This is a practical, readable guide to delivering superior presentations. Speakers bear the responsibility for communicating effectively with their audience: presenting a clear message, supporting it with well-structured explanations and examples, and delivering it with ease, grace, and good visuals. Unfortunately, this rarely happens, as anyone who has endured a substandard presentation knows only too well. The key for developing sound presentation skills need not, however, remain hidden. "The Short Road to Great Presentations" demystifies the art of public speaking as it shows you how to master the critical principles to make this skill an invaluable asset of your life and career. Drawing on twenty years of experience in helping engineers, scientists, and business people develop powerful communication skills, PERC Communications founders Peter and Cheryl Reimold present an easy-to-follow program for crafting winning presentations.They focus on two principles - find a message that is clearly meaningful and accessible to your audience, and connect strongly with your audience throughout your presentation. In applying these principles to a series of step-by-step preparations and on-stage actions, the authors help speakers focus on their most vital content, strengthen their structure and delivery, and perhaps, most important eliminate stress and aggravation. Chapter topics in this reader-friendly guide include: Structuring your message for maximum effect; Preparing effective visuals; Understanding and using body language and eye contact; Handling tough questions and surprises; Making smart use of slide shows and presentation software; and, Conducting Web presentations and Web meetings. Timeless speaking tips are combined with up-to-date primers on the latest technology throughout. "The Short Road to Great Presentations" is a one-stop resource for learning and practicing superior professional communication.