Graphics and PowerPoint: Or How Not to Panic Before Your Next Big Presentation

Graphics and PowerPoint: Or How Not to Panic Before Your Next Big Presentation Luciana Herman and Greg Harris, HKS Communications Program

What You Will Learn Solution BLUF Flexible argument Key words Simple graphics Answers “So what?” Sparks Q & A Problem • Background junk • Inflexible argument • Text junk • Chart junk • Static presentation • Kills Q&A Graphics and PowerPoint for Policymakers Workshop

Problem 1: Background Junk Graphics and PowerPoint for Policymakers

Solution 1: BLUF Graphics and PowerPoint for Policymakers

Problem 2: Inflexible Linear Argument Solution 2: Flexible Dynamic Argument Prioritize and balance your recommendations according to your findings and audience needs

Problem 3: Text Junk • Enterprisers strongly favor allowing immigrants to enter and work in the United States legally for limited periods of time (by 71% to 26%). • This issue produces an unusual alliance between Enterprisers and Liberals, who, reflecting their generally pro-immigrant stance, register high levels of support for such temporary visas (58%-36%), as do the pro-business Upbeats (57%-38%). • On this question, opposition falls along economic rather than party lines. While Disadvantaged Democrats are the group most reluctant to ease entry for immigrant workers, with 63% opposed and only 30% in favor, they are joined by majorities among Disaffecteds (51%), Social Conservatives and Conservative Democrats (50% in each group). Graphics and PowerPoint for Policymakers

Solution 3: Key Words Graphics and PowerPoint for Policymakers

Problem 4: Chart Junk Graphics and PowerPoint for Policymakers

Problem 4: More Chart Junk Graphics and PowerPoint for Policymakers

Solution Chart Graphics and PowerPoint for Policymakers

Less is more 10/20/30 Rule of Thumb • 10 slides • 20 minutes • 30 point font Graphics and PowerPoint for Policymakers

Solution 5: So What? Storyboard your key findings and recommendations

The Goal Steve Jobs unveiling the I-Phone • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uW-E496FXg • Larry Lessig • How Money Corrupts Congress and a Plan to Stop It • http://fora.tv/2012/01/17/How_Money_Corrupts_Congress_and_a_Plan_to_Stop_It • You Believe You Know (3-min. clip at approximately 25 mins in) Graphics and PowerPoint for Policymakers

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Final Thoughts Graphics and PowerPoint for Policymakers

Graphics and PowerPoint: Or How Not to Panic Before Your Next Big Presentation