Point, Click & Wow!!: A Quick Guide to Brilliant Laptop Presentations

Point, Click and Wow is a not just another "how to create and present effective PowerPoints"; it's about living, working and communicating in a community where people actually meet face to face and interact. I found this book full of practical tools and effective techniques that teach a complete presentation style where communicating shades of meaning and listening are balanced with a clear understanding of how to create the perfect visual. I know my presentation skills just got a big boost!

As part of my preparation for Lotusphere, I've been reading the book Point, Click & Wow! - A Quick Guide To Brilliant Laptop Presentations by Claudyne Wilder and Jennifer Rotondo. I don't know how "brilliant" my slides will be, but they certainly don't suck as much as they used to! :-)The book is filled with a ton of practical material on how to prepare a laptop presentation, as well as how to deliver a great presentation regardless of the technology. Everything from organizing your data to slide composition to presentation timing to pre-presentation preparation. If you're an accomplished speaker, you may already know all this stuff. If you're just starting out, you'll learn a lot. Recommended.

Wilder and Rotondo have given us the Art and Science of Presenting -- from researching the audience, focusing on the goal of presentation, and organizing the content, to using technological tools, designing for impact, and rehearsing. The principles covered in their book can be used for any type of presentation situation (not just a PowerPoint slide show) and will therefore be useful to readers many times in the future.

I have had the pleasure of meeting the author and hearing her speak, and she is incredible in her understanding of the advantage that clear and exciting communication can offer. To provide her presentation skills, her tips and insights in this one book is a great deal--glad it is finally on the market! If we could all have Claudyne Wilder at our side as we make our presentations, we would shine! The content is thoughtfully presented, thorough and unique. Step by step, the author helps us move forward to a whole new level. Great book for helping with all aspects of business and organizational presentations.

Although this book is 3 years old, it still has lots of practical advice, from what colors to use to how to ensure that you are prepared on the day of your presentation. There are many specific suggestions about designing a presentation, getting to know your audience, choosing effective graphics, using animation wisely and standing up before an audience. The book closes with several helpful checklists. This book is applicable to any presentation program.