We use essential cookies to make Venngage work. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Manage Cookies
Cookies and similar technologies collect certain information about how you’re using our website. Some of them are essential, and without them you wouldn’t be able to use Venngage. But others are optional, and you get to choose whether we use them or not.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are always on, as they’re essential for making Venngage work, and making it safe. Without these cookies, services you’ve asked for can’t be provided.
Show cookie providers
- Google Login
Functionality Cookies
These cookies help us provide enhanced functionality and personalisation, and remember your settings. They may be set by us or by third party providers.
Performance Cookies
These cookies help us analyze how many people are using Venngage, where they come from and how they're using it. If you opt out of these cookies, we can’t get feedback to make Venngage better for you and all our users.
- Google Analytics
Targeting Cookies
These cookies are set by our advertising partners to track your activity and show you relevant Venngage ads on other sites as you browse the internet.
- Google Tag Manager
- Infographics
- Daily Infographics
- Popular Templates
- Accessibility
- Graphic Design
- Graphs and Charts
- Data Visualization
- Human Resources
- Beginner Guides
Blog Beginner Guides How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]
![](http://serviteca.online/777/templates/cheerup2/res/banner1.gif)
How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]
Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 20, 2023
![how to do a effective presentation How to make a good presentation](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/How_To_Make_a_Good_Presentation_Blog_Header.png)
A top-notch presentation possesses the power to drive action. From winning stakeholders over and conveying a powerful message to securing funding — your secret weapon lies within the realm of creating an effective presentation .
Being an excellent presenter isn’t confined to the boardroom. Whether you’re delivering a presentation at work, pursuing an academic career, involved in a non-profit organization or even a student, nailing the presentation game is a game-changer.
In this article, I’ll cover the top qualities of compelling presentations and walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to give a good presentation. Here’s a little tip to kick things off: for a headstart, check out Venngage’s collection of free presentation templates . They are fully customizable, and the best part is you don’t need professional design skills to make them shine!
These valuable presentation tips cater to individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, encompassing business professionals, sales and marketing teams, educators, trainers, students, researchers, non-profit organizations, public speakers and presenters.
No matter your field or role, these tips for presenting will equip you with the skills to deliver effective presentations that leave a lasting impression on any audience.
Click to jump ahead:
What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?
Step-by-step guide on how to prepare an effective presentation, 9 effective techniques to deliver a memorable presentation, faqs on making a good presentation, how to create a presentation with venngage in 5 steps.
When it comes to giving an engaging presentation that leaves a lasting impression, it’s not just about the content — it’s also about how you deliver it. Wondering what makes a good presentation? Well, the best presentations I’ve seen consistently exhibit these 10 qualities:
1. Clear structure
No one likes to get lost in a maze of information. Organize your thoughts into a logical flow, complete with an introduction, main points and a solid conclusion. A structured presentation helps your audience follow along effortlessly, leaving them with a sense of satisfaction at the end.
Regardless of your presentation style , a quality presentation starts with a clear roadmap. Browse through Venngage’s template library and select a presentation template that aligns with your content and presentation goals. Here’s a good presentation example template with a logical layout that includes sections for the introduction, main points, supporting information and a conclusion:
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-62-767x1024.png)
2. Engaging opening
Hook your audience right from the start with an attention-grabbing statement, a fascinating question or maybe even a captivating anecdote. Set the stage for a killer presentation!
The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – check out these 15 ways to start a presentation to set the stage and captivate your audience.
3. Relevant content
Make sure your content aligns with their interests and needs. Your audience is there for a reason, and that’s to get valuable insights. Avoid fluff and get straight to the point, your audience will be genuinely excited.
4. Effective visual aids
Picture this: a slide with walls of text and tiny charts, yawn! Visual aids should be just that—aiding your presentation. Opt for clear and visually appealing slides, engaging images and informative charts that add value and help reinforce your message.
With Venngage, visualizing data takes no effort at all. You can import data from CSV or Google Sheets seamlessly and create stunning charts, graphs and icon stories effortlessly to showcase your data in a captivating and impactful way.
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-63-814x1024.png)
5. Clear and concise communication
Keep your language simple, and avoid jargon or complicated terms. Communicate your ideas clearly, so your audience can easily grasp and retain the information being conveyed. This can prevent confusion and enhance the overall effectiveness of the message.
6. Engaging delivery
Spice up your presentation with a sprinkle of enthusiasm! Maintain eye contact, use expressive gestures and vary your tone of voice to keep your audience glued to the edge of their seats. A touch of charisma goes a long way!
7. Interaction and audience engagement
Turn your presentation into an interactive experience — encourage questions, foster discussions and maybe even throw in a fun activity. Engaged audiences are more likely to remember and embrace your message.
Transform your slides into an interactive presentation with Venngage’s dynamic features like pop-ups, clickable icons and animated elements. Engage your audience with interactive content that lets them explore and interact with your presentation for a truly immersive experience.
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-64-648x1024.png)
8. Effective storytelling
Who doesn’t love a good story? Weaving relevant anecdotes, case studies or even a personal story into your presentation can captivate your audience and create a lasting impact. Stories build connections and make your message memorable.
A great presentation background is also essential as it sets the tone, creates visual interest and reinforces your message. Enhance the overall aesthetics of your presentation with these 15 presentation background examples and captivate your audience’s attention.
9. Well-timed pacing
Pace your presentation thoughtfully with well-designed presentation slides, neither rushing through nor dragging it out. Respect your audience’s time and ensure you cover all the essential points without losing their interest.
10. Strong conclusion
Last impressions linger! Summarize your main points and leave your audience with a clear takeaway. End your presentation with a bang , a call to action or an inspiring thought that resonates long after the conclusion.
In-person presentations aside, acing a virtual presentation is of paramount importance in today’s digital world. Check out this guide to learn how you can adapt your in-person presentations into virtual presentations .
![how to do a effective presentation Peloton Pitch Deck - Conclusion](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/69ea63d9-bbd7-4977-986f-93ddc3f128fc-1024x576.png)
Preparing an effective presentation starts with laying a strong foundation that goes beyond just creating slides and notes. One of the quickest and best ways to make a presentation would be with the help of a good presentation software .
Otherwise, let me walk you to how to prepare for a presentation step by step and unlock the secrets of crafting a professional presentation that sets you apart.
1. Understand the audience and their needs
Before you dive into preparing your masterpiece, take a moment to get to know your target audience. Tailor your presentation to meet their needs and expectations , and you’ll have them hooked from the start!
2. Conduct thorough research on the topic
Time to hit the books (or the internet)! Don’t skimp on the research with your presentation materials — dive deep into the subject matter and gather valuable insights . The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in delivering your presentation.
3. Organize the content with a clear structure
No one wants to stumble through a chaotic mess of information. Outline your presentation with a clear and logical flow. Start with a captivating introduction, follow up with main points that build on each other and wrap it up with a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.
Delivering an effective business presentation hinges on captivating your audience, and Venngage’s professionally designed business presentation templates are tailor-made for this purpose. With thoughtfully structured layouts, these templates enhance your message’s clarity and coherence, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience for your audience members.
Don’t want to build your presentation layout from scratch? pick from these 5 foolproof presentation layout ideas that won’t go wrong.
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-65-646x1024.png)
4. Develop visually appealing and supportive visual aids
Spice up your presentation with eye-catching visuals! Create slides that complement your message, not overshadow it. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, but that doesn’t mean you need to overload your slides with text.
Well-chosen designs create a cohesive and professional look, capturing your audience’s attention and enhancing the overall effectiveness of your message. Here’s a list of carefully curated PowerPoint presentation templates and great background graphics that will significantly influence the visual appeal and engagement of your presentation.
5. Practice, practice and practice
Practice makes perfect — rehearse your presentation and arrive early to your presentation to help overcome stage fright. Familiarity with your material will boost your presentation skills and help you handle curveballs with ease.
6. Seek feedback and make necessary adjustments
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek feedback from friends and colleagues. Constructive criticism can help you identify blind spots and fine-tune your presentation to perfection.
With Venngage’s real-time collaboration feature , receiving feedback and editing your presentation is a seamless process. Group members can access and work on the presentation simultaneously and edit content side by side in real-time. Changes will be reflected immediately to the entire team, promoting seamless teamwork.
![how to do a effective presentation Venngage Real Time Collaboration](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-66.png)
7. Prepare for potential technical or logistical issues
Prepare for the unexpected by checking your equipment, internet connection and any other potential hiccups. If you’re worried that you’ll miss out on any important points, you could always have note cards prepared. Remember to remain focused and rehearse potential answers to anticipated questions.
8. Fine-tune and polish your presentation
As the big day approaches, give your presentation one last shine. Review your talking points, practice how to present a presentation and make any final tweaks. Deep breaths — you’re on the brink of delivering a successful presentation!
In competitive environments, persuasive presentations set individuals and organizations apart. To brush up on your presentation skills, read these guides on how to make a persuasive presentation and tips to presenting effectively .
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-69-814x1024.png)
Whether you’re an experienced presenter or a novice, the right techniques will let your presentation skills soar to new heights!
From public speaking hacks to interactive elements and storytelling prowess, these 9 effective presentation techniques will empower you to leave a lasting impression on your audience and make your presentations unforgettable.
1. Confidence and positive body language
Positive body language instantly captivates your audience, making them believe in your message as much as you do. Strengthen your stage presence and own that stage like it’s your second home! Stand tall, shoulders back and exude confidence.
2. Eye contact with the audience
Break down that invisible barrier and connect with your audience through their eyes. Maintaining eye contact when giving a presentation builds trust and shows that you’re present and engaged with them.
3. Effective use of hand gestures and movement
A little movement goes a long way! Emphasize key points with purposeful gestures and don’t be afraid to walk around the stage. Your energy will be contagious!
4. Utilize storytelling techniques
Weave the magic of storytelling into your presentation. Share relatable anecdotes, inspiring success stories or even personal experiences that tug at the heartstrings of your audience. Adjust your pitch, pace and volume to match the emotions and intensity of the story. Varying your speaking voice adds depth and enhances your stage presence.
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-67-814x1024.png)
5. Incorporate multimedia elements
Spice up your presentation with a dash of visual pizzazz! Use slides, images and video clips to add depth and clarity to your message. Just remember, less is more—don’t overwhelm them with information overload.
Turn your presentations into an interactive party! Involve your audience with questions, polls or group activities. When they actively participate, they become invested in your presentation’s success. Bring your design to life with animated elements. Venngage allows you to apply animations to icons, images and text to create dynamic and engaging visual content.
6. Utilize humor strategically
Laughter is the best medicine—and a fantastic presentation enhancer! A well-placed joke or lighthearted moment can break the ice and create a warm atmosphere , making your audience more receptive to your message.
7. Practice active listening and respond to feedback
Be attentive to your audience’s reactions and feedback. If they have questions or concerns, address them with genuine interest and respect. Your responsiveness builds rapport and shows that you genuinely care about their experience.
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-72-814x1024.png)
8. Apply the 10-20-30 rule
Apply the 10-20-30 presentation rule and keep it short, sweet and impactful! Stick to ten slides, deliver your presentation within 20 minutes and use a 30-point font to ensure clarity and focus. Less is more, and your audience will thank you for it!
9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule
Simplicity is key. Limit each slide to five bullet points, with only five words per bullet point and allow each slide to remain visible for about five seconds. This rule keeps your presentation concise and prevents information overload.
Simple presentations are more engaging because they are easier to follow. Summarize your presentations and keep them simple with Venngage’s gallery of simple presentation templates and ensure that your message is delivered effectively across your audience.
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/image-68-814x1024.png)
1. How to start a presentation?
To kick off your presentation effectively, begin with an attention-grabbing statement or a powerful quote. Introduce yourself, establish credibility and clearly state the purpose and relevance of your presentation.
2. How to end a presentation?
For a strong conclusion, summarize your talking points and key takeaways. End with a compelling call to action or a thought-provoking question and remember to thank your audience and invite any final questions or interactions.
3. How to make a presentation interactive?
To make your presentation interactive, encourage questions and discussion throughout your talk. Utilize multimedia elements like videos or images and consider including polls, quizzes or group activities to actively involve your audience.
In need of inspiration for your next presentation? I’ve got your back! Pick from these 120+ presentation ideas, topics and examples to get started.
Creating a stunning presentation with Venngage is a breeze with our user-friendly drag-and-drop editor and professionally designed templates for all your communication needs.
Here’s how to make a presentation in just 5 simple steps with the help of Venngage:
Step 1: Sign up for Venngage for free using your email, Gmail or Facebook account or simply log in to access your account.
Step 2: Pick a design from our selection of free presentation templates (they’re all created by our expert in-house designers).
Step 3: Make the template your own by customizing it to fit your content and branding. With Venngage’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can easily modify text, change colors and adjust the layout to create a unique and eye-catching design.
Step 4: Elevate your presentation by incorporating captivating visuals. You can upload your images or choose from Venngage’s vast library of high-quality photos, icons and illustrations.
Step 5: Upgrade to a premium or business account to export your presentation in PDF and print it for in-person presentations or share it digitally for free!
By following these five simple steps, you’ll have a professionally designed and visually engaging presentation ready in no time. With Venngage’s user-friendly platform, your presentation is sure to make a lasting impression. So, let your creativity flow and get ready to shine in your next presentation!
Discover popular designs
![how to do a effective presentation](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/infographic-maker.webp)
Infographic maker
![how to do a effective presentation](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/brochure-maker_v2.webp)
Brochure maker
![how to do a effective presentation](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/white-paper-maker.webp)
White paper online
![how to do a effective presentation](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/newsletter-maker.webp)
Newsletter creator
![how to do a effective presentation](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/flyer-maker.webp)
Flyer maker
![how to do a effective presentation](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/timeline-maker.webp)
Timeline maker
![how to do a effective presentation](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/letterhead_maker_v2.webp)
Letterhead maker
![how to do a effective presentation](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/mindmap-maker.webp)
Mind map maker
![how to do a effective presentation](https://cdn.venngage.com/landing/img/ebook-maker.webp)
Ebook maker
![how to do a effective presentation Read more](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9253440/5797a8ae-e2c6-4789-b995-a8bf67662152.png)
How it works
Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.
Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.
We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.
Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.
Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.
Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.
Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.
Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.
Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.
Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.
See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.
Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.
A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.
![how to do a effective presentation Request a demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9253440/6ac54b8a-cf90-4c95-a7dd-af4a87983811.png)
- What is coaching?
Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.
Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.
Types of Coaching
Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.
Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.
Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.
Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.
![how to do a effective presentation Find your Coach](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9253440/21fbace0-fd3a-4c41-ba35-a2067143bdea.png)
Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.
Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.
View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.
The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.
- BetterUp Briefing
The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.
Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.
Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance
We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.
Join us and create impactful change.
Read the buzz about BetterUp.
Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.
For Business
For Individuals
How to give a good presentation that captivates any audience
![how to do a effective presentation Find my Coach](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9253440/ce9ee3b4-0410-44ff-922e-acc5525e7b29.png)
Jump to section
What are the main difficulties when giving presentations?
How to create an effective presentation, after that, how do i give a memorable presentation, how to connect with the audience when presenting.
If you’ve ever heard someone give a powerful presentation, you probably remember how it made you feel. Much like a composer, a good speaker knows precisely when each note should strike to captivate their audience’s attention and leave them with a lasting impression.
No one becomes a great public speaker or presenter without practice. And almost everyone can recall a time one of their presentations went badly — that’s a painful part of the learning process.
Whether you’re working within a small creative team or a large organization, public speaking and presentation skills are vital to communicating your ideas. Knowing how to present your vision can help you pitch concepts to clients, present ideas to your team, and develop the confidence to participate in team meetings.
If you have an upcoming presentation on the horizon and feel nervous, that’s normal. Around 15-30% of the general population experience a fear of public speaking . And, unfortunately, social anxiety is on the rise, with a 12% increase in adults over the last 20 years .
Learning how to give a good presentation can dismantle your fears and break down these barriers, ensuring you’re ready to confidently share your point of view.
It’s the week before your presentation, and you’re already feeling nervous . Maybe there’ll be an important mentor in the room you need to impress, or you’re looking for an opportunity to show your boss your value. Regardless of your countless past presentations, you still feel nervous.
Sharing your vision and ideas with any sized group is intimidating. You’re likely worrying about how you’ll perform as a presenter and whether the audience will be interested in what you offer. But nerves aren’t inherently negative — you can actually use this feeling to fuel your preparation.
![how to do a effective presentation businesswoman-speaking-from-a-podium-to-an-audience-in-a-conference-room-how-to-give-a-good-presentation](https://www.betterup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/businesswoman%20speaking%20from%20a%20podiium%20to%20an%20audience%20in%20a%20conference%20room.jpg?width=800&name=businesswoman%20speaking%20from%20a%20podiium%20to%20an%20audience%20in%20a%20conference%20room.jpg)
It’s helpful to identify where your worries are coming from and address your fears. Here are some common concerns when preparing for an upcoming presentation:
Fear of public speaking: When you share your ideas in front of a group, you’re placing yourself in a vulnerable position to be critiqued on your knowledge and communication skills . Maybe you feel confident in your content, but when you think about standing in front of an audience, you feel anxious and your mind goes blank.
It’s also not uncommon to have physical symptoms when presenting . Some people experience nausea and dizziness as the brain releases adrenaline to cope with the potentially stressful situation . Remember to take deep breaths to recenter yourself and be patient, even if you make a mistake.
Losing the audience’s attention: As a presenter, your main focus is to keep your audience engaged. They should feel like they’re learning valuable information or following a story that will improve them in life or business.
Highlight the most exciting pieces of knowledge and ensure you emphasize those points in your presentation. If you feel passionate about your content, it’s more likely that your audience will experience this excitement for themselves and become invested in what you have to say.
Not knowing what content to place on presentation slides: Overloading presentation slides is a fast way to lose your audience’s attention. Your slides should contain only the main talking points and limited text to ensure your audience focuses on what you have to say rather than becoming distracted by the content on your slides.
Discomfort incorporating nonverbal communication: It’s natural to feel stiff and frozen when you’re nervous. But maintaining effective body language helps your audience stay focused on you as you speak and encourages you to relax.
If you struggle to incorporate body language into your presentations, try starting small by making hand gestures toward your slides. If you’re working with a large audience, use different parts of the stage to ensure everyone feels included.
Each presenter has their own personal brand and style. Some may use humor to break the ice, while others might appeal to the audience’s emotional side through inspiring storytelling.
Watching online presentations, such as TED talks, is an excellent way to expose yourself to various presentation styles and develop your own. While observing others, you can note how they carry themselves on stage and learn new ways to keep your audience engaged.
Once you’ve addressed what’s causing your fears, it’s time to prepare for a great presentation. Use your past experience as inspiration and aim to outshine your former self by learning from your mistakes and employing new techniques. Here are five presentation tips to help you create a strong presentation and wow your audience:
1. Keep it simple
Simple means something different to everyone.
Before creating your presentation, take note of your intended audience and their knowledge level of your subject. You’ll want your content to be easy for your intended audience to follow.
Say you’re giving a presentation on improving your company’s operational structure. Entry-level workers will likely need a more straightforward overview of the content than C-suite leaders, who have significantly more experience.
Ask yourself what you want your audience to take away from your presentation and emphasize those important points. Doing this ensures they remember the most vital information rather than less important supporting ideas. Try organizing these concepts into bullet points so viewers can quickly identify critical takeaways.
2. Create a compelling structure
Put yourself in your audience member’s shoes and determine the most compelling way to organize your information. Your presentation should be articulate , cohesive, and logical, and you must be sure to include all necessary supporting evidence to strengthen your main points.
If you give away all of your answers too quickly, your audience could lose interest. And if there isn’t enough supporting information, they could hit a roadblock of confusion. Try developing a compelling story that leads your audience through your thought processes so they can experience the ups and downs alongside you.
By structuring your presentation to lead up to a final conclusion, you’re more likely to keep listeners’ attention. Once you’ve reached that conclusion, you can offer a Q&A period to put any of their questions or concerns to rest.
3. Use visual aids
Appealing to various learning styles is a great way to keep everyone on the same page and ensure they absorb your content. Visual aids are necessary for visual learners and make it easier for people to picture your ideas.
Aim to incorporate a mixture of photos, videos, and props to engage your audience and convey your key points. For instance, if you’re giving a presentation on anthropology subject matter, you could show your audience an artifact to help them understand how exciting a discovery must have been.
If your presentation is long, including a video for your audience to watch is an excellent way to give yourself a break and create new jumping-off points for your speech.
4. Be aware of design techniques and trends
Thanks to cutting-edge technology and tools, you have numerous platforms at your disposal to create a good presentation. But keep in mind that although color, images, and graphics liven things up, they can cause distraction when misused.
Here are a few standard pointers for incorporating visuals on your slides:
- Don’t place blocks of small text on a single slide
- Use a minimalistic background instead of a busy one
- Ensure text stands out against the background color
- Only use high-resolution photos
- Maintain a consistent font style and size throughout the presentation
- Don’t overuse transitions and effects
5. Try the 10-20-30 rule
Guy Kawasaki, a prominent venture capitalist and one of the original marketing specialists for Apple, said that the best slideshow presentations are less than 10 slides , last at most 20 minutes, and use a font size of 30. Following this strategy can help you condense your information, eliminate unnecessary ideas, and maintain your audience’s focus more efficiently.
Once you’re confident in creating a memorable presentation, it’s time to learn how to give one. Here are some valuable tips for keeping your audience invested during your talk:
Tip #1: Tell stories
Sharing an anecdote from your life can improve your credibility and increase your relatability. And when an audience relates to you, they’re more likely to feel connected to who you are as a person and encouraged to give you their full attention, as they would want others to do the same.
Gill Hicks utilized this strategy well when she shared her powerful story, “ I survived a terrorist attack. Here’s what I learned .” In her harrowing tale, Hicks highlights the importance of compassion, unconditional love, and helping those in need.
If you feel uncomfortable sharing personal stories, that’s okay. You can use examples from famous individuals or create a fictional account to demonstrate your ideas.
Tip #2: Make eye contact with the audience
Maintaining eye contact is less intimidating than it sounds. In fact, you don’t have to look your audience members directly in their eyes — you can focus on their foreheads or noses if that’s easier.
Try making eye contact with as many people as possible for 3–5 seconds each. This timing ensures you don’t look away too quickly, making the audience member feel unimportant, or linger too long, making them feel uncomfortable.
If you’re presenting to a large group, direct your focus to each part of the room to ensure no section of the audience feels ignored.
![how to do a effective presentation Group-of-a-business-people-having-meeting-in-a-conference-room-how-to-give-a-good-presentation](https://www.betterup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group%20of%20a%20business%20people%20having%20meeting%20in%20a%20conference%20room.jpg?width=800&name=Group%20of%20a%20business%20people%20having%20meeting%20in%20a%20conference%20room.jpg)
Tip #3: Work on your stage presence
Although your tone and words are the most impactful part of your presentation, recall that body language keeps your audience engaged. Use these tips to master a professional stage presence:
- Speak with open arms and avoid crossing them
- Keep a reasonable pace and try not to stand still
- Use hand gestures to highlight important information
Tip #4: Start strong
Like watching a movie trailer, the first seconds of your talk are critical for capturing your audience’s attention. How you start your speech sets the tone for the rest of your presentation and tells your audience whether or not they should pay attention. Here are some ways to start your presentation to leave a lasting impression:
- Use a quote from a well-known and likable influential person
- Ask a rhetorical question to create intrigue
- Start with an anecdote to add context to your talk
- Spark your audience’s curiosity by involving them in an interactive problem-solving puzzle or riddle
Tip #5: Show your passion
Don’t be afraid of being too enthusiastic. Everyone appreciates a speaker who’s genuinely excited about their field of expertise.
In “ Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance ,” Angela Lee Duckworth discusses the importance of passion in research and delivery. She delivers her presentation excitedly to show the audience how excitement piques interest.
Tip #6: Plan your delivery
How you decide to deliver your speech will shape your presentation. Will you be preparing a PowerPoint presentation and using a teleprompter? Or are you working within the constraints of the digital world and presenting over Zoom?
The best presentations are conducted by speakers who know their stuff and memorize their content. However, if you find this challenging, try creating notes to use as a safety net in case you lose track.
If you’re presenting online, you can keep notes beside your computer for each slide, highlighting your key points. This ensures you include all the necessary information and follow a logical order.
![how to do a effective presentation Woman-presenting-charts-and-data-to-work-team-how-to-give-a-good-presentation](https://www.betterup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Woman%20presenting%20charts%20and%20data%20to%20work%20team.jpg?width=800&name=Woman%20presenting%20charts%20and%20data%20to%20work%20team.jpg)
Tip #7: Practice
Practice doesn’t make perfect — it makes progress. There’s no way of preparing for unforeseen circumstances, but thorough practice means you’ve done everything you can to succeed.
