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meginsanity's review against another edition
5.0
This Friday I'm heading a workshop for 11 librarians in the county, on how to use social media. I am a little bit nervous about this, not because of going up in front of a group of people (I have little fear of this, which is really surprising), but because I'm afraid I won't be able to get my point across, speak loudly enough, or be clear enough for people unfamiliar with new technology. I had written up a standard PowerPoint with bullet points, clipart, and gradient backgrounds, and it all felt so clunky.
The person who is helping me out with the presentation told me to read two books, this one and [b:Presentation Zen Design|6697979|Presentation Zen Design (Voices That Matter)|Garr Reynolds|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1276476366s/6697979.jpg|6893671]. I flipped through this one a couple weeks ago and was immediately inspired. I mean, immediately. Without actually reading a word of the book I sat down and did a "Zen" version of my PowerPoint. It no longer has more than six words per slide. It has no bullets. It has large, bold images and unique text. It has fewer slides than before, because I'll be talking, not reading what's on each slide.
I was super happy with it. Over the Labor Day weekend I settled down to actually read both books, and Garr Reynold's words have inspired me even more. He's really able to explain concepts of design in a familiar and accessible way. There are a ton of visuals, and it's so easy to get the point, especially with before and after slides. You really don't have to read it all the way through; you'll get the idea.
The person who is helping me out with the presentation told me to read two books, this one and [b:Presentation Zen Design|6697979|Presentation Zen Design (Voices That Matter)|Garr Reynolds|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1276476366s/6697979.jpg|6893671]. I flipped through this one a couple weeks ago and was immediately inspired. I mean, immediately. Without actually reading a word of the book I sat down and did a "Zen" version of my PowerPoint. It no longer has more than six words per slide. It has no bullets. It has large, bold images and unique text. It has fewer slides than before, because I'll be talking, not reading what's on each slide.
I was super happy with it. Over the Labor Day weekend I settled down to actually read both books, and Garr Reynold's words have inspired me even more. He's really able to explain concepts of design in a familiar and accessible way. There are a ton of visuals, and it's so easy to get the point, especially with before and after slides. You really don't have to read it all the way through; you'll get the idea.
evaward's review against another edition
4.0
A must read for anyone who needs or wants to communicate more effectively through presentations
thehosk's review against another edition
4.0
Good book on creating presentations. Easy read with lots great slides and advice.
_pickle_'s review
informative
fast-paced
3.0
If you've never thought about giving effective presentations, this book would be valuable. I found a lot of the content a little obvious and familiar.
papidoc's review against another edition
5.0
Presentation Zen is one of the best, if not the best, books on strong, persuasive presentations that I have ever seen. I regularly recommend it to my students who are struggling with presentations, or who want to improve their abilities. Reynolds focuses on simple design and delivery, enhanced by storytelling, to make presentations more fruitful. His three guiding principles include: restraint, simplicity, and naturalness.
A summary review like this can't do justice to the practicality and depth of the book, so I encourage those who look to improve their skills to read it. However, I would recommend not reading it cover to cover, as with another book. Instead, read it alongside a presentation notebook. Keep a notebook in which you prepare hypothetical or real presentations, and practice the Zen tools as you read through the book. Practice those skills in real presentations, then go back to the book to review and reflect, making notes in your notebook of needed improvements, and adjusting or enhancing your outlines for future presentations. Presentation Zen should be used as a workbook, not as a reference manual or textbook.
I have been a college teacher, a group process facilitator, and a corporate trainer for two and a half decades, and have found this book to be immensely valuable. I think others will as well.
A summary review like this can't do justice to the practicality and depth of the book, so I encourage those who look to improve their skills to read it. However, I would recommend not reading it cover to cover, as with another book. Instead, read it alongside a presentation notebook. Keep a notebook in which you prepare hypothetical or real presentations, and practice the Zen tools as you read through the book. Practice those skills in real presentations, then go back to the book to review and reflect, making notes in your notebook of needed improvements, and adjusting or enhancing your outlines for future presentations. Presentation Zen should be used as a workbook, not as a reference manual or textbook.
I have been a college teacher, a group process facilitator, and a corporate trainer for two and a half decades, and have found this book to be immensely valuable. I think others will as well.
anitaashland's review against another edition
4.0
This doesn't go into much technical detail about creating slides, but it gives you enough to get started without feeling overwhelmed. The best parts are all the examples of slides in the book. A great source of inspiration.
skyzyx's review against another edition
5.0
Great book for not only Powerpoint/Keynote presentations, but so many of these ideas can be applied to "presentation" in general (as in, "presentation is everything"). If Steve Jobs would have written a book on presentations, it would have been this one.
risamyers3's review against another edition
4.0
liked it enough to buy the 2nd edition. Good ideas, well written.
d_sebek's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent book on presentation and multi-media integration. !
bogdanbalostin's review against another edition
5.0
The best book about presentations. It's also structured like a good presentation, so the author gives the impression he knows what he's talking about. And he is right. The road to an efficient presentation is minimalism.
* Computer as a bike or car? Analogy. Who is in control?
* Pen and paper boost creativity and overview
* Solitude for creativity and discoveries. Community for improvement.
* Major questions:
* How much time
* Location and time
* Audience expectations and their background
* Fundamental purpose of the talk
* What's the story
* What is my absolute central point, if everyone remembers only one thing
* Dakara nani = So what? Ask yourself tough questions in the planning phase
* Clarity = sell the main point in 30-45 seconds. elevator pitch.
* A whole lot about the story and personal style and voice
* To amplify simplify
* Quotes are ok for some presentations.
* Empty space is also ok
* Computer as a bike or car? Analogy. Who is in control?
* Pen and paper boost creativity and overview
* Solitude for creativity and discoveries. Community for improvement.
* Major questions:
* How much time
* Location and time
* Audience expectations and their background
* Fundamental purpose of the talk
* What's the story
* What is my absolute central point, if everyone remembers only one thing
* Dakara nani = So what? Ask yourself tough questions in the planning phase
* Clarity = sell the main point in 30-45 seconds. elevator pitch.
* A whole lot about the story and personal style and voice
* To amplify simplify
* Quotes are ok for some presentations.
* Empty space is also ok