Presentation Book Reviews
100s of authors write about presentations, PowerPoint, and visual communications – yet many of these books are based on unsound assumptions, are self-contradictory, or give poor advice. Without a clear theory of presentations and PowerPoint – authors can and do just say what they want. Readers are left to fend for themselves. These reviews of major books on PowerPoint, presentations, and visual communications help readers to decide what to read, and evaluate many of the major insights offered.
slide:ology
24th July - This review finds Nancy Duarte's slide:ology is a treasure trove of design know-how, but hard-headed slidemongers seeking solid best-practice may lose their way.
Brilliant Presentation
8th May - Richard Hall's book Brilliant Presentations contains some great material, but one comes away with a feeling of having read much and gained little.
Pitching to Win
12th April - David Kean’s short guide to winning new business pitches is written primarily for those in advertising and marketing, but is relevant to all.
Say it with Presentations
9th March - Say it with Presentations by Gene Zelazny sets out the McKinsey approach to writing, designing, and delivering presentations.
Advanced Presentations by Design
9th February - Advanced Presentations by Design by Andrew Abela recommends using printed handouts for certain types of presentation. But is this right?
Clear and to the Point
9th February - Stephen Kosslyn lists eight principles for constructing a presentation that takes advantage of the insights of psychology into perception, memory, and cognition.
The Back of the Napkin
9th January - Visualisation – presenting complex ideas visually – is hard. Dan Roam's Back of the Napkin presents a framework for visual thinking
Perfect Pitch
9th December - Steel's Perfect Pitch presents a clear view of how to run pitches and bids – in terms of broad aims, specific approach, and clear process.
Made To Stick
12th November - Looking at what m62 would call the “messaging” stage of presentation design, Made to Stick looks at what makes some ideas easy to understand and remember.
Presentation Zen
12th October - Presentation Zen has made a significant impact on the way some people present. But, is it possible to convey complex information with a series of stock photos and slide titles?
Presentation Theory
- Presentation Best Practice
- Presentation Objectives
- Bullet Points Don’t Work
- Presentation Structure
- Visualisation
- Presentation Messages
- Killer Presentations
- Presentation Book Reviews
Jaq Moore; Head of HR, Learning and Development; NHBCYou have made me feel so much more confident that I have an interesting and engaging slide deck. I know the presentation will have star quality.
