The Gestalt of Slides

by Glenna Shaw, Visualology.net

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Ideas: “Gestalt psychology was developed during the 1920′s by three German psychologists. These psychologists found that we subconsciously segregate and group visual information to perceive it as a whole. Gestalt Principles demonstrate a consistent set of behaviors or rules pertaining to these visual perceptions. And these principles universally apply to all human beings. As presenters and/or slide designers, knowledge of these [Gestalt] principles can be a powerful tool.”

Music Has a Structure. Your Presentation Should Too.

by Nancy Duarte

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Ideas: “The sonata form in classical music has a similar structure to the presentation form. A sonata has standard “rules” to follow; yet each sonata sounds unique. Just as the presentation form is a guide, but it pays to be flexible within the form. You’ll see a clear beginning (exposition), middle (development), and end (recapitulation) in the sonata form. Also, contrast keeps the sonata interesting, just like in a presentation.”

The Naked Presenter:

Delivering Powerful Presentations With or Without Slides,

by Garr Reynolds

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Idea: How to streamline and simplify your presentations – advice from the Presentation Zen-master

Presentation Zen Design:

Simple Design Principles and Techniques to Enhance Your Presentations, by Garr Reynolds

Idea: How a deeper understanding of classic design principles can help you improve your presentation acumen – a sequel to Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery

Beyond Bullet Points:

Using Microsoft PowerPoint to Create Presentations That Inform, Motivate, and Inspire

by Cliff Atkinson

Idea: How to combine storytelling and projection

The Visual Display of Quantitative Information

(second edition)

by Edward R. Tufte

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Idea: How to communicate quantitative and statistical information, and the limitations of PowerPoint

The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint:

Pitching Out Corrupts Within (Second Edition)

by Edward R. Tufte

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Idea: Why the PowerPoint format prevents the effective presentation of complex information – from the controversial author and PowerPoint critic who jump-started the PowerPoint backlash movement

Philippe Kruchten reviews Edward R. Tufte’s The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint (book review)

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Resonate:

Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences

by Nancy Duarte

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Idea: How to connect with your audience by building memorable moments into your presentation, from the consultant who helped Al Gore prepare his widely acclaimed multimedia presentation on global warming

slide:ology:

The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations
by Nancy Duarte

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Idea: Advice for learning how to think visually

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs:

How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience
by Carmine Gallo

Idea: Presentation coach Gallo dissects Steve Jobs’ legendary presentations and simplifies his secrets for use by mere mortals

The Problem with PowerPoint

“The Problem with PowerPoint,”
by Max Atkinson, BBC.com

Idea: What 25 years of PowerPoint have taught audiences to dislike about PowerPoint

The 10/20/30 Rule of PowerPoint

by Guy Kawasaki

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Idea: 10 slides, 20 minutes, 30 point (or larger) font size, from a venture capitalist who has sat through thousands of presentations.  Any questions?

Really Bad PowerPoint

by Seth Godin, Seth Godin’s Blog

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Idea: Effective communication conveys emotion and asks for “the sale.” PowerPoint’s fetish with bullets works against this. Using four presentation components and five rules can help you create amazing presentations.

“The Zen of PowerPoint, Facebook and Twitter”

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Idea: Venture capitalist and prolific blogger Guy Kawasaki provides his take-away lessons from Presentation Zen Design: Simple Design Principles and Techniques to Enhance Your Presentations, by Garr Reynolds

Presentation Zen:

Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery by Garr Reynolds

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Idea: How to think beyond “slide presentations” and become more creative in preparation and presenting