Learn how to make a good presentation great - step-by-step with examples. Learn the principles, guidelines & qualities needed to prepare captivating slides.
Your browser does not support the video tag.Dominika Krukowska
12 minute read
Your browser does not support the video tag. Trusted by top companies: Your browser does not support the video tag. Your browser does not support the video tag. Your browser does not support the video tag. Your browser does not support the video tag. Your browser does not support the video tag. Your browser does not support the video tag.Lifeless presentations can spell doom for your message, leaving your audience disengaged and your goals unreached.
The price of a mediocre presentation is steep; missed opportunities, unimpressed prospects, and a bad rep.
In a world where everyone has grown to expect a good story, a boring presentation will be instantly forgotten. Like a drop in the ocean.
But not all is lost.
This post will teach you how presentation pros create compelling narratives and leverage the latest tech tools to command attention, drive a powerful message, and get shared like gossip.
Let’s get started!
The successful presenter understands the value of small details and thorough preparation like the seasoned chef knows the importance of quality ingredients and careful technique for serving a 5 star dish
But where do you start?
Step-by-step guide for preparing a presentation:
Every presentation needs a clear goal. Are you looking to persuade, educate, or motivate? Perhaps you aim to showcase a product, or share insights about a recent project.
Defining your objective early on will guide your content creation process, helping you to focus your message and structure your presentation effectively. Think of your objective as the North Star guiding your presentation journey.
Next up, who are you talking to? Your audience should shape your presentation as much as your objective does. Understanding their needs, interests, and background will enable you to tailor your message to resonate with them.
Are they experts in your field, or are they novices looking for an introduction? What questions might they have? The more you know about your audience, the more compelling your presentation will be.
Once you've defined your objective and analyzed your audience, it's time to delve deep into your topic. Comprehensive research lays the groundwork for a robust, credible presentation.
Don't just scratch the surface – explore different perspectives, recent developments, and key statistics. This will not only enhance your understanding but also equip you with a wealth of information to answer any questions your audience might have.
Finally, consider the best format to deliver your message.
The right format can make all the difference in how your message is received, so choose wisely!
PowerPoint presentations are classic and easy to work with. But PowerPoint and Google slides are not so versatile in terms of their content experience. They're static, packed with information, and all look alike.
Our own presentation maker offers interactive, personalized, and multimedia content experience.
Data from our research of over 100K presentation sessions shows that audiences engage with Storydoc presentations 103% better than PowerPoint.
Your browser does not support the video tag. Static PDF or PPT Your browser does not support the video tag. Interactive StorydocThere’s part art and part science in creating high-engagement high-impact presentations. An effective presentation is the painstaking result of well-organized content, visuals that support and elevate your message, simplifying complex information, and personalizing wherever possible. I wrote this post to teach you how to do all these, and a few things more. Ready to learn? Let's dive in!
Crafting a compelling presentation is like writing a page-turner. You need to captivate your audience, maintain their interest, and guide them effortlessly through your narrative. But how do you transform a heap of information into a well-structured presentation you can’t stop reading? There’s a structure you can follow. 3-step process for organizing a magnetic presentation:
1. Prioritize content Your presentation should immediately capture interest and demonstrate relevance before moving on to establish understanding. A) Build interest: Begin with a strong hook that grabs your audience's attention. This could be an intriguing statistic, a powerful image, or an engaging question. It should stir curiosity and make your audience eager to hear more. B) Establish relevance: Once you have their attention it's time to establish why your presentation matters to your audience. Address your audience's main concerns. Make sure your content directly speaks to these pain points, and address them in order of importance.
2. Build anticipation A great presentation is like getting a new car – it builds anticipation, takes you on a thrilling ride, and ends with you wanting to share the experience with all your friends. Start with a compelling problem your audience relates to and follow up with a promise of an amazing way they can solve it. This problem-solution dynamic creates a suspense that keeps your audience glued to your presentation.
3. Use a story framework Finally, use a story framework to give your presentation structure and flow. Begin with a big idea that underpins your presentation. Then delve into the problem, showcasing why it needs attention. Present your solution, painting a vision of a better future for your audience. Weave in concrete examples of how your solution changes lives. Tell the story of WHO you helped, WHAT the situation was before and after your solution, WHERE and WHEN it happened, WHY it worked and HOW it made them feel. If you’re writing a business presentation you should follow this with an execution plan that outlines how the solution will be implemented. Finally, close with clear next steps, guiding your audience on what they should do after the presentation to bring meaningful change into their lives. Our recommended story framework: