PowerPoint and Presentation News - Issue 025

Introduction

This is the 25th issue of the PowerPoint Ezine - and it's amazing that I have been able to bring this so far! Having said that, let's look at what we are discussing this time.

We first have an interview with Susan Berkley of Great Voice, also known as the voice of AT&T. She speaks about her business model, stage fear and PowerPoint - not necessarily in that order.

We then take a look at the unveiling of the 'new look, new direction' Ppted.com - do visit the site and take a look. Ppted also announced a new SuperSaver collection.

Neuxpower has announced a new version of its NXPowerLite add-in - we discuss that followed by a listing of Quick News. We then look at PhotoActiveFX, the wonder PowerPoint add-in from CrystalGraphics that brings a little of Photoshop into PowerPoint. We conclude with a look at PowerPoint MVP Jim Gordon's new site.

Focus on Susan Berkley of Great Voice

Susan Berkley is a former radio personality and a well-known voice on TV and radio commercials and phone lines. Recently featured in The New York Times, The LA Times, Business Week and on CNBC, she is one of the voices that says "Thank you for using AT&T," and is the voice of Citiphone Banking. Here are some excerpts from an interview she did with Indezine. Read the complete interview here.

Geetesh: Why is public speaking so frightening for many people?

Susan: Several reasons:

1. Public speaking is an act of affection-giving, sharing, motivating, teaching -- and, as crazy as it seems, we are terrified of affection. We unconsciously think it is somehow prejudicial.
2. We are terribly critical of ourselves and we project our own self criticism onto the audience, imagining that they will judge us, when this judgement really comes from within.
3. We are overly focused on ourselves, how we look, how we come across, rather than on giving something of value to the audience.

All of these things create stress and a sudden adrenaline rush. If you're not used to it, all that adrenaline can create some pretty scary but basically harmless and short lived symptoms that we typically associate with speech fright. I help people understand the reasons why they become so stressed when they have to speak in public and then give them some practical things they can do to help burn off that excess adrenaline so they can feel more comfortable.

Geetesh: What do you mean by the hidden power of your voice?

Susan: There is tremendous beauty and power in the human voice and most people haven't even begun to explore this potential, let alone other explore the other talents and qualities they possess. In my work, I give people not only solid, practical techniques, but also the courage to explore the hidden, inner part of themselves which is the source of confidence and inspiration, of true speaking mastery.

Read the complete interview here.

Thank you, Susan!

New Look, New Direction for ppted.com

Ppted.com launched its new avatar with a 'New Look, New Direction' theme that encompasses the entire site.

You can take a look at the site here.

You can try, view and buy PowerPoint templates, backgrounds, add-ins, books, textures, tutors, companion programs, clip media and more. The coming weeks will see lots more happening. Watch this space!

Meanwhile, Ppted also announced a new SuperSaver collection.

Neuxpower Announces NXPowerLite 1.5

Neuxpower has announced version 1.5 of its NXPowerLite program that claims to squeeze as much as 90% off PowerPoint file sizes in some cases.

NXPowerLite is compatible with PowerPoint 97 and above, running on any version of Windows, from and including Windows 95. A full functional, free trial is available from their site.

Tommy Powell from Neuxpower says that organizations currently using NXPowerLite include Chanel, Diageo, Disney, Dupont, Hewlett Packard, Hilton, Nike, Pepsi, Unilever and Virgin.

You can find more info about the product here.

Watch out for an Indezine review of the product soon.

Quick News

Microsoft's Mactopia site has added new PowerPoint templates for PowerPoint on the Macintosh - however all designs can be used on PowerPoint for Windows as well. Thank you, Mickey Stevens for this link. More info.

Wacom has extensive info about using their tablets with business applications including PowerPoint, especially combining the tablet, PowerPoint and the projector. More info.

Amazing Visio is a new program from SoftApproach Corporation that adds provides eye-catching shapes and templates for Microsoft Visio - such content is often used within PowerPoint presentations. More info.

Wildform has introduced Wild FX Pro, a new program that creates everything from complex effects to complete title crawls. Such content can be generated in a matter of minutes. Video output formats include MOV, AVI, DV, and MP4. In addition, Wild FX Pro outputs Flash SWF files which are ideal for websites, CDs and presentations. More info.

TechSmith has announced version 6.3 of their screen capture tool - SnagIt. This version adds a new toolbar for Microsoft Excel. SnagIt 6.3 also gives you artistic Edge Effects to apply to your screenshots, as well as many new file formats in which to save all your screen captures. More info.

CrystalGraphics has extended its PowerPlugs range of PowerPoint add-ins to Excel as well. More info.

Exploring PhotoActive FX

PhotoActive FX is among the oldest PowerPoint add-ins I've known. The product continues to fascinate - even after I have used it for so many years.

For those who don't know, PhotoActive FX allows you to add image and video effects to pictures right inside PowerPoint. Here's an excerpt from a review I did recently:

"Adding some pizzazz to your next PowerPoint presentation can be easy with PhotoActive FX from CrystalGraphics. This two volume add-in for PowerPoint allows you to create photo effects right inside PowerPoint. It also includes a video rendering engine that creates customized video clips that integrate seamlessly within your presentation."

Read the full review here.

Jim Gordon's Site

Jim Gordon is a Microsoft MVP for PowerPoint (Mac) - his site at http://www.agentjim.com/MVP/ contains info about using PowerPoint on the Macintosh.

While there, you'll find reviews of PowerPoint 2001 and PowerPoint X. In addition, look at Jim's new add-in for PowerPoint that offers quick importing of pictures from files, folders, directories, mounted volumes, digital cameras, scanners, RAM cards, and other image sources. Images are added one at a time.

Events & Seminars

Winning Presentations Seminar
September 24 and 25, 2003
Boston, USA
Claudyne Wilder, Wilder Presentations

PowerPoint Live
October 12 to 15, 2003
Tucson, Arizona, USA
Rick Altman, R Altman Digital Consulting
PPT Live

Credits

During the preparation of this issue of the PowerPoint Ezine, I received assistance, content or feedback from Cathy Marxen, Mickey Stevens, Nicole Ha, Susan Berkley and Tommy Powell (all in alphabetical order). I would like to use this platform to thank them for their help.