Rehearse your speech in front of a mirror or to a trusted friend or family member. Take any feedback and use it as an opportunity to fine-tune your speech. But remember: who you practice your presentation in front of may differ from your intended audience. Consider their opinions through the lens of them occupying this different position.
Tip #8: Read the room
Whether you’re a keynote speaker at an event or presenting to a small group of clients, knowing how to read the room is vital for keeping your audience happy. Stay flexible and be willing to move on from topics quickly if your listeners are uninterested or displeased with a particular part of your speech.
Tip #9: Breathe
Try taking deep breaths before your presentation to calm your nerves. If you feel rushed, you’re more likely to feel nervous and stumble on your words.
The most important thing to consider when presenting is your audience’s feelings. When you approach your next presentation calmly, you’ll put your audience at ease and encourage them to feel comfortable in your presence.
Tip #10: Provide a call-to-action
When you end your presentation, your audience should feel compelled to take a specific action, whether that’s changing their habits or contacting you for your services.
If you’re presenting to clients, create a handout with key points and contact information so they can get in touch. You should provide your LinkedIn information, email address, and phone number so they have a variety of ways to reach you.
There’s no one-size-fits-all template for an effective presentation, as your unique audience and subject matter play a role in shaping your speech. As a general rule, though, you should aim to connect with your audience through passion and excitement. Use strong eye contact and body language. Capture their interest through storytelling and their trust through relatability.
Learning how to give a good presentation can feel overwhelming — but remember, practice makes progress. Rehearse your presentation for someone you trust, collect their feedback , and revise. Practicing your presentation skills is helpful for any job, and every challenge is a chance to grow.
Enhance your presentation skills
Discover coaching that transforms your public speaking and boosts your confidence in presenting.
Elizabeth Perry, ACC
Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.
6 presentation skills and how to improve them
Tell a story they can't ignore these 10 tips will teach you how, 3 stand-out professional bio examples to inspire your own, how to make a presentation interactive and exciting, reading the room gives you an edge — no matter who you're talking to, how to write a speech that your audience remembers, your guide to what storytelling is and how to be a good storyteller, writing an elevator pitch about yourself: a how-to plus tips, 18 effective strategies to improve your communication skills, 8 clever hooks for presentations (with tips), i stopped having dead people's goals, learn types of gestures and their meanings to improve your communication, love them or hate them, meetings promote social learning and growth, getting a new manager how to (stop panicking and) make the most of it, a new role for chros: insights from the gartner reimaginehr conference, discover how to get noticed by upper management at work, getting passed over for a promotion is tough. here's how to handle it, books to grow with in 2022, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..
3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702
- Platform Overview
- Integrations
- Powered by AI
- BetterUp Lead™
- BetterUp Manage™
- BetterUp Care®
- Sales Performance
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Case Studies
- Why BetterUp?
- About Coaching
- Find your Coach
- Career Coaching
- Communication Coaching
- Personal Coaching
- News and Press
- Leadership Team
- Become a BetterUp Coach
- BetterUp Labs
- Center for Purpose & Performance
- Leadership Training
- Business Coaching
- Contact Support
- Contact Sales
- Privacy Policy
- Acceptable Use Policy
- Trust & Security
- Cookie Preferences
![how to do a effective presentation SkillsYouNeed](https://www.skillsyouneed.com/images/syn3.png)
- PRESENTATION SKILLS
Top Tips for Effective Presentations
Search SkillsYouNeed:
Presentation Skills:
- A - Z List of Presentation Skills
- General Presentation Skills
- What is a Presentation?
- Preparing for a Presentation
- Organising the Material
- Writing Your Presentation
- Deciding the Presentation Method
- Managing your Presentation Notes
- Working with Visual Aids
- Presenting Data
- Managing the Event
- Coping with Presentation Nerves
- Dealing with Questions
- How to Build Presentations Like a Consultant
- 7 Qualities of Good Speakers That Can Help You Be More Successful
- Self-Presentation in Presentations
- Specific Presentation Events
- Remote Meetings and Presentations
- Giving a Speech
- Presentations in Interviews
- Presenting to Large Groups and Conferences
- Giving Lectures and Seminars
- Managing a Press Conference
- Attending Public Consultation Meetings
- Managing a Public Consultation Meeting
- Crisis Communications
- Elsewhere on Skills You Need:
- Communication Skills
- Facilitation Skills
- Teams, Groups and Meetings
- Effective Speaking
- Question Types
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and start improving your life in just 5 minutes a day.
You'll get our 5 free 'One Minute Life Skills' and our weekly newsletter.
We'll never share your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.
How can you make a good presentation even more effective?
This page draws on published advice from expert presenters around the world, which will help to take your presentations from merely ‘good’ to ‘great’.
By bringing together advice from a wide range of people, the aim is to cover a whole range of areas.
Whether you are an experienced presenter, or just starting out, there should be ideas here to help you to improve.
1. Show your Passion and Connect with your Audience
It’s hard to be relaxed and be yourself when you’re nervous.
But time and again, the great presenters say that the most important thing is to connect with your audience, and the best way to do that is to let your passion for the subject shine through.
Be honest with the audience about what is important to you and why it matters.
Be enthusiastic and honest, and the audience will respond.
2. Focus on your Audience’s Needs
Your presentation needs to be built around what your audience is going to get out of the presentation.
As you prepare the presentation, you always need to bear in mind what the audience needs and wants to know, not what you can tell them.
While you’re giving the presentation, you also need to remain focused on your audience’s response, and react to that.
You need to make it easy for your audience to understand and respond.
3. Keep it Simple: Concentrate on your Core Message
When planning your presentation, you should always keep in mind the question:
What is the key message (or three key points) for my audience to take away?
You should be able to communicate that key message very briefly.
Some experts recommend a 30-second ‘elevator summary’, others that you can write it on the back of a business card, or say it in no more than 15 words.
Whichever rule you choose, the important thing is to keep your core message focused and brief.
And if what you are planning to say doesn’t contribute to that core message, don’t say it.
4. Smile and Make Eye Contact with your Audience
This sounds very easy, but a surprisingly large number of presenters fail to do it.
If you smile and make eye contact, you are building rapport , which helps the audience to connect with you and your subject. It also helps you to feel less nervous, because you are talking to individuals, not to a great mass of unknown people.
To help you with this, make sure that you don’t turn down all the lights so that only the slide screen is visible. Your audience needs to see you as well as your slides.
5. Start Strongly
The beginning of your presentation is crucial. You need to grab your audience’s attention and hold it.
They will give you a few minutes’ grace in which to entertain them, before they start to switch off if you’re dull. So don’t waste that on explaining who you are. Start by entertaining them.
Try a story (see tip 7 below), or an attention-grabbing (but useful) image on a slide.
6. Remember the 10-20-30 Rule for Slideshows
This is a tip from Guy Kawasaki of Apple. He suggests that slideshows should:
- Contain no more than 10 slides;
- Last no more than 20 minutes; and
- Use a font size of no less than 30 point.
This last is particularly important as it stops you trying to put too much information on any one slide. This whole approach avoids the dreaded ‘Death by PowerPoint’.
As a general rule, slides should be the sideshow to you, the presenter. A good set of slides should be no use without the presenter, and they should definitely contain less, rather than more, information, expressed simply.
If you need to provide more information, create a bespoke handout and give it out after your presentation.
7. Tell Stories
Human beings are programmed to respond to stories.
Stories help us to pay attention, and also to remember things. If you can use stories in your presentation, your audience is more likely to engage and to remember your points afterwards. It is a good idea to start with a story, but there is a wider point too: you need your presentation to act like a story.
Think about what story you are trying to tell your audience, and create your presentation to tell it.
Finding The Story Behind Your Presentation
To effectively tell a story, focus on using at least one of the two most basic storytelling mechanics in your presentation:
Focusing On Characters – People have stories; things, data, and objects do not. So ask yourself “who” is directly involved in your topic that you can use as the focal point of your story.
For example, instead of talking about cars (your company’s products), you could focus on specific characters like:
- The drivers the car is intended for – people looking for speed and adventure
- The engineers who went out of their way to design the most cost-effective car imaginable
A Changing Dynamic – A story needs something to change along the way. So ask yourself “What is not as it should be?” and answer with what you are going to do about it (or what you did about it).
For example…
- Did hazardous road conditions inspire you to build a rugged, all-terrain jeep that any family could afford?
- Did a complicated and confusing food labelling system lead you to establish a colour-coded nutritional index so that anybody could easily understand it?
To see 15 more actionable storytelling tips, see Nuts & Bolts Speed Training’s post on Storytelling Tips .
8. Use your Voice Effectively
The spoken word is actually a pretty inefficient means of communication, because it uses only one of your audience’s five senses. That’s why presenters tend to use visual aids, too. But you can help to make the spoken word better by using your voice effectively.
Varying the speed at which you talk, and emphasising changes in pitch and tone all help to make your voice more interesting and hold your audience’s attention.
For more about this, see our page on Effective Speaking .
9. Use your Body Too
It has been estimated that more than three quarters of communication is non-verbal.
That means that as well as your tone of voice, your body language is crucial to getting your message across. Make sure that you are giving the right messages: body language to avoid includes crossed arms, hands held behind your back or in your pockets, and pacing the stage.
Make your gestures open and confident, and move naturally around the stage, and among the audience too, if possible.
10. Relax, Breathe and Enjoy
If you find presenting difficult, it can be hard to be calm and relaxed about doing it.
One option is to start by concentrating on your breathing. Slow it down, and make sure that you’re breathing fully. Make sure that you continue to pause for breath occasionally during your presentation too.
For more ideas, see our page on Coping with Presentation Nerves .
If you can bring yourself to relax, you will almost certainly present better. If you can actually start to enjoy yourself, your audience will respond to that, and engage better. Your presentations will improve exponentially, and so will your confidence. It’s well worth a try.
Improve your Presentation Skills
Follow our guide to boost your presentation skills learning about preparation, delivery, questions and all other aspects of giving effective presentations.
Start with: What is a Presentation?
Continue to: How to Give a Speech Self Presentation
See also: Five Ways You Can Do Visual Marketing on a Budget Can Presentation Science Improve Your Presentation? Typography – It’s All About the Message in Your Slides
- Presentations
- Most Recent
- Infographics
- Data Visualizations
- Forms and Surveys
- Video & Animation
- Case Studies
- Design for Business
- Digital Marketing
- Design Inspiration
- Visual Thinking
- Product Updates
- Visme Webinars
- Artificial Intelligence
How to Give a Good Presentation: 11 Top Tips for Killer Presentations
![how to do a effective presentation How to Give a Good Presentation: 11 Top Tips for Killer Presentations](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Header-3.png)
Written by: Orana Velarde
![how to do a effective presentation how to give a good presentation - header](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Header-3.png)
Giving a good presentation takes practice. Not everyone is born a natural public speaker, which is why we’re here today.
In this article, we’ll give you some of the best tips for killer presentations. These are techniques used by all the best public speakers, and yes – even they had to practice to get this good.
If you need to give a presentation for work, be it a pitch about a new project or product idea, a quarterly marketing report, a product launch or as an industry expert in a summit, we’ve got you covered.
How to Give a Good Presentation [Presentation]
To learn more about our top 11 tips for giving a killer presentation, keep reading throughout this article. But for those of you who are skimmers, feel free to browse through this presentation rounding up our top tips.
How to Give a Good Presentation
Here’s a quick look at the 11 tips on how to give a good presentation. Plus, you’ll find a bonus resource you won’t want to miss, The Visme Presentation Guru Course.
- Rehearse What You’re Planning to Say
- Prepare Mentally, Emotionally and Technically
- Start Strong
- Follow the Outline You Practiced With
- Finish With Confidence
- Use a Storytelling Technique on Your Slides
- Keep Your Slides Short
- Use Templates
- Learn From Your Mistakes
- Keep Yourself Inspired for the Future
Let’s dive in.
1 Rehearse What You’re Planning To Say
Before you even give a good presentation, you need to prepare.
This part has two steps – to rehearse what you’re going to say and to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. These two tips go hand in hand, but we’ll explain what each one is about individually.
Notice that we didn’t say “memorize your presentation.” There’s a big difference between memorizing a speech and practicing telling a story. The difference is that a memorized speech can end up sounding robot-like and practiced storytelling sounds effortless.
You’ll be better off if you have at least a rough outline of your slides before you start rehearsing.
Section 1, Pause, Section 2, Pause, Repeat
Rehearse what you’re planning to say during your presentation by using a written outline, index cards, printed out versions of your presentation slides or whatever works for you.
Practicing the spoken part of your Visme presentation is easy when you use the presentation notes feature .
Separate your presentations into sections. The best way to do this is by topic. Try and keep all the sections about the same length, that way you can plan your pauses.
Presenter’s Notes
Add presenter’s notes to your slides to help you along as you present. Visme makes this easy for you. As you go through each slide, you’re able to see the notes, what slide you’re on and what slide is next. There’s also a timer to help you pace each slide switch.
This tool will help if you can have a computer close by as you give the presentation. But if you are giving a presentation on a stage without a screen to help you, you’ll have to practice without notes.
Create a stunning presentation in less time
- Hundreds of premade slides available
- Add animation and interactivity to your slides
- Choose from various presentation options
Sign up. It’s free.
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/themes/blog/img/shortcodes/presentation.png)
How to Give A Good Presentation With Mnemonic Tools
Create some mnemonic tools into your presentation to help you remember what comes next. For some people, this comes as second nature and is easy. For others, it can become convoluted and cause you to overthink things.
Try out a variety of different techniques until you find the one you feel the most comfortable and confident with.
Ask For Feedback
For better results and to know if you’re improving, record yourself or ask someone to watch you. Ask them to give you honest feedback. Don’t accept feedback like “that was great.” Insist they go into the details. Offer them a pen and paper to take notes as you present.
You’ll notice as you practice and rehearse, that when you follow an outline, all the information you want to share is easier to remember. The TED talk below by Dr. Bolte Taylor was rehearsed 200 times and it’s one of the most famous TED Talks ever.
You don’t need to practice that many times – just enough so it feels effortless. Needless to say, rehearsing is key to learning how to give a good presentation.
2 Prepare Mentally, Emotionally and Technically
It’s highly likely that you’ve already had to give presentations before, most probably at school. But let’s be honest, a classroom and a TED stage are a little different. So is an online summit via Zoom, which as you know are even more common now!
Let’s get one thing straight, though. We’re not talking about just any presentation here – we’re talking high stakes, high-quality presentations.
Preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for a weekly sales report meeting is not as important as doing so for one that will be in front of thousands of people and recorded for posterity.
This tip includes mental, emotional and technical preparation. Let’s focus on each one.
Ready to create your own presentation in minutes?
- Add your own text, images and more
- Customize colors, fonts and everything else
- Choose from hundreds of slide designs and templates
- Add interactive buttons and animations
Mental Preparation
While you’re rehearsing the outline and general speech for your presentation, notice the times when you feel like things flow and when they don’t.
Why do you think that’s happening?
If it flows well it’s because you feel comfortable with the content. You know what you’re talking about. You might even be passionate about it!
On the other hand, if you’re having trouble, maybe the content is still new to you. You might need to do a little more research to feel more knowledgeable about that topic. If you are unsure, you might completely forget what you had to say next during the presentation.
That’s why rehearsing, adjusting and creating mnemonic cues will help.
Emotional Preparation
Not everyone needs to get emotionally prepared before a presentation. Conscientious rehearsing can usually be enough. But not everyone is the same.
Many people that suffer from glossophobia or the fear of public speaking. Some have anxiety or social anxiety and just being close to that many people is difficult for them. Many successful speakers used to be riddled by fear before their first few presentations.
Some of them still are, every single time. The difference is that they have learned how to manage their fear and lean into it. As soon as they step on the stage, the fear and anxiety melt away and all the rehearsing and practicing take over.
To get emotionally prepared, you can try some mindfulness exercises and relaxation techniques.
Wear clothes that make you feel powerful and confident. Try doing the power pose and high five some people before you go on stage. Sing your favorite song and have a little quick uplifting dance.
Technical Preparation
You might be wondering what technical things you need to give a good presentation. It’s all in the details.
Regardless if you’ll be speaking in a venue or an online summit, you have to test all technicalities.
If you’ll be speaking in a venue, visit the space and stand in the place where you’ll speak. Have a look around and pinpoint some elements or aspects that make you comfortable.
If there’s anything that bothers you, like a weird smell or a column in the middle of the room, think of ways to overcome that.
Always ask to test the technical aspects in the room. Connect your computer or tablet to their system to check if your slides will look good with their setup. Also, test the audio. These detailed checks might not always be possible but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
If your presentation will be online, test all your tech beforehand. Locate a spot with the strongest wifi or hardwire your computer to the router.
Check your background and the lighting. Organize with housemates or family for some quiet time during the time of your presentation.
3 Start Strong
The day and time of your presentation have arrived! Now it’s time to shine.
Starting strong is a huge factor in achieving a good presentation. The first few seconds and minutes that you’re on stage will make a first impression on your audience . And yes, you can leverage that to your advantage!
How To Give A Good Presentation Through Impactful Body Language
The first thing people will notice is your body language. The way you carry yourself says a lot about how confident you are at that specific moment. If you prepared emotionally and mentally before your turn, then you’re as ready as you’ll ever be.
Watch the video below to learn about the power pose and how body language affects both you and your audience.
Make An Impressionable Statement
Starting a presentation with a joke, for example, can make the audience relate or feel more familiar with you. Letting them laugh a little will clear the air in the room and it’ll be easier to continue.
Other opening techniques include:
- Be Provocative
- Incite Curiosity
- Shock the Audience
- Ask a Question
- Tell A Story
Use your first slide as a visual and impactful complement to start your presentation.
We have an article all about starting strong with plenty of inspiration. Check it out here – it’ll inspire you to think of new ideas for your presentation.
4 Follow The Outline You Practiced With
If you followed our tip above, you used an outline or a ‘section, pause, section’ technique to practice with. Maybe you even used some mnemonic tools or presenters’ notes.
It’s time to put them all to use.
As long as you follow what you practiced you’re gold. This tip, as you can see, is a short one. It’s more of a reminder that the rehearsing step is more important than you might think at first.
Only when you practice and rehearse a lot will you feel more comfortable when you present.
5 Use Props
Are you wondering how to give a good presentation with props? Good, that means you’re thinking creatively. Using props is a technique that not many consider when preparing for a presentation.
Props can help not only to get the message across but also to serve as emotional support for the speaker! Just make sure it’s obviously a prop and not an emotional crutch.
A prop can be as small as a book, as big as a washing machine, or as weird as a preserved human brain.
Of course, the prop must make sense with your presentation and topic. Not only that, but you must also practice with it. It’s important to be comfortable with your prop or props as you talk and switch slides.
Actually, if you use props you might not need slides at all!
To get you inspired, watch this TED talk where Hans Rosling uses a washing machine as his prop.
6 Finish With Confidence
The end of the presentation is just as important as the beginning. You have to bring it all full circle. Knowing how to give a good presentation is like knowing how to structure a story, essay or article. The beginning and end are connected and must be relevant to each other.
For example, if you made a joke at the beginning, make the same joke but with a fun twist. If you made a provocative statement, close it up with a similar statement or question about it.
Closing Statement
Your presentation’s closing statement is a section in itself. Even if you do as we suggest above, the entire closing statement must be a conclusion of what you talked about during the entire presentation.
The last sentence you say will stay in your audience’s memory. At least until the next speaker takes the stage. If someone in your audience noted down your last sentence, you’ve hit the mark 100%.
Q and A Session – Yes or No?
Ending a presentation with a Q and A session is a bit iffy. If you ended your presentation with impact, a Q and A section can fizzle that out.
What you can do is ask the host to let the audience know that if they have questions, they can find you in the lobby for a conversation. For a digital summit, offer your Twitter handle where people can get in touch.
In the case of webinars or instructional lectures though, Questions and Answers is a great idea. These can help familiarize you with the audience and make them more confident to work with you in the future.
Consider the purpose of your presentation and make a decision according to what impact you’re looking to make.
Here's a great example of the chat section from Visme's webinars , where viewers make comments and ask questions throughout. In our webinars, we have someone help the presenter by gathering questions and ensuring everyone gets answers.
![how to do a effective presentation how to give a good presentation - q&a](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2.-1.jpg)
7 Use A Storytelling Structure
Moving on to the tips for the creation of your slides. It’s important to remember the role your slides will play in your presentation. The audience’s attention should be on you, not your slides. These are meant to be complementary, not a crutch, nor even a text to follow.
With that said, this tip is the most important. It applies to your slides AND your spoken speech. They should both follow a storytelling structure that you and the audience will follow together.
Some of the most common storytelling structures are:
- Fact and Story – Go back and forth between facts and stories, or “what is” and “what could be.”
- The Explanation – Inform about a process or plan to fix something or to learn something new.
- The Pitch – Take your audience uphill over a hurdle and onto a positive resolution.
- The Drama – AKA “The Hero’s Journey,” this follows the plight of a main character from beginning to end.
You can also check out our quick video on how to structure a presentation like the experts to learn even more.
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://blog.visme.co/wp-content/themes/blog/img/play_button.png)
8 Keep Your Slides Short and Visually Balanced
There are two ways to design slides for a good presentation:
- As a standalone presentation
- As visual support, while you speak
Either way, you need to keep your slides short in text and visually impactful. For a visual support deck, the slides need even less text than a standalone presentation.
If that idea worries you, and you have tons of information to share, you can always create a full-fledged informative PDF version of your deck to give your audience, investors or guests.
Here are some important things to remember when designing the slides for your presentation:
- The flow from start to finish
- Visual hierarchy
- Keeping the words to around 6 per slide
- Visual impact
- Balanced compositions
The 29 Best Presentation Layout Templates for 2020 [Plus Design Ideas]
9 Use Presentation Templates
Creating presentation slides doesn’t need to be difficult or a stressful affair. When you use a Visme presentation as a foundation, you’re on your way to being an expert on how to give a good presentation.
To select a presentation template, you can either go for a topic-based template or a style based template. Both have their merits, you just need to figure out what’s easier for you.
Topic-based templates are fully designed templates with color themes, graphics, images, icons, etc. You’d only have to adjust the content and maybe the colors and graphics.
Style-based templates are better for those of you that need more freedom in terms of colors and visuals. The Visme slide library is full of layouts organized into categories that you can choose from.
Presentation Templates
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://assets.visme.co/templates/presentations/thumbnails/i_eCommerce-Webinar-Presentation-full_1.jpg)
Ecommerce Webinar Presentation
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://assets.visme.co/templates/presentations/thumbnails/i_Buyer-Presentation-full_1.jpg)
Buyer Presentation
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://assets.visme.co/templates/presentations/thumbnails/i_PixelGo-Marketing-Plan-Presentation-full_1.jpg)
PixelGo Marketing Plan Presentation
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://assets.visme.co/templates/presentations/thumbnails/i_Product-Training-Interactive-Presentation-full_1.jpg)
Product Training Interactive Presentation
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://assets.visme.co/templates/presentations/thumbnails/i_Company-Ethics-Presentation-full_1.jpg)
Company Ethics Presentation
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://assets.visme.co/templates/presentations/thumbnails/i_Work-Biz-Pitch-Deck-Presentation-full_1.jpg)
Work+Biz Pitch Deck - Presentation
Create your presentation View more templates
10 Learn From Your Mistakes
When the presentation is over and you feel like you just conquered the world, it’s not the end just yet. Celebrate the moment but remember, there will be more presentations in the future.
If your presentation was filmed, watch the recording. If there was anyone in the audience that you can fully trust to be honest with their feedback, ask them for it. Take mental notes and the next time you’ll be even more prepared.
The secret sauce to know how to give a good presentation is to always keep learning the ways to improve.
11 Keep Yourself Inspired for Future Presentations
When you keep learning, you keep growing. This also applies to the art of giving good presentations. Follow well-known presentation experts like Nancy Duarte and Carmine Gallo. Read their book, their stories and their theories about giving good presentations.
Watch famous speeches or TED talks to get inspired. Take notes of what you notice in those speeches that you think would suit your personality. You don’t want to copy how other people speak, but you can definitely be inspired!
Bonus: The Visme Presentation Guru Course
To top off your knowledge base for giving good presentations with killer slides, we present you with the Visme Presentation Guru Course .
How to Give a Good Presentation Every Time
As long as you’re prepared, your slides are well-balanced and your speech is rehearsed, you’re ready to give an impactful presentation.
Plus, never underestimate the power of templates! Check out the Visme slide library to visualize the possibilities. Take our presentation course and improve your abilities as a public speaker and slide creator.
Learn how to give a good presentation with all the resources Visme has in store for you. Sign up for a free Visme account today to get started.
Create beautiful presentations faster with Visme.
