Speaking to open-source thinking and using social media to enhance connectivity, Innovation Philadelphia is interested in hearing your thoughts on moving beyond the typical conference presentation: the ubiquitous PowerPoint. Some examples of new media methods include Pecha Kucha, unconferencing, and utilizing a wiki. Pecha Kucha is a presentation format where each presenter is allowed 20 slides, each shown for 20 seconds each, automatically advancing – giving 6 minutes 40 seconds of presentation. This keeps presentations concise, the interest level up, and gives more people the chance to showcase their work. Unconference sessions will be scheduled throughout the two-day Summit along the four tracks and are primarily participant-driven discussions groups where any attendee may present, ask questions, or mediate discussion. A wiki is a content management system where anyone can edit, add content, open discussion, or communicate, as well as a wikitation—a presentation delivered using a wiki (explained by Beth Kanter with helpful links here: http://beth.typepad.com/beths_blog/2007/02/it_is_difficult.html)
Questions:
What new presentation methods have you experienced in past conferences? What has been most engaging and/or effective?
Have you used a wikitation for presenting?
What are the benefits and challenges to unconferencing?
I have attended a few workshops that used simulation systems. We were learning how to manage cellular telecommunication companies, so we had to make decisions on things like budgeting for network expansions, new technology, marketing, phone models and subsidies, and pricing structure. Each team represented one company and the success or failure depended not only on your decisions but the decisions of the competitors (the other teams).
Of course, this is very sophisticated and may not make sense for your presentation. You need to choose the right tool for your presentation.
I have nothing against PowerPoint, I think it is an excellent tool when used appropriately. The problem is not PowerPoint, the problem are presenters that do not know how to use it, or abuse it.
A recent opensource conference I attended had a pre-conference workshop for presenters, giving useful tips and instruction on giving compelling presentations, and on leading unconference sessions.
Another recent conference that featured Ignite talks (similar to Pecha Kucha) had group practice runs so presenters could get used to the format and get feedback from sympathetic peers before their turn in the spotlight.
Suggestion for a speaker: Garth Reynolds, author of Presentation Zen (and blog of the same name). Garth’s book is about a new approach to presentations, especially the creative use of slides. Although his methods aren’t radical, his work could be a nice bridge for people still stuck in the PowerPoint title/bullet/sub-bullet paradigm to more progressive presentation and group communication methods. His blog does highlight some of the more radical approaches to presentation, so I know he’s up on the latest ideas. http://www.PresentationZen.com
Great suggestions. Thanks!