Blog Archives
To PPT or not to PPT
Over the last few months, I’ve done a number of presentations and I’m asked the same question: “Will you have a PowerPoint to present?” My answer (so far) is always, “yes.” But, it was a discussion with my wife about a PowerPoint presentation that really got me thinking.
She asked after my most recent talk, “What if you DID NOT have one?” I shuddered and thought, “I can’t just NOT have one. What would I refer to?” But, she made a great point: Do we really need to use PowerPoint during a talk and is it always effective? So, I was officially conflicted.
I decided to reach out to trusted colleague Deirdre Breakenridge; she’s done a few presentations (understatement). I wanted to get her opinion on which way to go. Deirdre stressed the importance of knowing the audience and to have the resources prepared that will get their attention.
With larger groups such as professional associations and training session with businesses, the PowerPoint can be very helpful. “Once again, it’s important for me to use visuals that I can speak to, rather than a lot of bulleted information,” Deirdre said. “Sometimes large, colorful visuals or charts specifically calling out numbers are a great way to get attention and to get a point across.” Deirdre made certain to stress that PowerPoint should not be the sole discussion, but rather a helpful reference (or jumping of point) to aid the speaker to deliver more compelling information.Guest Post: Still Learning Two Years Out
(Jas’ note: I’m happy to have Stephanie Florence back to guest post on the blog. As college seniors wrap up their college careers, Stephanie has some great advice in moving forward.)
I’ve been out of college for two years. Looking back, the time feels both long and as though it’s all happened in a blink. One very blatant observation I’ve had since graduation is the integration of social media.
I took an Intro to Social Media course my senior year of college and compared to then, my understanding today has improved tenfold. I joined Twitter that year, but thought it was only status updates, not the great source of networking and education it has become for me. I created a personal website to use as a portfolio, but never considered incorporating a blog to share insights and showcase my writing.
Recently, one of the students I’ve met tweeted about her final college paper: the power of social through Twitter and Foursquare. I caught this example on video last month, but as a student did not realize this could become the topics of college papers.
Social media has become engrained in our daily lives, both professionally and personally. After a call with Jason to plan our guest post collaboration, I realized some of my blog posts have been written under one very big assumption: that all students get “it.” It includes taking on the next chapter post-college, specifically with social media.
Students and recent grads are continuously receiving advice on what to do in preparation for their next big move. Here are my four go-to suggestions:
* Stay current on industry and world news. Always ask questions and be open to learning.
* Engage on social networks. Study influencers and successful brands for insight.
* Start a blog. Whether it’s WordPress, Posterous, Tumblr or Blogger, find the platform that works for you.
* Never lose the personal connection. Make phone calls, host chats via Skype and go out to lunch. Relationships require interaction to become truly beneficial and worthwhile to those involved.
You can read Stephanie’s blog at: StephanieFlorence.Posterous.com and connect with her on Twitter: @StephanieFlo.
Jobs vs. The College Student
By now, you probably have heard and read about the controversy that surrounds Apple CEO Steve Jobs and the email exchange he recently had with a New York college student. To summarize: journalism student Chelsea Kate Issacs originally called Apple’s media relations department to ask about iPads being used in an academic setting. She didn’t get a response, so she wrote Jobs. His first reply?
“Our goals do not include helping you get a good grade. Sorry.”
After another exchange between Issacs and Jobs, the Apple CEO finally said this to her:
“Please leave us alone.”
At first glance, this is a PR problem for Jobs and Apple. You have the CEO telling a young college student to basically buzz off. Then, you have Apple’s media relations office ignoring her as well. Whether you are a Fortune 500 company or a business of five people, not answering an inquiry is flat out wrong.
However, I take issue with the student as well. I don’t have a problem with her inquiring for a comment. I may seem nitpicky here, but my issue is with Ms. Issacs saying, “The completion of this article is crucial to my grade in the class, and it may potentially get published in our university’s newspaper…”
Why mention the grade part? Jobs is right. It’s not Apple’s responsibility to help her get an “A.” And it “may potentially” get published? If you are a journalism student, never say potentially. For example, say “I’m working on a story on (insert subject) for this week’s edition of the (newspaper name).”
I’ll let you read the actual emails over at Gawker.
Ms. Issacs was annoyed at the fact that Jobs was rude in his replies. She’s right. He acted like a world class jerk. And Apple’s media relations should have had a statement at the ready for inquiries like this. But, let’s be honest. We’ve all heard that Jobs isn’t exactly the warm and fuzzy type. That’s not an excuse, though.
When I read the mails from Ms. Issacs, I detected some snark and, honestly, desperation. This is a great lesson for any young journalism student. Don’t make it seem like you are begging and never get testy with a potential interviewee. The chances of getting the response you want will drop.
Of course, the media is giving Jobs the business. As a PR person, it annoys me that he wouldn’t have the sense to, at least, call his own media relations department and ask them for a short response. And who’s running Apple’s media relations?
But, Ms. Issacs should also have some criticism. Steve Jobs was rude to you. It stinks and isn’t acceptable. But going email-to-email with him solves nothing. A journalist should never make themselves the story.
What are your thoughts on Jobs’ responses? And is the student in the wrong as well? Leave your comments below.
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