Speakers can hold an audience’s attention by challenging them</h1> <article> <h1>Speakers can hold an audience’s attention by challenging them</h1> <p>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:49:42 +0000</p> <div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/news-category-rapid-e-learning-software" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel">Rapid e-Learning Software</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-brafton-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Presentations do not have to be bad. In fact, they can be quite engaging when people use PowerPoint or <a href="http://rapid-e-learning.trivantis.com/">rapid e-learning software</a>. To avoid losing an audiences' attention with stale presenting techniques, professionals may want to keep a few of the tips offered by <a href="http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/29497/ten-resolutions-that-will-improve-your-presentations-this-year">Business Management Daily</a> on January 5, 2012 in mind.</p> <p>According to the business blog, appearance counts. This applies to speakers and any materials they bring to a presentation, including PowerPoint slides. When professionals step in front of a live audience, they should be positive and full of energy. Furthermore, they must resist the urge to slouch and speak at a sufficient volume.</p> <p>In the event that professionals are delivering PowerPoint presentations, they need to be careful not to communicate via slides, the blog reported. Whatever is being projected can serve as a guide, but should never take the place of the main presenter.</p> <p>When it comes to engaging an audience, professionals can hold listeners’ attention by challenging them to keep up, according to the blog. Videos can also be used to reinforce points.</p> <p><a href="http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/skills/presentations.aspx">Microsoft</a> also values the addition of video in a presentation and states on its website that this visual content can more effectively convey a message and remain engaging at the same time.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-upload field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div> </article> <article> <h1>Tips for presenting to the boss</h1> <p>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:52:52 +0000</p> <div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/news-category-powerpoint-presentations" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel">PowerPoint Presentations</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-brafton-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>On January 4, 2012, <a href="http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/marie-claire/all-about-you/career/article/-/12464361/how-to-conquer-public-speaking/">Marie Claire Magazine Australia</a> reported that 23 percent of people in this country have a greater fear of public speaking than death. Rather than letting this fear prevent them from using PowerPoint or <a href="http://rapid-e-learning.trivantis.com/">authoring software</a> to deliver a great presentation, professionals can work towards overcoming whatever obstacles are holding them back.</p> <p>In the event that somebody has to make a presentation to his or her boss, the news source recommended that this individual dress appropriately and trust his or her knowledge. Before a presentation, this worker should have a clear sense of what he or she wants to accomplish during the meeting, which, in turn, will help them focus the information being shared.</p> <p>It can also help to have an understanding of what the boss’ personality is, as well as his or her time pressures and priorities before presenting, the news outlet reported.</p> <p>When presenting in front of management, it may also help to follow the advice offered by <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/nickmorgan/2011/11/07/how-to-conquer-fear-of-public-speaking/">Forbes</a> on November 7, 2011. For instance, individuals may find that by rehearsing they can become more comfortable and ease their nerves.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-upload field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div> </article> <article> <h1>Ignite Phoenix event allows people to share PowerPoint presentations about food</h1> <p>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:35:52 +0000</p> <div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/news-category-powerpoint-flash" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel">PowerPoint to Flash</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-brafton-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>In Arizona, individuals have a chance to share their ideas, hone their presentation skills and build their professional network thanks to the information exchange known as Ignite Phoenix, according to its <a href="http://ignitephoenix.com/">website</a>.<br /> <br /> On January 3, 2012, the <a href="http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2012/01/ignite_food_is_officially_happ.php">Phoenix New Times</a> reported that Ignite Phoenix has begun to accept submissions for its spin-off, Ignite Food. Much like the information exchange’s other events, Ignite Food is designed to inspire, educate and entertain.<br /> <br /> According to Ignite Phoenix’s website, the upcoming event will be held at Stand Up Live at Cityscape in Phoenix, Arizona on March 19. Ignite Food is open to people who have a desire to share stories on any topic, as long as they are related to food.<br /> <br /> Those who participate in Ignite Food will have five minutes to talk, as well as the option of using 20 PowerPoint slides to help enhance their presentations, the website states. Topics can cover everything from cooking and ingredients to diet and lifestyle.<br /> <br /> Whether or not participants use <a href="http://rapid-e-learning.trivantis.com/">PowerPoint to Flash</a> software to enhance their 20 slides, they may leave with a few new personal and professional connections.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-upload field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div> </article> <article> <h1>Portable projectors may make practicing PowerPoint presentations easier</h1> <p>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:59:26 +0000</p> <div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/news-category-powerpoint-flash" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel">PowerPoint to Flash</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-brafton-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>While some professionals are naturals when it comes to public speaking, others realize that they need to practice in order to to deliver an effective presentation. For those who use <a href="http://rapid-e-learning.trivantis.com/">PowerPoint to Flash</a> to deliver eye-catching presentations on a regular basis, it can help to have a portable projector that these individuals can use whether they are in the office, at home or in a hotel room.