Great Presentations or David’s Rules

Great Presentationsor

David’s Rules

Dave CalhoonNov.1, 2006

Summary/Introduction

• Background• Importance• Presentation format• Presentation rules• Art history example• Powerpoint demo

Caravaggio, The Calling of St Mathew, Rome, O/c

My Background

• Rocket/spacecraft design• Many presentations• Mentor young engineers• Marketing manager

NEAR spacecraftMessenger spacecraft Delta II

Importance

• Communication is 30-40 percent of the job– Everybody has technical/artistic skills– Separate from your peers• Opportunity to reach your:

• Boss’s boss• Gallery owner• Selection committee• Dean• Your team

Format overview

• Tell them what your going to tell ‘em

• Tell ‘em

• Tell them what you told ‘em

Format (con’t)

• No more than five lines

– No text– Quotes are o.k.– Don’t read the slide– Always use art

ART

Format (con’t)

• Do not read your paper– Its incredibly boring– Hard to follow

• Use handouts• Your paper• Summary• Include name, email• Address, phone number• Someone might want to give you a job

Format (cont’)

• Color• Use black or white background• Color for emphasis only

– In chart– In drawings– make a point– Always sparingly

RULES(CONT)

Practice, Practice, PracticeIn front of your peersIn front of your wifeIn front of your dog

Rules (con’t)

• What about Questions– Great– Sometimes best stuff

• During the presentation is best• At the end if time limited• After the presentation

– Away from next speaker– Written response

More Rules

• Know the terrain– Check out the room– Know where the lights are– Power outlets– Microphone– Projector

More Rules (Terrain stuff)

• Stand behind the dais• Check the sound system levels• Does your equipment work• Where do you sit?

More Rules

• Don’t be nailed to the podium– Move around– Go into the audience– Know the decision makers

• Always look at the audience• Not at your notes• Not at the slide• Not at your computer

Rules (cont)

• Look good-sound good– Dress conservatively and professionally– Be Neat– Speak clearly – Speak loudly

• To the back of the room• Use a mike

Pointer rules

• Stand on the appropriate side• Lasers are good

– Don’t wave them about– Use podium as a brace– Use specifically– And sparingly

Caravaggio in Malta

• Became a knight • Was arrested• Escaped• Died on Italian coast

Caravaggio, Beheading of John the Baptist, St. Johns Co- Cathedral,Malta, O/C

Conclusion

• This is an opportunity to become famous• Have fun• And practice