FOREWORD BY GUY KAWASAKI
Presentation designer and internationally acclaimed communications expert Garr Reynolds, creator of the most popular ... read full description
Presentation designer and internationally acclaimed communications expert Garr Reynolds, creator of the most popular ... read full description
reviews
Sep 05, 2008
Why I should read this from HFI email newsletter:
If you haven't "read" this book you should definitely get your hands on a copy. It's full of pictures and lots of examples. It's not about usability or user interface design per se, but it is all about how to display information and present your ideas visually.
We know that showing PowerPoint slides with tons of bullet points is not a good idea, but exactly what ARE we supposed to do instead. This book shows you wh More...
If you haven't "read" this book you should definitely get your hands on a copy. It's full of pictures and lots of examples. It's not about usability or user interface design per se, but it is all about how to display information and present your ideas visually.
We know that showing PowerPoint slides with tons of bullet points is not a good idea, but exactly what ARE we supposed to do instead. This book shows you wh More...
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Jul 25, 2011
Josh
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I learned more about presentations from this book than I ever thought possible.
The audience is there to hear you speak, not to read your slides. You should be selling something to them - convincing them of something. If you're just giving them information, why didn't you just send them a document?
Give presentations like Steve Jobs, not Bill Gates. Bill Gates is unremarkable.
Keep the text on slides to a minimum - no more than six words on a slide.
More...
The audience is there to hear you speak, not to read your slides. You should be selling something to them - convincing them of something. If you're just giving them information, why didn't you just send them a document?
Give presentations like Steve Jobs, not Bill Gates. Bill Gates is unremarkable.
Keep the text on slides to a minimum - no more than six words on a slide.
More...
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(2 people liked it)
Jul 20, 2011
Paul
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In a world committed to effective training-teaching-learning, publication of Garr Reynolds' beautifully produced and engagingly written book "Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery" three years ago would have resulted in the disappearance of "death by PowerPoint." The world seems to have other ideas. We still suffer through poorly designed PowerPoint presentations, where far too much text is crammed onto slides that are then read to painfully bor
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Jul 09, 2011
Newengland
rated it:
For its purpose, this book can't get much better than it is. Garr Reyolds uses plenty of gorgeous photos and example slides to show you how to make a better slide show presentation. But it's more than that. There are touches of self-help -- bits of advice that have as much to do with making yourself a better person as they do with making yourself a better presenter. There are touches of how-to -- tracts that show you where you've gone wrong in the past and why you are on the "Most Wante
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Oct 15, 2010
Trevor
rated it: 
This was quite a good little book, if a bit over long. Which, in itself was quite amusing given that the main message is ‘keep it simple’. I think The Non-Designer's Presentation Book does a better job, but there were things in this one that really worked. His comparisons of cluttered and uncluttered slides on pages 123-125 ought to be enough to give people who spot this in a bookstore an idea of what needs fixing in their presentations.
But overall there is too much guff about thin More...
But overall there is too much guff about thin More...
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Sep 17, 2010
Julie
rated it:
As part of my quest of becoming better at public speaking, I recently finished reading Presentation Zen. The first striking thing about the book is how beautifully designed it is all along (probably another one that wouldn't work well on an e-reader), which of course highlights the principles the book aims to impart.
The structure flows well, and every chapter contains lots of tips and clear steps to look at when preparing a presentation. Often a chapter will offer some background on wh More...
The structure flows well, and every chapter contains lots of tips and clear steps to look at when preparing a presentation. Often a chapter will offer some background on wh More...
Aug 04, 2011
Lars-christian
rated it:
Garr Reynolds covers the whole process of presentation in this book. From the idea of a topic, ways to brainstorm around that topic, when to sit down with your slideware, and most importantly, when not to, how to use visuals and how to deliver.
Throughout the book, Reynolds uses illuminating examples and cases to explain his points, and they are often made from presentations that are available online, giving you the chance to see for yourself why these principles of presentation work. It's a gre More...
Throughout the book, Reynolds uses illuminating examples and cases to explain his points, and they are often made from presentations that are available online, giving you the chance to see for yourself why these principles of presentation work. It's a gre More...