</p> <p>On January 3, 2011, <a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/222522">Entrepreneur</a> highlighted a few products that professionals on the go may find useful. For instance, one device that these individuals can use is the 3M MPro150 pocket-sized projector. While its small size does not make it the best option for bright, large rooms, it can still come in handy when professionals need to give a quick presentation in a more intimate setting.</p> <p>Meanwhile, professionals who are looking for both convenience and quality can turn to the Vivitek Qumi Q2. According to the news source, this projector can emit a crisp image and contains built-in audio speakers.</p> <p>No matter what projector professionals choose, they should consider doing a test run at the venue where they will be speaking with the hardware they will be using, <a href="http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-20104882-285/how-to-use-powerpoint-effectively/">CNET</a> reported on September 12, 2011. This may help ensure that their PowerPoint presentations go as smoothly as they hope they will.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-upload field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div> </article> <article> <h1>Presentation expert provides help developing speeches</h1> <p>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 22:44:07 +0000</p> <div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/news-category-powerpoint-flash" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel">PowerPoint to Flash</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-brafton-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>As 2012 approaches, some professionals may have the new year’s resolution to give more effective PowerPoint presentations. However, even if they use <a href="http://rapid-e-learning.trivantis.com/">PowerPoint to Flash</a> software to make their slides visually striking, they may fail if what they have to say is less than inspiring.</p> <p>To help people give better presentations in the year ahead, <a href="http://beaconnews.suntimes.com/business/9687611-420/resolved-to-make-better-presentations-in-2012.html">The Beacon-News</a> spoke to Doug Carter of Square Planet Presentations in a December 29, 2011 article. Carter and his business partner Brian Burkhart help clients create and deliver more compelling presentations.</p> <p>According to Square Planet’s <a href="http://www.sqplanet.com/theuglytruth/index.html">website</a>, there is only a microscopic percentage of presenters in the world – but even they can use some help honing their skills.</p> <p>When crafting a speech, Carter suggested that people remember the three Ds – development, design and delivery. In Carter’s opinion, the development phase represents about 85 percent of the presentation planning process. This is also the time when individuals ask themselves why they are giving a speech.</p> <p>"Whether it’s three minutes or 30 minutes, you want your audience to feel something," Carter told the news source. “You want to create a story, make it real and believable."</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-upload field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div> </article> <article> <h1>Mobile applications for PowerPoint users</h1> <p>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:10:42 +0000</p> <div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/news-category-powerpoint-flash" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel">PowerPoint to Flash</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-brafton-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>A professional may have souped-up a presentation with <a href="http://rapid-e-learning.trivantis.com/">PowerPoint to Flash</a> software and is ready to share it with an eager audience, only to find that it will not load.<br /> <br /> One way to avoid embarrassment is to keep a backup presentation loaded on a memory stick or have another copy waiting in an email inbox, according to a September 1, 2011 <a href="http://www.cfoworld.com.au/management/534403/how-to-deliver-a-better-powerpoint-presentation/?pp=2">CFO World</a> article.<br /> <br /> Using free applications may be another way of avoiding a presentation catastrophe. On December 29, 2011, <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/247095/five_cool_free_business_apps_for_your_new_smartphone.html">PCWorld</a> highlighted a few business apps that might come in handy for professionals.<br /> <br /> For instance, those who have the Dropbox app loaded onto their Android or iOS smartphone have the ability to access any documents or presentations they have stored or shared via the cloud storage service, according to the news source.<br /> <br /> Business travelers may find another app known as TeamViewer to be useful. The news outlet reported that this program allows individuals to control their computer from anywhere in the world. This means that if professionals forgot to copy their PowerPoint presentation onto their memory stick, they can simply grab it on their way home from the office via their smartphone.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-upload field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div> </article> <article> <h1>Students give presentations to earn charity money</h1> <p>Wed, 28 Dec 2011 21:59:39 +0000</p> <div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/news-category-powerpoint-presentations" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel">PowerPoint Presentations</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-brafton-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>In the UK, entrepreneurs have a chance to go on television and pitch their idea in the hopes of gaining funding on a program known as Dragon’s Den, according to the BBC’s <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden/aps/about.shtml">website</a>.<br /> <br /> Instead of going before a group of dragons, or venture capitalists, students in the UK town of Ringwood recently delivered pitches to a special panel for their share of £1,000, the <a href="http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/9430098.Students_in_Dragons____Den_for_charity_funds/">Salisbury Journal</a> reported on December 28, 2011. Rather than investing the money in a venture, the winning team of students would be able to donate the money to a charity of their choosing.<br /> <br /> According to the news source, the money was donated by the Ringwood and Fordingbridge Lions Club and meant for the student team that made the strongest pitch. This provided pupils with an incentive to work hard toward winning the competition.<br /> <br /> Students chose to show films, use display boards, pass out leaflets and give PowerPoint presentations, the news outlet stated. In the end, seven teams reached the final round of the competition, with each receiving a sum of money for their preferred charity.<br /> <br /> Whether or not these students use <a href="http://rapid-e-learning.trivantis.com/">authoring software</a> during their careers, opportunities of this nature show how presentations can be effective in not only making a point, but also helping those in need.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-upload field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div> </article> <article> <h1>Using Twitter may improve people’s PowerPoint presentations</h1> <p>Wed, 28 Dec 2011 02:43:12 +0000</p> <div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/news-category-powerpoint-flash" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel">PowerPoint to Flash</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-brafton-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>People have different approaches to creating PowerPoint presentations. Some keep their slides simple, while others enhance them using <a href="http://rapid-e-learning.trivantis.com/">PowerPoint to Flash</a> software. The one thing most people can agree on is that nobody should ever read directly from his or her presentation as if it were a teleprompter.<br /> <br /> For instance, <a href="http://www.cfoworld.com.au/management/534403/how-to-deliver-a-better-powerpoint-presentation/?pp=2">CFO World</a> suggested that speakers keep their PowerPoint presentations conversational by talking around bullet points, according to a September 1, 2011 article.<br /> <br /> However, more verbose individuals may have difficulty condensing what it is they want to say into concise bullet points. For these presenters, creating a Twitter account is one possible way of becoming a more direct speaker.<br /> <br /> Twitter has certainly helped <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/causeintegration/2011/12/27/want-to-make-the-world-a-better-place-in-2012-send-a-tweet/">Forbes</a> contributor Joe Waters, who wrote on December 27, 2011 that the social media website has changed the way he speaks in public and creates PowerPoint slides. This is due to the fact that tweets can be no more than 140 characters in length.<br /> <br /> In addition, Waters wrote that each tweet must be clear, direct, active - and most importantly – short. All four words could easily describe phrases that should appear in effective PowerPoint presentations.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-upload field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div> </article> <article> <h1>North Carolina school district to launch PowerPoint class</h1> <p>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:49:51 +0000</p> <div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/news-category-powerpoint-presentations" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel">PowerPoint Presentations</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-brafton-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>When students graduate from high school and enter college or the workforce, they will be expected to have a vast amount of technological skills, including the knowledge of using various Microsoft programs like PowerPoint.</p> <p>According to a February 2011 <a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/getty-images-launches-gettyworkscom-first-dedicated-web-site-for-business-professionals-who-create-their-own-corporate-materials-and-presentations-71306587.html">press release</a> by Getty Images, there are more than 22 million installed copies of PowerPoint on computers throughout the country. Therefore, there is a great chance that no matter what industry high school students find themselves in after graduation, they will, at some point of time, need to use this software. In the age of technology, basic knowledge of PowerPoint and various types of authoring software has become crucial.</p> <p>In order to give its students these necessary skills, North Carolina's Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education recently announced that it has approved the addition of an honors high school course titled PowerPoint and Publisher, according to a Salisbury Post <a href="http://www.salisburypost.com/News/122311-School-board-guidebook-changes-qcd">article</a> from December 23, 2011. This new course will be available to students beginning next year.</p> <p>According to the news source, this class is in support of Microsoft IT Academy, which is a program that aims to give high school students the technological skills they need to be competitive in the workforce. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-upload field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div> </article> <article> <h1>PowerPoint add-on allows for slides with closed captions</h1> <p>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:42:41 +0000</p> <div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/news-category-powerpoint-presentations" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel">PowerPoint Presentations</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-brafton-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>When using PowerPoint or <a href="http://rapid-e-learning.trivantis.com/">authoring software</a> to create presentations, people are often told to use less words and more visuals to get their point across. However, different audiences call for different rules. For instance, when presenting to those who are deaf or hard of hearing, subtitles are a necessity.<br /> <br /> According to Gallaudet University’s Gallaudet Research Institute <a href="http://research.gallaudet.edu/Demographics/deaf-US.php">website</a>, an estimated two to four of every 1,000 people in the U.S. are considered to be functionally deaf. As a result, one never knows when he or she will need to create a presentation for a member of this population.<br /> <br /> Fortunately, software has been developed to make sharing information with these individuals a little easier. On December 21, 2011, a <a href="http://www.voxy.co.nz/technology/microsoft-commits-improving-nz-accessibility/5/111115">press release</a> announced that Microsoft New Zealand has made several add-ons for the hearing- and vision-impaired available for Microsoft Office.<br /> <br /> For instance, a collaboration with Microsoft services provider Intergen has led to the development of the STAMP add-on. Those who use this program can add closed captions to any audio files that appear in their PowerPoint presentations.<br /> <br /> "Information technology is becoming increasingly important in all aspects of life - education, work and social," said Mark Rees, Microsoft New Zealand's national technology officer. "We aim to ensure that everyone can access these tools and benefit from them, and add-ons like the ones announced today make this possible."</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-upload field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div> </article> </main></body></html>