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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

Never underestimate the power of great communication. It can help you land the job of your dreams, attract investors to back your idea, or elevate your stature within your organization. But while there are plenty of good speakers in the world, you can set yourself apart out by being the person who can deliver something great over and over. Here are a few tips for business professionals who want to move from being good speakers to great ones: be concise (the fewer words, the better); never use bullet points (photos and images paired together are more memorable); don’t underestimate the power of your voice (raise and lower it for emphasis); give your audience something extra (unexpected moments will grab their attention); rehearse (the best speakers are the best because they practice — a lot).

I was sitting across the table from a Silicon Valley CEO who had pioneered a technology that touches many of our lives — the flash memory that stores data on smartphones, digital cameras, and computers. He was a frequent guest on CNBC and had been delivering business presentations for at least 20 years before we met. And yet, the CEO wanted to sharpen his public speaking skills.

• Carmine Gallo is a Harvard University instructor, keynote speaker, and author of 10 books translated into 40 languages. Gallo is the author of The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Greatest Salesman  (St. Martin’s Press).

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• Presentations

How to Work With Images in PowerPoint (Complete PPT Picture Guide)

• Bahasa Indonesia
• العربية/عربي

PowerPoint presentations contain all types of content: text, video, audio, and images. Learning to work with presentation images for PowerPoint makes your slide much more interesting.

Slides that are simply text need some variety to hold your audience's attention. Whether it's a photo, illustration, or graphic, PowerPoint has editing tools to import and edit your image files.

Images often need cropping, resizing , and more tweaks to fit in a presentation. Apps like Photoshop have image editing tools, but they're difficult to learn.

The good news is that PowerPoint has image editing essentials inside the app. You can add images to your presentation and edit them without even opening a separate photo editor.

Here are the PowerPoint image tools you'll learn to use in this tutorial:

• Resizing.  Scale an image in PowerPoint to the correct size for your slide.
• Rotating. Flip an image to face the correct direction, including mirroring it horizontally or vertically.
• Cropping. Select a part of an image in PowerPoint to remove.
• Removing picture backgrounds. If your image has a white background and you want to remove it, PowerPoint has a tool to remove backgrounds. This creates transparent images in PowerPoint. 
• Image effects. Add color tints and adjust image saturation (including black & white) inside your PowerPoint presentation.

How to Quickly Work With Images in PowerPoint (Watch & Learn)

This video shows you the complete set of PowerPoint's image editing tools. I'll teach you the steps from importing a picture onto your slide to correcting and editing it.

Read on for more tips on how to edit and work with images in PPT.

Why Use Images In PowerPoint? (The Power of Pictures) 

According to many statistics, a significant percentage of the population are  visual learners.  That means information is easier to understand when presented visually for these learners.

That statistic alone should be enough to convince you of the importance of using Microsoft PowerPoint images. Giving a great presentation is all about sharing information in intuitive, easy-to-understand formats.

Let's look at three ways that pictures can help improve your presentation:

1. Pictures Transform Boring Slides

As you can see in the example below, a single photo is enough to transform a slide. 

Think of a great photo as the bait to grab a viewer's attention. Text alone might not be enough to entice an audience to read the content. But when you pair it with an exciting image, a viewer's eye flows to the content.

Basically : Microsoft PowerPoint images increase the odds that your viewer will absorb the content. As a presenter, learning how to make and edit PPTs with pictures is crucial.

2. Pictures Are Powerful Storytelling Tools

The old adage " a picture is worth a thousand words " is a classic saying for a reason.

Sometimes, text alone isn't enough to convey a message. PowerPoint photos give visual learners a new way to understand information.

Maybe there's a concept that you can't explain perfectly in words. But when you show a few carefully selected images, the idea comes to life. Think of pictures as  more  than complementary. Sometimes, they're a must.

3. Pictures Help Viewers Relate

What if we viewed a photo as a tool to inspire empathy? Sometimes, a well-placed photo of people can help your audience put themselves in others' shoes.

Let's say that you're giving a presentation that's designed to inspire your audience to action. Showing buildings and landscapes doesn't necessarily help your viewer understand their role. But show a people-centric photo, and suddenly, the mind empathizes. 

Where to Find Great Microsoft PowerPoint Images (With Unlimited Downloads)

Maybe you've come around to see the importance of photos in PowerPoint. They're crucial to creating an attractive presentation.

But now, where do you find them? The most important part of learning how to put pictures in PowerPoint is finding the perfect source. Envato Elements  gives you an all-you-can-download library for PowerPoint stock images .

It's important that your photos are properly licensed. It's risky to simply hit Google Images and source images. Those photos are usually copyrighted and may lack the quality you need for a professional presentation.

Plus, Envato Elements includes so much more. You can download PowerPoint presentation templates that help you create your best slide deck ever. Those are all included at no extra cost.

Envato Elements is your best bet when you need to build an image PowerPoint presentation. There are thousands of image PPT templates to choose from. And it’s easy to find the perfect photos, with over six million and counting to choose from.

PowerPoint Picture Dos and Don’ts

Before we start learning how to put pictures in PowerPoint, let's review a few more guiding principles. These three tips for working with PowerPoint pictures can improve your presentation.

1. Number of PowerPoint Images

• Do:  Add images to the extent it  enhances  your slide.
• Don't:  Add images in a way that obscures content or distracts the audience.

There's a balance to be found when you start adding PowerPoint photos. You don't want to obscure your slide content with too many photos.

2. PowerPoint Photo Licensing

• Do:  Use an approved source for adding images.
• Don't:  hit Google Images and download liberally.

As we mentioned above, copyright matters! You don't want to be caught using a photo that isn't approved and put yourself at legal risk.

Remember : Envato Elements is the best source for licensed PowerPoint images . It's all-you-can-download, and all covered as part of the license, no matter how many images you choose.

3. PowerPoint Image Quality

• Do:  Edit pictures in PowerPoint with the built-in tools.
• Don't:  Stretch images so that you distort the original.

There's nothing worse than pixelated, grainy images. It's sure to draw the viewer's eye in a disproportionate way.

Learn how to set the perfect dimensions for your PowerPoint presentation with the help of this tutorial:

How to Insert Images in PowerPoint

Let's get started by adding images to our PowerPoint presentation. There are two main ways to insert images into your PowerPoint. Paste an image from your clipboard or import a picture from a file on your computer.

Let's look at both ways to work with images in PPT.

1. Paste Images

It’s amazingly easy to paste images in PowerPoint. Begin by copying an image to your clipboard by right-clicking on it and choosing Copy or Copy Image.

Then, navigate to the PowerPoint slide where you want to paste your photo. Then, right-click and choose Picture from the Paste Options section. PowerPoint instantly pastes your image onto the slide!

2. Insert Images From Your Computer

My favorite way to add pictures in PowerPoint is to first save them to my computer. There are key advantages here. It’s easier to keep track of all the photos in your slide deck. Plus, you can add more than one image at one time. This way, you can streamline the process of inserting images in PowerPoint.

To use this method, find the Insert tab on PowerPoint’s ribbon. Then, click on the Pictures drop-down arrow. From the list of options, choose This Device.

A file browser opens. You can find photos that you've stored on your computer. Click to select them, and then click Insert to add them to your slide.

There are other options on the file browser to insert PowerPoint images. Next to Insert , you can click on the drop-down arrow to explore them. These are more advanced ways to work with images:

• Insert. This is the standard option for inserting pictures, which puts the image file inside your PowerPoint. It increases the size of your presentation file but works even when you send it to others.
• Link to File. This links to the original file, so you'll need to keep it on your computer for the PowerPoint to display it correctly.
• Insert and Link. If the original file changes, the version on your PowerPoint slide updates as well.  

  Now that you've got your image inserted into the presentation, it's time to check out the picture editing tools.

How to Resize and Tilt Images in PowerPoint

When you select an image in PowerPoint, white circles appear on the corners of the picture. Resize an image by grabbing one of these circles and pulling it until the image is the desired size.

By default, PowerPoint  locks the aspect ratio when resizing an image. This means that it'll prevent stretching when you resize it. 

To turn this off right-click on the image and choose Size and Position.  A menu opens on the right side of PowerPoint. Untick the Lock aspect ratio  box.

Notice in the screenshot above that you can also type in an exact size for your image on the new menu. If you know the exact dimensions you need for an image, this feature comes in handy.

Also, tilt an image by grabbing the circular arrow icon above an image and pulling it left to right.

How to Rotate an Image in PowerPoint

It’s often useful to rotate images in PowerPoint. They may import facing the wrong way. O, you might just want to mix up your style! You can rotate images in 90-degree increments using the Rotate menu on the Picture Format tab.

With an image selected, click on Picture Format , found on PowerPoint’s ribbon. You’ll find the Rotate option in the Arrange group. Select Rotate Right 90 or Rotate Left 90 to begin rotating your photos in PowerPoint fast.

Also, on this menu, you can flip an image. Choose Flip Vertical or Flip Horizontal to do this. These work to mirror images. For example, you can use these options if the text in your photos appears “backwards .” The Flip commands correct this.

How to Crop a Picture in PowerPoint

It’s easy to crop images right inside PowerPoint. It’s how to edit a picture in PowerPoint to show only the parts of the image you need. 

Once again, to get started, you’ll want to be sure your image PPT is selected. Then, return to the Picture Format tab on the ribbon. Click on Crop , which you’ll find on the right side of the menu in the Size group.

Black handles appear on the sides and corners of your image. You can click and pull on these to crop your photo. Areas to be cropped away become shaded, showing that they’ll be removed. When you’ve made your crop area selection, click Crop again. PowerPoint crops the image.

Accidentally crop too much? No worries! Click on Crop again, and you’ll see the original image reappear, with the cropped areas still shaded. You can select a new crop area to change the look and feel.  

How to Remove Image Backgrounds in PowerPoint

One of the handiest picture tools in PowerPoint is the ability to remove an image background. You've probably run into a situation like this before. You've got a graphic, like a logo or an icon, with a solid color background.

Take the screenshot below, for example. If I want to use the Envato logo graphic with no white background, I can use the Remove Background feature.

With an image selected, click on the Remove Background button on the Picture Format tab.

PowerPoint shows a new view where you can set the points to remove and keep in the image. The pink area shows the part of the image that PowerPoint will remove as the background.

PowerPoint takes a first guess at which areas to remove. Refine the selection by using the Mark Areas to Keep and Mark Areas to Remove option on the ribbon. 

Click on those options, then set the points on the image that you want to keep and remove. PowerPoint adapts to remove the areas you show it. Use the two options to show PowerPoint exactly what to remove and what to keep.

In the screenshot above, you can see how I used this tool. I set "Keep" areas for the logo text and icon. Once you press Keep Changes , PowerPoint removes the background from your image.  

More Tools to Work with Images in PowerPoint

Finally, let’s look at more great ways to work with pictures in PowerPoint. These help you make images look stunning right inside the app! You don’t need other editing tools.

To get started, click on one of your PowerPoint images and return to the Picture Format tab. Here, we’ll explore several tools:

1. Corrections

Click on  Corrections  on the left side of the ribbon to access two key tools:  Sharpen / Soften and  Brightness / Contrast. If you've worked with any image editing app, these terms and effects are already familiar to you. Sharpening can enhance the detail of an image.

Hover over any of the preview thumbnails to see the effect on the image and click to apply it.

Brightness and contrast adjusts the exposure and impact of an image. Try these out if you need to brighten up a dim image.

The  Color  drop-down lets you adjust the appearance of color in your image. Use the Color Saturation  options to reduce or increase the intensity of the color (including converting an image to black and white.)

Click on any of these thumbnails to apply the selected effect. The image adjusts to the selected color style.

Learn More About Using PowerPoint

This tutorial gave you the skills to work confidently with images in PowerPoint. There are plenty of other presentation tips and tools that can help you level up as a presenter.

On Envato Tuts+, we've built a deep library of PowerPoint tutorials. There are many learning resources that help you learn how to put pictures in PowerPoint and so much more. 

In our guide, How to Use PowerPoint (Ultimate Tutorial Guide) , you can learn the app completely! Make sure to check out a few of our favorite tutorials from the guide:

Outstanding Options for Templates Focused on PowerPoint Images

Here's a secret: professional presenters love to use the work of others. But don't worry. It's not theft, thanks to an impressive creative library called Envato Elements.

On Envato Elements , you can download an unlimited number of templates and PowerPoint pictures . These are usually focused on PowerPoint photos. Instead of creating a presentation from scratch, use a template with impressive PowerPoint designs.

Here are some of our best articles with top PowerPoint photo-focused templates. Check them out to kickstart your design work!

Create a Picture-Perfect PowerPoint Presentation Today

In this tutorial, you learned about PowerPoint's built-in options for modifying and working with images. There are enough features to bypass opening Photoshop or Pixelmator to edit pictures right inside of PowerPoint.

The best pairing with PowerPoint pictures is templates focused on imagery. With the help of Envato Elements, don't forget that you can source unlimited templates focused on PowerPoint photos .

Before you step on stage with your presentation, ask yourself: did you include enough PowerPoint photos? Audiences love visuals. You learned how to make and edit a PPT with pictures to grab and hold their attention in this tutorial. So, put the knowledge to use now!

Note : This article was originally published on August 2, 2017. It's been comprehensively and the video has been updated with help from Andrew Childress .

30 Presentation Terms & What They Mean

Delivering a captivating presentation is an art that requires more than just confidence and oratory skills. From the design of your slides to the way you carry yourself on stage, every little detail contributes to the overall effectiveness of your presentation. For those who wish to master this art, getting familiar with the associated terminology is a great place to start.

In this article, we’ll explore “30 Presentation Terms & What They Mean,” shedding light on the key terms and concepts in the world of presentations. Whether you’re a professional looking to refine your skills, a student aiming to ace your next presentation, or just someone curious about the subject, this guide is sure to provide you with valuable insights.

Dive in as we explore everything from slide decks and speaker notes to body language and Q&A sessions.

Each term is elaborated in depth, giving you a comprehensive understanding of their meanings and applications. This knowledge will not only make you more comfortable with presentations but will also empower you to deliver them more effectively.

2 Million+ PowerPoint Templates, Themes, Graphics + More

Download thousands of PowerPoint templates, and many other design elements, with a monthly Envato Elements membership. It starts at $16 per month, and gives you unlimited access to a growing library of over 2,000,000 presentation templates, fonts, photos, graphics, and more.

Pitch Deck Templates

Startup pitch deck.

Pitch PowerPoint

Minimal PPT Templates

Clean & clear.

Ciri Template

Modern PPT Templates

New & innovative.

Explore PowerPoint Templates

Table of Contents

• Speaker Notes
• White Space
• Aspect Ratio
• Grid System
• Master Slide
• Infographic
• Data Visualization
• Call-to-Action (CTA)
• Color Palette
• Negative Space
• Storyboarding
• Bullet Points
• Eye Contact
• Body Language
• Q&A Session

1. Slide Deck

A slide deck, in its most basic sense, is a collection of slides that are presented in sequence to support a speech or presentation. The slides typically contain key points, graphics, and other visual aids that make the presentation more engaging and easier to understand.

Beyond merely displaying information, a well-crafted slide deck can tell a story, create an emotional connection, or illustrate complex concepts in a digestible way. Its design elements, including the choice of colors, fonts, and images, play a significant role in how the presentation is received by the audience.

2. Speaker Notes

Speaker notes are a feature in presentation software that allows presenters to add notes or cues to their slides. These notes are only visible to the presenter during the presentation. They can include additional information, reminders, prompts, or even the full script of the speech.

While the audience sees the slide deck, the speaker can use these notes as a guide to ensure they cover all necessary points without memorizing the entire speech. It’s essential to use speaker notes strategically – they should aid the presentation, not become a script that hinders natural delivery.

A template is a pre-designed layout for a slide deck. It typically includes a set design, color scheme, typefaces, and placeholders for content like text, images, and graphs. Templates can significantly reduce the time and effort required to create a professional-looking presentation.

While templates can be incredibly helpful, it’s important to choose one that aligns with the theme, purpose, and audience of the presentation. Customizing the template to match your brand or topic can further enhance its effectiveness.

4. Transition

In the realm of presentations, a transition refers to the visual effect that occurs when you move from one slide to the next. Simple transitions include fade-ins and fade-outs, while more complex ones might involve 3D effects, wipes, or spins.

Transitions can add a touch of professionalism and dynamism to a presentation when used correctly. However, overuse or choosing flashy transitions can be distracting and detract from the content. The key is to use transitions that complement the presentation’s tone and pace without overshadowing the message.

5. Animation

Animation is the process of making objects or text in your slide deck appear to move. This can involve anything from making bullet points appear one by one, to having graphics fly in or out, to creating a simulation of a complex process. Animation can add interest, emphasize points, and guide the audience’s attention throughout the presentation.

While animations can make a presentation more engaging, they must be used judiciously. Excessive or overly complex animations can distract the audience, complicate the message, and look unprofessional. As with transitions, animations should support the content, not detract from it.

6. Multimedia

Multimedia refers to the combination of different types of media — such as text, images, audio, video, and animation — within a single presentation. Incorporating multimedia elements can make a presentation more engaging, cater to different learning styles, and aid in explaining complex ideas.

However, it’s important to ensure that multimedia elements are relevant, high-quality, and appropriately scaled for the presentation. Additionally, depending on the presentation venue, technical considerations such as file sizes, internet speed, and audio quality need to be taken into account when using multimedia.

7. White Space

In the context of presentation design, white space (or negative space) refers to the unmarked portions of a slide, which are free of text, images, or other visual elements. Despite its name, white space doesn’t necessarily have to be white — it’s any area of a slide not filled with content.

White space can give a slide a clean, balanced look and can help draw attention to the most important elements. It can also reduce cognitive load, making it easier for the audience to process information. Good use of white space is often a key difference between professional and amateur designs.

8. Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between a slide’s width and height. It’s typically expressed as two numbers separated by a colon, such as 4:3 or 16:9. The first number represents the width, and the second represents the height.

The choice of aspect ratio can affect how content fits on the screen and how the presentation appears on different displays. For instance, a 16:9 aspect ratio is often used for widescreen displays, while a 4:3 ratio may be more suitable for traditional computer monitors and projectors.

9. Grid System

The grid system is a framework used to align and layout design elements in a slide. It’s comprised of horizontal and vertical lines that divide the slide into equal sections or grids.

The grid system aids in creating visual harmony, balance, and consistency across slides. It can guide the placement of text, images, and other elements, ensuring that they’re evenly spaced and aligned. It’s an important tool for maintaining a professional and organized appearance in a presentation.

10. Readability

Readability refers to how easy it is for an audience to read and understand the text on your slides. It involves factors such as font size, typeface, line length, spacing, and contrast with the background.

Ensuring good readability is crucial in presentations. If your audience can’t easily read and understand your text, they’ll be more likely to disengage. Large fonts, simple language, high-contrast color schemes, and ample white space can enhance readability.

11. Infographic

An infographic is a visual representation of information, data, or knowledge. They’re used in presentations to communicate complex data in a clear, concise, and engaging way. Infographics can include charts, graphs, icons, pictures, and text.

While infographics can effectively communicate complex ideas, they must be designed carefully. Too much information, confusing visuals, or a lack of a clear hierarchy can make an infographic difficult to understand. It’s important to keep the design simple and focus on the key message.

To embed in a presentation context means to incorporate external content, such as a video, a document, or a website, directly into a slide. When an object is embedded, it becomes part of the presentation file and can be viewed or played without leaving the presentation.

Embedding can be a useful tool to incorporate interactive or supplementary content into a presentation. However, it’s important to remember that it can increase the file size of the presentation and may require an internet connection or specific software to function correctly.

13. Palette

A palette, in terms of presentations, refers to the set of colors chosen to be used throughout the slide deck. This can include primary colors for backgrounds and text, as well as secondary colors for accents and highlights.

The right color palette can help convey the mood of a presentation, reinforce branding, and increase visual interest. It’s important to choose colors that work well together and provide enough contrast for readability. Tools like color wheel or color scheme generators can be helpful in choosing a harmonious palette.

14. Vector Graphics

Vector graphics are digital images created using mathematical formulas rather than pixels. This means they can be scaled up or down without losing quality, making them ideal for presentations that may be viewed on different screen sizes.

Vector graphics often have smaller file sizes than their pixel-based counterparts (raster graphics), which can help keep your presentation file manageable. Common types of vector graphics include logos, icons, and illustrations.

15. Mood Board

A mood board is a collection of images, text, colors, and other design elements that serve as visual inspiration for a presentation. It helps establish the aesthetic, mood, or theme of the presentation before the design process begins.

Creating a mood board can be a valuable step in the presentation design process. It can help you visualize how different elements will work together, communicate your design ideas to others, and maintain consistency across your slides.

16. Hierarchy

In design, hierarchy refers to the arrangement of elements in a way that implies importance. In presentations, visual hierarchy helps guide the viewer’s eye to the most important elements first.

Hierarchy can be created through the use of size, color, contrast, alignment, and whitespace. Effective use of hierarchy can make your slides easier to understand and keep your audience focused on the key points.

17. Stock Photos

Stock photos are professionally taken photographs that are bought and sold on a royalty-free basis. They can be used in presentations to add visual interest, convey emotions, or illustrate specific concepts.

While stock photos can enhance a presentation, it’s important to use them judiciously and choose images that align with your presentation’s tone and content. Overuse of generic or irrelevant stock photos can make a presentation feel impersonal or unprofessional.

18. Sans Serif

Sans serif refers to a category of typefaces that do not have small lines or strokes attached to the ends of larger strokes. Sans serif fonts are often used in presentations because they’re typically easier to read on screens than serif fonts, which have these small lines.

Some popular sans serif fonts for presentations include Helvetica, Arial, and Calibri. When choosing a font for your slides, readability should be a primary consideration.

19. Hyperlink

A hyperlink, or link, is a clickable element in a slide that directs the viewer to another slide in the deck, a different document, or a web page. Hyperlinks can be used in presentations to provide additional information or to navigate to specific slides.

While hyperlinks can be useful, they should be used sparingly and appropriately. Links that direct the viewer away from the presentation can be distracting and disrupt the flow of your talk.

PDF stands for Portable Document Format. It’s a file format that preserves the fonts, images, graphics, and layout of any source document, regardless of the computer or software used to create it. Presentations are often saved and shared as PDFs to ensure they look the same on any device.

While a PDF version of your presentation will maintain its appearance, it won’t include interactive elements like animations, transitions, and hyperlinks. Therefore, it’s best used for distributing slide handouts or when the presentation software used to create the deck isn’t available.

21. Raster Graphics

Raster graphics are digital images composed of individual pixels. These pixels, each a single point with its own color, come together to form the full image. Photographs are the most common type of raster graphics.

While raster graphics can provide detailed and vibrant images, they don’t scale well. Enlarging a raster image can lead to pixelation, where the individual pixels become visible and the image appears blurry. For this reason, raster images in presentations should be used at their original size or smaller.

22. Typeface

A typeface, often referred to as a font, is a set of characters with the same design. This includes letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and sometimes symbols. Typefaces can have different styles and weights, such as bold or italic.

The choice of typeface can significantly impact the readability and mood of a presentation. For example, serif typefaces can convey tradition and authority, while sans serif typefaces can appear modern and clean. The key is to choose a typeface that aligns with the purpose and audience of your presentation.

23. Visual Content

Visual content refers to the graphics, images, charts, infographics, animations, and other non-text elements in a presentation. These elements can help capture the audience’s attention, enhance understanding, and make the presentation more memorable.

While visual content can enhance a presentation, it’s important not to overload slides with too many visual elements, as this can confuse or overwhelm the audience. All visual content should be relevant, clear, and support the overall message of the presentation.

24. Call to Action

A call to action (CTA) in a presentation is a prompt that encourages the audience to take a specific action. This could be anything from visiting a website, signing up for a newsletter, participating in a discussion, or implementing a suggested strategy.

A strong CTA aligns with the goals of the presentation and is clear and compelling. It often comes at the end of the presentation, providing the audience with a next step or a way to apply what they’ve learned.

25. Thumbnails

In presentations, thumbnails are small versions of the slides that are used to navigate through the deck during the design process. They provide an overview of the presentation’s flow and can help identify inconsistencies in design.

Thumbnails are typically displayed in the sidebar of presentation software. They allow you to easily move, delete, or duplicate slides, and can provide a visual check for overall consistency and flow.

26. Aspect Ratio

27. interactive elements.

Interactive elements are components in a presentation that the audience can interact with. These could include hyperlinks, embedded quizzes, interactive infographics, or multimedia elements like audio and video.

Interactive elements can make a presentation more engaging and memorable. However, they require careful planning and should always be tested before the presentation to ensure they work as intended.

28. Placeholders

In the context of presentations, placeholders are boxes that are included in a slide layout to hold specific types of content, such as text, images, or charts. They guide the placement of content and can help ensure consistency across slides.

Placeholders can be especially useful when working with templates, as they provide a predefined layout to follow. However, they should be used flexibly – not every placeholder needs to be used, and additional elements can be added if necessary.

29. Master Slide

The master slide is the top slide in a hierarchy of slides that stores information about the theme and slide layouts of a presentation. Changes made to the master slide, such as modifying the background, fonts, or color scheme, are applied to all other slides in the presentation.

Master slides can help ensure consistency across a presentation and save time when making global changes. However, it’s important to note that individual slides can still be modified independently if necessary.

In presentations, a layout refers to the arrangement of elements on a slide. This includes the placement of text, images, shapes, and other elements, as well as the use of space and alignment.

Choosing the right layout can make your slides look organized and professional, guide the viewer’s eye, and enhance your message. Most presentation software offers a variety of pre-defined layouts, but these can usually be modified to better suit your content and design preferences.

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

14.2 Incorporating Effective Visuals into a Presentation

Learning objectives.

• Recognize the characteristics of effective visual aids.
• Analyze different types of visual aids and appropriate ways to use them.
• Determine how to create original visual aids and how to locate visual aids created by others.

Good communication is a multisensory experience. Children first learning how to read often gravitate toward books with engaging pictures. As adults, we graduate to denser books without pictures, yet we still visualize ideas to help us understand the text. Advertisers favor visual media—television, magazines, and billboards—because they are the best way to hook an audience. Websites rely on color, graphics, icons, and a clear system of visual organization to engage Internet surfers.

Bringing visuals into a presentation adds color, literally and figuratively. There is an art to doing it well. This section covers how to use different kinds of visual aids effectively.

Using Visual Aids: The Basics

Good writers make conscious choices. They understand their purpose and audience. Every decision they make on the page, from organizing an essay to choosing a word with just the right connotations, is made with their purpose and audience in mind.

The same principle applies to visual communication. As a presenter, you choose the following:

• When to show images or video for maximum impact
• Which images will best produce the effect you want
• When to present information using a table, chart, or other graphic
• How much text to include in slides or informational graphics
• How to organize graphics so they present information clearly

Your goal is to use visual media to support and enhance your presentation. At the same time, you must make sure these media do not distract your audience or interfere with getting your point across. Your ideas, not your visuals, should be the focus.

As you develop the visual side of your presentation, you will follow a process much like the process you follow when you write. You will brainstorm ideas, form an organizational plan, develop drafts, and then refine and edit your work. The following sections provide guidelines to help you make good decisions throughout the process.

What Makes Visual Aids Effective?

To help you get a sense of what makes visual media work, think about what does not work. Try to recall occasions when you have witnessed the following visual media failures:

• Websites crammed with so many images, flashing phrases, and clashing colors that they are almost unreadable
• Assembly instructions with illustrations or diagrams that are impossible to follow
• Photographs that are obviously (and badly) altered with photo-editing software
• Distracting typos or other errors in signs, advertisements, or headlines
• Tables, charts, or graphs with tiny, dense text or missing labels

In each case, the problem is that the media creator did not think carefully enough about the purpose and audience. The purpose of images, color, or flashing text on a website is to attract attention. Overusing these elements defeats the purpose because the viewer may become overwhelmed or distracted. Tables, charts, and graphs are intended to simplify complex information, but without clear labels and legible text, they will confuse the audience.

In contrast, effective visual elements are chosen or created with the purpose and audience in mind. Although a photo shoot for a magazine article might result in dozens of images, editors choose those few that work best with the article. Web designers and video game creators have an audience test their products before they are released, to ensure that people will understand how to use them. Understanding the function of different visual aids will help you use them with purpose.

Types of Visual Aids

Visual aids fall into two main categories—images and informational graphics. Images include photographs, illustrations and clip art, and video footage. Informational graphics include tables, charts, bar graphs, and line graphs.

These visual aids serve two purposes: to add emotional impact to your presentation and to organize information more clearly. With that in mind, read to find out how specific types of visual aids achieve those purposes.

Photographs

A striking photograph can capture your audience’s attention far more successfully than words can. Consider including photographs at the beginning or end of your presentation to emphasize your main ideas or to accompany a particularly important point in the body of your presentation. Remember that, as with other types of graphics, less is often more. Two or three well-chosen photographs are more effective than a dozen mediocre ones.

When you choose photographs, ask yourself these questions:

• What purpose does this image serve? Will it surprise the audience? Will it provoke a strong emotional response? Does it support an important point?
• Will this photograph be more effective if shown with only a caption, or does it need additional text?
• Will the audience understand what is happening in the photograph? Is the meaning immediately evident, or does the photo need some context?
• Would editing the image make it more effective? Consider using image-editing software to crop the photo, change the brightness, or make other cosmetic changes. (Do not go overboard, though. A slightly imperfect but authentic image is preferable to one that has been obviously altered.)

To illustrate the sense of helplessness people felt in the midst of tragedy, a student could use a photograph that shows fear, weariness, or defeat on the face of the photograph’s subject.

Figure 14.3

Neil Moralee – On The Scrap Heap . – CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Illustrations

Illustrations, such as editorial or political cartoons, serve much the same purpose as photographs. Because an illustration does not capture a moment in time the way a photo does, it may have less impact. However, depending on your topic and the effect you want to achieve, illustrations can still be very useful. Use the same criteria for choosing photographs to help you choose illustrations.

Figure 14.4

Humor Blog – Political Cartoon about Budget Cuts – CC BY 2.0.

The style of an illustration or photograph affects viewers just as the content does. Keep this in mind if you are working with the stock images available in office software programs. Many of these images have a comical tone. This may be fine for some topics—for instance, a presentation on television shows for children. However, if you need to project a more serious tone, make sure you choose images to suit that purpose. Many free (or reasonably priced) image banks are available online.

Video Footage

Even more than photographs, video footage can create a sense of immediacy, especially if your video includes sound. Showing a brief video clip can help your audience feel as if they are present at an important event, connect with a person being interviewed, or better understand a process. Again, ask yourself the following questions to ensure you are using the footage well:

• What purpose does this video serve? (Never rely on video clips just to fill time.)
• How much footage should be shown to achieve your purpose?
• What will need to be explained, before or after showing the video, to ensure that your audience understands its significance?
• Will it be necessary to edit the video to stay within time requirements or to focus on the most important parts?

Informational graphics, such as tables, charts, and graphs, do not provoke the same response that images do. Nevertheless, these graphics can have a powerful impact. Their primary purpose is to organize and simplify information.

Tables are effective when you must classify information and organize it in categories. Tables are an especially good choice when you are presenting qualitative data that are not strictly numerical. Table 14.1 “Example of Qualitative Data Table” was created for a presentation discussing the subprime mortgage crisis. It presents information about people who have held powerful positions both in the government and at one of the investment banking firms involved in the subprime mortgage market.

Table 14.1 Example of Qualitative Data Table

Sources: http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/%3Bkw=%5B3351,11459%5D ; http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/19/business/19gold.html ; http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/p/henry_m_jr_paulson/index.html?inline=nyt-per ; http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/r/robert_e_rubin/index.html?inline=nyt-per , http://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/13/us/man-in-the-news-economic-adviser-from-other-side-of-the-deficit-stephen-friedman.html ; http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/342086.stm .

If you are working with numerical information, consider whether a pie chart, bar graph, or line graph might be an effective way to present the content. A table can help you organize numerical information, but it is not the most effective way to emphasize contrasting data or to show changes over time.

Pie charts are useful for showing numerical information in percentages. For example, you can use a pie chart to represent presidential election results by showing what percentage of voters voted for the Democratic presidential candidate, the Republican candidate, and candidates from other political parties.

Figure 14.5

Source: http://www.fec.gov/pubrec/fe2008/2008presgeresults.pdf

Bar graphs work well when you want to show similarities and differences in numerical data. Horizontal or vertical bars help viewers compare data from different groups, different time periods, and so forth. For instance, the bar graph in Figure 14.6 allows the viewer to compare data on the five countries that have won the most Olympic medals since the modern games began in 1924: Norway, the United States, the former Soviet Union, Germany, and Austria. Bar graphs can effectively show trends or patterns in data as well.

Figure 14.6

Source: http://www.nbcolympics.com/medals/all-time-standings/index.html

Line Graphs

Like bar graphs, line graphs show trends in data. Line graphs are usually used to show trends in data over time. For example, the line graph in Figure 14.7 shows changes in the Dow Jones Industrial Average—an economic index based on trading information about thirty large, US-based public companies. This graph shows where the Dow closed at the end of each business day over a period of five days.

Figure 14.7

Source: http://www.google.com/finance/historical?cid=983582&startdate=May+17%2C+2010&enddate=May+21%2C+2010

In this exercise, you will begin to refine your ideas for incorporating media into your presentation. Complete the following steps on your own sheet of paper.

• Revisit the list you brainstormed for Note 14.12 “Exercise 3” in Chapter 14 “Creating Presentations: Sharing Your Ideas” , Section 14.1 “Organizing a Visual Presentation” and the annotated outline you developed for Note 14.17 “Exercise 4” .
• Analyze the two different types of visual aids: images and informational graphics. Identify at least two places in your presentation where you might incorporate visual aids.
• Evaluate the purpose of the visual aid. Does it create emotional impact, or does it organize information? Is the visual effective?
• Determine whether you will be able to create the visual aid yourself or will need to find it.

Creating Original Visual Aids

You will include original visual aids in your presentation to add interest, present complex information or data more clearly, or appeal to your audience’s emotions. You may wish to create some visual aids by hand—for instance, by mounting photographs on poster board for display. More likely, however, you will use computer-generated graphics.

Computer-generated visual aids are easy to create once you learn how to use certain office software. They also offer greater versatility. You can print hard copies and display them large or include them in a handout for your audience. Or, if you are working with presentation software, you can simply insert the graphics in your slides.

Regardless of how you proceed, keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Create visual aids with purpose. Think carefully about how they will enhance your message, and choose a form that is appropriate for your content.
• Strive for quality. You do not need the skills of a professional photographer or designer, but do take time to make sure your visual aids are neat, attractive, and legible. Proofread for errors, too.

Using Software to Create Visual Aids

You can use standard office software to create simple graphics easily. The following guidelines describe how to work with word-processing software and presentation software.

Working with Photographs

Most personal computers come equipped with some basic image-editing software, and many people choose to purchase more advanced programs as well. You can upload photographs from a digital camera (or in some cases, a cell phone) or scan and upload printed photographs. The images can then be edited and incorporated into your presentation. Be sure to save all of your images in one folder for easy access.

Creating Tables

To create a table within a word-processing document consult your software program’s help feature or an online tutorial. Once you have created the table, you can edit and make any additional changes. Be sure that the table has no more than six to seven rows or columns because you do not want to compromise the size of the text or the readability. Aligning with precision will help your table look less crowded. Also, the row and column titles should spell out their contents.

Creating Graphs

Figure 14.8

Pie charts and bar and line graphs can also be created using standard office software. Although you can create these graphics within a document, you will need to work with both your word-processing application and your spreadsheet application to do so. The graph should visually explain the data using colors, titles, and labels. The use of color will help the audience distinguish information; however, avoid colors that are hard on the eyes, such as lime green or hot pink. The title should clearly state what the graph explains. Lastly, avoid using acronyms in the titles and other labels.

Creating Graphics in an Electronic Presentation

If you plan to work only with hard copy graphics during your presentation, you may choose to create them as word-processing documents. However, if you are using presentation software, you will need to choose one of the following options:

• Create your graphics using the presentation software program.
• Create your graphics within another program and import them.

Standard office presentation software allows you to create informational graphics in much the same way you would create them within a word-processing application. Keep the formatting palette, a menu option that allows you to customize the graphic, open while you use the software. The formatting menu provides options for inserting other types of graphics, such as pictures and video. You may insert pictures from an image bank available within the program, or insert images or video from your own desktop files. Shape your use of multimedia in accordance with the message your presentation is trying to convey, the purpose, and your audience.

Creating Visual Aids by Hand

Most of the time, using computer-generated graphics is more efficient than creating them by hand. Using office software programs helps give your graphics a polished appearance while also teaching you skills that are useful in a variety of jobs. However, it may make sense to use hand-created visual aids in some cases—for instance, when showing a 3-D model would be effective. If you follow this route, be sure to devote extra time to making sure your visual aids are neat, legible, and professional.

Flip charts are inexpensive and quick visual aids used during face-to-face presentations. The flip chart can be prepared before, as well as during, the presentation. Each sheet of paper should contain one theme, idea, or sketch and must be penned in large letters to be seen by audience members farthest away from the speaker.

Writing Captions

Any media you incorporate should include a caption or other explanatory text. A caption is a brief, one- to two-sentence description or explanation of a visual image. Make sure your captions are clear, accurate, and to the point. Use full sentences when you write them.

Captions should always be used with photographs, and in some cases, they can be useful for clarifying informational graphics, which represent qualitative data visually. However, informational graphics may not require a caption if the title and labels are sufficiently clear. For other visual media, such as video footage, providing explanatory text before or after the footage will suffice. The important thing is to make sure you always include some explanation of the media.

In this exercise, you will begin to develop visual aids for your presentation. Complete the steps in this exercise—and enjoy the chance to be creative. Working with visuals can be a pleasant way to take a break from the demands of writing.

• Revisit the ideas you developed in Note 14.24 “Exercise 1” . Choose at least two ideas that you can create. ( Note: If you are using software to develop a slideshow presentation, count this as one of your self-created visual aids. Include at least one other self-created visual aid, such as an original photograph, within your slideshow.)
• Get creative! Take your photographs, construct a 3-D model, create informational graphics, or work on your presentation slides. Develop good working drafts.
• After you have completed drafts of your visual aids, set them aside for a while. Then revisit them with a critical eye. First, check any text included with the graphic. Make sure your facts are correct, your words are clear and concise, and your language is free of errors.
• Next, evaluate how well your aids work visually. Are they large enough to be seen and read from a distance? Are captions and labels easy to find? Are photographs of reasonably high quality? Ask someone else for feedback, too.
• Begin making any needed changes. As you proceed through the rest of this section, continue to revisit your work to improve it as needed.

Collaboration

Please share the first version of your visual aids with a classmate. Examine what they have produced. On a separate piece of paper, note both the elements that catch your attention and those that would benefit from clarification. Return and compare notes.

Testing and Evaluating Visual Aids

Regardless of how you create your visual aids, be sure to test-drive them before you deliver your presentation. Edit and proofread them, and if possible, show them to someone who can give you objective feedback. Use the following checklist.

Checklist 14.1

Visual Aid Evaluation Checklist

• Visual aids are clearly integrated with the content of the presentation
• Photographs and illustrations suit the overall tone of the presentation
• Images and text are large and clear enough for the viewer to see or read
• Images are shown with explanatory text or a caption
• Informational graphics include clear, easy-to-read labels and headings
• Text within informational graphics is easy to read (Watch out for wordiness and crowded text or a font that is too small and hard to read.)
• Formatting choices (color, different fonts, etc.) organize information effectively
• Any text within graphics is free of errors
• Hyperlinks within slides function properly
• Display text for hyperlinks is concise and informative (Never paste a link into a slide without modifying the display text.)

Writing at Work

Office software includes many options for personalizing a presentation. For instance, you can choose or create a theme and color scheme, modify how one slide transitions to the next, or even include sound effects. With so many options, students and employees sometimes get carried away. The result can seem amateurish and detract from, rather than enhance, your presentation.

Remember, you are delivering a presentation, not producing a movie. Use the customization options to help give your presentations a consistent, polished, appearance. However, do not let these special effects detract from the substance of your slides.

Using Existing Visual Media

Depending on your topic, you may be able to find images and other graphics you can use instead of creating your own. For instance, you might use photographs from a reputable news source or informational graphics created by a government agency. If you plan to use visual aids created by others, keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Set a purpose before you begin your search. You will search more efficiently if you start with a general idea of what you are looking for—a line graph of unemployment rates for the past twelve months, for example, or a video clip of the most recent State of the Union address.
• Filter out visual aids that are not relevant. You may come across eye-catching graphics and be tempted to use them even if they are only loosely related to your topic, simply because they are attention getting. Resist the temptation. If the graphic is not clearly connected to your point, it does not belong in your presentation.
• Read carefully. In addition to reading labels, headings, and captions, read any text that accompanies the visual. Make sure you understand the visual in its original context. For informational graphics, make sure you understand exactly what information is being represented. (This may seem obvious, but it is easy to misread graphic information. Take the time to examine it carefully.)
• Evaluate sources carefully and record source information. When you look for visual media to complement your presentation, you are conducting research. Apply the same standards you used for your research paper. Choose reliable sources, such as reputable news organizations, government and nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. Verify data in additional sources. Finally, be sure to document all source information as you proceed.

Searching Efficiently for Visual Media

You will probably find it most efficient to use the Internet to search for visual aids. Many students begin by typing keywords into a search engine to locate related images. However, this search technique is not necessarily efficient, for several reasons:

• It often pulls up hundreds or even thousands of images, which may be only loosely related to your search terms.
• It can sometimes be difficult to understand the image in its original context.
• It can be hard to find copyright information about how you may use the image.

A more efficient strategy is to identify a few sources that are likely to have what you are looking for, and then search within those sites. For instance, if you need a table showing average life expectancy in different countries, you might begin with the website of the World Health Organization. If you hope to find images related to current events, news publications are an obvious choice. The Library of Congress website includes many media related to American history, culture, and politics.

Searching this way has the following advantages:

• You will often find what you are looking for faster because you are not wasting time scrolling through many irrelevant results.
• If you have chosen your sources well, you can be reasonably certain that you are getting accurate, up-to-date information.
• Images and informational graphics produced by reputable sources are likely to be high quality—easy to read and well designed.

If you do choose to use a search engine to help you locate visual media, make sure you use it wisely. Begin with a clear idea of what you are looking for. Use the advanced search settings to narrow your search. When you locate a relevant image, do not download it immediately. Read the page or site to make sure you understand the image in context. Finally, read the site’s copyright or terms of use policy—usually found at the bottom of the home page—to make sure you may use the material.

If you are unable to find what you are looking for on the Internet consider using print sources of visual media. You may choose to mount these for display or scan them and incorporate the files into an electronic presentation. (Scanning printed pages may lower the quality of the image. However, if you are skilled at using photo-editing software, you may be able to improve the quality of the scanned image.)

Inserting Hyperlinks in an Electronic Presentation

If you are working with images, audio, or video footage available online, you may wish to insert a link within your presentation. Then, during your presentation, you can simply click the link to open the website in a separate window and toggle between windows to return to your presentation slides.

To insert a hyperlink within your presentation, click on insert in the toolbar and then select hyperlink from the menu. Doing so will open a dialogue box where you can paste your link and modify the accompanying display text shown on your slide.

Copyright and Fair Use

Before you download (or scan) any visual media, make sure you have the right to use it. Most websites state their copyright and terms of use policy on their home page. In general, you may not use other people’s visual media for any commercial purpose without contacting the copyright holder to obtain permission and pay any specified fees.

Copyright restrictions are somewhat more ambiguous when you wish to download visual media for educational uses. Some educational uses of copyrighted materials are generally considered fair use —meaning that it is legally and ethically acceptable to use the material in your work. However, do not assume that because you are using the media for an educational purpose, you are automatically in the clear. Make sure your work meets the guidelines in the following checklist. If it does, you can be reasonably confident that it would be considered fair use in a court of law and always give credit to the source.

Checklist 14.2

Media Fair Use Checklist

• You are using the media for educational purposes only.
• You will make the work available only for a short period and to a limited audience. For instance, showing a copyrighted image in a classroom presentation is acceptable. Posting a presentation with copyrighted images online is problematic. In addition, avoid any uses that would allow other people to easily access and reproduce the work.
• You have used only as much of the work as needed for your purposes. For video and audio footage, limit your use to no more than 10 percent of the media—five minutes of an hour-long television show, for example. Image use is harder to quantify, but you should avoid using many images from the same source.
• You are using the media to support your own ideas, not replace them. Your use should include some commentary or place the media in context. It should be a supporting player in your presentation—not the star of the show.
• You have obtained the material legally. Purchase the media if necessary rather than using illegally pirated material.
• Your use of the media will not affect the copyright holder or benefit you financially.

By following these guidelines, you are respecting the copyright holder’s right to control the distribution of the work and to profit from it.

In some fields, such as teaching, job applicants often submit a professional portfolio to a prospective employer. Recent college graduates may include relevant course work in their portfolios or in applications to graduate school. What should you do if your course work uses copyrighted visual media?

This use of media is acceptable according to fair use guidelines. Even though you are using the work for your personal professional advancement, it is not considered an infringement on copyright as long as you follow the additional guidelines listed in the previous checklist.

Crediting Sources

As you conduct your research, make sure you document sources as you proceed. Follow the guidelines when you download images, video, or other media from the Internet or capture media from other sources. Keep track of where you accessed the media and where you can find additional information about it. You may also provide a references page at the end of the presentation to cite not only media and images but also the information in the text of your presentation. See Chapter 13 “APA and MLA Documentation and Formatting” for more information on creating a reference page.

Write captions or other explanatory text for visual media created by others, just as you would for media you created. Doing so helps keep your audience informed. It also helps ensure that you are following fair use guidelines by presenting the media with your commentary, interpretation, or analysis. In your caption or elsewhere in your presentation, note the source of any media you did not create yourself. You do not need to provide a full bibliographical citation, but do give credit where it is due.

In this exercise, you will locate visual aids created by others and continue developing the work you began earlier. Complete these steps.

1. Revisit the ideas you developed in Note 14.24 “Exercise 1” . Choose at least two ideas for which it would make more sense to find the visual aid than to create it yourself. 2. Use the search tips provided in this section to locate at least two visual aids from reputable sources that you can use. Prepare them for your presentation by adding clarifying text as needed. Be sure to credit your source. 3. Incorporate the visual aids you created in Note 14.26 “Exercise 2” and Note 14.32 “Exercise 3” into your presentation. This may involve preparing physical copies for display or inserting graphic files into an electronic presentation.

4. Take some time now to review how you will integrate the visual and verbal components of your presentation.

• If you are working with presentation software, refine your slides. Make sure the visual approach is consistent and suits your topic. Give your text a final proofread.
• If you are not using presentation software, review the annotated outline you created in Note 14.24 “Exercise 1” . Update it as needed to reflect your current plan. Also, determine how you will physically set up your visual aids.

Key Takeaways

• Visual aids are most effective when they are chosen with the purpose and audience in mind. They serve to add emotional impact to a presentation and to organize information more clearly.
• Visual aids should always be clearly related to the presenter’s ideas. Captions, labels, and other explanatory text help make the connection clear for the audience.
• Like writing, developing the visual components of a presentation is a process. It involves generating ideas, working with them in a draft format, and then revising and editing one’s work.
• Visual aids can be divided into two broad categories—image-based media and informational graphics.
• Widely available software programs make it relatively easy to create visual aids electronically, such as photo images, charts, and graphs.
• When using visual aids created by others, it is important to apply good research skills, follow guidelines for fair use, and credit sources appropriately.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

• PRESENTATION SKILLS

What is a Presentation?

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Presentation Skills:

• A - Z List of Presentation Skills
• Top Tips for Effective Presentations
• General Presentation Skills
• Preparing for a Presentation
• Organising the Material
• Writing Your Presentation
• Deciding the Presentation Method
• Managing your Presentation Notes
• Working with Visual Aids
• Presenting Data
• Managing the Event
• Coping with Presentation Nerves
• Dealing with Questions
• How to Build Presentations Like a Consultant
• 7 Qualities of Good Speakers That Can Help You Be More Successful
• Self-Presentation in Presentations
• Specific Presentation Events
• Remote Meetings and Presentations
• Giving a Speech
• Presentations in Interviews
• Presenting to Large Groups and Conferences
• Giving Lectures and Seminars
• Managing a Press Conference
• Attending Public Consultation Meetings
• Managing a Public Consultation Meeting
• Crisis Communications
• Elsewhere on Skills You Need:
• Communication Skills
• Facilitation Skills
• Teams, Groups and Meetings
• Effective Speaking
• Question Types

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The formal presentation of information is divided into two broad categories: Presentation Skills and Personal Presentation .

These two aspects are interwoven and can be described as the preparation, presentation and practice of verbal and non-verbal communication. 

This article describes what a presentation is and defines some of the key terms associated with presentation skills.

Many people feel terrified when asked to make their first public talk.  Some of these initial fears can be reduced by good preparation that also lays the groundwork for making an effective presentation.

A Presentation Is...

A presentation is a means of communication that can be adapted to various speaking situations, such as talking to a group, addressing a meeting or briefing a team.

A presentation can also be used as a broad term that encompasses other ‘speaking engagements’ such as making a speech at a wedding, or getting a point across in a video conference.

To be effective, step-by-step preparation and the method and means of presenting the information should be carefully considered. 

A presentation requires you to get a message across to the listeners and will often contain a ' persuasive ' element. It may, for example, be a talk about the positive work of your organisation, what you could offer an employer, or why you should receive additional funding for a project.

The Key Elements of a Presentation

Making a presentation is a way of communicating your thoughts and ideas to an audience and many of our articles on communication are also relevant here, see: What is Communication? for more.

Consider the following key components of a presentation:

Ask yourself the following questions to develop a full understanding of the context of the presentation.

When and where will you deliver your presentation?

There is a world of difference between a small room with natural light and an informal setting, and a huge lecture room, lit with stage lights. The two require quite different presentations, and different techniques.

Will it be in a setting you are familiar with, or somewhere new?

If somewhere new, it would be worth trying to visit it in advance, or at least arriving early, to familiarise yourself with the room.

Will the presentation be within a formal or less formal setting?

A work setting will, more or less by definition, be more formal, but there are also various degrees of formality within that.

Will the presentation be to a small group or a large crowd?

Are you already familiar with the audience?

With a new audience, you will have to build rapport quickly and effectively, to get them on your side.

What equipment and technology will be available to you, and what will you be expected to use?

In particular, you will need to ask about microphones and whether you will be expected to stand in one place, or move around.

What is the audience expecting to learn from you and your presentation?

Check how you will be ‘billed’ to give you clues as to what information needs to be included in your presentation.

All these aspects will change the presentation. For more on this, see our page on Deciding the Presentation Method .

The role of the presenter is to communicate with the audience and control the presentation.

Remember, though, that this may also include handing over the control to your audience, especially if you want some kind of interaction.

You may wish to have a look at our page on Facilitation Skills for more.

The audience receives the presenter’s message(s).

However, this reception will be filtered through and affected by such things as the listener’s own experience, knowledge and personal sense of values.

See our page: Barriers to Effective Communication to learn why communication can fail.

The message or messages are delivered by the presenter to the audience.

The message is delivered not just by the spoken word ( verbal communication ) but can be augmented by techniques such as voice projection, body language, gestures, eye contact ( non-verbal communication ), and visual aids.

The message will also be affected by the audience’s expectations. For example, if you have been billed as speaking on one particular topic, and you choose to speak on another, the audience is unlikely to take your message on board even if you present very well . They will judge your presentation a failure, because you have not met their expectations.

The audience’s reaction and therefore the success of the presentation will largely depend upon whether you, as presenter, effectively communicated your message, and whether it met their expectations.

As a presenter, you don’t control the audience’s expectations. What you can do is find out what they have been told about you by the conference organisers, and what they are expecting to hear. Only if you know that can you be confident of delivering something that will meet expectations.

See our page: Effective Speaking for more information.

How will the presentation be delivered?

Presentations are usually delivered direct to an audience.  However, there may be occasions where they are delivered from a distance over the Internet using video conferencing systems, such as Skype.

It is also important to remember that if your talk is recorded and posted on the internet, then people may be able to access it for several years. This will mean that your contemporaneous references should be kept to a minimum.

Impediments

Many factors can influence the effectiveness of how your message is communicated to the audience.

For example background noise or other distractions, an overly warm or cool room, or the time of day and state of audience alertness can all influence your audience’s level of concentration.

As presenter, you have to be prepared to cope with any such problems and try to keep your audience focussed on your message.   

Our page: Barriers to Communication explains these factors in more depth.

Continue to read through our Presentation Skills articles for an overview of how to prepare and structure a presentation, and how to manage notes and/or illustrations at any speaking event.

Continue to: Preparing for a Presentation Deciding the Presentation Method

See also: Writing Your Presentation | Working with Visual Aids Coping with Presentation Nerves | Dealing with Questions Learn Better Presentation Skills with TED Talks

11 Awesome and Free Image Resources for Your Next Presentation

Images make presentations and videos better. Not Text. Not Audio. It is the image that rules this world.

Why? Because images have the power to trigger an immediate and emotional response. This is especially true when it comes to presentations.

But, Not all images are created equal.

When I refer to powerful images, I am referring to GOOD images. Not the cut-and-paste stock images of men in business suits with bright, bleach white teeth laughing at what he sees on the computer screen. I’m talking about clever images, scenic images, animated images, and images that are full of color, life, and originality. The images that take us to a different reality are the ones that leave a lasting impression.

So, we found you 11 websites that will provide you with the best Free images available on the web .

Copyright Warning

One major caveat before we move on; there is a little thing called COPYRIGHT that can cause a big problem. Let’s say you finally find an awesome photo you want to include in your presentation. If you are using a library of free images, in the creative commons public domain , then you are in the clear.

If not, then you have 2 choices: you can download the image, close your eyes and pray that the image owner will not find you and sue you. (You should also pray that karma doesn’t bite you in the butt, tools like TinEye are getting better at spotting image thieves). Or you can pick the safer and morally justified route; just agree to the terms and conditions of the copyright . This usually means that you will have to add a link to the image URL or an owner attribution at the bottom, or in the worst case scenario, you may have to pay a small fee (if commercial use is involved).

Now that you know WHY images are so important and HOW to use them, here’s where you’ll find them: 11 Best FREE Image Resources.

1. Animated Characters

The immense power of the animated image is often overlooked. Cartoon characters and animations have the power to convey a message in a way that a ‘real human’ or ‘real scene’ could never accomplish. Kellogg’s is a great case study. Would Frosted Flakes sell so well if a middle-aged woman told you ‘Theeeeey’re great’? Nope. It’s a whole lot cooler if a cartoon tiger told you how unbelievable his bowl of cereal is. Below is an example of the standard business handshake and the same scene using Powtoon Characters .

2. Pexels.com

Pexels.com is a search engine for CC0 images (creative commons zero), with funky categories like vintage, abstract, and tech. Browsing through the wide range of styles and themes is a real treat for the eye. You can scroll randomly or set the filter by categories like ‘new’ and ‘trending’ photos.

3. Freeimages.com

The title says it all; loads of free images. In addition, you can see how many people have downloaded each image, just in case you wanted to use a more popular image or perhaps the opposite is true, maybe you’re in the mood to be a trendsetter.

4. New Old Stock

Ever wonder who owns the rights to a cool vintage photo from the 1920’s? The answer is usually NO ONE — they are dead. But, just to be sure, you’ve come to the right place. New Old Stock has a great collection of real vintage photos taken from the public archives that are completely free of known copyright restrictions.

5. StockSnap.io

StockSnap.io stands out for 3 major reasons: it has an easy search bar, adds new images frequently and — the cherry on top of the sundae — every single image is free from attribution. I think the site could be renamed don’t-worry-this-image-is-good-to-go.com.

6. Unsplash

Unsplash definitely makes a splash, a huge splash. The variety and quality of their high-resolution pics make them a top choice for bloggers and website owners alike.

7. Superfamous Studios

If you like Nature and Geography, especially mountains, rocks and water- this is the place for you. ‘ Superfamous ‘ is the Los Angeles-based studio of Dutch interaction designer Folkert Gorter. As long as you add a tiny attribution to Folkert, the images can be downloaded and used for whatever your heart desires.

8. Picjumbo

Picjumbo is a quite interesting collection of free photos that can be used for your commercial & personal works. Many of the pictures contain abstract themes, therefore, your search may not always deliver the typical results you’d expect. I typed in ‘Roses’ into the search and here’s the second picture that showed up:

9. Wikipedia

Yeah, I know… Wikipedia!? Wikipedia may be overused and a bit boring as far as common objects or themes are concerned, but when it comes to specifics, such as foreign foods or microorganisms, almost no other site can compete. In addition the guidelines for image use are laid out nicely and clearly under each image. Below is your average Philanthus triangulum feeding on nectar.

10. Getrefe

Getrefe calls themselves the place ‘where humanity and technology collide’ and they provide royalty-free, high-quality, natural looking photos of people interacting with technology. Many photos have an artsy Instagram feel. But be aware, they do have galleries of images that charge a fee.

11. Pixabay

This Google-Images style search is fantastic because the results page allows you to see so many options in one place. The drop down menu is pretty cool and allows you to sort from ‘Vector graphics’, ‘Illustrations’, and even ‘Wildcard Matches’.

There you have it; an Awesome and Free collection of websites that contain original photos, scenic pictures and abstract images to make your next presentation effective and engaging! Hope you enjoyed these 11 Awesome and Free image resources! We’d love if you’d leave a comment and let us know which one is your favorite!

Looking to create a video or presentation with out-of-this-world visuals? Powtoon offers thousands of royalty-free videos and images for users. Start using Powtoon for free here !

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Presentation Design Expert

Committed to abolishing the boring slides

How to Use Images Effectively in Presentations

August 15, 2015 By Brigette

A picture is worth a thousand words, so many people believe that images should be on every slide to help effectively communicate your ideas to your audience. Pictures are a vital piece of your presentation, but when they are used inadequately, you can lose the investment of the viewers. Often pictures can be irrelevant or boring and it can make your presentation feel amateur and disorganized. Other times there is no need for an image as there can be other ways to communicate and highlight the most important points of your presentation.

The way your pictures are organized on your slides can imply the level of your professionalism to your audience. For instance, example 1 shows the difference between scattered images versus organized images. A chaotic slide can unintentionally convey that you are ill prepared or disorganized. Cluttered slides like this tend to occur when you find multiple pictures that fit the concept you are attempting to illustrate. Busy slides can cause problems for the audience because the slide has too much information with no focal point. The slide should only have the photos necessary to display your idea. Sometimes pictures are not needed at all and your thoughts can be shown through a single word or a brief sentence. Using relevant images only will maintain focus on the important concepts and will result in a greater understanding of your ideas.

Other common problems with presentations are using cheesy clipart, distracting backgrounds, and tiny images. Most of us have seen cheesy clipart which leaves us feeling like the speaker is an amateur (as seen in example 2 ). There is no reason to use this tacky artwork because you have plenty of copyright free pictures to use on the internet. Avoiding childish clipart will instantly give a more professional tone to the entire presentation. Another problem to avoid is using distracting images as backgrounds, like example 3 . Complex images with text on top can make readability difficult.

My last example illustrates the typical practice for adding a photo to a slide by just dropping it in there with no thought, like in example 4 . Photos like this would best be viewed as full frame for cognitive reasons. When you look at the photo pasted as is, there is more distraction created by the white boarder around the edge as well as the distracting black boarder that is part of the image. When images are cropped and full frame, the slide has an underlying tone that makes the presenter appear more intelligent.

Depending on the subject matter, you might not even need a picture. For instance, if you are discussing sales and productivity, it might be more useful to simply float the words ‘sales’ and ‘productivity’ onto the slide. Occasionally not using images will add variety to the presentation which helps keep audience engagement.

To summarize, using the right picture can be worth saying a thousand words. A tasteful image next to a few bullet points can say volumes without putting all of that text on the slide. Using images properly will gain audience appreciation because you put effort into your presentation.

The 3 key functions of images in PowerPoint presentations

In my experience, there are three reasons why I suggest that you visualize the concepts with images in PowerPoint presentations :

Table of Contents

The images in PowerPoint presentations minimize the cognitive effort necessary to understand a concept

Do you remember the example I was doing when you read the description of the circle and then you see the image of a circle?

The images, if used properly, allow your audience to immediately understand your message .

This will allow you to unleash a dynamic constructive relationship with your slides during your presentation .

In fact, the attention of your audience will depend on your slide made with visual attractions thanks to the help of images. Their attention will quickly return to you.

Remember, it is essential that people watch over you most of the time (learn everything about eye path control for presentations ).

If I had to indicate a percentage, I would say that I like that people look at you 80% of the time and  20% of the time remaining to your slides . That short moments would serve the audience to visualize what you are saying.

Thanks to a skillful use of images, you can communicate your message more quickly,  minimizing every effort for your audience.

Images in PowerPoint presentations trigger emotions in people

Images have the power to excite people and the moments in which we get excited are imprinted in our lives.

If I ask what you did on a certain day last year, the chances that you would not know how to respond are high.

If, on the other hand, I ask you how you celebrated your last birthday, I’m sure you could answer me perfectly.

Do you want to see some types of images that can excite ? Read the next paragraph.

Images that portray people (portraits)

At this point I can’t fail to mention the Afghan girl of Steve McCurry, who, the first time he saw her, he said:

Immediately I noticed that little girl … She had an intense and tormented expression and an incredibly penetrating look.

I’m sure you’ve seen this girl, after all, she’s practically been around the world, after the publication on the cover of National Geographic in June 1985.

This image has become the symbol of the suffering of the Afghan conflicts at the eighties and it is thanks to its emotional power that has existed throughout the world.

Images of animals and children

Do you know the trending of kittens or viral dogs ?

Here, images of cats, kittens, dogs and puppies in general have an incredible emotional influence in people.

These small pests hit us when they seem to take on human behavior, as in the examples below.

Those animals hit us in the heart when they are small and damn soft.

Not to mention then when they look at us with those languid eyes .

As we said, the same applies to children.

Have you ever wondered if there is a scientific explanation behind our emotional reactions?

According to Konrad Lorenz, there is a pattern of elements that naturally inspire our tenderness :

• Wide forehead
• Round forms
• Body bigger than the head
• Rounded body

Presentation images that inspire you

The images that portray incredible landscapes, outdoor sports and high loads of inspiration generate a strong emotional involvement.

I will show you some examples that I have compiled for this article: Images that inspire

These images are perfect for building very powerful slides .

Presentation images that portrait expressions of happiness

You will have heard that the smile is contagious , the same applies to images that portray smiling or visibly happy people.

Body language has the ability to transmit emotions from person to person.

Sculpt humans’ memory

The information transmitted by the images to people is remembered longer than the information transmitted orally or in writing.

This is how the famous Picture Superiority Effect is valid if a person is exposed to the image for at least 30 seconds.

Statistically, if a person exposed to textual information, after three days will only remember 10% while, if the information is presented through images, after 3 days he will remember up to 65% of the information .

The Picture Superiority Effect of the image has been widely used in the world of advertising for decades.

The image is the most important element of the advertising structure of a magazine, both for the business and for the final consumers.

The messages represented through an image are increasingly effective for people, in conditions in which the public was not specially prepared for the action and was not prepared to process the information from a semantic point of view.

In addition, visual ads require less exposure time and are remembered longer (Childers & Houston, 1984).

After all, we know that the brain stores images. If a concept is shown textually, the brain must visualize it and then store the visual material that is constructed. If, on the other hand, the visual material is supplied ready, the brain only has to store it.

This means that all the energy will be used for storing the memory that will last the longest.

Go back:  HOW TO USE FREE IMAGES FOR POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE

Maurizio La Cava

About Maurizio

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presentation

Definition of presentation

• fairing [ British ]
• freebee
• largess

Examples of presentation in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'presentation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing presentation

• breech presentation

Dictionary Entries Near presentation

present arms

presentation copy

Cite this Entry

“Presentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presentation. Accessed 26 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of presentation, medical definition, medical definition of presentation, more from merriam-webster on presentation.

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700+ Presentation Images That Will Enhance Any Presentation [Free Images]

Written by: Chloe West

When creating a speech or a pitch to present to an audience, there’s one element that you especially want to focus on to create an engaging experience – your presentation images.

Your presentation images allow you to showcase your story through visuals. Whether you choose photography, graphic design elements and so on, your imagery is key to helping you make your main point.

Helping your audience to visualize your point is essential to a good presentation . While your overall content and your slide design matters as well, you need high-quality images to really prove your point to your audience.

Not only that, but people are visual learners. They want to see what you’re talking about.

So we’ve put together a list of over 700 presentation images that will enhance even the driest slideshow.

Plus, s croll down to the bottom for some tips on using these presentation images within your slides.

Click on the image gallery under each category to view tons of handpicked images to use for your presentation.

1 Business Presentation Images

There are so many different types of presentations that you’ll need to do in business or in your career. Whether it’s a sales presentation, a marketing presentation, a pitch to an investor, a presentation for a conference or networking event and more.

And these are typically made in an effort to promote your business. So you really don’t want your audience to get bored due to a lack of visuals.

Including images within your business presentation is the perfect way to keep your audience engaged and interested in what you’re saying.

However, we don’t mean you want these images to take up your entire slide and nothing else. You need to work it into your slide in a way that simply boosts your content. Add these presentation images as a background to your slide.

Place an image on one side of your slide and your content on the other slide. Add an image into your presentation as an accent.

There are many different ways to include imagery in your business presentation.

And to help you find the perfect images to include, we’ve created a huge list of presentation images that you can find right in Visme’s photo library and easily drop right into your slides.

Click on the image gallery below to view business presentation images.

2 Nature Presentation Images

Are you looking for some compelling and beautiful nature photography to use in your next nature presentation?

When you’re leading a presentation for your environmentally friendly nonprofit or sharing a nature-focused movement, you want to use photos that help to argue your main point and sell your presentation to your audience.

There’s no shortage of beautiful imagery of the earth, and your presentation should show off everything that this planet has to offer.

Fighting climate change? Trying to save an endangered species? Working against littering and pollution? Share photos of how the earth and wildlife is supposed to look.

To help you do this, we wanted to put together a comprehensive list of all of the nature presentation images we have right in Visme’s photo library.

Browse through our nature photos below, then dive right into your Visme design dashboard to create a beautifully captivating presentation.

Click on the image gallery below to view nature presentation images.

3 Marketing Presentation Images

When marketing your business, you really need to sell in your presentations. If you’re marketing your business at a networking event, tradeshow or conference, your presentation's visuals really matter.

They also matter in a sales pitch, or even just in a marketing presentation or report with your team. Keep your team and your supervisors engaged using a combination of data visualization tools and beautiful images.

Peruse Visme’s photo library to find photos that represent your target audience for your buyer personas. Search for images of social media users to help prove your point about the importance of social media.

You can even find images with analytics and data that will help visualize the statistics you’re working to convey. 

Picture this: your interactive charts on one side with a high-quality stock photo right next to it to really pull your entire slide design together.

Scroll through our top marketing presentation images to find the ones that work best in your presentation design.

Click on the image gallery below to view marketing presentation images.

4 City Presentation Images

Show off your city in your next presentation. These images can be useful to present an idea to the city council or to share a local movement or project with an audience.

Visme’s stock photo library has a plethora of images from cities around the world. Show off your landscape, sights to see and more for free.

It doesn’t matter if your beautiful city includes more skyscrapers or shopping centers, farms or amusement parks. Regardless, you can find the perfect stock photos to represent your city within Visme’s searchable library.

Your city presentation will hold that much more emotion and power if it includes visual representations of the exact locations you’re talking about.

Check out our city presentation image options below to start your search for the perfect photos for your slideshow.

Click on the image gallery below to view city presentation images.

5 Political Presentation Images

Whether you’re running a local, statewide or national campaign, you’re going to have to give a few speeches and presentations. And it’s essential to include visuals and imagery inside any presentation slides you create alongside your speech.

People are passionate about their political views, and integrating visual aids to support your speaking points can make your stance on the issues seem even more impactful.

Help to rally your supporters by including patriotic photography alongside imagery that speaks to your focal campaign messaging.

Share images of the area that you’re running to represent to showcase your love for your district and how you want to change it. 

Whether you’re running for student council, city council, or even president or prime minister, you need to include photos that help to sell your messaging and let people know why they should vote for you.

Click on the image gallery below to view political presentation images.

Visme gives you access to over a million high quality photos .

• Photo editor included
• Access gorgeous photo filters
• Add text, graphics and more to your designs

6 Animal Presentation Images

Who doesn’t love animals? And when you’re putting together a presentation about animals (whether it’s to help animals get adopted, share information on an endangered species, combat animal cruelty, etc.), what better way to appeal to your audience than with photos?

Visme’s photo library includes images of pets as well as images of wildlife so that you can find photos that suit any presentation talking points.

Search for photos of lions, tigers, bears and more. Or on the tamer side, find images of some puppies, kittens and bunnies.

Looking for something a bit more exotic? Check out our selection of reptiles, like alligators, lizards and snakes.

Simply dive into Visme’s design dashboard, click over to Graphics in the left sidebar and start searching through the massive photo library to find the perfect animal presentation images for your slides.

Click on the image gallery below to view animal presentation images.

7 Holiday Presentation Images

There’s a never ending list of holidays, so the list of stock photos needs to be just as long! If you’re referencing holidays in your presentation or putting together a report that covers a single holiday extensively, we’ve got your images covered.

Find any and all holiday presentation images in Visme’s stock photo library. Whether it’s winter holidays like Christmas or Hannukah or summer holidays like Fourth of July or Cinco de Mayo, you’ll find the perfect images in our photo resource.

Remember, an image is worth a thousand words, so you always want to have a few good photos to visually represent what you’re saying.

Do a quick search of holiday presentation images in this gallery as well as in Visme.

Click on the image gallery below to view holiday presentation images.

8 Educational Presentation Images

Whether you’re putting together a report for school or giving a presentation on the importance of education, the need for photos to accompany your words is essential.

Showcase children sitting at their desks, eager to learn. Share images of kids at play during recess. Visualize what it means for students to make friends in class. 

There are so many different ways to show off education in stock photos through your presentation, and we’re only here to help.

Take a look at the photos included in our roundup below, but don’t forget to conduct a thorough search in Visme’s design dashboard.

You can use imagery as the background of a slide or to simply create an accent or emphasis on your slide content.

But one thing is for sure: you need to visually represent your words with graphics and photography. Browsing through the gallery below can help.

Click on the image gallery below to view educational presentation images.

9 Nonprofit Presentation Images

There are many different reasons someone involved in a nonprofit might need to give a presentation. There are donor pitches, fundraising events, speeches and more.

And each of those presentations is made up of two components: words and images.

When it comes to a nonprofit presentation , the need for an emotional appeal to the audience grows exponentially. The purpose of these presentations tends to be to generate or increase donations, because nonprofits operate exclusively through donations.

Including imagery that represents what your nonprofit is fighting for or against is the best way to appeal to your audience’s senses. Even more than words, visuals help people to understand or relate to an issue.

And Visme’s photo library is full of images that your nonprofit can use in its next presentation. Just start browsing through our selection below.

Click on the image gallery below to view nonprofit presentation images.

10 Financial Presentation Images

Putting on a presentation to talk finances? Maybe you’re a financial planner, and you’re trying to show potential clients why they need your help.

Or perhaps you’re putting together a presentation to let the board on your nonprofit or supervisors in your company know about your revenue and spending.

Either way, a presentation is a great way to visualize the dollars and cents and help to create a compelling argument for how well your company is performing.

And any compelling presentation needs visuals. While financial presentations will also require some powerful data visualizations , don’t forget about the images.

Financial presentation images can provide context for your argument, add an accent to a slide, or give you a background to overlay your information onto.

Check out the images we have in our massive photo library that can help improve your financial presentation.

Click on the image gallery below to view financial presentation images.

11 Motivational Presentation Images

If you’re giving a motivational speech , you definitely need presentation images to accompany your content. An image is worth a thousand words, and incorporating photos into your motivational presentation is the perfect way to inspire your audience.

Your motivational presentation images can range from photos of inspirational sayings or scenes to photos of people working hard to succeed at something.

Consider what your topic is, and find photos that are relevant. You want to inspire and motivate your audience to take action to better themselves and their lives.

Browse our extensive photo library to find the perfect motivational photos to accompany your presentation.

Click on the image gallery below to view motivational presentation images.

12 Art Presentation Images

Are you discussing art? Whether it’s the history of art, modern art or simply how art can be found in life, you’re in luck.

Our library of stock images can help you find the beautiful and artistic presentation images that you need to amplify your message. 

Showcase the exact types of art that you’re discussing in your presentation by sharing photos of it directly in your slideshow. You can use those photos as a background to your slide, as an accent that appears alongside your content or as the feature photo on a slide.

Art is such a visual concept anyways, that it should be fairly simple for you to find the perfect stock photography to match your information.

Browse through just a few handfuls of the photos that Visme’s presentation image library has to offer.

Click on the image gallery below to view art presentation images.

13 Travel Presentation Images

Our last section of presentation images for your slideshow needs covers travel presentations . If you’re a travel agent making a pitch or a digital nomad teaching others how to do the same, you need some stellar travel photos to show off.

Sharing photos from around the world is a huge incentive to get people on your side, listening to what you can teach them or do for them.

After all, who doesn’t love the idea of vacationing and traveling the world?

Find the perfect travel photos to pop into your presentation slides with Visme’s stock photo library. With hundreds of thousands of photos to choose from, you’re sure to find some beautiful travel presentation images that are perfect for your message.

Check out the gallery below to find a few that will fit perfectly in your next presentation.

Click on the image gallery below to view travel presentation images.

How to Use These Presentation Images

So now that we’ve shown you over 700 of the thousands of presentation images we have available for free use, we know what you’re thinking.

How can you use these photos in a presentation? And furthermore, how can you use them and ensure your slides still look well designed ?

There are several different ways to use images in your presentations, so let’s go over how you can do these right in Visme’s presentation maker.

Color Overlay

A color overlay is a transparent color on top of a photo. These are great to use when you want to add a photo onto a slide for emphasis, but you still need to include text on the slide.

Because it tends to be difficult to see text directly on top of a bright, busy photo, a color overlay is a great way to soften the photo and ease it into the background.

You can create a color overlay in Visme by clicking the Filter setting, choosing your color and selecting the opacity percentage. Check out a few other photo filter options here .

Create an accent in your slide by using an accent photo. The photo can be in the corner of your slide, covering the top or bottom half, taking up the left or right side or even right in the middle of your slide with your content surrounding it.

You can easily create an accent photo by selecting your photo from our photo library or uploading your own, then sizing it and dragging it to the area you want to accentuate.

You can easily upload a background photo by clicking the slide background and selecting a photo from the stock image library.

If the photo doesn’t fit perfectly, you can drag it around to ensure the area that you want to be visible is shown in your slide.

When using a background image with no color overlay, it’s a good idea to choose a photo with a lot of white space. This allows you to add visuals to your presentation slide while also including copy from your slide content.

If you’ve found a photo that is partially perfect, don’t worry. You can quickly and easily crop photos directly in the Visme design dashboard so that you’re only showcasing the part of the image that you want to be visible on your slide.

To crop a photo, select the Crop setting and drag the corners until the area that you want to see is selected. Then click Apply .

Last, but not least, is our feature image.

If you’ve found a photo that conveys your messaging perfectly, but you don’t want any text to distract your audience, you can include it as a feature image on a slide.

All you do is upload it as a background image or resize it so it covers the entire screen and let your words speak for themselves.

Not every slide needs to have copy on it. You can include feature images every few slides so that your audience still has something engaging to look at while you continue speaking.

To learn even more about using images in your presentation design, check out this video from our Make Information Beautiful series:

Create Your Own Presentation

Ready to take charge of your next presentation? All you need are the right presentation images to engage your audience and help to illustrate your point.

Jump into our Visme design dashboard with one of these pre-designed presentation templates , input your content, choose your images and you’re ready to present!

Create beautiful presentations faster with Visme.

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About the Author

Chloe West is the content marketing manager at Visme. Her experience in digital marketing includes everything from social media, blogging, email marketing to graphic design, strategy creation and implementation, and more. During her spare time, she enjoys exploring her home city of Charleston with her son.

Presentation Definition: A Comprehensive Guide

Featured In

Table of contents, unraveling the presentation definition, what is a presentation, historical roots: from latin to modern day, types and formats of presentations, enhancing presentation skills: a guide, presentation in the digital age: multimedia and keynote, the art of visual aids: graphs and more, presentation in different languages, presentation in literature and culture, effective presentation: tips and techniques, incorporating quizzes and group activities, presentation in educational contexts, synonyms and related terms, the thesaurus and vocabulary expansion, historical and specialized types of presentations, presentation in business: introducing a new product, word of the day: presentation, key points and summarization, cultural influences and adaptations, the role of technology, eye contact and body language, the art of storytelling, innovation and new products, speechify studio.

Unraveling the Presentation DefinitionPresentation - a word frequently used in English, Spanish, Latin, French, and Arabic contexts, but what does it exactly...

Presentation - a word frequently used in English, Spanish, Latin, French, and Arabic contexts, but what does it exactly mean? In this article, we delve into the definition of presentation , exploring its various facets and applications in different fields.

The Essence of Presentation: A Definition

A presentation is the act of presenting information or ideas to a group of people in a structured and deliberate manner, often with the aid of visual aids like PowerPoint, Keynote, or multimedia tools.

Presentations are a ubiquitous part of the professional, educational, and social landscape. The act of presenting, essentially communicating information and ideas to a group of people, has evolved significantly over time. This article explores the definition of a presentation, its various formats, the skills required to make it effective, and the nuances of a great presentation, all while weaving in an eclectic mix of keywords.

The Evolution from 'Praesentātiō' to 'Presentation'

In its essence, a presentation is the act of presenting or displaying information or ideas to an audience. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as "the action or process of presenting something to someone." In Latin, the term stems from 'praesentātiō', denoting the action of placing before or showing. This definition has broadened in modern English to encompass various methods of showcasing information, whether it's a business pitch, an academic lecture, or introducing a new product.

The term has its origins in Latin ('praesentātiō'), evolving through various languages like French and British English, symbolizing the act of presenting, displaying, or giving something to others.

Diverse Formats for Different Needs

Presentations can vary in formats - from formal PowerPoint presentations to informal Prez (an informal abbreviation of presentation) discussions, each tailored to suit specific requirements.

Mastering the Art of Presentation

Presentations come in various formats, from the traditional speech to more contemporary multimedia showcases. PowerPoint, a widely used tool, allows the integration of text, images, and graphs to create visually appealing slides. Similarly, Apple's Keynote offers tools for creating impactful multimedia presentations. The inclusion of visual aids, like graphs and charts, enhances comprehension and retention. For those interested in learning Spanish, Arabic, or French, incorporating these languages in presentations can broaden audience reach.

Effective presentation skills involve a blend of clear communication, eye contact , engaging visual aids , and a confident delivery. These skills are crucial in both business and educational settings.

Embracing Technology for Impactful Presentations

In the era of digital communication, tools like multimedia presentations and Apple's Keynote software have become indispensable for creating dynamic and interactive presentations.

Using Graphs and Visuals Effectively

Effective presentations often include graphs and other visual aids to convey complex information in an easily digestible format, enhancing the audience's understanding.

A Multilingual Perspective

The concept of presentation transcends languages, from English to Arabic , each offering unique nuances in the art of presenting.

Presentation Copy and Beyond

The term also appears in literary contexts, such as a "presentation copy" of a book, and in cultural scenarios like a "breech presentation" in childbirth, where the baby is positioned to exit the birth canal feet first.

Crafting an Impactful Presentation

An effective presentation is more than just delivering facts; it involves engaging storytelling, structured key points , and the ability to connect with the audience.

To deliver an effective presentation, certain skills are paramount. English, being a global lingua franca, is often the preferred language for presentations. However, the ability to present in multiple languages, like Spanish or French, can be a significant advantage.

Eye contact is a crucial skill, establishing a connection with the audience and making the presentation more engaging. Additionally, the ability to read the room and adjust the presentation accordingly is vital.

Interactive elements like quizzes can transform a presentation from a monologue into a dynamic group activity. They encourage participation and can be especially effective in educational settings. Quizzes can also be used in business presentations to gauge audience understanding or to introduce a new product.

Learning Through Presentations

In educational settings, presentations are used as a tool for teaching and assessment, often involving quizzes and interactive sessions to enhance learning.

Exploring Synonyms and the Thesaurus

The thesaurus offers a range of synonyms for 'presentation,' such as exhibition, demonstration, and display, each with slightly different connotations.

Utilizing a thesaurus can enrich presentation language, offering synonyms and example sentences to clarify points. The 'word of the day' concept, often found in English learning resources, can be an interesting addition to presentations, especially in multilingual contexts.

The term 'presentation' also has specialized meanings. In historical contexts, a 'presentation copy' refers to a book or manuscript gifted by the author. In obstetrics, 'breech presentation' denotes a situation where the baby is positioned to exit the birth canal feet or buttocks first. Understanding these specialized definitions enriches the overall grasp of the term.

The Role of Presentation in Business

In business contexts, presentations are crucial for scenarios like introducing a new product , persuading investors, or communicating with stakeholders.

Expanding Vocabulary with 'Presentation'

In language learning, 'presentation' can be a word of the day , helping learners understand its usage through example sentences and pronunciation (notated as /ˌprez.ənˈteɪ.ʃən/ in English).

An effective presentation distills complex information into key points, making it easier for the audience to remember the most important takeaways. Summarization skills are critical in achieving this clarity.

The concept of presentations varies across cultures. In Arabic-speaking countries, the style of presentation might differ significantly from that in English-speaking contexts. The benefice of understanding cultural nuances cannot be overstated, as it can significantly impact the effectiveness of a presentation.

Technology, particularly multimedia, plays a pivotal role in modern presentations. From PowerPoint slides to advanced software like Keynote, the use of technology has revolutionized the way information is presented. The integration of videos, sound, and interactive elements makes presentations more engaging and memorable.

In delivering a presentation, non-verbal cues like eye contact and body language are as important as the spoken content. Maintaining eye contact with the audience establishes a connection and keeps them engaged. Similarly, confident body language can convey authority and enthusiasm.

A great presentation often resembles storytelling. It's not just about relaying facts; it's about weaving a narrative that resonates with the audience. This involves understanding the audience's needs and interests and tailoring the content accordingly.

Presentations are often the first introduction of a new product to the market. The effectiveness of these presentations can make or break the product's success. Highlighting the unique features and benefits in a clear, compelling manner is crucial.

The Power of Presentation

Presentations are a powerful tool for communication and education. Whether in a formal business setting or an informal educational environment, mastering the art of presentation can lead to more effective and impactful communication.

1. Oxford English Dictionary

2. Merriam-Webster Thesaurus

3. Apple Keynote User Guide

4. Presentation Techniques in Educational Literature

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## Frequently Asked Questions About Presentations

### What is in a presentation?

A presentation typically includes a combination of spoken words and visual aids such as PowerPoint slides, graphs, or multimedia elements. It's an organized way to convey information or ideas to a group of people.

### What is meant by giving a presentation?

Giving a presentation refers to the act of presenting information or ideas to an audience. This act, known in various languages including English, Spanish, and French as 'presentation' (or 'praesentātiō' in Latin), involves communication skills, visual aids, and sometimes interactive elements like quizzes.

### What makes a good presentation?

A good presentation effectively communicates key points, engages the audience through eye contact and clear speech (often practiced as a 'word of the day' in English classes), uses visual aids like graphs, and is well-structured. Effective presentation skills are crucial for this.

### What are the types of presentation?

There are various types of presentations, including formal business presentations (often using PowerPoint or Keynote), educational lectures, sales pitches for a new product, and informal talks. Each type uses different formats and approaches.

### What are the 4 parts of a presentation?

The four main parts of a presentation are the introduction, the main body, the conclusion, and the Q&A session. Each part plays a vital role in delivering an effective presentation.

### What are the three things that a good presentation should do?

A good presentation should inform, engage, and persuade or inspire the audience. It's about more than just delivering facts; it's an act of communication that can change perspectives or encourage action.

### How is a presentation linked with multimedia?

Presentations often use multimedia elements like videos, audio clips, and animated graphs to enhance the viewer's understanding and engagement. Multimedia tools like PowerPoint and Keynote are widely used in creating dynamic presentations.

### How long should a presentation be?

The length of a presentation can vary, but it's typically between 15 to 30 minutes. The duration depends on the context and the amount of information to be covered. It's important to keep presentations concise to maintain the audience's attention.

These answers incorporate various aspects of presentations, including their definition, formats, and the skills required, in multiple languages and contexts, as seen in resources like Oxford dictionaries and thesaurus.

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8 Types of Presentations You Should Know [+Examples & Tips]

Written by: Krystle Wong Aug 11, 2023

From persuasive pitches that influence opinions to instructional demonstrations that teach skills, the different types of presentations serve a unique purpose, tailored to specific objectives and audiences.

Presentations that are tailored to its objectives and audiences are more engaging and memorable. They capture attention, maintain interest and leave a lasting impression. 

Don’t worry if you’re no designer —  Whether you need data-driven visuals, persuasive graphics or engaging design elements, Venngage can empower you to craft presentations that stand out and effectively convey your message.

Venngage’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface, extensive presentation template library and customizable design options make it a valuable tool for creating slides that align with your specific goals and target audience. 

Click to jump ahead:

8 Different types of presentations every presenter must know

How do i choose the right type of presentation for my topic or audience, types of presentation faq, 5 steps to create a presentation with venngage .

When it comes to presentations, versatility is the name of the game. Having a variety of presentation styles up your sleeve can make a world of difference in keeping your audience engaged. Here are 8 essential presentation types that every presenter should be well-acquainted with:

1. Informative presentation

Ever sat through a presentation that left you feeling enlightened? That’s the power of an informative presentation. 

This presentation style is all about sharing knowledge and shedding light on a particular topic. Whether you’re diving into the depths of quantum physics or explaining the intricacies of the latest social media trends, informative presentations aim to increase the audience’s understanding.

When delivering an informative presentation, simplify complex topics with clear visuals and relatable examples. Organize your content logically, starting with the basics and gradually delving deeper and always remember to keep jargon to a minimum and encourage questions for clarity.

Academic presentations and research presentations are great examples of informative presentations. An effective academic presentation involves having clear structure, credible evidence, engaging delivery and supporting visuals. Provide context to emphasize the topic’s significance, practice to perfect timing, and be ready to address anticipated questions. 

2. Persuasive presentation

If you’ve ever been swayed by a passionate speaker armed with compelling arguments, you’ve experienced a persuasive presentation . 

This type of presentation is like a verbal tug-of-war, aiming to convince the audience to see things from a specific perspective. Expect to encounter solid evidence, logical reasoning and a dash of emotional appeal.

With persuasive presentations, it’s important to know your audience inside out and tailor your message to their interests and concerns. Craft a compelling narrative with a strong opening, a solid argument and a memorable closing. Additionally, use visuals strategically to enhance your points.

Examples of persuasive presentations include presentations for environmental conservations, policy change, social issues and more. Here are some engaging presentation templates you can use to get started with: 

3. Demonstration or how-to presentation

A Demonstration or How-To Presentation is a type of presentation where the speaker showcases a process, technique, or procedure step by step, providing the audience with clear instructions on how to replicate the demonstrated action. 

A demonstrative presentation is particularly useful when teaching practical skills or showing how something is done in a hands-on manner.

These presentations are commonly used in various settings, including educational workshops, training sessions, cooking classes, DIY tutorials, technology demonstrations and more. Designing creative slides for your how-to presentations can heighten engagement and foster better information retention. 

Speakers can also consider breaking down the process into manageable steps, using visual aids, props and sometimes even live demonstrations to illustrate each step. The key is to provide clear and concise instructions, engage the audience with interactive elements and address any questions that may arise during the presentation.

4. Training or instructional presentation

Training presentations are geared towards imparting practical skills, procedures or concepts — think of this as the more focused cousin of the demonstration presentation. 

Whether you’re teaching a group of new employees the ins and outs of a software or enlightening budding chefs on the art of soufflé-making, training presentations are all about turning novices into experts.

To maximize the impact of your training or instructional presentation, break down complex concepts into digestible segments. Consider using real-life examples to illustrate each point and create a connection. 

You can also create an interactive presentation by incorporating elements like quizzes or group activities to reinforce understanding.

5. Sales presentation

Sales presentations are one of the many types of business presentations and the bread and butter of businesses looking to woo potential clients or customers. With a sprinkle of charm and a dash of persuasion, these presentations showcase products, services or ideas with one end goal in mind: sealing the deal.

A successful sales presentation often has key characteristics such as a clear value proposition, strong storytelling, confidence and a compelling call to action. Hence, when presenting to your clients or stakeholders, focus on benefits rather than just features. 

Anticipate and address potential objections before they arise and use storytelling to showcase how your offering solves a specific problem for your audience. Utilizing visual aids is also a great way to make your points stand out and stay memorable.

A sales presentation can be used to promote service offerings, product launches or even consultancy proposals that outline the expertise and industry experience of a business. Here are some template examples you can use for your next sales presentation:

6. Pitch presentation

Pitch presentations are your ticket to garnering the interest and support of potential investors, partners or stakeholders. Think of your pitch deck as your chance to paint a vivid picture of your business idea or proposal and secure the resources you need to bring it to life. 

Business presentations aside, individuals can also create a portfolio presentation to showcase their skills, experience and achievements to potential clients, employers or investors. 

Craft a concise and compelling narrative. Clearly define the problem your idea solves and how it stands out in the market. Anticipate questions and practice your answers. Project confidence and passion for your idea.

7. Motivational or inspirational presentation

Feeling the need for a morale boost? That’s where motivational presentations step in. These talks are designed to uplift and inspire, often featuring personal anecdotes, heartwarming stories and a generous serving of encouragement.

Form a connection with your audience by sharing personal stories that resonate with your message. Use a storytelling style with relatable anecdotes and powerful metaphors to create an emotional connection. Keep the energy high and wrap up your inspirational presentations with a clear call to action.

Inspirational talks and leadership presentations aside, a motivational or inspirational presentation can also be a simple presentation aimed at boosting confidence, a motivational speech focused on embracing change and more.

8. Status or progress report presentation

Projects and businesses are like living organisms, constantly evolving and changing. Status or progress report presentations keep everyone in the loop by providing updates on achievements, challenges and future plans. It’s like a GPS for your team, ensuring everyone stays on track.

Be transparent about achievements, challenges and future plans. Utilize infographics, charts and diagrams to present your data visually and simplify information. By visually representing data, it becomes easier to identify trends, make predictions and strategize based on evidence.

Now that you’ve learned about the different types of presentation methods and how to use them, you’re on the right track to creating a good presentation that can boost your confidence and enhance your presentation skills . 

Selecting the most suitable presentation style is akin to choosing the right outfit for an occasion – it greatly influences how your message is perceived. Here’s a more detailed guide to help you make that crucial decision:

1. Define your objectives

Begin by clarifying your presentation’s goals. Are you aiming to educate, persuade, motivate, train or perhaps sell a concept? Your objectives will guide you to the most suitable presentation type. 

For instance, if you’re aiming to inform, an informative presentation would be a natural fit. On the other hand, a persuasive presentation suits the goal of swaying opinions.

2. Know your audience

Regardless if you’re giving an in-person or a virtual presentation — delve into the characteristics of your audience. Consider factors like their expertise level, familiarity with the topic, interests and expectations. 

If your audience consists of professionals in your field, a more technical presentation might be suitable. However, if your audience is diverse and includes newcomers, an approachable and engaging style might work better.

3. Analyze your content

Reflect on the content you intend to present. Is it data-heavy, rich in personal stories or focused on practical skills? Different presentation styles serve different content types. 

For data-driven content, an informative or instructional presentation might work best. For emotional stories, a motivational presentation could be a compelling choice.

4. Consider time constraints

Evaluate the time you have at your disposal. If your presentation needs to be concise due to time limitations, opt for a presentation style that allows you to convey your key points effectively within the available timeframe. A pitch presentation, for example, often requires delivering impactful information within a short span.

5. Leverage visuals

Visual aids are powerful tools in presentations. Consider whether your content would benefit from visual representation. If your PowerPoint presentations involve step-by-step instructions or demonstrations, a how-to presentation with clear visuals would be advantageous. Conversely, if your content is more conceptual, a motivational presentation could rely more on spoken words.

6. Align with the setting

Take the presentation environment into account. Are you presenting in a formal business setting, a casual workshop or a conference? Your setting can influence the level of formality and interactivity in your presentation. For instance, a demonstration presentation might be ideal for a hands-on workshop, while a persuasive presentation is great for conferences.

7. Gauge audience interaction

Determine the level of audience engagement you want. Interactive presentations work well for training sessions, workshops and small group settings, while informative or persuasive presentations might be more one-sided.

8. Flexibility

Stay open to adjusting your presentation style on the fly. Sometimes, unexpected factors might require a change of presentation style. Be prepared to adjust on the spot if audience engagement or reactions indicate that a different approach would be more effective.

Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and the best type of presentation may vary depending on the specific situation and your unique communication goals. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the most effective presentation type to successfully engage and communicate with your audience.

To save time, use a presentation software or check out these presentation design and presentation background guides to create a presentation that stands out.    

What are some effective ways to begin and end a presentation?

Capture your audience’s attention from the start of your presentation by using a surprising statistic, a compelling story or a thought-provoking question related to your topic. 

To conclude your presentation , summarize your main points, reinforce your key message and leave a lasting impression with a powerful call to action or a memorable quote that resonates with your presentation’s theme.

How can I make my presentation more engaging and interactive?

To create an engaging and interactive presentation for your audience, incorporate visual elements such as images, graphs and videos to illustrate your points visually. Share relatable anecdotes or real-life examples to create a connection with your audience. 

You can also integrate interactive elements like live polls, open-ended questions or small group discussions to encourage participation and keep your audience actively engaged throughout your presentation.

Which types of presentations require special markings

Some presentation types require special markings such as how sales presentations require persuasive techniques like emphasizing benefits, addressing objections and using compelling visuals to showcase products or services. 

Demonstrations and how-to presentations on the other hand require clear markings for each step, ensuring the audience can follow along seamlessly. 

That aside, pitch presentations require highlighting unique selling points, market potential and the competitive edge of your idea, making it stand out to potential investors or partners.

Need some inspiration on how to make a presentation that will captivate an audience? Here are 120+ presentation ideas to help you get started. 

Creating a stunning and impactful presentation with Venngage is a breeze. Whether you’re crafting a business pitch, a training presentation or any other type of presentation, follow these five steps to create a professional presentation that stands out:

• Sign up and log in to Venngage to access the editor.
• Choose a presentation template that matches your topic or style.
• Customize content, colors, fonts, and background to personalize your presentation.
• Add images, icons, and charts to enhancevisual style and clarity.
• Save, export, and share your presentation as PDF or PNG files, or use Venngage’s Presentation Mode for online showcasing.

In the realm of presentations, understanding the different types of presentation formats is like having a versatile set of tools that empower you to craft compelling narratives for every occasion.

Remember, the key to a successful presentation lies not only in the content you deliver but also in the way you connect with your audience. Whether you’re informing, persuading or entertaining, tailoring your approach to the specific type of presentation you’re delivering can make all the difference.

Presentations are a powerful tool, and with practice and dedication (and a little help from Venngage), you’ll find yourself becoming a presentation pro in no time. Now, let’s get started and customize your next presentation!

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Business Jargons

A Business Encyclopedia

Presentation

Definition : A presentation is a form of communication in which the speaker conveys information to the audience. In an organization presentations are used in various scenarios like talking to a group, addressing a meeting, demonstrating or introducing a new product, or briefing a team. It involves presenting a particular subject or issue or new ideas/thoughts to a group of people.

It is considered as the most effective form of communication because of two main reasons:

• Use of non-verbal cues.
• Facilitates instant feedback.

Business Presentations are a tool to influence people toward an intended thought or action.

Parts of Presentation

• Introduction : It is meant to make the listeners ready to receive the message and draw their interest. For that, the speaker can narrate some story or a humorous piece of joke, an interesting fact, a question, stating a problem, and so forth. They can also use some surprising statistics.
• Body : It is the essence of the presentation. It requires the sequencing of facts in a logical order. This is the part where the speaker explains the topic and relevant information. It has to be critically arranged, as the audience must be able to grasp what the speaker presents.
• Conclusion : It needs to be short and precise. It should sum up or outline the key points that you have presented. It could also contain what the audience should have gained out of the presentation.

Purpose of Presentation

• To inform : Organizations can use presentations to inform the audience about new schemes, products or proposals. The aim is to inform the new entrant about the policies and procedures of the organization.
• To persuade : Presentations are also given to persuade the audience to take the intended action.
• To build goodwill : They can also help in building a good reputation

Factors Affecting Presentation

Audience Analysis

Communication environment, personal appearance, use of visuals, opening and closing presentation, organization of presentation, language and words, voice quality, body language, answering questions, a word from business jargons.

Presentation is a mode of conveying information to a selected group of people live. An ideal presentation is one that identifies and matches the needs, interests and understanding level of the audience. It also represents the facts, and figures in the form of tables, charts, and graphs and uses multiple colours.

Related terms:

• Verbal Communication
• Visual Communication
• Non-Verbal Communication
• Communication
• 7 C’s of Communication

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Tips for creating the best presentation

Tips Trick and Technique for creating and delivering Powerpoint and Keynote Presentation

What is Presentation?

July 31, 2013 by Muhammad Noer

You have heard many times about presentation.

But do you know what exactly presentation is?

Presentation is a form of communication . In presentation, you communicate a message in an integrated way by using voice, image, and body language.

Hovland, Janis and Kelly define communication as follows:

“The process by which an individual (the communicator) transmits stimuli (usually verbal) to modify the behavior of other individuals (the audience)”

Three Components of Communication

Based on that definition, there are three key components in delivering a good communication:

• Communicator
• The message and media used
• Receiver (audience)

A good communicator needs to craft a good message, using the right media in order to enable the receiver get it.

Successful Communication

Successful communication occurs when the audience accepts and understands a message exactly the same as what is intended by the communicator.

Is it possible to transfer a message 100% similar to what was intended by the communicator?

In theory, of course it is possible.

Well, this could be achieved if the communicator using the right media, the right delivery method, and at the right time. All of this required to minimizes the possibility of information deviation.

But that’s in theory.

In practice, it is impossible. In reality, there are so many variables that make a message or idea is not received 100% the same by the receiver. During the transfer of the message, part of information would be lost in the process.

Therefore, your job as a good communicator and presenter is to minimize the information distortion. To make the information well received by the listeners.

What is The Purpose of A Presentation?

What is the purpose of a presentation?

At least there are two main purpose of presentation: to inform and to persuade.

1. To Inform

We present something to share information. To make people understand what they didn’t know before. Presentation to inform will need to be delivered using a good and clear message. A message that is easily understood by the audience.

2. To Persuade

Most presentation falls in this area. We present something to convince other people to do, buy, or take action that we want.

A sales person will use his presentation to convince other people to buy products or services he sells.

A fundraiser will use his presentation to convince prospective donor to donate their money.

A politician will present to convince people to take action and choose him for the next election.

When you use presentation to persuade or convince, then you need to touch not only the logic, but also the emotion of the audience.

Do it right and you will make the audience taking action that you want.

Presentation Slides

What’s on your mind when you heard about “presentation”?

If you are like most people, you might think about slides. Don’t get trapped into the fallacy that presentation is slide and slide is a presentation.

In modern world, people use slide as a visual aid during presentation. Slides has become the most common tools for a presentation.

But remember, you are the presenter, not the slide .

The slide is only the aid. There are many other tools you can use such as: flipchart, sample of product, demonstration etc.

So, please design a good slide, but don’t forget it is your job to make sure the message get across effectively to the audience.

Presentation and Business

If you are a professional in business, you might use presentation in frequently basis. You need to make a slide deck to report a project. You need to give a presentation in front of key decision maker.

Good presentation skills will help a lot in your success in professional life. Therefore, master the skills of presentation starting from structuring your idea, creating a visual slide, and to deliver it in a convincing way.

How To Make A Good Presentation

If presentation is very important, then how to make a good presentation?

The answer is easy. Make sure your audience understand your message and take action after attending your presentation.

There are three component to make a good presentation: content, design, and delivery.

Presentation is about structuring your thought and share it to other people. Make sure you understand what you want to communicate and why . This will help you to define what message to be included and how to deliver it.

Think about your subject and prepare a good structure that help people to understand what is the problem and why they should listen to you and take action on your advice.

Since most presentation nowadays will be accompanied by using PowerPoint slides, it will be really helpful if you are able to design a good slide.

How to make a good slide design?

The answer it makes it Keep It Simple and Straight .

Put on thought on a slide, use a strong visual such as picture or diagram, and create a focus so people will understand easily what you are trying to convey.

3. Delivery

Last one, a presentation is made to be delivered to the audience. Learn how to deliver it in a convincing way. If you have good content and good design, this job will be a lot easier.

Practice your presentation so you are able to deliver it smoothly. Great presenter like Steve Jobs practice a lot before the actual session. Practice some technique from public speaking to help you connect with the audience.

Definition of Presentation

Back to the first question, what is presentation?

After reading this article, you can now confidently tell people that presentation is communication .

It is an integrated communications made through sound, image and body languag e to inform and persuade your audience.

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About Muhammad Noer

Muhammad Noer is a Human Resources Professional who has passion in sharing how to create and deliver a great presentation.

July 14, 2015 at 8:46 pm

One presentation is a live act of comunication (Gonzalo Álvarez de Marañon)… check http://www.elartedepresentar.com

[…] we look at the three interrelated components in a presentation, one of the most important key in a presentation is the audience. You are there to give a […]

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• presentation

: an activity in which someone shows, describes, or explains something to a group of people

: the way in which something is arranged, designed, etc. : the way in which something is presented

: the act of giving something to someone in a formal way or in a ceremony

Full Definition of PRESENTATION

First known use of presentation, related to presentation, other business terms, rhymes with presentation, definition of presentation for kids, medical definition of presentation, learn more about presentation.

• presentation copy
• presentation piece
• presentation time
• breech presentation
• face presentation

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Definition of presentation noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

presentation

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• 3 [ countable ] a meeting at which something, especially a new product or idea, or piece of work, is shown to a group of people The sales manager will give a presentation on the new products.
• 4 [ countable ] the series of computer slides (= images) that accompany the talk when someone gives a presentation at a meeting I put my presentation on a memory stick.
• 5 [ countable ] a ceremony or formal occasion during which a gift or prize is given
• 6 [ countable ] a performance of a play, etc. in a theater
• 7 [ countable , uncountable ] ( medical ) the position in which a baby is lying in the mother's body just before birth

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Best Resolution For PowerPoint Presentations

Sep 30, 2015 | DataPoint , DataPoint Real-time Screens , How-To , iPoint

77 Comments

I do not have inch on powerpoint, What would 13.333 x 7.5 be in metric?

Mike, don’t worry. You can enter you number with the cm suffix too! The 13.333 in by 7.5 is the default slide size setting for a widescreen presentation in Inches.

Dear Admin,

Thanks for an awesome tutorial.

I am using windows computer and my office version is 2016. I have the following question please.

” Is it possible to setup a Powerpoint slide resolution in windows computer that will work perfectly on Macbook Pro Retina Display? If yes, How?”

Note: I am searching this solution for a long time. i think you can help me to get a solution regarding this.

Regards and Thanks

Thanks for the message. To set up that presentation for your Macbook, look what the resolution is. Maybe it is 2880 x 1800. When you have that, go to your PowerPoint, click Design and then Slide Size and choose Custom Slide size. There you see the width and height in inches or centimeters. Just enter here 2880 px and 1800 px and PowerPoint converts it automatically into the corresponding inches or centimeters.

I have been doing posters for years now and I always get a problem when I make my poster to be an A1 size,it never apear clear, it so not clear that you can’t see the picture clearly even the writing. How do I do my settings?

Hi Lucky, I need some more info on your process. Are you changing the slide size to the dimension of the A1 size? So 59.4cm x 84.1 cm or 23.4″ by 33.1″? I guess you did that already. How to you see it then that the picture is not clear? Are you insert pictures on your slide? Is the slide unclear on your screen? Or maybe, is a print-out or save-as-picture not clear? Please let me know. Maybe attached a sample.

My version of PowerPoint does not allow me to insert a custom setting of 1080px X 1920px. However it does allow a ratio of 16:9 in portait which automatically converts the size settings to 14:29cm width and 25.4cm height. Is this the same as 1080px X 1920px?

Thanks for your help!

Hi Ann, it all sounds correct. You can enter your dimensions as 1080px and 1920px. But indeed, the pixel values are automatically translated into cm or inches. That is normal. The new values fully correspond to your chosen px values.

Thanks for your Power Point How To! Unfortunately I lack a lot of knowledge on this subject, but am interested in learning how to create a better quality, higher resolution jpeg on PP. I often create and send flyers by email, or post them in Facebook. When I do so the text and pictures are somewhat blurry. I assume they are automatically compressed and therefore lose quality. Of course I know they can’t be too large for either of these mediums. I don’t know much about width and height or resolution. Any direction you can give me as to how best to determine that, and how to turn out a higher quality flyer would be very much appreciated. Thanks Sally

Hi Sally, I assume that you are using PPT 2016. In PowerPoint, click File, Options, Advanced. Then at the group ‘Image Size and Quality’, change the ‘Default resolution’ option. I always set this to ‘High fidelity’ for the best results.

That should do the trick!

I have PP 2016. A projector with native res of 1024 x 768. My screen is a 4:3 (6′ X 8′) and having trouble filling the screen. Should I tic the “Best scale for slide show” box and input 1024 x 768? How about using “Play full screen” under the video Playback tab. It’s all confusing.

Hi Frank, Your resolution of 1024 x 768 is a perfect match with your screen, since that is 4:3 too. According to this info here, I would say that the result is a full screen image. Video playback tab: no impact on your slide show page setting. Is for videos only. But have you set you slide design setting to 4:3 too? See Design, Slide Size. Is that 4:3?

Yes, I have slide size set to 4:3 (Slide still not filling the screen. Here are my specs: Projection screen size: 8′ x 6′ (4:3 ratio) Shows a 10″ X 7.5″ slide size. Projector has a native resolution of 1024 X 768 I should make the slide size setting 4:3 and leave default size or put in pixel sizes for height/width? That is 1024 px X 768 px?

What should my laptop display resolution be set to?

At 4:3 the slides fit the screen but the inserted videos do not fit screen–not sure what is causing that. Should “Play Full Screen” be checked?

When “Best scale for slide show is selected” a resolution is requested. (?) The default is showing 640×480)

At what point in the process do I bring in my slide show template? After all settings have been completed?

Sorry about the ton of questions Admin, there are so many settings it boggles the mind. Thanks Frank

Frank, since your projector is 4:3, then you should choose 4:3 on your slide design as well. If you want, you can always enter the pixel value, there whee you see the inches values. Just type in your e.g. 1024 px (with px!) and it will be converted to inches again. Could be a good test to try.

Best is to open your template first, and then apply the screen and slide design settings.

Hi Admin, Thanks for the suggestions.

When I select 4:3 for the 6′ x 8′ projection screen, there are no options to input H & W but I selected “Custom” and input 1024 px in width box and 768 in height. When I exited then re-entered “custom” the box showed 10.667 in and 8.0 in. (PowerPoint 2016).

Is placing the projector’s native res (1024 X 768) in the “Slide Size” box the only location in PP that the res is entered? (I see all kinds of slide dimensions in different places in PP.)

Thanks again, Frank

Thanks is correct. The px values that you can enter manually, are automatically converted into inches or centimetres, based on your regional settings. The only place where you should set/change the presentation slide design, is at (for ppt 2016) Design tab, Slide Size, Custom Slide Size. Maybe try with a new and clean presentation first!

Thanks Mr. Admin, you have been great. Saying that, nothing is working so I’m starting to think my new HDMI over Cat 6 cable that I got from Amazon might be the culprit. It uses two powered baluns but the cable itself was cheap.

For example, when I change the laptop display setting to match the projector’s, 1024×768 I lose the projector image entirely. I don’t get it back until I go back up to several higher re settings. AND, none of the slide sizes change the output to any degree at all. (Very frustrating.)

Frank, I understand that this is very frustrating for you. But I would suggest to bring down the resolution to 800×600 pixels. That is the most standard and lowest resolution that every device should be able to handle. Try that first. Secondly, try to use a VGA cable maybe, to check out your new HDMI cable (or another HDMI cable that you borrow somewhere).

And maybe try your chance at a PowerPoint forum or at other resources where more PowerPoint experts are watching. They might have the experience that you need here. Check out e.g. http://www.msofficeforums.com/powerpoint/ and https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Connect-with-other-PowerPoint-users-ce0fd093-41c0-406c-92b8-65603b89aa6e

Many thanks Admin, I’ll try those resources you suggested.

Hi Admin – we have a ppt template that by itself is over 5MB and is causing problems when we start to add additional pages we quickly get up to 20-40MB! We mainly present on a range from computer screen to normal boardroom sized screens. We have 2 solutions we’re looking into and would appreciate your expertise. 1) reduce all of the images in the master to 96 dpi, 2) remove all images in the master, only have templates, and then have separate files that can be inserted that contain images, etc. Any recommendations? Thoughts?

Hi Deborah, Shrinking your images before you insert them, is a good option. But, even when they are inserted already, you can compress the images on your slides, and thus, reduce the total size of the presentation. To do this, select your image, and go to the Picture Tools, Format tab. Click the Compress Pictures button. Now you get the option to compress the images to a given resolution, and to crop the pictures.

Normally a presentation of 20-40MB should not give you problems. What are the problems that you are experiencing then? Slow starting?

Hello — I have a PowerPoint presentation with slides that are set up as 10in x 7.5in (960 pixels x 720 pixels). If my .jpg images are set up as 96 pixels/inch, is that a high enough resolution? There will be 210 slides in the presentation, and each slide will have one .jpg that fills the screen. I am creating each slide first in InDesign (so that I have full design control over image/text) and exporting it as a .jpg file. I will not be adding anything else to the slide in PowerPoint (no additional text or images).

Thank you, Kathy

Hi Kathy, So your real question is, is a resolution of 96 pixels/inch enough for my presentation. First of all, 210 slides in one presentation is a lot. So, I guess you are creating some kind of brochure or business reporting, and not a sales presentation. So, with this number of slides, you will face probably a larger file. Using 96 px/in will keep your file size to a minimum. That’s for sure.

Important is: what is your priority? Small file size for easy distribution? Then you are fine already with this small resolution. But, if you want to use this presentation as an advertising or promotion presentation with your company’s products, then you should look at the resolution of your display device. When you are using a large 4K television screen (this is 4096 x 2160 px) for this, then of course this resolution of 960 x 720 pixels in total, is way too low. This would mean, that one pixel of your image would be stretched out and serve 4 pixels on your television. That results in an unsharp image on the TV.

So, the resolution set for your images, is not that important. You need to know the resolution of your display device (computer or projector/television) and the purpose of your presentation. Based on that info, you can make decisions on the image resolution, before importing them into PowerPoint.

But maybe a tip, or what I would do. Export the images from InDesign, in the highest resolution possible. Use them in PowerPoint. It will result in a large file, but you will have the maximum of information or details on your slides. Next step is to make a copy of the presentation and then you select your first picture, go to Picture Tools, Format tab, Compress Pictures. There you will have the option to compress the image to a lower resolution (for this or all images of the presentation). Save the presentation and evaluate it size or quality (whatever is your priority).

Hope this helps!

This is very helpful — thank you for all of the information and suggestions. It will help my workflow greatly. Thanks again.

Hi Do you have any particular advice on creating a PP presentation for a cinema screen. The cinema has specified 1990px x 1080px. Do you have any other advice?

Sure, at the boxes where you typically enter your values in inches or centimeters, just enter there the values with ‘px’ as suffix. So type in: 1990px and it will be translated automatically into inches or centimeters (according to your regional settings). That should help you.

Thanks for the article!

I have one question, I am creating a presentation that will be projected at a film theater and will include a variety of images. I want it to have the best possible quality. Is there something specific that I should do if it will be projecting at such a large size? Do I have to figure out the size of the projection in order to design something accordingly?

Thanks again

Hi Paul, thanks for your message.

Well, let me try to help you. The resolution of the presentation that you are designing is probably not relevant since you are probably using a projector on a wall. When presenting on a television screen, then you must respect the aspect ratio of your presentation and your television. More is explained here: https://presentationpoint.com/blog/powerpoint-aspect-ratio/ . But, that is not relevant when you are projecting on a e.g. white wall. Then you are not restricted at all, with regards to the aspect ratio.

More important is the possible loss in quality of your images. You might want to work with high resolution images, but by default, PowerPoint is compressing the images to a much lower resolution! That you don’t want to happen with a professional and largely projected presentation. Force PowerPoint to not compress your images. Set this already before you start adding images and definitely before your first save of the presentation. More info at https://presentationpoint.com/blog/powerpoint-compress-images/

Good luck with your event.

Whatis the real, true, actual maximum width in pixels for powerpoint 2016? I not talking about the scale up to fit the gpu (video card) but the actual physical pixel width limit. In 2010I was always told it was 4000 pixels. I do working with really wide screens in the video world. And by wide screen, I am talking 4096×4=16,384 pixels wide is a small canvas for us.

Microsoft will not generally answer this question and I have asked them this as microsoft shows like ignite 2017. Their responce is we base things on the printed world.

Good question James! Let’s play with it. PowerPoint 2016 (on Win platform) allows you to enter a custom slide design of 56″ width and 56″ height. Those are the maximum values that it allows. When you set a width in pixels, e.g. you enter 100px as value there, then that is translated into 1.042″. You know that you can enter px values in PowerPoint, right? So 100 pixels = 1.042″. This is means that the maximum pixel size of a PowerPoint presentation is limited to 5835 x 5835 pixels. 5835 pixels is the highest resolution that you can go. You can go higher, but you are losing quality. Hope that answers your question!

I send my customers PowerPoint files with mockup images of UI designs. I often receive comments saying the designs are either too small or too large, but I discovered this is largely because they use different devices with different dimensions/resolutions to review the mockups. Is there a way I can “force” images onscreen to stay fixed (let’s say at 4.2″x6.8″) regardless of what device they use?

I am preparing a photography dense Power Point presentation on a Mac that serves informational needs to both regional public offices and local mayors. I understand that these clients will be using PC computers. My online research warns the Mac lettering fonts may distort on PC oriented screens. To solve this issue, a suggestion was to take a image of a page’s entire the layout of images and text. How is that done successfully? Is a full size screen shot of a computer screen going to work? I am thinking that is not. So how do I get a good page image resolution? What file resolution am I after? 300dpi, 400dpi? It also warns of the sizes of each image done in this manner would be larger than if I had it done in PC’s Power Point. How much larger? What are the variables I need to understand?

Hi Judy, I would not export your nice presentation as (high-res) images between your Mac and PC users just for that. Why don’t you use safe fonts? A safe font is a font that can be used (normally without problems) on PC and Mac. There is a nice article that I found about this matter at https://www.indezine.com/products/powerpoint/learn/textandfonts/safe-fonts.html . Hope that helps!

I created a show at a custom size (10.5×8) and saved the slides as images. When I went to insert the images into a slideshow with the same dimensions as backgrounds, they were super fuzzy. Is there a way to fix this?

Thanks! Sarah

Hi Sarah, I think that you need to read and apply this article! https://presentationpoint.com/blog/powerpoint-low-resolution-pictures/

Is a 220 ppi good enough to have a crisp high quality presentation on a 16:9 projector with a resolution of 1,536 pixels x 960 pixels? Thank you!

Oh yes. 220 is still a very good quality! It will be looking much better already with this change!

What is the resolution settings of powerpoint JPG for 43″ LED TV?

Dear Jose, thanks for your question. At the stage, it is not possible for me to say that you have to use a resolution of x by y, because it depends on 2 things: a) what is the maximum display resolution that you can use on your television. For this info, check out the technical specifications of your brand/model. b) and more important: what is the maximum resolution or the current resolution of the computer that you want to connect to the screen?

Note that maybe your screen can handle a 4K resolution of 3840 by 2160 pixels, but your computer can handle only 1920 by 1080 pixels. In that case you best set up your presentation for 1920 by 1080 pixels, because that is the highest resolution that your computer can generate and send to your screen.

But on the other side, 3840 by 2160 is a ratio of 16:9 and 16:9 is definitely the ratio that is used on all modern televisions. So I would suggest to use 3840 by 2160, aka 4K, because that would fit on every 16:9 screen, even if the resolution is lower (whenever it is 16:9). So use and design in 4K and the output will be ok.

All clear? Success with your setup.

Dear Admin, thank you for the tutorial on the screen resolution. Please, I use windows 2010 and I can’t locate where to change the slide size like you illustrated using windows 2013. My presentation on my laptops come out so tiny and faint on the Flat Screen during my presentation. My audience can’t read what is on the screen. I need your help in this regard. Thank you. Phil.

Hi Phil, Have a look at this great article by Ellen Finkelstein where you see instructions and screenshots for 2010 specifically. https://www.ellenfinkelstein.com/pptblog/how-to-create-a-poster-in-powerpoint-2007-powerpoint-2010/ Does that help?

Sorry, gang… You included a lot of good information and suggestions here, but you never gave the correct answer. The Best Resolution for PowerPoint Presentations is:

“I resolve to use fewer text bullet points on my slides!”

Hello! I am working a Widescreen HD project– the default slide size is 13.333 x 7.5 in. When I insert the specifications of 1920 x 1080 px, the slide size reduces to 9.999 x 5.624 in. The slide size is *smaller*– it doesn’t seem logical that a smaller slide size would have increased projected resolution. What am I missing?

That sounds a bit low yes. AFAIK this value is calculated based on your current DPI settings. Could this be low too? In order to build e.g. a higher resolution presentation, I would double here your values in inches. The bigger, the better. It will always be reduced when too big. But starting small is, as you expected, not ideal.

Thank you so much for this great post. I want to create how-to-presentations and how-to-videos for internal teaching purposes at my company. First, I plan to create PowerPoint presentations with each >50-100 slides, lots of pictures and animations, afterwards I want to use the presentations as basis to produce the videos. The company I am working for deploys 4k widescreen TVs. Most of the pictures at our disposal are in 1920 x 1080 px format or lower.

First question: Above you mentioned “So I would suggest to use 3840 by 2160, aka 4K, because that would fit on every 16:9 screen, even if the resolution is lower”. I am not sure if I understood you correctly. Would it be of any benefit to me to use a 4K PowerPoint resolution, as you suggested, even if our pictures are of lower quality? If yes, why?

Second question: In order to produce the videos which of the two options would be better according to your experience? To use (a) the PowerPoint video feature or (b) to use a screen recorder (e.g. obs) to record my presentations as video? (Please keep in mind there are many animations which have to be executed manually in real time)

Third question: Which resolution should I use to produce a video given my company uses 4K TVs? (Full HD or 4K, given that our pictures are of lower quality than 4K)?

Sorry for the many questions I need your help. Thank you!

Thank you so much for your great article. I hope you can help me.

I would like to create high quality how-to-presentations and how-to-videos (both with many slides, pictures, animations and verbal comments) for internal education purposes at the company I am working for. We deploy 4k widescreen TVs. The format of the pictures at our disposal is 1920 x 1080 px or lower. First, I want to create the presentations, afterwards I want to use them as basis for the videos.

Above you mentioned “So I would suggest to use 3840 by 2160, aka 4K, because that would fit on every 16:9 screen, even if the resolution is lower”. I am not sure if I understood you correctly. Would it be of any benefit to me to make 4K PowerPoint presentations even if our pictures are 1920 x 1080 px or lower? If yes, why?

In order to create the videos which of the two options would you prefer according to your experience? (A) to use the PowerPoint video feature to create the videos? (I heard that PowerPoint is now able to do 4k videos) or (B) to use a screen recorder (e.g. OBS)? (Please keep in mind the format of our pictures; Also the many animations & verbal comments which I need to record in the video in real-time).

Would you also recommend to produce 4k videos instead of HD videos (1920 x 1080 px) given our picture quality?

I already finished a couple of presentations but they are in the format 4:3. Thanks to your article I understood that I have to switch the format to 16:9. When I attempt to set the settings for a new presentation to 16:9 (1920 x 1080 px) I get a PowerPoint-question asking me if I want to maximize the content or if I want to scale it down. Which of the two options do I have to take?

Your help would be very much appreciated. Thank you!

First question: I would still use 4K resolution. The higher the better. Even when your pictures are not directly in 4K, then still you can have the other shapes like texts etc in very high quality. Second question: ‘Animations that have to be executed manually’: that is conflicting with videos. Once it is a video, you have no manual options unless you would pause or start new videos. When it is manual advancing and animations (on click), then PowerPoint remains the best option. Not? Third question: Is related to the first one and I would give the same answer. I would produce and render at 4K.

This message is more or less identical to your first request. Overall I would suggest using 4K slide size. Maybe your images are not directly 4K, all the rest can be displayed in better quality. So when your TV output is 4K, then design in 4K for the best results.

Thanks so much for your great help! Since I have already completed a few presentations I was wondering whether I have to completely remake them. The presentations where saved in 220ppi mode (PowerPoint-Version 2016). My goal is to have a very high presentation quality (I guess high-fidelity will do) and a 4k resolution (I changed the settings after reading your post accordingly). Because of the standard PowerPoint settings of 220ppi I have to replace the pictures, this I understood. But what about the PowerPoint shapes like arrows etc? Are they automatically in high quality when I change the settings in the existing (old) presentations from e.g. 220ppi to high-fidelity or do the shapes still keep their 220ppi?

What would be the best solution? a) To simply replace my pictures (220ppi) in the current presentations. In case the shapes adapt automatically from 220ppi to high-fidelity this option would be preferred. b) To start a new presentation from scratch with the setting of high fidelity. I still have to replace the pictures but could I just copy the shapes from the existing (old) presentations into the new presentation? (Of course only good if the shapes would get changed from 220ppi to high-fidelity via the copying-process) c) To start a new presentation from scratch having to add new pictures and make new shapes?

Sorry for the delay due to the Christmas period. Correct. First make sure to use high-res images and make sure that PowerPoint is not compressing them by default when you save the presentation.

You can perfectly change the slide design to 220 and everything will be adjusted. That is the advantage of PowerPoint. Then ‘calculation’ is done when you run the slideshow, so your ‘low-res-shapes’ will become ‘high-res-shapes’ automatically. Easy, not?

Quick Question… Why using 4k slides when the text and shape are vector, only images should be High-res so what is the main advantage of using the 4k and not the full hd?

Hi Mike, Good question. Basically you are right. Texts and other shapes are saved as vectors, so that makes no real sense. Images and videos need to be in high resolution, without having the risk that they are shrunk. Maybe it is a personal thing, but when you are using high res images and high quality on a small resolution screen like 800×600 pixels, and when you are applying fine and precise animations to your slides, then you want to design and test the results on the more-or-less same quality. It is absolutely not mandatory, but a Ferrari is preferably tested on the highway or on a test track:-).

I appreciate your article and I have a question on avoiding image distortion in ppt.

I am trying to take a ppt presentation that had originally started in 2007 and continued to work omn in ppt 2016. According to my settings it shows under properties as 35 mm slide format.

I used ppt to createsome of the more recent images, i.e. prototype designs at various different perspective, because I found it easier than using photoshop.

When I decided to migrate certain images and slides from ppt 2016, into a higher resolution (1920×1080, per your article) the images were grossly distorted to beyond recognizable, and any repair.

I tried both “made images fit the slide,” as well as the “maximize options.” in setting up the 1920 x 1080 without success.

The results were quite a mess, either way.

Before you comment I want to let you know that several images were worked on one slide so that I could demonstrate different “product variations,” and I recall that I often had to work at 350 to 400x zoom in creating them on that single slide. I thought I could work on them and then copy and paste them into seperate slides as needed. That actual slide of images took about 3 weeks+ to complete.

The presentation will be to investors and VCs. What is the best way to avoid gross distortion, and best resolution as I start to transfer images over to ppt in 1920×1080? Help!!!

Do I need to utilize any program or save images in any different format, (jpeg,tiff/ etc?) to convert things and then import the images into the higher res presentation??? Or am I competely unfortunate to have these critical images that won’t scale up or work????

Hi Brent, Have you also read these articles? https://presentationpoint.com/blog/convert-powerpoint-to-jpeg/ https://presentationpoint.com/blog/powerpoint-compress-images/ When this is not helping either, send in a trouble ticket on our website with a one-slide-one-picture sample.

Will do. Thanks so much for the prompt response. I will read those articles later today.

Hi, if the ppt is made in the ratio of 16:9 And if we r displaying it on the led wall of 8/6 ft will the display be full or will it look cinema scope

Well, on an 8/6 ft wall, it will have cinema-style with black borders for sure. A shame that not all pixels are used of your expensive LED wall. To fill your 8/6 ft LED wall, please redesign your presentation as a 4:3 ratio presentation. All clear?

I have a couple of questions I’m hoping you can help me with but first I’ll give you the details. I am creating a powerpoint presentation for a funeral. I started out with 600 dpi images but the PP file quickly got huge (200MB). I optimized all my images to 96 dpi and they are all at least 2000 pixels wide or high. That optimization has currently taken the Powerpoint file size down to 20 MB. There are many, many pics in this presentation. At 20MB optimized I am only half done. It will likely end up with around 100 pics so I think it is wise to optimize all these images because I have also read that a huge powerpoint file will cause the presentation to drag. The church where this will be presented uses a projector and it projects onto a 12′ x 12′ screen. I am not in the city where the funeral is being held so I can’t test to see what this looks like and won’t be there until the day of the funeral. I have a surface pro tablet that I’ll use to plug into the projector. I spoke to the church caretaker who helps to set this up and he said that, without knowing all the technical details, that what seems to have worked best for people is for them to plug their laptop directly into the projector with an HDMI cable and project it onto the screen. I have a big screen tv that I plugged my tablet into and played the presentation and it looked as good on the large tv screen as it did on my tablet.

My questions/concerns are: Will the projector just project what is on the tablet screen and it will look as good on the big projector screen as it does on the tablet or big screen? (when being projected is dpi of the source relevant. My concern is can I projector a large version of the presentation and still preserve nice detail or do I project it much smaller than the available screen dimensions of 12′ x 12′?

I just hoping to project a large version with ice detail and don’t want to arrive to set it up and not have it display nicely.

Sorry for the long story but would really appreciate your opinion.

Dear Dell, presentations are fun, funerals are not at all. My condolences with your loss! I was in the same situation as you earlier this year. Well, if you would use your own computer and connect it to the projector, then the file size of the PowerPoint is not that relevant anymore. Right? Everything starts with the resolution of the projector. Note that most projectors use a lower resolution than the televisions and computer screens that are sold nowadays. Most likely the projector can handle the size of HD (High Definition), 1920 x 1080 pixels. So your idea to use images of 2000 pixels is an excellent choice and personally, I would continue to work on 1920 or 2000 pixels. That is a safe choice for a good resolution!

But, note that when the tablet has a lower resolution than the projector, then most likely the output on the projector will not be better than what the tablet can handle (its video graphics card). So use a laptop or tablet with at least the HD resolution and then you are safe. To be completely safe, it is best to take your laptop or tablet with the original PowerPoint file on it. Using your own computer is also better when you have used special (not common) fonts. Otherwise, you have to install or embed the fonts you used. Just as a backup, I would take with me: the PowerPoint file on a memory stick, but also render the PowerPoint as video (MP4). Then you are completely independent of what software is installed (or not) on a potential foreign computer.

All clear? Got luck with your important job at the funeral!

So I am creating this powerpoint presentation and I’m losing my hair over the fact that all sizes are in cm. I understand that I can simply enter my wanted size in pixels, and powerpoint will then convert this to cm. Is there a way to make pixels the default measurement? It would simply make one’s workflow so much easier. Thanks in advance!

Hi Andreas, I would love to work in pixels too, but currently, PowerPoint is only working in inches or centimeters. You can upvote this feature request here: https://powerpoint.uservoice.com/forums/288949-powerpoint-for-windows-desktop-application/suggestions/19595893-change-units-from-inches-to-pixels

Thanks for such an informative article. I was struggling to create a photographic presentation for a powerpoint presentation and you have saved me so much time!

Great to read that we could help you out with this information!

Hi i need help.. I m preparing certificates in ppt. But when I’m sharing to other person somewhere changes happening. Same file on my side is correct but other side it is not correct in size wise… Is it happening because of computer resolution? Kindly let me know why it is happening?

How do you see that? Are you looking at the slide design settings? Are they modified?

I saw directly in my coullegue’s computer. Without modification same file when she sent that was right and same file when i sent to same person he said that was not right It’s screwed as he always complained before in terms of dimensions (A4 stretched to wide-screen). Why this is happening? Please let me know.. It’s important for me

Sorry but I think you can better explain your problem here at https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/newthread . There are some better specialists and experienced people looking into individual problems. OK?

Thank you for an excellent article! I have been scouring the internet for this information and I have found your guide extremely useful. It’s a testimony to you that people are still adding comments some 5 years after you wrote this article!

I have a question if I may. I am using PowerPoint to create 1 minute animated infographics (in video form). The targeted output for the final videos needs to be 1280px by 644px (which is fine). Here’s my question: Would I get better quality videos if I set my slide size in PowerPoint to HD 1920px by 1080px for the design and then exported to video using the PowerPoint export function set at 1920px by 1080px and THEN resized the final video to 1280px x 644px using software like Handbrake?

Or should I simply set my PowerPoint slides size for the design to the final desired output of 1280px by 644px?

I’d be really grateful for any help/advice you can offer as I’m really not sure which way to go!

Many thanks

Hi Alex, thanks for commenting. I love when people are using PowerPoint for other purposes than just 16:9 slides! Personally I would design on the same size as you would output the video! Why? The risk of using small font sizes, will not be obvious when you are designing at 2x. So at 2x, your text might be readable, while it is too small on the normal size. So just be careful with that, because you might forget to check at 1x. On the other hand, when you suspect that maybe next year, you need a larger video because the output screen got bigger or so, then for that reason, I would suggest to design now already at 2x, and resize the video afterwards. Hope this helps.

Thank you so much for replying!

Hi,how can I get the 1920×1080 resolution ,windows 10? I followed the described way,but unit is ‘inch’ and it is not changing.I can’t type px inside the box

You can type in the pixel value with px behind your number, and that is then translated into the corresponding cm or inch value. Try it, it works.

If a powerpoint resolution is greater than the screen it is being displayed on, will that screen not be able to display it?

Wondering if there is any reason not to always go with a larger resolution?

Thanks! Nate

Yes sure, that should not cause any problem. PowerPoint will adjust itself automatically based on the screen resolution, lower or higher.

Hello Admin, I have to run my ppt on a big LED Panel wall whose size is W: 34 ft and H: 12 ft and I don’t want any black bars when running my ppt. Which ratio size will be apt for my PPT? 16:9 or any other?

You don’t want to black bars? Easy. Go to Design, Slide Size, and choose custom slide size. 34 foot or 408 inches is too large for PowerPoint. The highest value you can enter in PowerPoint is 56″ horizontally and vertically. When you have 34 x 12 ft, which is 408 x 144 inches, then this is too high for PowerPoint (bigger than 56″). Your screen ratio is then 17×6. So the maximum is 56″ in width, so you can set your height to 19.766″ (so that you have 17:6) at the PowerPoint custom slide size dimensions. OK?

I would love to see real-time data on that size of screen. Are you going to use our DataPoint plugin there?

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Table of Contents

Presentation definition & meaning, what is a presentation, 10 types of presentations, presentation uses, purpose, importance, what’s in a presentation parts, how to design a presentation, presentation vs. deck, what’s the difference between a presentation, representation, & speech, presentation sizes, presentation ideas & examples, graphic design, presentation.

Presentations are staple communication tools in school, business, or any professional matter where presenters impart topics to an audience. Often presented as a slideshow or digital animation, relaying a well-thought-out presentation to an audience is a creative and compelling way to share content while making discussions fun and engaging.

Multipurpose Business Presentation

PowerPoint Slide Presentation

Software Product Presentation

Business Timeline Presentation

University Presentation

Dashboard Presentation

Animated Presentation

Fall Wedding Planners Presentation

Trucking Logistics Presentation

Gantt Chart PowerPoint Presentation

Audiovisual Content

Multi-faceted presentations, flexibility for effective communication, not limited to slide presentations, collaboration features, mode of presentation.

• Formal Business Presentation Ideas and Examples
• Creative Real Estate Presentation Ideas and Examples
• Wedding PowerPoint Presentation Ideas and Examples
• Music PowerPoint Presentation Ideas and Examples
• Glossy Business Presentation Ideas and Examples
• Education Presentation Ideas and Examples
• Poster PowerPoint Presentation Ideas and Examples
• Simple Work From Home Presentation Ideas and Examples
• Chalkboard Presentation Ideas and Examples
• Modern Real Estate Presentation Ideas and Examples

What does a presentation convey?

Who are the two main parties of a presentation, what are examples of presentations, what consists of a presentation, what are the types of presentations, what are some tips to make a presentation, what are the 5ps of a presentation, what are the top three elements of a presentation, what makes a good presentation, what are the 4ps for oral presentations, more in graphic design.

Luxury Presentation Template

Creative presentation template, founder presentation template, nonprofit organization finance presentation template, brand strategy presentation template, corporate presentation template, couple appreciation month promotion template, vesak promotion template, elegant fashion presentation template, modern science presentation template.

• How To Make/Create an Invitation in Google Docs [Templates + Examples]
• How To Create an ID Card in Google Docs [Template + Example]
• How to Make an ID Card in Microsoft Word [Template + Example]
• How To Make a Letterhead in Google Docs [Template + Example]
• How To Make a Letterhead in Microsoft Word [Template + Example]
• How To Create a Chart Design in Google Docs [Template + Example]
• How To Create a Chart Design in Microsoft Word [Template + Example]
• How To Make/Create a Calendar Design in Google Docs [Templates + Examples]
• How To Make/Create a Calendar Design in Microsoft Word [Templates + Examples]
• How To Make/Create a Book Cover in Google Docs [Templates + Examples]
• How To Make/Create a Book Cover in Microsoft Word [Templates + Examples]
• Vacancy Sizes
• Wedding Album Ideas
• Tarot Ideas

File Formats

Word templates, google docs templates, excel templates, powerpoint templates, google sheets templates, google slides templates, pdf templates, publisher templates, psd templates, indesign templates, illustrator templates, pages templates, keynote templates, numbers templates, outlook templates.

What Is Public Speaking? Why Is It Important? (Definition + Tips)

What is public speaking? In this article, you'll learn what speaking in public is about and the importance of public speaking in business.

If you’ve been asked to give a public speech, you may wonder: what is public speaking and why is public speaking important? Those questions are quite logical if you’ve never thought much about public speaking before.

Public speaking is important in business, education, and the public arena. There are many benefits to speaking in public, whether you’re an individual or a business.

In this article, we’ll define public speaking for you. We’ll discuss the importance of public speaking in general. We’ll also cover the importance of public speaking in business. Plus, we’ll share some resources to help you become a better public speaker. This includes some public speaking examples.

Also, if you want to pursue speaking in public yourself, download our free eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations . It’ll help you master the complete presentation process.

What Is Public Speaking & Why It’s Important (Quickstart Video)

If you’re reading this, you’re probably asking the question “ what is public speaking “? You may even be faced with the prospect of creating a public speech yourself.

Or maybe you just want to know “ why is public speaking important “? Whatever your situation, we’ve got you covered with this short video that gives a public speaking definition and provides you with some tips to make a better public speech.

To learn even more about public speaking and why it’s important, study the written tutorial below.

A Public Speaking Definition

So what exactly is public speaking? Basically, it’s a presentation that’s given live before an audience. Public speeches can cover a wide variety of different topics. The goal of the speech may be to educate, entertain, or influence the listeners. Often, visual aids in the form of an electronic slideshow are used to supplement the speech. This makes it more interesting to the listeners.

A quality public communication definition should explain how it’s different from an online presentation, which is why we’ll cover it here. Here’s a description of some of the differences:

• A public speaking presentation is different from an online presentation because an online presentation is available any time. A public speech is typically limited to a specific time or place.
• Online presentations often use slideshows or pre-recorded videos of a speaker. (This includes recordings of a live public speaking presentation).

Because speaking in public is done before a live audience, you need to consider some special factors. We’ll touch on those shortly.

Now that you’ve got an understanding of the meaning of public speaking, let’s take a quick look at the history of (and the importance of) public speaking.

A History of Public Speaking

What is the history of public speaking? And why is public speaking important?

There’s a good chance that there’s been public speech, in one form or another, as long as there’ve been people. But most public speaking experts involved with public speaking in business communication trace the origins of modern public speaking back to ancient Greece and Rome.

Of course, those societies didn’t have slideshows, but they did have a need for speaking in public. As a result, they developed public speaking methods that are still studied today.

The ancient Greeks used public speech primarily to praise or persuade others. At one point, all Greek citizens had the right to suggest or oppose laws during their assemblies. This resulted in a need for skilled public speakers. Speaking in public became a desirable skill and was taught. Public speaking in the time of the Greeks was called rhetoric. Later, when Rome came to power, speaking in public was used during the Roman senate sessions. The Romans adopted the public speaking rhetoric methods of the Greeks. In fact, most public speaking teachers of the time were Greek.

The Latin style of public speaking was popular in the U.S. and Europe until the mid-20th century . After World War II, a less formal and more conversational speaking style of speaking became popular. Also, electronic tools became available to enhance public presentations.

Towards the end of the 20th century, electronic tools migrated to the computer. They evolved into the computer software tools, like PowerPoint , that we know and use today.

Don’t be fooled, though. Even though today’s public speeches are less formal, they still need to be well organized. More on that later. Now, let’s take a look at the importance of public speaking.

The Importance of Public Speaking

If you ask most people, they’ll probably say they don’t like public speech. They may even admit to being afraid of it since fear of public speaking is very common. Or they may just be shy or introverted. For those reasons, many people avoid speaking in public if they can. If you’re one of those people who avoid speaking in public, you’re missing out.

You may be wondering, “What is public communication and how can it benefit me?” Over the years, public speaking in communication has played a major role in education, government, and business. Words have the power to inform, persuade, educate, and even entertain. And the spoken word can be even more powerful than the written word in the hands of the right speaker.

Whether you’re a small business owner or a student, you’ll benefit from improving your public speaking skills. Some benefits of speaking in public include:

• improves confidence
• better research skills
• stronger deductive skills
• ability to advocate for causes

Speaking in public is especially important for businesses to market their offers. This allows them to get their message in front of potential customers. Salespeople and executives are often expected to have good public speaking skills. To learn more about some of the benefits of speaking in public, review this article .

Next, let’s explore the methods you can use to become better at speaking in public.

How to Become Better at Public Speaking (5 Quick Tips)

Okay, so now you understand the benefits of public speaking. You might be a little more interested in the topic. Still, you might think it’s not for you. Maybe you gave a speech once and it didn’t go well. Maybe you’re afraid of speaking in public. Or maybe you think you don’t have a natural ability for giving speeches.

The truth is that speaking in public is a skill. And you can learn any skill. While some people may have more natural speaking ability than others, anyone can learn to be a better public speaker. It just takes some know-how and some effort.

To help you become better at giving public speeches, we’ll take a look at these five areas:

• writing the speech
• overcoming a fear of speaking
• practicing the speech
• preparing your presentation slide designs
• giving the speech

We’ll start with writing the speech.

1. Write an Effective Speech

The first thing you’ll want to do is work on writing a well-organized, engaging speech. Even a great speaking voice or a great deal of charisma isn’t enough if your material isn’t any good.

Specifically, it’s crucial to research your audience beforehand so that you can target your speech directly to them as much as possible. Become familiar with their wants and needs, as well as any problems you can solve for them. This will drive the actual topic that you actually select for your speech, as well as how you research it.

The more research you do, the easier writing your speech will be.

2. Overcome the Fear of Speaking

Fear of public speaking is very real and can hold you back if you let it. If you don’t feel confident when giving your speech, your listeners may pick up on that. This can make your presentation less effective.

Fortunately, there are some techniques to help manage the fear of speaking in public. They also help you become more confident.

First, let’s tackle fear of public speaking. If you’ve already written an effective speech, then you’ve already taken an important first step. The more familiar you are with your speech, the less worried you’ll be on presentation day.

Besides knowing your topic well, be sure to practice, practice, practice! And remember that if you do make any mistakes on presentation day, it’ll be less obvious to your audience than you think.

Next, let’s work on improving your confidence.

3. Practice the Speech

Even if you’re not afraid of speaking in public, practice helps you give a more effective speech. If you’re in a rush, you may be tempted to skip practicing your speech to save time. While skipping practice may seem like a good idea, it’s really not.

Practicing your speech improves your public presentation skills. It also increases your familiarity with the presentation. As a result, your speech will go smoothly. You can go over this handy checklist to help you practice your speech.

4. Prepare Your Presentation Slide Designs

Your slide design needs to be on point. You’ll want to make sure it looks professional and is easy to read. Luckily, you can find plenty of modern and professional presentation templates on Envato Elements.

You’ll also want to download The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations eBook now. Download it for FREE with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter. Learn how to get your ideas formed into a powerful presentation that’ll move your audience.

Don’t forget to make good use of tools like PowerPoint , Google Slides , or Keynote . The right template for your slide deck can make a huge difference in your presentation.

5. Give the Speech

You’ve written a good speech. You feel more confident about giving a speech in public, and you’ve practiced. You’re ready to actually give the speech. There are some tips and tricks you can use on the day of your speech to make it go more smoothly, though.

Remember, you’re giving a presentation before a live audience at a specific place and time. So, you’ve got some concerns about the speaking venue that those who give online presentations don’t have to worry about.

Some common concerns for public speakers include:

• Will the audience be able to hear me?
• Does the venue have the equipment I need?
• Are there enough seats for all my listeners?

Public Speaking Examples

Public speaking examples are great for learning or improving a new skill. That applies to speaking in public as well. If you get the chance to listen to some top-rated public speakers, you should do it. You can observe how other speakers go about giving their speech. In the process, you’ll improve your own speaking skills.

One great source of recorded public speeches is Ted Talks , which is a series of short presentations on a wide variety of topics. Ted Talks are known for attracting world-class and celebrity speakers. You can find my favorite Ted Talks in this article .

The Best Source for Simple PowerPoint Templates (With Unlimited Use)

Envato Elements is the perfect place to find modern PowerPoint templates . For a single monthly fee, access unlimited downloads of PowerPoint themes, photos, fonts, and other resources to use in your next presentation.

Elements gives you the best bang for your buck. And thanks to the unlimited downloads, you can try out a variety of slide designs as you build out your public speaking PowerPoint presentation.

PowerPoint templates from Envato Elements have plenty of features to help you create a stunning presentation, such as:

• bold text and title slides to capture audience attention
• rich image placeholders to show off photos and videos
• many infographic elements and charts to visualize data
• plenty of customization options to make the template your own

Thanks to these templates, you’ll be able to create a modern, standout presentation to go with your public speech.

5 Modern PowerPoint Templates From Envato Elements

1. minimalism clean powerpoint presentation.

Try this template if you’re looking for a clean and simple PowerPoint slide design. The template features a versatile layout. Use it for any type of presentation or topic. It includes 50+ unique slide designs, tons of customization options, and vector elements. The template was designed in widescreen format.

2. Kaspa PowerPoint Presentation

The Kaspa PowerPoint template has a modern and trendy design. It’s best suited for presentations that need a lot of photos to share information. The template can be customized completely. It comes with slide animations and transitions. The template also includes vector icons.

3. Guava PowerPoint

The Guava PowerPoint has a dramatic, yet elegant design. You’ll notice dark image overlays and elegant typography that makes your message stand out. The template comes with 50+ unique designs, image placeholders, and master slides. It was designed in widescreen resolution.

4. Dauna Minimalist PowerPoint

The Dauna template is another minimalist PowerPoint design. It works well for any type of business presentation. You’ll find 30 unique slides and two color variations. The template comes with image placeholders and plenty of customization options.

5. Pastelize Colorful Business PowerPoint Presentation

If you’re looking for a colorful and bold PowerPoint, the Pastelize template is the perfect choice. The template includes many slide designs, three color variations and color themes, and image placeholders.

Make Great Presentations ( Free PDF eBook Download )

We also have the perfect complement to this tutorial, which will walk you through the complete presentation process. Learn how to write your presentation, design it like a pro, and prepare it to present powerfully.

Download our new eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations . It’s available for free with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter.

What Is Public Speaking? Now You Know! Time to Get Work on Your Next Speech

So what is public communication in terms of what it can do for you, your career, or your business?

In a nutshell, a world of potential! In this article, we defined public speaking and why it’s so important in your business. Hopefully, the public speaking meaning we explored will help dispel any fear you may have.

We discussed a thorough public communication definition so that you can be adequately prepared for your next speech. Besides the public speaking definition, you learned a bit about the history of public speaking and how it evolved to modern standards today.

We also shared some helpful tools to help you learn how to give a public speech and provided you with a source for good public speaking examples that you can learn from.

You should now be ready to grow as a public speaker. Be sure to check out the sleek PowerPoint templates on Envato Elements as you prepare for your next speech. You’ll find a ton of inspiration for your next presentation!

So go ahead. Write that public speech and give it. You’ll be glad you did!

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Watch 'Race for the White House' & ABC News' coverage of the CNN Presidential Debate on June 27

ABC News will simulcast the CNN Presidential Debate at 9 p.m. EDT/ 6 p.m. PDT.

ABC News announced coverage of the 2024 presidential election and the candidates with special programming on ABC, ABC News Live and Hulu on Thursday, June 27, beginning at 7 p.m. EDT/ 4 p.m. CDT.

ABC network coverage will kick off with a one-hour linear and streaming special report, "Race for the White House," beginning at 8 p.m. EDT/ 5 p.m. CDT. Immediately following ABC News' presentation of the CNN Presidential Debate simulcast at 9 p.m. EDT/6 p.m. CDT, the network and streaming channel will provide a post-debate program with reporting on and analysis of the candidates, issues, and state of the race. Be sure to watch on the ABC app from your smartphone and tablet, computer on ABC.com or wherever you stream this ABC station.

"World News Tonight" anchor and managing editor David Muir leads the network's coverage with ABC News' powerhouse political team, including ABC News Live "Prime" anchor Linsey Davis, chief White House correspondent Mary Bruce, chief global affairs correspondent and "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz, chief Washington correspondent and "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl, chief justice correspondent Pierre Thomas, chief national correspondent Matt Gutman, chief business, technology, and economics correspondent Rebecca Jarvis, senior congressional correspondent Rachel Scott, senior national correspondent Terry Moran, foreign correspondent James Longman, national correspondent Mireya Villarreal and political director Rick Klein.

Contributors Donna Brazile and Reince Priebus will provide analysis for the network and streaming coverage.

ABC News Live will have extensive day-long coverage ahead of the debate on June 27. Primetime coverage begins at 7 p.m. EDT/ 4 p.m. CDT with a special edition of "Prime with Linsey Davis," then at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. CDT, the channel will carry the live pre-debate special anchored by Muir, followed by the CNN Presidential Debate simulcast with post-debate analysis immediately following the conclusion. Muir and Davis will continue live coverage with another special edition of "Prime" beginning at 11 p.m. EDT/8 p.m. CDT, White House correspondent MaryAlice Parks and deputy political director Averi Harper will report throughout the day.

ABC News Digital and 538 will provide comprehensive coverage of the first presidential debate, including a live blog with analysis updated in real time. Additional coverage includes a look at the new ground rules of the debates and how those rules could impact the candidates, as well as where the candidates stand on key issues and more.

ABC Audio will have live pre-debate coverage anchored by ABC News Radio's Alex Stone beginning at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. CDT. Stone will be joined by White House correspondent Karen Travers and national correspondent Steven Portnoy, as well as a team of analysts, reporters and experts, including reporters from 538. ABC News Radio will simulcast the CNN Presidential Debate and offer live, post-debate analysis, plus status updates and interviews with radio stations across the country. Additionally, ABC News' powerhouse political team will join host Brad Mielke on ABC Audio's flagship daily news podcast "Start Here" on Thursday and Friday mornings.

"The View" will also air live on Friday, June 28, with "Hot Topics" and reactions to the debate.

ABC News will produce the second 2024 election presidential debate on Tuesday, Sept. 10, on ABC, ABC News Live and Hulu. Muir and Davis will serve as co-moderators.

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The 25 Photos That Defined the Modern Age

A group of experts met to discuss the images that have best captured — and changed — the world since 1955.

Supported by

By M.H. Miller ,  Brendan Embser ,  Emmanuel Iduma and Lucy McKeon

• Published June 3, 2024 Updated June 12, 2024

This story contains graphic images of violence and death.

Let’s get this out of the way first: Of the dozens of photographers not represented here that a reasonable person might expect to have been included, the most conspicuous absentees include Berenice Abbott, Ansel Adams, Robert Adams, Richard Avedon, Dawoud Bey, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Imogen Cunningham, Roy DeCarava, William Eggleston, Walker Evans, Robert Mapplethorpe, Helmut Newton and Irving Penn. Putting together a list of the 25 most significant photographs since 1955 — both fine art photos and reportage — proved a difficult task for the panelists (even the chosen time frame was controversial). They were: the Canadian conceptual photographer Stan Douglas , 63; the Vietnamese American photographer An-My Lê , 64; the acting chief curator of Photography at the Museum of Modern Art, Roxana Marcoci, 66; the American documentary photographer Susan Meiselas , 75; the American photographer Shikeith , 35; and Nadia Vellam, 51, T’s photo and video director. Each participant (including myself, the moderator, 36) submitted up to seven possible nominees for the list. We gathered at The New York Times Building on a morning last February (with Shikeith joining on video from a shoot in Los Angeles) to begin our deliberations.

We chose judges from the realms of both fine art and reportage because, increasingly, the line between the two has collapsed. The modern age has been defined by photographs — images that began their lives in newspapers or magazines are repurposed as art; art has become a vehicle for information. Therefore, it was important to us and our jurors that we not draw boundaries between what was created as journalism and what was created as art. What was important was that the photographs we chose changed, in some way, how we see the world.

The conversation naturally turned into a series of questions. Like how important was it for a photograph to have expanded the possibilities of the medium? And how much did it matter who took a photo and what their intentions were? The list that emerged is less concerned with a historical chronology or an accepted canon than it is with a set of themes that have been linked indelibly to the photographic medium since its inception: labor and activism; war; the self and the family. Intriguingly, beyond an image by Wolfgang Tillmans from the ’90s, fashion photography is largely absent. So, too, are many world historical events that have been captured in landmark photographs, including the assassination of JFK, the fall of the Berlin Wall and anything from the pandemic lockdown or the presidency of Donald Trump. There were just too many other photographs to consider.

The process of producing the final list was clearly not scientific. It was more of a debate among a certain group of people on a certain day and is best considered that way. At the end of nearly four hours, jittery from caffeine, the group stood before a pile of crumpled masterworks on the floor as we assembled our chosen 25 images on a conference table. Many of our questions weren’t resolved (indeed, are unresolvable), but the results — which aren’t ranked but rather presented in the order in which we discussed them — are nothing if not surprising. — M.H. Miller

The conversation has been edited and condensed.

M.H. Miller: I thought we should start by talking about the time frame we settled on, starting in 1955.

Stan Douglas: It’s an agenda.

Miller: A little bit. It certainly shows an American bias, so I apologize to our Canadian representative — 1955 is really the beginning of the American civil rights movement, an era from which a number of us nominated photographs, and photography was so important in just making people aware of what was going on in the country. An-My, you chose Robert Frank’s picture of a streetcar in New Orleans, taken that year.

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