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 Customer Reviews
Had very little presentation experience, never heard of Garr, gave a ppt based on this book - really positive feedback on my ppt, 19 Nov 2008
I have never left a review before but this book really helped me. I have made the odd slide before but nothing fancy. I needed to give a full presentation as part of an assignment and as part of my work role. I had created the usual text laden ppt that I had experience of seeing others present. I needed some literature to back up my decision in my assignment and found this book. In one day it transformed my whole presentation. I had lots of fun using pictures suggested from istockphoto and the critical audience that I presented to was really impressed with the slides I had produced. Yes most of what he says is common sense when you think about it - but the book is so easy to follow and you will kick yourself for not realising it all by yourself! However sometimes you need things pointed out to you simply! Its an easy read and can make a difference! I would strongly recommend this book - in fact I already have!
Should be required reading for presenters, 14 Nov 2008
Bought this on "spec", and found it extremely useful. Written in a light and easy manner, never preachy, yet supplying valuable concepts and rules for all presentations.
Should be required readings for anybody wanting to create a powerpoint presentation, as there are soooo many bad PP's out there.
Only looses five full stars because it relies a lot on asking you to use stock photographs from sites such as iStockPhoto, that need a subscription - which few can afford.
Replace Bullet Points with Dental Posters That Evoke Positive Feelings, Tell Stories, and Be Mentally Present, 21 Oct 2008
Long before there was PowerPoint, most presentations contained more columns of numbers and bullet points than pictures. PowerPoint seemed designed to capture the essence of those transparencies and make it faster to create them . . . while adding color. Compared to those ugly transparencies, PowerPoint seemed like an improvement.
By comparison, my dentist has always covered his walls with beautiful bleed images of gorgeous places combined with intriguing sayings about life. Those posters are the only uplifting thing about my trips to the dentist's office. He doesn't tell me any entertaining stories.
In presentationzen, Garr Reynolds shares with us that today's audiences like a standard PowerPoint presentation about as much as I like going to the dentist (I doubt if you are surprised by that). His prescription is to turn the typical presentation into a series of stories aided by exhibits that remind me of those dental posters while being very responsive (present . . . in his terminology) to the audience.
The book's main strength, and one that makes it well worth reading and following, is in describing a process that can be used to create a presentation that will be compelling. Even when I see a presentation that I like, I don't learn much from the example because the presenter doesn't share the process behind the result.
The examples almost all showed someone in a black turtle neck, black pants, and black shoes who looked like a Steve Jobs acolyte. As a result, there's an Apple versus Microsoft tone to the book that didn't match any environment where I ever see or give presentations (usually board rooms and senior corporate conference rooms).
Most presentations should be much shorter, should have a lot less material, and should be much easier to grasp. This book will help you if that's the way you want to go. Beware, however, that you don't go over the edge into becoming an "artiste" in your presentations. This book will probably push you a little too far in that direction.
For those who cannot imagine how an image might fit into a presentation, this book will be a great breath of fresh air. To those who want to copy the advice closely, keep your audience in mind. You might try to take them places where they don't want to go.
In my 30-plus years of presentation experience, I find that the story is the key to success. One good story will more than carry the day. You can draw on a chalk board with your fingernails for graphics and a good story will still work just fine. To me, the weakness of this book is that it doesn't pay enough to the story telling aspect of successful presentations.
I recommend Stephen Denning's books on story telling to help you with that aspect of presentations.
Must read for people doing Presentation, 08 Oct 2008
This book is a must read on the Topic. Some people might find it not practical but I don't agree, it's just that it makes you think on the way we've been taught to do Powerpoint presentation. And from there Garr Reynolds gives you the keys on how to prepare, design and deliver your presentation. Presentation is in our everyday life, face to face, powerpoint, meeting, selling etc... Presentation Zen is a classic in Business (read also his blog)
Presentations worth meditating on...., 16 Sep 2008
This concise book is a real breath of fresh air in presentation design. Stripping the art of presenting back to basics, Garr Reynolds advocates a clean and simple form of presentation that he argues strengthens a presentation's quality.
I'd certainly agree and the book is beatifully illustrated with examples of this crisp and clean design style. I used the book as inspiration for a series of presentations (both for myself and my graphic design team) and the resulting presentations were a massive improvement on previous work and very well received.
If you like long lists of bullet points, don't buy this boo. If you like clean and elegant work, get a copy now!
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Customer Reviews
Had very little presentation experience, never heard of Garr, gave a ppt based on this book - really positive feedback on my ppt, 19 Nov 2008
I have never left a review before but this book really helped me. I have made the odd slide before but nothing fancy. I needed to give a full presentation as part of an assignment and as part of my work role. I had created the usual text laden ppt that I had experience of seeing others present. I needed some literature to back up my decision in my assignment and found this book. In one day it transformed my whole presentation. I had lots of fun using pictures suggested from istockphoto and the critical audience that I presented to was really impressed with the slides I had produced. Yes most of what he says is common sense when you think about it - but the book is so easy to follow and you will kick yourself for not realising it all by yourself! However sometimes you need things pointed out to you simply! Its an easy read and can make a difference! I would strongly recommend this book - in fact I already have!
Should be required reading for presenters, 14 Nov 2008
Bought this on "spec", and found it extremely useful. Written in a light and easy manner, never preachy, yet supplying valuable concepts and rules for all presentations.
Should be required readings for anybody wanting to create a powerpoint presentation, as there are soooo many bad PP's out there.
Only looses five full stars because it relies a lot on asking you to use stock photographs from sites such as iStockPhoto, that need a subscription - which few can afford.
Replace Bullet Points with Dental Posters That Evoke Positive Feelings, Tell Stories, and Be Mentally Present, 21 Oct 2008
Long before there was PowerPoint, most presentations contained more columns of numbers and bullet points than pictures. PowerPoint seemed designed to capture the essence of those transparencies and make it faster to create them . . . while adding color. Compared to those ugly transparencies, PowerPoint seemed like an improvement.
By comparison, my dentist has always covered his walls with beautiful bleed images of gorgeous places combined with intriguing sayings about life. Those posters are the only uplifting thing about my trips to the dentist's office. He doesn't tell me any entertaining stories.
In presentationzen, Garr Reynolds shares with us that today's audiences like a standard PowerPoint presentation about as much as I like going to the dentist (I doubt if you are surprised by that). His prescription is to turn the typical presentation into a series of stories aided by exhibits that remind me of those dental posters while being very responsive (present . . . in his terminology) to the audience.
The book's main strength, and one that makes it well worth reading and following, is in describing a process that can be used to create a presentation that will be compelling. Even when I see a presentation that I like, I don't learn much from the example because the presenter doesn't share the process behind the result.
The examples almost all showed someone in a black turtle neck, black pants, and black shoes who looked like a Steve Jobs acolyte. As a result, there's an Apple versus Microsoft tone to the book that didn't match any environment where I ever see or give presentations (usually board rooms and senior corporate conference rooms).
Most presentations should be much shorter, should have a lot less material, and should be much easier to grasp. This book will help you if that's the way you want to go. Beware, however, that you don't go over the edge into becoming an "artiste" in your presentations. This book will probably push you a little too far in that direction.
For those who cannot imagine how an image might fit into a presentation, this book will be a great breath of fresh air. To those who want to copy the advice closely, keep your audience in mind. You might try to take them places where they don't want to go.
In my 30-plus years of presentation experience, I find that the story is the key to success. One good story will more than carry the day. You can draw on a chalk board with your fingernails for graphics and a good story will still work just fine. To me, the weakness of this book is that it doesn't pay enough to the story telling aspect of successful presentations.
I recommend Stephen Denning's books on story telling to help you with that aspect of presentations.
Must read for people doing Presentation, 08 Oct 2008
This book is a must read on the Topic. Some people might find it not practical but I don't agree, it's just that it makes you think on the way we've been taught to do Powerpoint presentation. And from there Garr Reynolds gives you the keys on how to prepare, design and deliver your presentation. Presentation is in our everyday life, face to face, powerpoint, meeting, selling etc... Presentation Zen is a classic in Business (read also his blog)
Presentations worth meditating on...., 16 Sep 2008
This concise book is a real breath of fresh air in presentation design. Stripping the art of presenting back to basics, Garr Reynolds advocates a clean and simple form of presentation that he argues strengthens a presentation's quality.
