effective presentation checklist

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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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A Checklist for More Persuasive Presentations

• Dorie Clark

Ask yourself these questions.

We all know the basics of good presentation skills: don’t read from a script ; don’t overwhelm your audience with verbose slides; and the like. But for a particular kind of high-stakes presentation — one in which you’re trying to get buy-in from key decision-makers — those basics aren’t enough.

• Dorie Clark is a marketing strategist and keynote speaker who teaches at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and has been named one of the Top 50 business thinkers in the world by Thinkers50. Her latest book is The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World (HBR Press, 2021) and you can receive her free Long Game strategic thinking self-assessment .

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Effective presentations checklist, create a shared meaning between the you, the speaker, and your audience.

Having the knowledge and skills to effectively design and deliver a dynamic presentation is essential in the academic and professional world, regardless of field. Most colleges and universities require students to complete a public speaking course. In addition, many large organizations send employees to training course to develop their skills in this area. Why is it so important for college students and employees to be effective in this context?

The bottom line is that presentations are used to create a  shared meaning  between the speaker and the audience. Whether it is to inform peers of the results of your course project, communicate changes in the organization, provide updates on projects to your boss and co-workers, persuade the organization to invest in new technology, convince the city council to reduce waste, or recognize the accomplishments of a valued employee, the goal of a presentation needs to be accomplished. By using strategic design and delivery techniques, you increase your chances of accomplishing your goal. In addition, your successful efforts will leave others with a positive impression of your communication and leadership skills.

While there are a tremendous number of resources available on the internet to assist individuals wanting to increase the effectiveness of their presentations, the following checklist provides the basic things you should consider. This checklist contains items that are included within UMN Crookston’s Public Speaking course (SPCH 1101).

1. What are the logistical considerations/constraints of the speaking event? 

If you don’t know the answers to the questions below, ask the person inviting you to speak. Although the following is not an exhaustive list, it may help you determine other questions you want to ask:

• What is the occasion/event that I’ll be speaking at (purpose)?
• Where is the presentation located?
• How many people will be in the audience?
• What is the start time for my presentation?
• How much time do I have to speak? Does that include time for questions?
• What should I wear?
• What type of presentation aid would you recommend for this audience
• What technology is available for me to use (screen, projector, computer, etc.)?
• If I have handouts, how many copies should I make?
• Will there be someone available to help if I need assistance with set-up, technology, etc.?

2. Know your audience. 

The more you know about your audience, the more you can tailor your presentation to them, thus making it more relevant and increasing your likelihood of accomplishing your goal. If you don’t know the answers to the questions below, ask the person inviting you to speak. Although the following is not an exhaustive list, it may help you determine other questions you want to ask:

• Who will be in the audience (position, demographics, etc.)?
• How much to the audience know about the presentation topic?
• What is the audience’s overall attitude towards the topic?

3. What is the purpose of the presentation?

The answer to this question will help you determine how to organize your presentation as well as choose the appropriate content. If you don’t know the answers to the questions below, as the person inviting you to speak. Although the following is not an exhaustive list, it may help you determine other questions you want to ask:

• Is the purpose to inform the audience?
• Is the purpose to persuade the audience?
• Is the purpose to deliver a presentation at a special occasion (toast, recognition, award, etc.)?
• Do you have suggestions on what content the presentation should contain?

4. Create a speaking outline with appropriate content.

Creating an outline will help you gather your thoughts and put structure of the content you want to deliver. If your presentation is not organized your audience may have difficulty understanding your content, and you will be less likely to accomplish your goal. Remember that audience members will not have a written manuscript to refer to if they get lost during your presentation. Based on the purpose, constraints, and audience of your presentation, consider including the following items:

Introduction:

• Attention catcher – get their attention with a statement, quote, startling statistic, story, etc.
• Speaker credibility – tell the audience why you are credible to speak on this topic (education experience, interest, etc.).
• Listener relevance statement – tell the audience why this topic is important to them.
• Thesis statement – tell the audience what your presentation is about and what you are trying to accomplish.
• Main points and sub-points – each main point should include information that supports the thesis.
• You may want to include research to support your efforts. If you do include outside research, you need to orally cite it in order to enhance your credibility and give credit to the original sources.
• Each main point should be balanced: i.e. you should spend roughly the same amount of time on each main point.
• Between your main points, you should include transitions that help the listeners understand how the ideas relate to one another.

Conclusion:

• Thesis restatement – remind the audience of your presentation topic and purpose.
• Main point review – remind the audience of your main points (in the order in which they appeared in your presentation).
• Clincher statement – leave the audience with something to think about regarding your presentation.

5. Effectively deliver your presentation. 

Along with content and structure, delivery can either enhance or detract from achieving your goal. We have all attended presentations in which the presenter’s delivery style either enhanced our learning or was so distracting that we stopped listening. The following lists several basic things to consider when delivering your presentation:

• Wear appropriate and comfortable clothing.
• Maintain good eye contact with your audience during at least 90% of your presentation.
• Use the space provided – don’t just stand in one spot.
• Use hand gestures that are appropriate.
• Use your voice and facial expressions.
• Portray confidence.
• Smile when appropriate.
• Eliminate distracting behaviors (repetitive gestures, chewing gum, verbal tics, etc.).
• Don’t just read your speech off of your paper, outline, or note cards; speak in a conversational style.
• Face the audience and not the screen.
• Don’t read off the screen.
• Ensure that your slideshow is visually pleasing – easy to read with few distracting elements.
• Ensure that your slideshow is free from errors.

6. Practice, practice, practice.

An important component of effective presentation delivery is practice. Determine the practice method that works best for you (in front of a mirror, in front of a friend, in the room where you will be delivering your presentation, etc.). Consider practicing several days before delivering your presentation. The more you practice, the more confident you will be with your content, organization, and delivery methods.

7. Dealing with speech anxiety.

Almost everyone experiences some level of speech anxiety when delivering a presentation. Effective presenters are those who use that energy to help them in their efforts. Consider the following when managing your speech anxiety before and/or during your presentation:

• Practice helps lessen speech anxiety.
• Don’t let negative self-talk undermine your efforts. Instead, turn those negative messages – like “I’m going to embarrass myself” or “I’m going to fall” – into positive messages – like “I’m going to be successful” and “I am poised and self-confident.
• Visualize your success.
• Remember to breathe.
• Pretend you’re confident.
• Remember that your audience wants you to be successful.
• Drink water prior to delivering your presentation to avoid a dry mouth/throat.
• Remember that the audience will likely not notice your anxiety.

Whether you are a college student or a working professional, this checklist outlines basic strategies you should consider when designing and delivering an effective presentation. In addition to this checklist, you are encouraged to investigate the many resources and tools in the library and on the internet that can aid you in your efforts. Similar to other skills (athletics, singing, acting, canoeing, etc.), the more experience you have delivering presentations, the more effective you will be.

By Kevin D. Thompson, Ph.D. Last updated October 2016 by Allison Haas, M.A.

• Effective Presentation Skills Tutorial
• Presentation Preparation Checklist
• Time available for the presentation
• Type of audience (faculty, students, client, etc.)
• Type of attire to wear
• Impact of the presentation (e.g. evaluated for a grade)
• Location of the presentation
• Delivery technologies available for the presentation
• Present alone, or as part of a team or panel
• Prepare handouts to distribute to audience members or not
• Alternatives, in case some of the above change at the last minute

Preparation and Design

• Purpose of the presentation – inform, persuade, entertain, honor, educate, etc.
• Presentation has an outline
• Presentation has a beginning, middle and end
• Opening statement attracts audience's attention
• Main points of sections have an order – chronological, causal, spatial, topical, problem-solution, etc.
• Type of audio-visuals to use – slides, audio, video clips, real or scaled objects, etc.
• Background of slides is simple and not distracting
• Font size (headings at least 28 pts and bullets at least 24 pts) – large enough to read from the last row of the room
• Style of titles of slides are distinguishable from bullet points
• Each slide has no more than 5 to 7 bullet points
• Each bullet point is not more than 2 to 3 lines, and are phrases but not complete sentences (unless it is a quote or a definition)
• Titles and bullet points are consistent in font size throughout the presentation
• Color contrast between background and bullet points is appropriate
• Slides do not have inappropriate or unnecessary graphics or clip art
• Presentation material has been proof-read and spell-checked thoroughly
• Content (text, quotes, figures, tables) from external sources include in-text citations and corresponding references at the end
• Sound system is adequate to listen to the video or audio clips, if any, included in the presentation
• Screen size and resolution are adequate for viewing video clips
• Presentation has been rehearsed, and timing is adequate for the allotted duration
• Coordinated with other presenters, if it is a team or panel presentation
• Any planned interactions with the audience have been rehearsed
• The pace of delivery is consistent for all the sections of the presentation
• There are no unnecessary fillers or sentence starters in the delivery
• Delivery technologies have been checked and work properly
• Gestures, eye contact, and body language are appropriate for the presentation
• Prepared responses for anticipated questions are appropriate
• Prepared conclusion ends the presentation appropriately, and does not end it abruptly
• Attire chosen to wear for the presentation is appropriate for the presentation context
• Any demonstration of software has been verified in advance to make sure it works properly
• Handouts, if any, are readable as hardcopy of presentation slides
• Preparing for the Presentation
• Organizing the Presentation
• Designing Effective Presentation Materials
• Rehearsing the Presentation
• Delivering the Presentation
• Handling Questions and Answers
• Presentation Skills Quiz
• Common Reasons for Ineffective Presentations

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How To Prepare Like A Pro: The Essential Presentation Checklist

Want to take your speech's content and shape it into an impactful whole? Here's how to prepare like a pro with my essential presentation checklist. 

You're as important as the content in every speech you give.

That's an important reason why there  is  a speech in the first place. It should also be a reassuring one, reminding you of what your true value is to an audience. You might soar or stumble on any given day (we all do both). But ultimately, it's who you are and your professionalism that makes us want to hear what you have to say. 

So it makes perfect sense that you should prepare the smart way. That has less to do with cramming data into your head than getting the practical, here's-how-it's-done tasks right.

You'll find more on this in Chapter 15, "Nuts & Bolts: Practical Skills for Presenters," in my book, How to Give a Speech . Click on the image below for a Free Chapter! O n  Amazon .

For one thing, that means engaging your audience right away . Find out how in my  Free cheat sheet , "How To Start A Speech: 12 Foolproof Ways To Grab Your Audience."

Taking A Practical, Performance-Based Approach

The nuts-and-bolts preparation you do beforehand is what will ensure your eventual success. Here are three pieces of practical advice for getting ready with your speech, presentation, pitch, lecture, demonstration, or remarks.

There’s one bit of wisdom I’d like to share with you first, though. It’s the best advice I know of for becoming a more accomplished presenter: acquire as much speaking experience as possible.

Take every opportunity to speak in public—even if that’s a nerve-racking proposition for you. It’s the best way to gain control over your fear, and to reach that state of mind in which speaking in front of others is both a pleasurable and productive activity for you.

If speech anxiety is a problem for you, take a look at my book, Fearless Speaking ,  named in 2019 as "One Of The 100 Best Confidence Books Of All Time." Get a signed copy here !

Now, the practical advice:

• Prepare solid briefing materials. Take a page from diplomats and other public affairs types and put together a briefing book. Ask yourself the following questions as you compile your information:
• Are my materials memorable (for me )?
• Have I anticipated questions and objections, so I know how to survive Q & A ?
• Does each of my main points “headline” the information to come?
• Is my information well laid out and visually highlighted for my benefit?
• Is it "stupid enough?" Will it make sense to every listener, no matter their level of sophistication?
• Plan your practice sessions. A good strategy for your practice sessions is vital. It can be just as helpful as knowing how to use positive visualization to ensure a successful presentation . Here’s how to go about it:
• Timing: Begin sooner rather than later. Give yourself sufficient time!
• Emphasis: Be clear on what you’re focusing on at each practice session , and make that the sole purpose. For instance, are you working now on your content? The logic and language? How your narrative works alongside the visual components? At your last rehearsal, it can and should all come together.
• Setting: Go from rough-and-ready settings to as close an approximation as you can of the real situation, venue, and audience. Make every effort to do a run-through in the actual setting, or if that isn't possible, at least walk the stage when there's no audience.
• Post-performance feedback: Define for yourself what you’ll consider a success. Let subordinates and colleagues know that you expect and welcome criticism.
• Rehearse 3-5 times: Less than three times is almost winging it. If you rehearse more than 5 times, you’ll run the risk of a) becoming stale, and b) memorizing movements and repeating them so that they look mechanical.
• Have an out-of-body-experience. Videotape yourself, or do an audio recording if you'll be speaking on radio, a webinar, or a podcast. (And here's my Free Guide , "Essential Speaking Tips for Video Conferences." ) Pay close attention and work on the rough spots. You need to hear and see yourself as others experience you. The modern miracle of digital video and audio equipment allows you to do that. Make use of it!

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Gary Genard   is an actor, author, and expert in public speaking and overcoming speaking fear. His company, The Genard Method offers  live 1:1 Zoom executive coaching   and corporate group training worldwide. He was named for nine consecutive years as  One of the World’s Top 30 Communication Professionals , and also named as  One of America's Top 5 Speech Coaches .  He is the author of the Amazon Best-Sellers  How to Give a Speech  and  Speak for Leadership: An Executive Speech Coach's Secrets for Developing Leadership Presence . His book,  Fearless Speaking ,  was named in 2019 as  "One of the 100 Best Confidence Books of All Time."   He is also the author of the  Dr. William Scarlet Mysteries .   Contact Gary here.  

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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.

Ready to learn more about how to make your presentation even better? Get TED Masterclass and develop your ideas into TED-style talks

© 2024 TED Conferences, LLC. All rights reserved. Please note that the TED Talks Usage policy does not apply to this content and is not subject to our creative commons license.

The ultimate and effective presentation checklist: From planning to applause!

Discover the ultimate presentation checklist to ensure your next presentation is a success.

Bharti Jain

Delivering presentations

Delivering a standout presentation requires more than just confidence and a good slide deck. It demands meticulous preparation, effective content, the right technology, and flawless delivery. This ultimate checklist will guide you through every step, ensuring nothing is overlooked. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or a first-timer, these detailed guidelines will help you captivate your audience and deliver your message with impact.

Checklist for planning your presentation

Define your objectives.

Start presentation preparation with a clear vision of what you want to achieve.

• Set specific goals: Determine whether your aim is to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire. Specific goals help you focus your content and measure success.
• Tailor your message: Adapt your content to align with these goals. For instance, if your goal is to persuade, ensure your arguments are strong and backed by evidence.

Pro tip: Use SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) objectives to refine your presentation goals. Research by Forbes shows that setting clear objectives can improve performance by up to 33% .

Understand your audience

Your audience is your focus. Understand them well.

• Demographic analysis: Age, profession, interests, and background. Knowing who they are will help you tailor your message effectively.
• Audience expectations: What do they hope to gain from your presentation? Meeting their expectations will make your presentation more engaging and valuable.

Pro Tip: How does your audience prefer their data? Objective or narrative? Do they need vibrant visuals or a minimal approach? How can you know your audience in advance ? There is no need to guess what works with your audience. With smart presentation tools , you can know your audience in advance and align your presentations to their preferences. Know your presentation audience in advance for free using Communication Fingerprint by Prezent.

Research thoroughly

Content is king, so make it robust.

• Gather accurate information: Use reputable sources and current data. Accurate data enhances your credibility.
• Incorporate stories: Find real-life examples or case studies to make your points relatable. Storytelling structures make presentation data more digestible and memorable.

Pro tip : Look for unique angles or lesser-known facts to surprise and engage your audience. According to a Stanford study, stories are 22 times more memorable than facts alone . Creating stories is not everyone's cup of tea, but there are tools like Prezent that can help you build impactful stories out of raw data. There are over 1,000 expert-curated storylines that can be tailored to your specific audience and brand in just a few clicks.

Outline your presentation

The structure is the backbone of a great presentation.

• Craft a clear flow: Introduction, main points, and conclusion. A clear structure helps your audience follow along.
• Plan transitions: Ensure smooth flow between sections to maintain coherence and keep your audience engaged

Pro tip: Use the rule of three – break your content into three main sections for better retention. Psychologists suggest that groups of three are easier to remember and more satisfying.

Select the right tools

The right tools enhance your presentation.

• Choose your software : PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezent, etc. Each tool has unique features that can enhance your presentation.
• Leverage features: Interactive elements, transitions, and multimedia can convert a deck into a dynamic presentation

Pro tip: Explore lesser-known tools like Haiku Deck for stunning visuals or Visme for infographics. For those seeking a comprehensive solution, especially for large enterprises, Prezent is worth considering. This AI-powered platform helps create hyper-personalized, on-brand presentations quickly and efficiently, making the process smoother and more effective.

Design your slides

Visual appeal is crucial.

• Keep it simple: Clean design, limited text, and high-quality images make your slides easy to understand.
• Consistent style: Use a uniform color scheme and font to maintain a professional look.

Pro tip: Follow the 10/20/30 rule by Guy Kawasaki – 10 slides, 20 minutes, 30-point font.

You can even leverage Prezent's vast library of templates and design tools to ensure brand compliance and professional aesthetics.

Checklist for preparing effective presentation content

Develop compelling content.

Your words matter; make them count.

• Engaging opening: Start with a quote or a question to grab attention. This immediately piques interest and sets the stage for your presentation.
• Support with data: Use statistics and facts to back your points and make them informative. Data lends credibility to your arguments and helps to substantiate your claims.

Pro tip: Enhance your presentation using data visualization tools and well-structured slides to make your content more engaging and easier to understand. Prezent can help you design on-brand, impactful presentations quickly and efficiently, ensuring your message is both clear and compelling.

Prepare notes or a script

Stay on track without losing spontaneity.

• Detailed notes: Bullet points to guide your speech can help keep you on track.
• Full script: Only if absolutely necessary, practice to avoid sounding robotic.

Pro tip: Use cue cards for key points instead of reading from a script to keep it natural.

Practice your delivery

Practice makes perfect.

• Rehearse aloud: Multiple times, in front of a mirror or a friend. This helps you get comfortable with your material.
• Time yourself: Ensure you fit within the allotted time. Overrunning can be detrimental.

Pro tip: Recording and watching a preview of your practice sessions can help refine your pacing and gestures.

Checklist for presentation equipment

Ensure the laptop/tablet is ready.

Technical readiness is essential.

• Charge fully: Bring your charger. A dead battery can derail your presentation.
• Update software: Ensure all applications are up-to-date to avoid unexpected crashes.

Pro tip: Have a backup device ready in case of technical failures.

Check projector and connectivity

Avoid last-minute technical hitches.

• Test compatibility: Check if your laptop works with the projector. Different venues might have different setups.
• Internet connection: Ensure a stable connection if needed for online content.

Pro tip: Carry adapters and connectors for different types of projectors.

Prepare remote clicker and sound system

Smooth control enhances delivery.

• Test clicker: Check range and battery. A malfunctioning clicker can disrupt your flow.
• Audio check: Ensure microphones and speakers work well. Clear audio is crucial for comprehension while public speaking.

Pro tip: Familiarize yourself with the venue's audio-visual setup to avoid surprises.

Checklist for final preparations before giving a presentation

Visit the venue.

Get comfortable with your surroundings.

• Venue layout: Check the seating arrangement and stage setup. Knowing the layout helps you plan your movement.
• Equipment check: Test all AV equipment on site to ensure everything works smoothly.

Pro tip: Arrive at least an hour early to set up and acclimate.

Conduct a technical rehearsal

A dry run can highlight potential issues.

• Run through the entire presentation: Using the actual equipment ensures everything works as planned.
• Adjust lighting and sound: Ensure optimal settings for visibility and audibility.

Pro tip: Have a tech-savvy friend or colleague assist during the rehearsal.

Prepare handouts

Enhance your influence with supplementary materials.

• Print or digital: Decide based on your audience's preferences.
• Include key points: Summarize main points for easy reference and reinforcement.

Pro tip: Include QR codes in handouts for easy access to additional resources.

Perform a dress rehearsal

Final polish for your performance.

• Practice in full attire: Ensure comfort and appropriateness. Dressing the part can boost confidence.
• Final run-through: Adjust pacing and refine delivery.

Pro tip: Simulate the actual presentation environment as closely as possible.

Checklist for delivering the presentation

Arrive early.

The early arrival of the presenter sets a positive tone.

• Set up materials: Arrange everything neatly to avoid last-minute rushes.
• Final equipment check: Ensure everything is working perfectly.

Pro tip: Use the extra time to calm your nerves and mentally prepare.

Check your appearance

Professional appearance boosts credibility.

• Dress appropriately: Suit your audience and occasion. Dressing professionally can enhance your authority.
• Grooming: Neat and tidy appearance to ensure you look your best.

Pro tip: Avoid distracting accessories or loud patterns.

Engage the audience

Make a connection from the start.

• Start strong: Use a hook to grab attention. An interesting fact or a question works well.
• Interactive elements: Polls, Q&A, or small activities keep the audience involved.

Pro tip: Make eye contact and use open body language to build rapport.

Manage time efficiently

Stick to your timeline.

• Keep track: Use a timer or clock to stay within your allotted time.
• Be flexible: Adjust if certain sections take longer. Having a buffer time is useful.

Pro tip: Plan for a buffer time towards the end for unexpected delays or audience interaction.

After the presentation checklist

Host a q&a session.

Encourage audience interaction.

• Open floor for questions: Invite questions warmly to engage with your audience.
• Be patient: Listen carefully and respond thoughtfully. This shows respect and understanding.

Pro tip: Prepare answers for common questions in advance.

Collect feedback

Learn and improve from audience insights.

• Feedback forms: Digital or paper-based can be used to collect audience opinions.
• Ask specific questions: They can be about content, delivery, and overall impression to get useful feedback.

Pro tip: Use feedback to refine future presentations.

Thank attendees and participants

Show appreciation for their time and attention.

• Express gratitude: Sincerely thank everyone involved. Appreciation can leave a positive, lasting impression.
• Acknowledge contributions: Of co-presenters and organizers to show teamwork.

Pro tip: A personalized thank you can leave a lasting positive impression.

Keep the engagement going.

• Send follow-up emails with additional resources or a summary. This keeps the information fresh in your audience's minds and encourages further engagement.
• Include a Call to Action for further engagement or feedback, such as subscribing to a newsletter or attending future events.

Pro tip: Use follow-up as an opportunity to reinforce key points and build relationships.

This comprehensive checklist ensures that every presentation aspect is polished and poised for success. Remember, the key to a successful presentation lies in preparation, practice, and the ability to engage and connect with your audience. Good luck!

