Presentations, both online or in-person, are phenomenal ways to share your passion and develop your personal brand. Smart professionals continually hone their pitching skills so their ready at a moments notice to spread their idea.

We've talked about the importance of a compelling 12 second soundbite and the strength of a hour-long keynote, but one of my favorite speaking formats is called Ignite (or the very similar Pecha Kucha)

Ignite talks that are exactly five minutes long and use 20 slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds. The events usually include several speakers presenting on diverse topics. Some are serious, some are heartfelt and some are down right hilarious.

It's fun and challenging - business storytelling at it's finest. But more importantly, it's a chance for you to take a risk and do something fun with PowerPoint.

Find an Ignite Event near you at ignite.oreilly.com/

Find a Pecha Kucha Night near you: pecha-kucha.org/