giving a 10 minute presentation

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10-Minute Presentation Topics | 50 Unique Ideas in 2024

Lawrence Haywood • 11 September, 2024 • 14 min read

For 10 minutes, what can you really do? A shower? A power nap? An entire presentation?

You might already be sweating at the idea of that last one. Cramming an entire presentation into 10 minutes is tough, but doing it without even knowing what to talk about is even tougher. So let's check out 10-minute presentation topics

No matter where you've been challenged to give a 10-minute presentation, we've got your back. Check out the ideal presentation structure below and over fifty 10-minute presentation topics, you can use for your big (actually, pretty small) speech.

Table of Contents

• The 10-Minute Presentation Structure
• Topics for College Students
• Topics for Interviews
• Relatable Topics
• Interesting Topics
• Controversial Topics

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• Types of Presentation
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The 10-Minute Presentation Topics Structure

As you might imagine, the hardest part of a 10-minute presentation is actually sticking to 10 minutes. None of your audience, organisers or fellow speakers will be pleased if your speech starts running over, but it's hard to know how not to.

You might be tempted to cram as much information as possible, but doing so is just going to make for an overbearing presentation. Especially for this type of presentation , knowing what to leave out is as much of a skill as knowing what to put in, so try and follow the sample below for a perfectly structured presentation.

• Introduction (1 slide) - Start your presentation with a quick question, fact or story relayed in a maximum of 2 minutes.
• Body (3 slides) - Get into the nitty gritty of your talk with 3 slides. Audiences struggle to take home more than three ideas, so spacing all three out over the course of 6 or 7 minutes can be very effective.
• Conclusion (1 slide) - End it all with a quick sum up of your 3 main points. You should be able to do this in 1 minute.

This 10-minute presentation example format contains a fairly conservative 5 slides, based on the famous 10-20-30 rule of presentations. In that rule, an ideal presentation is 10 slides in 20 minutes, meaning a 10-minute presentation would only require 5 slides.

Use various features with AhaSlides to gain better engagement in any type of presentation! You can spin the fun to the presentation, by gathering crowd ideas with an idea board and word cloud , or surveying them by top free survey tool , online polling , and also test their knowledge with an online quiz creator !

10 Topics for Presentation for College Students

A 10-minute presentation is all you need as a college student to show your knowledge and forward-thinking values. They're also great practice for presentations you might be making in the future. If you feel comfortable within 10 minutes, chances are that you'll be alright in the future, too.

• How to work alongside AI - Artificial intelligence is making huge steps forward daily. We'll soon be in a different world, so how are you, the worker of the future, going to deal with it? This is a super interesting topic and one that's very relevant for your classmates.
• Fighting the climate catastrophe - The issue of our age. What is it doing to us and how do we solve it?
• Portable homes - The portable home movement is on the way to revolutionising the way we live. What's good and bad about having a house you can move around and what does your ideal one look like?
• The thrift life - How to save money on clothes, along with the pros and cons of throwaway fashion for youngsters.
• The future of streaming platforms - Why is TV on demand so great and why is it not universal? Or is it stealing too much of our free time?
• What happened to newspapers? - Newspapers are probably ancient technology to college students like you. A deep dive into history will reveal what they were and why they're on their way out of print.
• The evolution of the mobile phone - Has any device in history advanced as quickly as mobile phones have? There's so much to talk about in this 10-minute presentation topic.
• The life and times of your hero - A great chance to show your love for someone who inspires you the most. This can be within or outside of your college subject.
• My permaculture future - If you're looking for a greener existence in your future, try explaining to your classmates the advantages and logistics of having a permaculture garden.
• E-waste - We dump out so much electrical waste these days. Where does it all go and what happens to it?

10 Interview Presentation Ideas - 10-Minute Presentation Topics

More and more nowadays, recruiters are turning to quick-fire presentations as a means of testing a candidate's skill and confidence in presenting something.

But, it's more than that. Recruiters also want to learn about you as a person. They want to know what interests you, what makes you tick and what has changed your life in a profound way.

If you can nail any of these presentation topics in your interview, you'll be starting next Monday!

• Someone who inspires you - Pick a hero and talk about their background, their achievements, what you've learned from them and how it's shaped you as a person.
• The most eye-opening place you've ever been - A travelling experience or holiday that blew your mind. This might not necessarily be your favourite ever abroad experience, but it was one that made you realise something you had not thought about before.
• An imagined problem - Set out a hypothetical problem at the company you're applying for. Show the recruiters the steps you would take to eradicate that problem for good.
• Something you're proud of - We've all got achievements we're proud of, and they do not necessarily work achievements. A quick 10-minute presentation on something you've done or made that has made you proud can reveal a lot of good stuff about you as a person.
• The future of your field - Make some interesting, bold predictions about where you think the industry is heading in the upcoming years. Do research, get stats to back up your claims, and avoid being condescending.
• A workflow you've fixed - Untidy workflows are rampant in many workplaces. If you've had a hand in turning something inefficient into a well-oiled machine, make a presentation about it!
• A book you'd love to write - Assuming you were a top-class wordsmith, what's the one topic you'd love to write a book about? Would it be fiction or non-fiction? What would the plot be? Who are the characters?
• Your favourite work culture - Choose the job with the best work culture in terms of office atmosphere, rules, after-work activities and trips away. Explain what was so great about it; it might give your potential new boss a few ideas!
• Pet peeves in the workplace - If you fancy yourself as a bit of a comedian, listing out the things that grind your gears in the office could be a good laugh and a nice bit of observational comedy for your recruiters. Make sure it's actually funny though, as listening to a candidate moan for 10 minutes is not normally something that leads to recruitment.
• The good and bad of remote working - Surely every office worker in the world has experience of remote working. Pry open your own experiences and discuss whether or not they've been for the better or for, the worse.

10 Relatable 10-Minute Presentation Topics

People love stuff they can relate to their own experiences. It's the reason why your presentation on the problems of the post office was a hit, but your one on the use of thermoplongeurs and suspension compression on modern fatigue carousels was an absolute travesty.

Keeping topics nicely open and accessible for everyone is a great way to get a good reaction. Do you need some topics for the presentation that participants can get involved in quickly? Check out these fun presentation topic ideas below...

• The best Disney princess - The best interesting presentation topics! Everyone's got their favourite; who's the one that gives you the most hope for generations of strong, independent girls?
• The greatest language ever - Maybe it's the language that sounds the sexiest, looks the sexiest or the one that just works the best.
• Coffee vs tea - Most people have a preference, but very few have the numbers to back it up. Do some scientific research into what's better between coffee and tea and why.
• Stand-up - You may not initially think it, but a stand-up comedy performance is definitely a presentation of sorts. 10 minutes is a great time window for some witty observations that make everyone laugh.
• Reasons for procrastination - List out all the things that keep you from doing what you're supposed to be doing. Remember to tell some stories in this - chances are that almost all of your audience will be able to relate.
• Is social distancing for life? Introverts, assemble. Or actually, don't. Should we keep social distancing an opt-in, opt-out kind of thing?
• Paper books vs ebooks - This one is all about physical touch and nostalgia against modern convenience. It's a fight for our age.
• Identity of the decades - We all know the distinction between the 70s, 80s and 90s, but what were the unique cultural points of the 2000s and 2010s? Will we see them later or will they just never get their own identities?
• Pluto's a planet - Believe it or not, there are a surprising number of Pluto aficionados out there. Talking about how Pluto's a planet could really get them on your side, and they're a powerful bunch.
• Observational comedy - A dive into the most relatable of short presentation topics. What makes observational comedy so relatable?

10 Interesting 10-Minute Presentation Topics

This one is the exact opposite of 'relatable topics'. These short presentation topics are all about super interesting scientific phenomena that a lot of people don't know about.

You don't have to be relatable when you can be fascinating!

• Crown shyness - A presentation that explores the phenomenon of the crowns of trees that grow in such a way as not to touch each other.
• Sailing stones - There are rocks that can sail across the floor of Death Valley, but what causes it?
• Bioluminescence - Dive into what makes certain animals and plants light up the night using just their bodies. Include heaps of pictures in this one, it's a glorious sight!
• What happened to Venus? - Venus and Earth came into existence at the same time, made of the same stuff. Yet, Venus is a real hellscape of a planet - so what happened?
• Music therapy in Alzheimer's treatment - Music is very effective in treating Alzheimer's disease. Take a dive into the interesting reason why that is.
• What the hell is slime mould? - An exploration of the mould made up of single cells that can solve mazes when those cells combine forces.
• All about Havana Syndrome - The mysterious illness that struck the US embassy in Cuba - where did it come from and what did it do?
• The origins of Stonehenge - How did people 5000 years ago drag boulders from the Welsh highlands to lowland England? Also, why did they even decide to build Stonehenge?
• Intuition - Gut feeling, sixth sense; whatever you want to call it, scientists don't really know what it is.
• Deja vu - We all know the feeling, but how does it work? Why do we feel deja vu?

10 Controversial 10-Minute Presentation Topics

Check out some controversial

• Cryptocurrency: good or bad? - It resurfaces in the news every few months, so everyone's got an opinion, but we often only hear one side of the cryptocoin and not the other. In this 10-minute presentation, you can introduce the good and bad of crypto.
• Should we ban Black Friday? - Mass consumerism and mass tramplings at store entrances - has Black Friday gone too far? Some will say it's not gone far enough.
• Minimalism - A new way to live that's the opposite of everything Black Friday represents. How does it work and why should you try it?
• The best stuff for your health - Another one about which everyone's got something to say. Do the research and give the facts.
• Disney whitewashing - This one's definitely a controversial topic. It could be a quick exploration of how Disney seemingly chooses and alters skin tones depending on the story being told.
• Time to eat some bugs - As the world will soon have to move away from meat, what are we going to replace it with? Hope your audience likes cricket sundaes!
• Free speech - Is free speech something we still have? Are you having it right now while you give this presentation? That's a pretty easy one to answer.
• Gun laws around the world - See how the world's most gunned-up country compares to other countries in terms of weapons available and its ramifications.
• 1 million vs 1 billion - The difference between $1,000,000 and $1,000,000,000 is much bigger than you think. There are so many ways to highlight the enormous wealth gap in a 10-minute presentation.
• Military spending - We could solve all world issues in a flash if every country dissolved its military and used its funds for good. Is it feasible?

Bonus Topics: Vox

Looking for unique topics for presentation? Being your great idea source, Vox is an American online magazine with a real knack for making insightful video essays on interesting topics you may never have thought about. They were the guys behind the ' Explained ' series on Netflix, and they've also got their own YouTube channel full of topics.

The videos vary in length, but you can choose any of these to present if you feel like it's interesting enough for your crowd. They are not only the best topics for presentation in college but also unique topics for presentation in the office. Contract or expand the information in the video to 10 minutes and make sure you can present it comfortably.

Some of Vox's videos include trendy topics for presentation...

• How music on TikTok goes viral.
• London's super basements.
• The AI behind creating art on demand.
• The end of oil.
• The rise of K-pop.
• Why diets fail.
• Many, many more...

Wrapping Up

10 minutes is, categorically, not a long time , so yes,

Above is your choice of

Nailing yours starts with the right topic. Any of the 50 unique ones above would be a great way to kick off a 10-minute presentation (or even a 5-minute presentation ).

Once you have your topic, you'll want to craft the structure of your 10-minute talk and the content. Check out our presentation tips to keep your presentation fun and watertight.

3 magic ingredients of Amazing Presentations?

The Audience, Speaker and Transformation in between.

How do you present for 15 minutes?

20-25 slides are perfect, as 1-2 slides should be spoken in 1 minute.

Is a 10-minute presentation long?

a 20-minute presentation should be 9 - 10 pages long, while a 15-minute presentation should be 7-8 pages long. Therefore, the 10-minute presentation should be around 3-4 pages long

Lawrence Haywood

Former ESL teacher and quiz master converted to the wild slide. Now a content creator, traveller, musician and big time slider preaching the good word of interactivity.

Tips to Engage with Polls & Trivia

More from AhaSlides

10-Minute Presentation Topics: 100+ Ideas for Your Next Presentation

Discover 100+ engaging 10-minute presentation topics across education, business, health, technology, and more. Perfect for students, professionals, and speakers!

Why 10-Minute Presentations are Challenging

• Time Constraints : Ten minutes is a short amount of time to convey complex information. Every word counts, and the flow needs to be smooth.
• Audience Engagement : Short presentations still need to be engaging. Keeping your audience interested without losing focus is crucial.
• Depth of Content : You need to find a balance between covering your topic thoroughly and keeping it concise.

Educational Presentation Topics

• The Impact of Technology on Modern Education
• The Benefits of Bilingual Education
• Online Learning vs. Traditional Learning
• The Role of Teachers in Digital Classrooms
• The Importance of Financial Literacy for Students
• Why Creativity Should Be Encouraged in Schools
• The Evolution of STEM Education
• How Gamification Can Improve Learning
• The Benefits of Outdoor Learning
• The Impact of COVID-19 on Global Education Systems

Tips for Educational Topics:

• Focus on presenting statistics and real-world examples.
• Incorporate visuals like graphs or short videos to break down complex ideas.
• Keep the language simple and accessible, especially for a non-specialist audience.

Business and Economics Topics

• The Future of Remote Work
• Cryptocurrency: The Rise of Bitcoin
• How Artificial Intelligence is Changing Business
• The Importance of Sustainable Business Practices
• Why Networking is Key in the Business World
• The Role of Social Media in Business Growth
• Financial Planning for Startups
• How to Create a Winning Business Pitch
• The Basics of Stock Market Investing
• Marketing Trends in 2024

Tips for Business Topics:

• Use case studies to illustrate your points.
• If you're pitching a new idea, clearly outline the problem, your solution, and potential benefits.
• Be clear and direct with your messaging; avoid jargon unless your audience is familiar with the terminology.

Health and Wellness Topics

• The Benefits of Meditation
• The Science Behind a Healthy Diet
• How Exercise Impacts Mental Health
• Understanding the Basics of Mindfulness
• The Dangers of a Sedentary Lifestyle
• How to Build a Balanced Sleep Schedule
• Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace
• The Importance of Hydration for Optimal Health
• The Impact of Stress on the Human Body
• How to Prevent Burnout in a Fast-Paced World

Tips for Health Topics:

• Use relatable scenarios and practical advice.
• Include recent studies or statistics to back up your points.
• Consider offering takeaway tips or actionable advice that your audience can implement in their lives.

Technology and Innovation Topics

• How Blockchain Technology is Revolutionizing Industries
• The Future of Augmented Reality
• How 5G Technology Will Change the World
• The Rise of Quantum Computing
• AI and Machine Learning: What You Need to Know
• The Internet of Things: The Future of Smart Devices
• Cybersecurity: How to Protect Your Digital Identity
• The Impact of Big Data on Decision Making
• Cloud Computing and its Business Applications
• The Role of Technology in Combating Climate Change

Tips for Technology Topics:

• Simplify complex technical information by using analogies or metaphors.
• Include visuals like infographics to explain intricate processes or systems.
• Highlight real-world applications and potential future developments.

Environment and Sustainability Topics

• The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Oceans
• How Renewable Energy is Changing the World
• Climate Change and Its Effects on Wildlife
• The Role of Urban Farming in Sustainable Cities
• How Deforestation Impacts Global Ecosystems
• The Benefits of a Circular Economy
• How Electric Vehicles are Reducing Carbon Emissions
• The Importance of Sustainable Fashion
• The Role of Governments in Combating Climate Change
• How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Tips for Environmental Topics:

• Use impactful visuals like charts showing the effects of pollution or deforestation.
• Provide actionable tips for how the audience can contribute to environmental sustainability.
• Stay updated with current environmental policies or global initiatives to add credibility.

Science and Nature Topics

• How Vaccines Work: A Simplified Explanation
• The Science Behind Photosynthesis
• The Role of DNA in Human Development
• How the Human Brain Functions During Stress
• The Importance of Coral Reefs to Marine Life
• The Evolution of Human Species: A Brief History
• The Role of Bees in Ecosystems
• The Process of Natural Selection Explained
• How Volcanoes Form and Erupt
• The Science Behind Solar Energy

Tips for Science Topics:

• Use demonstrations or visuals to simplify complex scientific processes.
• Keep your presentation grounded in recent scientific discoveries or advancements.
• Avoid overcomplicating your points—stick to the basics for a general audience.

Social Issues and Current Affairs Topics

• The Rise of Social Media Activism
• The Impact of Gender Equality in the Workplace
• How Mental Health Stigmas Affect Society
• The Future of Globalization
• The Role of Youth in Political Change
• The Importance of Voting in Modern Democracies
• How Immigration Policies Shape Economies
• The Fight Against Human Trafficking
• Social Media's Impact on Modern Relationships
• The Power of Education in Ending Poverty

Tips for Social Issues Topics:

• Ensure your presentation is fact-based and sensitive to varying perspectives.
• Use real-life stories or anecdotes to humanize the topic.
• Allow for a brief Q&A at the end if time permits, as social issues often invite questions.

Personal Development Topics

• How to Overcome Procrastination
• The Power of a Growth Mindset
• Why Time Management is Key to Success
• How to Set SMART Goals for Personal Growth
• The Importance of Emotional Intelligence
• How to Build Self-Confidence in Public Speaking
• The Benefits of Journaling for Mental Clarity
• How to Develop Better Habits in 21 Days
• Why Failure is Essential for Success
• The Power of Positive Thinking

Tips for Personal Development Topics:

• Relate your topic to everyday challenges or common struggles your audience may face.
• Share personal experiences or anecdotes to make the content more relatable.
• End with motivational advice or actionable steps for your audience to take.

Pop Culture and Entertainment Topics

• The Evolution of Music in the 21st Century
• How Streaming Services Have Changed Film
• The Cultural Impact of K-Pop
• The Role of Social Media Influencers
• The History of Video Games
• The Growth of eSports
• How TV Shows Reflect Social Issues
• The Rise of Podcasting
• The Impact of Celebrity Culture on Society
• The Role of Fashion in Modern Identity

Tips for Pop Culture Topics:

• Keep the tone light and engaging, as these topics are often fun and entertaining.
• Use media clips, images, or sound bites to enhance your presentation.
• Make connections between pop culture and broader societal trends for a more impactful presentation.

Creative and Artistic Topics

• The History of Street Art
• How Art Influences Culture
• The Role of Music in Healing
• The Impact of Color Theory in Art
• The Power of Storytelling Through Photography
• How Dance Reflects Cultural Identity
• The Role of Architecture in Society
• The Evolution of Comic Books
• The Benefits of Creative Writing
• How Graphic Design Shapes Modern Advertising

Tips for Creative Topics:

• Use visuals to showcase different forms of art or creativity.
• Incorporate personal stories or examples of how creativity impacts everyday life.
• Encourage your audience to think outside the box and inspire them to embrace their own creativity.

Miscellaneous Topics

• How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse
• The Psychology Behind Phobias
• Why Cats Dominate the Internet
• The History of Superstitions
• The Future of Space Exploration
• The Science of Happiness
• The Importance of Hobbies for Mental Health
• How to Plan the Perfect Vacation
• The Benefits of Minimalist Living
• How to Start a Podcast

Tips for Miscellaneous Topics:

• Be prepared to adapt your presentation style to suit the unexpected or quirky nature of these topics.
• Use humor or intriguing facts to keep your audience engaged.
• Encourage audience participation or questions, especially for more interactive topics.

Tips for a Successful 10-Minute Presentation

• Start with a Hook : Begin with a compelling fact, question, or anecdote to grab your audience's attention.
• Structure Your Presentation : Divide your presentation into an introduction, main content, and conclusion. This helps maintain a clear and logical flow.
• Keep it Visual : Use visuals like slides, infographics, or short videos to complement your words and make your points clearer.
• Practice Time Management : Rehearse your presentation multiple times to ensure it fits within the 10-minute timeframe without rushing or cutting important content.
• Engage Your Audience : Ask questions, invite quick interactions, or use a short quiz to keep your audience involved.
• End with a Strong Conclusion : Summarize your main points and leave your audience with something to think about, whether it's a call to action, a provocative question, or a memorable quote.

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10-Minute presentations: How to Write, Design & Deliver (Complete Guide)

Hrideep barot.

• Presentation , Public Speaking

Presentations are an interesting way to introduce a new topic, perspective, or study to your audience. 10-minute presentations serve the same purpose but they come with a specified restriction on time.

When we see the word presentation, we instantly think of PPTs and while PPTs are used in many cases, some presentations are completely oral as well.

The number of speakers is another variable while presenting. It can be done individually like in the case of a job interview presentation or in a group setting like in the case of a college assignment. 

How long should a 10-minute presentation be?

Ideally, for 10-minute presentations, you should focus on adding 5-10 effective, crisp slides. And a speech of about 1000-2000 words should be enough to complete the presentation within 10 minutes.

However, there are no set rules while making a presentation which means that you are free to increase or decrease the number of slides in your presentation depending upon your pace of presenting.

Now when we talk about the pace of presenting, we mean the number of words you can speak in an understandable manner per minute. So, if you can speak 100-120 words per minute (adding the usual pauses), then a 1000–1200-word speech would be enough for your 10-minute presentation.

While we cannot point out an exact word count specifically catered for you in this blog, we can surely suggest you take up any piece of long article and go on reading it out loud while taking necessary pauses and timing it. It might give you an idea of your speed which in turn would help you gauge the perfect word count for your presentation.

Another factor that would define the way you present your topic is whether you are presenting it individually or in a group.

Individual Presentations

In Individual presentations, you are the one to shoulder your entire presentation’s responsibility. You can make use of effective PowerPoint presentation skills or use props to keep the audience engaged and interested in your presentation.

Further, it becomes extremely important for you to have sufficient knowledge about your topic, as in case of any doubts you are the only one to be questioned by the audience members.

Group Presentations

On the other hand, in group presentations, the responsibility to carry out an effective and good presentation falls on all group members. This calls for a lot of coordination which would require a ton of practice.

In groups, you can make use of skits to explain a certain phenomenon. Or maybe the use of coordinated props per speaker can also make your presentations more eye-catchy.

Further, involving your entire group to present rather than just 2 people doing it with beautifully placed content, will easily stand out to the audience.

The placement of your content could be in a para format wherein one person speaks a para followed by another one. Or one person can explain one subtopic followed by another; whatever suits best for your group.

A beautiful example of group presentations is the one by The minimalists .

It is a beautiful presentation because we see that while one person is speaking, the other enacts what is being said, thus making it an interesting presentation involving both speakers.

Tips for your 10-minute presentations

1. avoid information overload.

While it can be very tempting to add all the relevant information in your presentation, limiting it will turn out to be one of the best decisions taken by any presenter.

The reason is very simple, every individual has a very limited attention span and capacity to take in new information . 10-minute presentations exceed the average duration of attention span among humans which is 7 minutes.

If you bombard them with tons of information, chances are that they might feel exhausted and detached from your topic and presentation altogether.

2. Avoid reading from your slides

We know you might have heard this a gazillion times but here we are to say it again because it is very important. Avoid reading from your slides. As it might indicate your lack of understanding of the topic . It can also end up being a little boring for the audience to listen to something present in front of them that they can easily read themselves.

3. Give your audience an incentive to listen to you

It is always better to assume that your audience is not innately motivated to listen to your presentation and hence to give them a reason why listening to your presentation would be worth it.

Are you planning on discussing a new perspective on a widely-spoken topic? Are you trying to introduce new findings? Is your presentation trying to motivate the audience?

Whatever goal you wish to achieve through your presentation, make it known to the audience.

4. Try to offer something new

The very essence of presentations is to offer some new idea, perspective, or study to your audience. This holds especially true when your presentation is on a generic or widely-spoken topic like climate change.

5. Avoid exceeding the time limit

This goes without saying, avoid exceeding your time limit. If you know you have been given 10 minutes, either finish it by the time it hits the limit or better yet, finish it before time.

Everyone would appreciate you for finishing your presentation before time for sure.

6. Make it easy to understand

Another point that goes without saying is to make your content very easy for everyone in the audience to understand.

Try to tweak your presentation in a manner that is convenient for the youngest and the least experienced member to understand easily.  For if your presentation doesn’t reach your audience, it might not fulfill its very purpose.

Structuring 10-minute presentations

Just like we structure any speech, with a beginning, a middle, and an end, structuring your presentation follows a similar pattern.

In the initial few minutes or even seconds of your presentation, the audience might have decided whether they should listen to your presentation or will it be more fruitful to dive deep into their thoughts.

This is the reason why starting 10-minute presentations on a strong foot is emphasized so much. But again, there is no need to stress out about it.

Here are a few tips on how you can start your presentation:

1. Provocative statements

Provocative statements are the ones that try to shake some strongly held views of the audience. Reggie Rivers make use of a provocative statement in his TED talk that might help you understand its use better.

He begins by saying

If you want to achieve your goals, don’t focus on them.

The statement clearly goes against a belief we have grown up with; the idea that we should chase and focus on our goals in order to achieve them.

2. Hypothetical scenario

Starting with a hypothetical scenario includes the use of words like “Imagine” or “what if.” It gives your audience a chance to put themselves in a situation that you are about to address in your presentation.

An example of the same is given below.

Imagine you are going out for a drive with your friends. It is a little late and the roads are wet from the heavy shower that had surrendered only a few minutes ago. You are all singing and laughing. But then you look to your left only to realize two giant lights come close to you at lightning speed and you know at that moment you are going to die. That you are going to die in that crash. Then you hear a screech and *pause* the truck halts 5 cm from your car. That is exactly what someone with anxiety feels but unlike you, it doesn’t end within a few minutes; it persists for hours or even days.

3. Hard-hitting questions

While questions are one of the most widely used ways to open any speech or presentation, the task here is to open with a hard-hitting question.

A question that your audience probably doesn’t have an answer to, which you plan on providing them through your presentation.

Some examples of these would be:

• Is there anyone here who can give me the exact amount of microplastics they consumed during this week?
• Did you know that with the advancement in technology, there is a possibility that the organ transplanted to you in 20 years would not be from another human but from an animal?

Starting your presentation with props is the easiest and most creative way to start a presentation. The reason why it is creative is that you can use absolutely anything as a prop. Be it a plastic bottle, a jar full of waste, or even some hula hoops.

Once you have introduced yourself and your topic, you can go on to the next step: the main content of your presentation.

However, it isn’t just about presenting your points but how you present them that we will take a look into.  Presenting your topic in a more structured manner makes it easier for your audience to stay in tune with your presentation.

One of the formatting ways is the 3-pointer format . The idea behind using a 3-pointer structure is to divide your main content into 3 huge chunks or points. And while you are free to add more points, having 3 points makes it a tad bit easier to recall the information and to maintain a flow among the listeners.  

An example of using a three-pointer structure is this 5 slide presentation by Ashley Stahl where she talks about 3 key questions to unlock your authentic careers.

• What are you good at?
• What do people tell me I am good at?
• What is holding you back?

The closing remarks like the opening lines are quite important.

There are several ways in which you can close your presentation. But it takes more than a mere thank you to make it an effective closing remark for your presentation.

A few ways in which you can close 10-minute presentations are:

1. Fitting remark

A fitting remark or in simple terms a summary is where you revise what you just spoke in a couple of lines. It is better to keep it as short as possible as 10-minute presentations don’t give you enough tie to elaborate.

2. Calling for action

You can end your speech by instilling a sense of action and purpose among the audience members to make a difference. An amazing example of this is the speech by Leonardo DiCaprio. While it is a speech, you can observe his way of delivering the last couple of lines and inculcate the same in your presentation.

For more ways in which you can close your presentation check out our video on 5 Powerful Speech Closing Remarks for your next Presentation.

Designing 10-minute presentations

Designing your PowerPoint is as important as presenting your topic confidently and effectively.

A few dos and don’ts of designing your PPTs are:

Some amazing websites that will help you in making effective and aesthetically pleasing presentations are canva , Prezi , and more.

Best PowerPoint presentations on TED 

Some of the most innovative PowerPoint presentations we came across on Ted were the ones given by Tim Burton and Adam Grant.

1. Tim Burton

I can not emphasize how absolutely wonderful the Presentation by Tim is. A mix of information with tons of humor coupled with very entertaining visuals.

His confidence makes the presentation quite engaging and interesting to watch.

2. Adam Grant

Adam Grant like Tim Burton has made use of animated cartoons to make the statistical data quite entertaining. However, the way he presents his topic is a little different.

His presentation is filled with images and cartoons . When he states quantitative data, the font size and color are something that must be taken a look into. Further, the language that he includes in his PPT is very candid and informal.

Delivering 10-minute presentations

While you are trying to make your content crisp, 10 minutes may seem way too little; But when it comes to presenting it and speaking, 10 minutes is not that short of a time.

There are a few things that you can do so as to deliver your presentation in its most effective way.

1. Practice your presentation in chunks.

Chunks are the division of your main content into small parts. 5-to-9 chunks are easy to remember.

We are not encouraging you to memorize or rote learn your presentation. However, it is important to remember the flow in which you are supposed to be presenting. And for this dividing, your presentation into chunks to practice can help navigate you through your entire presentation.

This also raises the question that,

How Long Should You Practice for a Presentation?

It is advisable to practice your presentation at least 3 times and a maximum of 10-12 times . But as the old saying goes “Practice makes a man perfect,” you can practice as long as you feel you have perfected your presentation.

If you are looking for a specific time duration for which you should practice then, for a 10-minute presentation, 30 minutes to about An hour and a half should suffice.

For some amazing tips on how you can rehearse your presentations, check out 13 Tips For Rehearsing A Presentation .

2. Add a story or share a personal experience

Stories are a very binding way to let your point across. It adds a personal touch, especially if you are sharing your personal experience. It also gives the audience a chance to understand where you come from and maybe even relate to you.

The TED by Jarret J. Krosoczka is a wonderful presentation where he illustrates his story while talking about it to the audience.

The creative bend makes it a presentation worth remembering, don’t you think?

3. Engage the audience.

While it isn’t mandatory for you to add elements that would ensure that the audience stays engaged, adding it will only help in enhancing your and your audience’s experience (if time permits).

You can add a quiz , or a small game like spot a difference between the two pictures. you can also ask a question and take a poll by asking the audience members who agree to raise their hands.

4. Add humor to your presentations

Humor can be your friend or your enemy while presenting a topic. If you get it right, it can make your presentation an unforgettable one. At the same time, if you end up making jokes that the audience might not find funny or worst even derogatory, It may land you in some trouble.

One of the funniest and most energy-filled presentations I have come across was the one by Alexis Nikole Nelson and her take on Veganism. The way in which she makes use of the prop is another thing you must take a look into.

Add elements of credibility

Elements of credibility include stating facts and figures . You can also quote some renowned personalities . All these things would build the confidence of the audience in your presentation. It also works best to give a reality check. How do you ask?

Simple, when you state figures, you give them a clear picture of the situation.

An example of this is the use of statistics used by Randy Palisoc in his Ted talk “Math isn’t hard, it’s a language.”

26%..Thats is the percentage of US 12 graders who are proficient in math

Find the full video of the same below.

Famous 10-Minute Presentations

1. bill gates.

We might have all heard about Bill Gates and his talks or speeches on Climate Change. But this presentation was a little different.

Here, Bill Gates goes on to explain how teachers have not been receiving sufficient feedback which could’ve led to drastic changes in their teaching patterns.

He explains the wide disparity in feedback given to teachers through charts , thus providing a way to easily compare and evaluate one’s country’s performance to that of others.

His bidding statement ends on a positive note as it is filled with optimism. He says,

I am excited about the opportunity to give all our teachers the support they want and deserve. I hope you are too.

2. Vishaan Chakrabarti

Renowned Architect Vishaan Chakrabarti gives an insight into the need for sustainable housing to provide a roof over the head of additional 3 billion people who are expected to be born by 2100.

The presentation is particularly interesting for the way in which he has used the visuals and animations . The language is kept simple which makes it easy to understand even if you have no degree in architecture.

Topics for 10-minute presentations

Presentation topics for college students.

• Population explosion
• The increasing gap between Rich and Poor
• Virtual money as the next evolution in monetary exchange
• Diversification and blending of cultures
• Change in seeking entertainment post-pandemic
• Data is the new oil
• Are we prepared for the next pandemic?
• Electric Vehicles: Future of Transportation
• E-learning and the shift in the education system
• Veganism and sustainability
• Evolution of the fashion industry in the metaverse
• Legalization of cryptocurrencies
• Need for immediate action toward climate change
• Do your degrees define your success in life?
• Evolution in careers across the years

Presentation Topics for Interviews

• Overcoming fears can lead to success
• Diversification in the workplace and its impact on better decision making
• Right to work is a fundamental right
• Can a few jobs permanently start working from home?
• Women as leaders
• The rise in startup culture
• The increasing threat of data breach
• Influencer marketing and its advantages
• Employee motivation and its relation to monetary rewards
• Should employees be paid for working overtime
• Paternal leave and its benefits
• Building skills is more important than degrees
• The efficiency of a 4 day work week
• Benefits of going paperless to the organizations

Funny 10-minute presentation topics

• 11 ways to order a pizza
• Why you don’t need success
• Why be excellent when you can be mediocre?
• World’s worst Disaster: Crocs Heels
• Evolution of Dance: from Bellydance to TikTok dance
• Being an Adult: The Most challenging task
• Struggles of Being a Planned Child
• Alcohol fixes relationships
• How autocorrect ruins your life
• LOL: Only Socially Acceptable way to Avoid laughing
• If only I had the life I do on My Instagram
• 5 easy ways to make it out of the friendzone
• 3 Totally useless professions
• 6 ways to do absolutely nothing
• The Rise of Family Whatsapp Groups

You can also find more speech topics depending on the type of your speech. Check out Demonstrative Speech Topics , Informative Speech Topics , and Persuasive Speech Topics on our website to get some inspiration for your speech.

10-Minute presentation sample

Presentation on Sustainable Fashion

I want you to imagine the amount of water you drink in a day. Now imagine and tell me if you can do the math, how much water would you have consumed in 3 years?

Let me help you.

2720 liters of water.

Now how would you feel if I tell you that this also equal to the amount of water that went into making the t-shirt you quite stunningly adorn right now?

*Imitates mind being blown*

With a 4-fold increase in the production of clothes over the last 20 years, we cannot even imagine the extent to which it has penetrated the pollution index across the world. Every year, fast fashion brands release several micro collections against the ideal 2. So if you ever wondered how the store has a very different collection every time you step into H&M or Zara, you know now. In fact, In the US per person, approximately 35 kgs of textile waste are generated every year.

If this wasn’t enough, the extent of water pollution caused by Fast fashion is beyond imaginable. 22,000 toxic waste is released into rivers by tanneries in Bangladesh,

Every. Single. Day.

So, what is the most immediate action that you can take to switch to more sustainable styling?

I am going to introduce a mantra that has worked wonders for me when I felt overwhelmed about switching to sustainable fashion. The 4 Rs and No it isn’t Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

The 4 Rs for sustainable fashion are

Reduce your consumption of clothes. Has it ever happened that you end up buying a shirt only to realize you don’t a perfect pair of pants to wear with it? Or bought something that you found super cute but never touched once you got home? It’s okay! Don’t feel guilty, I have done that too.

But that can be avoided. A simple method is to ask yourself “Do I need this Now?” and “Will I be able to use it in the long run?” The answer to the second question will immediately direct you away from fast fashion brands that offer cheap quality clothing at a very affordable rate.

If the clothes you own can be repaired in any way, it is better to do that than jump on to buy a new one. There were many times when I repaired or redesigned my outfits. For example. this one time when I slipped in my yard and tore my jeans a little from the knee area. Guess the ground was desperate for me to own another pair of ripped jeans and so I did exactly that. The other time a friend of mine, an amazing artist got some splashes of paint on her pants, Any guess what we did with those pants?

Exactly! Splashed more paint over it. Now I know it may sound bizarre but that was a time when that was in trend.

The third option is to Resell your stuff or give it to someone else.

This is where our popular thrift stores come into the picture. You’ve got a piece of clothing that you are never going to wear? Why let it take up the space in your closet when you can easily make money out of it and get rid of it at the same time. But if you are more altruistic, you can even consider donating your not-so-frequently used clothes to those who need them. And I know for a fact that every brown person sitting here is a pro at both lending and receiving hand-me-downs.

Lastly and the most important of all is, to rethink your consumption of fashion. It is 2022. Some brands have dedicated their entire efforts to providing you with sustainable alternatives. You can choose to buy consciously.

For instance, Adidas’s future craft loop edition shoes are one such example of big brands trying to do their part in this battle of saving our planet from our species. Further, there are brands like Baggit that use vegan leather for all their products.

Then there are completely sustainable brands like Eco India that use the clothes thrown into landfills to make fashion statements that are both iconic as well as sustainable.

While I can talk about this for as long as my voice doesn’t give in, I guess I should cut it short.

Reduce, Repair, Resell and Rethink what you can do to make the change towards a healthier fashion choice. After all the industry thrives upon you and your impulsiveness, try not to give in to it.

So the idea is simple. Maintain your style but not at the cost of the planet.

Final Thoughts

Presentations are an effective mode of presenting your topic with creativity.

10-minute presentations however come with a restriction on time which makes it important to focus on crunching the information you plan to add and thus keeping it short.

The use of visuals can be effective in carrying out successful presentations, be it PPTs or props.

Sharing personal experiences, humor, or any other element that makes your presentation stand out would enhance your presentation and make it easier for the audience to recall the information shared by you.

Lastly, there is no right or wrong way of presenting.

The only way we know is to enjoy your presentation just as much as you would want the audience to enjoy listening to it.

If you feel like you need more personalized guidance on carrying out your presentation in a more effective and confident manner, Check out Frantically Speaking .

We will be more than happy to help you!

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200 topics for 10-Minute Presentations

As a presenter, having a selection of concise and captivating topics is key to a memorable 10-minute presentation. These 200 topics are designed to inspire and engage, ensuring your next presentation is a hit!

• The Importance of Time Management
• Tips for Effective Communication Skills
• The Power of Positive Thinking
• Understanding Body Language and Nonverbal Cues
• The Basics of Mindfulness and Meditation
• How Renewable Energy Is Shaping the Future
• The Impact of Globalization on Cultures
• A Beginner’s Guide to Personal Finance
• The Role of Social Media in Today’s Society
• Overcoming the Challenges of Public Speaking
• The History of the Internet and Its Evolution
• The Science Behind Healthy Eating Habits
• The Significance of Emotional Intelligence
• The Art of Negotiation in Business and Life
• The Effects of Climate Change on Our Planet
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• How Volunteering Benefits Both You and Society
• Understanding the Basics of Blockchain Technology
• The Impact of Fast Fashion on the Environment
• Exploring the World of Virtual Reality
• The Evolution of Telecommunication
• Why Cultivating Creativity Matters
• Mental Health Awareness and Stigma Reduction
• The Effects of Sleep on Performance and Well-being
• Strategies for Effective Conflict Resolution
• An Overview of World Religions and Philosophies
• The Pros and Cons of Remote Work
• The Growth of E-commerce and Online Shopping
• Achieving Work-Life Balance in a Busy World
• Basic First Aid Skills Everyone Should Know
• The Rise of Autonomous Vehicles
• An Introduction to Sustainable Living
• The Importance of Biodiversity Conservation
• How to Set and Achieve Personal Goals
• The History and Culture of a Country of Your Choice
• The Role of NGOs in Global Development
• How to Develop Leadership Skills
• The Benefits of Learning a Second Language
• Exploring the Moral Implications of Genetic Engineering
• Understanding the Basics of Economics
• The Future of Space Exploration
• The Impact of Tourism on Local Communities
• The Role of Education in Empowering Women
• The Importance of Protecting Wildlife
• The Psychology of Advertising
• How to Maintain Mental Fitness
• The Historical Significance of the Olympic Games
• The Social and Economic Effects of Urbanization
• The Rise of Cybersecurity Threats
• The Revolution of 3D Printing
• The Elements of a Successful Entrepreneur
• The Ethical Issues Around Animal Testing
• The Influence of Music on Society
• Dealing with Peer Pressure in Adolescence
• The Benefits and Challenges of Multiculturalism
• The Science Behind Memory and Learning
• The Importance of Art in Education
• The Future of Jobs and Automation
• An Overview of Quantum Computing
• The Debate on Gun Control in the United States
• The Importance of Coral Reefs to Marine Ecosystems
• Exploring the Concept of Universal Basic Income
• Understanding the Stock Market for Beginners
• The Role of Technology in Modern Education
• The Journey of Coffee from Bean to Cup
• Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
• The Cultural Significance of Traditional Festivals
• The Health Effects of Tobacco and Alcohol
• The Basics of Photography and Composition
• How to Manage Stress and Anxiety
• The Benefits of Urban Green Spaces
• Understanding the Human Immune System
• The Importance of Reading in Personal Development
• The Impact of Artificial Light on Sleep Patterns
• The Science of Happiness
• The Consequences of Plastic Pollution
• How Social Movements Shape History
• Exploring Alternative Energy Sources
• The Principles of Sustainable Agriculture
• The Myths and Realities of Dieting
• Understanding Digital Privacy and Security
• The Phenomenon of Mass Media Influence
• Coping with the Loss of a Loved One
• The Effect of Video Games on Cognitive Skills
• The Importance of Interpersonal Skills in the Workplace
• The Basics of Intellectual Property Rights
• The Challenges of Global Poverty
• The Relationship Between Exercise and Mental Health
• The Significance of the United Nations in Global Affairs
• Understanding Intercultural Communication
• Exploring the Deep Ocean and Its Mysteries
• The Increasing Importance of Big Data
• How to Create a Successful Youtube Channel
• The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
• The Story of Human Evolution
• The Future of Genetic Testing and Personalized Medicine
• The Effect of Automation on Employment
• The Role of Animals in Therapy
• The Implications of Virtual Currency
• The Benefits and Limitations of Smart Home Technology
• How to Create an Effective Résumé
• The Importance of Critical Thinking Skills
• An Introduction to the World’s Major Political Systems
• The Rise of Drones and Their Applications
• The Effects of Social Isolation on Health
• The Role of Cryptocurrencies in the Financial Market
• Understanding the Causes of Global Food Insecurity
• The Concept of Minimalism and Simple Living
• How to Build and Preserve Digital Reputation
• The Anomalies of the British Monarchy System
• The Art of Storytelling and its Significance
• The Rise of Veganism and Its Impact
• The Psychology of Color in Marketing and Branding
• The Influence of Celebrities on Public Opinion
• The Growing Problem of Electronic Waste
• How Digital Assistants Are Changing Our Lives
• The Importance of Maintaining Online Etiquette
• Exploring the Current State of Electric Vehicles
• The Future of Wearable Technology
• The Connection Between Diet and Chronic Diseases
• The Art and Science of Beer Brewing
• The Mystery of Black Holes
• The Significance of Water Conservation
• The Fundamentals of Cryptography
• The Relation Between Stress and Physical Health
• The Role of Citizen Journalism in the Media Landscape
• The Dangers of Antibiotic Resistance
• The Social Impact of Podcasting
• The Use of Drones in Agriculture
• The History and Significance of the Nobel Prize
• The Changing Landscape of Book Publishing
• The Growth of Telemedicine and Its Future Implications
• The Debate Over Net Neutrality
• The Basics of Augmented Reality
• The Dynamics of Group Behavior
• The Phenomenon of Procrastination and Strategies to Overcome It
• The Importance of Bees to the Ecosystem
• Understanding the Circular Economy Model
• The Psychological Effects of Social Media Use
• The Power of Microfinance in Developing Countries
• The Growing Trend of Digital Nomadism
• The Social and Political Impact of Graffiti and Street Art
• The Benefits of Adopting a Plant-Based Diet
• The History of the Computer and its Evolution
• The Role of Biotechnology in Agriculture
• The Potential of Smart Cities to Transform Urban Living
• The Controversy Surrounding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
• The Tradition of Tea Drinking Across Cultures
• The Challenges of Overpopulation
• The Importance of STEM Education for the Future
• Understanding the Gig Economy and Freelancing
• The Philosophy of Stoicism and Modern Life
• The Cultural Impact of Reality TV Shows
• The Role of Meditation in Cultivating Inner Peace
• The Threat of Melting Polar Ice Caps
• The Ethics and Implications of Cloning
• The Benefits of Team Sports in Personal Development
• The Exploration of Mars: Possibilities and Challenges
• The Science of Food Preservation Techniques
• The Role of Trade Unions in the Modern Workforce
• The Resurgence of Podcasts as an Information Medium
• The Relationship Between Fashion and Identity
• The Importance of Urban Wildlife Habitats
• The Impact of Driverless Cars on Society
• The Psychology Behind Consumer Choices
• The Role of Microorganisms in Our Ecosystem
• The Rising Trend of Telehealth and E-Health
• The Influence of Architecture on Human Behavior
• The Role of the World Bank in International Development
• The Growing Use of Biometrics for Security
• The Science and Art of Wine Tasting
• The Benefits of Public Transportation Systems
• The Connection Between Literature and Society
• The Potential of Hydroponic Gardening
• The Role of Online Education in Learning
• The Cultural Phenomenon of Superheroes
• The Importance of Historical Preservation
• The Art of Precision in Watchmaking
• The Psychology of Leadership and Authority
• The Connection Between Climate and Agriculture
• The History and Evolution of Jazz Music
• The Role of Play in Child Development
• The Impact of Nanotechnology on Medicine
• The Effects of Overfishing on Marine Environments
• The Importance of Adventure Tourism
• The Future of Robotics in Daily Life
• The Health Benefits of Yoga Practice
• The Influence of Digital Marketing on Consumer Behavior
• The Mechanics of Tectonic Plate Movement
• The Complex World of International Trade Agreements
• The Implications of Self-Driving Technology on Logistics
• The History of Women’s Suffrage Movement
• The Importance of Open Source Software
• The Relationship Between Air Pollution and Respiratory Health
• The Influence of Classical Music on Modern Composers
• The Role of Bioplastics in Reducing Pollution
• The Sociology of Fashion and Trends
• The Frontier of Brain-Computer Interfaces
• The Power of Social Entrepreneurship
• The Cultural Significance of Culinary Traditions

Related Posts:

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10 Minute Presentation Topics: 50 Unique Ideas to Engage Your Audience

Searching for the perfect topic for your 10-minute presentation can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. I understand the challenge of trying to capture and maintain an audience’s focus all too well.

Luckily, my journey has led me to discover 50 captivating ideas that are sure to engage your listeners. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through selecting fascinating topics and presenting them in ways that will undoubtedly leave an impression .

Get ready to dazzle!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• When picking a presentation topic, aim for unique and thought – provoking ideas that capture your audience’s attention. Be specific and clear to leave a memorable impression.
• Tailor your presentation to fit the audience’s interests and knowledge level , making sure it is relevant and engaging for them.
• Use personal stories or examples from your expertise to connect with the audience, making your talk more relatable and interesting.
• Keep in mind the balance between academics and work life , study habits improvement strategies, coping with stress for mental health well-being, finding internships or job opportunities, and managing personal finances as valuable topics for college students.
• Practicing empathy in leadership can create a positive workplace culture by making team members feel valued and understood.

Tips for Delivering a Successful 10-Minute Presentation:

Start with the end goal in mind and understand your audience. Use novel and precise information while leveraging your expertise effectively.

Begin with the end in mind

As I plan my presentations, I always aim to keep the final goal in sight. This means understanding exactly what I want my audience to learn or feel by the end of my talk. For me, this could involve making sure they leave with three key points about public speaking or feeling motivated to join Toastmasters International like I did.

Crafting each part of the presentation with this outcome in mind helps me stay focused and ensures that every element supports that end goal .

I also consider how to measure if I’ve achieved this aim. Will it be through the questions they ask during the Q&A, their feedback forms, or perhaps a more engaged audience throughout? Deciding on these metrics beforehand guides me in creating content that is not only informative but also engaging and directly aligned with my objectives .

Keeping the end in mind shapes everything from how I start my presentation to how I conclude it, guaranteeing that both my audience and I find value in the experience.

Know your audience

Knowing your audience is crucial in delivering a successful presentation. It helps create content that resonates with them. For instance, understanding their interests and concerns will allow you to tailor your message to what matters most to them.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the knowledge level of the audience so you can adjust the complexity of your topic accordingly. By engaging with your audience and addressing their specific needs , you can ensure that they remain attentive and absorbed throughout your presentation.

Now let’s explore tips for delivering a successful 10-minute presentation!

Be novel and precise

To engage your audience effectively, aim to be novel and precise in your presentation. Instead of using cliched topics, try exploring unique and thought-provoking ideas that will captivate your audience’s attention.

It’s vital to be clear and concise in delivering your message to ensure that it resonates with the audience. By being specific and innovative , you can create a memorable experience for your listeners, leaving a lasting impression .

Now let’s explore some engaging 10-minute presentation topics and techniques that are perfect for college students.

Leverage your expertise

When delivering a 10-minute presentation, leverage your expertise by choosing a topic that you know well. Your knowledge and passion for the subject will shine through, making it easier to engage your audience.

Additionally, consider using personal examples or stories related to your area of expertise to make the presentation more relatable and captivating.

Furthermore, sharing practical tips or insights based on your experience can add depth and authenticity to your presentation. For instance, if you are discussing time management skills for college students, draw from your own journey of balancing academics and other responsibilities.

10 Ideas for College Students:

Discover practical and relevant topics such as balancing school and work, improving study habits, coping with stress and mental health, finding internships and job opportunities, and managing personal finances .

Ready to engage your audience? Read more now!

Balancing school and work

Balancing school and work is crucial for many students. With 45% of college students working, finding the right balance is essential. I know this struggle firsthand as I also worked while attending graduate school.

It’s important to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to avoid burnout.

I understand the challenges of juggling assignments and work schedules , which is why setting realistic goals and establishing a solid routine are vital. Time management techniques such as creating a schedule or using productivity apps can be extremely beneficial.

Also, don’t forget about self-care – taking breaks, staying organized, and seeking support from professors or supervisors when needed are key components in achieving this balance between academics and employment.

Strategies for improving study habits

When facing studying challenges, I recommend creating a schedule and finding a quiet study space. This can help maintain focus while reducing distractions from social media and video games.

Additionally, employing effective note-taking methods such as using flashcards or summarizing information in your own words can enhance understanding and retention of material. Forming study groups with classmates can also provide new perspectives on the subject matter.

To improve my own study habits, I found that setting specific goals for each study session helped keep me motivated and on track. Taking short breaks between study sessions allowed me to recharge my mind and stay focused.

Coping with stress and mental health

When coping with stress and mental health , it’s important to find strategies that work for you . I remember facing anxiety during my public speaking journey but learning how to manage stress made a significant difference.

Simple techniques like deep breathing, taking regular breaks, and getting enough sleep can have a big impact on mental well-being . It’s also essential to prioritize self-care and seek help when needed.

By finding effective coping mechanisms , we can better manage the demands of public speaking while maintaining good mental health.

Finding internships and job opportunities

Transitioning from coping with stress and mental health to finding internships and job opportunities, I understand that college can be both demanding and exciting. As a student, it’s crucial to plan for life after graduation by exploring internship opportunities and understanding how to navigate the job market effectively.

I remember when I was in college; I found that networking events , career fairs , and online platforms such as LinkedIn were incredibly valuable in discovering internships and job openings related to my field of study.

It’s essential to take advantage of these resources early on to gain practical experience while still in school.

Managing personal finances

As a public speaking beginner, managing personal finances is crucial. Always create a budget to track income and expenses. Set financial goals too, like saving for emergencies or paying off debts.

Look for free resources online to learn about investing and growing your money . Remember, starting small is okay – even a little savings can add up over time.

Now, let’s move on to “10 Interview Presentation Ideas”.

10 Interview Presentation Ideas:

How to effectively showcase your skills and experience can make or break your job interview. For more valuable insights on engaging presentation topics, read my blog titled “10 Minute Presentation Topics: 50 Unique Ideas to Engage Your Audience..

How to effectively showcase your skills and experience

When presenting your skills and experience, use specific examples to demonstrate your abilities. Employ storytelling techniques to make your presentation engaging. Utilize visual aids like charts or graphs to illustrate your accomplishments effectively.

Highlight the impact of your work through real-life examples and statistics if applicable.

To engage the audience, share personal anecdotes that showcase how you’ve applied your skills in different situations. For instance, I once shared a story about a project where my problem-solving skills helped resolve a challenging issue at work.

Tips for acing job interviews

After effectively showcasing your skills and experience, the next crucial step is acing job interviews . To prepare, research the company thoroughly and practice common interview questions .

Dress professionally and arrive early for the interview. Throughout the process, remain confident and maintain good eye contact with your interviewer to show interest .

During my early days in public speaking, I faced numerous daunting interviews but overcame them through thorough preparation and practice. By meticulously researching each company’s background and anticipating potential questions, I managed to ace several job interviews confidently.

Using storytelling techniques in a presentation

When using storytelling techniques in a presentation, I find it helpful to start with a compelling narrative that captures the audience’s attention. This can be achieved by introducing relatable characters or situations to make the content more engaging and memorable.

Personal anecdotes or real-life examples are effective tools for connecting with the audience on an emotional level and conveying key messages in a way that resonates with them. Furthermore, incorporating a well-structured plot with clear exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution helps maintain the audience’s interest throughout the presentation.

By leveraging storytelling techniques , presenters can create an immersive experience for their audience, making the content more impactful and easier to remember. For instance, during my own presentations at Toastmasters International meetings, I often utilize personal stories to illustrate specific points or lessons I want to convey.

Addressing weaknesses and challenges in a presentation

When addressing weaknesses and challenges in a presentation, it’s crucial to acknowledge nervousness as normal . To overcome this, practice and preparation are key. Additionally, having a backup plan for technical issues will help manage unexpected disruptions during the presentation.

Always have clear slides with concise points to avoid overwhelming the audience.

Lastly, seek feedback after each presentation to identify areas of improvement and build confidence. Embracing mistakes as learning opportunities is essential for growth as a speaker.

Presenting a project or case study

Presenting a project or case study allows me to showcase my skills and knowledge in a real-world context . It’s an opportunity to highlight the practical application of theories and concepts.

For instance, I recently presented a case study on how social media marketing strategies can impact small businesses. The audience engagement was remarkable as they could relate to the examples and see the relevance of the topic in today’s digital age.

The key is to select a case study that resonates with the audience and brings forth actionable insights . Backing up your findings with data and tangible results adds credibility to your presentation.

10 Ideas for Relatable and Interesting 10-Minute Presentations:

Embracing introversion for success, resilience over failure, and more relatable topics. Interested in captivating your audience with thought-provoking ideas? Check out the full article for engaging and unique presentation topics!

The power of introverts

As an introvert myself, I understand the unique strengths that introverts bring to the table. Sometimes, it’s easy to assume that being outgoing and outspoken is the only way to succeed in public speaking.

The truth is, introverts have a special ability to deeply reflect and craft thoughtful messages. This skill can captivate and engage an audience in a powerful way.

In fact, research shows that many influential leaders are introverts who excel at leading with quiet strength and well-thought-out ideas . As speakers, introverts often connect on a personal level with their audience by sharing personal stories and insights.

Embracing failure and resilience

Embracing failure and resilience is crucial for personal growth . Each setback teaches valuable lessons to propel us forward. Despite setbacks , I’ve learned to adapt and bounce back .

These experiences have made me stronger and more determined. Failure doesn’t define us; it’s a stepping stone toward success .

Overcoming imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome can hinder our confidence when presenting , but we can overcome it by acknowledging our accomplishments and focusing on the value we bring to the table. It’s normal to feel out of place at times, but I remind myself of my strengths and unique perspective.

Embracing authenticity helps me combat imposter syndrome and connect with my audience more effectively. By sharing personal experiences, I strive to inspire others facing similar doubts.

– The impact of social media on mental health

The impact of social media on mental health

Social media can significantly affect mental health , as studies have shown that excessive use is linked to increased feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and depression . Research indicates that frequent social media use can lead to negative comparisons and low self-esteem .

For example, a report by the National Institute for Mental Health found that 75% of individuals using social media experience feelings of inadequacy due to comparing themselves with others.

Keywords: Social Media, Mental Health.

The role of empathy in leadership.

Empathy in leadership means understanding and connecting with the emotions and experiences of those you lead. It’s about listening actively , showing compassion, and acknowledging the feelings of others.

This helps to build trust, foster a positive work environment, and create stronger team dynamics. By practicing empathy as a leader, you can inspire your team, boost morale, and cultivate a more supportive and inclusive workplace culture .

Leaders who incorporate empathy into their management style often see improved employee satisfaction , higher productivity levels, and better overall performance from their teams. When leaders are empathetic towards their employees’ needs and challenges, it creates an environment where everyone feels valued and understood.

I’ve spent years mastering the art of public speaking, and one key takeaway is that the right topic can truly captivate an audience in as little as 10 minutes. I reached out to Dr.

Emily Carter, a renowned expert in communication studies with over two decades of teaching and research experience at prestigious institutions. Her work focuses on effective communication strategies , making her insights invaluable for anyone looking to engage an audience effectively.

Dr. Carter emphasized the importance of selecting topics that resonate on a personal level yet have universal appeal. According to her, this blend ensures that presentations not only hold attention but also inspire action and reflection.

She praised the variety of ideas listed, noting their potential to spark curiosity and foster meaningful discussions.

On discussing safety, ethics, and transparency in choosing presentation topics, Dr. Carter highlighted the need for presenters to carefully consider their subject matter’s impact. She reminded us that while controversy might engage an audience, it requires responsible handling to avoid misinformation or offense.

For integrating these topics into various contexts, she suggested tailoring content to fit specific audiences’ interests and concerns—a strategy that enhances relevance and connectivity with listeners.

However, presenting a balanced view requires acknowledging potential challenges — such as finding fresh angles on well-worn subjects or making complex issues accessible within tight time constraints.

Compared with other collections of speech topics available online which offer broad suggestions without much guidance on execution strategies or ethical considerations —this collection stands out by providing actionable advice alongside its ideas.

Dr. Carter’s final verdict affirmed my belief: This expansive list of “10 Minute Presentation Topics” possesses true depth and breadth for creating engaging presentations tailored for any occasion or audience type—one noteworthy tool among many at your disposal for becoming an adept speaker who leaves lasting impressions.

Drawing from both personal experience transforming from a timid speaker into someone comfortable addressing crowds big or small—and now having professional validation from Dr.Carter—I’m convinced more than ever about the effectiveness of honing presentation skills through thoughtful topic selection inspired by comprehensive lists like these.

Ryan Nelson is the founder of Speak2Impress, a platform dedicated to helping individuals master the art of public speaking. Despite having a crippling fear of public speaking for many years, Ryan overcame his anxiety through diligent practice and active participation in Toastmasters. Now residing in New York City, he is passionate about sharing his journey and techniques to empower others to speak with confidence and clarity.

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The 10-minute presentation

Ten minutes is more than enough time in which to give a compelling and effective presentation.

A lot of detailed information can be presented in ten minutes without the presentation dragging on and losing the audience’s attention. Structuring the presentation correctly is still vitally important. No one likes to be waffled at.

A basic four-section structure for your 10-minute presentation could be something like this:

1. Introduction. Tell the audience a little about yourself, briefly, and perhaps include a slide with your name and job title on as you do so.

It is also important to grab the audience’s attention during your introduction. Tell them an interesting story, or a joke, or quote some research with relevant findings.

2. With ten minutes to fill it is possible to make several main points, supported by slides or visual aids, and reinforced with details to form a compelling argument or overview of the subject matter.

Succinctly run through the points you intend to make, simplifying them to suit the audience and enable them to understand without difficulty. Trying to give too much information will overload and confuse the audience. Instead, cover a few main points well and thoroughly explain anything that might be hard to understand.

3. Use the ‘rule of three’ to explain your points. This is a memorable structure for delivering information in blocks of three items. For example, you might consider illustrating your presentation with three case studies from the real world, or three practical examples of your argument in action.

4. Finish with something that suitably rounds off your presentation. Due to the recency effect, the end of your presentation is likely to be one of the most memorable parts for most people in the audience. Make it count with a sales call-to-action, or details of a future opportunity, a web address for further contact, or even just a final summary of your points.

Don’t try to learn your presentation word-for-word

A lot of words can be said in ten minutes. Learning the entire presentation off by heart is difficult and time consuming. Instead, aim to learn the outline and key facts of each point you wish to make, and work out cues to remind yourself when to change slides.

Write out reminders on cue cards to prompt your memory, but don’t try to read your presentation entirely from paper. With practice, it will become easier to speak continuously for ten minutes without having to refer to your cue cards too often. The presentation will also flow far more smoothly.

Try to tell a story

Ten minutes can seem like a long time, and it is easy to lose the thread of your presentation. To avoid this, try to imagine your presentation as a story. All stories have a beginning, middle and end, and this can be used to keep your presentation coherent and focused. What story are you trying to tell the audience? Try to remember this if you start to go off-topic during the presentation.

Focus on the whole audience

It is often tempting to pick out an individual member of the audience and give the presentation as if you were speaking only to him or her. This can be effective over a short time, but over ten minutes, it would be hard to maintain. Instead, spread your eye contact across the whole audience, looking at different people periodically. No one likes to be stared at, but making eye contact is important.

Similarly, if you feel nervous during the presentation don’t drop your eyes to look down at your lectern or, even worse, the floor. Instead, take a breath, smile, pause momentarily if you need to, and continue.

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I have to do a presentation on an attorneys point of view from a shooting.

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Tips for a 10-minute presentation

Prioritise.   Select.  In a 10-minute talk, you can hope to convey one key idea.  So:  what’s your ‘take-away message’?

Think of a 10-minute talk as an extended abstract:  your aim is to convey the unique character of your research, with just enough detail so that the audience can grasp the big picture and understand what distinguishes your research from other related work. 

Plan the time:

If the talk is 10 minutes, then you can’t spend 5 of them on the introduction.  Associate time with important points – points essential to convey the character and shape of your research, points important to your line of reasoning, points concerning the implications of your research, and so on.  

It is essential to cover enough of the design and structure of your research for the audience to grasp its character.  So, your talk should include the classic key ingredients:

1.  Research question :  including what motivates you to address it, and why an answer will be important.  

2.  Context :   what is already known, what the issues are, what other approaches have been tried or are being tried – in brief.

3.  Your research design :   what you’re doing, what evidence you expect to find.

4.  Findings:    what evidence you have produced so far.

5.  Take-away message:   what you want the audience to remember about your research.

You’ll need balance among these elements:  don’t sacrifice the evidence, or your take-away message won’t be convincing.  Don’t short-change the context, or the research choices may not make sense.  Don’t forget to motivate the question, or the audience might wonder why you’re bothering.  And so on.

Start by giving a minute to each of the five – and then allocating the remaining five minutes to the elements that are most important to you to convey.  Note the time allocation on your running notes or script (whatever you use to guide yourself during your talk).

Plan the slides:

At 1 slide per minute, you need to contain your key points in 10 slides or so.  That doesn’t mean squeezing the material from 20 slides into 10; it means selecting key points and crucial material.  Remember:  if the audience is too busy trying to read your slides, then people won’t be listening to your words.  The purpose of the slides is to focus attention and reinforce key points.  If you have important supporting material (e.g., data, analyses) that won’t fit into the talk, keep them to hand in case they’ll help you answer questions.

Don’t just guess.  Make sure you’ve timed yourself giving the talk in a normal delivery pace at least once.  For example, give the talk to some friends or colleagues, and time it.  

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10 tips for the 10-minute conference presentation

July 21, 2016

By Elizabeth Saewyc

You’ve spent months on your research, but have only 10 minutes to present it to the world. Yikes! But, fear not! There are some easy, practical ways to make it memorable.

In a striking back-to-back comparison showcased in the video below, I give a standard 10-minute research talk riddled with features that characterize too many dry scientific presentations. You’ll nod your head as you recognize them from your own and colleagues’ past efforts. Then watch, as I transform the same material in a subsequent presentation that showcases the potential of strong science communication to bring research alive with a little preparation. And no, we’re not talking about animating your slide deck. This is about the power of words to truly communicate research.

RESEARCH TOOLBOX; 10 Tips for a Dynamic 10-Minute Conference Presentation from UBC Nursing .

My top 10 tips are:

• Aside from the “I have nothing to disclose” statement, don’t start by thanking by name all the people on your first slide (your co-authors). Instead, say good morning or good afternoon, whichever is relevant, then start your presentation with a bit of dramatic statement – either the scope of the issue, something people don’t normally think of, something that sounds contrary to what people normally believe but hints at your results, or at least makes it clear why this research was needed. It’s a way of being compelling and catching attention, it projects confidence and draws people in. Not humour, though, that’s hard to pull off.
• The slides should illustrate your presentation points, not be your presentation. They should have no more than 3-4 points per slide, in phrases, not sentences, and no more than two lines per point (preferably one). Use bar charts or graphs or pictures where you can, with limited words.
• Don’t read the slides, make the points with slightly different words, and expand on them a bit.
• Speak slowly, way, way slower than you think you need to – we will always talk faster during a public speaking situation, so it’s important to speak slowly and clearly, especially since there will be people who have English as a second language in the audience, and are likely jet-lagged. Most of us speak at 120 words a minute, so that means, for a 10 minute presentation 1200 words max. Write out your script so that you have exactly those many words—the minute you digress, you run over time.
• Don’t be afraid to make a short statement with a bar chart or table on the slide, like “As you can see from this table, Southeast Asian girls reported poorer mental health than boys,” and then fall silent for a bit, letting people absorb the info before you switch to the next slide (this can heighten the drama/attention, and makes you look very polished and confident–even if you’re counting in your head how long to wait before you switch the slide and speak again!).
• Never, ever say, “okay, I know you can’t read this, but…” If it’s unreadable, too many lines, too small font, or too busy a table or figure, do not include it . Come up with a different way to convey the key points, because the minute you apologize for your slide, you’ve lost them.
• Avoid swooping transitions, nifty animations, cutesy cartoon graphics, and wild shifts of colour or font; anything that might make your audience seasick or dizzy won’t win you respect or attention.
• Remember to put in the “so what?” conclusion, or a concrete couple of clinical implications–or go back to your dramatic opening statement and bring it into the ending. If you’ve paced yourself with your 1200 words or fewer, you’ll have time to give the final punchline of what we should do now, or what we know now, because of this work.
• Say thank you! But don’t say, “I’d like to thank my supervisor, my committee, my colleagues, my family, my carpool, my dog…” and don’t mention the funding source, even if it’s listed on your last slide as an acknowledgment. Leave it for people to read during questions.
• Wear something bright red–a scarf, a tie, a blouse, a pocket handkerchief, a jacket, a dress; it draws the eye, enhances their alertness, and will help people find you afterwards to tell you what a fabulous job you did on your presentation, and what they liked about your study, or ask another question about it.

 About Elizabeth Saewyc

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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

by Carmine Gallo

Summary .   

Never underestimate the power of great communication. It can help you land the job of your dreams, attract investors to back your idea, or 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.

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Creating a 10-15 Minute Scientific Presentation

In the course of your career as a scientist, you will be asked to give brief presentations -- to colleagues, lab groups, and in other venues. We have put together a series of short videos to help you organize and deliver a crisp 10-15 minute scientific presentation.

First is a two part set of videos that walks you through organizing a presentation.

Part 1 - Creating an Introduction for a 10-15 Minute Scientfic Presentation

Part 2 - Creating the Body of a 10-15 Minute Presentation: Design/Methods; Data Results, Conclusions

Two additional videos should prove useful:

Designing PowerPoint Slides for a Scientific Presentation walks you through the key principles in designing powerful, easy to read slides.

Delivering a Presentation provides tips and approaches to help you put your best foot forward when you stand up in front of a group.

Other resources include:

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105+ Creative Presentation Ideas to Engage Your Audience

Written by: Orana Velarde

With most people tuning out of a PowerPoint presentation within the first 10 minutes , developing engaging slide show presentation ideas that keep your audience hooked till the end can be a challenge.

This is why we've created this post with 105+ creative presentation ideas to help you put together exciting presentations that don't put your audience to sleep. You can use these presentation ideas for business meetings, webinars, classrooms, online courses, pitch decks and more.

Here are some of the ideas we’re covering:

• Use neon colors and duotones
• Unify transitions horizontally
• Use a monochrome palette
• Tell a personal story
• Use isometric illustrations

In this article, you'll find unique slide examples, templates, designs and more. Put these slide show presentation ideas to practice using our customizable templates and create your own presentation in minutes.

We've also covered 31 creative presentation ideas to delight your audience in the video below.

Here's a short selection of 8 easy-to-edit Presentation templates you can edit, share and download with Visme. View more below:

• Add bright and bold colors to make your presentation stand out and grab your audience's attention. Create a vibrant and dynamic look by using neon colors and duotones.
• Instead of using different transitions for each slide, use the same transition horizontally throughout your presentation. This creates a cohesive and visually pleasing flow.
• To create a sophisticated, minimalist look, limit your color choices to shades of a single color.
• Connect with your audience and make your message more relatable by incorporating personal anecdotes or stories into your presentation.
• Add depth and dimension to your presentation with isometric illustrations, which can be a fun and engaging way to present complex information.
• Sign up for Visme’s presentation software to start applying these creative presentation ideas.

105+ Creative Presentation Ideas

The ideas we've shared cut across various design concepts, industries and use cases. We've also sprinkled presentation design ideas from Visme's template library.  If you're running out of creative steam, you can use these templates to jumpstart your designs.

And if you're running out of time, consider using Visme's AI presentation maker to bring these 100 creative presentation ideas to life. It's a user-friendly tool that effortlessly transforms your ideas into visually stunning presentations.

Now, let's jump into the creative presentation design ideas.

1 Use Neon Colors

Neon colors will give your presentation enough color kick to keep the viewer’s attention. Use neon colors either as the background, as specific elements or as details inside the slides. The trick with neon is to not go overboard with the contrasts. Instead of using a neon rainbow, think more along the lines of neon accents.

2 Be Minimal

Using a minimal design composition is one of the unique presentation ideas. The trick is to have just enough information and visual details for the viewer to feel comfortable seeing the slides. A minimal design can instill calm and awe in your audience when done right. The trick with minimalism is to know when enough is enough, you wouldn’t want to be boring instead of minimal.

RELATED:  20+ Examples of Minimalist Design to Inspire Your Own Creations

3 Use all caps

Another creative presentation idea is using all caps when you feel like the topic of your presentation can be delivered with few words. Using all capitals in your slides will give the message importance. This design might not be suited for a text-heavy presentation but maybe one with an audio narrative that goes along with it or bullet points.

Also, this kind of presentation design is suitable for captivating introduction slide ideas.

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4 Go vertical

Rectangular presentations are definitely the norm, but with the rise of Instagram Stories, this might be starting to change. This shift introduces a unique opportunity for those looking for ideas for presentation styles that stand out. Now that we can put archived stories into Highlights, why not publish vertical presentations there? Going vertical is just one idea. Along with that, you can add any other design technique.

5  Use duotones

Duotone doesn’t exactly mean “two colors,” it actually means “two tones.” The idea behind this design angle is to use two contrasting tonalities which can have different shades. The difference between duotone and two colors is that it has a more edgy look. Depending on what two tonalities you choose, it can be subtle or very powerful. The photos used in the design also need to be customized to the duotone color you chose.

6 Add a video in different shapes or snippets

Videos can be a powerful tool in your arsenal for engaging your audience during a presentation. Not only do they help to break up the monotony of a lecture-style presentation, but they can also help to explain complex concepts, add visual interest, and evoke emotions.

One way to make your videos stand out is by using different shapes or snippets. Rather than presenting a standard rectangular video, consider incorporating shapes such as circles, triangles or diamonds. These shapes can add a unique and visually appealing element to your presentation.

Another way to incorporate video snippets is by breaking up a longer video into smaller, bite-sized pieces. You can also convert some of your text into a video with HubSpot's Clip Creator if you're short on time. This can be particularly useful if you have a lengthy video that you want to show but don't want to lose your audience's attention. By breaking it up into smaller segments, you can keep your audience engaged and prevent them from losing interest.

Don’t worry about the design complexity. If you create your presentation in Visme, you can resize your videos instantly and turn them into any shape you want.

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7  Unify transitions horizontally

Unifying the transitions between slides is always a great idea, but doing it horizontally is especially effective. By keeping all the movements going in one direction, it's both easy to follow and will look great. You don’t need to just apply horizontal transitions to the switch between slides, you can also apply animation to the titles and images. As long as they all go in the same direction, you are gold.

Create a slide deck like this in minutes.

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8  Black and white + spot of bright color

This presentation design idea is highly effective if you're looking for a creative way to present information.

Adding a bright color to a black and white scheme can add just the right amount of attention-grabbing detail to your presentation. Try choosing a powerful color so that it’s really noticeable and pops visually. You can use the color in small amounts or in large sections. Up to you, just remember to maintain a balance throughout.

9 Use a color theme

A cohesive color theme throughout your presentation can engage your audience and create a more visually appealing experience.

To start, consider the overall tone of your presentation and what emotions you want to evoke in your audience. Are you presenting on a serious topic, such as healthcare or finance, where a more subdued color palette may be appropriate?

Or are you presenting on a more lighthearted topic, such as creativity or innovation, where bright and bold colors can help to capture your audience's attention?

Once you have a general idea of your color palette, try to use it consistently throughout your slides. This means using the same background, font and accent colors for headings and graphics– like the presentation template below.

Visme's presentation templates offer a wide range of professionally designed themes with 300+ slides in 20+ different categories, making it the best choice for exploring creative presentation ideas without PowerPoint. You can create visually stunning slides with our carefully curated color schemes and stylish designs.

Read this article about 25 free presentation themes in Visme and find the perfect one.

Visme's presentation maker and branded presentation templates have been helping businesses create impactful presentations while saving them time and money. That's why many businesses choose Visme over other tools.

But don't just take it for word. Here's what one of our satisfied customers has to say about Visme.

"Previously we were using PowerPoint, which is fine, but the interactivity you can get with Visme is so much more robust that we've all steered away from PowerPoint."

"PowerPoint templates are plain and boring, and we want to create more fun and engaging content. Visme has multiple slide templates to choose from, which makes this so much easier."

"I just made a deck recently and it took me about 15-20 minutes. I found a template I really liked and tweaked it and put it in our brand colors. In PowerPoint, it would take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half."

- Kendra Bradley, Graphic Content Developer at WOW!

10  Add full-screen videos

The use of full-screen video in your slides can have a big impact on your storytelling. There’s a catch though. The wrong video will be detrimental to your message, be mindful of the videos you chose to grace the background of your slides. The video should either tell your story without words or be a complement that won’t interfere. The wrong video will confuse your viewers and it will be hard to get their undivided attention back.

If you’re looking for quick idea inspiration, check out our YouTube video where Mike shares 30 of our favorite presentation ideas at a glance.

11  Use an 80’s visual style

If looking for a unique design style, why not try an 80’s style for a change. Neon graffiti writing, disco balls, and brightly colored shapes might go well with your presentation’s topic. You can use 80’s visuals as small complementary elements or as the entirety of the presentation style. Nevertheless, if your presentation is about something quite serious then maybe you should try another style.

All you have to do is provide a text prompt, choose your preferred template style and the tool will generate text, images and icons and prepare a ready-to-use presentation within seconds. 

The flexibility to customize these presentations in the Visme editor adds the perfect finishing touches to your visual storytelling journey.

12  Go vintage

Another creative presentation idea is the vintage look. This could work really well with a history-themed presentation or anything to do with recuperating old traditions. When we say “vintage” we mean sepia-toned photos, intricate picture frames, bold fonts which look like they came out of old posters.

A vintage color palette is usually pastel turquoise green, ochre yellow and washed out blue and orange. You could consider using vintage mockup sets to create scenes for your slides, or use vintage style fonts, and old photographs as backgrounds.

13  Use a monochrome palette

A monochrome palette is one that maintains a single tonality in different strengths. For example, you can create a presentation in shades of blue, or in shades of orange. Use the palest shade for the background and a stronger shade for the titles and decorative shapes. Try doing it the opposite way as well. You can even use photos with a bit of a filter effect in the chosen color by adding a color filter.

14  Tell a personal story

Telling stories from your own life—whether those stories are deeply moving, humorous tales, or just little snippets that allow someone to look into your history—can be a great way to make a presentation more meaningful.

Colin Stokes uses this to his advantage in his TED talk. He begins by talking about the movies he watches with his daughter and what she likes, and then moving into watching a movie with his son, and wondering how it has affected him, allowing him to move seamlessly into his actual points.

Watch the video below to learn how Colin Stokes did it

Choose a relevant story from your past, and tell it with all the honesty that you can. Your audience will feel that, sympathize, and therefore connect more with your message.

15  Creative photo crops

The photos in your presentations can be cropped hundreds of different ways. From simple circles or rectangles to more elaborate triangles, polygons, letter shapes or even a brushstroke. Analyze the message of your presentation to know which shape to use for the cropping of your photos. You can also create a collage with the shapes as long as they don’t distract from the information being presented.

16 Add fun illustrations

Adding fun illustrations is a great idea to engage your audience during a presentation. They can help break up text-heavy slides, make your presentation more visually attractive and reinforce your message, making it one of the best fun presentation ideas.

Hand-drawn doodles, icons and graphics and animated GIFs are all illustrations you can use. To maximize the visual impact of your illustrations, you can use them in 3D.

With Visme, you can enhance your presentation by adding 3D objects that allow you to customize their colors, size and alignment. Additionally, you can add 3D animated graphics to take things to the next level.

When using illustrations, it's important to remember to use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming your audience. Less is more when it comes to adding graphics to your slides. Remember to match the illustrations with your theme and color scheme to keep things consistent.

17  Thick and bold fonts

Huge chunky fonts are a great way to call attention to titles on slides. You could even try making the letters bleed over the edges or place the words vertical along the side. The best thick and bold fonts are the ones with minimal decorations. Try using fonts that have strong corners or the opposite, extreme rounded terminals. It will also work best if the title is short and sweet.

18 Go with nature

Freshen up your presentation with some natural elements around the edges or as a background. You could use full-screen background photos of leaves or palm fronds coming in from the sides of the slides.

Another presentation idea would be to use nature-related photography along with other design ideas like interesting photo crops. This technique could be used for presentations that relate to nature or natural topics, but also for a home decor proposal or creative direction pitch for a TV ad.

Integrating nature into your slides is a beautiful presentation example of how to connect with your audience on a different level. This technique could be used for presentations about environmental topics or even about home decoration.

19 Use circles

Circles represent wholeness and a natural sense of completion. They can signify eternity and constant movement. They can also make your presentation more friendly and emotionally accessible. You can try using circles as decorative elements or as the shape for cropping images and as backgrounds for illustrations.

20 Add some sparkle (glitter backgrounds)

Give your presentations a little bit of a festive feel with some glittery details. This PowerPoint idea can work great if you are presenting a creative proposal for a fashion label or clothing catalog. It can even work really well for holiday-themed pitches or products. There are different types of glittery graphics you can use, like a glitter texture, a glittering rain or even just a dash of glitter. You can find some great glitter backgrounds and textures over at Freepik .

21 Get crafty (ripped paper details)

Sometimes to tell a story, visual details can really help get a mood across. Ripped paper shapes and edges can give a presentation a special feel, almost as if it was done by hand. This visual technique works for any type of presentation except maybe in a corporate setting. Ripped paper can be found on creative graphics resource sites or you can do it yourself and take a photo.

22 Cut-out paper illustrations

Another crafty idea to design your slides is by using cut paper illustrations. This technique could look really crafty or quite elegant if done well. Cut paper can be used as an elaborate background, as the letters in titles or as decorative elements. There are some great cut paper bundles online to use as PNG files which can be uploaded to the Visme editor.

23  Pathway transitions

Create interesting transitions by designing scenes or pathways instead of just sliding them in one unified direction. By doing this, you can use a storytelling technique that will keep the audience’s attention throughout the presentation and information relay. You can find out how to do it in our free guide to creating captivating presentations .

Create an automatically animated presentation in minutes.

24  use isometric illustrations.

If you are looking for a different way to illustrate your slides, why not consider using isometric illustrations? This style of illustration is great for explaining things that can be separated into parts. The parts can be animated as well. An isometric illustration can work for any kind of presentation, from technology to corporate. It will give your presentation a modern edge and a professional look.

25  Use motion graphics

Motion graphics are a great way to illustrate an idea with animated objects . They don’t tell stories on their own, they support the context and illustrate the content.

For example, if your presentation is about travel, you could have flying airplanes across the slides or bags on a luggage conveyor belt. For something more abstract, you can use moving shapes and add effects to the titles. Your Visme editor has a variety of design tools to help you create all sorts of content with motion graphics.

Here’s what one of Visme’s satisfied customers Jessica L. | Small-Business Owner, has to say about Visme’s presentation tool:

"No need to go back to PowerPoint. Visme makes project presentations easy and fast. Lots of useful templates and excellent graphics. I enjoy the features they continue to add and update often. They make project work easy".

26  Add GIFs to your slides

GIFs can be fun, entertaining and humorous. They can also be informational. GIFs be sourced from sites like Giphy , where you can also create your own! Choosing to include a GIF in your presentation slide or a few different GIFs will depend on what message you want to send with your story. The theme and topic of your presentation will help you decide if you need a clip from a blockbuster movie or a quick representation of the process of your systems.

RELATED:  Everything You Need to Know About Using Cool GIFs in Your Marketing

27  Use quotes between slides

Quotes can be good breathers between a bunch of informative slides. You can either use them to separate ideas inside your presentation or to start new sections of information. It’s important that your quotes represent the topic of your presentation so that they make sense and not confuse the viewer.

28  Start with “once upon a time”

One of the most effective and engaging ways to present a presentation is by incorporating creative storytelling techniques.

If a presentation can be created as a story, then why not go all the way and start the presentation with a classic story opening? Using the “once upon a time” phrase will instantly grab the viewer’s attention because it will be out of the ordinary. Make a slide especially for it with a visual that matches the topic of your presentation.

29  Turn the slides into a scrolling infographic instead of a presentation

To showcase your content in a unique and engaging way, consider using creative slide ideas that break away from the traditional slide-by-slide approach. For instance, you can arrange your slides vertically to create a scrolling infographic instead of a classic slide-by-slide transition presentation.

This innovative format expands the types of presentations you can create, offering a fresh perspective on information delivery.

An added bonus to this presentation style is to add parallax scrolling or interaction animation. As the viewer scrolls down, the information fills each slide progressively. It doesn’t continue until the viewer scrolls again. This technique is best for displaying online slide show presentation ideas.

Create a scrolling presentation in minutes.

30  engage your audience.

What’s one of the best ways to make your presentations more interesting? Make the audience a part of them.

Regardless if you’re presenting in person to a room full of people or via Zoom to viewers around the world, there are a number of techniques to engage your audience with both your content and yourself. The trick is to make them feel connected somehow, like they can relate. You can achieve this with humor, storytelling, asking questions and inviting them to leave comments in the webinar chat window.

Take this speech by Donovan Livingston. He delivers a commencement speech in spoken word poetry, and specifically encourages the audience to take part, saying they should clap, throw their hands in the air, or otherwise participate if they feel so moved. While not seen, several people are heard cheering and clapping throughout the video.

Participation can also be accomplished through things such as games, posing questions or something as simple as asking participants to raise their hands.

31 Use a scrunched paper background

Give your presentation a laid-back and grunge feel by designing it with a scrunched paper background. It can be any kind of paper really, depending on your topic. It could be notebook paper, or printer paper, it could even be recycled paper. Try a few different types of paper until you find the one that suits your story.

32 Add interactive pop-ups

Adding interactive pop-ups is a game-changer when it comes to creative ways of presenting. These pop-ups allow you to go beyond the traditional approach, giving your audience a more dynamic and engaging experience.

Interactive pop-ups can take many forms, from quizzes and polls to clickable infographics and interactive timelines. With Visme, you can access various interactive features that can help you create engaging and effective presentations.

For example, you can create clickable icons or buttons that allow your audience to explore additional information or resources. You can also create interactive timelines that enable your audience to explore different events or milestones.

One of the most powerful interactive features of Visme is the ability to create quizzes and polls. You can make interactive questions and answer options that allow your audience to engage with your presentation on a deeper level.

You can also use this feature to gather feedback from your audience, allowing you to tailor your presentation to their needs and interests.

Watch the video below or read this article to learn how to create an interactive presentation .

33  Use a back-to-school theme

A back-to-school theme can make your presentation look like a lot of fun. This is a great technique for teachers and educators welcoming their students back to a new school year. The background can be a sheet of notebook paper, an open notebook, or a blackboard. The edges could be decorated with pencils and paperclips, maybe an eraser or sharpener. The back-to-school theme has lots of possibilities.

34  Use a billboard-inspired theme

Use billboard mockups to create slides which look like billboards. This could look interesting and quite unique.  You could use the same billboard for all the slides, or different ones for a more varied approach. This technique would work great with a pitch for an election or a local spot in a government office.  

35  Use black-and-white photography

Black and white photography is a classic design technique. They import elegance and sophistication to any design by providing a minimalistic approach to the visuals. The photos can either be desaturated from color photos or given an artistic flair with extra contrast and fewer grey tones.

36  Explain your reasons

What people really want to know is why you’re giving the presentation you’re giving. This is especially true if you’re pitching to investors or potential new clients. When you share your why with the audience using storytelling and body language, you make meaningful connections and lasting relationships

Simon Sinek explains quite well why this is so important—the greatest leaders, the ones who inspire the most people, understand why they do the things they do, rather than just what or how.

When it comes to explaining your reasons, one tool that can significantly improve your presentations is Visme's AI writer . This advanced feature helps you write your presentation copy, break down complex ideas and edit or improve your existing words. With Visme's AI writer, you can make sure your "why" is clear and easy to understand alongside your visuals.

37  Add an audio narrative

Your presentation doesn’t need to be silent, especially if you won’t be standing by it to tell the story yourself. Adding an audio narrative can turn a viewable presentation into an experience. You can either set it up as a video that runs on its own and the viewer looks and listens, or it can be triggered by arrows that are clicked on.

RELATED:  How to Create a Narrated Presentation With Voice Over Using Visme

38 Follow a space theme with photography

Most of the photos from Nasa are labeled as public domain. Meaning that you can give your presentation a space theme quite easily. Choose images of astronauts in space or more abstract and colorful images like distant galaxies and nebulas. The latter can make great backgrounds behind content without the topic necessarily being about space.

39 Do a space theme with illustration

An illustrated space theme can be either colorful and whimsical or sober and elegant. By choosing the style of illustration you use, you can either use this technique for presentations related to children or scientists. Cartoon astronauts can be lots of fun, line illustration planets can be educational and data-driven drawings can be informational.

40  Include music

Sometimes, when listening to someone talk for long periods of time, it helps to have something else to draw your attention. While images are great, including music can really help stimulate an audience and set the mood.

Dean Burnett talks about why this happens: “[Music] provides non-invasive noise and pleasurable feelings, to effectively neutralize the unconscious attention system’s ability to distract us.” Essentially, music is entertaining enough that, when in the background, can keep us focused on otherwise un-entertaining things.

Take, for example, this valedictorian’s speech. While peppered with humor and stories of his time through high school, he uses background music to help keep people’s attention—in fact, this is specifically stated to be his reason for including music, humorously quipping about giving the audience something to listen to while they “zone out” of his speech.

Whether incorporated into individual slides, in a video, done live, or with a music-playing device nearby, this creative presentation idea can be a great way to enhance the quality of your speech or talk.

41  Graffiti photography backgrounds and details

Using colorful backgrounds like photos of urban graffiti can give your presentation a bit of an edge. There are lots of free photographs of graffiti on sites like Unsplash which you can use straight away. Apart from graffiti murals, you can also incorporate graffiti letterings in your titles and quotes. You can find graffiti style fonts online quite easily.

42  Stop-motion

The stop-motion technique can take time but it can also make your presentation unforgettable. There are lots of ways to use stop-motion, either with characters doing actions or objects that move around and create a scene. Stop-motion can also be used to create titles that move into place. What the title is written with can be anything, from toys to plants. The theme and topic of your presentation will ultimately be the driving point to what kind of stop-motion can be used. But be sure that it works from educational to promotional to corporate.

43  Claymation

Very similar to stop-motion, claymation is the animation of things created with clay or play-doh. Anything can be created with clay, so the possibilities really are endless about what can be achieved. This technique really does take a lot of time, you can source it out to a professional or buy some already created footage. The claymation can be just a decorative element in the background or it could also be the center of the presentation.

44  Color blocking

The color blocking technique is another creative presentation idea that entails using color in large sections and in contrasting tones. The idea is that the color blocks will be strong and colorful. The color blocks can either be the shapes that determine where the information goes or just a way to separate the slides in specific sections.

Any type of presentation can benefit from color blocking. Just make sure you use colors that go together and don’t clash. Explore this technique for different presentation slide ideas, especially when aiming for a bold and visually striking effect. Take a look at this sponsorship deck and how it uses bright and bold color blocking techniques.

45  Get surreal

Surrealism is an avant-garde movement from the 20th century which was meant to tap into subconscious creativity. This might not be the kind of design technique for any sort of presentation but it can work for one that is about art, or literature or other creative outlets. There are plenty of surrealist artworks in the public domain sector or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. These can be used as subtle backgrounds or visual complements to the text.

Designing a presentation for an organization requires input from different stakeholders. However, when collaborating with others on a presentation design, keeping track of all the moving parts can be difficult.

That's where Visme's workflow management feature comes in. It helps organize roles, tasks, progress, deadlines and corrections all in one place to make your presentation design process efficient and smooth.

46  Polaroids

Polaroids, often a photography favorite, can inspire creative photography presentation ideas. The original Polaroids from the 70’s could be used as vintage polaroids that have been kept in a box for years. The newest Instamatic photographs, which are the new kind of polaroids, can be used for a fun way to show photos and visuals in presentation slides. You could either use one polaroid per slide or a collection of polaroids on a table or corkboard.

There are many topics that can work with Polaroid photography backgrounds and details in your slide show presentation ideas.

47  Use a Handwriting Font

Fonts come in all shapes and sizes, including lots of handwriting fonts. Handwritten fonts can be used for any type of presentation as long as the style matches the topic of the information. There are kid-style handwriting, calligraphy style handwriting, hand lettering, and novelty fonts as well. The options are wide and varied for this design technique. Creative Bloq has a great collection of handwritten fonts.

48  Use a geometric background

A geometric background can look really nice on any presentation. Geometric backgrounds can be tiled polygons or more abstract compositions of different size polygons. The decision to choose between tiled shapes and more creative compositions will depend on your creative angle and disposition. You can use these types of designs with any colors, so you can match the theme or your brand.

49 Coffee style design

Using a coffee-style design can work for any PowerPoint presentation idea, from office-related topics to digital nomads to anything or anyone who loves coffee. If the background is subtle, it can fit a more serious topic or data report. It can make a boring presentation just a bit more visually entertaining than the rest. Of course, it can also be perfect for a small coffee brewer pitching their company to investors.

50  Include memes

You’ve seen them everywhere by this point. You might be pretty sick of them. However, that doesn’t mean memes can’t be useful—in fact, using a couple strategically can surprise the audience and make them laugh.

The presentation " Memes, Memes Everywhere" focuses on, unsurprisingly, memes, and explains their purpose while using examples on every slide, which help support their points and add some humor to a very text-heavy presentation.

Choosing relevant memes and using them sparingly can really help add some personality to your presentation, without distracting from the work.

RELATED: 85+ Best Free Presentation Templates

51  Polka dots

Using a polka-dot background is suitable for various types of presentations. It can give your presentation a whimsical look or simply give it a subtle texture. The polka dots could be small and soft or big and punchy. A strong polka-dot background can work great in a creative setting or even boring data analysis. The style of polka dots will depend on the general topic of your presentation. You can use the polka-dot design as a full background or as a decorative section on the slide.

52  Metaphors

Visual metaphors can be useful in a similar manner; they can spice up your presentation, illustrate your point, and make your work far more entertaining. James Geary speaks about just how important metaphors are.

His presentation provides several examples of metaphors--such as the phrase “some jobs are jails”--and explains just how hard it is to ignore the lasting power of a well-used metaphor. Because of the connotations a metaphor can bring to the table, their use is an excellent way to imbue added meaning to your words.

53  Use timelines in your slides

Timelines can be used in lots of different ways inside a PowerPoint presentation, and the ideas are limitless. A timeline can either be inside one slide, or it can be connected between various slides. You can make a timeline with icons, connected shapes, or an inclined line. The timeline can be a visual way of explaining a chronological event or a plan of action that needs to be taken care of. Make sure the timeline fits the rest of the theme.

54  Use a comic book style

Comic books are a source of inspiration for many people. The visual aspect of a comic style composition can really make your presentation shine. There are a few ways you can use this technique. You could set up the slides as if they were snippets of a comic book, place the text in speech and thought bubbles and apply a background with a pointillist texture. If using characters, make sure the characters fit the theme of your presentation. For a perfect fit, hire a designer to create a comic book presentation just for your company.

55  Use a manga style

Looking for creative PowerPoint slide ideas that stand out? Consider taking inspiration from the Japanese art of Manga. Manga can give your presentation a distinct and eye-catching look, much like comic books.

It isn’t as versatile as a comic book because it has a more specific look, so it might not work for all topics. It can work for more creative outlets like fashion, art, and photography. Manga has a specific style for the atmosphere around the unique characters as well. They are more common in black and white and look very photographic.

56  Use psychedelic visuals

Psychedelia was a big part of the design world in the 60’s and 70’s. Music and creative event posters were so intricate and colorful that they took an important place in the design history books. This design style can be used for a unique visual approach in your presentations. Just like many other techniques we have mentioned, they can be used as a background in slides or as decorative elements. The swirly shapes and contrasting colors can call attention to the viewer in a positive way.

Create professional and engaging presentations online!

• Choose from hundreds of fully designed templates
• Align colors, fonts and images with your brand
• Add custom charts, timelines, icons, animations and more

57  Use neon lights

Neon lights are a great way to give your presentation some life when it’s otherwise visually bland. There are plenty of neon light fonts available online to choose from, from classic style neon tubing on a wall to a neon style given to a font to make it look like neon. Presentations of any topic can be given an additional visual with a bit of neon brightness.

58  Cinemagraph backgrounds

A cinemagraph is like a GIF loaded with elegance. The idea behind a cinemagraph is a photo with a moving section which makes it look cinematic. This kind of background can keep your viewers happily hypnotized while listening to your audio narrative or keep them on the slide longer to truly grasp the information being given. There are cinemagraphs available for all sorts of themes and topics. You can definitely find one that suits your needs.

59  Full-screen video backgrounds

A full-screen background can be really appealing. But just like other design ideas, the video you choose needs to match the theme and topic of your presentation. Your best bet is to have a video which is directly related to what your presentation is about. Videos can be created especially for your purpose, sourced with permission from YouTube or bought from a stock video site.

60  Visualize data

Staring at a large amount of numbers on screen can be overwhelming for most people, even if the realities of those numbers enforce your point. What’s the best way to avoid scaring your crowd? Put the data into easily understandable visualizations. This especially helpful when customizing sales, business or consultant presentation template . 

If you want to take this a step further, you can use illustrations or create infographics to make these data visualizations even more engaging.

61  Use a wild west theme

The wild west is not a very versatile theme but can work for a history project or a proposal for a wild west themed party or event. What entails a wild west theme? Brown sandy tones, horses, cowboys, and tumbleweeds. If the full-on wild west theme is too much, you can also take a cue from the era and be inspired by the color scheme. Another approach would be to use photography from the actual west of the United States, mountains and deserts and so on.

62 Use mind maps

Mind maps are great visual tools for explaining concepts easily. By including mind maps in your slides, you can relay complicated information visually and creatively. There are eight types of mind maps, the most common being bubble maps, the tree map, and flow map. Each one has a different purpose and you can learn all about this in our guide about mind maps in the Visual Learning Center.

63  Use interactive geographic maps

The difference between a static map and an interactive map will define how much attention your slides get. Regions can switch colors according to a change in data over time, making the map more into a chart. With Visme, you can make your maps interactive with live data . All you need to do is sync your data from a Google Sheets file and when your presentation is published online, your map will always be synchronized to that data.

Want to create your own interactive map?

• Create a color-coded map to visualize geographical data
• Choose either the entire world map, a continent or a country
• Enable feature to have data values appear on hover

64  Color contrasts

Using contrasting colors in your slides will make the information pop out of the screen in a positive way. The trick to using contrasting colors is to know how colors match together. Contrasting doesn’t mean they need to clash. Try using a color palette generator like Adobe Color to find great palettes that will make this technique your new best friend. You can learn more about how color works in our guide about color perception in the Visme Learning Center.

65  Live data graphs

Adding live data to a presentation can turn your slides into evergreen content in a flash. You can use any type of chart and populate it with live data such as bar graphs, line graphs, pie graphs, and more. You can add live data graphs to one or two slides in your presentation or have a series of them. Creating a live data graph is easy with the Visme editor.

66  Color fade transitions

Transitions come in lots of different styles. We have mentioned horizontal transitions, animated transitions, and pathway transitions. This particular technique involves color as the ruling factor.

A color-fade transition makes each slide connected to each other through color. This can be achieved with gradients, color blocks, or colored photo filters. Make your PowerPoint presentation ideas stand out with color fade transitions.

67  “Grow” your presentation so it looks like one animated slide

This creative PowerPoint idea is quite interesting as it really only uses one slide that grows upon itself. The practical way to do this is to create the final slide with all the parts and information set up like a finished puzzle. Once you have the completed slide, duplicate it as many times as you need and systematically take off a bit of information until you’ve reached the first title slide. Once you have all the slides, make sure they are in order before downloading the entire thing.

RELATED:  A Non-Designer’s Guide to Creating Memorable Visual Presentations [Free E-Book]

68  Use humor

Want a great way to connect with your audience and make a memorable, more engaging presentation? Be funny. When used strategically, this is a great way to capture attention. In fact, infusing humor into your talk is one of the most effective fun presentation ideas you can use.

Morgan Spurlock makes wonderful use of this in his TED talk. For example, in one of his earliest statements, he offered individuals the opportunity to buy the rights to name his TED talk—which he refers to again at the end, where he reveals the title. He peppers the entire presentation with humorous commentary that nonetheless supports his point.

Create relevant jokes or find a way to bring out the humor in your subject, and your audience will be much more engaged and more likely to remember your words.

69  Tree diagram transitions

A tree diagram is one of the eight thinking maps which help visualize idea and concepts. The purpose of a tree diagram is to classify and organize information. This map can help build a presentation by making sure each slide is a continuation of the one before. They might need to be grouped into sections so that all the information is relayed easily.

Want to create your own tree diagram?

• Get a head start with pre-made flowchart blocks
• Easily snap lines and objects together
• Dozens of shapes and lines styles to choose from

70  Journal style (with hand-drawn illustrations on the margins)

One creative presentation idea is to make your talk just a little bit different than the rest is to use a journal style. The general visual idea for this technique is to make your slides look like the pages of a journal. The style of the journal will depend on what your presentation topic is. It can be a whimsical bullet journal or an intricate botany journal. You could even consider handwriting on paper as a background.

71  Ink splatters

Use ink splatters to decorate your slides any way you like. They can be big and impressive behind the content, or they can be small and subtle like drops from a pen. An ink splatter can give your presentation a bit of an artistic flair and if done right, can make your slides look elegant and clean. Any style of presentation can benefit from some ink splatters as a decorative element.

If you're looking for fresh presentation slide ideas, why not experiment with ink splatters and see how they can enhance your next presentation?

72  Passport with stamps

Using travel stamps as a decorative element can work for a presentation with a travel-theme or a creative design proposal for a department store or airport mall. The stamps can be used as a background on a passport page or on their own around the content. A photo of a real passport page can be used for this technique but there are plenty of graphics available in this style on sites like Freepik .

73  Express your emotions

We can sometimes be afraid of expressing how we feel, even to those we’re close to, much less in front of a crowd. However, showing them makes your words more authentic and can generate compassion or excitement in your audience.

Take this TED talk by Thordis Elva and Tom Stranger , for example. While the two talk about their experiences, their voices break and crack. The emotional turmoil they went through is clearly heard, and viewers can clearly understand their pain.

This can take some getting used to, and some courage. However, the results are well worth the effort.

74  Use a video game theme

Video games come in all shapes and sizes. From kids' games to arcade games to car games. Each one has their own style, just like presentations do. If you think a video game visual style is good for your project, consider all the different kinds until you find the one that fits best. You can use game screenshots as backgrounds or infuse the entire design of the presentation with the video game style you chose.

75  Use postcards

One of the least-used creative presentation ideas is to turn your content inside slides into postcards which have been sent from around the world. They can be new postcards which could be used from either front or back sides. The back part would make a great text block for the content you need to display, the photo side can be on the sides or as a background. This design technique can work for presentations about literature, family connections, history or travel. There are postcard templates available on sites like Creative Market .

76  Incorporate robots in the design

Using robots in your slides can be a creative approach to visually elevate your presentation. There are different styles of robots you can add to your presentation design; realistic photography of anamorphic robots, cute illustrated robots, or robotic parts from factories. These visuals might only apply for technology-themed presentations or about robots themselves. Cute illustrations of robots can be great backgrounds for whimsical topics or other styles of storytelling presentations.

77  Chalk on blackboard

Looking for creative slides presentation ideas? Consider using a chalkboard design to add a unique and nostalgic touch to your presentation.

Writing on a chalkboard is not limited to a school setting or a bar menu. These two might be the most common yet they are not the only possibilities for using chalk on a blackboard. A good handwriting font is the best companion to a chalkboard design. Some of these fonts are already available with a chalky texture and others might need some professional tweaking to get the right texture.

78  Get inspired by a specific location

Even if the PowerPoint presentation ideas you are designing are not about a specific place in the world, you can be inspired by one to set up the color scheme and feel of the slides. For example, if you get inspired by Greece, you can use white and light blue hues or even photos of Greek islands. If you get inspired by Brazil, you can use photos of the beach, the texture of the boardwalk tiles or green, blue, and yellow color schemes.

79  Use props

Using props can quickly turn a run-of-the-mill presentation into a unique, interactive experience. Kenny Nguyen demonstrates this well. In his talk he often refers to the “sword of yes” and “shield of no.” Naturally he picks up a sword and shield from the table to help demonstrate his points.

Choosing similar props can help you really illustrate your points—and make it that much more entertaining, too.

80  Use hashtags as titles

In the age of social media, hashtags are used every day. They appear regularly on social media, in spoken and written conversations, and of course in content marketing. Why not include some hashtags as titles? This technique will work great in a presentation for a social media content management pitch, or an in an influencer marketing strategy. On another note, hashtag titles can even be used for any type of presentation geared at the digital generation.

81  Black background, white letters, and color accents

When you use a black background, the colors that you place on top will usually look brighter than if they were on a white background. When creating this kind of color palette, make sure the colors you use don’t clash with each other or with the black. Along with the bright colors, make sure you use white to make the composition pop! Neon colors or pastel tones are what will work best.

82  Vintage film edges

Even though we are used to taking photos with our phones, the classic nostalgia of film is still prevalent in the world of visuals and design. The graphic representation of a film negative is as recognizable as an envelope representing an email. Use a vintage film edge along the horizontal edges of your slides to give your visuals a cinematic feel. Even better if you make the edges animated so that it looks like it’s rolling along on a projector.

83 Adult coloring book inspired design

Using a coloring book design can be really creative. Practically anything can be turned into a coloring book style illustration. A great way to use this technique is to have the first slide with the un-colored illustration and then progressively color in the illustration as the slides progress. Furthermore, if the illustration is depictive of the information, the visuals can be even more engaging.

84  Stripes

A stripes design is as classic as it gets. From pinstripes to artistic colorful lines, you can use them as a subtle background or a powerful striped theme intertwined with text boxes. Stripes are the kind of design technique that can work for any type of presentation, from corporate to educational.

85  Make each slide look like a social media post

Just like postcards and polaroids, you could try a creative approach and use social media templates to put the content in. The most notorious social media visual channel is Instagram. It has been known to inspire offline events as well. Make your slides look like social media posts or social media pages. For this technique, you can either use screenshots or templates.

86  Ink in water

Dropping ink in water creates beautiful colorful bubbly designs which can be photographed at high speed. These images can be used as backgrounds for any type of creative theme presentations. Choose the color and thickness of the ink design to match the theme of your presentation. There are also animated versions of this effect which can be bought like video stock.

87  Lego bricks

Use lego bricks as inspiration to fill your presentation slides with color and fun. Use the bricks to create slide frames, letters or even charts. The best approach to a lego inspired presentation is to be creative. There are lots of things you can do with lego, you could go as far as using the legos to write the titles of the slides. Don’t use the Lego logo though unless you are specifically designing a presentation about lego.

88  Use classic storytelling techniques

A presentation is, in a way, like a story—you’re talking about your chosen subject and leading viewers on a journey to discover what that subject means. Moreover, stories hold an intrinsic interest for us. Therefore, you can easily use several storytelling techniques to help improve your presentation.

Alex Blinkoff  goes into this in great detail, examining things such as “The Hero’s Journey” and provides several examples of ways to use storytelling techniques in your presentations. Check them out, and decide what might work best for your subject.

Click on image to view the interactive slide show created with Visme

89  Jigsaw puzzles

Pieces of a jigsaw puzzle can be used to make charts, infographic diagrams, or interlocking frames. The idea behind puzzle pieces is that things come together to form a whole and this concept can be used for any slide and any kind of presentation. Make sure to use a suitable color palette that matches your theme and the rest of the presentation.

90  Headlines coming in animated on boats/trains/airplane

Headlines or titles can be given a life of their own inside the slides. One interesting and creative approach would be to make the titles enter the slide on top of some kind of vehicle. The vehicle could be anything, from a train to a boat, to an airplane. Depending on the type of vehicle, this animated technique can be used for child-themed topics, transportation themes, travel ideas, or even about a corporate sales report.

91  Use a camouflage design

Camo doesn’t necessarily need to convey a sense of military, although it does carry a strong connection. Thankfully, camouflage comes in different styles, from jungle greens to desert browns. Other out of the box camouflage styles are the ones where the colors are completely off the charts, like pinks and blues. Camouflage designs are better used as backgrounds or small subtle sections.

92  Use unique novelty fonts for headers

There are so many novelty fonts to choose from out there these days! Using a unique novelty font for the titles and headers is a great way to add some visual pizzazz to your slides. Try looking for some really special fonts that carry personality. Once you have selected the font, add some color and texture to make it look even better.

93  Use a city skyline

Using a background of a city skyline can work great for a presentation related to business or corporate topics. It can also be perfect for an urban travel related theme or educational presentation. You can choose to use photography as a background or with the buildings cut out from the sky. Another choice is to find an illustrated city skyline and use it as a border on the slides.

94  Use a connected dots background

One of the design trends of the last few years is the connected dots visual. It’s used on websites and on printed flyers. It’s so versatile that it can be added to any kind of presentation in a heartbeat. The lines can be short or long between the dots and the composition can be tight or spread out. You can find connected dot visuals easily on sites like Freepik, in lots of different colors. If you can manage vector graphics , you can also change the composition of the dots quite easily yourself.

95  Use a bokeh background

Bokeh is a photography and light technique which turns dots of light into bright shiny spheres. With a bit of creativity, the lights can be turned into shapes, like hearts or stars. This design style is great for backgrounds since it’s mostly abstract. It works best as a complement to the content instead of an important visual aspect. You can find bokeh backgrounds in stock photo sites or make it yourself.

96  Use watercolor designs

The use of watercolor designs is an easy way of infusing some lively color into a presentation. Watercolors can be a splash on the background, shapes around the content, or colorful strokes intertwined with text boxes. Depending on the color of the paint used, the watercolor technique can be used for any type of presentation. A soft watercolor brushed background can work for a feminine theme and a deep intense splash can add visual creativity to an otherwise boring corporate presentation.

Just like watercolor graphics, paint can add a dose of creativity to any presentation. Different to watercolors though, paint is more intense. Paint based graphics come in all shapes and sizes, from thick brush strokes to paint drips. Digital paint compositions can also make great backgrounds for colorful and creative presentations.

98  Use bright fun colors

Why create a bland presentation when you can make it fun and colorful instead? Creative color palettes can include up to six different colors which look great together. Use shapes, cut-outs, color blocks, swashes, anything your heart desires. This technique is for letting go and being creatively free with color. Just make sure the colors go together by trying out some palettes first.

99  Use arrow graphics

Arrows symbolize direction. They can be a great addition to your charts, infographic visuals and slide sections. You could even do the entire presentation using arrows. According to their size, color, and thickness, they have different temperaments. Look for different styles of arrows and see if they fit your topic and theme. Freepik has some great arrow visuals and the Visme editor also has arrow icons and infographic visuals.

100  Use electronic visuals

Another great idea for a background visual is the inside of a computer system. The intricate details of a motherboard or a close up of a memory chip can make a great visual impact. Apart from using an electronic background image, little pieces of electronic devices can be placed around the slide as decoration. This technique is generally limited to electronic or computer theme topics.

101  Metaphors

Visual metaphors can be useful in a similar manner. They can spice up your presentation, illustrate your point, and make your work far more entertaining. James Geary speaks about just how important metaphors are.

102  Keep it feminine

A feminine style design can work for your presentation if your company makes products for women or if your targeted audience is women. By feminine design, we mean light and soft colors, subtle shapes and a general airy feeling to the composition. Feminine design can be minimal but it can also be decadent and full of style. Whichever you chose, make sure it fits with your audience.

103  Go futuristic

A futuristic style can fit any theme as long as the concept of the future depicted, fits the topic of the presentation. Futuristic design can be of many different styles; from spaceship driving controls to cosmos related atmospheres, to flying cars, and artificial intelligence. Even color palettes can look futuristic if you add some metallic tones.

104  Add a music background

A music soundtrack can be added to any presentation that doesn’t have any other sort of audio already. The best music for a presentation is one without lyrics, in other words, an instrumental track. A good track will accompany the content in a positive way and not interfere with the message. You can find audio tracks easily online.

105  Communicate with images

A picture can speak a thousand words. Naturally, they can be used to communicate concepts that, for the sake of space or time, you might not be able to include in the presentation itself. This slide deck  uses this strategy to its advantage.

The presentation includes many images as backgrounds and minimal text. The images used always either enhance what’s being said or, in some cases, provide the answer for viewers. For example, the second slide states “The Landscape Today,” and includes a bleak background with a broken, tilted picture frame, emphasizing the idea that the following slides (which describe the landscape) offer some pretty disheartening information.

Using images in a related fashion can help express your views and emphasize your message.

Harness the power of Visme's AI image edit tools in your toolkit. These advanced yet easy-to-use tools let you effortlessly edit, touch up, unblur and upscale your images using simple prompts. It's an incredibly convenient way to add extra polish and clarity to your pictures to make your presentations more impactful.

106  Include artsy data visualization

Data visualization is a way of showing data and information in a way that is visually expressive. Creative data analysts can make some really beautiful creations and you can hire them to make them for you. If you haven’t seen any creative data visualizations, take a look at our collection of the best of 2018 and get inspired. You can either make the whole presentation into a data viz or add them to some of the slides.

By Beyond Words Studio

RELATED:  The 25 Best Data Visualizations of 2018

107  Stay branded

This creative tip is a simple yet effective way to spark good presentation ideas. When creating your presentation, do your best to stay on brand. This, of course, will work only if you are creating a presentation for your own brand. If creating one for a client, then you should stay on brand with their own brand style guide. This means only use the brand colors and fonts, use photos, textures, and shapes that match the brand.

Use Visme's brand design tool to ensure your presentations perfectly reflect your brand personality. Just copy and paste your website URL, and the tool will automatically extract your branding assets, such as brand colors, brand fonts and company logo.

108 Ask questions

A great tip to make your PowerPoint presentations ideas more interactive is to ask questions from your audience.  Like the example below, you can display only your question on the slide. Once the audience has pitched in their opinions and answers, you can click to reveal the actual answer. You can enable this type of interactivity on click when making a presentation in Visme .

109 Replace boring bullet points with visuals

While adding bullet points in your slides might be better than adding walls of text, they're still not the most effective way to get your message across and engage your audience. Take things up a notch and replace boring bullets with visuals, such as photos and even icons. Here's an example of how you can use icons to add a creative twist to the plain ol' bullet points.

110 Share your slide deck

Downloading your slide deck and presenting in front of an audience is not the only way to use your presentation. Make the most of your slides by sharing your presentation online.

Add interactive elements, such as clickable buttons, links, hover effects, popups, embedded videos and more so your audience can view and engage with your slides on their own.

If you've created your presentation in Visme, you can share your presentation publicly or privately using a link, or embed it anywhere you like.

Start Using These Creative Presentation Ideas

Ready to start creating your own presentation after over 100 pieces of inspiration? Choose your favorite creative presentation ideas and incorporate them into your own presentation.

You can add interactivity, animation, visuals and all kinds of creative elements to your presentations when you design them in Visme's online presentation maker. With our Dynamic Field feature , you can automatically update key information in real-time across all your slides or multiple projects. Customize existing dynamic fields or create new ones and format them to maintain design consistency.

Create a free account with Visme to start building a presentation your audience will love.

Design a beautiful and engaging presentation with Visme

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About the Author

Orana is a multi-faceted creative. She is a content writer, artist, and designer. She travels the world with her family and is currently in Istanbul. Find out more about her work at oranavelarde.com

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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 write a speech that your audience remembers

6 presentation skills and how to improve them, 3 stand-out professional bio examples to inspire your own, tell a story they can't ignore these 10 tips will teach you how, how to make a presentation interactive and exciting, your guide to what storytelling is and how to be a good storyteller, reading the room gives you an edge — no matter who you're talking to, 18 effective strategies to improve your communication skills, writing an elevator pitch about yourself: a how-to plus tips, how to disagree at work without being obnoxious, 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, fear of public speaking overcome it with these 7 tips, how to not be nervous for a presentation — 13 tips that work (really), 8 clever hooks for presentations (with tips), stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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The 30-point rule, and other tips to prepare a killer presentation that will keep your audience off their phones.

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Preparation is key to a memorable presentation

You’ve got 10 minutes.

That’s the span of time most people can stay mentally engaged with a presentation before they check out. So, unless you can create stimulating content and deliver it masterfully, you will find your audience scrolling through TikTok and checking their email. Studies have shown that 4 in 5 business professionals, regardless of age, shifted their focus away from the speaker in the most recent presentation they watched!

But keeping your audience engaged is no easy task – public speaking, both in person and via video, can easily get your heart racing and your palms sweating. If that happens to you, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that more than 80% of all people fear speaking in public.

This series will help allay those fears, offering tips from preparation through delivery, helping you give a presentation that is enjoyable, informative and, most importantly, memorable.

Let’s start with your preparation. Here are 8 important tips to prepare you for the big day:

1. Know who will be in the room . Knowing your audience is the single most important aspect of developing your presentation. Learning about their values, attitudes and beliefs will keep you from making mistakes …like saying the wrong thing or telling a joke that may be offensive. Things to consider include the geographical location of your presentation and the age, gender, ethnicity, religion, culture and education level of your audience.

2. Understand your purpose. It’s important to understand the goal of your presentation. Are you trying to educate the audience or entertain them? Are you hoping to achieve something actionable at the end? Before drafting your presentation, fill in this sentence: “My goal in this presentation is for the audience to know ____ and do _____.” This will help direct your content and inform your call to action at the end.

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3. Less is more . As French philosopher Blaise Pascal famously said, “ If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter. ” You’re giving this presentation because you are perceived as an expert on the topic. But you don’t want to cram ten pounds of information into a 5-pound bag. Stick to the salient points or else your listeners will be overwhelmed with information and won’t remember much of it.

4. Practice a confident intro. The most difficult part of public speaking is actually getting started. Your open should be an attention grabber—you can start with a shocking number (note my intro above!), a rhetorical question, a poll, a question or even a joke. This immediately gets the audience engaged. But whatever you do, make sure to practice it in front of a mirror enough times that you are familiar with it so you start off smoothly and confidently.

5. Land the plane. Create a powerful conclusion, which oftentimes is a call to action. In other words, after listening to you speak, what do you want your audience to do (this goes back to #2 above, understanding your purpose.) Did you teach them something they now should put into action? Do you want them to buy something or were you simply there to entertain?

Here are four effective strategies for a strong close:

- Set up a question during the introduction and finish your speech by answering it.

- Tell a story … or you could be finishing a story you started during your presentation. People are 22 times more likely to remember something if it’s wrapped in a story.

- Give your presentation a memorable title and then use the title to conclude the speech.

- Use a powerful quote, but make sure it’s not a cliché.

6. Make your slides easy on the eye. Think of your slides like a billboard - you should be able to digest the information in the amount of time it takes to drive by. Also, your slides should never have a font smaller than 30 point and should include one main topic and a few supporting bullets. And don’t overwhelm the audience with a ton of numbers (they will likely tune out). Using captivating images on a slide is a great way to keep the audience’s attention. Studies have shown that 3 days after a presentation, people who only heard a speaker remembered about 10% of the information, while people who also saw images remembered 65%.

7. Videos reign supreme . Audiences love to watch videos because they break up the monotony of hearing one voice speaking. But a clip needs to be short—no more than thirty seconds. And don’t use videos that sound self-promotional; that will compromise your credibility.

8. Give yourself props. Think about using props during your presentation to mix things up a bit. The prop might be an example of what you’re selling or something you’ve used that further supports your topic. But make sure that it’s big enough for the audience to see, and most importantly, practice when and how you will use it. If something goes awry mid-presentation, it can be very distracting.

90% of anxiety over public speaking comes from a lack of prep. When someone tells me they are “winging it”, I wince. Adequate preparation can make the difference between a “meh” performance and a memorable one.

This is Part 1 of a three-part series on how to give the most effective presentation that will keep your audience off their phones. Stay tuned for my next article on Preparing to Walk Out on Stage.

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Interview presentation preparation tips

The interview presentation is becoming more common in the hiring process. It gives employers a better overview of your general aptitude and provides you with an opportunity to showcase your skills, knowledge, and experience. But how should you prepare for an interview presentation? What should you include? What if it goes wrong?

4th Jun, 2021

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What is an interview presentation?

As you progress further in your career, particularly to executive level, you may be asked to give a presentation for interview. Perhaps you’ve been asked to conduct research and present your findings to a panel, complete a task and show how you approached it, put together a business plan and present your ideas, or even give a presentation about yourself and how you would excel in the role. Whatever you are presenting about, how you approach it should remain the same.

Many people find giving presentations intimidating, especially during an interview when you’re already nervous, but it’s something that you may have to do throughout your career – the sooner you tackle this skill, the better.

Why are you being asked to do a presentation for a job interview?

Many employers opt for a presentation-style interview as it gives a better overview of your general aptitude when compared to, or combined with, a traditional question and answer interview, like a competency-based interview . The interviewer is looking for proof that you can do the job and that you possess the required skills and traits.

Additionally, if you put time and effort into your presentation, this will highlight to the hiring manager that you are committed to the role and enthusiastic about joining the company. How many times have you been asked in an interview ‘Why do you want this position?’ or ‘What is it about this role that attracted you to it?’. They want to know how much you want this position, rather than just any position.

How to prepare a presentation for an interview

Where do you start? What should you include? The presentation is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge, experience, and communication skills as well as your organisational skills and diligence – so start with the job description and person specification and pick out key skills and traits that the company is looking for. Then you can prepare your presentation around what they want to see.

For example, if the business is looking for someone creative, pay great attention to the style of your presentation. If it is looking for someone who is a confident public speaker, spend more time perfecting your speech. If attention to detail is paramount in the role, double and triple check your spelling and grammar. This is a great starting point and gives you something to build your presentation around.

What to include in an interview presentation

Although you may be tempted to go all out and show your potential employer that you are committed to the job, don’t fall into the trap of creating a 30-slide presentation with reams of text. Try to keep each slide short and significant and aim for no more than 10 slides. This ensures the information you deliver is memorable and will help you to stand out from other interviewees. Some interviewers may even give you a specific amount of time for your presentation, make sure you factor this in and don’t go over the time limit – otherwise you may appear to have poor time management skills.

Another way to make sure your presentation engages hiring managers is to include a range of formats to help you illustrate your points. Include graphs, statistics, diagrams, video clips, and images to help break up large volumes of text and maintain the attention of the interviewers.

If you are conducting research as part of your presentation, include quotes from industry leaders and/or research pieces. This gives your points authority and demonstrates your commercial awareness.

You should also try to incorporate the company’s colours, fonts, or style in your presentation. This will show that you have done your research and highlights your brand awareness.

Finally, check your spelling and grammar thoroughly! Small mistakes can really undermine the content of your presentation.

Tips for presenting at the interview

Presenting is a skill which can be learnt. Even if you are not a confident public speaker, the more you practice, the better you will become.

Present confidently and enthusiastically - Remember to speak clearly, make eye contact, and use open body language.

Don’t just read the slides - There is nothing worse than watching a presentation where the presenter has their back to you the whole time just reading reams of text from their PowerPoint notes.

Try not to talk too fast - Make sure you breathe, and take your time.

Practice, practice, practice - Ensure you are well rehearsed so that you are familiar with the structure of your presentation and are able to deliver it smoothly. If possible, practice your presentation with family members or friends to get used to speaking in front of other people.

Arrive early to give yourself time to set up the presentation and settle any nerves - Get comfortable with PowerPoint and presentation equipment. Make sure you know how to work any projectors, screens, or remote controls before you begin to avoid any awkward stumbles or pauses.

Stay within the allocated time - If you have not been given guidance on length, aim for the 10-minute mark. Time your presentation when you are practising to make sure it will fit within the time limit. If you need to reduce the content of your presentation, cut out the least relevant or weakest points.

Be prepared to adapt - You may have practised your presentation in a certain way, but the interviewer might not respond accordingly. Be prepared to be interrupted by questions or further discussion unexpectedly.

Breathe and try to enjoy it - By relaxing, you will find yourself presenting better and, if you enjoy it, your interviewers will respond to that and be better engaged with what you are saying.

Tips for keeping the interview presentation simple

It can take a lot of work to make something simple, yet effective, and when it comes to interview presentations less is often more. Keep it short - As previously mentioned, try to keep each slide short and aim for no more than 10 slides in total.

One idea per slide - To make sure your presentation is clear and concise, each slide should represent a different point/idea you want to make.

Stick to the important bits only - If you don’t think it’s important enough to spend time on, don’t have it on your slide.

Use the 4x6 rule - Aim for either four bullet points with six words per bullet point, or six bullet points with four words per bullet point. This way, your slides won’t look too busy.

Minimal text - Instead of writing paragraphs of text, use bullet points and a minimum font size of 24.

What's better for your interview presentation? Cue cards or presenting from memory?

Should you use cue cards in your presentation for interview or try to present from memory?

The answer to this question depends on what you feel most comfortable doing. If you find that having cue cards will help ease your nerves and ensure that you don’t forget your speech, then there is nothing wrong with that.

However, if you choose to use cue cards, you should not rely too heavily on them. You shouldn’t stand in front of the interviewers and look down at the cards continuously, neither should you write your whole speech out on the cards and read directly from them. They are cue cards for a reason and should only give you prompts on what to talk about. If your interview presentation has a lot of statistics on, using cue cards to remember the figures if you are unable to memorise them all is an excellent strategy.

What to do when things go wrong

You can practice your interview presentation as much as possible, but something may still go wrong and it’s important to be prepared for this eventuality. Here are some things that could go wrong and how to deal with them: Technical issues

There is not a lot you can do to prevent technical issues, especially if you are using someone else’s computer. But there are ways you can prepare just in case. Ensuring you have access to multiple sources of your presentation is key. Email the file to yourself and the recruiter, bring a copy on a USB stick and printed handouts. This way you are covered if anything goes wrong with the file you’re intending to use.

Your mind goes blank

Even those who are pros at presenting can sometimes lose their train of thought and find that their mind goes blank. The key here is not to panic. If possible, take a bottle or glass of water in with you and use this chance to take a sip, breathe and try to relax. Then look at your presentation slide or your cue cards and pick up where you left off. It may be helpful to repeat the last point you made as saying it out loud could spark your memory for your next point.

You are asked a question that you don’t know how to respond to

If you have allotted time at the end of your presentation to allow the interviewer to ask any questions (which is recommended), don’t worry if someone asks a question that you are not sure on. It may be that the interviewer is looking to see how you respond to a challenging question, so how you react is often more important than the answer itself.

If you do not understand the question, ask the person to explain. There is nothing wrong with doing this and shows more confidence than just saying that you don’t know. If you understand the question but are not sure of the answer, then admit that you don’t have the full answer, provide what information you do have, and offer to come back to them at a later date with a complete answer.

10-minute interview presentation template

Below is a presentation for interview example. Use this as a baseline and adapt or reorder where appropriate based on the task you have been set by the interviewer. Slide 1 - Introduction – Reiterate the objectives you have been set and lay out the structure of your presentation so that the interviewers know what to expect. Slide 2 - About you – Detail your professional experience, skills and working style. Slide 3 - Company history – Give a brief summary of the company history, any milestones or awards. Slides 4-7 - Answering the brief – Give your responses to questions you’ve been asked to answer, the benefits and limitations of your suggestions. Slide 8 - Question and answers – Include a slide titled ‘questions and answers’ as a cue to pause for interaction. Slide 9 - Conclusion – Sum up the key points you have made, reach a decision, and explain your reasoning. Slide 10 - Personal achievements – End the interview on a high with a brief slide highlighting achievements that show how you will succeed in the role.

For more information on how to ace your interview, download our free guide, ‘ Getting the best from your interview: Candidate interview tips and tricks ’, or contact your local recruitment specialist today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A job interview presentation is all about selling yourself. Be confident, speak clearly, and make eye contact with the interviewer. Don’t be afraid to promote yourself and highlight your achievements. This is your chance to really show the interviewer that you are capable and have the necessary skills to do the job. By putting time and effort into your presentation, you can show them how dedicated you are to the role and the company. For more information on how to ace your interview, download our free guide, ‘ Getting the best from your interview: Candidate interview tips and tricks ’.

Using cue cards can support you with your interview presentation, as long as you use them for their intended purpose. Do not write your entire presentation for interview out on cards and read from them word for word or constantly hold them in your hand and fail to make eye contact with the interviewer. Use them only to prompt you or for remembering key facts and figures. For more tips, read our article on ‘interview tips & questions’ .

If you have been sent a presentation brief that you do not understand – don’t panic. If there are words that you are not sure about, do some research and try your best to figure out what the organisation is asking of you. If you are still unsure, you could ask your recruiter as they may have seen this brief before and can give you an idea. If you are dealing directly with the hiring manager, then it may be worth checking that your interpretation of the brief is correct.

It is better to ask the question than present on something completely different to what the interviewer has asked. However, instead of saying to them that you don’t understand the brief and leaving it at that, tell them your understanding of it and ask if this is correct. This will show that even though you are unsure, you have taken the time to try to come to a conclusion yourself before asking for help. Download our free interviewing guide for more tips and advice.

How long your job interview presentation should last depends on what guidance you have been given. Thoroughly read the brief, as the recruiter or hiring manager may have specified the length of time you have for your presentation. If they haven’t given any indication, you should aim for 10 minutes, including time for questions and answers. For more tips on interviewing, read our article on ‘interview tips & questions’ .

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How to Pitch Your Ideas in 10 Minutes or Less

Use these three strategies to quickly grab your audience's attention..

There's something magical about 10 minutes, and smart entrepreneurs know it.

John Medina, a molecular biologist at the University of Washington, says we have a built-in clock that causes us to tune out of a pitch , presentation, or lecture after 10 minutes . Fortunately, there are proven ways to make the most of that time.

As a communication coach , I know this 10-minute rule is true. For example, Richard Branson used to hold pitch competitions at his home on Necker Island. Each entrepreneur was given 10 minutes to pitch their idea. Branson told me that if you can't get the idea across in 10 minutes, it's too complicated.

Similarly, two years ago, military instructors teaching advanced tactics in nuclear weapons proliferation asked me to speak to their class at an airbase in New Mexico. The class had been assigned one of my public speaking books to help them communicate concisely. 

One instructor told me, "These officers will be sent to the Pentagon and other parts of the world after this class. They will be asked to share their analysis of a situation at a moment's notice with senior leaders. And they'll get 10 minutes to do it -- if they're lucky."

So whether you're pitching to a celebrity entrepreneur, sharing key ideas to leaders, or on a call with a potential investor, here's how to make the most of the 10 minutes you have by answering three questions. 

1. What's the idea?

Journalists often say "don't bury the lead." A pitch or informational presentation isn't a novel where your audience has the patience to wait until the end to find out what happens.

Michael Moritz, an early investor in Google, once told me that Sergey Brin and Larry Page explained their idea in one sentence. "Google organizes the world's information and makes it universally accessible." In one sentence, Moritz was hooked.

The same strategy works for an informational presentation. If you're meeting to discuss the new budget, start with a headline:

"Hi, everyone. You'll be happy to know that, thanks to our team's great work, we've been approved for a budget increase of 10 percent over last year."

In one sentence, you've got their attention. Now you can answer the second question every person has on their mind.

2. What's in it for me?

I recently met with a senior manager at one of the world's largest tech companies. He said sales professionals are taught the 10-minute rule before pitching the company's services to potential customers -- but it's the first 60 seconds that really count.

A sales pitch might begin like this: "We ran the numbers. By adopting our service, you'll be saving your company millions of dollars, which your CEO will love to hear, and it'll cut the time you spend installing updates by 50 hours a month."

This powerful opening pitch accomplishes two things: It tells the listener that they'll look like a hero to the boss, and they'll get precious time back to spend on other activities. 

Sell the benefit of your idea as soon as possible.

3. Do you have a story or example?  

Few people will remember every detail on your slides, but they'll remember the stories you tell. Storytelling is an ancient rhetorical technique to transfer information. Today,  science is proving that it does, indeed, work like magic.

A CEO of a company that sells software once told me that its top sales staff were those who used a relevant customer story or case study in the first 10 minutes of their presentations. The sales data proved it -- good storytellers have a distinct advantage.

So the next time you're on deck to present in-person or on a Zoom call that's scheduled for 30 or 60 minutes, make no mistake, your audience will tune out after 10 minutes. They may remain on the call, but their attention will drop dramatically.

Your job in the first 10 minutes is to identify your big idea, sell the benefit, and tell a story. Your audience will love you for it.

Watch: Gary Vaynerchuk Describes the DNA of a Great Sales Pitch  

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How Many Slides in a 20-Minute Presentation?

Table of Contents

Determining the ideal number of slides for a 20-minute presentation can be a challenge. It’s important to strike a balance between providing enough information and keeping your audience engaged.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, this blog post will explore some factors to consider when structuring your presentation. By understanding these factors, you can create a presentation that effectively conveys your message within the allotted time.

10 Slides in 20-Minute Presentaion

A popular guideline for 20-minute presentations is the 10/20/30 rule, introduced by Guy Kawasaki.

This rule suggests using 10 slides for your presentation, keeping it concise and focused. It also recommends a 20-minute time limit and a minimum font size of 30 points for easy readability.

This approach can be especially helpful for beginners or those who are less experienced in public speaking. While it’s a useful guideline, it’s important to remember that it’s not a strict rule and can be adjusted to fit your specific needs.

Strategies to Choose the Number of Slides for Your Presentation 

1. prioritize quality over quantity.

While it’s tempting to include a lot of detailed information in your presentation, too much can overwhelm your audience. Focus on your important points and avoid getting lost in too many details.

Remember, your slides should support your presentation, not replace it. If your slides are packed with text and data, your audience might end up reading instead of listening to you, which can make the presentation less engaging.

A well-designed slide should highlight the main ideas or complement them with visual or audio elements. Keep your slides clear, brief, and to the point, allowing the audience to focus on what you’re saying.

2. Portion Out Your Information

Think of your presentation like serving a good meal. Instead of delivering all the information at once, break it down into smaller, categorized portions.

This approach makes it easier for your audience to absorb and retain the information. If you have several important points, don’t cram them all onto one slide. Spread them out over multiple slides to emphasize each point individually and keep your audience’s attention focused.

For instance, if you’re discussing different products, dedicate a separate slide to each product rather than listing them all on one slide. This not only increases the number of slides but also enhances the impact of your message by giving each product the attention it deserves.

3. Balance Necessity and Simplicity

Efficiency is important when deciding how many slides to include. Your slides should enhance your presentation by providing visual support, guidelines, or additional information. However, avoid cluttering your slides with unnecessary text or images that don’t add value to your presentation.

Always consider the purpose of each slide element, like pictures or graphics, and eliminate anything that doesn’t serve a clear purpose. While some content might be fun or interesting, it’s important to assess whether it truly contributes to your message.

Also, remember that the more slides you have, the more structured your presentation becomes. This can be helpful if you’re nervous and need a clear guide, but if you prefer to speak more freely, fewer slides might give you the flexibility you need.

4. Make Practicing a Priority

Just like we encourage kids to practice what they’re unsure about, we should do the same for ourselves. A good way to see if your presentation flows well is to rehearse it at least once beforehand.

Practicing in front of friends or family can give you helpful feedback, but even practicing alone in front of a mirror or an imaginary audience can work. You’ll quickly notice where you might need adjustments, whether you have enough time, and if the slides fit well with your talk.

If your practice run finishes faster than expected, you can add more information and slides. On the other hand, if you struggle to stay within the allotted time and end up skipping slides or rushing through them, it’s time to make some cuts.

The pace at which you speak is important too. If you speak quickly, you might cover many slides in a short time. If you speak slowly, you’ll get through fewer slides. Ideally, your speaking pace should be comfortable for your audience and allow them to follow along easily. This also takes practice, but the goal is to present your slides at a pace that feels natural to you.

5. Consider the Variables

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for the perfect presentation because many factors can influence it. The topic, audience, and location all play a role in determining how many slides you should use and how they should be structured.

6. Trust Your Own Judgment

There’s a lot of advice out there on how many slides are right for a presentation, but remember that these opinions don’t take your specific presentation style and topic into account. Recommendations vary widely, with some experts suggesting 40 slides for a 20-minute presentation and others recommending just two.

Ultimately, you’re the best judge of how many slides you need. This also applies to how much time you spend on each slide. Some slides might require more time, while others need only a few seconds. It all depends on the content and structure of each slide. It’s perfectly fine to spend several minutes on one slide and only a few seconds on another.

Closing Thoughts

In the end, the right number of slides for your 20-minute presentation depends on your content, style, and audience. Trust your instincts, keep your message clear, and remember that quality always outweighs quantity. With thoughtful preparation, you can deliver a presentation that resonates and engages.

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Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Deliver a Compelling Presentation

Part 1: introduction and interview.

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about presentations. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:

• Do you enjoy giving presentations?
• Have you ever given a presentation in English?
• What was the last presentation you gave about?

Let’s focus on the third question:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“The last presentation I gave was about renewable energy sources for my university course. I delved into the various types of clean energy, such as solar and wind power, and discussed their potential to mitigate climate change . It was quite challenging to condense all the information into a 15-minute talk, but I managed to cover the key points effectively .”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to giving a presentation:

Describe A Time When You Had To Give A Presentation You should say:

• What the presentation was about
• Where and when you gave it
• Who you gave the presentation to
• And explain how you felt about giving this presentation

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a presentation I gave last semester at my university. It was for my Marketing Strategy class, and the topic was about analyzing the success of a popular social media app.

I gave the presentation in our main lecture hall to about 50 of my classmates and our professor. It was a nerve-wracking experience because I’m not usually comfortable speaking in front of large groups.

The presentation lasted about 15 minutes, and I used slides to show key statistics and graphs. I talked about the app’s user engagement tactics , its monetization strategy , and how it had grown its user base so quickly.

I felt quite anxious before the presentation, and my hands were shaking a bit when I started. But as I got into the topic, I began to feel more confident . By the end, I was actually enjoying sharing my research with everyone.

Overall, it was a challenging but rewarding experience . I learned a lot about public speaking and how to present information clearly and engagingly . It also helped me overcome some of my fear of speaking in front of groups.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to recount a particularly memorable presentation I delivered last semester as part of my Advanced Marketing Strategy course at university. The crux of my presentation was a comprehensive analysis of the meteoric rise of a cutting-edge social media platform that had taken the digital world by storm .

The presentation took place in our university’s state-of-the-art lecture theater, with an audience of approximately 50 peers and our esteemed professor. It was a formidable challenge , given my inherent apprehension about public speaking .

My discourse spanned 15 minutes, during which I leveraged a series of meticulously crafted slides to illustrate crucial statistics and trend analyses . I delved into the platform’s innovative user engagement strategies , its ingenious monetization model , and the factors contributing to its exponential user base growth .

Initially, I was consumed by trepidation , evident in my slightly trembling hands as I began. However, as I immersed myself in the subject matter, my confidence burgeoned . By the conclusion, I found myself relishing the opportunity to share my insights and field questions from an engaged audience .

In retrospect, while undoubtedly challenging , the experience proved immensely rewarding . It served as a catalyst for honing my public speaking skills and taught me the art of conveying complex information in a lucid and captivating manner . Moreover, it played a pivotal role in helping me surmount my longstanding fear of addressing large gatherings, marking a significant milestone in my personal and professional development.”

Follow-up questions:

• How do you usually prepare for a presentation?
• What do you think makes a presentation effective?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 7-8):

“When preparing for a presentation, I typically start by thoroughly researching my topic to ensure I have a solid understanding of the subject matter. I then outline the key points I want to cover and create a logical structure for my presentation. I also prepare visual aids like slides or handouts to support my main ideas . Finally, I practice delivering the presentation several times to improve my timing and fluency .”

Sample answer for question 2 (Band 8-9):

“In my opinion, an effective presentation is characterized by several key elements. Firstly, it should have a clear and concise message that is tailored to the audience’s interests and needs . The presenter should demonstrate a thorough grasp of the subject matter and be able to convey complex ideas in an accessible manner .

Additionally, the use of compelling visual aids and real-world examples can significantly enhance comprehension and maintain audience engagement . A well-structured presentation with a strong opening , logical flow , and memorable conclusion is also crucial.

Furthermore, the presenter’s delivery style plays a vital role. Effective presenters often exhibit confidence , use appropriate body language , and modulate their voice to emphasize key points . They also demonstrate flexibility by adapting to audience reactions and skillfully handling questions .

Lastly, I believe that passion for the topic and genuine enthusiasm can be contagious , making the presentation more impactful and memorable for the audience.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of presentations. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

• How important are presentation skills in today’s workplace?
• Do you think schools should focus more on teaching presentation skills?
• How has technology changed the way people give presentations?

Examiner: How has technology changed the way people give presentations?

“Technology has greatly impacted the way people give presentations. Nowadays, most presenters use PowerPoint or other software to create visually appealing slides . This helps to make information clearer and more interesting for the audience.

Another change is the use of video conferencing tools like Zoom, which allow people to give presentations remotely . This has made it possible to reach wider audiences and collaborate with people from different locations.

Additionally, some presenters now use interactive elements in their presentations, such as online polls or Q&A sessions , which can increase audience engagement .”

“Technology has revolutionized the landscape of presentations in myriad ways. The advent of sophisticated presentation software has elevated the visual aspect of presentations, enabling presenters to craft compelling narratives through a combination of text, images, animations, and even embedded videos. This multi-media approach can significantly enhance audience comprehension and retention of information .

The proliferation of video conferencing platforms has ushered in a new era of remote presentations, transcending geographical boundaries and allowing for global collaboration on an unprecedented scale. This shift has necessitated the development of new skills, such as managing virtual audience engagement and adapting presentation techniques for online environments.

Moreover, technology has facilitated increased interactivity in presentations. Tools for real-time polling , collaborative whiteboards , and live Q&A sessions have transformed passive audiences into active participants , fostering a more dynamic and engaging presentation experience .

Another significant development is the rise of data visualization tools , which allow presenters to transform complex datasets into intuitive, interactive graphics . This capability has particularly revolutionized presentations in fields such as business, science, and data analytics.

However, it’s worth noting that while technology offers numerous advantages, it also presents challenges. Presenters must now be adept at troubleshooting technical issues and designing presentations that are effective across various devices and platforms . Additionally, there’s a risk of over-reliance on technology , potentially detracting from the human element of presentation delivery.

In conclusion, while technology has undoubtedly enhanced many aspects of presentations, the core skills of clear communication , audience engagement , and effective delivery remain paramount.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High-Scoring Responses

Comprehensive analysis /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv əˈnæləsɪs/ (noun phrase): A thorough and complete examination of a subject. Example: “My presentation provided a comprehensive analysis of the company’s marketing strategy.”

To delve into /delv ˈɪntuː/ (phrasal verb): To examine or investigate something thoroughly. Example: “During my talk, I delved into the reasons behind the project’s success.”

Formidable challenge /ˈfɔːmɪdəbl ˈtʃælɪndʒ/ (noun phrase): A difficult task that requires great effort and skill. Example: “Giving a presentation in a foreign language was a formidable challenge for me.”

To leverage /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ (verb): To use something to maximum advantage. Example: “I leveraged my research findings to support my main arguments in the presentation.”

Meticulously crafted /məˈtɪkjələsli ˈkrɑːftɪd/ (adjective phrase): Carefully and precisely made or done. Example: “My slides were meticulously crafted to convey complex information clearly.”

To surmount /səˈmaʊnt/ (verb): To overcome (a difficulty or obstacle). Example: “Giving this presentation helped me surmount my fear of public speaking.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing presentations:

Prepare a range of relevant vocabulary : Familiarize yourself with terms related to public speaking, presentation techniques, and technology used in presentations.

Practice structuring your answers : Use clear introductions, well-developed points, and concise conclusions in your responses.

Develop your ideas : Don’t just list points; explain them in detail and provide specific examples to support your arguments.

Work on your fluency : Practice speaking at length on various topics to improve your ability to speak continuously without long pauses.

Use a variety of grammatical structures : Incorporate complex sentences and different tenses to demonstrate your language proficiency.

Improve your pronunciation : Focus on clear articulation and appropriate stress and intonation to enhance the effectiveness of your communication.

Stay relevant : Always address the question asked and stay on topic throughout your response.

Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Consider recording yourself and listening back to identify areas for improvement.

For more tips on IELTS Speaking preparation, you might find these articles helpful:

• Describing a Famous Dish from Your Country
• Overcoming Personal Fear
• Handling Nervousness Before Important Events

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss presentations and other topics in your IELTS Speaking test with confidence and fluency.

• Education Vocabulary
• listening practice
• speaking topics
• Vocabulary List

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Leadership topics for presentation

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

Anete Ezera September 27, 2024

Leadership is a core skill in any organization. Presentations on leadership-related topics can make a huge difference in team performance, motivation, and the success of the whole organization. Getting to understand different themes of leadership helps teams know how to go about their challenges, inspire others and attain set goals. So in this article, we’ll discuss important leadership topics for presentations that would contribute effectively to team training and development. We’ll also highlight some of Prezi’s unique tools and templates that make creating these presentations engaging and visually compelling.

Why leadership topics for presentations matter

Discussing leadership topics in presentations helps to build a strong foundation for current and future leaders within an organization. These discussions can clarify what it means to lead effectively, foster a culture of collaboration, and equip team members with the tools needed to face complex situations. Leadership topics for presentations also provide an opportunity to reinforce core values, set strategic directions, and empower individuals to take initiative.

Leadership topics for presentations can be very useful for teams in terms of effective communication, increased employee engagement, and better-informed decision-making. From learning about distinct leadership styles, strategies, and skills, the team can be ready to adapt to different situations, enhance their problem-solving capabilities, and become more resilient in the wake of change.

How do you introduce a topic in leadership?

Introducing your leadership topics for presentations effectively sets the stage for a meaningful delivery. Begin with a clear objective that states what the audience will learn. This can be initiated by asking an interesting question, using a power-packed quote, or sharing a story that drives home why leadership matters in scenarios drawn from real life. You may want to use some of Prezi’s storytelling templates like the Climb to Success template, to frame your introduction by visually mapping the journey of leadership, so that your audience finds it easy to relate to the topic.

What are the 3 underlying themes of leadership?

When discussing leadership, three key themes often emerge:

• Vision : A leader must have a vision regarding where they want to take their team or organization. This involves goal setting for the long term and effective goal communication so as to inspire other people. Visionary leaders have the ability to create well-painted pictures of the future that inspire and bind their teams together.
• Influence : Leadership doesn’t just mean giving orders. It’s the ability to influence others through trust and respect with strong interpersonal skills. Those who can motivate and involve their teams typically achieve the most effective change and achieve the best results.
• Adaptability : In today’s rapidly changing world, leaders must be flexible and open to change. This involves being able to pivot when necessary, embrace new ideas, and lead through uncertainty. Adaptable leaders are prepared to handle crises, seize opportunities, and guide their teams through transitions smoothly.

Best leadership topics for presentation

Here are some compelling leadership topics that can be explored in presentations to inspire and guide teams:

Emotional intelligence in leadership

One of the key components of effective leadership is emotional intelligence (EQ)— which combines self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to manage their own emotions and those of others. A presentation on EQ can make leaders aware of how to establish better rapport with their teams of employees, help in conflict management and enable them to create a positive work culture.

Prezi template suggestion : For EQ leadership topics for presentations, use the Puzzle template to demonstrate how the different components of emotional intelligence fit together, making the concept more tangible and relatable for your audience.

Transformational leadership

Transformational leadership zeroes in on inspiring and motivating teams to achieve high levels of performance. It’s an excellent leadership topic for a presentation because it drives innovation, cultivates a positive team culture, and emphasizes personal development. A transformational leadership presentation can show leaders how to inspire change within their own teams.

Prezi example : For transformational leadership topics for presentations, check out The 20 New Leadership Books for 2020 for insights into the latest strategies and ideas.

Leading through change

Change management is a crucial skill for leaders, especially in dynamic business environments. A change management presentation for leadership might include strategies to guide teams through transition, including how to overcome resistance and keep morale high during uncertain times.

Prezi template suggestion : The Climb to Success template can effectively visualize the journey through change, highlighting steps and strategies to navigate challenges.

Building trust and transparency

Trust and transparency are the foundation of effective leadership. This would be a good topic to present because it shows how to establish trust within teams through open communication and by being consistent and honest with your intentions. Trust develops a comfortable atmosphere, and team members feel respected, which enhances their readiness to contribute.

Prezi example : Why Leaders Need to Get Out of Their Own Way offers insights into overcoming personal barriers to build trust and lead authentically.

Decision-making and problem-solving

Leaders are constantly bombarded with tough decisions and problems that require quick thinking and good judgment. A presentation on decision-making can include different models and techniques like the SWOT analysis, pros and cons lists or decision trees for leaders to utilize while making their choices.

Prezi template suggestion : Use the Data Analysis template to visually map out decision-making processes, making complex information easier to digest.

Conflict resolution

In any team setting, conflict is sure to arise. However, good leaders should be able to harness this and deliver a productive response. A presentation on conflict resolution can provide ways on how to put differences aside, how to maintain professionalism and turn conflicts into opportunities for growth.

Prezi example : The presentation 5 Signs That Your Team Is Suffering from Communication Issues explores common communication breakdowns and how leaders can resolve them to maintain a cohesive team dynamic.

The importance of diversity and inclusion

Diversity and inclusion should never be overlooked; they’re essential components of a thriving organization. This leadership topic for a presentation can emphasize the benefits of diverse teams, such as increased creativity, better decision-making, and enhanced employee satisfaction.

Prezi template suggestion : For diversity leadership topics for presentations, this Corporate template can be adapted to showcase how inclusive leadership practices can be integrated into the onboarding process and overall team culture.

The 5 levels of leadership

The 5 levels of leadership were developed by John Maxwell, and it outlines the stages of leadership growth from position-based leadership to pinnacle leadership. Presenting these levels helps leaders identify where they’re currently at and shows them what steps they can take to advance their leadership journey.

Prezi example : How to Define Your Purpose, Vision, Mission, Values, and Key Measures aligns well with the concept of evolving leadership levels by helping leaders connect their personal and organizational goals.

Time management for leaders

Time management is a key leadership skill that influences a person’s ability to prioritize, delegate and effectively implement ideas. Presentations related to this idea can include the Eisenhower Matrix, time-blocking or any prioritization strategies which would enable leaders to make the best possible use of their productivity.

Prezi example : How to Be More Productive and Focus offers practical tips on managing time effectively, which can be crucial for leaders juggling multiple responsibilities.

Additional leadership topics for presentations

To further expand your leadership toolkit, here are additional leadership topics for presentations that can add depth and variety:

Coaching and mentoring

Good leaders act as coaches and mentors by helping others to develop their skills and careers. A presentation on this topic can cover the key differences between coaching and mentoring, best practices for providing guidance, as well as the benefits of nurturing talent within your team.

Strategic thinking

Strategic thinking is the ability to see the changes that are likely to occur and actively plan for the future. A strategic leader will come up with solid plans based on a clear understanding of what must happen for both their team members and their organization to be successful over time. A presentation on this subject might involve providing templates for strategic plans, risk assessment, and competitive analysis. Leaders require these skills to attain success in a competitive business environment and help their teams meet their objectives.

Building resilience in leadership

Leaders need to have a lot of resilience, especially in periods of crisis or when drastic changes are taking place. Resilience-building presentations can introduce ways to handle stress and keep optimistic while leading the team through difficult times. A resilient leader bounces back from setbacks, demonstrates perseverance, and channels the teams to do likewise.

Leading with empathy

Empathetic leadership is the practice of understanding and sharing feelings with others to nurture a workplace where support and inclusivity thrive. A presentation on empathetic leadership can give practical advice on enhancing active listening and discerning what our team members need. Empathy builds relationships within the team, keeps spirits high, and promotes collaboration.

Innovation and creativity in leadership

For leaders interested in driving change and staying competitive, encouraging innovation and creativity is a must. Possible presentations on this topic could involve how to foster a culture of creativity, supporting new ideas, and implementing innovative solutions. This could also include citing some case studies of companies that have prospered due to innovation.

How to deliver a strong presentation on leadership

Define your key message.

Clearly outline the main takeaway you want your audience to remember. Center your presentation around this core idea to keep your content focused and impactful.

Use appropriate visual aids

Leverage Prezi’s dynamic templates to create a visually engaging presentation that supports your message. This keeps the audience’s attention and makes complex leadership topics easier to understand.

Rehearse your presentation multiple times to ensure smooth transitions and a confident tone. Practicing helps you stay on track and reduces anxiety, allowing you to present more naturally.

Engage with your audience

Try to include interactive elements in your presentation, like questions or a quick poll, to get your audience involved. This is the kind of interactivity that drives important points home and keeps the audience interested in the content.

Refine your content with Prezi AI

Use Prezi’s AI text editing tools to iron out your presentation so that the message is clearly delivered. This will help to get your wording on point for making a powerful, memorable leadership presentation.

Start with a strong opening

Capture your audience’s attention right from the beginning with a compelling story, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question. A powerful introduction sets the tone for the rest of your presentation and draws your audience in.

Keep it concise and focused

Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information. Stick to the key points and use clear, concise language. This keeps your presentation focused and ensures that your audience retains the most important information.

Use body language effectively

Your body language plays a crucial role in how your message is received. Maintain eye contact, use purposeful gestures, and move confidently to convey your message with authority and engage your audience.

Use real-world examples

Use real-world examples or case studies to illustrate your points and make your content relatable. This approach helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, showing your audience how leadership concepts apply in real situations.

End with a strong conclusion

Summarize your main points and leave your audience with a clear call to action or thought-provoking takeaway. A strong conclusion reinforces your message and ensures that your presentation leaves a lasting impact.

Using these presenting tips along with the leadership topic ideas mentioned above, you’re on your way to a successful and inspiring leadership presentation that’s sure to inspire your team. 

Introducing Prezi for topics for leadership presentations

Prezi’s unique format elevates leadership topics for presentations by offering a more engaging and interactive experience compared to traditional slide-based tools. The dynamic movement allows presenters to take their audience on a visual journey. This specific feature can make complex leadership topics for presentations more approachable. Whether focusing on specific details or connecting overarching themes, Prezi’s zooming and panning features bring presentations to life, making information more relatable and engaging for the audience.

Dynamic movement and visual storytelling

Prezi’s dynamic movement and visual storytelling features enable presenters to break away from the linear progression of typical slide decks. Different from slide-by-slide formats, Prezi allows content to be explored fluidly. This can be of great help in leadership topics for presentations which include very difficult concepts or layered themes. Through this approach, you can make the audience see mental pictures of how ideas are related. For example, stages of leadership development or steps in a decision-making process. This helps in making the content more digestible and retentive.

For example, when discussing the 5 levels of leadership, you can use Prezi to visually represent each level as part of a larger journey. This not only captures the audience’s attention but also reinforces the progression and growth inherent in leadership development.

Prezi’s zooming and panning features

Prezi’s zooming and panning features prove useful for leadership topics for presentations because they allow presenters to dive deep into specific points, while still maintaining a broader context. For example, during a strategic thinking presentation, the presenter can focus on detailed data analysis or key strategic models by zooming in. Then he an shift to an outward zoom to demonstrate how these components fit into the business strategy at large.

This ability to shift focus seamlessly keeps the audience engaged. It also helps to emphasize key points without losing sight of the big picture. It’s an excellent way to handle complex leadership presentations, making the content more interactive and engaging.

Simplifying the creation process with Prezi AI

Prezi AI enhances the presentation creation process with AI-powered tools designed to save time and improve content quality.

• Presentation maker : Prezi AI can turn bullet points into animated slides with only a few clicks. This means that your content will have a professional and polished appearance even if you’re not a designer. This is particularly beneficial since you can focus on communicating an inspiring message, not battle with the design of slides.
• AI text editing : Prezi AI also offers AI text editing. This feature helps refine your presentation content for clarity, impact, and flow. This feature ensures that your leadership message is communicated effectively, enhancing the overall quality of the presentation. Whether you’re discussing leadership strategies, conflict resolution, or decision-making processes, AI text editing can polish your content to resonate better with your audience.

• Animated slides : With Prezi AI you can turn your bullet points into animated slides that engage your audience even more. Visuals are crucial in leadership topics for presentations since they help illustrate points clearly and make them more accessible. That’s why turning bullet points into animated slides can help you communicate your message in a more memorable way.

Prezi templates tailored to leadership topics for presentations

We’ve identified numerous Prezi templates already that could really enhance your leadership topics for presentations. Prezi offers a vast template library for different topics, be it strategic planning, emotional intelligence or team development. Whatever your leadership topic may be, these templates can be used with or without extra customization to fit your exact needs. 

The only tool you need for leadership presentations

Prezi’s ability to turn static content into a visual journey helps audiences connect with the material on a deeper level. This fosters better understanding and retention of leadership concepts. Whether you’re addressing a team of professionals, conducting a training session, or presenting at a conference, Prezi’s features ensure that your leadership topics for presentations are communicated with clarity, creativity, and impact.

Enliven your leadership topics for presentations

Leadership topics for presentations hold valuable insights that have the potential to motivate, lead, and change teams for the better. By exploring these topics, teams can develop the skills and mindset needed to navigate challenges. They’ll also be able to foster a positive work environment and achieve their goals. With Prezi’s vibrant presentation tools and AI-powered capabilities, presenting these topics can be an impactful learning experience for your audience.

For more leadership topic ideas, check out our guide on good presentation topics to continue building your knowledge and skills in leadership.

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