Revolutionizing Presentations Through Storytelling
Presentation Revolution
Presentation Revolution: Revolutionizing Presentations Through Storytelling

Presentation Design Tennis - Day 10

Today is Day 10 of Presentation Design Tennis.  You can check out the master deck below.  Also, the last slide is dedicated to all the contributors thus far.  Thanks to all of those who are contributing slide ideas and participating.  Remember, there are still 5 more days left to join and play!

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Posted by Scott Schwertly at July 23, 2008 12:33 PM | Add Comment

To Trend or Not To Trend?

One of the best things about summer is getting to take those little road trips to places you've never been before, and you never know who or what you'll see.  A couple of weekends ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit my twin sister in Louisville, KY with our best friend from high school.  While we were there, we decided to visit a restaurant called Lynn's Paradise Cafe (featured on one of Food Network's "Best Of" episodes).  This place had eye candy beat out of any place I have ever seen!  On top of such menu items like Ginger Snap Crusted Fish Sticks and Fried Green Tomato BLT, it had a fun gift shop filled with everything you could imagine - weird and funky hats, sunglasses in every shape imaginable, gummy candy in the shape of a T-bone, and...bacon wallets (talk about literally "bringing home the bacon.")

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Or if you prefer a meatless version to hold your George Washingtons, there's also a buttered toast version.  Needless to say, this was the first time I had ever seen such a thing, and for some reason, I LOVED it.  I think what attracted me so much to this was the fact that it was a concept that seemed so unpredictable.  It delighted me.  It surprised me.  It made me say, "What the heck were they thinking when they designed this??".  The sheer impracticality and absurdity of it stirred a war within my design instincts.  This design broke many of the rules that most would use to measure good design, but I still couldn't help but side with the fact that something about it worked and was appealing.

So the question that arose out of this experience for me was is it beneficial to have designs solely for the purpose of trend-setting (or trend defying), even if it offers little practical value?  Many of the comments that I've researched on this wallet have been negative in their context, but I have also found positive ones that appreciate the humor and off-the-wall originality the design offers. 

What are you thoughts?  We appreciate hearing from you as always.


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Posted by Heather Peters at July 22, 2008 6:57 AM | Add Comment

Presentation Design Tennis - Day 8 of 14

Today is Day 8 of 14 of Presentation Design Tennis.  If you haven't caught wind of it yet, it is a collaborative presentation design event that is running on SlideShare.  It is now in the public phase and anyone can participate by adding a slide idea for the master deck.  You can start by joining the group and posting a slide.  Here is how it looks so far:


This is the first slide deck of it's kind and there is nothing else like this on the web.  Become a part of history.

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Posted by Scott Schwertly at July 21, 2008 11:16 AM | Add Comment

3 in 33 - Building Presentations Online - Episode 8

Here is another installment of 3 presentation tips in 33 seconds.  This episode is about where you can build presentations online.  Enjoy!

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Posted by Scott Schwertly at July 21, 2008 10:03 AM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

A Slide Deck for Teachers

Ethos3 had the recent privilege to work with Taylor Mali, a slam poetry performer.  He is particularly popular for his work on Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry or Def Poetry Jam.  The slide deck below is a recreation of his famous "What Teachers Make" performance.  You can see the live performance here.

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Posted by Scott Schwertly at July 18, 2008 9:47 AM | Add Comment

GUEST POST: The Presentation Critic - A Critique of Knute Rockne




Summary

Knute Rockne was truly a showman.  He was always promoting himself, his team, and the University of Notre Dame. Nonetheless, he was good at what he did - motivating and inspiring.

Content

I love the end of this talk.  It captures the essence of what a great pep talk should be all about.

"We're going inside of 'em, we're going outside of 'em -- inside of 'em! outside of 'em! -- and hen we get them on the run once, we're going to keep 'em on the run.  And we're not going to pass unless their secondary comes up too close.  But don't forget, men -- we're gonna get 'em on the run, we're gonna go, go, go, go, go! -- and we aren't going to stop until we go over that goal line!  And don't forget, men -- today is the day we're gonna win.  They can't lick us -- and that's how it goes... The First platoon men -- go in there and fight, fight, fight, fight!  What do you say, men!"

Oh, my gosh!  I think I just wet myself.

Design

Just another classic clip.  No design to be critiqued here.

Delivery

Rockne sure knew how to inspire the fighter that is in all of us.  Sign me up!  I need some Rudy right about now.

Remember, you can find more of my critiques at: ThePresentationCritic.com

5 out of 5 Flamin' Popsicles

That's a wrap,

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Posted by Scott Schwertly at July 18, 2008 9:22 AM | Add Comment

Welcome to Storytelling 101

Want to tell a story?  Don't know how?  Here are a few quick tips...just for you.  = )

If you are a fellow Rockstar, Maverick, or Sherlock and really dig our latest slidecast (a presentation with audio), we would love to have your vote for it in Slideshare's The World's Best Presentation Contest. 


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Posted by Heather Peters at July 17, 2008 7:42 AM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

The Art of Selling, Storytelling, and Pitching

Last night I was able to catch an episode of The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch.  I saw segments of this episode a week or two ago, but finally had the opportunity to watch the episode in it's entirety.  The show was all about the art of selling and how to pitch yourself and your business.  Topics included everything from Guy Kawasaki's 10/20/30 rule to "naughty bits."  Naughty bits?? Check out Part IV on non-verbal communication.  It's very intriguing.  

Here are all four segments for your viewing pleasure.  If you are a fan of Guy, check out Part II.

Part I - How to sell yourself


Part II - All about great selling and pitching techniques.


Part III - The difference between persuasion and manipulation.


Part IV - This section is all about non-verbal communication.  Learn more about "naughty bits."

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Posted by Scott Schwertly at July 16, 2008 12:14 PM | Add Comment

3 in 33 - How to Win - Episode 7

Enjoy this installment of 3 in 33.  This episode is on how to win with your next presentation.

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Posted by Scott Schwertly at July 14, 2008 12:19 PM | Add Comment

Presentation Design Tennis - Starts Monday, July 14th

Ethos3 is proud to sponsor Presentation Design Tennis which will be hosted by SlideShare. The match will officially kick-start this Monday, July 14th and will end on Sunday, July 27th. It's 14 days of design tennis!  That means one new slide for 14 days - one 14 slide deck when all is said and done.


The first five days/first five slides will feature the best presentation design firms in the country. This includes Ethos3, Presentation Partners, Rick Altman, Apollo Ideas, and Duarte Design. Days 6-14 are open to the public. That means you. =)

Hence... Saturday, July 19th is the first day of open submissions. If you want to play, title your slide appropriately and submit it to the group page on that day. For instance, if you are submitting a slide on Day 10, label your presentation "Day 10." We will then review all submissions for that day and choose one that can be added to the collaborative deck.

Please note: Make sure your slide submission is downloadable and obviously relevant to the topic. The topic for this match will be "What is Community?"

We welcome all participants and we hope you can join us. It's all about presentation design innovation and community.

Game. Set. Match.

Have fun!

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Posted by Scott Schwertly at July 11, 2008 9:00 AM | Add Comment

GUEST POST: The Presentation Critic - A Critique of Ronald Reagan




Summary

Although "A Time for Choosing" is over 40 years old, it still resonates.  Great passion and great conviction.  It's no wonder they have nicknamed this "The Speech."

Content

The last part of his speech is testament to the power of his content:

You and I have the courage to say to our enemies, "There is a price we will not pay."  "There is a point beyond which they must not advance."  And this - - this is the meaning in the phrase of Barry Goldwater's "peace through strength."  Winston Churchill said, "The destiny of man is not measured by material computations.  When great forces are on the move in the world, we learn we're spirits - - not animals."  And he said, "There's something going on in time and space, and beyond time and space, which, whether we like it or not, spells duty."  

You and I have a rendezvous with destiny.

Wow!

Design

No design on this one - just the old film.

Delivery

Reagan is in true form - passionate, convincing, and firm.  It's a great speech.

Remember, you can find more of my critiques at: ThePresentationCritic.com

5 out of 5 Flamin' Popsicles

That's a wrap,

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Posted by Scott Schwertly at July 11, 2008 8:59 AM | Add Comment

Lessons from Inigo Montoya

Repetition, it's a beautiful thing.  Repetition, it's a beautiful thing.  Repetition, it's a beautiful thing.  It makes the mind remember something.  It makes the mind remember something.  It makes the mind remember something.  Especially when things are in 3"s!  Especially when things are in 3's!  Especially when things are in 3's!

The same is true in presentations.  Neuroscientists have found that repetition is important in the "wiring" of a person's brain, i.e. the forming of connections or synapses between the brain cells.  Without these connections, the brain cells are as useless as batteries standing in a row next to a flashlight.  Only when the batteries and the flashlight are connected, can they produce light. 

So go out there, repeat yourself, and be remembered!

Here is a fun clip that shows you the power of repetition.  I bet over half of the readers will know the line in this movie from start to finish.  Enjoy!

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Posted by Lori Williams at July 10, 2008 10:03 AM | Add Comment

Say "Hi" to Mr. Presentation

I would like to introduce you to someone.  His name is Mr. Presentation.  Say "hello!"

If you dig Mr. Presentation, you can vote for him in the World's Best Presentation Contest.  He would really appreciate it.

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Posted by Scott Schwertly at July 9, 2008 4:19 PM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

Words and Thoughts in RGB

Here is a great educational piece on color.  It's a bit lengthy, but very informative.


On a completely separate note, there are some amazing videos on Vimeo, particularly if you like great visual storytelling. If you are not already familiar with Vimeo, go check it out. Here are two examples of the type of work that is featured there.



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Posted by Scott Schwertly at July 9, 2008 11:41 AM | Add Comment

A Presentation Lesson from Dara Torres & Rafael Nadal

Yesterday was definitely a great day in sports.  For starters, Dara Torres will be the first swimmer from the United States to compete in five Olympics:  1984, 1988, 1992, 2000, and 2008.  This year she is scheduled to compete in the Beijing Olympic Games in the 50 meter freestyle, 4 x 100 medley relay, 4 x 100 freestyle relay, and has the option to swim the 100 meter freestyle.  Quite impressive for a 41-year old mother! 
The other highlight of the day was across the pond at Wimbledon in the men's singles match between 5-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer and Spain's Rafael Nadal.  


It was a great showdown between the #1 and #2 ranked players in the world, and it was probably the best tennis match of all time.  It was five thrilling sets where Nadal triumphed to earn his first Wimbledon title which ended Federer's five year reign.


The presentation lesson for all of us is quite simple.  Nadal was battling the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year.  He had the chance to win a few times only to crack again and again.  However, he battled on and eventually triumphed.  Torres has also had her fair share of close calls, but she has remained focused throughout the years, only to accomplish something that seemed impossible.  

You will have your bad days and good days with presenting.  How you react to those "close, but not close enough" moments will truly define you.  Battle on.

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Posted by Scott Schwertly at July 7, 2008 11:24 AM | Add Comment

3 in 33 - Credibility and Presentations - Episode 6

Enjoy this sixth installment of 3 presentation tips in "roughly" 33 seconds.  This episode is on how to establish credibility when giving a presentation.


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Posted by Scott Schwertly at July 7, 2008 10:39 AM | Add Comment

Happy July 4th from Ethos3!

Wishing all of you a Happy 4th of July from Ethos3! 


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Posted by Scott Schwertly at July 4, 2008 10:53 AM | Add Comment

GUEST POST: The Presentation Critic - A Critique of Frank Slade



NOTE: Movie clip contains some foul language.


Summary

Last week it was Rocky Balboa, today it is Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slide from the 1992 film, Scent of a Woman.  Another inspirational speech!  I hope he likes this review.  I don't want him taking a FLAMETHROWER to this place!

Content

Greet speech and great conviction.  Mr. Slade's entire speech is full of great one-liners:

"No, I'm just gettin' warmed up."

"Outta order?  I'll show you outta order!"

"Makers or men; creators of leaders; be careful what kind of leaders you're producin' here."

"You hold this boy's future in your hands, committee.  It's a valuable future.  Believe me.  Don't destroy it!  Protect it.  Embrace it.  It's gonna make ya proud one day -- I promise you."

Woo-ah!  I love these types of speeches.

Design

No design to be critiqued on this film. Just another classic movie.

Delivery

Passion. Passion.  Passion.  Enough said. 

Remember, you can find more of my critiques at: ThePresentationCritic.com

3 out of 5 Flamin' Popsicles

That's a wrap,

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Posted by Scott Schwertly at July 4, 2008 10:52 AM | Add Comment

The BIG Idea

Ethos3 recently had the pleasure of working with Chief Vision Caster and author, Todd Albertson and his upcoming book to be released in 2009.  The name of his new book is Vision Caster:  Big Ideas Don't Just Happen.  Assembly is Required.

We hope you enjoy our teaser slide deck on the upcoming book.  We have recently uploaded this to SlideShare in the World's Best Presentation Contest.  Go Vote!

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Posted by Lori Williams at July 3, 2008 1:12 PM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

A Presentation Lesson from Dylan's Candy Bar

I am ashamed to admit this, but on my one day of working from home I had Oprah on in the background.  I know, I know. I'm embarrassed.  At any rate, she had Dylan Lauren on her show.  If you are not familiar with Dylan Lauren, she is the daughter of Ralph Lauren and creator of Dylan's Candy Bar, a very hip candy store located in New York City.  Today is actually the first time I ever heard of her or her store.  Dylan's Candy Bar is doing so well that they are also now expanding to Long Island, Houston, and Orlando.  It's testament to the creativity and magic that surrounds her idea.   
 
The idea to open her own candy store was inspired by the movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.  She apparently fell in love with the costumes, set design, and imaginary world of candy.  It was an experience she wanted to recreate in her own stores and it shows.  The beauty of her store screams "experience."  It makes you feel like a kid again.  It's fun.  It's magical.  It's an experience.  

Wouldn't it be great if our presentations were the same way?  I don't know about you, but I don't see too many presentations that are an experience.  In fact, they are quite the opposite.  Take a lesson from Dylan Lauren and make your next presentation something that will be unforgettable.

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Posted by Scott Schwertly at July 2, 2008 3:31 PM | Add Comment
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