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As one of the most recognizable brands in the world, Nike masterfully intersects design, function, and style in its products. Its success is rooted in its innovative brand philosophy, which relies on a lot more than product design in a variety of different fields, such as its marketing campaigns and ads. As we explore Nike’s brand philosophy, we can also consider how these principles can help guide your own brand’s growth and reception.

Why is Nike’s brand philosophy so successful?

To put it simply, Nike relies on a strong brand philosophy that has guided many of its marketing campaigns and products since its foundation. This philosophy isn’t just a business strategy; it’s a doctrine that permeates through Nike’s every output to ensure a cohesive and authentic identity that resonates with its consumers. This philosophy is built on four primary principles:

1. Innovating for performance and style

Since the very beginning, Nike has been at the forefront of athletic footwear due to its boundary-pushing designs that give athletes an edge. The center of its design philosophy is using innovation to enhance performance, yet it doesn’t focus entirely on performance. By fusing function and design and keeping an eye out for style trends, Nike can create fashionable products that translate well beyond sports.

2. Embracing the power of simplicity

Nike’s designs exemplify the power of simplicity, maintaining a balance between minimalism and engagement. Even though Nike’s famous checkmark logo stands out, other design features enhance it without overshadowing it. Stripped of excess, the designs are practical and approachable and manage to convey a strong brand regardless.

3. Storytelling as branding

Clothes can tell a story, and Nike makes sure of it. Through their branding and campaigns, the company can tell stories about the athletes who wear their products—about their challenges, obstacles, or achievements. Nike uses this strategy to ensure that each item carries a narrative about an athlete, the brand itself, or even a social cause, adding a human element to the brand.

4. Collaborative design approach

Nike isn’t afraid to explore collaborations with athletes, designers, or artists, resulting in innovative products and campaigns. Using a collaborative approach with different individuals and brands across different fields has allowed them to stay ahead of the curve and be relevant to their consumers. Embracing collaboration has led them to foster a unique and dynamic creative vision that constantly pushes boundaries with one-of-a-kind products.

What we can learn from Nike’s success 

Nike’s unique brand philosophy provides us with many lessons that we can use to facilitate our own creative process. Here are a few things we can learn:

Purpose-driven design

Whether the purpose is to persuade, inform, or achieve any other objective, having a clear goal in mind is necessary for building impactful creative work. Nike’s designs tend to have a clear purpose in mind: optimizing athletic performance while looking good. And so any product or campaign that the brand creates must be rooted in this concept and have every element aligned with this central goal. This approach creates a focused and intentional design that viewers immediately feel and understand.

Visual impact and brand consistency

Nike’s recognizable branding is a main contributor to its brand identity and success: the famous swoosh, the sleek design, and the bold colors. All of these visual elements create an impactful style that consumers have grown to love and trust. Consistency in its branding establishes Nike as a familiar comfort that regularly makes good on its promise and regularly delivers high quality.

Focusing on your core values

A brand’s set of values is the guiding force behind its business decisions. With Nike, we can see that it is more than just a brand; it is a set of values fueled and shared through innovative and inspirational design. Their commitment to these values comes through in their products; every shoe or campaign embodies them, proving that Nike’s core beliefs are not just jargon. They use their platform to take a stand on social issues, which shows how their core values are the heart of the brand.

After sprinting through Nike’s design philosophy, there’s a lot we can pick up and resonate with. Beyond their innovative product design, sleek, cool style, and emphasis on community, Nike is a company that has mastered its branding. Leaning on their values of innovation, simplicity, and collaboration, they are able to create a strong and lasting impression on consumers, inviting them to be part of the journey. And by applying these principles to ourselves, we can learn what it takes to create an enduring company brand.

Prezlab, specializing in presentation design in Abu Dhabi, draws inspiration from Nike’s brand philosophy, emphasizing innovation, simplicity, storytelling, and collaboration to craft impactful and memorable visual narratives for its clients.

Sources:

• (1) https://www.complex.com/sneakers/a/matt-welty/nike-flyease-kizik-skip-lei-interview 
• (2) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/12-principles-design-followed-nike-waqas-d-/ 
• (3) https://www.youtube.coNike: Find Your Greatness — Joggerm/watch?v=XcbSCnUXOkk
• (4) https://www.complex.com/sneakers/a/matt-welty/ranking-supreme-nike-collaborations 

In the business world, consulting presentations come as a relief from the constant ambiguity and uncertainty. Having data and research inform the consultant’s advice offers a beacon of clarity for clients. But often it is the way a presentation shapes that impression; this essential tool has the power to influence decisions, challenge mindsets, and pave a path for organizations. At Prezlab, we’ve seen firsthand the impact a well-crafted consulting presentation can have, and in this blog, we will discuss what elements you can master to create game-changing slide decks.

What is a consulting presentation?

While consulting presentations may look like just another slide deck, they actually have a lot of influence that can make or break a project. It is where a consultant lends their expertise to a client’s needs through clarity, brevity, and persuasion to bring insights and recommendations to life. We aim to unravel the different elements that make up an effective consulting presentation by identifying their purpose and components.

What is the purpose of a consulting presentation?

Before we look into the components of a consulting presentation, let us understand the purpose behind them:

Securing funding

The story of every successful startup begins with a powerful pitch deck, which is the heart of any venture’s idea. The presentation here doesn’t just tell an investor about a premise; rather, it sells an idea to showcase the potential it has to redefine the industry. An expertly crafted consulting presentation turns a budding idea into concrete, actionable propositions. These presentations bridge the gap between a visionary and an investor and make the case for an idea to deserve the capital and resources to be brought to life.

Influencing policy

With any policy change or societal shift, consulting presentations bear the responsibility of pushing for informed and sound decision-making. These slides are not just about the facts and figures; they provide strategic narratives that provide the necessary groundwork to steer those decisions. They weave together data, research, and stories to make a case to urge policymakers to consider new options that can shape the future.

Driving organizational change

To stay relevant, many businesses find themselves needing to reproduce and change within the ever-evolving marketplace. When found at these crossroads, consulting presentations are the guiding light that paves the way for a new direction. Their role isn’t just to gather compilations of what aspects need to change; they are blueprints that encapsulate the essence of the new vision. It sets the scope and maps out the roadmap, providing a reference while rallying all those involved to align for a common goal.

Key elements to consider for an effective consulting presentation

As we unravel the layers that make up an effective consulting presentation, you quickly realize that it’s a lot more than just the facts and figures. Rather, it’s an experience that inspires and influences the audience. By blending data with storytelling, these presentations are an art form in themselves. Let us explore some of the crucial elements that presenters must consider to ensure that their presentations can truly make an impact and resonate with their audience.

Crafting a powerful narrative 

Narrative is the necessary bridge that links raw data with thoughtful insight. Stories make information more human and relatable. To craft effective narratives for a consulting presentation, consider:

Understanding the audience

Before you start, think about who it’s for. Are you addressing stakeholders looking for ROI or directionless employees? Recognizing what your audience is looking to hear is half the work. When you tailor the narrative to specific perspectives, you’re already halfway there to gain their trust and attention.

Building a hook

Every engaging story starts with a strong beginning that hooks you in. In consulting presentations, this translates into the problem statement or the “why should I care?” part of the narrative. But it’s not about simply stating the problem, you need to frame it in a way that can resonate with the audience. By posing the central question, you lure in a curious listener and lay the foundation for the rest of the presentation.

Taking them on a journey

Once you’ve managed to hold your audience’s attention, you can now begin the narrative journey. Using the traditional storytelling structure, you begin by introducing the challenge and setting the tone. Then you lead them into the middle part with the extensive research. And finally, you smoothly slide into the conclusion with your solutions. Stories turn audiences into active participants, so you can end on a hopeful note by giving an audience a vision for the future to look forward to and begin working towards.

Building trust through transparency 

Trust is rooted in transparency. You cannot build relationships without a confident audience, so avoid “fake news” by keeping in mind the following:

Using authentic data

Naturally, you want the data to support your argument, and you might get the urge to cherry-pick the information that fits your narrative. However, authenticity is achieved when the facts speak for themselves. The presenter’s true skills lie in making the narrative fit the facts, not in altering the facts to fit the narrative.

Being clear on sources

Every piece of information shared should have a traceable origin point. Being straightforward with where your data was sourced from gives your presentation credibility and protects it from any potential disputes. Since information can be found easily and everywhere, the quality and reliability of the information are crucial. Presenters can emphasize their meticulous research and foster trust by clearly stating their sources.

Highlighting assumptions

Many consulting presentations will feature forecasts and projections for the future that rely on assumptions. It can seem tricky to support projections for results that do not exist yet, but by outlining the assumptions, you add a layer of depth to the presentation. It provides a proactive approach that anticipates future results and showcases the presenter’s preparedness and research. It shows that they considered several angles and perspectives, solidifying them as trusted advisors.

Customization for audience engagement 

Every audience is different, and recognizing this difference can make or break a presentation.

Customization is not merely a modern trend but an essential aspect of effective communication. At the heart of any successful presentation, lecture, or seminar is an understanding of the audience’s unique characteristics and needs. Every audience varies in its preferences, culture, and expectations. Recognizing these nuances doesn’t just enhance the presentation; it’s often the difference between one that’s forgettable and one that leaves a lasting impression.

Segmenting the audience

Audiences are rarely homogenous; there will always be distinct segments that each have their own interests and priorities. Assuming otherwise will lead to broad and unspecific messages that are too general to benefit anyone. By recognizing the different types of people within an audience, a presenter can incorporate different elements to resonate with and relate to each group. Tailoring a presentation to address different concerns ensures that the main ideas and concerns are addressed and that no one feels lost or dissatisfied.

Using relevant case studies

Another way to address a specific audience’s concerns is to offer case studies that are relevant to their industry and experience. Real-life examples make the abstract concrete. The theories and models are valuable, but drawing parallels from true events can effectively make the point clear and resonant. Relevant case studies make the subject matter relatable and closer to the audience.

Mastering the Q&A session 

Usually, the consulting presentation is just the precursor; the real challenge is what comes after: the Q&A segment. It is the perfect opportunity to properly engage with the audience, in that unscripted conversation, you can best demonstrate your expertise in the subject matter.

Anticipating questions

Even though every audience is different, a seasoned consultant can usually predict the kinds of questions that will come. By being able to anticipate these questions, you can prepare succinct and thought-out answers for a seamless interaction. Not only does preparation showcase your expertise, but this proactivity also shows that you respect the audience’s curiosity.

Handling curveballs

Despite your preparation, there will always be unexpected questions that catch you off guard. And although these curveballs present a challenge, they are also an opportunity. The key is to handle these questions with composure and transparency, you can acknowledge that you might not have an immediate answer and offer to follow up. This way, you would indicate your credibility by reminding the audience that you are always learning and evolving.

Ending on a high

There is no need for a Q&A session to just be a static series of responses, you can use this opportunity to go back to your presentation’s original message and theme. This way, you ensure that the message isn’t lost after segueing into different topics covered in the Q&A. By repeating the core idea, you solidify the presentation’s primary takeaways and leave that as the audience’s final impression.

A consulting presentation aims higher than a typical presentation; it offers a roadmap to help clients navigate their challenges. It weaves together a sophisticated blend of influence, understanding, and engagement to share research and insights with an audience. By putting together a compelling narrative and building rapport, these presentations educate and empower audiences to envision the path ahead. As they are about shaping perspectives and steering choices, they should be an illuminating experience for stakeholders.

In the world of consulting presentations, every slide you present needs to be able to guide clients through a maze of insights and strategies. They juggle several objectives at once: sharing information, persuasion, and building connections. When executed well, they flaunt your credibility and leave an enduring impression on clients. But as it is with any medium, there are do’s and don’ts that shape how well a presentation can be made. Regardless of which stage you’re in, this blog will discuss points you need to keep in mind to create slides that are impactful and beneficial.

The do’s of a consulting presentation

A consulting presentation is your chance to narrate a compelling story and to ensure that you’re able to do so, you should consider the following:

DO consider your audience’s point of view

Sitting through a presentation might not always seem exciting for the audience, but sitting through a presentation that they can’t understand? Not the best scenario. Although being considerate of your audience sounds obvious, you might find yourself getting carried away with your data and analysis, not realizing that it might be too much. Recognizing what your audience wants to learn is one step in creating a slide deck relevant to their interests. They are seeking insights and actionable plans, and if you find that you’re sinking too far into the extensive details, take a step back and remember the bigger picture. 

