Management Tip of the Day: Avoid Visual Clichés When Presenting

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile APRIL 19, 2013 Avoid Visual Clichés When Presenting If you want to communicate that your project's goals are "right on target," it's tempting to present your colleagues with the all-too-familiar image of a bull's-eye. But nothing gets an audience's eyes a-glazing like a visual cliché. To make your presentation stand out, throw out the first visual concepts that come to mind. They're the ones that occur to everyone else, too. Brainstorm several ideas for each concept to work your way toward fresh, surprising imagery. To illustrate a partnership, forgo the image of a handshake in front of a globe. Instead, opt for a picture of a reef ecosystem or a stylish photo of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. If you're trying to portray the concept of security, avoid the lock and key. Try a Doberman Pinscher or pepper spray. Your audience is far more likely to remember what you have to say if it comes with unexpected images. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations. Buy the book and learn what it takes to be an effective speaker » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR Press Book TAKE THE PAIN OUT OF PRESENTATIONS. Terrified of speaking in front of a group? Or simply looking to polish your skills? No matter where you are on the spectrum, this guide will give you the confidence and the tools you need to get results. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Find Out How Skilled a Job Candidate Really Is Aim for Smart Failure How to Connect With a Remote Colleague Allocate Your Time and Your Effort Act with Care When Someone Cries at Work Perfect Your Personal Elevator Pitch Use Personal Rituals to Make Changes Stick Get Customers to Advocate for You Choose the Right Chart for Your Slide Quickly Quiet Your Mind All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leadership HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)