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How to Prepare for a Presentation, with Examples

February 15, 2021 - Dom Barnard

This guide covers everything you need to know to prepare for your presentation. including what you need to think about beforehand, during and after the presentation.

1. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse (always aloud)

Once you have your presentation worked out, you will need to practice it, but even though you might think it’s the best way to have a flawless presentation, don’t memorise what you’re going to say.

That might sound like incredibly bad advice, but here’s why:

• If you memorise your speech, you’ll get stuck in thinking you can only deliver your ideas in that way, and that stifles your creativity, and the chance for new thoughts and ways to put things that come up as you speak.

Not only that, but every  audience is different . Sometimes they laugh out loud, sometimes they sit and smile, and you never know which type of audience you’ll have until you’re live.

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If you’re going off a memorised presentation, it’s much more difficult to break away from that to go with the flow on the day, and respond naturally to your audience.

• If you forget your speech in the middle of it, you will be thrown, and you’ll have more chance of complete brain freeze, which really will knock your confidence.
• Memorising your presentation gives you a false sense of security, which could leave you high and dry if something goes wrong. If you’ve only got your memorised speech, for example, what will you do if your PowerPoint freezes or your props break, and you can’t do what you were going to do?

Rehearse in front of colleagues, friends, a mirror, in virtual reality – always aloud. Make sure you spend plenty of time practising your presentation, it will make you feel much more relaxed if you know your material.

Courses where you can rehearse with interactive exercises:

• Essential Public Speaking
• How to Present over Video

Video showing how you can prepare for your presentation using virtual reality.  Learn more about virtual reality training .

2. Memorise your opening line

Do, however, memorise your opening line. If you know how you’re going to begin, you’ll get a strong start and that will build your confidence.

Many speakers and stage actors find that the minute they’ve actually delivered their first line, the nerves are gone and they’re well into their stride.

3. Practise your speech from written notes

Writing your presentation out in your own handwriting will help you clarify your ideas and may well bring you new ones.

• How to Write a Speech to Engage your Audience

4. Practise presentation flow

As well as practising for the ideas and what you want to say, practise how you want your presentation to flow. Think of it almost as a symphony, with high points, slow movements and crescendos. If it’s important, think about how you want your audience to feel, what emotions you want them to have, and when.

5. The power of silence

Don’t be afraid to pause and use the power of silence. A good pause can have a huge emotional impact. It allows people to really absorb what you are saying and react, and it’s vital to pause if you’re using humour so that the next part of your presentation doesn’t get lost underneath people’s laughter.

For more on the ‘Power of the Pause’, watch this short from video Brian Tracy:  The Power of the Pause

• 10 Effective Ways to use Pauses in your Speech

6. Have a backup

There’s nothing worse than the projector dying or finding that your laptop won’t communicate with the projector for some reason. If you know you have a backup, even if it’s only a pre-prepared flip chart, you’ll feel better, and you’ll be more confident.

7. Arrive early

Following on from that, arrive at least half an hour early so you aren’t feeling rushed, and so you have time to check your equipment and get your notes laid out ready to go. That gives you time to breathe and relax before you go on, knowing everything is as set as it can be.

8. Use physical props for a demo

Use physical props, if possible, for a demo. This can make you stand out and be more memorable among all the other speakers who only use PowerPoint, and it can add greatly to the impact of your presentation.

Video showing an example of using physical props during a live demo.

9. Structure your presentation

First, find out how much time you have to present, is it 10 minutes, 15, an hour? Prepare enough material for this time and have a couple of extra slides as backup – we tend to speak much quicker when nervous so you might find you finish your presentation too early. At some large conference events, timings may change on the day, be aware of this have a shorter version of your presentation in mind (i.e. know which slides to skip over).

• How to Structure your Presentation, with Examples
• Examples of Corporate Presentation Structures

10. Prepare for questions

Have a few backup slides for questions you think will arise from your presentation. It is sometime a tactic to explain a section briefly in your speech, so that you get a question about it afterwards. If you don’t understand the question, ask for it to be rephrased.

If there are no questions, it is not an indication how good or bad your presentation was. You many have explain your material extremely well, or simply that people are tired at the end of the day and want to go home.

• Guide for Handling Questions after a Presentation

11. Prepare for where you are presenting

If you can, go to the room you are speaking in before the actual event. It gives you an idea of furniture layout, podium height, location, room size, audience size and lighting. You can then visualise the room while practising and avoid the shock of suddenly being faced with a huge room when you expected a tiny one.

Ask the organiser if you need any particular props, for example a table to help with your live demo.

Additional planning to think about before your presentation:

1. Purpose  – what outcome are we trying to achieve? How can results be measured? What will success look like?

2. Topic  – Novelty? Complexity? Technical?

3. People  – Who should attend? What do they already know? How are they going to help?

4. Timing  – When will it happen and how long will the presentation take?

5. Location  – Where will the presentation be held? Do you have access to the correct facilities for the presentation?

6. Papers  – Who is keeping minutes? Do you need to send out an agenda before the presentation? Background information required?

7. Visual aids  – Is a  projector required ? Boards?

8. Style  – Structure or unstructured, discussion style? How assertive should you be? How should the meeting items be organised?

12. Choose the signals to give to your audience

Before the presentation, think about these 5 topics:

• Eye contact
• Facial gestures
• Body language

Decide how you will use each of these to reinforce your message. Use the table below for help.

Additional courses to help you prepare for your presentation:

• Presentation Skills Training Courses

Example from Steve Jobs

Think about these 10 techniques while you are preparing your presentation..

• Planning in Analog.  Tell a story, create stunning visuals and videos to complement video, use demonstrations and other speakers, keep the audience engaged.
• Creating a Twitter-Friendly Description  Single description sentence, condensed his message into 140 characters.
• Introduce the Enemy  Story needs villains or a problem to be solved. Jobs highlighted IBM and useless mobile phones (during iPhone release) as his villains.
• Focusing on Benefits  Keep reinforcing the benefits of your product, create top 10 lists, understand this is what customers care about.
• Sticking to Rule of Three  Classic Literary technique, things are best remembered and reinforced in threes. Read this article on  Literary Techniques  for more detail.
• Sell Dreams, Not Products  Create a vision people believe in, create a vision which will make people’s lives better
• Create Visual Slides  Use as few words as possible and use colourful graphics on the slide to highlight points.
• Make Numbers Meaningful  Compare large numbers to things people understand.
• Use Plain English  Use easy to say and easy to remember words, keep it simple.
• Large Reveals  Due to Apple secrecy, Jobs was able to deliver unexpected products to the world at his product launches.

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How to give a good presentation that captivates any audience

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What are the main difficulties when giving presentations?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s helpful to identify where your worries are coming from and address your fears. Here are some common concerns when preparing for an upcoming presentation:

Fear of public speaking: When you share your ideas in front of a group, you’re placing yourself in a vulnerable position to be critiqued on your knowledge and communication skills . Maybe you feel confident in your content, but when you think about standing in front of an audience, you feel anxious and your mind goes blank.

It’s also not uncommon to have physical symptoms when presenting . Some people experience nausea and dizziness as the brain releases adrenaline to cope with the potentially stressful situation . Remember to take deep breaths to recenter yourself and be patient, even if you make a mistake.

Losing the audience’s attention: As a presenter, your main focus is to keep your audience engaged. They should feel like they’re learning valuable information or following a story that will improve them in life or business.

Highlight the most exciting pieces of knowledge and ensure you emphasize those points in your presentation. If you feel passionate about your content, it’s more likely that your audience will experience this excitement for themselves and become invested in what you have to say.

Not knowing what content to place on presentation slides: Overloading presentation slides is a fast way to lose your audience’s attention. Your slides should contain only the main talking points and limited text to ensure your audience focuses on what you have to say rather than becoming distracted by the content on your slides.

Discomfort incorporating nonverbal communication: It’s natural to feel stiff and frozen when you’re nervous. But maintaining effective body language helps your audience stay focused on you as you speak and encourages you to relax.

If you struggle to incorporate body language into your presentations, try starting small by making hand gestures toward your slides. If you’re working with a large audience, use different parts of the stage to ensure everyone feels included. 

Each presenter has their own personal brand and style. Some may use humor to break the ice, while others might appeal to the audience’s emotional side through inspiring storytelling. 

Watching online presentations, such as TED talks, is an excellent way to expose yourself to various presentation styles and develop your own. While observing others, you can note how they carry themselves on stage and learn new ways to keep your audience engaged.

Once you’ve addressed what’s causing your fears, it’s time to prepare for a great presentation. Use your past experience as inspiration and aim to outshine your former self by learning from your mistakes and employing new techniques. Here are five presentation tips to help you create a strong presentation and wow your audience:

1. Keep it simple

Simple means something different to everyone.

Before creating your presentation, take note of your intended audience and their knowledge level of your subject. You’ll want your content to be easy for your intended audience to follow.

Say you’re giving a presentation on improving your company’s operational structure. Entry-level workers will likely need a more straightforward overview of the content than C-suite leaders, who have significantly more experience. 

Ask yourself what you want your audience to take away from your presentation and emphasize those important points. Doing this ensures they remember the most vital information rather than less important supporting ideas. Try organizing these concepts into bullet points so viewers can quickly identify critical takeaways.

2. Create a compelling structure

Put yourself in your audience member’s shoes and determine the most compelling way to organize your information. Your presentation should be articulate , cohesive, and logical, and you must be sure to include all necessary supporting evidence to strengthen your main points.

If you give away all of your answers too quickly, your audience could lose interest. And if there isn’t enough supporting information, they could hit a roadblock of confusion. Try developing a compelling story that leads your audience through your thought processes so they can experience the ups and downs alongside you. 

By structuring your presentation to lead up to a final conclusion, you’re more likely to keep listeners’ attention. Once you’ve reached that conclusion, you can offer a Q&A period to put any of their questions or concerns to rest. 

3. Use visual aids

Appealing to various learning styles is a great way to keep everyone on the same page and ensure they absorb your content. Visual aids are necessary for visual learners and make it easier for people to picture your ideas.

Aim to incorporate a mixture of photos, videos, and props to engage your audience and convey your key points. For instance, if you’re giving a presentation on anthropology subject matter, you could show your audience an artifact to help them understand how exciting a discovery must have been. 

If your presentation is long, including a video for your audience to watch is an excellent way to give yourself a break and create new jumping-off points for your speech.

4. Be aware of design techniques and trends

Thanks to cutting-edge technology and tools, you have numerous platforms at your disposal to create a good presentation. But keep in mind that although color, images, and graphics liven things up, they can cause distraction when misused.

  Here are a few standard pointers for incorporating visuals on your slides: 

• Don’t place blocks of small text on a single slide
• Use a minimalistic background instead of a busy one
• Ensure text stands out against the background color
• Only use high-resolution photos
• Maintain a consistent font style and size throughout the presentation
• Don’t overuse transitions and effects

5. Try the 10-20-30 rule

Guy Kawasaki, a prominent venture capitalist and one of the original marketing specialists for Apple, said that the best slideshow presentations are less than 10 slides , last at most 20 minutes, and use a font size of 30. Following this strategy can help you condense your information, eliminate unnecessary ideas, and maintain your audience’s focus more efficiently.

Once you’re confident in creating a memorable presentation, it’s time to learn how to give one. Here are some valuable tips for keeping your audience invested during your talk: 

Tip #1: Tell stories

Sharing an anecdote from your life can improve your credibility and increase your relatability. And when an audience relates to you, they’re more likely to feel connected to who you are as a person and encouraged to give you their full attention, as they would want others to do the same.

Gill Hicks utilized this strategy well when she shared her powerful story, “ I survived a terrorist attack. Here’s what I learned .” In her harrowing tale, Hicks highlights the importance of compassion, unconditional love , and helping those in need.

If you feel uncomfortable sharing personal stories, that’s okay. You can use examples from famous individuals or create a fictional account to demonstrate your ideas.

Tip #2: Make eye contact with the audience

Maintaining eye contact is less intimidating than it sounds. In fact, you don’t have to look your audience members directly in their eyes — you can focus on their foreheads or noses if that’s easier.

Try making eye contact with as many people as possible for 3–5 seconds each. This timing ensures you don’t look away too quickly, making the audience member feel unimportant, or linger too long, making them feel uncomfortable.

If you’re presenting to a large group, direct your focus to each part of the room to ensure no section of the audience feels ignored. 

Tip #3: Work on your stage presence

Although your tone and words are the most impactful part of your presentation, recall that body language keeps your audience engaged. Use these tips to master a professional stage presence:

• Speak with open arms and avoid crossing them
• Keep a reasonable pace and try not to stand still
• Use hand gestures to highlight important information

Tip #4: Start strong

Like watching a movie trailer, the first seconds of your talk are critical for capturing your audience’s attention. How you start your speech sets the tone for the rest of your presentation and tells your audience whether or not they should pay attention. Here are some ways to start your presentation to leave a lasting impression:

• Use a quote from a well-known and likable influential person 
• Ask a rhetorical question to create intrigue
• Start with an anecdote to add context to your talk 
• Spark your audience’s curiosity by involving them in an interactive problem-solving puzzle or riddle

Tip #5: Show your passion

Don’t be afraid of being too enthusiastic. Everyone appreciates a speaker who’s genuinely excited about their field of expertise. 

In “ Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance ,” Angela Lee Duckworth discusses the importance of passion in research and delivery. She delivers her presentation excitedly to show the audience how excitement piques interest. 

Tip #6: Plan your delivery

How you decide to deliver your speech will shape your presentation. Will you be preparing a PowerPoint presentation and using a teleprompter? Or are you working within the constraints of the digital world and presenting over Zoom?

The best presentations are conducted by speakers who know their stuff and memorize their content. However, if you find this challenging, try creating notes to use as a safety net in case you lose track.

If you’re presenting online, you can keep notes beside your computer for each slide, highlighting your key points. This ensures you include all the necessary information and follow a logical order.

Tip #7: Practice

Practice doesn’t make perfect — it makes progress. There’s no way of preparing for unforeseen circumstances, but thorough practice means you’ve done everything you can to succeed.

Rehearse your speech in front of a mirror or to a trusted friend or family member. Take any feedback and use it as an opportunity to fine-tune your speech. But remember: who you practice your presentation in front of may differ from your intended audience. Consider their opinions through the lens of them occupying this different position.

Tip #8: Read the room

Whether you’re a keynote speaker at an event or presenting to a small group of clients, knowing how to read the room is vital for keeping your audience happy. Stay flexible and be willing to move on from topics quickly if your listeners are uninterested or displeased with a particular part of your speech.

Tip #9: Breathe

Try taking deep breaths before your presentation to calm your nerves. If you feel rushed, you’re more likely to feel nervous and stumble on your words.

The most important thing to consider when presenting is your audience’s feelings. When you approach your next presentation calmly, you’ll put your audience at ease and encourage them to feel comfortable in your presence.

Tip #10: Provide a call-to-action

When you end your presentation, your audience should feel compelled to take a specific action, whether that’s changing their habits or contacting you for your services.

If you’re presenting to clients, create a handout with key points and contact information so they can get in touch. You should provide your LinkedIn information, email address, and phone number so they have a variety of ways to reach you. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all template for an effective presentation, as your unique audience and subject matter play a role in shaping your speech. As a general rule, though, you should aim to connect with your audience through passion and excitement. Use strong eye contact and body language. Capture their interest through storytelling and their trust through relatability.

Learning how to give a good presentation can feel overwhelming — but remember, practice makes progress. Rehearse your presentation for someone you trust, collect their feedback , and revise. Practicing your presentation skills is helpful for any job, and every challenge is a chance to grow.

