- SUGGESTED TOPICS
- The Magazine
- Newsletters
- Managing Yourself
- Managing Teams
- Work-life Balance
- The Big Idea
- Data & Visuals
- Reading Lists
- Case Selections
- HBR Learning
- Topic Feeds
- Account Settings
- Email Preferences
What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation
- Carmine Gallo
Five tips to set yourself apart.
Never underestimate the power of great communication. It can help you land the job of your dreams, attract investors to back your idea, or elevate your stature within your organization. But while there are plenty of good speakers in the world, you can set yourself apart out by being the person who can deliver something great over and over. Here are a few tips for business professionals who want to move from being good speakers to great ones: be concise (the fewer words, the better); never use bullet points (photos and images paired together are more memorable); don’t underestimate the power of your voice (raise and lower it for emphasis); give your audience something extra (unexpected moments will grab their attention); rehearse (the best speakers are the best because they practice — a lot).
I was sitting across the table from a Silicon Valley CEO who had pioneered a technology that touches many of our lives — the flash memory that stores data on smartphones, digital cameras, and computers. He was a frequent guest on CNBC and had been delivering business presentations for at least 20 years before we met. And yet, the CEO wanted to sharpen his public speaking skills.
- Carmine Gallo is a Harvard University instructor, keynote speaker, and author of 10 books translated into 40 languages. Gallo is the author of The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Greatest Salesman (St. Martin’s Press).
Partner Center
How it works
Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.
Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.
We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.
Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.
Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.
Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.
Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.
Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.
Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.
Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.
See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.
Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.
A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.
- What is coaching?
Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.
Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.
Types of Coaching
Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.
Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.
Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.
Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.
Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.
View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.
The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.
- BetterUp Briefing
The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.
Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.
Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance
We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.
Join us and create impactful change.
Read the buzz about BetterUp.
Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.
For Business
For Individuals
How to give a good presentation that captivates any audience
Elevate your communication skills
Unlock the power of clear and persuasive communication. Our coaches can guide you to build strong relationships and succeed in both personal and professional life.
Jump to section
What are the main difficulties when giving presentations?
How to create an effective presentation, after that, how do i give a memorable presentation, how to connect with the audience when presenting.
If you’ve ever heard someone give a powerful presentation, you probably remember how it made you feel. Much like a composer, a good speaker knows precisely when each note should strike to captivate their audience’s attention and leave them with a lasting impression.
No one becomes a great public speaker or presenter without practice. And almost everyone can recall a time one of their presentations went badly — that’s a painful part of the learning process.
Whether you’re working within a small creative team or a large organization, public speaking and presentation skills are vital to communicating your ideas. Knowing how to present your vision can help you pitch concepts to clients, present ideas to your team, and develop the confidence to participate in team meetings.
If you have an upcoming presentation on the horizon and feel nervous, that’s normal. Around 15-30% of the general population experience a fear of public speaking . And, unfortunately, social anxiety is on the rise, with a 12% increase in adults over the last 20 years .
Learning how to give a good presentation can dismantle your fears and break down these barriers, ensuring you’re ready to confidently share your point of view.
It’s the week before your presentation, and you’re already feeling nervous . Maybe there’ll be an important mentor in the room you need to impress, or you’re looking for an opportunity to show your boss your value. Regardless of your countless past presentations, you still feel nervous.
Sharing your vision and ideas with any sized group is intimidating. You’re likely worrying about how you’ll perform as a presenter and whether the audience will be interested in what you offer. But nerves aren’t inherently negative — you can actually use this feeling to fuel your preparation.
It’s helpful to identify where your worries are coming from and address your fears. Here are some common concerns when preparing for an upcoming presentation:
Fear of public speaking: When you share your ideas in front of a group, you’re placing yourself in a vulnerable position to be critiqued on your knowledge and communication skills . Maybe you feel confident in your content, but when you think about standing in front of an audience, you feel anxious and your mind goes blank.
It’s also not uncommon to have physical symptoms when presenting . Some people experience nausea and dizziness as the brain releases adrenaline to cope with the potentially stressful situation . Remember to take deep breaths to recenter yourself and be patient, even if you make a mistake.
Losing the audience’s attention: As a presenter, your main focus is to keep your audience engaged. They should feel like they’re learning valuable information or following a story that will improve them in life or business.
Highlight the most exciting pieces of knowledge and ensure you emphasize those points in your presentation. If you feel passionate about your content, it’s more likely that your audience will experience this excitement for themselves and become invested in what you have to say.
Not knowing what content to place on presentation slides: Overloading presentation slides is a fast way to lose your audience’s attention. Your slides should contain only the main talking points and limited text to ensure your audience focuses on what you have to say rather than becoming distracted by the content on your slides.
Discomfort incorporating nonverbal communication: It’s natural to feel stiff and frozen when you’re nervous. But maintaining effective body language helps your audience stay focused on you as you speak and encourages you to relax.
If you struggle to incorporate body language into your presentations, try starting small by making hand gestures toward your slides. If you’re working with a large audience, use different parts of the stage to ensure everyone feels included.
Each presenter has their own personal brand and style. Some may use humor to break the ice, while others might appeal to the audience’s emotional side through inspiring storytelling.
Watching online presentations, such as TED talks, is an excellent way to expose yourself to various presentation styles and develop your own. While observing others, you can note how they carry themselves on stage and learn new ways to keep your audience engaged.
Once you’ve addressed what’s causing your fears, it’s time to prepare for a great presentation. Use your past experience as inspiration and aim to outshine your former self by learning from your mistakes and employing new techniques. Here are five presentation tips to help you create a strong presentation and wow your audience:
1. Keep it simple
Simple means something different to everyone.
Before creating your presentation, take note of your intended audience and their knowledge level of your subject. You’ll want your content to be easy for your intended audience to follow.
Say you’re giving a presentation on improving your company’s operational structure. Entry-level workers will likely need a more straightforward overview of the content than C-suite leaders, who have significantly more experience.
Ask yourself what you want your audience to take away from your presentation and emphasize those important points. Doing this ensures they remember the most vital information rather than less important supporting ideas. Try organizing these concepts into bullet points so viewers can quickly identify critical takeaways.
2. Create a compelling structure
Put yourself in your audience member’s shoes and determine the most compelling way to organize your information. Your presentation should be articulate , cohesive, and logical, and you must be sure to include all necessary supporting evidence to strengthen your main points.
If you give away all of your answers too quickly, your audience could lose interest. And if there isn’t enough supporting information, they could hit a roadblock of confusion. Try developing a compelling story that leads your audience through your thought processes so they can experience the ups and downs alongside you.
By structuring your presentation to lead up to a final conclusion, you’re more likely to keep listeners’ attention. Once you’ve reached that conclusion, you can offer a Q&A period to put any of their questions or concerns to rest.
3. Use visual aids
Appealing to various learning styles is a great way to keep everyone on the same page and ensure they absorb your content. Visual aids are necessary for visual learners and make it easier for people to picture your ideas.
Aim to incorporate a mixture of photos, videos, and props to engage your audience and convey your key points. For instance, if you’re giving a presentation on anthropology subject matter, you could show your audience an artifact to help them understand how exciting a discovery must have been.
If your presentation is long, including a video for your audience to watch is an excellent way to give yourself a break and create new jumping-off points for your speech.
4. Be aware of design techniques and trends
Thanks to cutting-edge technology and tools, you have numerous platforms at your disposal to create a good presentation. But keep in mind that although color, images, and graphics liven things up, they can cause distraction when misused.
Here are a few standard pointers for incorporating visuals on your slides:
- Don’t place blocks of small text on a single slide
- Use a minimalistic background instead of a busy one
- Ensure text stands out against the background color
- Only use high-resolution photos
- Maintain a consistent font style and size throughout the presentation
- Don’t overuse transitions and effects
5. Try the 10-20-30 rule
Guy Kawasaki, a prominent venture capitalist and one of the original marketing specialists for Apple, said that the best slideshow presentations are less than 10 slides , last at most 20 minutes, and use a font size of 30. Following this strategy can help you condense your information, eliminate unnecessary ideas, and maintain your audience’s focus more efficiently.
Once you’re confident in creating a memorable presentation, it’s time to learn how to give one. Here are some valuable tips for keeping your audience invested during your talk:
Tip #1: Tell stories
Sharing an anecdote from your life can improve your credibility and increase your relatability. And when an audience relates to you, they’re more likely to feel connected to who you are as a person and encouraged to give you their full attention, as they would want others to do the same.
Gill Hicks utilized this strategy well when she shared her powerful story, “ I survived a terrorist attack. Here’s what I learned .” In her harrowing tale, Hicks highlights the importance of compassion, unconditional love, and helping those in need.
If you feel uncomfortable sharing personal stories, that’s okay. You can use examples from famous individuals or create a fictional account to demonstrate your ideas.
Tip #2: Make eye contact with the audience
Maintaining eye contact is less intimidating than it sounds. In fact, you don’t have to look your audience members directly in their eyes — you can focus on their foreheads or noses if that’s easier.
Try making eye contact with as many people as possible for 3–5 seconds each. This timing ensures you don’t look away too quickly, making the audience member feel unimportant, or linger too long, making them feel uncomfortable.
If you’re presenting to a large group, direct your focus to each part of the room to ensure no section of the audience feels ignored.
Tip #3: Work on your stage presence
Although your tone and words are the most impactful part of your presentation, recall that body language keeps your audience engaged. Use these tips to master a professional stage presence:
- Speak with open arms and avoid crossing them
- Keep a reasonable pace and try not to stand still
- Use hand gestures to highlight important information
Tip #4: Start strong
Like watching a movie trailer, the first seconds of your talk are critical for capturing your audience’s attention. How you start your speech sets the tone for the rest of your presentation and tells your audience whether or not they should pay attention. Here are some ways to start your presentation to leave a lasting impression:
- Use a quote from a well-known and likable influential person
- Ask a rhetorical question to create intrigue
- Start with an anecdote to add context to your talk
- Spark your audience’s curiosity by involving them in an interactive problem-solving puzzle or riddle
Tip #5: Show your passion
Don’t be afraid of being too enthusiastic. Everyone appreciates a speaker who’s genuinely excited about their field of expertise.
In “ Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance ,” Angela Lee Duckworth discusses the importance of passion in research and delivery. She delivers her presentation excitedly to show the audience how excitement piques interest.
Tip #6: Plan your delivery
How you decide to deliver your speech will shape your presentation. Will you be preparing a PowerPoint presentation and using a teleprompter? Or are you working within the constraints of the digital world and presenting over Zoom?
The best presentations are conducted by speakers who know their stuff and memorize their content. However, if you find this challenging, try creating notes to use as a safety net in case you lose track.
If you’re presenting online, you can keep notes beside your computer for each slide, highlighting your key points. This ensures you include all the necessary information and follow a logical order.
Tip #7: Practice
Practice doesn’t make perfect — it makes progress. There’s no way of preparing for unforeseen circumstances, but thorough practice means you’ve done everything you can to succeed.
Rehearse your speech in front of a mirror or to a trusted friend or family member. Take any feedback and use it as an opportunity to fine-tune your speech. But remember: who you practice your presentation in front of may differ from your intended audience. Consider their opinions through the lens of them occupying this different position.
Tip #8: Read the room
Whether you’re a keynote speaker at an event or presenting to a small group of clients, knowing how to read the room is vital for keeping your audience happy. Stay flexible and be willing to move on from topics quickly if your listeners are uninterested or displeased with a particular part of your speech.
Tip #9: Breathe
Try taking deep breaths before your presentation to calm your nerves. If you feel rushed, you’re more likely to feel nervous and stumble on your words.
The most important thing to consider when presenting is your audience’s feelings. When you approach your next presentation calmly, you’ll put your audience at ease and encourage them to feel comfortable in your presence.
Tip #10: Provide a call-to-action
When you end your presentation, your audience should feel compelled to take a specific action, whether that’s changing their habits or contacting you for your services.
If you’re presenting to clients, create a handout with key points and contact information so they can get in touch. You should provide your LinkedIn information, email address, and phone number so they have a variety of ways to reach you.
There’s no one-size-fits-all template for an effective presentation, as your unique audience and subject matter play a role in shaping your speech. As a general rule, though, you should aim to connect with your audience through passion and excitement. Use strong eye contact and body language. Capture their interest through storytelling and their trust through relatability.
Learning how to give a good presentation can feel overwhelming — but remember, practice makes progress. Rehearse your presentation for someone you trust, collect their feedback , and revise. Practicing your presentation skills is helpful for any job, and every challenge is a chance to grow.
Elizabeth Perry
Content Marketing Manager, ACC
6 presentation skills and how to improve them
3 stand-out professional bio examples to inspire your own, how to write a speech that your audience remembers, how to make a presentation interactive and exciting, tell a story they can't ignore these 10 tips will teach you how, reading the room gives you an edge — no matter who you're talking to, writing an elevator pitch about yourself: a how-to plus tips, your ultimate guide on how to be a good storyteller, 18 effective strategies to improve your communication skills, similar articles, the importance of good speech: 5 tips to be more articulate, the 11 tips that will improve your public speaking skills, 30 presentation feedback examples, how to not be nervous for a presentation — 13 tips that work (really), how the minto pyramid principle can enhance your communication skills, 8 clever hooks for presentations (with tips), stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..
3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702
- Platform Overview
- Integrations
- Powered by AI
- BetterUp Lead
- BetterUp Manage™
- BetterUp Care™
- Sales Performance
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Case Studies
- Why BetterUp?
- About Coaching
- Find your Coach
- Career Coaching
- Communication Coaching
- Life Coaching
- News and Press
- Leadership Team
- Become a BetterUp Coach
- BetterUp Labs
- Center for Purpose & Performance
- Leadership Training
- Business Coaching
- Contact Support
- Contact Sales
- Privacy Policy
- Acceptable Use Policy
- Trust & Security
- Cookie Preferences
We use essential cookies to make Venngage work. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Manage Cookies
Cookies and similar technologies collect certain information about how you’re using our website. Some of them are essential, and without them you wouldn’t be able to use Venngage. But others are optional, and you get to choose whether we use them or not.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are always on, as they’re essential for making Venngage work, and making it safe. Without these cookies, services you’ve asked for can’t be provided.
Show cookie providers
- Google Login
Functionality Cookies
These cookies help us provide enhanced functionality and personalisation, and remember your settings. They may be set by us or by third party providers.
Performance Cookies
These cookies help us analyze how many people are using Venngage, where they come from and how they're using it. If you opt out of these cookies, we can’t get feedback to make Venngage better for you and all our users.
- Google Analytics
Targeting Cookies
These cookies are set by our advertising partners to track your activity and show you relevant Venngage ads on other sites as you browse the internet.
- Google Tag Manager
- Infographics
- Daily Infographics
- Graphic Design
- Graphs and Charts
- Data Visualization
- Human Resources
- Training and Development
- Beginner Guides
Blog Beginner Guides
How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]
By Krystle Wong , Jul 20, 2023
A top-notch presentation possesses the power to drive action. From winning stakeholders over and conveying a powerful message to securing funding — your secret weapon lies within the realm of creating an effective presentation .
Being an excellent presenter isn’t confined to the boardroom. Whether you’re delivering a presentation at work, pursuing an academic career, involved in a non-profit organization or even a student, nailing the presentation game is a game-changer.
In this article, I’ll cover the top qualities of compelling presentations and walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to give a good presentation. Here’s a little tip to kick things off: for a headstart, check out Venngage’s collection of free presentation templates . They are fully customizable, and the best part is you don’t need professional design skills to make them shine!
These valuable presentation tips cater to individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, encompassing business professionals, sales and marketing teams, educators, trainers, students, researchers, non-profit organizations, public speakers and presenters.
No matter your field or role, these tips for presenting will equip you with the skills to deliver effective presentations that leave a lasting impression on any audience.
Click to jump ahead:
What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?
Step-by-step guide on how to prepare an effective presentation, 9 effective techniques to deliver a memorable presentation, faqs on making a good presentation, how to create a presentation with venngage in 5 steps.
When it comes to giving an engaging presentation that leaves a lasting impression, it’s not just about the content — it’s also about how you deliver it. Wondering what makes a good presentation? Well, the best presentations I’ve seen consistently exhibit these 10 qualities:
1. Clear structure
No one likes to get lost in a maze of information. Organize your thoughts into a logical flow, complete with an introduction, main points and a solid conclusion. A structured presentation helps your audience follow along effortlessly, leaving them with a sense of satisfaction at the end.
Regardless of your presentation style , a quality presentation starts with a clear roadmap. Browse through Venngage’s template library and select a presentation template that aligns with your content and presentation goals. Here’s a good presentation example template with a logical layout that includes sections for the introduction, main points, supporting information and a conclusion:
2. Engaging opening
Hook your audience right from the start with an attention-grabbing statement, a fascinating question or maybe even a captivating anecdote. Set the stage for a killer presentation!
The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – check out these 15 ways to start a presentation to set the stage and captivate your audience.
3. Relevant content
Make sure your content aligns with their interests and needs. Your audience is there for a reason, and that’s to get valuable insights. Avoid fluff and get straight to the point, your audience will be genuinely excited.
4. Effective visual aids
Picture this: a slide with walls of text and tiny charts, yawn! Visual aids should be just that—aiding your presentation. Opt for clear and visually appealing slides, engaging images and informative charts that add value and help reinforce your message.
With Venngage, visualizing data takes no effort at all. You can import data from CSV or Google Sheets seamlessly and create stunning charts, graphs and icon stories effortlessly to showcase your data in a captivating and impactful way.
5. Clear and concise communication
Keep your language simple, and avoid jargon or complicated terms. Communicate your ideas clearly, so your audience can easily grasp and retain the information being conveyed. This can prevent confusion and enhance the overall effectiveness of the message.
6. Engaging delivery
Spice up your presentation with a sprinkle of enthusiasm! Maintain eye contact, use expressive gestures and vary your tone of voice to keep your audience glued to the edge of their seats. A touch of charisma goes a long way!
7. Interaction and audience engagement
Turn your presentation into an interactive experience — encourage questions, foster discussions and maybe even throw in a fun activity. Engaged audiences are more likely to remember and embrace your message.
Transform your slides into an interactive presentation with Venngage’s dynamic features like pop-ups, clickable icons and animated elements. Engage your audience with interactive content that lets them explore and interact with your presentation for a truly immersive experience.
8. Effective storytelling
Who doesn’t love a good story? Weaving relevant anecdotes, case studies or even a personal story into your presentation can captivate your audience and create a lasting impact. Stories build connections and make your message memorable.
A great presentation background is also essential as it sets the tone, creates visual interest and reinforces your message. Enhance the overall aesthetics of your presentation with these 15 presentation background examples and captivate your audience’s attention.
9. Well-timed pacing
Pace your presentation thoughtfully with well-designed presentation slides, neither rushing through nor dragging it out. Respect your audience’s time and ensure you cover all the essential points without losing their interest.
10. Strong conclusion
Last impressions linger! Summarize your main points and leave your audience with a clear takeaway. End your presentation with a bang , a call to action or an inspiring thought that resonates long after the conclusion.
In-person presentations aside, acing a virtual presentation is of paramount importance in today’s digital world. Check out this guide to learn how you can adapt your in-person presentations into virtual presentations .
Preparing an effective presentation starts with laying a strong foundation that goes beyond just creating slides and notes. One of the quickest and best ways to make a presentation would be with the help of a good presentation software .
Otherwise, let me walk you to how to prepare for a presentation step by step and unlock the secrets of crafting a professional presentation that sets you apart.
1. Understand the audience and their needs
Before you dive into preparing your masterpiece, take a moment to get to know your target audience. Tailor your presentation to meet their needs and expectations , and you’ll have them hooked from the start!
2. Conduct thorough research on the topic
Time to hit the books (or the internet)! Don’t skimp on the research with your presentation materials — dive deep into the subject matter and gather valuable insights . The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in delivering your presentation.
3. Organize the content with a clear structure
No one wants to stumble through a chaotic mess of information. Outline your presentation with a clear and logical flow. Start with a captivating introduction, follow up with main points that build on each other and wrap it up with a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.
Delivering an effective business presentation hinges on captivating your audience, and Venngage’s professionally designed business presentation templates are tailor-made for this purpose. With thoughtfully structured layouts, these templates enhance your message’s clarity and coherence, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience for your audience members.
Don’t want to build your presentation layout from scratch? pick from these 5 foolproof presentation layout ideas that won’t go wrong.
4. Develop visually appealing and supportive visual aids
Spice up your presentation with eye-catching visuals! Create slides that complement your message, not overshadow it. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, but that doesn’t mean you need to overload your slides with text.
Well-chosen designs create a cohesive and professional look, capturing your audience’s attention and enhancing the overall effectiveness of your message. Here’s a list of carefully curated PowerPoint presentation templates and great background graphics that will significantly influence the visual appeal and engagement of your presentation.
5. Practice, practice and practice
Practice makes perfect — rehearse your presentation and arrive early to your presentation to help overcome stage fright. Familiarity with your material will boost your presentation skills and help you handle curveballs with ease.
6. Seek feedback and make necessary adjustments
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek feedback from friends and colleagues. Constructive criticism can help you identify blind spots and fine-tune your presentation to perfection.
With Venngage’s real-time collaboration feature , receiving feedback and editing your presentation is a seamless process. Group members can access and work on the presentation simultaneously and edit content side by side in real-time. Changes will be reflected immediately to the entire team, promoting seamless teamwork.
7. Prepare for potential technical or logistical issues
Prepare for the unexpected by checking your equipment, internet connection and any other potential hiccups. If you’re worried that you’ll miss out on any important points, you could always have note cards prepared. Remember to remain focused and rehearse potential answers to anticipated questions.
8. Fine-tune and polish your presentation
As the big day approaches, give your presentation one last shine. Review your talking points, practice how to present a presentation and make any final tweaks. Deep breaths — you’re on the brink of delivering a successful presentation!
In competitive environments, persuasive presentations set individuals and organizations apart. To brush up on your presentation skills, read these guides on how to make a persuasive presentation and tips to presenting effectively .
Whether you’re an experienced presenter or a novice, the right techniques will let your presentation skills soar to new heights!
From public speaking hacks to interactive elements and storytelling prowess, these 9 effective presentation techniques will empower you to leave a lasting impression on your audience and make your presentations unforgettable.
1. Confidence and positive body language
Positive body language instantly captivates your audience, making them believe in your message as much as you do. Strengthen your stage presence and own that stage like it’s your second home! Stand tall, shoulders back and exude confidence.
2. Eye contact with the audience
Break down that invisible barrier and connect with your audience through their eyes. Maintaining eye contact when giving a presentation builds trust and shows that you’re present and engaged with them.
3. Effective use of hand gestures and movement
A little movement goes a long way! Emphasize key points with purposeful gestures and don’t be afraid to walk around the stage. Your energy will be contagious!
4. Utilize storytelling techniques
Weave the magic of storytelling into your presentation. Share relatable anecdotes, inspiring success stories or even personal experiences that tug at the heartstrings of your audience. Adjust your pitch, pace and volume to match the emotions and intensity of the story. Varying your speaking voice adds depth and enhances your stage presence.
5. Incorporate multimedia elements
Spice up your presentation with a dash of visual pizzazz! Use slides, images and video clips to add depth and clarity to your message. Just remember, less is more—don’t overwhelm them with information overload.
Turn your presentations into an interactive party! Involve your audience with questions, polls or group activities. When they actively participate, they become invested in your presentation’s success. Bring your design to life with animated elements. Venngage allows you to apply animations to icons, images and text to create dynamic and engaging visual content.
6. Utilize humor strategically
Laughter is the best medicine—and a fantastic presentation enhancer! A well-placed joke or lighthearted moment can break the ice and create a warm atmosphere , making your audience more receptive to your message.
7. Practice active listening and respond to feedback
Be attentive to your audience’s reactions and feedback. If they have questions or concerns, address them with genuine interest and respect. Your responsiveness builds rapport and shows that you genuinely care about their experience.
8. Apply the 10-20-30 rule
Apply the 10-20-30 presentation rule and keep it short, sweet and impactful! Stick to ten slides, deliver your presentation within 20 minutes and use a 30-point font to ensure clarity and focus. Less is more, and your audience will thank you for it!
9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule
Simplicity is key. Limit each slide to five bullet points, with only five words per bullet point and allow each slide to remain visible for about five seconds. This rule keeps your presentation concise and prevents information overload.
Simple presentations are more engaging because they are easier to follow. Summarize your presentations and keep them simple with Venngage’s gallery of simple presentation templates and ensure that your message is delivered effectively across your audience.
1. How to start a presentation?
To kick off your presentation effectively, begin with an attention-grabbing statement or a powerful quote. Introduce yourself, establish credibility and clearly state the purpose and relevance of your presentation.
2. How to end a presentation?
For a strong conclusion, summarize your talking points and key takeaways. End with a compelling call to action or a thought-provoking question and remember to thank your audience and invite any final questions or interactions.
3. How to make a presentation interactive?
To make your presentation interactive, encourage questions and discussion throughout your talk. Utilize multimedia elements like videos or images and consider including polls, quizzes or group activities to actively involve your audience.
In need of inspiration for your next presentation? I’ve got your back! Pick from these 120+ presentation ideas, topics and examples to get started.
Creating a stunning presentation with Venngage is a breeze with our user-friendly drag-and-drop editor and professionally designed templates for all your communication needs.
Here’s how to make a presentation in just 5 simple steps with the help of Venngage:
Step 1: Sign up for Venngage for free using your email, Gmail or Facebook account or simply log in to access your account.
Step 2: Pick a design from our selection of free presentation templates (they’re all created by our expert in-house designers).
Step 3: Make the template your own by customizing it to fit your content and branding. With Venngage’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can easily modify text, change colors and adjust the layout to create a unique and eye-catching design.
Step 4: Elevate your presentation by incorporating captivating visuals. You can upload your images or choose from Venngage’s vast library of high-quality photos, icons and illustrations.
Step 5: Upgrade to a premium or business account to export your presentation in PDF and print it for in-person presentations or share it digitally for free!
By following these five simple steps, you’ll have a professionally designed and visually engaging presentation ready in no time. With Venngage’s user-friendly platform, your presentation is sure to make a lasting impression. So, let your creativity flow and get ready to shine in your next presentation!
Home Blog Presentation Ideas How to Give A Compelling Interview Presentation: Tips, Examples and Topic Ideas
How to Give A Compelling Interview Presentation: Tips, Examples and Topic Ideas
Interview presentations have now become the new norm for most industries. They are popular for sales, marketing, technology, and academic positions. If you have been asked to deliver one for your job interview presentation, prepare to build a strong case for yourself as a candidate.
Giving a general presentation is already daunting. But selling yourself is always the hardest. Spectacular credentials and stellar expertise don’t count much if you cannot present them clearly, which you are expected to do during your interview presentation.
So, let’s prime you up for the challenge. This post is action-packed with job interview PowerPoint presentation examples and will teach you the best way to do a presentation without stressing too much!
Table of Contents
What is an Interview Presentation?
What should an interview presentation look like, how to prepare for a job interview presentation: the basics, define your structure, what slides to include, how to come up with 15-minute interview presentation ideas, how to conclude your interview presentation, how to prepare for an interview: the final tips, what to do at the first interaction with the company elevator pitch for interview, presentation design tips, how to overcome presentation anxiety, tips on maintaining positive body language throughout the presentation, your final act.
An interview presentation, also known as a job interview presentation or interview portfolio, is a formal and structured way for candidates to showcase their skills, qualifications, and suitability for a specific job position during an interview. It goes beyond the typical Q&A format of interviews, allowing candidates to demonstrate their expertise through a prepared presentation. Employers commonly request interview presentations in various industries, such as sales, marketing, technology, academia, and management roles. These presentations serve several important purposes: assessing communication skills, evaluating cultural fit, measuring expertise, analyzing problem-solving skills, and observing presentation skills. While the specific format and requirements of interview presentations vary widely, candidates typically receive guidelines from the employer regarding the topic, duration, and any specific criteria to be addressed. In essence, an interview presentation is an opportunity for candidates to make a compelling case for their candidacy, showcasing their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the job. It requires careful preparation, effective communication, and the ability to engage and persuade the interview panel. A successful interview presentation can significantly enhance a candidate’s chances of securing the desired position.
Think of your interview presentation as a sales pitch.
Your goal is to convince the human resources team that you are the best candidate. The kick here is that you will present to a warm audience – you already impressed them enough with your resume to be called in for an interview. We recommend generating a strategy and presentation based on a 30 60 90 Day Plan .
Employers request interview presentations for a few simple reasons:
- To assess your communication and public speaking skills.
- To understand whether you are the right cultural fit for the company.
- To develop a better sense of how well-versed you are in the domain .
So, your first job is ensuring your presentation fits the criteria. Review the company’s job description again and jot down all the candidate requirements. Take the time to read about their company values and mission. Be proactive and ask precisely what you should cover during your presentation.
Most interview presentations will differ in content and style, but here’s a quick example to give you more context:
[ Use This Template ]
Before you get elbow-deep in designing that PowerPoint for a job interview presentation, do some scouting and reach out to the HR team with a few questions.
You want your presentation to be on-point and technically accurate, so ask your contact the following:
- How long should an interview presentation be? Fifteen minutes is the golden standard, though some employers may ask to cut it down to just 10 minutes or extend it to 20-25.
- Who exactly will be present? A conversational presentation would undoubtedly be welcomed by your peers and a team leader but may appear too casual for the senior managers or board of directors.
- Does the HR team have a particular agenda in mind? Ask some leading questions to understand what kind of skills/experience they want you to demonstrate. If needed, use a proper agenda slide to include your content.
- What’s the IT setup? Should you bring your laptop? Do you need an adapter to connect to their projector? What kind of presentation software have they installed – PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides?
Everyone appreciates clarity.
In fact, 89% of professionals state their ability to communicate with clarity directly impacts their career and income.
Your presentation should flow, not rumble. Make sure that your story is easy to follow and your key message is easy to digest, remember, and pass on. If you want people to retain your main points, opt for the following structure:
Source: this infographic was created with 3 Steps Editable 3D Ladder Infographic
Here’s an interview presentation example styled in this fashion.
What is: The company’s presence in the Middle East is low. Only 15% of revenues come from the top markets.
Why this matters: The UAE fashion market alone is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21% during the next five years.
What could be: I have helped my previous employer open a flagship store in Dubai, have a lot of industry contacts, and am familiar with the local legislature. Your brand can expect a 17% revenue growth within one year of opening.
You can find even more ideas for designing your presentations in this post .
The choice of slides will largely depend on whether you are asked to talk about yourself or present on some task that you will be required to do as part of your job (e.g., create marketing campaigns).
Most interview presentation templates feature the following slides:
- Opening Slide
- Quick Bio/Personal Summary
- Career Path
- Education timeline
- Key Skills and Expertise
- Case studies/examples of the problems you have solved at your past jobs
- Your vision for your future role.
- What exactly can you bring in as the candidate (we will come back to this one later on!)
Can’t figure out where to start? Check out our AI PowerPoint generator to create an entire interview slide deck in a couple of clicks, or just download a job interview template . Swipe down to learn from the either of the following job interview presentation samples.
Typically, a talent acquisition team will suggest broad interview presentation topics for you. For example, if you are applying for a sales position, they may ask you to develop a sales presentation for some product (real or imaginary).
Some employers will request a short presentation about you or your hobbies to understand whether you are a good “fit” for the team and share the company’s values. Remember this: your audience will be assessing your aptitude for the role, no matter which topic you were given.
In fact, the interviewers at this point don’t care that much about your experience and skills. They want to know how you can apply those to solve the company’s pressing problems – meet sales targets, improve ROI from social media marketing or help them earn more revenue.
Your job is to make an educated guess… predict the most wrenching problem, and pitch your “magic pill” during your interview presentation.
I know what you are thinking – but how do I find the right opportunity/problem to tackle?
Businesses across different industries pretty much struggle with the same generic challenges related to either of the following:
Your topic should clearly address one of these areas and offer a potential roadmap for solving some specific problem within it.
Let’s say that you are applying for a sales role. Clearly, you will want to tackle the “customer audience” set of problems. To refine your idea, ask yourself the following questions:
- Can you think of a new customer segment the company should target? Who are they, what do they want, and how you can help the company reach them?
- Do you have a network or experience to identify and pitch new clients?
- Can you think of new collaboration opportunities the company could use to attract a whole new niche of customers?
So a sample job interview presentation about yourself should include a series of Problem & Solution Slides , showing exactly how you will address that issue if the company hires you.
Here’s another PowerPoint presentation about yourself for job interview example worth using – incorporate a case study slide, showing how you have successfully solved a similar problem for your past employer.
Wrap up your presentation by laying out the key steps the company needs to take. Give an estimate of how much time it will take to tackle the problem, and what changes/investments should be made.
Your conclusion should tell this: “Hire me and I will solve this problem for you in no time!”.
Source: StockSnap
Dial-Up Your Power
Take a deep breath and strike a “power pose” before you enter the room.
According to her research, power posers performed better during interviews and were more likely to get hired. Another study also proved this theory: unaware judges gave major preference to the power-primed applicants. So yes, pep talks do work!
The first 30 Seconds Count The Most
What you do and say in the first 30 seconds will make the most impact. Psychological research shows that listeners form opinions about your personality and intelligence in the first 30 seconds of the interview. So be sure to start with a compelling opening, framing exactly how you want to be perceived.
Try To Appear Similar to the Interviewer
Lauren Rivera, a professor from Kellogg School, came to the conclusion that interviewers tend to hire “people like them” .
Even the top human resource management folks fall for this bias and tend to base their evaluations on how similar a candidate is to them, instead of trying to decide whether the person’s skill set is ideal for the position. So to be liked, you will have to act relatable.
Back up your statements with facts
To deliver a presentation with a bang, you can make use of pre-analyzed facts to support your hypothesis. Make sure to do your homework, study the company and its competitive landscape, and do the professional work you would have done as a member of the company crew. At some point in your interview presentation, you go “off the script”, and pull out a bunch of documents, supporting your statements.
For example, you can give away a quick plan indicating a number of things the employer could do today to save money, even if they don’t hire you. Make sure to be meticulous; your work will speak for you. But giving away this work will show the employer your commitment, skills, and focus.
And that’s exactly how to make your job interview presentation stand out. Most candidates just ramble about their skills and past career moves. You bring specificity and proof to the platter, showing exactly what makes you a great hire fair and square.
Within a selection process, there are many interactions (interviews and dynamics) that you must successfully complete in order to be the next selected candidate. One of your objectives in this first interaction should be to generate a great first impression in the company. For this, we recommend using the Elevator Pitch for Interview technique.
The Elevator Pitch for Interview will allow you to present yourself in a solid and professional way in less than 60 seconds, in order to generate an outstanding first impression.
What is an Elevator Pitch for an Interview?
The Elevator Pitch is a condensed speech about yourself that aims to generate engagement in no more than 60 seconds. Entrepreneurs widely use this type of speech to persuade investors and job seekers in job interviews. Your Elevator Pitch for the Interview will generate a great first impression to the employer and be better positioned than other candidates. If your goal is to make a convincing presentation in a job interview, your Elevator Pitch needs to be well crafted.
How to Make an Elevator Pitch for an Interview
There are many ways and tips to make an excellent Elevator Pitch for a job interview. This section provides you with essential advice to make your interview more convincing.
Identify your target
You need to know to whom you are presenting yourself. Is it a recruiter? or an executive?. Your Elevator Pitch will change depending on the receiver.
Comprehend the needs of the hiring company
Make an advanced study about the search requirements for the job position. Identify your strengths. Highlight them. Demonstrate your experience. Identify your weaknesses. Show that you have a profile that seeks constant improvement
Create a clear, concise, and truthful Elevator Pitch
This point is critical. Your Elevator Pitch must be clear, concise, genuine, and impactful. Go from less to more. Generate a real hook in your audience. Try not to go off-topic or talk too much, and be brief in everything you want to say.
Speak naturally and confidently
If you can speak fluently and naturally, you can show a confident profile. Show you know what you are talking about and what you want.
Elevator Pitch Example for Job Seekers
This section illustrates an Elevator Pitch Example targeted to Recruiters. It will help you put together your own.
“My name is [NAME]. After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, I have spent the last five years accumulating professional experience as a Project Assistant and Project Manager. I have successfully managed intangible products’ planning, strategy, and launch these past few years. I was excited to learn about this opportunity in Big Data – I’ve always been passionate about how technology and the use of information can greatly improve the way we live. I would love the opportunity to bring my project management and leadership skills to this position.”
Ways to avoid common mistakes in your Elevator Pitch
Keep in mind the following points to avoid making mistakes in your Elevator Pitch for an Interview.
Don’t hurry to make your Elevator Pitch
The Elevator Pitch lasts approximately 60 seconds. Do it on your own time and naturally, as long as you make it clear and concise.
Do not always use the same Elevator Pitch for all cases
One recommendation is not to repeat the same Elevator Pitch in all your interviews. Make changes. Try new options and ways of saying the information. Try different versions and check with your experience which generates more engagement and persuasion.
Make it easy to understand
Articulate your pitch as a story. Think that the person in front of you does not know you and is interested in learning more about your profile. Don’t make your Elevator Pitch challenging to appear more sophisticated. Simply generate a clear and easy-to-understand narrative, where all the data you tell is factual and verifiable.
Don’t forget to practice it
Practice is the key to success. Your Elevator Pitch for Interview will become more professional, convincing, and natural with practice.
How to End an Elevator Pitch?
An essential aspect of ending an Elevator Pitch for an Interview is demonstrating interest and passion for the position. You have already presented yourself and established that you have the necessary background for the job. Closing with phrases revealing passion and attitude will help reinforce your pitch.
We recommend you use expressions such as:
“I have always been interested and curious about the area in which the company operates, and it would be a great challenge for me to be able to perform in this position.”
“I have been interested in moving into your company for a while, and I love what your team is doing in IT.”
“I would like to advance my career with an employer with the same values. I know that thanks to my profile and experience, I can make excellent contributions to your company.”
Keep It Visual: Use visuals like images, graphs, and charts to convey your points effectively. Visuals can make complex information more accessible and engaging. Consistency Matters: Maintain a consistent design throughout your presentation. Use the same fonts, color schemes, and formatting to create a cohesive look. Practice Timing: Be mindful of the allotted time for your presentation. Practice to ensure you can comfortably cover your content within the time limit. Engage the Audience: Incorporate elements that engage the audience, such as questions, anecdotes, or real-world examples. Interaction keeps the interview panel interested. Use White Space: Avoid cluttered slides. Use white space to create a clean and uncluttered design that enhances readability.
Presenting during a job interview can be nerve-wracking. Here are some strategies to overcome presentation anxiety:
- Practice: Practice your presentation multiple times, ideally in front of a friend or mentor. The more you rehearse, the more confident you’ll become.
- Visualization: Visualize yourself by giving a successful presentation. Imagine yourself speaking confidently and engaging the audience.
- Breathing Techniques: Deep breathing can help calm nerves. Take slow, deep breaths before and during your presentation to reduce anxiety.
- Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your qualifications and the value you bring to the role.
- Focus on the Message: Concentrate on delivering your message rather than dwelling on your anxiety. Remember that the interviewers want to learn about your skills and experiences.
- Arrive Early: Arrive at the interview location early. This gives you time to get comfortable with the environment and set up any technical equipment you use.
Maintain Good Posture: Stand or sit up straight with your shoulders back. Good posture conveys confidence and attentiveness. Make Eye Contact: Establish and maintain eye contact with your audience to show confidence and engagement. Use Open Gestures: Employ open gestures, like open palms and expansive arm movements, to convey enthusiasm and openness. Smile and Show Enthusiasm: Genuine smiles and enthusiastic facial expressions demonstrate passion and eagerness. Control Nervous Habits: Be mindful of nervous habits like tapping or fidgeting, which can distract your audience and convey anxiety.
Stop fretting and start prepping for your interview presentation. You now have all the nitty-gritty presentation tips to ace that interview. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the design part, browse our extensive gallery of PowerPoint templates and cherry-pick specific elements ( diagrams , shapes , and data charts ) to give your interview presentation the top visual appeal.
Here you can see some 100% editable templates available on SlideModel that could be useful for preparing an interview presentation.
1. Versatile Self-Introduction PowerPoint Template
Use This Template
2. Professional Curriculum Vitae PowerPoint Template
This a sample of PowerPoint presentation template that you can use to present a curriculum and prepare for a job interview presentation. The PPT template is compatible with PowerPoint but also with Google Slides.
3. Modern 1-Page Resume Template for PowerPoint
4. Multi-Slide Resume PowerPoint Template
Like this article? Please share
HR, Human Resources, Interview, Job, Resume Filed under Presentation Ideas
Related Articles
Filed under Business • December 7th, 2023
The Communication Plan Template
Discover why communication plan templates are a key asset for strategic structuring of information in organizations. Learn how to build one here.
Filed under Business • September 8th, 2023
The Employee Value Proposition (EVP) | Key Components and Examples
Employee Value Proposition refers to how organizations are able to attract skilled employees in a competitive job market through the corporate culture, and benefits offered by them. In this article we explore what EVP is and how to formulate a strong EVP.
Filed under Business • September 7th, 2023
HR Strategic Planning 101: A Guide for Developing HR Strategies
Learn how your HR strategic plan can support your company in achieving its vision—an expert guide on aligning HR goals and strategies.
One Response to “How to Give A Compelling Interview Presentation: Tips, Examples and Topic Ideas”
Leave a reply.
How to make a great presentation
Stressed about an upcoming presentation? These talks are full of helpful tips on how to get up in front of an audience and make a lasting impression.
The secret structure of great talks
The beauty of data visualization
TED's secret to great public speaking
How to speak so that people want to listen
How great leaders inspire action
- By use case
- AI assisted videos
- Advertising video
- Animated video
- Animated logo video
- Animated text video
- Animation video
- Cartoon video
- Commercial video
- Business video
- Explainer video
- Infographic video
- Intro video
- Movie maker
- Photo to video
- Presentation video
- Short videos
- Trailer video
- Book trailer video
- YouTube video
- Diverse Workplace Scenes
- Leadership Skills Tips
- A Reason to Celebrate
- Frank Character Explainer
- Superpowers Girl
- Robot Character Explainer
- Team Birthdays
- Birthday Cake
- Birthday Calendar
- Birthday Greetings
- Funny Birthday
- Staff Birthday
- Workplace Announcement
- Business Explainer
- Employee Onboarding
- Business Ad
- Hybrid Work Policy
- Workplace Wellness Tips
- Explainer Script
- How to Change Your Password
- Snappy Explainer
- Mental Health for Employees
- Product Explainer
- E-Learning App Ad
- Infographics
- Industry Trend Update
- Real Estate Infographic
- Marketing Infographic
- Animated Infographics
- Infographic Explainer
- Infographic
- Introductions
- New Teammate
- New Employee Introduction
- Welcome New Team Member
- Warm Welcome
- New Team Members
- Meet the Team
- We're Hiring Manager
- Recruiting Ad
- We're Hiring IT Support
- Video Resume
- Now Hiring Product Engineer
- Job Offer Congratulations
- Dancing People Ad
- Eager Dog Ad
- Winter Sale
- Funky Sloth Ad
- Product Promo
- Book Trailer
- Thanks Group
- You Rock Employee
- Great Job Team
- You Rock Team
- Great Job Employee
- Great Job Group
- Weekly Update
- Company Update
- Product Launch
- Monthly Update
- News Update
- Year in Review
Ready to get started?
- Video Trimmer
- Remove audio from video
- Add music to video
- Add text to video
- Video merger
- Video resizer
- Convert image to video
- Montage maker
- Add image to video
- Watermark maker
- Add frame to video
- Video analytics
- Add button to video
- Image Resizer
- Convert video to GIF
- Convert GIF to MP4
- Extract audio from video
- Quick start guide
How to make a good presentation great: 8 pro tips
- 10 Jun 2019
It’s 2am.
You’ve got a huge presentation tomorrow, but you’re afraid to go to bed for fear of having an on-the-stage-in-my-skivvies level nightmare about the big day. We’ve all been there. Learning how to make a presentation (without breaking out into a cold sweat) takes practice.
In our experience, a serious case of the jitters is best fixed by a serious injection of expert wisdom.
We’ve gathered the best advice from experts like Tony Robbins, Steve Jobs, and Guy Kawasaki on how to make a good presentation great, along with insider knowledge on both designing and delivering a presentation.
Plus, as a bonus, we included our best practices for adding video to your next presentation. We also threw in a few of our favorite video presentation templates from Biteable. With Biteable’s online video making software, creating a video presentation is as simple as making a PowerPoint (and far more effective).
Content & Design
How to make a good presentation.
Making a good presentation starts with crafting the content. No matter how compelling your message is, if you don’t get it out of your brain and on to the screen in a simple way, you’ll be met with a sea of blank faces. So, where to begin?
1. Create an easy-to-follow structure
When it comes to what you have to say, break it down into three simple sections: your presentation needs an introduction, body, and conclusion.
A compelling introduction . Your introduction needs to briefly sum up what you’re going to talk about and why it’s useful or relevant to your audience.
Offer a body of evidence . The body of your presentation is where you hit ’em with the facts, quotes, and evidence to back up your main points.
Sum up with key takeaways . The conclusion is where you loop back to your original statement and give the audience some key takeaways on how they can put into practice what they’ve learned.
- No more than 10 slides in total . Who wants to sit through pages and pages of slides? No one, that’s who. By keeping your slide deck to 10 slides, even if your presentation is 30 minutes long, you’ll give the audience a chance to digest the on-screen messages in line with your talk. Using concept maps before structuring your slides can help keep to the point.
2. Limit the amount of copy on each slide
Less really is more, especially when it comes to making a good presentation. Too much text and the audience will just be reading the screen instead of looking at you and feeling the emotional impact of your message.
No more than six words per slide . Marketing king Seth Godin says we should have just six words per slide – that’s not a lot of copy. Choose your words carefully and rewrite until you’ve got it just right.
- Think ‘bite-size’ information . We called ourselves Biteable a reason: studies show information is retained better when it’s broken down into bite-sized chunks. Video is a great way to do this, and research suggests it’s 95% more compelling than text. Consider adding video to your presentation strategy. But regardless, break your information up into smaller, palatable pieces.
3. Be savvy with design details
A well-thought-out design can make all the difference between a good presentation and one that falls flat. Consider these design standards as you make your presentation.
Use color sparingly . Bright colors can dazzle, but too many can be off-putting. Use the colors most relevant to your message. We’d recommend sticking with one or two (not counting black and white) for your palette so it has a consistent look and feel.
Be consistent with your font . Consistent design makes you look more professional. Don’t switch between caps and lower case, Times New Roman and Comic Sans, or 8 and 30 point text size. Stick with one font and one size throughout. You can vary the emphasis with your words later, but keep your on-screen text uniform for a more cohesive message.
- Format for perfection . A wonky line on a slide or a badly pixelated graphic will put some people off, as it will look like you haven’t tried very hard (or worse, that you just aren’t very good). Make sure your text is aligned and neat like in the example below.
4. Polish several times
Just like a pair of well-worn shoes, a good presentation often needs a few rounds of dusting before it’s shiny and sparkly.
Start Messy . Don’t be afraid to start messy. Using a non-linear writing tool like Milanote allows you to explore and outline your initial ideas in a flexible way before you even open up PowerPoint or Keynote. Arrange your ideas side-by-side and discover new connections that you didn’t see before.
Edit ruthlessly . At first you might have a huge amount of information and will wonder how you’re ever going get it down to six words per slide. That’s OK. Keep editing ruthlessly until you’ve pared your message down to the bare essentials.
- Get someone else to look at it . A fresh pair of eyes can work miracles when it comes to refining your presentation. Get a trusted mentor or colleague to review your work. If you don’t know anyone who can help, an online writing assistant like ProWritingAid or Grammarly can help you weed out a lot of problems.
How to give a good presentation
How you deliver your slides is as important as their content and design. Here are some quick pointers to help you get your message across with impact.
5. Have a strong opening
How you start and finish your presentation is extremely important. Audiences usually make up their minds about someone in the first seven seconds, so make those first moments count.
Be different . You’re doing a presentation about saving tree frogs in Costa Rica. You open with an amusing story about one that escaped on a bunch of bananas to the UK. A story like this is different and unexpected for your audience, so they’ll sit up and take notice.
Ask a question . Rhetorical questions are a great way to frame a topic and introduce ideas. Martin Luther King Jr. said: “There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, ‘When will you be satisfied?’”
- Tailor it to your audience . How much do you know about your audience? The more you know, the better. Especially if you know their likes and dislikes. Inserting a relevant metaphor or popular culture reference. Oprah Winfrey’s Stanford commencement address spoke to the graduates about her lessons learned and how they were entering ‘the classroom of life.’
6. Be genuine
Oscar Wilde said “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” A lack of authenticity will be spotted a mile away. Whatever you’re saying, speak from the heart and don’t try to impress – there’s no need to prove yourself, just to get the point across as you see it. After all, that’s why you’re there, and you can’t do more than that.
Use humor . Humor can be great for giving a presentation, but cut it out if it feels like a stretch. Telling a humorous story can break down any barriers, make you more likeable, and make your message more memorable (and people are surprisingly generous with laughter) but the faintest whiff of desperation will kill a funny vibe.
Don’t be afraid to mess up . The fear of making a mistake can make you inordinately nervous. Relax, even the best speakers mess up or have bad luck. Theresa May, ex-Prime Minister of England, once stumbled and coughed her way through a presentation , with someone even handing her a resignation letter. She battled through like a pro, though, and simply acknowledged it and moved on. No big deal.
- Open up and be vulnerable . Brené Brown, a researcher whose presentations have amassed over ten million views, says that “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” This means speaking your truth and daring to feel a little uncomfortable as you share a meaningful story. It will connect your audience to you like never before.
7. Have a plan for a smooth delivery
With all the prep you’re doing on the content and design of your presentation, it can be easy to overlook other variables that are within your control for a stress-free delivery.
Have a practice run-through . There’s nothing like reading it out loud to ensure your message makes sense before you actually deliver it. Try recording your presentation on video — this way you’ll be able to review with an accurate eye and notice whether your speech matches up with your slides. It’ll also help you sort out your run time.
Use a remote . A clicker or remote will help you face the audience and not have to keep turning back to your laptop. Sought-after public speaker Garr Reynolds says a remote is essential in order to pause and advance your presentation so you have time to be spontaneous and control the flow of your delivery.
Have backup material . Not everything you say is going to resonate with your audience. It’s best to be flexible enough to change the game as and when needed. Steve Jobs had standby anecdotes prepared to fill time when the technology he was using to give the presentation failed. Preparing for every eventuality will help soothe your nerves and allow you to feel more in control.
- Use a timer . When you get into the flow of your message, it’s easy to go off on a tangent or even spend too long on audience questions. Put your phone on airplane mode and set the stopwatch just as you begin speaking. A quick glance down at the table during a pause will allow you to make sure you’re not going overtime.
8. To conclude, focus on audience value
You’re coming to the end of your presentation. How do you wrap it up in a way that will be everlasting in their memories? The experts recommend you focus on the feeling you want the audience to take home.
Leave your audience with an emotional impression .”They might forget what you said, but they’ll never forget the way they made you feel” said the poet Maya Angelou. By leaving them with an emotional impression, from a piece of video with moving music to a line from a song or poem, you’ll strike that resonant chord and end on a high.
Use a pause for key takeaways . Want the audience to remember something specific? Say it slowly and leave a pause at the end. The silence will emphasize what you said and make it meaningful.
- Make your core message sing . A call-to-action is the best way to wrap up your presentation with strength and impact. What do you want your audience to do next? Tony Robbins tells a great story, moving his audience emotionally towards change.
Make your next presentation shine with one of these video templates
You’ve learned from the pros and you feel much more confident about how to make a presentation that stands out. But to really make your presentation one to remember, consider adding video into the mix.
Create a nice change of pace by embedding a video in your PowerPoint presentation or go out on a limb and turn your entire presentation into an engaging, thoughtful video.
Either way, make it great with one of the professionally designed video presentation templates available in Biteable.
Make a video presentation with Biteable
With Biteable, making a video presentation has never been easier.
Biteable’s online video making software gives you access to hundreds of brandable templates and video scenes, plus over 24 million stock clips, images, and animations all in an easy-to-use platform.
Add text to your video, include a voice over, and even record your screen without ever leaving the app. Once you’re done making video presentation magic, automatically apply your company colors and logo to your entire video with Biteable’s innovative brand builder feature.
Anyone can make an impactful video with Biteable. Are you ready to try?
Make stunning videos with ease.
Take the struggle out of team communication.
Try Biteable now.
- No credit card required
- No complicated design decisions
- No experience necessary
Researched by Consultants from Top-Tier Management Companies
Powerpoint Templates
Icon Bundle
Kpi Dashboard
Professional
Business Plans
Swot Analysis
Gantt Chart
Business Proposal
Marketing Plan
Project Management
Business Case
Business Model
Cyber Security
Business PPT
Digital Marketing
Digital Transformation
Human Resources
Product Management
Artificial Intelligence
Company Profile
Acknowledgement PPT
PPT Presentation
Reports Brochures
One Page Pitch
Interview PPT
All Categories
Top 5 Career Presentation Templates with Samples and Examples
Shivam Kumar
Career advancement and professional growth are key aspirations of talented individuals seeking to thrive in their chosen fields. To translate those dreams into reality, a knowledge of career development plan and the standard roadmap to achieve goals is an absolute-must.
When you start out your career journey, a seemingly endless list of tasks awaits you and you must learn how to plan and set goals to get out of the chaos. Click here to access must-have goal planning templates to give your efforts a clear direction.
This collection of PowerPoint presentations from SlideTeam provides a valuable resource for those looking to strategize and plan their career trajectory.
For downloading and setting actionable steps for execution towards individual career plan templates, please click here.
Whether aiming for that coveted job promotion or seeking to outline your career roadmap, these slides offer a wealth of insights and practical guidance. They empower individuals to make informed decisions, set goals, and align their journey with their aspirations. Moreover, they cater to the needs of HR professionals and managers, facilitating employee career progression and development within organizations.
These templates are hands-on tools for career advancement, and are 100% editable and customizable, offering your both structure and a starting point.
Let’s explore!
Template 1 Job Career Promotion PowerPoint Presentation Slides
If you’re striving for that next step in your career or aiming to leave a lasting impression on decision-makers, this PPT Template equips you with the tools to create a powerful and impactful presentation. Use this presentation template to craft a compelling narrative around your career journey, objectives, strengths, and aspirations. Propel your career path, engage your audience, and prime yourself for a future filled with achievement. Download this template from the link below. The slide on projects and achievements and the one slide on how I helped my current team add to the utility of the presentation template.
Download it now!
Template 2 : My career planning outline PowerPoint presentation with slides
To unlock your potential, we present a ready-made sample of a career planning process PowerPoint Presentation. To enhance and harmonize your career path planning, we’ve incorporated innovative design templates covering the evaluation process, work experience, project engagements, achievements, personal goals, key skills, current competencies, and much more.
Enhance your self-assessment and articulate your career change ideas. With this resource, you can confidently shape your path to success.
Template 3 : Career Path Planning PowerPoint Presentation Slides
Navigate your career journey with precision using this PPT Template, a comprehensive complete deck of a toolkit in 30 slides. This presentation is designed for professionals seeking to effectively chart their career progression. This PowerPoint theme expertly guides you through the entire process of succession, spanning across assessment, planning, development, training, and evaluation phases. Additionally, you can effectively demonstrate planning elements, objectives, and the essential tools required for career progression. Elevate your career with precision and confidence using this invaluable resource. Embark on your successful career journey today. Your path to professional growth begins.
Template 4 Employee Career Progression Planning PowerPoint Presentation Slides
The cornerstone of success lies in creating a clear structure for talent nurturing and career development. Recognizing and retaining skilled employees is not just important; it's imperative. Our comprehensive Employee Value Proposition (EVP) PowerPoint Deck is designed to help you pinpoint exceptional talents within your workforce and empower them to realize their full potential. This competency-based development slideshow covers components, categories, and frameworks, all adaptable to your unique organizational needs. It serves as a flexible career management visual, allowing ample customization to align with your goals. With this investment into your internal talent pool, you not only reduce external hiring costs but also foster professional growth, strengthen your employer branding, and facilitate career progression. Seize the opportunity to elevate your workforce and maximize their potential with this invaluable resource. It’s time to champion talent development and secure a brighter future.
Template 5 Career Development Roadmap PowerPoint Presentation Slides
Our PowerPoint Presentations are your gateway to showcasing career, project, and business advancements that captivate your audience. Use this complete PPT deck to outline your business plan's objectives or agenda effectively. The roadmap details steps like pedagogy, planning, content development, production, delivery, and evaluation. Highlight key features of your learning roadmap to elucidate procedures efficiently. Dive into the four learning roadmap phases: assessment, curriculum development, logistics, and certification.
Template 6 : Career Timeline PowerPoint Presentation Slides
These PPT templates spotlight your best work, leaving a remarkable impression on your interviewer. Present your short- and long-term goals with engaging visuals, and captivate your audience with achievements and milestones. Navigate through your work experience, highlighting accomplished tasks and discussing your future aspirations. This career path timeline PowerPoint Slideshow offers well-designed, clutter-free timelines, each tailored to enhance your narrative and create a presentation that reflects your unique journey.
UNLOCK YOUR CAREER GROWTH
These PowerPoint Presentation Templates provide keys to unlocking and accelerating your career growth. Whether you aspire to climb the corporate ladder, map out your career journey, or facilitate the progression of your employees, these resources offer invaluable guidance and insights. The templates help you structure your career aspirations and goals. Using these powerful presentation templates, you can simplify and accelerate your career growth, making your dreams of success a tangible reality. Elevate your career with ease, and seize the opportunities that lie ahead with these PowerPoint presentation templates.
If you’re interested in exploring career planning timeline templates, feel free to discover them Click here !
PS: Equip yourself with the essential tools for effective career portfolio highlighting by exploring our Templates in this blog, Click here !
FAQs on Career Presentation
What should be included in a career presentation.
A compelling career presentation begins with a captivating introduction, often a personal story or relevant industry example. It should provide insight into your unique career journey, highlighting milestones, challenges, and successes. Articulate your career goals and their alignment with your values and passions.
Share your core skills, competencies, and educational background, showcasing how your experiences have shaped your path. Delve into your work history, emphasizing key roles, projects, and lessons learned. Express your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Address challenges you've encountered, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills. Outline your vision for the future, describing the impact you aspire to make and the steps you plan to take.
Throughout, offer practical advice and insights based on your experiences. Use visuals, multimedia, and interactive elements to engage your audience. Summarize key takeaways, invite questions, and foster meaningful dialogue.
What is the purpose of the career presentation?
The purpose of a career presentation transcends the mere dissemination of information; it is a powerful opportunity to inspire, guide, and connect. At its core, a career presentation is a beacon illuminating the path ahead. A career presentation goes beyond the boundaries of a resume or LinkedIn profile. It’s a platform to share personal narratives, lessons learned, and the invaluable wisdom accrued over time. It encapsulates the spirit of mentorship, offering insights and advice that can shape the trajectory of others' careers. In essence, the purpose of a career presentation is to illuminate, motivate, and connect. It's an instrument of empowerment, a catalyst for growth, and a testament to the belief that each career is a unique and evolving narrative waiting to be written.
What is career life cycle?
The career life cycle is a dynamic and multifaceted journey that everyone embarks upon, characterized by distinct phases of growth, learning, and transformation. This unique trajectory defies a one-size-fits-all approach, as it is deeply influenced by personal aspirations, external opportunities, and the evolving professional landscape. It starts with the exploration phase. This is a period of self-discovery, where individuals identify their passions, strengths, and career preferences. It's a time of educational pursuits, skill acquisition, and the cultivation of foundational knowledge. As the journey progresses, the establishment phase unfolds. Here, individuals enter the workforce, building their reputation, and gaining practical experience.
The career life cycle then enters the expansion phase, characterized by the pursuit of new challenges and opportunities. Individuals may explore career paths, industries, or entrepreneurial ventures. It’s a phase, where innovation and adaptability emerge as the driving force. Finally, the culmination phase marks the twilight of one's active career.
Related posts:
- Top 5 Employee Growth Plan Templates with Examples and Samples
- Top 5 Personal Development Plan Templates With Samples And Examples
- Must-Have Growth Strategy Plan Templates with Samples and Examples
- Top 10 Training and Development Plan Templates with Examples and Samples
Liked this blog? Please recommend us
Top 10 Life Cycle Templates with Examples and Samples
Top 10 Work Order Proposal Templates With Examples and Samples
This form is protected by reCAPTCHA - the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Digital revolution powerpoint presentation slides
Sales funnel results presentation layouts
3d men joinning circular jigsaw puzzles ppt graphics icons
Business Strategic Planning Template For Organizations Powerpoint Presentation Slides
Future plan powerpoint template slide
Project Management Team Powerpoint Presentation Slides
Brand marketing powerpoint presentation slides
Launching a new service powerpoint presentation with slides go to market
Agenda powerpoint slide show
Four key metrics donut chart with percentage
Engineering and technology ppt inspiration example introduction continuous process improvement
Meet our team representing in circular format
Ace the Presentation
What Makes a Good Presentation For a Job Interview? 7 Tips
Interview presentations are fast becoming a key part of the recruitment process as several hiring agencies are making it a mandatory exercise for short-listed candidates.
It would seem that many employers are getting more interested in employees with impressive communication skills, which, when hired, can be positively used to represent their brands.
As a job seeker, however, you’ve nothing to be worried about as interview presentations can actually be used to your advantage if you know what hiring panels or employers are constantly on the lookout for.
Revealed below are the seven elements that make up a good presentation for any job interview.
- Understanding
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Proper Time Management
67% Of Applicants Failed To Make Eye Contact With The Interviewer 47% Knew Little Or Nothing About The Company 38% Did Not Get The Job Due to Their Overall Confidence Or Quality Of Voice 38% Lacked A Smile 26% Were Eliminated Due To Weak Handshakes 21% Of Interviewees Crossed Their Arms Over Their Chest
Depending on the company and the role you are applying for there could be a number of topics they can ask you to make a presentation on, if you’d like some ideas with topics, please check our article below with over 50 ideas for job interview presentation topics .
Highly Recommended Next Articles to Read:
55 Job Interview Presentation Topics
10 Dos and Don’ts for Job Interview Presentations
9 Tips on How to Deliver a Case Presentation Interview
Good Presentation For a Job Interview: 7 Key Aspects
When making presentations, confidence is one quality you should never do without.
Yes, it’s absolutely natural to get nervous and jittery before a presentation. After all, you’re going to be the center of attention for some time, and everything you say or do will be thoroughly scrutinized.
However, on no account should this affect your delivery, as your confidence (or lack of it) is a strong evaluation point for your audience.
Believe it or not, your hiring panel wants you to succeed. If you passed the first stage of the recruitment, then they must have found you promising.
They want to see you speak about your ideas with great conviction and without fear. They want to believe you’re right. But how can they do that if you won’t look them in the eye and keep second-guessing yourself the whole time?
Another important thing that can determine the outcome of your presentation is how passionate you are about it.
Showing apathy during presentations reveals a lack of interest. It gives the audience the idea that you really don’t know what you’re talking about.
Delivering your presentation with high energy will guarantee three things:
- You’ll inspire trust because they’ll realize that you know your onions.
- is interesting, and you’re a joy to watch.
- Finally, energy is transmissible. As a result, when you are passionate about your idea, you’re likely to stimulate an equal level of interest in your listeners.
Going for a presentation without adequate preparation is a futile endeavor. Furthermore, it’s disrespectful to the interviewer who prepared their time to listen to you and learn about you.
Whenever you have a presentation in view, it’s expected that you learn everything you can about the topic. You need to research extensively to be fully prepared.
This high level of preparedness will give you leverage during your presentation as your great understanding of the topic would become immediately visible to your audience. Look up articles, read journals and compare facts from credible references.
Have an in-depth understanding of the company you’re hoping to work for.
Some examples of questions to know the answers for your Job Interview Presentation
- What is their mission statement?
- How long have they been in the market for?
- What ground-breaking records have they had in recent years?
- What is their competition?
- What policies can be adopted to ensure lasting change?
These and more are possible questions that’ll point you in the right direction when doing your research.
Strive for knowledge. Don’t just memorize facts; an informed audience can always tell.
Carl Kwan’s video on how to ace a job interview presentation is the shortest and most interesting advice shared on Youtube – 3 golden tips to put you on the right track. Click and check the video below.
- Excellent Communication Skill
Your hiring panel somehow believes that delivering your presentation should come easy to you. They expect you to have the words naturally flowing from you and not having them rushed through or read out like a script. This is how they know you can efficiently represent their company in business meetings with clients.
In your delivery, you should also ensure that you maintain eye contact with the audience. This helps to foster rapport and build connection.
Looking everywhere else but at your audience shows you’re unsure of your convictions and intimidated by their scrutiny. Which is the last impression you want to convey.
Speak with precision. You should also pace yourself, do not rush through your presentation as though you can’t wait to get done with it. Pause for impact. Be at ease. Smile. As you do, you’ll find that most of the fear is all in your mind.
- Great Organization Skill
When designing your slides, your organization should come to play. There should be a layout or structure your points should follow, else your message becomes all muddled up, and you lose your audience.
To avoid that, you should strive to keep your presentation slides simple, less wordy, and more visual.
Your points should connect and be credible (keep references handy). That way, your audience can easily understand what you’re saying as you move along.
A concise message well delivered is a vital part of a good presentation. What message are you trying to pass? Is it clear?
Are you on topic or just trying to look cool?
When delivering your presentation, one crucial thing to factor in is time. You aren’t going to be on the stage forever, so you need to manage your time effectively while you’re there.
Distill your message to cogent points so that you’re able to focus only on what’s important. Make sure you work strictly with the allotted time and not run over it.
Keeping to time and working strictly within the stipulated duration shows that you’re a responsible individual who can make judicious use of resources no matter how limited they may be. And this is the kind of impression you want to make.
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
JobMonkey. 9 Reasons Why your Failed the Job Interview
Similar Posts
Body Language and Gestures – 5 Great Tips for More Effective presentations
Introduction to Body Language / Mannerisms/ Gestures Body language in simple terms can be explained as those nonverbal signs we give off in our day-to-day communication with one another. This can range from anything from facial expressions to simple body movements, small but crucial subconscious actions that make up much of our non-verbalized interactions. Language…
5 Speeches Considered Best in History: A lesson to Communicators
A great speech remains in the minds of those who listen to it and can make history. No matter how much time passes, some lines are eternalized – for different reasons. The ones highlighted in this article were no different. Times Magazine is known for its “Best of All Time” lists of best movies, music,…
What Makes A Bad Public Speaker? Top 10 Worst Traits To Avoid
An audience will always give apt attention to a public speaker that keeps his message clear, simple, and easy to comprehend. Besides, nobody likes a bad public speaker and would want to waste their precious time under the logos of a boring orator. Below are ten carefully selected traits or qualities that make a bad…
Diction – A Key Rhetorical Device and Staple for Speakers
Language is quite a peculiar thing, don’t you feel? We all use it every single day for one thing or the other, but we’re pretty sure few of you stop and ponder about what kind of words you use, how you use them, and whether they’re having any impact on your audience. This is where…
Rhetorical Questions Definition: 3 Types and Examples
Most often than not, an answer is usually regarded as the complementary part of a question, and both are generally said to go hand-in-hand. But when it comes to rhetorical questions, the rule seems different, especially as no answer is required when a rhetorical question is asked. So, what then is a rhetorical question, you…
8 Awesome Persuasive Speech Techniques & Topics
Are persuasive speech techniques worth learning? Let me rephrase this…Would you love to be able to convince, inspire, change peoples’ minds about something? Alternatively, perhaps you would like to bargain better and become a powerful negotiator in your business, sales efforts, salary negotiation, fundraising, and so on? Let me help you: The answer (s) is…
- Resume Writing
- Resume Examples
- Cover Letter
- Remote Work
- Famous Resumes
- Try Kickresume
10 Good Weaknesses for a Job Interview That Aren’t “I Work Too Hard”(+ Sample Answers)
- Julia Mlcuchova ,
- Updated March 28, 2024 11 min read
How to answer the classic interview question "What is your greatest weakness" ? And do you really need to prepare your weaknesses for job interview?
Believe us, you do! Because knowing your weaknesses is equally as important as knowing your strengths .
When it comes to job interviews, we’re constantly encouraged to present our finest selves to seem like the absolute best candidate for the job. So talking about your flaws may seem counterintuitive.
Yet, this question seems to be one of the recruiters’ most favourite .
That's why it's a good idea to get ready for this eventuality and prepare yourself to frame the answer in your favour .
If you want to learn more, keep reading our article and discover:
- Why are recruiters asking this question;
- How to know what is your greatest weakness;
- What NOT to say when answering;
- A list of good weaknesses for a job interview;
- Examples of how to answer “What is your greatest weakness?”
Table of Contents
Click on a section to skip
What the recruiters really want to know
Top 10 good weaknesses for a job interview.
- How to answer “What is your greatest weakness?” in 4 steps
What is your greatest weakness sample answers
How not to answer “what is your greatest weakness”, key takeaways: top 10 best weaknesses for job interview.
Honestly, this feels like a trap, inviting you to reveal your shortcomings and ruin your chances at getting hired.
But, regarding job interviews , nothing is ever haphazard! So, you probably won't be too surprised when we tell you that there's more to this question than meets the eye.
When recruiters ask about your weaknesses, here's what they actually want to know :
- Whether you're self-aware and capable of introspection. Can you look at yourself and recognize your deficiencies? And can you be self-critical? Because both of these are key qualities of anyone's dream employee.
- Whether you're reliable. Not in the sense of being able to do anything and everything. But in the sense of knowing your limits and being honest about communicating them. Because employers need to know that you won’t bite off more than you can chew.
- Whether you have a “growth mindset". Next is their interest in your ability to face challenges. Do you perceive them as opportunities to grow and develop professionally? Or avoid them completely?
- Whether you're a good fit for the company culture. Lastly, they want to gauge how well you work with others. For example: Would you be able to own up to your mistakes, learn from them and move on? Or are you more likely to play the blame game?
As you can see, your response can offer a glimpse into your resilience, workplace attitude and adaptability . Qualities that are invaluable in any professional setting.
Have a job interview coming up?
Upload your resume and generate sample job-specific interview questions in seconds.
A “good weakness” is one that isn't core to the job in question , is believable, and is possible to work on .
Of course, there's no one-size-fits-all set of weaknesses because everyone's experiences and challenges are unique. However, there are a couple of common vulnerabilities that you may find relatable AND are suitable.
In case you're struggling to identify yours, this list may help you find it:
- Lack of professional experience with non-essential skills.
- Taking criticism too personally.
- Imperfect presentation skills.
- Struggling to ask for help.
- Discomfort with giving criticism.
- Difficulties delegating tasks to others.
- Impatience with slow processes.
- Difficulties with prioritizing tasks.
- Inability to let go of projects.
- Being too blunt.
And now, let's look at each of these in more detail. Plus, we'll also briefly discuss how you can try to fix them.
#1 Lack of professional experience with non-essential skills
In other words, not having a deep understanding of a skill that may be beneficial, but not indispensable. For example, while a project manager isn't required to have proficiency in graphic design, knowledge of Illustrator may be useful for creating simple visual materials for presentations.
This weakness is relatively safe, yet it still communicates your “growth mindset.” Plus, it's an easy fix – just mention a particular course that targets the skill in question .
#2 Taking criticism too personally
This one is pretty real and believable. The ability to receive feedback and objective criticism is necessary for any professional, yet it's not something that comes naturally to many.
For instance, you could say that in the past, it was difficult for you to distinguish between criticism of you as an employee, and criticism of you as a person . But through a conscious shift in mindset, you came to recognize it for what it really is – an opportunity to improve.
#3 Imperfect presentation skills
Another fairly common weakness is the fear of public speaking . Whether it be presentation for teams, your management, or clients, some degree of public speaking is necessary for pretty much any corporate position.
To improve upon this weakness, you can enroll into a course (such as this Harvard University course via EdX) where you can hone these skills and earn a certificate.
#4 Struggling to ask for help
You simply can't be a lone wolf in a corporate setting. So you can talk about your inability to ask your colleagues or supervisors for help because you don't want to add to their workload and seem like a burden.
But after several negative experiences you've realized that seeking assistance is the responsible thing to do, because it facilitates the completion of projects . So, you've decided to work on your communication skills , and now you’ve become more productive.
#5 Discomfort with giving criticism
If you happen to occupy a leadership position, it doesn't matter to what capacity, there are times when you have to put your foot down if something isn't working . And not everybody is comfortable with that.
There might’ve been situations where you avoided giving your junior colleagues criticism out of fear of being too harsh. But mention that you're working on this problem by going through a leadership and communication programme .
#6 Difficulties delegating tasks to others
Another weakness you could mention is reluctance to pass tasks to others . Whether it stems from your desire for perfection, not wanting to increase your colleague's work load , or your need to have things under control, this weakness of yours has caused a decrease in overall team efficiency.
But soon enough you've come to recognize your own faults. You've started by delegating small, low-risk tasks at first. Gradually, you've established open communication for any question or feedback, and learned to trust your colleagues more. As a result, the productivity, efficiency and job satisfaction of your entire team increased.
#7 Impatience with slow processes
For instance, your lack of patience manifested whenever you felt that your own work pace was hindered by your colleague’s slower tempo. And sometimes, it caused tensions within the team.
So, you did a bit of research and discovered that there are stress-reduction techniques you could learn that target your impatience management. Additionally, you developed a habit of using the extra time between projects by tackling smaller tasks which keep you occupied and productive.
#8 Difficulties with prioritizing tasks
Maybe you're that type of person that says “yes” to everything and then ends up struggling to juggle all the tasks you took on. Because of this, you've reached out to a professional who advised you to work on your time management skills .
Maybe you've gone through a training in the ABCDE method , and now you're able to categorize your tasks based on their urgency. You felt the results of your effort immediately – you became less stressed, which improved your productivity, as well as your relationship to work itself. So now you feel more confident and in control.
#9 Inability to let go of projects
Imagine this: you've managed to complete your project ahead of time and instead of marking it as complete and moving on to a new task, you just keep coming back to it. Even if the project is executed to perfection.
And this was a problem, because it prevented you from working more efficiently and not wasting any time. But, after you've completed a project management programme , you've learned how to curb this behaviour. Now, you practice setting yourself clear criteria for project evaluation which help you not to dwell on one task for too long.
#10 Being too blunt
Lastly, you can say that, in the past, you're too direct in your communication with your colleagues. You've realized that your communication skills could use some training when several of your co-workers accused you of being too harsh.
So, to fix this weakness, you completed a course that taught you how to deliver your comments in a more sensitive way. For example, to insert criticism (constructive, of course) in between two positives to make the impact of your words less biting. As a result, the awkward workplace tension disappeared and your co-workers became more receptive to your feedback.
How to answer “ What is your greatest weakness ?” in 4 steps
Essentially, you should approach the weaknesses for job interview question as an opportunity to demonstrate that you're not only aware of your faults but that you're also actively trying to overcome them .
So, the perfect answer to "What is your greatest weakness" should follow these 4 steps:
First, select a real weakness that you’ve actively worked/are working to improve. For instance, do you tend to take criticism too personally? Can you be impatient with slow processes? Do you struggle to ask for help?
Next, describe how and when you noticed this weakness. Maybe you received feedback from your supervisor? Or a project you worked on didn't go as planned? In any case, outline what exactly was the problem.
Then, you have to show that once you became aware of this weakness, you rose to the challenge and decided to work on yourself. Being aware is not enough. You must also show willingness to grow. For example: enrolling in a course, mentorship programme, workshop, or developing new habits and practices.
Finally, share the results of your efforts. Ideally, you'll be able to show how your newly sharpened tools contributed to your team or project. And don't be afraid to acknowledge that you're still working on them, if that's the case.
Although this structure is fairly simple, it works wonders! Feel free to use it when preparing your answers. And remember, the narrative is entirely in your hands!
And finally, we should take a quick look at these 4 example answers.
Notice that all of them follow the structure we've outlined above (weakness, context, improvements, results).
And if any of these correspond with your own weaknesses, you can just copy and tweak them so that they reflect your own experience.
Weaknesses for job interview: Presentation skills
“My biggest weakness is my presentation skills. It was only last year that I realized my public speaking skills needed improvement. I was really struggling to overcome my nervousness during team presentations. I realized very quickly that I have to do something to get better at it. So I enrolled in a public speaking course and practiced at every opportunity I got: presentations, reports, even family gatherings! After two months I noticed that I became more confident and comfortable during presentations. I’m by no means perfect, but I received positive feedback from our clients recently. ”
Weaknesses for job interview: Delegating tasks
“The thing I really struggled with in the past was my ability to delegate tasks to my co-workers. I’ve always felt this need to ensure that every single task is completed to a certain standard. And I used to have problems trusting my team even though they always did a stellar job. Eventually, this caused unnecessary tension among us. I realized that it was me who was at fault. So, I decided to work on myself. I improved my communication skills and made sure that my team knows that they can turn to me with any questions. After some time, our relationships and mutual trust improved. And we were able to complete complex projects well ahead of deadlines . If I recall correctly, our overall productivity improved by some 20% . ”
Weaknesses for job interview: Asking for help
“ I remember that when I started out as an accountant, I suffered from a serious imposter syndrome. I was self-conscious of my lack of experience, so I felt that I needed to prove myself. Plus, I really didn’t want to seem like a burden, so whenever I was struggling with new systems or processes, I simply wouldn’t ask anyone for help . Of course, now I know how unfounded and unprofessional this behaviour was. The key thing I’ve changed was my own mindset . I started to look at these challenging moments as opportunities to foster stronger teamwork. I feel that by reaching out to others, I learned a lot about the importance of collaboration. And it also made me more patient with newcomers ! Now, I always make sure they know that they can reach out to me with anything and not feel bad about it.”
Weaknesses for job interview: Being too blunt
“When I look back on my previous work experience, I can definitely say that I used to be pretty blunt when it came to giving feedback to my colleagues. See, I’ve always valued honesty and transparency above everything. And I thought that that’s what makes effective workplace communication. But I was so wrong! My co-workers often felt that I’m being too insensitive, and that caused tension between us. To address this, I enrolled in a leadership programme that taught me how to better phrase my concerns. I’ve found the ‘praise-criticism-praise’ technique especially useful! Soon, all that awkward energy was gone. And my co-workers actually became more receptive to my feedback and we worked much better together as a team .”
Now that we've gone over the best answers, let's also talk about how NOT to present your weaknesses.
Again, it's pretty simple, just avoid doing these things:
- Saying that you have no weaknesses. Who’re you trying to fool my friend? Certainly not the recruiters! Indeed, if there's one way to communicate your lack of awareness, it's this!
- Trying to pass your strengths for weaknesses. Not even Michael Scott can pull off a Michael Scott. So, skip saying you're too much of a perfectionist, or that you work too hard!
- Using a skill/quality that's essential for the job as your weakness. For example, if you're applying for the job position of an accountant, don't say you're bad at maths or that you pay no attention to details.
- Oversharing personal information. Just to be clear, recruiters don't care much about the details of your weaknesses. Maybe your nervousness about public speaking is rooted in a bad experience from childhood. Even if so, keep this detail to yourself. Instead, go into lengths about how to address and correct your weakness.
To sum it all up, the weaknesses for job interview question isn't a strategy to reveal your faults, but an opportunity to show that you're self-aware , introspective , and determined to continue improving on your weak areas.
When preparing your answer, try sticking to this simple, yet effective structure:
- Introduce your weakness.
- Provide a real-life professional context.
- Demonstrate your effort and determination to improve.
- Mention the results of your improvement (if possible).
In case you don't know what your weaknesses are, you can draw inspiration from our list of the most appropriate weaknesses for a job interview :
- Being too blunt.
If you're preparing for a job interview, be sure to also check out how to answer these common questions:
- Why are you interested in this position?
- Why should we hire you?
- Why did you leave your previous job?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- Why are you looking for a new job?
Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.
Related Posts
Second interview questions: how to prepare for the follow-up round.
- 15 min read
Virtual Interview Tips: How to Ace It and Get a Head Start?
- 12 min read
Share this article
Join our newsletter.
Every month, we’ll send you resume advice, job search tips, career hacks and more in pithy, bite-sized chunks. Sounds good?
- FanNation FanNation FanNation
- Swimsuit SI Swimsuit SI Swimsuit
- Sportsbook SI Sportsbook SI Sportsbook
- Tickets SI Tickets SI Tickets
- Shop SI Shop SI Shop
- March Madness
- What's on TV
- MLB MLB MLB
- Home Home Home
- Scores Scores Scores
- Schedule Schedule Schedule
- Standings Standings Standings
- Stats Stats Statistics
- Injuries Injuries Injuries
- Transactions Transactions Transactions
- Odds Odds Odds
- Futures Futures Futures
- Teams Teams Teams
© Megan Briggs/GettyImages
The Detroit Tigers Are Seeking a Fresh Start
Plagued by April slumps, Tigers aiming to become early risers.
- Author: Kyle Koster, Special to SI.com
In this story:
The Detroit Tigers' surprise run to the 2006 American League pennant was the franchise's only trip to the postseason between the years of 1988-2009. That team, led by Jim Leyland, shocked everyone by bursting out of the gates and winning 76 of its first 112 games before disintegrating and settling for a Wild Card spot after allowing the Minnesota Twins to steal the division. It was their first trip to the Fall Classic since 1984, when Sparky Anderson oversaw a still-unbelievable 35-5 start. They strung together four straight playoff berths from 2010-14, including a spot in the 2012 World Series where they were swept by the San Francisco Giants.
Since then it's been a parade of bloated contracts and aging superstars who weren't quite what they used to be, various stages of rebuild and rebuilds of those rebuilds. In two of the past three seasons they have shown signs of life and hope after digging themselves insurmountable holes in April and May. After starting 9-24 in 2021 they went 68-61 to finish eight games under .500. Last year any optimism was quickly eradicated with a disastrous 2-9 start, though they bounced back to finish 78-84. It's not the type of trend any team desires.
Detroit, now led by first-year general manager Jeff Greenberg along with Scott Harris entering his second season as president of baseball operations, enters this season with guarded optimism. Centerfielder Riley Green is 23 years old and poised to build on last summer's promising output. First baseman Spencer Torkelson, 24, blasted 31 home runs and drove in 94 runs during his first full season in 2023. Somehwere inside Javier Baez is an excellent baseball player waiting to be rediscovered. Outfielder Parker Meadows and Kerry Carpenter have yet to realize their high ceilings and second baseman Colt Keith is an intriguing piece who could be a building block on a winning team.
Southpaw starter Tarik Skubal, who will get the Opening Day nod in Chicago against the White Sox, was one of baseball's best pitchers after the All-Star break last year. He's joined by free-agent acquisitions Kenta Maeda and Jack Flaherty and a pair of homegrown products in Casey Mize and Reese Olson. On paper, this has potential to be one of the better units in baseball if the Tigers can avoid widespread injuries to their arms, which have plagued them in recent disappointing campaigns. Throw in a plus bullpen and the bones for a competitive team are there.
The reigning American League Central Minnesota Twins did not make many splashy offseason moves and Detroit is projected to fight for second place. But they could surprise some people and it wouldn't be crazy if they were playing meaningful baseball in September. Of course, that's not going to happen if they once again falter out of the gates. Breaking out of the cycle of digging themselves an early grave is paramount. Especially considering they'll play seven games against those Twins by April 21.
It's a fresh start for the Tigers and they are desperate for a good one.
Kyle Koster is an editor at The Big Lead.
Latest MLB News
New York Yankees' Legend Jorge Posada Dishes on Career, Baseball and Acting in a Miller Lite Commercial
Survey Says: MLB Players Think Dodgers Will Win 2024 World Series
Orioles' Option Agrees to Deal With Rangers
Phillies Lock In No. 3 Starting Pitcher
Giants Feared Blake Snell Wanted to Go to Angels in Free Agency
site categories
‘gladiators’ renewed for season 2 by bbc, breaking news.
Peter Schrager Says Goodbye To ‘Good Morning Football’s “NYC Era” As NFL Network Show Moves To LA
By Armando Tinoco
Armando Tinoco
Night & Weekend Editor
More Stories By Armando
- ‘The Gracies’ Complete Winners List: Michelle Obama, Julia Louis-Dreyfus & Nicole Kidman Among Women Honored With Awards
- Florence Pugh Teases Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts’ With Video Set Tour Revealing Yelena’s Suit
- Sarah Hyland Exits ‘Love Island USA’ After Two Seasons As Host On Peacock
Peter Schrager recalled some of his best moments from Good Morning Football as he bid farewell to the “NYC era” of the show as production moves to LA this summer.
“Today is my last day in the New York City Good Morning Football studios,” Schrager said on Friday’s show.
Schrager reminded viewers that GMFB started on 59th Street and then moved to Times Square before moving to lower Manhattan “for the last several seasons,” adding, “Each studio holds a place in my heart and has a real place in this show’s history.”
Related Stories
‘Good Morning Football’ To Relocate To LA: Jamie Erdahl Gets Emotional Saying Goodbye To NFL Network Show From NY Ahead Of Maternity Leave
Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford Documentary Set For Spring Premiere — SXSW
After showcasing some of the best moments Schrager had on the show over the past eight years, he took a moment to thank the crew “who puts on the show.”
“The show itself in name is going out to LA and it’ll have the same spirit that it had in New York. But I just am reflective I am grateful,” Schrager said. “There wasn’t a single day in the last eight years that I didn’t realize that I had my dream job because I would drive in from Brooklyn, and you get the Brooklyn Bridge, and you have the New York City sun just rising over that skyline it was like, like a romantic comedy like a movie.”
He continued, “And those days are done. We’re going to be taking the show elsewhere. And we’ll see what happens. But I just wanted to appreciate my time in New York and the crew and the people. A lot of those folks won’t be making the trip. But we do love them and that they are a part of the story in the show and it’s fabric.”
Schrager assured viewers it was “not the last that you’ll see me be talking football or the last that we’ll be talking football together. It’s just the end of an era.”
Without confirming whether he was going to continue hosting GMFB from LA, Schrager ended by saying, “To all the executives out there, the NFL Network, the NFL, the league office, and the viewers, thanks for letting us do it for the past eight years. It was awesome. It was real, and it was my dream job, and I loved every single day.”
After 8 years and countless memories, @PSchrags bids farewell on his last “NYC Era” episode of GMFB. pic.twitter.com/RMOedpNjgA — Good Morning Football (@gmfb) March 22, 2024
Must Read Stories
New york city retirement systems back company’s board in proxy fight.
Shares Of AMC Entertainment Plunge On Chain’s Proposed Stock Sale
San diego comic-con origins docu in works from david permut & oscar boyson, elijah wood, tatiana maslany & others join theo james in stephen king pic.
Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy.
Read More About:
Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
COMMENTS
Buy Copies. Never underestimate the power of great communication. It can help you land the job of your dreams, attract investors to back your idea, or elevate your stature within your organization ...
If your presentation is long, including a video for your audience to watch is an excellent way to give yourself a break and create new jumping-off points for your speech. 4. Be aware of design techniques and trends. Thanks to cutting-edge technology and tools, you have numerous platforms at your disposal to create a good presentation.
Apply the 10-20-30 rule. Apply the 10-20-30 presentation rule and keep it short, sweet and impactful! Stick to ten slides, deliver your presentation within 20 minutes and use a 30-point font to ensure clarity and focus. Less is more, and your audience will thank you for it! 9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule. Simplicity is key.
How to give a good job interview presentation Use these tips to deliver a presentation in an interview: Ask for guidance. Know your audience. Find a focal point. Tell a compelling story. Position yourself effectively. Take a positive approach. Practice your delivery. Use nonverbal communication. Create visuals. End strongly. 1. Ask for guidance
An aesthetically pleasing and well-structured presentation isn't an end in and of itself, but it will help mitigate against misunderstandings from your audience. Practice it. Practice it alone, practice it with your family, practice it with your peers, practice it with your adviser (s). The more practice, the better.
Follow these tips to help you create a presentation that will engage your audience: 1. Keep your presentation simple. When putting your presentation together, remember that simpler is better. Many presenters follow the "10-20-30" rule, which is to use 10 or fewer slides, keep your presentation under 20 minutes and use at least 30-point font.
Consistency Matters: Maintain a consistent design throughout your presentation. Use the same fonts, color schemes, and formatting to create a cohesive look. Practice Timing: Be mindful of the allotted time for your presentation. Practice to ensure you can comfortably cover your content within the time limit.
How to Give a Good Presentation. Here's a quick look at the 11 tips on how to give a good presentation. Plus, you'll find a bonus resource you won't want to miss, The Visme Presentation Guru Course. Rehearse What You're Planning to Say. Prepare Mentally, Emotionally and Technically. Start Strong.
Presentation skills are the abilities and qualities necessary for creating and delivering a compelling presentation that effectively communicates information and ideas. They encompass what you say, how you structure it, and the materials you include to support what you say, such as slides, videos, or images. You'll make presentations at various ...
The secret structure of great talks. From the "I have a dream" speech to Steve Jobs' iPhone launch, many great talks have a common structure that helps their message resonate with listeners. In this talk, presentation expert Nancy Duarte shares practical lessons on how to make a powerful call-to-action. 18:00.
Stick a font size of 36 pixels for titles and at least 30 pixels for body text. Additionally, to make your message pop, maintain a solid contrast between your text and background. If you use a dark background, use a white font color and vice versa. You can grab inspiration from the job interview presentation sample below.
Try these steps for interview presentation success. 1. Know What You're Working With. As soon as you're asked to give a presentation, start by asking the hiring manager a few questions. Learn more about the topics you should present on, see how much time you'll have, and ask what technology, if any, you'll have access to.
Make sure your text is aligned and neat like in the example below. In a good presentation, slide formatting matters. 4. Polish several times. Just like a pair of well-worn shoes, a good presentation often needs a few rounds of dusting before it's shiny and sparkly. Start Messy. Don't be afraid to start messy.
Deliver your presentation to family or friends in advance of the interview to learn more about what you might be saying nonverbally. 9. Use clear diction and adequate volume. A benefit of standing is that it makes it easier to breathe deeply and speak with adequate volume, so you are easily understood.
A good presentation is also a time-sensitive one. This means that you consider the audience's expectations, clarify your intentions and keep them updated. A good place to start is by rehearsing your presentation to determine how long it's going to take. Compare this to your allotted time and adjust if necessary.
Keep the interviewer engaged, make them think and question. This is as much about how you fit with them as them fitting with you. Think of your presentation as one half of a conversation that you will lead, rather than a monologue where you will bludgeon them with facts and statistics. You need to take your listener (s) with you, get them ...
Template 6 : Career Timeline PowerPoint Presentation Slides. These PPT templates spotlight your best work, leaving a remarkable impression on your interviewer. Present your short- and long-term goals with engaging visuals, and captivate your audience with achievements and milestones.
Here's a list of steps to consider if you want to make a presentation: 1. Do your research. The first step is to do some research and gather all of the information you require. The nature of this information depends on the subject of your presentation. For instance, if you're applying for a marketing position, the hiring organisation might want ...
Good Presentation For a Job Interview: 7 Key Aspects. Confidence. When making presentations, confidence is one quality you should never do without. Yes, it's absolutely natural to get nervous and jittery before a presentation. After all, you're going to be the center of attention for some time, and everything you say or do will be ...
1:40. Express your passion. Steve Jobs was passionate about design, he absolutely loved his new product, and he wore his enthusiasm on his black-mock sleeve. "It looks pretty doggone gorgeous ...
Make your career presentation stand out with this career PowerPoint template. Whether you're a student, job seeker, or professional, these templates will help you showcase your skills, experiences, and achievements in a visually appealing way. With a variety of customizable slides, you can easily manage your information and make it easier for ...
A list of good weaknesses for a job interview; ... Weaknesses for job interview: Presentation skills "My biggest weakness is my presentation skills. It was only last year that I realized my public speaking skills needed improvement. I was really struggling to overcome my nervousness during team presentations. I realized very quickly that I ...
The Detroit Tigers' surprise run to the 2006 American League pennant was the franchise's only trip to the postseason between the years of 1988-2009. That team, led by Jim Leyland, shocked everyone ...
How does Mr. Trump know she's part of his team? All he has to do is look. The story is told in the imagery. Back in 2010, when she was first running for Congress, Ms. Noem had a haircut that ...
JOB INTERVIEW PRESENTATION (How To Give A Brilliant Presentation In An INTERVIEW!) EXAMPLE INCLUDED! https://passmyinterview.com/how-to-give-a-job-interview-...
Interview presentation templates are predetermined outlines that you can use to prepare for an interview presentation. Hiring managers may ask candidates to present on a relevant topic during the hiring process. This is especially likely in interviews for positions that may require frequent presentation, like a sales or teaching role.
PHOENIX -- The D-backs did a good job staying healthy for most of Spring Training, but the last week hasn't been kind to them. First, No. 3 starter Eduardo Rodriguez was diagnosed with a left lat strain, and then, on Monday, closer Paul Sewald had a Grade 2 strain of his left oblique muscle. The ...
Peter Schrager recalled some of his best moments from Good Morning Football as he bid farewell to the "NYC era" of the show as production moves to LA this summer. "Today is my last day in ...
Province, YVR work together to support good jobs, fight pollution. March 21, 2024 11:50 AM. A partnership aimed at fighting pollution in the aviation sector, growing investment and supporting clean, sustainable jobs and business opportunities for people in British Columbia has been made between the B.C. government and Vancouver International ...
The project supports President Biden's Investing in America agenda to support good-paying, high-quality job opportunities in communities across the country while also expanding access to affordable clean energy resources. The project is expected to support or retain up to 600 high-quality jobs in Michigan--many of them filled by workers ...