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  • How Do You End a Presentation?

    Your presentation is only as impactful as what happens after it ends. A well-crafted Call to Action (CTA) ensures your message sticks and motivates your audience to take the next step. Here’s how you can nail that crucial ending:    🎯  Be Clear and Specific   Don’t leave your audience guessing. Tell them exactly what you want them to do—schedule a meeting, download a resource, or provide feedback.    🧠 Align with Your Message   Your CTA should seamlessly connect with the rest of your presentation. If your focus was on the value of a new product, the action might be to “Book a demo today!”    💥 Create a Sense of Urgency   Inspire immediate action by setting a timeline: “Join now—registration closes Friday!” or “Follow up within 24 hours to receive a special offer.”    👥 Make It Personal and Engaging   Use inclusive language like “Let’s work together” or “We’d love to hear your feedback.” This fosters connection and encourages participation.    🔄  End with Confidence   Instead of trailing off with “That’s it…” finish strong: “Now it’s your turn—let’s make this happen!” A confident close leaves a lasting impression.    Remember, presentations are not just about sharing information—they’re about inspiring action. Finish with a clear, intentional CTA, and you’ll guide your audience toward the results you want!    If you need help, let's talk before your next presentation.

  • If it’s action you want, use action words.

    Action words, or verbs, are the powerhouses of your presentation. They don't just convey information—they inspire, motivate, and drive your audience to act. When used effectively, action words can transform a bland presentation into a compelling call to action.   Why do action words matter? Action words capture attention and maintain interest. They make your goals and instructions clear and straightforward. Strong verbs encourage your audience to take immediate steps.   When you’re using action words, Start with a strong opening : Begin your presentation with an action word to set the tone. Example: " Discover how our new strategy can transform your business operations." Be direct and clear: Use action words to give clear instructions and expectations. Example: " Implement these techniques to boost your productivity." Focus on outcomes : Highlight the benefits and results of acting. Example: " Achieve your goals faster with our innovative tools." Use action words throughout: Use them not just in your opening and closing, but throughout your presentation to maintain momentum. Example: " Explore the possibilities and accelerate your growth."   Try these out to get started - implement, explore, transform, accelerate, achieve, discover, expand, initiate, elevate, engage, streamline (everyone’s favorite buzzword!) Remember, if it’s an action you want, start with action words. By incorporating powerful verbs into your presentations, you can engage your audience, clarify your message, and drive the desired actions. So, the next time you prepare a presentation, let action words be your guide to success so your audience will take action. If you need any help, let's talk before your next presentation.

  • I had no idea what a presentation designer was.

    When I first heard the term ‘presentation designer’ I didn’t realize it was an actual job. Making PowerPoint presentations full time? Making beautiful slides with simplified messaging so clients can take action? Sign me up! Throughout my career, I’ve always worked in PowerPoint in some form –communications, training, reporting or tools that help employees be more successful. I loved the design aspect and pairing it with simplified content so the audience gets the message, faster. It made so much sense so I decided to take it on the road. Becoming a presentation designer has allowed me to combine my passion for design and communication in a unique and impactful way. I’ve seen firsthand how a well-crafted presentation can transform an ordinary meeting into an engaging and memorable experience. And I love doing it. If you are looking to inspire action and drive results in your audiences with better design, let’s talk before your next presentation.

  • If You Hate PowerPoint, This May Be Why

    Why do so many people think PowerPoint is boring and frustrating? Knowing how to use it effectively can make the difference between 'eh' and 'WOW'. Don't get caught in these traps: TOO MANY BULLETS:  Yes, capitalized on purpose. When presentations rely too heavily on slides filled with bullet points, it can bore or overwhelm the audience. Lack of Creativity:  Many presentations lack creativity and visual appeal. When slides are monotonous or uninspiring, they fail to capture and maintain the audience's attention. Poor Design:  Design flaws such as crowded slides, unreadable fonts, distracting animations, or poor color choices can detract from the overall effectiveness of a presentation. Time-consuming:  Creating and formatting slides can be time-consuming, especially if the presenter is not proficient in PowerPoint or lacks design skills. So how can a great designer help you get over this sad PowerPoint relationship? Visual Storytelling : We shift from text-heavy slides to visually engaging ones that tell a story. We use high-quality images, diagrams, charts, and minimal text to convey key points. Custom Templates : We create custom-designed templates tailored to your branding and preferences. These templates include consistent colors, fonts, and layouts to maintain visual coherence throughout the presentation. Keep it Simple : I call this 'word dieting.' It’s a skill, I’ll admit – being able to distill content to the most essential points and avoid overwhelming the audience with excessive information. Visual / White Space : We know the importance of visual hierarchy and white space in slide design. We’ll organize your content to draw attention to the most important elements and use white space strategically to improve readability and aesthetic appeal. Multimedia and Interactivity : What’s more fun than multimedia? The trick is to use it properly so it’s effective. We can use videos, animations, and interactive features to enhance engagement and convey information in dynamic ways. If you need help and want to love PowerPoint again, let's talk before your next presentation.

  • Nobody Wants to Admit It, But Looks Matter.

    Imagine walking into a room where the lights are dim, the furniture is old and worn, and the walls are bare. Your first impression might be less than enthusiastic, right? The same principle applies to presentations. Visual elements like colors, fonts, images, and layout can significantly impact how your audience perceives your message. A well-designed presentation not only captures attention but also enhances understanding and retention of the content. Consider the psychology behind it. Humans are naturally drawn to aesthetically pleasing things. When your slides are visually appealing, they create a positive association with your message. On the other hand, cluttered or poorly designed slides can distract and even detract from what you're trying to convey. Moreover, a polished presentation reflects positively your professionalism and attention to detail. It shows that you value your audience's time and have put effort into crafting an experience that is both informative and engaging. So, before your next presentation, take some time to consider the visual aspect. Choose colors that complement your message and use fonts that are easy to read. Incorporate relevant images and graphics to reinforce key points. And don't forget about consistency in design throughout your slides. By paying attention to the visual appeal of your presentation, you not only enhance your credibility but also increase the likelihood of leaving a lasting impression on your audience. Looks Matter. Need help? Let’s talk before your next presentation.

  • “How can I use PowerPoint solve my business problems?”

    A PowerPoint won't solve business problems by itself, but it can help kickstart problem-solving in different ways: Express complex ideas, strategies, or problems concisely.  Visual elements such as charts, graphs, and diagrams can help stakeholders quickly understand the issue and its implications. Present a strategic plan  - breaking down the steps needed to tackle specific business problems. It helps in mapping out goals, objectives, timelines, and key performance indicators (KPIs). Make data-driven decisions  - you can highlight trends, correlations, and root causes, making it easier to discuss potential solutions. Train staff   - on new processes, strategies, or tools that are needed to solve business problems. Engaging your audience  - boost morale and motivation by showing a clear path forward, celebrating wins, and highlighting opportunities. Benchmarks to track progress over time  - regular updates can show what's working and what needs adjustment, keeping everyone aligned and focused.   If you're looking to elevate your presentations to solve problems and drive results, I'd love to chat.

  • “What’s the plan?”

    I heard this my whole life, and I drive my kids crazy with the same question. Always have a plan. Listen, I love Sundays, like anyone else, but I also run my own business. This means always balancing work and family, even on the weekends. So, when I’m not engaging with clients, I spend my Sunday mornings planning and ask myself: “What do I want to accomplish this week?” Here’s what I do in an hour: 1.     LINKEDIN (30 min) Comment on other people’s posts to increase engagement and reach Read the articles I’ve saved during the week about presentation design for tips Craft the week’s posts, I post 2x a week on the same days and times Identify people I want to reach out to and follow up with on Monday 2.     DEVELOP SKILLS (30 min) Practice new designs Play with a new portfolio idea Try out the videos I saved on Instagram about presentation design 3.     CALENDAR (15 min) Work calendar What needs to be done before a project deadline What prep do I need to do before a meeting Who do I need to follow up with Personal calendar: block the time needed between meetings 4.     CLIENTS/PROJECTS (15 min) Review my list of recent conversations with potential clients Identify who to follow up with to move to the next stage Schedule when I’ll follow up again, decide which ones may not materialize I review my weekly and monthly goals and consider which activities will help me reach them.  These activities help me approach the upcoming week with confidence and a clear plan for building the business. Although setting short- and long-term goals is essential, I find that focusing on weekly goals and creating a structured plan makes the tasks feel more manageable and achievable.