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

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

How to make a presentation interactive and exciting

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

How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 20, 2023

A top-notch presentation possesses the power to drive action. From winning stakeholders over and conveying a powerful message to securing funding — your secret weapon lies within the realm of creating an effective presentation .  

Being an excellent presenter isn’t confined to the boardroom. Whether you’re delivering a presentation at work, pursuing an academic career, involved in a non-profit organization or even a student, nailing the presentation game is a game-changer.

In this article, I’ll cover the top qualities of compelling presentations and walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to give a good presentation. Here’s a little tip to kick things off: for a headstart, check out Venngage’s collection of free presentation templates . They are fully customizable, and the best part is you don’t need professional design skills to make them shine!

These valuable presentation tips cater to individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, encompassing business professionals, sales and marketing teams, educators, trainers, students, researchers, non-profit organizations, public speakers and presenters. 

No matter your field or role, these tips for presenting will equip you with the skills to deliver effective presentations that leave a lasting impression on any audience.

Click to jump ahead:

What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?

Step-by-step guide on how to prepare an effective presentation, 9 effective techniques to deliver a memorable presentation, faqs on making a good presentation, how to create a presentation with venngage in 5 steps.

When it comes to giving an engaging presentation that leaves a lasting impression, it’s not just about the content — it’s also about how you deliver it. Wondering what makes a good presentation? Well, the best presentations I’ve seen consistently exhibit these 10 qualities:

1. Clear structure

No one likes to get lost in a maze of information. Organize your thoughts into a logical flow, complete with an introduction, main points and a solid conclusion. A structured presentation helps your audience follow along effortlessly, leaving them with a sense of satisfaction at the end.

Regardless of your presentation style , a quality presentation starts with a clear roadmap. Browse through Venngage’s template library and select a presentation template that aligns with your content and presentation goals. Here’s a good presentation example template with a logical layout that includes sections for the introduction, main points, supporting information and a conclusion: 

2. Engaging opening

Hook your audience right from the start with an attention-grabbing statement, a fascinating question or maybe even a captivating anecdote. Set the stage for a killer presentation!

The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – check out these 15 ways to start a presentation to set the stage and captivate your audience.

3. Relevant content

Make sure your content aligns with their interests and needs. Your audience is there for a reason, and that’s to get valuable insights. Avoid fluff and get straight to the point, your audience will be genuinely excited.

4. Effective visual aids

Picture this: a slide with walls of text and tiny charts, yawn! Visual aids should be just that—aiding your presentation. Opt for clear and visually appealing slides, engaging images and informative charts that add value and help reinforce your message.

With Venngage, visualizing data takes no effort at all. You can import data from CSV or Google Sheets seamlessly and create stunning charts, graphs and icon stories effortlessly to showcase your data in a captivating and impactful way.

5. Clear and concise communication

Keep your language simple, and avoid jargon or complicated terms. Communicate your ideas clearly, so your audience can easily grasp and retain the information being conveyed. This can prevent confusion and enhance the overall effectiveness of the message. 

6. Engaging delivery

Spice up your presentation with a sprinkle of enthusiasm! Maintain eye contact, use expressive gestures and vary your tone of voice to keep your audience glued to the edge of their seats. A touch of charisma goes a long way!

7. Interaction and audience engagement

Turn your presentation into an interactive experience — encourage questions, foster discussions and maybe even throw in a fun activity. Engaged audiences are more likely to remember and embrace your message.

Transform your slides into an interactive presentation with Venngage’s dynamic features like pop-ups, clickable icons and animated elements. Engage your audience with interactive content that lets them explore and interact with your presentation for a truly immersive experience.

8. Effective storytelling

Who doesn’t love a good story? Weaving relevant anecdotes, case studies or even a personal story into your presentation can captivate your audience and create a lasting impact. Stories build connections and make your message memorable.

A great presentation background is also essential as it sets the tone, creates visual interest and reinforces your message. Enhance the overall aesthetics of your presentation with these 15 presentation background examples and captivate your audience’s attention.

9. Well-timed pacing

Pace your presentation thoughtfully with well-designed presentation slides, neither rushing through nor dragging it out. Respect your audience’s time and ensure you cover all the essential points without losing their interest.

10. Strong conclusion

Last impressions linger! Summarize your main points and leave your audience with a clear takeaway. End your presentation with a bang , a call to action or an inspiring thought that resonates long after the conclusion.

In-person presentations aside, acing a virtual presentation is of paramount importance in today’s digital world. Check out this guide to learn how you can adapt your in-person presentations into virtual presentations . 

Preparing an effective presentation starts with laying a strong foundation that goes beyond just creating slides and notes. One of the quickest and best ways to make a presentation would be with the help of a good presentation software . 

Otherwise, let me walk you to how to prepare for a presentation step by step and unlock the secrets of crafting a professional presentation that sets you apart.

1. Understand the audience and their needs

Before you dive into preparing your masterpiece, take a moment to get to know your target audience. Tailor your presentation to meet their needs and expectations , and you’ll have them hooked from the start!

2. Conduct thorough research on the topic

Time to hit the books (or the internet)! Don’t skimp on the research with your presentation materials — dive deep into the subject matter and gather valuable insights . The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in delivering your presentation.

3. Organize the content with a clear structure

No one wants to stumble through a chaotic mess of information. Outline your presentation with a clear and logical flow. Start with a captivating introduction, follow up with main points that build on each other and wrap it up with a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

Delivering an effective business presentation hinges on captivating your audience, and Venngage’s professionally designed business presentation templates are tailor-made for this purpose. With thoughtfully structured layouts, these templates enhance your message’s clarity and coherence, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience for your audience members.

Don’t want to build your presentation layout from scratch? pick from these 5 foolproof presentation layout ideas that won’t go wrong. 

4. Develop visually appealing and supportive visual aids

Spice up your presentation with eye-catching visuals! Create slides that complement your message, not overshadow it. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, but that doesn’t mean you need to overload your slides with text.

Well-chosen designs create a cohesive and professional look, capturing your audience’s attention and enhancing the overall effectiveness of your message. Here’s a list of carefully curated PowerPoint presentation templates and great background graphics that will significantly influence the visual appeal and engagement of your presentation.

5. Practice, practice and practice

Practice makes perfect — rehearse your presentation and arrive early to your presentation to help overcome stage fright. Familiarity with your material will boost your presentation skills and help you handle curveballs with ease.

6. Seek feedback and make necessary adjustments

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek feedback from friends and colleagues. Constructive criticism can help you identify blind spots and fine-tune your presentation to perfection.

With Venngage’s real-time collaboration feature , receiving feedback and editing your presentation is a seamless process. Group members can access and work on the presentation simultaneously and edit content side by side in real-time. Changes will be reflected immediately to the entire team, promoting seamless teamwork.

7. Prepare for potential technical or logistical issues

Prepare for the unexpected by checking your equipment, internet connection and any other potential hiccups. If you’re worried that you’ll miss out on any important points, you could always have note cards prepared. Remember to remain focused and rehearse potential answers to anticipated questions.

8. Fine-tune and polish your presentation

As the big day approaches, give your presentation one last shine. Review your talking points, practice how to present a presentation and make any final tweaks. Deep breaths — you’re on the brink of delivering a successful presentation!

In competitive environments, persuasive presentations set individuals and organizations apart. To brush up on your presentation skills, read these guides on how to make a persuasive presentation and tips to presenting effectively . 

Whether you’re an experienced presenter or a novice, the right techniques will let your presentation skills soar to new heights!

From public speaking hacks to interactive elements and storytelling prowess, these 9 effective presentation techniques will empower you to leave a lasting impression on your audience and make your presentations unforgettable.

1. Confidence and positive body language

Positive body language instantly captivates your audience, making them believe in your message as much as you do. Strengthen your stage presence and own that stage like it’s your second home! Stand tall, shoulders back and exude confidence. 

2. Eye contact with the audience

Break down that invisible barrier and connect with your audience through their eyes. Maintaining eye contact when giving a presentation builds trust and shows that you’re present and engaged with them.

3. Effective use of hand gestures and movement

A little movement goes a long way! Emphasize key points with purposeful gestures and don’t be afraid to walk around the stage. Your energy will be contagious!

4. Utilize storytelling techniques

Weave the magic of storytelling into your presentation. Share relatable anecdotes, inspiring success stories or even personal experiences that tug at the heartstrings of your audience. Adjust your pitch, pace and volume to match the emotions and intensity of the story. Varying your speaking voice adds depth and enhances your stage presence.

5. Incorporate multimedia elements

Spice up your presentation with a dash of visual pizzazz! Use slides, images and video clips to add depth and clarity to your message. Just remember, less is more—don’t overwhelm them with information overload. 

Turn your presentations into an interactive party! Involve your audience with questions, polls or group activities. When they actively participate, they become invested in your presentation’s success. Bring your design to life with animated elements. Venngage allows you to apply animations to icons, images and text to create dynamic and engaging visual content.

6. Utilize humor strategically

Laughter is the best medicine—and a fantastic presentation enhancer! A well-placed joke or lighthearted moment can break the ice and create a warm atmosphere , making your audience more receptive to your message.

7. Practice active listening and respond to feedback

Be attentive to your audience’s reactions and feedback. If they have questions or concerns, address them with genuine interest and respect. Your responsiveness builds rapport and shows that you genuinely care about their experience.

8. Apply the 10-20-30 rule

Apply the 10-20-30 presentation rule and keep it short, sweet and impactful! Stick to ten slides, deliver your presentation within 20 minutes and use a 30-point font to ensure clarity and focus. Less is more, and your audience will thank you for it!

9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule

Simplicity is key. Limit each slide to five bullet points, with only five words per bullet point and allow each slide to remain visible for about five seconds. This rule keeps your presentation concise and prevents information overload.

Simple presentations are more engaging because they are easier to follow. Summarize your presentations and keep them simple with Venngage’s gallery of simple presentation templates and ensure that your message is delivered effectively across your audience.

1. How to start a presentation?

To kick off your presentation effectively, begin with an attention-grabbing statement or a powerful quote. Introduce yourself, establish credibility and clearly state the purpose and relevance of your presentation.

2. How to end a presentation?

For a strong conclusion, summarize your talking points and key takeaways. End with a compelling call to action or a thought-provoking question and remember to thank your audience and invite any final questions or interactions.

3. How to make a presentation interactive?

To make your presentation interactive, encourage questions and discussion throughout your talk. Utilize multimedia elements like videos or images and consider including polls, quizzes or group activities to actively involve your audience.

In need of inspiration for your next presentation? I’ve got your back! Pick from these 120+ presentation ideas, topics and examples to get started. 

Creating a stunning presentation with Venngage is a breeze with our user-friendly drag-and-drop editor and professionally designed templates for all your communication needs. 

Here’s how to make a presentation in just 5 simple steps with the help of Venngage:

Step 1: Sign up for Venngage for free using your email, Gmail or Facebook account or simply log in to access your account. 

Step 2: Pick a design from our selection of free presentation templates (they’re all created by our expert in-house designers).

Step 3: Make the template your own by customizing it to fit your content and branding. With Venngage’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can easily modify text, change colors and adjust the layout to create a unique and eye-catching design.

Step 4: Elevate your presentation by incorporating captivating visuals. You can upload your images or choose from Venngage’s vast library of high-quality photos, icons and illustrations. 

Step 5: Upgrade to a premium or business account to export your presentation in PDF and print it for in-person presentations or share it digitally for free!

By following these five simple steps, you’ll have a professionally designed and visually engaging presentation ready in no time. With Venngage’s user-friendly platform, your presentation is sure to make a lasting impression. So, let your creativity flow and get ready to shine in your next presentation!

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How to Prepare for a Presentation: The Top Tips and Strategies

Master the art of presentation preparation with our detailed tips and strategies on How to Prepare for a Presentation and make an impact. Whether you're a seasoned presenter or just starting out, this resource is packed with essential tips. Read this blog to get an understanding of how you can conquer nerves and command a room.

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Addressing a large audience? Nervous about needing to present for the first time? You don't have to be! All you need to do is learn How to Prepare for a Presentation! Lucky for you, it is pretty simple, and we are here to help.

Presentations are a fundamental in both personal and professional endeavours. The ability to effectively communicate ideas, engaging audiences and crafting well made presentations is truly a valuable skill. 

Whether you need to deliver a business proposal, share the findings of your research or simply giving a speech, a well-crafted presentation will be your friend in need.

If you are looking to learn How to Prepare for a Presentation, you are in the right place. This blog will share insights with you on the tips and strategies for you to learn How to Prepare for a Good Presentation.

Table of Contents  

1) Tips and Strategies on How to Prepare for a Presentation 

      a) Understand your audience 

      b) Define your objective 

      c) Research and gather information 

      d) Organise your content 

      e) Manage your time

      f) Design visual aids   

      g) Practise and rehearse   

      h) Prepare to engage the audience   

      i) Enhance delivery skills  

      j) Manage nervousness and anxiety

     k)  Take inspiration from professional speakers

     l) Utilise technology

    m) Plan to pace your presentation

    n) Have a backup

2) Conclusion

Tips and strategies on How to Prepare for a Presentation

Explore the tips and strategies recommended below to enhance your ability to present well. Make sure to read till the end as every tip and strategy mentioned is extremely valuable to upgrade your Presentation Skills .  

Understand your audience 

Identifying your target audience in a Presentation is crucial for captivating the attention of your listeners. Think about their age characteristics, interests, and previous knowledge concerning the subject. If you have information about your readers’ habits and preferences, you can target them very easily. Understanding your audience involves:

a) Identifying audience demographics: Think about age, sex, degrees, and work history. It will allow you to identify the right kind of tone, the level of technical information and examples for your Presentation.

b) Assessing audience interests: Find out what are the preferences and interests your audience. Do they prefer statistical data or are they attracted to stories and examples? This can help you connect with your audience on a different and deeper level to maintain their attention.

c) Adapting to their knowledge level: Determine how much information the audience already knows. Are they not beginners, intermediate or advanced users? This is useful so that you do not confuse them with complicated ideas or bore them with simple concepts. Adjust your content to their level of knowledge and ability, while still offering value to them.

Define your objective 

It is very important to clarify your goal/intention when developing a Presentation as it contributes to addressing the issue at hand. undefined

a) Set specific goals: Determine the goal that you wish to attain through the Presentation. Does the purpose of a text serve to educate, persuade, or motivate a reader? Objectives will assist you to organise your content and also with the objectives in mind you will be able to direct your delivery to the desired result.

b) Decide on the main message: Determine the central idea or main point of your communication. What message about your product do you want them to take away? This is the main message that you will be using to carry the Presentation and it will help you keep a sense of focus throughout the Presentation.

c) Align objectives with audience needs: How does your audience contribute to the realisation of your objectives? What value will they derived out of your Presentation? You can achieve this by ensuring your plans and expectations meet their needs to improve their participation or help you make a difference.

Research and gather information 

How to Prepare for a Presentation step is to make a lot of research. Good preparation of the presentation also involves finding and collecting necessary information. You may also refer to different Presentation Skills interview questions and answers in order to boost your confidence and to enhance the Presentation Skills. To conduct effective research, you need to cater to the following aspects:

a) Explore diverse sources: Refer strictly to books, journals, websites, and online resources from reliable and respectable sources. Make sure that the material that you are collecting is accurate, current, and appropriate to the subject at hand.

b) Collect data, facts, and examples: Make sure your strong arguments are backed up by evidence. This proof can help enhance your arguments, increase credibility, and deliver crucial insights to your audience. Statistics, case studies, stories, and quotes by experts can be used to add value to your content.

c) Take notes and organise information: When conducting your research remember to write notes that contain important information and key points. Use to categorise your notes by themes, subtopics, and the Presentation structure. This will help you later when you have to structure your work.  

Organise your content 

In order to facilitate the understanding process by the audience, it is crucial to structure the content of a Presentation in a way that it is logical and easy to follow. Effective organisation involves:

a) Creating a logical structure: Plan to organise the information in a clear outline or structure for the Presentation. Open the presentation with an opening that captures attention then move on to section or chapter titles with the main ideas. Finish with a final point or last sentence that ties back to your point.

b) Using headings and subheadings: Subdivide your content into subsections using header levels. These are like road signs that take you along different paths when you want to read different issues or concepts. Headings also makes the task of referring back to a particular section of your speech easy for your audience.

c) Ensuring smooth transitions: Transition will be done by introducing new ideas or concepts from one section to the other. Avoid leaving your Presentation disconnected with the sole use of nouns to connect ideas. This enables your audience to have coherence of your thoughts and avoids unnatural jumps in the argumentation process.

Manage your time  

Keeping track of the time is very important while delivering a presentation . You are only allowed to hold your audience for an allotted time frame, and you need to make sure you get your message across. You can manage your time better by:

a) Wear your watch: It is recommended to wear a watch for all formal gatherings to keep track of time, or in case an attractive individual asks you the time. Check your watch from time to time to be sure you're on track with the time frame.

b) Keep it short: Make sure your presentation is short and effective and not unnecessarily long and confusing. The longer you take to explain the lesser time you have left. 

c) Plan your presentation in phases: Divide you presentation in phases and allot certain amount of time to each section. Practice delivering the presentation in that pace. This will help you be aware if you are on track or not. 

Design visual aids 

Visual aids can enhance the impact and understanding of your Presentation. Consider the following when designing visual aids: 

a) Choose appropriate visuals: Select visual elements that support and reinforce your content. This could include charts, graphs, images, videos, or infographics. Ensure that the visuals are relevant, high-quality, and easy to understand. 

b) Simplify complex information: Visual aids are particularly effective in simplifying complex information. Use visuals to present data, comparisons, or processes in a visually appealing format. This helps your audience grasp complex concepts more readily. 

c) Balance visuals and text: Find the right balance between visuals and text. Avoid overcrowding slides with excessive text, which can overwhelm and distract your audience. Use concise bullet points or keywords to complement the visuals and aid in comprehension. 

Practise and rehearse 

Practise and rehearsal are essential for delivering a confident and polished Presentation. Consider the following when practising: 

a) Rehearse your content: Familiarise yourself with the content and flow of your Presentation. Practise delivering each section, ensuring a smooth transition between ideas. Pay attention to your pacing, articulation, and clarity of speech. 

b) Time your Presentation: Practise timing your Presentation to ensure it fits within the allocated time. This helps you avoid rushing through important points or exceeding the time limit. Adjust your delivery as necessary to ensure a well-paced Presentation. 

c) Seek feedback and refine: Seek feedback from trusted individuals who can provide constructive criticism. Incorporate their suggestions to refine your delivery, eliminate unnecessary filler words, and enhance the overall impact of your Presentation. 

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Prepare to engage the audience 

Engaging your audience throughout the Presentation helps maintain their interest and active participation. Consider these strategies and Elements of Presentation to engage your audience effectively: It is also important to understand various elements of presentations. Consider these strategies to engage your audience effectively: 

a) Interactive elements: Incorporate interactive elements such as rhetorical questions, quizzes, or brief activities to encourage audience participation. This stimulates their thinking and keeps them actively engaged in the Presentation. 

b) Address audience concerns: Actively listen to your audience and address their queries or concerns promptly. Encourage questions and create a safe environment for open discussion. This demonstrates your expertise and builds rapport with your audience. 

c) Tell stories and anecdotes: Use relevant stories, anecdotes, or case studies to illustrate your points and captivate your audience. Stories have a powerful impact and make your content more relatable and memorable. 

Enhance delivery skills 

Enhancing your delivery skills is essential for creating an engaging and impactful Presentation. Consider the following to improve your delivery skills:

a) Body language: Pay attention to your body language and use it to convey confidence and authority. Maintain good posture, make purposeful gestures, and establish eye contact with your audience. This non-verbal cue enhances your message. 

b) Tone of voice and pace: Master your tone of voice and adjust it to emphasise key points or create a sense of urgency. Vary your pace to maintain interest and add emphasis where needed. Use pauses effectively to allow important information to sink in. 

c) Use visual aids as support: Visual aids should complement your delivery, not overshadow it. Use them as support to enhance your message rather than relying on them completely. Maintain a balance between your verbal delivery and the visuals. 

Manage nervousness and anxiety 

Managing nervousness and anxiety is crucial for delivering a confident Presentation. Consider the following strategies: 

a) Preparation and practice: Thorough preparation and practice build confidence and reduce anxiety. The more familiar you are with your content, the more at ease you will feel during the Presentation. 

b) Deep breathing and relaxation techniques: Before as well as during the Presentation, practice deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to calm your nerves. Focus on slow, deep breaths to regulate your heart rate and promote a sense of calm. 

c) Be early: It is a good idea to be early for your Presentation. This will give you more time to get ready to set up your equipment. When you reach early at the venue, you get plenty of time to work on the finer details of your Presentation.  

d) Visualise success: Visualise yourself delivering a successful Presentation. Imagine the positive outcomes and the impact you will have on your audience. Visualising success helps boost your confidence and reduces anxiety. 

Take inspiration from professional speakers

 A great way to improve your Presentation Skills is to observe other great speakers. Watch videos or attend public speaking workshops to improve you Public Speaking skills.

a) Take notes: when you see a speaker do something you admire, note it down. Taking notes is a great way to retain information. These notes will come in handy while you work on your own presentation. 

b) Pick the right speakers: Pick out the speakers that would inspire you and ones’ that you can resonate with. This will help you connect with the people that inspire you at a human level. This is important as it helps makes your goals seem more and more realistic.

c) Pay attention to tonality: You can learn a lot from a speaker if you observe well enough. Pay attention to the tones the speaker uses while addressing the crowd and try to identify the intent behind every change in tone. 

Utilise technology 

Utilising technology can enhance the effectiveness of your Presentation. Consider the following when incorporating technology: 

a) Choose appropriate tool s: Select Presentation software or tools that suit your needs and style. Familiarise yourself with their features and functionalities, such as slide transitions, animations, or multimedia integration.  

b) Prepare for technical issues: Anticipate potential technical issues and have contingency plans in place. Ensure you have backup files saved on different devices or formats, and familiarise yourself with troubleshooting techniques in case of technical difficulties.  

c) Integrate technology seamlessly: Use technology to enhance your Presentation, not distract from it. Ensure that the technology supports your message and engages your audience effectively. Practice using the technology beforehand to ensure seamless integration into your Presentation. 

Take your Presentations to the next level with our Presenting With Impact Training . 

Plan to pace your Presentation  

Pacing your Presentation effectively ensures that you maintain the interest and engagement of your audience throughout. Consider the following when planning the pace of your Presentation: 

a) Set a realistic timeframe: Determine the allocated time for your Presentation and plan your content accordingly. Be mindful of the time constraints and ensure that your Presentation fits within the given timeframe. Avoid overloading your Presentation with excessive information, which can result in rushing through key points or running out of time. 

b) Structure your content with timing in mind: Divide your Presentation into sections or key points and assign a specific amount of time to each of them. This helps you allocate your time effectively and ensures that you cover all the essential aspects without rushing or dragging on. 

c) Practise timing during rehearsals: Practise your Presentation multiple times while keeping an eye on the clock. Use a stopwatch or timer to simulate the actual Presentation conditions. This allows you to gauge how long each section takes and make adjustments as needed to maintain a smooth and well-paced delivery. 

d) Allow time for interaction and engagement: Incorporate interactive elements, such as questions, discussions, or activities, throughout your Presentation. Plan for these moments by allocating specific time slots. This not only breaks up the monotony but also encourages audience participation and keeps their attention focused. 

e) Be aware of audience cues: Pay attention to the reactions and engagement levels of your audience during the Presentation. Adjust your pace accordingly. If you notice signs of confusion or disinterest, you may need to slow down, provide more context, or clarify certain points. On the other hand, if you see that your audience is highly engaged and responsive, you can maintain a slightly faster pace to keep the energy up. 

f) Use silence effectively: Don't be afraid to use silence as a powerful tool. A well-timed pause can create a solid emotional impact. It lets people really listen to what you are saying and respond in turn.it is essential to pause if you are using humour so that people don't miss the next part of your Presentation while they are laughing. 

g) Practise smooth transitions: Smooth transitions between sections or ideas are crucial for maintaining a good pace. Avoid abrupt jumps or awkward pauses. Practise transitioning between different topics or slides, ensuring that the flow between ideas feels natural and seamless. 

Have a backup  

While you present, the chances of things going south are slim but never nil. It is a good practice to take into account any mishap that may occur and take precautionary measures. Here is a few ways you can be prepared to do damage control:

a) Have a spare copy of your presentation: while it is good practice to send in your presentation before hand by email, it is wise to have a backup copy in a pen drive or a hard disk. This ensures that if the file wont’ open you have a backup option.

b) Carry props: while you can use it alongside your presentation, in case the visual aid of your presentation malfunctions, the show must go on. You can use props to demonstrate the message you wish to get across to retain the audience's attention.

c) Prepare a reference document and make copies: Hand out the reference document of all the topic the presentation covers so if a member of the audience has a hard time following through the can refer to the document for clarification. 

Conclusion 

This blog emphasised on every detail of How to Prepare for a Presentation. The importance of understanding your audience and the clarity one must have in their presentation. Remember to engage your audience, enhance your delivery skills, manage nervousness, utilise technology wisely, and handle Q&A sessions with confidence. Hope we could provide you with all the information you needed to know about How to Prepare for a Presentation!   

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you are unprepared for a presentation, you are likely to make errors in your delivery, that may end up conveying the wrong message. Besides, it is considered very unprofessional to not prepare for a Presentation.

The 5/5/5 rule is that your presentation should have 5 slides that convey your message, each slide with 5 lines that consist of 5 words in each line. This helps keep the presentation short and simple.

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The Knowledge Academy offers various Presentation Skills Training , including the Presentation Skills Training, Presenting with Impact Training, and Business Writing Course. These courses cater to different skill levels, providing comprehensive insights into Key Elements of Presentation . 

Our Business Skills Blogs cover a range of topics related to Presentation, offering valuable resources, best practices, and industry insights. Whether you are a beginner or looking to advance your Presentation Skills, The Knowledge Academy's diverse courses and informative blogs have got you covered.  

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.css-1qrtm5m{display:block;margin-bottom:8px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5714285714285714;-webkit-letter-spacing:-0.35px;-moz-letter-spacing:-0.35px;-ms-letter-spacing:-0.35px;letter-spacing:-0.35px;font-weight:300;color:#606F7B;}@media (min-width:600px){.css-1qrtm5m{font-size:16px;line-height:1.625;-webkit-letter-spacing:-0.5px;-moz-letter-spacing:-0.5px;-ms-letter-spacing:-0.5px;letter-spacing:-0.5px;}} Best Practices 5 essential preparation steps for a successful presentation

by Tom Rielly • June 15, 2020

Keeping your presentation visuals minimalistic, simple, and clear is just one important step to remember when designing a hit presentation. Leaving nothing to chance, great presenters prove quite methodical as they prepare. Here’s a checklist for everything you need to keep in mind before your next presentation:

1. Choose the right software for your needs

The easiest way to select the right presentation software for you is to simply find the one that is native to your device. For example, if you have a Mac, use Apple Keynote, if you work on Windows, use PowerPoint. Google Slides is recommended if you’re working with someone, as it makes collaboration very easy. Another software option is Prezi: a specialty tool called Prezi that creates a presentation using motion, zoom, and panning across one giant visual space.

2. Organize your files

As you develop your script and visuals, you will need to start assembling all the assets for your slides. Create a unique folder on your computer to hold these items. Keep the folder organized by media type (presentation drafts, photos, videos, scripts) and back them up frequently to the Cloud or external disk. Label each file with a specific descriptive name, e.g. “Susan Johnson singing magpie 2020”, as opposed to “IMG_4043.jpg”, which can make it confusing to find your assets. The more organized you are up front, the easier preparing for your presentation will be.

3. Prepare your presentation materials

Make sure your presentation materials (script, graphics, actual slides) are saved in at least two safe spots (for example, your computer and an external USB drive) and are backed-up frequently. If you are using an online presentation software, such as Google Slides, be sure to also download a copy of your presentation in case the internet connection is unreliable. Having all the individual assets on hand in addition to your presentation slides can be helpful if you experience tech issues before presenting, or if you need to make any last minute changes. Make sure to label your final presentation with the title and your name so it’s easy to find.

4. Practice, practice, practice!

Remember, practice makes perfect. People often run out of time making their presentations and have no time to practice. Most TED speakers practice at least ten times. Neuroscientist Jill-Bolte Taylor gave one of the most successful Talks in TED history with nearly 27 million views. How did she do it? She practiced her Talk over 40 times! By rehearsing multiple times you will naturally memorize your Talk, which means you won’t need note cards when you give your final presentation.

5. Do a final test run

Before presenting, make sure the equipment you need is working properly. It’s generally good practice to rehearse standing on the exact stage with the exact lighting using the exact computer that you will be using in your final presentation.

Here’s a quick checklist of what to look for when testing your equipment:

• If you're not using your own computer, the one provided might be slower and have trouble playing media. If you have videos or other media, make sure they play correctly
• Test the projector to make sure it’s HD
• Make sure images are clear
• Test the sound of any clips you use, as this is what goes wrong most frequently
• If you’re using a mic, test the volume

Don’t let technical issues or other blunders overshadow your presentation. By following these guidelines, and with a little preparation, you can engineer out the problems BEFORE they happen.

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Preparation is the single most important part of making a successful presentation. It is an absolutely crucial foundation, and you should dedicate as much time to it as possible, avoiding short-cuts. Good preparation will ensure that you have thought carefully about the messages that you want (or need) to communicate in your presentation and it will also help boost your confidence.

There are a number of aspects that you need to consider when preparing a presentation. They include the aim of the presentation, the subject matter, the audience, the venue or place, the time of day, and the length of the talk. All these will affect what you say and how you say it, as well as the visual aids that you use to get your point across.

The Objective

Whenever you are asked to give a presentation or speak to a group of people, you need to start by asking the purpose of the presentation.

In other words, what is the presentation expected to achieve, and what outcome(s) do the organisers and the audience expect?

These outcomes will shape your presentation, because it must be designed to achieve the objective and deliver the desired outcomes.

For example, you might be asked to give a talk to a gardening club. You might be told that the purpose of the talk is to fill a regular meeting slot, and that the members of the club have expressed a desire to learn more about pruning. You therefore know that your talk needs to be entertaining, fairly light, but knowledgeable, and that your audience wants to learn something new.

As you prepare your presentation, make sure you keep asking yourself:

“How is saying this going to help to achieve the objective and outcomes?”

The Subject

The subject of your presentation or talk about comes from the objective. They are linked, but they are not necessarily exactly the same thing.

For example:

The subject may be given to you by the organisation that has invited you (such as talking about pruning to the gardening club).

You may be knowledgeable in a particular field (perhaps you have an interest in local history).

The subject may be entirely your choice within certain limitations (you might, for example, be asked to give a presentation at an interview on a project which you feel has particularly developed your skills).

The Audience

Before preparing material for a presentation, it is worth considering your prospective audience.

Tailoring your talk to the audience is important and the following points should be considered:

The size of the group or audience expected.

The age range - a talk aimed at retired people will be quite different from one aimed at teenagers.

Gender - will the audience be predominantly male or female?

Is it a captive audience or will they be there out of interest?

Will you be speaking in their work or leisure time?

Do they know something about your subject already or will it be totally new to them?  Is the subject part of their work?

Are you there to inform, teach, stimulate, or provoke?

Can you use humour and, if so, what would be considered appropriate? If you are in any doubt about this, it is probably best to avoid anything even remotely risqué.

It is important to have as much advance information as possible about the place where you are going to speak.

It can be helpful to arrange to see the venue before the event. It does much to quell fear if you can visualise the place while you are preparing your talk. However, even if you cannot visit, you will probably find it helpful to know:

The size of the room;

The seating arrangements (for example, theatre-style, with rows of seats; or round-table);

The availability of equipment, e.g., microphone, laptop and projector, flip chart;

The availability of power points and if an extension lead is required for any equipment you intend to use;

If the room has curtains or blinds. This is relevant if you intend to use visual aids, and so that you can ensure the correct ambiance for your presentation;

The position of the light switches.  Check if you need someone to help if you are using audio/visual equipment and need to turn off the lights;

The likelihood of outside distractions, e.g., noise from another room; and

The availability of parking facilities so you do not have a long walk carrying any equipment you might need to take.

If this information is not available ahead of time, it will help to get there a bit early, to give you time to set up.

There will often be no flexibility in the time of day that a presentation is made. However, it does affect what you can do, and how you might organise your presentation, because of the likely state of your audience (see box).

How time of day can affect your audience

The morning is the best time to speak because people are generally at their most alert. However, as it gets towards lunch time, people begin to feel hungry and lose concentration. This is particularly true if the event has not included a coffee break.

After lunch, people often feel sleepy and lethargic. If you are given a slot immediately after lunch, it is a good idea to get your audience involved. A discussion or getting your audience moving about will work a lot better than simply presenting a lot of slides. A flip chart may also be a more useful tool than a laptop and projector, especially if it means you can open blinds and use natural light.

Towards the end of the afternoon, people again tend to lose concentration as they start to worry about getting home, the traffic or collecting children from school.

Evening or Weekend:

Outside regular office hours, people are more likely to be present because they want to be rather than because they have to be there.  There is a better chance of audience attention in the evening. However, if the presentation goes on for too long, people may have to leave before you have finished. People will also be less tolerant of a poor presentation because you are in their time, not their employer’s.

Length of Talk

Always find out how long you have to talk and check if this includes or excludes time for questions.

Find out if there are other speakers and, if so, where you are placed in the running order.  Never elect to go last.  Beware of over-running, as this could be disastrous if there are other speakers following you.

It is important to remember that people find it difficult to maintain concentration for long periods of time. This is a good reason for making a presentation succinct, well-structured and interesting. Aim for 45 minutes as a maximum single-session presentation, and preferably leave at least 10 or 15 minutes for questions. Nobody minds finishing a session early.

Providing Information in Advance

Always check what information you will need to provide in advance.

Organisers of big events and conferences often like to have all the PowerPoint presentations several days ahead of the event. This gives them time to load all the presentations, and make sure that they are properly branded for the event.

Some events also need speakers’ biographies ahead of time, to put in conference literature. When you are asked to give the presentation, make sure you ask what is needed by when—and then supply it.

You will not be popular if you turn up on the day and announce that you have completely rewritten your presentation on the train. It is entirely possible that the organisers may even not be able to accommodate that, for example if the audio-visual is being supplied by a separate company or by the venue.

And finally…

Being asked to give a presentation is an honour, not a chore.

You are representing your organisation or yourself, if you are self-employed. You are also not there by right, but by invitation. It is therefore important that you put in the time and effort to ensure that you deliver what your audience wants. That way, you may just be invited back another time.

Continue to: Organising the Presentation Material

See also: Can Presentation Science Improve Your Presentation? Preparing for Oral Presentations Managing the Presentation Event Coping with Presentation Nerves

How to Make Effective Impactful Presentations (Tips & Tools)

Learn how to make a good presentation great - step-by-step with examples. Learn the principles, guidelines & qualities needed to prepare captivating slides.

Dominika Krukowska

12 minute read

Short answer

Short answer: how to make a good presentation.

Start with a surprising statement, a bold promise, or a mystery

Provide context with a bit of background information

Structure your presentation within a story framework

Make every word count, and use as few as possible

Use visuals only to support your presentation text

Use interactive design to make your audience active participants

End by telling your audience what they can do with what they’ve learned

Boring presentations are instantly forgotten. How’s yours?

Lifeless presentations can spell doom for your message, leaving your audience disengaged and your goals unreached.

The price of a mediocre presentation is steep; missed opportunities, unimpressed prospects, and a bad rep.

In a world where everyone has grown to expect a good story, a boring presentation will be instantly forgotten. Like a drop in the ocean.

But not all is lost.

This post will teach you how presentation pros create compelling narratives and leverage the latest tech tools to command attention, drive a powerful message, and get shared like gossip.

Let’s get started!

How to prepare a presentation?

The successful presenter understands the value of small details and thorough preparation like the seasoned chef knows the importance of quality ingredients and careful technique for serving a 5 star dish

But where do you start?

Step-by-step guide for preparing a presentation:

1. Define your objective

Every presentation needs a clear goal. Are you looking to persuade, educate, or motivate? Perhaps you aim to showcase a product, or share insights about a recent project.

Defining your objective early on will guide your content creation process, helping you to focus your message and structure your presentation effectively. Think of your objective as the North Star guiding your presentation journey.

2. Analyze your audience

Next up, who are you talking to? Your audience should shape your presentation as much as your objective does. Understanding their needs, interests, and background will enable you to tailor your message to resonate with them.

Are they experts in your field, or are they novices looking for an introduction? What questions might they have? The more you know about your audience, the more compelling your presentation will be.

3. Research your topic

Once you've defined your objective and analyzed your audience, it's time to delve deep into your topic. Comprehensive research lays the groundwork for a robust, credible presentation.

Don't just scratch the surface – explore different perspectives, recent developments, and key statistics. This will not only enhance your understanding but also equip you with a wealth of information to answer any questions your audience might have.

4. Choose the right delivery format

Finally, consider the best format to deliver your message.

The right format can make all the difference in how your message is received, so choose wisely!

PowerPoint presentations are classic and easy to work with. But PowerPoint and Google slides are not so versatile in terms of their content experience. They're static, packed with information, and all look alike.

Our own presentation maker offers interactive, personalized, and multimedia content experience.

Data from our research of over 100K presentation sessions shows that audiences engage with Storydoc presentations 103% better than PowerPoint.

How to create an effective presentation?

There’s part art and part science in creating high-engagement high-impact presentations.

An effective presentation is the painstaking result of well-organized content, visuals that support and elevate your message, simplifying complex information, and personalizing wherever possible.

I wrote this post to teach you how to do all these, and a few things more.

Ready to learn? Let's dive in!

How to organize your presentation content?

Crafting a compelling presentation is like writing a page-turner.

You need to captivate your audience, maintain their interest, and guide them effortlessly through your narrative.

But how do you transform a heap of information into a well-structured presentation you can’t stop reading? There’s a structure you can follow.

3-step process for organizing a magnetic presentation:

1. Prioritize content

Your presentation should immediately capture interest and demonstrate relevance before moving on to establish understanding .

A) Build interest:

Begin with a strong hook that grabs your audience's attention. This could be an intriguing statistic, a powerful image , or an engaging question. It should stir curiosity and make your audience eager to hear more.

B) Establish relevance:

Once you have their attention it's time to establish why your presentation matters to your audience.

Address your audience's main concerns. Make sure your content directly speaks to these pain points, and address them in order of importance.

2. Build anticipation

A great presentation is like getting a new car – it builds anticipation, takes you on a thrilling ride, and ends with you wanting to share the experience with all your friends.

Start with a compelling problem your audience relates to and follow up with a promise of an amazing way they can solve it. This problem-solution dynamic creates a suspense that keeps your audience glued to your presentation.

3. Use a story framework

Finally, use a story framework to give your presentation structure and flow.

Begin with a big idea that underpins your presentation. Then delve into the problem, showcasing why it needs attention. Present your solution, painting a vision of a better future for your audience.

Weave in concrete examples of how your solution changes lives.

Tell the story of WHO you helped, WHAT the situation was before and after your solution, WHERE and WHEN it happened, WHY it worked and HOW it made them feel.

If you’re writing a business presentation you should follow this with an execution plan that outlines how the solution will be implemented.

Finally, close with clear next steps, guiding your audience on what they should do after the presentation to bring meaningful change into their lives.

Our recommended story framework:

How to design your presentation?

A good presentation is more than just making it look pretty ; it's about communicating your message effectively and creating a lasting impression.

Good presentation design grabs attention, and leads it to where it’s needed most. It takes your hand and leads you through the easiest and most pleasant path to understanding.

Good presentation design supports your message rather than steals the spotlight. Good design is narrated design.

What is narrated design (Scrollytelling)?

Scrollytelling, where "scroll" meets "storytelling", is an interactive content experience that guides readers through a narrative journey with a simple scroll. It connects text, images, videos, and animations into integrated “scenes” where content is both shown and narrated.

Scrollytelling breaks complex content into digestible chunks and gives the reader control over pace. It has been scientifically shown to enhance engagement, understandability and memorability.

Scrollytelling came up as a central thing when Itai Amoza, our Founder and CEO was building the foundations for Storydoc.

He partnered with one of the world’s leading visualization scientists , prof. Steven Franconeri , to help him bring to Storydoc the means to reduce the complexity, friction, and information overload so characteristic of business presentations.

Scrollytelling is part of the solutions that came up, which led to specialized storytelling slides like our narrator slide (in the example below).

An example of Storydoc scrollytelling:

How to design presentation visuals to support your story

Presentation visuals can be unsung heroes or sloppy distractions.

Visuals can bring your message to life, make complex concepts easy to understand, and engage your audience in ways that words alone cannot. Or… they can sit there looking all pretty and distract you from what’s really going on.

4 elements of great presentation visuals:

Support your message: Your visuals should support your text, highlight your main message, and align with your objective. They should reinforce your points and help your audience understand your message.

Represent your audience: The best visuals are relatable. They should resonate with your target audience and reflect their world of associations. Use images and graphics that your audience can identify with – this can enhance their engagement and make your presentation more memorable. Equally important is using clean images - an effective way to do this is by using tools that allow you to remove your image backgrounds . By eliminating distractions and focusing on your subject, you create images that are more impactful and, therefore, can potentially increase audience engagement.

Introduce your product, outcomes, and clients: Wherever possible, use visuals to demonstrate your product, illustrate outcomes, and represent your clients. This can remove doubt and misunderstanding by letting your audience see (and make obvious) what words sometimes struggle to describe.

Follow your branding guidelines: Your presentation is an extension of your brand, so your visuals should conform to your branding guidelines. Consistent use of colors, fonts, and styles not only enhances brand recognition but also creates a cohesive, professional look.

Here’s an example of a well-designed presentation:

How to communicate complex information?

Did you ever have to read a presentation where you felt like you're lost in a maze of jargon, data, and complex concepts?

Are you giving others this same experience?

Communicating complex information is a common challenge in presentations. But there are ways you can simplify your presentation and reengage your audience.

Here’s how you can get complex information across:

1. Use interactive content

Interactive content is your best friend when it comes to simplifying complex information and getting deeply engaged with your content.

It gets the readers more involved in your presentation by letting them play an active part; like choosing the content route they wish to take and controlling the pace.

It keeps your presentation textually lean - giving readers the choice to expand more details on demand (in tabs, live graphs, sliders, accordions, and calculators).

Beyond that, live graphs can illustrate trends, animations can demonstrate processes, and videos can bring concepts to life.

Calculators, questionnaires, and chatbots provide personalized and specific answers to readers as part of your presentation, without them having to get in touch with you or your team.

Elavating your presentations from static to interactive has been tied to increasing the number of people who read your presentation in full by 41% !

Making interactive used to be hard, but now you can just use Storydoc. Go make your first interactive presentation. It’s easy as pie.

2. Show don’t tell

A picture is worth a thousand words. Because no one will read a presentation with a thousand words, do everyone a favor and use images.

Images can be super effective at communicating complex information and save you a lot of needless text.

In fact, visual representation of data and concepts can often convey what words cannot. Use diagrams, infographics, and images to illustrate your points and simplify the complex.

The goal is to create a visual narrative that complements your verbal one.

3. Narrate your content

Storytelling is another powerful tool for communicating complex concepts.

Whether it's through text to speech AI, video bubbles, or a scrollytelling narrator slide, narrating your content can help guide your audience through the complexity.

By giving your information a narrative structure, you can make it more digestible, engaging, and memorable.

According to Sales Hacker’s data, people remember up to 10% of numbers and 25% of images they see. When you center your presentation around a story, this rises to 60-70% .

4. Use examples and allegories

Examples and allegories help unravel the complexity of ideas.

They scaffold your message with concepts we already know and understand, and can easily imagine in our mind. This makes them less new and intimidating and more familiar.

Critically, the real secret lies in selecting examples that are not just familiar but also deeply relevant—those are the ones that will truly ring with your listeners.

If you tailor the allegory to your audience's world, it is guaranteed to lead to an “aha” moment.

5. Open a line of communication

Finally, invite dialogue. This could be through a chatbot or an option to book a meeting for further discussion. This not only helps clarify any confusion but also encourages engagement and deepens understanding.

For example, finishing your presentation with an interactive calendar to book a meeting instead of a generic “Thank you” slide has proven to boost conversion rate by 27% !

How to personalize your presentation?

Imagine attending a party where the host doesn't remember your name or anything about you. Not a great experience, right? The same holds true for presentations.

In a sea of generic content, personalization can be a lifeline that connects you to your audience on a deeper level. It’s also the single most important predictor of success, getting 68% more people to read your presentation in full .

But how do you add that personal touch?

1. Address reader by name

Just as you wouldn't start a conversation without a greeting, don't start your presentation without acknowledging your audience.

Using your audience's name can make your presentation feel like a personal conversation rather than a generic monologue. It's a simple yet powerful way to engage your audience from the get-go.

2. Use their company logo

Including your audience's company logo in your presentation can make them feel seen and valued. You can use logo templates to easily customize and add these logos to your slides. It shows that you've taken the time to tailor your presentation to them, enhancing its relevance and appeal.

Plus, it's a subtle way to reinforce that your message is specifically designed to address their needs and challenges.

3. Add a personal message (video or text)

A personal message can go a long way in building a connection with your audience.

It could be a video message from you, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity to present to them, or a text message highlighting why the presentation matters to them.

This personal touch can make your audience feel special and more invested in your presentation.

4. Personalize your Call-to-Action

Finally, cap off your presentation with a call to action that speaks directly to your audience.

Swap out the generic 'Contact us' with something that gets to the heart of their needs, something like, 'Let's roll up our sleeves and tackle your [specific issue] at [their company].'

By tailoring your call to action, you show your audience you've truly got their back, that you're not just here to talk, but to make a real, positive impact on their world.

Here’s an example of a personalized slide:

How to measure the effectiveness of your presentation

Imagine if you could peek into your audience's mind, understand what resonated, what fell flat, and what drove them to action?

Presentation analytics is essential in order to guide you on how to fine-tune it for maximum impact.

But how do you get your hands on presentation analytics?

Any presentation you create with Storydoc comes with an out-of-the-box analytics suite , ready to track and provide insights.

We give you 100% visibility into how people engage with your presentations and send you real-time engagement alerts.

Here’s a video explaining how you can track performance with our analytics panel:

4 critical presentation engagement metrics to keep track of

1. Reading time

Storydoc gives you the precise time prospects spend reading your presentation so you can quickly figure out what's hitting the target and what's not.

Are they soaking up every word or just quickly skimming through? This can help you shape your content to hit the bullseye.

NOTE: Keep in mind that reading time alone might not show you a full picture. A better way is to use a smart engagement score that brings together different metrics like time spent and depth of reading. You can get this kind of total score in Storydoc.

2. Reading completion

Another basic metric we track is how many people read your content from start to finish.

This metric is a strong sign of the prospect’s interest and your content quality. It shows you if they're finding the information relevant, but also worth sticking with till the end.

3. Next step conversion rate

This one tracks how many people take the next step after they check out your presentation. This could be filling out a form, setting up a meeting, or downloading more files.

For business presentations, measuring this can show how well your presentation is pushing people further down the sales funnel.

At the top of your analytics dashboard, you can find a tab that shows you how many people clicked on your CTA divided by presentation, date, and location. If you scroll down to the list of readers, next to each person you can also see whether they clicked on the CTA or not.

Here's what it looks like:

4. Number of shares

This metric is particularly important for B2B sales teams . As more people are getting involved in buying decisions, this measure helps you see if and when your content is being passed around inside your prospect’s company.

On the analytics dashboard, under each presentation version, you can find detailed information on how many people read it. So, the higher the number, the more your presentation has been shared internally.

We'll notify you when your presentation has been shared, and who opened it, so you can time your follow-up perfectly to your buyer’s readiness to advance further.

Here's where you can find this information:

Best tool for making an effective presentation

In the realm of presentation tools, classics like Google Slides and PowerPoint offer simplicity and ease, while Canva and Pitch add a dash of design flair and collaboration.

If you're seeking to elevate your presentations to new heights you’ll need to do better than simple PowerPoints or flashy Canvas. Next-gen AI presentation tools like Storydoc are your game-changer.

They break free from the static concept of slides and offer the creation of interactive, immersive content experiences that sweep us along like a good story.

Grab a template - create your best presentation to date

Ever wished for a secret recipe to whip up a killer presentation? We've got something even better! Our interactive presentation templates are your shortcut to success.

Say goodbye to hours of formatting and hello to captivating, interactive presentations, all with a few clicks.

Grab a template and turn presentation woes into wows!

Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.

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How to make a great presentation

Stressed about an upcoming presentation? These talks are full of helpful tips on how to get up in front of an audience and make a lasting impression.

Nancy Duarte

The secret structure of great talks

David McCandless

The beauty of data visualization

Chris Anderson

TED's secret to great public speaking

Julian Treasure

How to speak so that people want to listen

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How great leaders inspire action

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7 Things You Need to do Before a Presentation

A presentation is more than just an opportunity to explain a position or idea; it’s a means to demonstrate the hard work and research you’ve invested into it. And when it comes to preparing for a presentation—any presentation—you need to remember that the way you deliver your presentation is just as important (perhaps even more so) than the actual content.

Yes, that’s right. What you say isn’t necessarily as important as how you say it .

Think back to the last really good presentation you heard. I mean, the one that had you thinking about it for days afterwards. What made it so compelling? Why did it motivate or inspire you?

I’ll tell you why: Because the speaker engaged you .  That was no accident! He or she didn’t walk up to the podium and wing it.

How to Prepare for a Presentation?

There’s a ton of preparation that goes on behind the scenes of an amazing presentation. We know because it’s our business to teach you the fundamentals of public speaking. What you may not realize is the preparation stage goes further than just jotting down some notes and practising in front of a mirror. A stellar presentation takes a lot of time, a lot of energy, and… oh yes… a lot of practice. Here are seven key things you need to do before any presentation:

• Do Your Research —Regardless of whether or not you are an expert in your field, there is always something new to learn. Do a thorough investigation before plotting your presentation to see if there are any new developments that could be relevant to your subject or to your audience. And make sure you really know your material. It will eliminate the dreaded “umms” and “uhs” that we’ve all come to hate. It’s a sure sign you’re not as knowledgeable or prepared as you should be.
• Know Your Audience —No two presentations should ever be the same. I don’t care if it’s the 12th time this month that you’ve talked about the same subject. You may not have to start from scratch every time, but at least put the effort into finding out who’s going to be in your audience and tailor your presentation in a way that will appeal to them. The same jokes you told a business crowd at a breakfast meeting are probably going to fall flat with your daughter and her fellow third-graders on Career Day.
• Craft Your Notes —Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you can’t do your presentation without it being written down, you probably can’t do it at all. Don’t write a speech. Ever. Instead, craft notes to jog your memory on your speaking points. Glance at them periodically to keep you on track. Take those notes and practice with them every day until you don’t need them anymore. (But take them with you anyway… people tend to get forgetful in front of a crowd.)
• Practice Your Delivery —Your notes will help you prepare what you are going to say, but I’ve already told you what you say doesn’t keep a crowd engaged. So grab a video camera, your cell phone… anything with a video recording option and get in front of it. Record yourself delivering your presentation and give yourself an honest critique: Do you use effective body language? Do you walk around and interact with the crowd? How is your posture? If you can’t give yourself an honest critique, enlist a friend or family member to take a look and point out areas for improvement. Then practice, practice, practice.
• Dress For Success —As I mentioned before, every bit of a great presentation is intentional, including the speaker’s choice of clothing. Take special attention the next time you see someone speaking (usually a politician) who’s trying to appeal to blue-collar workers. Do you know what they’ll be wearing? A blue-collared shirt with their sleeves rolled up. Your attire should match the audience. Wearing a tuxedo to deliver a speech at a ground-breaking ceremony for a new chemical plant just doesn’t make sense.
• Get a Good Night’s Sleep —Make sure you look alert and refreshed by getting plenty of rest the night before a presentation. A drowsy mind is a forgetful mind. And the bags under your eyes won’t do you any good, either.
• Prepare Your Space —Arrive with enough time ahead of your presentation to properly prepare the space you’ll be using. Make sure your slides are in order and that any equipment you’ll be using is functioning properly to avoid embarrassing hiccups and delays during your presentation. Place your speaking notes in a logical spot and get yourself a glass of water. Spend a few quiet minutes mentally preparing.

Be the speaker that has inspired you. Think back to the speeches you’ve heard or the people who’ve appealed to you and strive to make that same connection with your audience. Preparation is key. There’s no such thing as an off-the-cuff winning presentation, so invest some time into yourself and your audience. And of course, we’re always here to help when you need to spend a little extra time brushing up on your skills.

Have you ever had a presentation or speech that you were completely unprepared for? Let us know in the comment section below, and if this topic has helped you, share it on social media to help those in your circles as well!

10 Comments

I need to spend more time preparing for presentations than I do.  I used to prepare more but i think I;m getting lazy the older I get.

I love how you touched on knowing your audience. A lot of people tend to forget this and in turn, end up being forgettable. You want to really connect with who you are speaking to in order to be remembered and thought about after the presentation is over. I have talked to many people who will touch on all the point mentioned but tuning yourself to your audience. 

I agree with John. I have gotten a little lazy and probably a lot boring because I’ve done my presentation so many times. I need to revisit what prep looks like. Thanks

I’ve tried ‘winging it’ only to discover I looked pretty foolish. Preparation is the key.

Off-the-cuff is definitely not good. I think we’ve all tried that strategy (and failed).

I liked the point about dressing for success. People put so much thought into what they’re going to say. They don’t think about what their outfit says.

People don’t realize just how much of a benefit a good night’s sleep can be. It’s not something you’d expect to help your public speaking, but it makes a lot of sense.

Really happy to read this blog. its valuable information for me ,thank you

Wonderful article! We are linking to this great article on our site. Keep up the great writing.

I disagree, some people need a script just to take a dump. That’s not me. I don’t work well with scripts, they’re too confining, and my best presentations have been off the top of my head. I am an improver and always will be.

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How To Improve Your Presentation Skills

Presentation skills help you share information clearly with others

The Ultimate Guide to Developing Powerful Presentation Skills

Presentation skills help you share information clearly with others. They’re the tools you use to explain your ideas, whether you’re talking to a small group or a big crowd. These skills include how you structure the presentation and organise your thoughts, the way you speak, and how you act while presenting.

Good presenters know how to make tough ideas easy to understand. They keep their audience interested from start to finish. They also know how to handle tricky questions without getting flustered.

You use these skills in many parts of your job. You might need them to explain a new project to your team, convince your boss to try your idea or teach others how to do something.

The good news is that anyone can get better at presenting. It just takes practice and knowing the right techniques. In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to improve your presentation skills and become a confident speaker .

Key Takeaways

• Practice your presentation many times to feel more confident and less nervous when you speak.
• Start your talk with something interesting to grab people’s attention right away.
• Use simple words and short sentences to make your ideas easy to understand.
• Move your hands and change your voice to keep people interested in what you’re saying.

If you are looking for In-House PowerPoint Presentation Training for a group or teams, please see our

Overcoming Nerves and Gaining Control

Managing presentation anxiety.

According to the British Council , 75% of us experience severe performance anxiety, and 10% of us suffer from a speaking phobia (also known as glossophobia). So, what can you do to manage your presentation anxiety?

First, identify what makes you nervous about presenting. Some people worry about forgetting their content, while others fear being judged. Once you know what scares you, you can work on addressing those specific fears.

Preparing for a presentation thoroughly helps build confidence. Break your presentation into smaller parts. Practice each section until you feel comfortable with it. This approach makes the whole task feel less overwhelming.

Use our simple roadmap for delivering a great presentation

Create a routine to help calm your nerves before presenting . You might try taking slow, deep breaths. Or you could imagine yourself giving a successful presentation. Some people find gentle stretching helpful. Find what works for you and do it before each presentation.

Practice for Confidence

Try to practice in a place similar to where you’ll be presenting. If you’re going to speak in a meeting room, practice in a similar space. For online presentations, use the same computer and software you’ll use on the day. This familiarity will help you feel more at ease when it’s time to present.

Ask friends or coworkers to watch you practice. Get their honest feedback about how you speak, how fast you talk, and how you use gestures. Use their comments to improve. This real-world practice is very valuable for getting better at presenting.

Structuring a Compelling Presentation

Captivate your audience from the start.

The first few minutes of your talk are crucial. You need to grab your audience’s attention quickly. Try starting with a surprising fact that relates to your topic. This will make people curious to hear more. You could also ask a question that makes your audience think. Another good option is to tell a short story that connects to your main point. Stories help people remember your message better.

After your strong start, tell your audience what they’ll learn from your talk. This helps them understand why they should listen. It’s like giving them a map of what’s coming next in your presentation.

Keep Your Message Clear and Focused

Making your message easy to understand helps your audience follow along. Focus on three main points in your talk. This makes it easier for people to remember what you’ve said. Use simple words, like you’re explaining to a friend. Avoid using complicated terms that might confuse people.

Give examples to support your ideas. Real-life stories or situations help explain tricky concepts. When you use slides, keep them simple. Too much text on a slide can be hard to read. Instead, use pictures or graphs that help explain your words. Remember, your slides should add to what you’re saying, not just repeat it.

By keeping things clear and focused, you’ll help your audience understand and remember your message better.

Keeping Your Audience Engaged

Speak with authority and clarity.

Speaking well when presenting is an important skill. Going too fast can confuse your audience. Practice speaking at a steady pace. Pause after important points to let your message sink in. This gives your audience time to think about what you’ve said.

Change how you speak throughout your presentation. Vary your tone, volume, and speed. This keeps your audience interested. For example, speak a bit louder when making a key point. Use a softer voice when sharing something thoughtful. These changes in your voice help highlight important information.

Use Body Language to Connect

Your body language is just as important as your words. Stand tall and move with purpose. Use hand gestures to emphasise key points. But be careful not to move around too much, as this can distract your audience.

Make eye contact with people in different parts of the room. This helps you connect with your audience. It also shows confidence and honesty. If presenting online , look directly into the camera. This creates the feeling of eye contact for your virtual audience.

Involve Your Audience Actively

Ask questions throughout your presentation. This keeps your audience thinking and involved. For example, you might ask, “Has anyone experienced this in their work?” or “What do you think might happen next?”

Use interactive tools to keep people engaged. Here are some ideas:

• Take a quick poll
• Ask for a show of hands
• Do a short group activity

These activities wake up your audience and make your presentation more interactive .

Presenting Effectively in High-Stakes Situations

Handle tough questions with ease.

When someone asks a difficult question, stay calm. It’s okay to take a moment before answering. This short pause gives you time to think and shows you’re considering the question carefully.

If a question takes your presentation off-track, gently guide the conversation back to your main points. You might say, “That’s an interesting point. It relates to what I was saying earlier about…” This technique helps you stay in control of the discussion.

Delivering with Impact in Important Presentations

In high-stakes presentations , like pitching to executives or clients, focus on being clear and brief. Make your points directly. Avoid explaining too much. Your audience likely has limited time, so get to the point quickly.

Tailor your message to what your audience cares about. If presenting to executives, focus on business outcomes. For a team presentation, emphasise how your ideas benefit the group. Understanding your audience helps you deliver a more impactful presentation.

Maximising the Use of Visuals and Technology

Design visuals that support your message.

To create impactful presentation slides , keep your visuals simple and clear. Use little text on slides. Choose images or graphs that support what you’re saying. Your visuals should add to your spoken words, not repeat them.

Practice using your visuals while speaking. This helps you create a smooth flow between your words and what’s on the screen. You don’t want to be fumbling with slides or reading directly from them during your presentation.

Master the Technical Aspects

Get comfortable with the tools you’ll use. Whether you’re presenting with PowerPoint , Google Slides , or online meeting software like Zoom , practice with the technology before your presentation. This reduces the chance of technical problems during your talk.

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Always have a backup plan. Print out your notes or save an offline version of your presentation. This way, you can keep going even if the technology fails. Being prepared for problems shows professionalism and keeps your presentation on track.

Growing Your Skills Through Feedback and Reflection

Seek constructive feedback.

After each presentation, ask trusted colleagues for specific feedback. Don’t just ask if it was good or bad. Instead, ask questions like:

• What parts of the presentation were most effective?
• Where did I lose your attention?
• How clear was my main message?
• Did my body language support what I was saying?

This detailed feedback helps you understand exactly what to improve.

Use the feedback you receive to make small changes in your next presentation. Don’t try to fix everything at once. Focus on one or two areas for improvement each time. This approach leads to steady growth in your presentation skills.

Reflect and Improve After Every Presentation

Keep a record of your progress. After each presentation, write down what went well and what you want to improve. This reflection helps you track your development over time. You might notice patterns or recurring challenges that you can work on.

Choose one specific skill to improve for your next presentation. For example, you might focus on using more vocal variety or handling questions better. By concentrating on one area at a time, you’ll see clear improvements in your overall presentation skills.

How Impact Factory Can Help

At Impact Factory , we offer specialised training to enhance your presentation skills. Our courses cater to various needs and experience levels, from beginners to seasoned presenters.

For those new to presenting, our Presentation Skills course covers the essentials. Experienced speakers can refine their techniques in our Advanced Presentation Skills program . We also offer One-to-One Coaching for personalised guidance.

To address specific presentation contexts, we provide courses in Storytelling for Business , Pitching for Business and Public Speaking . These programs help you tailor your skills to different professional situations.

Our experienced trainers will work with you to overcome challenges and build confidence. We’re here to help you become a more impactful presenter, regardless of your current comfort level with public speaking. Reach out to us for a consultation to find the right course for your professional development.

What are 5 good presentation skills?

Five key presentation skills are:

• Clear and concise communication
• Engaging body language
• Effective use of visual aids
• Audience engagement
• Confident delivery

What are the 5 P’s of presentation skills?

The 5 P’s of presentation skills are:

• Preparation: Thoroughly research and organise your content.
• Practice: Rehearse your presentation multiple times.
• Poise: Maintain a confident and composed demeanour.
• Projection: Speak clearly and loudly enough for all to hear.
• Passion: Show enthusiasm for your topic.

What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?

A good presentation should be:

• Well-structured
• Clear and concise
• Relevant to the audience
• Visually appealing
• Delivered confidently
• Interactive
• Time-conscious

Related Articles:

Are you ready to take the next step? Our resources can help you:

• The Reason Why Your Workplace Presentation Skills Are So Important – Presentation skills can help you climb the corporate ladder and improve your career. Here’s how.
• Bad Presentation: Top 9 Common Presentation Mistakes – We listed the most common presentation mistakes so you can avoid them.

Choosing a Presentation Skills Training Provider – So, you decided to work on your presentation skills. But how do you choose the right provider?

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How to prepare for a presentation step by step

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

Michael Lee September 22, 2020

It doesn’t matter if you’re presenting on stage, in a meeting room, or online. You need to properly prepare for a presentation to deliver your message effectively. You need to plan out your talking points, prepare visual aids, practice your speech, and more. Ultimately, the more you prepare ahead of time, the more polished and professional your presentation will be.

If you want to find out how to prepare for a presentation step by step, read on to discover four simple tips to help you make your future presentations successful. 

1. Create a mind map

This is perhaps the most important step and should happen long before the day of your presentation. Creating a mind map will help you organize your thoughts and structure them in a way that makes sense for both you and your audience. It’ll also keep you centered on your main idea, so you never lose sight of the primary purpose of your presentation. The process of creating a mind map will also help you with remembering the content of your presentation.

To create a mind map, you can either use a pen and paper or you can also use Prezi Present . There are different types of templates that you can choose from in Prezi’s library, or you can also start creating from scratch.

Learn how to get started with mind mapping in this video: 

2. Set up your space

If you’re presenting online, you’ll want to set up your filming space for success. How you appear on camera depends on many factors that you should consider before presenting. Start with positioning yourself in the camera frame so you’re in good light. It’s always better to face the light instead of having your window or another light source behind you. Also, adjust your camera so it’s not cutting off the top of your head or it’s not too far away. Make sure your audience can actually hear what you’re saying by testing out your mic first. And, remove any distracting or overly busy backgrounds to keep viewers focused on you and your content.  If you’re presenting offline, setting up your space is equally as important. Take 5 minutes before your presentation to work out the technicalities. For example, if you need to connect your USB or laptop to a device in the meeting room, make sure to do that before it’s your time to start your presentation. Also, make sure you have a glass of water nearby if your presentation is rather long to keep you hydrated. Most importantly, familiarize yourself with the space where you’re going to present to feel more comfortable presenting there.

If you want more tips on presenting in the virtual space from public speaking masters, watch this video: 

3. For online presentations, use presenter notes

No matter how much you practice, it’s still helpful to have some notes (or even your script) next to you for reference. They will keep you on track with your main talking points and ensure that you deliver your message in an organized manner. While sticky notes around your computer are a serviceable solution, it often results in you trying to keep track of which piece of paper you’re supposed to be looking at. You don’t need to worry about a messy space around your laptop. Instead, use presenter notes directly in Prezi Video, making your life easier as you present or record. 

You can add notes as you create your content. This way you can keep track of everything that’s going on in the meeting and take notes at the same time. If you already have an existing Prezi or PowerPoint presentation with notes, you can import those into Prezi Video as well. You’ll also get a preview of the next frame, so you will never be lost as you present. Learn more about using presenter notes in Prezi Video . 

4. Practice your presentation

Imagine: You have started your presentation but suddenly realize that one of the slides contains incorrect information, or there’s a technical glitch as you try to zoom in on another slide. Sounds like a stressful situation. With practice and preparation, you can easily avoid or minimize the stress in a situation like this.

One of the best ways how to prepare for a presentation is by simply practicing your speech ahead of time. Create an online meeting with yourself, start sharing your Prezi Video slides, and talk through the presentation as you would in the call. Or ask your friends or family to give you feedback as you talk through the talking points in front of them. You can even play out a scenario where you encounter a technical glitch and plan out what you’ll do. By going over your presentation a couple of times, you’ll feel more prepared. The more prepared you’ll feel, the more relaxed and confident you’ll appear when presenting in front of your audience.

Follow these tips on how to prepare for a presentation quickly and effectively. Once you have everything set up, get more tips from Jessica Chen on public speaking tips to build confidence , and then jump right into creating your own Prezi video . 

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Mastering the Art of Learning: Presentation Tips & Public Speaking

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Presentation Tips & Public Speaking

Presentations are an essential part of academic and professional life, and effective public speaking skills can make a significant difference in how your message is received. This section will provide practical tips for creating engaging presentations and delivering them confidently. 

Crafting Your Presentation

Know your Audience: Understanding who you are presenting to is crucial. Tailor your content to match their knowledge level and interests. If your audience is familiar with the topic, you can dive deeper into complex areas. If they are new to the subject, start with the basics and build up. 

Structure Matters:  A clear structure (introduction, main points, conclusion) helps your audience follow along. Make sure each part flows logically. Start with an engaging opening that grabs attention, introduce your key points in a sequence that builds upon each other, and end with a strong conclusion that reinforces your message. 

Engaging Visuals:  Uses slides to enhance your talk, not as a crutch. Keep visuals clean, relevant, and free of unnecessary text. Graphics, diagrams, and short bullet points can keep their audience interested. Avoid reading directly from your slides; instead, use them as cues for what you will elaborate on. 

Storytelling:  Incorporate storytelling elements to make your content relatable. People remember stories more than statistics. Share a personal anecdote or a real-life example to illustrate your key points, making the presentation more engaging and memorable. 

Timing:  Plan your timing for each section of the presentation. Make sure to allocate time for audience questions at the end. Practicing with a timer can help you stay within your allotted timeframe and ensure you cover all essential points without rushing. 

Delivering your Presentation

Practice, Practice, Practice:  Rehearse your talk multiple times to become comfortable with the material. This also helps reduce anxiety. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to identify areas of improvement. If possible, do a practice run in the venue to get a feel for the space. 

Body Language:  Non-verbal communication matters. Make eye contact with different members of your audience to create a connection. Use open gestures to emphasize points and avoid crossing your arms, which can appear defensive. Move with purpose—avoid pacing aimlessly but don't be afraid to move naturally to keep the energy up.

Pace and Voice:  Speak at a pace that's easy to follow. Pausing occasionally can emphasize important points and give your audience time to digest information. Vary your tone to keep the audience engaged—use a louder voice to emphasize critical points and a softer voice to draw in attention. Avoid filler words like  um or uh ; a brief pause is more effective and adds to your confidence. 

Engagement: Ask rhetorical questions or invite brief audience interactions. This keeps the presentation dynamic and makes the audience feel included. Encourage nodding or small actions like raising hands to make them part of your narrative.   

Managing Public Speaking Anxiety

Deep Breathing:  Before you start, take deep breaths to calm your nerves. Practice breathing exercises before the presentation to keep your body relaxed and reduce stress levels.

Focus on the Message, Not Yourself:  Remember that it's about the message, not about you. Shift your focus outward to reduce anxiety. Think of yourself as a guide helping your audience learn something new and valuable.

Start Strong:  Beginning with a personal story, a surprising statistic, or an engaging question can capture attention and make you feel more connected to the audience. A strong start sets the tone for the rest of your presentation, and when the audience is engaged from the beginning, your confidence will naturally increase.

Positive Visualization:  Visualize yourself succeeding. Picture a calm, successful delivery and a positive audience reaction. This kind of mental preparation can make a big difference in how you approach your presentation.

Know Your Material: Confidence comes from preparation. The more familiar you are with your content, the more relaxed you will feel. Break down your material into bullet points that are easy to remember, and have a clear understanding of each point you want to convey. 

Handling Q+A Sessions

Prepare for Common Questions:  Anticipate potential questions and prepare answers in advance. Think about areas in your presentation that might spark curiosity or require further clarification.

Stay Calm and Listen:  Listen carefully to each question, take a moment to think, and provide thoughtful responses. If you don't know the answer, it's okay to admit it and offer to follow up later. Honesty builds credibility. Repeat the question for the entire audience to ensure everyone is on the same page. 

Engage with the Questioner:  Make eye contact with the person asking the question and thank them for bringing it up. This creates a respectful and interactive atmosphere.

Bridging Techniques:  If a question is off-topic, use bridging phrases like "That's an interesting point, and while it's slightly different from what we discussed, it relates to..." to steer the answer back to your main topic. 

Stay Positive:  No matter how challenging a question might seem, respond with a positive attitude. Maintain composure, and keep your responses concise and clear to leave a good impression. 

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Home Blog Business How to Create a Demo Presentation

How to Create a Demo Presentation

Presenting a brand-new product or service to an audience can be done in two formats: highlighting its market value or focusing on the technical elements that make it an attractive offer. Today we will cover the second option, commonly known as a demo presentation.

Get to know which slides you should include in your demo presentation, recommended PPT templates, the difference with a product presentation, and much more.

Table of Contents

What is a Demo Presentation?

Differences between a demo presentation and a product presentation, elements of a demo presentation, advantages of demo presentations for software app launches, how to create a demo presentation slide deck, recommended product demo powerpoint templates, final words.

We refer to a demo presentation as a structured demonstration of a product or service, typically in the software industry, showcasing its features, functionality, and value to a specific audience. Unlike other theoretical experiences or generalist overviews, a demo presentation is a hands-on format, including live demonstrations or interactive features, allowing potential customers, investors, or stakeholders to see the product in action.

Sometimes, the terms demo and product presentation are used interchangeably, but in fact, they are different presentation styles. A product presentation focus is broader, covering the overall concept, market positioning, and product benefits. It is marketing-oriented, highlighting why the product is necessary and competitive rather than exposing how the product or service works. Therefore, we can say that demo presentations are more technical.

In terms of audience engagement , a product presentation is delivered at large conferences, live worldwide events (i.e., Apple product releases), or investor meetings, and the goal is to generate interest and excitement about the product. Storytelling and visual communication are key in product presentations as they become the tools to secure interest. Demo presentations, on the other hand, are delivered in more intimate settings, such as client meetings, training sessions, sales pitches, etc. Since they require active engagement from the audience, the venue selected for this kind of presentation has to be better equipped, and the presenter has to keep an active role in moderating questions or requests to see specific features in action.

Although some presenters opt to engage directly in the software demo presentation, we highly recommend following this structure to secure the success of your upcoming demo presentation.

Introduction Slide

Briefly introduce the product, the team behind it, and the purpose of the demo. Set the stage for what the audience can expect.

• Problem Statement

Clearly define the problem that the product addresses. This helps the audience understand the context and relevance of the product.

• Product Overview

This involves a high-level product overview, clearly exposing its main features, benefits, and why it differs from potential market alternatives.

• Live Demonstration

This is the core aspect of your presentation, especially if we talk about a software demonstration. It involves a great deal of logistics, as presenters must ensure the live version of their product/service is fully functional for the features they intend to present (if they deliver an MVP presentation, for instance). Troubleshooting protocols have to be clearly laid out in case of an outage in the live demonstration or in addressing questions from the audience about features that won’t be shown at this stage.

• Interactive Q&A

Unlike other Q&A sessions, the software demos the audience tends to request to see specific features. For that reason, you must clearly state which features are available in the current version you are introducing in your presentation. 

Another approach to the Q&A session is to get feedback from the audience, which can be done orally or by providing a form in which attendees can write their opinions online.

When deciding how to end a presentation for a software demo, you should summarize the key points of your talk, reiterate the product’s value, and indicate the next steps to acquire the product/service or a call to action slide .

We summarized all that’s required for an effective demo presentation in this infographic below.

Demo presentations actively engage the audience by showcasing the product in action, making capturing their attention and interest easier.

Demonstrating the product helps clarify its functionalities and benefits, reduce misunderstandings, and help the audience see its value.

Immediate Feedback

Real-time demonstrations allow for immediate feedback and questions, enabling the presenter to address concerns on the spot and adjust the presentation based on the audience’s reactions.

Credibility

A well-executed demo presentation can build credibility and trust. Seeing the product work in real-time reassures the audience that it is functional and reliable.

Demonstrating the product’s capabilities and benefits in real-time can be more persuasive than static presentations or descriptions, making it easier to convince potential customers or investors of its value.

Memorability

Interactive presentations are more memorable, increasing the likelihood that the audience will remember the product and its benefits long after the presentation.

The first step in creating your demo presentation, even before considering the slide layout, is defining its objectives. What do you intend to achieve with this presentation? Is it for securing investors, closing a sale, or educating users? Answering these questions will help you to tailor the outline of your presentation.

Outline Creation

Include the key sections and points you want to cover in your demo presentation. This will help you organize your thoughts and work with a logical flow when introducing ideas. As we mentioned above, the ideal structure should be:

• Introduction

You can use AI tools like ChatGPT for presentations to help you organize your thoughts and craft a quality outline. 

Creating the Slides

Before starting this step, consider which medium you will use for your live demo. Will it be a video showcasing the process? Is it going to be an MVP version set in a live server? The aesthetics of your product will determine the color palette to be used in your slide deck. 

As a general rule, select three colors: a main color, which should be easy on the eyes for avoiding eyesight strain when looking at the slides, an accent color to highlight sections, and a powerful color for CTAs.

Use the 10-20-30 rule of presentations to define the number of slides needed and the text size for your slides. Alternatively, you can check our article on calculating how many slides for a presentation to help you structure your content. 

Write a script for your demo so you won’t be distracted by the audience when presenting your product’s different features. This script has to be synced with the slides, so practice until you feel comfortable with the flow, allowing 1-2 minutes per section for any last-minute question.

Test your live demo at your presentation’s venue to pinpoint any technical issues. As we mentioned before, it is a must to count on a backup plan, like having a spare server in the cloud, so you can deliver your presentation even if the original plan isn’t working.

In this section, we will cover a selection of Product Demo PowerPoint templates to speed up your design process. Keep in mind that these products are both PowerPoint Templates and Google Slides Templates .

1. Product Demo Presentation Laptop PPT Template

Before you ask what a software presentation is and how I can make one, check this PPT template with a high-end laptop mockup in place, which is ideal for introducing your product in style.

Four slides in an attractive color scheme, with vibrant CTA buttons. Check it out!

Use This Template

2. Smart Wearable Demo Presentation PowerPoint Template

Companies releasing apps for smartwatches or VR can get the benefits of this high-quality tech-inspired slide deck. Seven slides with vector illustrations of different wearables, which can be mix and matched with other PPT templates.

3. Company Software Demo PowerPoint & Google Slides Template

The perfect solution for a software demonstration presentation that has vibrant graphics paired with a clean layout. Presenters can edit the color scheme to meet the requirements of their software demo interface as well as branding identity.

4. Startup Software Demo Presentation

For a sleek and professional-looking presentation aesthetic, work with this slide deck intended for startup companies. We list 19 slides, among which you can find tools for presenting your business model, opportunities, and other relevant slides for both demo and product presentations.

Effective demo presentations require careful planning, clear objectives, and a deep understanding of the audience. Remember to focus on your product’s practical application, demonstrate its key features and functionalities, and encourage interaction and feedback from your audience. With preparation and practice, you can deliver a demo presentation that leaves a lasting impression and drives your desired outcomes.

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How to write a good abstract for a scientific paper or conference presentation

Chittaranjan andrade.

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Address for correspondence: Dr. Chittaranjan Andrade, Department of Psychopharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore – 560 029, Karnataka, India. E-mail: [email protected]

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstracts of scientific papers are sometimes poorly written, often lack important information, and occasionally convey a biased picture. This paper provides detailed suggestions, with examples, for writing the background, methods, results, and conclusions sections of a good abstract. The primary target of this paper is the young researcher; however, authors with all levels of experience may find useful ideas in the paper.

Keywords: Abstract, preparing a manuscript, writing skills

INTRODUCTION

This paper is the third in a series on manuscript writing skills, published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry . Earlier articles offered suggestions on how to write a good case report,[ 1 ] and how to read, write, or review a paper on randomized controlled trials.[ 2 , 3 ] The present paper examines how authors may write a good abstract when preparing their manuscript for a scientific journal or conference presentation. Although the primary target of this paper is the young researcher, it is likely that authors with all levels of experience will find at least a few ideas that may be useful in their future efforts.

The abstract of a paper is the only part of the paper that is published in conference proceedings. The abstract is the only part of the paper that a potential referee sees when he is invited by an editor to review a manuscript. The abstract is the only part of the paper that readers see when they search through electronic databases such as PubMed. Finally, most readers will acknowledge, with a chuckle, that when they leaf through the hard copy of a journal, they look at only the titles of the contained papers. If a title interests them, they glance through the abstract of that paper. Only a dedicated reader will peruse the contents of the paper, and then, most often only the introduction and discussion sections. Only a reader with a very specific interest in the subject of the paper, and a need to understand it thoroughly, will read the entire paper.

Thus, for the vast majority of readers, the paper does not exist beyond its abstract. For the referees, and the few readers who wish to read beyond the abstract, the abstract sets the tone for the rest of the paper. It is therefore the duty of the author to ensure that the abstract is properly representative of the entire paper. For this, the abstract must have some general qualities. These are listed in Table 1 .

General qualities of a good abstract

SECTIONS OF AN ABSTRACT

Although some journals still publish abstracts that are written as free-flowing paragraphs, most journals require abstracts to conform to a formal structure within a word count of, usually, 200–250 words. The usual sections defined in a structured abstract are the Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusions; other headings with similar meanings may be used (eg, Introduction in place of Background or Findings in place of Results). Some journals include additional sections, such as Objectives (between Background and Methods) and Limitations (at the end of the abstract). In the rest of this paper, issues related to the contents of each section will be examined in turn.

This section should be the shortest part of the abstract and should very briefly outline the following information:

What is already known about the subject, related to the paper in question

What is not known about the subject and hence what the study intended to examine (or what the paper seeks to present)

In most cases, the background can be framed in just 2–3 sentences, with each sentence describing a different aspect of the information referred to above; sometimes, even a single sentence may suffice. The purpose of the background, as the word itself indicates, is to provide the reader with a background to the study, and hence to smoothly lead into a description of the methods employed in the investigation.

Some authors publish papers the abstracts of which contain a lengthy background section. There are some situations, perhaps, where this may be justified. In most cases, however, a longer background section means that less space remains for the presentation of the results. This is unfortunate because the reader is interested in the paper because of its findings, and not because of its background.

A wide variety of acceptably composed backgrounds is provided in Table 2 ; most of these have been adapted from actual papers.[ 4 – 9 ] Readers may wish to compare the content in Table 2 with the original abstracts to see how the adaptations possibly improve on the originals. Note that, in the interest of brevity, unnecessary content is avoided. For instance, in Example 1 there is no need to state “The antidepressant efficacy of desvenlafaxine (DV), a dual-acting antidepressant drug , has been established…” (the unnecessary content is italicized).

Examples of the background section of an abstract

The methods section is usually the second-longest section in the abstract. It should contain enough information to enable the reader to understand what was done, and how. Table 3 lists important questions to which the methods section should provide brief answers.

Questions regarding which information should ideally be available in the methods section of an abstract

Carelessly written methods sections lack information about important issues such as sample size, numbers of patients in different groups, doses of medications, and duration of the study. Readers have only to flip through the pages of a randomly selected journal to realize how common such carelessness is.

Table 4 presents examples of the contents of accept-ably written methods sections, modified from actual publications.[ 10 , 11 ] Readers are invited to take special note of the first sentence of each example in Table 4 ; each is packed with detail, illustrating how to convey the maximum quantity of information with maximum economy of word count.

Examples of the methods section of an abstract

The results section is the most important part of the abstract and nothing should compromise its range and quality. This is because readers who peruse an abstract do so to learn about the findings of the study. The results section should therefore be the longest part of the abstract and should contain as much detail about the findings as the journal word count permits. For example, it is bad writing to state “Response rates differed significantly between diabetic and nondiabetic patients.” A better sentence is “The response rate was higher in nondiabetic than in diabetic patients (49% vs 30%, respectively; P <0.01).”

Important information that the results should present is indicated in Table 5 . Examples of acceptably written abstracts are presented in Table 6 ; one of these has been modified from an actual publication.[ 11 ] Note that the first example is rather narrative in style, whereas the second example is packed with data.

Information that the results section of the abstract should ideally present

Examples of the results section of an abstract

CONCLUSIONS

This section should contain the most important take-home message of the study, expressed in a few precisely worded sentences. Usually, the finding highlighted here relates to the primary outcome measure; however, other important or unexpected findings should also be mentioned. It is also customary, but not essential, for the authors to express an opinion about the theoretical or practical implications of the findings, or the importance of their findings for the field. Thus, the conclusions may contain three elements:

The primary take-home message

The additional findings of importance

The perspective

Despite its necessary brevity, this section has the most impact on the average reader because readers generally trust authors and take their assertions at face value. For this reason, the conclusions should also be scrupulously honest; and authors should not claim more than their data demonstrate. Hypothetical examples of the conclusions section of an abstract are presented in Table 7 .

Examples of the conclusions section of an abstract

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS

Citation of references anywhere within an abstract is almost invariably inappropriate. Other examples of unnecessary content in an abstract are listed in Table 8 .

Examples of unnecessary content in a abstract

It goes without saying that whatever is present in the abstract must also be present in the text. Likewise, whatever errors should not be made in the text should not appear in the abstract (eg, mistaking association for causality).

As already mentioned, the abstract is the only part of the paper that the vast majority of readers see. Therefore, it is critically important for authors to ensure that their enthusiasm or bias does not deceive the reader; unjustified speculations could be even more harmful. Misleading readers could harm the cause of science and have an adverse impact on patient care.[ 12 ] A recent study,[ 13 ] for example, concluded that venlafaxine use during the second trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of neonates born small for gestational age. However, nowhere in the abstract did the authors mention that these conclusions were based on just 5 cases and 12 controls out of the total sample of 126 cases and 806 controls. There were several other serious limitations that rendered the authors’ conclusions tentative, at best; yet, nowhere in the abstract were these other limitations expressed.

As a parting note: Most journals provide clear instructions to authors on the formatting and contents of different parts of the manuscript. These instructions often include details on what the sections of an abstract should contain. Authors should tailor their abstracts to the specific requirements of the journal to which they plan to submit their manuscript. It could also be an excellent idea to model the abstract of the paper, sentence for sentence, on the abstract of an important paper on a similar subject and with similar methodology, published in the same journal for which the manuscript is slated.

Source of Support: Nil

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

• 1. Andrade C, Mendhekar DN. Lithium, trifluperazine, and idiopathic leucopenia: Author and reviewer perspectives on how to write a good case report. Indian J Psychiatry. 2010;52:187–90. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.64594. [ DOI ] [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 2. Andrade C. A 6-week, multicentre, randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of placeboxetine hydrochloride in the treatment of major depressive disorder in an Indian setting. Indian J Psychiatry. 2011;53:69–72. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.75555. [ DOI ] [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 3. Andrade C. Placeboxetine for major depressive disorder: Researcher, author, reader, and reviewer perspectives on randomized controlled trials. Indian J Psychiatry. 2011;53:73–7. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.75553. [ DOI ] [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 4. Andrade C, Radhakrishnan R. Prayer and healing: A medical and scientific perspective on randomized controlled trials. Indian J Psychiatry. 2009;51:247–53. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.58288. [ DOI ] [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 5. Shah N, Mahadeshwar S, Bhakta S, Bhirud M, Fernandes P, Andrade C. The safety and efficacy of benzodiazepine-modified treatments as a special form of unmodified ECT. J ECT. 2010;26:23–9. doi: 10.1097/YCT.0b013e3181d2711f. [ DOI ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 6. Andrade C, Srihari BS, Reddy KP, Chandramma L. Melatonin in medically ill patients with insomnia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Clin Psychiatry. 2001;62:41–5. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v62n0109. [ DOI ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 7. Andrade C, Madhavan AP, Kishore ML. Testing logical memory using a complex passage: Development and standardization of a new test. Indian J Psychiatry. 2001;43:252–6. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 8. Andrade AC, Pai S, Cardoza S, Andrade C. Personality profile of urban, female college students. Indian J Psychol Med. 1994;17:41–6. [ Google Scholar ]
• 9. Andrade C, Postma K, Abraham K. Influence of women's work status on the well-being of Indian couples. Int J Soc Psychiatry. 1999;45:65–75. doi: 10.1177/002076409904500108. [ DOI ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 10. Kumar CN, Andrade C, Murthy P. A randomized, double-blind comparison of lorazepam and chlordiazepoxide in patients with uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal. J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2009;70:457–74. doi: 10.15288/jsad.2009.70.467. [ DOI ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 11. Margoob MA, Ali Z, Andrade C. Efficacy of ECT in chronic, severe, antidepressant- and CBT-refractory PTSD: An open, prospective study. Brain Stimul. 2010;3:28–35. doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2009.04.005. [ DOI ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 12. Rao TS, Andrade C. The MMR vaccine and autism: Sensation, refutation, retraction, and fraud. Editorial. Indian J Psychiatry. 2011;53:95–6. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.82529. [ DOI ] [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 13. Ramos I, St-Andri M, Birard A. Association between antidepressant use during pregnancy and infants born small for gestational age. Can J Psychiatry. 2010;55:643–52. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
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To Become a Better Presenter, Look Inward

• Deborah Grayson Riegel

Three reflective exercises to help you become a more confident, effective public speaker.

It’s much easier to change and improve how we communicate when we understand why we speak and behave the way we do. That’s why the most effective presenters and communicators often have a strong sense of their identities and a level of self-awareness acquired through reflecting on their beliefs, attitudes, and behavioral patterns. To become more aware of our own communication styles, and how they change due to context, you can do some inner work. This includes identifying any “hidden commitments” that may be stopping you from reaching your goals, tapping into your “portfolio of selves,” and debunking any negative stories you may be telling yourself about how you come across in front of a crowd.

For 20 years, I’ve worked as a coach, helping leaders and teams improve their presentation skills. One of the most frequent comments I’ve gotten is, “Wow, this kind of feels like therapy!” This may sound surprising to some, but my guidance typically delves deeper than the popular advice, like make eye contact, use body language, or share your agenda beforehand. While my approach is by no means therapy, I do push people to improve by engaging in some inner work.

• Deborah Grayson Riegel is a professional speaker and facilitator, as well as a communication and presentation skills coach. She teaches leadership communication at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and has taught for Wharton Business School, Columbia Business School’s Women in Leadership Program, and Peking University’s International MBA Program. She is the author of Overcoming Overthinking: 36 Ways to Tame Anxiety for Work, School, and Life and the best-selling Go To Help: 31 Strategies to Offer, Ask for, and Accept Help .

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• Google Slides Tutorials

How to Add Bitmoji to Google Slides: An Easy Tutorial

Want to spice up your Google Slides presentation? Adding Bitmoji might be the ticket. Bitmoji is a small cartoon representation of you that can add personality to your slide. So, here I am going to walk you through step by step how to add Bitmoji to Google Slides. Don’t be alarmed if you’ve never done this; it’s really pretty easy!

What Is Bitmoji?

Bitmoji is an entertaining application where you can make your cartoon avatar look totally customized as far as eye and hair color to clothes and accessories. Your Bitmoji can express different moods, phrases, or reactions once it’s created. Then why not add some fun and personality to your presentations, social media, text messages, and more with Bitmoji?

First, you create an account and make an avatar for Bitmoji. It’s very fast and fun, and once you have it set up, you can add your Bitmoji to other apps, including Google Slides!

What You’ll Need

• A Bitmoji account: You can make one for free if you haven’t already.
• Google Chrome Browser: This setup works best with Chrome.
• Google Slides: Open or create a presentation you’d like to use.

Alright, let’s get started!

Step 1: Add the Bitmoji Chrome Extension

You need to add the Bitmoji extension to your Chrome browser. This is how you do it:

• Open Google Chrome on your computer.
• Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for “Bitmoji” in the search bar.
• Find the Bitmoji Extension and click on it.
• Click “Add to Chrome”. You’ll see a pop-up asking you to confirm that you want to do this; click Add Extension.

You should now see a little green Bitmoji icon in the far right-hand corner of your browser when it installs. Now you’re ready for the next step!

Step 2: Log in to Bitmoji

You’ve got the Bitmoji extension. Now it’s time to log in.

• Click the Bitmoji icon in the top right-hand corner of Chrome.
• Log in with your Bitmoji account details. If it’s the first time you use the service, you will be asked to create a new account here.

As long as you’re logged in to your Bitmoji account, you can access all of your Bitmojis. You can select and add them from here to your Google Slides.

Step 3: Opening Google Slides

Now, open Google Slides at http://slides.google.com. Then, select the presentation for which you would like to add Bitmoji.

Step 4: Add Bitmoji to Your Slide

Here is where the fun begins: adding Bitmoji to slides.

• Return to the Bitmoji icon in Chrome and click on it. You will then see your collection of Bitmojis.
• Search for a Bitmoji that fits your slide. For example, type in some words like “hello,” “thanks, or “wow” to find expressions.
• Once you have located a Bitmoji you like, right-click on it. Click Copy Image.
• Return to your Google Slides presentation slide. Right-click anywhere in the slide where you would like the Bitmoji. Click Paste.

And voilà! You just pasted a Bitmoji in your slide.

Step 5: Move and Have Fun

Now your Bitmoji is in your slide, you can put it where you’d want it to be. Here’s how you could size it so it would fit even better:

• Stretch or resize: Tap on the Bitmoji and drag the corners to make it bigger or smaller.
• Move to a new location: Click and drag your Bitmoji to a new location in the slide.
• Rotate it: There is an option at the top to be able to tilt it if you want it to.

Tips to Use Bitmoji in Google Slides

• Keep it fun but professional: Bitmojis are fun but should not be overdone if you have an important presentation.
• Mix up your choices: Make sure you’re not using the same Bitmoji all the time. Try out different expressions. Your presentation will look interesting this way.
• Double-check the size: Sometimes, Bitmojis are just a little bit bigger than you want. Reduce the size so that it doesn’t take up too much text or other images.

Wrapping Up

Adding Bitmoji to Google Slides brings your presentations to life with ease and quickness. Whether you are a student or teacher, or you just want to give some character to your work slides, Bitmoji can really bring your presentation alive. Just follow these steps and you’ll be adding Bitmoji like a pro in no time!

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Arockia Mary Amutha

Arockia Mary Amutha is a seasoned senior content writer at SlideEgg, bringing over four years of dedicated experience to the field. Her expertise in presentation tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Canva shines through in her clear, concise, and professional writing style. With a passion for crafting engaging and insightful content, she specializes in creating detailed how-to guides, tutorials, and tips on presentation design that resonate with and empower readers.

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How to prepare for Windows 10 end of support by moving to Windows 11 today

• Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President, Consumer Chief Marketing Officer

As we approach the end of support for Windows 10 on Oct. 14, 2025 1 , we want to ensure you are well-prepared for the transition to Windows 11. This milestone marks an important step in our mission to provide the most modern and secure computing experience possible for everyone whether at work, school, or home, and our commitment to continually improving Windows security as part of Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative (SFI) . We are incredibly grateful for your loyalty and passion for Windows 10, and we are working hard to make it easy to move to Windows 11.

This blog post is intended to help you prepare for Windows 10 end of support by outlining considerations for moving to Windows 11 today. Including:

Benefits of upgrading to Windows 11

• Checking if your current Windows 10 PC can upgrade to Windows 11
• Resources for purchasing a new Windows 11 PC
• Information on the purchase of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for organizations of all sizes as previously announced in April of this year and, for the first time, an ESU option for consumers, available for a one-year option for $30.

Windows 11 builds upon the strengths and familiarity of Windows, offering you a modern, secure and highly efficient computing experience that meets the current demands for heightened security by default and by design. With integrated and enhanced security features, high customer satisfaction and notable productivity improvements — be it for work, school or play — new Windows 11 PCs are more secure, more productive and higher performing than Windows 10 PCs.

And Copilot+ PCs, our fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever , take this capability a step further, embodying the ultimate Windows 11 experience with cutting-edge security measures, optimized performance and innovative AI-powered features that redefine what’s possible on a PC.

Windows 11 features include: 

• Even more secure by default: Modernizing to Windows 11 provides a secure environment with advanced security features like TPM 2.0, virtualization-based security and the vulnerable driver block list enabled by default, as well as Smart App Control which is available on new installations of Windows 11 on any PC. New Windows 11 PCs are more secure, with a reported 62% drop in security incidents and 3x reported reduction in firmware attacks. 4 At a premium price, Copilot+ PCs deliver even more protection, including memory-based integrity, Secured-core PC capabilities, Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security and the built-in Microsoft Pluton Security processor .
• Trusted Windows experience: Windows 11 maintains a familiar user experience from Windows 10, with a consistent layout and functionality, while introducing a more modern and streamlined UI design. Key elements like the Start menu and taskbar have been updated for a cleaner look, but the overall navigation and usability remain intuitive and user-friendly, like Windows 10.
• Optimized for speed and efficiency: Enhanced response time when in sleep mode, faster web browsing, intuitive navigation and improved, updated fundamentals all contribute to better performance on Windows 11. Leveraging the performance of Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs offer even more power and efficiency, and lightning speed when performing AI-powered productivity and creativity tasks. In fact, Copilot+ PCs are up to 5x faster than the most popular five-year old Windows PCs. 3
• Better multitasking: Features like Snap Layouts and Multiple desktops help you stay organized and productive. With Snap Layouts, you can organize your open windows and optimize your screen space, making multitasking easier and more efficient. Multiple desktops are great for keeping unrelated, ongoing projects organized — or for quickly switching desktops before a meeting.
• Built-in accessibility features: Windows 11 is the most inclusively designed and most accessible version of Windows yet. Windows 11 includes  a host of accessibility improvements  designed for and with people with disabilities: calmer, more appealing sound schemes; beautiful new contrast themes and closed caption customizations; and, a more responsive and flexible experience for working with assistive technologies.
• Designed with energy efficiency in mind: Featuring energy saver capabilities and carbon-aware Windows Updates .
• Copilot, your AI companion: With Copilot , you can get straightforward answers, learn, grow and gain confidence. Copilot breaks down complex concepts and helps you make sense of it all. Easily accessible right from the Windows taskbar or the Copilot key on new Windows 11 PCs.

Modern security starts with hardware

Starting Oct. 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates. As security threats evolve and adapt, so must our operating systems and hardware. Because of this, we designed Windows 11 to be the most secure version of Windows ever — by default and design — to help you stay ahead of those risks. Advanced security features include hardware-based protection through TPM 2.0, enhanced authentication methods and virtualization-based security fully enabled by default. Windows 11 also includes phishing protection, offering robust defense mechanisms , and provides an extra layer of security against common and persistent cyberattacks, like attempts to compromise login credentials or install malware.

Notable Windows 11 security benefits include: 

• Microsoft Pluton security processor: Designed by Microsoft and our silicon partners, Pluton is embedded in the PC’s processor, enhancing many Windows 11 and all Copilot+ PCs with protection for user identity, data and apps accompanied by reliable updates from Microsoft distributed with safe deployment best practices.
• Hardware and software integration: Features like secure boot, virtualization-based security, memory integrity, Secured-core PC, the vulnerable driver block list, Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security and the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) defaults contribute to the additional security as compared with Windows 10 devices.
• A safer app experience: Smart App Control in Windows 11 enhances security by automatically blocking untrusted or potentially harmful applications, ensuring a safer and more reliable computing experience. This proactive feature helps protect you from malware and other threats without compromising performance.
• Windows Hello extended to protect passkeys: Passkeys are another secure step towards eliminating passwords entirely, making it much harder for hackers to exploit stolen passwords through phishing attacks.

Moving to Windows 11 is simple, here’s how

We’ve created a straightforward and secure migration process to Windows 11, beginning with checking whether your current Windows 10 PC can upgrade to Windows 11 or if a new, more secure PC is necessary.

Check if your PC can be upgraded to Windows 11 

• Check if your Windows 10 PC is eligible to upgrade for free to Windows 11 by selecting the Start button, then going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• To take advantage of the enhanced security Windows 11 provides, some customers may need a new PC. You can learn more about Windows 11 system requirements .
• Windows 10 PCs will receive new in-product notifications to educate you about Windows 10 End of Support coming in October 2025. You will be able to learn more about options available and actions you can take to prepare for the move to Windows 11.

If you determine you need a new Windows 11 PC, there are tools available to help you prepare for your next device:

• Reduce downtime and ensure that your personal files, settings and applications are securely moved from Windows 10 to Windows 11 exactly as you had them saved with Windows Backup . Learn more .
• OneDrive enables offline file access and the ability to work with synced files in File Explorer, automatically updating once you’re online again. For Microsoft 365 customers, File Explorer also has significant improvements like Tabs , along with new improved views like an home page powered by the Microsoft graph for quick file access (e.g. recommendations (AAD only)), favorites and enriched Microsoft 365 file activity. You can also use the new and modern Gallery view to access your pictures, camera roll and other images like screenshots. Learn more.

Purchasing a new Windows 11 PC 

If you find your current Windows 10 PC is ineligible to upgrade to Windows 11, we have a broad array of choices in new PCs you can purchase.

With new Copilot+ PCs and continued innovation on Windows 11 at every price, we invite you to see what’s new from top brands like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Surface and more.

Finding the right Windows 11 PC for you is easy with Help me Choose , a simple tool to help you find the right new PC for you.

When you are ready to purchase a new Windows 11 PC, we encourage you to leverage trade-in 5 and recycling 6 programs available at many of our Windows ecosystem partners including, OEMs such as Acer , ASUS , Dell , HP , Lenovo , Samsung and global retailers like Best Buy , Boulanger , Costco , Currys , Elkjøp , Fnac , Harvey Norman , JB Hi-Fi , MediaMarkt & SATURN , officeworks , Sharaf DG and Walmart . Our business customers have access to programs available through resellers such as Bechtle , CDW , ComputaCenter ,  Connection , SHI and more. In addition, you can find your nearest Microsoft recycling program here .

Accelerate business success with Windows 11

For organizations of every size, Windows 11 is built for game-changing AI, faster performance and layers of security enabled by default – with a 250% return on investment 2 . Designed to support any work environment and every employee, offering features that enhance multitasking and facilitate 50% faster workflows than Windows 10 4 . It also introduces a multitude of new management controls, making it easier for organizations to move away from older systems , like Group Policy as well as new tools and policies to enable more secure corporate environments reducing the number of IT helpdesk tickets 7 . Features like Windows Autopilot for device setup, Intune for device management with Config Refresh, and Windows Hello for Business and other MFA authentication methods supported by Entra ID are available to our commercial customers.

We invite our commercial customers to join us in-person in Chicago or remotely on Nov. 19 at Ignite to learn even more about how Windows is empowering organization of all sizes.

Moving to Windows 11 is simple for organizations too

As we approach the end of support for Windows 10, we want to ensure organizations experience an easy and seamless transition to Windows 11. With 99.7% compatibility with Windows 10 apps 8 the move is familiar to IT using the same tools and processes you use today which means organizations have been deploying Windows 11 25% faster 2 . A range of tools are available and designed to support this upgrade, ensuring minimal disruption to their operations and maximizing the benefits of Windows 11.

• Microsoft offers App Assure, a service to help with any Windows 11 software or browser application compatibility issue that you may discover. We’ll assist in remediating custom apps, ISV applications or Microsoft products; learn more at https://aka.ms/appassure .
• The Windows Pro PC Help me Choose tool can guide organizations to find the best Windows 11 computers.
• The new Forrester EOS calculator can help build a business case and prepare for the transition by estimating the potential costs and savings associated with upgrading your organization to Windows 11, allowing ITDMs to make informed decisions about their upgrade timelines.
• The Windows 11 Security Book is an essential resource that provides a detailed exploration of the security enhancements that make Windows 11 our most secure OS, and offers insights into how businesses can protect their organizations effectively.
• To help our SMB customers migrate to Windows 11, we have created an assessment tool to communicate the steps they need to take to mitigate the risks of Windows 10 End of Support as well as resources to help.
• Education customers can use the tools summarized above, and we are excited to support our students and teachers on Windows 11 with easy-to-use, secure and accessible tools in Windows 11, enabling educators to personalize learning for all students. Learn more about the options available .

Extended security updates for individuals and organizations of all sizes

We understand that some of you may require additional time while moving to a new Windows 11 PC or Copilot+ PC. During this period, you may wish to take steps to help secure your existing PC.  As previously announced, we will offer our Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Enrolled PCs will continue to receive Critical and Important security updates for Windows 10; however, new features, bug fixes and technical support will no longer be available from Microsoft.

• And for the first time ever, we’re introducing an ESU program for personal use as well. The ESU program for consumers will be a one-year option available for $30. Program enrollment will be available closer to the end of support in 2025.
• Learn more about the Commercial ESU option .
• Learn more about the option for our Education customers .
• Microsoft will also continue to provide Security Intelligence Updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus through at least October 2028. 

Moving to a modern computing experience with confidence 

We are committed to protecting you and your PC with the most advanced security possible. With Windows 11 we took a significant step forward across silicon, hardware and software to significantly raise the security, performance and productivity of Windows PCs.  With the Windows 10 End of Support moment, now is the time to move to Windows 11 with confidence. We understand change is never easy, but we are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. Thank you for your passion and loyalty for Windows.

Learn more about Windows 10 End of Support.

1 Long Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) and Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) releases are subject to different lifecycle support policies. Check out the Microsoft lifecycle website for more information.

2 Microsoft-commissioned study delivered by Forrester Consulting: “The Total Economic Impact™ of Windows 11 Pro Devices”, December 2022. Note, quantified benefits reflect results over three years combined into a single composite organization that generates $1 billion in annual revenue, has 2,000 employees, refreshes hardware on a four-year cycle and migrates the entirety of its workforce to Windows 11 devices.

3 Windows Copilot+ PC Performance Claims – May 2024 – Copilot+ PC performance details | Microsoft Learn .

4  Windows 11 Survey Report. Techaisle LLC, September 2024. Commissioned by Microsoft. Windows 11 results are in comparison with Windows 10 devices.

5 Trade-in available only through the Microsoft Store in the U.S. See site for details.

6 Available in select countries only. See  site  for details.

7 Microsoft-commissioned study: “Improve your day-to-day experience with Windows 11 Pro laptops,” Principled Technologies, February 2023.

8 Microsoft App Assure program data from October 2018 to February 2022.

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• About Respiratory Illnesses
• Risk Factors
• Data and Trends
• Resources to Prepare for Flu, COVID-19, and RSV
• Respiratory Virus Guidance
• Best Practices for Patient Care
• Talking with Patients

Related Topics:

• View All Home
• Seasonal Flu
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• As a healthcare provider, you play an important role in ensuring your patients have the best protection against COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
• Patients should receive all their recommended vaccines and receive timely testing and treatment.
• Use the updated information and resources below to help your patients stay safe this fall and winter respiratory virus season.

Immunization recommendations

COVID-19 and influenza

Everyone 6 months of age and older should receive the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine and seasonal influenza vaccine.

Infants and pregnant people

All infants should be protected against severe RSV disease through one of the following (only one is indicated in most instances):

• Vaccination (Pfizer Abrysvo only) of pregnant people 32 through 36 weeks of gestation administered during September through January for most of the continental United States.
• Immunization of infants less than 8 months with nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody administered during October through March (earlier is better) in most of the continental United States.

Some children aged 8 through 19 months at increased risk for severe RSV disease should receive nirsevimab when entering their second RSV season.

Older adults

Everyone 75 years of age and older should receive RSV vaccination if they haven't been previously vaccinated.

Adults 60 through 74 years of age with certain medical conditions or other risk factors that increase their risk for severe RSV disease should receive RSV vaccination if they haven't been previously vaccinated.

Clinical guidance

Best practices for immunizations.

Detailed CDC guidance

Coadministration of these vaccines.

Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines may be co-administered (given at the same visit). They may also be co-administered with other vaccines, in accordance with CDC's general best practices for immunization.

If the provider is confident there will be additional opportunities to vaccinate the patient, and the patient prefers to receive these vaccines during different visits, there is no minimum wait period between these vaccinations.

Preventing vaccine administration errors

A vaccine administration error is any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm. Take preventive actions to avoid vaccine administration errors and establish an environment that values reporting and investigating errors as part of risk management and quality improvement.

• Vaccine administration: Preventing vaccine administration errors
• COVID-19: Vaccine administration errors and deviations

Testing and treatment

• Testing overview for SARS-CoV-2
• Rapid testing in point-of-care settings
• When SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses are co-circulating
• Rapid influenza diagnostic tests

Assess whether the patient has risk factors that place them at higher risk for severe flu and COVID-19 and should therefore receive prescription antiviral medications if they become ill.

• Clinical care for outpatients
• Antiviral medications: Summary for clinicians

Vaccine summaries for fall and winter virus season‎

Professional education for the 2024-2025 season, preparing your practice and patients.

Educating staff will help prepare your practice for the fall and winter virus season and build trust between you and your patients.

• Presentation : Prepare Your Clinics and Patients
• Respiratory Disease At-A-Glance
• Vaccine Standing Orders for Healthcare Providers | immunize.org
• Vaccines for Children Program (VFC)

Use the following resources in your office or electronic health record system to remind patients about upcoming immunizations.

• Immunization Reminder Language for 2024-2025, English version
• Immunization Reminder Language for 2024-2025, English and Spanish version

Webinars for the 2024-2025 season

CDC regularly produces educational videos and webinars to provide healthcare providers with timely and actionable information on disease activity, new clinical guidance, and immunization recommendations.

• General overview : American Medical Association
• Nursing : Tri-Council for Nursing
• Obstetrics : American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Older adults : Gerontological Society of America
• Pediatrics : American Academy of Pediatrics

Learn more about additional CDC webinars and continuing education opportunities related to immunization .

Respiratory Illnesses

Respiratory illnesses affect the lungs and airways. Get information on common causes, prevention actions, and current levels of illness in your community.

For Everyone

Health care providers.