Presentations - Crap to Snap

I do quite a bit of public speaking, consulting and strategy planning for Architecture, Engineering and Construction firms. One of the mediums that is used more than almost any other program is a slideware program, most notably Microsoft Powerpoint. I see this in what I do, what goes on at conferences and most of it looks horrible, especially when you only have a few moments to kick this off and get everyones attention. Post analysis of a few recent conferences and some of my own past presentations i started to get the feeling that I am not alone in this thinking, even if people are not aware of how to fix it.

Over the last year I have been fortunate to be involved in a Revit Software Development project from the ground up. At this point we are entering a customer review period and have put together a few slides on the application to acquaint the reviewers with it. Along they way I got inspired by the presentations that Steve Jobs does. At the same time Matt mentioned a book that seemed right up that path: slide:ology.

So I bought slide:ologyand added Presentation Zen since I keep hearing more and more about this book. First off these two books have been the perfect compliment to each other. They are written in manageable chunks (so you can start/stop anytime) and have already had an impact on my material and how I think and approach new speaking engagements.

To give you an idea on one of the many great nuggets of material, and that I have printed out and over my desk, is the following from Garr Reynolds:

Simplicity
Clarity
Brevity

These three terms resonated with me and i think they are applicable in most of life. Take a moment to read these works if you do any kind of public speaking, presentations or marketing as your audience will be much appreciative and you will deliver a better overall presentation making this a win for everyone.

If you have an idea for other great books along a similar vein please let me know in the comments.

Business of BIM - Putting the Pieces of the Puzzle Together part 4

For those in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia part 4 of the Business of BIM series is tonight at the Virgina Beach Convention Center:

6:00 - 7:00 - Networking and Drinks
7:00 - Intro by Beau Turner
7:15 - 7:45 - 3D Laser Scanning with Beau Turner & Joe Hedrick
8:00 - 8:30 - BIM for Construction with Patrick Burns from Mortenson
8:30 - Panel Discussion

We have postponed the BIM & Facilities Management portion of the presentation for a later date/time. If you are interested in this please drop me an e-mail.

AIA Iowa | Crossing the Chasm - Your Survival Guide for a Successful BIM Transition

The AIA Iowa Convention 2007 will take place on Sept. 27 - 28.

On Friday, 9/28 I will be presenting a Workshop titled "Crossing the Chasm - Your Survival Guide for a Successful BIM Transition" during Session 4 starting at 2:30.

If you are in the area, I hope to see you there.

Omaha - Modern Methods

If you are in Omaha, Nebraska Modern Methods (6886 South 118th Street, 402-332-6607) is hosting an Open House on 9/21/07 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Schedule of Events
• 8:00am - Doors Open with Continental Breakfast
Scheduled VIP Canon Product Demonstrations
Scheduled VIP Lanier Product Demonstrations
Factory Representatives on Hand
• 11:30am – 1:30pm BBQ Lunch and Learn
• 12:30pm – 1:30pm Beau Turner will be giving a presentation entitled "New Implications for the Design-Build Process".
Scheduled VIP Canon Product Demonstrations
Scheduled VIP Lanier Product Demonstrations
Factory Representatives on Hand
Special Skeet shooting for Discounts at this Event
• 5:00pm Doors Close
Lanier Color Gelsprinter plus other items given as door prizes at this event.

If you are in the area I hope to see you there...