features of good oral presentation

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Blog Beginner Guides How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 20, 2023

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!

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What is an Oral Presentation? Types, Planning, Writing, and More

• By Judhajit Sen
• November 3, 2024

An oral presentation, often called public speaking, involves a person or group speaking to an audience about a specific topic. The main goals are to educate, inform, entertain, or make a point. You can find oral presentations in various settings, such as workplaces, classrooms, and social events like weddings. In universities, these presentations are used to evaluate how well a student can convey important information in an engaging way.

In essence, an oral presentation is a way to share information verbally, often enhanced by images, visual aids, or technology. This format can include group discussions, speeches, debates, and class presentations. Presentations can be made individually or in groups.

Effective oral presentations usually incorporate slides, but it’s important not to read directly from them. Slides should support your message, not replace your spoken words. Avoid putting excess text on your slides, as this can reduce audience engagement. If you’re constantly looking at your slides or laptop, you risk losing connection with your audience. 

Remember, delivering an oral speech is more than just reading a paper or a set of slides. How you present your material is just as crucial as the content itself. Engaging delivery can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your communication.

What does oral presentation mean? Let’s explore!

Key Takeaways

• Definition and Purpose: An oral presentation, or public speaking, involves sharing information verbally to educate, inform, entertain, or persuade an audience in various settings like workplaces and classrooms.
• Effective Use of Visual Elements: Slides should enhance the presentation, not replace spoken content. Keep text minimal and use visuals like images and graphs to support key points.
• Preparation and Practice: Successful presentations require thorough planning and practice. Knowing your material well, rehearsing delivery, and managing nerves are essential for an engaging presentation.
• Audience Engagement: Use natural gestures and connect with your audience. An engaging delivery is just as important as the content itself to keep listeners interested and involved.

Types of Oral Presentations

Individual Presentations

Everyone feels nervous when oral speaking in public. 

Be sure to know your content well. The best way to have a smooth presentation is to be clear about what you want to say and how you want to say it. Write down your key pointers and practice until you feel relaxed and confident enough to rely less on your notes.

Try to eliminate filler words like “um” and “ah” from your speech. Speak slowly and with clarity, and don’t hesitate to pause when needed. Remember, this isn’t a race to finish as quickly as possible. The average person speaks about 125 words every minute. So, if your presentation is 10 minutes long, you should aim to prepare around 1,250 words. Make sure to time yourself to get this right.

Be mindful of the marking criteria, which include non-verbal communication skills. Make good eye contact with your audience, maintain good posture, and avoid fidgeting.

Also, know the language requirements for your presentation. Find out if you can use a casual, conversational tone and first-person pronouns or if you need to maintain a more formal, academic style.

Group Presentations

If you haven’t been made part of a group, choose your team members based on who is available and easy to reach. If you can’t meet in person, consider setting up online meetings.

It’s important to get to know each other. Working with friends is often easier than with strangers. Discuss everyone’s strengths and weaknesses; this conversation will help you divide tasks fairly. Everyone should contribute equally to the workload.

Some group members might focus on writing the script, assigning different parts for each person to present. Others may have experience with presentation software and can help create and refine PowerPoint slides for the group. Use one set of slides for the entire presentation, and take turns sharing your ideas.

Presenters must be understanding and patient of each other’s learning styles and personalities. Avoid judging your teammates based on their appearance, sexual orientation, gender, age, or cultural background.

Practice together several times. Rehearse until your transitions between speakers feel smooth. Make sure to thank the previous speaker and introduce the next one. If you’re practicing online but need to present in person, try to set aside some time to meet face-to-face. This will help you get comfortable with the technology and the classroom space.

Planning and Writing an Oral Presentation

An oral slideshow requires careful planning, practice, and audience engagement to succeed. Begin by reviewing your oral presentation outline to understand the task requirements, including due dates and assessment criteria. Determine the purpose of your presentation and consider what your audience expects in terms of content and delivery.

Start by brainstorming your ideas about the topic. Map out everything you know, and think about how to involve the audience with questions or discussions. Conduct detailed research to gather relevant information and take notes, making sure to keep track of your sources.

Organize your thoughts logically, creating a clear flow of information. An effective presentation is written in spoken language, which is easier for the audience to follow than written language. Aim for conversational phrasing, and ensure that your speech aligns with any visual aids you plan to use.

Begin with a strong opening to capture your audience’s attention. Consider starting with an open-ended question or a surprising fact. Clearly define any complex terms early in your presentation to avoid losing your audience’s interest.

When designing PowerPoint slides, focus on simplicity. Use minimal text and incorporate visuals like graphs and charts to illustrate your key points. Follow the 6-6-6 rule : no more than six words per bullet point , six bullet points per slide, and six text slides in a row. High-contrast fonts that are easy to read should be your go-to, avoiding all caps and excessive decorations.

Finally, end your presentation with a powerful conclusion that highlights the significance of your research. Summarize how your findings contribute to a greater understanding of the topic, leaving the audience with a lasting impression.

Using PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint is a great tool for presentations, but it’s not always used well. If you plan to use PPT, follow these tips to improve your presentation:

– Pick a large font. Keep your text at 24 points or larger to ensure it’s readable.

– Choose a clean typeface. Sans serif fonts like Arial are easier to read on screens compared to serif fonts like Times New Roman.

– Use bullet points instead of full sentences. Your slides should provide a guide for what you’re saying. If you write everything on the slides, the audience may not pay attention to you. A good rule to follow is the 6/7 rule: limit each slide to six bullet points and no more than seven words per point.

– Select contrasting colors. Use dark text on a light background and vice versa. Avoid color combinations that are hard to distinguish, especially red and green, as many people have color blindness.

– Limit special effects. While animations and transitions can catch attention, they can also distract the audience from your message. Use these effects only when they help make your point clearer.

Using Visual Aids

Visual aids can greatly enhance your oral presentation by keeping the audience interested throughout your presentation and helping them remember your key points. Slides are a popular choice, but creating effective slides requires some careful thought.

When designing your slides, keep the following tips in mind – 

Keep Text Brief: Use short, clear sentences. Aim for bullet points instead of long paragraphs, and ensure the font size is large enough to read easily, ideally between 18 and 20 points.

Choose a Simple Color Theme: Select a background color that contrasts well with your text. Avoid dark slides with light-colored fonts, as they can strain the eyes.

Use Images and Graphs Wisely: While images and graphs can convey information quickly and effectively, make sure they support your main points rather than serving as mere decorations. Use high-quality visuals that are relevant to your message. However, be mindful of file sizes, as high-definition images can make your presentation file too large for submission through platforms like Turnitin. Always ensure you have the right to use any images, whether they are Creative Commons licensed, royalty-free, or your own.

By following these guidelines, you can create visual aids that complement your presentation and make your message clearer for your audience.

Presenting Effectively

When it comes to delivering an oral presentation, preparation and practice are key. Your presentation should sound like spoken language, not written text. Here’s how to ensure you’re presenting effectively:

Practice Makes Perfect 

Rehearse your presentation multiple times. Practice speaking slowly and clearly, maintaining good posture, and using natural gestures. Familiarize yourself with difficult words by breaking them into syllables. Time yourself to ensure you stay within your time limits.

Engage with Visual Aids

Rehearse with your PowerPoint or any visual aids you plan to use. Remember to keep your slides synchronized with your speech, and refer to them during your presentation. Make notes in your script to indicate when to change slides and ensure you spend an appropriate amount of time on each.

Nonverbal Communication 

Confidence is key. Stand up straight and move naturally within your space. Use hand gestures sparingly to emphasize points, but avoid overdoing it. Maintain a cheerful and engaging tone, and avoid monotonous speech.

Manage Nervous Habits

Be mindful of nervous habits such as fidgeting or voice fidgets. If you need to cough or clear your throat, do so discreetly and have water on hand. Keep distractions to a minimum and ensure your phone is turned off.

Audience Engagement

Make eye contact with the audience to keep them focused. Let your eyes settle on one person for a few seconds before moving on. Avoid reading from the screen or your notes; instead, internalize your script and present it confidently.

Pacing and Timing 

Plan your presentation to allow for a few minutes of questions within the allotted time. Pause occasionally to let your points sink in and to give your audience time to catch up. Use pauses effectively to create structure and emphasize important information.

Answering Questions

If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s okay to admit it. Offer to look into it further or refer the question to someone more knowledgeable.

Relax and Breathe 

Nervousness is natural. Deep breathing can help keep your nerves in check. Remember, even seasoned presenters get nervous. Practice deep breathing throughout your presentation to stay calm.

By following these tips, you can speak with confidence and deliver an engaging oral presentation that will captivate your audience. Practice thoroughly, stay confident, and make sure your nonverbal cues align with your message. slideshow

Wrap-up: What is an Oral Presentation?

An oral presentation, commonly known as public speaking, is a way to share information verbally with an audience. The purpose can be to educate, inform, entertain, or present an argument. Whether in workplaces, classrooms, or social events, oral presentations are a valuable tool for conveying important information.

Oral presentation skills require careful planning, practice, and audience engagement. They often include visual elements like slides, but these should support rather than overshadow the spoken content. It’s important to avoid overloading slides with text to maintain audience interest.

Delivering an effective presentation involves more than just reading from notes or slides. A clear, engaging delivery is crucial. This includes making eye contact, using natural gestures, and maintaining a confident tone. A lot of practice beforehand helps ensure smooth delivery and helps manage nervous habits.

An oral presentation is a powerful method of communication , enhanced by good preparation and an engaging delivery style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1: What are the types of oral presentations?

Oral presentations can be individual or group efforts. They include speeches, debates, and class presentations, often supported by visual aids like slides.

2: How do I plan and write an effective oral presentation?

Start by understanding your topic and audience. Organize your content logically, use simple slides with minimal text, and practice your delivery to ensure clarity and engagement.

3. What should I include on my PowerPoint slides?

Keep your slides simple by using bullet points and minimal text. Aim for large fonts and high-contrast colors, and ensure any visuals directly support your message without being distracting.

4: What oral presentation tips can help me deliver a successful slideshow?

Practice thoroughly, maintain good posture, make eye contact, and use natural gestures. Avoid reading directly from slides and manage nervous habits to keep your audience engaged.

Transform Your Oral Presentations with Prezentium

Ready to elevate your oral presentations? Prezentium is here to help. Our customer-first approach ensures you receive top-notch support tailored to your needs. Whether you need a stunning presentation by the next morning, expert assistance in transforming your ideas into professional slides, or comprehensive training in communication skills, we’ve got you covered.

Our Overnight Presentations service guarantees a winning slide deck delivered to your inbox by 9:30 am PST the next day. With Accelerators, our team of experts helps you create exquisite presentations from your ideas and notes, ensuring they stand out. Through Zenith Learning , we offer interactive workshops that blend structured problem-solving with visual storytelling, perfect for honing your presentation skills.

Partner with Prezentium and take your oral presentations to the next level. Contact us today to experience the difference and impress your audience with confidence.

Why wait? Avail a complimentary 1-on-1 session with our presentation expert. See how other enterprise leaders are creating impactful presentations with us.

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How to give a good presentation that captivates any audience

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What are the main difficulties when giving presentations?

How to create an effective presentation, after that, how do i give a memorable presentation, how to connect with the audience when presenting.

If you’ve ever heard someone give a powerful presentation, you probably remember how it made you feel. Much like a composer, a good speaker knows precisely when each note should strike to captivate their audience’s attention and leave them with a lasting impression.

No one becomes a great public speaker or presenter without practice. And almost everyone can recall a time one of their presentations went badly — that’s a painful part of the learning process.

Whether you’re working within a small creative team or a large organization, public speaking and presentation skills are vital to communicating your ideas. Knowing how to present your vision can help you pitch concepts to clients, present ideas to your team, and develop the confidence to participate in team meetings.

If you have an upcoming presentation on the horizon and feel nervous, that’s normal. Around 15-30% of the general population experience a fear of public speaking . And, unfortunately, social anxiety is on the rise, with a 12% increase in adults over the last 20 years . 

Learning how to give a good presentation can dismantle your fears and break down these barriers, ensuring you’re ready to confidently share your point of view. 

It’s the week before your presentation, and you’re already feeling nervous . Maybe there’ll be an important mentor in the room you need to impress, or you’re looking for an opportunity to show your boss your value. Regardless of your countless past presentations, you still feel nervous. 

Sharing your vision and ideas with any sized group is intimidating. You’re likely worrying about how you’ll perform as a presenter and whether the audience will be interested in what you offer. But nerves aren’t inherently negative — you can actually use this feeling to fuel your preparation.

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.

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

How to make a presentation interactive and exciting

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How to Give a Killer Presentation

Lessons from TED by Chris Anderson

Summary .   

• Frame your story (figure out where to start and where to end).
• Plan your delivery (decide whether to memorize your speech word for word or develop bullet points and then rehearse it—over and over).
• Work on stage presence (but remember that your story matters more than how you stand or whether you’re visibly nervous).
• Plan the multimedia (whatever you do, don’t read from PowerPoint slides).
• Put it together (play to your strengths and be authentic).

A little more than a year ago, on a trip to Nairobi, Kenya, some colleagues and I met a 12-year-old Masai boy named Richard Turere, who told us a fascinating story. His family raises livestock on the edge of a vast national park, and one of the biggest challenges is protecting the animals from lions—especially at night. Richard had noticed that placing lamps in a field didn’t deter lion attacks, but when he walked the field with a torch, the lions stayed away. From a young age, he’d been interested in electronics, teaching himself by, for example, taking apart his parents’ radio. He used that experience to devise a system of lights that would turn on and off in sequence—using solar panels, a car battery, and a motorcycle indicator box—and thereby create a sense of movement that he hoped would scare off the lions. He installed the lights, and the lions stopped attacking. Soon villages elsewhere in Kenya began installing Richard’s “lion lights.”

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