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://blog.visme.co/wp-content/themes/blog/img/02_sidebar_presentations.png)
Trusted by leading brands
![how to do a effective presentation Capterra](https://www.visme.co/wp-content/themes/visme/images/2022/badges/capterra.png)
Recommended content for you:
![how to do a effective presentation How to Write an Impressive Sponsorship Deck + Best Templates to Use](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/How-to-Create-an-Impressive-Sponsorship-Deck-Best-Templates-to-Use-Thumbnail-500x280.jpg)
Create Stunning Content!
Design visual brand experiences for your business whether you are a seasoned designer or a total novice.
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://visme.co/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cta-left-icons.png)
About the Author
Orana is a multi-faceted creative. She is a content writer, artist, and designer. She travels the world with her family and is currently in Istanbul. Find out more about her work at oranavelarde.com
How to make a great presentation
Stressed about an upcoming presentation? These talks are full of helpful tips on how to get up in front of an audience and make a lasting impression.
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://pi.tedcdn.com/r/talkstar-photos.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/b27e44e9-3fc2-467c-919d-dd0db21359d1/NancyDuarte_2011X-embed.jpg?u%5Br%5D=2&u%5Bs%5D=0.5&u%5Ba%5D=0.8&u%5Bt%5D=0.03&quality=80&w=1080)
The secret structure of great talks
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://pi.tedcdn.com/r/pe.tedcdn.com/images/ted/192641_800x600.jpg?u%5Br%5D=2&u%5Bs%5D=0.5&u%5Ba%5D=0.8&u%5Bt%5D=0.03&quality=80&w=1080)
The beauty of data visualization
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://pi.tedcdn.com/r/talkstar-photos.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/1a2358e6-0591-4c2e-b381-96ea6637bbdf/ChrisAnderson_GreatTEDTalk_2016V-embed.jpg?u%5Br%5D=2&u%5Bs%5D=0.5&u%5Ba%5D=0.8&u%5Bt%5D=0.03&quality=80&w=1080)
TED's secret to great public speaking
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://pi.tedcdn.com/r/talkstar-photos.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/46964e3c-1231-42b7-9288-671ff9fdde2e/JulianTreasure_2013U-embed.jpg?u%5Br%5D=2&u%5Bs%5D=0.5&u%5Ba%5D=0.8&u%5Bt%5D=0.03&quality=80&w=1080)
How to speak so that people want to listen
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://pi.tedcdn.com/r/pe.tedcdn.com/images/ted/04916ee6e81065c8333e6546184af512eee37bbe_2880x1620.jpg?u%5Br%5D=2&u%5Bs%5D=0.5&u%5Ba%5D=0.8&u%5Bt%5D=0.03&quality=80&w=1080)
How great leaders inspire action
Like what you're reading?
14 effective presentation tips to impress your audience
Get your team on prezi – watch this on demand video.
Anete Ezera July 15, 2022
An effective presentation can communicate key ideas and opinions, save time, and contribute to your overall success as a business, but good presentation skills don’t come naturally to everyone. In this blog post, you’ll find 14 effective presentation tips you can implement in your next presentation to make it a success.
Whether you’re preparing for an important presentation at work or school, or you’re looking for ways to generally improve your presentation skills, you’ll find these presentation tips useful. We’ve gathered a list to help you impress your audience from the get-go. You’ll find tips for creating and presenting your slides, talking in front of an audience, and other effective presentation techniques to help you stand out.
![how to do a effective presentation Confident businessman talking into microphone during seminar. Happy male professional is giving presentation to colleagues. He is wearing smart casuals.](https://blog.prezi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GettyImages-966267016-1024x683.jpg)
Most common presentation mistakes
Before we list our top effective presentation tips, let’s explore the most common presentation mistakes. If you’ve made one or more mistakes in this list, you’re not alone. Most people have made at least one mistake. However, what’s important is to be aware of these errors and try avoiding them next time.
#1 A poor start
One of the most common mistakes people make is undermining the importance of the first few minutes or seconds of their presentation.
Let’s say you’ve practiced your key talking points meticulously and gone over your slides a million times, but when you’re in the spotlight and need to say your first line, do you know exactly what to say to wow the audience?
The start of your presentation is crucial. Not only because how you start sets the tone for the rest of your presentation, but also because people generally require around 8 seconds to decide whether they find the subject interesting enough to keep listening. Starting your presentation with a captivating intro is even more important than you think. To ensure you start off right, read our guide on how to start your presentation .
#2 Lack of preparation
Yes, even though it’s clear that you should prepare before giving a presentation, it’s still a common mistake amongst presenters. Preparing content and talking points is an obvious start, but there are other steps that you might be overlooking.
Before you even join a meeting or walk into a room where you’re going to present, consider the technical requirements and get familiar with the equipment. If you’re presenting online, make sure to test-run your presentation and the visual aids you’re going to use. The last thing you want is a broken video link, poor audio, or a weak connection when you’re presenting.
Also, consider the questions your audience might want to ask you about the topic. Think about how you’d answer those questions, or do even further research to really impress the audience with your answers.
Explore other ways to prepare for a presentation to feel even more confident when presenting.
![how to do a effective presentation effective presentation tips](https://blog.prezi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GettyImages-680315973-1024x683.jpg)
#3 Losing track of time
It’s great to feel passionate about your topic. However, you’ll have to consider your audience’s level of interest and knowledge. Some details might seem fascinating to you, and you’d like to talk about them for hours, but for your audience, too much information will drain their energy and lose their attention.
Therefore, make sure to keep track of time. Also, consider your audience’s interests. A concise presentation is always better than a long one with a ton of information. Plus, you’ll have a higher chance of keeping your audience’s attention throughout the presentation.
Effective presentation tips
Now that we’ve looked at some of the most common presentation mistakes – let’s dive into effective presentation tips that’ll help you excel in future presentations.
#1 Tell a story
Stories connect, inspire, and empower people. Telling a story can entice action, help understand an idea, and make people feel connected to the storyteller. It’s also one of the most effective presentation tips. A study by organizational psychologist Peg Neuhauser found that a well-told story is easier to remember than facts, which makes it a highly effective learning technique.
With that in mind, telling a story when you’re presenting can engage your audience and make it a more memorable experience. You can either share a personal story or a historical event, just make sure to have a clear connection between the story and the topic you’re presenting.
![how to do a effective presentation effective presentation in a company](https://blog.prezi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GettyImages-1339030416-1024x683.jpg)
#2 Work on your body language
Body language can make a huge difference in how your presentation is perceived. It’s one of the presentation tips you definitely shouldn’t overlook.
Body language says a lot about a person’s confidence level, emotions, state of mind, and even credibility. For the audience, it’s a way to understand what the person is saying and how interested they are in the topic.
Therefore, work on your body language to better convey the message you’re trying to communicate. Practice in front of a mirror before your presentation and be conscious of your hand gestures and facial expressions.
#3 Understand your audience
Before crafting your presentation, you must know who you’re speaking to. Understanding the interests, demographics, professional background, and other valuable information of your audience is crucial in making your speech successful.
![how to do a effective presentation Back view of large group of business peoplein a board room. Someone is presenting in front.](https://blog.prezi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GettyImages-1002018094-1024x683.jpg)
If you’re speaking at an event, contact the organizers to get more information about other speakers and the audience. If you’re presenting at work, you may already know your audience fairly well. Use this information to your advantage and create content you know they’ll resonate with.
#4 Use high-quality visuals
What’s one of the most effective presentation techniques? Use of visuals. They play a crucial role in your presentation. However, only high-quality visuals will make a good impression and effectively communicate your message. Use high-quality visuals like images, videos, graphs, maps, and others to really land your point.
Using visuals is a great way to convey your ideas as they’re easier to process than text. If you’re not sure where to find great visuals, check out our blog post on presentation visuals for five free resources.
P.S. the Prezi library holds a variety of images, videos, GIFs, stickers, and other visuals, including different charts and maps to spice up your presentation. It’s all available in your dashboard .
#5 Use data visualizations
Do you want to showcase statistics or other datasets in your presentation? Use data visualizations to make your data stand out and impress your audience.
There’s nothing more boring than a bunch of data presented in a flat way. If you want to tell a story with your data, use interactive infographics or slides enriched with eye-catching visuals. Showcasing data will make your ideas appear more trustworthy and credible.
Prezi Design offers a range of templates to choose from. You can start creating data visualizations from scratch or choose a template and edit the data there.
#6 Make it engaging with interactive elements
It’s not easy to deliver an engaging presentation. People can easily get distracted or try to multitask, especially in the virtual environment. Sometimes, it’s difficult to focus on the speaker and the written text. Other times, the content just isn’t impressive enough to hold the audience’s attention. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
You can make your presentation more engaging for everyone by including interactive content like graphs and charts. With interactive data visualizations, you’ll make the data discovery process more engaging and exciting for your audience.
Your audience will be able to hover over data points and click on certain icons or datasets to discover information on their own. Interactive visualizations will make the presentation more memorable and impressive.
As you can see in the example below, you can discover different data by engaging with the infographic.
#7 Stay consistent with fonts and color styles
You want your presentation to look visually appealing and highlight essential information. To make that happen, stay consistent with font styles and color schemes throughout your presentation.
Use one or two fonts max to make the text easy to read and understand. Also, use a carefully selected color scheme that’s not too distracting. If you’re using Prezi Design, you can easily copy and paste styles by right-clicking on your data visualizations and selecting “copy styles.” This makes it easier to stay consistent and saves time when picking matching colors.
#8 Structure your presentation properly
Before creating your presentation, think about its structure. What’s the main idea you want to convey? Use that as your starting point, and only include information that adds value to the narrative.
Plan out the first topics carefully to properly introduce your argument. Add the essential information in the middle part of your presentation. Lastly, close your presentation with a summary of the main points and leave your audience with an afterthought. Also, plan when you’re taking questions and for how long.
For more insight, watch this tutorial on how to structure your presentation:
#9 Practice your public speaking skills
Public speaking may not be your forte, but you can get better with practice. Don’t decline a great opportunity to share your ideas with a larger audience just because you feel nervous speaking in front of a group of people.
One of the best ways to improve your public speaking skills is to practice in front of your family or friends – people you feel comfortable with. Also, focus on the topic you’re presenting and get excited about the idea you want to convey. This way you’ll appear more confident and feel less nervous about public speaking.
Explore other public speaking tips from Jessica Chen, the founder, and CEO of Soulcast Media:
#10 Show your slides next to you on-screen
If you’re presenting on Zoom or in a virtual meeting , think twice before you share your screen. The days of hiding behind slides are over. People want to see and connect with other people, not sit through another run-of-the-mill screen share. To do that, use Prezi Video to showcase all your content right next to you in your video feed.
As a result, your presentation will look more engaging than a traditional virtual presentation . Also, your audience will have the chance to read your body language and follow along with what you’re saying even better.
If you already have your slides prepared, don’t worry – you can easily integrate them into Prezi.
See Prezi Video in action and check out our video templates to get started.
#11 Calm down before presenting
Being in front of an audience can feel nerve-racking. However, there are ways to calm down before presenting that will make you feel more centered and confident. The last thing you want is all your hard work to go to waste just because of stress.
Try breathing exercises or a five-minute guided meditation before presenting. The trick is to remove all distractions and focus on the present moment so you’re not overthinking right before starting your presentation. Also, be fully prepared and know exactly what to say and when which will help you feel more collected. If you want to discover other ways to feel and look more confident, read how not to be nervous before a presentation .
#12 Use transitions and animations
Add movement to your slides with transitions and animations. You’ll make your presentation more visually appealing and engaging. However, be careful not to overwhelm your audience with your choice of transitions and animations.
Choose a transition that matches your presentation visually and use it throughout your presentation. Consider what animations will be relevant to your audience and select a few to add to your slides. Don’t overdo it. Keep the focus on the message you’re trying to convey, and use animations to only support that message.
#13 Be enthusiastic
When you’re in a room with a positive and enthusiastic person, you can’t help but feel uplifted as well. High-energy people have this effect on others. Most importantly, a lot of people tend to mimic people’s behavior and mirror their energy when they feel a connection or relate to them. That’s called the chameleon effect .
![how to do a effective presentation effective presentation tips](https://blog.prezi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GettyImages-1146500517-1024x683.jpg)
When you’re presenting, you want your audience to feel curious about what you’re presenting. You may also want to leave your audience feeling uplifted, interested to know more, or inspired. To have that effect on others, try to convey those emotions when presenting. Practice your speech, slow down your narration at times, or take a pause after you’ve delivered a statement, and use different presentation techniques to present your project and really drive your points home.
#14 End your presentation in a memorable way
The first few minutes of your presentation are crucial for captivating your audience’s attention. However, don’t underestimate the importance of ending your presentation as powerfully as you started it.
The way you end your presentation will play a crucial part in how your audience will remember it. You want to make a memorable impression by closing your presentation with a summarizing statement, a rhetorical question, a call to action, or another impactful way. Discover 10 ways you can end your presentation in our guide.
![how to do a effective presentation Young woman sharing her views with team in office meeting.](https://blog.prezi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GettyImages-1146500508-1024x683.jpg)
There are a lot of factors to consider when creating and delivering a presentation. You want your slides to look professional and visually appealing while conveying your main points. You also want to look and sound confident even if you’re nervous about public speaking. Whatever your concerns may be, remember that preparation is essential. Practice and dedication are the keys to giving a successful presentation . Make sure to follow these effective presentation tips to excel in your future presentations. If you’re interested in creating a captivating presentation with Prezi, contact us to learn more or try it for free .
Elevating presentations with Prezi AI
Embrace the innovation of Prezi to bring your presentations to life. With its unique platform, Prezi AI offers more than just visually appealing templates; it provides an immersive narrative experience, engaging your audience with a story-driven approach. By integrating Prezi AI , our platform’s capabilities are further enhanced, offering intelligent design suggestions and optimizing content layouts to ensure your presentations are not only beautiful but impactful. This integration is a perfect example of effective presentation techniques in action, using technology to create a more engaging presentation.
Interactive elements: transforming passive listening into active engagement
Prezi revolutionizes the way information is presented by incorporating interactive elements that invite audience participation. With Prezi AI, these features become even more accessible, suggesting ways to make your presentation more engaging through clickable areas, zoomable images, and dynamic visualizations. This level of interaction encourages exploration, making your message more memorable and transforming a standard presentation into an effective presentation.
Adding a personal touch in digital presentation with video
Prezi Video stands out by seamlessly integrating your content alongside your video feed, bridging the gap between traditional presentations and personal engagement. This feature is crucial for those looking to follow presentation tips that emphasize the importance of connecting with your audience on a more personal level. Prezi AI enhances this experience, ensuring your content is displayed in the most effective way possible, making your virtual presentations feel as though you’re directly conversing with your audience.
Mastering presentation artistry with Prezi
The journey to becoming a skilled presenter involves continuously refining your approach and embracing tools that elevate your ability to communicate effectively. Prezi, enriched with Prezi AI, is one such tool that transforms ordinary presentations into captivating experiences. By leveraging these advanced features, you can deliver presentations that are successful, memorable, and truly unforgettable, embodying the essence of tips for presentation mastery.
Whether you’re an experienced speaker or preparing for your first presentation, Prezi equips you with the tools to succeed. Engage your audience, tell compelling stories, and deliver your message with confidence and creativity. Following effective presentation tips and exploring how Prezi AI can transform your next presentation is a step towards mastering the art of impactful communication. Delve into the features and begin your journey to presentation mastery today.
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://blog.prezi.com/wp-content/themes/prezi-childtheme/assets/images/banners/single-post-footer-banner-2-en.png)
Give your team the tools they need to engage
Like what you’re reading join the mailing list..
- Prezi for Teams
- Top Presentations
![how to do a effective presentation Storydoc](https://assets.storydoc.com/assets/storydoc-logo.png)
How to Make Effective Impactful Presentations (Tips & Tools)
Learn how to make a good presentation great - step-by-step with examples. Learn the principles, guidelines & qualities needed to prepare captivating slides.
Dominika Krukowska
12 minute read
Short answer
Short answer: how to make a good presentation.
Start with a surprising statement, a bold promise, or a mystery
Provide context with a bit of background information
Structure your presentation within a story framework
Make every word count, and use as few as possible
Use visuals only to support your presentation text
Use interactive design to make your audience active participants
End by telling your audience what they can do with what they’ve learned
Boring presentations are instantly forgotten. How’s yours?
Lifeless presentations can spell doom for your message, leaving your audience disengaged and your goals unreached.
The price of a mediocre presentation is steep; missed opportunities, unimpressed prospects, and a bad rep.
In a world where everyone has grown to expect a good story, a boring presentation will be instantly forgotten. Like a drop in the ocean.
But not all is lost.
This post will teach you how presentation pros create compelling narratives and leverage the latest tech tools to command attention, drive a powerful message, and get shared like gossip.
Let’s get started!
How to prepare a presentation?
The successful presenter understands the value of small details and thorough preparation like the seasoned chef knows the importance of quality ingredients and careful technique for serving a 5 star dish
But where do you start?
Step-by-step guide for preparing a presentation:
1. Define your objective
Every presentation needs a clear goal. Are you looking to persuade, educate, or motivate? Perhaps you aim to showcase a product, or share insights about a recent project.
Defining your objective early on will guide your content creation process, helping you to focus your message and structure your presentation effectively. Think of your objective as the North Star guiding your presentation journey.
2. Analyze your audience
Next up, who are you talking to? Your audience should shape your presentation as much as your objective does. Understanding their needs, interests, and background will enable you to tailor your message to resonate with them.
Are they experts in your field, or are they novices looking for an introduction? What questions might they have? The more you know about your audience, the more compelling your presentation will be.
3. Research your topic
Once you've defined your objective and analyzed your audience, it's time to delve deep into your topic. Comprehensive research lays the groundwork for a robust, credible presentation.
Don't just scratch the surface – explore different perspectives, recent developments, and key statistics. This will not only enhance your understanding but also equip you with a wealth of information to answer any questions your audience might have.
4. Choose the right delivery format
Finally, consider the best format to deliver your message.
The right format can make all the difference in how your message is received, so choose wisely!
PowerPoint presentations are classic and easy to work with. But PowerPoint and Google slides are not so versatile in terms of their content experience. They're static, packed with information, and all look alike.
Our own presentation maker offers interactive, personalized, and multimedia content experience.
Data from our research of over 100K presentation sessions shows that audiences engage with Storydoc presentations 103% better than PowerPoint.
How to create an effective presentation?
There’s part art and part science in creating high-engagement high-impact presentations.
An effective presentation is the painstaking result of well-organized content, visuals that support and elevate your message, simplifying complex information, and personalizing wherever possible.
I wrote this post to teach you how to do all these, and a few things more.
Ready to learn? Let's dive in!
How to organize your presentation content?
Crafting a compelling presentation is like writing a page-turner.
You need to captivate your audience, maintain their interest, and guide them effortlessly through your narrative.
But how do you transform a heap of information into a well-structured presentation you can’t stop reading? There’s a structure you can follow.
3-step process for organizing a magnetic presentation:
1. Prioritize content
Your presentation should immediately capture interest and demonstrate relevance before moving on to establish understanding .
A) Build interest:
Begin with a strong hook that grabs your audience's attention. This could be an intriguing statistic, a powerful image , or an engaging question. It should stir curiosity and make your audience eager to hear more.
B) Establish relevance:
Once you have their attention it's time to establish why your presentation matters to your audience.
Address your audience's main concerns. Make sure your content directly speaks to these pain points, and address them in order of importance.
2. Build anticipation
A great presentation is like getting a new car – it builds anticipation, takes you on a thrilling ride, and ends with you wanting to share the experience with all your friends.
Start with a compelling problem your audience relates to and follow up with a promise of an amazing way they can solve it. This problem-solution dynamic creates a suspense that keeps your audience glued to your presentation.
3. Use a story framework
Finally, use a story framework to give your presentation structure and flow.
Begin with a big idea that underpins your presentation. Then delve into the problem, showcasing why it needs attention. Present your solution, painting a vision of a better future for your audience.
Weave in concrete examples of how your solution changes lives.
Tell the story of WHO you helped, WHAT the situation was before and after your solution, WHERE and WHEN it happened, WHY it worked and HOW it made them feel.
If you’re writing a business presentation you should follow this with an execution plan that outlines how the solution will be implemented.
Finally, close with clear next steps, guiding your audience on what they should do after the presentation to bring meaningful change into their lives.
Our recommended story framework:
How to design your presentation?
A good presentation is more than just making it look pretty ; it's about communicating your message effectively and creating a lasting impression.
Good presentation design grabs attention, and leads it to where it’s needed most. It takes your hand and leads you through the easiest and most pleasant path to understanding.
Good presentation design supports your message rather than steals the spotlight. Good design is narrated design.
What is narrated design (Scrollytelling)?
Scrollytelling, where "scroll" meets "storytelling", is an interactive content experience that guides readers through a narrative journey with a simple scroll. It connects text, images, videos, and animations into integrated “scenes” where content is both shown and narrated.
Scrollytelling breaks complex content into digestible chunks and gives the reader control over pace. It has been scientifically shown to enhance engagement, understandability and memorability.
Scrollytelling came up as a central thing when Itai Amoza, our Founder and CEO was building the foundations for Storydoc.
He partnered with one of the world’s leading visualization scientists , prof. Steven Franconeri , to help him bring to Storydoc the means to reduce the complexity, friction, and information overload so characteristic of business presentations.
Scrollytelling is part of the solutions that came up, which led to specialized storytelling slides like our narrator slide (in the example below).
An example of Storydoc scrollytelling:
How to design presentation visuals to support your story
Presentation visuals can be unsung heroes or sloppy distractions.
Visuals can bring your message to life, make complex concepts easy to understand, and engage your audience in ways that words alone cannot. Or… they can sit there looking all pretty and distract you from what’s really going on.
4 elements of great presentation visuals:
Support your message: Your visuals should support your text, highlight your main message, and align with your objective. They should reinforce your points and help your audience understand your message.
Represent your audience: The best visuals are relatable. They should resonate with your target audience and reflect their world of associations. Use images and graphics that your audience can identify with – this can enhance their engagement and make your presentation more memorable. Equally important is using clean images - an effective way to do this is by using tools that allow you to remove your image backgrounds . By eliminating distractions and focusing on your subject, you create images that are more impactful and, therefore, can potentially increase audience engagement.
Introduce your product, outcomes, and clients: Wherever possible, use visuals to demonstrate your product, illustrate outcomes, and represent your clients. This can remove doubt and misunderstanding by letting your audience see (and make obvious) what words sometimes struggle to describe.
Follow your branding guidelines: Your presentation is an extension of your brand, so your visuals should conform to your branding guidelines. Consistent use of colors, fonts, and styles not only enhances brand recognition but also creates a cohesive, professional look.
Here’s an example of a well-designed presentation:
How to communicate complex information?
Did you ever have to read a presentation where you felt like you're lost in a maze of jargon, data, and complex concepts?
Are you giving others this same experience?
Communicating complex information is a common challenge in presentations. But there are ways you can simplify your presentation and reengage your audience.
Here’s how you can get complex information across:
1. Use interactive content
Interactive content is your best friend when it comes to simplifying complex information and getting deeply engaged with your content.
It gets the readers more involved in your presentation by letting them play an active part; like choosing the content route they wish to take and controlling the pace.
It keeps your presentation textually lean - giving readers the choice to expand more details on demand (in tabs, live graphs, sliders, accordions, and calculators).
Beyond that, live graphs can illustrate trends, animations can demonstrate processes, and videos can bring concepts to life.
Calculators, questionnaires, and chatbots provide personalized and specific answers to readers as part of your presentation, without them having to get in touch with you or your team.
Elavating your presentations from static to interactive has been tied to increasing the number of people who read your presentation in full by 41% !
Making interactive used to be hard, but now you can just use Storydoc. Go make your first interactive presentation. It’s easy as pie.
2. Show don’t tell
A picture is worth a thousand words. Because no one will read a presentation with a thousand words, do everyone a favor and use images.
Images can be super effective at communicating complex information and save you a lot of needless text.
In fact, visual representation of data and concepts can often convey what words cannot. Use diagrams, infographics, and images to illustrate your points and simplify the complex.
The goal is to create a visual narrative that complements your verbal one.
3. Narrate your content
Storytelling is another powerful tool for communicating complex concepts.
Whether it's through text to speech AI, video bubbles, or a scrollytelling narrator slide, narrating your content can help guide your audience through the complexity.
By giving your information a narrative structure, you can make it more digestible, engaging, and memorable.
According to Sales Hacker’s data, people remember up to 10% of numbers and 25% of images they see. When you center your presentation around a story, this rises to 60-70% .
4. Use examples and allegories
Examples and allegories help unravel the complexity of ideas.
They scaffold your message with concepts we already know and understand, and can easily imagine in our mind. This makes them less new and intimidating and more familiar.
