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Presenting: The Professor's Guide to Powerful Communication
“I want my presentation to blow the audience away.”
“I hate when people text-message during my presentations.”
“I don’t want to be like all the other presenters.
These are the actual words that presenters, particularly college faculty, use when asked about their PowerPoint goals and challenges. They do presentations all the time—in the classrooms, at conferences, and during workshops—yet they rarely learn to communicate effectively.
Bottom line: Isn't that what presentations are supposed to do? Create impact through our words and our slides? In a way that get audiences to go:
Wow. That was clear and to the point.
I want that professor for all my lectures.
I never thought about the topic this way. I’m going to Google more about it.
I’m going to email this presenter . . . and maybe collaborate!
PRESENTING. The Professor’s Guide to Powerful Communication will show you:
• One simple test to see if your existing presentation slides are any good
• How documentaries (yes—documentaries!) present information more effectively than most of us
• A proven format to engage audiences (Hint: don’t introduce technical terms up front)
• How to deal with the chronic issue of “I have too much to cover!”
• How to create captivating slides—without a degree in design
Just like his other widely-read book, Teaching College: The Ultimate Guide to Lecturing, Presenting, and Engaging Students, Dr. Norman Eng’s PRESENTING. is based on the latest research in media & communication, design, education, and neuroscience. More importantly, it gives college educators—novices and veterans alike—the confidence to move any audience, no matter their topic or venue.
“I hate when people text-message during my presentations.”
“I don’t want to be like all the other presenters.
These are the actual words that presenters, particularly college faculty, use when asked about their PowerPoint goals and challenges. They do presentations all the time—in the classrooms, at conferences, and during workshops—yet they rarely learn to communicate effectively.
Bottom line: Isn't that what presentations are supposed to do? Create impact through our words and our slides? In a way that get audiences to go:
Wow. That was clear and to the point.
I want that professor for all my lectures.
I never thought about the topic this way. I’m going to Google more about it.
I’m going to email this presenter . . . and maybe collaborate!
PRESENTING. The Professor’s Guide to Powerful Communication will show you:
• One simple test to see if your existing presentation slides are any good
• How documentaries (yes—documentaries!) present information more effectively than most of us
• A proven format to engage audiences (Hint: don’t introduce technical terms up front)
• How to deal with the chronic issue of “I have too much to cover!”
• How to create captivating slides—without a degree in design
Just like his other widely-read book, Teaching College: The Ultimate Guide to Lecturing, Presenting, and Engaging Students, Dr. Norman Eng’s PRESENTING. is based on the latest research in media & communication, design, education, and neuroscience. More importantly, it gives college educators—novices and veterans alike—the confidence to move any audience, no matter their topic or venue.
- GenresNonfictionEducation
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2019
158 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Norman Eng
5 books20 followersNorman Eng is a doctor of education (Ed.D.) with a background in teaching and marketing—two areas that relate to lecturing, presenting, and engaging audiences.
As a marketing executive, he worked with clients to realize their communication goals in the pharmaceutical, insurance, pet, and retail industries. Norman learned one major lesson--know your target audience--something he discusses in his book “Teaching College.”
He applied this lesson to his teaching as a public school elementary school teacher in the early- to mid-2000s, where he was nominated as one of Honor Roll’s Outstanding American Teachers.
As an adjunct assistant professor for local colleges in the City University of New York system, Norman realized that much of what he gained as a marketer and as an elementary school teacher held true for college instructors: Students—whether undergraduate or graduate—need to see the value of what you are teaching to their lives.
With consistently high student and departmental evaluations in two separate colleges every semester, Dr. Eng hopes to share what he has gained so far from these three industries—marketing, K–12 education, and higher education—with the larger community of higher education instructors, whether they are graduate students, adjunct lecturers, assistant professors, or beyond.
As a marketing executive, he worked with clients to realize their communication goals in the pharmaceutical, insurance, pet, and retail industries. Norman learned one major lesson--know your target audience--something he discusses in his book “Teaching College.”
He applied this lesson to his teaching as a public school elementary school teacher in the early- to mid-2000s, where he was nominated as one of Honor Roll’s Outstanding American Teachers.
As an adjunct assistant professor for local colleges in the City University of New York system, Norman realized that much of what he gained as a marketer and as an elementary school teacher held true for college instructors: Students—whether undergraduate or graduate—need to see the value of what you are teaching to their lives.
With consistently high student and departmental evaluations in two separate colleges every semester, Dr. Eng hopes to share what he has gained so far from these three industries—marketing, K–12 education, and higher education—with the larger community of higher education instructors, whether they are graduate students, adjunct lecturers, assistant professors, or beyond.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 3, 2019
Professor Norman Eng hits another home run with his latest book on powerful presentations. I am a huge fan of using PowerPoint slides in all my lectures, and I am acutely aware of how easy it is to plop too many words onto a slide. Although my slides have improved over the years, thanks to Eng’s first book, Teaching College: The Ultimate Guide to Lecturing, Presenting, and Engaging Students, this book really shows the nuts and bolts of what NOT to do when lecturing!
As adjunct faculty for over 8 years, I teach in social sciences (Recreation, Parks, and Tourism). As a retired park and recreation professional for 35 years, I know how kinetic these students are! I typically teach 3-hour, one-day-a-week classes, so believe me when I say how lecturing with slides for more than 20 minutes at a time in night classes, can be mind-numbing…for the students and myself!
Eng gets right to it in this easy-to-read book by proposing that PowerPoints are documentaries and should be image-heavy. As an amateur photographer, I use my own images along with the help of Unsplash images (also recommended by Eng). Creating a one-sentence take-away and starting your presentation with the “Why” are also actionable, key ideas that are easy to implement now. His chapter summaries include the best highlights and are great reminders of how to get started in creating memorable presentations.
Whether you present to groups, colleagues, or students, you will want to read Eng’s latest book. Even incorporating 2 or 3 of his simple ideas will put you at the “top of the class.” Terri Webster Schrandt, Lecturer, Sacramento State University
As adjunct faculty for over 8 years, I teach in social sciences (Recreation, Parks, and Tourism). As a retired park and recreation professional for 35 years, I know how kinetic these students are! I typically teach 3-hour, one-day-a-week classes, so believe me when I say how lecturing with slides for more than 20 minutes at a time in night classes, can be mind-numbing…for the students and myself!
Eng gets right to it in this easy-to-read book by proposing that PowerPoints are documentaries and should be image-heavy. As an amateur photographer, I use my own images along with the help of Unsplash images (also recommended by Eng). Creating a one-sentence take-away and starting your presentation with the “Why” are also actionable, key ideas that are easy to implement now. His chapter summaries include the best highlights and are great reminders of how to get started in creating memorable presentations.
Whether you present to groups, colleagues, or students, you will want to read Eng’s latest book. Even incorporating 2 or 3 of his simple ideas will put you at the “top of the class.” Terri Webster Schrandt, Lecturer, Sacramento State University
July 30, 2019
This book has lots of good, some things that seem to tread very familiar ground and some really irritating flaws in the way the file loads on a Kindle!
Starting with the irritating: Some formatting seems to be missing. In several places the author refers to images of slides that are not there, or shapes in text that should direct attention that are missing. I found out they are actually there, by accident I clicked back to an earlier chapter and they had appeared. However, going back just a page or two did not reveal the images. I have a fairly old kindle, so it is possibly a processing time issue.
Old ground: This is mostly a point because I found Teaching College so revolutionary. It is also perhaps because I work in a UK college, so pre-university level, and therefore my training included a lot of the pedagogy theory that appears in this book.
On the positive side there is loads of good stuff, particularly to make me think about what I want to do to change my practice. Some things were novel, but it was more about clarity in applying ideas. For example:
I don’t think I’ve seen ‘turn and talk’ explained so clearly before, and I really like the idea of using this to get students to develop their note-taking skills too. One of my biggest issues is how students give up on note taking before they have really tried to build their skills, which will only harm them as they move from level three to university. I could image myself using the summarise option a lot, but the possibility of listing answers to a question (this feels a bit like mini whiteboard questioning) or brainstorming outcomes or solutions also look interesting. I like the explicit link to retrieval practice that this reinforces.
I also love the idea of getting rid of slide headings, I’ve felt that they are needed to tie ideas together, but I suspect that I number of my heading could be disposed of! This would free up space. Another “lie” busted is the limited slide number. I think that releasing myself from slide number worry would make it easier to simplify slides and pare down the content on them.
Affinity mapping is another tool that is described very clearly, with a useful link to prior behaviour. I find that my adult students are very, very bad at doing “the reading”. Even before they get lots of assignments. Using affinity mapping, getting students to write ideas down onto post-its and then collectively group into categories would be powerful in setting an expectation, and use peer influence to prompt the least keen to do the work.
I like the idea of signposting slides that show the process and how far through the content we are too.
I think the hardest thing for me to do will be to simplify down my presentations to the one-sentence takeaway template. I’m a details kind of person... But, and this is the key, I do understand that my love of minutiae is not shared by my students. So, work to be done. I know myself well enough that not everything will be changed for September, but I hope to have adjusted some of my content!
Lots to gain from a very compact book, easy to read in one sitting and definitely worth it.
Starting with the irritating: Some formatting seems to be missing. In several places the author refers to images of slides that are not there, or shapes in text that should direct attention that are missing. I found out they are actually there, by accident I clicked back to an earlier chapter and they had appeared. However, going back just a page or two did not reveal the images. I have a fairly old kindle, so it is possibly a processing time issue.
Old ground: This is mostly a point because I found Teaching College so revolutionary. It is also perhaps because I work in a UK college, so pre-university level, and therefore my training included a lot of the pedagogy theory that appears in this book.
On the positive side there is loads of good stuff, particularly to make me think about what I want to do to change my practice. Some things were novel, but it was more about clarity in applying ideas. For example:
I don’t think I’ve seen ‘turn and talk’ explained so clearly before, and I really like the idea of using this to get students to develop their note-taking skills too. One of my biggest issues is how students give up on note taking before they have really tried to build their skills, which will only harm them as they move from level three to university. I could image myself using the summarise option a lot, but the possibility of listing answers to a question (this feels a bit like mini whiteboard questioning) or brainstorming outcomes or solutions also look interesting. I like the explicit link to retrieval practice that this reinforces.
I also love the idea of getting rid of slide headings, I’ve felt that they are needed to tie ideas together, but I suspect that I number of my heading could be disposed of! This would free up space. Another “lie” busted is the limited slide number. I think that releasing myself from slide number worry would make it easier to simplify slides and pare down the content on them.
Affinity mapping is another tool that is described very clearly, with a useful link to prior behaviour. I find that my adult students are very, very bad at doing “the reading”. Even before they get lots of assignments. Using affinity mapping, getting students to write ideas down onto post-its and then collectively group into categories would be powerful in setting an expectation, and use peer influence to prompt the least keen to do the work.
I like the idea of signposting slides that show the process and how far through the content we are too.
I think the hardest thing for me to do will be to simplify down my presentations to the one-sentence takeaway template. I’m a details kind of person... But, and this is the key, I do understand that my love of minutiae is not shared by my students. So, work to be done. I know myself well enough that not everything will be changed for September, but I hope to have adjusted some of my content!
Lots to gain from a very compact book, easy to read in one sitting and definitely worth it.
July 30, 2019
Invaluable resource if you teach, present, or just want to effectively get your point across
What I love about this book is not just the content but how it in itself is presented. Dr. Eng provides clear actionable steps to not just improve how you present but also what you present in service of getting your point across - or more specifically to get your students or audience from point a to b. The book is easy to read and clearly organized with clear take aways and highlighted key points on each page. I especially appreciate the chapter summaries at the end of the book. I train instructors and plan to provide this book as a resource to all our students.
What I love about this book is not just the content but how it in itself is presented. Dr. Eng provides clear actionable steps to not just improve how you present but also what you present in service of getting your point across - or more specifically to get your students or audience from point a to b. The book is easy to read and clearly organized with clear take aways and highlighted key points on each page. I especially appreciate the chapter summaries at the end of the book. I train instructors and plan to provide this book as a resource to all our students.
