I read Garr Reynold’s Presentation Zen (see his blog, http://www.presentationzen.com/) [2] while getting a workshop ready for last spring’s NTC (http://www.nten.org/ntc [3]). Read Presentation Zen when you need inspiration in focusing, simplifying and designing your slide presentation so your ideas shine through.

For those maybe used to word processing or spreadsheets, he has three framework chapters about how to organize your thoughts specifically for a presentation. Many of us probably start by writing a short essay or lengthy email to presentation collaborators or to one's self. Then try to turn that into presentation slides. Planning and outlining can and should be different to fit the goal (a presentation to a group) and a tool (slide software). Using presentation software effectively can help turn just reading a speech into a lively, engaging, participatory presentation. This is Reynolds' perspective.
He then walks the reader through practical design lessons and techniques. He has both organizing ideas at the grand scale and also discussions on nitty gritty details. Right down to topics such as whether you need your logo on every slide. He gives practical idea on how to present data in graphs, including when and how to keep audiences awake with complementary images.
Speaking of images, while top draw advertising firms may commission their own photos and such, Reynolds stresses the ability to include high quality yet inexpensive graphics from places such as istockphoto. (I would also mention searching on flickr for creative commons licensed images). Personally, I have been trying to use more of my own photos in presentations. Not that I’m a great photographer. It has become part of the sifting and reflection process--and putting the message first-- to find or take my own photos.
A third section of the book takes on bringing your slides to life in the actual presentation. Slides are not meant to be emailed and read like a report. They are meant to be delivered, whether in person or via on-line workshop. His suggestions here also blend the overall technique with practical suggestions about length, logistics and lighting.
Overall, the book has lots of good stuff, whether painfully learned reminders or new to you, and I recommend it. Here's to not turning powerpoint into a verb while keeping alive what is useful in this tool.
Links:
[1] http://www.idealware.org/users/steve-backman
[2] http://www.presentationzen.com/)
[3] http://www.nten.org/ntc
[4] http://www.slideshare.net/thecroaker/death-by-powerpoint
[5] http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.09/ppt2.html
[6] http://office.microsoft.com
[7] http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2005/12/the_102030_rule.html#axzz0tYdu3KcW
[8] http://www.presentationzen.com/
[9] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ2vtQCESpk
[10] http://sachachua.com/blog/2009/10/7-tips-for-remote-presentations-that-rock/