Prezent is an invaluable tool for enterprises looking to streamline their presentation creation process. In addition to the features mentioned throughout this blog, Prezent offers gamified, engaging courses that not only build effective presentation skills but are also designed to accelerate your overall communication abilities, no matter which field you belong to.

Explore more about Prezent by scheduling a detailed demo with our experts or signing up for a free trial !

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14 effective presentation tips to impress your audience

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

Anete Ezera July 15, 2022

An effective presentation can communicate key ideas and opinions, save time, and contribute to your overall success as a business, but good presentation skills don’t come naturally to everyone. In this blog post, you’ll find 14 effective presentation tips you can implement in your next presentation to make it a success. 

Whether you’re preparing for an important presentation at work or school, or you’re looking for ways to generally improve your presentation skills, you’ll find these presentation tips useful. We’ve gathered a list to help you impress your audience from the get-go. You’ll find tips for creating and presenting your slides, talking in front of an audience, and other effective presentation techniques to help you stand out. 

Most common presentation mistakes

Before we list our top effective presentation tips, let’s explore the most common presentation mistakes. If you’ve made one or more mistakes in this list, you’re not alone. Most people have made at least one mistake. However, what’s important is to be aware of these errors and try avoiding them next time.

#1 A poor start

One of the most common mistakes people make is undermining the importance of the first few minutes or seconds of their presentation. 

Let’s say you’ve practiced your key talking points meticulously and gone over your slides a million times, but when you’re in the spotlight and need to say your first line, do you know exactly what to say to wow the audience? 

The start of your presentation is crucial. Not only because how you start sets the tone for the rest of your presentation, but also because people generally require around 8 seconds to decide whether they find the subject interesting enough to keep listening. Starting your presentation with a captivating intro is even more important than you think. To ensure you start off right, read our guide on how to start your presentation . 

#2 Lack of preparation

Yes, even though it’s clear that you should prepare before giving a presentation, it’s still a common mistake amongst presenters. Preparing content and talking points is an obvious start, but there are other steps that you might be overlooking.

Before you even join a meeting or walk into a room where you’re going to present, consider the technical requirements and get familiar with the equipment. If you’re presenting online, make sure to test-run your presentation and the visual aids you’re going to use. The last thing you want is a broken video link, poor audio, or a weak connection when you’re presenting. 

Also, consider the questions your audience might want to ask you about the topic. Think about how you’d answer those questions, or do even further research to really impress the audience with your answers. 

Explore other ways to prepare for a presentation to feel even more confident when presenting.

#3 Losing track of time

It’s great to feel passionate about your topic. However, you’ll have to consider your audience’s level of interest and knowledge. Some details might seem fascinating to you, and you’d like to talk about them for hours, but for your audience, too much information will drain their energy and lose their attention. 

Therefore, make sure to keep track of time. Also, consider your audience’s interests. A concise presentation is always better than a long one with a ton of information. Plus, you’ll have a higher chance of keeping your audience’s attention throughout the presentation. 

Effective presentation tips

Now that we’ve looked at some of the most common presentation mistakes – let’s dive into effective presentation tips that’ll help you excel in future presentations. 

#1 Tell a story

Stories connect, inspire, and empower people. Telling a story can entice action, help understand an idea, and make people feel connected to the storyteller. It’s also one of the most effective presentation tips. A study by organizational psychologist Peg Neuhauser found that a well-told story is easier to remember than facts, which makes it a highly effective learning technique. 

With that in mind, telling a story when you’re presenting can engage your audience and make it a more memorable experience. You can either share a personal story or a historical event, just make sure to have a clear connection between the story and the topic you’re presenting. 

#2 Work on your body language

Body language can make a huge difference in how your presentation is perceived. It’s one of the presentation tips you definitely shouldn’t overlook. 

Body language says a lot about a person’s confidence level, emotions, state of mind, and even credibility. For the audience, it’s a way to understand what the person is saying and how interested they are in the topic. 

Therefore, work on your body language to better convey the message you’re trying to communicate. Practice in front of a mirror before your presentation and be conscious of your hand gestures and facial expressions. 

#3 Understand your audience

Before crafting your presentation, you must know who you’re speaking to. Understanding the interests, demographics, professional background, and other valuable information of your audience is crucial in making your speech successful. 

If you’re speaking at an event, contact the organizers to get more information about other speakers and the audience. If you’re presenting at work, you may already know your audience fairly well. Use this information to your advantage and create content you know they’ll resonate with.

#4 Use high-quality visuals

What’s one of the most effective presentation techniques? Use of visuals. They play a crucial role in your presentation. However, only high-quality visuals will make a good impression and effectively communicate your message. Use high-quality visuals like images, videos, graphs, maps, and others to really land your point. 

Using visuals is a great way to convey your ideas as they’re easier to process than text. If you’re not sure where to find great visuals, check out our blog post on presentation visuals for five free resources.

P.S. the Prezi library holds a variety of images, videos, GIFs, stickers, and other visuals, including different charts and maps to spice up your presentation. It’s all available in your dashboard .

#5 Use data visualizations

Do you want to showcase statistics or other datasets in your presentation? Use data visualizations to make your data stand out and impress your audience. 

There’s nothing more boring than a bunch of data presented in a flat way. If you want to tell a story with your data, use interactive infographics or slides enriched with eye-catching visuals. Showcasing data will make your ideas appear more trustworthy and credible. 

Prezi Design offers a range of templates to choose from. You can start creating data visualizations from scratch or choose a template and edit the data there. 

#6 Make it engaging with interactive elements

It’s not easy to deliver an engaging presentation. People can easily get distracted or try to multitask, especially in the virtual environment. Sometimes, it’s difficult to focus on the speaker and the written text. Other times, the content just isn’t impressive enough to hold the audience’s attention. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

You can make your presentation more engaging for everyone by including interactive content like graphs and charts. With interactive data visualizations, you’ll make the data discovery process more engaging and exciting for your audience. 

Your audience will be able to hover over data points and click on certain icons or datasets to discover information on their own. Interactive visualizations will make the presentation more memorable and impressive. 

As you can see in the example below, you can discover different data by engaging with the infographic. 

#7 Stay consistent with fonts and color styles

You want your presentation to look visually appealing and highlight essential information. To make that happen, stay consistent with font styles and color schemes throughout your presentation. 

Use one or two fonts max to make the text easy to read and understand. Also, use a carefully selected color scheme that’s not too distracting. If you’re using Prezi Design, you can easily copy and paste styles by right-clicking on your data visualizations and selecting “copy styles.” This makes it easier to stay consistent and saves time when picking matching colors. 

#8 Structure your presentation properly

Before creating your presentation, think about its structure. What’s the main idea you want to convey? Use that as your starting point, and only include information that adds value to the narrative. 

Plan out the first topics carefully to properly introduce your argument. Add the essential information in the middle part of your presentation. Lastly, close your presentation with a summary of the main points and leave your audience with an afterthought. Also, plan when you’re taking questions and for how long. 

For more insight, watch this tutorial on how to structure your presentation:

#9 Practice your public speaking skills

Public speaking may not be your forte, but you can get better with practice. Don’t decline a great opportunity to share your ideas with a larger audience just because you feel nervous speaking in front of a group of people. 

One of the best ways to improve your public speaking skills is to practice in front of your family or friends – people you feel comfortable with. Also, focus on the topic you’re presenting and get excited about the idea you want to convey. This way you’ll appear more confident and feel less nervous about public speaking. 

Explore other public speaking tips from Jessica Chen, the founder, and CEO of Soulcast Media: 

#10 Show your slides next to you on-screen

If you’re presenting on Zoom or in a virtual meeting , think twice before you share your screen. The days of hiding behind slides are over. People want to see and connect with other people, not sit through another run-of-the-mill screen share. To do that, use Prezi Video to showcase all your content right next to you in your video feed. 

As a result, your presentation will look more engaging than a traditional virtual presentation . Also, your audience will have the chance to read your body language and follow along with what you’re saying even better. 

If you already have your slides prepared, don’t worry – you can easily integrate them into Prezi. 

See Prezi Video in action and check out our video templates to get started.

#11 Calm down before presenting

Being in front of an audience can feel nerve-racking. However, there are ways to calm down before presenting that will make you feel more centered and confident. The last thing you want is all your hard work to go to waste just because of stress. 

Try breathing exercises or a five-minute guided meditation before presenting. The trick is to remove all distractions and focus on the present moment so you’re not overthinking right before starting your presentation. Also, be fully prepared and know exactly what to say and when which will help you feel more collected. If you want to discover other ways to feel and look more confident, read how not to be nervous before a presentation . 

#12 Use transitions and animations 

Add movement to your slides with transitions and animations. You’ll make your presentation more visually appealing and engaging. However, be careful not to overwhelm your audience with your choice of transitions and animations. 

Choose a transition that matches your presentation visually and use it throughout your presentation. Consider what animations will be relevant to your audience and select a few to add to your slides. Don’t overdo it. Keep the focus on the message you’re trying to convey, and use animations to only support that message. 

#13 Be enthusiastic 

When you’re in a room with a positive and enthusiastic person, you can’t help but feel uplifted as well. High-energy people have this effect on others. Most importantly, a lot of people tend to mimic people’s behavior and mirror their energy when they feel a connection or relate to them. That’s called the chameleon effect . 

When you’re presenting, you want your audience to feel curious about what you’re presenting. You may also want to leave your audience feeling uplifted, interested to know more, or inspired. To have that effect on others, try to convey those emotions when presenting. Practice your speech, slow down your narration at times, or take a pause after you’ve delivered a statement, and use different presentation techniques to present your project and really drive your points home. 

#14 End your presentation in a memorable way

The first few minutes of your presentation are crucial for captivating your audience’s attention. However, don’t underestimate the importance of ending your presentation as powerfully as you started it. 

The way you end your presentation will play a crucial part in how your audience will remember it. You want to make a memorable impression by closing your presentation with a summarizing statement, a rhetorical question, a call to action, or another impactful way. Discover 10 ways you can end your presentation in our guide.  

There are a lot of factors to consider when creating and delivering a presentation. You want your slides to look professional and visually appealing while conveying your main points. You also want to look and sound confident even if you’re nervous about public speaking. Whatever your concerns may be, remember that preparation is essential. Practice and dedication are the keys to giving a successful presentation . Make sure to follow these effective presentation tips to excel in your future presentations. If you’re interested in creating a captivating presentation with Prezi, contact us to learn more or try it for free . 

Elevating presentations with Prezi AI

Embrace the innovation of Prezi to bring your presentations to life. With its unique platform, Prezi AI offers more than just visually appealing templates; it provides an immersive narrative experience, engaging your audience with a story-driven approach. By integrating Prezi AI , our platform’s capabilities are further enhanced, offering intelligent design suggestions and optimizing content layouts to ensure your presentations are not only beautiful but impactful. This integration is a perfect example of effective presentation techniques in action, using technology to create a more engaging presentation.

Interactive elements: transforming passive listening into active engagement

Prezi revolutionizes the way information is presented by incorporating interactive elements that invite audience participation. With Prezi AI, these features become even more accessible, suggesting ways to make your presentation more engaging through clickable areas, zoomable images, and dynamic visualizations. This level of interaction encourages exploration, making your message more memorable and transforming a standard presentation into an effective presentation.

Adding a personal touch in digital presentation with video

Prezi Video stands out by seamlessly integrating your content alongside your video feed, bridging the gap between traditional presentations and personal engagement. This feature is crucial for those looking to follow presentation tips that emphasize the importance of connecting with your audience on a more personal level. Prezi AI enhances this experience, ensuring your content is displayed in the most effective way possible, making your virtual presentations feel as though you’re directly conversing with your audience.

Mastering presentation artistry with Prezi

The journey to becoming a skilled presenter involves continuously refining your approach and embracing tools that elevate your ability to communicate effectively. Prezi, enriched with Prezi AI, is one such tool that transforms ordinary presentations into captivating experiences. By leveraging these advanced features, you can deliver presentations that are successful, memorable, and truly unforgettable, embodying the essence of tips for presentation mastery.

Whether you’re an experienced speaker or preparing for your first presentation, Prezi equips you with the tools to succeed. Engage your audience, tell compelling stories, and deliver your message with confidence and creativity. Following effective presentation tips and exploring how Prezi AI can transform your next presentation is a step towards mastering the art of impactful communication. Delve into the features and begin your journey to presentation mastery today.

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The Complete Presentation Checklist

November 26, 2014 / Blog, PowerPoint, Presentation Science, Rick Enrico Blog, Tips & Tricks presentation checklist, presentation planning, presentation preparation

Are you ready for your presentation? This presentation checklist will help you cover all the bases.

We often emphasize that the secret to a great presentation is sufficient preparation. As you know, the most compelling speakers won’t face an audience expecting they can “wing it”. What makes their presentations so memorable is the fact that they took the time to craft their message. Just take a look at Steve Jobs, who was known to have  spent hours practicing and perfecting his keynotes .

Thought leader Michael Hyatt says it best :

“The reason I do a good job is because I prepare. I don’t believe in ‘winging it’.”

While it may take up much of your time, preparation is the best way to a successful outcome. It’s not enough to string together a bunch of slides. You need to dig  deeper if you want to provide the audience with a complete and informative discussion. Here’s a presentation checklist to help with your preparation:

1. Identify the goal you want to achieve

Before you take on any other task, the first thing you need to do is identify the purpose of your presentation. What is the end goal? What would you consider a successful outcome? What’s the ultimate takeaway that you want your audience to remember? What is your core message ? Answering these questions will give you a clear direction for your presentation.

2. Learn more about your audience

The audience is a crucial part of your presentation. This may seem pretty obvious, but some do tend to ignore the importance of their role. That’s why a lot of us have sat through presentations that seemed too long  and tedious. If you want to give your audience an experience that’s totally different from the usual scenario, you need to learn more about where they’re coming from.

The people in your audience have the power to accept or dismiss the message you’re sharing. If you want to connect with them, you need to learn more about their point of view. Where are they coming from? What are their backgrounds? How much do they know about the topic you’re presenting? You can use this guide to make sure you answer all the important question about your audience.

Another thing you should consider is the event or conference you’re participating in. What type of event is it? Is it an industry event where you’re expected to address professionals? Is it a seminar for aspiring leaders looking for inspiration and motivation? By learning the culture of a particular event, you can better understand how to communicate with your audience.

3. Create an outline of your initial ideas

Having established context, you’ll find it easier to form some great ideas. Let your presentation take shape by using different brainstorming methods . Whatever you decide to use, make sure you keep writing down everything that comes to mind. Don’t attempt to edit anything out until you’ve exhausted all your ideas.

After brainstorming, you can take your initial ideas and turn them into a rough outline. Review what you’ve written and decide which points stand out the most. You can also rearrange what you’ve written to give your points a clear and logical flow. From there, you can eventually make a presentation storyboard .

4. Fine-tune your content

Once you have a rough outline for your presentation, it’s time to bolster your message with strong presentation content. You can’t just present your ideas through a series of bullet points . You need to present your message through content that tells a story .

As you write your content, always remember your core message. Make sure the goal you’ve established is clearly highlighted on all the points you make. Keep your content well-structured and make sure you don’t include an overwhelming amount of information. You’ll need to discern which of the information you have is the most important to your overall objective.

5. Design a compelling PowerPoint deck

We’ve always emphasized how important visuals are to presentations . To keep your audience engaged, you’ll need to create a PowerPoint deck that can emphasize your message while following the principles of design .

Generally, it’s important to keep PowerPoint designs simple and concise . Use minimal text and high quality pictures. Everything in your design should cohere to the story you’re trying to tell. If you’re pitching sales prospects, make sure your brand is leveraged by your slides . If you really want the best of your story to stand out, consulting with a PowerPoint expert will be a big help.

6. Plan your presentation wear

As we’ve written in the past, first impressions are crucial in presentations. The audience can quickly decide on your credibility based on how you present yourself. To avoid giving them a bad impression, you need to maintain a polished and professional look.  A sloppy attire will make you lose the credibility you want to achieve.

Appropriate attire will depend on the context of your presentation, so take note of the information you have about the event. The easiest way to gauge what you should wear is by thinking about your audience. As a general rule, Forbes contributor Nick Morgan said that you should be dressed slightly better than your audience .

7. Internalize your entire presentation

With everything else prepared, it’s time to internalize every detail of your presentation. If you want to avoid committing mistakes, you need to rehearse your presentation as much as you can. Practice helps you become more familiar with your material . Review your speech, plan how you’ll incorporate your PowerPoint deck, and think about how you’ll deliver everything on stage. Interruptions won’t phase you if you’re sure of what you need to do.

It’s important to prepare as much as you can for any presentation. If you want to deliver a message with noticeable impact, you can’t risk to miss any step. Use this presentation checklist as a guide to make sure you cover all the bases and accomplishing everything you need.

Featured Image:  Chris Lott  via Flickr

Illustration:  Oliver Tacke  via Flickr

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Giving Effective Presentations: 50 Things to Consider (with evaluation rubric)

Effective presentations require that you put a good deal of thought into how your audience will react to every component of your presentation. While an engaging personality or an intriguing subject matter will help, you can make any topic work well if you follow several key guidelines, divided into nine areas: Audience Adaptation ; Opening ; Organization ; Content & Ethos ; Storytelling ; Visual Display ; Delivery ; Team Interplay ; and Conclusion .

Review this evaluation checklist to make sure you’ve covered all the important areas for giving an effective presentation. Descriptions of each of the 50 components are listed below.

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Audience Adaptation

Adapting to your audience is, above all else, the most important thing you must consider. Make sure you think about what they care about (not what you find interesting), what they’ll expect to hear, what they don’t already understand (and what they do), and so forth. If you don’t know your audience before going into a presentation, research them. Ask questions. The more you know about them, the better you can prepare for them.

Use appropriate tone:  Just like you speak differently with your friends than you likely do with your mother, you’ll want to change the way you speak to one audience over another. Ask yourself: What level of formality is appropriate? Should I attempt humor? (In most cases, unless you  know  you’re funny, you may want to avoid attempting to be in order to steer clear of awkwardness if a joke doesn’t go well.) Will my audience be relaxed, tense, or bored? How can I adapt to that?

Use appropriate jargon & acronyms:  Every audience will have a certain level of understanding of your subject matter prior to seeing you present. It’s critically important that you understand what specific terms they know and don’t know so that you don’t use words or acronyms that are confusing to them. If you use industry-specific jargon or acronyms, make sure your audience knows them in advance. If they don’t, define the terms for them.

Make topic relevant to audience:  Make sure that your audience will care about your topic. Sometimes you’ll present information to your boss because he asked you to. In this case, the topic will probably automatically be relevant. But in other cases, your audience may be there because they have to be for work, or they may be there to learn more information but may not fully understand what they’re about to learn. Make sure, regardless of what the situation is, that you tailor the message to the audience’s situation and make them care about the topic.

Knowledge of subject matter appropriate for audience:  Present depth of knowledge at the level your audience can understand. If you’re a chemistry professor speaking about nutrition to pharmaceutical researchers, your depth of explanation will be quite different than if you’re speaking to college freshmen about nutrition. Two things are important here: if your audience knows a lot about your topic going in, don’t patronize or bore them by telling them things they already know. If they don’t know much about the topic, be clear and detailed to make sure they’re on the same page as you and start from a common ground they can relate to.

Your opening is key to engaging your audience right from the beginning. If you bore them up front, you may have lost them for good.

Start with Strong attention-grabber:  Attention grabbers can come in may forms. Some of the most common include telling stories; sharing fascinating quotes; giving alarming or surprising statistics; asking your audience a question; telling a joke (but only if it’s both relevant  and  funny); creating an imaginary scenario (“imagine you’re stuck on an island…”); surprising your audience; or giving a demonstration or object lesson. Regardless of what you choose, make it relevant, make it pithy, and make it work for your audience. Do the attention-grabber well, and you’ll be on pace to keep you audience engaged the entire time.

Make Your Topic Clear:  There should be no question in your audience’s mind, even just a couple minutes into it, where you are headed with the presentation. State your topic, address the issues, and make it relevant.

Make Your Topic Interesting:  Interest comes with relevancy and what we call “exigency.” Make your audience care by letting them know how your topic affects them. Give the facts, stories, anecdotes, issues, etc. that will intrigue and interest them.

Forecast a clear direction for presentation:  At the end of your opening, tell the audience what to expect. What are you going to cover? Create a clear road map so that they know what to expect and so that they know where you’re at in the middle of the presentation.

Organization is key to keeping your audience fully engaged for the entire presentation. As soon as you veer off track somewhere, you begin to lose the attention of your audience.

Follow the Road Map:  In your introduction, you gave your audience the road map. Now be sure that you follow it in the order that you said you would. Stick to the plan from start to finish.

Include Frequent Transitions & Signposts:  Transitions are statements that connect a previous section or idea of your presentation to the next section or idea. Use words and phrases that link the two so that there is a clear connection between ideas and so that audiences can sense a progression. A “signpost” is a kind of transition. It’s a word or phrase that reminds the audience where you are in the presentation. You might connect a dot, remind the audience where you are, or let them know what’s coming next.

Progress towards Finish:  Just like in any good movie, there needs to be a sort of plot building at all times. You’ll want to always be building towards a finish, with each piece of your presentation moving you towards some kind of conclusion. Remember that all good communications should have a beginning, middle, and end. Be sure that each component of the middle progresses towards a clear and meaningful end.

Provide Summary(ies) of Main Points:  If your presentation goes beyond 10 or 15 minutes, it may be helpful to occasionally remind your audience what’s been said. Help your audience understand, at every step along the way, what is happening and what the information or data means.

Connect Loose Dots:  If you begin a story or anecdote, be sure to tell the ending at some point. If you provide interesting data, make sure you let the audience know what it means. If you’re leading towards a recommendation, be sure that the recommendation is based on research or evidence you just suggested. Don’t leave your audience hanging in any capacity.

Content & Ethos

Ethos refers to your credibility. In order for an audience to fully appreciate and follow your arguments and positions, you must show that you are knowledgeable of the subject matter and that the information you are presenting is founded on something that your audience can agree is good supporting evidence.

Use Only Persuasive Argumentation:  Avoid presenting an argument with gaps or holes. You may wish to study the  logical fallacies for more insight on where arguments can go wrong. When you make a statement, make sure you qualify it and provide appropriate support.

Conduct Sound Research:  As you know and understand your audience, you should know what they will consider valuable and worthwhile research for your type of presentation. Generally speaking, you want to build your argument based on a variety of sources. You might provide case studies, survey data, secondary research (information from books, journals, etc.), observations, testimonials, expert endorsement, or something else. Regardless, you must convince your audience that you’ve done your due diligence.

Include Only Relevant Material:  While this may seem obvious, don’t present material that isn’t directly relevant to your key points. Don’t get distracted and stick to your organizational plan. Make sure all content has a purpose and that it leads towards that strong conclusion.

Provide Convincing Analyses and Conclusions:  Show your audience how much you know about the subject matter by giving them clear, logical analyses of your data and draw conclusions that come directly from your data. Avoid drawing conclusions that come from personal opinion, but rather focus on what your research and data suggest.

Pertinent Data and Evidence:  Be sure that all of you data and evidence is directly related to your overall message. Don’t pull in facts simply because you find them interesting. Again, all content needs to build or progress towards something. Don’t get sidetracked with tangentially related data.

Storytelling

All good presentations–no matter for business, school, clubs, or church–are better when stories are told. Human beings have a natural inclination for stories. People want to know how stories end. Make stories work for your presentation by describing people (characters), situations (settings), problems, climaxes, and resolutions. All presentations should have at least one story, but you may incorporate many more.

Read: How to Organize a Paper: The Narrative Format

Tell Stories with Purpose:  Don’t tell stories just to tell stories, but make connections between what you are telling your audience with a real example.

Tell Realistic Stories:  You don’t want your audience to think you made the story up or that it’s exaggerated. Provide enough appropriate detail so that your audience can believe what you’re telling them is not only true, but its possible, likely, or directly relevant to them.

Tell Stories with   Cl early Described Characters:  Make sure your audience knows who the people are and why they matter to the story.

Be Sure to Have a Conflict:  Stories don’t need to be complicated or extraordinary to be good. But they should have a conflict (which leads to the purpose for telling the story.) There must always be some issue that needs to be resolved.

Don’t Forget the Resolution:  When you start a story of any kind, make sure that you let your audience know how it turned out.

Tell Only Relevant Stories:  Avoid getting sidetracked or on a tangent. All stories should have a clear purpose and should lead the audience towards your conclusions and arguments.

Perhaps the single greatest complaint in the history of presentations is that PowerPoint slides have too much text. Use your slide deck platform to create visually stunning, supportive visuals. Visuals should always complement (not distract or supersede) a presentation’s message. But images are almost always better than text when on the screen.

Be Simple:  Make slide designs simple. As Leonardo da Vinci famously said: simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. White background with black text is a great choice. Avoid fancy or distracting backgrounds or other visual noise. Keep the design simple, giving focus to the key elements.

Be Clear:  Be sure that your images or graphics have a clear purpose. If you’re showing data in chart or graph, explain the graph. Don’t talk about something else while hoping your audience will read all the numbers and draw conclusions. Point them to what they should learn from the graph.

Use Minimal (if any) Text:  People don’t remember text very well and they don’t remember what they hear very well…unless there’s a picture attached to what they hear. Use pictures to supplement and enhance what you are saying. Avoid as much text as is possible. Oftentimes, it’s better on a slide to not use any text at all–just give the audience a picture that supports what you are saying.

Only Use Relevant of Images:  While this may seem obvious, may novice presenters like to include clipart or other non-essential images simply to “pretty up” the presentation. Inserting images just to insert images is not only distracting, it’s tacky. Make all images worthwhile to your audience. If there is absolutely nothing interesting to show your audience when talking about something (that would be rare), use a blank slide. But don’t put in louse images.

Create Effective Charts, Graphs, and Animations:  Make sure the graphs are readable for everyone in the audience. Use large text and clearly understandable colors, sizes, and so forth. Always be sure to talk about visualized data on the screen. Don’t expect your audience to have the patience (especially while you are speaking about something else) to read or interpret the data on their own.

Make Visuals Readable:  Whatever your visual is, be sure it’s big enough for your audience to interpret it without trouble. No small data points, no pixelated graphics or photos, no tiny lines on graphs.

Color Scheme:  Keep colors simple and minimal. Use black text in most cases on a white background. Make sure contrast is always high. Be careful of yellows and oranges as they are often hard to read and they don’t project well on a screen.

Choose Good Typefaces:  The font you choose matters. It gives the entire document a personality. Make sure all fonts are readable (no script or crazy decorative fonts) and big. Avoid default fonts like Calibri or Times New Roman and definitely avoid cliche fonts like Comic Sans and Papyrus.

Delivery is about the way you look as an individual to an audience. It’s about you being articulate, clear, confident, approachable, and everything else. If you content is awesome but your delivery is bad, the presentation won’t have the effect you want.

Make Eye Contact:  Look at people in the eyes. Look all around the room–don’t get stuck looking at the same person or group of people more than everyone else in the room.

Smile and Show Enthusiasm:  Practice so that you’re less nervous and present with a smile and/or enthusiasm about what you’re talking about. No monotone voices, no bored expressions.

Move Naturally:  Avoid unnatural nervous ticks, like swaying, shifting hips, playing with hair, pacing, playing with clothing, etc. Most people have some weird habit when presenting in front of people. Learn what yours is and stop doing it.

Project a Loud, Articulate Voice:  Make sure everyone in the audience can hear you. No quiet talking or trailing off. Avoid filler words like “um” or “like” or “uh.”

Change Vocal Intonation:  Move your voice higher and lower. Act as if you would talking to a friend. Be excited, engaged, and change the sound of your voice so that it does become monotonous.

Have Good Posture:  Show confidence and professionalism by stranding straight, facing the audience. Don’t look at the computer screen, don’t lean on a table, don’t slouch, don’t put your hands in your pocket.

Exhibit Confidence:  Easier said than done, right? Just be sure to talk slowly (so you don’t seem nervous), smile, take deep breaths, and be passionate. When you look nervous, your credibility drops.

Speak Slowly:  Many nervous or excited speakers get going to fast. Speak at a slow pace so that your audience can process what you are saying, especially when you’re talking about complex subjects or you’re explaining research or data.

Dress Appropriately:  Know what your audience will be wearing and dress at a level just up from them. Know if the situation requires formality or not. Avoid distracting or revealing clothing. Women, you must be especially careful with this as revealing or low-cut clothing can be more distracting on an audience than typical business clothing for men.

Show Poise:  Things don’t always go well. You might forget something or your PowerPoint may not work or you may trip on a cord. Just relax and show poise. If you’re calm, your audience will be calm with you. If you freak out, your audience will get really uncomfortable and your credibility will be shot.

Team Interplay

If you’re presenting with a team of people, there are a few extra delivery considerations.

Introduce All Presenters:  Make sure the audience knows everyone participating in the presentation. Describe their role to the audience so that there’s no confusion.   Interact and Engage with Each Other:  While presenting, talk about each other and let the audience know throughout that you worked together. Don’t hesitate to use each other’s names and say things like “Thanks, Mike, for the details on….” and “As Tiffany just mentioned…” Avoid just dividing up the time of the presentation by presenters (don’t just say, “you take the first five minutes, I’ll do the next five, and you conclude.”) Rather, go back and forth between the content of the presentation.

Have Clear Roles & Responsibilities:  Make sure you each have a valuable part to play in the presentation. If it’s awkward or your have too many people, consider removing people without clear roles from the presentation. When you’re not speaking, be sure to be out of the way of other speakers.

Utilize Each Other’s Strengths:  Know what each person is good at or most knowledgeable in and let them present that. Sometimes, if a person on a team isn’t great at presenting, but they’re good at designing or organizing, they may play a different role in the team presentation.

Always have a conclusion. There’s an old mantra in public speaking: Tell them what you’re going to tell them (introduction forecast). Then tell them (middle). Then tell them what you just told them (conclusion summary). Summarize Presentation:  Remind your audience of the key points and conclusions drawn. Wrap up any loose ends and make your point clear.

Have a Clear and Obvious End:  There’s nothing more awkward for you or your audience than them not knowing when to clap. Be sure you lead towards an end with a clear finishing statement. Avoid just stopping and saying things like, “K, that’s it. Any questions?”

Finish Strong:  Leave the audience with something to think about. Maybe tell a final story or give a powerful statistic or quote. Regardless, don’t just end without thinking through a really strong, pithy statement to leave your audience with.

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The Go-to Presentation Checklist That'll Help You Knock it Out of the Park

Some presentations are so good that you can’t help but assume that person’s just a natural. They’d have to be, right? After all, presenting in front of an audience is a challenge for most people, yet there are those who make it seem like it’s the easiest thing in the world.

But you want to know the secret to that confidence? Preparation! No matter how effortless your favorite speakers make it seem, every one of them were meticulous about creating their slides, jotting down thorough speaker’s notes, and practicing the you-know-what out of it.

Want to impress the heck out of your client, your colleagues, or your boss the next time you have to present? Use the checklists below to stay on track and make sure you’re prepared.

Build Your Presentation

You might be reusing an old PowerPoint document. Or you might need to create one from scratch. Either way, spend time creating your slides in advance . Plan on spending an hour outlining the presentation, another hour prepping the speaking notes, and a third hour working on the design.

If that feels like a lot, let’s break it down:

The Outline

Research the daylights out of your topic. If it’s a sales pitch, get the data you need to drive home the point. If it’s for a larger audience, back up your main talking points with research-based data. This might sound like a lot of work, but a good outline will make your life so much easier over the next few days.

The Speaking Notes

Here’s where you should figure out what types of speaking notes you need. Some people might need short reminders to reference during their talk. For those of you like me, you might need to write out your entire presentation. Neither is wrong—but here’s where you should figure it out for yourself.

Creating presentation slides are one of those things that seem harder than they really are. Even if you don’t have an eye for design you can still make it look cohesive by choosing a color scheme, using templates (such as these free ones from Google Drive), and keeping it simple.

Nail Down the Logistics

Do you have to book a conference room? Figure out the tech in the conference room? Dial people in? Do you know how long it should last? Should you leave time for questions?

Do yourself a favor and get answers to all these questions now.

Oh, and expert tip, book the room a day before, too so that you can practice in the real setting.

Pick Out Your Outfit

This might sound silly, but this will help you avoid a lot of stress on the day of your talk. It doesn’t have to be formal—especially if your office isn’t—but it should be something you feel confident in. The fewer choices you have to make that morning, the more you can focus on what’s important

Get Feedback on Your Slides

Reach out to a few of your most honest, trustworthy teammates and ask them for feedback on both your presentation itself and your presentation style.

Here are a few things you could (and should) ask for them to look for:

• How do these slides look?
• Does the information flow well?
• Are there any grammatical errors?
• Is it too long? Too short?
• Did I talk too fast?
• Is there a clear takeaway?
• My goal of this presentation is to get across [goal here]. How can I make that more clear?

Remember: This is a good opportunity to time yourself, practice exactly what you want to say, and even insert a little humor if you think it’s appropriate. With your colleagues in the room, you’ll get instant feedback on how you can expect your audience to respond.

Make Final Edits to Your Slides

From both a design and speaking perspective, you’ve gotten a good amount of feedback by now. While there’s still a good amount of work to do, take an editor’s pen to your slide deck and make final changes.

And when I say final, I mean final . The more you tweak your presentation, the more you’ll confuse yourself when it’s show time.

Practice Your Talk (Again)

This time, practice your talk under the exact circumstances you’ll be presenting it the next day. Is it a webinar-style call? Test your video conferencing software and iron out the technical kinks. Then, run through your deck.

If you’ve followed this checklist, you should have already booked your practice space. Take advantage of that and set up everything you need for the next day.

Give Yourself a Break

You might want to jump back into your normal tasks to catch up a bit. But don’t forget to give yourself some time to relax. Grab a coffee in the kitchen or take a walk around the block. Do something nice for yourself, even if you only have a few minutes. After all, you’ve put a lot of hard work into your presentation.

