Module 3: Easy Ways to Use Graphics in Proposals and Presentations

(January 27, 2016, at 1 p.m. ET)

Instructor: Karen Kurta, CPSM, Senior Marketing Project Lead, Balfour Beatty Construction

Let's face it, nobody looks at a proposal and says, “Yay, it's all words!” Yet most of the time we use pages and pages of text or wordy bullets and wonder why our message gets lost. Visuals resonate with people, and using graphics as well-thought-out ways to convey or enhance your message is key to keeping your audience engaged. You don't have to be a graphic designer to use graphics effectively in proposals—all you need is a little creativity. From tag lines and photos, to charts and infographics, this session will examine the graphic tools available to create better materials. Using real-world examples, we'll explore creative alternatives to traditional text and bullet points and cover tips and tricks for those with no graphic-design help.

During the session, participants will:

  • Understand why visual communication is so effective
  • Learn about the most effective types of graphics and how to use them to support your message
  • Compare different methods of conveying information in proposals and presentations
  • Learn how to easily build simple graphics and see examples of them used in actual proposals and presentations
  • Learn about resources and tips/tricks for inexpensive stock fonts and graphics

Karen Kurta, CPSM

Senior Marketing Associate Cushman & Wakefield

A three-time marketing excellence award winner, Karen excels in graphic design, photography, and proposal writing, specializing in assembling complex pieces into concise and cohesive marketing materials. She is known for efficiency, creativity, and the drive to continuously improve her skills.

Her career spans various industries including construction and commercial real estate. For eight years, she managed complex proposals and developed presentations, graphics, collateral, advertising, and project photography for two global construction firms. She is currently a Senior Graphic Designer for Cushman & Wakefield—a global commercial real estate firm—where she provides graphic design, photography, and marketing support for over 40 brokers in two markets.

Karen is a CPSM and a member of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) and the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). She is also the owner of a Central Florida-based photography business specializing in real estate, portraits, and fine art.