7 Tips to Nail Your Next Presentation

Chances are, you'll have to give a presentation or two during your career. What makes a good presentation? And more importantly, how do you give a good presentation? We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you nail your next one.

Be believable. How well do you know your topic? Whether or not you know it well, the audience should believe you are knowledgeable in what you are talking about. Study and research your topic until you feel confident enough to answer questions in what you will be presenting.

Define your key points. Good presentations have a beginning, middle, and end. Write down your key points in each section, and then fill in the rest with the topics you want to discuss. Your beginning should be captivating, and your end should briefly summarize what you discussed.

Practice makes perfect. It sounds silly, but video record yourself going over your presentation. Watch your recorded presentation and take notes on what you can improve, then record it again. Keep recording and watching it until you feel good about it.

Track your time. Time yourself to make sure you stay within your allotted time frame. Recording your presentation will help you know whether you need to add/or subtract content.

Keep the pace. A good presentation is not too fast, but not too slow. Keep a good pace when speaking, and make sure to enunciate and not mumble. Your words should be loud and clear, but also not monotone. Practicing will help you get it just right.

Make eye contact. If the list above has been practiced and ready, then having good eye contact should be a piece of cake. If you’re still having a hard time making eye contact, then try looking around clockwise. Start by looking straight ahead, then slowly move your eyes to the right and then slowly to the left and then back up top. Having a good presentation requires making eye contact throughout your presentation. Practice eye contact when recording your presentation, and watch and see how you do.

It’s all about the visuals. Have a slideshow, handouts, or a large pad of paper for your presentation. This will help keep your audience engaged and listening. If you don’t want to deal with electronics, large pads of paper are a great way to keep your audience engaged. You can write on these as you go, or have your notes already written as you flip through the large pads. University Print and Mail Services can help with any or all of these needs—we can create graphics, design and/or print handouts and posters, and we even carry large pads of paper that are perfect for any presentation.

We'd love to help you make your next presentation outstanding and memorable! Give us a call at 801-581-6171 or email us at uprint@utah.edu to talk to us about what we can do for you.

Top image by Rebrand Cities

The Death of Business Cards?

You’ve heard some people say business cards are dead, and you’ve heard people say business cards are still thriving. So which is it? And why are people saying business cards are dead?

We live in a digital world, and lots of things actually function better in the digital space. However, some things still make a better and stronger impression when you actually can hold them in your hand—and business cards are one of them. Here are some top reasons why printed business cards are still very much alive:

  • You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Your business card represents you. The style, design, quality, etc. represent who you are as an individual. If a business card is the first thing someone sees about you, you can make sure you’re represented well.
  • Mo' money! Business cards are inexpensive, which means more money for you. It is one of the cheapest yet effective ways to market yourself.
  • Don’t show up empty handed. If you are attending a meeting, sending correspondence, or trying to make a good first impression, it’s acceptable—and sometimes expected—to hand over your card.
  • Size does matter. They are small, convenient, and easy to carry. Perfect for taking with you to meetings or displaying on your desk.
  • You in a nutshell. A business card is you in a nutshell. It has your name, title, where you work, and contact information. It's a great way to show someone who you are and what you do with just a small card.

So, where do you hand out your business cards? The sky's the limit, but we compiled a list for you:

  • Meetings
  • Presentations
  • Business activities
  • Networking events
  • Meeting someone for the first time
  • Face-to-face with clients
  • At sales events
  • Mail to potential client
  • People you do business with
  • Leave at the front desk

As a bonus, it's not uncommon to find restaurants and businesses doing business card sweepstakes—just drop your business card off, and wait to see if you win!

If you’re wondering where to find great quality business cards that are sure to make you stand out, look no further! We’ve got you covered with University-approved cards for main campus, University of Utah Health, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and more. You can even upload your own design, or contact us to talk about a new design just for you. All options come with free delivery on campus.

Top image by Pixabay

Brand Marketing You Need to Know

Whether or not you’re involved in marketing, brand identity is something you should be aware of. Did you know that the U has specific brand requirements? If you’re worried about staying within the guidelines, our design team is on top of it. We’ve got you covered! Contact us uprint@utah.edu or 801-581-6171 today to get started on a product within the U’s branding.

What is brand identity? Why is it important?

Brand identity is showing and telling who you are, your story, and why you matter. This is not necessarily highlighting your products and services, but highlighting you! It's about your entire image, and how it relates to your customers or audience.

It's important because it's what your target audience will see/know about you, and informs how they feel about you. It's the first step in creating a relationship with your audience. It's also an essential too when you want to increase awareness, which helps your audience grow.

How can I use it in my department?

You can use it in your department by making sure your brand marketing is consistent:

  • Use the same logo, colors, and fonts
  • Use imagery that is similar in tone and style
  • Make sure your marketing message is unique and consistent
  • Create a routine with your audience

Branding enables you to create unique messages and stories that spark interest in your audience, encouraging them to learn more about your business, products, and services as a result. This will enable you to create lasting impressions of your brand to not only your target audience, but to a potential new target audience as well.

Ways to Move More

Physical activity is an important component to your physical and mental health. However, managing a busy schedule and being active can be difficult. When you’re juggling work, school, family, friends and more, it can be hard to find time to get a workout in. However, just because you can’t fit in a full workout, doesn’t mean you can’t be active. There are many ways to manage both! We’ve prepared the guide below to help you get started:

  1. Take your family on a walk
    • Family walks offer an opportunity to bond while staying active. It allows parents and spouses to have some face time with one another without distractions. You can also make it fun by exploring new places.
  1. Walk your dog
    • Walking your dog is another great way to stay active. It helps both you and your dog get needed exercise. Your dog is sure to thank you for it!
  1. 10-minute work outs
    • 10-minute work outs are a great way to make use of your down time. You can do them on your own, or follow a YouTube video! It’s a great way to maximize your time while staying active.
  1. Tune in to fitness
    • Have a show that you’ve been dying to watch? Need to catch up on your favorite podcast? Use your gym time as an opportunity to do both! Lift some weights, do some yoga, or spend some time on the treadmill while you watch.
  1. Walk instead of drive
    • Create more active time in your day by opting to walk to your destination instead of driving. This is a great way to stay active and save on gas money. Biking is also a great alternative (remember to wear that helmet!).
  1. Ditch the chair
    • Working in an office doesn’t mean you need to be glued to your chair all day. Try walking and talking. Try taking meetings from your phone, or even investing in a standing desk. Some workplaces even have areas where you can walk and work.
  1. Take the stairs.
    • Taking the stairs is a great way to elevate your heartrate during a workday. They’re a great alternative to the elevator, so take them when you can!

Top image by PNW Production