book presentation checklist

How to Make a Book Presentation: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you preparing to give a book presentation whether you’re a student or an aspiring author, delivering an engaging book presentation is a crucial skill. to help you ace your next presentation, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide filled with tips and tricks. let’s get started.

What is a book presentation?

A book presentation is an opportunity to introduce and discuss a specific book to an audience. It involves summarizing the plot, discussing the main themes, and sharing your personal insights. Whether you’re presenting for academic purposes or promoting your own book, a well-organized and captivating book presentation can leave a lasting impression.

Step 1: Choose the right book

The first step in making a book presentation is selecting the right book. Consider your audience, the purpose of the presentation, and your own interests. Choose a book that aligns with these factors to ensure you’ll be motivated and passionate throughout the process.

Step 2: Read and analyze the book

Before you can effectively present a book, you need to thoroughly read and analyze it. Take notes on important plot points, characters, themes, and any significant literary devices used. This will help you provide a comprehensive overview in your presentation.

Step 3: Create an outline

An outline acts as the backbone of your book presentation. It helps you organize your thoughts and ensures a logical flow of information. Divide your presentation into sections such as introduction, plot summary, themes, characters, and your personal analysis. This will make it easier for your audience to follow along.

Step 4: Prepare visuals

Visual aids can greatly enhance your book presentation. Consider creating slides or posters that include images, quotations, and key points from the book. These visuals will not only engage your audience but also help you remember important details during the presentation.

Step 5: Practice, practice, practice

Delivering a polished book presentation requires practice. Familiarize yourself with the content, timing, and transitions. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to evaluate your body language, voice modulation, and overall presentation style.

Step 6: Engage your audience

An effective book presentation involves active audience engagement. Encourage questions and discussions throughout your presentation. You can also include interactive activities like quizzes or group discussions to make it more dynamic and interactive.

Step 7: Be confident and enthusiastic

Confidence and enthusiasm are key to delivering a successful book presentation. Stand tall, make eye contact, and use a clear and confident voice. Let your passion for the book shine through, and your audience will be captivated by your presentation.

Step 8: Conclude with a call to action

Wrap up your book presentation with a strong conclusion and a call to action. This can be recommending the book, encouraging further exploration of the author’s works, or even inviting your audience to contribute to a related cause. End on a memorable note that leaves your audience excited to explore the book further.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to deliver an engaging and memorable book presentation. Remember to personalize your approach and connect with your audience on a meaningful level. Good luck with your presentation and happy reading!

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How to make a book presentation

When it comes to promoting and selling your publication, book presentations play a major part. Are you interested in finding more about how to create a well-structured presentation ? Luckily, you landed on the right page. This article helps you understand the process behind making a successful presentation in Flipsnack. Just keep in mind the next steps we’re going to debate and enjoy the process. So, to cut a long story short here are 5 useful tips on how to make a book presentation:

Select a book. Decide on what book you want to make a presentation .
Collect information. Make a research about the author’s biography, reviews, and other books.
Start designing the page layouts. Flipsnack offers a fantastic online editor.
Add interactive elements. Integrate video, captions, hyperlinks, and other interactive elements in your design.
Download or publish it online. Display your book presentation publicly or private.

I was recently asked to design a book promo in both Indesign and Flipsnack, to show publishers how well Flipsnack works for them. I chose one of my favorite authors, Donald Miller.

About Donald Miller

This book presentation is focused on the work of Donald Miller, who usually writes about his life experience and his struggles, in a friendly way. His stories inspire people to fall in love with life and to live it at the highest level. He is better known for the New York Times Best Sellers: “Blue like Jazz”, “Million Miles in a Thousand Years”, but he’s written many other great books. I encourage you to read them.

His most recent publication is Scary Close, and it is the main focus of my book presentation .

Below you can see what I designed.

Because I like how the project turned out, I thought I should give you some tips on how you can make similar book promos.

Using Flipsnack for a book presentation

Flipsnack is a complex tool for creating brochures, newspapers, magazines, and books. Whether you are a professional designer or a high schooler the process of ‘“ how to make a book presentation” has never been easier. You just have to select a template or create the presentation from scratch, choose the page layouts, to arrange the text and images on the page, add the photos and make it a flipbook . Then publish it and share it on social media or via email with your wide audience. With the help of Flipsnack you’ll be an expert at designing fabulous academic presentations in no time.

What should a book presentation contain?

There is some important information that every book catalog or book promo should contain. It should present some interesting info that will entice the reader to buy the book. The content shouldn’t be too long or too short. Here are some ideas of what could be included in a book promo:

Book presentation
Main characters description
Other books
Interview with the author

Conclude the presentation with a closing paragraph sharing the most important lessons learned from the book and what you consider the most important message that you drew out from it.

Nowadays visual marketing is very important, so try to turn your book presentation into something beautiful, fascinating, with a design that matches the writer’s style.

How to integrate interactive elements in your design

When you design a publication in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. reserve some white space for the interactive elements. Make interactivity a part of your design, and you’ll be surprised of what a big improvement it will bring to your project.

These text blurbs are great for highlighting quotes, for additional information, or for short descriptions. I used captions in the biography section to add some information about Donald Miller’s photos.

What is so great about captions is that you can use them to bring more color and contrast to your designs. Captions will also help you save space, by not revealing all text at once. This way, your design will have room to breathe.

Readers will love to click on captions to see what they reveal. The caption has that element of surprise, that we all love.

For the book presentation I chose a video tag, through which readers can watch an interview with Miller about his new book “Scary Close”. Tags are a great tool for adding videos or images to a design, because they are small and you can place them anywhere on the page. Just like captions, you can use them to de-clutter a design, prevent visual noise, while keeping all the needed information on the page. To catch the readers’ eyes, tags use a subtle blinking effect.

“Buy This” Button

If you’re showcasing other books of the author you should make it easy for readers to buy them. You can do that by just adding some buy buttons . Insert the Amazon URL, (or any other URL for that matter) and with just one click the user will be able to buy it.

Buy buttons are very easy to use and they are very practical. They can help you sell, and that is the ultimate goal of any book catalog or book presentation.

Video Widget

After you read some paragraphs of an interview you probably become curious about how the writer would say those things. You don’t have to search for videos on Youtube, because with the video widget you can have it play right there on your page. You just have to reserve some space in your design for this. You will not regret it.

This is how you can use Flipsnack to create a digital book or interactive experience for readers, which will make them interested in buying the book. Also if you are searching for a platform with a good reputation to sell your work, Flipsnack is the right place for you. Now you can sell and publish your publication in no time. The first step when setting your work for sale is to connect your Flipsnack account with Stripe. The second step is to set a price for the publication. Usually, the price of a digital magazine varies between $3 – $6, depending on the page number of the publication and then c hoose the right preview pages. Make sure the pages included in your preview edition share enough information, so your readers are attracted to purchase it.

After you set your publication for sale, you can find the statistics in the Stats section in your account. With the help of Flipsnack reaching readers from all over the globe has never been easier! Learn more about how to sell your digital magazines here!

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The Presentation Planning Checklist

Make your presentation stand out, for the right reasons..

By the Mind Tools Content Team

This presentation planning checklist* will help you to deliver successful presentations.

Presentation

Does your introduction grab participants' attention and explain your objectives?
Do you follow this by clearly defining the points of the presentation?
Are these main points in logical sequence?
Do these flow well?
Do the main points need support from visual aids?
Does your closing summarize the presentation clearly and concisely?
Is the conclusion strong?
Have your tied the conclusion to the introduction?
Are you knowledgeable about the topic covered in your presentation?
Do you have your notes in order?
Where and how will you present (indoors, outdoors, standing, sitting, etc.)?
Have you visited the presentation site?
Have you checked your visual aids to ensure they are working and you know how to use them?

Many people are nervous about speaking in public. If this applies to you, see our article, Managing Presentation Nerves .

Make sure you are dressed and groomed appropriately and in keeping with the audience's expectations.
Practice your speech standing (or sitting, if applicable), paying close attention to your body language, even your posture, both of which will be assessed by the audience.

Visual Aids

Are the visual aids easy to read and easy to understand?
Are they tied into the points you are trying to communicate?
Can they be easily seen from all areas of the room?

Rouse, M.J. and Rouse, S. (2002). ' Business Communications: A Cultural and Strategic Approach ,' London: Thomson Learning. p173-174.

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7 Tips to Write a Killer Book Presentation

Jul 11, 2020 | Marketing , My friends' Guest Posts

Daniela McVicker | From the blog of Nicholas C. Rossis, author of science fiction, the Pearseus epic fantasy series and children's books

Sometimes, a book you have written draws enough attention that you are asked to speak about it to an audience. You may be asked to present as a subject expert, talk about your material at a conference or convention, present at a book fair , or give a quick presentation as part of a book signing.

As they say, more people are afraid of public speaking than of death. Which means that most people would prefer being in a casket than giving the obituary.

And now, you’re going to be in front of an audience discussing your written work. For many writers, this is a daunting task, to put it mildly.

Fear of public speaking | From the blog of Nicholas C. Rossis, author of science fiction, the Pearseus epic fantasy series and children's books

What public speaking feels like for most people

Still, with a bit of planning your presentation can be impactful and successful. In fact, as you prepare to make your presentation, you may find that your writing skills are quite useful. You can leverage those skills by following these seven tips to write a killer book presentation.

1. Use Your Storytelling Skills

The people attending your presentation want to know the story behind your book. What motivated you to write it? What was the inspiration behind the characters? Is the book inspired by real-life events? Is there a specific message you are trying to send? How do you go about writing?

That’s a lot of great information to share, but if you give your audience a laundry list of factoids about your book and writing, you’ll likely bore them to tears. Instead, use your writing skills to tell the story of the book . Weave in the most important details in a way that keeps your audience engaged.

Oh, and if you have an upcoming book that’s related to your current one? Weave a bit of a teaser for your new book into your presentation.

2. Add Visuals

Every good presentation has visuals. First, you’ll add an interesting element to your presentation. Visuals make your presentation more engaging . You’ll keep the interest of the visual learners in your audience, and better illustrate the points you are making.

3. Learn About Your Audience

Before you prepare your presentation, consider your audience . First, who are they? What is their demographic? Why are they coming to see you? Is there a particular message you are expected to communicate with them? Are there any questions that you should plan on answering in your presentation? What is it that you want them to take away from the event?

Remember that no presentation should be an exercise in self-indulgence . Your goal should be to meet your audience’s needs by giving them the presentation they are interested in listening to.

4. Write a Presentation That Matches Your Personality

Here’s a bit of a conundrum. You want to cater to your audience, as mentioned above. On the other hand, you also want to be genuine. Your content should interest your audience, but you shouldn’t have to put on a mask to do that .

As a writer, you have your own unique personality. You have a unique voice. Remember, you are presenting yourself. There’s no need to put on a fake persona to do your presentation . This is true, even if your presentation style seems to contradict with the personality of your book.

Instead, consider carefully your personality and demeanor. Then, write a presentation where your true self is an asset to that presentation rather than a distractor. Believe it or not, many seasoned writers find this a challenge. You may need the assistance of a professional editor and proofreader to help you present your true voice. Before you select a professional to help you, though, take a look at online editing services reviews so you make the right choice.

If your personality is a bit on the introverted side, delivering a presentation may feel intimidating. However, it may be easier than you realize. There’s something comfortable about immersing yourself into something you know better than anybody else. You have mastered your own written work. Nobody can interpret it or tell the story behind it as you can. Those facts alone may be enough to help you feel comfortable giving a presentation.

5. Use Action Words

You already know that small changes in your writing can change its impact significantly. For example, it’s more impactful to use a strong verb than an adverb. That’s why the sentence, “He ran out the door very quickly” is not half as effective as, “He bolted out the door.” It’s also why words like victorious, enraged, devastated, embittered, and bubbly help readers visualize your story better than happy, sad, or angry.

The same concept applies to your presentation . Choose verbs over adverbs almost every time you can. Rethink your adjectives. When possible, choose words that most closely describe the moment. Avoid adjectives that can be applied generically to a wide range of situations. For example, the word “happy” could be used to describe somebody who found out that can green beans are on sale. It can also be used to describe somebody who just witnessed the birth of their first child. In the second example, however, the word happy is just insipid.

Finally, use the present tense whenever possible as you write your presentation. When you describe what happens in your book, you want your audience to be in the moment. One rule of thumb to follow is that, if it happened in the present tense in the book, it should happen in the present tense in your presentation.

6. Get Inspiration From Great Presenters And Authors

You won’t be the first author to stand in front of a group for a presentation or question-and-answer session. Many people have done this before. That’s a good thing because you have a wealth of examples to draw from for inspiration. One of the best ways to prepare for your presentation is to watch similar presentations from other authors. The goal isn’t to copy what you see. Instead, it’s to look for elements that make each presentation more engaging and allow the presenter to make an emotional connection with the audience.

Here, the key is choosing the right authors to emulate. As you look for author presentations for inspiration, focus on authors who write in the same genre as you, appeal to a similar demographic, and have a personal style similar to yours.

Once you find presentations to review, take notes. Pay attention to body language, use of words, and tone of voice. Make a note of the most memorable things the author says, and where the audience appears to be most interested.

Finally, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be as polished and perfect as the presenters you see. Many of them have years of experience in presenting their books in a variety of formats across a variety of media channels. It will take time and practice for you to get to that level. In the meantime, the folks coming to see you are already interested in your book and in what you have to say.

7. Be Prepared For Questions

Most book presentations are going to contain some sort of audience participation. Keep this in mind when you write your presentation. How are you going to approach this?

One option is to make a list of questions you believe the audience is likely to have for you. If you think you’re going to be nervous, it could be helpful for you to plan your answers ahead of time.

If your idea of interacting with the audience isn’t so intimidating for you, there are some things you can do to increase that interaction. First, consider leaving a few things out of your presentation. Chances are, at least one curious member of your audience will bring up the point and ask about it. You can then use this as a jumping point to cover that ground.

You can also use a question and answer session as a bit of an intermission. Rather than putting off all audience questions until the end, ask for questions in the middle of your presentation . It could break things up nicely.

Finally, you can turn the tables a bit. Ask your audience questions . What is their favorite plot point? How does the book relate to their lives? Who is their favorite character?

Final Thoughts

It is quite an honor to be asked to give a presentation about your book. This is a great way to let your current readership get to know more about you and your process. You may also be able to increase your reading audience.

At the same time, this can absolutely be a daunting process. Fortunately, you can help yourself immensely with a bit of planning and preparation.

The tips above will help you write a presentation that is engaging and allows you to be yourself. Follow the suggestions above, and your audience will enjoy your presentation thoroughly!

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Having trouble seeing this post or reblogging? Just go to my basic-format blog .

I am preparing a book presentation!!!

A book presentation and this is very helpful!

Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it!

Thank you, I am preparing a book presentation and this is very helpful!

Yay! I’m so glad you found it useful 😀

Excellent tips. I’m not afraid of audiences–but that doesn’t mean I can’t do better with them!

I know what you mean. I’m used to public speaking but even so appreciate a few tips!

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8 Steps to Create a Dynamic Presentation from Your Book by Kirsten Holmberg

Posted by Guest Post | Nov 12, 2020 | Blog , Professional Speaking , PROFESSIONAL SPEAKING - MEMBERS ONLY | 0

Yet many authors—having poured their expertise into a robust written work—find the task of crafting speeches from their books daunting. Three common challenges include:

Deciding what to put into the speech—because it requires leaving something from the book out.
A lack of understanding of how the spoken word differs from the written word—and how to best serve a live audience with the right sentence and talk structure.
Discomfort with being “on stage” as a speaker due to a preference for the more solitary work of writing.

To leverage speaking as part of your author platform and book publicity efforts, use these steps to craft and refine a talk based on your book:

Know your audience. Ideally, you’ll initiate the process of crafting a talk with a particular audience in mind. If you haven’t yet been invited to speak, think about an event where you’d like to speak. Sketch out what you know about the audience: some general demographics, the purpose of the event, why your subject matter is of interest to them—and their underlying need. Don’t assume the audience is identical to the target audience of your book; identify ways they might be different as well as similar.
Review (or create) your annotated table of contents. In light of the audience you’ll be addressing, which chapters would most effectively address their needs? It might only be one chapter and probably won’t be more than three. How does your content need to be adapted in light of any differences between the event audience and your book’s target audience? Don’t be afraid to tailor your content to the group; it shows care and fosters connection, through which your message is best conveyed. If you’re not sure, find someone in your network who is similar to the event’s audience and ask them which chapters would be most helpful. Aim to address a felt need with valuable, actionable information.
Distill the selected chapters into their key points. Bulletize the key points instead of excerpting sentences or crafting new ones. Trust that you know your content and can speak to it without a full script. Writers rightly care a great deal about the turn of phrase and often want to write out their talks in full sentences. Yet this approach usually results in the speaker reading their talk instead of engaging the audience in a more conversational way; the latter is a profoundly more effective means of conveying the content. If you opt for a full script, take care to use simple sentence structure and common language: industry jargon and complex sentences are impediments to the audience’s ease of understanding.
Structure the content to engage—and re-engage—the audience. They will assume your book is interesting if you and your talk are interesting. Hook them quickly; leverage your skills as a writer build and release tension multiple times during your speech. Leave them will a clear, concrete call to action—a step they can take immediately even if they don’t purchase the book. Aim to provide value and maintain a posture of service.
Give the audience a gift. Share with them something you’ve learned since the book was published or give them a glimpse from behind the scenes of your book. Reward them for being part of the event by imparting some “insider information” they can’t get from the book. Consider addressing common questions that arise from the book content or sharing reactions from readers.
Be human. You’re the subject-matter expert and the audience needs your knowledge. But they also want you to be human. Establish common ground; show them—within the first few minutes—that you understand their needs because you have similar needs. Be willing to share some relevant faults or failings for the sake of conveying empathy for the shared human experience as it relates to your content.
Visualize your content. Audiences today are accustomed to visual accompaniment, most often in the form of slides. And slides really should be visual , not merely a list of words to prompt the speaker what to say. As wordsmiths, creating slides may not be a natural strength. Spend the time and energy to craft quality slides; involve friends with complementary skill sets or hire a designer if you lack the skills to do it well. Just as in writing, take care to avoid visual clichés. Check out com for symbols and images. Leverage pictures or graphics from your book where appropriate.
Refine the delivery. Your book represents you: your expertise, your thoughts, your story. But when you’re on stage, you represent your book. Merely knowing your subject matter isn’t sufficient for giving a great talk; you need to deliver it in a fashion that is clear, confident, and compelling. Audiences will determine whether they find you (and your book) credible in large part based on how well you present yourself. Plan to practice your speech daily, videotaping yourself several times and taking the time to review and evaluate the footage to identify areas needing improvement (this free rubric is a helpful guide for doing so).

Speaking is an essential component of a successful author platform, driving book sales and increasing visibility in the publishing world.

You’ve written the book you know the world needs; now use your voice to share that message in a spoken format.

About Kirsten Holmberg

Kirsten Holmberg is a public speaking coach and trainer who has worked with TEDx speakers and clients from Fortune 50 companies, including Google, HP, and Oracle. Leveraging two decades of experience in keynote speaking, she equips both new and skilled speakers to achieve maximum impact with their presentations to customers, stakeholders, and audiences of all sizes. Learn more about Kirsten at www.kirstenholmberg.com .

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirholmberg

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kirholmberg/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kirholmberg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenholmberg/

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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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Preparing Your Book Presentation: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Authors

The days of writing custom works and hearing phrases like “ do my essay for free ” are gone – now you are officially a writer and have your book.

The presentation of a book is one of the most awaited moments for authors after publication. After all, it is the launch of a project that has been worked on for a long time, as well as one of the significant milestones for promoting the author’s brand and the title that has just been published.

There are several ways to present a book, and in this post, we will give you the keys that will allow you to learn how to organize the presentation of your book with the best results and creatively. From the simplest to other longer ones, we will guide you in essential aspects such as creating the speech you will say during this whole act, what to wear, and how to raise other fundamental issues for this significant date.

How to choose the place?

Among the places where you can make your online presentation, we recommend sites related to literature: bookstores, libraries, cultural centers… These are some examples that can host this event. Also, remember that these spaces indeed have experience organizing these events so that everything will be much easier.

As we said, these are the most common spaces. But it is also possible to choose other spaces for the presentation of your book, such as a coffee shop or an environment linked to the author (such as his or her workplace). However, we recommend that you make sure that there is a room with the capacity to host this event, with adequate power, and that it allows the public to see without problems.

Making an announcement

Once the space where you will present your book is closed, it is time to let people know that this event will take place. There are several options to communicate this event and gather attendees. Two categories may be interested: journalists and potential readers.

To attract the former, you must use press releases or calls to the media to warn them. The writing of this document can be done by the publisher with whom you have published it. If you take on this mission, remember that the call for journalists has geographical restrictions, so it is best to target those who can attend.

Social networks can also be an excellent channel to capture the attention of potential attendees, especially readers who may be interested in the book. On the one hand, there are organic publications: post announcing the place and the event and launch it from your profile, go to Facebook groups related to literature, and ask your publisher to create the corresponding publication to notify their followers.

How long should an online presentation last? The answer is: “as long as you want”. Each book is different and responds to its characteristics, and so is the event involving its launching. It is not the same as making a private event in which the discussion can extend for hours and hours as a more “formal” one in which the public is unknown.

It is appropriate that the book presentation, including the information given about the author, the production of the work and the dialogue between the writer and the editor or the chosen presenter, lasts up to 40 minutes. This will keep the public’s attention and avoid absences at the end of the event (the moment dedicated to the purchase and signing of copies).

Likewise, it is customary that after the presentation of the work, a question-and-answer session is opened so that attendees can share their doubts with the author. Ideally, this should last between 10 and 15 minutes to not delay the event’s closing.

Taking care of the details

The details make the difference, which is also evident in the presentation of a book—for example, the catering you hire. Depending on the time of day, you can choose between a sweeter snack, including coffee and cakes, or something savorier (focused as a snack that gives way to a more substantial meal). But, thanks to this, you will make people more comfortable for the final phase of this event.

It is also a good idea to know the environment where you will make the presentation so that you can dress in colors similar to this place’s. Also, about the wardrobe, you should know what type of event you want to perform (if it is something more private or public-facing) and choose something more elegant or home.

On the other hand, you can also consider further details for the presentation of the book, such as the presence of music to liven up the waiting of the attendees. At the same time, it begins and ends when the capacity is completed, as well as in the readings of some fragments. In any case, you should coordinate with the space where the event will take place to test the sound equipment.

The presentation

Now it is time to know how to structure the presentation of your book and the aspects you should be very clear about before starting. First of all, unless you are a magician of improvisation, it is better to have an outline of what you will talk about that day, even a speech.

The usual structure of a book presentation is greetings from the presenter, information about the author, information about the book , and an interview in which the most critical aspects of the title are highlighted. After all this, a question-and-answer session with the audience’s participation follows.

Regarding the structure of the presentation, we recommend that you consider those aspects of your book that you want to be highlighted and that must be included in this act.

And most importantly, be yourself and enjoy. After long hours of work on the book, it’s time to reap the rewards!

Writing Center

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.

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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

Grades 6-12
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What Is a Book Talk? A Classroom Guide to Making Them Work

It’s like a sales pitch for a book.

You want students to read, but students aren’t interested in cracking a spine. The fix: book talks. A book talk is a sales pitch for a book. They sell students on a character, plot, or theme and encourage them to pick up a new title or check out a new author. Here’s everything you need to know about this fun strategy.

What is a book talk?

A book talk is a short presentation about a book that focuses on convincing others to read it. It’s not a formal book report or review. And it’s more persuasive than expository—think sales and marketing. The goal is to engage potential readers and present a fun, exciting, and even suspenseful book commercial. Book talks can focus on one aspect of a book: character, plot, theme, etc. Whatever the reader really loved about the book and thinks will “sell” it to their audience.

anchor chart about how to lead a book talk

Book Talk Examples

We love these examples of how book talks can be used by teachers for students from elementary school through high school. Literally everyone can use a book talk.

Mr. Rigney talks about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Book talks for teens

Spotlight on Cinder

First grade teacher talks about Elephant and Piggie

Book Talk Benefits

Yes, book talks are fun, but do they work? The short answer is yes, and it’s not just about getting kids to open books.

They get kids reading—really reading. To sell their book, students have to know the book and know it well. Their ad will fall flat if they haven’t read the book and can’t talk about it.
They get kids sharing reading with others. Reading can be contagious, and book talks are a great way to spread a love of reading throughout your class, one book at a time.
They teach note-taking. As students prepare for a book talk, taking notes and using those notes to summarize the story is an important skill they’ll develop.
They build presentation skills. The process of reading the book, thinking through how to present it, and practicing are good rehearsal for later presentations.
They build listening skills. When students aren’t presenting, they’re listening. The practice of participating in book talks, listening, and asking questions refines students’ listening skills.

How To Choose a Book

The best books for book talks are the ones you like! Help students find a book they want to talk about by:

Providing a box of books that are recommended for their grade level, like this list for 4th grade .
As you get to know students, slip them a note card with a personalized book recommendation. The personal touch will give them the confidence to know that they can read the book and that it’s a good choice.
Provide books by theme, like Women’s History Month or books about dogs .
Start with student interests with books written in first-person and characters that reflect real-world experiences. When students connect with characters, they feel like they’re talking about a friend. Check out this list of diverse titles for ideas.

anchor chart describing how to give a great book chart using pictures

How To Plan a Book Talk

One: Get a book. Two: Sell it … OK, students need more guidance than that. These nine tips will maximize the book talk format for you or your students:

1. Provide a template

Help students structure a book talk with a template that lets students know that they have all the components of a solid book talk.

2. Don’t give away the ending

Share the story until the climax or a cliff-hanger, and leave students wanting to know what happened next. The exception to this rule may be for a series or book of short stories where incorporating the ending to one story might excite readers about reading more from that author.

3. Jump into the action

Talk about why the book is amazing. Save the author and title until the end to keep the audience wondering, Have I heard of this book?

4. Keep it short

Aim for between 30 seconds and five minutes, depending on your audience.

5. Let your personality shine

Bring your own personality, humor, and voice to the book talk and encourage students to do the same.

6. Prepare while you read

Take notes and place sticky notes at cliff-hangers, quotes, scenes that surprise you, and parts that you connect with.

7. Think about craft

What does the author do to keep you engaged? What will keep a student moving through the story? Are there aspects that the author has mastered, like figurative language or building suspense? Give examples of these to draw readers in.

8. Engage your audience

Ask questions, take a poll, have them guess what will happen next. The author kept you on the edge of your seat, so get your students on the edge of theirs.

9. Practice, practice, practice!

The more students practice, the better they’ll get. Plus, unlike your students, who take your class only once, you can perfect a book talk and give it year after year.

bulletin board with book talks written on it and lists of books

Level Up Book Talks

Already do book talks? Here are some ways to kick it up a notch:

Challenge your students to give a book talk about a book they don’t like. Can they convince people that they actually liked the book? Or can they convince people to read a book just to see how bad it really is?
Book talk speed dating: Have students create a short book talk and then meet with their peers to try to sell their book in a speed-dating format.
Picture-book talks: Challenge older students to hone their presentation skills by having them give a book talk on a picture book .
Peer review: Create a rubric or checklist (like this one ) and have students give each other feedback.

Come and share your book talk ideas in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

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Book Presentation Checklist - Back to School

Subject: Whole school

Age range: 11-14

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

28 September 2022

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A handy checklist for presentation, you can print off and laminate into cards – 3 per sheet.

I hand them to pupils as they enter the room, to use to check their book, as a settling / starter activity.

OFSTED are placing a big emphasis on pupils pride in their work, and they see presentation in books as a real indicator of this!

We find they work for us…… do use and let me know if they work for you?

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Analysis and Participants

From the analysis summary:

We wondered: “What do the top presentation experts in the world read?” They told us. We asked 7 of the top presentation experts in the world to tell us what books most inspired them to be better presenters. Seven judges, including four published authors, provided feedback to a list of books. We present, for your consideration, their ranked list of the top 35 presentation books.

Survey analysis was performed by Gonzalo Álvarez and Bruce Gabrielle. Their methodology and full results can be found in the embedded document later in this article. Thanks to both of them for leading this effort!
Nancy Duarte
Bruce Gabrielle
Dr. Michael Alley
Gonzalo Alvarez
Nolan Haims
Andrew Dlugan (me)

Summary of the Results

It’s very difficult to quantitatively compare speaking books, particularly when those books excel in very different ways.
Books were scored according to their presentation focus along several criteria (content, structure, visual design, delivery). The total of the individual scores was used to rank the books overall.
These totals can be misleading as they reward books with a very broad focus (books that touch on many speaking skills), and penalize books with a narrow focus. As an example, books like Made to Stick or The Story Factor (which are both excellent books which focus almost entirely on storytelling) receive low overall scores.
Each of these two groups are listed in the tables below.
The “Amazon Rating” column in the tables below gives the “stars” ranking and the number of reader reviews.
Most books (27 out of 35) are priced between $14 and $28 . Four books are less than $14, and one book is over $28. Three books are no longer carried by amazon, so no price is given.
Links to these reviews are given in the tables below.
Most of the remaining 21 books are on my personal wishlist, so it’s quite likely you’ll be seeing reviews for some of them in the future.

Books with a Content/Delivery Focus

Books with a focus on visuals, the full ratings data.

If you do not see the embedded document below, please visit the web version of this article .

How about you? Which are your favorites?

How many of these 35 have you read? Which ones do you like most? Why? Which book(s) would you add to the list?

Please share in the comments . I’d love to hear from you.

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14 comments.

The Art of the Explanation is my favorite. It’s written by Lee LeFever. He’s got steps on how to explain complicated things and ideas so NO ONE in the audience gets left behind.

Thanks Jaime.

I love Lee LeFever’s video explanations, and am curious to read his book.

2 Done; 33 to go. Wonderful timing. I was just looking for books to improve on my presentation skills. Andrew, you just handed over me the magic wand. 🙂

Thanks Andrew. Look forward to completing these.

Oh wow, that’s quite the list. I’ll be going over this and determining which ones I need to read NOW and which ones I’ll save for later. Thanks for taking the time to put together such a great list.

The one book I have never seen written is how to develop presentations for others to give. Many times I am faced with developing a corporate or sales presentation for the sales team to give to prospects – what are the best practices for this kind of presentation?

Thank you for providing an extremely useful list. However, it’s hard for anyone to keep up with what else those authors have been doing since the listed books were published. Check before you buy. For example, Stephen M. Kosslyn’s 2010 book Better PowerPoint: Quick Fixes Based on How Your Audience Thinks might be a better choice than the 2007 Clear and to the Point. Also, this year Dave Paradi published Present It So They Get It . I liked his The Visual Slide Revolution enough to post a review of it .

I’d add Dona M. Wong’s The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics to the list of books about visuals. I reviewed it briefly here .

Thanks for the detailed comments, Richard. I’ll have to check out those books.

considero una parte esencial de la vida el leer y leer pero el decidir cual o cuales libros son los mejores es dificil. por lo que agradezco esta presentacion seis minutos un momento de informacion que engrandece nuestro pensamiento. gracias

Since i am a scientist, my favorite is the craft of scientific presentation. I guess this one was intended for presenting scientific data and conference. For design, I prefer The non designer design book. For story telling, confessions of a public speaker is excellence. I read several other book, like the zen etc, but in my opinion they are for business-type presentation

a great list, but you left out a GEM. Gail Larsen’s Transformational Speaking . Truly, the best speaking book I’ve read.

MUST- ADD ALERT! Transformational Speaking , by Gail Larsen. This book is a comprehensive and unique guide to speaking with the most authentic voice we can bring forth. Gail’s teachings have not only helped me to become a better speaker, but have also helped me name and claim personal attributes that make me a better artist, workshop leader, friend, and mother. As former leader of the National Speaker’s Association, Gail knows the speaking world well. She can give a great speech any day at any time; but what interests her is the special ability we each possess to connect with people on a deeper level, through storytelling. In her book, Gail makes the case that if we don’t honor our unique offerings by sharing them, they will be lost to the world forever. She goes on to explain that this is a critical time in our world, a time we need everyone. Calling all voices! Please add this truly transformational gift to the world to your list of bests. I have never read a book that has changed my life more!

I think this is a great list you and your team have compliled. One I would add would be Jeremy Donovon’s How To Deliver A TED Talk which is a easy read that takes the best Ted Talks and dissects them.

I just read your ratings on the 35 presentation books and I can see I have a lot of reading a head of me.

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What Are the Best Presentation Design Books?

I've handpicked these amazing books, packed with insights, tips, and techniques to help you create stunning presentations. Whether you're a new grad or a working professional, these books have got you covered. Let's explore them one by one.

Slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations

Written by presentation expert Nancy Duarte, Slide:ology is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their slide design skills. This comprehensive guide covers everything from storytelling to slide layout and design principles.

What I Liked

Step-by-step guidance on designing effective presentations
Beautiful visuals and examples from well-known companies
Great case studies highlighting the people
Clear authority in the field since she designed Al Gore's famous climate change slide deck that was the basis for an Inconvenient Truth film
Clear explanations of design concepts
Focus on storytelling and audience engagement
Good focus on timeless ideas
The print book is beautifully designed
More hands-on exercises and activities

Bottom Line

This book is perfect for anyone looking to master the art of creating visually stunning and impactful presentations, regardless of their design background.

Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences

Another gem from Nancy Duarte, Resonate focuses on the power of storytelling to create memorable and persuasive presentations. Learn how to connect with your audience and leave a lasting impact.

Unique approach to visual storytelling
Incorporation of narrative structure in presentations
Emphasis on audience engagement and connection
Variety of case studies from different fields
Tips for effective slide design and layout
Expanded section on slide design tools and resources

If you want to learn the art of storytelling in presentations and captivate your audience, this book is a fantastic choice.

DataStory: Explain Data and Inspire Action Through Story

DataStory, also by Nancy Duarte, is a valuable guide for those looking to effectively communicate complex data through storytelling. Discover how to turn numbers into compelling narratives that drive action.

What I Liked:

Clear explanations of data visualization concepts
Practical tips for transforming data into stories
Examples from various industries
Focus on audience understanding and decision-making
Techniques for creating persuasive data-driven presentations
More detailed guidance on data visualization tools
Expanded coverage of data analysis techniques

Ideal for professionals working with data, this book will help you present complex information in a clear, engaging, and persuasive manner.

Everyday Business Storytelling: Create, Simplify, and Adapt A Visual Narrative for Any Audience

Authors Janine Kurnoff and Lee Lazarus provide practical guidance on using visual storytelling to create effective business presentations. Learn how to simplify complex ideas and adapt your message for any audience.

Step-by-step process for crafting visual narratives
Emphasis on audience-centered communication
Real-world examples and case studies
Tips for adapting messages to different audiences and contexts
Techniques for simplifying complex information
Plenty of examples with before and afters
The section about email communication because not everything has to be a presentation
Even more examples at the end

This book is perfect for business professionals who want to create engaging and persuasive visual narratives that resonate with any audience.

Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals

Written by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, Storytelling with Data teaches readers how to present data in a clear and compelling way. Gain valuable insights on data visualization techniques and best practices for business professionals.

In-depth coverage of data visualization best practices
Focus on audience-centric presentation design
Strategies for simplifying complex data
Tips for selecting the most effective chart types
Guidance on using color and design elements effectively
Additional exercises and activities for hands-on practice

This book is ideal for business professionals who want to master data visualization and deliver clear, compelling data-driven presentations.

Good Charts: The HBR Guide to Making Smarter, More Persuasive Data Visualizations

Authored by Scott Berinato, Good Charts is a comprehensive guide to creating data visualizations that effectively communicate complex information. Learn best practices and techniques for creating persuasive and informative charts and graphs.

Practical guidance for creating effective charts and graphs
Harvard Business Review's credibility and expertise
Tips for improving existing data visualizations
Strategies for engaging and persuading audiences with data
Expanded coverage of advanced visualization techniques

This book is perfect for professionals seeking to improve their data visualization skills and create more persuasive presentations using data.

Good Charts Workbook: Tips, Tools, and Exercises for Making Better Data Visualizations

A companion to Good Charts, the Good Charts Workbook by Scott Berinato offers hands-on exercises and practical tools to help you create better data visualizations. Improve your skills with engaging activities and real-world examples.

Interactive exercises and activities
Focus on hands-on learning and skill development
Complements the concepts covered in Good Charts
Tips for refining and improving existing visualizations
Greater variety of data visualization tools covered
Inclusion of digital resources and templates

Ideal for those looking to practice and improve their data visualization skills, this workbook is a valuable resource for creating more effective and persuasive data-driven presentations.

The Elegant Pitch: Create a Compelling Recommendation, Build Broad Support, and Get It Approved

Written by Mike Figliuolo, The Elegant Pitch provides a structured approach to crafting persuasive business recommendations. Learn how to build support and get your ideas approved with a clear, compelling pitch.

Step-by-step process for creating persuasive pitches
Focus on clarity and simplicity in communication
Tips for overcoming objections and building support
Techniques for tailoring your pitch to different audiences
Well written book with very actionable advice
More of a hidden gem that isn't talked about as much
Greater emphasis on visual presentation techniques

This book is perfect for professionals who want to learn how to create compelling recommendations and get their ideas approved in a business setting.

Presentation Zen Design: Simple Design Principles and Techniques to Enhance Your Presentations

In Presentation Zen Design, Garr Reynolds shares his expertise on creating visually stunning and engaging presentations. Discover simple design principles and techniques to transform your slides and captivate your audience.

Focus on clean, minimalist design principles
Practical tips for improving slide design
Real-world examples from various industries
Strategies for incorporating visuals effectively
Techniques for engaging and connecting with audiences
Very culturally sensitive
Eastern cultural themes and analogies
An updated edition is needed because, visually, some of the examples feel very out of date

This book is ideal for those looking to enhance their presentation design skills and create visually engaging slides that resonate with their audience.

So there you have it, my top picks for the best presentation design books. Whether you're just starting or want to polish your skills, these books will help you create captivating, engaging slides that leave a lasting impression.

Ready to get started? Grab one of these books and watch your presentations transform! 🚀

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Key concepts and techniques

“slide:ology: the art and science of creating great presentations” by nancy duarte.

900+ Pros like yourself read the book

Nancy Duarte’s book is a comprehensive guide that aims to revolutionize the way people create and deliver presentations.

The book highlights the importance of visual communication and teaches readers how to design slides that effectively convey their message. Duarte provides a step-by-step approach to crafting visually engaging and impactful presentations, with a strong focus on audience needs and preferences.

Drawing from her extensive experience working with some of the world’s top brands, Duarte shares practical tips and techniques for creating visually stunning slides that leave a lasting impression on the audience.

The book covers various aspects of presentation design, including color theory, typography, layout, and storytelling. “Slide:ology” also emphasizes the significance of simplicity and clarity in slide design, guiding readers to eliminate clutter and focus on the essential elements of their message.

By applying the principles and strategies outlined in this book, you can transform your presentations into powerful tools for communication and persuasion.

Nancy Duarte covers several key concepts and techniques that can help readers create effective and visually engaging presentations. Some of these key concepts and techniques include:

Audience-centric approach: Understanding the needs, preferences, and expectations of the audience is crucial in crafting a presentation that resonates with them.
Storytelling: Integrating storytelling into presentations makes them more memorable and compelling.
Simplicity and clarity: Effective slide design requires simplicity and clarity.
Visual communication: Slide:ology emphasizes the importance of using visuals to support the message, as images and graphics are often more effective than text alone.
Color theory: The book covers the basics of color theory, explaining how different colors can evoke specific emotions and reactions in the audience.
Typography and layout: Typography and layout play a significant role in making slides readable and visually appealing.
Data visualization: Presenting complex data in a clear and concise manner is a critical skill in effective presentations.
Slide preparation and organization: The book offers strategies for organizing slides and building a coherent flow throughout the presentation.

“Resonate: Present Visual Stories That Transform Audiences” by Nancy Duarte

Another one by Nancy Duarte and for a good reason (I always thought I could’ve been her prodigal son) The book she wrote offers a comprehensive guide to creating impactful presentations. Duarte emphasizes the importance of telling a compelling story to engage and persuade an audience, and presents a framework for doing so.

It builds on the concepts introduced in Slide:ology. While Slide:ology focuses on creating effective visual presentations, Resonate takes a more comprehensive approach by emphasizing the importance of storytelling and emotional connection.

The book outlines the five stages of a persuasive presentation, beginning with understanding the audience and their needs, and culminating in a call to action. Along the way, Duarte emphasizes the importance of creating a strong emotional connection with the audience and structuring the presentation to build tension and excitement.

Duarte also offers practical advice on designing effective visual aids, such as slides, diagrams, and charts. She emphasizes the importance of keeping visuals simple and uncluttered, and using them to support and reinforce the key points of the presentation.

Overall, Resonate is a valuable resource for anyone looking to create persuasive and engaging presentations that connect with audiences on a deeper level.

“Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery” by Garr Reynolds

best presentation books - presentation zen

600+ Pros like yourself read the book

Garr’s book is a guide to creating compelling and effective presentations (as are all of the books here!). The book emphasizes the importance of simplicity and clarity in both the design and delivery of presentations.

Reynolds argues that too many presentations rely on cluttered slides, bullet points, and irrelevant details. Instead, he encourages presenters to focus on a simple message and use visuals to support that message. He also stresses the importance of rehearsing and delivering presentations in a natural and engaging manner.

Throughout the book, Reynolds offers practical advice on design principles such as layout, color, and typography, as well as tips for using technology effectively to enhance presentations.

You’ll notice that both Nancy and Garr talk about similar points – that’s because they’re really important in presentation design and delivery.

“The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience” by Carmine Gallo

best presentation books - Presentation secrets by Steve Jobs

800+ Pros like yourself read the book

This book with an insanely long name by Carmine Gallo is a guide to improving presentation skills through the example of Steve Jobs, the legendary you know who.

Gallo identifies seven key principles that Jobs used to create engaging and memorable presentations. These principles include simplifying the message, creating a clear and compelling storyline, and using visuals to enhance the message.

The book also offers practical advice on how to apply these principles to one’s own presentations, including tips on using technology, preparing for presentations, and delivering speeches with confidence and enthusiasm.

Throughout the book, Gallo uses examples from Jobs’ presentations to illustrate his points, and includes interviews with other successful presenters who have used these principles to achieve success.

Remember the iPod speech? Well, you could potentially make the same impact if you apply the principles of this book.

“Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds” by Carmine Gallo

4000+ Pros like yourself read the book

Another great book by Carmine Gallo. This is a guide to improving public speaking skills by analyzing the techniques used by some of the most successful TED speakers.

Gallo identifies nine key principles that successful TED speakers use to create compelling and memorable presentations. These principles include storytelling, using humor, and focusing on a clear and compelling message.

The book provides practical advice on how to apply these principles to one’s own presentations, including tips on using body language, using multimedia effectively, and engaging with the audience.

Throughout the book, Gallo uses examples from successful TED talks to illustrate his points, and includes interviews with successful TED speakers to provide additional insights and inspiration.

Overall, Talk Like TED is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills and create more engaging and memorable presentations. By focusing on the techniques used by successful TED speakers, Gallo provides a roadmap for creating truly inspiring speeches.

“Show and Tell: How Everybody Can Make Extraordinary Presentations” by Dan Roam

300+ Pros like yourself read the book

Show and Tell is a guide to improving presentation skills by using a visual approach to communication.

Roam argues that the most successful presentations are those that use visual aids to tell a compelling story. He introduces a framework for creating effective presentations that focuses on three key elements: the message, the audience, and the medium.

The book provides practical advice on how to use visual aids, such as sketches and diagrams, to support the message and engage the audience. Roam also emphasizes the importance of understanding the audience and tailoring the presentation to their needs and interests.

Throughout the book, Roam uses examples from successful presentations to illustrate his points, and includes exercises and templates to help readers apply his ideas to their own presentations.

By focusing on the visual aspect of communication, Roam provides a fresh perspective on how to create truly effective presentations.

“The Art of Explanation: Making Your Ideas, Products, and Services Easier to Understand” by Lee LeFever

best presentation books - the art of explanation

300 Pros like yourself read the book

Lee wants to show us through this guide how to improve communication skills by mastering the art of explanation. Abit different than the other books and for a good reason.

LeFever argues that the most successful communicators are those who can explain complex ideas in simple and understandable terms. He introduces a framework for creating effective explanations that focuses on three key elements: clarity, brevity, and context.

The book provides practical advice on how to use analogies, metaphors, and storytelling to help audiences understand even the most complex ideas. LeFever also emphasizes the importance of understanding the audience and tailoring the explanation to their needs and interests.

Throughout the book, LeFever uses examples from successful explanations to illustrate his points, and includes exercises and templates to help readers apply his ideas to their own communication challenges.

By focusing on the art of explanation, Lee provides a practical and actionable guide for making even the most complex ideas understandable to others.

“Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die” by Chip Heath & Dan Heath

5000+ Pros like yourself read the book

Chip and Dan Heath (or Chip and Dale) explore the elements that make ideas memorable and influential. The authors present six key principles, encapsulated in the acronym SUCCESs:

Simplicity : Effective ideas are simple, core messages that are easy to understand and remember.
Unexpectedness : Ideas that surprise or challenge expectations are more likely to grab attention and stick in people’s minds.
Concreteness : Concrete ideas, with specific examples and tangible details, are more relatable and easier to visualize.
Credibility : Ideas backed by credible sources, statistics, or testimonials are more persuasive and memorable.
Emotions : Ideas that evoke emotions, either positive or negative, create a stronger connection with the audience.
Stories : Telling stories helps to convey ideas in a compelling and engaging way, making them more likely to be remembered and shared.

By applying these principles, individuals and organizations can develop more effective communication strategies and make their ideas stickier.

“Confessions of a Public Speaker” by Scott Berkun

best presentation books - confessions of a public speaker

500+ Pros like yourself read the book

Scott Berkun offers an honest and entertaining look into the world of professional public speaking. Berkun shares his personal experiences and insights to help readers improve their presentation and communication skills. The book covers a wide range of topics, from overcoming stage fright to engaging audiences effectively.

Berkun emphasizes that practice, preparation, and self-awareness are crucial to becoming a successful public speaker. He advises readers to know their material thoroughly, understand the audience, and create a strong opening to capture attention. To keep audiences engaged, he suggests using humor, storytelling, and varying one’s speaking pace and tone.

The book also covers handling difficult situations, such as dealing with technical issues, unresponsive audiences, or hostile questions. Berkun stresses the importance of staying calm, thinking on one’s feet, and learning from every experience. Ultimately, “Confessions of a Public Speaker” provides valuable tips and candid stories to help anyone become a more confident and effective communicator.

“Steal the Show: From Speeches to Job Interviews to Deal-Closing Pitches” by Michael Port

best presentation books - steal the show

Michael Port offers a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of public speaking and persuasive communication in various settings. Port emphasizes the importance of performance in all aspects of life, from delivering speeches to acing job interviews and winning business deals.

The book provides actionable strategies for improving one’s performance skills, such as understanding the audience, crafting compelling stories, and developing a strong stage presence. Port stresses the need to be authentic and genuine, while also being aware of nonverbal communication and vocal dynamics.

“Steal the Show” also covers essential preparation techniques, including extensive research, rehearsal, and mental visualization. Port advises readers to manage their nerves through mindfulness and self-awareness. He also shares tips on handling challenging situations and improvising when things don’t go as planned.

Best Presentation Books Wrap Up

In conclusion, the top 10 best presentation books provide a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for mastering public speaking and persuasive communication.

These books, including “Made to Stick,” “Confessions of a Public Speaker,” and “Steal the Show,” among others, offer valuable insights into various aspects of delivering engaging and effective presentations.

Exploring these resources is highly recommended for anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills, whether they are seasoned professionals or just starting their journey. By learning from the experiences and expertise of these accomplished authors, readers can develop their unique style and confidence in presenting their ideas.

Effective presentations play a crucial role in both personal and professional life, as they help convey ideas, persuade others, and create lasting impressions. By investing time and effort in honing one’s presentation skills, individuals can unlock new opportunities, foster meaningful connections, and make a significant impact on others.

If you got here, then you should reconsider my offer.

Additional Resources

If you’re still looking to improve your presentation skills, check this list on the best books for pitching.

Or explore more resources on presentations and pitches:

Also don’t miss out on my massive presentation specialist guide , last minute presentations and best business projector buyers guide.

THE Pitching Guide – How To Create a Winning Pitch

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Presenting virtually? Here’s a checklist to make it great.

One of the things that’s most different about these past few weeks is how much we’ve had to meet, and present, virtually. While we may know, or sense, that the biggest enemy of virtual presentations is your multitasking (on the part of your audience), often our focus is on minimizing that multitasking, it helps to understand the role our senses play in that.

Remember actually being in a meeting, or at a conference? All of your senses — touch, taste, smell, hearing — all experienced the same thing: “I’m at an event.” Even the incidental experiences, like the scratchy fire-retardant fabric of the chairs and the carbtastic snacks in the hallway, said, “You’re in a different place, doing a different thing. Pay attention.”

But now? Those senses are split. Your audience sees something that reads to their brains as something like “cat video” or “something I have to watch for work.” The smells, tastes, and sounds are mostly familiar ones — of home .

And that makes the “off” sound… you. You don’t “belong.” But rather than pay more attention (as humans are usually wired to do), your audience pays less attention. Why? Because the majority of their senses are saying, “You’re home, you’re safe, carry on.” And so their attention wanders to the things that matter more to them in the moment, which is usually anything BUT you.

So, what to do? Well, rather than try to battle multitasking (you can’t), my experience is that the answers lie in leaning into it: maximize the multisensory . Engage as many of your audience’s senses as possible so you tip the sensory scales from “You’re home, you’re safe, carry on,” over to “You may be in the same place, but this is is a different thing. Pay attention.” You can’t do anything about smell or taste, but you can maximize your message across sight, sound, and touch.

How? Well, here’s a quick checklist (most links are affiliate links, fyi, and thanks to the sudden rush on these kinds of things, many of these are currently out of stock):

To capture their EYES:

Can you put the video of yourself and your slides up at the same time? YOU are often the most important part of keeping your audience’s attention, so keep yourself onscreen and on-camera as much as possible. Your movement helps keep their attention. Related to that:
Have you chosen someone to imagine you’re giving it the presentation to? (Consider putting a picture of them next to the camera to “warm-up” your onscreen persona)
Have you considered getting an external webcam? (E.g., Logitech c920, Logitech Brio, Razer Kiyo, etc.) A higher-quality of image of you helps you look more dimensional and “real” to your audience, and thus harder to ignore.
If you aren’t using a headset mic, have you considered getting an external microphone? (Blue Yeti, Samson GoMic, etc.)
Can you stand, if possible? You breathe differently when you stand, which usually means you have more energy.
Have you made sure you have a light source in front of you (but not behind you)? It’s easy to ignore someone you can’t see clearly, so put your light source in front of you.
Have you minimized distractions in your background? The last thing you want is people distracted by what’s going on around you. Something solid and stationary is often best, or you can use an artfully arranged corner of your home. Be very thoughtful about the use of virtual backgrounds and green screens. Virtual backgrounds can potentially be a way to communicate personality, but some folks seem to be inherently suspicious of “fake” backgrounds (though I would argue an artfully arranged background has some measure of unreality to it, too). The big thing with virtual backgrounds is to make sure you contrast with them (or you’ll get weird “fuzzing out” of your edges), so again, make sure you’re well-lit from the front. I live in a VERY small space (675 square feet), and do almost all of my work on-camera and virtually, so I chose to get a pop-up green screen I could use to (a) face a window and (b) hide the kitchen behind me. I usually use as my background either a two-tone pattern that’s in line with my brand standards or a picture of my living room. That picture is what you would see if I had my back to the window and was presenting from there. Here’s what that looks like:

The only light I’m using is from the window that’s now in front of me, though it looks like it’s behind! If you’re wondering how I blurred the background to look like it would with a fancy camera: you can either take a blurry picture, or use a photo editing software (I like Acorn — way cheaper than Photoshop!) to add a “bokeh blur” filter. Either can help recreate the depth of field you lose with a green screen or virtual background.

Are you wearing a solid color or wide pattern? Avoid thin stripes and other small patterns — they create movement that’s distracting.
Have you practiced flipping the orientation of your gestures to the audience’s view? Yes, you can “mirror” yourself on-camera, but that means any text you hold up will be unreadable. It takes some practice, but eventually you can learn to reverse your gestures so that you’re creating them from your audience’s point of view. Pro tip: anything you do right-to-left will appear to them as left-to-right (like a timeline).
Do they contain only ONE idea?
If they need to contain more, do the slides build those ideas one-by-one?

To capture their EARS:

Do they reinforce the key points?
Do they avoid serving as a script?
Are they leveraging what visuals do better than words? (pictures, processes, visualized data, etc.)
Have you listened to recordings of yourself (or of your rehearsal) to find opportunities to improve?
Do you know what your “green,” “yellow,” and “red” sections or lines are? (I discuss this concept starting at about the 26-minute mark in the interview)
If possible, can you do a “hot seat” (where you interact with an audience member, and their voice) or have a co-host you can interact with so you have a variety of voices? Hearing a different voice, or having the opportunity to use their own, gives the audience’ brains a break in the “sameness” of sound. That’s yet another way to reengage their attention.

To capture their HANDS:

Have you sent the handout out in advance? (Do this! Also, post links to it early and often in your presentation, and let your audience know that you’ll be referring to it… and then do so.)
Are you having the audience type responses to polls, questions, etc.? Yes, this is a callback to the earlier question. But if you have the technology, have people interact with you — via their fingers — in polls, the chat, etc.

Want even more detail? My husband Tom and I went deep on this on the latest episode of The Freenoter , so you can get your fill (and Tom’s different perspective) there.

Like this content? Be the first to get it delivered directly to your inbox every week (along with a lot of other great content, including my #swipefiles). Yes, please send me the Red Thread newsletter, exclusive information, and updates.

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Kristi Noem’s latest memoir received 'dagger of death' on New York Times Best Sellers list

Gov. Kristi Noem’s recently released memoir, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward,” spent about a week in May listed at No. 9 on The New York Times Best-Sellers List for combined print and e-book nonfiction, but it was also branded with the Times’ ominous “dagger of death” symbol (†).

The little mark is used to identify books on the bestseller list with sales figures that include retailers who reported "receiving bulk orders," according to The New York Times website . But, research shows colloquially that little dagger can cast doubt about whether those behind the books allegedly "bought" their way onto the list with such orders or reached the list in a questionable way. Hence, the symbol's nickname.

The book, released May 7, has already faced significant controversy, and Noem is one of several being considered for former President Donald Trump’s 2024 vice-presidential pick. Those controversies include a passage that describes her shooting her 14-month-old hunting dog Cricket and a goat , and at least two corrections needed to be issued tied to false statements inside.

No. 1 international and Wall Street Journal bestselling ghostwriter of more than 80 books, Joshua Lisec , has previously provided insight into the ghostwriting process, and where some of the missteps and factual errors in Noem's book may unfolded along the way.

“This raises suspicions that these are not 'real' book sales but rather the author's own organization(s) placing bulk orders for the book and shipping to a myriad of different addresses to look like ‘real’ bulk purchases," Lisec said of the dagger's meaning. "It is considered a stain on one’s reputation in the publishing industry, …and you become marked for life as an ‘authentic fake.'"

The book was on the list for the week of May 20-26. As of May 27, the book was no longer on the list, though it's unclear why.

“Institutional, special interest, group or bulk purchases, if and when they are included, are at the discretion of The New York Times Best-Seller List Desk editors based on standards for inclusion that encompass proprietary vetting and audit protocols, corroborative reporting and other statistical determinations," Melissa Torres, manager of external communications for The New York Times said of the symbol. "When included, such bulk purchases appear with a dagger."

The Times’ Best-Seller lists are derived from a detailed analysis of book sales from a wide range of bookstores and online retailers, applied consistently to ensure an accurate reflection of what’s overly popular now.

But the impact of the Best-Seller list is clear: Books on it can gain substantial credibility and commercial momentum. Appearing on this list can significantly boost a book's visibility and sales and often solidify an author's reputation in the literary, and in Noem’s case, political worlds.

The South Dakota Governor’s first book, “Not My First Rodeo: Lessons from the Heartland” also made the New York Times Bestseller List when it was first released in June 2022 at No. 14. This publication did not, however, possess the dagger of death symbol.

A shadow of a doubt

Written with the intent of delving deeper into her political career, the focus of Noem’s book has been overshadowed. And that shadow looms over 14-month-old hunting dog Cricket, and the fact Noem did not meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, as the narrative initially portrayed.

More: Did Kristi Noem shoot her dog? 'No Going Back' and its various controversies, explained

The inaccuracy of meeting Kim Jong-un, as well as the false claim that in late 2016 Sen. Mike Rounds called for Donald Trump to drop out of the presidential race , has prompted Noem’s publisher to make corrections and reissue the book in print.

Noem's team acknowledged the errors and assured corrections in future editions, but the controversies have led to the cancellation of some national interviews and the evasion of inquiring local media outlets.

More: A ghostwriter explains why Kristi Noem’s new memoir might be hard to find in Sioux Falls

After reaching out to Noem’s Chief of Communications, Ian Fury, multiple times for comment about the symbol her book has received, the Argus Leader has yet to hear back.

What does this say about Kristi Noem?

Associate Professor Emeritus Michael Card, who has a Ph.D. in political science, public policy and administration at the University of South Dakota, said purchasing books in bulk is fairly common, especially for political books “that otherwise wouldn’t sell very well.”

Card said selling the book in bulk is not necessarily a character flaw, but only a method to sell them.

“We know that Gov. Noem is fairly popular among the conservative speaking circuit,” Card said. “She seems to be able to raise lots of money, so it may have been one of the donors to conservative or Republican causes that may have purchased those books.”

More: South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem speaks before Trump supporters in Florida book event

When it comes to addressing the contents of the bestseller though, Card said Noem could have handled the inaccuracies a little differently.

“To a large extent, you know, the cues that seemed to work I mean, ironically, for ‘No Going Back’ is to use the Donald Trump method and either not address it, just keep moving on, or to say, ‘I'm not going to talk about that,’ and just move on, and that just didn't work,” Card said.

Card said denying these mistakes “just makes it seem worse.” In the end, Card said these controversies over Noem’s memoir may or may not be temporary.

“It's very clear that Gov. Noem believes that she has a recipe for… how to lead America out of its current malaise," he said.

More From Forbes

The 30 greatest dystopian books of all time.

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Actor Lorne Greene in a production of "1984," from the book by George Orwell, on the CBS anthology ... [+] series Studio One, circa 1953.

For decades, writers have conjured nightmare worlds to terrify generations of readers. While the dystopian genre may have had a huge peak in the early 2010s, with dozens of additions to the dystopia canon, dystopian books have existed for almost two hundred years.

This list of best dystopian books will define what the dystopian genre consists of and guide readers across the landscape of dystopian novels, from books featuring seemingly perfect societies in the near future, to advanced civilizations paralyzed by inequality. These books are dark, thought-provoking tales that challenge the reader by invoking systemic problems and flinging them into stark relief.

What Is Dystopian Fiction?

Dystopian novels take place in societies that have been restructured and are heavily controlled, be it by governmental agencies, monarchs, shadow cabinets, corporations or (depending on the sub-genre) supernatural/paranormal entities or deities. The key difference between utopian and dystopian fiction is whether the key conflict driving the story is about rebellion or highlighting societal issues plaguing the protagonists.

While there is some crossover between dystopian novels and fantasy novels, fantasy novels focus on a quest, magic or the inner-workings of the world’s monarchy, as opposed to the overthrowing of an overt oppressive regime.

There is often crossover between the sci-fi and dystopia genres. Many dystopian books take place in the future, thereby focusing on Artificial Intelligence, interstellar travel or speculative scientific mechanics, but again, with a dystopia, the focus will be on the effects of the overarching ruling force vs explanations of the science that brought society to that point.

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The line is quite blurry between dystopian novels and post-apocalyptic novels. The main point of distinction will be that post-apocalyptic novels will focus on the immediate aftermath of the end of the world: people walking desolate roads, seeking sustenance, shelter or other survivors. dystopian novels will often take place hundreds of years “after the end,” as it were, allowing whichever force the protagonists are fighting against to rise and take control of society.

Top Dystopian Novels

Thanks to the dystopian boom of the 2010s, many people are familiar with series like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld. Other popular dystopian novels include timeless classics , such as Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury or Brave New World by Aldous Oxley. These rankings are based on the impact they had on culture as a whole, as well as the vividness of the dark society created in each of the novels.

30. Prophet Song by Paul Lynch (2023)

The 2023 Booker Prize winner, Prophet Song tells the story of Eilish Stack, a single mother of four fighting for her family’s future amidst the rise of an Irish Nationalist political party. Gripping and terrifying, this novel is set in the very near future, immersing readers in depictions of international conflict set on a familiar stage. This book is recommended for lovers of history, lovers of beautiful writing, and readers who engage with political news daily. Paul Lynch’s Prophet Song was Ireland’s best-selling book of 2023 and can be bought from independent publisher OneWorld.

29. The Selection by Kiera Cass (2012)

The Bachelor meets the end of the world, The Selection takes place in a highly divided America after World War III. In this society, the only way to escape the rigid caste system is to marry someone in a caste above one’s own, and to ensure genetic diversity, heirs to the throne have potential spouses participate in a televised “Selection” to compete for their love. Romantic and breezy, readers will lose themselves in the descriptions of the glamorous competition alongside depictions of the blighted United States and active rebellions. This book is perfect for young adult readers , readers of romance who want political commentary alongside their love stories, or readers who want to dive into an unfamiliar world informed by romantic norms carried over from our own. Kiera Cass’s The Selection spawned four sequels and can be bought from publisher HarperCollins .

28. The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings (2022)

A dark tale of inheritance and magic, The Women Could Fly tells the tale of a society where women must be married by the age of 30 and witches are burned at the stake by a patriarchal government. The protagonist, Jo, must decide on whether she wants to marry or solve the mystery of her mother’s disappearance before the government begins tracking her. Mysterious and atmospheric, this book is perfect for fans of magical television shows, mystery novels , and books with explicit social commentary. Megan Giddings ’ The Women Could Fly can be bought from publisher HarperCollins .

Joey King will star in the forthcoming "Uglies" adaptation for Netflix.

27. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld (2005)

A book that introduced the dystopian genre to an entire generation, Uglies is another young adult book about a rigidly divided society. In this series, people eagerly await their sixteenth birthdays in order to receive life-altering plastic surgery, transforming them from Uglies, who have very few rights, to Pretties, who live in different cities and do not have to work. Tally, the protagonist, is tasked with finding her friend or risk never being given her surgery. Tackling inequality, beauty politics and shining a light on how oppression can be insidious, Uglies spawned three sequels and is being adapted into a 2025 movie for Netflix. Scottt Westerfeld’s Uglies can be bought from publisher Simon & Schuster .

26. Followers by Megan Angelo (2020)

Told via dual timelines, Followers follows a struggling writer named Orla who befriends an influencer. In the future, people live-stream every minute of their days to their followers and live on the largesse of corporations. Marlow, an influencer hooked up to cameras 24/7, begins to wonder if there is more to life than performing for her fans. How are the two stories connected? How did society get addicted to constant entertainment? A fascinating look at the social media era, this book is perfect for people who worry about screen-time, and readers interested in the attention economy. Megan Angelo’s Followers can be bought from publisher HarperCollins .

25. Wool by Hugh Howey (2011)

A combination of the dystopian and post-apocalyptic genres, Wool is a collection of novellas about societies living underground after nuclear war annihilates the atmosphere. Living in individualized “silos” that reach hundreds of miles under the Earth, society is controlled by the Judicial branch of government and rules are enforced by militarized police forces. The series follows a succession of sheriffs seeking to investigate the truth of the silos, as nothing from “before” has survived the war or the creation of the silos. Hailed as modern classics, the novellas were adapted into a series for Apple TV+ in 2023. This series is perfect for fans of dystopias with large amounts of mythology. Hugh Howey’s Wool was a self-published phenomenon and can be bought wherever eBooks are sold.

Rebecca Ferguson stars in "Silo," the adaptation of the "Wool" novellas for Apple TV+.

24. American War by Omar El Akkad (2017)

A political and audacious novel, American War depicts the second Civil War in a America destroyed by climate change and deadly pandemics. Told through historical documents following the life of a climate activist, readers are transported across an unrecognizable country teeming with victims of a nation that has turned on itself. This book is for readers who love history and seeing the ways nations can repeat mistakes, and people who are deeply passionate about climate change and civil rights. Omar El Akkad’s American War can be bought from publisher Penguin Random House .

23. The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa, translated by Stephen Snyder (1994)

A BookTok favorite, The Memory Police takes place in a society where objects and people randomly vanish as if they never existed. An unlucky few are able to recall the missing, but The Memory Police ensure that the populace live in fear of revealing they know something is awry. Thought-provoking, sad and imbued with the weight of trauma, this book is perfect for readers who seek to lose themselves in stories, lovers of literary fiction and fans of emotional, heavy writing. Yōko Ogawa’s The Memory Police can be purchased from publisher Penguin Random House .

22. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (1895)

A classic that introduced the concept of a time machine to the general public, The Time Machine features a time-travelling Victorian who encounters the end of humanity. Travelling to a future utopian paradise where humans have evolved into a separate species known as the Eloi, the traveler is surprised to learn humanity has transformed into a society of weak, soft decadents who subsist on fruit and are intellectually challenged. The truth is revealed when the traveler discovers that systemic inequality has divided humanity into the Eloi and Morlocks, monsters who live underground and consume the Eloi. The Time Machine shone a light on classism in England and served as a warning for the masses about the effects of harsh caste systems. The Time Machine can be published from publisher Simon & Schuster .

21. Speak by Louisa Hall (2015)

A novel spanning centuries, Speak focuses on the difficulty of making oneself understood and themes of communication and alienation. Beginning in the 1600s with the story of a Puritan woman being married off to an older man and ending with the rise of AI in the 2040s, this novel transports readers and illuminates the horrors of the dystopian future in the book using twists and turns alongside beautiful, haunting writing. This book is for readers who love multiple points of view, literary fiction, Alan Turing, complex stories and language, and those who have conflicted feelings about robotic life forms. Louisa Hall’s Speak can be bought from publisher Ecco Books, a division of HarperCollins .

20. Exit West by Mohsin Hamid (2017)

A novel that marries the dystopian and Magical Realism genres, Exit West explores the lengths people will go through to escape political turmoil. The narrative unfurls as a couple meets and marries in the Middle East, and as their country descends into chaos, learn of a magical door that can transport them to a new territory—for a price. The couple discover the true cost of freedom as the new world becomes victim to many of the issues they thought they had escaped from in this moving political allegory. This book is recommended for readers of complex political thrillers, lovers of magical realism and slow burning dystopias. Mohsin Hamid’s Exit West can be bought from publisher Riverhead Books, a division of Penguin Random House .

