Tag: Slides

From Research Lab Critiques to Startup Triumphs: The Power of Learning the Presentation Skills

Photo by Peter Forster on Unsplash

Sometimes, you don’t realize that the things you hate become what you love.

And things that you are bad initially made you a better person years later.

Critiques can kill your motivation but can also be your greatest teacher.

This is what I learned during my R&D days.

The Genesis of a Dream

Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey is a dream harbored by many, but few anticipate how seemingly unrelated experiences can shape this path.

My venture into the world of startups was surprisingly influenced by my tenure at a government R&D agency and the catalyst?

Surprise! Surprise!

It’s the Presentation slides!

The Early Struggles with Slides

Picture this: a room brimming with seasoned scientists and officials, and there I was, a passionate researcher, ready to unveil weeks of hard work.

Yet, almost invariably, I’d face a stumbling block by the second slide.

My superiors, with furrowed brows, would interject with a barrage of questions, often about points I was poised to address in upcoming slides.

Feedback, while invaluable, often felt like a tightrope walk.

The critiques ranged from aesthetic choices like color schemes to more structural issues like text overload or overly simplistic graphics.

The worst part is that they don’t question the research results much!

These sessions, although challenging, were molding my future skills unknowingly.

The Slide Revolution in Startup Land

As I transitioned into the entrepreneurial arena, presenting ideas became my forte.

Whether pitching to potential investors, engaging customers, or speaking at seminars, my slide deck evolved into my most reliable ally.

The relentless critiques of my R&D days morphed into an unexpected treasure trove of wisdom.

The meticulous balance between graphics and text, the narrative flow, the strategic choice of colors – all these elements began to resonate with clarity and purpose.

My past experiences had unknowingly prepared me for these crucial moments.

Today, I find a unique joy in designing my slides, as they represent information, my story, and my vision.

I’ve become the narrator of my entrepreneurial tale thanks to the lessons from my past.

Photo by Slidebean on Unsplash

Embracing the Journey: Conclusion and Lessons Learned

Reflecting on my journey, I now view the once-frustrating critiques as invaluable lessons.

They sculpted a more resilient, adept version of myself, crucial for the unpredictable world of startups.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, here are the key lessons from my journey:

  1. Value Every Piece of Feedback: Every critique can be a building block for your future skills, no matter how trivial.
  2. The Art of Balance in Presentation: Mastering the balance between visuals and text can make your ideas more compelling.
  3. Embrace the Learning Curve: Challenges and interruptions are not roadblocks but stepping stones to greater resilience.
  4. Tell Your Story: Your presentation is a reflection of your vision. Own it, craft it, and tell it with conviction.
  5. Look Back to Connect the Dots: Like Steve Jobs said, hindsight often reveals the value of experiences we once overlooked.

In conclusion, my slides, my story.

A journey that began in a research lab, leading to the entrepreneurial stage, taught me invaluable lessons, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.

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