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How to give a good presentation that captivates any audience
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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 present presentations 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 present presentations 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 present presentations 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
How to make a presentation interactive and exciting, 3 stand-out professional bio examples to inspire your own, tell a story they can't ignore these 10 tips will teach you how, how to write a speech that your audience remembers, reading the room gives you an edge — no matter who you're talking to, 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, similar articles, how to pitch ideas: 8 tips to captivate any audience, the 11 tips that will improve your public speaking skills, 30 presentation feedback examples, how to not be nervous for a presentation — 13 tips that work (really), 8 clever hooks for presentations (with tips), stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..
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Blog Beginner Guides How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]
How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]
Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 20, 2023
![how to present presentations 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 present presentations how to present presentations](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 present presentations how to present presentations](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 present presentations how to present presentations](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 present presentations 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 present presentations how to present presentations](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 present presentations 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 present presentations how to present presentations](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 present presentations how to present presentations](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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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The secret structure of great talks
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The beauty of data visualization
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TED's secret to great public speaking
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14 Practical Tips to Improve Your Presentation Skills
- The Speaker Lab
- May 11, 2024
Table of Contents
Ever felt complete dread and fear at the thought of stepping up to deliver a presentation? If so, you’re not alone. The fear of public speaking is more common than you might think, but with the right presentation skills , it’s a hurdle that can be overcome.
In this article, we’ll help you master basic confidence-building techniques and conquer advanced communication strategies for engaging presentations. We’ll explore how body language and eye contact can make or break your connection with your audience; delve into preparation techniques like dealing with filler words and nervous habits; discuss tailoring content for different audiences; and much more.
Whether you’re prepping for job interviews or gearing up for big presentations, being prepared is key. With adequate practice and the proper attitude, you can crush your speech or presentation!
Mastering the Basics of Presentation Skills
Presentation skills are not just about speaking in front of a crowd. It’s also about effective communication, audience engagement, and clarity. Mastering these skills can be transformative for everyone, from students to corporate trainers.
Building Confidence in Presentations
Becoming confident when presenting is no small feat. But fear not. Even those who feel jittery at the mere thought of public speaking can become masters with practice and patience. Just remember: stage fright is common and overcoming it is part of the process towards becoming an effective presenter.
Taking deep breaths before you start helps calm nerves while visualizing success aids in building confidence. Also, know that nobody minds if you take a moment to gather your thoughts during your presentation—everybody minds more if they cannot understand what you’re saying because you’re rushing.
The Role of Practice in Enhancing Presentation Skills
In line with old wisdom, practice indeed makes perfect, especially when improving presentation skills. Consistent rehearsals allow us to fine-tune our delivery methods like maintaining eye contact or controlling body language effectively.
You’ll learn better control over filler words through repeated drills. Plus, the extra practice can help you troubleshoot any technical glitches beforehand, saving you the sudden panic during your actual presentations.
Remember that great presenters were once beginners too. Continuous effort will get you there sooner rather than later.
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Body Language and Eye Contact in Presentations
The effectiveness of your presentation can hinge on more than just the words you say. Just as important is your body language .
Impact of Posture on Presentations
Your posture speaks volumes before you utter a word. Standing tall exudes confidence while slouching could signal nervousness or lack of preparation.
If there’s one lesson to take away from our YouTube channel , it’s this: good presenters know their message but great ones feel it through every fiber (or muscle) of their being. The audience can sense that energy when they see open body language rather than crossed arms.
Maintaining Eye Contact During Your Presentation
Eyes are often called windows to the soul for a reason. They’re communication powerhouses. Making eye contact helps build trust with your audience members and keeps them engaged throughout your speech.
Avoid staring at note cards or visual aids too much as this might give an impression that you’re unprepared or uncertain about your chosen topic. Instead, aim to maintain eye contact between 50% of the time during presentations. This commonly accepted “50/70 rule” will help you exhibit adequate confidence to your audience.
If stage fright has gotten a hold on you, take deep breaths before you start speaking in order to stay calm. Make sure that fear doesn’t disrupt your ability to maintain eye-contact during presentations.
If body language and eye contact still feel like a lot to manage during your big presentation, remember our golden rule: nobody minds small mistakes. It’s how you handle questions or mishaps that truly makes a difference—so stay positive and enthusiastic.
Preparation Techniques for Successful Presentations
Presentation skills are like a craft that requires meticulous preparation and practice. Aspects like visual aids and time management contribute to the overall effectiveness of your delivery.
The first step towards delivering an impactful presentation is research and organization. The content should be well-researched, structured logically, and presented in simple language. This will make sure you deliver clear messages without any room for misinterpretation.
Dealing with Filler Words and Nervous Habits
Nervous habits such as excessive use of filler words can distract from your message. Luckily, there are plenty of strategies that can address these issues. For instance, try taking deep breaths before speaking or using note cards until fluency is achieved. In addition, practice regularly to work on eliminating these verbal stumbling blocks.
Avoiding Distractions During Presentations
In a digital age where distractions abound, maintaining focus during presentations has become an even more crucial part of the preparation process. This video by motivational speaker Brain Tracy provides insights on how one could achieve this level of focus required for effective presentations.
Maintaining Confidence Throughout Your Presentation
Confidence comes from thorough understanding of the chosen topic combined with regular practice sessions before the big day arrives. Make use of note cards or cue cards as needed but avoid reading from them verbatim.
Taking control over stage fright starts by arriving early at the venue so that you familiarize yourself with the surroundings, which generally calms nerves down considerably. So next time you feel nervous before a big presentation, remember—thorough preparation can make all the difference.
Engaging Your Audience During Presentations
Connecting with your audience during presentations is an art, and mastering it can take your presentation skills to the next level. Making the message conveyed reach an emotional level is essential, not just conveying facts.
Understanding Your Target Audience
The first step towards engaging your audience is understanding them. Tailor the content of your presentation to their needs and interests. Speak in their language—whether that be professional jargon or everyday slang—to establish rapport and ensure comprehension.
An effective presenter understands who they’re speaking to, what those individuals care about, and how best to communicate complex ideas understandably.
Making Complex Information Understandable
Dense data or complicated concepts can lose even the most interested listener if presented ineffectively. Breaking your key points down into manageable chunks helps maintain attention while promoting retention. Analogies are especially useful for this purpose as they make unfamiliar topics more relatable.
Audience Participation & Questions: A Two-Way Street
Incorporating opportunities for audience participation encourages engagement at another level. It allows listeners to become active participants rather than passive receivers of knowledge.
Consider techniques like live polls or interactive Q&A sessions where you invite questions from attendees mid-presentation instead of saving all queries until the end.
This gives you a chance not only engage but also address any misunderstandings right on spot.
- Treat each question asked as an opportunity—it’s evidence someone has been paying attention. Even challenging questions should be welcomed as they demonstrate an engaged, thoughtful audience.
- Encourage participation. It can be as simple as a show of hands or the use of interactive technologies for live polling during your presentation. This keeps your audience active and invested in the content.
Remember, your presentation isn’t just about putting on a show—it’s about meaningful interaction.
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Presentation Skills in Specific Contexts
Whether you’re nailing your next job interview, presenting an exciting marketing campaign, or delivering insightful educational content, the context matters. Let’s take a look.
The Art of Job Interviews
A successful job interview often hinges on effective communication and confidence. Here, the target audience is usually small but holds significant influence over your future prospects. Body language plays a crucial role; maintain eye contact to show sincerity and interest while open body language communicates approachability.
Bullet points summarizing key experiences are also helpful for quick recall under pressure. This allows you to present your chosen topic with clarity and positive enthusiasm without relying heavily on note or cue cards.
Pitching in Public Relations & Marketing
In public relations (PR) and marketing contexts, presentations need to capture attention quickly yet hold it long enough to deliver key messages effectively. Visual aids are valuable tools here—they help emphasize points while keeping the audience engaged.
Your aim should be highlighting presentation benefits that resonate with potential clients or partners, making them feel as though ignoring such opportunities would mean missing out big time.
Educational Presentations
An educational setting demands its own unique set of presentation skills where deep understanding trumps flashy visuals. You must make complex information understandable without oversimplifying essential details—the use of analogies can be beneficial here.
Keeping the audience’s attention is critical. Encourage questions and participation to foster a more interactive environment, enhancing learning outcomes for all audience members.
Tips for Becoming a Great Presenter
No single method is suitable for everyone when it comes to speaking in public. However, incorporating continuous improvement and practice into your routine can make you an exceptional presenter.
Tailor Your Presentation to Your Audience
Becoming an excellent speaker isn’t just about delivering information; it’s also about making a connection with the audience. So make sure that you’re taking setting, audience, and topic into consideration when crafting your presentation. What works for one audience may not work for another, so be sure to adapt your presentation styles according to the occasion in order to be truly effective.
The Power of Practice
The art of mastering public speaking skills requires practice —and lots of it . To become a great presenter, focus on improving communication skills through practice and feedback from peers or mentors. Try to seek feedback on every speech delivered and incorporate those pointers in your future presentations. Over time, this cycle of delivery-feedback-improvement significantly enhances your ability to connect with audiences and convey ideas effectively.
If you’re looking for examples of good speakers, our speech breakdowns on YouTube provide excellent examples of experienced presenters who masterfully utilize speaking techniques. Analyzing their strategies could give you great ideas for enhancing your own style.
Finding Your Style
A crucial part of captivating any audience lies in how you deliver the message rather than the message itself. Developing a unique presentation style lets you stand out as an engaging speaker who commands attention throughout their talk. Through — you guessed it — practice, you can develop a personal presentation style that resonates with listeners while showcasing your expertise on the chosen topic.
Your body language plays a pivotal role here: open gestures communicate confidence and enthusiasm towards your subject matter, two qualities essential for keeping audiences hooked. Similarly, using vocal variety adds dynamism to speeches by emphasizing points when needed or creating suspense during storytelling parts of your talk.
Cultivating Passion & Enthusiasm
Showcasing genuine passion for the subject helps keep listeners engaged throughout even lengthy presentations. Sharing stories related to the topic or expressing excitement about sharing knowledge tends to draw people in more than mere data recitation ever could.
Recognize that everybody is distinctive; don’t expect identical results from every speaker. The path to becoming a great presenter involves recognizing your strengths and working tirelessly on areas that need improvement.
FAQs on Presentation Skills
What are good presentation skills.
Good presentation skills include a clear message, confident delivery, engaging body language, audience understanding, and interaction. They also involve effective preparation and practice.
What are the 5 steps of presentation skills?
The five steps of presenting include: planning your content, preparing visual aids if needed, practicing the delivery aloud, performing it with confidence, and finally post-presentation reflection for improvements.
What are the 5 P’s of presentation skills?
The five P’s stand for Preparation (researching your topic), Practice (rehearsing your talk), Performance (delivering with confidence), Posture (standing tall), and Projection (using a strong voice).
What are your presentation skills?
Your personal set of abilities to deliver information effectively is what we call your presentation skill. It can encompass public speaking ability, clarity in speech or writing as well as visual communication talent.
Mastering presentation skills isn’t an overnight process, but practice and perseverance will put you well on your way to becoming an effective speaker.
You’ve learned that confidence plays a crucial role in effective presentations, so take deep breaths, make eye contact, and keep your body language open. As always, preparation is key. Tackle filler words head-on and get comfortable with visual aids for impactful storytelling.
Remember the importance of audience engagement — it’s all about understanding their needs and tailoring your content accordingly. This way, complex information turns into digestible insights.
Above all else: practice! After all, nothing beats experience when it comes to improving public speaking abilities.
- Last Updated: May 9, 2024
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17 PowerPoint Presentation Tips From Pro Presenters [+ Templates]
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Published: April 26, 2024
PowerPoint presentations can be professional, attractive, and really help your audience remember your message.
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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.
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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.
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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.
- 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.
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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.
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- PRESENTATION SKILLS
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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
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- Question Types
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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
Home Blog Presentation Ideas 23 PowerPoint Presentation Tips for Creating Engaging and Interactive Presentations
23 PowerPoint Presentation Tips for Creating Engaging and Interactive Presentations
![how to present presentations 23 PowerPoint Presentation Tips for Creating Engaging and Interactive Presentations](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/01-23-powerpoint-presentation-tips-cover-engaging-presentations.png)
PowerPoint presentations are not usually known for being engaging or interactive. That’s often because most people treat their slides as if they are notes to read off and not a tool to help empower their message.
Your presentation slides are there to help bring to life the story you are telling. They are there to provide visuals and empower your speech.
So how do you go about avoiding a presentation “snoozefest” and instead ensure you have an engaging and interactive presentation? By making sure that you use your slides to help YOU tell your story, instead of using them as note cards to read off of.
The key thing to remember is that your presentation is there to compliment your speech, not be its focus.
In this article, we will review several presentation tips and tricks on how to become a storytelling powerhouse by building a powerful and engaging PowerPoint presentation.
Start with writing your speech outline, not with putting together slides
Use more images and less text, use high-quality images, keep the focus on you and your presentation, not the powerpoint, your presentation should be legible from anywhere in the room, use a consistent presentation design, one topic per slide, avoid information overwhelm by using the “rule of three”.
- Display one bullet at a time
Avoid unnecessary animations
- Only add content that supports your main points
Do not use PowerPoint as a teleprompter
- Never Give Out Copies of the Presentation
Re-focus the attention on you by fading into blackness
Change the tone of your voice when presenting, host an expert discussion panel, ask questions, embed videos, use live polling to get instant feedback and engage the audience.
- He kept his slides uncluttered and always strived for simplicity
- He was known to use large font size, the bigger, the better.
- He found made the complex sound simple.
He was known to practice, practice, and keep on practicing.
Summary – how to make your presentation engaging & interactive, fundamental rules to build powerful & engaging presentation slides.
Before we go into tips and tricks on how to add flair to your presentations and create effective presentations, it’s essential to get the fundamentals of your presentation right.
Your PowerPoint presentation is there to compliment your message, and the story you are telling. Before you can even put together slides, you need to identify the goal of your speech, and the key takeaways you want your audience to remember.
YOU and your speech are the focus of this presentation, not the slides – use your PowerPoint to complement your story.
Keep in mind that your slides are there to add to your speech, not distract from it. Using too much text in your slides can be distracting and confusing to your audience. Instead, use a relevant picture with minimal text, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
![how to present presentations Use more images and less text](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/10-tips-wen-design-bullets.jpg)
This slide is not unusual, but is not a visual aid, it is more like an “eye chart”.
Aim for something simpler, easy to remember and concise, like the slides below.
Keep in mind your audience when designing your presentation, their background and aesthetics sense. You will want to avoid the default clip art and cheesy graphics on your slides.
![how to present presentations Use high-quality images for engaging presentations before and after](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/02-23-powerpoint-presentation-tips-illustration-01.png)
While presenting make sure to control the presentation and the room by walking around, drawing attention to you and what you are saying. You should occasionally stand still when referencing a slide, but never turn your back to your audience to read your slide.
You and your speech are the presentations; the slides are just there to aid you.
Most season presenters don’t use anything less than twenty-eight point font size, and even Steve Jobs was known to use nothing smaller than forty-point text fonts.
If you can’t comfortably fit all the text on your slide using 28 font size than you’re trying to say and cram too much into the slide, remember tip #1.4 – Use relevant images instead and accompany it with bullets.
Best Practice PowerPoint Presentation Tips
The job of your presentation is to help convey information as efficiently and clearly as possible. By keeping the theme and design consistent, you’re allowing the information and pictures to stand out.
However, by varying the design from slide to slide, you will be causing confusion and distraction from the focus, which is you and the information to be conveyed on the slide.
![how to present presentations Looking for beautiful PowerPoint Templates that provide you with a consistent design](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/03-23-powerpoint-presentation-tips-banner-looking-for-beautiful-presentation-designs.png)
Technology can also help us in creating a consistent presentation design just by picking a topic and selecting a sample template style. This is possible thanks to the SlideModel’s AI slideshow maker .
Each slide should try to represent one topic or talking point. The goal is to keep the attention focused on your speech, and by using one slide per talking point, you make it easy for you to prepare, as well as easy for your audience to follow along with your speech.
Sometimes when creating our presentation, we can often get in our heads and try to over-explain. A simple way to avoid this is to follow the “ Rule of Three ,” a concept coined by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle.
The idea is to stick to only 3 main ideas that will help deliver your point. Each of the ideas can be further broken into 3 parts to explain further. The best modern example of this “Rule of Three” can be derived from the great Apple presentations given by Steve Jobs – they were always structured around the “Rule of Three.”
![how to present presentations Rule of Three PowerPoint Presentation](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/rule-of-three-powerpoint-presentations.jpg)
Display one sentence at a time
If you are planning to include text in your slides, try to avoid bullet lists, and use one slide per sentence. Be short and concise. This best practice focuses on the idea that simple messages are easy to retain in memory. Also, each slide can follow your storytelling path, introducing the audience to each concept while you speak, instead of listing everything beforehand.
Presentation Blunders To Avoid
In reality, there is no need for animations or transitions in your slides.
It’s great to know how to turn your text into fires or how to create a transition with sparkle effects, but the reality is the focus should be on the message. Using basic or no transitions lets the content of your presentation stand out, rather than the graphics.
If you plan to use animations, make sure to use modern and professional animations that helps the audience follow the story you are telling, for example when explaining time series or changing events over time.
Only add engaging content that supports your main points
You might have a great chart, picture or even phrase you want to add, but when creating every slide, it’s crucial to ask yourself the following question.
“Does this slide help support my main point?”
If the answer is no, then remove it. Remember, less is more.
A common crutch for rookie presenters is to use slides as their teleprompter.
First of all, you shouldn’t have that much text on your slides. If you have to read off something, prepare some index cards that fit in your hand but at all costs do not turn your back on your audience and read off of your PowerPoint. The moment you do that, you make the presentation the focus, and lose the audience as the presenter.
Avoid Giving Out Copies of the Presentation
At least not before you deliver a killer presentation; providing copies of your presentation gives your audience a possible distraction where they can flip through the copy and ignore what you are saying.
It’s also easy for them to take your slides out of context without understanding the meaning behind each slide. It’s OK to give a copy of the presentation, but generally it is better to give the copies AFTER you have delivered your speech. If you decide to share a copy of your presentation, the best way to do it is by generating a QR code for it and placing it at the end of your presentation. Those who want a copy can simply scan and download it onto their phones.
![how to present presentations Avoid To Give Out Copies of the Presentation](https://cdn.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/04-23-powerpoint-presentation-tips-banner-01-beautiful-presentations.png)
Tips To Making Your Presentation More Engaging
The point of your presentation is to help deliver a message.
When expanding on a particularly important topic that requires a lengthy explanation it’s best to fade the slide into black. This removes any distraction from the screen and re-focuses it on you, the present speaker. Some presentation devices have a built-in black screen button, but if they don’t, you can always prepare for this by adding a black side to your presentation at the right moment.
“It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.”
Part of making your presentation engaging is to use all the tools at your disposal to get your point across. Changing the inflection and tone of your voice as you present helps make the content and the points more memorable and engaging.
One easy and powerful way to make your presentation interactive is experts to discuss a particular topic during your presentation. This helps create a more engaging presentation and gives you the ability to facilitate and lead a discussion around your topic.
It’s best to prepare some questions for your panel but to also field questions from the audience in a question and answer format.
How To Make Your Presentation More Interactive
What happens if I ask you to think about a pink elephant? You probably briefly think about a pink elephant, right?
Asking questions when presenting helps engage the audience, and arouse interest and curiosity. It also has the added benefit of making people pay closer attention, in case they get called on.
So don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if rhetorical; asking a question engages a different part of our brain. It causes us to reflect rather than merely take in the information one way. So ask many of them.
Asking questions can also be an excellent way to build suspense for the next slide.
![how to present presentations Steve Jobs iPad launch presentation in Macworld 2008](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/steve-jobs-ipad-launch-1024x564.jpg)
(Steve Jobs was known to ask questions during his presentations, in this slide he built suspense by asking the audience “Is there space for a device between a cell phone and a laptop?” before revealing the iPad) Source: MacWorld SF 2018
Remember the point of your presentation is to get a message across and although you are the presenter, it is completely fine to use video in your PowerPoint to enhance your presentation. A relevant video can give you some breathing time to prepare the next slides while equally informing the audience on a particular point.
CAUTION: Be sure to test the video beforehand, and that your audience can hear it in the room.
A trending engagement tool among presenters is to use a live polling tool to allow the audience to participate and collect immediate feedback.
Using a live polling tool is a fun and interactive way to engage your audience in real-time and allow them to participate in part of your presentation.
![how to present presentations Google Slides Poll with Audience Questions](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/05-23-powerpoint-presentation-tips-illustration-01.png)
Google Slides has a built-in Q&A feature that allows presenters to make the slide deck more interactive by providing answers to the audience’s questions. By using the Q&A feature in Google Slides, presenters can start a live Q&A session and people can ask questions directly from their devices including mobile and smartphones.
Key Takeaways from one of the best presenters, Steve Jobs
He kept his slides uncluttered and always strove for simplicity.
In this slide, you can easily see he is talking about the battery life, and it uses a simple image and a few words. Learning from Jobs, you can also make a great presentation too. Focus on the core benefit of your product and incorporate great visuals.
![how to present presentations Battery Steve Jobs Slides](https://cdn.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/battery-steve-jobs-slide.png)
Source: Macworld 2008
SlideModel.com can help to reproduce high-impact slides like these, keeping your audience engagement.
![how to present presentations Engaging PowerPoint template with battery and minimalistic style](https://cdn.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/engaging-slides-powerpoint.jpg)
He was known to use large font sizes, the bigger, the better
A big font makes it hard to miss the message on the slide, and allows the audience to focus on the presenter while clearing the understanding what the point of the slide is.
He found made the complex sound simple
When explaining a list of features, he used a simple image and lines or simple tables to provide visual cues to his talking points.
![how to present presentations Steve Jobs Presentation Styles](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/steve-jobs-presentation-style.jpg)
(This particular slide is referencing the iMac features)
What made Steve Jobs the master of presentation, was the ritual of practicing with his team, and this is simple yet often overlooked by many presenters. It’s easy to get caught in the trap of thinking you don’t need to practice because you know the material so well.
While all these tips will help you create a truly powerful presentation , it can only achieve if applied correctly.
It’s important to remember when trying to deliver an amazing experience, you should be thoroughly prepared. This way, you can elevate your content presentation, convey your message effectively and captivate your audience.
This includes having your research cited, your presentation rehearsed. Don’t just rehearse your slides, also take time to practice your delivery, and your tone. The more you rehearse, the more relaxed you will be when delivering. The more confident you will feel.
While we can’t help you with the practice of your next presentation, we can help you by making sure you look good, and that you have a great design and cohesiveness.
![how to present presentations How to deliver your next presentation](https://cdn2.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/06-23-powerpoint-presentation-tips-banner-01-deliver-your-next-presentation.png)
You focus on the message and content; we’ll focus on making you look good.
Have a tip you would like to include? Be sure to mention it in the comments!
![how to present presentations how to present presentations](https://cdn.slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/01-23-powerpoint-presentation-tips-cover-engaging-presentations-320x180.png)
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Very great advices!
Greetings ! A compact composed communication for the host to have an impact -VOICE
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8 tips to make the best powerpoint presentations.
Want to make your PowerPoint presentations really shine? Here's how to impress and engage your audience.
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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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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In this beginner’s guide, you will learn step-by-step how to make a PowerPoint presentation from scratch.
While PowerPoint is designed to be intuitive and accessible, it can be overwhelming if you’ve never gotten any training on it before. As you progress through this guide, you’ll will learn how to move from blank slides to PowerPoint slides that look like these.
![how to present presentations Example of the six slides you'll learn how to create in this tutorial](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-48.jpg)
Table of Contents
Additionally, as you create your presentation, you’ll also learn tricks for working more efficiently in PowerPoint, including how to:
- Change the slide order
- Reset your layout
- Change the slide dimensions
- Use PowerPoint Designer
- Format text
- Format objects
- Play a presentation (slide show)
With this knowledge under your belt, you’ll be ready to start creating PowerPoint presentations. Moreover, you’ll have taken your skills from beginner to proficient in no time at all. I will also include links to more advanced PowerPoint topics.
Ready to start learning how to make a PowerPoint presentation?
Take your PPT skills to the next level
Start with a blank presentation.
Note: Before you open PowerPoint and start creating your presentation, make sure you’ve collected your thoughts. If you’re going to make your slides compelling, you need to spend some time brainstorming.
For help with this, see our article with tips for nailing your business presentation here .
The first thing you’ll need to do is to open PowerPoint. When you do, you are shown the Start Menu , with the Home tab open.
This is where you can choose either a blank theme (1) or a pre-built theme (2). You can also choose to open an existing presentation (3).
For now, go ahead and click on the Blank Presentation (1) thumbnail.
![how to present presentations In the backstage view of PowerPoint you can create a new blank presentation, use a template, or open a recent file](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-1.jpg)
Doing so launches a brand new and blank presentation for you to work with. Before you start adding content to your presentation, let’s first familiarize ourselves with the PowerPoint interface.
The PowerPoint interface
![how to present presentations Picture of the different parts of the PowerPoint layout, including the Ribbon, thumbnail view, quick access toolbar, notes pane, etc.](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-2.jpg)
Here is how the program is laid out:
- The Application Header
- The Ribbon (including the Ribbon tabs)
- The Quick Access Toolbar (either above or below the Ribbon)
- The Slides Pane (slide thumbnails)
The Slide Area
The notes pane.
- The Status Bar (including the View Buttons)
Each one of these areas has options for viewing certain parts of the PowerPoint environment and formatting your presentation.
Below are the important things to know about certain elements of the PowerPoint interface.
The PowerPoint Ribbon
![how to present presentations The PowerPoint Ribbon in the Microsoft Office Suite](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-3.1.jpg)
The Ribbon is contextual. That means that it will adapt to what you’re doing in the program.
For example, the Font, Paragraph and Drawing options are greyed out until you select something that has text in it, as in the example below (A).
![how to present presentations Example of the Shape Format tab in PowerPoint and all of the subsequent commands assoicated with that tab](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-4.jpg)
Furthermore, if you start manipulating certain objects, the Ribbon will display additional tabs, as seen above (B), with more commands and features to help you work with those objects. The following objects have their own additional tabs in the Ribbon which are hidden until you select them:
- Online Pictures
- Screenshots
- Screen Recording
The Slides Pane
![how to present presentations The slides pane in PowerPoint is on the left side of your workspace](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-5.jpg)
This is where you can preview and rearrange all the slides in your presentation.
Right-clicking on a slide in the pane gives you additional options on the slide level that you won’t find on the Ribbon, such as Duplicate Slide , Delete Slide , and Hide Slide .
![how to present presentations Right clicking a PowerPoint slide in the thumbnail view gives you a variety of options like adding new slides, adding sections, changing the layout, etc.](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-6.jpg)
In addition, you can add sections to your presentation by right-clicking anywhere in this Pane and selecting Add Section . Sections are extremely helpful in large presentations, as they allow you to organize your slides into chunks that you can then rearrange, print or display differently from other slides.
![how to present presentations Content added to your PowerPoint slides will only display if it's on the slide area, marked here by the letter A](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-7.jpg)
The Slide Area (A) is where you will build out your slides. Anything within the bounds of this area will be visible when you present or print your presentation.
Anything outside of this area (B) will be hidden from view. This means that you can place things here, such as instructions for each slide, without worrying about them being shown to your audience.
![how to present presentations The notes pane in PowerPoint is located at the bottom of your screen and is where you can type your speaker notes](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-8.jpg)
The Notes Pane is the space beneath the Slide Area where you can type in the speaker notes for each slide. It’s designed as a fast way to add and edit your slides’ talking points.
To expand your knowledge and learn more about adding, printing, and exporting your PowerPoint speaker notes, read our guide here .
Your speaker notes are visible when you print your slides using the Notes Pages option and when you use the Presenter View . To expand your knowledge and learn the ins and outs of using the Presenter View , read our guide here .
![how to present presentations You can click and drag to resize the notes pane at the bottom of your PowerPoint screen](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-9.jpg)
You can resize the Notes Pane by clicking on its edge and dragging it up or down (A). You can also minimize or reopen it by clicking on the Notes button in the Status Bar (B).
Note: Not all text formatting displays in the Notes Pane, even though it will show up when printing your speaker notes. To learn more about printing PowerPoint with notes, read our guide here .
Now that you have a basic grasp of the PowerPoint interface at your disposal, it’s time to make your presentation.
Adding Content to Your PowerPoint Presentation
Notice that in the Slide Area , there are two rectangles with dotted outlines. These are called Placeholders and they’re set on the template in the Slide Master View .
To expand your knowledge and learn how to create a PowerPoint template of your own (which is no small task), read our guide here .
![how to present presentations Click into your content placeholders and start typing text, just as the prompt suggests](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-10.jpg)
As the prompt text suggests, you can click into each placeholder and start typing text. These types of placeholder prompts are customizable too. That means that if you are using a company template, it might say something different, but the functionality is the same.
![how to present presentations Example of typing text into a content placeholder in PowerPoint](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-11.jpg)
Note: For the purposes of this example, I will create a presentation based on the content in the Starbucks 2018 Global Social Impact Report, which is available to the public on their website.
If you type in more text than there is room for, PowerPoint will automatically reduce its font size. You can stop this behavior by clicking on the Autofit Options icon to the left of the placeholder and selecting Stop Fitting Text to this Placeholder .
Next, you can make formatting adjustments to your text by selecting the commands in the Font area and the Paragraph area of the Home tab of the Ribbon.
![how to present presentations Use the formatting options on the Home tab to choose the formatting of your text](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-12.1.jpg)
The Reset Command: If you make any changes to your title and decide you want to go back to how it was originally, you can use the Reset button up in the Home tab .
![how to present presentations Hitting the reset command on the home tab resets your slide formatting to match your template](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-13.jpg)
Insert More Slides into Your Presentation
Now that you have your title slide filled in, it’s time to add more slides. To do that, simply go up to the Home tab and click on New Slide . This inserts a new slide in your presentation right after the one you were on.
![how to present presentations To insert a new slide in PowerPoint, on the home tab click the New Slide command](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-14.jpg)
You can alternatively hit Ctrl+M on your keyboard to insert a new blank slide in PowerPoint. To learn more about this shortcut, see my guide on using Ctrl+M in PowerPoint .
Instead of clicking the New Slide command, you can also open the New Slide dropdown to see all the slide layouts in your PowerPoint template. Depending on who created your template, your layouts in this dropdown can be radically different.
![how to present presentations Opening the new slide dropdown you can see all the slide layouts in your PowerPoint template](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-15.jpg)
If you insert a layout and later want to change it to a different layout, you can use the Layout dropdown instead of the New Slide dropdown.
After inserting a few different slide layouts, your presentation might look like the following picture. Don’t worry that it looks blank, next we will start adding content to your presentation.
![how to present presentations Example of a number of different blank slide layouts inserting in a PowerPoint presentation](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-16.jpg)
If you want to follow along exactly with me, your five slides should be as follows:
- Title Slide
- Title and Content
- Section Header
- Two Content
- Picture with Caption
Adding Content to Your Slides
Now let’s go into each slide and start adding our content. You’ll notice some new types of placeholders.
![how to present presentations Use the icons within a content placeholder to insert things like tables, charts, SmartArt, Pictures, etc.](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-17.jpg)
On slide 2 we have a Content Placeholder , which allows you to add any kind of content. That includes:
- A SmartArt graphic,
- A 3D object,
- A picture from the web,
- Or an icon.
To insert text, simply type it in or hit Ctrl+C to Copy and Ctrl+V to Paste from elsewhere. To insert any of the other objects, click on the appropriate icon and follow the steps to insert it.
For my example, I’ll simply type in some text as you can see in the picture below.
![how to present presentations Example typing bulleted text in a content placeholder in PowerPoint](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-18.jpg)
Slides 3 and 4 only have text placeholders, so I’ll go ahead and add in my text into each one.
![how to present presentations Examples of text typed into a divider slide and a title and content slide in PowerPoint](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-19.jpg)
On slide 5 we have a Picture Placeholder . That means that the only elements that can go into it are:
- A picture from the web
![how to present presentations A picture placeholder in PowerPoint can only take an image or an icon](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-20.jpg)
To insert a picture into the picture placeholder, simply:
- Click on the Picture icon
- Find a picture on your computer and select it
- Click on Insert
Alternatively, if you already have a picture open somewhere else, you can select the placeholder and paste in (shortcut: Ctrl+V ) the picture. You can also drag the picture in from a file explorer window.
![how to present presentations To insert a picture into a picture placeholder, click the picture icon, find your picture on your computer and click insert](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-21.jpg)
If you do not like the background of the picture you inserted onto your slide, you can remove the background here in PowerPoint. To see how to do this, read my guide here .
Placeholders aren’t the only way to add content to your slides. At any point, you can use the Insert tab to add elements to your slides.
You can use either the Title Only or the Blank slide layout to create slides for content that’s different. For example, a three-layout content slide, or a single picture divider slide, as shown below.
![how to present presentations Example slides using PowerPoint icons and background pictures](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-22.jpg)
In the first example above, I’ve inserted 6 text boxes, 3 icons, and 3 circles to create this layout. In the second example, I’ve inserted a full-sized picture and then 2 shapes and 2 text boxes.
The Reset Command: Because these slides are built with shapes and text boxes (and not placeholders), hitting the Reset button up in the Home tab won’t do anything.
That is a good thing if you don’t want your layouts to adjust. However, it does mean that it falls on you to make sure everything is aligned and positioned correctly.
For more on how to add and manipulate the different objects in PowerPoint, check out our step-by-step articles here:
- Using graphics in PowerPoint
- Inserting icons onto slides
- Adding pictures to your PowerPoint
- How to embed a video in PowerPoint
- How to add music to your presentation
Using Designer to generate more layouts ideas
If you have Office 365, your version of PowerPoint comes with a new feature called Designer (or Design Ideas). This is a feature that generates slide layout ideas for you. The coolest thing about this feature is that it uses the content you already have.
To use Designer , simply navigate to the Design tab in your Ribbon, and click on Design Ideas .
![how to present presentations To use Designer on your slides, click the](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-23.jpg)
NOTE: If the PowerPoint Designer is not working for you (it is grey out), see my troubleshooting guide for Designer .
Change the Overall Design (optional)
When you make a PowerPoint presentation, you’ll want to think about the overall design. Now that you have some content in your presentation, you can use the Design tab to change the look and feel of your slides.
For additional help thinking through the design of your presentation, read my guide here .
A. Picking your PowerPoint slide size
If you have PowerPoint 2013 or later, when you create a blank document in PowerPoint, you automatically start with a widescreen layout with a 16:9 ratio. These dimensions are suitable for most presentations as they match the screens of most computers and projectors.
However, you do have the option to change the dimensions.
For example, your presentation might not be presented, but instead converted into a PDF or printed and distributed. In that case, you can easily switch to the standard dimensions with a 4:3 ratio by selecting from the dropdown (A).
You can also choose a custom slide size or change the slide orientation from landscape to portrait in the Custom Slide Size dialog box (B).
![how to present presentations To change your slide size, click the Design tab, open the slide size dropdown and choose a size or custom slide size](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-24.jpg)
To learn all about the different PowerPoint slide sizes, and some of the issues you will face when changing the slide size of a non-blank presentation, read my guide here .
B. Selecting a PowerPoint theme
The next thing you can do is change the theme of your presentation to a pre-built one. For a detailed explanation of what a PowerPoint theme is, and how to best use it, read my article here .
In the beginning of this tutorial, we started with a blank presentation, which uses the default Office theme as you can see in the picture below.
![how to present presentations All PowerPoint presentations start with the default Microsoft Office theme](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-25.jpg)
That gives you the most flexibility because it has a blank background and quite simple layouts that work for most presentations. However, it also means that it’s your responsibility to enhance the design.
If you’re comfortable with this, you can stay with the default theme or create your own custom theme ( read my guide here ). But if you would rather not have to think about design, then you can choose a pre-designed theme.
Microsoft provides 46 other pre-built themes, which include slide layouts, color variants and palettes, and fonts. Each one varies quite significantly, so make sure you look through them carefully.
To select a different theme, go to the Design tab in the Ribbon, and click on the dropdown arrow in the Themes section .
![how to present presentations On the Design tab you will find all of the default PowerPoint templates that come with the Microsoft Office Suite](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-26.jpg)
For this tutorial, let’s select the Frame theme and then choose the third Variant in the theme. Doing so changes the layout, colors, and fonts of your presentation.
![how to present presentations Example choosing the Frame PowerPoint theme and the third variant of this powerpoint presentation](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-27.jpg)
Note: The theme dropdown area is also where you can import or save custom themes. To see my favorite places to find professional PowerPoint templates and themes (and recommendations for why I like them), read my guide here .
C. How to change a slide background in PowerPoint
The next thing to decide is how you want your background to look for the entire presentation. In the Variants area, you can see four background options.
![how to present presentations To change the background style of your presentation, on the Design tab, find the Background Styles options and choose a style](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-28.jpg)
For this example, we want our presentation to have a dark background, so let’s select Style 3. When you do so, you’ll notice that:
- The background color automatically changes across all slides
- The color of the text on most of the slides automatically changes to white so that it’s visible on the dark background
- The colors of the objects on slides #6 and #7 also adjust, in a way we may not want (we’ll likely have to make some manual adjustments to these slides)
![how to present presentations What our PowerPoint presentation looks like now that we have selected a theme, a variant, and a background style](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-29.jpg)
Note: If you want to change the slide background for just that one slide, don’t left-click the style. Instead, right-click it and select Apply to Selected Slides .
After you change the background for your entire presentation, you can easily adjust the background for an individual slide.
![how to present presentations You can either right-click a PowerPoint slide and select format background or navigate to the design tab and click the format background command](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-30.jpg)
Inside the Format Background pane, you can see you have the following options:
- Gradient fill
- Picture or texture fill
- Pattern fill
- Hide background
You can explore these options to find the PowerPoint background that best fits your presentation.
D. How to change your color palette in PowerPoint
Another thing you may want to adjust in your presentation, is the color scheme. In the picture below you can see the Theme Colors we are currently using for this presentation.
![how to present presentations Example of the theme colors we are currently using with this presentation](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-32.1.jpg)
Each PowerPoint theme comes with its own color palette. By default, the Office theme includes the Office color palette. This affects the colors you are presented with when you format any element within your presentation (text, shapes, SmartArt, etc.).
![how to present presentations To change the theme color for your presentation, select the Design tab, open the Colors options and choose the colors you want to use](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-33.jpg)
The good news is that the colors here are easy to change. To switch color palettes, simply:
- Go to the Design tab in the Ribbon
- In the Variants area, click on the dropdown arrow and select Colors
- Select the color palette (or theme colors) you want
You can choose among the pre-built color palettes from Office, or you can customize them to create your own.
As you build your presentation, make sure you use the colors from your theme to format objects. That way, changing the color palette adjusts all the colors in your presentation automatically.
E. How to change your fonts in PowerPoint
Just as we changed the color palette, you can do the same for the fonts.
![how to present presentations Example of custom theme fonts that might come with a powerpoint template](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-34.jpg)
Each PowerPoint theme comes with its own font combination. By default, the Office theme includes the Office font pairing. This affects the fonts that are automatically assigned to all text in your presentation.
![how to present presentations To change the default fonts for your presentation, from the design tab, find the fonts dropdown and select the pair of fonts you want to use](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-35.jpg)
The good news is that the font pairings are easy to change. To switch your Theme Fonts, simply:
- Go to the Design tab in the Ribbon
- Click on the dropdown arrow in the Variants area
- Select Fonts
- Select the font pairing you want
You can choose among the pre-built fonts from Office, or you can customize them to create your own.
If you are working with PowerPoint presentations on both Mac and PC computers, make sure you choose a safe PowerPoint font. To see a list of the safest PowerPoint fonts, read our guide here .
If you receive a PowerPoint presentation and the wrong fonts were used, you can use the Replace Fonts dialog box to change the fonts across your entire presentation. For details, read our guide here .
Adding Animations & Transitions (optional)
The final step to make a PowerPoint presentation compelling, is to consider using animations and transitions. These are by no means necessary to a good presentation, but they may be helpful in your situation.
A. Adding PowerPoint animations
PowerPoint has an incredibly robust animations engine designed to power your creativity. That being said, it’s also easy to get started with basic animations.
Animations are movements that you can apply to individual objects on your slide.
![how to present presentations To add an animation to an object in PowerPoint, first select the object and then use the Animations tab to select an animation type](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-36.jpg)
To add a PowerPoint animation to an element of your slide, simply:
- Select the element
- Go to the Animations tab in the Ribbon
- Click on the dropdown arrow to view your options
- Select the animation you want
You can add animations to multiple objects at one time by selecting them all first and then applying the animation.
B. How to preview a PowerPoint animation
![how to present presentations There are three ways to preview a PowerPoint animation](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-37.jpg)
There are three ways to preview a PowerPoint animation:
- Click on the Preview button in the Animations tab
- Click on the little star next to the slide
- Play the slide in Slide Show Mode
To learn other ways to run your slide show, see our guide on presenting a PowerPoint slide show with shortcuts .
To adjust the settings of your animations, explore the options in the Effect Options , Advanced Animation and the Timing areas of the Animation tab .
![how to present presentations The Animations tab allows you to adjust the effects and timings of your animations in PowerPoint](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-38.jpg)
Note: To see how to make objects appear and disappear in your slides by clicking a button, read our guide here .
C. How to manage your animations in PowerPoint
![how to present presentations You can see the animations applied to your objects by the little numbers in the upper right-hand corner of the objects](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-40.jpg)
The best way to manage lots of animations on your slide is with the Animation Pane . To open it, simply:
- Navigate to the Animations tab
- Select the Animation Pane
Inside the Animation Pane, you’ll see all of the different animations that have been applied to objects on your slide, with their numbers marked as pictured above.
Note: To see examples of PowerPoint animations that can use in PowerPoint, see our list of PowerPoint animation tutorials here .
D. How to add transitions to your PowerPoint presentation
PowerPoint has an incredibly robust transition engine so that you can dictate how your slides change from one to the other. It is also extremely easy to add transitions to your slides.
In PowerPoint, transitions are the movements (or effects) you see as you move between two slides.
![how to present presentations To add a transition to a slide, select the slide, navigate to the transitions tab in PowerPoint and select your transition](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-41.jpg)
To add a transition to a PowerPoint slide, simply:
- Select the slide
- Go to the Transitions tab in the Ribbon
- In the Transitions to This Slide area, click on the dropdown arrow to view your options
- Select the transition you want
To adjust the settings of the transition, explore the options in the Timing area of the Transitions tab.
You can also add the same transition to multiple slides. To do that, select them in the Slides Pane and apply the transition.
E. How to preview a transition in PowerPoint
![how to present presentations There are three ways to preview a transition in PowerPoint](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-42.jpg)
There are three ways to preview your PowerPoint transitions (just like your animations):
- Click on the Preview button in the Transitions tab
- Click on the little star beneath the slide number in the thumbnail view
Note: In 2016, PowerPoint added a cool new transition, called Morph. It operates a bit differently from other transitions. For a detailed tutorial on how to use the cool Morph transition, see our step-by-step article here .
Save Your PowerPoint Presentation
After you’ve built your presentation and made all the adjustments to your slides, you’ll want to save your presentation. YOu can do this several different ways.
![how to present presentations Click the file tab, select Save As, choose where you want to save your presentation and then click save](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-43.jpg)
To save a PowerPoint presentation using your Ribbon, simply:
- Navigate to the File tab
- Select Save As on the left
- Choose where you want to save your presentation
- Name your presentation and/or adjust your file type settings
- Click Save
You can alternatively use the Ctrl+S keyboard shortcut to save your presentation. I recommend using this shortcut frequently as you build your presentation to make sure you don’t lose any of your work.
![how to present presentations The save shortcut is control plus s in PowerPoint](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-44.jpg)
This is the standard way to save a presentation. However, there may be a situation where you want to save your presentation as a different file type.
To learn how to save your presentation as a PDF, see our guide on converting PowerPoint to a PDF .
How to save your PowerPoint presentation as a template
Once you’ve created a presentation that you like, you may want to turn it into a template. The easiest – but not technically correct – way, is to simply create a copy of your current presentation and then change the content.
But be careful! A PowerPoint template is a special type of document and it has its own parameters and behaviors.
If you’re interested in learning about how to create your own PowerPoint template from scratch, see our guide on how to create a PowerPoint template .
Printing Your PowerPoint Presentation
After finishing your PowerPoint presentation, you may want to print it out on paper. Printing your slides is relatively easy.
![how to present presentations The print shortcut is control plus P in PowerPoint](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-46.jpg)
To open the Print dialog box, you can either:
- Hit Ctrl+P on your keyboard
- Or go to the Ribbon and click on File and then Print
![how to present presentations In the Print dialog box, make your selections for how you want to print your PowerPoint presentation, then click print](https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-a-powerpoint-presentation-47.jpg)
Inside the Print dialog box, you can choose from the various printing settings:
- Printer: Select a printer to use (or print to PDF or OneNote)
- Slides: Choose which slides you want to print
- Layout: Determine how many slides you want per page (this is where you can print the notes, outline, and handouts)
- Collated or uncollated (learn what collated printing means here )
- Color: Choose to print in color, grayscale or black & white
There are many more options for printing your PowerPoint presentations. Here are links to more in-depth articles:
- How to print multiple slides per page
- How to print your speaker notes in PowerPoint
- How to save PowerPoint as a picture presentation
So that’s how to create a PowerPoint presentation if you are brand new to it. We’ve also included a ton of links to helpful resources to boost your PowerPoint skills further.
When you are creating your presentation, it is critical to first focus on the content (what you are trying to say) before getting lost inserting and playing with elements. The clearer you are on what you want to present, the easier it will be to build it out in PowerPoint.
If you enjoyed this article, you can learn more about our PowerPoint training courses and other presentation resources by visiting us here .
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Simple Steps to Make a PowerPoint Presentation
Last Updated: April 28, 2024 Fact Checked
Creating a New PowerPoint
Creating the title slide, adding a new slide, adding content to slides, adding transitions, testing and saving your presentation.
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA . Darlene Antonelli is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Darlene has experience teaching college courses, writing technology-related articles, and working hands-on in the technology field. She earned an MA in Writing from Rowan University in 2012 and wrote her thesis on online communities and the personalities curated in such communities. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 4,325,339 times. Learn more...
Do you want to have your data in a slide show? If you have Microsoft 365, you can use PowerPoint! PowerPoint is a program that's part of the Microsoft Office suite (which you have to pay for) and is available for both Windows and Mac computers. This wikiHow teaches you how to create your own Microsoft PowerPoint presentation on a computer.
How to Make a PowerPoint Presentation
- Open the PowerPoint app, select a template and theme, then like “Create.”
- Click the text box to add your title and subtitle to create your title slide.
- Click the “Insert” tab, then “New Slide” to add another slide.
- Choose the type of slide you want to add, then add text and pictures.
- Rearrange slides by dragging them up or down in the preview box.
Things You Should Know
- Templates make it easy to create vibrant presentations no matter your skill level.
- When adding photos, you can adjust their sizes by clicking and dragging in or out from their corners.
- You can add animated transitions between slides or to individual elements like bullet points and blocks of text.
![how to present presentations Step 1 Open PowerPoint.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d1/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-1-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-1-Version-5.jpg)
- If you don't have a Microsoft Office 365 subscription, you can use the website instead of the desktop app. Go to https://powerpoint.office.com/ to use the website version.
- You can also use the mobile app to make presentations, though it's easier to do this on a computer, which has a larger screen, a mouse, and a keyboard.
![how to present presentations Step 2 Select a template.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/72/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-2-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-2-Version-5.jpg)
- If you don't want to use a template, just click the Blank option in the upper-left side of the page and skip to the next part.
![how to present presentations Step 3 Select a theme if possible.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a2/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-3-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-3-Version-5.jpg)
- Skip this step if your selected template has no themes available.
![how to present presentations Step 4 Click Create.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f6/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-4-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-4-Version-5.jpg)
- If you're creating a PowerPoint presentation for which an elaborate title slide has been requested, ignore this step.
![how to present presentations Step 2 Add a title.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0c/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-6-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-6-Version-5.jpg)
- You can change the font and size of text used from the Home tab that's in the orange ribbon at the top of the window.
![how to present presentations Step 3 Add the subtitle.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d5/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-7-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-7-Version-5.jpg)
- You can also just leave this box blank if you like.
![how to present presentations Step 4 Rearrange the title text boxes.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7e/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-8-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-8-Version-5.jpg)
- You can also click and drag in or out one of a text box's corners to shrink or enlarge the text box.
![how to present presentations Step 1 Click the Insert tab.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c4/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-9-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-9-Version-5.jpg)
- On a Mac, you'll click the Home tab instead. [1] X Research source
![how to present presentations Step 2 Click New Slide ▼.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/6f/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-10-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-10-Version-5.jpg)
- Clicking the white slide-shaped box above this option will result in a new text slide being inserted.
![how to present presentations Step 3 Select a type of slide.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/cc/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-11-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-11-Version-5.jpg)
- Title Slide
- Title and Content
- Section Header
- Two Content
- Content with Caption
- Picture with Caption
![how to present presentations Step 4 Add any other slides that you think you'll need.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/04/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-12-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-12-Version-5.jpg)
- Naturally, the title slide should be the first slide in your presentation, meaning that it should be the top slide in the left-hand column.
![how to present presentations Step 1 Select a slide.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e2/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-14-Version-4.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-14-Version-4.jpg)
- Skip this step and the next two steps if your selected slide uses a template that doesn't have text boxes in it.
![how to present presentations Step 3 Add text to the slide.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/66/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-16-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-16-Version-3.jpg)
- Text boxes in PowerPoint will automatically format the bulk of your text for you (e.g., adding bullet points) based on the context of the content itself.
- You can add notes that the Presentation will not include (but you'll still be able to see them on your screen) by clicking Notes at the bottom of the slide.
![how to present presentations Step 4 Format the slide's text.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c4/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-17-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-17-Version-3.jpg)
- You can change the font of the selected text by clicking the current font's name and then clicking your preferred font.
- If you want to change the size of the text, click the numbered drop-down box and then click a larger or smaller number based on whether you want to enlarge or shrink the text.
- You can also change the color, bolding, italicization, underlining, and so on from here.
![how to present presentations Step 5 Add photos to the slide.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/12/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-18-Version-4.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-18-Version-4.jpg)
- Photos in particular can be enlarged or shrunk by clicking and dragging out or in one of their corners.
![how to present presentations Step 7 Repeat this for each slide in your presentation.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/60/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-20-Version-4.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-20-Version-4.jpg)
- Remember to keep slides uncluttered and relatively free of distractions. It's best to keep the amount of text per slide to around 33 words or less. [2] X Research source
![how to present presentations Step 1 Select a slide.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/dc/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-21-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-21-Version-3.jpg)
- Slide content will animate in the order in which you assign transitions. For example, if you animate a photo on the slide and then animate the title, the photo will appear before the title.
- Make your slideshow progress automatically by setting the speed of every transition to align with your speech as well as setting each slide to Advance . [3] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source
![how to present presentations Step 1 Review your PowerPoint.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/36/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-27-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-27-Version-2.jpg)
- If you need to exit the presentation, press Esc .
![how to present presentations Step 5 Make any necessary changes before proceeding.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1b/Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-31-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Create-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-Step-31-Version-2.jpg)
- Windows - Click File , click Save , double-click This PC , select a save location, enter a name for your presentation, and click Save .
- Mac - Click File , click Save As... , enter the presentation's name in the "Save As" field, select a save location by clicking the "Where" box and clicking a folder, and click Save .
Community Q&A
![how to present presentations Community Answer](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f2/CommunityAvatar3.png/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar3.png)
- If you save your PowerPoint presentation in .pps format instead of the default .ppt format, double-clicking your PowerPoint presentation file will prompt the presentation to open directly into the slideshow view. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
- If you don't have Microsoft Office, you can still use Apple's Keynote program or Google Slides to create a PowerPoint presentation. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
![how to present presentations how to present presentations](https://www.wikihow.com/images/2/20/Wpro_v01_0420x0250.jpg)
- Your PowerPoint presentation (or some features in it) may not open in significantly older versions of PowerPoint. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2
- Great PowerPoint presentations avoid placing too much text on one slide. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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- ↑ https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?resid=DBDCE00C929AA5D8!252&ithint=file%2cpptx&app=PowerPoint&authkey=!AH4O9NxcbehqzIg
- ↑ https://www.virtualsalt.com/powerpoint.htm
- ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/set-the-timing-and-speed-of-a-transition-c3c3c66f-4cca-4821-b8b9-7de0f3f6ead1#:~:text=To%20make%20the%20slide%20advance,effect%20on%20the%20slide%20finishes .
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How to Present to an Audience That Knows More Than You
- Deborah Grayson Riegel
![how to present presentations how to present presentations](https://hbr.org/resources/images/article_assets/2024/05/May24_08_1473859409.jpg)
Lean into being a facilitator — not an expert.
What happens when you have to give a presentation to an audience that might have some professionals who have more expertise on the topic than you do? While it can be intimidating, it can also be an opportunity to leverage their deep and diverse expertise in service of the group’s learning. And it’s an opportunity to exercise some intellectual humility, which includes having respect for other viewpoints, not being intellectually overconfident, separating your ego from your intellect, and being willing to revise your own viewpoint — especially in the face of new information. This article offers several tips for how you might approach a roomful of experts, including how to invite them into the discussion without allowing them to completely take over, as well as how to pivot on the proposed topic when necessary.
I was five years into my executive coaching practice when I was invited to lead a workshop on “Coaching Skills for Human Resource Leaders” at a global conference. As the room filled up with participants, I identified a few colleagues who had already been coaching professionally for more than a decade. I felt self-doubt start to kick in: Why were they even here? What did they come to learn? Why do they want to hear from me?
![how to present presentations how to present presentations](https://hbr.org/resources/css/images/hmm/HBR-learning-icon.png)
- Deborah Grayson Riegel is a professional speaker and facilitator, as well as a communication and presentation skills coach. She teaches leadership communication at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and has taught for Wharton Business School, Columbia Business School’s Women in Leadership Program, and Peking University’s International MBA Program. She is the author of Overcoming Overthinking: 36 Ways to Tame Anxiety for Work, School, and Life and the best-selling Go To Help: 31 Strategies to Offer, Ask for, and Accept Help .
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12 mistakes that can doom your presentation to failure.
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Sales. Believe it or not, most of us are in the sales business.
Courtroom attorneys, both prosecutors and defense lawyers, are in the sales business. Their product consists of arguments for or against the defendant.
University professors are in the sales business. Their products are knowledge and thinking skills.
Consultants and corporate trainers are in the sales business. Their products are competence and proficiency with everything from how to lead a team to how to operate a complicated machine.
Whatever your job is, you can be sure that it involves sales—persuading people to adopt fresh perspectives, embrace new methods, rally around a common cause.
In all of this, Terri L. Sjodin is worthy of attention. An expert in advancing the persuasive presentation skills of professionals, Sjodin is a New York Times bestselling author ( Small Message, Big Impact ), and a respected researcher. For her latest book ( Presentation Ready: Improve Your Sales Presentation Outcomes & Avoid the Twelve Most Common Mistakes ), she conducted a multi-year study drawing on the experiences and observations of more than 5,000 business and sales professionals. Her expertise has been featured by many media outlets including the Today Show, Bloomberg News, CNN, CNBC, and Fox Business, as well as many industry podcasts.
Quoting the philosopher Seneca as saying, “Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity,” Sjodin explains how that view applied to the research she conducted during the Covid pandemic.
“ We used the lockdown to our advantage and captured data that has revealed insights unique to presenting during that challenging time,” she says. “We learned more about how to navigate specific obstacles in virtual presentations.”
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A lot of professionals were great at in-person customer interactions but had to adapt to virtual presentations via video platforms when the pandemic hit. What were the biggest challenges of that transition?
“Ultimately, virtual meetings can’t provide all the benefits of face-to-face meetings, but they are scalable and can save you and your prospects time and money,” Sjodin says. “Some people simply feel awkward and uncomfortable using this technology. A common confession is, ‘I’ve been presenting for years. Why is this so difficult?’ The reason it’s daunting is because we are merging the art of presenting, the science of selling, and the modern tools of technology. It’s a lot to juggle all at once.”
Sjodin says that for some people, learning to master this technology is a lot like learning to drive a stick-shift automobile after years of driving with an automatic transmission.
When people are preparing for important presentations, what questions should they be asking themselves to ensure that their message and delivery are effective?
Terri L. Sjodin
“The best game plan is to do your homework early in the process, while keeping the end goal in mind,” Sjodin says. “Preparation is the best way to avoid ‘winging it.’ That might seem obvious. The truth is that many people, for various reasons, simply fail to prepare or don’t have a strategy to prepare effectively.”
Consider a meeting you have on your calendar right now and ask yourself a few key questions. What is my intention for this meeting? What am I trying to accomplish? Who are the listeners? What’s the audience size?
In the information-persuasion balance, what seems to be the key to driving a presentation to a prospect’s decision or conversion?
Sjodin says being overly informative was one of the highest ranked mistakes self-identified in her research study. “Information in and of itself doesn’t drive conversion,” she says. “The key is to get clear on the goal of being persuasive. What do you want to have happen as a result of this meeting or presentation?”
By design, a persuasive presentation has a specific intention. The speaker wants the listeners to act based on what they’re hearing. Sjodin suggests asking yourself this question: “Did I build a compelling case for my message?” She says professionals in need of results are best served when they craft presentations that are both persuasive and informative. “This seems simple, but, trust me, nobody complains that a talk was overly persuasive. They complain about the data dump.”
A challenge many speakers face is how to establish their own credibility without distracting from the product service, or cause they are championing. Sjodin has some suggestions on how to address that challenge.
“When a presentation is filled with vague assertions and imprecise data, speakers lose credibility,” she says. “Credibility is essential. Without it, a prospect has little reason to buy into your proposal.”
Her research results showed that sales professionals who committed the mistake of providing inadequate support consistently failed to establish credibility with the listener through their personal experience or data quality.
“A potential customer will evaluate you and your information before deciding whether to believe you,” she says. “Personal credibility speaks to your experience, education, background, industry knowledge, and field work. If you are new to an industry, it’s tough to sell your experience. Your chances are better if you sell your work ethic and scrappy mindset instead of your ability to advise listeners on how to do something they have been doing for the past 20 years.”
In her research, Sjodin found that many sales professionals confessed that they “conclude but do not close.” Where’s the disconnect? What’s her advice to them?
“ The close is the specific call to action you want your listener to take after hearing your message,” she says. “A conclusion is a wrap-up of what you just said. Some people avoid closing altogether because they don’t want to risk hearing ‘no thanks, not interested.’ The fear of rejection makes closing feel uncomfortable, so they just skip it altogether.
Closing doesn’t need to be scary, she says. “All you are doing is inviting your listener to choose to move forward in some regard.
Delivering a persuasive presentation requires the ability to close. “Persuasive presenters are always prepared to ask for a next step, or commitment—it’s what they’re there to do,” she says. “If you have met with numerous prospects but haven’t completed many transactions, ask yourself, ‘Do I close, or do I conclude?’ One generates action; the other gives your prospect the option of doing nothing.”
What’s the role of storytelling in making a compelling sales presentation, and what’s the key to doing it well?
It’s Sjodin says it’s the presenter’s responsibility to build and deliver an interesting message. You might think your data is interesting, but that doesn’t mean the audience will. This is where storytelling plays a role.
“Boring presentations are unfortunately a common occurrence,” she says. “Multiple factors can contribute to a dull, tedious, and tiresome talk, including low presenter energy, an overall lack of creativity, and an absence of storytelling and other entertaining elements.”
Sjodin says the key to effective storytelling is to put yourself in the seat of a skeptical listener and ask whether your message is intriguing and thought-provoking. “If a small, persistent voice tells you that it’s boring, it probably is. Can you find a story that could bring this issue to life in a more dazzling way?”
Death-by-PowerPoint still seems to be a common mistake made by speakers and presenters. Sjodin offers advice on using visual aids effectively.
“Visual aids can significantly enhance a presentation when used effectively,” she says. “They are not designed to be a crutch to help get a person through their content. Remember, you are the star, and the visual aids are the bit players. They are there to enrich the message and say something visually that you can’t communicate in the same way verbally. Tragically, most presentations are dominated by text and bullet points and do not visually create a wow factor.”
Does making a sales presentation mistake matter?
“In today’s competitive market, everybody sells something, whether it’s a product, a service, a cause or even when selling themselves on a job interview or for a promotion,” Sjodin says. “One of the most surprising initial insights in the research study was that 92% of participants reported feeling that making a sales presentation mistake has or probably has impacted moving a transaction forward or achieving their goal. That is a big number! So does it matter? The research results say yes!”
![how to present presentations Rodger Dean Duncan](https://blogs-images.forbes.com/rodgerdeanduncan/files/2019/06/Rodger-Dean-Duncan_avatar_1560286885-400x400.jpg)
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TelevisaUnivision , the Spanish-language media giant, took a different approach to its upfront this year, turning the west side’s HK Hall into what the company called “Casa Cultura,” a venue that celebrates Latin and Hispanic culture, through food, music, entertainment and more.
The company, led by CEO Wade Davis, leaned on that message in a brief afternoon presentation to advertisers and media buyers (later that evening, the company brought in music star Becky G to lead a performance).
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Televisaunivision nears streaming profit, ceo predicts hispanic voters "determinative" in u.s. elections, televisaunivision tops 7m streaming subs, posts ad revenue gain, takes $1b impairment charge.
The ad-supported tier of the company’s premium streaming platform, ViX, launched May 15, and it says it now has 50 million monthly active users.
TelevisaUnivision also leaned into music, launching Sistema Uforia, a music platform connecting brands to the company’s music touchpoints, and hosting Shakira, who announced that her song “Puntería” would be the official song of the company’s Copa America coverage.
“We’re putting culture front and center because it is the #1 driver of consumer behavior. And it’s Latin culture that is writing mainstream culture today in the United States,” Speciale told the crowd, noting the influence of Latinos on elections and business. “Brands can only win when they are relevant in the culture that surrounds them.”
TelevisaUnivision owns the Univision broadcast network, as well as the ViX streaming platform, among other offerings. ViX has been a top strategic priority, though the company has also made it available to some pay-TV partners, perhaps most notably Charter last September, which is when the company officially announced the ad tier of the platform.
Noticias Univision anchors Jorge Ramos and Ilia Calderon also participated in the presentation.
The company was created two years ago with the merger of Univision and Mexico’s Televisa.
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Here are a few tips for business professionals who want to move from being good speakers to great ones: be concise (the fewer words, the better); never use bullet points (photos and images paired ...
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.
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.
The secret structure of great talks. From the "I have a dream" speech to Steve Jobs' iPhone launch, many great talks have a common structure that helps their message resonate with listeners. In this talk, presentation expert Nancy Duarte shares practical lessons on how to make a powerful call-to-action. 18:00.
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 ...
Here's another one of our top PPT tips: tap into Envato Elements' unlimited stock photo library. People are more likely to take you seriously if your presentation is visually appealing. Users view attractive design as more usable. Similarly, they'll view a more attractive PowerPoint as more effective. 11.
Presentation skills are the abilities and qualities necessary for creating and delivering a compelling presentation that effectively communicates information and ideas. They encompass what you say, how you structure it, and the materials you include to support what you say, such as slides, videos, or images. You'll make presentations at various ...
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.
Instead, aim to maintain eye contact between 50% of the time during presentations. This commonly accepted "50/70 rule" will help you exhibit adequate confidence to your audience. If stage fright has gotten a hold on you, take deep breaths before you start speaking in order to stay calm.
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.
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.
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.
Focus your presentation. Having a long, rambling presentation that is hard to follow is not going to win you any audience interest. You need to make sure that your presentation is clear and focused and that any asides you throw into it are there to back up the main point. It's best to have 1 main thesis statement or overarching theme and 3 main points that back-up or flesh-out your main theme ...
Get your main point into the presentation as early as possible (this avoids any risk of audience fatigue or attention span waning), then substantiate your point with facts, figures etc and then reiterate your point at the end in a 'Summary'. 2. Practice Makes Perfect. Also, don't forget to practice your presentation.
Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation design software that is part of Microsoft 365. This software allows you to design presentations by combining text, images, graphics, video, and animation on slides in a simple and intuitive way. Over time, PowerPoint has evolved and improved its accessibility to users.
Best Practice PowerPoint Presentation Tips. Use A Consistent Presentation Design. One Topic Per Slide. Avoid information overwhelm by using the "Rule of Three". Display one bullet at a time. Presentation Blunders To Avoid. Avoid unnecessary animations. Only add content that supports your main points.
There are many ways to start a presentation: make a provocative statement, incite curiosity; shock the audience; tell a story, be authentic; quote a famous or influential person. Here are other presentation opening strategies: Begin with a captivating visual; ask a question; use silence; start with a prop; tell a relevant joke; use the word ...
1. Start by writing out your talking points. The first thing you need to do, before even considering your presentation design, is to write out your talking points and outline your speech. Pay attention to popular and engaging presentation structures so you know the framework you want to follow throughout your talk.
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.
In this video, you'll learn the basics of presenting your slide show in PowerPoint 2019, PowerPoint 2016, and Office 365. Visit https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/...
Present slideshows with confidence. With easy-to-use presenter view, speaker notes, and live captions, Slides makes presenting your ideas a breeze. You can even present to Google Meet video calls ...
To do that, simply go up to the Home tab and click on New Slide. This inserts a new slide in your presentation right after the one you were on. You can alternatively hit Ctrl+M on your keyboard to insert a new blank slide in PowerPoint. To learn more about this shortcut, see my guide on using Ctrl+M in PowerPoint.
Turn On PowerPoint Presenter View. In PowerPoint for macOS, simply click on Presenter View on the Slide Show tab to kick off the presentation in Presenter view. Turn on Presenter View by clicking on Presenter View on the Slide Show tab. You'll see the Presenter View interface on one screen.
How to Make a PowerPoint Presentation. Open the PowerPoint app, select a template and theme, then like "Create.". Click the text box to add your title and subtitle to create your title slide. Click the "Insert" tab, then "New Slide" to add another slide. Choose the type of slide you want to add, then add text and pictures.
Summary. What happens when you have to give a presentation to an audience that might have some professionals who have more expertise on the topic than you do? While it can be intimidating, it can ...
This is where storytelling plays a role. "Boring presentations are unfortunately a common occurrence," she says. "Multiple factors can contribute to a dull, tedious, and tiresome talk ...
15 May 2024. Global United States. Link copied to clipboard. At Netflix's second Upfront presentation to advertisers, the message was clear: When you advertise with Netflix, you can reach the most engaged audience in the world. Advertising Growth. Amy Reinhard, Netflix's President of Advertising, walked advertisers through the continued ...
A day after OpenAI impressed with a startlingly improved ChatGPT AI model, Google showed off an equally stunning vision for how AI will improve the products that billions of people use every day.
A video presentation is a presentation that can be shared and viewed as a video. Technically, for a presentation to be a video presentation, it must be an MP4 or MOV file type. A video presentation can be shared online on YouTube, Vimeo and other social media platforms. The best part of a video presentation with audio is that you can share it ...
TelevisaUnivision Leans on "Cultura" at Upfront. The Spanish-language giant turned an event space into a day-long celebration of Latin culture, culminating in a performance from Becky G.