Sep 07, 2010
Megan
rated it:
This Friday I'm heading a workshop for 11 librarians in the county, on how to use social media. I am a little bit nervous about this, not because of going up in front of a group of people (I have little fear of this, which is really surprising), but because I'm afraid I won't be able to get my point across, speak loudly enough, or be clear enough for people unfamiliar with new technology. I had written up a standard PowerPoint with bullet points, clipart, and gradient backgrounds, and it all fel
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Sep 14, 2010
Terry
rated it: 
I like the idea that slideware is a sufficiently developed form that there's an ecosystem of tools made to make one suck less at its usage. This book dips a toe in the water of improving ones tool usage but there are several things that get in the way.
1) Walls of Text - Many of the words are wasted and several times I'd find that I'd skipped a paragraph, reread it and gain nothing.
2) References to Asian Culture - Many of these asides simply got in the way. I got the con More...
1) Walls of Text - Many of the words are wasted and several times I'd find that I'd skipped a paragraph, reread it and gain nothing.
2) References to Asian Culture - Many of these asides simply got in the way. I got the con More...
Jul 16, 2010
Taka
rated it:
Don't read it!
If everyone reads this, the world would be a better place. But it would mean that any presentation or projects involving design that I do from now on won't be unique anymore!
Jokes aside, this is quite frankly a must-read for not only those who have to do presentations but also anyone involved in any activity that has anything remotely to do with design. The principles of Zen that the author expounds and applies to presentation is equally applicable to other More...
If everyone reads this, the world would be a better place. But it would mean that any presentation or projects involving design that I do from now on won't be unique anymore!
Jokes aside, this is quite frankly a must-read for not only those who have to do presentations but also anyone involved in any activity that has anything remotely to do with design. The principles of Zen that the author expounds and applies to presentation is equally applicable to other More...
Jan 04, 2012
Smokingpen
rated it:
Great book on presentation practices, though a bit naive to the needs of the business world. While I can see the power in practice of minimalist presentations and using story, I am a bit at odds with Reynolds take on applying this 100% of the time. As an evangelist (and ex-Apple employee) it makes perfect sense that he would want to connect with his audience (don't we all), but at times the dense information he states is the antithesis of the effective presentation is required. Still, he outline
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Feb 20, 2010
Faz
rated it:
There are some decent ideas in this book to take your presentation beyond the 'read the exact bullet points on the screen'. If you get stuck in this ideal, this is the book for you to open your mind. However, some creativity is in order to accomplish this, and it may be difficult to separate the inclusion of all your speech in your presentation from that of getting across a general idea for which you can talk to. However, this approach only works for live or recorded presentations. It does not w
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Nov 20, 2009
Grace
rated it:
My goal for reading this book was to get some ideas on how to become a better presenter in general. This book focuses on design elements of slides and gives some tips on good presentation style.
I liked the way Reynolds related it to zen ideals and gave stories to back up his words. He also gave a lot of good examples of what would make a more emotionally appealing slideshow presentation. I really thought this was the core of his points since the rest of the points on how to present More...
I liked the way Reynolds related it to zen ideals and gave stories to back up his words. He also gave a lot of good examples of what would make a more emotionally appealing slideshow presentation. I really thought this was the core of his points since the rest of the points on how to present More...
Nov 16, 2011
Alexandre
rated it:
A short summary would be "less is better", but that would miss some of the points.
It's a good _guide_, not a recipe, to make simpler, clearer presentation. Using photos to elicit emotional reactions, and to drive your points in with your voice, not your slides.
I still wonder, however, how such strategies can apply to academics and research where you "have to" present data, which is rarely a simple 5-bar bar chart that you can set in nice colors over a bl More...
It's a good _guide_, not a recipe, to make simpler, clearer presentation. Using photos to elicit emotional reactions, and to drive your points in with your voice, not your slides.
I still wonder, however, how such strategies can apply to academics and research where you "have to" present data, which is rarely a simple 5-bar bar chart that you can set in nice colors over a bl More...