DO recap and look forward

Even in the best scenario, where the audience is fully engaged and invested, a final recap remains essential. Providing an overview of the key points and a summary will help solidify your core message and guarantee that you and your client are on the same page. Also, use this opportunity as a way to discuss the next steps or any follow-up actions to provide clarity regarding the next phase.

DO format your slides

In the consulting world, firms like McKinsey and BCG are known for their fixed formats and style templates, and for good reason. Formatting here is less about aesthetics and more about functionality, it is needed to ensure consistency, clarity, and appeal. Some general rules for formatting a consulting presentation include avoiding spilling out text and committing to staying within the margins, using a uniform font size, a uniform title size, and length, and using each slide to communicate a single point. These rules ensure a clear slide design that helps avoid misunderstandings while maintaining a professional and clear appearance.

DO use impactful headings

The headings you use have a crucial role in guiding your audience through your presentations. To craft an effective header for a slide, use clear, punchy language that incorporates action words. Headers should be sharp, catchy, and brief, preferably between 6 and 10 words that can capture the essence of the slide without relying on jargon. When created with intention, a well-written heading introduces the slide and sums up the story.

The don’ts of a consulting presentation

Presentations can persuade, inform, and inspire, but they also risk being ineffective. To evade common consulting presentation mishaps, avoid the following:

DON’T use jargon

For the sake of effective communication, using industry jargon can feel necessary. But you tend to walk a fine line. While they can boost your credibility as an expert, they can also alienate those who are unfamiliar with your vocabulary. The key here is to simplify your language; make sure to use common and straightforward language when discussing your insights and analysis. In cases where a jargon term is more appropriate, take the extra step to define it to clarify its meaning.

DON’T use generic templates

The world of consulting is dynamic and constantly changing, and your slides need to reflect that. Relying on a generic template can unintentionally communicate a lack of effort from your side, suggesting that your slides were created as an afterthought. To showcase genuine engagement, it’s essential to create slides that resonate with your audience and address the unique nuances of every consulting session. Personalizing a presentation to the context not only boosts your credibility but also demonstrates your commitment to delivering tailored solutions.

DON’T structure improperly

When navigating a vast sea of information, clearly structuring your presentation is crucial. Otherwise, you are aimlessly wading through dense data without any rhyme or reason, leaving the audience in a state of confusion. A logical structure can create a seamless narrative that flows naturally from one point to another, it is also where every slide can build off its predecessor. Invest time into your content to personalize it and intentionally showcase it in a way that transitions smoothly to create an effortlessly compelling presentation.

DON’T mischaracterize the objectives

Before sitting down to create your consulting presentation, you must first determine its primary objective. Is your purpose here to diagnose a problem or provide a solution? When there’s a disconnect between the intention and content, it can be confusing and, worse, unprofessional. Consider what the client’s anticipations are and aim to align the objectives with their expectations. Establishing the purpose will guide and shape your content and message and enhance the efficacy of your presentation.

In conclusion, it’s important to note that a consulting presentation is a lot more than just sharing insights on a slide. It reflects your expertise and the depth of your knowledge, and it shows off your communication skills. By keeping in mind these do’s and don’ts, you can elevate the quality of your presentation and share a resonant and impactful experience with your audience.

Virtual presentations, also known as remote presentations, have become an integral part of the technology age. Traditionally, in-person events have transformed into online experiences such as virtual conferences, webinars, meetings, and presentations. This mode of communication has become standard, but mastering the art of virtual presentations is still a challenge for many. Although presentations require more or less the same skillset, you ought to adapt your style and content to suit the needs of a virtual audience. In this blog post, we will cover all you need to know to master any virtual presentation you might have coming up.

Setting up for virtual presentation success

Preparation is key with virtual presentations, ensuring a smooth, successful delivery and an engaging experience for a virtual audience. From technical considerations to communication techniques, every aspect plays a vital role in captivating your viewers. Here’s how you can make your remote presentation shine:

Technical considerations and setup

To ensure a seamless presentation experience, you should expect the unexpected regarding all the technical obstacles, such as internet connectivity or power cuts. Doing checkups beforehand can ease your mind, like double-checking your internet connection or opting to sit in a room with the strongest WiFi connection. Other things to inspect are your laptop’s camera, microphone, and speaker—are they working properly and clearly? Do you understand the tools you’re using, can you screen-share or unmute your guests? And most importantly, be sure to have a Plan B ready for any unexpected glitches.

Creating an engaging virtual environment

Don’t let the virtual sphere mislead you; creating an engaging and immersive environment is as essential as it is for an in-person presentation—even more so, in fact. You don’t know how your audience will be responding behind their computer screens or their phones, so including them as part of the conversation is necessary to ensure that they benefit from your talk. Pass the mic back to the audience to involve them in your speech. Also, asking the audience to turn on their cameras since seeing faces will help build a connection for both the presenter and guests. You can also take advantage of the technology at hand and make use of the chatbox, polls, raise your hand features, and others to get your audience active.

Rehearsing in a virtual setting

Nothing kills the mood more than the awkward pauses while the presenter fumbles with the technology. Rehearsing your presentation (along with all technological coordination) helps you approach your presentation with confidence and competence. If possible, try to have a co-host with you to assist you by keeping an eye on the chat or sharing the screen so you can focus your attention on your presentation. To help avoid any hesitation and late discoveries, a test run is necessary to get the chance to comfortably experiment with the platform’s features. Also, consider recording your test run to see what works and what doesn’t in terms of sight and sound, and parsing out any lagging.

Setting up your virtual environment

Optimizing your presentation setup starts with selecting the right software and being well-equipped with the right tools. This allows you to have control over the features you might need for your presentation. Software such as Zoom, Google Meet, and others have varying tools that enhance audience engagement. Additionally, external tools such as Poll Everywhere, Kahoot, and ClickMeeting can help create word clouds, quizzes, and whiteboards. With these tools, you can not only facilitate audience engagement but also gain better control over the presentation’s environment, ensuring a seamless experience.

Adapting content for virtual delivery

Captivating an audience at in-person events can be challenging enough; however, all the usual methods need to be reconsidered and adapted for the virtual space. Virtual presentations will need a little extra garnish to be engaging in the same way.

Streamlining slides for online attention spans

Attention spans are short, and they are especially shorter online. To streamline and optimize your slides, embrace the art of brevity and keep your message concise and to the point. Use your slides to share your ideas with precision and clarity, you might have to kill your darlings to focus on the essentials and stay on track. Aside from the content, aim for attractive and visually appealing slides that include relevant images and infographics.

Making data stand out in a virtual setting

To maintain the audience’s interest, present data through compelling visuals such as graphs, charts, and infographics. We emphasize the importance of visually appealing slides often but for good reason. And online spaces are almost entirely about visuals; chances are your audiences will keep their focus on the shared screen and not on the little box with your face. So the slides presented need to be worthwhile and informative. Data is the unsung hero of presentations, and to bring out the best in your data, you will need to dress it up, so share it through graphs, charts, and infographics that are simple and beautiful.

Communication techniques for virtual presentations

Effective communication skills play a crucial role in maintaining the audience’s attention during a virtual presentation. With the lack of physical presence, the presenter will need to assert their presence in other ways that make it across the digital divide. Thinking about the following elements can help you figure out proper communication techniques that help establish a connection and share your message.

Vocal variation and pacing

Since your audience members are each in their own respective locations with different settings and distractions, you will need to assert your presence with what they can receive from you, namely your voice. Switching up your speech’s pace, pitch, and volume is an important method to keep your audience engaged. By establishing a lively and larger-than-life tone and persona, you would use your voice as a vehicle for your storytelling, and it should be able to carry them through the journey.

Body language and on-camera presence

Another obvious communication tool is your body language. Although the audience would probably only be able to see your head and torso, embodying confidence can bring life to your presentation regardless. Use hand gestures to emphasize certain points, have expressive facial expressions, and fix your posture. Of course, eye contact is always an important communication technique, so create the same effect online by keeping your eyes on the camera rather than the screen or other participants.

Handling Q&A and audience participation remotely

Setting aside a time slot for a Q&A session is a great way to engage with and respond to your audience directly. To streamline the Q&A process, utilize the chatbox or other Q&A platforms such as BoostHQ to enable participants to ask their questions. Remember that co-host we mentioned earlier? Having a moderator handle collecting the questions can help the presenter avoid multitasking under pressure and focus on fostering meaningful interactions with the audience.

Tools and resources for virtual presentations

In the current digital landscape, virtual communication is becoming the norm, and utilizing the appropriate tools ensures a smooth experience for everyone involved. Video conferencing programs and their many features can create an engaging environment and enhance the overall presentation delivery.

Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet

The three main softwares for remote presentations right now are Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, and they are the default options for many. Each program has its own pros, for example, Zoom is particularly efficient for webinars, while Teams is integrated with other Microsoft programs, and Google Meet is easy and accessible for beginners.

Polling and audience engagement tools

As we mentioned quizzes earlier, there are online platforms that allow you to create games for audience interaction, such as Slido and Kahoot. These tools let you make your own polls and quizzes and even facilitate interactive Q&A sessions more easily.

Screen sharing and annotation tools

Pretty much every video conferencing platform allows you to share your screen, but different platforms have many helpful features beyond that. Zoom and Teams can allow you to annotate the shared screen content in real-time. These tools are also great for bringing the presentation to life and present wonderful opportunities for collaboration and discussions.

Mastering virtual presentations requires embracing the possibilities that technology offers. As you refine your presentation skills, you will need to revisit the most recent tools to get comfortable with them. Double-checking your software, tools, and equipment, rehearsing beforehand, and adapting the content to a virtual setting are all ways to enhance the online experience for you and your audience. With practice, you will also be able to emote and communicate through the screen and truly build a connection with the audience. Creating captivating online experiences should not be a daunting challenge, but rather a new arena for your ideas to take center stage.

At any stage, continuously enhancing your presentation skills is key to becoming a better presenter. So many aspects contribute to a powerful presentation, and being a strong presenter relies on your knowledge of each. And many of the answers you seek can often be found in a book. From presenting to storytelling to data visualization, there’s a book for everything! This blog explores a curated reading list of eye-opening books that can enhance your presentation skills.

Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo

Some of the most impactful and engaging presentations we’re familiar with are TED Talks, but what is it that makes them work? In his book, Talk Like TED, Gallo goes into what factors contribute to their success. TED Talks have set a standard for presentations that many aspire to reach, and this book breaks down why that is and how to reach it. Discussing structure, storytelling, and public speaking, Gallo looks into the different techniques that TED speakers have relied on to make their presentations dynamic, memorable, and compelling. By unraveling the secrets behind the iconic TED speakers, he simplifies what it takes to create a captivating and extraordinary presentation, as elaborated more in the following recommendation. 

Show and Tell by Dan Roam

In the book Show and Tell, Dan Roam discusses a revolutionary concept that easily improves any presentation: the art of visual storytelling. Roam believes that using visual elements can heighten audience engagement and even improve their understanding of the material. Here, he provides a detailed guide to conveying big, complex ideas using simple visuals and illustrations. By sharing practical tips and illustrative examples, you can learn how to use pictures, diagrams, and visual metaphors effectively to leave a lasting impression on your audience. Show and Tell encourages you to harness your creativity and produce powerful pieces of visual communication that do your ideas justice.

Presentation Patterns by Neal Ford

Is your presentation missing just that extra touch that makes it special? Presentation Patterns explores many tried-and-true designs and techniques with insights on how to engage a variety of different audiences. By looking through these chapters, you can find ways to stand out as an exceptional presenter through their unique techniques that break the conventional mold. Regardless of the type of presentation you seek to prepare, you can adapt these techniques to keep all eyes on you as you speak. With a touch of innovation to spruce up your slides, this book lets you create inventive, eye-catching presentations with informative slides to make you stand out. 

The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics by Dona M. Wong

Presenting data is a sensitive, high-stakes mission. There is no room for misunderstandings here, and luckily, this book understands that. Wong’s guide is the ultimate resource for anything related to presenting data, facts, and numbers with enough clarity to ensure that there is no need for any double takes or confusing follow-up questions. The process of breaking down complex information to make it accessible and digestible for an audience is simplified and explained. This book outlines the necessary do’s and don’ts of data visualization to make sure that your visuals are coherent and informative to allow stakeholders and audience members to make informed business decisions. 

Nothing Gets Sold Until the Story Gets Told by Steve Mutler

Whether it’s for a product showcase or a business pitch, the secret weapon for any effective presentation is almost always storytelling. This book offers a fascinating perspective that highlights the importance of storytelling in sales and presentations. Learning the art of narrative doesn’t only engage your audience; it also stokes the flames of action within them. This is why, in Steve Mutler’s book, he takes the time to eloquently describe what it takes to craft an engaging narrative, enabling you to sell your ideas and bring your audience to action confidently.  

