can
visualize the logic of your content and the flow of the
presentation. If your ideas are not clear first, it will be
impossible to design the proper structure later when you create visuals and/or
supporting documents. Your audience needs to see where you are going. And it is not
enough to simply have an “agenda” or “road map” slide in the beginning that illustrates
the organization of your talk. If you do not actually have a solid road of logic and
structure, then an outline slide will be of no use. In fact, the audience may become
even more irritated since you made the promise of organization in the beginning, but
then failed to deliver the promise with a presentation which is muddled and lacks
PowerPoint tip 5
PowerPoint tip 5.
Outlining your content
I suggest you start your planning in analog mode. That
is, rather than diving right into PowerPoint (or Keynote),
the best presenters often scratch out their ideas and
objectives with a pen and paper. Personally, I use a
large whiteboard in my office to sketch out my ideas
(when I was at Apple, I had one entire wall turned into a
whiteboard!). The whiteboard works for me as I feel
uninhibited and freer to be creative. I can also step back
(literally) from what I have sketched out and imagine
how it might flow logically when PowerPoint is added
later. Also, as I write down key points and assemble an outline and structure, I can
draw quick ideas for visuals such as charts or photos that will later appear in the
PowerPoint. Though you may be using digital technology when you deliver your
presentation, the act of speaking and connecting to an audience ¡ª to persuade, sell,
or inform ¡ª is very much analog.
Cliff Atkinson in his 2005 book, ¡°Beyond Bullet Points,¡± smartly states that starting to
create your presentation in PowerPoint before you have your key points and logical
flow first worked out (on paper or a white board in my case) is like a movie director
hiring actors and starting to film before there is a script in hand.
More on ¡°planning analog¡±
I usually use a legal pad and pen (or a whiteboard if there is enough space) to
create a rough kind of storyboard. I find the analog approach stimulates my creativity
a bit more as I said. No software to get in my way and I can easily see how the flow
will go. I draw sample images that I can use to support a particular point, say, a pie
chart here, a photo there, perhaps a line graph in this section and so on. You may be
thinking that this is a waste of time: why not just go into PowerPoint and create your
images there so you do not have to do it twice? Well, the fact is, if I tried to create a
storyboard in PowerPoint, it would actually take longer as I would constantly have to
go from normal view to slide sorter view to see the ¡°whole picture.¡± The analog
approach (paper or whiteboard) to sketch out my ideas and create a rough
storyboard really helps solidify and simplify my message in my own head. I then have
a far easier time laying out those ideas in PowerPoint. I usually do not even have to
look at the whiteboard or legal pad when I am in PowerPoint, because the analog
process alone gave a clear visual image of how I want the content to flow. I glance
at my notes to remind me of what visuals I thought of using at certain points and then
go to iStockphoto.com or to my own extensive library of high-quality stock images to
find the perfect image.
Outlining your content
I suggest you start your planning in analog mode. That
is, rather than diving right into PowerPoint (or Keynote),
the best presenters often scratch out their ideas and
objectives with a pen and paper. Personally, I use a
large whiteboard in my office to sketch out my ideas
(when I was at Apple, I had one entire wall turned into a
whiteboard!). The whiteboard works for me as I feel
uninhibited and freer to be creative. I can also step back
(literally) from what I have sketched out and imagine
how it might flow logically when PowerPoint is added
later. Also, as I write down key points and assemble an outline and structure, I can
draw quick ideas for visuals such as charts or photos that will later appear in the
PowerPoint. Though you may be using digital technology when you deliver your
presentation, the act of speaking and connecting to an audience ¡ª to persuade, sell,
or inform ¡ª is very much analog.
Cliff Atkinson in his 2005 book, ¡°Beyond Bullet Points,¡± smartly states that starting to
create your presentation in PowerPoint before you have your key points and logical
flow first worked out (on paper or a white board in my case) is like a movie director
hiring actors and starting to film before there is a script in hand.