I'd certainly agree and the book is beatifully illustrated with examples of this crisp and clean design style. I used the book as inspiration for a series of presentations (both for myself and my graphic design team) and the resulting presentations were a massive improvement on previous work and very well received.
If you like long lists of bullet points, don't buy this boo. If you like clean and elegant work, get a copy now!
Very Helpful and Visually appealing, 19 Nov 2008
This book is wonderful. It's packed with colourful step-by-step "lessons". Very nice colours and layout. Definitly for an eye-buyer like me. Not one of my many books I will ever give away.
Fashion designers handbook, 09 Mar 2008
An excellent and through book. Very easy to understand and good use of illustrations to help you learn the programme.
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Customer Reviews
Had very little presentation experience, never heard of Garr, gave a ppt based on this book - really positive feedback on my ppt, 19 Nov 2008
I have never left a review before but this book really helped me. I have made the odd slide before but nothing fancy. I needed to give a full presentation as part of an assignment and as part of my work role. I had created the usual text laden ppt that I had experience of seeing others present. I needed some literature to back up my decision in my assignment and found this book. In one day it transformed my whole presentation. I had lots of fun using pictures suggested from istockphoto and the critical audience that I presented to was really impressed with the slides I had produced. Yes most of what he says is common sense when you think about it - but the book is so easy to follow and you will kick yourself for not realising it all by yourself! However sometimes you need things pointed out to you simply! Its an easy read and can make a difference! I would strongly recommend this book - in fact I already have!
Should be required reading for presenters, 14 Nov 2008
Bought this on "spec", and found it extremely useful. Written in a light and easy manner, never preachy, yet supplying valuable concepts and rules for all presentations.
Should be required readings for anybody wanting to create a powerpoint presentation, as there are soooo many bad PP's out there.
Only looses five full stars because it relies a lot on asking you to use stock photographs from sites such as iStockPhoto, that need a subscription - which few can afford.
Replace Bullet Points with Dental Posters That Evoke Positive Feelings, Tell Stories, and Be Mentally Present, 21 Oct 2008
Long before there was PowerPoint, most presentations contained more columns of numbers and bullet points than pictures. PowerPoint seemed designed to capture the essence of those transparencies and make it faster to create them . . . while adding color. Compared to those ugly transparencies, PowerPoint seemed like an improvement.
By comparison, my dentist has always covered his walls with beautiful bleed images of gorgeous places combined with intriguing sayings about life. Those posters are the only uplifting thing about my trips to the dentist's office. He doesn't tell me any entertaining stories.
In presentationzen, Garr Reynolds shares with us that today's audiences like a standard PowerPoint presentation about as much as I like going to the dentist (I doubt if you are surprised by that). His prescription is to turn the typical presentation into a series of stories aided by exhibits that remind me of those dental posters while being very responsive (present . . . in his terminology) to the audience.
The book's main strength, and one that makes it well worth reading and following, is in describing a process that can be used to create a presentation that will be compelling. Even when I see a presentation that I like, I don't learn much from the example because the presenter doesn't share the process behind the result.
The examples almost all showed someone in a black turtle neck, black pants, and black shoes who looked like a Steve Jobs acolyte. As a result, there's an Apple versus Microsoft tone to the book that didn't match any environment where I ever see or give presentations (usually board rooms and senior corporate conference rooms).
Most presentations should be much shorter, should have a lot less material, and should be much easier to grasp. This book will help you if that's the way you want to go. Beware, however, that you don't go over the edge into becoming an "artiste" in your presentations. This book will probably push you a little too far in that direction.
For those who cannot imagine how an image might fit into a presentation, this book will be a great breath of fresh air. To those who want to copy the advice closely, keep your audience in mind. You might try to take them places where they don't want to go.
In my 30-plus years of presentation experience, I find that the story is the key to success. One good story will more than carry the day. You can draw on a chalk board with your fingernails for graphics and a good story will still work just fine. To me, the weakness of this book is that it doesn't pay enough to the story telling aspect of successful presentations.
I recommend Stephen Denning's books on story telling to help you with that aspect of presentations.
Must read for people doing Presentation, 08 Oct 2008
This book is a must read on the Topic. Some people might find it not practical but I don't agree, it's just that it makes you think on the way we've been taught to do Powerpoint presentation. And from there Garr Reynolds gives you the keys on how to prepare, design and deliver your presentation. Presentation is in our everyday life, face to face, powerpoint, meeting, selling etc... Presentation Zen is a classic in Business (read also his blog)
Presentations worth meditating on...., 16 Sep 2008
This concise book is a real breath of fresh air in presentation design. Stripping the art of presenting back to basics, Garr Reynolds advocates a clean and simple form of presentation that he argues strengthens a presentation's quality.
I'd certainly agree and the book is beatifully illustrated with examples of this crisp and clean design style. I used the book as inspiration for a series of presentations (both for myself and my graphic design team) and the resulting presentations were a massive improvement on previous work and very well received.
If you like long lists of bullet points, don't buy this boo. If you like clean and elegant work, get a copy now!
Very Helpful and Visually appealing, 19 Nov 2008
This book is wonderful. It's packed with colourful step-by-step "lessons". Very nice colours and layout. Definitly for an eye-buyer like me. Not one of my many books I will ever give away.
Fashion designers handbook, 09 Mar 2008
An excellent and through book. Very easy to understand and good use of illustrations to help you learn the programme.
How to "zag" when everyone else "zigs", 28 Jun 2007
In a previous book, The Brand Gap, Marty Neumeier explains how companies can bridge the gap between business strategy and customer experience, noting that brand-building isn't a series of isolated activities; rather, it is a complete system in which five disciplines - differentiation, collaboration, innovation, validation, and cultivation - "combine to produce a sustainable competitive advantage. " His intent in Zag "is to zoom in on differentiation to reveal the system within the system."
Initially, he observes that the human mind deals with clutter the best way it can: by blocking it out. As a result, "the newest barriers to competition are the mental walls that customers erect to keep out clutter. For the first time in history, the most powerful barriers to competition are not controlled by companies, but by customers. Those little boxes they build in their minds determine the boundaries of brands." (Thomas H. Davenport and John C. Beck also have much of value to say about these boundaries and barriers in The Attention Economy: Understanding the New Currency of Business.) In his latest book, Neumeier explains how to overcome these barriers with radical innovation - "the engine for a high performance brand" - that requires mastery of four disciplines:
1. Finding your zag
2. Designing your zag
3. Building your zag
4. Renewing your zag
Everything begins with identifying the zag. That is, offering something that combines the qualities of both good and different. "When focus is paired with differentiation, supported by a trend, and surrounded by compelling communications, you have the basic ingredients of a zag."
OK, but how to do that? Neumeier provides a design process that consists of 17 checkpoints, each formulated as a question. He explains how to answer each of them correctly (i.e. an answer most appropriate to the given organization) by proceeding through a sequence of 17 checkpoints, each of which evokes a question to be answered correctly (i.e. appropriate to the given organization), with the first two previously posed as a trilogy in The Brand Gap: "Who are you?" and "What do you do?" Responding to them may prove far more difficult than it may first seem and a correct (i.e. appropriate) answer to each is essential to achieving radical innovation. The third question posed previously, "Why should I care?" creates an even greater challenge. Fortunately, a correct (i.e. appropriate) answer to that question will be revealed by carefully proceeding through the remaining 15 checkpoints.
It is truly remarkable how much substance and how many thought-provoking questions Neumeier provides within a narrative of less than 200 pages. With both rigor and eloquence, he explains how radical innovation can break through ever-increasing clutter in a competitive marketplace, whatever and wherever it may be. Special note should also be made of the book's production values. All of his core concepts, checklists, key points, observations, and recommendations are presented within a visually appealing context. The last time I checked, there are about 34,000 business books on the general subject of brands. Neumeier has written two of the most valuable among them. Bravo!
Stating the obvious at great length, 17 Jun 2007
At first glance this book looks impressive, but you soon realise that the advice it gives is all obvious. Of course we all want products that are different to the competition, but the hard bit is doing it successfully in our particular markets. This book talks in such generalities that it doesn't help.
Having the courage to be different, 09 Nov 2006
If you type Branding into Google, you will find 1,330,000 references. Everyone knows about it, talks about it, but few have created a successful brand and can explain to others how they did it. Marty Neumeier has and can. He explains how to do it in simple stages avoiding jargon and confusion. This is not a 'padded' book, I read it in two sittings.
He writes beautifully with a full knowledge and appreciation of the next question on the reader's lips.
I particularly liked how he used the running example of a fledgling company throughout the book, bringing to life its stage by stage growth and illustrating how ground-breaking differentiation was achieved.
This is an essential book for designers and clients who need to demystify the branding process, and it will help them generate the vision and courage needed to create a unique brand.
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Customer Reviews
Had very little presentation experience, never heard of Garr, gave a ppt based on this book - really positive feedback on my ppt, 19 Nov 2008
I have never left a review before but this book really helped me. I have made the odd slide before but nothing fancy. I needed to give a full presentation as part of an assignment and as part of my work role. I had created the usual text laden ppt that I had experience of seeing others present. I needed some literature to back up my decision in my assignment and found this book. In one day it transformed my whole presentation. I had lots of fun using pictures suggested from istockphoto and the critical audience that I presented to was really impressed with the slides I had produced. Yes most of what he says is common sense when you think about it - but the book is so easy to follow and you will kick yourself for not realising it all by yourself! However sometimes you need things pointed out to you simply! Its an easy read and can make a difference! I would strongly recommend this book - in fact I already have! Should be required reading for presenters, 14 Nov 2008
Bought this on "spec", and found it extremely useful. Written in a light and easy manner, never preachy, yet supplying valuable concepts and rules for all presentations.
Should be required readings for anybody wanting to create a powerpoint presentation, as there are soooo many bad PP's out there.
Only looses five full stars because it relies a lot on asking you to use stock photographs from sites such as iStockPhoto, that need a subscription - which few can afford. Replace Bullet Points with Dental Posters That Evoke Positive Feelings, Tell Stories, and Be Mentally Present, 21 Oct 2008
Long before there was PowerPoint, most presentations contained more columns of numbers and bullet points than pictures. PowerPoint seemed designed to capture the essence of those transparencies and make it faster to create them . . . while adding color. Compared to those ugly transparencies, PowerPoint seemed like an improvement.
By comparison, my dentist has always covered his walls with beautiful bleed images of gorgeous places combined with intriguing sayings about life. Those posters are the only uplifting thing about my trips to the dentist's office. He doesn't tell me any entertaining stories.
In presentationzen, Garr Reynolds shares with us that today's audiences like a standard PowerPoint presentation about as much as I like going to the dentist (I doubt if you are surprised by that). His prescription is to turn the typical presentation into a series of stories aided by exhibits that remind me of those dental posters while being very responsive (present . . . in his terminology) to the audience.
The book's main strength, and one that makes it well worth reading and following, is in describing a process that can be used to create a presentation that will be compelling. Even when I see a presentation that I like, I don't learn much from the example because the presenter doesn't share the process behind the result.
The examples almost all showed someone in a black turtle neck, black pants, and black shoes who looked like a Steve Jobs acolyte. As a result, there's an Apple versus Microsoft tone to the book that didn't match any environment where I ever see or give presentations (usually board rooms and senior corporate conference rooms).
Most presentations should be much shorter, should have a lot less material, and should be much easier to grasp. This book will help you if that's the way you want to go. Beware, however, that you don't go over the edge into becoming an "artiste" in your presentations. This book will probably push you a little too far in that direction.
For those who cannot imagine how an image might fit into a presentation, this book will be a great breath of fresh air. To those who want to copy the advice closely, keep your audience in mind. You might try to take them places where they don't want to go.
In my 30-plus years of presentation experience, I find that the story is the key to success. One good story will more than carry the day. You can draw on a chalk board with your fingernails for graphics and a good story will still work just fine. To me, the weakness of this book is that it doesn't pay enough to the story telling aspect of successful presentations.
I recommend Stephen Denning's books on story telling to help you with that aspect of presentations.
Must read for people doing Presentation, 08 Oct 2008
This book is a must read on the Topic. Some people might find it not practical but I don't agree, it's just that it makes you think on the way we've been taught to do Powerpoint presentation. And from there Garr Reynolds gives you the keys on how to prepare, design and deliver your presentation. Presentation is in our everyday life, face to face, powerpoint, meeting, selling etc... Presentation Zen is a classic in Business (read also his blog) Presentations worth meditating on...., 16 Sep 2008
This concise book is a real breath of fresh air in presentation design. Stripping the art of presenting back to basics, Garr Reynolds advocates a clean and simple form of presentation that he argues strengthens a presentation's quality.
I'd certainly agree and the book is beatifully illustrated with examples of this crisp and clean design style. I used the book as inspiration for a series of presentations (both for myself and my graphic design team) and the resulting presentations were a massive improvement on previous work and very well received.
If you like long lists of bullet points, don't buy this boo. If you like clean and elegant work, get a copy now! Very Helpful and Visually appealing, 19 Nov 2008
This book is wonderful. It's packed with colourful step-by-step "lessons". Very nice colours and layout. Definitly for an eye-buyer like me. Not one of my many books I will ever give away. Fashion designers handbook, 09 Mar 2008
An excellent and through book. Very easy to understand and good use of illustrations to help you learn the programme. How to "zag" when everyone else "zigs", 28 Jun 2007
In a previous book, The Brand Gap, Marty Neumeier explains how companies can bridge the gap between business strategy and customer experience, noting that brand-building isn't a series of isolated activities; rather, it is a complete system in which five disciplines - differentiation, collaboration, innovation, validation, and cultivation - "combine to produce a sustainable competitive advantage. " His intent in Zag "is to zoom in on differentiation to reveal the system within the system."
Initially, he observes that the human mind deals with clutter the best way it can: by blocking it out. As a result, "the newest barriers to competition are the mental walls that customers erect to keep out clutter. For the first time in history, the most powerful barriers to competition are not controlled by companies, but by customers. Those little boxes they build in their minds determine the boundaries of brands." (Thomas H. Davenport and John C. Beck also have much of value to say about these boundaries and barriers in The Attention Economy: Understanding the New Currency of Business.) In his latest book, Neumeier explains how to overcome these barriers with radical innovation - "the engine for a high performance brand" - that requires mastery of four disciplines:
1. Finding your zag
2. Designing your zag
3. Building your zag
4. Renewing your zag
Everything begins with identifying the zag. That is, offering something that combines the qualities of both good and different. "When focus is paired with differentiation, supported by a trend, and surrounded by compelling communications, you have the basic ingredients of a zag."
OK, but how to do that? Neumeier provides a design process that consists of 17 checkpoints, each formulated as a question. He explains how to answer each of them correctly (i.e. an answer most appropriate to the given organization) by proceeding through a sequence of 17 checkpoints, each of which evokes a question to be answered correctly (i.e. appropriate to the given organization), with the first two previously posed as a trilogy in The Brand Gap: "Who are you?" and "What do you do?" Responding to them may prove far more difficult than it may first seem and a correct (i.e. appropriate) answer to each is essential to achieving radical innovation. The third question posed previously, "Why should I care?" creates an even greater challenge. Fortunately, a correct (i.e. appropriate) answer to that question will be revealed by carefully proceeding through the remaining 15 checkpoints.
