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It's Data Privacy Week, which is a great time to take a few moments to make sure you’re in control of your personal data. (Have you ever considered that our phones are essentially tracking devices?) Review those app permissions, tighten up your privacy settings, and delete unused apps. If you’re not sure where to start, these direct links from the National Cybersecurity Alliance to update your privacy settings on popular devices and online services.

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📰 News & Notes

AI in L&D: The State of Play

According to this report by Donald Taylor and Egle Vinauskaite, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in workplace learning and development (L&D) is still in its early stages. The report is based on a survey of 185 L&D practitioners, revealing that less than half of them are actively using AI beyond experimentation. Currently, the main uses of AI are aimed at improving efficiency, such as faster content creation and some degree of personalization, rather than more advanced applications. The report recommends starting small with experiments that focus on key L&D challenges in order to build knowledge and use cases.

🎯 Take away: AI in L&D is still in its early days, focused on content and efficiency gains rather than advanced uses, but momentum is building.

Why simplicity is your secret weapon

Simplicity Theory, emphasizing cognitive fluency suggests that clear and straightforward experiences reduce cognitive load, aiding decision-making and memory. This approach, exemplified by Steve Jobs and Apple, involves using simple language, distinct branding, and consistent messaging. For L&D, this translates to designing learning materials that are easy to understand and remember, enhancing learner engagement and retention.

🎯 Take away: In both marketing and L&D, simplicity enhances engagement and retention, making content more accessible and effective.

A Checklist of Copywriting Tactics

The copywriting guide from Nick Kolenda emphasizes the psychology behind effective copywriting. It covers tactics like using vivid, easy-to-imagine words, tailoring messages to specific scenarios, and employing concrete examples over vague descriptions. The guide also discusses linguistic strategies like using active voice, framing sentences to foster continuity, and selecting words that align semantically with their meaning. Additionally, it addresses the importance of framing messages for specific customer segments and suggests rhetorical techniques like asking questions to engage readers. #stealfrommarketing

🎯 Take away:  Effective copywriting blends psychology & linguistics, focusing on vivid, tailored messaging and strategic framing to engage and persuade readers.

🧰 Tech Tools & Tips

If tools are your jam, check out my new Work Smarter newsletter.

🎧 Podcast

This is the conversation that caught my ear this week. Check out previous episodes in the Friday Finds podcast playlist.

🧳 Where’s Mike?

• ATD ICE, New Orleans May 19-22

• Canadian eLearning Conference, Toronto, June 13-14

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4 Useful Reads To Explore the Hidden Wonders of PowerPoint

If you still think PowerPoint is only great for slide presentations, you’re missing out on many of its capabilities for creating engaging training content. I often find great tips and tricks in the iSpring resources, and I wanted to share some of them with you:

1. 8 Interactive Presentation Ideas to Engage Your Audience in 2024 

2. How to Create an Interactive Map in PowerPoint

3. Interactive World Map Template

4. How to Create a Training Course in PowerPoint

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