More on ¡°planning analog¡±
I usually use a legal pad and pen (or a whiteboard if there is enough space) to
create a rough kind of storyboard. I find the analog approach stimulates my creativity
a bit more as I said. No software to get in my way and I can easily see how the flow
will go. I draw sample images that I can use to support a particular point, say, a pie
chart here, a photo there, perhaps a line graph in this section and so on. You may be
thinking that this is a waste of time: why not just go into PowerPoint and create your
images there so you do not have to do it twice? Well, the fact is, if I tried to create a
storyboard in PowerPoint, it would actually take longer as I would constantly have to
go from normal view to slide sorter view to see the ¡°whole picture.¡± The analog
approach (paper or whiteboard) to sketch out my ideas and create a rough
storyboard really helps solidify and simplify my message in my own head. I then have
a far easier time laying out those ideas in PowerPoint. I usually do not even have to
look at the whiteboard or legal pad when I am in PowerPoint, because the analog
process alone gave a clear visual image of how I want the content to flow. I glance
at my notes to remind me of what visuals I thought of using at certain points and then
go to iStockphoto.com or to my own extensive library of high-quality stock images to
find the perfect image.
PowerPoint tip 4
PowerPoint tip 4.
Keep it simple
Simple does not mean stupid. Frankly, thinking that the notion of simplifying is
stupid is just plain, well, “stupid.” Simple can be hard for the presenter, but it will be
appreciated by the audience. Simplicity takes more forethought and planning on your
part because you have to think very hard about what to include and what can be left
out. What is the essence of your message? This is the ultimate question you need to
ask yourself during the preparation of your presentation.Here’s a simple exercise:
EXERCISE
If your audience could remember only three things about your
presentation,what would you want it to be?
(1)__________
(2)__________
(3)__________
Keep it simple
Simple does not mean stupid. Frankly, thinking that the notion of simplifying is
stupid is just plain, well, “stupid.” Simple can be hard for the presenter, but it will be
appreciated by the audience. Simplicity takes more forethought and planning on your
part because you have to think very hard about what to include and what can be left
out. What is the essence of your message? This is the ultimate question you need to
ask yourself during the preparation of your presentation.Here’s a simple exercise:
EXERCISE
If your audience could remember only three things about your
presentation,what would you want it to be?
(1)__________
(2)__________
(3)__________
PowerPoint tip 3
PowerPoint tip 3.
Content, content, content
No matter how great your delivery, or how professional and
beautiful your supporting visuals, if your presentation is not
based on solid content, you can not succeed. Don’t get me
wrong, I am not saying that great content alone will carry the
day. It almost never does. Great content is a necessary
condition, but not a sufficient one. But your presentation
preparation starts with solid content (appropriate for your
audience) which you then build into a winning story that you’ll
use to connect with your audience.
A word of caution: Though I am emphasizing how important content is, I also am
begging you to spare your audience a “data dump.” A data dump — all too common
unfortunately — is when a presenter crams too much information into the talk without
making the effort to make the information or data applicable to the members of the
audience. A data dump also occurs when data and information do not seem to build
on the information that came earlier in the presentation. Sometimes it almost seems
that the presenter is either showing off, or more likely, is simply afraid that if he does
not tell the “whole story” by giving reams of data, the audience will not understand his
message.
Do not fall into the trap of thinking that in order for your audience to understand
anything, you must tell them everything. Which brings us to the idea of simplicity.
Content, content, content
No matter how great your delivery, or how professional and
beautiful your supporting visuals, if your presentation is not
based on solid content, you can not succeed. Don’t get me
wrong, I am not saying that great content alone will carry the
day. It almost never does. Great content is a necessary
condition, but not a sufficient one. But your presentation
preparation starts with solid content (appropriate for your
audience) which you then build into a winning story that you’ll
use to connect with your audience.
A word of caution: Though I am emphasizing how important content is, I also am
begging you to spare your audience a “data dump.” A data dump — all too common
unfortunately — is when a presenter crams too much information into the talk without
making the effort to make the information or data applicable to the members of the
audience. A data dump also occurs when data and information do not seem to build
on the information that came earlier in the presentation. Sometimes it almost seems
that the presenter is either showing off, or more likely, is simply afraid that if he does
not tell the “whole story” by giving reams of data, the audience will not understand his
message.
Do not fall into the trap of thinking that in order for your audience to understand
anything, you must tell them everything. Which brings us to the idea of simplicity.
PowerPoint tip 2
PowerPoint tip 2
Know your audience as well as possible
Before you begin to formulate the content of your presentation, you need to ask
yourself many basic questions with an eye to becoming the best possible presenter
for that particular audience. At the very least, you need to answer the basic “W
questions.”
Who is the audience?
What are their backgrounds?
How much background information
about your topic can you assume they bring to the presentation?
What is the purpose of the event?
Is it to inspire?
Are they looking for concrete practical information?
Do they want more concepts and theory rather than advice?
Why were you asked to speak?
What are their expectations of you information?
Where is it?
Find out everything you can about the location and logistics of the venue.
When is it?
Do you have enough time to prepare? What time of the day?
If there are other presenters, what is the order (always volunteer
to go first or last, by the way). What day of the week?
All of this matters.
Know your audience as well as possible
Before you begin to formulate the content of your presentation, you need to ask
yourself many basic questions with an eye to becoming the best possible presenter
for that particular audience. At the very least, you need to answer the basic “W
questions.”
Who is the audience?
What are their backgrounds?
How much background information
about your topic can you assume they bring to the presentation?
What is the purpose of the event?
Is it to inspire?
Are they looking for concrete practical information?
Do they want more concepts and theory rather than advice?
Why were you asked to speak?
What are their expectations of you information?
Where is it?
Find out everything you can about the location and logistics of the venue.
When is it?
Do you have enough time to prepare? What time of the day?
If there are other presenters, what is the order (always volunteer
to go first or last, by the way). What day of the week?
All of this matters.
PowerPoint tip 1
PowerPoint tip 1.
Start with the end in mind
Before you even open up PowerPoint, sit down
and really think about the day of your presentation.
What is the real purpose of your talk? Why is it that
you were ask to speak? What does the audience
expect? In your opinion, what are the most important
parts of your topic for the audience to take away
from your, say, 50-minute presentation? Remember,
even if you’ve been asked to share information, rarely is the mere transfer of
information a satisfactory objective from the point of view of the audience. After all,
the audience could always just read your book (or article, handout, etc.) if information
transfer were the only purpose of the meeting, seminar, or formal presentation.
Start with the end in mind
Before you even open up PowerPoint, sit down
and really think about the day of your presentation.
What is the real purpose of your talk? Why is it that
you were ask to speak? What does the audience
expect? In your opinion, what are the most important
parts of your topic for the audience to take away
from your, say, 50-minute presentation? Remember,
even if you’ve been asked to share information, rarely is the mere transfer of
information a satisfactory objective from the point of view of the audience. After all,
the audience could always just read your book (or article, handout, etc.) if information
transfer were the only purpose of the meeting, seminar, or formal presentation.
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
My Tiny Advanture - Chapter 1
My tiny Advanture - Chapter 1
This is a sunny day, I had been planning to cycle around the town to buy some clothes and other the stuffs.
Just as went out the door, I saw two tiny kid tempering my bike. They are so tiny, about 2 to 3 inch.
I run toward them. Their run away so fast, the speed is not normal for their size, even not normal for adult human size. I get on my bike, but it wouldn't more a bit. The front wheel rim have a lock on it. The chain, I don't know what have they done to the chain, it rust all over making unmoveable.
"What the?" I mind shouted these words "I will get you two little punk! Oh boy! They were lilttle alright ... really little! What will I do with them ....." "Ahh.. what ever..." "Gonna get them first! Fast!"
I chase them to the market place. Oh boy! Their are little, but run so insanely fast. Their are clever too,
in the crowds people I lost the sight of them. Now I being silly, searh for two tiny little rascal in the crowds
is like seraching for a needle in the haystack; but I so angry now and just wouldn't give up like that. Hey,
come to think of it, if I were calm and cool-headed; I will properly wonder what is happening to me. Tiny kid ? Are they real ? Sadly, I lost my logically judgements in the fury of provoke anger.
... to be continued ...
This is a sunny day, I had been planning to cycle around the town to buy some clothes and other the stuffs.
Just as went out the door, I saw two tiny kid tempering my bike. They are so tiny, about 2 to 3 inch.
I run toward them. Their run away so fast, the speed is not normal for their size, even not normal for adult human size. I get on my bike, but it wouldn't more a bit. The front wheel rim have a lock on it. The chain, I don't know what have they done to the chain, it rust all over making unmoveable.
"What the?" I mind shouted these words "I will get you two little punk! Oh boy! They were lilttle alright ... really little! What will I do with them ....." "Ahh.. what ever..." "Gonna get them first! Fast!"
I chase them to the market place. Oh boy! Their are little, but run so insanely fast. Their are clever too,
in the crowds people I lost the sight of them. Now I being silly, searh for two tiny little rascal in the crowds
is like seraching for a needle in the haystack; but I so angry now and just wouldn't give up like that. Hey,
come to think of it, if I were calm and cool-headed; I will properly wonder what is happening to me. Tiny kid ? Are they real ? Sadly, I lost my logically judgements in the fury of provoke anger.
... to be continued ...
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