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Storytelling
Storytelling, Authority & Impact
Introduction: The Pursuit of Excellence in Every Presentation Presentations aren’t just about sharing information or dazzling with slides—they’re about forging real connections, inspiring trust, and leaving a mark that lasts. In his candid Present to Succeed session, Horst Schulze, legendary hotelier and leadership visionary, challenges us to move beyond mediocrity. He reveals the “secret sauce” of excellence: preparation, intent, and a relentless focus on relationships. Why
3 min read
Mastering Storytelling Structure
Introduction: The Real Foundation of Powerful Presentations Presentations aren’t just about slides, software, or even technical know-how—they’re about preparation, clarity, and making sure your message truly lands. In his insightful Present to Succeed session, John Zimmer invites us to look beyond the surface and focus on what really determines the success of a presentation: the work that happens before you ever step on stage. Drawing on wisdom from Sun Tzu and his own global
3 min read
Storytelling Science & Story Reframing
Introduction: The Real Problem with Presentations Presentations and stories aren’t just about slides, design, or even delivery—they’re about changing minds, inspiring action, and shaping how people see the world. In his compelling Present to Succeed session, Kendal Haven calls for a revolution in how we approach storytelling, urging us to look beyond the surface and confront the real “dragons” that shape the impact of our message. Why Storytelling Frustrates Us (and Why That’
3 min read
Mastering Storytelling: 5 Elements of Connection
Introduction: The Real Magic of Storytelling Presentations aren’t just about information, slides, or even performance—they’re about forging a genuine connection, inspiring change, and making your message unforgettable. In his dynamic Present to Succeed session, Florian Mueck challenges us to move beyond the ordinary, revealing the “magic” that happens when you truly meet your audience in your story. Why Storytelling Feels Hard (and Why That’s a Good Thing) Florian’s journey
3 min read
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Design
10 Design Tips for Non-Designers
Introduction: Designing Presentations That Stick Presentations are more than just slides—they’re opportunities to inform, persuade, and inspire. In his insightful Present to Succeed session, Tony Harmer, a celebrated design educator and LinkedIn Learning instructor, invites us to rethink how we approach presentation design. Drawing on decades of experience, Tony shares the mindset, strategies, and practical tools that transform presentations from forgettable to unforgettable.
3 min read
Accessibility in Presentations
Introduction: Designing for Everyone—Why Accessibility Matters Presentations are more than just slides—they’re opportunities to include, empower, and connect with every audience member. In her impactful Present to Succeed session, Stephy Hogan, a passionate accessibility advocate and seasoned designer, challenges us to rethink how we approach presentation design. She reveals the barriers that often go unnoticed and shares practical strategies to ensure our messages reach ever
3 min read
PowerPoint Design Mastery
Introduction: Transforming Presentations into Shareable Documents Every presenter eventually faces the same challenge: your slides look stunning on screen, but they fall flat when sent as a standalone document. In his focused Present to Succeed session, Steve Sheets, Technical Director at GhostRanch Communications, tackles this common dilemma head-on—and offers a practical, elegant solution that doesn't require you to build two separate files. The Core Problem: Slides Aren't
3 min read
Great Slide Design Matters More than You Think
Introduction: Elevating Slides Through Story and Substance Presentations aren’t just about sharing information—they’re about forging connections, inspiring action, and leaving a lasting impression. In his engaging Present to Succeed session, Damon, a seasoned presentation coach and storytelling expert, challenges us to move beyond bullet points and generic slides. He reveals the strategies and mindset shifts that transform ordinary talks into memorable experiences that resona
3 min read
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Public Speaking
Confident Public Speaking & Audience Engagement
Introduction: ExeIntroduction: Mastering the Q&A—Turning Questions into Connection Presentations are more than just sharing information—they’re about creating dialogue, building trust, and leaving a lasting impression. In his insightful session, David Goad, renowned communication coach and author, challenges us to rethink the Q&A. Drawing from his own journey and years of experience helping speakers, David shows how the Q&A can become the most dynamic, rewarding part of any p
3 min read
Developing Executive Presence in Online Meetings
Introduction: Executive Presence in a Virtual World—Why It Matters More Than Ever Presentations today are more than just sharing information—they’re about building trust, inspiring confidence, and connecting through a screen. In her dynamic Present to Succeed session, Jessica Chen, Emmy Award-winning journalist and founder of Soulcast Media, reveals the secrets to developing executive presence in virtual presentations. Drawing on her experience as a TV reporter and communicat
3 min read
Rehearsing Your Talk Like an Exec
Introduction: Rehearse to Succeed—Unlocking the Power of Practice in Presentations Presentations are more than just sharing information—they’re opportunities to inspire, connect, and drive real change. In his insightful Present to Succeed session, Cliff Kennedy, a veteran event producer and renowned speech coach, challenges us to rethink how we prepare for the spotlight. Drawing on decades of experience, Cliff reveals why rehearsal is the secret ingredient that transforms goo
3 min read
Handling Questions: Lessons From an Actor
Introduction: Mastering the Q&A—Transforming Questions into Connection Presentations are more than just delivering content—they’re about sparking dialogue, building trust, and creating memorable experiences. In his engaging Present to Succeed session, Marco Pesch, founder of Happy Good Talk and a leading public speaking coach, invites us to rethink the Q&A. Drawing from his own journey and years of training speakers, Marco reveals how the Q&A can become the most dynamic, rewa
3 min read
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Tools
Level up Your Slides with Canva
Introduction: The Future of Presenting Is Already Here The way we present has changed dramatically. Whether you're pitching to a client, onboarding a new team member, or running a workshop across time zones, the old slide-and-speak format simply doesn't cut it anymore. At the 2022 Present to Succeed conference, Paul (Product Lead for Presentations) and Ashley (Product Marketing) from Canva took the stage to show just how far presentations have come — and where they're headed.
4 min read
Interactive Presentations with Mentimeter
Introduction: Rethinking Audience Engagement—Beyond One-Way Presentations to Interactive Experiences In today's hybrid work environment, presentations are far more than just one-way communication—they're opportunities to transform passive listeners into active contributors who feel heard, valued, and engaged. In his dynamic Present to Succeed session, Oscar Svernlov—Educational Content Creator at Mentimeter—challenges conventional thinking about what audience engagement truly
4 min read
PowerPoint's VP Reveals What's Next
Introduction: The Future of PowerPoint: Camera-Aware, Hybrid-Ready, and Built for Any Time In a world where hybrid work is no longer an experiment but the new normal, tools like PowerPoint are being reimagined from the ground up. In his compelling Present to Succeed session, Shawn Villaron—Vice President of Product for PowerPoint at Microsoft—shares how the team is evolving one of the world's most-used applications to meet the demands of a flexible, distributed workforce. Fro
4 min read
Hybrid Meetings Done Right
Introduction: Mastering Hybrid Meetings—Engagement, Productivity, and the New Rules of Connection In today’s evolving workplace, running meetings that are both inclusive and productive is more important than ever. In her insightful Present to Succeed session, Lorraine Lee—Head of Editorial at Prezi and LinkedIn Learning Instructor—dives into the art and science of hybrid meetings. Drawing from her experience at the forefront of virtual collaboration, Lorraine shares actionabl
3 min read
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