Creating visuals for public presentations and as aids for training can be challenging. A good speaker can help their audience and keep them engaged with well thought out visuals that complement what they are saying. As a speaker and trainer, I appreciate the challenge of providing information that is clear, understandable, and concise. I am always looking for better ways to communicate with my audience when I come across tools that make this task easier I am compelled to share this with you.

Taking screenshots to show the steps of of process to someone who is unfamiliar with it, is useful for creating instructional content. There are numerous screen capture applications available on both Windows and Mac OS. Recently I started using TechSmith’s SnagIt. What distinguishes this product over others is the ability to add callouts, annotations, effects and everything from simple frames to a torn paper edge to your images.

Straight out of the box, SnagIt is intuitive and easy to use. The interface is clean and icons make sense. You can set the type of output you want, JPEG, PNG, and other common graphic formats. You also have the option of setting a slight delay in the timer when you capture the screen. It is also possible to capture a rolling screen in Firefox with the addition of Firefox plug-in.

Comparing SnagIt to Snapz Pro X for still screen capture, SnagIt is my new default choice because of its additional features. It is worthy addition to any instructional designers toolkit.

Best of all you can try it before you buy it. For this and other great software go to www.techsmith.com.

 

This is a good time to take stock of what’s working and what’s not in your business. Here’s my list of the top five people and practices I recommend to accelerate your success and reduce stress in the coming year:

Number One:

An accountability partner. This is someone you trust and are willing to share the good and the not so good about yourself and your business. An accountability partner who will tell you the truth, be a shoulder to cry on, and who sees you clearly and is willing to be there for you and you for them is just about the most important person next to yourself in your business. You you need someone who can act as a sounding board, a cheerleader, a den mother, and sometimes just someone who will listen and not try to change you. If you’re like me you’ll go to the ends of the earth when someone else is depending on you. Meet with your buddy frequently, at least once a week, by phone or in person.

Number Two:

A trustworthy  bookkeeper. Follow the money and you’ll see where your passions are now and where your passion generates income.

Number Three:

A professional group were you feel inspired, appreciated, challenged and have fun. For me, it comes in the shape of the Bay Area Consultants Network. I’m not just a member there, I’m on the executive board, and I contribute as a board member to help shape and guide the group. I’m privileged to participate in the general meetings, hearing and interacting with great speakers each month. And I get to eat bacon for breakfast.

Number Four:

Do something fun and maybe a bit outrageous at least once a week. For me, that means singing with the rock chorus, Vox Populi. I love to sing and I get to do it for fun for about two hours every week. It lifts my heart and lifts my spirits. I can be tired and discouraged when I arrive, yet by the time I leave rehearsal, I have a light heart and have shared songs and  laughter. We are singing at a charity event in Sonoma on Thursday night, Larson Winery, 6-9pm. $25 for a spaghetti dinner, live auction and music by Vox Populi and Ten Foot Tone. For more information, to purchase tickets or make a donation, contact Jennifer Sunia at 707.888.0274 or jensunia@gmail.com.

Number Five:

Exercise your mind, exercise your heart and exercise your brain. I do all three at my health club, Parkpoint. When I’m working out I’m taking care of my body and mind. I feel happy and relaxed and this allows me to connect spirit. Of course I’m surrounded by like minded people, most of whom don’t take themselves too seriously. This helps me keep my life in perspective.

What ever you do in life, if you have someone who is on your side, helps you keep track of the money, appreciates you, and a place to laugh, and a place to be just who you are, for me that’s a good life.

 

Sometimes you hear of a particular software but find out it doesn’t work on your computer operating system. Sometimes, you just need something that fits your budget. You want the features you need and want to find out what your choices are instead of the leader of the software pack.

I found a worthy web site that gives a lot of information in a readable and useful way. AlternativeTo.net. It is not just for Macintosh users.

This site has freeware, shareware and commercial software reviews, comments and link to developers. The site is easy to navigate. Content is readable and well organized.

Once you arrive on site, enter your search term and you will get a list of results for alternatives to your search term. Dig in deeper for more information, including details like system requirements, features and full specifications. There are live links to the software developers too.

I was curious about alternatives for Pinnacle Studio (a PC only program).  I got back two pages of suggestions in seconds. See for yourself.

Alternative Mac software – AlternativeTo.net.

If you are looking for an alternative for a specific software application, this site provides you with choices for Mac, Windows,Linux and online options

This is one website of resources that can save you time and money.

 

Valuable expertise on demand – rich business content and presentations | myBrainshark.

There are many ways to add video and share it on the web. My Brain Shark offers some unique and free options.

If you are a Powerpoint user you already know most of what you need to know to use My Brain Shark.

One feature that is different from other services I have found, you can use your telephone to record a audio track for your slides. No need to buy a microphone or worry about learning how to use it, just follow the dial in instructions and you are ready to record.

This could be a way for you to post a real “Audio Logo” on your web site.