It’s Called Presenting, Not Talking Out Loud by Al Golzari

Despite the harsh truth stated in the title, Al Golzari is right. In this short guide, he outlines his insightful, and often humorous, take on what it takes to speak well during your presentation. Using anecdotes, examples, and actionable advice, the book is able to reduce presentation nerves and empower readers to rock the stage. Through this book’s journey, you learn to embrace your speaking style, conquer any stage fright, and reframe your view of presenting to a more receptive one. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced speaker, the author meets you where you are with step-by-step guides on planning and delivering presentations.

A browse in your local bookstore is one step toward figuring out what your presentation needs, other than a consultation with our very own experts. These books cover many topics related to presentations, including public speaking, slide structure, information design, and showcasing concepts for business presentations. With a comprehensive range of the different facets of presentations, they will surely set you on a path toward extraordinary presentations. Start your journey now by exploring these invaluable resources! 

Much like the TV shows we binge-watch into the night, the magic of a presentation lies in its ability to captivate the audience. From our own experience, we know a well-crafted story can capture hearts. By drawing inspiration from some of the greatest TV series, we can learn valuable techniques to apply to the stories we wish to tell.

What is storytelling and why is it important for presentations?

Storytelling is the ability to weave together information and messages into a narrative that can captivate listeners. Using a plot, characters, and setting, stories paint a vivid picture that brings ideas to life and evokes emotions. When effective, it can make even the most skeptical audience members receptive to the message being shared.

In presentations, storytelling isn’t just about sharing information; it builds a bridge between the presenter and the audience. By establishing that connection, the content becomes relatable and more likely to be memorable to the audience. Stories have the power to engage audiences by appealing to their emotions, sparking their imagination, and moving them to action. Incorporating stories into presentations makes the central message more impactful and leaves an enduring impression.

How storytelling is used in TV shows

Storytelling is the cornerstone of every TV show that finds its way on the air. These shows have not only entertained countless viewers, but they’ve also provided valuable lessons on how to construct effective narratives. With story as the foundation, these shows weave together plot twists, character connections, and tension to captivate audiences and hold their attention. They rely on building layered narratives and relatable characters to create memorable journeys that turn them into the beloved media that we know them to be.

10 TV shows that are masterclasses in storytelling

If you’re looking for ways to improve your storytelling skills, TV is a great resource for masterfully told stories that lead to dedicated fan bases. Why not pick up a thing or two from these iconic series? Here are ten TV shows and what we can learn from them:

Breaking Bad: How to create complex and compelling characters

The one thing that audiences loved about Breaking Bad was its complex and compelling protagonists. Yes, they are flawed and complicated, but they are also relatable and sympathetic, which makes audiences invested in their story and journey. Characters are the heart of any story, so don’t be afraid to give your characters (and that includes yourself!) layers and depth to make them more realistic and authentic.

Mad Men: How to use dialogue to create atmosphere and tension

This dialogue-heavy drama used its witty and sharp script to explore themes of identity and growth. Relying on the dialogue, Mad Men was able to create a tense atmosphere between the different characters. With every interaction loaded with subtext, we are reminded of the power words carry. In presentations, emphasizing key points can be done in different ways to truly drive the point home, since every word chosen or left unsaid can have an impact on your audience’s perception and understanding.

The Walking Dead: How to create an atmosphere through setting

The Walking Dead very much embraces the principle of show, don’t tell. The story doesn’t rely on exposition or dialogue; rather, it shows us what is happening through the characters’ actions and the environment they’re in, creating an immersive experience for the viewer. Instead of flooding your audience with wordy explanations and dense illustrations to share your ideas, create a conducive atmosphere that lets the information unfold naturally. Sometimes, it is better to pull back and let the action speak for itself; not everything needs to be spelled out for the audience.

Game of Thrones: How to build suspense and create cliffhangers

In the high fantasy world of Game of Thrones, audiences were hooked week after week through the show’s artful construction of cliffhangers that left them hungry for more. With its many, many twists, the show’s addictive storyline relied heavily on suspense. By skillfully structuring your content, you can create anticipation with the plot, which keeps the audience attentive, engaged, and interested in more.

Grey’s Anatomy: How to tackle difficult or complex themes

Grey’s Anatomy is a show that delves into the struggles of its many characters and explores them in depth. Challenging topics can be hard to get into, but they are often needed to stimulate meaningful conversations and productive discourse. Letting your content get honest and resonate with real-life challenges pulls the audience’s heartstrings and engages them on a different level. This ensures that your message is felt and actually leads to impactful results.

Stranger Things: How to use nostalgia to create a sense of wonder

A little nostalgia never hurts anyone. Stranger Things’ vivid world is beloved partly because of the many references to the 1980s that people miss. Many of us will miss little quirks and details from the past, and evoking nostalgia with nods to a bygone era creates a sense of wonder. Use nostalgia and people’s attachment to the past by immersing the audience in a familiar and beloved era. By rooting your content in a relatable context, it makes it more memorable and easier for the listeners to connect with.

The Office: How to use humor to create a relatable and engaging story

A prime example of “relatable humor,” The Office delves into the lives of ordinary employees but uses humor to showcase their relatable obstacles. At its core, the show is about workplace politics, friendship, and family, but through its humorous scripts, it brings these themes to life and makes the mundane irresistible. An effective presentation is able to showcase its understanding of familiar topics and share relevant points by using engaging techniques that bring them to life in a new way.

Parks and Recreation: How to create a positive and uplifting story

In the sitcom Parks and Recreation, a group of government employees try their best to make their town better. Characters face their challenges with hope and humor, leading to wonderful, heartwarming moments that can ignite the spirit. Parks and Recreation shows us that stories don’t always need to be bleak to be good; positivity can easily elevate a narrative to be uplifting and inspiring. This show underlines the idea that presentations don’t need to be complex to be impactful; a touch of positivity and simplicity can easily elevate the content to be uplifting and inspiring.

The Good Place: How to use philosophy to create a thought-provoking and entertaining story

Borrowing a lot from philosophy, The Good Place creates thought-provoking episodes that are always awe-inspiring. Philosophy isn’t just complicated, inaccessible ideas; it is also a lens through which we understand the world around us. In the show, questions about ethics and morality are addressed through entertainment, making the show’s central message easy to digest and meaningful. By addressing core ideas in simple and enlightening ways, you can ensure that your central message is comprehensible and impactful.

How TV shows can teach you how to tell better presentation stories

TV shows are one of many ways to find meaningful stories in our lives, and through them, we can gain valuable insights into interesting and effective storytelling techniques. By paying attention to the dialogue, the pacing, the themes, and the character development, you can learn a lot about how a narrative looks when set in motion. The idea here isn’t to copy the show but rather to understand what makes it work and consider how you can adapt these techniques to your presentations.

Storytelling has become a vital skill for any presenter, and inspiration can easily be found in the diverse world of TV shows. By incorporating the lessons from the shows we mentioned, you can enhance your skills and create meaningful and impactful presentations. So grab the remote control, sit back, and begin your journey toward becoming a master storyteller.

Any strong PowerPoint presentation requires clarity, structure, and the ability for the user to smoothly navigate through the slides. A table of contents offers a roadmap that provides an outline for a presentation’s content that both the presenter and audience can follow.

It is a wonderful and underrated tool that serves as both a preview and an outline, with the added bonus of solidifying the presenter’s professionalism and preparation. This guide looks at the various ways to create and customize a table of contents in PowerPoint.

What is a table of contents in PowerPoint?

A table of contents is a guide that shows the different sections of a document and their page numbers. This page, often referred to as the Agenda Slide in presentations, offers a necessary overview of the content and structure. Another notable benefit of a table of contents is that it ensures clarity and provides easy navigation between different sections and slides. Typically, the table of contents only takes up a single slide or page and is utilized to add an interactive element with its clickable pages.

Why use a table of contents in PowerPoint?

Including a table of contents benefits both the presenters and audience members by providing them with an overview of the content to come. It establishes a clear structure for the presentation to follow and simplifies the navigation across different slides for users to jump between their desired sections. Also, it is a helpful reference for those absentees who can easily catch up and identify which sections they missed or want to follow up on. Plus, it gives a presentation a professional touch that demonstrates the presenter’s organization and command of the material.

5 Ways to create a table of contents in PowerPoint

There is no one fixed way to add a table of contents to a PowerPoint presentation; it is a flexible process that allows you to customize it as you please.

Method 1 – Manually creating a table of contents

An obvious and easy way to create the table of contents is to manually generate the table by typing out all the content and titles you want to use.

Step 1:

Add a slide to be your table of contents or agenda slide, you can insert a table or format it however you like.

Step 2:

Type out or copy and paste each of the slide titles in the presentation that you want covered in the table of contents.

Method 2 – Dragging the slides to the presentation

The first method doesn’t include any complex formatting or manual linking to add a table of contents; it is as simple as dragging and dropping slides. Although note that this method only works with Windows users.

Step 1:

As you add your fresh slides for your presentation content, add a slide to be designated as your table of contents by clicking on the “New Slides” button in the Home tab.

Step 2:

On the left-hand “Thumbnails Pane,” select the slides you wish to include, click and hold the slide, and drag it to the table of contents slides.

Step 3:

Once you’ve dropped the slides in the table of contents, PowerPoint will automatically link them and showcase the slide’s thumbnail.

Method 3 – Using the Outline View

In the second method, you can easily use the presentation outline and slide titles to generate the table of contents using the Outline View.

Step 1:

Find the “View” tab and click on “Outline View.”

Step 2:

Then you should find all the slide titles listed in the thumbnail pane on the left, so simply copy and paste the titles to the table of contents slide and format them as you prefer.

Method 4 – Using the Slide Zoom Feature in PowerPoint

In the latest PowerPoint versions since 2019, there have been new features that facilitate making a table of contents easier, such as the Slide Zoom Feature.

Step 1:

In the Insert tab, find the “Zoom” button and click on the “Slide Zoom” option.

Step 2:

A Slide Zoom dialog box should appear with all the presentation’s slides; tick the slides you want to be featured in the table of contents and click “Insert.”

Step 3:

PowerPoint will represent the slides with their thumbnail images, you can change them by selecting “Zoom” and playing around with the features in the “Zoom Tools Format” tab. Finally, arrange the thumbnails based on the presentation’s layout, so that when you play the presentation, you can use the Zoom feature to navigate across the slides.

Method 5 – Using SmartArt in PowerPoint

For this approach, you would have already created a table of contents using any of the above methods. But once you have your table of contents ready, select all the text and click on the “Convert to SmartArt” button in the Home tab. From there, you can choose a template to elevate your table of contents to be more visually appealing and organized.

Linking the table of contents to slides

To make the table of contents effective as a map for your PowerPoint, adding links allows the user and/or presenter to jump from slide to slide without excessively searching. Before being able to add any links, there should already be a table of contents ready to use. In the current PowerPoint versions, you will need to manually link each slide.

Step 1: Selecting the content

Highlight the header in the table of contents and click on the “Link” button in the Insert tab.

Step 2: Linking the content to the slides

In the “Insert Hyperlink” dialog box, find the “Place in This Document” section on the left side and choose the slide that corresponds with the header. Select “OK” to confirm your selection.

Step 3: Modifying the text color

You will recognize the linked text by its blue color; you can customize the color to align with your presentation’s color scheme. Finally, test the link by clicking on it to confirm its effectiveness.

How do I add page numbers to the table of contents in PowerPoint? 

Currently, there is no way to add page numbers to a PowerPoint presentation. If you want to add page numbers to a presentation, you will need to do so manually and include a separate column in the table of contents to add the page numbers.

Customize a table of contents PowerPoint Slide

Having meticulously crafted and interwoven a table of contents into your PowerPoint, it’s now time to transform it into a visually stunning and harmonious component that blends in with your presentation’s branding. Explore the design elements within the ribbon menu that give you the power to experiment with text fonts, color palettes, and shapes that will not only elevate the aesthetics of your table of contents but also emphasize its headers.

Examples of a table of content

There are different ways to present a table of contents through PowerPoint design. These examples showcase diverse ways of designing engaging agendas to suit your presentation, as well as your audience.

Example 1: Table of Contents APA Style

A common PowerPoint format uses the APA style for formatting and citation, so naturally, when it is used, it will extend to the table of contents. Here, each of the headings is highlighted based on whether it’s a 1st heading, 2nd heading, etc., all left-aligned, formatted, and with an additional indent based on its level. For more details about APA formatting, find and follow an APA 7 citation guide.

