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Communicating Using Technology
Vol. 4 Issue 20 October 18, 2005
Published and Copyright by Dave Paradi
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In this issue: 1. Annoying PowerPoint Survey Results 2. Office 12 Changes Part 2 3. Useful Resource - Photo Sharing Sites -------------------------------------------- Privacy Policy: I will never sell or distribute your e-mail or information to anyone. -------------------------------------------- If you like the tips, pass it on! If you have received this as a forward from a friend, sign up for your own copy at: http://www.thinkoutsidetheslide.com/newsletter.htm --------------------------------------------
*** Los Angeles Public Seminar *** Special early bird discounts for the Think Outside the Slide(tm) seminar in Los Angles, CA on Nov 4th end this Friday night and space is limited. So sign up today and don't miss out. Complete information and registration is at http://www.thinkoutsidetheslide.com/resources.htm.
1. Annoying PowerPoint Survey Results Last week I gave you a preview of the results from the Annoying PowerPoint survey I did last month. I have now analyzed the 415 written comments and prepared a full article of the results. There were many areas covered by the comments, but three areas stood out. First, it appears that many presenters still don't know how to use the equipment. Examples include starting your presentation or laptop while connected to the projector (slip a book in front of the lens if you need to, just don't block exhaust vents from the projector) and even some presenters who don't know about Slide Show mode and deliver in Normal mode (this one even surprised me). Second was the poor design of so many slides. This covered color and fonts as I expected, but it also included an area that I find a lot in my consulting practice - the slide layout. Many people commented on how presenters don't use the slide master and layouts to keep a consistent look to the slides in the presentation. The third area of common concern was the presenter not bring prepared to add to what was on the slides. This was more than just reading the slides, which came out as the most annoying thing presenters do. This was a lack of preparation on the part of the presenter, not knowing enough about their topic. It is clear that presenters have not gotten much better since I did this survey two years ago and I still have much work to do. The full article is on the web site at: http://www.thinkoutsidetheslide.com/articles.htm. Feel free to pass on the link to others who could benefit.
-------------------------------------------- Learn to use PowerPoint in under 2 hrs Why wade through a big book - get a 13 step process that teaches you the 20% you REALLY need to know. "The step-by-step guide for these functions is far easier to follow than the PowerPoint for Dummies book I had!" -Randy Maples "Dave, many people go over the top with claims as to how great their product is - you know the sort - but I can definitely say that your e-book on Powerpoint is a no-frills, punchy and very helpful tool." - Tom Webb Go to this link: http://www.kickstartcart.com/app/adtrack.asp?AdID=45805 --------------------------------------------
2. Office 12 Changes Part 2 Last issue I talked about the changes coming to the user interface of MS Office next year. This time I want to focus on the other major change coming to Office - new file formats. Yes, Microsoft is changing the file formats for Word, Excel and PowerPoint. They are moving to an XML compressed format, which will enable smaller files and allow developers easier access to the files in order to build new applications that can read and write the files. Unfortunately it also means that all existing versions of Office won't be able to read or write to the new file formats without you downloading a file interpreter. The new version of Office will be able to save into the existing file formats and even set the existing file format as the default if desired. Microsoft has announced that they will not be releasing a file interpreter for Office 97 applications, so if you are still using the 97 version you will be out of luck when the new Office comes out. My recommendation is that if you are still using Office 97, upgrade now to Office 2003 so you are not left behind next year. You should also consider who you share files with and start thinking about procedures for dealing with the inevitable problems that will come when sharing files with colleagues using the new version of Office. Microsoft has gone through a file format change once before and it caused a large number of problems. They are planning this change better than last time, but I fully expect there to be considerable issues as people convert to the new version of Office next year. My suggestion is to not convert when the new version comes out, but to wait at least until 2007 when Microsoft works most of the problems out before you convert. Overall, the new version of Office will be a good move for the future, but it will be one that we all have to struggle with for a while as the conversion takes place. Microsoft has more details on their web site at: http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/newsroom/office/default.mspx
------------------------------------------------------- Make Your Next PowerPoint Presentation Compelling Do you have an important presentation coming up? Would you like to make it so compelling that people sit on the edge of their seats listening to you? If you do, let me help you with my ten step PowerPoint presentation consulting approach. This is way more than just slide design, this is professional input on the structure, design and delivery of your PowerPoint presentation. One of my consulting clients wrote "I can confidently say my sales have already increased as a result of this astounding presentation." If you are interested, go to this link: http://www.kickstartcart.com/app/adtrack.asp?AdID=85889 -------------------------------------------------------
3. Useful Resource - Photo Sharing Sites So many of us have digital cameras (we have two) and we want to share our photos with family and friends. Photo sharing sites have popped up all over the Internet and we may not know which ones are useful or offer good service. I recently found an article that rates some of these sites. I suggest you check it out at Information Week and see if one of these sites will meet your needs: http://tinyurl.com/aeofn.
-------------------------------------------- Need articles for your newsletter? Check out my many articles at: http://www.thinkoutsidetheslide.com/articles.htm. -------------------------------------------- Tools I use to sell my products: KickStartCart shopping cart system: http://www.kickstartcart.com/app/default.asp?pr=31&id=42487 Credit Card Processor PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/row/mrb/pal=8ADSGLU62YXWW Credit Card Processor 2checkout.com: http://www.2checkout.com/cgi-bin/aff.2c?affid=90267 -------------------------------------------- Would you like me to speak to your professional association or chapter event? I am always looking for opportunities to share my information with others and would love to explore speaking to your group. Just e-mail me at: Dave@ThinkOutsideTheSlide.com for more info. -------------------------------------------- Check out the books, e-books and other learning tools at: http://www.thinkoutsidetheslide.com/resources.htm ******************************************** This newsletter is: CUT Oct 18/05 [PPT Survey Results, Office Changes pt 2] If you want to read back issues of this newsletter, click on the following link to go to the Archives: http://tinyurl.com/nhgl ********************************************