Read Through Your Speaker’s Notes One Last Time

You’ve done a lot of work to get to this day. Don’t overthink it, but give your speaker’s notes one last look-through before you present. If you’ve identified areas that you’ve tripped up on during your practice, so make additional notes wherever necessary.

Get to the Room Early

If it’s possible, get in there five minutes early to start setting up and making yourself feel comfortable.

Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

Even the most manicured presentations have their hiccups. It could be a faulty internet connection. Or maybe a joke won’t land as you hoped it would. Try not to beat yourself up too much about these things, especially before they’ve happened. Trust me, it happens to even the most accomplished presenters.

I just outlined a lot, but the good news is that I’ve created this checklist to go along with it.

Let’s face it: Giving presentations is hard. But because you’ve prepared like crazy, you’ll be in a much better position to knock it out of the park. It might not go exactly to plan, but it won’t be because you didn’t do everything in your power to put everything in place for success. Plus, I’m willing to bet that you’ll be way harder on yourself than anyone who’s listening to you speak—especially since you’ve done all this work to get ready.

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Presentation Skills Checklist

Before pilots take a plane off the ground, they always follow a written checklist. They don’t follow this process by memory. Instead, they check off each task one by one.

There is a reason why every pilot does this. The process takes a tremendous amount of risk out of the equation. The checklist also takes something very complex and makes it very simple.

Great presenters do the same thing. If you follow a simple presentation checklist, you make delivering the presentation less risky.

In my classes, I teach students how to design an entire presentation, from start to finish, in fifteen minutes or less. These class members are often shocked at how fast they can design their presentations. They finish in minutes what would have typically taken hours (or weeks) to complete.

Below is this simple presentation checklist that you can use when you design PowerPoint presentations. It will help you shorten your preparation time and also reduce your fear of public speaking .

#1: Start by Thinking About What Your Audience Really Wants or Needs to Know About the Topic.

Instead, ask yourself this question. “What does my audience really need to know?” Or, “How can I help the audience understand this topic better?”

Put yourself in the shoes of the person sitting in your audience. What problems or challenges is this person facing that your knowledge will help him or she overcome? Before you design a slide or create any bullet points, make sure to follow step #1 in this presentation skills checklist. If you skip it, your presentation can go off the rails quickly.

Years ago, I was helping an engineering firm design a presentation for a potential client. Their goal was to get this big client to hire them. Before I started working with them, they had already created a rough draft of their talking points. They wanted to start by telling the potential customer about their experience. In fact, they designed the entire presentation around how great they were.

The problem, though, was that the content was great to stroke the ego of the presenters. It was not helpful to the audience, though. I suggested they focus more on the engineering challenges that the client was experiencing. Then, show the client how they could make those challenges go away. (The process created a much more effective presentation.)

For additional details see Make Your Presentation “Audience Focused” .

#2: Create a Compelling Title (Topic).

A compelling topic has two parts. Part one is a specific line of information that the audience needs or wants. Then, part two is a benefit to the audience if they understand this information.

A Compelling Title Contains Specific Information that the Audience Needs to Know.

For instance, let’s say that you are giving a project report. Most project managers will just give their presentation a generic title like… well… “Project Report.” However, that give the audience no information. It also gives the audience no reason to pay attention. (It is completely uninteresting.) So, the project manager is behind the eight ball before he or she even begins to speak.

Instead, this manager can think about what important things have happened since the last report. Then summarize that information in the first part of the title. For instance, perhaps in previous reports, materials may have been delayed. As a result, the project was behind schedule. However, this month, the team got back on schedule.

In this instance, the original title, “Project Report,” becomes “The Project Is Now Back on Schedule.”

If you think about it, you’d have a tough time delivering a presentation on the original topic. The project may have thousands of component parts. And most of the parts are of no interest to the audience. However, if we focus on just the fact that we got back on schedule, the presenter will have an easier time. He or she could just tell about the things we did to get back on schedule.

A Compelling Title Contains a Benefit to the Audience.

The second part of the title should have a benefit or advantage to the audience. For this part, pretend like you are in your audience. Why would you even care about what is going to be said? If the answer is, “I wouldn’t,” then skip the speech. You are wasting everyone’s time.

Going back to the project report example, getting back on schedule will likely keep us from incurring penalties.

Now you have both parts. The compelling title would be, “The Project Is Now Back on Schedule, So We Will Likely Not Incur Delay Penalties.”

This one is much more interesting than “Project Report.”

For additional details see Catchy Presentation Titles .

#3: Choose Three to Five Key Points to Expand Upon.

Speakers fall into the trap because we think that if we don’t tell the audience everything, we will have failed as a speaker. The opposite is more true, though. Most audience members don’t want you to waste their time telling them a bunch of crap they really don’t care about.

Instead, you want to design your bullet points by just identifying a few key, most important points.

Think about your new topic. List out just the most important things that the audience needs to know that will also help them get the benefit. Going back to the example, what were the most important things we did that got us back on schedule? Which of these things were most helpful in helping us not incur penalties?

Just make a list. Then, go back and rank each in the order of their importance. You may end up with a lengthy list or it might be very small. Either way, though, in a single sitting, the audience will only be able to retain three to five main points. So, if you are just delivering a single speech, just focus on the top five items. If you cover more points, the audience won’t remember them anyway, so focus on the most important points.

These items now become your bullet points.

For additional details see Design Better Bullet Points .

#4: Insert Proof for each Point.

Step four in the Presentation Skills Checklist is to now prove that each of your bullet points is true. Pretend like you are an attorney, and you are making a case to the jury. Your bullet points are your accusations. Now, you have to prove these items are true.

Insert a few stories, examples, facts, analogies, demonstrations, or samples that prove that your key point is true.

The project manager telling about getting back on schedule could easily prove each point with just stories. All he or she has to do is just explain in a little detail how each of those things occurred.

One of the ways we got back on schedule was to order additional materials and store them on site. For instance, on past projects, when materials were in stock, we ordered them on an as-needed basis. This time, though, we had to wait four weeks to get flooring for building one. So, we just ordered enough flooring for all four buildings, and we are now storing the flooring in the completed building one.

If you prove each point along the way, then the group will very easily agree with your conclusion at the end of the presentation.

For additional details see Add Impact to Any Presentation .

$5: The Final Step in the Presentation Skills Checklist Is to Create Your Slideshow.

The absolute biggest mistake that most presenters make is starting the process by designing their slideshow. They use the visual aid creation as a brainstorming session. The hope is that they will create a fantastic slideshow that will Wow! the audience. Then, the words will come much easier because the pressure is off.

This never happens, by the way. Instead, you will end up with a series of unconnected data points and thoughts. You’ll then spend a LOT of time trying to connect everything together into a cohesive message.

Eventually, though, these folks realize they have too many slides or too many points and start cutting content. So they end up with a Swiss-Cheese presentation. This will make your message even harder to deliver.

Once you have the speech designed, now go back and choose visual aids to better explain your content.

For additional details see 7 of the Best PowerPoint Tips .

Follow this checklist, and you will be able to create any presentation very quickly.

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Presentation Checklist: What to do Before and After Delivery

October 27, 2017 - Dom Barnard

Before you give a presentation, you might want to work through this checklist to make sure you haven’t missed anything.

Purpose of the presentation

• What is the purpose of your presentation?
• What is the end goal?
• What would you consider a successful outcome?

Presentation preparation

• Check how long your presentation slot is
• Check that your presentation doesn’t overrun on time
• Rehearse your presentation to friends or colleagues
• Rehearse your presentation using  virtual reality  to reduce nerves
• Prepare speaker notes or cue cards
• Take a  presentations training course  to improve your skills
• Think about where to breathe and pause
• Number your notes in case you drop them
• Ensure  your introduction  explains your objectives and grabs the audiences’ attention
• Clearly define the points of the presentation
• Check the main points are in  logical order  and flow well
• The conclusion should be clear, concise and tie with the introduction
• Make sure you are knowledgeable about the topic you are presenting

Presentation slides

• Keep slide designs  simple and concise  – use minimal text and high quality pictures
• Make sure there are no grammar or spelling errors on the presentation slides
• Check and facts you display and make sure you can back them up
• If appropriate, post slides to the web, include URL at end of talk
• Saved your presentation onto two different formats (USB, cloud storage, etc.)
• Confirmed that the audio-visual equipment you require will be in the room
• Ensure you  practice with your presentation slides  to get the correct timings

Visual aids and handouts

• Check the  visual aids  are easy to read and understand
• Make sure they tie into the points you are trying to communicate
• Ensure they can be easily seen from all areas of the room
• Prepare any handouts  you want to give out and proof read them
• Make sure you have sufficient handouts
• Double check the visual aids are working (especially if it’s a demo)

Audience analysis

• Think about  who will be in the audience
• Determine if there will be decision makers
• Think about their knowledge of the topic
• Think about if their native language is the same language as the presentation
• Check if the organiser can provide a rough demographic

Audience questions

• Think about possible  questions you will be asked  and have spare slides to address them
• Decide how long you will leave for questions at the end
• Decide if you want to specify areas you are willing to answer questions on

Other speakers at the event

• Found out who else will be speaking and what they will be speaking about
• Check if other speaker topics are related to yours
• Check if someone else will introduce you or if you need to do it yourself
• Determine whether you will be presenting alone or as part of a group

Location and type of event

• Check the floor, room and location of the event
• Find a contact persons email or number in case you are running late
• Get directions to the venue, including parking vouchers if required
• Try to find last year’s programs to determine the style of the event
• Check if there are reviews of the event on blogs or social media
• Check the type of event – is it an industry event where you’re expected to address professionals? Is it a seminar for aspiring leaders looking for inspiration and motivation?
• Check the style of presenting you’ll be doing (indoors, outdoors, standing, sitting, etc.)
• Understand the size and layout of the room you will be presenting in

Your appearance

• Make sure you are dressed and groomed appropriately and aligned with the audience’s expectations
• First impressions  are very important for credibility, maintain a polished and professional look
• Practice your speech paying close attention to your body language and posture, both of which will be assessed by the audience
• Decided what to wear the day before
• As a rule of thumb, dress slightly better than your audience members

On the morning of the event

• Eat a good breakfast to give you energy on stage
• Get some light exercise in
• Check your laptop is charged
• Check you have your slides ready on your laptop
• Avoid unnecessary stress by getting to the venue early

Bring with you to the event

• Bottle of water in case your throat goes dry
• Your laptop and any necessary cables
• Backup slides on a USB or hard drive
• A remote to  control your slides  if required
• Extension cord if required
• Any physical demo, handouts, or other visual aids if required
• Your presentation notes or cue cards

At the event

• Register and let the organiser know you’ve arrived
• Find your room and watch another speaker present
• If time allows, mingle and  meet people  who might be in your audience
• Return to the room before the speaker before you finishes, maximising your time to set up
• Get your laptop hooked up to projector immediately – most problems occur here
• Test your slides and any videos
• Walk around on stage and get comfortable with the room
• Run through the first couple of minutes of your presentation
• Make sure you have a glass or bottle of water with you
• Sit in the back row and make sure your text is readable
• If you’re nervous, distract yourself by going for a walk
• Turn your mobile on silent

After the event

• Make yourself visible so people can find you to ask questions about your talk
• Write questions from attendees on their business cards so you can answer in email later
• Post slides online or to  SlideShare  if appropriate
• Email people who gave you their cards, answering their questions
• Thank the organiser and ask for any feedback
• If your talk was filmed, ask for a copy so you can learn from it

Table of Contents

Effective powerpoint checklist: is your powerpoint good.

I’ve been working with a number of presenters to help them develop more effective, engaging presentations for upcoming conference or training sessions. While PowerPoint should never be the focal point of a presentation, effective slide design is important for those presenters who choose to use PowerPoint in their sessions.

To help presenters determine whether their slides are any good, I put together the Effective PowerPoint Checklist to help them perform a self-assessment.   

Definition of an Effective PowerPoint Deck

I don’t know that there’s any one, universal definition for “good” PowerPoint design , but I think “good” slides have several things in common:

• They’re visually attractive.
• They’re easy to read.
• They don’t distract from the presenter or the presentation.

In the spirit of these three characteristics, here is the aforementioned checklist (and you can download a PDF of the Effective PowerPoint Checklist ):

What’s missing from the Effective PowerPoint Checklist? I’d love to hear any suggestions in the comment section.

Brian Washburn

Brian has over 25 years of experience in Learning & Development including the last 7 as CEO of Endurance Learning.

Brian is always available to chat about learning & development and to talk about whether Endurance Learning can be your training team’s “extra set of hands”.

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Presentation Training Institute

A division of bold new directions training, your presentation checklist.

Having the ability to effectively design and deliver a dynamic presentation will propel you ahead in the business world. Employees who can present successfully are highly valuable and can see better opportunities for career advancement. While there is no denying the value in giving a great presentation, actually doing it can be a different story. The ability to present well comes with lots of practice; however, preparation also plays a very important role. Preparation is the most important thing a presenter can do in order to deliver a successful presentation and part of the preparation involves creating a presentation checklist. This checklist will ensure you have covered all of your bases and have prepared thoroughly for your presentation. 

Presentation

The audience came to listen to what you have to say; therefore, the information itself must be relevant and interesting. A great presentation starts with narrowing down your main points and their supporting details.  Your presentation will also need a strong opening and conclusion. Here are a few things to consider when planning the presentation itself.

• Do you have a strong opening that captures the audience’s attention?
• Have you included all your main points and are they in a logical sequence?
• Does your presentation flow well and transition smoothly from one topic to the next?
• Do any of your main points require support from visual aids?
• Have you timed your presentation appropriately?
• Do you have a strong conclusion?

Equally important as what you say, is how you say it. You can have exceptional content, but if it’s not delivered well it won’t amount to much. The way you deliver your presentation is extremely important and will have a significant impact on your audience. Consider these tips for smooth and effective delivery.

• Are you knowledgeable about the topic?
• Do you have notes and/or an outline prepared?
• How do you plan to present? (sitting, standing, at a podium, etc.)
• Have you visited the presentation site to plan for size, lighting, and audiovisual capabilities?
• Are you making eye contact with your audience?
• Are you engaging your audience through body language and interaction?

Visual aids are a great tool for enhancing your presentation. They help to attract and maintain the attention of the audience and they help audiences to understand and retain the information. 

Here are a few things to consider if you plan to incorporate visual aids.

• Are they easy to see from all areas of the room?
• Are they relevant to the topic?
• Are they interesting without being distracting?
• Are they easy to understand?
• Have you done a test-run with your visuals at the presentation site?

A Guide to Effective Group Presentations + Free Checklist ✨

Picture this, it is the morning of your big group presentation.

You and your team have put in many late nights, working on slides, rehearsing lines, and fine-tuning every detail (if only, sigh). As you gather in the conference room, there’s a mix of nerves and excitement in the air.

You’ve got a solid plan, but there’s ALWAYS that lingering doubt: will everything work according to plan? Will everything go off without a hitch?

We’ve all been there, the anticipation, the hope that all your hard work pays off. Group presentations can be tough to pull off. But with the right strategies, and a bit of know-how, you can transform your next group presentations into a success story.

Most of the challenges surrounding group presentations revolve around navigating the dynamics of a team presentation, and ensuring a smooth, cohesive delivery. This requires careful planning and practice. In this guide, you’ll learn tips and strategies to nail your upcoming group presentation.

How to Get Started on Your Group Presentation

There is a different dynamic to group presentations because different individuals bring with them different ideas. Here are some basics on getting started with group presentations.

Decide How You are Going to Collaborate

First things first. Decide how your team and you are going to collaborate on the presentation material. If you’re using MS Word, you can easily save a document and share its link with team members. And each member can then work on the same document, on the specific subject that they’ve been assigned. Alternatively, you can also use Google Docs.

When it’s time to create the slides, PowerPoint has collaborative features that you can put to good use.

👉 First create a PowerPoint file.

👉 At some point you need to decide what your slides should look like. You can check out SlideBazaar’s choice of presentation themes, or work on slide designs from scratch (which will take more time).

👉 If you’ve already worked on the content for the slides on a Word file, you can divide the work in PowerPoint for each member as well. To do this, go to the outline view on the left, and create sections for each team member:

To create sections, simply right click a slide, and click on Add Section, and name your section. You can even right-click the area between 2 slides to create a section.

Once you’ve created sections, each member can work on the section assigned to them.

👉 But be sure to lay down some ground rules on what kinds of fonts, images, etc. are allowed. This is to maintain a visual consistency across the entire presentation.

👉 Now all you have to do is share the file with your team and let each member work on each slide.

How to Nail the Slideshow Part of Group Presentations

Now when it comes to preparing the content for your group presentation, the slideshow, there are some things that you should keep in mind:

Know Your Audience, Understand the Objective

Before creating content, take a step back and clearly define your target audience and the goals you want to achieve with your group presentation. Tailor your content, language and visuals around them, for a better presentation.

Visual Appeal

Create visually engaging slides that complement your presentation delivery. You can spend time working on the design of your slides, or use templates or themes, like those found on SlideBazaar, to create stunning presentations in no time.

Content Quality

Proofread the content in your slideshows. Make sure your slides are organized well. You may also want to rehearse presenting the entire slideshow, while recording yourself. Watch the recording back to ensure your slideshow has a logical flow, and that the content in your slides is easy to understand.

👉 Pro Tip 1: Never fill your slides with too much text. You are not supposed to read aloud from the slides. These slides are meant to support your presentation. 👉 Pro Tip 2: To ensure seamless sharing and distribution of your presentation after rehearsal and finalization, consider converting your PowerPoint slides to PDF format using an online PPT to PDF converter . This not only preserves the layout and design integrity but also makes it easier to share across different platforms and devices without the need for specific software.

A good rule to follow is Guy Kawasaki’s 10/20/30 rule. Have less than 10 slides, spend 20 minutes presenting them, and don’t use font sizes smaller than 30 pts. This ensures that your presentation is short, concise, and does not have too much text.

Presentation Delivery – Useful Tips

Nonverbal cues and stage presence.

Pay attention to your posture while presenting. Maintain good posture, and don’t forget to make eye contact with your audience. Use natural hand gestures to emphasize your points.

Speak loud enough for the audience to hear. You can also try varying your tone to keep the audience engaged. Remember, even silent team members that are with you, contribute to the overall impression through their body language and attentiveness. So, make sure you’re all standing with good posture, and look relaxed and confident.

Transitions and Handovers

When presenting as a group, seamless transitions between speakers are crucial. Practice clear handoff cues.

Handoff cues are signals or actions used to coordinate the transfer of responsibility from one person to another. These could be either verbal or non-verbal, and are needed to maintain a smooth flow during your group presentation.

Here are some examples of handoff cues that you can use:

Verbal Cues:

• Introduction: Now, I’ll hand it over to [NAME], who will talk about [TOPIC].
• Summary and lead-in: Now that we’ve covered [TOPIC], I would like to invite [NAME] to expand on [NEXT TOPIC].
• Question prompt: To answer this question, I’ll pass the stage to [NAME].

Non-Verbal Cues:

• Physical gesture: A nod or a smile towards the next speaker.
• Movement: Stepping aside to physically clear up space for the next speaker.
• Eye Contact: Making eye contact with the next speaker to signal it’s their turn.

Visual Cues:

• Props or clicker handoff: Passing the clicker or a relevant prop to the next speaker.

Addressing Questions as a Team

Designate a team member to manage the Q&A session or establish a system for fielding questions. This ensures all inquiries are addressed effectively and avoids confusion for the audience.

Common Challenges You Might Face – And Solutions

Here are some of the most common challenges people usually face with group presentations:

Coordination

Problem: It’s a challenge to coordinate schedules and align everyone’s availability for meetings and rehearsals.  

Solution: One way to fix this problem is to use tools like polls or Google Calendar to find times that work for everyone. If you’re all in one group chat, add a poll, and ask your team members to vote on a time and date that they’re available. Try to finalise a time that everyone’s available, and set regular meeting times and dates in advance to allow team members to plan accordingly.

Communication

Problem: Miscommunication or lack of clarity can lead to confusion among team members and can cause inconsistencies in the final presentation.

Solution: Make sure you establish clear channels of communication, such as a group chat, to facilitate ongoing discussions and updates. Document important decisions and action items in these channels to ensure everyone on your team is on the same page.

Unequal Contribution

Problem: Balancing workload and ensuring everyone contributes can be difficult.

Solution: One of the first things to do, is assign specific roles and responsibilities to each team member to ensure a fair distribution of tasks. There should be regular check-ins with team members to assess progress and address any concerns about workload distribution.

Creative Differences

Problem: Creative differences and disagreements can arise in groups.

Solution: Your meetings can have brainstorming sessions where every team member can openly share ideas and provide feedback. Focus on finding a common ground, and compromise to reach consensus on the decisions you make.

Time Constraints

Problem: Tight deadlines can add pressure, which can impact the quality of the final presentation.

Solution: Break down your presentation project into smaller tasks with clear deadlines . Prioritize tasks based on urgency, and allocate time for regular progress checks to make sure you’re all on track.

Nervousness and Performance Anxiety

Problem: Some members may struggle with anxiety or nervousness, affecting their ability to deliver their parts of the presentation effectively.

Solution: Offer support and encouragement to team members who may be struggling with presentation anxiety. Make sure they get to practice their parts enough. The rest of the team can also pretend to be the audience, if they want to practice in front of people.

Additional Tips for Success

Embrace technology:.

Instead of assigning someone to click through your slides, you can use a clicker, or even a wireless mouse. If you’re using a wireless mouse, make sure you only click through your slides, and do not accidentally move the mouse about.

However, the simplest way I’ve found to move through the slides in your presentation, is to just use your phone. If you have an Android, install PPTControl and its desktop client (search for PPTControl Desktop in the Microsoft Store). Once done, simply connect the app to your device, and you’ll now be able to control the presentation using your phone. It’s super useful!

You can also use other tools like polls, quizzes, and more to keep your audience engaged throughout your presentation.

Time Management:

You should be mindful of the allocated time for your presentation. There’s a quick way to keep track of time during your presentation. You can either do this during rehearsals, or during the actual presentation.

Click on the Windows button on your keyboard and search for “Clock”.

Click on Clock, and in the sidebar of the app, find and click on Stopwatch.

Now just above the stopwatch, click on the Keep on top button.

You now have an onscreen, floating timer. Place it somewhere on the screen as you practice or during your presentation, to keep track of time.

Oh and, one more thing. Here’s a group presentation checklist for you to make sure everything is on track.

Group Presentation Checklist

• Establish clear communication channels for the team.
• Pick a tool (polls, Calendar), to schedule meetings and rehearsals.
• Assign roles and responsibilities.
• Define target audience and presentation goals.
• Tailor your content, language, and visuals (with SlideBazaar themes).
• Create sections in PowerPoint, share it with your team.
• Let members create slides.
• Proofread for errors, and logical flow. Check for visual consistency.
• Rehearse the presentation and record yourselves.
• Practice handoff cues for seamless transition between speakers.
• Decide on a system for handling audience questions.
• Use a clicker or a smartphone app to transition between slides.
• Use tools like polls or quizzes in the presentation to keep your audience engaged.
• Keep track of time with a floating stopwatch.

Well, that’s about it. These were some tips on how you can get started on your group presentations, some best practices on nailing them, and general advice on getting success! I sure hope you found this article helpful, and that your presentation goes well. Why not check out SlideBazaar, you might find a presentation theme or template that might make your slideshow look amazing. Don’t believe me? Have a look for yourself.

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• 5 mins read

This 7 Point Checklist for Planning your PowerPoint can help save you from hours of rework and embarrassment.

Creating PowerPoint presentations with Graphics, Video and Text can be creatively alluring…and easier than ever to dive in and get started.  But for anyone planning their PowerPoint, like the speedy rabbit may dart ahead of the tortoise, but ultimately, the slow yet wise tortoise emerges the victor.

Early on, it’s important to know what your end-presentation venue will look like. Take some time to visit the location of the presentation, or if you’re a speaker, get the details of the meeting room and presentation hardware from the meeting planner or AV team.  This will help you to plan ahead and answer these checklist questions, ultimately translating to a smarter, more prepared presentation.

1. Time Manage Your Presentation

Address all graphical and technical aspects of developing the presentation by using this 7 step presentation Time Management approach….

Step 1: Set key goals/objectives, know your audiences’ goals and interests.

Step 2: Establish an overall graphical look and feel and draft a and high-level outline with key sections.  Create a storyboard.

Step 3: Get Creative:  Shop & tag relevant images for ideas and inspiration.

Step 4: Forge a first draft with key graphics and messages.  Give an impromptu test-run- perhaps with colleagues- to see if the presentation flows.

Step 5: Deep-dive on the presentation with research, supporting text/messages and relevant imagery.

Step 6: Practice aloud to get comfortable with your presentation, and make any fine-tune edits. Print out any drafts/supporting material.

Step 7: Get a good night’s sleep, eat well in the morning, and be bold and confident that you’ll ready and successful.

2. Screen Size and Aspect Ratio

Early on, it’s important that you see (or at least know about) the room and screen where you’ll be showing your presentation.

If you’re showing the presentation on a small screen or laptop, makes sure the minimal size of your visuals can be seen and read by everyone in the room.  Remember, if you can’t see it, there’s no point in showing it.

Just as important, make sure your slide aspect ratio – the proportion between the width and the height – matches the screen and projector’s or screen’s standard output. The most common aspect ratios are Standard (4:3) and Widescreen (16:9).   

Most newer conference rooms are implementing 4K Monitors or widescreen projectors using 16:9.  But it’s best to be sure.  Sometimes, I’ll encourage my clients to create two versions of their presentations in both 4:3 and 16:9 to avoid any headaches.

3. Operating System, PPT Version, and Connections

By ensuring your presentation will be played on the same end operating system (Mac or PC) and PowerPoint version that it was created (PPT 07/2010/13, etc.), you can avoid last minute trauma and troubles.  Though similar, a presentation created in PowerPoint 2007 for PC may display differently in PowerPoint 2013 for Mac.  And if your presentation has embedded or linked media, take the time to test that it plays smoothly on the output computer. 

If you’re playing the presentation from your own laptop, ensure their cables are compatible with your system…and arrive early to setup and test.

4. Themes, Templates, Layouts + Chart & Table Templates

PowerPoint is much more than just a blank page to write text and insert graphics. Themes, Templates and Layouts help add structure and intelligence while ensuring presentation consistency.   Most of the time, companies will have a basic approved corporate PowerPoint Theme/Template (.potx file).  These files contain predefined colors, title/body fonts, animations, and layouts.  Unfortunately, these PowerPoint templates are often fairly limited, and not well structured, and can limit creative development.  If you can, it’s helpful to adapt and modify these elements to meet your specific needs.

When starting a presentation, take the time to know your Theme and pre-existing Layout slides.  If you’ll be replicating a specific page formatting/layout often, create a custom layout of your own.  (Duplicate, rename).

Do you have preferences for a certain chart type? A certain table type?  Tables and Charts can have preset styles (templates) that once defined, can shave hours off intricate design work.  Just click to apply your pre-defined chart (or table) template to any existing chart or table. 

Predefining and knowing these features can help you create a professional presentation with greater consistency and efficiency.

5. Look and Feel

Although the theme, templates and layouts work maintain a standard look and feel, it’s up to you to work to stay within- or deviate outside- those creative boundaries.  More often, it’s vital to maintain respect to the company branding and styles.  Some companies have a Visual Style Manual that goes into detail about all placement, logo, and color issues.  If you’re presenting at a conference or conventions, organizers often place restrictions on what you can- and cannot use in your presentations.  Better to know what’s expected ahead of time than be blasted by the branding police for being too deviant.

Still, it’s important to consider what the overall look and feel of your presentation will be…and whether it’ll be more reflective of you or your company.  Will it be light or dark?  Colorful or monochromatic?  Will the animations and transitions be wild or tame?  Establish the standards of your presentation’s look and feel with an early sign-off by management, and you’ll avoid any last-minute entanglements.

6. File Size and Distribution

Early-on, it’s important to be aware of any technical limits of your network or email. 

If you’re working on a 200-page data-heavy PowerPoint, it can get snarled by a network or be rejected by email!  Ensuring your presentation is small enough to be transferred over the network or by email is critical to avoid any late production problems.

Consider a file-sharing service to exchange files; Dropbox and GoogleDrive are easy and commonplace.  If the file is still too large, split it into two separate logically-named files (part-1.pptx and part-2.pptx).  Plan ahead and be ready to meet your deadlines.

7. Presentation Resources

Like a movie director, producing a PowerPoint presentation takes planning and preparation.  Don’t try to do it all yourself..  Presentation resources can be anything from a stock photo website, to a presentation design agency, to a colleague providing input and analysis.  Make sure they’re ready and you can use them to make your presentation great.  By having presentation resources ready to assist you in creating or delivering your PowerPoint, you’ll be more confident, prepared, and ready to present like a pro!

Even before the first slide is created on your next presentation, applying a presentation checklist will help you reduce rework and troubles, while keeping a clear line of communications and expectations…helping everyone to look like a presentation expert.

Geetesh Bajaj contributed to this article.

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How to pay off debt fast

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• To pay off debt fast, you need to exceed your minimum payments every month. 
• Target the debt with the highest interest rate, also known as the "avalanche method."
• Lower your interest rate by requesting a lower APR from your card provider or consolidate debt.

Carrying debt for too long — even if you're leveraging it to grow your wealth — can quickly begin to feel like a burden. 

You're not alone in your debt. Most of us don't have immediate access to cash to pay for everything we want, so we borrow money in the form of credit cards, loans, or mortgages. The average American debt is $104,215.

While this is a problem that many people share with you, it is still a problem. The more debt you have and the longer you hold it, the more interest eats at you and the more expensive it becomes. If you're holding too much debt on your credit cards — specifically more than 30% of your overall limit — this credit utilization ratio can also hurt your credit score  and make future borrowing more costly. 

With these consequences laid out, it's clear that the faster you pay off your debt, the better. Here's how you can become debt-free fast.

Cost: 15-25% of total enrolled debt

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Preparing for debt repayment

List all of your debt.

If you have multiple sources of debt — say several credit cards, student loans, and a personal loan — the first step to paying off debt is determining how much debt you have to pay off. This means keeping identifying all outstanding balances, their interest rates, any minimum payments, and payment due dates. Google Sheets — or a simple pen and paper — can be an invaluable tool for keeping track.

This can be an intimidating exercise for people with a lot of debt, but there's no way to make a clear plan for tackling it without a hard look at the numbers.

Stop using credit cards

Taking on more debt while you're trying to repay a load of other debt can complicate things. While you're in repayment mode, avoid taking out another loan or using credit cards, unless you can absolutely afford to pay off the balance at the end of the month. 

Cutting off credit card spending can be a challenge. It may be worth your time to look into budgeting apps or plans that divide your take-home income into sections like the 70-20-10 budget or the 50-30-20 budget . Ideally, once your budget is laid out, you'll see how much money you can devote toward paying off debts.

Make your minimum payments

At the bare minimum, you should be setting aside enough money each month to make your monthly payments. Missing any of these, particularly missing your payments by over 30 days, will put you in credit delinquency , which can hurt your credit score and stay on your credit report for up to seven years.

Effective debt repayment strategies

Create a debt repayment plan .

Once you've got an idea of all your outstanding balances and made all your minimum payments, you can strategically distribute extra funds money across all your debts. One such strategy is the debt avalanche method, which focuses on paying off debts as fast as possible.

Once you've made all your minimum payments, the avalanche payment method concentrates any extra funds toward the debt with the highest interest rate. Focusing on paying off the most expensive debts first can speed up the entire repayment process as you save money on interest. 

Ask your credit card issuer for a lower interest rate 

Most people don't know you can call your credit card issuer to ask for a reduced APR (annual percentage rate), which can make a difference of hundreds of dollars in interest payments. There's no guarantee that they'll give you a reduced rate, but you'll be more likely to get it if you've consistently made on-time payments. 

Consider consolidation

If you have debt on multiple credit cards, you may consider consolidating your credit card debt onto one card so you can make a single monthly payment. There are two main ways you can do this: 

Balance transfer credit card: A balance transfer card allows borrowers to consolidate various credit card balances onto a new credit card, ideally one with a lower APR. You'll have to pay a transfer fee that's usually 3% to 5% of the total balance transferred, but it should be worth it in the long run.

The best balance transfer credit cards also typically come with a 0% introductory APR that can last up to 21 months. If you're able to pay off your debt within that promotional period (which should be your goal), you have the potential to save a lot of money on interest.

Debt consolidation loan: If you have other debts in addition to your credit card debt, you can look into debt consolidation loans . These work similarly to balance transfer cards, rolling all your debts into one big loan at a lower interest rate, which will depend on your credit score. Debt consolidation loans often have higher interest rates than other loan types, ranging from 6% to 36%.

Establish a payoff date

Paying off debt is a good goal to have, but paying off debt by a specific date is even better.

Carious online calculators can tell you exactly how many months you have until you're free and clear, according to your current interest rate and monthly payments. If 18 months (or more) sounds like too much, increase your monthly payment by $50 or $100 to start and see what difference it makes.

Avoiding common debt repayment pitfalls

Now that you have paid off your debt, it can be easy to rack up debt again. Those credit cards that once carried debt now have zero balances, and you may fall back into bad spending habits. It's important to set a budget, stick to it, and plan to spend so you'll be prepared for that expense. 

Try to stay motivated by increasing your savings and living frugally. Increasing your savings and establishing financial stability should replace spending unnecessarily and will help you stay out of debt. 

Frequently asked questions about how to pay off debt 

You can increase your income by taking on a side job, freelancing, or selling unused items to generate extra income to pay your debt off faster.

Yes, debt consolidation can be a good idea. It may be beneficial if it lowers your interest rate and simplifies your payments.

You can stay motivated during your debt repayment journey by setting clear goals, tracking your progress, celebrating small victories, and having a clear target date for paying off your debt.

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