Example 2: Colorful table of contents

For a more creative and distinct table of contents, you could use a more infographic-inspired style. This might not always be suitable for larger presentations since it will occupy several slides, but it is a unique approach for a visually appealing table of contents slide. A colorful approach also helps the viewer identify different headings and topics more easily with the presentation’s structure.

Example 3: Table of Contents with a Picture

Another creative approach for a table of contents is to incorporate a relevant image into the slide to make it blend in with the rest of the presentation. Depending on the image, it can be a nice, subtle touch to offer variation from a traditional outline while still maintaining an interesting slide.

Example 4: Table of Contents with Text

Kill two birds with one stone by sharing the presentation topic and outline on one slide. Add a brief text that introduces the subject matter and positions it across from the presentation headings to give the audience a clearer idea of what is to be discussed.

Incorporating a table of contents into your PowerPoint significantly enhances the presentation’s organization and efficiency. Providing the audience with a content overview keeps them involved and allows them to follow along more effortlessly. Creating a table of contents allows you to design a flexible and effective framework in which to present your material, and is an easy way to ensure a proper and coordinated presentation.

In a world full of shiny distractions, captivating the audience’s attention in a presentation feels like a daunting task for many presenters. We know the struggle is real. As a presenter, knowing what elements capture attention and using powerful strategies makes all the difference when it comes to delivering your message effectively and with lasting impact and inspiration.

What captures the audience’s attention?

What’s the secret sauce to capturing an audience’s attention? Understanding what makes an audience member perk up helps you design presentations that can grab their attention. These factors include:

• Novelty: People are drawn to the new and unfamiliar. Ditch the old and mundane and sprinkle your presentation with surprising twists!
• Surprise: Blow their minds! Unexpected events refocus the audience’s attention, drawing all eyes and ears toward you.
• Conflict: People are intrigued by tension and suspense, making them hungry for more.
• Emotion: Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster; when you evoke emotions, stirring the audience’s feelings will have them fully invested.
• Relevance: When the subject hits home, the audience will be more likely to pay attention and hang on to your every word.

Attention spans and the modern audience

Attention spans have been shrinking for years. Back in the year 2000, the average attention span lasted about 12 seconds; today, you only have a mere 8 seconds to impress. Part of this is due to the rise of technology, which has made distractions easier than ever. Now presenters must learn how to engage their audience quickly and, more importantly, maintain their attention throughout their presentation.

Visual elements that grab audience attention

Who said presentations needed to be boring slideshows of stock images? In addition to the factors listed above, let us look into the many visual elements that have the power to capture our attention, including:

Colors and emotions

Colors have a significant influence on a viewer’s emotions and perceptions, as well as creating visual interest. When you understand color psychology, you can select the right color palette that aligns with your brand and content and creates a visually compelling experience for your audience.

Shapes and patterns

Shapes and patterns are necessary to create a sense of order, balance, and visual interest in presentations. Strategically incorporating shapes and patterns into your slides enhances their overall visual appeal, turning them into works of art.

Motion and dynamics

Incorporating dynamic multimedia elements such as videos, animations, transitions, or GIFs can generate a presentation’s energy and excitement. They help break up the monotony and make your presentation captivating and memorable for all audience members.

Engaging through storytelling

Stories are easily one of the most powerful ways to engage an audience. Weaving in tales transports listeners to a different world and creates an emotional connection to the characters and the stakes they hold that makes a presentation memorable.

Why stories hold our attention

Once upon a time, stories reigned supreme! They are unique in that they can capture attention by creating a sense of familiarity with the audience, whisking them away into a world they wish would become a reality. People are drawn to narratives because of the way they mirror their own lives and experiences, allowing them to connect emotionally with and engage with the story on a personal level. Building bridges between the material and the audience makes it easier for them to understand and relate to the message.

The narrative arc in presentations

Every powerful story needs a roadmap: a beginning, middle, and end. Each part serves a purpose within the narrative; the beginning establishes the characters and settings, the middle develops the conflict further, and the end resolves the conflict and concludes the story. Using a narrative structure in your presentation, you can create suspense, build anticipation, and keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Case studies and real-life examples

Using real-life examples and case studies is a great way to give the audience a point of reference and engage them. This way, case studies would enhance the audience’s understanding and retention of the information. These examples make your presentation more memorable and give the listeners something to relate to and connect with.

Using sound to engage

Awkward silence is not an option here. Sound is a powerful tool when used well; it creates an atmosphere and stimulates an emotional response. Pumping up the volume with music and sound effects can engage an audience, amplify the storytelling, and reinforce the message with strategically placed sound cues.

Music and sound effects

To set the mood, music and sound effects can enhance a presentation by evoking certain emotions. Whether there is excitement or suspense, presenters can use music to create an atmosphere that leverages their message. Additionally, audio elements can be used to creatively emphasize points by using them as cues or markers that draw attention to the important takeaways within the presentation. So, hit play and let the music take control!

Voice modulation and pace

It is no secret that a captivating speaker is a joy to watch and that largely comes down to their voice modulation and pace. The key is to prevent monotony by changing the pace and tone. When a speaker frequently adjusts their tone, they convey different emotions and intrigue the audience about what comes next. In addition, the vocal techniques affect how information is received; slowing down means that the listener can digest more complex information while speeding up can heighten engagement and intrigue.

Interactive elements to sustain attention

Using interactive elements such as games and quizzes is a great way to sustain attention and keep your audience invested. Any and all forms of audience participation are a sure way to get them involved in your presentation rather than remaining passive listeners. No more snoozing!

Polls and quizzes

Polls and quizzes are a great way to test your audience’s knowledge and keep them on their toes. And using the results it yields, you can generate meaningful discussion and create an interactive atmosphere where the audience is encouraged to share their ideas. It’s like a game show, except knowledge is the prize!

Live demonstrations

Live demonstrations are used to showcase how something works. They are a socially-acceptable segment of the presentation where presenters can confidently show off their work. Typically, live demonstrations are relevant for presentations that feature new products or services to allow the audience to see a practical application for the object. Sometimes, you can even call on an audience member to help demonstrate and use the product.

Audience participation and gamification

Nothing gets an audience more excited than friendly competition. Incorporating games and gamification elements such as challenges and rewards increases audience engagement and uses their competitive spirit to maintain an interactive environment.

With all these strategies in your arsenal, you are now armed to rock the stage! With balance and adaptability, you can deliver your message powerfully and leave a lasting impression. Tailoring the content to the audience’s needs by incorporating storytelling and interactive elements is vital to crafting a magical experience that resonates with your audience.

Just like stitching together different pieces to create a monster isn’t limited to science fiction novels, presentation decks often become frequent victims of this phenomenon. The Frankendeck is an unwisely recycled slide deck that can lead to disastrous consequences for business communication, causing clutter, confusion, and chaos. To save your deck before it’s too late, learn more about the dangers of the Frankendeck and avoid falling into this trap!

What is a Frankendeck?

In the shadowy realms of the presentation world lurks a dreaded phenomenon known as the Frankendeck. Named after Mary Shelley’s character, this monster is a set of dug-up presentation slides stitched together haphazardly to create a beast. It is born as a presentation, but as slides are repeatedly stitched and sewn into it, it becomes a nightmarish collage of cluttered and disjointed slides.

The dangers of reusing a presentation deck

Presentation decks are an important part of business communication; they share information, persuade, and build relationships. When used well, presentation decks can be an effective tool for achieving business goals; however, when neglected, they can become an obstacle.

Outdated information

Reusing any old presentation slides means that you risk presenting outdated, therefore inaccurate, information. This can be problematic, especially as you’re audience will come to expect accuracy and recent data from your presentation. Additionally, stale information will be irrelevant and may harm your credibility as an authority on the subject. Failing to take into account the evolving expectations of your audience may lead to misinformation, so it is crucial to prioritize frequent reviews and update your presentation deck with current and accurate information.

Inconsistent formatting

Reusing a presentation deck often results in inconsistencies in formatting and structure. When the colors don’t match, the fonts are small, and the theme is outdated, the result will be a poorly received, unprofessional, and difficult-to-follow presentation. Inconsistent branding will confuse and distract audience members, not to mention that it is another factor that could hurt your credibility. It is vital to initiate a thorough review to ensure a unified and polished presentation deck.

Unclear message

Recycling a presentation deck may result in a lack of a strong, cohesive message. Occasionally, a Frankendeck is created when various team members add more slides without removing any, which results in a cluttered slide deck that has lost the plot. And a presentation without a core idea is a presentation that wastes the audience’s time and leaves them with more questions than answers. To tackle this issue, a thorough review and editing are needed to consolidate the content and organize the main ideas.

Tips for avoiding Frankendecks

If you find yourself dealing with a potential “Frankendeck” presentation, there’s no need to panic just yet. Instead of deleting the entire file, consider these valuable tips to salvage your slides and create a polished and professional presentation:

Start with a clean slate

This might seem painful, but sometimes the best way to avoid a Frankendeck is to just start your presentation from scratch. That way, you can avoid creating any more inconsistencies and errors. When restarting your presentation deck, you can improve the layout and structure to be cleaner and clearer. Things to keep in mind are the main purpose of your presentation, the content and information, and using a logical sequence that helps the audience follow along.

Update and revise the information

If starting over is not practical, then focus on updating the slides to be relevant and accurate. Start by reviewing the content on each slide and cross-referencing it with your current data. If the information is outdated, either replace it or remove it from the presentation. Once you update all the slides, make sure to proofread and format the presentation to avoid any errors.

Redesign for visual appeal

After updating your slides, take the chance to redesign the deck for better visual appeal and ease of understanding. Maintaining consistency across all slides through a unified color palette, fonts, and formatting will enhance the overall professionalism of your presentation. Prioritize simplicity, ensuring that the content is easy to read and not distracting for the audience. Also, using a template like the one on our website can be a helpful starting point for creating an appealing and cohesive slide deck.

Preventing Frankendecks: Effective measures for the future

Even the best of us can fall victim to Frankendecks, but with some proactive measures, you can ensure your presentation decks remain coherent and professional.

Keep a master copy of your presentation decks

A crucial step in avoiding this type of presentation deck is to save master copies of all your presentation decks. These master copies should be unified and branded to serve as a reference point for any new presentations. So whenever you need to create a new presentation, the master copy can simply be copied and edited accordingly. This approach ensures consistency and reduces the risk of haphazardly assembled slide decks.

Create a template for your presentation decks

Another way to avoid a Frankendeck is to use a template for your presentation decks. Platforms like Prezlab offer brand-friendly templates that can provide a consistent and professional look for your presentations. By adhering to a template, you can steer clear of slides that do not align with your presentation’s overall message, maintaining a cohesive and polished look.

Define your objectives clearly

Having a well-defined purpose for your presentation is key to avoiding a presentation deck disaster. When your presentation has a clear message, it becomes easier to structure your deck in a coherent manner. Consider developing a presentation storyboard that represents your presentation and your narrative and aligns with the objectives you want to achieve. And once you know what you want your audience to walk away with, you can begin to eliminate any unnecessary content that doesn’t align.

Frankendecks, like the monster they’re named after, can be a presentation nightmare to deal with. They can dangerously undermine your business communication and damage your credibility, however, that does not mean that your slides cannot be salvaged. Saving your presentation deck from a Frankenstein fate relies on an attentive eye to keep updates ready and formatting consistent. Embracing these strategies keeps your slides fresh, coherent, and engaging.

While text-heavy slides are not recommended, font choice plays a role in engaging the audience during a presentation. To ensure that the text is read during the limited time it’s on screen, using a clear font is necessary. Each font has its own personality, which contributes to the overall tone of your presentation. However, with the wealth of fonts and typefaces available, how do you know which is supposed to work best for your PowerPoint?

Why is choosing the right font for PowerPoint so important?

Font choice serves as a visual element that can grab the audience’s attention; it sets the tone and contributes to the presentation’s overall atmosphere. Slides are only displayed for a moment before the presenter moves on with their next point; thus, the font choice needs to be readable for brief time frames to support the presentation’s overall clarity.  

When deciding on the ideal fonts for your PowerPoint presentation, you first want to understand the voice your presentation is going for. Are you going for a Times New Roman tone that is formal and classic? Or something professional, less about the fuss and feathers, like Arial? Do you want to stick to familiar options at all, or do you prefer to stand out with a unique typeface?

Understanding your desired voice helps guide you in your search for the perfect font. And to start, you need to be familiar with the four types of fonts you will choose from serif, sans-serif, script, and decorative. 