  • 60% of Your Audience is Multitasking

    During presentations, approximately 60% of attendees admit to multitasking, such as checking emails or using their phones, according to a survey by Prezi and Harris Poll.   Which is why it's important to make your presentation engaging to keep the audience's full attention. How do you do that? Your slides are not scripts.   If you're going to read what's on the screen, just send the presentation in an email and cancel the session. Everyone can read what you're saying.  See or listen?  Your audience can either look at your screen or listen to you, they can't do both. Choose how you want to impact your audience.  Don't overuse animation. Animation should be used sparingly and selectively so it has the right impact. Too much animation distracts your audience and you lose your message. Take breaks.  Don't talk longer than 10 minutes at a time without a break, Q&A or activity. Don't give your audience enough time to find something else to do.  Audience participation.  Play a game, break up the audience into groups, change activities, have them come up to the microphone and share something.  If they're busy and engaged, they won't multitask.  With the right speaking skills + a compelling presentation,  you will capture your audience's attention and make a memorable impact.  If you need any help, let's talk before your next presentation.

  • I hate public speaking. In fact, I'm terrified.

    The mere thought of standing before a sea of faces makes my stomach churn, my heart race, and I wish the floor would open beneath me. But here's the twist—despite my dread of being in the spotlight, I've found confidence behind the scenes.   Which is why I love what I do.   I design slide decks to make you look good when YOU speak. Every time. If it's in PowerPoint, I make it and I love it. I don’t do branding, logos, websites, or flyers. Just PowerPoint. That way, I can specialize in one area and deliver a high-quality product that makes you stand out and hits the mark.   While others thrive on the adrenaline rush of commanding a room, I find my passion in crafting the perfect visual accompaniment, ensuring your message resonates long after the applause fades. So, while public speaking may never be my forte, empowering others to shine in the spotlight? That's where I excel.   Need help? Let's talk before your next presentation.

  • “What makes you different?" I didn’t have an answer.

    When I started to think about it, my answer was very clear - it was my 20+ years in training & development. It prepared me to do what I love, which is helping others achieve through learning and design. For example, when you are building an online course, I’ll ask you these questions: What do you want the learner to KNOW? What do you want the learner to DO differently? What ACTION do you want the learner to take? The answers to these questions ensure your course enables knowledge and performance and leads the learner to act based on what they learned. So in addition to effective visual design, your course will answer these questions and deliver the impact you are looking for. Need help? Let’s talk before your next online course.

  • “My presentation didn’t work, no one paid attention.”

    Unfortunately, we may have all felt this at one time or another.  Why didn’t anyone pay attention if it was such a great topic that they all need to know? This can happen for a few reasons: Unclear messaging  – your audience either can’t follow your storyline, they don’t understand what you’re trying to accomplish or what you want from them at the end of the presentation. Overly complex visuals  – more isn’t always more. We can all fall in this trap but keeping it simple can deliver more of a message than crowding the slide. Lack of audience engagement techniques  – no one wants to hear you talk for more than 10 minutes at a time. Group and individual activities will break up the time and make it more engaging for your audience so they can better absorb your messaging. Generally, your audience should be ‘doing something’ for 85% of the time, you should be talking for 15% of the time (and not all at once!).  If you're getting the feeling that no one paid attention to your last presentation, let’s talk.

  • “Holy Toledo, how long is that man going to speak for??”

    Famous words spoken out loud by my grandmother at my 8th grade graduation in 1988, but they ring true for any speaker or presentation today. Long presentations can quickly turn from informative to downright tedious, leaving the audience's attention waning and eyes glazing over. So, how can we prevent this snooze fest from happening? A presentation should be like a good espresso – short, strong, and leaves you wanting more. Stick to the main points and trim the fat. Your audience's time is valuable, so don't waste it on unnecessary details or lengthy tangents. Here are some of the significant impacts of a long presentation on your audience: Engagement Levels: Initially, audiences may be attentive and engaged, however, as the presentation stretches on, attention spans can wane, leading to decreased engagement. Retention of Information: While shorter presentations tend to be more memorable, longer ones can overload the audience with information. Without  breaks or interactive elements, listeners can be overwhelmed and lose track of key points. Fatigue and Boredom: Sitting through a lengthy presentation can be mentally and physically exhausting (see grandma’s outburst). As boredom sets in, your audience may start fidgeting, checking their phones, or even nodding off, diminishing the impact of the message. Frustration and Impatience: If a presentation drags on without clear organization or a compelling narrative, audience members may feel frustrated or impatient. They may start to wonder when it will end or feel annoyed by the lack of concise communication.   Need help? Let’s talk before your next presentation.

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