Critically, the real secret lies in selecting examples that are not just familiar but also deeply relevant—those are the ones that will truly ring with your listeners.
If you tailor the allegory to your audience's world, it is guaranteed to lead to an “aha” moment.
5. Open a line of communication
Finally, invite dialogue. This could be through a chatbot or an option to book a meeting for further discussion. This not only helps clarify any confusion but also encourages engagement and deepens understanding.
For example, finishing your presentation with an interactive calendar to book a meeting instead of a generic “Thank you” slide has proven to boost conversion rate by 27% !
How to personalize your presentation?
Imagine attending a party where the host doesn't remember your name or anything about you. Not a great experience, right? The same holds true for presentations.
In a sea of generic content, personalization can be a lifeline that connects you to your audience on a deeper level. It’s also the single most important predictor of success, getting 68% more people to read your presentation in full .
But how do you add that personal touch?
1. Address reader by name
Just as you wouldn't start a conversation without a greeting, don't start your presentation without acknowledging your audience.
Using your audience's name can make your presentation feel like a personal conversation rather than a generic monologue. It's a simple yet powerful way to engage your audience from the get-go.
2. Use their company logo
Including your audience's company logo in your presentation can make them feel seen and valued. It shows that you've taken the time to tailor your presentation to them, enhancing its relevance and appeal.
Plus, it's a subtle way to reinforce that your message is specifically designed to address their needs and challenges.
3. Add a personal message (video or text)
A personal message can go a long way in building a connection with your audience.
It could be a video message from you, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity to present to them, or a text message highlighting why the presentation matters to them.
This personal touch can make your audience feel special and more invested in your presentation.
4. Personalize your Call-to-Action
Finally, cap off your presentation with a call to action that speaks directly to your audience.
Swap out the generic 'Contact us' with something that gets to the heart of their needs, something like, 'Let's roll up our sleeves and tackle your [specific issue] at [their company].'
By tailoring your call to action, you show your audience you've truly got their back, that you're not just here to talk, but to make a real, positive impact on their world.
Here’s an example of a personalized slide:
How to measure the effectiveness of your presentation
Imagine if you could peek into your audience's mind, understand what resonated, what fell flat, and what drove them to action?
Presentation analytics is essential in order to guide you on how to fine-tune it for maximum impact.
But how do you get your hands on presentation analytics?
Any presentation you create with Storydoc comes with an out-of-the-box analytics suite , ready to track and provide insights.
We give you 100% visibility into how people engage with your presentations and send you real-time engagement alerts.
Here’s a video explaining how you can track performance with our analytics panel:
4 critical presentation engagement metrics to keep track of
1. Reading time
Storydoc gives you the precise time prospects spend reading your presentation so you can quickly figure out what's hitting the target and what's not.
Are they soaking up every word or just quickly skimming through? This can help you shape your content to hit the bullseye.
NOTE: Keep in mind that reading time alone might not show you a full picture. A better way is to use a smart engagement score that brings together different metrics like time spent and depth of reading. You can get this kind of total score in Storydoc.
2. Reading completion
Another basic metric we track is how many people read your content from start to finish.
This metric is a strong sign of the prospect’s interest and your content quality. It shows you if they're finding the information relevant, but also worth sticking with till the end.
3. Next step conversion rate
This one tracks how many people take the next step after they check out your presentation. This could be filling out a form, setting up a meeting, or downloading more files.
For business presentations, measuring this can show how well your presentation is pushing people further down the sales funnel.
At the top of your analytics dashboard, you can find a tab that shows you how many people clicked on your CTA divided by presentation, date, and location. If you scroll down to the list of readers, next to each person you can also see whether they clicked on the CTA or not.
Here's what it looks like:
4. Number of shares
This metric is particularly important for B2B sales teams . As more people are getting involved in buying decisions, this measure helps you see if and when your content is being passed around inside your prospect’s company.
On the analytics dashboard, under each presentation version, you can find detailed information on how many people read it. So, the higher the number, the more your presentation has been shared internally.
We'll notify you when your presentation has been shared, and who opened it, so you can time your follow-up perfectly to your buyer’s readiness to advance further.
Here's where you can find this information:
Best tool for making an effective presentation
In the realm of presentation tools, classics like Google Slides and PowerPoint offer simplicity and ease, while Canva and Pitch add a dash of design flair and collaboration.
If you're seeking to elevate your presentations to new heights you’ll need to do better than simple PowerPoints or flashy Canvas. Next-gen AI presentation tools like Storydoc are your game-changer.
They break free from the static concept of slides and offer the creation of interactive, immersive content experiences that sweep us along like a good story.
Grab a template - create your best presentation to date
Ever wished for a secret recipe to whip up a killer presentation? We've got something even better! Our interactive presentation templates are your shortcut to success.
Say goodbye to hours of formatting and hello to captivating, interactive presentations, all with a few clicks.
Grab a template and turn presentation woes into wows!
Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.
Found this post useful?
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
Get notified as more awesome content goes live.
(No spam, no ads, opt-out whenever)
You've just joined an elite group of people that make the top performing 1% of sales and marketing collateral.
Create your best presentation to date
Try Storydoc interactive presentation maker for 14 days free (keep any presentation you make forever!)
.css-1qrtm5m{display:block;margin-bottom:8px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5714285714285714;-webkit-letter-spacing:-0.35px;-moz-letter-spacing:-0.35px;-ms-letter-spacing:-0.35px;letter-spacing:-0.35px;font-weight:300;color:#606F7B;}@media (min-width:600px){.css-1qrtm5m{font-size:16px;line-height:1.625;-webkit-letter-spacing:-0.5px;-moz-letter-spacing:-0.5px;-ms-letter-spacing:-0.5px;letter-spacing:-0.5px;}} Best Practices 5 essential preparation steps for a successful presentation
by Tom Rielly • June 15, 2020
![how to do a effective presentation](https://masterclass.ted.com/static/c3534f5bc710737ebe1863a578240210/14b42/presentationvis_blog_2_headline.jpg)
Keeping your presentation visuals minimalistic, simple, and clear is just one important step to remember when designing a hit presentation. Leaving nothing to chance, great presenters prove quite methodical as they prepare. Here’s a checklist for everything you need to keep in mind before your next presentation:
1. Choose the right software for your needs
![The four main presentation softwares visualpres blogpost 2 softwares](https://masterclass.ted.com/static/158d3975021d3098cb971e228990d9d9/54892/visualpres_blogpost_2_softwares.png)
The easiest way to select the right presentation software for you is to simply find the one that is native to your device. For example, if you have a Mac, use Apple Keynote, if you work on Windows, use PowerPoint. Google Slides is recommended if you’re working with someone, as it makes collaboration very easy. Another software option is Prezi: a specialty tool called Prezi that creates a presentation using motion, zoom, and panning across one giant visual space.
2. Organize your files
As you develop your script and visuals, you will need to start assembling all the assets for your slides. Create a unique folder on your computer to hold these items. Keep the folder organized by media type (presentation drafts, photos, videos, scripts) and back them up frequently to the Cloud or external disk. Label each file with a specific descriptive name, e.g. “Susan Johnson singing magpie 2020”, as opposed to “IMG_4043.jpg”, which can make it confusing to find your assets. The more organized you are up front, the easier preparing for your presentation will be.
3. Prepare your presentation materials
Make sure your presentation materials (script, graphics, actual slides) are saved in at least two safe spots (for example, your computer and an external USB drive) and are backed-up frequently. If you are using an online presentation software, such as Google Slides, be sure to also download a copy of your presentation in case the internet connection is unreliable. Having all the individual assets on hand in addition to your presentation slides can be helpful if you experience tech issues before presenting, or if you need to make any last minute changes. Make sure to label your final presentation with the title and your name so it’s easy to find.
4. Practice, practice, practice!
Remember, practice makes perfect. People often run out of time making their presentations and have no time to practice. Most TED speakers practice at least ten times. Neuroscientist Jill-Bolte Taylor gave one of the most successful Talks in TED history with nearly 27 million views. How did she do it? She practiced her Talk over 40 times! By rehearsing multiple times you will naturally memorize your Talk, which means you won’t need note cards when you give your final presentation.
5. Do a final test run
Before presenting, make sure the equipment you need is working properly. It’s generally good practice to rehearse standing on the exact stage with the exact lighting using the exact computer that you will be using in your final presentation.
Here’s a quick checklist of what to look for when testing your equipment:
- If you're not using your own computer, the one provided might be slower and have trouble playing media. If you have videos or other media, make sure they play correctly
- Test the projector to make sure it’s HD
- Make sure images are clear
- Test the sound of any clips you use, as this is what goes wrong most frequently
- If you’re using a mic, test the volume
Don’t let technical issues or other blunders overshadow your presentation. By following these guidelines, and with a little preparation, you can engineer out the problems BEFORE they happen.
Ready to learn more about how to make your presentation even better? Get TED Masterclass and develop your ideas into TED-style talks
© 2024 TED Conferences, LLC. All rights reserved. Please note that the TED Talks Usage policy does not apply to this content and is not subject to our creative commons license.
17 PowerPoint Presentation Tips From Pro Presenters [+ Templates]
![how to do a effective presentation Jamie Cartwright](https://53.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/53/file-401164379-png/Screen_Shot_2013-12-09_at_8.26.55_AM.png?width=48&height=48&name=Screen_Shot_2013-12-09_at_8.26.55_AM.png)
Published: April 26, 2024
PowerPoint presentations can be professional, attractive, and really help your audience remember your message.
![how to do a effective presentation powerpoint tricks](https://www.hubspot.com/hs-fs/hubfs/powerpoint-design-tricks_7.webp?width=595&height=400&name=powerpoint-design-tricks_7.webp)
If you don’t have much experience, that’s okay — I’m going to arm you with PowerPoint design tips from pro presenters, the steps you need to build an engaging deck, and templates to help you nail great slide design.
![how to do a effective presentation → Free Download: 10 PowerPoint Presentation Templates [Access Now]](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/53/2d0b5298-2daa-4812-b2d4-fa65cd354a8e.png)
Download Now
Buckle up for a variety of step-by-step explanations as well as tips and tricks to help you start mastering this program. There are additional resources woven in, and you’ll find expert perspectives from other HubSpotters along the way.
Table of Contents
How to Make a PowerPoint Presentation
Powerpoint presentation tips.
Microsoft PowerPoint is like a test of basic professional skills, and each PowerPoint is basically a presentation made of multiple slides.
Successful PowerPoints depend on three main factors: your command of PowerPoint's design tools, your attention to presentation processes, and being consistent with your style.
Keep those in mind as we jump into PowerPoint's capabilities.
Getting Started
1. open powerpoint and click ‘new.’.
A page with templates will usually open automatically, but if not, go to the top left pane of your screen and click New . If you’ve already created a presentation, select Open and then double-click the icon to open the existing file.
10 Free PowerPoint Templates
Download ten free PowerPoint templates for a better presentation.
- Creative templates.
- Data-driven templates.
- Professional templates.
Download Free
All fields are required.
You're all set!
Click this link to access this resource at any time.
Creating PowerPoint Slides
3. insert a slide..
Insert a new slide by clicking on the Home tab and then the New Slide button. Consider what content you want to put on the slide, including heading, text, and imagery.
![](http://serviteca.online/777/templates/cheerup2/res/banner1.gif)
4. Write text with your audience in mind.
Remember that whatever else your PowerPoint presentation does, it needs to support the fantastic content you’re sharing with stakeholders.
A significant part of a PowerPoint's content is text, and great copy can make or break your presentation.
Evaluate your written work from a few different angles so you know your entire audience can see and understand it.
Keep the amount of text under 6-8 lines (or 30 words max). Use a minimum of size 24 pt. How your text is received differentiates good presenters from the best.
Choosing the right font is important — the perception of your font type could influence your audience's impression of you. The right typeface is an opportunity to convey consistent brand personality and professionalism.
Some fonts are seen as clean and professional, but this doesn‘t mean they’re boring. A common mistake is thinking your font isn't exciting enough, which could lead you to choose a font that distracts from your message.
I recommend sticking to simple serif and sans-serif fonts . Avoid script fonts because of potential readability issues.
That said, you can still use fun and eccentric fonts in moderation. Offsetting a fun font or large letters with something more professional can create an engaging presentation.
Above all, be sure you're consistent so your presentation looks cohesive throughout each slide. Check out this example from HubSpot’s company profile templates:
- Finally, PowerPoint Live is a new tool that enables you to do more seamless presentations during video calls and may be a better overall match for doing presentations remotely. Check out this video:
11. Try Using GIFs.
12 Free Customizable Resume Templates
Fill out this form to access your free professionally-designed templates, available on:
- Microsoft Word
- Google Docs
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Google Slides
15. Embed multimedia.
PowerPoint allows you to either link to video/audio files externally or to embed the media directly in your presentation. For PCs, two great reasons for embedding are:
- Embedding allows you to play media directly in your presentation. It will look much more professional than switching between windows.
- Embedding also means that the file stays within the PowerPoint presentation, so it should play normally without extra work (except on a Mac).
If you use PowerPoint for Mac it gets a bit complicated, but it can be done:
- Always bring the video and/or audio file with you in the same folder as the PowerPoint presentation.
- Only insert video or audio files once the presentation and the containing folder have been saved on a portable drive in their permanent folder.
- If the presentation will be played on a Windows computer, then Mac users need to make sure their multimedia files are in WMV format.
- Consider using the same operating system for designing and presenting, no matter what.
16. Bring your own hardware.
Between operating systems, PowerPoint is still a bit jumpy. Even between differing PPT versions, things can change. The easiest fix? Just bring along your own laptop when you're presenting.
The next easiest fix is to upload your PowerPoint presentation into Google Slides as a backup option — just make sure there is a good internet connection and a browser available where you plan to present.
Google Slides is a cloud-based presentation software that will show up the same way on all operating systems.
To import your PowerPoint presentation into Google Slides:
- Navigate to slides.google.com . Make sure you’re signed in to a Google account (preferably your own).
- Under Start a new presentation , click the empty box with a plus sign. This will open up a blank presentation.
- Go to File , then Import slides .
- A dialog box will come up. Tap Upload.
- Click Select a file from your device .
- Select your presentation and click Open .
- Select the slides you’d like to import. If you want to import all of them, click All in the upper right-hand corner of the dialog box.
- Click Import slides.
When I tested this out, Google Slides imported everything perfectly, including a shape whose points I had manipulated. This is a good backup option to have if you’ll be presenting across different operating systems.
17. Use Presenter View.
In most presentation situations, there will be both a presenter’s screen and the main projected display for your presentation.
PowerPoint has a great tool called Presenter View, which can be found in the Slide Show tab of PowerPoint. Included in the Presenter View is an area for notes, a timer/clock, and a presentation display.
For many presenters, this tool can help unify their spoken presentation and their visual aid. You never want to make the PowerPoint seem like a stack of notes that you’re reading off of.
Use the Presenter View option to help create a more natural presentation.
Pro Tip: At the start of the presentation, you should also hit CTRL + H to make the cursor disappear. Hitting the “A” key will bring it back if you need it.
Your Next Great PowerPoint Presentation Starts Here
Now that you have these style, design, and presentation tips under your belt, you should feel confident to create your PowerPoint presentation.
But if you can explore other resources to make sure your content hits the mark. After all, you need a strong presentation to land your point and make an impression.
With several templates to choose from — both in PowerPoint and available for free download — you can swiftly be on your way to creating presentations that wow your audiences.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in September 2013 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
![how to do a effective presentation Blog - Beautiful PowerPoint Presentation Template [List-Based]](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/53/013286c0-2cc2-45f8-a6db-c71dad0835b8.png)
Don't forget to share this post!
Related articles.
![how to do a effective presentation How to Create the Best PowerPoint Presentations [Examples & Templates]](https://knowledge.hubspot.com/hubfs/powerpoint.webp)
How to Create the Best PowerPoint Presentations [Examples & Templates]
![how to do a effective presentation How to Write an Ecommerce Business Plan [Examples & Template]](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/ecommerce%20business%20plan.png)
How to Write an Ecommerce Business Plan [Examples & Template]
![how to do a effective presentation How to Create an Infographic in Under an Hour — the 2024 Guide [+ Free Templates]](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/Make-infographic-hero%20%28598%20%C3%97%20398%20px%29.jpg)
How to Create an Infographic in Under an Hour — the 2024 Guide [+ Free Templates]
![how to do a effective presentation 20 Great Examples of PowerPoint Presentation Design [+ Templates]](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/powerpoint-presentation-examples.webp)
20 Great Examples of PowerPoint Presentation Design [+ Templates]
![how to do a effective presentation Get Buyers to Do What You Want: The Power of Temptation Bundling in Sales](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/temptation-bundling.webp)
Get Buyers to Do What You Want: The Power of Temptation Bundling in Sales
![how to do a effective presentation How to Create an Engaging 5-Minute Presentation](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/unnamed-Aug-18-2023-08-53-22-2174-PM.png)
How to Create an Engaging 5-Minute Presentation
![how to do a effective presentation How to Start a Presentation [+ Examples]](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/how-to-start-presenting.webp)
How to Start a Presentation [+ Examples]
![how to do a effective presentation 120 Presentation Topic Ideas Help You Hook Your Audience](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/presentation-topics.webp)
120 Presentation Topic Ideas Help You Hook Your Audience
![how to do a effective presentation The Presenter's Guide to Nailing Your Next PowerPoint](https://53.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/53/nail-your-next-powerpoint-presentation.jpeg)
The Presenter's Guide to Nailing Your Next PowerPoint
![how to do a effective presentation How to Create a Stunning Presentation Cover Page [+ Examples]](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/presentation-cover-page_3.webp)
How to Create a Stunning Presentation Cover Page [+ Examples]
Marketing software that helps you drive revenue, save time and resources, and measure and optimize your investments — all on one easy-to-use platform
Ideas and insights from Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning
![how to do a effective presentation Learning and development professionals walking and talking](https://www.harvardbusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/blog-pic.png)
Powerful and Effective Presentation Skills: More in Demand Now Than Ever
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://www.harvardbusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Headshot_Manika2-scaled-e1634835119497-80x80.jpg)
When we talk with our L&D colleagues from around the globe, we often hear that presentation skills training is one of the top opportunities they’re looking to provide their learners. And this holds true whether their learners are individual contributors, people managers, or senior leaders. This is not surprising.
Effective communications skills are a powerful career activator, and most of us are called upon to communicate in some type of formal presentation mode at some point along the way.
For instance, you might be asked to brief management on market research results, walk your team through a new process, lay out the new budget, or explain a new product to a client or prospect. Or you may want to build support for a new idea, bring a new employee into the fold, or even just present your achievements to your manager during your performance review.
And now, with so many employees working from home or in hybrid mode, and business travel in decline, there’s a growing need to find new ways to make effective presentations when the audience may be fully virtual or a combination of in person and remote attendees.
Whether you’re making a standup presentation to a large live audience, or a sit-down one-on-one, whether you’re delivering your presentation face to face or virtually, solid presentation skills matter.
Even the most seasoned and accomplished presenters may need to fine-tune or update their skills. Expectations have changed over the last decade or so. Yesterday’s PowerPoint which primarily relied on bulleted points, broken up by the occasional clip-art image, won’t cut it with today’s audience.
The digital revolution has revolutionized the way people want to receive information. People expect presentations that are more visually interesting. They expect to see data, metrics that support assertions. And now, with so many previously in-person meetings occurring virtually, there’s an entirely new level of technical preparedness required.
The leadership development tools and the individual learning opportunities you’re providing should include presentation skills training that covers both the evergreen fundamentals and the up-to-date capabilities that can make or break a presentation.
So, just what should be included in solid presentation skills training? Here’s what I think.
The fundamentals will always apply When it comes to making a powerful and effective presentation, the fundamentals will always apply. You need to understand your objective. Is it strictly to convey information, so that your audience’s knowledge is increased? Is it to persuade your audience to take some action? Is it to convince people to support your idea? Once you understand what your objective is, you need to define your central message. There may be a lot of things you want to share with your audience during your presentation, but find – and stick with – the core, the most important point you want them to walk away with. And make sure that your message is clear and compelling.
You also need to tailor your presentation to your audience. Who are they and what might they be expecting? Say you’re giving a product pitch to a client. A technical team may be interested in a lot of nitty-gritty product detail. The business side will no doubt be more interested in what returns they can expect on their investment.
Another consideration is the setting: is this a formal presentation to a large audience with questions reserved for the end, or a presentation in a smaller setting where there’s the possibility for conversation throughout? Is your presentation virtual or in-person? To be delivered individually or as a group? What time of the day will you be speaking? Will there be others speaking before you and might that impact how your message will be received?
Once these fundamentals are established, you’re in building mode. What are the specific points you want to share that will help you best meet your objective and get across your core message? Now figure out how to convey those points in the clearest, most straightforward, and succinct way. This doesn’t mean that your presentation has to be a series of clipped bullet points. No one wants to sit through a presentation in which the presenter reads through what’s on the slide. You can get your points across using stories, fact, diagrams, videos, props, and other types of media.
Visual design matters While you don’t want to clutter up your presentation with too many visual elements that don’t serve your objective and can be distracting, using a variety of visual formats to convey your core message will make your presentation more memorable than slides filled with text. A couple of tips: avoid images that are cliched and overdone. Be careful not to mix up too many different types of images. If you’re using photos, stick with photos. If you’re using drawn images, keep the style consistent. When data are presented, stay consistent with colors and fonts from one type of chart to the next. Keep things clear and simple, using data to support key points without overwhelming your audience with too much information. And don’t assume that your audience is composed of statisticians (unless, of course, it is).
When presenting qualitative data, brief videos provide a way to engage your audience and create emotional connection and impact. Word clouds are another way to get qualitative data across.
Practice makes perfect You’ve pulled together a perfect presentation. But it likely won’t be perfect unless it’s well delivered. So don’t forget to practice your presentation ahead of time. Pro tip: record yourself as you practice out loud. This will force you to think through what you’re going to say for each element of your presentation. And watching your recording will help you identify your mistakes—such as fidgeting, using too many fillers (such as “umm,” or “like”), or speaking too fast.
A key element of your preparation should involve anticipating any technical difficulties. If you’ve embedded videos, make sure they work. If you’re presenting virtually, make sure that the lighting is good, and that your speaker and camera are working. Whether presenting in person or virtually, get there early enough to work out any technical glitches before your presentation is scheduled to begin. Few things are a bigger audience turn-off than sitting there watching the presenter struggle with the delivery mechanisms!
Finally, be kind to yourself. Despite thorough preparation and practice, sometimes, things go wrong, and you need to recover in the moment, adapt, and carry on. It’s unlikely that you’ll have caused any lasting damage and the important thing is to learn from your experience, so your next presentation is stronger.
How are you providing presentation skills training for your learners?
Manika Gandhi is Senior Learning Design Manager at Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning. Email her at [email protected] .
![how to do a effective presentation Speech bubbles](https://www.harvardbusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/icon_talkbubble.png)
Let’s talk
Change isn’t easy, but we can help. Together we’ll create informed and inspired leaders ready to shape the future of your business.
© 2024 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.
- Privacy Policy
- Copyright Information
- Terms of Use
- About Harvard Business Publishing
- Higher Education
- Harvard Business Review
- Harvard Business School
![how to do a effective presentation LinkedIn](https://www.harvardbusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/icon_nwsltr_darkmode_Linkedin.png)
We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies and revised Privacy Policy .
Cookie and Privacy Settings
We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
How-To Geek
8 tips to make the best powerpoint presentations.
![how to do a effective presentation 4](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F09%2F94817891_10223207452240367_755855798181036032_n.jpg?fit=crop&w=90&h=90)
Your changes have been saved
Email Is sent
Please verify your email address.
You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.
8 Key Questions to Ask Yourself When Installing a Third-Party App
How to optimize windows 11 for gaming, amazon prime video's redesign is actually great, quick links, table of contents, start with a goal, less is more, consider your typeface, make bullet points count, limit the use of transitions, skip text where possible, think in color, take a look from the top down, bonus: start with templates.
Slideshows are an intuitive way to share complex ideas with an audience, although they're dull and frustrating when poorly executed. Here are some tips to make your Microsoft PowerPoint presentations sing while avoiding common pitfalls.
![how to do a effective presentation define a goal](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/start.png)
It all starts with identifying what we're trying to achieve with the presentation. Is it informative, a showcase of data in an easy-to-understand medium? Or is it more of a pitch, something meant to persuade and convince an audience and lead them to a particular outcome?
It's here where the majority of these presentations go wrong with the inability to identify the talking points that best support our goal. Always start with a goal in mind: to entertain, to inform, or to share data in a way that's easy to understand. Use facts, figures, and images to support your conclusion while keeping structure in mind (Where are we now and where are we going?).
I've found that it's helpful to start with the ending. Once I know how to end a presentation, I know how best to get to that point. I start by identifying the takeaway---that one nugget that I want to implant before thanking everyone for their time---and I work in reverse to figure out how best to get there.
Your mileage, of course, may vary. But it's always going to be a good idea to put in the time in the beginning stages so that you aren't reworking large portions of the presentation later. And that starts with a defined goal.
![how to do a effective presentation avoid walls of text](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/less.png)
A slideshow isn't supposed to include everything. It's an introduction to a topic, one that we can elaborate on with speech. Anything unnecessary is a distraction. It makes the presentation less visually appealing and less interesting, and it makes you look bad as a presenter.
This goes for text as well as images. There's nothing worse, in fact, than a series of slides where the presenter just reads them as they appear. Your audience is capable of reading, and chances are they'll be done with the slide, and browsing Reddit, long before you finish. Avoid putting the literal text on the screen, and your audience will thank you.
Related: How to Burn Your PowerPoint to DVD
![how to do a effective presentation use better fonts](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/fonts.png)
Right off the bat, we're just going to come out and say that Papyrus and Comic Sans should be banned from all PowerPoint presentations, permanently. Beyond that, it's worth considering the typeface you're using and what it's saying about you, the presenter, and the presentation itself.
Consider choosing readability over aesthetics, and avoid fancy fonts that could prove to be more of a distraction than anything else. A good presentation needs two fonts: a serif and sans-serif. Use one for the headlines and one for body text, lists, and the like. Keep it simple. Veranda, Helvetica, Arial, and even Times New Roman are safe choices. Stick with the classics and it's hard to botch this one too badly.
![how to do a effective presentation use fewer bullets](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bullets.png)
There reaches a point where bullet points become less of a visual aid and more of a visual examination.
Bullet points should support the speaker, not overwhelm his audience. The best slides have little or no text at all, in fact. As a presenter, it's our job to talk through complex issues, but that doesn't mean that we need to highlight every talking point.
Instead, think about how you can break up large lists into three or four bullet points. Carefully consider whether you need to use more bullet points, or if you can combine multiple topics into a single point instead. And if you can't, remember that there's no one limiting the number of slides you can have in a presentation. It's always possible to break a list of 12 points down into three pages of four points each.
![how to do a effective presentation avoid transitions](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/transitions.png)
Animation, when used correctly, is a good idea. It breaks up slow-moving parts of a presentation and adds action to elements that require it. But it should be used judiciously.
Adding a transition that wipes left to right between every slide or that animates each bullet point in a list, for example, starts to grow taxing on those forced to endure the presentation. Viewers get bored quickly, and animations that are meant to highlight specific elements quickly become taxing.
That's not to say that you can't use animations and transitions, just that you need to pick your spots. Aim for no more than a handful of these transitions for each presentation. And use them in spots where they'll add to the demonstration, not detract from it.
![how to do a effective presentation use visuals](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/visuals.png)
Sometimes images tell a better story than text can. And as a presenter, your goal is to describe points in detail without making users do a lot of reading. In these cases, a well-designed visual, like a chart, might better convey the information you're trying to share.
The right image adds visual appeal and serves to break up longer, text-heavy sections of the presentation---but only if you're using the right images. A single high-quality image can make all the difference between a success and a dud when you're driving a specific point home.
When considering text, don't think solely in terms of bullet points and paragraphs. Tables, for example, are often unnecessary. Ask yourself whether you could present the same data in a bar or line chart instead.
![how to do a effective presentation find a color palette](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/palette.png)
Color is interesting. It evokes certain feelings and adds visual appeal to your presentation as a whole. Studies show that color also improves interest, comprehension, and retention. It should be a careful consideration, not an afterthought.
You don't have to be a graphic designer to use color well in a presentation. What I do is look for palettes I like, and then find ways to use them in the presentation. There are a number of tools for this, like Adobe Color , Coolors , and ColorHunt , just to name a few. After finding a palette you enjoy, consider how it works with the presentation you're about to give. Pastels, for example, evoke feelings of freedom and light, so they probably aren't the best choice when you're presenting quarterly earnings that missed the mark.
It's also worth mentioning that you don't need to use every color in the palette. Often, you can get by with just two or three, though you should really think through how they all work together and how readable they'll be when layered. A simple rule of thumb here is that contrast is your friend. Dark colors work well on light backgrounds, and light colors work best on dark backgrounds.
![how to do a effective presentation change views](https://static1.howtogeekimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/view.png)
Spend some time in the Slide Sorter before you finish your presentation. By clicking the four squares at the bottom left of the presentation, you can take a look at multiple slides at once and consider how each works together. Alternatively, you can click "View" on the ribbon and select "Slide Sorter."
Are you presenting too much text at once? Move an image in. Could a series of slides benefit from a chart or summary before you move on to another point?
It's here that we have the opportunity to view the presentation from beyond the single-slide viewpoint and think in terms of how each slide fits, or if it fits at all. From this view, you can rearrange slides, add additional ones, or delete them entirely if you find that they don't advance the presentation.
The difference between a good presentation and a bad one is really all about preparation and execution. Those that respect the process and plan carefully---not only the presentation as a whole, but each slide within it---are the ones who will succeed.
This brings me to my last (half) point: When in doubt, just buy a template and use it. You can find these all over the web, though Creative Market and GraphicRiver are probably the two most popular marketplaces for this kind of thing. Not all of us are blessed with the skills needed to design and deliver an effective presentation. And while a pre-made PowerPoint template isn't going to make you a better presenter, it will ease the anxiety of creating a visually appealing slide deck.
- Microsoft Office
![how to do a effective presentation virtualspeech-logo](https://virtualspeech-com.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/virtualspeech-logo-1.png#136)
Improve your practice.
Enhance your soft skills with a range of award-winning courses.
Complete Guide for Effective Presentations, with Examples
July 9, 2018 - Dom Barnard
During a presentation you aim to look confident, enthusiastic and natural. You’ll need more than good words and content to achieve this – your delivery plays a significant part. In this article, we discuss various techniques that can be used to deliver an effective presentation.
Effective presentations
Think about if you were in the audience, what would:
- Get you to focus and listen
- Make you understand
- Activate your imagination
- Persuade you
Providing the audience with interesting information is not enough to achieve these aims – you need to ensure that the way you present is stimulating and engaging. If it’s not, you’ll lose the audience’s interest and they’ll stop listening.
Tips for an Effective Presentation
Professional public speakers spend hours creating and practicing presentations. These are the delivery techniques they consider:
Keep it simple
You shouldn’t overwhelm your audience with information – ensure that you’re clear, concise and that you get to the point so they can understand your message.
Have a maximum of three main points and state them at the beginning, before you explain them in more depth, and then state them at the end so the audience will at least remember these points.
If some of your content doesn’t contribute to your key message then cut it out. Also avoid using too many statistics and technical terminology.
Connect with your audience
One of the greatest difficulties when delivering a presentation is connecting with the audience. If you don’t connect with them it will seem as though you’re talking to an empty room.
Trying to make contact with the audience makes them feel like they’re part of the presentation which encourages them to listen and it shows that you want to speak to them.
![how to do a effective presentation Asking the audience questions during a presentation](https://vs-static.virtualspeech.com/img/blog/enthusiastic_presentation.jpg)
Eye contact and smile
Avoiding eye contact is uncomfortable because it make you look insecure. When you maintain eye contact the audience feels like you’re speaking to them personally. If this is something you struggle with, try looking at people’s foreheads as it gives the impression of making eye contact.
Try to cover all sections of the audience and don’t move on to the next person too quickly as you will look nervous.
Smiling also helps with rapport and it reduces your nerves because you’ll feel less like you’re talking to group of faceless people. Make sure you don’t turn the lights down too much before your presentation so you can all clearly see each other.
Body language
Be aware of your body language and use it to connect:
- Keep your arms uncrossed so your body language is more open .
- Match your facial expressions with what you’re saying.
- Avoid fidgeting and displaying nervous habits, such as, rocking on your feet.
- You may need to glance at the computer slide or a visual aid but make sure you predominantly face the audience.
- Emphasise points by using hand gestures but use them sparingly – too little and they’ll awkwardly sit at your side, too much and you’ll be distracting and look nervous.
- Vary your gestures so you don’t look robotic.
- Maintain a straight posture.
- Be aware of cultural differences .
Move around
Avoid standing behind the lectern or computer because you need to reduce the distance and barriers between yourself and the audience. Use movement to increase the audience’s interest and make it easier to follow your presentation.
A common technique for incorporating movement into your presentation is to:
- Start your introduction by standing in the centre of the stage.
- For your first point you stand on the left side of the stage.
- You discuss your second point from the centre again.
- You stand on the right side of the stage for your third point.
- The conclusion occurs in the centre.
Watch 3 examples of good and bad movement while presenting
Example: Movement while presenting
Your movement at the front of the class and amongst the listeners can help with engagement. Think about which of these three speakers maintains the attention of their audience for longer, and what they are doing differently to each other.
Speak with the audience
You can conduct polls using your audience or ask questions to make them think and feel invested in your presentation. There are three different types of questions:
Direct questions require an answer: “What would you do in this situation?” These are mentally stimulating for the audience. You can pass a microphone around and let the audience come to your desired solution.
Rhetorical questions do not require answers, they are often used to emphasises an idea or point: “Is the Pope catholic?
Loaded questions contain an unjustified assumption made to prompt the audience into providing a particular answer which you can then correct to support your point: You may ask “Why does your wonderful company have such a low incidence of mental health problems?” The audience will generally answer that they’re happy.
After receiving the answers you could then say “Actually it’s because people are still unwilling and too embarrassed to seek help for mental health issues at work etc.”
![how to do a effective presentation Delivering a presentation in Asia](https://vs-static.virtualspeech.com/img/blog/delivering-a-presentation-in-asia.jpg)
Be specific with your language
Make the audience feel as though you are speaking to each member individually by using “you” and “your.”
For example: asking “Do you want to lose weight without feeling hungry?” would be more effective than asking “Does anyone here want to lost weight without feeling hungry?” when delivering your presentation. You can also increase solidarity by using “we”, “us” etc – it makes the audience think “we’re in this together”.
Be flexible
Be prepared to adapt to the situation at the time, for example, if the audience seems bored you can omit details and go through the material faster, if they are confused then you will need to come up with more examples on the spot for clarification. This doesn’t mean that you weren’t prepared because you can’t predict everything.
Vocal variety
How you say something is just as is important as the content of your speech – arguably, more so.
For example, if an individual presented on a topic very enthusiastically the audience would probably enjoy this compared to someone who covered more points but mumbled into their notes.
- Adapt your voice depending on what are you’re saying – if you want to highlight something then raise your voice or lower it for intensity. Communicate emotion by using your voice.
- Avoid speaking in monotone as you will look uninterested and the audience will lose interest.
- Take time to pronounce every word carefully.
- Raise your pitch when asking questions and lower it when you want to sound severe.
- Sound enthusiastic – the more you sound like you care about the topic, the more the audience will listen. Smiling and pace can help with this.
- Speak loudly and clearly – think about projecting your voice to the back of the room.
- Speak at a pace that’s easy to follow . If you’re too fast or too slow it will be difficult for the audience to understand what you’re saying and it’s also frustrating. Subtly fasten the pace to show enthusiasm and slow down for emphasis, thoughtfulness or caution.
Prior to the presentation, ensure that you prepare your vocal chords :
- You could read aloud a book that requires vocal variety, such as, a children’s book.
- Avoid dairy and eating or drinking anything too sugary beforehand as mucus can build-up leading to frequent throat clearing.
- Don’t drink anything too cold before you present as this can constrict your throat which affects vocal quality.
- Some people suggest a warm cup of tea beforehand to relax the throat.
Practice Presentation Skills
Improve your public speaking and presentation skills by practicing them in realistic environments, with automated feedback on performance. Learn More
Pause to breathe
When you’re anxious your breathing will become quick and shallow which will affect the control you have on your voice. This can consequently make you feel more nervous. You want to breathe steadily and deeply so before you start speaking take some deep breaths or implement controlled breathing.
Controlled breathing is a common technique that helps slow down your breathing to normal thus reducing your anxiety. If you think this may be useful practice with these steps:
- Sit down in an upright position as it easier for your lungs to fill with air
- Breathe in through your nose and into your abdomen for four seconds
- Hold this breathe for two seconds
- Breathe out through your nose for six seconds
- Wait a few seconds before inhaling and repeating the cycle
It takes practice to master this technique but once you get used to it you may want to implement it directly before your presentation.
![how to do a effective presentation Take a deep breath when delivering a presentation](https://vs-static.virtualspeech.com/img/blog/deep_breath_public_speaking.jpg)
Completely filling your lungs during a pause will ensure you reach a greater vocal range.
During the presentation delivery, if you notice that you’re speaking too quickly then pause and breathe. This won’t look strange – it will appear as though you’re giving thought to what you’re saying. You can also strategically plan some of your pauses, such as after questions and at the end of sections, because this will give you a chance to calm down and it will also give the audience an opportunity to think and reflect.
Pausing will also help you avoid filler words , such as, “um” as well which can make you sound unsure.
- 10 Effective Ways to use Pauses in your Speech
Strong opening
The first five minutes are vital to engage the audience and get them listening to you. You could start with a story to highlight why your topic is significant.
For example, if the topic is on the benefits of pets on physical and psychological health, you could present a story or a study about an individual whose quality of life significantly improved after being given a dog. The audience is more likely to respond better to this and remember this story than a list of facts.
Example: Which presentation intro keeps you engaged?
Watch 5 different presentation introductions, from both virtual and in-person events. Notice how it can only take a few seconds to decide if you want to keep listening or switch off. For the good introductions, what about them keeps you engaged?
More experienced and confident public speakers use humour in their presentations. The audience will be incredibly engaged if you make them laugh but caution must be exercised when using humour because a joke can be misinterpreted and even offend the audience.
Only use jokes if you’re confident with this technique, it has been successful in the past and it’s suitable for the situation.
Stories and anecdotes
Use stories whenever you can and judge whether you can tell a story about yourself because the audience are even more interested in seeing the human side of you.
Consider telling a story about a mistake you made, for example, perhaps you froze up during an important presentation when you were 25, or maybe life wasn’t going well for you in the past – if relevant to your presentation’s aim. People will relate to this as we have all experienced mistakes and failures. The more the audience relates to you, the more likely they will remain engaged.
These stories can also be told in a humorous way if it makes you feel more comfortable and because you’re disclosing a personal story there is less chance of misinterpretation compared to telling a joke.
Anecdotes are especially valuable for your introduction and between different sections of the presentation because they engage the audience. Ensure that you plan the stories thoroughly beforehand and that they are not too long.
Focus on the audience’s needs
Even though your aim is to persuade the audience, they must also get something helpful from the presentation. Provide the audience with value by giving them useful information, tactics, tips etc. They’re more likely to warm to you and trust you if you’re sharing valuable information with them.
You could also highlight their pain point. For example, you might ask “Have you found it difficult to stick to a healthy diet?” The audience will now want to remain engaged because they want to know the solution and the opportunities that you’re offering.
Use visual aids
Visual aids are items of a visual manner, such as graphs, photographs, video clips etc used in addition to spoken information. Visual aids are chosen depending on their purpose, for example, you may want to:
- Summarise information.
- Reduce the amount of spoken words, for example, you may show a graph of your results rather than reading them out.
- Clarify and show examples.
- Create more of an impact. You must consider what type of impact you want to make beforehand – do you want the audience to be sad, happy, angry etc?
- Emphasise what you’re saying.
- Make a point memorable.
- Enhance your credibility.
- Engage the audience and maintain their interest.
- Make something easier for the audience to understand.
![how to do a effective presentation Visual aids being used during a presentation](https://vs-static.virtualspeech.com/img/blog/visual-aids-presentation.jpg)
Some general tips for using visual aids :
- Think about how can a visual aid can support your message. What do you want the audience to do?
- Ensure that your visual aid follows what you’re saying or this will confuse the audience.
- Avoid cluttering the image as it may look messy and unclear.
- Visual aids must be clear, concise and of a high quality.
- Keep the style consistent, such as, the same font, colours, positions etc
- Use graphs and charts to present data.
- The audience should not be trying to read and listen at the same time – use visual aids to highlight your points.
- One message per visual aid, for example, on a slide there should only be one key point.
- Use visual aids in moderation – they are additions meant to emphasise and support main points.
- Ensure that your presentation still works without your visual aids in case of technical problems.
10-20-30 slideshow rule
Slideshows are widely used for presentations because it’s easy to create attractive and professional presentations using them. Guy Kawasaki, an entrepreneur and author, suggests that slideshows should follow a 10-20-30 rule :
- There should be a maximum of 10 slides – people rarely remember more than one concept afterwards so there’s no point overwhelming them with unnecessary information.
- The presentation should last no longer than 20 minutes as this will leave time for questions and discussion.
- The font size should be a minimum of 30pt because the audience reads faster than you talk so less information on the slides means that there is less chance of the audience being distracted.
If you want to give the audience more information you can provide them with partially completed handouts or give them the handouts after you’ve delivered the presentation.
Keep a drink nearby
Have something to drink when you’re on stage, preferably water at room temperature. This will help maintain your vocal quality and having a sip is a subtle way of introducing pauses.
Practice, practice, practice
If you are very familiar with the content of your presentation, your audience will perceive you as confident and you’ll be more persuasive.
- Don’t just read the presentation through – practice everything, including your transitions and using your visual aids.
- Stand up and speak it aloud, in an engaging manner, as though you were presenting to an audience.
- Ensure that you practice your body language and gesturing.
- Use VR to practice in a realistic environment .
- Practice in front of others and get their feedback.
- Freely improvise so you’ll sound more natural on the day. Don’t learn your presentation verbatim because you will sound uninterested and if you lose focus then you may forget everything.
- Create cards to use as cues – one card should be used for one key idea. Write down brief notes or key words and ensure that the cards are physically connected so the order cannot be lost. Visual prompts can also be used as cues.
This video shows how you can practice presentations in virtual reality. See our VR training courses .
Two courses where you can practice your presentations in interactive exercises:
- Essential Public Speaking
- How to Present over Video
Try these different presentation delivery methods to see which ones you prefer and which need to be improved. The most important factor is to feel comfortable during the presentation as the delivery is likely to be better.
Remember that the audience are generally on your side – they want you to do well so present with confidence.
20 Presentation Tips to Keep Your Audience Engaged from Start to Finish
![how to do a effective presentation Featured](https://www.easel.ly/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Creative-Practical-Presentation-Tips-to-Keep-Your-Audience-Engaged.jpg)
Business | Marketing | Nonprofits | Students | Teachers
By kai tomboc - january 14, 2020.
Losing the audience’s attention is one of the most painful challenges for anyone making a presentation.
Halfway through your presentation, you notice that a couple of audience members are getting restless. The people at the back seem bored as they look down on their phones, and one of them just yawned (ugh!).
You start to feel that you failed to engage your audience. You wonder if you’re the problem. Are you a boring presenter? Perhaps you’re stuffing too much information in your slides.
Master audience engagement with these presentation best practices
From engaging product demos to presentation decks that stand out, read on for 20 valuable tips to keep your audience excited to hear more from you.
What makes a great presentation?
Before you get started, it pays to know what makes an excellent presentation.
1. It informs your audience by providing reliable information.
People want to be informed. They want to learn something new. For this reason, you should look for reputable links. The information should be as recent as possible, and at least less than a year old.
Your research work doesn’t need to be from online sources. You could also cite printed sources from the library. Double-check all of your sources and make sure they have substantial research and statistics to back them up.
2. It persuades your audience to take action.
A presentation should be persuasive. This is especially true for business presentations and product demos. You might also want to appeal to your readers through emotions.
3. It educates your audience and empowers them to make informed decisions.
Presentations are, by nature, educational. You might be introducing your audience to a new idea, product, or service.
4. It instructs your audience in a clear, compelling way.
A presentation should be instructional. Organize your presentation as clear and concise as possible, so your audience will be able to digest your information more effectively.
5. It inspires your audience by being memorable.
A good presentation motivates an audience to act on things that they’ve been meaning to do after hearing you speak or present.
20 best pactices for visually-appealing, convincing presentations
With all that in mind, here’s a list of useful best practices and tips for presentations that stick.
1. Know your target audience.
![how to do a effective presentation example of getting to know an audience persona](https://www.easel.ly/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/example-of-getting-to-know-an-audience-persona--768x317.png)
Your target audience is the demographic that you’re aiming to convince, educate, or inspire with your presentation. This crucial step helps you craft a presentation that resonates with your intended audience.
For instance, if you’d like to educate teens, create a presentation that appeals to their age group. Make your presentation more upbeat, and use pop culture references and images that they can relate to.
On the other hand, if your target audience spans middle-aged professionals, your presentation should be straight-to-the-point and based on facts. These professionals are typically results-oriented, and they want to get to the heart of the matter right away.
By and large, getting to know your target audience enables you to create a presentation without wasting time on uninterested demographics.
2. Create an outline.
Your next step is to create an outline of your presentation. It will help ensure order in your presentation and present facts and sources as effectively and efficiently possible.
It’ll also help if you assign a subtopic for each slide. Let’s say your main topic is the American Civil War. The war lasted roughly four years, and if you delve into it without any organizational structure, your audience will end up confused. Sort your slides according to year and the important events that took place. The same applies to any topic.
3. Start with a memorable introduction.
Opening a presentation with “My name is .. ” or “I’m here to talk about..” are less likely to make your presentation memorable and engaging to your audience.
So how do you keep everyone glued to your presentation with a powerful, memorable opener?
Share an anecdote, ask an intriguing question, or get people’s energy up with a short activity.
Next, make your opening slides as eye-catching as possible. In your opening slide, use bold fonts. Add visuals like gifs or an animated infographic.
Finally, provide an overview of your presentation in the introduction slide. An overview that meets your audience’s expectations of your presentation helps keep an audience absorbed and attentive from start to finish.
4. Eliminate clutter in your slides.
Avoid overcrowding your slides with images or graphics. Although it’s fine to use visuals to complement your slides, the keyword here is “complement.”
Too many photos will make your slides look cramped. Take a minimalist approach to your slides. For images and graphics, use them sparingly and thoughtfully.
Don’t be afraid of white space in your slides. Consider readability first, visual appeal second.
5. Use pictograms.
Lengthy presentations could get boring in the long run. So if you want to keep your audience’s attention, you will need to make your presentation attractive and easier to understand.
Enter pictograms !
![how to do a effective presentation pictogram example](https://www.easel.ly/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/pictogram-example-768x340.png)
Pictograms express information, ideas, or messages through images, signs, or symbols. Also, they can help simplify complicated concepts.
6. Be thoughtful of your color scheme.
Your choice of colors can have an impact on your audience’s mood and perception of your presentation. It may not be evident at first glance, but your presentation colors can draw a particular set of feelings from your audience. Orange looks more carefree than beige, right?
Here are some quick tips to help you pick the right color combination for your presentation:
- Choose a color scheme that matches your presentation’s theme. For example, if you’re about to present a serious topic, consider somber, dignified colors like white, black, or brown. But if you want your presentation to be more upbeat, use lighter hues like yellow and orange.
- Use your brand colors to raise brand awareness and recognition.
- Stick to 2-3 colors. Joint research by Adobe and the University of Toronto revealed that most people prefer a combination of 2-3 colors. A good rule of thumb is not to use more than four colors. When using more than 3-4 colors, go for shades, tones, and tints of your original colors like the example below.
![how to do a effective presentation shade, tint, and tones of the color blue](https://www.easel.ly/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Color-Tone-2-768x463.png)
7. Focus your audience’s attention using data visualization.
Presenting statistics and percentages in writing can be a challenge to use in your presentation. For this reason, consider data visualization.
For example, graphs and charts are often used to highlight comparisons in data. You can also use them to inform your audience of a specific data point.
It’s worth noting that a poorly-designed graph or chart could ruin your presentation if proven false or shabbily done. Make sure that your data are correct, and your diagrams or charts are correctly labeled. Don’t just use pie charts because they look hip and smart. You have to learn how to choose the right chart or graph to visualize your data.
8. Use presentation templates.
Templates often take a bad rap because they’re perceived as limiting, sapping one of creative freedom. However, templates shouldn’t be perceived this way.
Think of templates as frameworks or a set of building blocks that you can tinker with as you create your presentation. Without a templated structure, you’ll likely waste a lot of time and resources making your presentation from scratch.
For example, use infographic templates as a way to make your presentation more engaging (minus the time-consuming task of making a presentation from scratch. The process infographic template below is perfect if you’re explaining a process in one of your presentations.
![how to do a effective presentation presentation template explaining a process](https://www.easel.ly/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/presentation-template-explaning-a-process-768x1830.png)
9. Try the duotone effect in your presentations.
The duotone effect is the use of two contrasting colors to create dramatic, visually pleasing results. Thus the name duotone.
This design style is gaining popularity with designers and non-designers alike. Learn more from this quick duotone tutorial via Adobe .
10. Show, don’t tell.
Stories are a powerful medium to get your audience to sit up and listen to you. For this reason, aim to “show” rather than “tell” your audience about a topic, insight, or idea.
For example, don’t just state facts or figures about the dangers of not investing in their retirement. Instead, share the story of someone you know who failed to plan for their retirement, nudging your audience towards making their own conclusions or insights.
Don’t bombard your audience with too much information all at once. Avoid jargon or complex concepts without sharing a story that’ll resonate with them. With compelling storytelling, you can create anticipation and then slowly build up to your key points.
11. Incorporate infographics into your presentation.
Infographics are valuable presentation tools because they combine visuals and text. As a result, you can communicate with impact.
Furthermore, infographics make your presentation more memorable. How?
![how to do a effective presentation listening-vs-listening-and-seeing](https://www.easel.ly/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/listening-vs-listening-and-seeing-768x432.png)
A relevant image paired with informative text helps people retain 65 percent of the information three days later — a stark contrast to presenting text-only content where someone’s likely to remember only 10 percent of the information.
Here are a few guides and tutorials when creating infographics for your next presentation:
- Guide to Making Infographics from Scratch (guide)
- 5 Ways to Use Call to Action in Your Infographic to Boost Audience Engagement (video)
- How to Write Sharp, Compelling Infographic Copy (guide)
Easelly Pro Tip: Divide long infographics into smaller segments. Add an infographic section for each presentation slide. If you’d like to raise the bar further for your presentation, try animated infographics to make your slides come to life.
12. Avoid using bullet points.
Bullet points are great tools to emphasize tips, features, or steps in lists. However, it’s best to avoid them in presentations because they don’t help your audience retain information.
Research even supports this recommendation. In 2014, the International Journal of Business Communication published the results of their research — The Use of Visualization in the Communication of Business Strategies: An Experimental Evaluation .
The researchers wanted to learn whether the use of visuals is superior to text (a bulleted list to be specific) in communicating the strategy of the financial services branch of an international car manufacturer.
The researchers concluded the following:
“Subjects who were exposed to a graphic representation of the strategy paid significantly more attention to, agreed more with, and better recalled the strategy than did subjects who saw a (textually identical) bulleted list version.”
Instead of using bullet points, consider using icons or visuals.
Take a look at the example below. Which do you think will likely get the audience’s attention and be more memorable after the presentation?
![how to do a effective presentation text vs visual comparison](https://www.easel.ly/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/text-vs-visual-comparison--768x443.jpg)
13. Choose fonts that are easier to read.
The quality of your font could affect your audience’s reaction to your presentation. Don’t just use the first standard font that pops up in your presentation editor.
Your font should match the mood and intent of your presentation. If you want your presentation to appear casual, choose a font that gives off a similar feeling.
14. Use contrast in your presentation.
Check for contrast between your texts and presentation background to ensure readability. Make it a point to distinguish one from the other.
It’s also worth noting that you are going to show your presentation to a group of people. Depending on the seating arrangement, viewers at the back may find it hard to read your presentation. Make sure that your fonts are of the appropriate size. That way, none of your audience members will have to struggle reading your slides.
15. Consider gifs and memes
Gifs and memes are popular media tools for a good reason. You could incorporate them into your presentation, and they could add a sense of humor to your topic or pitch.
When using gifs and memes, avoid those that could be misinterpreted as politically incorrect or culturally insensitive.
16. Create a consistent look and feel in your slides.
Choose a theme for your presentation templates, and stick with it ’til the end.
This doesn’t mean that you should be boring or dull with your presentation. You can add images and infographics, but there should be a sense of consistency in your slides.
Consistency leads to familiarity, which in turn encourages learning and engagement.
17. Ask intriguing questions.
Asking intriguing questions enables you to draw your audience’s attention and highlight key points at the same time.
For example, you are conducting a presentation on the Roman empire. You want to get your audience’s attention, so you raise questions such as what they know about the Roman empire, and how did the Roman empire impact modern society?
The audience may or may not get the right answers, but they will most likely try their best to answer your questions. The resulting exchange of ideas will make your presentation more spontaneous and engaging.
18. Limit to one visual per slide.
Using too many visuals at once will make your presentation appear cluttered. Limit to one visual per slide to help your audience engage more with your text and information.
19. Embrace white space.
White space , also known as negative space, is the space between the lines of texts and visuals in your presentation. It doesn’t have to be white as it can also take the color of your presentation’s background. Think of white space as “empty space”.
It helps improves readability and ensures that your graphics and texts are clear and legible in your presentation.
20. End your presentation with an excellent call-to-action.
Call-to-action statements are an integral part of any presentation. They compel your audience to take action, and it makes your presentation more interactive.
Here’s a short video explaining how to use call-to-action in infographics (the same principles apply for presentations!):
Say you’re designing a presentation for a new gym you’re managing. You want people to try out the gym and the services you offer. You could incorporate the call to action at the end of your presentation.
“See you at the gym next week?” or “Level up in the New Year by signing up for our free gym membership for a month!” are good call-to-action statements that you can use.
Ready to start creating your presentation?
We’ve got your back if you need help with your visuals and infographics for your next presentation.
Use our simple infographic maker tool or hire one of our infographic design pros for custom infographics and animated infographics .
Here’s to a stellar presentation – we’re rooting for you!
More to learn from the blog…
Visual simplicity with jessica hagy.
Today, we had a great discussion with Jessica Hagy, master illustrator over at ThisIsIndexed.com and author of amazing books like The Art o...
10 Types of Infographics with Examples and When to Use Them
It’s easy to choose an infographic format or type that works for you. But keep in mind that the infographic should not be about ...
Data Visualization Guide: Choosing the Right Chart to Visualize Your Data
Are you about to make a pie chart but you’re unsure if it’s the right chart to effectively convey your message? Quick fact: most of ...
![how to do a effective presentation](https://thespeakerlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/TSL-Final-Logo.png)
7 Public Speaking Exercises to Level Up Your Presentation Skills
- The Speaker Lab
- July 22, 2024
Table of Contents
Whether you are a seasoned speaker or just starting, public speaking exercises are crucial for refining your skills and boosting your confidence. These exercises go beyond simply rehearsing your material. They help you develop essential skills like body language, voice control, and audience engagement. Let’s explore some of the best public speaking exercises to improve your presentation prowess.
Power Posing: A Confidence Booster
Have you heard of “ power posing “? This psychological technique can increase your confidence before a big presentation. It involves standing in a posture that signals power and confidence for two minutes. Some examples include standing with your hands on your hips or with your arms raised in a V-shape. The idea is that, just like how you use your body language to communicate to others, you can also use it to communicate to yourself. When your brain registers that you are posing confidently, it releases hormones that increase your confidence .
When preparing to go on stage for a presentation, try out a few power poses. Public speaking is, after all, often about projecting confidence. How you feel internally can greatly influence how others perceive you.
Find Out Exactly How Much You Could Make As a Paid Speaker
Use The Official Speaker Fee Calculator to tell you what you should charge for your first (or next) speaking gig — virtual or in-person!
The Power of Non-Verbal Communication
You’ve probably heard the saying “it’s not what you say, but how you say it.” When it comes to public speaking, this saying rings true. Your body language speaks volumes to your audience, sometimes even louder than words. As a result, public speaking exercises that focus on nonverbal communication skills are invaluable.
Using Eye Contact to Connect with Your Audience
Think about how you feel when someone maintains good eye contact while speaking to you. Chances are that you feel more heard and respected than if they practiced poor eye contact. When public speaking, you want to create the same feeling with your audience.
Effective eye contact establishes a connection with individuals, creating intimacy and engagement. Staring blankly at one person for an extended time can feel uncomfortable and unnatural, though. The trick is to spread your gaze around the room, connecting briefly with individuals. Treat it as if you’re having mini-conversations with different people.
Refining Your Non-verbal Communication
In addition to eye contact, your stance and gestures significantly impact how your message resonates. One of the best ways to refine your body language is through public speaking exercises like the one below.
To get started, record yourself practicing a speech. After all, it can be extremely valuable to watch and hear yourself as your audience would experience you. Alternatively, you can use this tool to record yourself and your screen. As you watch the recording back, look for these key elements:
- Open Posture: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms relaxed. Imagine an invisible string pulling you slightly upwards from the crown of your head. Avoid hunching or crossing your arms, as these postures might make you appear closed off or unapproachable.
- Purposeful Movement: When appropriate, move around the stage with intention. Instead of pacing nervously, connect movement with transitions in your speech to emphasize a point or engage different parts of the audience. Remember, too much movement can be distracting, and not all stages permit freedom of movement.
- Gestures: Utilize your hands and arms to complement your words. Practice hand gestures that feel natural to you, ensuring they’re not exaggerated to the point of distraction. Don’t forget to review your recordings to ensure your movements look and feel authentic and enhance, rather than distract, from your delivery.
Tongue Twisters: The Ultimate Public Speaking Warm Up
Public speaking often requires articulate speech and clear pronunciation. This is where tongue twisters shine as excellent warm-up exercises for speakers of all levels.
Mastering the quick, repetitive sounds of tongue twisters, like the classic “she sells seashells,” improves your pronunciation clarity. This makes your speech delivery smoother.
Consider practicing tongue twisters before presentations as a warm-up routine. This is helpful whether in front of large formal audiences or even close friends. It significantly improves articulation and breath control, especially if you struggle with feeling anxious. Tongue twisters are fun, lighthearted, and effective, making them a great public speaking exercise.
Impromptu Speaking: Mastering the Art of Thinking on Your Feet
Impromptu speaking, where you speak without extensive preparation, can be incredibly daunting, even for seasoned public speakers. Although nerve-wracking, the reality is that many real-life speaking situations demand some level of off-the-cuff thinking. Utilizing public speaking exercises can be the key to thinking clearly under pressure.
Just imagine being asked an unexpected question in a Q&A session. The better you can formulate clear, engaging answers spontaneously, the more confident you’ll feel. This even applies to impromptu speech situations at your job, a work party, or even at an event or wedding. Impromptu speaking is truly a valuable communication skill with applications beyond the stage.
Impromptu Public Speaking Exercises
Instead of waiting for an impromptu opportunity, create one yourself. Practice the exercises below in order to hone your ability to think on the spot.
Random Object Speech
Grab a household object (a spoon, a book, anything.) and set a timer for 2-3 minutes. The goal is to deliver a cohesive, interesting “speech” about the item. This exercise hones your ability to generate ideas and structure thoughts spontaneously.
“Yes, and…” Improv
Grab a friend (the more, the merrier) and play a round of “Yes, and…” improv. One person starts with a statement and the next person builds on it with “Yes, and…” continuing the narrative. This cultivates active listening skills and spontaneous storytelling, which is excellent for building public speaking confidence.
Public Speaking Games: Interactive Activities to Sharpen Your Skills
Who says practicing public speaking can’t be enjoyable? Games provide a light-hearted platform to try different public speaking activities. They allow you to hone your presentation skills in a fun, collaborative setting. Plus, practicing in a group fosters teamwork and allows you to observe and learn from one another’s speaking styles.
Photo Storytelling
Gather a collection of interesting images (they can be anything from personal photographs to random finds online). Have each participant choose a random image and craft a short story about it, presenting their narrative to the group.
This game hones skills like:
- Developing narrative flow
- Using descriptive language to engage listeners
- Thinking creatively and quickly
“Sell It” Challenge
In the “Sell It” Challenge, each person picks a random object (like a pen or stapler) and attempts to “sell” it to the group. This is done by highlighting its extraordinary (or not-so-extraordinary) qualities with humor and enthusiasm. It encourages creativity in speech because the success of their pitch hinges solely on their public speaking ability and persuasive prowess.
This public speaking game is ideal for encouraging:
- Practicing persuasion techniques
- Promoting quick thinking
- Adding humor into presentations
Analyzing the Masters: Learning from the Best Public Speakers
One of the best ways to enhance your public speaking skill is by studying successful public speakers. Watch those who deliver inspiring messages at events like TED Talks . By observing different elements of these popular speeches and implementing similar techniques, you’ll enhance your speaking skills.
Here are some ways you can study public speakers to advance your public speaking practice:
- Observe Delivery Techniques: Pay attention to the speaker’s voice modulation, pace, and strategic pauses. Also notice body language like their hand gestures, eye contact, and movements on stage. Finally, analyze the structure, storytelling elements, humor (if used), and closing remarks. The more talks you analyze, the more you’ll start noticing patterns, techniques, and effective approaches.
- Imitate Their Style: Once you’ve made a list of the elements that impressed you, try to integrate these public speaking tips into your own speaking. Practice those pauses, the impactful closing, or adapt their storytelling approach. Emulating these masters is not about copying, but more about studying effective techniques.
Additional Tips and Tricks for Powerful Presentations
Mastering any new skill requires practice and the right approach. Whether preparing for a presentation at work, an important interview, or a talk at an upcoming industry event, there are tons of public speaking exercises to choose from. Choose methods that are effective for your personal needs and practice consistently. Finally, don’t forget to seek out feedback so that you continue to build on improvements.
Here are some tips for delivering great presentations:
- Practice Makes Perfect: Embrace opportunities to present, whether it’s to friends and family, your team at work, or at local speaking clubs. The more experience you have, the less daunting the stage becomes. Public speaking is just like any skill. The more you practice talking, the easier it becomes.
- Know Your Audience: Tailoring your message to resonate with your target demographic is crucial for audience engagement. Understanding the group’s interests, demographics, and why they are listening can help make your presentation even more impactful.
- Storytelling Captivates: Weaving narratives throughout your presentation will help listeners connect more deeply with your message. It will also make it more engaging and memorable. People connect to emotions, vulnerability, and a touch of relatability, so put in the work to find your own story, then practice telling it.
Free Download: 6 Proven Steps to Book More Paid Speaking Gigs in 2024
Download our 18-page guide and start booking more paid speaking gigs today!
FAQs About Public Speaking Exercises
What are 5 public speaking tips.
Engage your audience with eye contact and a clear, audible voice. In addition, speak at a moderate pace and utilize pauses for emphasis. Don’t be afraid to use humor. In order to maintain audience engagement, tailor your delivery to your specific audience. Most importantly, project confidence through a relaxed and approachable demeanor.
How do I get over the fear of public speaking?
One strategy is to change your perspective. Instead of fearing judgment, envision your talk as an exciting opportunity to share your valuable insights. Picture your audience members genuinely interested in your message. This can significantly reduce anxiety.
What makes someone a good public speaker?
Good public speakers possess a unique ability to convey information with clarity and purpose, but most importantly passion and authenticity. They are engaging storytellers who can capture and hold their audience’s attention.
Mastering public speaking is an ongoing endeavor. Thankfully, public speaking exercises are effective ways to polish your skills and overcome common fears. Embrace opportunities to practice whenever you get a chance. Consistent efforts in honing these skills will cultivate your confidence, stage presence, and ultimately contribute to making your future presentations impactful. Remember, the best public speakers weren’t born that way; they practiced.
- Last Updated: July 14, 2024
![how to do a effective presentation Picture of The Speaker Lab](https://thespeakerlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/TSL-Social-Logo-300x300.png)
Explore Related Resources
Learn How You Could Get Your First (Or Next) Paid Speaking Gig In 90 Days or Less
We receive thousands of applications every day, but we only work with the top 5% of speakers .
Book a call with our team to get started — you’ll learn why the vast majority of our students get a paid speaking gig within 90 days of finishing our program .
If you’re ready to control your schedule, grow your income, and make an impact in the world – it’s time to take the first step. Book a FREE consulting call and let’s get you Booked and Paid to Speak ® .
About The Speaker Lab
We teach speakers how to consistently get booked and paid to speak. Since 2015, we’ve helped thousands of speakers find clarity, confidence, and a clear path to make an impact.
Get Started
Let's connect.
Copyright ©2023 The Speaker Lab. All rights reserved.
What are the most effective presentation strategies?.
Not every suggestion will result in a compelling presentation . First, keep an eye contact and a grin when speaking. Use of gestures and facial emotions is tip number two. The third tip is to stay focused. Be assured.
The seven Cs are completeness, courtesy, accuracy, and summation accuracy.
An effective presentation should have a solid subject, align with the aim, best suit the audience, and be well-organized.
The presentation's delivery is the phase of the process that matters the most. The actual labour is in delivering the presentation to the audience while making eye contact with them. Being a live, in-person process, there will be a great deal of human emotion involved. For the presenter, it may be extremely stressful. While giving the presentation, the following considerations should be made.
To know more about presentation most effective visit:
https://brainly.com/question/30239711
Related Questions
what quotes in this book (the alchemist) show that community always affects our goals. the story is attached. please help so i don’t fail please give reasoning aswell! thank you so much for ur help. kith for u if u answer this <3
Answer: “Love never keeps a man from pursuing his destiny.”
True love will never put a blockade between you and your dreams. Be it the love of your family, friends or significant other, if the people who surround you do not support, encourage or urge you in the direction of your destiny, they may not be the best people to keep in your company.
You are a product of your environment — choose yours carefully. Surround yourself with the doers, the believers, the dreamers and the thinkers. Only they will lift you higher.
How do you write a supporting sentence?.
Start with a topic sentence: This is the sentence that states the main idea or thesis of the piece.
Identify the key point you want to make: This is the point that you want to support with additional information or evidence.
Use evidence or examples to support your key point: This can be in the form of facts, statistics, or personal experiences.
Use connecting words or phrases: These words or phrases will help to connect your supporting sentence to the main idea or thesis.
Keep it concise and to the point: Avoid using unnecessary words or going off on tangents.
How does the poem relate to the lesson?.
The moral lesson we learn from the poem is that it encourages us to face difficulties with grit, fortitude, and determination.
Learn more about Poem's theme refer to :
https://brainly.com/question/24752854
Given secant of theta is equal to the square root of 6 over 3 comma what is cos?.
Given that cos is equal to the square root of 6 over 3, the secant of theta is: √6/2
Using the equation for secant of theta, we must determine cos of theta: The subsequent trigonometric function is now required:
[tex]$\sec \theta=\frac{1}{\cos \theta}[/tex]
Then, we can replace
[tex]$\frac{1}{\cos \theta}=\frac{\sqrt{6}}{3}[/tex]
Solve for [tex]$\cos \theta$[/tex]
Multiply both sides by 3 :
[tex]3\left(\frac{1}{\cos \theta}\right) & =3\left(\frac{\sqrt{6}}{3}\right) \\[/tex]
[tex]\frac{3}{\cos \theta} & =\sqrt{6}[/tex]
Multiply both sides by [tex]$\cos \theta$[/tex] :
[tex]\cos \theta \cdot \frac{3}{\cos \theta}=\cos \theta \cdot \sqrt{6} \\[/tex]
[tex]3=\cos \theta \cdot \sqrt{6}[/tex]
Divide both sides by [tex]$\sqrt{6}$[/tex]
[tex]$\frac{3}{\sqrt{6}}=\frac{\cos \theta \cdot \sqrt{6}}{\sqrt{6}} \\[/tex]
[tex]$\frac{3}{\sqrt{6}}=\cos \theta[/tex]
it also can be expressed as :
[tex]$\cos \theta=\frac{\sqrt{6}}{2}[/tex]
As a result, the second response is the right one.
We must remove the square root from the denominator to obtain the answer:
[tex]$\frac{3}{\sqrt{6}} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{6}}{\sqrt{6}}=\frac{3 \sqrt{6}}{(\sqrt{6})^2}=\frac{3 \sqrt{6}}{6}[/tex]
Simplify by 3 :
[tex]$\frac{3 \sqrt{6}}{6}=\frac{1 \sqrt{6}}{2}=\frac{\sqrt{6}}{2}[/tex]
To learn more about square root, refer to:
https://brainly.com/question/428672
What method is used to sample a population so that it is representative of the population?.
When probability sampling is used, every member of the population has a chance of being chosen. It is mostly used in quantitative research .
If you want to get results that include everyone in the population, probability sampling methods are the best option.
To be considered representative, the sample group must represent the entire population . For instance, the representative sample must represent the population of interest to the researcher , which could be 60% of those aged 18 to 25 and 40% of those aged 26 to 40.
The researcher employs simple random sampling, also known as probability sampling , to select a random sample of participants from a population. The odds of being chosen are the same for everyone in the population . After that, as much of this randomly selected subgroup as possible is used to collect data.
Learn more about probability:
brainly.com/question/13604758
What will you do before reading the story?.
Before reading a story, I will take some time to think about the plot, the characters, and the setting.
I will try to think of what the story might be about, what kind of characters might be in it, and what the environment might be like. I will make some predictions about the story and what will happen throughout it.
Additionally, I will look for clues in the title of the story or any illustrations that might accompany it. This will help me to gain an understanding of what the story might be about before actually reading it.
Furthermore, I will take some time to consider any personal connections I have to the story. Doing this will help me to gain a better understanding of the story as I am reading it and will make it more meaningful to me. Overall, taking some time to think about the story before reading it will help me to get the most out of it.
Learn more about reading:
https://brainly.com/question/24836026
The way an author uses language in a particular story or section of a story O A. Style B. Voice C. Mood D. Tone
What does Mr Shiftlet consider the rottenness of the world?.
Mr Shiftlet feels that the world's "rottenness" is about to "engulf" him, He sees this rottenness as a "slime" that he prays to god, is washed away.
It was written by Mary Flannery O'Connor, an American novelist, short story author, and essayist. The best way to describe O'Connor's writing is to term it " Southern Gothic ," a literary subgenre that often takes place in the southern United States and depicts wounded and disturbed characters in dark situations. She analyses morality and religion in her writing, typically showing the terrible ways in which they collide and interact.
To learn more about southern gothic visit:
https://brainly.com/question/7196877
Why was the government not effective under the Articles of Confederation?.
Congress commanded little respect and no support from state governments anxious to maintain their power.
Explanation:
How do you make a garden sentence?.
Their house is surrounded by beautiful garden .
These came from the rose garden.
A phrase is made up of several words that are put together to convey a single idea. A phrase, which is the basic unit of language, expresses a complete idea. It accomplishes this by abiding by the fundamental grammatical rules of the syntax. Say, "Ali is walking," for instance.
In terms of grammar, there are four different types of sentences in English:
Declarative or Assertive Sentence: A declarative or assertive sentence finishes with a period or a full stop and is informative.
An imperative sentence is a phrase that indicates a request, an order, or a command.
Using a question mark at the end of a sentence to ask a question is known as an interrogative sentence.
Exclamatory Sentence: An exclamatory sentence is one that uses an exclamation mark to convey a sudden, strong emotion. Exclamatory phrases can also be created using interjections.
To know more about Sentences visit: brainly.com/question/11435565
A habit I would like to change
The health club of your school has decided to observe the international day for the differently able people. As the convener of the club you have been asked to prepare a notice
A notice for the club can be written this way:
A notice is a formal statement that is meant to be announced to the general public. The intent is often to raise awareness about an event or any other topic of importance.
In the above notice, students and staff of the school are invited to the observation. The date, time, place, and organizers of the event are all included in the notice. A reader has all the information required to be at the occasion as well as the purpose of the event.
Learn more about notices here:
https://brainly.com/question/20595427
How is life different for the animals in Chapter 6 in Animal Farm?.
They will trade and utilize money, which is a regulation change from Chapter 6 of Animal Farm. They are also allowed to dwell in homes and sleep on beds according to a modification of the Fourth Commandment.
Although worn out, the farm animals were content. They had a difficult year after selling some of the grain and hay, and their winter food supplies weren't quite adequate, but the windmill made up for everything.
At this point, it was about halfway done. A flashback of prior occasions slows down the action and creates a halt. One can predict how future events will play out by analyzing foreshadowing .
To learn more about Animal Farm here:
brainly.com/question/29890163
What is the attitude expressed by the speaker?.
The tone is the speaker's attitude toward his audience ; it shows his relationship with the audience and how he stands in front of it.
The author's opinion toward a topic or issue is communicated to the reader through tone. It can be presented in a variety of ways, including word choice, punctuation, and sentence structure. It's akin to interacting with someone in person. Your facial expression, vocal pitch , and body language may all convey a tone that influences the language you use in conversation.
Your readers can better comprehend your emotions about a topic if you use the appropriate tone in your writing. It tells your reader how your writing should make them feel. Throughout your work, your tone could be joyful or caustic, humorous or confrontational, among other things.
Learn more about tone with the help of the given link:
brainly.com/question/1416982
How does Napoleon use propaganda to gain power in Animal Farm?.
Napoleon uses such catchphrases to discredit Snowball's persuasive arguments or to divert attention when animals start to doubt him.
For instance, the pigs teach the sheep a catchphrase that they can use to dominate crucial parts of farm meetings. The analysis of the book reveals that Napoleon used propaganda to seize control of the organization responsible for procuring milk and apples.
In this book, Napoleon used three types of propaganda: name-calling, glittering generalizations, and card-stacking. Napoleon gains control of the farm by appropriating Snowball's ideas, discrediting him in front of the other animals, and establishing his dominance via force. He raises puppies, teaching them to obey him alone.
To know more about Napoleon click here: brainly.com/question/26150427
What is the most important thing an artist can do with their artwork?.
The most significant thing an artist can accomplish is to influence someone's perspective and to help that person gain an understanding of a certain element of the universe through their creations.
Elements of an artwork are subject, form, and content all appear in works of art . We frequently recognize a piece of art by its subject, such as a landscape painting, a sculpture of a young woman, or a cat lithograph. The way an artwork is visually organized—in terms of line, shape, value, color, etc, is known as form or design.
To know more about art visit: brainly.com/question/3121282
In 2-3 sentences, identify and explain the evidence that the author uses to support the idea that taking iodine out of table salt might cause harm. (2 points)
Sentences used in the text to support the author's claims are referred to as textual evidence .
Textual evidence, which sometimes takes the form of a quotation or a description, is validated text that has been taken from the original source or document to support a thesis or an argument .
The author must provide proof to support his or her claim , i.e., data and information that demonstrate the claim is true.
To locate this proof , you must:
Thus, this way, the author can identify the evidence that the author uses to support the idea that taking iodine out of table salt might cause harm.
For more details regarding textual evidence , visit:
https://brainly.com/question/9355555
Write sentences use the exteremely and absolutely.
●Just remember, this guy is extremely dangerous.
●We absolutely love buying stuff online.
I hope it will help you....
●They absolutely loved the changes to our meals.
●These names are extremely common.
What are some examples of irony in Tom Sawyer?.
Dramatic irony occurs when the audience or reader is aware of crucial information that the characters are unaware of. When Tom and his gang flee to the island to live as pirates, they exhibit dramatic irony.
Twain employs Verbal Irony through Huck when he reveals that Tom Sawyer was the " happiest " of all when he was shot in the leg. Most people wouldn't be happy with a bullet in their leg, so Tom's happiness with a bullet in his leg was ironic. This verbal irony was used to demonstrate to the readers Tom Sawyer's proclivity for romanticizing and exaggerating a situation. It also reveals Tom's love of adventure, as he was willing to risk his life and get hurt in order to go on dangerous adventures. Twain's writing has many quirks, but two of the most noticeable are his use of social commentary and sarcasm (CD). (Social commentary is the act of providing a thought to something in society through rhetorical means.) In his novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain uses social commentary. An official has come to visit the city at this point in the story. People in town were showing off and attempting to appear important in the same way that the official did. (SPP) Twain writes in the story, "... showing off, with all sorts of official bustling's and activities, giving order, delivering judgements, discharging directions..."
Learn more about Adventures from here;
https://brainly.com/question/24468179
What are the two important elements of an artwork?.
They are the structure blocks used to make a masterpiece. Understudies who can distinguish the components and assess their part in the creation of a show-stopper will be better ready to grasp a craftsman's decisions. They will be prepared to address whether art is successful, and why.
Elements of art are expressive highlights that are incorporated inside a craftsmanship part to assist the craftsman with conveying. The seven most normal components incorporate line, shape, surface, structure, space, variety, and worth, with increases in imprint-making, and materiality .
Lines can likewise depict surface or characterize the division of light and dim through concealing. The line is the principal and most fundamental component. all the other things expand on top of the line regardless of whether your craft utilizes genuinely defined boundaries .
Learn more about artwork :
https://brainly.com/question/29782476
How is Daisy a feminist?.
Daisy is portrayed as feminist, innocent, naive, and submissive in "The Great Gatsby," fitting the stereotype of a 1920s woman who was not expected to be as free as males or to be loud and opinionated.
Learn more about The Great Gatsby refer to ;
https://brainly.com/question/26090930
please help! i'll give brainliest!<3 ~Marla was rummaging through some boxes in the attic and found a stack of letters her great-grandfather wrote when he was stationed in North Africa during World War II. One of the letters included these lines: “Last week we almost ran out of fuel. Most of our training was canceled. This week we received double the usual amounts. I guess it’s feast or famine around here.” Using the context of the letter as a clue, what does the phrase feast or famine mean? A It’s difficult to complete training without enough fuel. B You should maintain extra supplies around at all times. C Things sometimes go from one extreme to another. D The soldiers were starving because there wasn’t enough food.~
Explanation: When you look at the letter excerpt provided, it talked about how they went from having little to no fuel, to how the next week they had a surplus of it.
the one above is right
SOMEONE ANSWER THIS FAST PLEASE For questions 8-9, choose the definition that matches the bold word in the following sentence. 8. Choose the definition below which matches the bold word in the following sentence: In the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city it had always seemed to [Nene] something of a joke that a person's tribe could determine whom he married. O crowded O sophisticated O wealthy O hectic
It had always struck [Nene] as a bit of a joke in the multicultural culture of the city that a person's tribe could influence whom he married. sophisticated .
adjective . A sophisticated individual is at ease in social settings and knowledgeable about culture, fashion, and other topics that are regarded as significant from a social perspective. A lovely and well-educated travel companion, Claude. Synonyms include sophisticated, cosmopolitan, cultured, and elegant. more words that rhyme with sophisticated. a solid grasp of human behavior and/or a solid awareness of culture and fashion She had an elegant, slender body.
With its positive connotations, the word "sophisticated" can be used to suggest favorable qualities for your project. A lady who is sophisticated is open-minded. She is eager to explore new opportunities and consider issues from various angles. She has the ability to change and adapt, and she is aware that there are several approaches to solving problems. Her ability to be more accepting of other people and their views is a result of her open-mindedness .
Therefore the correct answer is sophisticated .
To learn more about sophisticated refer to :
https://brainly.com/question/26157665
Why do Della and Jim sacrifice their most important possessions?.
Della and Jim both make a sacrifice of their most prized possessions in order to buy Christmas gifts for each other.
Della sells her long, beautiful hair to buy Jim a watch chain and Jim sells his watch to purchase a set of combs for Della's hair. This act of selflessness and sacrifice is symbolic of their love and devotion to each other. The sacrifices they make show that they are willing to go to great lengths to make each other happy and put each other first.
It also demonstrates how despite their lack of money , they are still able to show each other how much they care. This act of love and sacrifice is what makes the story of Della and Jim so touching and memorable.
Learn more about Jim and Della visit:
https://brainly.com/question/30124015
What are the importance of listening to stories being told or read to them for the Grade R learners?.
Stories can be shared and read: support your child's early literacy development by introducing them to sounds, words, and language.
learn to appreciate stories and books. arouse your child's imagination and pique their interest.
One of the most effective ways for leaders to influence, instruct, and inspire is to tell stories. What makes storytelling so useful for education? To begin, storytelling establishes connections between people and ideas. Stories convey the values, culture , and history that bind people together.
Story telling helps kids learn by improving their memory and developing their ability to understand stories. Also, help your child learn about the world around him or her. It's a wonderful way to introduce new concepts and words. Your child will be more likely to inquire if you tell them stories.
To learn more about Story telling here:
https://brainly.com/question/1478417
What are 5 simple examples of compound sentences?.
5 simple examples of compound sentences are:
1. I went to the store, but they were closed.
2. She was tired, so she went to bed early.
3. He likes to play basketball, and he also enjoys watching football.
4. I'm going to the movies, and I'll grab dinner afterwards.
5. The sun was shining, and the birds were singing.
Using a coordinating conjunction like and or but, a compound sentence joins two independent clauses . They work best when forming a single, cohesive sentence from two or more independent, related sentences.
Although they have a few more extra rules than simple sentences, compound sentences help your writing move along more quickly and connect related ideas. To give your writing a competitive edge , we'll show you how to properly employ them in this quick guide.
1. Although the weather was beautiful, I decided to stay inside and read.
2. When I finally finished the book, I felt both satisfied and exhausted.
3. If he had studied harder, he would have passed the test with ease.
4. Since she was feeling ill, she decided to stay home from work.
To know more about compound sentence visit: https://brainly.com/question/404087
In the giver, is the (character) giver on a quest?
The Giver is skeptical and irritated because he understands that when humanity selected Sameness , they sacrificed too much.
The Giver was a Newberry Award winner, but since its 1993 publication, it has been on lists of challenged and banned books. Among the causes are violence, especially infanticide, intimate allusions , and self-harm.
The Giver is doubtful and upset because he realizes that when humanity chose Sameness, they made too many sacrifices .
When The Giver starts giving Jonas memories , he becomes enraged. The intensity of Jonas' emotions and his early acceptance of the Sameness school of thinking astounded The Giver .
Thus, this is the giver on a quest .
For more details regarding The Giver, visit:
https://brainly.com/question/27870695
What literary device is used when a writer refers to well known person or event from another piece of literature or history?.
An allusion in literature is a figure of speech that indirectly or directly alludes to a well-known person, place, or historical event.
Why do authors utilize literary techniques, and what are they?
Literary devices are specific techniques that authors utilize to convey meanings that go beyond what is written on the page. Literary devices, in addition to the plot and the characters, can enhance a story and inspire readers to reflect on numerous facets of life, society, and what it is to be human.
Which literary techniques did the author use in her book?
Bradstreet employs a metaphor in the poem's first line when he writes, "ill-form'd children." The poet here alludes to her most recent book. It also personifies something. Irony is used by the poet in the "Until plucked from thence by pals, less wise than true," is the next sentence.
To know more about literary device visit:
https://brainly.com/question/722511
How did the reliance on plantation agriculture affect the southern colonies?.
The focus on plantation agriculture led to massive populations of enslaved Africans in these colonies as nicely as social stratification between rich white plantation proprietors and terrible white and black laborers.
The plantation machine created a society sharply divided along classification lines. The rich aristocrats who owned plantations established their very own policies and practices.
For this reason, the contrast between the wealthy and the bad used to be larger in the South than it was once in the North.
Main Idea Cash plants grew very nicely in the Southern Colonies. The lengthy growing season and warm, damp local weather of the Southern Colonies made the location best for growing tobacco and rice.
Many southern planters became very wealthy exporting these money vegetation to different colonies and international locations
Learn more about plantation agriculture here:
https://brainly.com/question/12143512
What seemed more joyous the waves or the daffodils?.
It appears to the Poet that they're competing in being joyous and happy .The daffodils seem to be winning as highlighted in the line "but they outdid the waves in glee".
![how to do a effective presentation The image is a logo with the word "SLIDEGENIUS" written in capital letters. To the left of the word is a stylized speech bubble containing an abstract design, representing innovative slide design. The entire logo is white.](https://www.slidegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/slidegenius-logo-hd.png)
How do I create an effective pitch book presentation?
July 9, 2024 /
Creating an effective pitch book presentation involves several key steps to ensure your message is clear, compelling, and professional. Here are some essential tips:
- Understand Your Audience : Tailor your content to the specific needs and interests of your audience. Research their background, industry, and pain points to make your presentation relevant and engaging.
- Clear Structure : Organize your pitch book with a logical flow. Start with an executive summary, followed by sections such as market analysis, business model, financial projections, and team bios. Each section should build on the previous one, leading to a compelling conclusion.
- Compelling Storytelling : Use storytelling techniques to make your data and information more relatable. Highlight the problem your solution addresses, the benefits it offers, and the success stories or case studies that demonstrate its effectiveness.
- Visual Appeal : Incorporate high-quality visuals, such as charts, graphs, and images, to support your narrative. Ensure your design is clean and professional, with consistent fonts, colors, and layouts.
- Data-Driven Insights : Back up your claims with solid data. Use credible sources and present your data in a clear, easy-to-understand format. This adds credibility and helps persuade your audience.
- Practice and Refine : Rehearse your presentation multiple times to ensure smooth delivery. Seek feedback from colleagues or mentors and make necessary adjustments to improve clarity and impact.
By focusing on these elements, you can create a pitch book presentation that effectively communicates your value proposition and persuades your audience.
View Our Presentation Portfolio
![how to do a effective presentation](https://www.slidegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/CarID-PowerPoint-Deck.png)
Get a Quote on a Custom Designed Presentation
Popular posts.
![how to do a effective presentation A person is standing in front of a large presentation screen with a graph, addressing an audience. The PowerPoint slide is titled "Innovation and Research," mentioning R&D investments and product launches. Several audience members are seated, facing the presenter attentively.](https://www.slidegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SG_Common-Challenges-in-Tailoring-Presentations—and-Solutions_Featured-Image_SG01-750x410.jpg)
Common Challenges in Tailoring Presentations—and Solutions
![how to do a effective presentation Two people working at a desk with a laptop, tablet, and documents with graphs. One person holds a tablet and stylus, preparing a PowerPoint slide, while the other writes in a notebook. A disposable coffee cup is also on the desk. Both individuals are wearing long-sleeve tops.](https://www.slidegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SG_Dos-and-Donts-of-Pre-Seed-Pitch-Deck-Creation_Featured-Image_SG01-750x410.jpg)
Dos and Don’ts of Pre-Seed Pitch Deck Creation
![how to do a effective presentation A man with glasses and a light blazer smiles while typing on a laptop at a desk. The desk has office supplies and a potted plant. A whiteboard with sticky notes is in the background, along with a large window. He appears focused, likely perfecting his PowerPoint presentation slides.](https://www.slidegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SG_How-to-Write-a-Teaser-Pitch-Deck-that-Captivates_Featured-Image_SG01-750x410.jpg)
How to Write a Teaser Pitch Deck that Captivates
![how to do a effective presentation An audience of professionally dressed individuals, both men and women, are attentively listening to a PowerPoint presentation. Many are wearing name badges. The setting appears to be a conference or seminar room with chairs arranged in rows, showcasing the latest pitch deck on the screen.](https://www.slidegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SG_Tips-for-a-Persuasive-How-It-Works-Slide_Featured-Image_SG01-750x410.jpg)
Tips for a Persuasive How It Works Slide
![how to do a effective presentation A man with long hair, wearing a white shirt, is presenting a Pitch Deck on a screen to three colleagues seated around a table in a modern office. The slide shows various charts and graphs. Laptops, plants, and office supplies are on the table.](https://www.slidegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SG_What-Not-to-Do-When-Presenting-Funding-History_Featured-Image_SG01-1-750x410.jpg)
What Not to Do When Presenting Funding History
![how to do a effective presentation Two men in business suits sit at a table next to a window, engaged in conversation. One holds a clipboard and pen while the other reviews a presentation slide. The older man with a gray beard and the younger man with a neatly styled beard appear to be preparing for an important pitch deck in their professional office setting.](https://www.slidegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SG_Why-Raising-Funds-Without-a-Pitch-Deck-Can-Backfire_Featured-Image_SG01-750x410.jpg)
Why Raising Funds Without a Pitch Deck Can Backfire
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://hbr.org/resources/css/images/ascend/Ascend-Landing-FINAL.png)
- SUGGESTED TOPICS
- The Magazine
- Newsletters
- Managing Yourself
- Managing Teams
- Work-life Balance
- The Big Idea
- Data & Visuals
- Reading Lists
- Case Selections
- HBR Learning
- Topic Feeds
- Account Settings
- Email Preferences
8 Ways to Deliver a Great Presentation (Even If You’re Super Anxious About It)
- Joel Schwartzberg
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://hbr.org/resources/images/article_assets/2020/07/AAug20_08_sb10067018c-001.jpg)
Know your point, always.
Feeling anxious about a presentation? It’s likely about a fear of public humiliation rather than of public speaking.
- Shift the spotlight from yourself to what you have to say.
- Reject the voice in your head trying to destroy your confidence.
- Knowing what matters – and what doesn’t – will help you succeed.
![how to do a effective presentation Ascend logo](https://hbr.org/resources/images/article_assets/2020/10/Ascend_Logo_2020_2x.png)
Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .
I recently worked closely with a 24-year-old client — let’s call him Martin — who was tapped to deliver a five-minute presentation at his company’s annual town hall meeting. Martin had never given a public speech in his professional life, but his accomplishments impressed his supervisors, and they wanted Martin to share his success with the rest of the organization.
![how to do a effective presentation how to do a effective presentation](https://hbr.org/resources/css/images/hmm/HBR-learning-icon.png)
- JS Joel Schwartzberg oversees executive communications for a major national nonprofit, is a professional presentation coach, and is the author of Get to the Point! Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter and The Language of Leadership: How to Engage and Inspire Your Team . You can find him on LinkedIn and X. TheJoelTruth
Partner Center
- Business News
- India Business News
Budget speech 2024 date, time: When will FM Nirmala Sitharaman present Union Budget 2024? Check when, where to watch live
![Budget 2024 date, time: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2024 in Parliament as part of the Budget session. Budget speech 2024 date, time: When will FM Nirmala Sitharaman present Union Budget 2024? Check when, where to watch live](https://static.toiimg.com/thumb/msid-111919130,imgsize-64618,width-400,resizemode-4/111919130.jpg)
Budget speech 2024: Date, Time
Budget speech 2024: when & where to watch live.
PPF Calculator
This financial tool allows one to resolve their queries related to Public Provident Fund account.
FD Calculator
When investing in a fixed deposit, the amount you deposit earns interest as per the prevailing...
NPS Calculator
The National Pension System or NPS is a measure to introduce a degree of financial stability...
Mutual Fund Calculator
Mutual Funds are one of the most incredible investment strategies that offer better returns...
Other Times Group News Sites
Popular categories, hot on the web, trending topics, living and entertainment, latest news.
What we know about CrowdStrike’s update fail that’s causing global outages and travel chaos
![how to do a effective presentation Person looking at monitors with overlaid Crowdstrike and Microsoft Windows logos (Image Credits: Bryce Durbin / TechCrunch)](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/crowdstrike-windows-glitch-v1.jpg?w=1024)
A faulty software update issued by security giant CrowdStrike has resulted in a massive overnight outage that’s affected Windows computers around the world , disrupting businesses, airports, train stations, banks, broadcasters and the healthcare sector.
CrowdStrike said the outage was not caused by a cyberattack, but was the result of a “defect” in a software update for its flagship security product, Falcon Sensor. The defect caused any Windows computers that Falcon is installed on to crash without fully loading.
“The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed,” said CrowdStrike in a statement on Friday . Some businesses and organizations are beginning to recover, but many expect the outages to drag on into the weekend or next week given the complexity of the fix. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz told NBC News that it may take “some time for some systems that just automatically won’t recover.” In a later tweet , Kurtz apologized for the disruption.
Here’s everything you need to know about the outages.
What happened?
Late Thursday into Friday, reports began to emerge of IT problems wherein Windows computers were getting stuck with the infamous “blue screen of death” — a bright blue error screen with a message that displays when Windows encounters a critical failure, crashes or cannot load.
The outages were first noticed in Australia early on Friday, and reports quickly came in from the rest of Asia and Europe as the regions began their day, as well as the United States.
Within a short time, CrowdStrike confirmed that a software update for Falcon had malfunctioned and was causing Windows computers that had the software installed to crash. Falcon lets CrowdStrike remotely analyze and check for malicious threats and malware on installed computers.
At around the same time, Microsoft reported a significant outage at one of its most used Azure cloud regions covering much of the central United States. A spokesperson for Microsoft told TechCrunch that its outage was unrelated to CrowdStrike’s incident .
Around Friday noon (Eastern time), Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella posted on X saying the company is aware of the CrowdStrike botched update and is “working closely with CrowdStrike and across the industry to provide customers technical guidance and support to safely bring their systems back online.”
What is CrowdStrike and what does Falcon Sensor do?
CrowdStrike, founded in 2011, has quickly grown into a cybersecurity giant. Today the company provides software and services to 29,000 corporate customers, including around half of Fortune 500 companies, 43 out of 50 U.S. states and eight out of the top 10 tech firms, according to its website .
The company’s cybersecurity software, Falcon, is used by enterprises to manage security on millions of computers around the world. These businesses include large corporations, hospitals, transportation hubs and government departments. Most consumer devices do not run Falcon and are unaffected by this outage.
One of the company’s biggest recent claims to fame was when it caught a group of Russian government hackers breaking into the Democratic National Committee ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. CrowdStrike is also known for using memorable animal-themed names for the hacking groups it tracks based on their nationality, such as: Fancy Bear , believed to be part of Russia’s General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate, or GRU; Cozy Bear , believed to be part of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, or SVR; Gothic Panda , believed to be a Chinese government group; and Charming Kitten , believed to be an Iranian state-backed group. The company even makes action figures to represent these groups, which it sells as swag .
CrowdStrike is so big it’s one of the sponsors of the Mercedes F1 team , and this year even aired a Super Bowl ad — a first for a cybersecurity company.
Who are the outages affecting?
Practically anyone who during their everyday life interacts with a computer system running software from CrowdStrike is affected, even if the computer isn’t theirs.
These devices include the cash registers at grocery stores, departure boards at airports and train stations, school computers, your work-issued laptops and desktops, airport check-in systems, airlines’ own ticketing and scheduling platforms, healthcare networks and many more. Because CrowdStrike’s software is so ubiquitous, the outages are causing chaos around the world in a variety of ways. A single affected Windows computer in a fleet of systems could be enough to disrupt the network.
TechCrunch reporters around the world are seeing and experiencing outages, including at points of travel, doctors’ offices and online. Early on Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration put in effect a ground stop, effectively grounding flights across the United States, citing the disruption. It looks like so far the national Amtrak rail network is functioning as normal.
What is the U.S. government doing so far?
Given that the problem stems from a company, there isn’t much that the U.S. federal government can do. According to a pool report, President Biden was briefed on the CrowdStrike outage, and “his team is in touch with CrowdStrike and impacted entities.” That’s in large part because the federal government is a customer of CrowdStrike and also affected.
Several federal agencies are affected by the incident, including the Department of Education , and Social Security Administration, which said Friday that it closed its offices as a result of the outage.
The pool report said Biden’s team is “engaged across the interagency to get sector by sector updates throughout the day and is standing by to provide assistance as needed.”
In a separate tweet, Homeland Security said it was working with its U.S. cybersecurity agency CISA, CrowdStrike and Microsoft — as well as its federal, state, local and critical infrastructure partners — to “fully assess and address system outages.”
There will no doubt be questions for CrowdStrike (and to some extent Microsoft, whose unrelated outage also caused disruption overnight for its customers) from government and congressional investigators.
For now, the immediate focus will be on the recovery of affected systems.
How do affected customers fix their Windows computers?
The major problem here is that CrowdStrike’s Falcon Sensor software malfunctioned, causing Windows machines to crash, and there’s no easy way to fix that.
So far, CrowdStrike has issued a patch, and it has also detailed a workaround that could help affected systems function normally until it has a permanent solution. One option is for users to “reboot the [affected computer] to give it an opportunity to download the reverted channel file,” referring to the fixed file.
In a message to users , CrowdStrike detailed a few steps customers can take, one of which requires physical access to an affected system to remove the defective file. CrowdStrike says users should boot the computer into Safe Mode or Windows Recovery Environment, navigate to the CrowdStrike directory, and delete the faulty file “C-00000291*.sys.”
The wider problem with having to fix the file manually could be a major headache for companies and organizations with large numbers of computers, or Windows-powered servers in datacenters or locations that might be in another region, or an entirely different country.
CISA warns that malicious actors are ‘taking advantage’ of the outage
In a statement on Friday, CISA attributed the outages to the faulty CrowdStrike update and that the issue was not due to a cyberattack. CISA said that it was “working closely with CrowdStrike and federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners, as well as critical infrastructure and international partners to assess impacts and support remediation efforts.”
CISA did note, however, that it has “observed threat actors taking advantage of this incident for phishing and other malicious activity.” The cybersecurity agency did not provide more specifics, but warned organizations to stay vigilant.
Malicious actors can and will exploit confusion and chaos to carry out cyberattacks on their own. Rachel Tobac, a social engineering expert and founder of cybersecurity firm SocialProof Security, said in a series of posts on X to “verify people are who they say they are before taking sensitive actions.”
“Criminals will attempt to use this IT outage to pretend to be IT to you or you to IT to steal access, passwords, codes, etc.,” Tobac said.
What do we know about misinformation so far?
It’s easy to understand why some might have thought that this outage was a cyberattack. Sudden outages, blue screens at airports, office computers filled with error messages, and chaos and confusion. As you might expect, a fair amount of misinformation is already flying around , even as social media sites incorrectly flag trending topics like “cyberattack.”
Remember to check official sources of news and information, and if something seems too good to be true, it might just well be.
TechCrunch will keep this report updated throughout the day.
TechCrunch’s Ram Iyer contributed reporting.
More TechCrunch
Get the industry’s biggest tech news, techcrunch daily news.
