Everyone from Clinton to Colbert have been pressuring the President to moderate his tone - to exude hope as well as reflecting the gloomy reality of our economy. He did it with the help of a short story about kids at a poor southern school who wouldn't give up hope of doing great things despite the odds. Little stories always help make big points, and they double the time your message is remembered.
 
How can you bring this type of personal aside to a scripted PowerPoint presentation? Take a break from the data and punch up the interest by using a big photo as a backdrop for your story. Or better - let your subject speak for themselves. Don't worry if you can't fly them in on Air Force One. Get them on video saying their personal piece and add that to your slide. Even if you are not the story teller our President is you can pack the power of the story into your next presentation. Click here to read more on Mary's blog