August 22, 2019
A Must Read for Any Teacher Who Uses Slides
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Too many teachers in high school plaster their slide presentations with full sentences and every fact they want transmitted to their students. This book has great strategies, tips, and before-and-after images to help teachers create meaningful lessons that connect and engage with their students while using slides as a value-added tool — not as the centre piece. A quick and focused read, with only an hour of read time, you will walk away with strategies you can start implementing immediately.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Too many teachers in high school plaster their slide presentations with full sentences and every fact they want transmitted to their students. This book has great strategies, tips, and before-and-after images to help teachers create meaningful lessons that connect and engage with their students while using slides as a value-added tool — not as the centre piece. A quick and focused read, with only an hour of read time, you will walk away with strategies you can start implementing immediately.
July 31, 2019
Excellent tips for improving presentations!
I can't wait to start incorporating the many tips in this book in my presentations! So many students (and teachers) rely on their phones these days, and I was excited to learn I can use that to my advantage during a presentation. This is a great resource for design AND content tips! I think my favourite tactic is stop, jot, and share - what a great way to help students solidify what they've learned.
I can't wait to start incorporating the many tips in this book in my presentations! So many students (and teachers) rely on their phones these days, and I was excited to learn I can use that to my advantage during a presentation. This is a great resource for design AND content tips! I think my favourite tactic is stop, jot, and share - what a great way to help students solidify what they've learned.
August 1, 2019
Must have guide- excellent tool
A powerful guide on how to switch from preparing a mere presentation to a true form of presenting that gives you the necessary tools you need to become an active participant in the verb that is Presenting. From the the Q&A revamp method- to the template provided- the author refreshes higher pedagogy and guides you to become a presenting machine who will be remembered and satisfied with each lesson outcome
A powerful guide on how to switch from preparing a mere presentation to a true form of presenting that gives you the necessary tools you need to become an active participant in the verb that is Presenting. From the the Q&A revamp method- to the template provided- the author refreshes higher pedagogy and guides you to become a presenting machine who will be remembered and satisfied with each lesson outcome
August 25, 2019
Essential and eye opening
If you are a presenter or teacher, this book is a fantastic resource. I have bee giving PowerPoint presentations for more that two decades, both in classrooms and for general audiences, and I'm happy to say Dr. Eng's basic approach is right in line with mine. But I am immediately applying the ideas that were new to my talks and classes. This is solid, sensible stuff any educator or presenter can profit from. Great ideas, excellent book!
If you are a presenter or teacher, this book is a fantastic resource. I have bee giving PowerPoint presentations for more that two decades, both in classrooms and for general audiences, and I'm happy to say Dr. Eng's basic approach is right in line with mine. But I am immediately applying the ideas that were new to my talks and classes. This is solid, sensible stuff any educator or presenter can profit from. Great ideas, excellent book!
July 31, 2019
This book is essential for anyone who is teaching postsecondary education. It describes how to engage students and how to best support their learning. There are lots of examples that show how principles can be applied. While the book is geared towards postsecondary instructors and people presenting research, the advice in this book could apply to anyone who presents to groups.
July 30, 2019
Dr. Eng’s book is very concrete and helpful, not just for professors but anyone who presents. He’s very clear that the audience and their mindset is what dictates the presentation. The slides are important but secondary. Already applying these ideas while reading the book!.
August 20, 2020
Excellent Book on Presenting
Concise and an easy read, the book has excellent tips and doesn’t overwhelm the reader with its content. Wonderful! I will immediately implement his tips.
Concise and an easy read, the book has excellent tips and doesn’t overwhelm the reader with its content. Wonderful! I will immediately implement his tips.
August 20, 2019
Absolutely fantastic distillation of some terrific presentation wisdom. Norman provides a really simple and effective process for preparation, along with a stack of great tips and tricks. If you present now and then or even regularly, this is a must-read. It will change the way you think about the process of prep and presenting.
January 20, 2020
Damn! this is a supreme book and you should definitely read it; either if you are a teacher, a professor, or anybody that do presentations regularly, it will pay off all the time invested in the reading.
February 2, 2020
What is one book you could read to vastly improve your presentations?
A: THIS ONE. I present for a living, and, while I think I am pretty good at it, this book is gonna change things up! Perfect combination of cognitive science, practical experience, and common sense.
A: THIS ONE. I present for a living, and, while I think I am pretty good at it, this book is gonna change things up! Perfect combination of cognitive science, practical experience, and common sense.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews