2011/05/29

Title: Pursuing the Perfect Presentation: Content, Design, Narrative, Structure and Delivery

Speaker: Rab Paterson

Description: Paterson prefaced his presentation by saying, despite its title, there is no such thing as a perfect presentation. Perfection in presentation is instead a "Zen-like state" which one never fully achieves, but is nonetheless to be constantly sought.

Toward this end, Paterson walked Gunma Chapter members through the basics of making and delivering exemplary presentations. He spoke to the importance of evoking emotion in order to induce dopamine production, thereby increasing memory retention. He presented various helpful pneumonic devices such as KISS (keep it simple stupid), the three A's of content selection (it must be accessible, appropriate and attractive), the CRAP principles of design (contrast, repetition, alignment and proximity), and the rule of three (three beers are better than one). Most importantly, he prevailed on us to have fun and inject our own joy and humor when presenting.

Perhaps more informative than Paterson's content however was watching Paterson's presentation itself. Like any master, he made the art of presentation look easy and even enjoyable. Organizational tactics and presentation strategies learned this session will no doubt enable Gunma Chapter attendees to give better presentations, and to teach our students to do the same.

Paterson's slides for this presentation can be viewed here: Picasa

Other slides Paterson used to demonstrate CRAP design principles can be viewed here: MobileMe