Serif fonts are known for their decorative strokes at the ends of their letters, as we see in Garamond and Times New Roman, while sans-serif fonts are more about clean lines, like Calibri and Verdana. Typically, serif fonts are deemed more suited for printed text, and san serif fonts are better for on-screen texts. However, this is all flexible and can be adjusted based on your preferences. You can mix and match serif and sans-serif fonts together based on what works best for your brand. Meanwhile, script and decorative fonts resemble handwriting and can give a more special and almost ceremonial dimension to a presentation. 

Tips for choosing the best font for PowerPoint presentations

With the wealth of options available, it can be tricky to decide on the right font for your presentation. To make your decision easier, here are some ideas to keep in mind as you whittle down your options.  

Stick to standard fonts

It can feel like the easy and obvious choice, but standard fonts are recommended for a reason. Naturally, you’d want your presentation to maintain consistency across different devices and platforms, and the basics such as Calibri and Tahoma are a safe bet that will look the same without any formatting issues. Also, familiar fonts are known to audiences and are great for readability.

Consider color contrast

Other than the typeface and font pairings, color contrast is another important detail to consider. As discussed earlier, color pairings can make or break a presentation, including the text’s color. Contrast is necessary to make the text readable for the audience, not to mention, of course, being mindful of your brand’s color palette. Additionally, consider the needs of those with color blindness when selecting the color scheme to enhance their experience.

Consider font pairing

Needless to say, using several fonts at once can create an overwhelming and jarring experience for the viewer. However, a clever combination of two complementary fonts can be a great way to effortlessly create a visual hierarchy and visual interest. Typically, a font pairing would be a balanced blend of a serif font for the headline and a sans-serif font for the body text. Sometimes, font resources will suggest pairings that work well together, but in the end, the key to a good font pairing is how the two fonts balance each other out.

Choose the right size

The perfect size for a font in a PowerPoint isn’t necessarily one size fits all; however, there are general guidelines to adhere to. For example, font size 32 or larger is better for headlines, and font size 24 is appropriate for body text. Choosing smaller font sizes would not make the font readable on a screen; it’s crucial to choose a font size large enough for the audience to read.

Avoid decorative or complicated fonts

While decorative or script fonts such as Lucida Calligraphy and Gothic fonts may be visually appealing, they can be difficult to read for some audiences. They can make for beautiful titles, but the driving force behind your font choice should always be readability first; avoid the swooping decorative font as well as italics or all-caps fonts. Opt for typefaces that are comprehensible and suited for all occasions.

Keep an eye on font tracking and kerning

Familiarizing yourself with typography and typographic terms will help simplify choosing a font. Both kerning and tracking affect a text’s readability; kerning refers to the spacing between two letters in a font, while tracking refers to the spacing between the letters of a whole word. When using fonts, you need to avoid typefaces that are too crowded to be legible or too spaced to follow along. Luckily, both are features you can tweak directly in PowerPoint.

Maintain consistency

Consistency is always key, and the same rules apply to every design aspect used in a presentation. Once you’ve decided on your font or font pairings, stick to your font choices all throughout your presentation, as well as the font’s size, color, text type, etc., for a professional look that signifies your credibility.

Limit the use of animated fonts

Animated PowerPoint features have become outdated, and animated fonts can be more distracting than engaging. You need to reflect on the purpose of the animation—is it just a fun effect or does it enhance your text in any way? Chances are it doesn’t, so step away from the animation tab. 

10 of our favorite presentation fonts

The world of fonts is vast and limitless, and it can be hard to choose from the thousands of options available. Here, we compiled our favorite typefaces, from the classics to what we think are underrated fonts.

Garamond

We previously mentioned Claude Garamond in our article about graphic designers; he is the mind behind one of the oldest English typefaces we have, dating back all the way to the 16th century. Garamond is a typeface that encompasses a variety of fonts, such as Adobe Garamond, Garamond ITC, and the Roman Style of Garamond. The Roman Style, in particular, includes design choices that improve legibility after printing, making it a great choice for body texts.

Palatino

In 1949, Hermann Zapf, inspired by calligraphic works and the Italian Renaissance, developed the Palatino style used in advertising and other print media headings. He created a font to remain readable on low-quality paper and small prints, which makes it suitable for presentations where the text will be read from a distance.

Verdana

A super common choice for PowerPoint presentations, Verdana is a young font created in 1996 for Microsoft, and it has been developed to be used onscreen. The wide spaces and tall lowercase letters make it easy to read; plus the font is also compatible with both Windows and Mac devices.

Tahoma

Another font that was designed for Microsoft, Tahoma is Verdana’s more orderly cousin, considering the tighter spaces between the letters that create formality and clarity. Tahoma fonts have been a common choice for PowerPoints since the 1990s and remain a classic for a reason.

Roboto

Roboto can be an excellent font option with its modern and friendly aesthetic, making it a suitable choice for many different presentation styles and industry topics. Regardless of whether you decide on a serif, sans-serif, or script font, Roboto is simple and versatile enough to complement a wide range of different fonts. This adaptability makes it a clear choice for harmonious and appealing slides.

Montserrat

Montserrat is a popular font, and for good reason; it is a practical and contemporary font that can be found on many websites and presentations. It might be a cliche option, but it is certainly not a boring one.

Playfair Display

The effortlessly chic Playfair Display is a fashionable choice for those unwilling to stick to a standard font, but unwilling to go bold. The boxy feel of the letters might make for disorienting paragraphs, but it creates more pronounced headers with uncompromising elegance. Playfair Display is also a beautiful choice for quotes or subtitles used in a presentation.

Libre-Baskerville

This serif font creates a traditional look that you can easily pair with many typefaces and color schemes. Surprisingly, Libre-Baskerville works well as both a headline and a body text font, it’s easy to read and eye-catching. Also, it doesn’t hurt that it’s a classic that conveys the user as a professional with authority.

Helvetica

A classic sans-serif font with its own fanbase, Helvetica has an almost-symmetrical proportion that makes identifying letters easy when viewing from afar. Helvetica is a great choice for headers or titles in a PowerPoint where there is an audience viewing from varying angles and distances from the screen. To make your point stick, consider a Helvetica typeface for your titles.

Georgia

Georgia’s elegant design blends thick and thin lines for its impressively proportioned serif letters. It can be compared with Times New Roman, but it holds its own as a timeless font that is a graceful choice for a PowerPoint presentation. 

How to import a font into PowerPoint

Sometimes, you might find a perfect font that is ideal for your presentation, but it is not available on PowerPoint. No need to fret; you can still include it in your presentation by importing it into PowerPoint through these easy steps. 

Step 1. Download your fonts

Find your desired font on a font or design website such as Google Fonts or Da Font and download it.

Step 2. Extract the font

Usually, when you download a font, you will find that it’s a compressed file. Extract it before installing it into PowerPoint. You will not need to unzip the file if it is downloaded as an .otf or .ttf file.

Step 3. Install the font

In the font file, you will find a button to install. Once installed, the font should appear in your Window’s font library. To reach it, go to Local Disk (C:) on your computer, go to the Windows folder, and click on the Fonts folder.

Step 4. Open PowerPoint

Finally, open PowerPoint and you should find your new font among the others.

Selecting the right font is tricky business; it needs to align with the content, and context, and also deliver the desired impact of your presentation. Use this opportunity to create an accessible and engaging presentation suitable for all types of audiences. The right font will not only elevate your presentation but also effectively share your message. So explore and experiment with different fonts to create a visually appealing presentation. 

Among the many presentation styles available, the Pecha Kucha format stands out for its influential impact. This unique format focuses on creating a crisp, laser-focused presentation contained within 20 slides. Pecha Kucha inspires presenters to distill their main ideas succinctly without dilly-dallying, evolving from a format into a phenomenon.

What is a Pecha Kucha presentation?

Originating in the minds of Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham, Pecha Kucha is a presentation format that originated in Tokyo in 2003. The name Pecha Kucha means “chit-chat” or “small talk” in Japanese, which appropriately reflects the succinct nature of these types of presentations.

Pecha Kucha is defined by its 20-slide format, with each slide automatically switching over after 20 seconds. This prompts the presenters to be brief and concise, focusing on the crux of their presentation’s message and eliminating any fluff. 

Exploring the influence of Pecha Kucha on presentation styles

Pecha Kucha’s unique format has significantly impacted the world of presentations, encouraging many presenters to reevaluate their storytelling and communication techniques. This approach has helped foster more engaged audiences and create memorable experiences.

Since the first Pecha Kucha Night was hosted by the founders in 2003, many cities have followed suit and hosted their own events. Pecha Kucha Nights invite anyone to present and share their ideas about any subject they like within the Pecha Kucha style. They are a free space for creative minds to network and interact in person.  

Pecha Kucha works particularly well in the digital age, where attention spans are becoming shorter and the demand for concise, engaging content is growing. The brief, visual-heavy style fits perfectly within online platforms, making it a popular format for virtual presentations.

The Pecha Kucha presentation format

The Pecha Kucha format holds advantages for both the audience and the presenter. The presenter is challenged to refine their presentation to focus on the key elements, producing more memorable content. Meanwhile, the audience enjoys the refreshing brevity and directness of this engaging format.

Understanding the 20×20 rule

At the heart of a Pecha Kucha presentation lies the 20×20 rule: 20 slides, displayed for 20 seconds each. With the entire presentation lasting only 6 minutes and 40 seconds, speakers are encouraged to use their time efficiently and stick to their central idea. 

Benefits of the format 

Pecha Kucha’s widespread appeal signifies its effectiveness; you can find the format used in different industries such as business, academia, and artistic spaces. The compact format prompts the speakers to use creative thinking to deliver a brisk, energized presentation performance, capturing and maintaining the audience’s attention. 

Creating a compelling Pecha Kucha presentation

Ready to experiment with the Pecha Kucha format? Here are some tips for creating a compelling Pecha Kucha presentation:

Choosing a focused and engaging topic

Choose a captivating, focused topic that genuinely interests you; audiences can sense when a presenter lacks interest in their presentation’s subject. Also, it is a great motivation to talk about a subject that you’re curious about; when a speaker’s passion is palpable, audiences become more intrigued.

Crafting a concise and impactful storyline

With the limited time frame, the storyline needs to be impactful. The Pecha Kucha presentation should follow a clear trajectory that includes a beginning, middle, and end. Every slide should build on the one before it and move the story forward. Considering that there are only 20 slides, there is no room for any extraneous content that doesn’t directly serve the story. 

Practicing and timing the presentation for smooth delivery

The success of a presentation largely depends on the rehearsal efforts to ensure a smooth delivery. To be able to present with confidence and self-assurance, set aside the time to practice and recite your presentation. By practicing and timing your presentation, you can confidently align your pacing with the Pecha Kucha time limit of 6 minutes and 40 seconds.

Designing impactful Pecha Kucha slides

When designing the slides for a Pecha Kucha presentation, one thing to keep in mind is that it is a visual-heavy format. Furthermore, the slides need to complement the speaker and make an impression in the short screen time they have. To design eye-catching Pecha Kucha slides, think about the following: 

Simplifying slide design for maximum impact

A Pecha Kucha slide should be clean and simple. Since the slides will be displayed for 20 seconds each, the design should be straightforward, the text simple, and not cluttered with too much information. The audience should be able to quickly grasp the content of each slide and connect it to the overall message. 

Effective use of visual elements

Since the Pecha Kucha slides switch quickly and automatically, this format of presentation relies heavily on their visuals, meaning every visual needs to pack a punch. The slides should enhance and reinforce the overall message, which is why the visuals should typically be a single image or text that is relevant, irresistible, and aligned with your ideas. Think of the text, images, shapes, and other visual elements as the puzzle pieces needed to add a whole other layer of brilliance to your presentation.

Consistency and coherence 

To avoid audience distraction, your presentation should be unified, given the brevity of the format. One way to do so is by creating consistency across slides through text, color, visuals, ideas, and any other element used. This will help maintain the audience’s attention and give an overall impression of your credibility and competence as a speaker. 

Pecha Kucha stands out as an innovative presentation style, challenging presenters to bring out the best of their ideas within a strict time constraint. Its simplicity and brevity serve as perfect antidotes to drawn-out, lengthy presentations, transforming them into dynamic and engaging experiences. Embrace the Pecha Kucha format in your next presentation, letting your ideas take center stage without unnecessary frills.

The business model canvas is like a roadmap for your business’s or product’s success. It’s a visual way to break down all the key elements that make your company tick, like your value proposition, target customer, and channels. The business model canvas is the perfect tool for analyzing and updating your strategy, getting everyone on the same page, and planning out new business models. Think of it as a one-stop shop for organizing all the important information you need to develop and launch your product. You can create a business model canvas for your existing business to gain more insight or for a business you are planning to launch. 

Elements of a business model canvas

Although there are some variations depending on the type of business, the classic business model canvas comprises eight core areas that, together, give shape to your business model: 

Customer Segments

Customers are essential for a business to be able to turn a profit. To learn more about your customers, consider their current and future needs, as well as their demographics, likes, and dislikes. It is also helpful to consider other factors regarding their relationships with similar businesses. Think about any additional segments that could benefit from your product or service to highlight the future direction of the business. 

Value Proposition

In a business model canvas, you must clearly outline the company’s unique products and services, otherwise known as the value proposition. A company should offer something original that stands out from the competition. It should highlight benefits that distinguish the company, such as quicker service, more efficiency, or better quality for a cheaper price. There are two ways to categorize these values: quantitative or qualitative. Quantitative values refer to the types of benefits that are quantifiable for the consumer, such as speed or price. Meanwhile, qualitative values are more abstract and cannot be counted, like a great experience with customer service.

Customer Relationships

In this section, your canvas covers the different types of relationships you have with your customers. Here you describe how your customers can find your business, how you maintain relationships with them, and where the business will grow its audience from there. Think about all the different touch points between your business and your customers, whether in-person interactions, email, social media, etc. Customer relationships include personal assistance, self-service, and communities. Personal assistance refers to customer service or any other way of providing tailored service to specific customers. And while self-service or automation does not include interaction with the customer, you can still personalize the experience with tailored recommendations based on browsing history. Finally, when operating within a certain niche, establishing a community of like-minded people brings customers together based on their shared interests. The type of relationship a business has with its customers will depend on the services provided and the customer’s needs. 

Revenue Streams

Revenue streams are the diverse channels that generate income for a company. In a business model canvas, a company’s income should be represented and detailed through its revenue streams. Commonly, the different streams of income a business could have included asset sales, subscriptions, leasing or lending, white labeling, licensing, or advertising. Although these revenue streams can change, a business should be able to regularly keep up with, review, and optimize them as the market evolves. 

Key Resources

Resources are essential assets needed to run a business and provide the customer with value. And like many of the other elements, your resources can come in many forms. Pinpoint key resources to lay out in your business model, whether they are human resources, financial resources, physical assets (such as offices or warehouse space), or intellectual property. Your business model should be able to identify what is available and what will be needed for your business to be successful. You can refer to previous channels through which the business operated to decide what elements would benefit from creating a sustainable business model.

Key Activities

Similar to the key resources, you should consider what is needed to develop the value proposition and ensure its success. The key activities are the actions needed to guarantee that the business model is effective. For example, the key activities can include sourcing a development company or marketing and advertising to raise awareness. 

Key Partnerships

It is very unlikely for a company to manage on its own; partnerships are needed to sustain a business for the long term. The primary partnerships your business should consider are with distributors, suppliers, your existing customers, and “coopetition,” i.e., competing businesses that you can collaborate with to gain mutual benefits. Of course, these partnerships may change over time as a business grows. You and your partners may grow closer or farther apart. Either way, be sure to make a note of it in the business model. 

Cost Structure 

Understanding the costs of a business and how these costs are important for a business to be able to generate profit. The cost structure is divided into two parts: fixed costs, which are easy to determine, and variable costs, which can change depending on different factors. Likewise, economies of scale and scope can decrease costs as the business expands, and the importance of understanding these variables is to provide a realistic overview of costs for the company both now and in the future. 

Why should I use a business model canvas to develop a product roadmap?

A business model canvas serves as your product roadmap; it is a helpful reference for your business plan, covering everything from the main mission statement to the detailed outline. 

Brainstorming aid  

The model canvas approach helps you map out your ideas; the format allows you to brainstorm freely and get out all the main ideas, making it easier to focus on the highlights when creating the project roadmap.

You can update them as you go along 

In the world of business, things change fast. Cost estimates, key partnerships, and customer relationships are all factors that can evolve and change over time. A business model canvas is a way to showcase your strategy, and is not as reliant on minuscule details; its brevity allows you to be flexible and update the document as changes arise. 

Visual representation of your business

Business model canvases are an inherently visual representation of your business plans. Mapping out your ideas on one sheet helps you visualize all your ideas, make connections, and find gaps more quickly.

Benefits of a business model canvas

They are focused 

Businesses need a blueprint that can describe how to get their services and products to their customers. By mapping out an effective and clear outline, a business can transform itself into a profitable enterprise that can sustain itself through thoughtful and intentional planning. 

They are concise 

The business model canvas is the straightforward and succinct sheet that defines your business. And even though you could certainly expand on it going forward, it is a practical tool for communicating your main elements and research to your team members, investors, and any other stakeholders involved in making your vision come to life. 

They are an effective scientific framework

The model canvas template uses a reliable methodology that all kinds of enterprises benefit from, from small startups to expansions in bigger companies. It relies on a functional and pragmatic framework that considers all the necessary factors for a successful undertaking. 

What are some tools and resources that can help you create a business model canvas?

Strategyzer

Strategyzer has a variety of business model canvas templates to choose from to begin planning your business. Also, if you decide to try their paid membership, you gain access to classes and modules that teach you about building business models and testing value propositions and business ideas. In addition to the classes, there is also a cost estimator feature that evaluates your business idea’s financial viability and identifies areas of weakness in your business model worth addressing. 

Canvanizer

This tool is a free website that lets you create shared links between your team members working on a business model canvas together. Using the many model canvas templates, you can have a strong start with your model and simultaneously brainstorm with your team on the same page.

Business Model Canvas Tool

Created by an alumnus of ThePowerMBA, this tool allows users to easily create a business model canvas with convenient and practical features that are easy to use. Plus, after you’re done, you can download the model canvas as a PDF for quick sharing. 

The business model canvas is a great tool for entrepreneurs to better map out and implement their business goals. It offers a visual representation of a company’s vision and strategy and includes all the critical components needed to develop and release a product or service. Using a model canvas, a business has a thoughtful approach to attracting clients and establishing itself in the competitive business world. You can download our own business model canvas template to get started!

Download the business model canvas template! 

In today’s digital marketing landscape, trust is vital for delivering a successful product or service online. So, let’s face it: customers these days know a lot. They won’t just fall for any fancy sales pitch or flashy gimmicks. Nope! Instead, they now place a high value on transparency, authenticity, and honesty when it comes to brands. The perception and judgment of the customer can make or break a business, and that’s where the power of design swoops in! Design is a powerful tool, we must use it to bake key trust-building elements into our business DNA to earn customer loyalty.

What is customer trust?

Think of it as the golden ticket to customer love and loyalty. These days, consumers are more informed and, therefore, more selective. More businesses are vying for customer attention than ever before, yet many consumers no longer take what these companies offer at face value. Earning their trust has become a prerequisite for earning their business, which is why a stellar customer experience is essential. If you can give your customers an enjoyable experience, word-of-mouth becomes your best friend.

Why does customer trust matter?

Consumers now have more options than ever, and with a million options out there, you’ve got to stand out from the crowd. There are lots of options to choose from for pretty much any product or service out there; so it’s crucial to gain your potential consumer’s trust for them to stick around.

Increases customer retention

If your customers trust you, they will come back for more. Acquiring new customers is far more difficult than retaining the ones you already have, which is why it is important to build a relationship with them and maintain their trust with good customer service.

Building customer loyalty

Customer loyalty turns an average customer into an advocate; if they are spreading the word about your business within their network, your customer base will grow. It is through customer feedback that a brand’s true identity begins to form in people’s minds. Refocus all aspects of your business on reinforcing trust.

Increased conversions

A business with a good reputation can convert passersby and website visitors into active leads. Being a trustworthy company sets you apart from your competitors and inspires consumers to try you out. This especially applies to online businesses that cannot directly interact with customers, continuing to gain their trust through several factors leading up to the sale.

How can you use design to inspire customer trust?

When it comes to building customer trust, design is your secret weapon. Have people fall in trust with your brand by sharing valuable and purposeful content to establish your business as an authority on the material. Here, design is essential for validating your business’ credibility as a professional organization, so how can you use design to inspire customer trust?

Ensure that your design is user-friendly

Have you ever felt the satisfaction of stepping into a beautiful and organized supermarket with rows and rows of identifiable lanes? Your website should feel the same way. User-friendly web design helps your customers have an easy and enjoyable user experience when navigating your site. There is no need for your customers to play hide-and-seek with the products or services your business offers. Make sure to incorporate a simple, graceful design, a search bar, and a homepage with clear-cut navigation when developing your website design for a smooth user experience.

Show that you care

Give your customers a VIP experience with an effortless, user-friendly site that makes them feel seen. Prioritizing their needs and developing a seamless customer experience are necessary factors for making them feel like you’ve got their back. A resources section, a comprehensive menu, or a knowledge base all help the user navigate the website, find key information, and use the site’s features to their fullest.

Highlight your humanity

Consumers are curious about the brand and those behind it, they love authentic brands with a story. Add an “Our Story” page to invite users into your world and share your brand’s background, journey, and values, as well as details about who is doing the work behind the scenes. All of these add a personable element that makes your brand more approachable and trustworthy. Another detail to add is a physical address for a store or office with its contact information; it gives credibility and makes the customer feel at ease knowing that you are a real company.

Be honest and transparent

Customer trust is earned, not won. Consumers seek honesty and transparency about what they are buying. Dedicate space on your website to highlight all the details a consumer would need to make informed decisions regarding your product or service. What can they expect from you? Any exaggerated claims are bound to fall apart quickly if they are not backed up with facts. Be straightforward with your customers, and they will be more likely to return.

Know your target audience

Here’s a tip: when you know your audience, they’ll think you can read their minds! Market research is the essential first step for any marketer; understanding your buyer and their buyer persona helps you tailor branding materials to target your consumers. Consumers tend to prefer more personalized experiences that address their specific needs. By understanding who your buyers are, you can demonstrate your understanding of their problems, offer them value, and otherwise accommodate them.

Offer exceptional customer service

Customer contact is your chance to directly connect with the consumer, whether through a chatroom, email, or phone call. The customer service experience impacts how a consumer perceives a company. A fixed framework for common customer problems facilitates smooth contact, but consider treating each case individually for a personalized experience. Have a customer service agent that carries out professional problem-solving for your business, or even a self-service section on a website where the consumer can refer to an FAQ to resolve their issues independently.

Build a reputation

Your reputation is the armor that protects you from doubt. The public’s perception of a company is heavily influenced by its reputation. Building trust as a brand starts with basic good practices, such as delivering quality products and services, maintaining high standards, and being honest and transparent on your website. These efforts can help establish your business as a reliable and trustworthy company.

Maintain consistency

Consistent branding and consumer experiences, particularly online, contribute to building a solid reputation. Maintaining this consistency across social media platforms and the website leads consumers to flock back to familiarity. Breaking this consistency by using off-brand marketing material may give the impression that you’ve been hacked and turn people away. So, maintaining a cohesive color scheme and unified logos presents a clear brand identity that the consumer can trust and return to.

Create and share video testimonials

Typically, customers are more likely to trust unbiased word-of-mouth recommendations than a corporate message. Sit back and let the customers do the talking! Using video testimonials can elaborate on the benefits of your services or product through an external endorsement. Video testimonials are also more organic in their approach, especially from a brand ambassador who could enthusiastically offer a compelling recommendation that draws in new customers.

Be reachable

The business contact page is often one of the most visited pages on a website and is a crucial point of interaction with customers. Be reachable to your customers by having an open-door policy implemented on your website. And don’t leave them hanging! Providing customers with multiple avenues to find you, such as phone numbers, email, social media, and live chat, improves the conversion rate and adds a personal touch. To optimize the contact page, use behavioral analytics tools to understand how visitors interact with the site.

Rely on the power of testimonials & social media

Leaning into the potential of testimonials by utilizing third-party testimonials, such as customer reviews or quotes, video recordings, and user ratings, can help build trust with customers. Show off your awards or seals of approval and showcase the logos of prominent clients, including media mentions, like badges of honor. These tactics can create a sense of legitimacy and reputation and demonstrate the ability to handle different clients.

Highlight security features

Privacy concerns are a touchy subject for many consumers, so websites should appear professional and credible to instill trust and encourage purchasing. It is helpful to display security enhancements to establish trust with customers, such as a security seal, and make the privacy policy crystal clear. This can help prevent potential customers from being dissuaded by concerns about security and privacy, which can impact revenue.

Respond to customer feedback

When the customer speaks, you listen! Building trust with customers involves actively listening to and responding positively to their feedback. Showcase your professionalism and expertise by responding to feedback like an expert. Additionally, following up with customers to ensure that their issues have been resolved can further demonstrate that commitment to their satisfaction and build loyalty and respect.

The power of design in building customer trust

Design isn’t just about pretty pictures and aesthetics. Using design effectively for a brand’s website and social media plays a vital role in gaining customer trust; it establishes the company as reputable and reliable. It communicates your brand’s values, builds credibility, and shows that you care.

Design communicates your brand’s values

Design speaks louder than words! Through color, typography, imagery, and other design elements, a brand can visually tell its story. A well-designed website, for example, can showcase a brand’s aesthetic and create an engaging user experience that aligns with its values. Additionally, the tone and language in website copy and social media content reinforce the brand’s values and personality.

Good design builds credibility and authority 

A professional and well-designed website is a fortress of credibility. It demonstrates to the customer that you’re a pro who means business. Additionally, a cohesive and visually appealing brand identity, including elements such as logo design, can help establish the business as a leader in its industry and convey a sense of expertise. In today’s digital age, where customers often research products and services online before purchasing, good design can be a key factor in convincing potential customers to choose a particular brand.

Design shows that you care about your customers

Good design can demonstrate to customers that the business cares about their needs and experience. A well-designed website that is easy to navigate shows that the business has put thought into creating a positive user experience. Additionally, incorporating customer feedback and preferences into the design process can show that the business values its customers and is committed to meeting their needs. By consistently demonstrating a focus on customer satisfaction through good design, a business can establish a strong reputation and build long-term customer loyalty.

In the digital marketing world, trust is your superhero sidekick. Customers place a high value on transparency, authenticity, and honesty when it comes to brands, and their perception of a business can make or break it. Businesses can build customer trust by creating a user-friendly website design, showing that they care about the customer experience, highlighting their humanity, and demonstrating their credibility and expertise.

The first few moments of a PowerPoint presentation are crucial; they set the tone for the rest of the talk and determine whether or not your audience will remain engaged. Learning how to start a presentation effectively is equally as important as the message you’re trying to convey. Without a strong start, even the best topics can fall flat. Our presentation tips offer different strategies for capturing your audience’s attention from the very beginning and will ensure your message sticks, making your presentation a success.

Introduction to the Presentation

Needless to say, first impressions matter. As you step forward and introduce yourself, the first few minutes can make or break your presentation. You can capture your audience’s attention right away and maintain it until the very end, or you could dull them right from the get-go. In this article, we will explore what techniques ensure a successful presentation in the first 30 seconds, the first minute, and the first five minutes.

The First 30 Seconds

The first thirty seconds of your presentation are essential because they are what your audience will base their initial impression on. If you don’t capture their attention right from the start, they could dismiss your presentation as dull or needless. Thorough preparation is needed to guarantee success in those first few seconds, from rehearsal to research. You cannot expect your audience to eventually become interested in your topic within the next twenty minutes. The first few sentences should be enough to rope in your listeners.

Establish a personal connection

When you begin a presentation, introduce yourself as a person, not just as a presenter. You want to establish a connection with your audience rather than dive straight into the cold, hard details before they get the chance to understand who you are. This could hurt your chances of getting them to care about what you’re here to say. Begin by highlighting similar interests and experiences you share with your audience; introducing who you are is far more interesting than introducing what you do.

Know your audience

To be able to relate to your audience, you need to understand a few things about them beforehand. What do they already know about your topic? Why would it matter to them? Learning about their expectations and their level of knowledge of the material allows you to tailor your presentation to address them correctly.

Set the tone

The way you deliver your presentation matters. Apply your public speaking skills to match your tone to the content of your presentation. For example, you wouldn’t share exciting progress somberly or discuss a dip in sales with a smile. Your presentation is enhanced by little things such as the pitch of your voice and your facial expressions. The tone in which you introduce yourself and your topic should be friendly, professional, and confident, and it should carry throughout the rest of your presentation.

Be confident

Your tone and body language communicate a lot more than you think. Confidence is an attractive trait in all cases, but especially in presentations. It gives the impression that the speaker knows what they are talking about. Redirect any nervousness into excitement. It also helps to rehearse well beforehand and to know your material through and through. You will feel more confident knowing that you’ve done the work.

The First Minute

Once you’ve introduced yourself in the first thirty seconds, the other thirty are necessary to lock in a positive first impression. After you’ve established yourself as the speaker, it is time to dive in and establish yourself as an expert.

Establish credibility

When introducing your topic, your audience needs to perceive you as a knowledgeable figure in the field. Support your arguments with data, statistics, and research to add to your credibility as a speaker. However, in the beginning, your resources and your confidence should imply that this topic will enrich the audience’s lives and that you are the person who can deliver on their promise.

Keep it simple

Your goal in a presentation is to communicate an idea effectively. Therefore, focus on that idea. Your PowerPoint presentation should have a minimal design and data that does not overwhelm the audience. Keep it simple by utilizing white space in your slides and only sharing information that is relevant to what you are discussing.

Make a connection

Public speaking is an art form where a speaker can cleverly establish a connection through the clever use of body language, tone, and facial expressions. A smile, a strong posture, and eye contact are all ways to draw the listener in. Other techniques for audience engagement include discussion prompts or relating to particular situations that they are familiar with. Building a connection with the audience generates further interest in your presentation.

Tell a story or joke, or reference a historical event

Before going into your topic, you could introduce it more skillfully. You could share a relevant anecdote, tell a joke that can lighten the mood, or share a surprising or unusual fact that most people don’t know. These methods grab attention and alleviate any stressful formalities. However, note that overdoing these techniques could overshadow your presentation, steer people away, and appear as poor professionalism.

The Next 5 Minutes

After the first five minutes of a presentation, the audience begins to tune out. If you cannot win them over right away, it will become harder and harder to do so later on. The central benefit of your presentation is essential. Think: What does the audience get out of it? If the listener cannot see how they could benefit from what you say, they will start to drift away.

Outline your main points

Revisit the main message you want to share. How do you get there? Using an outline helps you determine the structure and goals of your presentation. Ideally, you would begin your presentation with your key idea and spend the rest of your time going into detail and explaining the main points you want the audience to walk away with. Establishing a connection between the beginning and conclusion of your presentation is also an effective method for sharing the message with your audience.

Use visual aids effectively

Visual aids are a foolproof way to make a presentation more effective by appealing to a different part of the brain. Most people are visual learners, which makes visual PowerPoint presentations more persuasive. Using visual aids such as images, maps, and infographics helps simplify complex data and makes concepts easier to understand. And creating an emotional connection by using images and art makes your presentation more relatable and convincing.

Reinforce your message with data

Using data is an effective way to establish credibility and reinforce your message. Referencing reliable sources for your data makes you appear more trustworthy and your arguments more convincing. However, make sure to share data relevant to your topic; otherwise, you risk going off on a tangent that loses the audience. Also, share data with simple language (avoiding jargon) and engaging visual elements that further clarify your ideas.

Be passionate about your topic

One thing that is always appealing to watch about a presenter is how passionate they are about their topic. The audience can tell if the speaker cares about the material, which makes them more curious to learn about it. Let your passion come through during your presentation; dedication and care will captivate your audience on a deeper level.

Additional Tips for a Strong Opener

There are many ways to create a more memorable presentation for your audience. Once you start with an attention-grabbing introduction, the challenge now is maintaining that attention. Here are some additional tips to retain the interest of your audience throughout your presentation:

Get factual

One surefire way of grabbing attention is with a fact that catches your listeners off guard. Share a fact they wouldn’t have considered, such as an unlikely statistic or a surprising anecdote about the subject’s background. Ensure that the facts are relevant to the material in some way to offer a smooth segue within the presentation. Using a fact gives the audience something to walk away with and ponder, and it also acts as a primer for the denser, more abstract ideas that will be shared in the presentation.

Maintaining eye contact

Maintaining eye contact with the audience could feel intimidating, but it is a crucial technique for building a connection with them. An easy way to maintain eye contact during a presentation is to choose an audience member to address as you speak and switch to a different person every few minutes or so. Focusing on one person at a time helps ease your nerves and allows you to speak to individuals directly. And by shifting around, you can take the time to build up that relationship with several people in the crowd.

Use thought-provoking questions

Encourage audience participation by asking thought-provoking questions. Use words or phrases like “imagine,” “think of,” or “what if” to stimulate the audience to think of their own answers. This approach allows them to consider a different point of view or reality. It also allows you, as a presenter, to give the audience something concrete that you can refer back to later in your presentation.

For a successful presentation, a strong start makes all the difference. Your best bet lies in exceeding your audience’s expectations. Introducing yourself as a person, not just as a presenter, instantly establishes a connection and sets a friendly and confident tone. Maintaining that connection relies on audience engagement, interesting visual aids, and a contagious interest in the topic.

With the abundance of data available online, there has been a rise in infographic design and information technology as communication tools. The way content is presented and created has transformed, people seek structured content that presents information efficiently and attractively.

What are infographics?

The word “infographics” itself sums it up pretty well; it is a medium that combines graphic design, information, and/or stats. They are the visually compelling communication medium that allows marketers specifically to present complex information that comes initially as ‘raw data’, and transforms it into captivating graphics that not only convey the right message but also tell a story while doing so. As a visual medium, infographics explain dense and complicated facts and figures for simple and transparent understanding.

Now, what makes a good story great? Emotion.

Infographics have an emotional power that presents an idea, or a relationship, or explains how something works more quickly and effectively.

5 Reasons to use infographics 

They are appealing 

Infographics share information in an engaging and interactive visual format. The motion and colors in an infographic make it an attractive and compelling vision that draws the eye.

They present ideas more clearly

Many people are visual learners, so infographics are perfect for condensing complex ideas into simpler terms for all types of audiences to understand.

They create interest 

When you present information through an eye-catching and fluid design, viewers are more likely to be interested in what a visual is trying to say.

They are accessible

They make big chunks of data less intimidating and overwhelming so that all kinds of people can learn from them.

They are persuasive and memorable 

Data and information are made more interesting with creative and narrative visuals, which make them more memorable in people’s minds.

Who can use infographics?

Infographics simplify and explain complex concepts for audiences of different ages and backgrounds, which makes them ideal for individuals and businesses across all fields. Marketers and consultants use infographics to build brand awareness and connect with clients by explaining industry-related concepts. While government agencies, nonprofits, and educators use infographics for purposes related to educating students or the general public on certain initiatives or to create awareness.

How does infographic design grab attention?

Infographics are a compelling format; they are sleek and informative, and they work for a variety of audiences and niches. When done well, infographic design can communicate valuable information in a purely visual manner. Of course, when it is created thoughtfully, it commits to a tone, provides a concise summary, and ensures a clear statement that is tailored to its target audience.

In short, infographics can:

1 – Grab the attention effortlessly

2 – Deliver the idea easily

3 – Make the concept more interesting

“If you invest in high-quality infographics, the traffic and links they generate may help you achieve bigger and better results as compared to other forms of content.”

Besides their ability to quickly get people’s attention, infographics are also highly effective in getting people to learn and retain what they know. Studies have shown that a lot of people learn better visually and have a hard time understanding concepts without seeing images. Businesses can leverage the power of infographics to communicate complex marketing messages, show product benefits, and visually show stats and other data to really drive a message home. Almost all businesses, regardless of their industry or size, can find creative ways to make infographics work for them.

How to use infographic design effectively in business

Infographics help simplify complex concepts easily and quickly. An infographic is effective when you think through what the underlying message is and how it could be best conveyed via an infographic. The idea is to just not use infographics for their own sake.

Here are some keys when designing infographics:

Outline your goals

Decide on your infographic’s main objectives. Think of the narrative you want the infographic design to depict. Depending on the purpose or goal you want to achieve, you can narrow down and choose the information you want to include. Afterward, you begin developing an outline for your infographic design that features the headers, data, and any design elements you intend to use.

Collect data

Once you’ve decided on your infographic’s goals, you should begin collecting all the relevant information about the details of your topic. That includes information about your target audience, their interests, hobbies, ages, or other demographic information and reliable sources that authenticate your research. Once you have all your research, you can decide how to arrange and highlight the data in the infographic, as well as what information is worth disposing of.

