Finding Media to tell a story. Adapted and enhanced from a presentation created by Alan Levine for Flat Classroom Conference 2013 in Japan by Vicki Davis for Flat Classroom Live! In Hawaii 2013.

Inspired by notes in "Presentation Zen" by Garr Reynolds inspired by Dan Pink's "A Whole New Mind" and adapted by Vicki Davis for Flat Classroom Live 2013 in Hawaii

Too many presentations are decorated, not designed. The best designs aren't noticed consciously. Design is at the beginning. Be careful to slow down and first consider your: objectives, key messages, and your audience. Only then are you ready to select photos and visuals for your presentation

Story here is not a falsehood. The most compelling salespeople, teachers, and presenters are those who tell true stories, research proves this. Find stories and weave these into your presentation. Stories should be illuminating, engaging and memorable. This is what makes a compelling presentation... you must include story.

We need to help people use their whole mind: logic, analysis, synthesis, and intuition to make sense of the world and find the big picture. When you present you have to connect the dots and although you tell a story, you must connect it and help it come together smoothly.

Empathy will help your audience connect with you, but more importantly, you must empathize with your audience - you need to notice when your audience is "getting it" or not and adjust. You may have some slides you have ready that aren't used or you have just in case a question is raised.

Some people think that serious presentations are taking more seriously. This is not true. You should have fun with your presentation. This isn't being a clown or being silly and you have to be careful about what you select, but have fun or be passionate. IF, you have a topic that is sad or upsetting and you are giving a compelling message, you can still open with something that makes people smile and the ending where you tell an empathetic story will make it have even more of a contrast.

People want to know their time has meaning.
Tell the story of the starfish here.

People listening want to know their time meant something. You'll learn more about a "call to action" in the "perfect pitch" presentation coming up.

This slide is inspired by Alan Levine and used with permission from "Telling a Compelling Story" Flat Classroom Japan 2013

Consider how you can search more than just keywords. Realize that great photos are out there, but you must unlock them with the right search terms.

Concept attributed to "Shaping Media for Digital Storytelling" from Alan Levine