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Have you ever wondered why so many virtual presentations feel flat or why “death by PowerPoint” is still so common, even with all the tools and technology we have? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dig into what it really takes to connect with an audience, both in-person and online, and how you can turn your presentations from forgettable to impactful right from the very first minute.
My guest for this episode is Rick Altman, a presentation industry veteran with over two decades of experience, host of the world-renowned Presentation Summit, and author of the new book "Crush Your Next Virtual Presentation." Rick Altman has worked with hundreds of companies, been heard by tens of thousands of professionals, and read by millions looking for better results with their presentations. His expertise spans message crafting, design, software technique, and live delivery.
We kick things off by addressing a frustration many of us share: If your audience can read your slides without you, why are you even there? Rick Altman dives into why content-heavy slides rob presentations of real human connection, especially in the virtual world. We talk about how easy-to-use technology can lead to bad habits like putting everything on a slide, using distracting animations, or letting AI do the creative thinking for you.
Here’s what we covered in this episode:
Why most presentations miss the mark and how to fix yours from minute one
My journey from transparencies to podcasts, and Rick Altman’s background in publishing and presentations
How advances in technology like PowerPoint and AI make bad presentations easier and how to resist the temptation
Why slides should never serve as your handout and how to separate the two for real impact
The value of simplicity in slides and notes less really is more
How to practice and prepare so you stay present and connected, not glued to your script or slides
The vital role of audio, camera connection, and grace in virtual presentations
Tips for managing your attention and leveraging moderators or help during live web events
Responsible and efficient uses of AI for research, handouts, and presentation prep
Rick Altman’s behind-the-scenes look at the Presentation Summit, including its evolution, content, and how virtual events create new opportunities
If you’re looking to up your game as a communicator whether on stage, in the boardroom, or over Zoom this episode will give you practical, battle-tested strategies to present with more confidence and real connection.
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