presentation ideas guide

120 Presentation Topic Ideas Help You Hook Your Audience

Updated: January 15, 2024

Published: August 09, 2023

Cooking is easy. The puzzle is figuring out what to eat. As soon as you know that, you can get started. The same holds for presentations. The sooner you can whip up a good, informative, and catchy topic, the easier the rest of the process becomes.

Pick a good topic that resonates with you and your audience to set a strong foundation. But select the wrong topic, and it becomes difficult to connect with your audience, find mutual interests, or hold their attention.

So, let’s learn how to develop thought-provoking and relevant topics for your presentations. You’ll also find some best practices to make your presentation memorable.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Great Presentation Topic in 5 Steps

120 presentation topic ideas, 5 presentation tips.

4. Choose an appropriate presentation style.

There are many ways to present a topic. Your personality, the topic at hand, and your audience’s personas will help you determine which style would best fit you and your audience.

Select a presentation style that will communicate the main idea clearly and have a lasting impact on your audience.

For instance, explore a freeform style presenter by Sir Ken Robinson.

5. Engage with your audience.

Work on your presentation skills to make a strong connection with your audience, get through to them and leave a mark.

Think of the presenter as the link between the topic and the audience. A strong or a weak presenter can make a difference between a presentation being a thriving success or a boring failure.

Hone your skills by engaging and interacting with your audience. Make them feel like a part of the presentation and not just spectators. 70% of marketers have found presentations with interactive content to be more effective than those without.

Here are a few ways you can make your presentation interactive:

• Start your speech with uncommon questions to your audience. Involve them from the get-go, like ask to raise their hands if X.
• Make eye contact to build credibility and show confidence. Don’t stare at your slides or notes. Smile occasionally and talk to the audience directly.
• Have an active and confident body language. Don’t stand in the same place the entire time. Move around the stage.
• Don’t be monotonous. Speak as you would to a colleague — with enthusiasm.
• Ask close-ended questions in between to keep the audience engaged without losing time. Address them using their names to keep things interesting.
• Share personal experiences and stories that your audience will find fascinating and relatable.
• Practice thoroughly before you present so you’re fluent with the material and delivery.
• Energy and excitement can be quite contagious. Make sure you exude enough to spread some to your audience.

Feeling Inspired Yet?

Now you have all the right ingredients for choosing amazing topics and a hundred ideas to drive inspiration from. So, go ahead and start cooking presentations that will blow your audience away.

Don’t forget to choose a super-relevant topic and add meaty information. Do it with excitement to make it enjoyable for you and your audience. Best of luck!

Don't forget to share this post!

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Need a good presentation topic? Here are hundreds of them.

Get your team on prezi – watch this on demand video.

Anete Ezera November 04, 2022

If you’re looking for good topics for presentations, you’ve landed on the right page. In this article, you’ll find plenty of good presentation topics, tips on choosing the most suitable topic for you, and essential design elements to make your presentation a success. 

Many factors go into an excellent presentation. You need to have confident body language and engage your audience to hold their attention. You also need eye-catching visual aids like images, data visualizations, GIFs, and others (all of which you can find in Prezi ), not to mention a great opening to grab attention and a strong closing line to stay memorable. However, the most essential aspect of your presentation is the topic. It’s the core of your presentation, so it has to be strong, insightful, attention-grabbing, and appealing to yourself and your audience in order to evolve into a successful presentation everyone will love. 

How to choose a good presentation topic

There are millions of topics you could create a presentation on, but what defines a good topic? If you’re struggling to either come up with a good topic for a presentation or you can’t decide between multiple ones, here are a few questions you should ask yourself before choosing a topic. 

What’s the goal of your presentation? 

When you’re choosing a topic, consider the meaning behind it. Ask yourself what the purpose of talking about this topic is, and what you want to say about it. Whatever topic you choose to present, the conclusion needs to provide a takeaway or lesson you want to communicate to your audience. A meaningful goal will make your presentation more memorable.  

Are you interested in the topic?

If you’re not interested in the topic, others won’t be curious either. Interest, enthusiasm, and passion enrich your presentation and are noticeable when presenting. Interest shines through and inspires others to find the topic as fascinating as you do. Think about the last time you saw someone sharing something they were passionate about – their excitement drew people in to pay closer attention to what they were saying. 

When choosing a topic, you need to find it or a particular angle of it interesting for yourself. For example, perhaps you’re not a pop music enthusiast, but you’re passionate about studying cultural phenomena. In this case, you can talk about pop music’s influence on early 2000s youth culture. 

Will your audience find this topic relatable? 

While you have to find the topic you’re presenting interesting, you also have to think about your audience. When choosing a subject, consider your audience’s background in terms of demographics, interests, culture, and knowledge level about the topic. Think about what others will find fascinating and relevant, so they’re not bored or confused during your presentation.

Do you have prior experience or knowledge about this topic?

Personal experiences are always great to share in a presentation, providing your unique perspective for anyone listening. While you can easily prepare your presentation based on a quick Google search, it won’t make the same lasting impact on your audience. Choose a topic you have some prior knowledge about, or have an interesting opinion you can share with others. It’ll make your presentation more engaging and memorable.

Ideas for good presentation topics

It’s not easy to come up with a good presentation topic from scratch. It’s much easier to get inspired from other good presentation topics to build your topic on. Whether you’re looking for presentation ideas for work, about me presentation ideas, unique or easy presentation topics, you’ll find them all here.

Without further ado, here are some good presentation topics to choose from or get inspired by.

Presentation topics about social media

• The role of social media in portraying gender stereotypes
• How social media impacts our body image
• How social media shaped Gen Z 
• The most significant differences between the Facebook and TikTok generations
• The negative effects of social media
• The positive impacts of social media 
• The effects of social media on behavior 
• How social media impacts our physical (or mental) health
• How social media has shaped our understanding of mass media
• Should we teach about social media in schools?
• The rise of social media influencers
• How AR Instagram filters impact our self-image
• How to go viral on social media?
• The origins of social media echo chambers
• Social media as a news outlet

Author: Ish Verduzco

Presentation topics about movies

• How movies influence our understanding of good and evil
• Beauty standards represented in movies
• How female characters are depicted in Hollywood movies
• How horror movies and global fears have developed through time
• The adverse effects of romance movies
• How movies have changed our understanding of the Western culture
• Charlie Chaplin and the silent movie era
• The globalization of culture: Hollywood vs. Bollywood
• The psychology behind the music in films
• The ethics of using animals in movies
• Social media’s influence on the film industry
• The history of filmmaking
• The role of color in movies
• The cultural impact of romance movies
• How are gender stereotypes depicted in Hollywood movies?

Author: Cinto Marti

Presentation topics about music

• The impact of pop music on beauty standards
• Should digital music be free for everyone?
• The psychology behind the music in advertisements 
• The effectiveness of sound therapy
• Can music inspire criminal behavior?
• The psychological effects of metal music
• The origins of K-pop
• How does music influence our understanding of the world?
• Can music help in the learning process?
• The positive effects of classical music
• The history of hip hop
• Why is music education essential in schools?
• The psychological benefits of playing piano
• Can anyone become a famous musician?
• The role of music in fashion

Author: Prezi Editorial

Presentation topics about health

• The link between food and mental health
• Inequality in the healthcare system
• Myths about healthy practices
• Simple practices that help you stay healthy
• Health education in schools: Should it change?  
• Toxic positivity and mental health
• The impact of superfoods on our health
• The psychology behind unhealthy eating habits
• Sex education in schools: Why should we have it?
• How to trick yourself into getting better: The placebo effect
• How to strengthen your immune system
• How to tell if someone is depressed
• The health benefits of regular exercise
• The impact of junk food on mental health
• Stress-caused diseases

Author: Prezi Education Team

Presentation topics about human psychology

• What is social depression?
• What triggers panic attacks?
• The impact of testosterone on aggressive behavior
• How to overcome social anxiety
• Differences in the functioning of the brain of a child and adult
• The impact of violent video games on children’s brain development
• How does the use of social media influence our attention span?
• How to overcome childhood trauma
• The influence of marijuana on the human brain
• How does behavioral therapy work
• The psychology behind fame
• The causes of personality disorders
• The differences in brain functioning between men and women
• What happens in therapy sessions?
• The psychology of substance abuse 

Presentation topics about self-development

• The impact of exercise on productivity
• How to deal with stress
• How to deal with procrastination
• The positive effects of meditation
• Why new–year’s resolutions don’t work
• How to overcome bad habits
• The impact of negative thoughts
• The negative effects of self-criticism
• The role of creativity in self-development
• Benefits of journaling
• How to learn something fast
• How to be mindful
• The importance of curiosity 
• How to become more self-aware
• Why it’s essential to spend time with yourself

Author: Nir Eyal

Presentation topics about education

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of online education?
• The positive effects of a gap year
• Should university education be free?
• Inequality in education access
• How language learning benefits brain development
• Emerging gender issues in education
• The importance of socialization in school
• School bullying and student development
• The benefits of reading 
• Is the education system broken?
• What you don’t learn in college
• The link between education and brain development
• The history of schools
• The gender gap in STEM
• The connection between equality in education and economic growth

Presentation topics about culture

• Is graffiti a form of art or street vandalism? 
• Cultural diversity in the workplace
• The impact of culture on gender roles
• The issue with orientalism
• Are humans the only species that has culture?
• How do different cultures view death? 
• The ethical issues of pop culture
• The impact of culture on personal development
• Sexism in different cultures
• The impact of globalization on local cultures
• The viral spread of the #metoo movement
• The history of subcultures
• The problem with romanticizing toxic relationships in movies
• 90s pop-culture influence on fashion trends
• The evolution of cultural psychology 

Author: Devin Banerjee

Presentation ideas for work

• What it’s like to be a digital nomad?
• How to deal with workplace conflicts
• The secret to a productive day
• How to set achievable goals
• The importance of diversity in a workplace
• The positive effects of creative thinking at work
• How to give constructive feedback
• The characteristics of a valuable team member
• Inequality and the glass ceiling
• Racial discrimination in the workplace
• Work habits of different cultures
• How is work perceived in various countries?
• Technological development and the future of work
• The importance of a healthy work/life balance
• The rise of health problems in office work

Author: Charles Huang

Presentation topics about hybrid work

• The positive effects of hybrid work on work/life balance
• Is hybrid work the future work model? 
• How to stay connected in a hybrid work model
• The challenges of hybrid work nobody talks about
• How to stay productive when working from home
• The social effects of hybrid work
• The economic impacts of hybrid work
• Case study: Hybrid work model in [company]
• What causes Zoom fatigue?
• The problem with online meetings
• Is hybrid work better than remote work?
• How to develop a close relationship with colleagues in a hybrid work model
• What kind of company culture is best for a hybrid work model?
• Is hybrid work sustainable?
• Cybersecurity consideration for hybrid working

Author: Barbie Brewer

Presentation topics about public speaking

• The importance of body language in public speeches
• How to appear confident when you’re not
• How to become a better orator
• The use of eye contact in public speaking
• Breathing exercises that will calm you down before public speaking
• The benefits of public speaking
• Ways to improve public speaking skills
• How to leave a great first impression on stage
• How to engage your audience during a public speech
• How to best structure your public speech
• How to end your presentation speech
• Can anyone learn to be good at public speaking?
• How to prepare for a public speech
• What not to do right before a public speech
• How to address a controversial topic in a public speech  

Author: Prezi Team

Presentation topics about entrepreneurship and leadership

• The main principles of a good leader
• The impact of leadership skills on professional performance
• The mistake every entrepreneur makes
• How to successfully lead a cross-cultural team
• How to celebrate inclusivity in a diverse team
• What are the common personality traits of a successful entrepreneur?
• The impact of entrepreneurship on the global economy
• The characteristics of a leader
• The most common challenges of entrepreneurship
• Can anyone learn to become a successful leader? 
• What affects new venture growth?
• The psychology of leadership
• What is crowdsourcing? 
• The benefits of being an entrepreneur
• Common mistakes leaders make

Author: Jill Sinclair

Presentation topics about technology

• The rise of technological development
• Is technology addictive?
• Should we use drones for military and non-military purposes?
• The sustainability of electric cars
• What are deepfakes?
• Limitations of AI machines
• The future of programming
• Ethical issues of AI
• The future of AR in business
• How VR can be used in the medical field

Author: David Vandegrift

Sales presentation topics

• How to make a cold email intro
• What is sales enablement?
• How to build better relationships with customers
• The best way to improve pipeline management
• Coaching via verbal and written role-play
• How to plan cold calls
• What’s a deal-breaker for most customers? 
• All about personalized coaching
• How to manage objections
• How to close more deals
• How to keep your prospects engaged
• Effective sales communication strategies
• How to conduct a competitor analysis
• The most valuable sales skills
• What soft skills do you need to become a successful sales rep?

Author: Cindy McGovern

Easy presentation topics

• Benefits of daily exercise and how to incorporate it into your routine
• Simple and nutritious meal recipes
• Tips for improving time management and productivity
• The importance of recycling
• The history of a local landmark or festival
• Ways to reduce stress
• Exploring different types of renewable energy sources and their impact on the environment
• The basics of budgeting and saving money for future goals
• The benefits of social media for professional use
• Tips for overcoming stage fright
• How to start a meditation practice
• The impact of technology on modern society
• The basics of personal finance
• The health benefits of a plant-based diet
• The history of Earth Day

Good how to presentation topics

• How to create a successful social media marketing strategy
• How to give a persuasive presentation
• How to create effective and engaging content for your blog
• How to discover your strengths and weaknesses
• How to use project management tools to increase productivity
• How to make the most out of boring meetings
• How to build a personal brand
• How to conduct effective market research
• How to use data analytics to improve decision-making
• How to improve your decision-making process
• How to write a winning proposal
• How to create a visually stunning presentation
• How to manage stressful situations at work
• How to make friends as an adult
• How to network at work events

About me presentation ideas

• My journey to becoming who I am today
• My passion for [insert topic or activity]
• My career aspirations and goals
• My travels and adventures around the world
• My hobbies and interests outside of work/school
• My role models and influences
• My strengths and weaknesses
• My favorite books, movies, and TV shows
• My proudest achievements and accomplishments
• My favorite childhood memories
• My family and friends
• My education and academic background
• My volunteer and community service experience
• My personality traits and values
• My vision for the future and how I plan to achieve it

Author: Adam Grant

Student presentation ideas

• The history and evolution of video games
• The history and cultural impact of tattoos
• The impact of social media on body image and self-esteem
• The effects of globalization on local cultures and economies
• The role of education in promoting social justice and equity
• The ethical implications of autonomous weapons in warfare
• The impact of mass media on society and culture
• The causes and effects of deforestation on biodiversity and climate change
• The history and cultural significance of dance in different parts of the world
• The psychology of addiction and recovery
• The impact of the gig economy on labor rights and job security
• The history and impact of feminism on gender equality
• The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources
• The impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures and identities
• The role of technology in promoting global connectivity and intercultural understanding

Author: Edward Quinn

How to create a good presentation 

If you know what you want to present on, it’s time to create an impactful presentation that grabs everyone’s attention. Presentation design plays a crucial role in how your presentation is received and remembered. To stand out and leave a memorable impact on your audience, create a Prezi presentation. Instead of a linear, slide-based presentation, offer an engaging and dynamic storytelling experience to your audience. Breathe life into your presentation with motion, zoom, and spatial relationships. When creating your presentation, consider the following three essential elements: 

Visuals play a significant part in presentation design. They evoke emotions, make a memorable impact, and give more context to the story. Not to mention, 65% of people are visual learners , so visual aids are helpful when explaining a complex topic. 

In your presentation, include different types of visuals, such as images, videos, GIFs, and stickers, all of which you can find in Prezi’s content library. When selecting your visuals, consider what’s relevant and brings additional value to the story. Only add what’s meaningful and necessary. A video or image at the right place and time will enrich the viewing experience and make your presentation more memorable. 

The layout of your presentation is the structure of your story. It’ll help you introduce the topic, intrigue your audience, and unfold the layers of your topic one by one until you disclose your main arguments and summarize the presentation. A good presentation layout has a hierarchical, chronological, or logical flow that leads the viewer from start to finish. 

If you’re creating a Prezi presentation, you can create a dynamic storytelling experience by experimenting with your layout. Instead of going from slide to slide, you can zoom in and out of topics and experiment with different shapes, animations, and effects that draw the viewer into your story world. Here’s an example of a Prezi presentation with a great storytelling layout:

Author: Lydia Antonatos

Data visualizations can elevate your presentation from being a good one to a great one. By providing data behind your arguments, you’ll appear more trustworthy and confident in your audience’s eyes. 

Add charts, graphs, interactive maps, and more to your presentations with Prezi Design. You can choose from a wide selection of charts and maps to illustrate your data. With interactive elements, you’ll be able to engage your audience and make a memorable impact. 

Engaging visuals, a well-structured layout, and relevant data visualizations will provide a great starting base to create a memorable presentation. Discover other tips and tricks that make your presentation effective and capture people’s attention. 

Choosing a topic for a presentation isn’t easy. When selecting a topic, think about the goal of your presentation, your interest and knowledge about the topic, and whether or not your audience will find it relevant and interesting for them. Also, get inspired by other topics that’ll help you figure out what you want to talk about. Lastly, when creating your presentation, consider the impact of visuals, layout, and data visualizations. To simplify the creation process, follow the step-by-step process of making a presentation with helpful tips and resources.

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1) structure your presentation like a story, 2) make it minimalist, never design a presentation again, 3) color theory is your friend, 4) black and white with pops of color, 5) add music to your presentation, 6) ask your audience questions, 7) visualize your data with engaging graphics, 8) pop culture can be your friend, 9) pair fonts to keep your presentation dynamic, 10) make the right impression with visual metaphors, 11) place your images into unique frames, 12) juice up your presentation transitions, 13) turn your presentation into one moving slide, 14) make room for quotes, 15) get your presentation ideas from history, 16) engage your audience with activities, 17) give your presentation a seasonal theme, 18) be forward thinking with a futuristic design, 19) keep it fresh with a modern presentation, 20) enter a new dimension with 3d graphics, 21) come up with a motif inspired by your content, 22) include your logo in every slide, 23) color code your themes, 24) make it fun with gifs, 25) shoot for the moon with an outer space theme, 26) keep it lighthearted with humor and memes, 27) format each slide like a social media post, 28) bring your presentation to life with motion graphics, 29) get everyone involved with interactive elements, 30) make it cohesive with photo overlays, 31) alternate your slide formats, bonus: give your presentation a pro polish with penji, 31 creative presentation ideas to captivate your audience.

Presentations are about sharing important info with the right folks – bosses, coworkers, or future clients. Making a good impression matters, and a creative presentation can push you ahead.

Stuck on how to begin? Check out these 31 awesome presentation ideas to spark your next successful pitch.

A fantastic presentation carries its audience through a journey. Consider your key message as the driving force that propels the audience through the storyline of your presentation. You can deconstruct it as follows:

• The current situation : Where are we now?
• The transition : What’s changing?
• The future : What’s on the horizon?
• The conclusion : Where will we ultimately land?

Especially in a business setting, you want your PowerPoint design to be simple, stylish, and inviting. Minimalism can be a great way to give your presentation slides a professional look without sacrificing style. A simple backdrop also helps important facts and figures stand out.

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As you’re designing your presentation, remember to use colors that complement each other. Is your company’s color pale green? Combine it with an equally pale pink. To get more in-depth, there are plenty of tools online like Coolors that help you make full color palettes.

On the other end of the spectrum (no pun intended), sometimes one color is all you need. For a more minimal presentation, a black and white aesthetic with a single accent color can really stand out. You can use that color to emphasize key facts and figures, because the audience is already drawn to it.

Want to take your presentation up a notch from mere static slides? Harness the power of musical cues – a swift and engaging strategy. While incorporating music into slideshows can sometimes lead to technical hitches, mastering the technique can yield remarkable audience engagement.

“How do I engage my audience?” Have you tried talking to them? Question and answer sections can be a great tool for team-building presentations, and they can turn potential buyers into engaged participants.

Try creating questions that will feed into your point. Rather than saying “You need ___,” ask your audience what they need and bring it back around to your product or service.

Data visualization is a key part of any presentation (okay, most presentations). Looking for presentation ideas to make your data pop? Don’t settle for basic charts.

Highlight key figures with bold fonts and colors. Use imagery that conveys what your data means. It’s easy to zone out in a meeting—it’s up to you to visualize data in a way people can’t ignore.

Whether you’re guiding a team meeting or captivating customers, pop culture references can pique interest and bridge gaps. Even in formal presentations, a quick pop culture nod can foster connection. But always consider your audience—avoid references that might leave them puzzled.

A common error among novices in presentation design is sticking to a single font. To maintain visual interest, embrace diversity. Experiment with eye-catching fonts for titles, complemented by polished sans-serif fonts for body text. Further enhance variety with distinct weights, styles, and colors for various text elements.

Ideally, everyone would pay attention to you. But since you can’t account for that, you want your audience to understand the ideas behind your presentation no matter how much attention they’re paying. On top of emphasizing key data and words, visual metaphors are a great way to ensure that even the least attentive listeners are getting the gist of it.

Is your presentation appearing outdated, confined, and lacking in dynamism? The reason might be your fixation on squares and rectangles.

Incorporating distinctive image frames isn’t just visually appealing; they also expand your slide’s spatial dimension. By steering clear of rigid squares and borders and opting for circles, hexagons, and other shapes, you create a sensation of suspended freedom.

One of the classic marks of a middle schooler’s first PowerPoint: every transition under the sun. Using different transitions for each slide will make your presentation feel amateur. Instead, stick to one style of transition, or make your use of transitions thematically consistent (e.g. moving in the same direction).

This is an advanced transition technique for all you presentation design pros out there. Elevate your slideshow by giving it the sense of a literal living document. You can create a flipbook or folder motif (as in the example above) or create a scrolling graphic format. If nothing else, you can mesh transitions and design to make each slide seamlessly morph into the next.

Whether you’re getting a point across or just trying to inspire your audience, a quote is a great addition to any presentation. Quotes by experts can help lend your point some authority. Meaningful quotes can open up the floor to discussions. Funny or inspirational quotes can provide some levity without sacrificing professionalism.

Much like references to pop culture, integrating historical elements into your presentation provides a shared language with your audience. Like the alien species from the Star Trek episode “Darmok,” incorporating historical moments can resonate deeply with your audience. For instance, if you’re aiming to evoke a sense of romance, a backdrop inspired by Shakespearean times could be remarkably effective.

First of all, yes, a presentation is a great idea for facilitating a group game in a classroom or office setting. But believe it or not, any presentation can benefit from capturing the audience’s attention through activities.

For team-building presentations, build trust and relationships through simple games. For pitches, create space to “test out” your product or service. The possibilities are endless.

Pop culture references can ensure your presentation is current, but depending on your audience, you may have to avoid being too current. Seasonal themes, on the other hand, keep you timely no matter who you’re presenting to. You can go all in on a theme, like the Halloween example above, or incorporate subtle elements for a more corporate presentation.

In the business world, particularly in the tech sector, projecting a cutting-edge image is paramount. When presenting a novel product, service, or strategy, it’s crucial that your audience perceives you as a forward-thinking entity.

That’s where a futuristic design can help. Implement sleek shapes, dark colors, and interactive elements to make your presentation futuristic. Sometimes, it’s as simple as adding images of modern tech products.

Futurism has its place, but if you want to convey a cutting-edge feel in a more subtle way, a modern, artistic presentation design is the way to go. Unique shapes and color combinations—as well as bold, sans serif fonts—can help your slides look effortful and fresh. You can work with an expert designer or design service to really make your presentation unique.

3D illustrations are relatively novel, and even freely available models are underused in presentations. Even in 2022, they still convey a sense of novelty, whether they’re playful, artistic, or scientific. On top of lending flair to your slides, they can also be great for visualizing data in informative presentations.

Elevate your presentation to a masterpiece with a well-chosen motif. Delve into your key presentation points and the emotions you aim to stir.

For instance, a lighthouse motif can symbolize navigating challenges or pioneering innovative solutions. Meanwhile, a whimsical animal theme can evoke a sense of coziness and tranquility. Embrace creativity, while ensuring meaningful content takes the lead.

A presentation can be a great way to propose a new logo design , but your logo is a great fit for any type of presentation. For pitches, they make your brand look professional. For internal meetings, they help make it feel official, boosting engagement from your audience. Design your slides to make room for your logo and try to balance colors and fonts to fit your brand.

While we’ve emphasized the importance of a central theme in your presentation, it’s also true that many presentations encompass various topics or subcategories within the overarching theme. Employing diverse colors to mirror distinct subjects or slide types can infuse your presentation with nuanced depth.

GIFs have become a crucial part of the online ecosystem. However you pronounce it (team “jif,” for the record), a GIF is a casual, effective way to evoke emotion, humor, or otherwise build a relationship with your audience. There’s a reason Twitter is overrun with these things; there’s a GIF for every occasion.

Space is one of the most versatile themes to use in a presentation design . Where a futuristic slideshow places you on the cutting edge, space creates the impression that your ambitions go even bigger. Whether you’re trying to pump up your coworkers or attract new clients, placing your presentation in the final frontier is bound to inspire them.

While certain presentations are all business, remember that public speaking often centers around forging a connection with your audience. A surefire approach to achieve this is by strategically incorporating a meme or a clever punchline.

Yes, it’s true that meme culture travels fast, and it can be hard to tell what will still be fresh when you’re presenting. But if there’s one place where you can get away with an old-school, impact-font -over-JPEG meme in 2022, it’s in a business presentation.

Here’s an out-of-the-box idea: what design layout are people most familiar with today? Chances are, a format inspired by social media is one of the best ways to make your audience feel at home. This is best for a presentation where social media is relevant, but it can also serve a similar function to memes, creating a fun dynamic with your audience. Your slide text shouldn’t be longer than a tweet, anyway.

We’ve already gone over transitions, the animations taking you from one slide to the next. But that doesn’t have to be the only animated thing about your presentation. Motion graphics can help each slide come alive, as well as emphasizing key facts and helping visualize data. Just try not to make the graphics too distracting.

Ever sat through dull vacation photos? Well, a lackluster presentation can feel the same. To truly involve your audience, interactive elements are a must.

Think animations and clickable transitions or even a lighthearted quiz. It’s all about sparking engagement.

Maybe you’re showcasing your photography work. Maybe you’re presenting a product with a series of photos. You might just be using stock photos to illustrate your point.

Either way, most presentations will involve at least a few photos. If you want a slick, artistic look, you can use color overlays and filters to make these photos part of your slides’ aesthetic. Use complementary colors and keep them consistent for each photo you put in, or go black and white for a luxury look.

Here’s a common rookie blunder, and it’s easy to overlook. Even with a striking design and captivating content, if you sense something’s amiss, your presentation could be too monotonous.

To infuse dynamism, mix up slide formats, particularly for text-heavy ones. Just shifting text from left to right can work wonders. It’s a vital trick to keep your audience engrossed.

These presentation ideas are all about shaping a presentation that delivers real results. But if you’re aiming to craft a truly impactful PowerPoint, you might not want to go the DIY route. Opting for a presentation crafted by a certified pro is the ultimate method to impress your audience. And if you want consistently professional designs every time, then you want Penji.

Our unlimited design service works with the world’s top design talent to provide you with stunning presentations, logos, websites, packaging, and everything else you need.

Still have questions? You can request a design today from our marketplace with no strings attached, or sign up for a demo to see how Penji can work for you.

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How to Make a “Good” Presentation “Great”

• Guy Kawasaki

Remember: Less is more.

A strong presentation is so much more than information pasted onto a series of slides with fancy backgrounds. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others. Here are some unique elements that make a presentation stand out.

• Fonts: Sans Serif fonts such as Helvetica or Arial are preferred for their clean lines, which make them easy to digest at various sizes and distances. Limit the number of font styles to two: one for headings and another for body text, to avoid visual confusion or distractions.
• Colors: Colors can evoke emotions and highlight critical points, but their overuse can lead to a cluttered and confusing presentation. A limited palette of two to three main colors, complemented by a simple background, can help you draw attention to key elements without overwhelming the audience.
• Pictures: Pictures can communicate complex ideas quickly and memorably but choosing the right images is key. Images or pictures should be big (perhaps 20-25% of the page), bold, and have a clear purpose that complements the slide’s text.
• Layout: Don’t overcrowd your slides with too much information. When in doubt, adhere to the principle of simplicity, and aim for a clean and uncluttered layout with plenty of white space around text and images. Think phrases and bullets, not sentences.

As an intern or early career professional, chances are that you’ll be tasked with making or giving a presentation in the near future. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others.

• Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist at Canva and was the former chief evangelist at Apple. Guy is the author of 16 books including Think Remarkable : 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference.

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15 Compelling Presentation Ideas To Entice Your Audience [in 2023]

Guru - October 17, 2022 - Leave your thoughts. 15 min read

online presentation maker , presentation , presentation ideas , slide decks

Coming up with Presentation Ideas that capture and hold your audience's attention might be pretty challenging.

You'd want your audience to be hyped up for what you have in store and have them glued to the screen until the end of the presentation. 

This is the goal of every presenter, whatever their presentation topic is. If you are pondering how to develop an excellent presentation idea well, you have come to the right place.

This article covers the A to Z of presentations, and we have compiled the top 15 presentation ideas to awestruck your audience by all means!

What is a Presentation?

Types of presentations, what makes a presentation interesting.

• Focus on the Intro Slide
• Follow a theme
• Use Animated Characters
• Spice up the deck with storytelling
• Customize the background
• Match the slide designs to the brand style
• Tweak the font style and color
• Include creative motif designs
• Impress with Illustrations
• Play around with transitions
• Incorporate Creative Icons
• Highlight Data through Graphs
• Add Interactive Shapes
• Choose the images wisely
• Add a touch of humor
• What is the 10-20-30 rule in Presentation?
• How to create Presentations using templates?

Presentations are means to communicate ideas, explain concepts, and pass on knowledge in the form of slides. They are used in meetings and classrooms, and information is typically passed via text, graphics, and audio delivery.

Presentations can be long or short, depending on their purpose and the intended audience.

In general terms, an effective presentation should have several points:

• A strong opening statement that draws the audience's attention
• An informative introduction that provides context for the rest of the presentation
• A clear focus on presenting information attractively
• A summary that collates all the points discussed 

Presentations should be as distinctive as your brand and the information you're attempting to convey. However, several presentation formats are utilized by teams and sectors alike.

Therefore, you must choose the presentation style that will work best for your audience before considering which slides to use or how to arrange your content.

The most common types of presentations are

• Informative presentations
• Instructive presentations
• Persuasive presentations
• Decision-making presentations
• Inspirational presentations

In this era of fast-paced life, people's attention stays on a topic only for a few seconds.  Since presentations usually deliver huge pieces of information, they tend to become boring or overwhelming for the user.

The purpose of the presentation is to deliver important information in the most effective, concise, and precise way possible.

To hold the audience’s attention for a long time, a unique method of delivery is required. Additionally, a presentation must be two-way and interactive to make a stand and hook the audience to all slide decks. 

This is where Animaker Deck comes in. You can create super easy animated presentations and break all the stereotypes with Animaker Deck - World’s 1st Avatar Powered Presentation Software.

The advantage of using Animation Deck is that you don't need to have advanced technical knowledge. 

Compelling Presentation Ideas

We have developed 15 compelling presentation ideas to fuel your creativity. Follow these tips and prepare a stunning presentation like never before.

• Add a touch of humor  

1. Focus on the Intro Slide

Having a stunning opening act is very essential for every presentation. The first few seconds from the start of the presentation set the tone and draw in the audience to give their fullest attention to the presentation. 

Edit this template

Whatever the topic of your presentation, you can make it more engaging and exciting by creating a visually appealing Intro slide.

You can highlight the topic of the presentation, use animated characters, incorporate modern font styles, and pull every feather out of your creative hat to seal the deal with the best intro style possible for your presentation.

It's imperative to make the audience anticipate throughout the presentation to get the best results.

The above intro slide is from Animaker Deck, which discusses employee awards and recognition policies.

Organizations/Brands should create thoughtful and appealing opening slides to create the right setting for the audience and successfully convey their missions and goals.

2. Follow a theme

Amuse your audience by following a theme in your presentation.

Choosing a unique theme relevant to the topic of the presentation will add some zeal to the slide decks and readily impress the crowd. 

There are several theme-based presentation templates available online. For instance, take a look at this Product Launch presentation template on Animaker Deck. It adopts an orange and black theme that perfectly matches the product mockups in it. 

To make things easier, Animaker Deck offers a bunch of slide templates. Each template follows a different theme and has been designed by skilled experts. So, you don’t have to worry about designing a presentation from scratch with an impressive theme.

But if you must, you can also customize the themes by adding your brand colors, introducing new graphic elements, and what not!

Follow a theme and present a neat looking slide deck!

3. Use Animated Characters

It's high time you break all stereotypes and infuse some life into the presentation!

Change from blunt texts and boring solid colors to visually eye-catching elements such as Animated Characters. 

However, are you thinking, “I have no prior expertise in animation or character creation. So how am I going to make it?”

Well, don't worry!

With an online presentation maker like Animaker Deck, you can now personalize the slide decks with pre-made animated avatars or even easily create one on your own using the character builder option.

It is a super simple drag & drop interface that allows creating animated characters in a jiffy.

You can choose the gender, skin tone, apparel, accessories, and almost everything to create your own animated characters.

Adding some personality to your slide decks and hooking your audience with these custom characters is super easy for everyone now.

To learn more about creating animated characters , check out the link provided.

4. Spice up the deck with storytelling

When you want to communicate your message, you must tell a story. It’s not enough to just tell the facts; you need to make the information come alive for your audience.

You can turn the existing presentation into an engaging one through storytelling.

Take your audience on a journey with you as you present the information to them. Tell them about how and why something works, how it was created, and why it’s important.

You can even use stories to illustrate points or have characters interact with each other to get across complex ideas.

With Animaker Deck, you can design and arrange your slide decks in such a way that you reveal every information one after the other in the most engaging way possible.

This can be done with the help of animated characters, illustrations and relevant icons instead of the conventional way of presenting.

This way, you can spice up your presentation and withhold the audience throughout the duration of the presentation.

5. Customize the background

Choosing the right background is vital to set the tone of your presentation and making it look more incredible than all the other traditional presentations.

Be it a school project, sales huddle, or VC pitch presentation, whatever the subject of your presentation, a relevant and matching background will exponentially increase the quality and effectiveness of the information being presented. 

Do not worry about how to create a background. Animaker Deck offers a vast library of pre-built backgrounds spread across all the possible presentation subjects.

You can straightaway choose a background and match the topic under discussion. 

The best part is, if you want to show some variety, you can add unique backgrounds to each slide individually instead of maintaining the same BG throughout.

This is a whole different level of customization available for free!

6. Match the slide designs to the brand style

Introducing brand images and brand elements into your presentation is a brilliant way to add personality to the slide decks. Not just that! It is also a great strategy to incorporate your brand into the audience’s mind subliminally. 

You can tweak the slide decks with the brand colors in the background and put out the information using the right font styles that brings out the brand’s essence to life. 

This way, a cohesive slide deck can help your audience to retain more information about your brand and in turn increase their “top-of-the-mind recalling ability”. 

Take a look at this example slide above, the background color, font style and colors are matched to the Animaker brand.

You can also incorporate brand logos and mascots to increase the flavor and personality of your presentations.

Also, Animaker Deck offers an upload feature of upto 25 Gb of storage capacity for every Pro User. Hence, you can easily upload all your brand videos, images, logos, and essential infographics onto your slide decks.

7. Tweak the font style and color

Worried about your slide decks getting bombarded with too much information? A simple solution would be to utilize the right font styles to highlight only the key facts or information.

The presenter can further explain the key points to the audience. This way, your slide decks won’t be overcrowded with text and will give a pleasant feeling to your audience. 

Animaker Deck comes with a load of pre-built font styles that you can easily customize according to your liking. You can choose between the different options available, change the font color, size and even add animation effects to the fonts.

All of the customizations are possible and paves way to produce a captivating end result. 

8. Include creative motif designs

One of the brilliant ways to make your presentation professional, branded, and consistent is by incorporating motif designs throughout the slide decks. Motif designs can be created by combining vector graphics, shapes, or icons. 

You need not be a professional designer or illustrator to achieve this kind of design in your slide decks.

Using Animaker Deck, you can create your own motif design by combining various elements o r to save time, you can also make use of the pre-built presentation templates on Animaker Deck.

These templates have numerous cool motif patterns designed by experts. You can use these designs as they are or you can customize them to your liking.

9. Impress with Illustrations

One of the simplest methods to make your presentation more entertaining and interesting is to include illustrations. They not only offer a human touch, but they also make difficult or abstract ideas easier to understand. 

Check out this slide with an illustration.

Worried that you aren’t a skilled illustrator? Well, you needn’t be! Using Animaker Deck, which offers an in-built library of drag-and-drop illustrations, anyone can now incorporate illustrations into the slide decks!

The Property section of the Animaker Deck app provides access to numerous illustrations to choose from. You can use them to match any scenario or subject of the presentation.

Do not rely solely on text-only, uninteresting presentations anymore.

Use illustrations to express your points interestingly!

10. Play around with transitions

Another simple way to make your presentation more interesting is introducing transitions in-between slides.

Transition effects will entice the audience to be attentive and eagerly anticipate the next slide to a great extent. 

Check out this example from Animaker Deck, where you can add super cool transitions with a single click between each slide.

Ripple, Stripe, Fade, Special are a few of the transition effects. You can add any of these transitions to your slides and make them more engaging for the audience.

11. Incorporate Creative Icons

Presentations can be made more engaging and you can hook the audience throughout your slide decks. This requires elements beyond simple words and images!

Layering objects like creative icons is a smart approach to increase visual interest and attention span of the audience. 

You can also combine several icons together to generate unique visuals and trending designs.

Conveying the right message with the relevant choice of icons makes it easier for the audience to comprehend the information in the most effective way possible. 

Animaker Deck offers a huge library of shapes under the Property section that can be used as a drag-and-drop element in the slide decks.

Also, you can add entry and exit animation effects, change the colors, size, etc; and totally customize these elements to your liking.

12. Highlight Data through Graphs

Presenting information and facts through graphs will provide greater insights on the subject of discussion and also keep the audience engaged throughout the presentation.

The presenter can save a lot of time with the advent of graphs and charts in their presentations. 

Using Animaker Deck, you can create your own custom charts and visualizations. You can change the color, size and transparency of the charts.

Even adding visual effects to the charts can be done with a few simple clicks. This way you need not worry about presenting huge amounts of raw data to the audience anymore.

13. Add Interactive Shapes

Effortlessly turn any mediocre run-of-the-mill presentation into a more entertaining and lively presentation by incorporating interactive elements in your slide decks.

With Animaker Deck, introducing Interactive elements into your slide deck and conveying every message crystal clear to the audience is a cakewalk.

Animaker offers a variety of gradient shapes and shapes with text to choose from. You can easily add them to the slide deck with a simple click.

T he below images are a preview of the gradient shapes and shapes with text that are available in the Deck App.

Gradient Shapes

You can use a combination of gradient and plain shapes to convey the message to your audience in the most appealing way. It also helps us to be concise and get the information to the point. 

For instance, in the below slide, check how an important announcement on employee recognition is conveyed using gradient and plain shapes in matching pops of color.

It's more appealing than the traditional block of texts and dull-colored slide decks. 

Apart from Shapes, we have Speech bubbles as another important interactive element.

You can incorporate Speech bubbles with dynamic font templates to help build a two-way interaction between your presenter and the audience. This adds such a boost to your presentation and makes it a memorable experience. 

Speech Bubbles can be used as interactive elements in your presentation to encourage the audience to participate, involve them in the discussion, seek their opinions, and ask questions to keep them engaged throughout the presentation. 

For instance, the above slide showcases an interaction between two colleagues in an office setting with the help of speech bubbles. This way, you can turn any presentation topic into an engaging and interactive one for the audience.

You can search and find the Speech bubble from the Property Section of the Animaker Deck app.

14. Choose the images wisely

Apart from using properties in the slide decks, it is also common to incorporate images to add more meaning to the presentation.

However, it is very crucial to find the relevant images to convey the information to the audience without causing confusion. 

Searching for stock images is one of the most time-consuming tasks in any design project. In general, many designers and agencies rely on stock photography to help them complete projects.

The problem is, most of the time, you have to spend hours searching for the right images that will give your project character, style and expression.

However with Animaker Deck, you get access to a huge library of stock images across various topics that can be added into the slide decks with a simple click action.

And the best part is, you also get 25Gb of storage space to upload and use your own custom images relevant to the topic of the presentation.

15. Add a touch of humor 

You can bring life to your slide decks and keep the audience entertained throughout the duration of the presentation by adding a touch of humor. 

You can accomplish this by introducing memes and GIFs into your slide decks. Relevant, timely touch of humor in between the slides will help you to keep the audience hooked and in a light mood.

Animaker Deck, in partnership with GIPHY, provides access to millions of trending Gifs for every scenario that you can use to make your presentation lively.

Also, there’s an upload feature offered in Animaker Deck, via which you can add your own custom GIFs and memes to the slide decks. 

What is the 10-20-30 rule in presentation?

As Apple's Guy Kawasaki once advised, 

• Have no more than 10 slides in your presentation
• Present no more than 20 minutes
• Use a font size of at least 30 points

How to create presentations using templates?

Making a presentation online is now simpler than ever, thanks to Animaker Deck.

With the help of Animaker's online presentation software, you may access over 50+ exciting presentation templates with free stock properties, pictures, transition effects, and animations, in addition to hundreds of brandable templates and customization options. 

In short, these templates have incorporated all the above-mentioned interesting presentation tips/ideas into them, ready and available for you to use and awe your audience!

You can also create your own slide deck from scratch by following all the tips mentioned.

Sounds so great to be true, right?

Give it a shot and see for yourself. Don't wait! Create a free account now with Animaker Deck and crush all your presentations from here on!

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35+ Creative Presentation Ideas and Tips to Ensure a Captivating Delivery

Presentations

Imagine stepping onto a stage, the spotlight shining brightly on you, and you’re about to deliver a presentation that will change the minds of your audience.

You’re not just providing information; you’re telling a story, painting a picture, and inspiring action.

But how do you create a truly captivating presentation? How do you make sure your audience is hanging on to your every word, long after you’ve stepped off that stage?

That’s where this guide comes in.

We’ll share with you 35+ creative presentation ideas and tips that will help you craft presentations that are both informative and engaging. You’ll learn how to structure your presentation, use visuals effectively, and deliver your message in a way that resonates with your audience.

So whether you’re a seasoned presenter or a complete novice, this guide has something for you. By the end, you’ll be armed with the knowledge and skills you need to create presentations that will leave a lasting impression.

Let’s get started.

How to brainstorm creative presentation ideas?

There is nothing more important than thinking of presentation ideas before you start creating content. Why? Because a well-planned strategy keeps you on track and restricts you from making mistakes that could hamper your content delivery. Let us share some tips with you that will help with brainstorming presentation ideas.

Before delving into specific topics, take a moment to ponder the overarching purpose of your presentation. What do you hope to achieve? Are you aiming to inform, educate, persuade, or entertain? Having a clear understanding of your WHY will guide your brainstorming process and ensure your content remains aligned with your goals.

Who are you presenting to? Understanding your audience’s background, interests, and expectations is paramount. Tailor your ideas to resonate with their level of knowledge and capture their attention. For instance, if presenting to a group of experts, you’ll delve into intricate details, while for a general audience, you might adopt a more simplified approach.

If you have chosen a topic, check if people are interested in it or not, you can use Google Trends to understand this.  Enter your topic in the search bar and observe the graph showing search volume over time. If the volume is consistently high, people are interested. Scroll down to see related terms and rising queries for insights into specific aspects gaining traction.

Humans are naturally drawn to stories. Infuse your presentation with anecdotes, case studies, or personal experiences to bring your message to life.  Stories have the power to connect with your audience on an emotional level, making your content more memorable and impactful.

Don’t limit yourself to a single source of inspiration. Explore books, articles, podcasts, documentaries, and even conversations with experts in your field. Diverse perspectives can spark unexpected ideas and enrich your presentation’s content.

Sketch out your ideas on paper, mind maps, or digital platforms. Visualizing your thoughts can help you organize your content, identify connections, and uncover new possibilities. Remember, brainstorming is an iterative process. Don’t be afraid to revisit your ideas, refine them, and discard those that don’t align with your overall vision. With a bit of creativity and a well-structured approach, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a presentation that captivates your audience and leaves a lasting impression.

List of Creative Presentation Ideas and Tips to Make a Striking Appearance

Use your visuals smartly.

Consider using high-quality images, infographics, and charts that complement your message. Visuals not only break the monotony but also provide a memorable anchor for your audience. Use them as storytelling tools, guiding your narrative and emphasizing key points. 

Don’t shy away from incorporating multimedia elements, like videos or animations, to add dynamism.

When in doubt, turn to the experts at Design Shifu . Enjoy perks like same-day delivery, unlimited designs, and unlimited revisions, all backed by a 100% 14-day money-back guarantee. 

With a dedicated designer and easy integrations with Canva, Trello, Slack, and more, Design Shifu provides an intuitive dashboard for all your design needs. Elevate your presentations effortlessly – click now to book a demo and discover a world of design possibilities!

Now, back to you designing your presentation yourself, ensure that your visuals are cohesive and align with your overall theme, creating a seamless and visually appealing experience for your audience. 

Remember, a well-balanced and thoughtfully curated visual presentation can leave a lasting impression and make your message more impactful.

Make use of infographics

Choose vibrant colors and intuitive design elements to make your infographics pop. Whether it’s illustrating statistics, timelines, or comparisons, infographics provide a powerful visual narrative that captivates your audience. Arrange information in a logical flow, guiding your viewers through a seamless understanding of your message. 

This visual aid not only adds aesthetic appeal but also serves as a memory aid, ensuring that your key points linger in the minds of your audience long after the presentation concludes.

Incorporate humor

Humor not only breaks the ice but also creates a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and ensure that your jokes align with the context of your message. 

A well-timed quip can not only capture attention but also enhance information retention. Consider using relatable humor that resonates with your audience, turning your presentation into an engaging experience. Remember, a dash of humor can transform a mundane presentation into a memorable one, fostering a positive and receptive atmosphere among your listeners.

Don’t just stick to PPT

There is no rule to using Microsoft PowerPoint while delivering presentations. Explore alternative tools like Keynote or Prezi to inject innovation into your delivery. Keynote, with its sleek interface and unique transitions, offers a seamless experience for Mac users, allowing you to create visually stunning slideshows. 

Alternatively, platforms like Prezi enable dynamic, non-linear presentations, fostering a more interactive and engaging experience for your audience. 

Experiment with these tools to add a layer of creativity and uniqueness to your delivery, steering away from the conventional PowerPoint approach. 

Add maps when discussing locations

Visualize data spatially to provide a clearer understanding of your message. Whether highlighting global reach, regional impact, or specific site locations, maps serve as powerful visual aids. 

Choose clear and concise map designs, and ensure they align with your overall presentation theme. By incorporating maps, you not only make your content more visually appealing but also facilitate a better comprehension of the spatial relationships within your narrative. 

From pinpointing key areas to illustrating trends across different regions, maps can be instrumental in conveying complex location-based information in a way that is both informative and visually engaging.

Play with Fonts and Colors

Select fonts that align with your message and theme, experimenting with different styles to create hierarchy and emphasis. Bold headers, italicized quotes, or playful fonts can add dynamism to your slides.

Similarly, leverage a thoughtfully chosen color palette to evoke specific emotions or align with your brand identity. Use contrasting colors for text and background to ensure readability, and employ consistent color schemes for a polished look. 

The strategic use of fonts and colors not only enhances aesthetics but also contributes to the overall cohesiveness of your presentation, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Use contrasting colors

Opt for a palette that combines light and dark hues, ensuring clarity and readability. Utilize high-contrast combinations for text and background to enhance legibility, making your content stand out. 

Contrasting colors not only add visual interest but also guide the viewer’s attention to key elements on your slides. Consider incorporating complementary colors to create a harmonious balance or use bold contrasts for a striking effect. 

By thoughtfully employing contrasting colors, you not only enhance the overall aesthetics of your presentation but also contribute to a more engaging and memorable viewing experience for your audience.

Use flow charts

Utilize standardized shapes and connectors to create a clear visual hierarchy, guiding viewers through each stage of the process. Flow charts not only enhance understanding but also provide a logical flow to your narrative. 

Incorporate color-coded elements to emphasize different branches or decision points, adding an extra layer of clarity. By integrating flow charts, you not only enhance the visual appeal of your presentation but also facilitate a more efficient and comprehensible transfer of information, ensuring that your audience can easily grasp intricate details.

Add creativity to your deck

You can consider integrating interactive elements, such as clickable buttons or hyperlinks, to create a more engaging user experience.

For instance, you can design a clickable menu that navigates to different sections of your presentation, adding an interactive twist. 

Experiment with custom illustrations or graphics that align with your content, making your slides visually distinct. 

Infographics , as mentioned earlier, can be creatively designed to convey information in a visually appealing manner. 

Additionally, try incorporating multimedia elements like short video clips, GIFs, or audio snippets to break the monotony and add a dynamic touch. By thinking outside the traditional slide format, you can transform your presentation into a visually stimulating and memorable experience for your audience.

Choose themes that align with your message, creating a cohesive and immersive experience. For a presentation on environmental sustainability, opt for a “Green Innovation” theme, featuring eco-friendly colors, plant motifs, and recycled paper textures. In economic discussions, a “Financial Horizon” theme could utilize sleek, modern design elements and currency symbols. 

Addressing health topics, like cancer awareness, a “Hopeful Healing” theme may incorporate calming colors, supportive imagery, and symbols of resilience. 

Tailor your themes to evoke the right emotions and associations, ensuring that your visuals not only captivate but also reinforce the essence of your presentation content.

Use striking colors to get noticed

Opt for vibrant hues that not only align with your brand or theme but also stand out against a background, ensuring visibility. Consider contrasting color combinations to create visual interest and emphasize key elements. 

For example, use a combination of deep blues and bright yellows or rich purples and energetic oranges. Experiment with color psychology, choosing shades that evoke the desired emotions or reactions from your audience. 

Striking colors not only enhance the visual appeal of your slides but also help create a memorable and impactful presentation that commands attention from the moment you begin.

Maintain a consistent presentation layout

Choose a clean and organized template that aligns with your theme or branding. Ensure that fonts, colors, and graphic styles remain uniform across all slides, creating a visually cohesive experience for your audience. 

Consistency in layout helps guide the viewer’s focus and enhances the overall flow of information. Whether it’s the placement of titles, bullet points, or images, a consistent layout provides a visual rhythm that makes your presentation easy to follow. 

By adhering to a unified structure, you not only convey a polished and well-thought-out image but also contribute to a smoother and more seamless delivery of your content.

Try bold and upper-case letters

Bold text commands attention and emphasizes key points, ensuring that your audience doesn’t overlook critical information. Combine this with upper-case letters for a powerful visual impact, making your text stand out with a bold and assertive tone. However, use this formatting sparingly to avoid overwhelming your audience; reserve it for headlines, key takeaways, or impactful statements. 

This combination of bold and upper-case letters can effectively highlight the most crucial aspects of your presentation, leaving a lasting impression and reinforcing the significance of your message.

Use duotones

Duotones involve overlaying two contrasting colors to create a striking and harmonious effect. Select a dominant color for your images and apply a second color to create a cohesive yet visually dynamic look. 

For instance, you can use a combination of deep blue and vibrant orange for a bold and energetic feel. Duotones not only enhance the overall aesthetic but also add a contemporary touch to your presentation. 

Experiment with different color combinations that resonate with your theme or message, and watch as duotones transform your visuals into a visually captivating experience for your audience.

Try handwriting fonts

Infuse a touch of personalization and creativity into your presentation by doing this. Choose a style that aligns with your message and adds a human touch to your slides. 

Handwriting fonts convey a sense of authenticity, making your content feel more relatable and approachable. Whether it’s for headers, quotes, or specific emphasis, using handwritten fonts can break away from the formal tone of standard presentations. 

However, ensure readability by using these fonts sparingly and pairing them with a clean, sans-serif font for body text. Handwriting fonts can add a unique charm to your presentation, making it memorable and fostering a more engaging connection with your audience.

Select memes that align with your content and audience, adding a light-hearted touch to break the ice. Integrate memes strategically, perhaps to emphasize key points, provide commentary, or even add a touch of wit to statistics or quotes. 

Ensure the memes are relevant to your message and won’t be misinterpreted. Memes can be a creative way to connect with your audience, making your presentation more enjoyable and memorable. 

Just remember to use them in moderation, as abusing them may detract from the professionalism of your presentation. Choose memes wisely, and watch as they add a fun and memorable element to your delivery.

Bind people using emotions

Share relatable stories, anecdotes, or real-life examples that resonate with the emotions you want to evoke. Whether it’s joy, empathy, or inspiration, appealing to emotions creates a memorable and impactful experience. 

Use visuals that tug at heartstrings, incorporate testimonials that elicit empathy, or narrate personal experiences that convey authenticity. 

By fostering an emotional connection, you not only capture your audience’s attention but also leave a lasting impression. Remember, people are more likely to remember how you made them feel rather than the specific details of your presentation. 

Embrace the emotional dimension to create a presentation that not only informs but also moves and inspires your audience.

Implement storytelling through your slides

Begin with a captivating introduction that sets the stage and grabs your audience’s attention. Structure your content with a clear beginning, middle, and end, guiding your audience through a coherent and engaging storyline. Introduce characters, whether they’re real individuals, case studies, or even hypothetical personas, to humanize your message. 

Use visuals and anecdotes to illustrate key points, creating a sense of connection and resonance. Build suspense, highlight challenges, and conclude with a satisfying resolution or call to action. 

By infusing your presentation with storytelling elements, you not only make your content more memorable but also captivate your audience on a deeper level, fostering a more profound understanding and appreciation of your message.

Try retro visuals and typography

Choose a vintage color palette, featuring muted tones or bold, vibrant hues reminiscent of bygone times. Integrate retro-inspired imagery, such as old advertisements or iconic symbols, to add a touch of nostalgia. 

When it comes to typography, select fonts that reflect the styles prevalent in the retro era, whether it’s the bold and geometric designs of the ’70s or the sleek and streamlined fonts from the ’50s. 

This aesthetic not only adds a unique visual flair to your presentation but also taps into the emotional appeal of nostalgia, creating a memorable and distinctive experience for your audience. 

Experiment with retro visuals and typography to infuse your presentation with a charming and timeless vibe.

Make use of transitions

Thoughtfully chosen transitions can add a dynamic layer to your delivery, creating a seamless and engaging flow. Experiment with subtle fades, slides, or creative animations to transition between key points. 

However, use transitions judiciously, ensuring they complement rather than distract from your content. Align the transition style with the tone of your presentation; for a professional setting, opt for smooth transitions, while a more creative presentation may benefit from playful animations. 

Well-executed transitions not only enhance visual appeal but also contribute to a more polished and professional presentation, keeping your audience focused and intrigued as you navigate through your content.

Use real people

Incorporate images, testimonials, or video clips of individuals relevant to your message—whether it’s satisfied customers, team members, or individuals impacted by your work. 

Humanizing your content fosters a stronger connection with your audience. Share personal stories or experiences to add a relatable touch, allowing your audience to connect emotionally with the real-life aspects of your presentation. 

By showcasing real people and their experiences, you not only build trust but also make your content more engaging and memorable. Remember to respect privacy and seek permission when using personal stories or images to ensure a positive and ethical presentation experience.

Use icons for every pointer

Icons serve as intuitive visual cues, making information easily digestible for your audience. Select icons that align with the content of your presentation—whether it’s data, actions, or concepts—and use them consistently for uniformity. 

For instance, employ a lightbulb icon for ideas or innovation, a calendar icon for timelines, or a gear icon for processes. This approach not only adds a touch of creativity to your slides but also aids in conveying complex information quickly. 

Icons act as visual anchors, guiding your audience through your presentation and reinforcing key points in a visually compelling manner.

Keep 1 topic per slide

Dedicate each slide to a single, clearly defined concept or key point. This strategy helps prevent information overload and ensures that your audience can easily absorb and retain the content. Embrace succinct headlines, supported by relevant visuals or concise bullet points, to convey your message effectively. 

By adhering to a one-topic-per-slide structure, you not only streamline your presentation but also provide a more digestible and engaging experience for your audience. This approach allows each concept to stand out distinctly, facilitating better understanding and retention of the information you’re conveying.

Use only 1 visual per slide

Focus each slide on a single compelling image, infographic, or chart that directly supports your key point. This approach minimizes visual clutter, allowing your audience to absorb and appreciate each visual element without distraction. 

Whether it’s a striking photograph, an informative graph, or an illustrative icon, let each visual take center stage, reinforcing the clarity and effectiveness of your message. 

This streamlined approach not only enhances visual appeal but also ensures that your audience stays engaged and retains the essential information presented on each slide.

Experiment with your design

Play with unconventional layouts, explore asymmetry, or incorporate unique graphic elements to add visual interest. Consider breaking the traditional grid structure and arranging content in unexpected ways to capture attention. 

Experiment with bold color combinations, gradients, or even texture overlays to give your slides a distinct and memorable look. Don’t be afraid to mix and match fonts to create a visually dynamic composition. 

By pushing the boundaries and experimenting with design elements, you not only make your presentation visually engaging but also showcase a sense of creativity and innovation, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Build a strong narrative

Progress logically, building tension and anticipation as you delve into key points. Use each slide as a chapter, seamlessly connecting ideas and creating a narrative flow. 

Introduce relatable characters or real-world examples to add a human touch, making your narrative more engaging. Conclude with a satisfying resolution or a clear call to action, leaving a lasting impact on your audience. 

A well-crafted narrative not only makes your presentation more memorable but also ensures that your audience follows a cohesive and compelling journey from start to finish.

Make your presentation interactive

Encourage audience participation through polls, quizzes, or open-ended questions to foster active involvement. Use clickable buttons or hyperlinks to navigate through specific sections, allowing your audience to explore topics at their own pace. 

Consider incorporating interactive multimedia elements such as videos, clickable images, or dynamic charts to enhance engagement. Facilitate discussions by inviting audience input or feedback at strategic points. 

By making your presentation interactive, you not only capture attention but also create a dynamic and participatory environment, ensuring that your audience remains actively engaged throughout the session. This approach fosters a more memorable and impactful experience, turning your presentation into a two-way communication rather than a one-sided delivery.

Use only black and white colors

This simplistic approach can make you stand out. It will go great if your topic is related to the art of photography.

Use contrasting shades to emphasize key points, and leverage the interplay between light and dark for visual impact. This restrained color scheme not only conveys a sense of elegance but also ensures that your audience’s focus remains on the content itself. 

Consider incorporating high-quality images or graphics with strong contrasts to enhance visual appeal. By opting for black and white, you not only achieve a timeless and classic look but also communicate a sense of clarity and professionalism in your presentation.

Add videos to your presentation (In Full Screen)

Utilize videos to add a dynamic and immersive element, capturing your audience’s attention and enhancing overall engagement. 

Whether it’s a product demonstration, customer testimonials, or a narrative sequence, incorporating full-screen videos provides a cinematic experience that complements your message. 

Ensure the videos are high-quality and relevant to the content, seamlessly integrating them into your slides to maintain a professional and polished look. 

By strategically placing full-screen videos at key points, you not only diversify your presentation format but also create a memorable and visually compelling experience for your audience.

Add a timeline to explain event

Use a visual timeline format to provide a clear overview of the sequence of events, whether it’s project milestones, historical developments, or a company’s growth trajectory. 

Place the timeline prominently on a slide, and use distinct markers or milestones to represent significant points in time. Include concise descriptions or visuals alongside each event to provide additional context. 

This visual representation not only aids in comprehension but also helps your audience grasp the temporal progression of your narrative. 

Timelines are versatile tools that can be applied across various themes, making them an effective visual aid for conveying temporal sequences in a presentation.

Use nostalgia

Incorporate elements that bring back memories, triggering familiar experiences and emotions. This could include vintage imagery, retro design elements, or references to cultural touchstones from the past. 

Nostalgia can be a powerful storytelling tool, allowing you to tap into shared experiences and sentiments. Share anecdotes or examples that resonate with a collective sense of nostalgia, making your presentation more relatable and memorable. 

However, be mindful of your audience and ensure that the nostalgic elements align with the overall tone and purpose of your message, creating a presentation that not only informs but also resonates on a deeper, emotional level.

Make your deck mobile-friendly

With an optimized design, recipients can easily view and navigate through the slides on their smartphones or tablets, providing a convenient and seamless experience. 

Whether you’re distributing the presentation via email, cloud storage, or presentation-sharing platforms, a mobile-friendly format ensures that your audience can access and review the content effortlessly, even when on the go. 

This adaptability enhances the overall accessibility and usability of your presentation, making it a practical choice for sharing and collaboration after the initial delivery.

Incorporate your social proof

Showcase testimonials, positive reviews, or endorsements from satisfied clients, customers, or industry experts to validate your message. This could include quotes, statistics, or even visual representations of social media mentions or endorsements. By integrating social proof, you not only add authenticity to your presentation but also build trust and confidence with your audience. 

Ensure that the social proof aligns with the theme and objectives of your presentation, using it strategically to reinforce key points and enhance the persuasiveness of your message. 

Whether it’s a case study, success story, or client testimonial, social proof adds a compelling layer to your presentation, influencing your audience’s perception positively.

Add the QR code of your socials

Place QR codes strategically on your slides, enabling your audience to quickly and easily connect with you on various social platforms. 

This interactive addition allows viewers to scan the code using their smartphones, instantly directing them to your social media profiles. Whether it’s LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or other platforms relevant to your presentation, this integration fosters seamless networking and engagement. 

Including QR codes of your socials not only simplifies the process of connecting with your audience but also encourages post-presentation interaction and collaboration. It’s a modern and practical way to bridge the gap between your presentation and online presence.

Share your slide deck for reference after the presentation

Provide your audience with a downloadable link or a shareable file through email or a cloud storage platform. 

This not only allows attendees to revisit the content for a deeper understanding but also serves as a valuable resource for those who couldn’t attend. Ensure the file format is widely compatible, and consider creating a PDF version to maintain the layout and formatting integrity across different devices. 

Sharing your slide deck post-presentation demonstrates transparency, reinforces key points, and enables your audience to share the information with others, extending the reach and impact of your message.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What can i make a slideshow about.

Creating a slideshow offers a versatile platform for various topics. You might consider developing a presentation on a personal interest, such as your favorite hobby or travel experience, allowing you to share your passions with others.

Alternatively, professional achievements and career journeys can be effectively communicated through a well-crafted slideshow. 

For a more creative approach, consider compiling a visual representation of historical events, science and technology advancements, or even a visual book or movie review.

What is a good 5-minute presentation?

Crafting a compelling 5-minute presentation requires a balance between brevity and substance. Quick tutorials or how-to guides are excellent choices, providing valuable information without overwhelming the audience. Short stories with a moral or lesson can capture attention and leave a lasting impression. 

Another effective approach is to highlight key points of a more extensive topic, ensuring that the essential information is conveyed within the time constraint. Additionally, presenting a thought-provoking question can spark discussion and engagement within a limited timeframe.

What can I make a fun presentation about?

Fun presentations are an excellent way to captivate your audience. Consider delving into your favorite childhood memories, injecting humor into a typically serious topic, or sharing unusual facts and trivia to entertain and educate simultaneously. 

Funny pet stories or videos often resonate well with audiences, as do hilarious personal anecdotes that showcase your personality. You can also explore comedy or parody presentations, offering a lighthearted and entertaining perspective on common subjects.

What is in a good presentation?

A good presentation encompasses several key elements. A clear structure, consisting of a well-defined introduction, body, and conclusion, helps guide the audience through your message. Organizing content logically ensures that your presentation flows smoothly. 

Engaging visuals, such as images, graphs, or videos, enhance understanding and maintain interest. Including relevant and interesting information is crucial, while delivering the content with confidence and enthusiasm captivates the audience. 

Encouraging audience interaction or participation fosters a more dynamic and memorable experience, and ending with a call to action or key takeaway leaves a lasting impression.

What are some interesting topics to talk about for a presentation?

When selecting a presentation topic , consider the interests and preferences of your audience. Engaging topics might include discussions on the impact of technology on society, environmental conservation efforts, or raising awareness about mental health. 

Exploring the future of artificial intelligence, sharing insights into space exploration and discoveries, or promoting cultural diversity and inclusion are also compelling options. Innovative solutions to common problems and explorations of historical mysteries or unsolved cases can captivate an audience’s curiosity and stimulate meaningful discussions.

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With a dedicated designer at your service and seamless integrations with Canva, Trello, Slack, and more, Design Shifu is your comprehensive solution for Print and digital Graphics, Logo and branding, Infographics, Merchandise, and even Presentation Decks! Ready to revolutionize your design game? 

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Creative Presentation Ideas – Ultimate Guide for 2024 Performance

Astrid Tran • 05 Apr 2024 • 6 min read

To boost performance, what creative presentation ideas should be adopted?

Have you ever complained about a Death by PowerPoint? Failed performance might stay behind a range of fruitless presentation slides or lack of body languages. A useful idea to kill participants’ boredom while doing a public speech is to ask for help from presentation tools or implement different creative presentation ideas from experts. 

In this article, we summarize the best 12 creative presentation ideas that are recommended by many professionals and speakers around the world. Grabbing your topic and creating your desired presentations right away with these following tips.

Table of Contents

• #1. Visuals and Infographics
• #2. Lives Polls, Quizzes and Games
• #3. Tunes and Sound Effects
• #4. Video Storytelling
• #5. Funny Effects with Emojis and GIFs
• #6. Transition and Animation
• #7. Be Minimal
• #8. A Timeline
• #9. Spinner Wheel
• #10. Themed Backgrounds
• #11. Make the Presentation Sharable

The Bottom Line

Frequently asked questions, tips for better engagement.

• Different Types of Presentation
• 10 Interactive Presentation Ideas to Enliven Work and Hangout Sessions in 2024
• 120+ Examples of Interesting Topic For Speaking in 2024
• Visual Presentation Examples
• What is 7×7?

Start in seconds.

Get more presenting ideas with AhaSlides templates! Sign up for free and take what you want from the template library!

#1. Visuals and Infographics – Creative Presentation Ideas

Embellishing your creative presentations with creative elements like visuals and infographics is always the first priority. If your voice is not so attractive or you want to distract people from your boring voice, you should add some photos, images to describe your ideas more clearly. If it is an idea-making presentation, corporate presentation, a lack of infographics like charts, graphs, and smarts arts is a huge mistake as they can help explain the boring data in a more persuasive way.

In many meetings with employers or strategic partners, there is not much time left for you to beat around the bush, so using visuals and infographics in the right context can tackle time management and enhance performance to impress your boss and supercharge your business pitches.

#2. Lives Polls, Quizzes and Games – Creative Presentation Ideas

If you want to make innovative presentation ideas without PowerPoint, you can create live quizzes and polls via online presentation tools. Most e-learning training software like AhaSlides offer tons of customizable templates for you to create different subjects, quizzes and surveys to communicate with audiences better.

You are flexible to blend different types of questions to make icebreakers for your speech more interesting and exciting, such as spinning wheel , multiple-choice, Word clouds , picture questions, Q&A , Yes/No questions and beyond.

#3. Tunes and Sound Effects – Creative Presentation Ideas

If you are a fan of Harry Potter, you might be so obsessed with its classic opening soundtracks, for decades, it is the movie signature of all time. Similarly, you also can add sound effects for your opening to catch people’s attention and be curious about your further introduction. With AhaSlides features , there are catchy audios for you to set up sound effects to make your presentation incredible, especially when there are quizzes and game sections, there will be a funny sound to congratulate your correct answers or fail your answers.

#4. Video Storytelling – Creative Presentation Ideas

For an impactful presentation, it cannot miss playing a video, an ultimate way to start as a storyteller. Video is the best performing content type that can connect and fill the gap of communication and knowledge shared between speakers and listeners. It is a creative way for the audience to feel natural and authentic about your content and ideas as well as retain more information. A tip is to choose a video that has good quality so that audience won’t feel troublesome and annoyed. 

#5. Funny Effects with Emojis and GIFs – Creative Presentation Ideas

Funny ideas for a creative presentation? It is common that in the middle of the presentation, many listeners start taking their eyes off the ball. To avoid this situation happening regularly, putting some GIFS and funny emojis to awaken your audience is a cool presentation idea. You know how to use GIFs, right? Don’t overuse GIFs and funny emojis if you don’t want your audience to find your presentation weird and disordered rather than creative. 

#6. Transition and Animation – Creative Presentation Ideas

In MS PowerPoint Thumbnail Pane, there is an obvious section for transition and animation. You can easily change transition types for different slides or apply random functions so that a presentation moves from one slide to the next in harmony. In addition, you also can leverage four types of animation effects consisting of entrance, emphasis, exit and motion paths to transit your text and images and more which may help enhance information emphasis.

#7. Be Minimal – Creative Presentation Ideas

Sometimes, minimalism is the best. A tip for creative PowerPoint presentation ideas for students is to make use of modern or minimalism-themed background design for your report. It is said that many instructors prefer a neat and elegant background with clear information and data displayed rather than a colourful one with disorganized text and images. Don’t get fancy if it is not necessary.

#8. A Timeline – Creative Presentation Ideas

Not only required for corporate level report but also other presentation events in university and class, a timeline in one slide is needed as it shows relevant goals, proposition a work plan and conveys historical information quickly. Creating a timeline can help to set clear priorities and directions so that audience feels comfortable following the progress and critical events.

#9. Spinner Wheel – Creative presentation ideas

By using spinner wheel, let’s input and choose the best creative presentation ideas for your next presentation!

#10. Themed Backgrounds – Creative Presentation Ideas

Since many websites offer free ppt templates, users can download and edit them easily. As the more options are, the more confusing it is. Depending on your topic, choosing a suitable background is more reasonable than a beauty slide with many meaningless animated figures. When it comes to art presentation ideas, if you are working on a business project related, you should find the themed background has a colour range linking to the brand with creative photo crops, or if you want to introduce about 1900s art, the template should offer portfolio slides and art-relevant patterns. 

#11. Make the Presentation Sharable – Creative Presentation Ideas

One of the important keys that many presenters seem to forget is to make keynotes sharable, which means listeners and others who are fascinated by the topic can access the content and view the material without having to track down the slides from time to time. You can use SlideShare to create a direct link for access or use presentation software online then forward the link for further reference. If possible you can upload your work in the library for someone who finds it valuable.

There are many useful tips to make your presentation more creative than just using formal PowerPoint as before. Try PowerPoint add-in with integration with other presentation software to make your presentation outstanding and intriguing. Improving assimilation by applying different presentation elements is a good idea, too.

If you also are looking for guidance to perform better your ideas with presentation or interesting topics to present and discuss, here are other handy resources for you.

Ref: marketingtech

What is creativity?

Creativity is a complex and multifaceted concept that can be described as the ability to generate new and valuable ideas, connections, and solutions. It involves the use of imagination, originality, and innovation to approach problems or tasks in unique ways.

Why are creative presentation ideas important?

Creative presentation ideas are important for 7 reasons, to (1) engage the audience (2) enhance understanding and retention (3) set yourself apart (4) foster connection and emotional resonance (5) encourage innovation and critical thinking (6) make complex information accessible (7) leave a lasting impression.

Why should presenters use interactive elements in presentation?

Interactive elements are the best way to increase engagement, enhance learning and comprehension, improve information retention, get more feedbacks, and get the slides being more storytelling and narrative.

Astrid Tran

I've got my rhythm with words

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How To Make A Presentation: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of mediocre presentations that leave your audience bored and uninterested?

Presentations are a crucial aspect of communication in the modern world, whether in the workplace, school, or social settings. The purpose of a presentation is to convey information and ideas engagingly and persuasively, but building a presentation can be challenging. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide on how to make a presentation.

In this guide, you’ll discover critical principles and techniques for creating a presentation that captivates your audience and leave a lasting impression. From understanding your audience and developing a clear structure to using visuals and multimedia to enhance your message, we’ll take you through every step of the presentation-making process.

This blog will teach you how to make a presentation, whether you’re a professional presenter or just starting out.

So saddle up, and let’s get started on your path to being a master presenter.

Introduction

The introduction of your presentation is your first chance to impact your audience. It assists you in engaging your audience and setting the tone for the remainder of your presentation. Here are some tips for an effective introduction:

Purpose of the Presentation

Declare the purpose of your presentation, why it is necessary, and what you expect to accomplish. This will help your audience understand the significance of your message and why they should listen.

Overview of Key Points

Provide an overview of your key points , what you will discuss, and what the audience can expect. This will give your audience a clear idea of the content of your presentation and make it easier for them to follow along.

Preparation

Preparation is vital to ensuring the success of your presentation. A well-prepared presentation can leave an impact on your audience and assist you in achieving your objectives. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively:

Research Topic and Gather Information

If you want to learn how to make a good PowerPoint presentation , research is the key. Thoroughly research your topic and collect all necessary information to support your main points. This will give you the confidence to present your information effectively and answer any questions from your audience.

Choose Appropriate Visual Aids

Choose appropriate visual aids, such as PowerPoint graphics , images, or videos, to enhance your presentation and support your key points. Ensure that your visual aids are professional, clear, and easy to understand.

Plan the Structure and Flow of the Presentation

To guarantee that your message is appropriately presented, prepare the structure and flow of your presentation. Start with an attention-grabbing introduction, state your key points clearly, and conclude with a memorable closing statement .

Rehearse the Presentation

Rehearse your presentation to ensure that you are familiar with the material and confident in your delivery. Practice before a family member or a friend to get feedback and make changes.

Body of the Presentation

The body of your presentation is where you deliver the heart of your message. It is the opportunity to engage your audience, provide clear and concise information, and support your key points. Here are some tips for an effective body of your presentation:

Start with an Attention Grabber

Start with an attention-grabbing statement, question, or story to engage your audience and capture their attention. This helps establish the tone for the remainder of your presentation and keeps your audience engaged.

Clearly State Key Points and Support them with Examples

Clearly state your key points and support them with relevant examples, data, or visual aids. This will help reinforce your message and ensure your audience understands your information.

Use Visual Aids Effectively to Enhance Understanding

If you want to learn how to make a presentation interesting, use visual aids, such as slides, images, or videos. It can enhance understanding and support your key points. Ensure that your visual aids are clear, easy to understand, and professional.

Engage the Audience with Interactive Elements

Engage your audience with interactive elements, such as questions, activities, or polls, to keep them interested and involved in your presentation.

Maintain a Professional Demeanor and Pace

Maintain a professional demeanor and pace throughout your presentation. Maintain intense eye contact with your listeners and speak clearly.

Conclude with a Summary of Key Points and a Strong Closing Statement

Conclude your presentation by summarizing your key points and a strong closing statement. This will assist in reinforcing your message and create a lasting effect on your audience.

One of the most important aspects of how to give an effective presentation is the delivery of your presentation.

The delivery of a presentation is critical to its success. It is how you communicate with your audience and bring your message to life. Here are some public speaking tips for presenting effectively:

Project Confidence and Energy

Project confidence and energy when delivering your presentation. Speak clearly, use appropriate gestures, and maintain good eye contact with your audience. This will help to engage your audience and create a positive impression.

Maintain Eye Contact and Engage with the Audience

To learn how to make a presentation interactive , you must maintain eye contact with your audience and engage them in your presentation. This will help create a connection and ensure that your audience pays attention.

Use Appropriate Body Language

Use appropriate body languages, such as gestures and facial expressions, to enhance your message and create a positive impression.

Address Any Technical Issues Before Starting

Address any technical issues, such as problems with audio or visual aids, before starting your presentation. This will ensure that your delivery is smooth and professional.

The conclusion is the final section of your presentation and is your opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your audience. For more conclusion slides check out our library.

Here are some tips for a strong conclusion:

Summarize Key Points

Summarize your important points to remind your audience of your presentation’s core idea. This will assist in emphasizing your message and guarantee that your audience understands it clearly.

Address Any Remaining Questions from the Audience

Address any remaining questions from the audience. This will ensure that all of their concerns are addressed and that your audience leaves with a clear understanding of your message.

End on a Memorable Note

End your presentation on a memorable note. This could be a quote , a final thought, or a call to action. Something that your audience will remember long after the presentation is over.

After your presentation, it is essential to evaluate your performance and make improvements for future presentations. Here are some follow-up tips:

Evaluate the Presentation

Examine your presentation to see what went well and what may be enhanced for future presentations. Ask for feedback from your audience and use it to make improvements.

Share Presentation Materials

Share your presentation materials with your audience if requested. This will allow them to review your message and information later.

Provide Feedback to Others

Provide feedback to others involved in the presentation, such as co-presenters or support staff. By doing so, they will be able to perform better and provide even greater presentations in the future.

Wrapping It Up

Creating an effective presentation is a combination of art and science. It requires a deep understanding of your audience, a clear structure, and the use of visuals and multimedia to enhance your message. With the knowledge gained from this comprehensive guide, you now have the ability to make good presentations that are next level, and that can captivate your audience.

Remember that providing information, interacting with your audience, and creating a lasting impression are all important components of a successful presentation. So, embrace your creativity, be confident, and have fun with your presentations! The more you practice, the better you will get, and you will soon be renowned as the master presenter in your industry.

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Home Blog Education Presentation Skills 101: A Guide to Presentation Success

Presentation Skills 101: A Guide to Presentation Success

Getting the perfect presentation design is just a step toward a successful presentation. For the experienced user, building presentation skills is the answer to elevating the power of your message and showing expertise on any subject. Still, one can ask: is it the same set of skills, or are they dependable on the type of presentation?

In this article, we will introduce the different types of presentations accompanied by the skillset required to master them. The purpose, as always, is to retain the audience’s interest for a long-lasting and convincing message.

Table of Contents

The Importance of Presentation Skills

Persuasive presentations, instructional presentations, informative presentations, inspirational presentations, basic presentation skills, what are the main difficulties when giving a presentation, recommendations to improve your presentation skills, closing statement.

Effective communication is the answer to reaching business and academic goals. The scenarios in which we can be required to deliver a presentation are as diverse as one can imagine. Still, some core concepts apply to all presentations.

 We define presentation skills as a compendium of soft skills that directly affect your presentation performance and contribute to creating a great presentation. These are not qualities acquired by birth but skills you ought to train and master to delve into professional environments.

You may ask: is it really that evident when a presenter is not prepared? Here are some common signs people can experience during presentations:

• Evasive body language: Not making eye contact with the audience, arms closed tightly to the body, hands in pockets all the time.
• Lack of interest in the presenter’s voice: dull tone, not putting an effort to articulate the topics.
• Doubting when asked to answer a question
• Irksome mood

The list can go on about common presenter mistakes , and most certainly, it will affect the performance of any presented data if the lack of interest by the presenter is blatantly obvious.  Another element to consider is anxiety, and according to research by the National Institute of Mental Health, 73% of the population in the USA is affected by glossophobia , which is the fear of public speaking, judgment, or negative evaluation by other people.

Therefore, presentation skills training is essential for any business professional who wants to achieve effective communication . It will remove the anxiety from presentation performance and help users effectively deliver their message and connect with the audience.

Archetypes of presentations

Persuasive presentations aim to convince the audience – often in short periods – to acquire a product or service, adhere to a cause, or invest in a company. For business entrepreneurs or politicians, persuasive presentations are their tool for the trade.

Unless you aim to be perceived as an imposter, a proper persuasive presentation has the elements of facts, empathy, and logic, balanced under a well-crafted narrative. The central pillar of these presentations is to identify the single factor that gathered your audience: it could be a market need, a social cause, or a revolutionary concept for today’s society. It has to be something with enough power to gather critiques – both good and bad.

That single factor has to be backed up by facts. Research that builds your hypothesis on how to solve that problem. A deep understanding of the target audience’s needs , concerns, and social position regarding the solution your means can offer. When those elements are in place, building a pitch becomes an easy task. 

Graphics can help you introduce information in a compelling format, lowering the need for lengthy presentations. Good presentation skills for persuasive presentations go by the hand of filtering relevant data and creating the visual cues that resonate with what your audience demands.

One powerful example of a persuasive presentation is the technique known as the elevator pitch . You must introduce your idea or product convincingly to the audience in a timeframe between 30 seconds and less than 2 minutes. You have to expose:

• What do you do 
• What’s the problem to solve
• Why is your solution different from others 
• Why should the audience care about your expertise

For that very purpose, using engaging graphics with contrasting colors elevates the potential power of your message. It speaks professionalism, care for details, and out-of-the-box thinking. Knowing how to end a presentation is also critical, as your CTAs should be placed with care.

Therefore, let’s resume the requirements of persuasive presentations in terms of good presentation skills:

• Identifying problems and needs
• Elaborating “the hook” (the element that grabs the audience’s attention)
• Knowing how to “tie” your audience (introducing a piece of information related to the hook that causes an emotional impact)
• Broad knowledge of body language and hand gestures to quickly convey your message
• Being prepared to argue a defense of your point of view
• Handling rejection
• Having a proactive attitude to convert opportunities into new projects
• Using humor, surprise, or personal anecdotes as elements to sympathize with the audience
• Having confidence
• Be able to summarize facts and information in visually appealing ways

You can learn more about persuasive presentation techniques by clicking here .

In the case of instructional presentations, we ought to differentiate two distinctive types:

• Lecture Presentations : Presentations being held at universities or any other educative institution. Those presentations cover, topic by topic, and the contents of a syllabus and are created by the team of teachers in charge of the course.
• Training Presentations : These presentations take place during in-company training sessions and usually comprise a good amount of content that is resumed into easy-to-take solutions. They are aimed to coach employees over certain topics relevant to their work performance. The 70-20-10 Model is frequently used to address these training situations.

Lecture presentations appeal to the gradual introduction of complex concepts, following a structure set in the course’s syllabus. These presentations often have a similar aesthetic as a group of professors or researchers created to share their knowledge about a topic. Personal experience does tell that course presentations often rely on factual data, adequately documented, and on the theoretical side.

An example of a presentation that lies under this concept is a Syllabus Presentation, used by the teaching team to introduce the subject to new students, evaluation methods, concepts to be learned, and expectations to pass the course.

On the other hand, training presentations are slide decks designed to meet an organization’s specific needs in the formal education of their personnel. Commonly known as “continuous education,” plenty of companies invest resources in coaching their employees to achieve higher performance results. These presentations have the trademark of being concise since their idea is to introduce the concepts that shall be applied in practice sessions. 

Ideally, the training presentations are introduced with little text and easy-to-recognize visual cues. Since the idea is to summarize as much as possible, these are visually appealing for the audience. They must be dynamic enough to allow the presenter to convey the message.

Those key takeaways remind employees when they revisit their learning resources and allow them to ruminate on questions that fellow workers raise. 

To sum up this point, building presentation skills for instructional presentations requires:

• Ability to put complex concepts into simpler words
• Patience and a constant learning mindset
• Voice training to deliver lengthy speeches without being too dense
• Ability to summarize points and note the key takeaways
• Empathizing with the audience to understand their challenges in the learning process

The informative presentations take place in business situations, such as when to present project reports from different departments to the management. Another potential usage of these presentations is in SCRUM or other Agile methodologies, when a sprint is completed, to discuss the advance of the project with the Product Owner.

As they are presentations heavily dependent on data insights, it’s common to see the usage of infographics and charts to express usually dense data in simpler terms and easy to remember. 

Informative presentations don’t just fall into the business category. Ph.D. Dissertation and Thesis presentations are topics that belong to the informative presentations category as they condense countless research hours into manageable reports for the academic jury. 

Since these informational presentations can be perceived as lengthy and data-filled, it is important to learn the following professional presentation skills:

• Attention to detail
• Be able to explain complex information in simpler terms
• Creative thinking
• Powerful diction
• Working on pauses and transitions
• Pacing the presentation, so not too much information is divulged per slide

The leading inspirational platform, TEDx, comes to mind when talking about inspirational presentations. This presentation format has the peculiarity of maximizing the engagement with the audience to divulge a message, and due to that, it has specific requirements any presenter must meet.

This presentation format usually involves a speaker on a stage, either sitting or better standing, in which the presenter engages with the audience with a storytelling format about a life experience, a job done that provided a remarkable improvement for society, etc.

Empathizing with the audience is the key ingredient for these inspirational presentations. Still, creativity is what shapes the outcome of your performance as people are constantly looking for different experiences – not the same recipe rephrased with personal touches. The human factor is what matters here, way above data and research. What has your experience to offer to others? How can it motivate another human being to pursue a similar path or discover their true calling?

To achieve success in terms of communication skills presentation, these inspirational presentations have the following requirements:

• Focus on the audience (engage, consider their interests, and make them a part of your story)
• Putting ego aside
• Creative communication skills
• Storytelling skills
• Body language knowledge to apply the correct gestures to accompany your story
• Voice training
• Using powerful words

After discussing the different kinds of presentations we can come across at any stage of our lives, a group of presentation skills is standard in any type of presentation. See below what makes a good presentation and which skills you must count on to succeed as a presenter.

Punctuality

Punctuality is a crucial aspect of giving an effective presentation. Nothing says more about respect for your audience and the organization you represent than delivering the presentation on time . Arriving last minute puts pressure on the tech team behind audiovisuals, as they don’t have enough preparation to test microphones, stage lights, and projector settings, which can lead to a less powerful presentation Even when discussing presentations hosted in small rooms for a reduced audience, testing the equipment becomes essential for an effective presentation.

A solution for this is to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Ideally, one hour is a sweet spot since the AV crew has time to check the gear and requirements for your presentation. Another benefit of this, for example, in inspirational presentations, is measuring the previous presenter’s impact on the audience. This gives insights about how to resonate with the public, and their interest, and how to accommodate your presentation for maximum impact.

Body Language

Our bodies can make emotions transparent for others, even when we are unaware of such a fact. Proper training for body language skills reduces performance anxiety, giving the audience a sense of expertise about the presented topic. 

Give your presentation and the audience the respect they deserve by watching over these potential mistakes:

• Turning your back to the audience for extended periods : It’s okay to do so when introducing an important piece of information or explaining a graph, but it is considered rude to give your back to the audience constantly.
• Fidgeting : We are all nervous in the presence of strangers, even more, if we are the center of attention for that moment. Instead of playing with your hair or making weird hand gestures, take a deep breath to center yourself before the presentation and remember that everything you could do to prepare is already done. Trust your instincts and give your best.
• Intense eye contact : Have you watched a video where the presenter stared at the camera the entire time? That’s the feeling you transmit to spectators through intense eye contact. It’s a practice often used by politicians to persuade.
• Swearing : This is a no-brainer. Even when you see influencers swearing on camera or in podcasts or live presentations, it is considered an informal and lousy practice for business and academic situations. If you have a habit to break when it comes to this point, find the humor in these situations and replace your swear words with funny alternatives (if the presentation allows for it). 

Voice Tone plays a crucial role in delivering effective presentations and knowing how to give a good presentation. Your voice is a powerful tool for exposing your ideas and feelings . Your voice can articulate the message you are telling, briefing the audience if you feel excited about what you are sharing or, in contrast, if you feel the presentation is a burden you ought to complete.

Remember, passion is a primary ingredient in convincing people. Therefore, transmitting such passion with a vibrant voice may help gather potential business partners’ interest.  

But what if you feel sick prior to the presentation? If, by chance, your throat is sore minutes before setting foot on the stage, try this: when introducing yourself, mention that you are feeling a bit under the weather. This resonates with the audience to pay more attention to your efforts. In case you don’t feel comfortable about that, ask the organizers for a cup of tea, as it will settle your throat and relax your nerves.

Tech Skills

Believe it or not, people still feel challenged by technology these days. Maybe that’s the reason why presentation giants like Tony Robbins opt not to use PowerPoint presentations . The reality is that there are plenty of elements involved in a presentation that can go wrong from the tech side:

• A PDF not opening
• Saving your presentation in a too-recent PowerPoint version
• A computer not booting up
• Mac laptops and their never-ending compatibility nightmare
• Not knowing how to change between slides
• Not knowing how to use a laser pointer
• Internet not working
• Audio not working

We can come up with a pretty long list of potential tech pitfalls, and yet more than half of them fall in presenters not being knowledgeable about technology.

If computers aren’t your thing, let the organization know about this beforehand. There is always a crew member available to help presenters switch between slides or configure the presentation for streaming. This takes the pressure off your shoulders, allowing you to concentrate on the content to present. Remember, even Bill Gates can get a BSOD during a presentation .

Presentations, while valuable for conveying information and ideas, can be daunting for many individuals. Here are some common difficulties people encounter when giving presentations:

Public Speaking Anxiety

Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, affects a significant portion of the population. This anxiety can lead to nervousness, trembling, and forgetfulness during a presentation.

Lack of Confidence

Many presenters struggle with self-doubt, fearing that they may not be knowledgeable or skilled enough to engage their audience effectively.

Content Organization

Organizing information in a coherent and engaging manner can be challenging. Presenters often grapple with how to structure their content to make it easily digestible for the audience. Artificial Intelligence can help us significantly reduce the content arrangement time when you work with tools like our AI Presentation Maker (made for presenters by experts in presentation design). 

Audience Engagement

Keeping the audience’s attention and interest throughout the presentation can be difficult. Distractions, disengaged attendees, or lack of interaction can pose challenges.

Technical Issues

Technology glitches, such as malfunctioning equipment, incompatible file formats, or poor internet connectivity, can disrupt presentations and increase stress.

Time Management

Striking the right balance between providing enough information and staying within time limits is a common challenge. Going over or under the allotted time can affect the effectiveness of the presentation.

Handling Questions and Challenges

Responding to unexpected questions, criticism, or challenges from the audience can be difficult, especially when presenters are unprepared or lack confidence in their subject matter.

Visual Aids and Technology

Creating and effectively using visual aids like slides or multimedia can be a struggle for some presenters. Technical competence is essential in this aspect.

Language and Articulation

Poor language skills or unclear articulation can hinder effective communication. Presenters may worry about stumbling over words or failing to convey their message clearly.

Maintaining appropriate and confident body language can be challenging. Avoiding nervous habits, maintaining eye contact, and using gestures effectively requires practice.

Overcoming Impersonal Delivery

In virtual presentations, maintaining a personal connection with the audience can be difficult. The absence of face-to-face interaction can make it challenging to engage and read the audience.

Cultural and Diversity Awareness

Presenting to diverse audiences requires sensitivity to cultural differences and varying levels of familiarity with the topic.

In this section, we gathered some tips on how to improve presentation skills that can certainly make an impact if applied to your presentation skills. We believe these skills can be cultivated to transform into habits for your work routine.

Tip #1: Build a narrative

One memorable way to guarantee presentation success is by writing a story of all the points you desire to cover. This statement is based on the logic behind storytelling and its power to connect with people .

Don’t waste time memorizing slides or reading your presentation to the audience. It feels unnatural, and any question that diverts from the topic in discussion certainly puts you in jeopardy or, worse, exposes you as a fraud in the eyes of the audience. And before you ask, it is really evident when a presenter has a memorized speech. 

Build and rehearse the presentation as if telling a story to a group of interested people. Lower the language barrier by avoiding complex terms that maybe even you aren’t fully aware of their meaning. Consider the ramifications of that story, what it could lead to, and which are the opportunities to explore. Then, visualize yourself giving the presentation in a natural way.

Applying this technique makes the presentation feel like second nature to you. It broadens the spectrum in which you can show expertise over a topic or even build the basis for new interesting points of view about the project.

Tip #2: Don’t talk for more than 3 minutes per slide

It is a common practice of presenters to bombard the audience with facts and information whilst retaining the same slide on the screen. Why can this happen? It could be because the presenter condensed the talk into very few slides and preferred to talk. The reality is that your spectators won’t retain the information you are giving unless you give visual cues to help that process. 

Opt to prepare more slides and pace your speech to match the topics shown on each slide. Don’t spend more than 3 minutes per slide unless you have to introduce a complex piece of data. Use visual cues to direct the spectators about what you talk about, and summarize the principal concepts discussed at the end of each section.

Tip #3: Practice meditation daily

Anxiety is the number one enemy of professional presenters. It slowly builds without you being aware of your doubts and can hinder your performance in multiple ways: making you feel paralyzed, fidgeting, making you forget language skills or concepts, affecting your health, etc.

Meditation is an ancient practice taken from Buddhist teachings that train your mind to be here in the present. We often see the concepts of meditation and mindfulness as synonyms, whereas you should be aware that meditation is a practice that sets the blocks to reach a state of mindfulness. For presenters, being in the here and now is essential to retain focus, but meditation techniques also teach us to control our breathing and be in touch with our body signals when stress builds up. 

The customary practice of meditation has an impact on imagination and creativity but also helps to build patience – a skill much needed for connecting with your audience in instructional presentations.

Having the proper set of presentation skills can be quite subjective. It goes beyond presentation tips and deepens into how flexible we can be in our ability to communicate ideas.

Different presentations and different audiences shape the outcome of our efforts. Therefore, having a basic understanding of how to connect, raise awareness, and empathize with people can be key ingredients for your career as a presenter. A word of advice: success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes dedication and patience to build communication skills . Don’t condition your work to believe you will be ready “someday”; it’s best to practice and experience failure as part of the learning process.

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Business Presentations, Presentation Approaches, Presentation Skills Filed under Education

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How To Start a Presentation: 15 Ways to Set the Stage

By Krystle Wong , Jul 25, 2023

The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – it’s your opportunity to make a lasting impression and captivate your audience. 

A strong presentation start acts as a beacon, cutting through the noise and instantly capturing the attention of your listeners. With so much content vying for their focus, a captivating opening ensures that your message stands out and resonates with your audience.

Whether you’re a startup business owner pitching a brilliant idea, a seasoned presenter delivering a persuasive talk or an expert sharing your experience, the start of your presentation can make all the difference. But don’t fret — I’ve got you covered with 15 electrifying ways to kickstart your presentation. 

The presentation introduction examples in this article cover everything from self-introduction to how to start a group presentation, building anticipation that leaves the audience eager to delve into the depths of your topic.

Click to jump ahead:

How to start a presentation introduction

15 ways to start a presentation and captivate your audience, common mistakes to avoid in the opening of a presentation, faqs on how to start a presentation, captivate the audience from the get-go.

Presentations can be scary, I know. But even if stage fright hits, you can always fall back on a simple strategy.

Just take a deep breath, introduce yourself and briefly explain the topic of your presentation.

To grab attention at the start, try this opening line: Hello everyone. I am so glad you could join me today. I’m very excited about today’s topic. I’m [Your Name] and I’ll be talking about [Presentation Topic]. Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by [Challenge related to your topic]. Many of us might have faced challenges with [Challenge related to your topic]. Today, we’ll explore some strategies that’ll help us [Solution that you’re presenting].

Regardless of your mode of presentation , crafting an engaging introduction sets the stage for a memorable presentation.

Let’s dive into some key tips for how to start a presentation speech to help you nail the art of starting with a bang:

Understand your audience

The key to an engaging introduction is to know your audience inside out and give your audience what they want. Tailor your opening to resonate with their specific interests, needs and expectations. Consider what will captivate them and how you can make your presentation relevant to their lives or work.

Use a compelling hook

Grab the audience’s attention from the get-go with a compelling hook. Whether it’s a thought-provoking question, a surprising fact or a gripping story, a powerful opening will immediately pique their curiosity and keep them invested in what you have to say.

State your purpose

Be crystal clear about your subject matter and the purpose of your presentation. In just a few sentences, communicate the main objectives and the value your audience will gain from listening to you. Let them know upfront what to expect and they’ll be more likely to stay engaged throughout.

Introduce yourself and your team

Give a self introduction about who you are such as your job title to establish credibility and rapport with the audience.

Some creative ways to introduce yourself in a presentation would be by sharing a brief and engaging personal story that connects to your topic or the theme of your presentation. This approach instantly makes you relatable and captures the audience’s attention.

Now, let’s talk about — how to introduce team members in a presentation. Before introducing each team member, briefly explain their role or contribution to the project or presentation. This gives the audience an understanding of their relevance and expertise.

Group presentations are also a breeze with the help of Venngage. Our in-editor collaboration tools allow you to edit presentations side by side in real-time. That way, you can seamlessly hare your design with the team for input and make sure everyone is on track. 

Maintain enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is contagious! Keep the energy levels up throughout your introduction, conveying a positive and upbeat tone. A vibrant and welcoming atmosphere sets the stage for an exciting presentation and keeps the audience eager to hear more.

Before you think about how to present a topic, think about how to design impactful slides that can leave a lasting impression on the audience. Here are 120+ presentation ideas , design tips, and examples to help you create an awesome slide deck for your next presentation.

Captivating your audience from the get-go is the key to a successful presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or a novice taking the stage for the first time, the opening of your presentation sets the tone for the entire talk. 

So, let’s get ready to dive into the 15 most creative ways to start a presentation. I promise you these presentation introduction ideas will captivate your audience, leaving them hanging on your every word.

Grab-attention immediately

Ask a thought-provoking question.

Get the audience’s wheels turning by throwing them a thought-provoking question right out of the gate. Make them ponder, wonder and engage their critical thinking muscles from the very start.

Share a surprising statistic or fact

Brace yourself for some wide eyes and dropped jaws! Open your presentation with a jaw-dropping statistic or a mind-blowing fact that’s directly related to your topic. Nothing captures attention like a good ol’ dose of shock and awe.

State a bold statement or challenge

Ready to shake things up? Kick off with a bold and daring statement that sets the stage for your presentation’s epic journey. Boldness has a way of making ears perk up and eyes widen in anticipation!

Engage with a poll or interactive activity

Turn the audience from passive listeners to active participants by kicking off with a fun poll or interactive activity. Get them on their feet, or rather — their fingertips, right from the start!

Venngage’s user-friendly drag-and-drop editor allows you to easily transform your slides into an interactive presentation . Create clickable buttons or navigation elements within your presentation to guide your audience to different sections or external resources. 

Enhance engagement by incorporating videos or audio clips directly into your presentation. Venngage supports video and audio embedding, which can add depth to your content.

Begin with an opening phrase that captures attention

Use opening phrases that can help you create a strong connection with your audience and make them eager to hear more about what you have to say. Remember to be confident, enthusiastic and authentic in your delivery to maximize the impact of your presentation.

Here are some effective presentation starting words and phrases that can help you grab your audience’s attention and set the stage for a captivating presentation:

• “Imagine…”
• “Picture this…”
• “Did you know that…”
• “Have you ever wondered…”
• “In this presentation, we’ll explore…”
• “Let’s dive right in and discover…”
• “I’m excited to share with you…”
• “I have a confession to make…”
• “I want to start by telling you a story…”
• “Before we begin, let’s consider…”
• “Have you ever faced the challenge of…”
• “We all know that…”
• “This is a topic close to my heart because…”
• “Over the next [minutes/hours], we’ll cover…”
• “I invite you to journey with me through…”

Build connection and credibility

Begin with a personal connection .

Share a real-life experience or a special connection to the topic at hand. This simple act of opening up creates an instant bond with the audience, turning them into your biggest cheerleaders.

Having the team share their personal experiences is also a good group presentation introduction approach. Team members can share their own stories that are related to the topic to create an emotional connection with your audience. 

Tell a relevant story

Start your presentation with a riveting story that hooks your audience and relates to your main message. Stories have a magical way of captivating hearts and minds. Organize your slides in a clear and sequential manner and use visuals that complement your narrative and evoke emotions to engage the audience.

With Venngage, you have access to a vast library of high-quality and captivating stock photography, offering thousands of options to enrich your presentations. The best part? It’s entirely free! Elevate your visual storytelling with stunning images that complement your content, captivate your audience and add a professional touch to your presentation. 

Use a powerful quote

Sometimes, all you need is some wise words to work wonders. Begin with a powerful quote from a legendary figure that perfectly fits your presentation’s theme — a dose of inspiration sets the stage for an epic journey.

Build anticipation

Provide a brief outline.

Here’s a good introduction for presentation example if you’re giving a speech at a conference. For longer presentations or conferences with multiple speakers especially, providing an outline helps the audience stay focused on the key takeaways. That way, you can better manage your time and ensure that you cover all the key points without rushing or running out of time.

Pose a problem and offer a solution

A great idea on how to start a business presentation is to start by presenting a problem and offering a well-thought-out solution. By addressing their pain points and showcasing your solution, you’ll capture their interest and set the stage for a compelling and successful presentation.

Back up your solution with data, research, or case studies that demonstrate its effectiveness. This can also be a good reporting introduction example that adds credibility to your proposal.

Preparing a pitch deck can be a daunting task but fret not. This guide on the 30+ best pitch deck tips and examples has everything you need to bring on new business partners and win new client contracts. Alternatively, you can also get started by customizing one of our professional pitch deck templates for free. 

Incite curiosity in the audience

Utilize visuals or props.

Capture your audience’s gaze by whipping out captivating visuals or props that add an exciting touch to your subject. A well-placed prop or a stunning visual can make your presentation pop like a fireworks show!

That said, you maybe wondering — how can I make my presentation more attractive.  A well-designed presentation background instantly captures the audience’s attention and creates a positive first impression. Here are 15 presentation background examples to keep the audience awake to help you get inspired. 

Use humor or wit

Sprinkle some humor and wit to spice things up. Cracking a clever joke or throwing in a witty remark can break the ice and create a positively charged atmosphere. If you’re cracking your head on how to start a group presentation, humor is a great way to start a presentation speech. 

Get your team members involved in the fun to create a collaborative and enjoyable experience for everyone. Laughter is the perfect way to break the ice and set a positive tone for your presentation!

Invoke emotion

Get those heartstrings tugging! Start with a heartfelt story or example that stirs up emotions and connects with your audience on a personal level. Emotion is the secret sauce to a memorable presentation.

Aside from getting creative with your introduction, a well-crafted and creative presentation can boost your confidence as a presenter. Browse our catalog of creative presentation templates and get started right away!

Use a dramatic pause

A great group presentation example is to start with a powerful moment of silence, like a magician about to reveal their greatest trick. After introducing your team, allow a brief moment of silence. Hold the pause for a few seconds, making it feel deliberate and purposeful. This builds anticipation and curiosity among the audience.

Pique their interest

Share a fun fact or anecdote.

Time for a little fun and games! Kick-off with a lighthearted or fascinating fact that’ll make the audience go, “Wow, really? Tell me more!” A sprinkle of amusement sets the stage for an entertaining ride.

While an introduction for a presentation sets the tone for your speech, a good slide complements your spoken words, helping the audience better understand and remember your message. Check out these 12 best presentation software for 2023 that can aid your next presentation. 

The opening moments of a presentation can make or break your entire talk. It’s your chance to grab your audience’s attention, set the tone, and lay the foundation for a successful presentation. However, there are some common pitfalls that speakers often fall into when starting their presentations. 

Starting with Apologies

It might be tempting to start with a preemptive apology, especially if you’re feeling nervous or unsure about your presentation. However, beginning with unnecessary apologies or self-deprecating remarks sets a negative tone right from the start. Instead of exuding confidence and credibility, you’re unintentionally undermining yourself and your message. 

Reading from Slides

One of the most common blunders in the opening of a PowerPoint presentation is reading directly from your slides or script. While it’s crucial to have a well-structured outline, reciting word-for-word can lead to disengagement and boredom among your audience. Maintain eye contact and connect with your listeners as you speak. Your slides should complement your words, not replace them.

Overwhelming with Information

In the excitement to impress, some presenters bombard their audience with too much information right at the beginning.

Instead of overloading the audience with a sea of data, statistics or technical details that can quickly lead to confusion and disinterest, visualize your data with the help of Venngage. Choose an infographic template that best suits the type of data you want to visualize. Venngage offers a variety of pre-designed templates for charts, graphs, infographics and more.

Ignoring the Audience

It’s easy to get caught up in the content and forget about the people in front of you. Don’t overlook the importance of acknowledging the audience and building a connection with them. Greet them warmly, make eye contact and maintain body language to show genuine interest in their presence. Engage the audience early on by asking a show of hands question or encourage audience participation. 

Lack of Clarity

Your audience should know exactly what to expect from your presentation. Starting with a vague or unclear opening leaves them guessing about the purpose and direction of your talk. Clearly communicate the topic and objectives of your presentation right from the beginning. This sets the stage for a focused and coherent message that resonates with your audience.

Simplicity makes it easier for the audience to understand and retain the information presented. Check out our gallery of simple presentation templates to keep your opening concise and relevant. 

Skipping the Hook

The opening of your presentation is the perfect opportunity to hook your audience’s attention and keep them engaged. However, some presenters overlook this crucial aspect and dive straight into the content without any intrigue. Craft an attention-grabbing hook that sparks curiosity, poses a thought-provoking question or shares an interesting fact. A compelling opening is like the key that unlocks your audience’s receptivity to the rest of your presentation.

Now that you’ve got the gist of how to introduce a presentation, further brush up your speech with these tips on how to make a persuasive presentation and how to improve your presentation skills to create an engaging presentation . 

How can I overcome nervousness at the beginning of a presentation?

To overcome nervousness at the beginning of a presentation, take deep breaths, practice beforehand, and focus on connecting with your audience rather than worrying about yourself.

How long should the opening of a presentation be?

The opening of a presentation should typically be brief, lasting around 1 to 3 minutes, to grab the audience’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the talk.

Should I memorize my presentation’s opening lines?

While it’s helpful to know your opening lines, it’s better to understand the key points and flow naturally to maintain authenticity and flexibility during the presentation.

Should I use slides during the opening of my presentation?

Using slides sparingly during the opening can enhance the message, but avoid overwhelming the audience with too much information early on.

How do I transition smoothly from the opening to the main content of my presentation?

Transition smoothly from the opening to the main content by providing a clear and concise outline of what’s to come, signaling the shift and maintaining a logical flow between topics.

Just as a captivating opening draws your audience in, creating a well-crafted presentation closing has the power to leave a lasting impression. Wrap up in style with these 10 ways to end a presentation .

Presenting virtually? Check out these tips on how to ace your next online presentation . 

Captivating your audience from the very beginning is crucial for a successful presentation. The first few moments of your talk can set the tone and determine whether your audience remains engaged throughout or loses interest. 

Start with a compelling opening that grabs their attention. You can use a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic or a powerful quote to pique their curiosity. Alternatively, storytelling can be a potent tool to draw them into your narrative. It’s essential to establish a personal connection early on, whether by sharing a relatable experience or expressing empathy towards their needs and interests.

Lastly, be mindful of your body language and vocal delivery. A confident and engaging speaker can captivate an audience, so make eye contact, use appropriate gestures and vary your tone to convey passion and sincerity.

In conclusion, captivating your audience from the very beginning requires thoughtful preparation, engaging content and a confident delivery. With Venngage’s customizable templates, you can adapt your presentation to suit the preferences and interests of your specific audience, ensuring maximum engagement. Go on and get started today!

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How to Create Slides That Suit Your Superiors: 11 Tips

When you’re pitching ideas or budgets to execs in your organization, you need to deliver slides that fit those particular people just right. This checklist identifies the key considerations.

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I recently interviewed 20 of my customers, all in senior roles at Fortune 100 companies, and asked them their biggest pain point in presenting to higher-ups and even colleagues. What I heard consistently was that it can feel like Goldilocks bouncing from one option to the next, testing to figure out what’s “just right.” Does the audience want deep reports? Sparse slides? Something in between? Like … what?

Teams often come to presentation meetings with vast amounts of backup content just in case an exec wants to take a deep dive on any given point. There’s often a struggle to anticipate every direction attendees might want to go. It’s frustrating, and it’s not efficient.

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There are many ways to build slides. I’m not just talking about crafting them well versus poorly. I’m talking about all of the important decisions regarding how to organize them, how much text to use, when to lean into a chart, the best ways to use bullets and color, and whether to include an appendix with additional information. Before you make your next proposal or request of the executive team, use this list of 11 tips for your next set of slides as a guide.

Four Things You Must Have in Every Exec’s Slides

Before we drill down into the harder aspects, the ones where your executives’ tastes may vary widely, let’s quickly cover four aspects that you can consider the building blocks — the basics you should never proceed without.

Start with an executive summary. Begin the slide deck with a tight executive summary that follows a three-act structure. First, start with stating the current realities. Second, clearly state the problem or opportunity your idea addresses and its potential impact. Third, explain how your recommendation solves the problem or exploits the opportunity and the next steps you’re proposing.

Have a logical organization. The arc of the deck — the package from beginning to end — should make sense. If your audience reads only the headline of every slide, the order should be coherent and make most of the case for you. The content below each slide’s headline must support the statement made in the title. Remove everything that doesn’t support your point; as writers will tell you, you sometimes need to “kill your darlings” when you’re editing.

Begin the slide deck with a tight executive summary that follows a three-act structure.

Make it skimmable. Help your audience to quickly grasp the point without getting bogged down in details. Create a clear visual hierarchy. Guide the reader’s eye through the content: Use bold headings, bullet points, and numbered lists to break down information into digestible pieces. Highlight key takeaways or conclusions in a different color or font size to draw attention to these critical points.

Focus on concise insights. Succinct statements with clear insights are everyone’s jam. Every slide should serve a purpose and contribute directly to the decision-making process. Distill complex information. Don’t use 100 words when 20 words will nail it. If you’re having difficulty trimming, consider using company-approved AI tools to help you take out the fluff.

Five Preferences to Confirm With the Person You Want to Reach

Now we’ll delve into what your particular audience does and does not want. If you haven’t yet, start by asking the person you’re presenting to what they generally prefer. They probably know themselves well but have not been asked to articulate how they like to receive information.

Ask how dense is too dense. Some executives prefer detailed slides with comprehensive data. Others favor a more high-level approach. You’re weighing how to balance informative content with readability, ensuring that slides are not overloaded yet are sufficiently detailed to support decision-making.

Confirm the delivery format and timing. Some execs like information presented to them. Others prefer a pre-read of the material followed by a discussion. I always recommend our tool Slidedocs (I’ve written a free e-book on them), which are visual documents using both words and images. The templates help presenters organize their thoughts into a document for a pre-read or a read-along. They are designed to be skimmable and able to travel through your organization without the help of a presenter.

I’m a huge fan of pre-reads and prefer to use my time in meetings to ask questions and build alignment. If your audience didn’t review your material in advance, ask at the top of the meeting whether they would like you to present it or would prefer to read through it and then discuss it.

Find out how much data visualization they prefer. Charts, graphs, photos, and illustrations often communicate complex data more clearly than words alone. When execs can see what you’re saying, they often can better understand the impact of your idea. Does the exec want to understand exact numbers? Bar charts allow them to move their eyes across a series of specifics. Does the exec want to know the shape of a trend over time? Line charts can show the pattern. (See “Classic Charts Communicate Data Quickly.”) Some prefer charts with annotations that draw attention to what you think is the most important point. Others want to make their own conclusions from the data.

One of my clients, the CEO of a massive commercial real estate company, doesn’t want anything visualized. He prefers numbers, only in a table, and only in two colors — black and red. You might think this is archaic. But the fact that he’s clear to his teams about what he wants takes all the mystery out of how to communicate with him.

When the stakes are high, have a conceptual thinker help with diagrams and concepts. If you don’t have one on your team, and when it’s high stakes, find an internal designer to help you or hire one. You can’t afford to have the baby (your idea) thrown out with the bathwater (terrible slides).

Identify which details need spelling out. How well do the people you’re presenting to know the landscape and function of the company and products you’re talking about? For example, if your engineering team threw a slide into a deck about an issue that requires executive approval, do the execs all speak geek? Or do you need to explain the technology so that they will really understand the ask? Either eliminate internal jargon and acronyms or unpack those bits, especially if your proposal deeply involves expertise outside of the executives’ domain.

Ask whether appendices will be useful. When you’re organizing a presentation, you often troll data, read through complicated reports, and even hire external experts to figure out what’s best for the company. Do your execs want access to that supporting data? You can add a document to the end of the presentation as an appendix to show all of the data and source material. This allows the main content of the slides to remain focused and accessible while still providing comprehensive background information for those who want more.

Two Tips to Improve Your Presentation Skills

Getting materials in place is the biggest step. They will be your best tools for selling your ideas. But there are two extra areas to pay attention to as a presenter: how you handle questions and how you use every experience to improve.

Anticipate questions, and practice your answers. Before you have your meeting, gather a small team to challenge every point you make. Invite colleagues you trust to role-play as “a rapidly inquisitive exec” or “the doubting naysayer exec” so you are prepared to present your idea well. They’re gonna grill you, and practicing will help you remain unruffled when it happens.

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Ask for feedback after the presentation. Establish a feedback loop with those you presented to. Ask what worked well and how you can improve. If attendees don’t have the time, find people who have had their ideas funded and talk to them about what they did that worked. Advice and some perspective will help you nail your performance even better next time.

Empathetically understanding your audience members and how they process information, whether it’s executives or peers, sets up your ideas for success. Clarity creates efficiency. When a presentation fits just right, you’ve given your great thinking the best chance of moving through your organization and having maximum impact.

About the Author

Nancy Duarte is CEO of Duarte Inc. , a communication company in the Silicon Valley. She’s the author of six books, including DataStory: Explain Data and Inspire Action Through Story (Ideapress Publishing, 2019).

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11 Creative Presentation Design Ideas with Examples

• Written by: Rishabh Pugalia
• Updated: July 18, 2023

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Presentation Design is vital for effective communication. It involves creating visually appealing content that improves your marketing strategy keeping in line with your branding guidelines , graphic design principles, and business goals.

• How does presentation design engage prospects effectively?
• How does strategic presentation design influence decision-making?
• What impact does effective presentation design have on brand perception

In this blog, we’ll explore presentation design examples and discover creative ways to enhance your marketing efforts with the best presentation ideas.

What is a Presentation Design?

Presentation design is the process of visually presenting information in an interesting and easily digestible way to your prospects.

It involves graphic design and using images to make the information more interesting and easy to understand. The goal is to make the presentation look nice and help people understand the message better.

So, what are some presentation design ideas that can be used? Here’s why you should consider using them:

• They showcase your brand: Visual presentation ideas like infographics or videos can strengthen your brand recognition.
• They facilitate easy understanding: Ideas for presenting complex information in digestible formats are valuable. These could be creative ways to present a presentation or neat design ideas on PowerPoint.
• They keep your audiences interested: Fun presentation ideas can grab your audience’s attention.

When designed effectively, presentations can be a effective tool for marketers. It’s all about conveying your message in an impactful way to engage, inform, and persuade your audience.

FURTHER READING

• 50 Banner Ad Design Ideas for B2B Marketers
• 18 Inspiring Brochure Design Ideas to Elevate Your Marketing

11 Examples of Creative Presentation Design Ideas

Knowing when and where to use presentations is crucial for their impact. For important meetings, using marketing presentation ideas can make a lasting impression. For creative brainstorming sessions, a cool presentation design can be more fitting.

Here are a few creative ways to present a presentation to help you stand out from the competition:

Examples of Employee Testimonial Videos

1. double up: slide deck and infographic.

Leverage the layout and content of your presentation design ideas to create a complementary infographic, doubling your content output from one concept. Reuse your presentation’s layout and style to convert it into an infographic, offering two content types from one idea.

2. Minimalist Presentations: Less is More

Use a simple, minimalist presentation design idea to keep your audience focused on the content like this presentation design example from QuickBooks. Few colors and uncomplicated graphics ensure legibility and aesthetic appeal.

3. Be Unique: Break Presentation Stereotypes

Consider a unique and out-of-the-box presentation design idea like a comic book, as Semrush did. Bold, creative choices can make your presentation stand out.

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4. Bold or Thin: Mix Font Weights for Impact

Just like this presentation design example from HubSpot, use multiple font weights in your presentation to emphasize key points. Bold fonts on cover slides can highlight the central topic right from the start.

5. Make it Personal: Humanize Presentations

Make your presentation design ideas more engaging and relatable by utilizing images of people, even team members. This adds a human touch and keeps your audience engaged.

6. Structuring Presentations: Stick to Threes

To maintain clarity and focus, use the rule of thirds in your creative group presentation ideas. This could mean three columns, three key ideas, or three icons. Check out slides 2, 7, 8, and 9 in this Uber sales presentation.

7. Color Coding: A Powerful Guide in Presentations

Design ideas on PowerPoint and guide your audience through the presentation using color coding. By allocating a unique color to each point or section, you create a visual cue for topic changes.

8. Design Motif: A Reflection of Your Content

If your topic is interesting, use it as a theme for your design ideas on PowerPoint. A custom design motif in line with your topic can help your audience connect with the material.

9. Repurposing Content: Dual-wield Presentations

Turn an existing ebook or, white paper into an attractive presentation design idea, presenting key ideas in a refreshing, digestible format.

10. Anchor Icons: Draw attention to Text

Prevent your text from floating in the presentation’s white space by anchoring it with relevant icons, like in slides 3 and 4 of this presentation design example. This improves the presentation design’s visual balance and directs the audience’s attention.

11. Creative Risk-Taking: Presentation Layouts

Experiment with unconventional layouts, like Weekdone’s 8-Bit video game presentation design idea. Creative risk-taking can lead to memorable, impactful, and fun presentation ideas.

Presentation Design Best Practices

Here are some best practices for creating effective presentation designs and creative ways to present a presentation:

1. Start with a Plan

Before you dive into designing, outline your content. Understand your audience, define your message, and set your objectives.

2. Keep It Simple

Avoid clutter. A clean, minimalist design often makes the strongest impact. Keep your text concise and let visuals carry the narrative.

3. Consistency Is Key

Maintain a consistent look and feel throughout your presentation. Consistent fonts, colors, and design elements contribute to a professional look.

4. Make It Interactive

Use interactive elements like quizzes, polls, or live Q&A sessions. This keeps your audience engaged and makes your presentation more memorable.

5. Use High-Quality Visuals

Images, infographics, charts, and videos can show complex information easily. Ensure they are high-quality and relevant to your content.

6. Leverage Storytelling

A convincing narrative can make your presentation more attractive. Connect your points in a story-like fashion for a more profound impact.

7. Highlight Key Points

Make important points or statistics stand out using larger fonts, different colors, or animation.

8. Balance Text and Visuals

Too much text can be overwhelming. Balance it with visuals to ensure your message is easily digestible.

9. Use Professional Templates

A well-designed template can provide a strong foundation for your presentation. Sites like SlideModel offer professional PowerPoint templates.

10. Stay On-Brand

Your presentation should reflect your brand’s identity. Use your brand colors, fonts, and include your logo subtly.

11. Consider Accessibility

Design your presentation keeping accessibility in mind. Use high-contrast colors and avoid overly complex graphics.

12. Practice Visual Hierarchy

Arrange elements in a way that guides your audience’s eyes in order of importance. This can be achieved by playing with the size, color, and position of elements.

13. Incorporate Data Visualization

Make use of charts, graphs, and infographics to present data. This helps make complex information more understandable.

14. End with a Clear Call to Action (CTA)

Ensure your audience knows what to do next. Whether it’s visiting your website or scheduling a meeting, make your CTA clear and compelling.

15. Proofread and Test

Always proofread your presentation to avoid typos or mistakes. Also, test your presentation on different devices to ensure it looks good on all platforms.

Get Your Audience Hooked With Killer Presentation Designs

Content Beta ’s experience in creating exciting designs can give you a strong understanding of what works and what doesn’t in presentations.

We’ll pair you up with the best creatives to craft presentations, video ads, product demos, and more, that achieve your business goals and guarantee success. Click here to learn more about our presentation design services.

Great presentation design ideas can be your most effective marketing tool. From interesting slide design to unique visual storytelling techniques, it’s time to redefine your marketing presentations.

Remember, it’s not just about looks; it’s about impact. Make every slide count and turn ideas into compelling visual stories.

Presentation design is the process of planning, implementing, and coordinating every aspect of a presentation. It’s about conveying your message in an impactful, interesting way to your audience.

Presentation design is crucial in B2B marketing because it helps break through the noise, grab attention, and deliver information in a digestible format. A well-designed presentation can reduce the sales cycle, enhance your brand image, and ultimately decrease the customer acquisition cost (CAC).

Fun presentation ideas could include interactive quizzes, storytelling with visuals, using humor appropriately, and incorporating creative group presentation ideas that engage the audience.

PowerPoint slide design ideas can enhance your presentation by making it visually appealing and easy to follow. Effective use of color, fonts, graphics, and layout can make your presentation stand out and better engage your audience.

Creative ways to present a presentation could include the use of memes, infographics, interactive elements like quizzes or polls, or leveraging storytelling techniques.

Visual presentation ideas help your audience understand and remember your message more effectively. They aid in making complex information more digestible and can evoke emotions, leading to a more impactful presentation.

The best presentation ideas often involve clear messaging, engaging visuals, interactive elements, and a strong call to action. They should align with your brand and resonate with your audience.

Design ideas on PowerPoint could include using consistent color schemes and fonts, incorporating images or infographics, using varied slide layouts, and leveraging animations and transitions.

Decoration presentation ideas could involve the creative use of colors, patterns, and textures, using themed templates, or incorporating visually engaging elements like icons, shapes, and diagrams.

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• How to Paraphrase | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

How to Paraphrase | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

Published on April 8, 2022 by Courtney Gahan and Jack Caulfield. Revised on June 1, 2023.

Paraphrasing means putting someone else’s ideas into your own words. Paraphrasing a source involves changing the wording while preserving the original meaning.

Paraphrasing is an alternative to  quoting (copying someone’s exact words and putting them in quotation marks ). In academic writing, it’s usually better to integrate sources by paraphrasing instead of quoting. It shows that you have understood the source, reads more smoothly, and keeps your own voice front and center.

Every time you paraphrase, it’s important to cite the source . Also take care not to use wording that is too similar to the original. Otherwise, you could be at risk of committing plagiarism .

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Table of contents

How to paraphrase in five easy steps, how to paraphrase correctly, examples of paraphrasing, how to cite a paraphrase, paraphrasing vs. quoting, paraphrasing vs. summarizing, avoiding plagiarism when you paraphrase, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about paraphrasing.

If you’re struggling to get to grips with the process of paraphrasing, check out our easy step-by-step guide in the video below.

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Putting an idea into your own words can be easier said than done. Let’s say you want to paraphrase the text below, about population decline in a particular species of sea snails.

Incorrect paraphrasing

You might make a first attempt to paraphrase it by swapping out a few words for  synonyms .

Like other sea creatures inhabiting the vicinity of highly populated coasts, horse conchs have lost substantial territory to advancement and contamination , including preferred breeding grounds along mud flats and seagrass beds. Their Gulf home is also heating up due to global warming , which scientists think further puts pressure on the creatures , predicated upon the harmful effects extra warmth has on other large mollusks (Barnett, 2022).

This attempt at paraphrasing doesn’t change the sentence structure or order of information, only some of the word choices. And the synonyms chosen are poor:

• “Advancement and contamination” doesn’t really convey the same meaning as “development and pollution.”
• Sometimes the changes make the tone less academic: “home” for “habitat” and “sea creatures” for “marine animals.”
• Adding phrases like “inhabiting the vicinity of” and “puts pressure on” makes the text needlessly long-winded.
• Global warming is related to climate change, but they don’t mean exactly the same thing.

Because of this, the text reads awkwardly, is longer than it needs to be, and remains too close to the original phrasing. This means you risk being accused of plagiarism .

Correct paraphrasing

Let’s look at a more effective way of paraphrasing the same text.

Here, we’ve:

• Only included the information that’s relevant to our argument (note that the paraphrase is shorter than the original)
• Introduced the information with the signal phrase “Scientists believe that …”
• Retained key terms like “development and pollution,” since changing them could alter the meaning
• Structured sentences in our own way instead of copying the structure of the original
• Started from a different point, presenting information in a different order

Because of this, we’re able to clearly convey the relevant information from the source without sticking too close to the original phrasing.

Explore the tabs below to see examples of paraphrasing in action.

• Journal article
• Newspaper article
• Magazine article

Once you have your perfectly paraphrased text, you need to ensure you credit the original author. You’ll always paraphrase sources in the same way, but you’ll have to use a different type of in-text citation depending on what citation style you follow.

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It’s a good idea to paraphrase instead of quoting in most cases because:

• Paraphrasing shows that you fully understand the meaning of a text
• Your own voice remains dominant throughout your paper
• Quotes reduce the readability of your text

But that doesn’t mean you should never quote. Quotes are appropriate when:

• Giving a precise definition
• Saying something about the author’s language or style (e.g., in a literary analysis paper)
• Providing evidence in support of an argument
• Critiquing or analyzing a specific claim

A paraphrase puts a specific passage into your own words. It’s typically a similar length to the original text, or slightly shorter.

When you boil a longer piece of writing down to the key points, so that the result is a lot shorter than the original, this is called summarizing .

Paraphrasing and quoting are important tools for presenting specific information from sources. But if the information you want to include is more general (e.g., the overarching argument of a whole article), summarizing is more appropriate.

When paraphrasing, you have to be careful to avoid accidental plagiarism .

This can happen if the paraphrase is too similar to the original quote, with phrases or whole sentences that are identical (and should therefore be in quotation marks). It can also happen if you fail to properly cite the source.

Paraphrasing tools are widely used by students, and can be especially useful for non-native speakers who may find academic writing particularly challenging. While these can be helpful for a bit of extra inspiration, use these tools sparingly, keeping academic integrity in mind.

To make sure you’ve properly paraphrased and cited all your sources, you could elect to run a plagiarism check before submitting your paper. And of course, always be sure to read your source material yourself and take the first stab at paraphrasing on your own.

If you want to know more about ChatGPT, AI tools , citation , and plagiarism , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• ChatGPT vs human editor
• ChatGPT citations
• Is ChatGPT trustworthy?
• Using ChatGPT for your studies
• What is ChatGPT?
• Chicago style
• Critical thinking

 Plagiarism

• Types of plagiarism
• Self-plagiarism
• Avoiding plagiarism
• Academic integrity
• Consequences of plagiarism
• Common knowledge

To paraphrase effectively, don’t just take the original sentence and swap out some of the words for synonyms. Instead, try:

• Reformulating the sentence (e.g., change active to passive , or start from a different point)
• Combining information from multiple sentences into one
• Leaving out information from the original that isn’t relevant to your point
• Using synonyms where they don’t distort the meaning

The main point is to ensure you don’t just copy the structure of the original text, but instead reformulate the idea in your own words.

Paraphrasing without crediting the original author is a form of plagiarism , because you’re presenting someone else’s ideas as if they were your own.

However, paraphrasing is not plagiarism if you correctly cite the source . This means including an in-text citation and a full reference, formatted according to your required citation style .

As well as citing, make sure that any paraphrased text is completely rewritten in your own words.

Plagiarism means using someone else’s words or ideas and passing them off as your own. Paraphrasing means putting someone else’s ideas in your own words.

So when does paraphrasing count as plagiarism?

• Paraphrasing is plagiarism if you don’t properly credit the original author.
• Paraphrasing is plagiarism if your text is too close to the original wording (even if you cite the source). If you directly copy a sentence or phrase, you should quote it instead.
• Paraphrasing  is not plagiarism if you put the author’s ideas completely in your own words and properly cite the source .

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To present information from other sources in academic writing , it’s best to paraphrase in most cases. This shows that you’ve understood the ideas you’re discussing and incorporates them into your text smoothly.

It’s appropriate to quote when:

• Changing the phrasing would distort the meaning of the original text
• You want to discuss the author’s language choices (e.g., in literary analysis )
• You’re presenting a precise definition
• You’re looking in depth at a specific claim

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Gahan, C. & Caulfield, J. (2023, June 01). How to Paraphrase | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved April 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/how-to-paraphrase/

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