Dec 08, 2009
Jess
rated it:
Funnily enough, although Reynolds champions simple, concise presentations, this book is anything but. I thought the book had too much unnecessary padding. All that stuff about zen, and achieving balance and all that? I forced myself to skim through it.
This volume shows a lot of aesthetically pleasing sample slides, but after about a quarter of the book they start looking identical. Some of the content is pretty enlightening and has tips I never knew about, but there is also a lot of More...
This volume shows a lot of aesthetically pleasing sample slides, but after about a quarter of the book they start looking identical. Some of the content is pretty enlightening and has tips I never knew about, but there is also a lot of More...
Apr 15, 2008
Nat
rated it:
Less is more.
Use full screen imagery to convey your point.
Use pleasing color schemes.
Use san-serif fonts.
Those four sentences sum up what Presentation Zen is all about. I know some may say I don't get it. I do. I just don't think all the zen info helped. The author really didn't need to use them to prove his point. Just the comparison of slides was enough.
However, this book did change the way I present my messages and talks to teens as More...
Use full screen imagery to convey your point.
Use pleasing color schemes.
Use san-serif fonts.
Those four sentences sum up what Presentation Zen is all about. I know some may say I don't get it. I do. I just don't think all the zen info helped. The author really didn't need to use them to prove his point. Just the comparison of slides was enough.
However, this book did change the way I present my messages and talks to teens as More...
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Dec 10, 2010
Efi
rated it:
Even if u don't have to present, explicitly, this book synthesizes beautifully the principles that result in success. Whether it is a presentation or an interview or a pitch of an idea or point of view or even self coaching.
I was delighted that Pink's work ties in and Ueland's and Seth Godin's.....
I am inspired already (just half way through the book) for my writing on twitter, my blog, my CFA online coursework presentations, my manuscript about WALL STREET BOND culture.....
I was delighted that Pink's work ties in and Ueland's and Seth Godin's.....
I am inspired already (just half way through the book) for my writing on twitter, my blog, my CFA online coursework presentations, my manuscript about WALL STREET BOND culture.....
Apr 21, 2009
Jonathan
rated it:
Great book if you ever have to give any sort of presentations...
Wonderful advice like:
design your presnetations in analog i.e. use paper/pencil, not use the computer.
No bullet points
The slides should be useless without the presenter
Hara Hachi Bu (Eat until you are 80% full) aka leave the audience wanting more.
Practice, practice, practice.
Wabi Sabi (poverty - free from depending on worldly things, lonliness - alone and in deep contemplation)
More...
Wonderful advice like:
design your presnetations in analog i.e. use paper/pencil, not use the computer.
No bullet points
The slides should be useless without the presenter
Hara Hachi Bu (Eat until you are 80% full) aka leave the audience wanting more.
Practice, practice, practice.
Wabi Sabi (poverty - free from depending on worldly things, lonliness - alone and in deep contemplation)
More...
Jul 20, 2011
Lee
rated it:
Awesome book... giving lots of slightly contrasting examples so you can really start to think about how you have implemented both examples in your presentation style... It is comical to hear scientists tell me that my presentation style is often too simple, which leads me to laugh (inside) because it was probably one of the only presentations of the day where they understood most of it and were entertained by the process - maybe that is of course my own distorted view.
Mar 11, 2010
Danien
rated it:
If you ever had the feeling that people were glazing over during one of your presentations, read this book. It guides you towards focusing on communicating and connecting with your audience, instead of presenting a list of facts or steps in a method.
It's not about how to use Powerpoint or Keynote; it's a philosophy and a set of guidelines on planning, designing, and delivering the presentation effectively. It is well written and concise, and provides good examples.
It's not about how to use Powerpoint or Keynote; it's a philosophy and a set of guidelines on planning, designing, and delivering the presentation effectively. It is well written and concise, and provides good examples.
Jan 11, 2012
John
rated it:
After reading this book you'll realize why 99% of presentations you have ever seen have been done all wrong, and it all makes perfect sense. You'll also realize how applications such as "PowerPoint" are misunderstood and misused in most business environments today.
Finally, in retrospect you can easily compare the tips for success in this book with very famous and high impact presentations such as those given by Steve Jobs and other industry leaders.
