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Christian Kaas

Random Thoughts

April 13, 2019

5 Lessons for Better Feedback

Here are a lessons I’ve learned on asking for better feedback: When looking for constructive criticism, consider asking instead for advice. This will help you ease into the conversation – any criticism will come naturally: “Could I ask for your advice on…” “I would appreciate your input on how to approach…” Come prepared with specific questions, and ask follow-ups until...

Categories Communication
March 18, 2019

Not Your Caveman’s Chili

A rich, thick “chili con carne” has to be one of my favorite foods, but a classic recipe with kidney beans (or black beans, even better) is difficult to manage on a ketogenic diet. The best recipe I’ve found for a “low carb” chili comes from Ruled.me, although I’ve adapted it somewhat to make it easier to make in large...

Categories Recipes
March 17, 2019

Vertical Logic

With respect to overall structure, a good deck will usually exhibit two different kinds of logic: Horizontal Logic, which refers to the overall coherence of the story from one slide to another. Do action titles, when read in sequence, tell a clear and logically-articulated story? Vertical Logic, which refers to the internal coherence of a given slide. Is the action...

Categories Communication
March 17, 2019

On Proofreading Three Times

In a deck with good vertical and horizontal logic, it helps – I find – to proofread in three separate passes: First, a proofreading of the horizontal logic. Ignore the body of the slides entirely, and just read the action titles one after another: Are there any typos? Does the order/sequence of the slides make sense? Second, a proofreading of...

Categories Communication
March 17, 2019

Horizontal Logic

With respect to overall structure, a good deck will usually exhibit two different kinds of logic: Horizontal Logic, which refers to the overall coherence of the story from one slide to another. Do action titles, when read in sequence, tell a clear and logically-articulated story? Vertical Logic, which refers to the internal coherence of a given slide. Is the action...

Categories Communication
March 17, 2019

My Slide Library (Version 8)

Some years ago, when I was just starting my career as a consulting analyst, one of my mentors suggested that I begin a “best slides library” to keep track of particularly useful models or templates that I could re-use from one project to another. While many larger organizations often provide their people with a database of approved slide templates, I...

Categories Communication

Recent Posts

  • 5 Lessons for Better Feedback
  • Not Your Caveman’s Chili
  • Vertical Logic
  • On Proofreading Three Times
  • Horizontal Logic

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