Great Presentations or David’s Rules

Great PresentationsorDavid’s Rules Dave Calhoon Nov.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 Delta II Messenger spacecraft NEAR spacecraft

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, Practice In front of your peers In front of your wife In 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

Great Presentations or David’s Rules