Create visuals

Making infographics uses compelling graphics that attract and engage the target audience while simultaneously communicating your message. The information’s layout is an essential component of infographic design, so it’s important to be thoughtful of the style used in showcasing your information. Again, depending on the goals of your infographic, your layout will determine how the data is perceived. The layout will differ based on the infographic’s goals. It could explore a concept, compare information, share information, visualize trends, or depict data.

Develop a template

A template is super helpful for deciding how you want to arrange and present your data and the elements you want to incorporate. Focus on the structure of your outline: how does it flow? Are there enough elements included or is it too crowded? Once you have a template, you can then customize it and manipulate it to serve your goals.

Incorporate style and design

When making infographics, there are several design elements to include, such as icons, shapes, lines, and others. The common elements used in infographic design include text, color, white space, and alignment. Design elements are used to provide context, highlight certain points, bring consistency, or make the design more readable. Your template might give you an idea of where and how to use elements, but the elements you decide on, however, must remain consistent throughout.

Share your infographic

Decide on the platform that can help you best reach your target audience. Then share it on the channels where your audience is most likely to find them.

What are the important things to consider when designing infographics?

Be simple

The point is to condense a lot of data and design a visual solution to interpret it in smaller pieces of content. The concept of ‘less is more’ could not be more vital. The design itself should allow the user to navigate the information easily and without being confused or overwhelmed.

Be universal

“Infographics can take on a language of their own by delivering information in an accessible way.” Creating designs that adapt to a universal language allows your message to resonate more with everyone.

Be original

Today, people, businesses, and ideas have reached the high potential of digital maturity and are still on the rise. Wanting to be a big fish in a small pond is the goal, but many question their ability to achieve it.

So, from a business standpoint, each infographic design should be original, whether you choose to create a sales report or marketing strategy. But how can you do that if you’re in a big pond? The answer is through your brand.

Your brand is your voice. It’s original. Through the creative use of color, proportion, fonts, images, and text, the design will speak for itself as you maintain a cohesive aesthetic with the subject matter and brand image of your organization.

Types of Infographics: Importance & Effectiveness

There are several types of infographic design styles, depending on the nature of the displayed information and the intended platform. The most common infographic designs are:

Static Infographics

The typical static infographic includes images and text that don’t necessarily require user input, so they serve as fixed resources. An emphasis on illustration is another common characteristic. Static infographics are appropriate for professional settings since you can use them in many different ways and across many platforms. They can be used in blogs, articles, advertising, brochures, etc.

Prezlab: Static Infographic Work Sample

Animated Infographics

With the popularity of video content online, animated infographics are effective for gaining views on social media and presenting complex data in a refreshing and entertaining way. But what was once a mostly static form of content has evolved dramatically to include animation and animated elements that help make ideas more easily interpretable and engaging. Using moving illustrations or motion graphics is ideal for articles and tutorials online to give a more visual aid. Whether they’re GIFs or videos, animated infographics are intense visual pieces of content that are easy to consume and easily linked to.

Prezlab: Animated Infographic Work Sample

Interactive Infographics

Interactive infographics invite the viewer to participate and learn about the data. The data-rich visuals allow for more innovative data visualization, greater dynamism, and greater user engagement with the presented information. This infographic design style lets the viewer explore the information at their own pace by allowing them to scroll, click, unfold, pan, and zoom over the infographic. In turn, these movements trigger the function within the design to display additional content. It is ideal for handling large data sets.

Prezlab: Interactive Infographic Work Sample

Statistical Infographics

Since statistics are based on studies, evidence, and experiments. They are great for reinforcing an argument. In a statistical infographic design, the charts and numbers are the main stars, with much less focus on text and narrative.

Informational Infographics

The topic is deeply explored in an informational infographic, using images and heavy text. These infographics thoroughly simplify the main ideas by making specific or niche subjects understandable.

Timeline Infographics

Timeline infographics use a linear structure to portray information chronologically. Often this structure is used to present topics related to historical events, project milestones or timelines, the evolution of a product or business, plans, or biographical information regarding an influential person.

Process Infographics

In a process infographic design, instructions or strategies are outlined in steps. A process infographic applies a balance of images and text to make it accessible to all types of learners. Usually used to convey information related to topics like product guides or digital marketing strategies.

Geographic Infographics

A geographical infographic handles regional data such as weather patterns, global trade patterns, population growth, or mapping the physical locations of a target market audience.

Hierarchical Infographics

Hierarchal infographic designs separate information based on categories or levels, creating a hierarchy. Typically, this type of infographic uses flow charts or pyramids to portray the information and uses elements such as lines and arrows to highlight connections. Hierarchical infographics are often used in showing family trees and management hierarchies.

List Infographics

List infographics summarize information and highlight the important takeaways through clever design. They are used to help remember information and use elements such as icons to list bullet points and summarize textual information.

Conclusion:

When developing an infographic, you are making the bundles of data more accessible to an audience. We highly recommend that you make use of infographics to uplift your content marketing efforts and boost your business ROI. You’re able to create customized designs that tailor to your business objectives and you’ll notice their effectiveness and importance instantly.

If you are looking for a custom infographic design that drives the message home for your business then hit us up at PrezLab. We have done some great infographics for our clients and are more than happy to put our creative prowess to work for you as well which covers the subject of presentation design.

If you liked this blog, you might also like these:

5 Presentation Lessons You Can Learn from Steve Jobs

Presentation Designs: How To Give Power To Your Point

Sources:

• Infographic (1): https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3025924741010342/?mt=login
• Infographic (2): https://www.behance.net/gallery/5722533/Infographic-for-American-Stroke-Prevention-2012
• Infographic (3): https://www.behance.net/gallery/71209893/History-of-Graphic-Design-Timeline-Infographic
• Infographic (4): https://www.behance.net/gallery/51723765/Design-Process-Infographic
• Infographic (5): https://www.visualistan.com/2018/12/a-literary-map-of-united-kingdom.html
• Infographic (6): https://advisor.visualcapitalist.com/hierarchy-of-financial-needs/
• Infographic (7): https://venngage.com/templates/infographics/how-to-summarize-information-for-presentations-infographic-6a1d022b-abd0-48d8-b64c-66ec74c92aa3

In the fast-paced world of online marketing, captivating brochure design is still a timeless strategy. Surely, you’ve pocketed many brochures in your time, so you know how effective they can be as a tactile ally for a business. They not only serve as a reference for a business’s services, but they are also a powerful marketing tool. An eye-catching brochure can help a business stand out, which is not an easy task in the current landscape. Let us guide you through the checklist of what is needed for an effective and memorable brochure design. 

What is the difference between a pamphlet and a brochure design?

In the world of marketing, you might have already noticed that “brochures” and “pamphlets” are used interchangeably, but note that they represent two distinct documents with different forms and purposes. A pamphlet is a single page that shares information about a subject. On the other hand, brochures often consist of multiple pages, depending on the amount of information being shared, and are specifically created to promote a service or business. Although both pamphlets and brochures are helpful marketing tools, deciding which format is better suited for your business is essential for planning a successful marketing strategy.   

How to design an effective brochure

We know it can be overwhelming, which is why we’re breaking down the process into manageable steps to help you create engaging and impactful designs. The purpose or aim of your brochure will define the content, format, and images you choose. By following these steps, you can create a compelling brochure that keeps your reader engaged and motivated to take action.  

Define your purpose

The initial step in creating an interesting brochure is to define your purpose: Is your brochure part of a direct marketing campaign? Is it promoting a service or a product? Does the brochure aim to attract new clients? By identifying your core purpose, you’re able to structure the rest of your brochure design to fit your objectives. The strategy moving forward would be to consider how the content, graphics, and call to action of your brochure will align with your goals.

Identify your target audience

As you would with any design project, you need to consider the intended audience that it’s aimed at. You will need to tailor your brochure’s design taking into account your audience’s demographics, interests, and preferences. For example, a brochure for a children’s art class would be targeted at parents of school-age children. 

You also need to ask yourself where these brochures will be distributed. Depending on where it will be displayed, there might be ways to make the design stand out in those locations, and understanding the audiences that frequent them helps inform your design to communicate your objectives better. So the art class brochures could be displayed at a community center, school libraries, or any other place where students or parents could find them. 

Decide on the content of your brochure

Keeping in mind the brochure’s objective and audience, create an outline with all the sections the brochure should address. Considering the brochure’s foldable format, you could split sections page by page. Here is the space to present your value proposition, speak plainly and clearly about your service or product, and include a call to action that lets the reader find you easily. Every brochure must include brand assets, sections with their own titles and subtitles, contact details, and relevant, eye-catching visuals.

Include specific messaging

With your outline and purpose ready, the next step is concerned with actually writing the copy. A brochure’s copy should address the customers directly to persuade them of your service or product’s benefits. Keep in mind the copy’s position within the brochure’s structure, and keep the copy short, simple, and to the point. Remember, a brochure is presenting a quick sample of your brand’s identity, so it needs to be straightforward and engaging. 

Choose your brochure type

Once you’ve decided on the content you want to share, now comes the time to choose a layout that appropriately showcases it since the brochure’s format will affect how readers interact with the content. There are several options for how to print and fold your brochure, so opt for one that suits your content best. Common brochure folds include the tri-fold, the z-fold, two-fold, gate-fold, and the multi-page that is either bound or stapled. Depending on the brochure’s design, you can organize the material effectively for maximum impact. 

Plan the layout

In this step, plan the layout by focusing on the content organization; begin adjusting and resizing images, fixing the colors, and aligning the content to create a layout that has a neat flow that is easy for readers to follow.  

Think back to your brochure types to decide on the appropriate layouts for your brochure. A brochure with a folded design, such as a tri-fold or z-fold, is usually the standard fold for brochures and is most common for promoting a business or service. Larger brochures with multi-page designs that can be stapled or bound together are used to showcase a large selection of products or services, almost like a tactile website. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for a unique cut, like opening the brochure like a box, which is a creative way to stand out.

Design on-brand marketing material

Since you are creating a tangible piece of branding, the piece in question needs to make that branding clear. Maintain consistency across your brochure design by adhering to your brand’s guidelines in terms of color, font, and imagery. And not to mention the brand’s logo! You want those who pick up your brochure to start recognizing your brand.

Print your brochure

Before sending out your design for printing, test it out first. Print a copy to check how the colors appear, and more importantly, make sure that the folds are on the right lines and the brochure’s content is sectioned out properly. This step helps ensure that the brochure is polished and decreases the room for error in the final copy. Once you’re satisfied, you can now send out your design to get it printed by a professional printer. 

Tips for designing an effective brochure

There are many factors to consider when designing a successful brochure. Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind during the design process:

Keep it simple

As always, simplicity is key. Avoid overwhelming the reader and discouraging them from reading. Avoid too much text, too many images, and distracting design elements. A clean and effortless design is ideal for a brochure; it keeps readers focused and involved. 

Use strong and relevant images

When it comes to selecting images and visuals for a brochure, you need to think about which visuals will actually help tell the story. Usually, people notice the images first, so go for relevant and illustrative images that complement that content and elaborate further. 

Use headlines and subheadings 

You need to acknowledge that not everyone will read through your entire brochure, which is why it is important to use headers and subheadings to their full potential. The headers need to be catchy and informative to guide the reader so that they can skim the text and still understand what the main points are. 

Be strategic with fonts and colors

Be mindful of user readability and use legible fonts. Also, consider the contrast between the font and background colors to enhance readability and avoid straining the reader’s eyes.

Use color wisely

When it comes to selecting colors for your brochure, choose a harmonious color scheme that is in line with your brand identity. Avoid clashing colors and inconsistent color pairings that hurt the eyes and turn readers away. 

Pay attention to hierarchy, balance, and flow

With your content and images organized and on brand, you can start getting picky with the finer details of the design. Although you might start with a defined hierarchy, the modifications throughout the design process could alter the initial vision, so a review is needed to realign with the original goal. Hierarchy, balance, and flow are three essential elements for a readable brochure, and this step is to make all the necessary changes to ensure a practical and effective brochure. 

To determine if you’re on the right track, there are points you need to consider. Think about the size and spacing between the titles and subtitles, the placements, and the balance between the text and graphic elements. Scrutinize the flow; it should convey a clear hierarchy of the content. Make sure the font is legible and the visual isn’t too busy or harsh. Remember, different brochures and content have different formats, but it is a good exercise to double-check how readable and understandable your brochure is. 

A memorable brochure is expected to have all the answers, it is laser-focused on its purpose and gets to its main idea fast. Layout, branding, design, and content are all means to an end, and together they all contribute to a powerful tool that lands your business’s message directly in your audience’s hands. With a thoughtful showcase of your brand, you can inform and activate your audience into involved consumers.