Every weekday and Sunday, you can get the best of TechCrunch’s coverage.
Startups Weekly
Startups are the core of TechCrunch, so get our best coverage delivered weekly.
TechCrunch Fintech
The latest Fintech news and analysis, delivered every Tuesday.
TechCrunch Mobility
TechCrunch Mobility is your destination for transportation news and insight.
Vanta trust management platform raises $150M Series C, now valued at $2.45B
Vanta, a trust management platform that helps businesses automate much of their security and compliance processes, today announced that it has raised a $150 million Series C funding round led…
![how to do a effective presentation Vanta trust management platform raises $150M Series C, now valued at $2.45B](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-1268780919.jpg?w=1024)
Backed by Microsoft, AWS and Meta, the Overture Maps Foundation launches its first open map data sets
The Overture Maps Foundation is today releasing data sets for 2.3B building “footprints” globally, 54M notable places of interest, a visual overlay of “boundaries,” and land and water features such…
![how to do a effective presentation Backed by Microsoft, AWS and Meta, the Overture Maps Foundation launches its first open map data sets](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-1417701122-e1721651230829.jpg?w=1024)
Dazz snaps up $50M for AI-based, automated cloud security remediation
The startup is not disclosing its valuation, but sources close to the company say the figure is just under $400 million post-money.
![how to do a effective presentation Dazz snaps up $50M for AI-based, automated cloud security remediation](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-1652364481.jpg?w=1024)
Apple’s App Store hit with antitrust probe in Spain
The outcome of the Spanish authority’s probe could take up to two years to complete, and leave Apple on the hook for fines in the billions.
![how to do a effective presentation Apple’s App Store hit with antitrust probe in Spain](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/apple-app-store-ios.jpg?w=430)
Proton releases a self-custody bitcoin wallet
Proton’s first cryptocurrency product is a wallet called Proton Wallet that’s designed to make it easier to get started with bitcoin.
![how to do a effective presentation Proton releases a self-custody bitcoin wallet](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Proton-Wallet.jpg?w=1024)
Pearl raises $58M to help dentists make better diagnoses using AI
Dental care is a necessity, yet many patients lack confidence in their dentists’ ability to provide accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatments. Some dentists over treat patients, leading to unnecessary expenses,…
![how to do a effective presentation Pearl raises $58M to help dentists make better diagnoses using AI](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-1208982804.jpg?w=1024)
Spanish startup Exoticca raises a €60M Series D for its tour packages platform
Exoticca’s platform connects flights, hotels, meals, transfers, transportation and more, plus the local companies at the destinations.
![how to do a effective presentation Spanish startup Exoticca raises a €60M Series D for its tour packages platform](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Shooting_Exoticca_105_web1.jpg?w=1024)
Mark Zuckerberg imagines content creators making AI clones of themselves
Content creators are busy people. Most spend more than 20 hours a week creating new content for their respective corners of the web. That doesn’t leave much time for audience…
![how to do a effective presentation Mark Zuckerberg imagines content creators making AI clones of themselves](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/zuckerberg-drip.jpg?w=1024)
Elon Musk sets new date for Tesla robotaxi reveal, calls everything beyond autonomy ‘noise’
Elon Musk says he will show off Tesla’s purpose-built “robotaxi” prototype during an event October 10, after scrapping a previous plan to reveal it August 8. Musk said Tesla will…
![how to do a effective presentation Elon Musk sets new date for Tesla robotaxi reveal, calls everything beyond autonomy ‘noise’](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2158243844.jpg?w=1024)
Alphabet to invest another $5B into Waymo
Alphabet will spend an additional $5 billion on its self-driving subsidiary, Waymo, over the next few years, according to Ruth Porat, the company’s chief financial officer. Porat announced the commitment…
![how to do a effective presentation Alphabet to invest another $5B into Waymo](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/SF-Fully-Autonomous.jpg?w=1024)
How to prevent your software update from being the next CrowdStrike
There is no fool proof way to prevent a buggy update like CrowdStrike’s, but there are best practices that could mitigate the fallout.
![how to do a effective presentation How to prevent your software update from being the next CrowdStrike](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162029991_2f9338.jpg?w=1024)
Spotify CEO says company is in ‘early days’ of hi-fi audio plans
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek says the streaming service is still in the “early days” of its plans to bring hi-fi support to the platform. During the company’s earnings call on…
![how to do a effective presentation Spotify CEO says company is in ‘early days’ of hi-fi audio plans](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GettyImages-1783835425-crop-e1717409949317.jpg?w=1024)
Featured Article
A comprehensive list of 2024 tech layoffs
The tech layoff wave is still going strong in 2024. Following significant workforce reductions in 2022 and 2023, this year has already seen 60,000 job cuts across 254 companies, according to independent layoffs tracker Layoffs.fyi. Companies like Tesla, Amazon, Google, TikTok, Snap and Microsoft have conducted sizable layoffs in the…
![how to do a effective presentation A comprehensive list of 2024 tech layoffs](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/layoffs-e1684946575831.jpg?w=1024)
Elon Musk sets 2026 Optimus sale date. Here’s where other humanoid robots stand.
Tesla was not the first company to begin working on a humanoid form factor, but while being the first to market does carry weight in this high-tech space, we’re at…
![how to do a effective presentation Elon Musk sets 2026 Optimus sale date. Here’s where other humanoid robots stand.](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Tesla-Bot-AI.jpeg?w=1024)
OpenAI-backed legal tech startup Harvey raises $100M
Harvey, a startup building what it describes as an AI-powered “copilot” for lawyers, has raised $100 million in a Series C round led by GV, Google’s corporate venture arm. The…
![how to do a effective presentation OpenAI-backed legal tech startup Harvey raises $100M](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GettyImages-1474442258.jpg?w=1024)
Digital banking startup Mercury abruptly shuttered service for startups in Ukraine, Nigeria, other countries
Digital banking startup Mercury informed some founders that it is no longer serving customers in certain countries, including Ukraine.
![how to do a effective presentation Digital banking startup Mercury abruptly shuttered service for startups in Ukraine, Nigeria, other countries](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/money-spill-2023.jpg?w=1024)
The next fintech to go public may not be the one you expected
Welcome to TechCrunch Fintech! This week, we’re looking at Human Interest’s path toward an IPO, fintech’s newest unicorn, a slew of new fundraises, and more. To get a roundup of…
![how to do a effective presentation The next fintech to go public may not be the one you expected](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1212561161.jpeg?w=1024)
The Waymo-Zeekr robotaxi has come to San Francisco
Waymo has started testing on public roads in San Francisco a new robotaxi built by Chinese electric automaker Zeekr. Waymo has “less than a handful” of the Zeekr vehicles in San…
![how to do a effective presentation The Waymo-Zeekr robotaxi has come to San Francisco](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/unnamed_8a602e.png?w=1024)
Cyabra, a startup helping companies and governments detect disinformation, plans to go public via SPAC
The transaction values Cyabra at $70 million, and the company expects the merger to close by the end of the year.
![how to do a effective presentation Cyabra, a startup helping companies and governments detect disinformation, plans to go public via SPAC](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-1451440666.jpg?w=1024)
There’s a lot more to the Kamala Harris memes than you think
“You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” says Vice President Kamala Harris in a now infamous clip. An overlay of the lime green album art for Charli XCX’s “Brat” flashes on the screen, while a remix of “Von Dutch” scores increasingly frenetic clips of Harris hysterically laughing…
![how to do a effective presentation There’s a lot more to the Kamala Harris memes than you think](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/kamala-harris-memes.jpg?w=1024)
GM’s Cruise abandons Origin robotaxi, takes $583 million charge
GM’s self-driving car subsidiary Cruise is scrapping plans to build the Origin — a purpose-built robotaxi with no steering wheel or pedals — and will instead use the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt…
![how to do a effective presentation GM’s Cruise abandons Origin robotaxi, takes $583 million charge](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Cruise-Origin-in-SFs-Castro-District.jpg?w=1024)
FTC is investigating how companies are using AI to base pricing on consumer behavior
The Federal Trade Commission announced on Tuesday that it’s ordering eight companies that offer AI-powered “surveillance service pricing” to turn over information about the potential impact these products have on…
![how to do a effective presentation FTC is investigating how companies are using AI to base pricing on consumer behavior](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/lina-khan-image.jpg?w=1024)
Meta AI gets new ‘Imagine me’ selfie feature
Meta AI, Meta’s AI-powered assistant across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and the web, can now speak in more languages and create stylized selfies. And, starting today, Meta AI users can route…
![how to do a effective presentation Meta AI gets new ‘Imagine me’ selfie feature](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/English_WhatsApp_Imagine-Yourself_1.png?w=1024)
Rosotics wants to manufacture massive orbital shipyards using 3D printing
Mesa, Arizona-based Rosotics has kept a low profile. From the startup’s website, one would think they are solely focused on selling large metal 3D printers to aerospace and defense customers.…
![how to do a effective presentation Rosotics wants to manufacture massive orbital shipyards using 3D printing](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DC5.png?w=1024)
Meta releases its biggest ‘open’ AI model yet
Meta’s latest open source AI model is its biggest yet. Today, Meta said it is releasing Llama 3.1 405B, a model containing 405 billion parameters. Parameters roughly correspond to a…
![how to do a effective presentation Meta releases its biggest ‘open’ AI model yet](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/meta-getty.jpg?w=1024)
Andy Dunn talks the importance of founder mental health at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024
Hustle culture is embedded into the Silicon Valley startup ethos, but the expectation to grind all the time can be detrimental to a founder’s mental health. We’re pleased to welcome…
![how to do a effective presentation Andy Dunn talks the importance of founder mental health at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tc_disrupt_2024_speaker.png?w=1024)
Meta given weeks to tell EU consumer protection authorities how it’ll fix ‘pay or consent’
Meta has been given until September 1 to respond to consumer protection concerns in the European Union. The Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network, a network of authorities responsible for the…
![how to do a effective presentation Meta given weeks to tell EU consumer protection authorities how it’ll fix ‘pay or consent’](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-949057880.jpg?w=1024)
Google’s latest Privacy Sandbox gambit could pit user choice against tracking
Google is no longer proposing to deprecate third-party tracking cookies in Chrome, instead suggesting that users be given an option to deny tracking.
![how to do a effective presentation Google’s latest Privacy Sandbox gambit could pit user choice against tracking](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/GettyImages-1230444599.jpg?w=1024)
Noded AI wants to make your notes the center of your work world
Let’s start with the premise that many people take notes as they work with customers as part of their jobs. As they take notes, they may need to access a…
![how to do a effective presentation Noded AI wants to make your notes the center of your work world](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-153500171.jpg?w=1024)
Farmblox puts the control into farmers’ hands with its AI-powered sensor-reading platform
Nathan Rosenberg, the founder of farm automation platform Farmblox, said if there is one thing to know about trying to sell technology to farmers, it’s that you can’t tell them…
![how to do a effective presentation Farmblox puts the control into farmers’ hands with its AI-powered sensor-reading platform](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Farmblox-Maple.jpg?w=1024)
Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products .
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review: The king, but for how much longer?
Added lightness, better performance and ai are nice, but samsung can do better..
No one has been making foldable phones longer than Samsung. And for the first few years, the sheer number of improvements we got on the Galaxy Z Fold line meant it didn’t really have any competition. But more recently, the pace of innovation has slowed while new challengers like the OnePlus Open and Pixel Fold have arrived. Now for 2024, Samsung has reinforced the Galaxy Z Fold 6 with a stronger but significantly lighter frame, a new ultra-wide-angle camera and a bunch of AI-powered tools. Unfortunately, not much else has changed, leaving us with a very iterative upgrade. So while the Galaxy Z Fold 6 remains the best all-around big foldable on the market, it feels like complacency is eroding Samsung’s lead among flagship flexible phones.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
The do-everything flexible phone.
Even without a new main camera, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold’s sleeker design, brighter screens and native stylus support are enough to maintain its rank as the best big foldable phone on the market.
- Super bright and colorful display
- Even lighter chassis
- Great battery life
- Native stylus support
- Even more expensive than before
- Same main camera as the previous two Z Folds
- S Pen not included
- Charging speeds could be faster
Design and displays: Tweaked dimensions with even brighter screens
After eliminating the gap between the screen (when closed) on last year’s phone, Samsung has adjusted the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s dimensions again for 2024. But the changes are so small you have to measure them in millimeters. When closed, the phone is just over one millimeter thinner and when you open it up (in portrait), the main screen is 2.7mm wider but one millimeter shorter. It’s not a ton, but you do get a little more room for activities . And of course this also affects the exterior Cover Display, which is about 1mm wider as well — just enough to make using its on-screen keyboard more forgiving.
Elsewhere, the entire phone is sharper, from its boxier edges to the more squared-off corners on both screens. Samsung also says the Enhanced Armor Aluminium used in the Z Fold 6’s chassis is about 10 percent stronger than before, but I hope you’ll forgive me for not dropping it on purpose just to find out. Holding everything together is a new dual-rail hinge. And this time, I think Samsung has nailed the perfect balance between something that’s easy to open but also holds its position when you want it to. But the biggest design upgrade is a 14-gram weight reduction compared to the previous model. Granted, that might not sound like much, but now the Z Fold 6 only weighs around 4 grams more than its non-foldable cousin, the S24 Ultra . And on an already heavy phone, this change makes a big difference.
As for the displays, as someone who’s been using the Pixel Fold a lot recently — which has a solid screen in its own right — can I just say, Samsung’s panels are so choice . Not only has peak brightness improved to 2,600 nits for both displays just like on the standard S24 family, Samsung has subtly shrunk and flattened the bezels, so the phone looks even more like a magazine come to life. And until I see something better, this is simply the best screen on a big foldable right now.
Performance: Expectedly speedy
The Z Fold line has never been slow and this year we got the same upgrade to a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip as we saw on the S24, while base RAM is staying pat at 12GB. And as you’d expect, the Z Fold 6’s performance is fast and responsive. There’s no lag when doing pretty much anything and thanks to the addition of a larger vapor chamber on the inside, the phone stays cooler during longer sessions, which is a nice bonus to all the gamers out there who like playing on a truly big-screen device.
Cameras: Mostly unchanged
When it comes to photography, I’m a bit disappointed with the Z Fold 6, not because it can’t take a decent pic, but because I know Samsung can do better. For this go around, Samsung has stuck with a trio of rear cameras, opting for a new 12-MP sensor for the ultra-wide lens — and it’s pretty good. But at the same time, the ultra-wide lens is the one I use the least in daily use, and it's not close.
The other two cameras – the 50-MP main and 12-MP telephoto with a 3x optical zoom — are solid, but they’re the same ones Samsung used on at least the previous two generations. In a photo of some strawberries, the Z Fold 6 produced a delicious pic with deep saturated hues and great details. At the same time, though, you can also see the slightly exaggerated warm tones you often get from Samsung cameras. And at night, the Z Fold produced a beautiful pic of a flower in a very tricky backlit environment.
The issue is that after Google released the Pixel Fold, Samsung doesn’t really have an excuse for saddling the Z Fold 6 with downgraded photography when compared to the S24 Ultra. The Pixel Fold has a longer 5x optical zoom and an edge in overall photo quality. Just take a look at two zoom shots taken by the Z Fold 6 and the Pixel Fold. In a vacuum, Samsung’s photo doesn’t look bad. But then take a look at the Pixel’s image. It's noticeably sharper and more detailed.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 camera sample versus Google Pixel Fold
And it's the same thing in really low-light situations, like the one I took of some Bluey figurines, where the Pixel Fold captured a less grainy, sharper and more well-exposed pic. And after being pleasantly surprised with the cameras on the S24 Ultra, it’s a shame Samsung’s most expensive phone sits in second place when it comes to photography.
AI features: Fun and occasionally handy, but not essential
As we saw back at the beginning of the year, Samsung has brought the Galaxy AI suite it launched on the S24 to the Z Fold 6. And by and large, a lot of the features are the same including things like Chat Assist which you can use to generate social posts or emails while selecting a variety of tones. There’s also support for Google’s Circle to Search along with translation and summarization tools. A couple new tweaks for the Fold is that now the phone can translate text in place instead of spitting it out into a big unformatted blob, which is nice but kind of situational. And I should mention, Google Lens already offers similar functionality. Perhaps the more important one is the ability to do dual-screen translations, so each person can see text in their language in real-time, depending on what side of the phone they’re looking at.
Some new additions are the Portrait Studio tool that can create an AI-generated drawing of someone based on a photo and a range of styles like comic or watercolor. It’s fun and it’s good for a laugh or two, but I’m not sure how useful it will be on a regular basis. There’s also the Sketch to Image feature that allows you to add a simple drawing to an existing photo and then have the phone generate a more realistic rendition of it in your final image. I still think Samsung’s basic AI photo editing tools are the most useful of the bunch, as they make it easy to delete distracting objects or do simple touch ups. But once again, all of this feels more like bonus content rather than core essentials.
Battery life: Great longevity but could use some faster charging tech
While Samsung didn’t increase the size of the 4,400 mAh cell in the Z Fold 6, the phone does have slightly better battery life due to improved energy efficiency from its new chip. On our video rundown test, it lasted 20 hours and seven minutes when using its large main screen and 25 hours and 19 minutes when using its exterior cover display. That first number is even better than we saw from the Pixel Fold (15:22) and OnePlus Open (19:19), so if you need a big-screen phone with ample longevity, the Z Fold 6 is the easy pick.
Unfortunately, its charging hasn’t changed much. You still get 25-watt wired charging and 15-watt wireless charging, which are both pretty mediocre figures in 2024. And while I wasn’t expecting to see support for Qi2 magnetic charging on the Z Fold 6 after Samsung opted not to add it to the main S24 line, I’m still a bit miffed that a phone this expensive is cutting important features off the spec sheet.
It wasn’t long ago when practically every component on the Z Fold line was unmatched by its competitors. But now phones like the Pixel Fold exist, which offers better overall photography. Then there’s the OnePlus Open, which weighs the same as the Z Fold 6 even after its recent diet. And let’s not forget, both of those rivals are 2023 models. Plus there are Chinese competitors like the Honor Magic V3 and the upcoming Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 , which are both thinner and lighter than Samsung’s champion.
Don’t get me wrong, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is still a good foldable, a great one even. It’s got excellent performance, strong battery life and handy features like native stylus support. But it feels like after all this time sitting fat and happy on its throne, Samsung has a diminished hunger for total domination. Instead of long-awaited features like a built-in S Pen or an improved under-display camera, we got a bunch of AI-powered tools and tricks, which are fun but not true highlight attractions. And at $1,900 — which is $100 more than last year — the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the most expensive it's been since the Z Fold 3. But I guess that's the price you pay Samsung for having such a long reign on top.
- Advertisement
![](http://serviteca.online/777/templates/cheerup2/res/banner1.gif)
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation. Summary. Never underestimate the power of great communication. It can help you land the job of your dreams, attract investors to back your idea, or ...
8. Apply the 10-20-30 rule. Apply the 10-20-30 presentation rule and keep it short, sweet and impactful! Stick to ten slides, deliver your presentation within 20 minutes and use a 30-point font to ensure clarity and focus. Less is more, and your audience will thank you for it! 9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule.
Tip #1: Tell stories. Sharing an anecdote from your life can improve your credibility and increase your relatability. And when an audience relates to you, they're more likely to feel connected to who you are as a person and encouraged to give you their full attention, as they would want others to do the same.
Let's begin with the opening of your presentation. A good opening or first slide should be able to grab the audience's attention and state the purpose and objectives in the first thirty ...
Make sure that you are giving the right messages: body language to avoid includes crossed arms, hands held behind your back or in your pockets, and pacing the stage. Make your gestures open and confident, and move naturally around the stage, and among the audience too, if possible. 10. Relax, Breathe and Enjoy.
How to Give a Good Presentation. Here's a quick look at the 11 tips on how to give a good presentation. Plus, you'll find a bonus resource you won't want to miss, The Visme Presentation Guru Course. Rehearse What You're Planning to Say. Prepare Mentally, Emotionally and Technically. Start Strong.
Frame your story (figure out where to start and where to end). Plan your delivery (decide whether to memorize your speech word for word or develop bullet points and then rehearse it—over and ...
How to make a great presentation. Stressed about an upcoming presentation? These talks are full of helpful tips on how to get up in front of an audience and make a lasting impression. Watch now. Add to list. 18:00. Nancy Duarte.
Plan out the first topics carefully to properly introduce your argument. Add the essential information in the middle part of your presentation. Lastly, close your presentation with a summary of the main points and leave your audience with an afterthought. Also, plan when you're taking questions and for how long.
Make sure your content directly speaks to these pain points, and address them in order of importance. 2. Build anticipation. A great presentation is like getting a new car - it builds anticipation, takes you on a thrilling ride, and ends with you wanting to share the experience with all your friends.
Get started with TED Masterclass. When preparing for your presentation, there are 5 steps to keep in mind when preparing for your presentation. These include: choosing the right software for your needs, organizing your files, preparing your presentation materials, practice, and make sure to do a final test run.
A great PowerPoint presentation is: Prepared to Win. Research, plan, and prepare your presentation professionally. It helps you deliver an effective message to your target audience. Designed Correctly. Your visual points should stand out without overwhelming your audience. A good PowerPoint visual shouldn't complicate your message.
Presenting effectively involves careful preparation, understanding your audience, and delivering your message in an engaging manner. Here are some popular tips that can help you give a great presentation: Know Your Audience. Prepare Well. Write and Stick to a Script. Create an Engaging Slide Deck. Start Strong.
Getting Started. 1. Open PowerPoint and click 'New.'. A page with templates will usually open automatically, but if not, go to the top left pane of your screen and click New. If you've already created a presentation, select Open and then double-click the icon to open the existing file. Image Source.
Follow these tips to help you create a presentation that will engage your audience: 1. Keep your presentation simple. When putting your presentation together, remember that simpler is better. Many presenters follow the "10-20-30" rule, which is to use 10 or fewer slides, keep your presentation under 20 minutes and use at least 30-point font.
This is not surprising. Effective communications skills are a powerful career activator, and most of us are called upon to communicate in some type of formal presentation mode at some point along the way. For instance, you might be asked to brief management on market research results, walk your team through a new process, lay out the new budget ...
Make Bullet Points Count. Limit the Use of Transitions. Skip Text Where Possible. Think in Color. Take a Look From the Top Down. Bonus: Start With Templates. Slideshows are an intuitive way to share complex ideas with an audience, although they're dull and frustrating when poorly executed.
Tips for an Effective Presentation. Professional public speakers spend hours creating and practicing presentations. These are the delivery techniques they consider: Keep it simple. You shouldn't overwhelm your audience with information - ensure that you're clear, concise and that you get to the point so they can understand your message. ...
Follow these steps to give an effective presentation: 1. Understand your audience. The first rule for delivering an effective presentation is to know the audience you'll be speaking to and to keep them in mind throughout the entire duration of your presentation. Consider your topic from their perspective and think through what information they ...
You might be introducing your audience to a new idea, product, or service. 4. It instructs your audience in a clear, compelling way. A presentation should be instructional. Organize your presentation as clear and concise as possible, so your audience will be able to digest your information more effectively. 5.
Mastering any new skill requires practice and the right approach. Whether preparing for a presentation at work, an important interview, or a talk at an upcoming industry event, there are tons of public speaking exercises to choose from. Choose methods that are effective for your personal needs and practice consistently.
An effective presentation should have a solid subject, align with the aim, best suit the audience, and be well-organized. The presentation's delivery is the phase of the process that matters the most. The actual labour is in delivering the presentation to the audience while making eye contact with them. Being a live, in-person process, there ...
Creating an effective pitch book presentation involves several key steps to ensure your message is clear, compelling, and professional. Here are some essential tips: 1. **Understand Your Audience**: Tailor your content to the specific needs and interests of your audience. Research their background, industry, and pain points to make your ...
Here's a technique to take your presentation to the next level and keep your audience listening THROUGHOUT. It has to do with pacing. We all know speaking at an effective pace allows the listener to... : · · · · · · · ...
It's likely about a fear of public humiliation rather than of public speaking. Shift the spotlight from yourself to what you have to say. Reject the voice in your head trying to destroy your ...
Tune into Eyewitness News Bahamas LIVE This video features materials protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act. All...
Also See: Budget 2024 Live Updates Ahead of the Union Budget presentation this week. PM Narendra Modi said, "It is a matter of pride that after 60 years, a government has come to power for the ...
Given that the problem stems from a company, there isn't much that the U.S. federal government can do. According to a pool report, President Biden was briefed on the CrowdStrike outage, and ...
Don't get me wrong, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is still a good foldable, a great one even. It's got excellent performance, strong battery life and handy features like native stylus support.
The global computer outage affecting airports, banks and other businesses on Friday appears to stem at least partly from a software update issued by major US cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike ...