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Episode Synopsis
In this solo episode Heather Smith shares her proven process for creating impactful presentations, from topic selection to AI tools, helping accountants communicate with clarity, confidence, and audience engagement.
The accompanying article to this podcast appeared in Karbon Magazine : https://karbonhq.com/resources/creating-impactful-presentations/
In this episode, we talk about . . .
Key Topics:
Choosing a clear, focused topic tied to your strengths.
Event prep checklist (theme, audience, timing, learning outcomes).
Leveraging AI tools like Gamma.ai & ChatGPT for brainstorming and refinement.
Presentation design tips with Canva & accessibility considerations.
Audience engagement strategies (polls, paired discussions, live reflections).
Practising delivery, managing timing, and adjusting to conference themes.
Apps & Tools Mentioned: Canva, Gamma.ai, ChatGPT, Otter.ai, Mentimeter, Slido.
00:00 – Welcome & Episode Introduction
Heather introduces the Accounting Apps Podcast and today’s focus on presentation skills.
03:05 – The Accountant as Storyteller
Why storytelling matters in accounting presentations.
05:12 – Picking Your Presentation Topic
Identifying core strengths and aligning with audience needs.
08:20 – Event Prep Checklist
Heather’s go-to template for conference and session details.
12:18 – Knowing Your Audience & Agenda Positioning
Adapting delivery based on audience energy levels and schedule timing.
16:05 – Drafting Content & Reusing Resources
Repurposing past slides, articles, and podcasts to save time.
19:40 – Designing for Clarity with Canva
Practical slide design tips and exploring Gamma.ai for inspiration.
24:10 – Essential Presentation Structure
Key slide elements from title page to call-to-action.
27:55 – Engaging Your Audience
Using polls, paired discussions, and live reflections to boost interaction.
32:05 – Slide Strategies & Accessibility
Heather’s approach to slide density, colour choices, and design resources.
35:40 – Leveraging AI for Content Review
Using ChatGPT to refine flow, style, and relevance.
39:05 – Practice, Backup Plans & Conference Day Routine
Preparation techniques, tech checks, and handling unexpected issues.
41:25 – Lifelong Learning for Accountants
Encouragement to keep developing skills for impactful communication.
Contact details:
Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/
Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting
X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
The accompanying article to this podcast appeared in Karbon Magazine : https://karbonhq.com/resources/creating-impactful-presentations/
In this episode, we talk about . . .
Key Topics:
Choosing a clear, focused topic tied to your strengths.
Event prep checklist (theme, audience, timing, learning outcomes).
Leveraging AI tools like Gamma.ai & ChatGPT for brainstorming and refinement.
Presentation design tips with Canva & accessibility considerations.
Audience engagement strategies (polls, paired discussions, live reflections).
Practising delivery, managing timing, and adjusting to conference themes.
Apps & Tools Mentioned: Canva, Gamma.ai, ChatGPT, Otter.ai, Mentimeter, Slido.
00:00 – Welcome & Episode Introduction
Heather introduces the Accounting Apps Podcast and today’s focus on presentation skills.
03:05 – The Accountant as Storyteller
Why storytelling matters in accounting presentations.
05:12 – Picking Your Presentation Topic
Identifying core strengths and aligning with audience needs.
08:20 – Event Prep Checklist
Heather’s go-to template for conference and session details.
12:18 – Knowing Your Audience & Agenda Positioning
Adapting delivery based on audience energy levels and schedule timing.
16:05 – Drafting Content & Reusing Resources
Repurposing past slides, articles, and podcasts to save time.
19:40 – Designing for Clarity with Canva
Practical slide design tips and exploring Gamma.ai for inspiration.
24:10 – Essential Presentation Structure
Key slide elements from title page to call-to-action.
27:55 – Engaging Your Audience
Using polls, paired discussions, and live reflections to boost interaction.
32:05 – Slide Strategies & Accessibility
Heather’s approach to slide density, colour choices, and design resources.
35:40 – Leveraging AI for Content Review
Using ChatGPT to refine flow, style, and relevance.
39:05 – Practice, Backup Plans & Conference Day Routine
Preparation techniques, tech checks, and handling unexpected issues.
41:25 – Lifelong Learning for Accountants
Encouragement to keep developing skills for impactful communication.
Contact details:
Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/
Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting
X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
More episodes of the podcast Accounting Apps Podcast
AI Leadership Advantage for Accountants
28/08/2025
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