You made your checklists, did your research, organized your information, and wrote out your speech. You have all the makings of an informative presentation. The only problem is, nobody will be informed, persuaded, or otherwise moved by your presentation if it fails to capture and maintain attention.

The very first step is to pick a medium. If possible, a PowerPoint presentation is typically ideal. Not only is the digital medium unmatched in versatility, but it also allows for printed supplemental materials that serve to support your presentation as opposed to weighing it down. A well-made PowerPoint consists of clear and concise slides that are organized for maximum impact. A great PowerPoint, however, takes things a step further. Employ carefully selected images and stock video footage, sparingly-applied music and sound effects, and even an occasional nudge of humor, and you will be looking at a truly effective presentation.

Be warned! Spicing up a droll presentation is just like spicing up a bland dish: too much spice, and it becomes impossible to consume. Stock video footage can add tremendously to the value of a presentation, but throw moderation to the wind and you will find yourself with a product that spends far too much time on the peripheries and fails to effectively deliver the pertinent message. If music and sound effects are inserted judiciously, the presentation will come off as unprofessional and even obnoxious. Moderation is especially key in the use of humor; if there is a place for it, err heavily on the side of subtlety and caution.

A good rule of thumb when deciding whether or not to add something to your presentation is to ask yourself, “What am I trying to do by adding this?” For example, if the addition is meant to lighten the mood, ensure that the mood needs lightening, and that your addition is appropriately structured and placed to do so.

When you set deadlines in your negotiations, do you consider the good, the bad, and the possible ugly effects that might occur? Do you consider the path upon which you set the negotiation on once a deadline is imposed? Negotiation deadlines can be a catch 22 if not used and planned for appropriately.

This article gives insights to consider, regarding how you can use deadlines effectively in your negotiations.

Negotiation Tip: Never invoke deadlines aimlessly in your negotiations, and always attempt to have a plan in place to deal with the negotiation if the deadline passes without the action you seek being acted upon.

The Good:
When considering how to apply a deadline from a positive perspective, you can casually mention that another person, activity, etc. will occur at a particular point; that point being if the deadline occurs and a certain action is not met. You can also position the deadline as being out of your control, because a ‘higher authority’ is controlling it. By positioning your deadline in this manner, you’ve conveyed that you’re not the ‘power’ imposing it and you’re only following the directions you’ve been given. You’re innocent. You can also use this positioning to entice the other negotiator to partner with you to work on getting the negotiation completed before the deadline occurs.

The Bad:
The bad aspect of setting deadlines is what occurs if the deadline comes and goes without the action sought occurring. Then what do you do? First, never set deadlines so tightly that you leave yourself in a proverbial corner from which it’s hard to extricate yourself, if the deadline passes. Leave yourself some wiggle room. As an example, don’t state that an offer will be removed from the negotiation, if that offer is a pivotal part of what you seek from the negotiation. In essence, be selected about what you attach to a deadline and be sure it doesn’t hurt you if it’s not met. In addition, to gain more leverage with the deadline, associate it to something that the other negotiated needs/wants. The more he needs/wants what’s associate to the deadline, the greater your leverage will be.

The Ugly:
Deadlines create tension. The closer the deadline looms, the more tension is created and generated. This can raise the tension level in the negotiation. During such times negotiators can become unglued, uncontrollable, and unforgiving. As such, some negotiators may become steadfast and commit irrational actions that cause the negotiation to go in unforeseen directions. To the degree you have alternate plans in place to deal with such occurrences you can maneuver. To the degree you haven’t made such plans, call a time out and get away from the negotiation table. During such times, you need to let the tension level erode before re-engaging in the negotiation. The one thing you don’t want to do is appease the other negotiator during such times by capitulating to his demands. Doing so will only embolden him to use this ploy going forward.

Deadlines can be a strategic tool to employ during negotiations. Going forward, place yourself in a position whereby you use deadlines advantageously. By keeping the thoughts above in mind before setting deadlines in your negotiations, you’ll come out further ahead… and everything will be right with the world.

Remember, you’re always negotiating!

Thinking what baby shower gift to present to a baby shower is a bit challenging, especially if you are a newbie or not yet a parent. There are several things you have to consider, which often causes some kind of a dilemma for many givers. You have to think of the important things that the parents will probably need to care their little one. Also, you want to present something that is attractive. Both may not go hand and hand always, thus you have to take some time and effort to plan for it in advance. Luckily, there is always a gift basket you may consider both for the parents-to-be and baby. Baby gift baskets often come in attractive and generously offer numerous essential things to care the baby.

Baby gift baskets are available in various styles, designs and themes. It is certainly fine if you don’t want to focus on practical baby items. You could also go beyond traditional items and get creative. A baby gift basket may be presented at a baby shower or directly given at some other time, before or after the child is born.

There are many things that can be included in a baby gift basket. Items like diapers, baby bathing products, toys, baby dishes, nursery furnitures, baby outfits, baby travel gear, formula, blankets are among the most common that are often included in baby gift baskets. Feel free to add extra surprises like including an extra present for new mom and dad.

If you want to make your own baby gift basket with a theme, the first thing you need to consider is the type of container you want to use as a basket. Actually, there are several good containers that can hold a number of baby items, like a traditional wicker basket; baby bath tub; laundry basket; or even a bucket. You can then decorate your chosen basket according to the baby’s sex. Otherwise, you have to think of making a gift basket that is gender-neutral if the gender hasn’t yet known.

Themed gift baskets are great if you want to focus on a specific gifting idea. There are themed gift baskets that are limited to baby bathing products, baby dishes and recipes, layettes and clothing, nursery furniture, or educational baby toys. Whichever you want to present, that is sure to impress the mom-to-be.

There are lots of online stores that specializes on various baby gifts, including baby gift baskets. You can also find personalized baby gift baskets which will allow you to add a personal touch onto your chosen one. A personalized gift basket will let you present something that was personalized with the child’s name or monogram, if there is already. Personalized items that may be included are embroidered blankets and outfits, engraved silver cups, engraved picture frames, personalized toys and the likes. Aside from names and monograms, you may also include a date or even a short line of poem. There are personalized ribbons, as well as cellophanes that can be customized to make a perfect package. You can apply a personalized packaging if you want to.