It is truly remarkable how much substance and how many thought-provoking questions Neumeier provides within a narrative of less than 200 pages. With both rigor and eloquence, he explains how radical innovation can break through ever-increasing clutter in a competitive marketplace, whatever and wherever it may be. Special note should also be made of the book's production values. All of his core concepts, checklists, key points, observations, and recommendations are presented within a visually appealing context. The last time I checked, there are about 34,000 business books on the general subject of brands. Neumeier has written two of the most valuable among them. Bravo! Stating the obvious at great length, 17 Jun 2007
At first glance this book looks impressive, but you soon realise that the advice it gives is all obvious. Of course we all want products that are different to the competition, but the hard bit is doing it successfully in our particular markets. This book talks in such generalities that it doesn't help. Having the courage to be different, 09 Nov 2006
If you type Branding into Google, you will find 1,330,000 references. Everyone knows about it, talks about it, but few have created a successful brand and can explain to others how they did it. Marty Neumeier has and can. He explains how to do it in simple stages avoiding jargon and confusion. This is not a 'padded' book, I read it in two sittings.
He writes beautifully with a full knowledge and appreciation of the next question on the reader's lips.
I particularly liked how he used the running example of a fledgling company throughout the book, bringing to life its stage by stage growth and illustrating how ground-breaking differentiation was achieved.
This is an essential book for designers and clients who need to demystify the branding process, and it will help them generate the vision and courage needed to create a unique brand. Worthy for beginners , 07 Aug 2007
The book covers all the basics of CSS that you would think of, and shows you how to do things through ten minute sessions that allow you to pick the ideas and techniques that are in the book very easily. A great introduction, 10 Jun 2007
I had been trying for some time to get my head around css page layout. As I have Dreamweaver 8 I found that I had come to rely on tables to a large extent but was unhappy with the overall clumsiness of using this format. I have bought several books on css but always felt there was no logical progression in what I read. Well this book has done it for me! It has filled in all the gaps - now my documents validate immediately!!!
The book that is the missing link.
An excellent first introduction, 13 Jun 2006
This is the best introduction to any computing subject that I have ever read. It explains first principals logically and clearly, which is useful even if you have used CSS before.
It is not intended as a reference guide and once you've read it you will probably almost never refer to it again; so you will need a second book, or use the web for reference.
However, even though I only read it once, it was definately worth the money. Good simple guide. Nothing fancy just clear short and simple, 08 Mar 2006
Well, I have had this book now for a while, I have read through it and I can say it is a handy book to have. It doesn't claim to be the definative guide, it doesn't contain fancy graphics. What it does contain though is over 20 short lessons that give you an understanding of what CSS is about and the kinds of things that can be achieved. I would recommend this title for beginners as it doesn't drown you in technicalities, it addresses the core of what beginners would want to know such as positioning, box models and background images to name but a few. This book will not teach you all there is to know but it will give examples on how to achieve each of the subject areas addressed. I read the book cover to cover, it didn't take that long and it is surprising what has lodged in my head. I now have a deeper understanding of what is possible and the code needed to achieve it. It's worth it's price.
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Customer Reviews
Had very little presentation experience, never heard of Garr, gave a ppt based on this book - really positive feedback on my ppt, 19 Nov 2008
I have never left a review before but this book really helped me. I have made the odd slide before but nothing fancy. I needed to give a full presentation as part of an assignment and as part of my work role. I had created the usual text laden ppt that I had experience of seeing others present. I needed some literature to back up my decision in my assignment and found this book. In one day it transformed my whole presentation. I had lots of fun using pictures suggested from istockphoto and the critical audience that I presented to was really impressed with the slides I had produced. Yes most of what he says is common sense when you think about it - but the book is so easy to follow and you will kick yourself for not realising it all by yourself! However sometimes you need things pointed out to you simply! Its an easy read and can make a difference! I would strongly recommend this book - in fact I already have! Should be required reading for presenters, 14 Nov 2008
Bought this on "spec", and found it extremely useful. Written in a light and easy manner, never preachy, yet supplying valuable concepts and rules for all presentations.
Should be required readings for anybody wanting to create a powerpoint presentation, as there are soooo many bad PP's out there.
Only looses five full stars because it relies a lot on asking you to use stock photographs from sites such as iStockPhoto, that need a subscription - which few can afford. Replace Bullet Points with Dental Posters That Evoke Positive Feelings, Tell Stories, and Be Mentally Present, 21 Oct 2008
Long before there was PowerPoint, most presentations contained more columns of numbers and bullet points than pictures. PowerPoint seemed designed to capture the essence of those transparencies and make it faster to create them . . . while adding color. Compared to those ugly transparencies, PowerPoint seemed like an improvement.
By comparison, my dentist has always covered his walls with beautiful bleed images of gorgeous places combined with intriguing sayings about life. Those posters are the only uplifting thing about my trips to the dentist's office. He doesn't tell me any entertaining stories.
In presentationzen, Garr Reynolds shares with us that today's audiences like a standard PowerPoint presentation about as much as I like going to the dentist (I doubt if you are surprised by that). His prescription is to turn the typical presentation into a series of stories aided by exhibits that remind me of those dental posters while being very responsive (present . . . in his terminology) to the audience.
The book's main strength, and one that makes it well worth reading and following, is in describing a process that can be used to create a presentation that will be compelling. Even when I see a presentation that I like, I don't learn much from the example because the presenter doesn't share the process behind the result.
The examples almost all showed someone in a black turtle neck, black pants, and black shoes who looked like a Steve Jobs acolyte. As a result, there's an Apple versus Microsoft tone to the book that didn't match any environment where I ever see or give presentations (usually board rooms and senior corporate conference rooms).
Most presentations should be much shorter, should have a lot less material, and should be much easier to grasp. This book will help you if that's the way you want to go. Beware, however, that you don't go over the edge into becoming an "artiste" in your presentations. This book will probably push you a little too far in that direction.
For those who cannot imagine how an image might fit into a presentation, this book will be a great breath of fresh air. To those who want to copy the advice closely, keep your audience in mind. You might try to take them places where they don't want to go.
In my 30-plus years of presentation experience, I find that the story is the key to success. One good story will more than carry the day. You can draw on a chalk board with your fingernails for graphics and a good story will still work just fine. To me, the weakness of this book is that it doesn't pay enough to the story telling aspect of successful presentations.
I recommend Stephen Denning's books on story telling to help you with that aspect of presentations.
Must read for people doing Presentation, 08 Oct 2008
This book is a must read on the Topic. Some people might find it not practical but I don't agree, it's just that it makes you think on the way we've been taught to do Powerpoint presentation. And from there Garr Reynolds gives you the keys on how to prepare, design and deliver your presentation. Presentation is in our everyday life, face to face, powerpoint, meeting, selling etc... Presentation Zen is a classic in Business (read also his blog) Presentations worth meditating on...., 16 Sep 2008
This concise book is a real breath of fresh air in presentation design. Stripping the art of presenting back to basics, Garr Reynolds advocates a clean and simple form of presentation that he argues strengthens a presentation's quality.
I'd certainly agree and the book is beatifully illustrated with examples of this crisp and clean design style. I used the book as inspiration for a series of presentations (both for myself and my graphic design team) and the resulting presentations were a massive improvement on previous work and very well received.
If you like long lists of bullet points, don't buy this boo. If you like clean and elegant work, get a copy now! Very Helpful and Visually appealing, 19 Nov 2008
This book is wonderful. It's packed with colourful step-by-step "lessons". Very nice colours and layout. Definitly for an eye-buyer like me. Not one of my many books I will ever give away. Fashion designers handbook, 09 Mar 2008
An excellent and through book. Very easy to understand and good use of illustrations to help you learn the programme. How to "zag" when everyone else "zigs", 28 Jun 2007
In a previous book, The Brand Gap, Marty Neumeier explains how companies can bridge the gap between business strategy and customer experience, noting that brand-building isn't a series of isolated activities; rather, it is a complete system in which five disciplines - differentiation, collaboration, innovation, validation, and cultivation - "combine to produce a sustainable competitive advantage. " His intent in Zag "is to zoom in on differentiation to reveal the system within the system."
Initially, he observes that the human mind deals with clutter the best way it can: by blocking it out. As a result, "the newest barriers to competition are the mental walls that customers erect to keep out clutter. For the first time in history, the most powerful barriers to competition are not controlled by companies, but by customers. Those little boxes they build in their minds determine the boundaries of brands." (Thomas H. Davenport and John C. Beck also have much of value to say about these boundaries and barriers in The Attention Economy: Understanding the New Currency of Business.) In his latest book, Neumeier explains how to overcome these barriers with radical innovation - "the engine for a high performance brand" - that requires mastery of four disciplines:
1. Finding your zag
2. Designing your zag
3. Building your zag
4. Renewing your zag
Everything begins with identifying the zag. That is, offering something that combines the qualities of both good and different. "When focus is paired with differentiation, supported by a trend, and surrounded by compelling communications, you have the basic ingredients of a zag."
OK, but how to do that? Neumeier provides a design process that consists of 17 checkpoints, each formulated as a question. He explains how to answer each of them correctly (i.e. an answer most appropriate to the given organization) by proceeding through a sequence of 17 checkpoints, each of which evokes a question to be answered correctly (i.e. appropriate to the given organization), with the first two previously posed as a trilogy in The Brand Gap: "Who are you?" and "What do you do?" Responding to them may prove far more difficult than it may first seem and a correct (i.e. appropriate) answer to each is essential to achieving radical innovation. The third question posed previously, "Why should I care?" creates an even greater challenge. Fortunately, a correct (i.e. appropriate) answer to that question will be revealed by carefully proceeding through the remaining 15 checkpoints.
It is truly remarkable how much substance and how many thought-provoking questions Neumeier provides within a narrative of less than 200 pages. With both rigor and eloquence, he explains how radical innovation can break through ever-increasing clutter in a competitive marketplace, whatever and wherever it may be. Special note should also be made of the book's production values. All of his core concepts, checklists, key points, observations, and recommendations are presented within a visually appealing context. The last time I checked, there are about 34,000 business books on the general subject of brands. Neumeier has written two of the most valuable among them. Bravo! Stating the obvious at great length, 17 Jun 2007
At first glance this book looks impressive, but you soon realise that the advice it gives is all obvious. Of course we all want products that are different to the competition, but the hard bit is doing it successfully in our particular markets. This book talks in such generalities that it doesn't help. Having the courage to be different, 09 Nov 2006
If you type Branding into Google, you will find 1,330,000 references. Everyone knows about it, talks about it, but few have created a successful brand and can explain to others how they did it. Marty Neumeier has and can. He explains how to do it in simple stages avoiding jargon and confusion. This is not a 'padded' book, I read it in two sittings.
He writes beautifully with a full knowledge and appreciation of the next question on the reader's lips.
I particularly liked how he used the running example of a fledgling company throughout the book, bringing to life its stage by stage growth and illustrating how ground-breaking differentiation was achieved.
This is an essential book for designers and clients who need to demystify the branding process, and it will help them generate the vision and courage needed to create a unique brand. Worthy for beginners , 07 Aug 2007
The book covers all the basics of CSS that you would think of, and shows you how to do things through ten minute sessions that allow you to pick the ideas and techniques that are in the book very easily. A great introduction, 10 Jun 2007
I had been trying for some time to get my head around css page layout. As I have Dreamweaver 8 I found that I had come to rely on tables to a large extent but was unhappy with the overall clumsiness of using this format. I have bought several books on css but always felt there was no logical progression in what I read. Well this book has done it for me! It has filled in all the gaps - now my documents validate immediately!!!
The book that is the missing link.
An excellent first introduction, 13 Jun 2006
This is the best introduction to any computing subject that I have ever read. It explains first principals logically and clearly, which is useful even if you have used CSS before.
It is not intended as a reference guide and once you've read it you will probably almost never refer to it again; so you will need a second book, or use the web for reference.
However, even though I only read it once, it was definately worth the money. Good simple guide. Nothing fancy just clear short and simple, 08 Mar 2006
Well, I have had this book now for a while, I have read through it and I can say it is a handy book to have. It doesn't claim to be the definative guide, it doesn't contain fancy graphics. What it does contain though is over 20 short lessons that give you an understanding of what CSS is about and the kinds of things that can be achieved. I would recommend this title for beginners as it doesn't drown you in technicalities, it addresses the core of what beginners would want to know such as positioning, box models and background images to name but a few. This book will not teach you all there is to know but it will give examples on how to achieve each of the subject areas addressed. I read the book cover to cover, it didn't take that long and it is surprising what has lodged in my head. I now have a deeper understanding of what is possible and the code needed to achieve it. It's worth it's price.
very useful book, 10 Dec 2007
In small time you'll be able to have tour website running
very to understand and good value for money
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Customer Reviews
Had very little presentation experience, never heard of Garr, gave a ppt based on this book - really positive feedback on my ppt, 19 Nov 2008
I have never left a review before but this book really helped me. I have made the odd slide before but nothing fancy. I needed to give a full presentation as part of an assignment and as part of my work role. I had created the usual text laden ppt that I had experience of seeing others present. I needed some literature to back up my decision in my assignment and found this book. In one day it transformed my whole presentation. I had lots of fun using pictures suggested from istockphoto and the critical audience that I presented to was really impressed with the slides I had produced. Yes most of what he says is common sense when you think about it - but the book is so easy to follow and you will kick yourself for not realising it all by yourself! However sometimes you need things pointed out to you simply! Its an easy read and can make a difference! I would strongly recommend this book - in fact I already have! Should be required reading for presenters, 14 Nov 2008
Bought this on "spec", and found it extremely useful. Written in a light and easy manner, never preachy, yet supplying valuable concepts and rules for all presentations.
Should be required readings for anybody wanting to create a powerpoint presentation, as there are soooo many bad PP's out there.
Only looses five full stars because it relies a lot on asking you to use stock photographs from sites such as iStockPhoto, that need a subscription - which few can afford. Replace Bullet Points with Dental Posters That Evoke Positive Feelings, Tell Stories, and Be Mentally Present, 21 Oct 2008
Long before there was PowerPoint, most presentations contained more columns of numbers and bullet points than pictures. PowerPoint seemed designed to capture the essence of those transparencies and make it faster to create them . . . while adding color. Compared to those ugly transparencies, PowerPoint seemed like an improvement.
By comparison, my dentist has always covered his walls with beautiful bleed images of gorgeous places combined with intriguing sayings about life. Those posters are the only uplifting thing about my trips to the dentist's office. He doesn't tell me any entertaining stories.
In presentationzen, Garr Reynolds shares with us that today's audiences like a standard PowerPoint presentation about as much as I like going to the dentist (I doubt if you are surprised by that). His prescription is to turn the typical presentation into a series of stories aided by exhibits that remind me of those dental posters while being very responsive (present . . . in his terminology) to the audience.
The book's main strength, and one that makes it well worth reading and following, is in describing a process that can be used to create a presentation that will be compelling. Even when I see a presentation that I like, I don't learn much from the example because the presenter doesn't share the process behind the result.
The examples almost all showed someone in a black turtle neck, black pants, and black shoes who looked like a Steve Jobs acolyte. As a result, there's an Apple versus Microsoft tone to the book that didn't match any environment where I ever see or give presentations (usually board rooms and senior corporate conference rooms).
Most presentations should be much shorter, should have a lot less material, and should be much easier to grasp. This book will help you if that's the way you want to go. Beware, however, that you don't go over the edge into becoming an "artiste" in your presentations. This book will probably push you a little too far in that direction.
For those who cannot imagine how an image might fit into a presentation, this book will be a great breath of fresh air. To those who want to copy the advice closely, keep your audience in mind. You might try to take them places where they don't want to go.
In my 30-plus years of presentation experience, I find that the story is the key to success. One good story will more than carry the day. You can draw on a chalk board with your fingernails for graphics and a good story will still work just fine. To me, the weakness of this book is that it doesn't pay enough to the story telling aspect of successful presentations.
I recommend Stephen Denning's books on story telling to help you with that aspect of presentations.
Must read for people doing Presentation, 08 Oct 2008
This book is a must read on the Topic. Some people might find it not practical but I don't agree, it's just that it makes you think on the way we've been taught to do Powerpoint presentation. And from there Garr Reynolds gives you the keys on how to prepare, design and deliver your presentation. Presentation is in our everyday life, face to face, powerpoint, meeting, selling etc... Presentation Zen is a classic in Business (read also his blog) Presentations worth meditating on...., 16 Sep 2008
This concise book is a real breath of fresh air in presentation design. Stripping the art of presenting back to basics, Garr Reynolds advocates a clean and simple form of presentation that he argues strengthens a presentation's quality.
I'd certainly agree and the book is beatifully illustrated with examples of this crisp and clean design style. I used the book as inspiration for a series of presentations (both for myself and my graphic design team) and the resulting presentations were a massive improvement on previous work and very well received.
If you like long lists of bullet points, don't buy this boo. If you like clean and elegant work, get a copy now! Very Helpful and Visually appealing, 19 Nov 2008
This book is wonderful. It's packed with colourful step-by-step "lessons". Very nice colours and layout. Definitly for an eye-buyer like me. Not one of my many books I will ever give away. Fashion designers handbook, 09 Mar 2008
An excellent and through book. Very easy to understand and good use of illustrations to help you learn the programme. How to "zag" when everyone else "zigs", 28 Jun 2007
In a previous book, The Brand Gap, Marty Neumeier explains how companies can bridge the gap between business strategy and customer experience, noting that brand-building isn't a series of isolated activities; rather, it is a complete system in which five disciplines - differentiation, collaboration, innovation, validation, and cultivation - "combine to produce a sustainable competitive advantage. " His intent in Zag "is to zoom in on differentiation to reveal the system within the system."
Initially, he observes that the human mind deals with clutter the best way it can: by blocking it out. As a result, "the newest barriers to competition are the mental walls that customers erect to keep out clutter. For the first time in history, the most powerful barriers to competition are not controlled by companies, but by customers. Those little boxes they build in their minds determine the boundaries of brands." (Thomas H. Davenport and John C. Beck also have much of value to say about these boundaries and barriers in The Attention Economy: Understanding the New Currency of Business.) In his latest book, Neumeier explains how to overcome these barriers with radical innovation - "the engine for a high performance brand" - that requires mastery of four disciplines:
1. Finding your zag
2. Designing your zag
3. Building your zag
4. Renewing your zag
Everything begins with identifying the zag. That is, offering something that combines the qualities of both good and different. "When focus is paired with differentiation, supported by a trend, and surrounded by compelling communications, you have the basic ingredients of a zag."
OK, but how to do that? Neumeier provides a design process that consists of 17 checkpoints, each formulated as a question. He explains how to answer each of them correctly (i.e. an answer most appropriate to the given organization) by proceeding through a sequence of 17 checkpoints, each of which evokes a question to be answered correctly (i.e. appropriate to the given organization), with the first two previously posed as a trilogy in The Brand Gap: "Who are you?" and "What do you do?" Responding to them may prove far more difficult than it may first seem and a correct (i.e. appropriate) answer to each is essential to achieving radical innovation. The third question posed previously, "Why should I care?" creates an even greater challenge. Fortunately, a correct (i.e. appropriate) answer to that question will be revealed by carefully proceeding through the remaining 15 checkpoints.
It is truly remarkable how much substance and how many thought-provoking questions Neumeier provides within a narrative of less than 200 pages. With both rigor and eloquence, he explains how radical innovation can break through ever-increasing clutter in a competitive marketplace, whatever and wherever it may be. Special note should also be made of the book's production values. All of his core concepts, checklists, key points, observations, and recommendations are presented within a visually appealing context. The last time I checked, there are about 34,000 business books on the general subject of brands. Neumeier has written two of the most valuable among them. Bravo! Stating the obvious at great length, 17 Jun 2007
At first glance this book looks impressive, but you soon realise that the advice it gives is all obvious. Of course we all want products that are different to the competition, but the hard bit is doing it successfully in our particular markets. This book talks in such generalities that it doesn't help. Having the courage to be different, 09 Nov 2006
If you type Branding into Google, you will find 1,330,000 references. Everyone knows about it, talks about it, but few have created a successful brand and can explain to others how they did it. Marty Neumeier has and can. He explains how to do it in simple stages avoiding jargon and confusion. This is not a 'padded' book, I read it in two sittings.
He writes beautifully with a full knowledge and appreciation of the next question on the reader's lips.
I particularly liked how he used the running example of a fledgling company throughout the book, bringing to life its stage by stage growth and illustrating how ground-breaking differentiation was achieved.
This is an essential book for designers and clients who need to demystify the branding process, and it will help them generate the vision and courage needed to create a unique brand. Worthy for beginners , 07 Aug 2007
The book covers all the basics of CSS that you would think of, and shows you how to do things through ten minute sessions that allow you to pick the ideas and techniques that are in the book very easily. A great introduction, 10 Jun 2007
I had been trying for some time to get my head around css page layout. As I have Dreamweaver 8 I found that I had come to rely on tables to a large extent but was unhappy with the overall clumsiness of using this format. I have bought several books on css but always felt there was no logical progression in what I read. Well this book has done it for me! It has filled in all the gaps - now my documents validate immediately!!!
The book that is the missing link.
An excellent first introduction, 13 Jun 2006
This is the best introduction to any computing subject that I have ever read. It explains first principals logically and clearly, which is useful even if you have used CSS before.
It is not intended as a reference guide and once you've read it you will probably almost never refer to it again; so you will need a second book, or use the web for reference.
However, even though I only read it once, it was definately worth the money. Good simple guide. Nothing fancy just clear short and simple, 08 Mar 2006
Well, I have had this book now for a while, I have read through it and I can say it is a handy book to have. It doesn't claim to be the definative guide, it doesn't contain fancy graphics. What it does contain though is over 20 short lessons that give you an understanding of what CSS is about and the kinds of things that can be achieved. I would recommend this title for beginners as it doesn't drown you in technicalities, it addresses the core of what beginners would want to know such as positioning, box models and background images to name but a few. This book will not teach you all there is to know but it will give examples on how to achieve each of the subject areas addressed. I read the book cover to cover, it didn't take that long and it is surprising what has lodged in my head. I now have a deeper understanding of what is possible and the code needed to achieve it. It's worth it's price.
very useful book, 10 Dec 2007
In small time you'll be able to have tour website running
very to understand and good value for money
In-depth, thorough, technical, highly recommended, 01 Jan 2006
This book contains invaluable in-depth information about the principles and practice of colour management. The initial chapters are worth reading on their own as an introduction to how colour works, how it is measured and encoded digitally, and the basics of colour management. If you're making your own profiles with high-end tools from GretagMacbeth, Monaco etc then this is a must-have. If you're not working at this level it is still a valuable source of information to help you understand the issues involved. For an introductory, less theoretical, book then Andrew Rodney's 'Color Management for Photographers' is probably easier to digest, but the two books should be considered as complementary. Start with Andrew's book & then progress to Bruce's if you need more info. The theory and practice of colour management are both difficult subjects, and you need to arm yourself with sound advice if you are to make any progress. Both of these books are valuable tools to help you to make progress.
The book on color management, 20 Jul 2003
6 months ago I used photoshop but never really bothered much about
color management, now I'm getting serious about my photography I was looking why my images lacked the pop of many pro photos, why did I get strange colour casts on my prints, how come sharp slides
came out flat and what can I do about it.
This book is a pleasure to read,(you may need to read it several times) from a well respected authors, it puts into perspective all the arguments from the rabid colour management gurus to experts who
don't see a need for colour management, but lets you work out your own opinion. It is also a goldmine of information on the subject showing how you can be more methodical about your approach to workflows. It is equally good for RGB and CMYK processes.
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Customer Reviews
Had very little presentation experience, never heard of Garr, gave a ppt based on this book - really positive feedback on my ppt, 19 Nov 2008
I have never left a review before but this book really helped me. I have made the odd slide before but nothing fancy. I needed to give a full presentation as part of an assignment and as part of my work role. I had created the usual text laden ppt that I had experience of seeing others present. I needed some literature to back up my decision in my assignment and found this book. In one day it transformed my whole presentation. I had lots of fun using pictures suggested from istockphoto and the critical audience that I presented to was really impressed with the slides I had produced. Yes most of what he says is common sense when you think about it - but the book is so easy to follow and you will kick yourself for not realising it all by yourself! However sometimes you need things pointed out to you simply! Its an easy read and can make a difference! I would strongly recommend this book - in fact I already have! Should be required reading for presenters, 14 Nov 2008
Bought this on "spec", and found it extremely useful. Written in a light and easy manner, never preachy, yet supplying valuable concepts and rules for all presentations.
Should be required readings for anybody wanting to create a powerpoint presentation, as there are soooo many bad PP's out there.
Only looses five full stars because it relies a lot on asking you to use stock photographs from sites such as iStockPhoto, that need a subscription - which few can afford. Replace Bullet Points with Dental Posters That Evoke Positive Feelings, Tell Stories, and Be Mentally Present, 21 Oct 2008
Long before there was PowerPoint, most presentations contained more columns of numbers and bullet points than pictures. PowerPoint seemed designed to capture the essence of those transparencies and make it faster to create them . . . while adding color. Compared to those ugly transparencies, PowerPoint seemed like an improvement.
By comparison, my dentist has always covered his walls with beautiful bleed images of gorgeous places combined with intriguing sayings about life. Those posters are the only uplifting thing about my trips to the dentist's office. He doesn't tell me any entertaining stories.
In presentationzen, Garr Reynolds shares with us that today's audiences like a standard PowerPoint presentation about as much as I like going to the dentist (I doubt if you are surprised by that). His prescription is to turn the typical presentation into a series of stories aided by exhibits that remind me of those dental posters while being very responsive (present . . . in his terminology) to the audience.
The book's main strength, and one that makes it well worth reading and following, is in describing a process that can be used to create a presentation that will be compelling. Even when I see a presentation that I like, I don't learn much from the example because the presenter doesn't share the process behind the result.
The examples almost all showed someone in a black turtle neck, black pants, and black shoes who looked like a Steve Jobs acolyte. As a result, there's an Apple versus Microsoft tone to the book that didn't match any environment where I ever see or give presentations (usually board rooms and senior corporate conference rooms).
Most presentations should be much shorter, should have a lot less material, and should be much easier to grasp. This book will help you if that's the way you want to go. Beware, however, that you don't go over the edge into becoming an "artiste" in your presentations. This book will probably push you a little too far in that direction.
For those who cannot imagine how an image might fit into a presentation, this book will be a great breath of fresh air. To those who want to copy the advice closely, keep your audience in mind. You might try to take them places where they don't want to go.
In my 30-plus years of presentation experience, I find that the story is the key to success. One good story will more than carry the day. You can draw on a chalk board with your fingernails for graphics and a good story will still work just fine. To me, the weakness of this book is that it doesn't pay enough to the story telling aspect of successful presentations.
I recommend Stephen Denning's books on story telling to help you with that aspect of presentations.
Must read for people doing Presentation, 08 Oct 2008
This book is a must read on the Topic. Some people might find it not practical but I don't agree, it's just that it makes you think on the way we've been taught to do Powerpoint presentation. And from there Garr Reynolds gives you the keys on how to prepare, design and deliver your presentation. Presentation is in our everyday life, face to face, powerpoint, meeting, selling etc... Presentation Zen is a classic in Business (read also his blog) Presentations worth meditating on...., 16 Sep 2008
This concise book is a real breath of fresh air in presentation design. Stripping the art of presenting back to basics, Garr Reynolds advocates a clean and simple form of presentation that he argues strengthens a presentation's quality.
I'd certainly agree and the book is beatifully illustrated with examples of this crisp and clean design style. I used the book as inspiration for a series of presentations (both for myself and my graphic design team) and the resulting presentations were a massive improvement on previous work and very well received.
If you like long lists of bullet points, don't buy this boo. If you like clean and elegant work, get a copy now! Very Helpful and Visually appealing, 19 Nov 2008
This book is wonderful. It's packed with colourful step-by-step "lessons". Very nice colours and layout. Definitly for an eye-buyer like me. Not one of my many books I will ever give away. Fashion designers handbook, 09 Mar 2008
An excellent and through book. Very easy to understand and good use of illustrations to help you learn the programme. How to "zag" when everyone else "zigs", 28 Jun 2007
In a previous book, The Brand Gap, Marty Neumeier explains how companies can bridge the gap between business strategy and customer experience, noting that brand-building isn't a series of isolated activities; rather, it is a complete system in which five disciplines - differentiation, collaboration, innovation, validation, and cultivation - "combine to produce a sustainable competitive advantage. " His intent in Zag "is to zoom in on differentiation to reveal the system within the system."
Initially, he observes that the human mind deals with clutter the best way it can: by blocking it out. As a result, "the newest barriers to competition are the mental walls that customers erect to keep out clutter. For the first time in history, the most powerful barriers to competition are not controlled by companies, but by customers. Those little boxes they build in their minds determine the boundaries of brands." (Thomas H. Davenport and John C. Beck also have much of value to say about these boundaries and barriers in The Attention Economy: Understanding the New Currency of Business.) In his latest book, Neumeier explains how to overcome these barriers with radical innovation - "the engine for a high performance brand" - that requires mastery of four disciplines:
1. Finding your zag
2. Designing your zag
3. Building your zag
4. Renewing your zag
Everything begins with identifying the zag. That is, offering something that combines the qualities of both good and different. "When focus is paired with differentiation, supported by a trend, and surrounded by compelling communications, you have the basic ingredients of a zag."
OK, but how to do that? Neumeier provides a design process that consists of 17 checkpoints, each formulated as a question. He explains how to answer each of them correctly (i.e. an answer most appropriate to the given organization) by proceeding through a sequence of 17 checkpoints, each of which evokes a question to be answered correctly (i.e. appropriate to the given organization), with the first two previously posed as a trilogy in The Brand Gap: "Who are you?" and "What do you do?" Responding to them may prove far more difficult than it may first seem and a correct (i.e. appropriate) answer to each is essential to achieving radical innovation. The third question posed previously, "Why should I care?" creates an even greater challenge. Fortunately, a correct (i.e. appropriate) answer to that question will be revealed by carefully proceeding through the remaining 15 checkpoints.
It is truly remarkable how much substance and how many thought-provoking questions Neumeier provides within a narrative of less than 200 pages. With both rigor and eloquence, he explains how radical innovation can break through ever-increasing clutter in a competitive marketplace, whatever and wherever it may be. Special note should also be made of the book's production values. All of his core concepts, checklists, key points, observations, and recommendations are presented within a visually appealing context. The last time I checked, there are about 34,000 business books on the general subject of brands. Neumeier has written two of the most valuable among them. Bravo! Stating the obvious at great length, 17 Jun 2007
At first glance this book looks impressive, but you soon realise that the advice it gives is all obvious. Of course we all want products that are different to the competition, but the hard bit is doing it successfully in our particular markets. This book talks in such generalities that it doesn't help. Having the courage to be different, 09 Nov 2006
If you type Branding into Google, you will find 1,330,000 references. Everyone knows about it, talks about it, but few have created a successful brand and can explain to others how they did it. Marty Neumeier has and can. He explains how to do it in simple stages avoiding jargon and confusion. This is not a 'padded' book, I read it in two sittings.
He writes beautifully with a full knowledge and appreciation of the next question on the reader's lips.
I particularly liked how he used the running example of a fledgling company throughout the book, bringing to life its stage by stage growth and illustrating how ground-breaking differentiation was achieved.
This is an essential book for designers and clients who need to demystify the branding process, and it will help them generate the vision and courage needed to create a unique brand. Worthy for beginners , 07 Aug 2007
The book covers all the basics of CSS that you would think of, and shows you how to do things through ten minute sessions that allow you to pick the ideas and techniques that are in the book very easily. A great introduction, 10 Jun 2007
I had been trying for some time to get my head around css page layout. As I have Dreamweaver 8 I found that I had come to rely on tables to a large extent but was unhappy with the overall clumsiness of using this format. I have bought several books on css but always felt there was no logical progression in what I read. Well this book has done it for me! It has filled in all the gaps - now my documents validate immediately!!!
The book that is the missing link.
An excellent first introduction, 13 Jun 2006
This is the best introduction to any computing subject that I have ever read. It explains first principals logically and clearly, which is useful even if you have used CSS before.
It is not intended as a reference guide and once you've read it you will probably almost never refer to it again; so you will need a second book, or use the web for reference.
However, even though I only read it once, it was definately worth the money. Good simple guide. Nothing fancy just clear short and simple, 08 Mar 2006
Well, I have had this book now for a while, I have read through it and I can say it is a handy book to have. It doesn't claim to be the definative guide, it doesn't contain fancy graphics. What it does contain though is over 20 short lessons that give you an understanding of what CSS is about and the kinds of things that can be achieved. I would recommend this title for beginners as it doesn't drown you in technicalities, it addresses the core of what beginners would want to know such as positioning, box models and background images to name but a few. This book will not teach you all there is to know but it will give examples on how to achieve each of the subject areas addressed. I read the book cover to cover, it didn't take that long and it is surprising what has lodged in my head. I now have a deeper understanding of what is possible and the code needed to achieve it. It's worth it's price.
very useful book, 10 Dec 2007
In small time you'll be able to have tour website running
very to understand and good value for money
In-depth, thorough, technical, highly recommended, 01 Jan 2006
This book contains invaluable in-depth information about the principles and practice of colour management. The initial chapters are worth reading on their own as an introduction to how colour works, how it is measured and encoded digitally, and the basics of colour management. If you're making your own profiles with high-end tools from GretagMacbeth, Monaco etc then this is a must-have. If you're not working at this level it is still a valuable source of information to help you understand the issues involved. For an introductory, less theoretical, book then Andrew Rodney's 'Color Management for Photographers' is probably easier to digest, but the two books should be considered as complementary. Start with Andrew's book & then progress to Bruce's if you need more info. The theory and practice of colour management are both difficult subjects, and you need to arm yourself with sound advice if you are to make any progress. Both of these books are valuable tools to help you to make progress.
The book on color management, 20 Jul 2003
6 months ago I used photoshop but never really bothered much about
color management, now I'm getting serious about my photography I was looking why my images lacked the pop of many pro photos, why did I get strange colour casts on my prints, how come sharp slides
came out flat and what can I do about it.
This book is a pleasure to read,(you may need to read it several times) from a well respected authors, it puts into perspective all the arguments from the rabid colour management gurus to experts who
don't see a need for colour management, but lets you work out your own opinion. It is also a goldmine of information on the subject showing how you can be more methodical about your approach to workflows. It is equally good for RGB and CMYK processes.
Interesting stuff., 22 Oct 2007
The specific purpose of this book is to demonstrate how the use of different shapes and construction can produce characters with different personalities. To that end it is superb. Running alongside the chapters to do this (facial spacing, body shape etc) is an ongoing assignment given to cartoon professionals to produce a lead character with a specific personality. The results are interesting as each is very different yet displays the character traits specified. The book goes on to show the design process for the entire cast from sidekick, to sweetheart, to thug, to villain. The book hasn't improved my drawing (I think it assumes you have some talent already) but has highlighted why some of my computer characters look out of places alongside others.
Overall delivers very well the narrow brief it describes.
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Customer Reviews
Had very little presentation experience, never heard of Garr, gave a ppt based on this book - really positive feedback on my ppt, 19 Nov 2008
I have never left a review before but this book really helped me. I have made the odd slide before but nothing fancy. I needed to give a full presentation as part of an assignment and as part of my work role. I had created the usual text laden ppt that I had experience of seeing others present. I needed some literature to back up my decision in my assignment and found this book. In one day it transformed my whole presentation. I had lots of fun using pictures suggested from istockphoto and the critical audience that I presented to was really impressed with the slides I had produced. Yes most of what he says is common sense when you think about it - but the book is so easy to follow and you will kick yourself for not realising it all by yourself! However sometimes you need things pointed out to you simply! Its an easy read and can make a difference! I would strongly recommend this book - in fact I already have!
Should be required reading for presenters, 14 Nov 2008
Bought this on "spec", and found it extremely useful. Written in a light and easy manner, never preachy, yet supplying valuable concepts and rules for all presentations.
Should be required readings for anybody wanting to create a powerpoint presentation, as there are soooo many bad PP's out there.
Only looses five full stars because it relies a lot on asking you to use stock photographs from sites such as iStockPhoto, that need a subscription - which few can afford.
Replace Bullet Points with Dental Posters That Evoke Positive Feelings, Tell Stories, and Be Mentally Present, 21 Oct 2008
Long before there was PowerPoint, most presentations contained more columns of numbers and bullet points than pictures. PowerPoint seemed designed to capture the essence of those transparencies and make it faster to create them . . . while adding color. Compared to those ugly transparencies, PowerPoint seemed like an improvement.
By comparison, my dentist has always covered his walls with beautiful bleed images of gorgeous places combined with intriguing sayings about life. Those posters are the only uplifting thing about my trips to the dentist's office. He doesn't tell me any entertaining stories.
In presentationzen, Garr Reynolds shares with us that today's audiences like a standard PowerPoint presentation about as much as I like going to the dentist (I doubt if you are surprised by that). His prescription is to turn the typical presentation into a series of stories aided by exhibits that remind me of those dental posters while being very responsive (present . . . in his terminology) to the audience.
The book's main strength, and one that makes it well worth reading and following, is in describing a process that can be used to create a presentation that will be compelling. Even when I see a presentation that I like, I don't learn much from the example because the presenter doesn't share the process behind the result.
The examples almost all showed someone in a black turtle neck, black pants, and black shoes who looked like a Steve Jobs acolyte. As a result, there's an Apple versus Microsoft tone to the book that didn't match any environment where I ever see or give presentations (usually board rooms and senior corporate conference rooms).
Most presentations should be much shorter, should have a lot less material, and should be much easier to grasp. This book will help you if that's the way you want to go. Beware, however, that you don't go over the edge into becoming an "artiste" in your presentations. This book will probably push you a little too far in that direction.
For those who cannot imagine how an image might fit into a presentation, this book will be a great breath of fresh air. To those who want to copy the advice closely, keep your audience in mind. You might try to take them places where they don't want to go.
In my 30-plus years of presentation experience, I find that the story is the key to success. One good story will more than carry the day. You can draw on a chalk board with your fingernails for graphics and a good story will still work just fine. To me, the weakness of this book is that it doesn't pay enough to the story telling aspect of successful presentations.
I recommend Stephen Denning's books on story telling to help you with that aspect of presentations.
Must read for people doing Presentation, 08 Oct 2008
This book is a must read on the Topic. Some people might find it not practical but I don't agree, it's just that it makes you think on the way we've been taught to do Powerpoint presentation. And from there Garr Reynolds gives you the keys on how to prepare, design and deliver your presentation. Presentation is in our everyday life, face to face, powerpoint, meeting, selling etc... Presentation Zen is a classic in Business (read also his blog)
Presentations worth meditating on...., 16 Sep 2008
This concise book is a real breath of fresh air in presentation design. Stripping the art of presenting back to basics, Garr Reynolds advocates a clean and simple form of presentation that he argues strengthens a presentation's quality.
I'd certainly agree and the book is beatifully illustrated with examples of this crisp and clean design style. I used the book as inspiration for a series of presentations (both for myself and my graphic design team) and the resulting presentations were a massive improvement on previous work and very well received.
If you like long lists of bullet points, don't buy this boo. If you like clean and elegant work, get a copy now!
Very Helpful and Visually appealing, 19 Nov 2008
This book is wonderful. It's packed with colourful step-by-step "lessons". Very nice colours and layout. Definitly for an eye-buyer like me. Not one of my many books I will ever give away.
Fashion designers handbook, 09 Mar 2008
An excellent and through book. Very easy to understand and good use of illustrations to help you learn the pr | | |