Finally, in retrospect you can easily compare the tips for success in this book with very famous and high impact presentations such as those given by Steve Jobs and other industry leaders.
Aug 15, 2011
Juho
rated it:
Kunpa kaikki, jotka joskus esittävät mitä tahansa käyttäen apunaan powerpoint-kalvoja lukisivat tämän kirjan. Mullistaa käsityksen siitä, millainen on hyvä esitys, ja millaiset kalvot sitä tukevat. Kirjan ydinajatuksen voi tiivistää seuraavasti: "Jos ihminen näkee ja kuulee saman informaation yhtä aikaa, hän ymmärtää tämän informaation huonommin kuin tilanteessa, jossa hän pelkästään näkee tai kuulee saman informaation."
Jun 23, 2010
Stefan
rated it:
It's a nice book overall: It strives to eliminate text-ridden PPT presentations to more advisable, illustrative alternatives. It introduces several techniques to keep presentations short and your listeners awake.
It's an inspiring book, but if you do a lot of presentations yourself, you probably won't find too many new ideas in there. If you're just looking for some inspiration to spice up your stuff, got get it.
It's an inspiring book, but if you do a lot of presentations yourself, you probably won't find too many new ideas in there. If you're just looking for some inspiration to spice up your stuff, got get it.
Aug 08, 2008
J
rated it:
I've enjoyed the Presentation Zen site for quite a while. So, when I saw that the author of that site had put out a book, I had to take a look.
Like all of the stuff on his site and in conference presentations, etc. I've really found his message to be one that resonates with me. I'm still struggling with how to apply the "zen" approach to Powerpoint in more technical presentations, as opposed to the inspirational and conceptual presentations that dominate the examples, but it' More...
Like all of the stuff on his site and in conference presentations, etc. I've really found his message to be one that resonates with me. I'm still struggling with how to apply the "zen" approach to Powerpoint in more technical presentations, as opposed to the inspirational and conceptual presentations that dominate the examples, but it' More...
Jun 03, 2010
Cheska
rated it:
Excellent and beautifully-designed how-to book on presentation design. Skimmed through the book in less than an hour. Take and pick from his ideas. I don't personally think you need to go through all of it as long as you know the main tenets of presentation: less is more, tell a story (through visuals paired with your narration), and don't enable the audience. I'd recommend it as inspiration for quick ideas.
Jul 22, 2009
Jon
rated it:
A great introduction to visual storytelling. Stop using PowerPoint the way Microsoft wants you to! Use it as a slideshow projector to emotionally underline your key verbal points.
It's possible the book could have used more nuts and bolts and less Zen mysticism, but overall this book should be pressed into the hands of anyone who's bored you silly with a traditional PowerPoint presentation.
It's possible the book could have used more nuts and bolts and less Zen mysticism, but overall this book should be pressed into the hands of anyone who's bored you silly with a traditional PowerPoint presentation.
Jun 23, 2010
Julia
rated it:
This book made me think about all that "mulitple literacies" thing we learned about in grad school, which I would love to scoff at. But unfortunately, i think there is something to it - ppt is unavoidable, and you can either do it well using principles of visual and multi-media design, or you can do it poorly and be a bad speaker. I found this book useful in a few key ways.
Feb 12, 2010
Brian
rated it:
Everyone who uses Powerpoint to give presentations should read this book. It seriously changed my approach to slide design and presentation in general, and I'm already using it to teach my students. The followup book, Presentation Zen Design, focuses on the nuts and bolts of slide design and may prove to be even more valuable. Highly recommended!
Jan 15, 2012
Ondřej
rated it:
I'm sure this is one of many good books about how to give engaging presentation and deliver the message to the audience. The book is well written and organized, gives all the important tips and is accompanied with many examples how (not) to do it. I didn't read any other book about giving presentations yet, but I can recommend this already.
Oct 14, 2011
Roberta
rated it:
Just reread this before lending it out to a team member. I can't believe I never listed it before. It is an all time favorite, probably the most influential book (for me) that I have ever read on giving great presentations. It really shows how to capture and convince an audience. Highly recommended!
First read about three years ago.
First read about three years ago.
