I recently attended my local ASTD chapter meeting ( www.dcastd.org ) where a panel of CLOs talked about the role of global learning in tough economic times. Unless PowerPoint is critical to demonstrate a concept -- in which case you would probably be using a graph, chart or image -- ditch the slides in favor of connection and eye contact with the audience. I'm not usually a fan of panels, because they frequently appear disorganized with speakers rambling , cutting each other off and running out of time. But this panel was refreshingly different and very effective. 

I spent most of last week at the American Society for Training and Development ( ASTD ) International Conference and Expo (8000+ attendees) here in Washington, DC at the very impressive Walter E. Having a specific place for speakers to congregate virtually generated good discussion (PowerPoint and how to be interactive with a large audience were hot topics) and also forged connections prior to being on-site. Washington Convention Center . The days were chocked full of interesting sessions, interesting people and interesting observations. 

I mentioned to you on Twitter last Friday that I just picked up 'Real Leaders Don't Do Powerpoint". (referral Ronald TrueBeliever & HopeDealer JD Lasica Real Leaders Don't Do Powerpoint, but they do use Keynote *if* it's helpful in presenting new ideas, new information, new tools. I do, because I often use video and visuals. It's building my house of ideas, so the sum of the chrisbrogan.com Home About Speaking Rockstars Newsletters Contact Best Of Make Better Presentations - The Anatomy of a Good Speech February 23, 2009 · Comments You deserve some great tools, so I’d like to share what I’ve been working on.