• Congratulations on being picked to present at Ignite Phoenix! • This guide was created by the Ignite Phoenix crew with the goal of helping you design and deliver your Ignite Phoenix presentation. • So without further ado, let’s get started!
• The first and most important rule of Ignite presentations is the following: • You get 20 slides, 15 seconds per slide—which gives you a total of 5 minutes to deliver your presentation. • To give you a feel for this format, we’ve actually designed this guide with the Ignite presentation rules in mind.
• Another important rule is that we do not permit the use of animation or sound in our presentations. • The reason is simple, we convert all presentations into PDF files—and unfortunately at the moment, PDF files do not support animation or sound. • So, if you’re a big fan of animation and sound, save the drama for your mama.
• With the rules out of the way, it’s time to get started. • Your first step is to pick a slideshow template—links to download Keynote, PowerPoint, and Google Docs templates can be found on the presentation tips page that was emailed to you.
• When you begin designing your slides, avoid using lots of text at all costs! • The audience will begin reading your slides the second they appear and this will most likely distract them from the topic you’re covering. • Plus, you might end up in big trouble for practicing death by PowerPoint!
• Instead, focus on using less text, bullets, and sentences in your presentation. • When possible, use brief two to three word statements instead of full sentences. • This will help you avoid death by PowerPoint; as well as help keep the focus on you and not your slides.
• Another useful tip is to use one idea per slide. • Doing so helps you trim the fat from your presentation and focus on what’s really important. • Remember, you only get 15 seconds per slide—so try to get your message across as efficiently as possible.
• As the old adage goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” • We highly encourage you to use pictures and images in your presentation—all we ask is that you have the proper permission to use these images. Do not violate someone’s copyright, capiche?
• You can find great photos by visiting search.creativecommons.org which helps you find images that simply require fair use and attribution in your presentation. • Another useful resource is the PresentationZen blog, which has a huge list of royalty-free and stock photography sites—if that’s your thing.
• If you’re on Twitter, there’s an O’Reilly logo on the bottom right corner of each slide which can be swapped out with your Twitter handle. • Doing so will allow for maximum audience participation.
• As any Ignite Phoenix Joe knows, slides are only half the battle. • The other half is getting up on stage and delivering your presentation, so here are a few tips that we’ve collected from past Ignite presenters.
• The best way to guarantee a great Ignite Phoenix experience is to ensure that you’re comfortable with your subject matter. • The only way to ensure that you’re comfortable with your subject matter is to rehearse.
• When you’re rehearsing, try to complete a full presentation without stopping or starting over. • There’s a good chance that you will make mistakes during your presentation, so the best thing you can do is practice recovering and improvising while you rehearse.
• You also want to make sure that you give yourself some breathing room, so don’t cram! • Leave enough space to ensure that you can catch up to your slides if you happen to trip up or fall behind during your presentation.
• Some of the best presenters are storytellers—so when possible, try to find the story in your topic. • If you’ve ever seen a presentation by Gary Vaynerchuck, Tony Robbins, or Mike Rowe, then you know exactly what I’m talking about.
• Another useful tip is to record video of yourself while rehearsing your presentation. • What this allows you to do is discover and eliminate any distracting habits that may otherwise go unnoticed.
• You might have some unanswered questions—for example, do you need an intro slide? • We provide an intro slide as you make your way on stage—so take full advantage and use your first slide to start your presentation off with a bang.
• Another common FAQ we receive is if presenters can use a blank slide? • Blank slides are okay, but keep in mind that your slides are a reference so make full use of them. • For more FAQs, visit the tips page.
• Here’s one last tip—suggest some “next steps” for the audience. • For example—if your topic is watching Bollywood movies, then recommend some movies to get started with. • Or if you’re giving presentation tips, suggest that presenters can get their questions answered by emailing ignitephoenix@gmail.com
• Ultimately, we encourage you to have a blast! • Presenting at Ignite Phoenix is an adrenaline rush—so be sure to fasten your seat belts, keep your hands in the ride at all times, and have a great time!
20 slides
15 seconds per slide
5 minutes
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Animation
Sound
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Template
Pick a
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Avoid lots of text
at all costs! The audience
will begin reading your slides the
second they appear and this will most
likely distract them from the topic you’re covering,
plus you might end up in big trouble for practicing Death by PPT!
Phoenix O’REILLY
LESS Text
Bullets
Sentences
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SLIDE
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its on our homepage now 3 years ago