Pointing With Power!

Hey Gang,

As a someday-corporate trainer, I will need to give future presentations....probably.  From what I understand there is a new and exciting innovation in giving speeches, it is an application called The PowerPoints!


What is this new technology?

Apparently this software is like a slide show that you can put together with a computer!  Not only can you place photos in it, you can also type words with it too!  Amazing.  When I first heard about this I thought it sounded too good to be true.  I said to myself, "We are finally living in the future."

How does it work?

There are several ways to access this magical computer picture-maker.  Some people pay for it. (It also comes with other software that you can use as a word processor and also make greeting cards with! The 21st Century...Am I right?) I decided not to choose the route of purchasing this computer program, instead I found an empty library computer that had it open already!  I jumped in that seat and started creating!

Are there any rules to follow?

Like anything fun and new, The PowerPoints comes with a certain etiquette that squashes its enjoyment.  In making my slides, I found the following dos and don's to PowerPointing:

• Use clip art SPARINGLY
• Do not use more than 6 words per slide
• Utilize the entire slide
• Use font sizes that are between 36 and 44

Do you HAVE to obey the rules?

It depends on the rules.  Traffic rules...sure.  State and Federal Rules...probably.  The PowerPoints rules...I say, take a chance and live a little.  Like my Nana Gainer used to tell me... "Cathy Gainer Corporate Trainer, find somewhere else to be."

I decided to leave the comfort of those guidelines and make the following presentation using my own standards!

My First PowerPoints

Well Gang,  I hope these tips help with any presentations that you may have.  If you have questions, you can contact me at the library. I am still sitting in the same chair with the free PowerPoints!

Stay awake kids!

Cathy Gainer Corporate Trainer 

Domo Arigato Mr. Chatboto

Hey Gang,

I had a fun experience recently... I was in an intense text messaging conversation with a perspective new employer, things were going  great and I just knew this company was going to be a fantastic fit for the both of us.  As with most of my professional interactions, we engaged in a 45 minute back and forth of "You stop texting first. No, you stop texting first." To my surprise I later found out that I was communicating with a chatbot the whole time!

What is a Chatbot?

I know many of you are scratching your head right now and thinking, 'Cathy Gainer Corporate Trainer, what in the world are you talking about?  You say the craziest things. I have never heard of this term.  What does this have to do with training? No one reads your blog!'

Well, let me explain. I learned that companies have automated programs that are designed to interact with job seekers by texting general information and setting up mundane appointments so the Human Resource people can get back do doing what they do best...gently telling me that I'm not going to get hired.

Why Use a Chatbot

Many companies feel that artificial intelligence can handle answering multiple questions and perform scheduling tasks easier than with a real person.  The chatty robots have endless patience and would never say, "Please stop asking me the same question...No you can't get paid with vacation time during your initial interview." (I didn't get that job.)

Are We Losing Our Humanity?

This is a deep question.  Are we, as a culture, becoming too dependent on technology?  Have we forsaken eye contact, handshakes and the power of a smile for a more streamlined workplace?  Are we someday going to become more computer than person?  I Googled all of these questions and it said we should be OK! Whew, what a relief.

Stay Awake Kids! (Or Reboot if you get too tired.)

Cathy Gainer Corporate Trainer