Presentation Design with Ashley Smithers

Introduction

• Live presentation on Facebook and YouTube with Ashley Smithers.
• Topic: The seven deadly sins of presentation design.
• Ashley specializes in powerful presentations using PowerPoint and Keynote.
• Background: Ashley is an industrial designer turned presentation designer based in Toronto, Canada.

Ashley's Background

• Initially trained as an industrial designer but found her passion in presentation design.
• A mentor recognized her storytelling ability in presentations and guided her towards graphic design.
• Experience working in capital markets and investor relations.
• Over 15 years in the presentation design industry.

What is Presentation Design?

• Crafting messages to communicate and persuade audiences, not just using presentation software.
• Presentation design is about storytelling and visual communication.

Importance of Presentation Design

• Effective presentations can lead to significant funding and impact business outcomes.
• Presentations often have a high stakes as they influence investor decisions.

The Seven Deadly Sins of Presentation Design

1. Gluttony

• Avoid overloading slides with information.
• Investors are already knowledgeable; keep presentations concise and focused.

2. Envy & Lust

• Don’t copy presentation styles of famous figures (like Steve Jobs).
• Embrace your unique style and personality in presentations.

3. Wrath

• Stay calm under pressure and maintain a professional demeanor.
• Avoid taking criticism personally and focus on constructive feedback.

4. Greed

• Charge appropriately for your expertise; don’t undervalue your work.
• Understand the risks involved in presentation design, especially in high-stakes scenarios.

5. Pride

• Your best work may remain confidential due to NDAs.
• Be passionate about all projects, regardless of visibility.

Presentation Design Process

• Steps include:
  • Listening to clients and understanding their needs.
  • Distilling complex information into a coherent narrative.
  • Designing visually appealing decks that enhance the storytelling.
  • Coaching clients through rehearsals for effective delivery.

Key Takeaways for Presentation Designers

• Don't rely solely on PowerPoint or Keynote; use them as tools for storytelling.
• Focus on clarity, consistency, and engagement.
• Always prioritize meaning and emotional connection in your designs.

Resources and Learning

• Recommended to follow Nancy Duarte for insights on presentation design.
• Continuous learning is essential; read industry-related materials and stay updated.

Conclusion

• Presentation design is a critical skill that can elevate business communication.
• Ashley emphasizes the value of storytelling in presentations to drive engagement and success.