19. The Candy House by Jennifer Egan (2022)

Beginning in 2010 with the invention of technology that allows people to upload their memories into the cloud, The Candy House traverses the globe through a series of vignettes exploring generational trauma alongside a slow-moving dystopia. Through inventive stories, readers see the rise of the technology and its effects as characters enter the memories of others and spend their lives lost to nostalgia. Egan won the Pulitzer Prize for A Visit from the Goon Squad , and this book is considered a spiritual sequel. Jennifer Egan’s The Candy House can be purchased from publisher Simon & Schuster , and this is recommended for readers who love complex narratives, stories of parental abandonment and its effects across generations, and readers who fear the effects of social media.

Actress, director and producer Olivia Wilde purchased the rights to "The Candy House" for a ... [+] television adaptation in 2023.

18. The Children of Men by P.D. James (1992)

Set in a terrifying vision of 2021, this haunting novel takes place in a society where no humans are being born due to a mysterious illness afflicting men. After two decades of no live births, England has descended into decadent chaos, with people living in reverence of the final generation, and citizens doting on animals in lieu of infants. As a small resistance effort forms, some seek to fight against the nihilism spreading across society. The book was adapted into a movie directed by visionary director Alfonso Cuarón, starring Clive Owen and Julianne Moore, in 2006. P.D. James’s The Children of Men can be purchased from publisher Penguin Random House .

Director Alfonso Cuaron and Clive Owen on a red carpet for the film adaptation "Children of Men."

17. Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (2023)

A Dystopia directly tackling racial politics and the prison industrial complex, Chain Gang All-Stars tells the story of two female prisoners and lovers tasked with fighting to the death for the entertainment of the masses. Set in a society where the private prison system has grown unchecked, televised death matches allow prisoners to fight for their freedom in order to raise money for the state. Haunting, lyrical and evocative, this book challenges readers with questions surrounding fairness, justice and freedom, and is perfect for readers who are passionate or curious about social justice and the history of policing in the United States. Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah’s Chain Gang All-Stars can be purchased from Pantheon, a division of Penguin Random House .

16. Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica, translated by Sarah Moses (2017)

A short, punchy novel and a TikTok favorite, Tender is the Flesh takes place in a future where animal meat has become poisonous, and governments around the world turn to the next best thing: humans. Marcos works as a manager for a “processing plant,” and slowly starts to question the choices available to him when he develops feelings for a woman scheduled to be “processed.” Dark, graphic and challenging, this book comes with a warning for the squeamish. Agustina Bazterrica’s Tender is the Flesh can be purchased from U.S. publisher Simon & Schuster .

15. The Circle by Dave Eggers (2013 )

Another dystopia about the confluence of social media and the rise of technology, The Circle was an instant classic upon its publication. Chronicling the story of a woman who begins working at The Circle, a company that develops software and tech, as the company slowly starts to spread its influence across the world through its SeeChange cameras, effectively monitoring the actions of millions of users at once. Prescient and sobering, The Circle is perfect for readers who worry about privacy, slow burning Dystopias and technological thrillers. The Circle spawned a film adaptation in 2017 starring Emma Watson and Tom Hanks, and a sequel ( The Every ) in 2021. Dave Eggers’s The Circle can be published from publisher Penguin Random House .

Emma Watson and Tom Hanks starred in the film adaptation of "The Circle."

14. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell (2004 )

Shortlisted for the Booker Prize and revered as a classic, Cloud Atlas is an epic that combines a variety of genres into a moving and indelible novel. Utilizing a unique structure featuring six interlocking stories, the novel transforms in style (from letters, to journals, to an interview, to a legend passed down orally by a post-apocalyptic society) and genre (from historical fiction to thriller to dystopian to post-apocalyptic). Featuring a dystopia in which robots known as fabricants are controlled by corporations, the book builds to a thrilling conclusion before revealing how all six stories are connected. Memorable and powerful, this book is recommended for readers who enjoy challenging books, works that span genre, and stories about the power of hope and the human condition. David Mitchell ’s Cloud Atlas was also adapted into a movie starring Tom Hanks and Halle Berry in 2012, and can be purchased from publisher Penguin Random House .

13. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1952 )

Another classic, Fahrenheit 451 changed the way Americans thought about freedom of speech, repression and the power of ideas, and is considered one of the greatest novels of all time. Set in a future where firemen find and burn books that could potentially inspire rebellion, Bradbury’s fire-starting protagonist soon questions what power the forbidden objects might hold, and why the government is so set on destroying them on sight. Fahrenheit 451 is considered prescient and powerful, and remains on the curriculum of high schools across the country. Fahrenheit 451 can be purchased from publisher Simon & Schuster .

12. Never Let me Go by Kazuo Ishigiro (2005)

Taking place in a world where incredible advances have been made in the field of biology, Never Let Me Go is set at a boarding school for clones in the 1990s. The three protagonists are being instructed in the ways of the world, but the reader quickly learns that the school, its purpose and society at large have something much darker in store for them. Centered on the roles and rights of an underclass, the novel is perfect for readers who are fans of quiet science fiction, literary fiction and deeply sad meditations on what it means to be human. The book was also adapted into a film starring Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield in 2010. Tender, devastating, and haunting, Kazuo Ishigiro’s Never Let Me Go was shortlisted for the Booker prize and can be purchased from publisher Penguin Random House .

Andrew Garfield, Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley starred in the film adaptation of "Never Let Me ... [+] Go."

11. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick (1968)

A science fiction classic, this novel was the basis for the film Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049 . In this book, most of humanity has fled Earth after nuclear war, and almost every animal is extinct. Upon leaving, each human family receives a robotic servant, with technology having advanced to the point the androids are identical to humans in every way. Centering on a bounty hunter in San Francisco tasked with destroying an escaped group of androids, this novel paints a portrait of an underclass longing for meaning amidst a ruined society devoid of hope. This book is recommended for readers who love existentialism, twists and noir fiction with a sci-fi bent. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? can be purchased from publisher Penguin Random House .

Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford starred in "Blade Runner 2049," an adaptations of "Do Androids Dream ... [+] of Electric Sheep?"

10. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin (2015)

A masterful blend of science fiction and fantasy, this novel takes place in a dystopian society rigidly divided by castes. The three protagonists are “orogenes,” people with the ability to create earthquakes, and are hated by members of every other caste. Throughout the novel, readers learn the “Fifth Season” refers to a period of intense climate change that will devastate the world, and a Fifth Season is rapidly approaching. Transformative and epic in scope, this novel won the prestigious Hugo Award for Best Novel, and is widely reversed as a modern classic for its handling of climate awareness and deft class politics using fantasy as a framework for societal analysis. N.K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season spawned two sequels and can be purchased from publisher Hachette Book Group .

9. The Power by Naomi Alderman (2016)

Told in dual timelines, the first takes place in the modern day as women discover they have the ability to produce electricity from their fingertips due to a vestigial organ. The second, much darker timeline takes the reader to a far-off future where women have become the dominant gender and all technology has been destroyed. In this dystopian take on gender, the reader is forced to wonder what would happen if the gender wars became real, and envision a dark future where one gender has wrested power through violence. Thought-provoking, brilliant, and original, The Power was adapted into a series for Amazon Prime Video in 2023 and is perfect for readers of speculative fiction and fans of fictional historical documents. Naomi Alderman’s The Power can be purchased from publisher Hachette Book Group .

Toni Collette starred in a series adaptation of "The Power" for Amazon Prime Video.

8. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (1932)

A searing social satire, Brave New World was instantly controversial upon publication for its depiction of a dystopian society that ranked people by intelligence and ability to produce. In a far-off future, humans are bred in artificial wombs and sorted into castes which determine their livelihoods. While society has progressed tremendously, with the elimination of diseases, violence and pain, protagonist Bernard Marx soon discovers not everything is as it seems when he discovers people living outside the rigidly defined society that he considers home. A blistering, deeply realized classic, Brave New World has been taught in schools for generations and can be purchased from publisher HarperCollins .

7. Severance by Ling Ma (2018)

A tale about the slow-moving end of the world, Severance is set in a world where a global pandemic infects victims with a fever that forces them to perform their day-to-day routines ad nauseam until their bodies fully shut down. Aimless Millennial protagonist Candace hardly notices when the world starts shutting down, only realizing she is trapped inside her own routine when she awakens in an abandoned New York City. As she seems to make her escape, joining up with a group of survivors led by a cheery IT worker, she slowly awakens to what post-fever society has become. Funny, dark and timely, this novel is perfect for readers who enjoy satires, immigrant narratives, and surreptitious take-downs of productivity culture. Ling Ma’s Severance can be purchased from publisher Macmillan .

6. The Dog Stars by Peter Heller (2012)

A blend of post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction, The Dog Stars also centers on a society ravaged by a global pandemic, leaving pockets of survivors to fend for themselves in a largely uninhabited world. Receiving a radio transmission after years of silence, protagonist Hig and his dog set out to discover the mysteries of the new world and the dangers outside his pocket of safety. Gripping, moving, and poignant, The Dog Stars is recommended for readers who love stories about human perseverance and against-all-odds survival fiction. Peter Heller’s The Dog Stars can be purchased from publisher Penguin Random House .

5. The Giver by Lois Lowry (1993)

The book that introduced the concept of dystopian societies to many Young Adult readers, The Giver is a treasured, timeless classic. Set in a “utopian” society that has no color or emotion, readers are plunged into a sterile world with no pain—but also, no joy. Protagonist Jonas is eager to learn what his role in his Community will be before learning he will be the sole keeper of all memory from before society was rendered “perfect.” Reeling from the forbidden knowledge, Jonas soon learns there is a price to pay for perfection. This book is recommended for young adult readers and those seeking to be introduced to Dystopian fiction. Lois Lowry’s The Giver can be purchased from publisher HarperCollins .

4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008)

A titan that redefined publishing upon its publication, The Hunger Games is often credited with ushering in the young adult dystopia genre boom in the 2010s. Taking place in a future affected by climate change and nuclear war, the United States has been reborn as Panem, a nation sporting a cruel and militaristic government and rigidly divided into Districts. To quell rebellion, the government forces two children between the ages of 12 and 18 from each District to fight to the death in televised battles for the entertainment of wealthy citizens in the Capitol. After her sister is selected for the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her place and sets in motion a chain of events that promise to change Panem forever. The Hunger Games was adapted into a film in 2012 starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games and its sequels can be purchased from publisher Scholastic .

Actors Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks and Jennifer Lawrence in the film adaptation of the second ... [+] book in the Hunger Games series, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire."

3. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler (1993)

A prescient novel blending climate fiction, pharmaceutical malfeasance, pandemics and wealth inequality, this novel combines the dystopian and post-apocalyptic genres to paint a nightmare vision of America's future. As society actively crumbles due to catastrophic climate change, citizens hide from violence in gated communities. In an alternate 2024, companies “own” workers through forms of debt management, and unregulated corporations have reinstated Company Towns. In one of the final safe places outside Los Angeles, protagonist Lauren Olamina internalizes the religious teachings of her father, and seeks to understand what hope can accomplish in a world on the brink of collapse. A TikTok favorite, this book is vivid, thoughtful and exceedingly clear-eyed about the possibilities of the future. This book is perfect for readers of fiction that interrogates big ideas and readers of bleak science fiction. Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower can be purchased from publisher Hachette Book Group .

2. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985)

A feminist classic, The Handmaid’s Tale continues to be upheld as one of the most prophetic and ominous dystopian novels of all time. Featuring a United States controlled by a theocratic government, women have lost all rights, and women with the ability to bear children are known as Handmaids and are conscripted into servitude for powerful men. The novel emphasizes how ideologies can become widespread, and how darkness can seep into the minds of ordinary citizens. Dark, mournful and informative, this book is recommended for readers who are curious about the way fascism spreads, readers of feminist literature and all fans of literary science fiction. Atwood followed The Handmaid’s Tale with The Testaments in 2019, and elements from both books were used in Hulu’s 2018 adaptation. Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale can be purchased from publisher HarperCollins .

Author Margaret Atwood attends the premiere of Hulu's "The Handmaid's Tale" adaptation.

1. 1984 by George Orwell (1949)

An undisputed, revolutionary work upon its publication, 1984 was so eerie it spawned the word “Orwellian,” an adjective to describe behaviors displayed in the novel. In a totalitarian England controlled by an all-seeing, all-knowing politician known as Big Brother, protagonist Winston Smith silently seethes at the complete control the government has over citizens, and the culture of turning people in for “thoughtcrimes.” Secretly plotting rebellion, Winston struggles to trust anyone around him, and soon learns Big Brother’s arms and eyes reach further than he could ever imagine. Unsettling, powerful and masterful, 1984 is a masterpiece that awakened readers to the dangers of propaganda and the importance of free speech. 1984 can be purchased from publisher HarperCollins .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best ya dystopian novels.

The best YA dystopian novels are:

The Hunger Games , by Suzanne Collins (2008), an instant classic that follows Katniss Everdeen as she fights to the death in a televised match.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld (2005), where everyone in society receives massive plastic surgery in order to be deemed a Pretty, and Tally is sent on a journey to find her missing friend before being able to undergo her surgery.

The Selection by Keira Cass (2012) takes place in a post-apocalyptic US divided into castes, where royals choose spouses from amidst the castes in a televised competition for their love.

What Are The Best Dystopian Romance Novels?

Dystopias and romance don't often go hand-in-hand. By definition, the romance genre demands a happy ending, something not often found in dystopian fiction. That said, the best dystopian novels with romance elements are:

The Selection by Keira Cass (2012), where America Singer finds herself slowly falling for Prince Maxon against her greater instincts.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishigiro (2005), where Tommy and Ruth fall into a steady, dependable relationship and cling to one another as their futures slowly unfurl.

What Are The Best Dystopian Novels For Teens?

For readers slightly younger than young adult, the best dystopian books for teens are:

The Giver by Lois Lowry (2005), a classic that takes place in a society devoid of emotion, color and temperature. Protagonist Jonas (who is 12 when the book begins) receives his Assignment as The Giver, the keeper of all memories from before society became a dystopia. When Jonas learns what keeps his society "perfect," his life is never the same.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1952), for slightly older teens. This novel has been on the curriculum of high schools across the country for generations. Featuring a fireman who finds and burns books, the protagonist soon begins to wonder why the government is so keen on suppressing the flow of information, and introduces young readers to the power of ideas.

The dystopian genre is vast, covering a wide swath of societal ills. Whether the books above take place in alternate futures, fantasy societies or worlds with androids and robots, the power of dystopian novels lie in their ability to shine a light on our society as it is, and present a vision of horrific futures we should all work to avoid.

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Negro Leagues stats are now MLB stats. Here’s how the record book changed.

Josh Gibson could mash, Satchel Paige dominated 1944, and other takeaways from a groundbreaking day for baseball stats.

Major League Baseball announced Wednesday that the statistics of more than 2,300 Negro Leagues players will be incorporated into its record book. The addition, which comes a few years after MLB declared the Negro Leagues should be considered “major league level,” means the achievements of some of the sport’s all-time greats will now be considered against those of their contemporaries, even though they were not allowed to compete against them on the field.

Stars such as Homestead Grays slugger Josh Gibson now stand alongside the likes of Babe Ruth and Ted Williams in a record book that long excluded them. The Negro Leagues stars generally played fewer official games than White players of the same era, so the top of the leader boards for many of the counting statistics (hits, home runs, strikeouts, etc.) are unchanged. But rate stats, which speak to how effective a player was without being subject to scheduling, reveal a much different picture.

Here are 10 things to know as MLB’s statistical history changes forever.

Josh Gibson is the new single-season batting, slugging and OPS champion

No absence from the MLB record book was more glaring than Gibson’s . His .466 average with the 1943 Homestead Grays is now MLB’s highest ever. His .974 slugging percentage from the 1937 season now leads all seasons in that category, too. And his 1.474 OPS in 1937 and 1.435 OPS in 1943 are now the two most prolific seasons in that category, relegating Barry Bonds (1.421 in 2004) to third all-time.

Gibson is now the all-time batting, slugging and OPS leader

Gibson finished his career with a .372 batting average, surpassing Ty Cobb (.367) for the best in history. He compiled a .718 slugging percentage, 28 points higher than second-place finisher Ruth. And his 1.177 career OPS rewrote the top of that career leader board, which now reads Gibson, Ruth (1.164), Williams (1.116).

Oscar Charleston measures as one of the greatest hitters of all time

The recalibration of the record book reinforces the idea that Charleston, an early Negro Leagues outfielder who was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976, should be remembered as one of the greatest hitters in the early history of the sport.

Several Major League records are now held by Josh Gibson as he and other Negro Leagues legends officially join the all-time leaderboards. The statistics of more than 2,300 Negro Leagues players launch today in a newly integrated https://t.co/Z3s2EpgF39 database that presents… pic.twitter.com/UyvCu0pSzi — MLB (@MLB) May 29, 2024

His .363 career batting average now sits third all-time behind Gibson and Cobb. His 1.061 OPS is now fifth all-time , behind Gibson, Ruth, Williams and Lou Gehrig, and ahead of Barry Bonds. He turned in two of the 10 best seasons by batting average in baseball history, with a .434 average in 1921 and a .427 showing in 1925. For reference, Rogers Hornsby hit .424 for St. Louis in 1924.

So does Buck Leonard

Not far behind Charleston on the top-10 lists for many career offensive stats is Buck Leonard, who batted behind Gibson in the Homestead Grays lineup for much of their collective heydays.

Leonard (.345) now stands eighth all-time, ahead of batting average legends Tris Speaker (.345) and Williams (.344). His .452 on-base percentage is now fifth all-time, ahead of Gehrig (.447) and Bonds (.444). And his 1.042 OPS is seventh best, just behind Bonds and ahead of Jimmie Foxx.

Satchel Paige had an incredible 1944 season

When people think of miraculous pitching seasons, they often point to Bob Gibson’s dominant 1968, when he pitched to a 1.12 ERA. History buffs cite Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson, both of whom finished full seasons with 1.14 ERAs in the early 1900s.

Paige was more dominant than all of them in 1944, pitching to a 1.01 ERA (over, it should be noted, fewer innings than the others), striking out more than one batter per inning and holding opponents to a .179 batting average.

Actually, Paige had a lot of incredible seasons

Because Paige threw fewer officially recorded innings than his White contemporaries during the height of his Negro Leagues career, he does not stack up against them when it comes to stats such as strikeouts and wins.

But his 125 wins and 1,484 strikeouts came in 399 outings over 1,725 innings, for an average of 7.74 strikeouts per nine innings. That’s the 29th-highest strikeouts-per-nine ratio in MLB history, just behind CC Sabathia — and ahead of Bob Gibson’s 7.22. Paige’s 1.11 career walks and hits per inning pitched is 18th all-time, same as Sandy Koufax.

Dave Brown joins the list of pitching’s greatest short-lived stars

Dave Brown only pitched six years in the Negro Leagues, per MLB’s counted statistics. His career ended early when he was accused of killing a man and fled authorities, disappearing into anonymity until a dogged biographer from the Society for American Baseball Research tracked his story down years after his death.

But when he did pitch, he was excellent. His 2.24 career ERA now sits eighth all-time, just behind Rube Waddell and Johnson. His 1.08 career WHIP is 10th in history, tied with Max Scherzer.

Minnie Miñoso joins the 2,000-hit club

Cuban star Minnie Miñoso was already known to many baseball fans as one of the better all-around outfielders of the 1950s and as a trailblazer with the Chicago White Sox. His legacy in both roles has gained appreciation over the years , and he was inducted to Cooperstown in 2022.

But until he was credited for his output in the Negro Leagues from 1946 to 1948, Miñoso could not claim membership to the 2,000-hit club, having finished his time in the majors 37 hits shy. Now he sits at 2,113, the 294th player to cross the 2,000-hit threshold.

Willie Mays and Jackie Robinson’s career numbers changed, too

Since Mays and Robinson spent brief periods in the Negro Leagues, their already legendary numbers changed, too. Robinson’s career hit total jumped to 1,567, thanks to his time with the Kansas City Monarchs. Mays’s 10 hits with the Birmingham Black Barons pushed him to 3,293, solidifying his place as 12th all-time.

And there are so many more names to know

Those perusing new leader boards will find several less familiar names in the top 10s alongside those mentioned above. Jud Wilson, who played for the Grays among several other teams, hit .350 in his career, which is now fifth all-time.

Just behind him at .348 is Turkey Stearnes, an outfielder who now sits sixth all-time in career slugging percentage. Mule Suttles, also known for remarkable power, is fifth all-time in slugging at .621. Stearnes and Suttles are now ninth and 10th all-time in OPS, just ahead of Hank Greenberg and Hornsby.

10 books to add to your reading list in June

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Critic Bethanne Patrick recommends 10 promising titles, fiction and nonfiction, to consider for your June reading list.

With books tied to historical anniversaries and about two driven women, June offers powerful perspectives on what and how we remember. Novelists engage with societal shunning, the ghosts of ancestors and beachside grief; nonfiction writers with overturned case law, misplaced aspirations and reclaiming the legacy of a brilliant comic.

The Future Was Color: A Novel By Patrick Nathan Counterpoint: 224 pages, $26 (June 4)

Nathan employs the timeless “a stranger comes to town” plot, as a gay Hungarian Jew named George Curtis gets invited to a chic Malibu house for a 1950s Hollywood heyday. However, George’s backstory in Manhattan and future in Paris bookend that bacchanalia and show how dark the shadow of McCarthyism and its “Lavender Scare” loomed over queer society — as other paranoias of the day did over other people, reminding readers that things have not changed enough.

Godwin By Joseph O’Neill Pantheon: 288 pages, $28 (June 4)

From “Netherland” to “The Dog” and now in “Godwin,” O’Neill has evinced strong interests in team sports (cricket, soccer) and colonialism (in Dubai, and Africa broadly). As protagonist Mark Wolfe, recently disgraced at work in Pittsburgh, tries to help his half sibling track down an African soccer star (the titular Godwin), the mordant humor and keen observations of late-stage capitalism give lift to the theme of how and where and when we support each other.

Tiananmen Square: A Novel By Lai Wen Spiegel & Grau: 528 pages, $22 (June 4)

June 4 marks the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. The pseudonymous Lai Wen’s fictional account of her upbringing under communism and the friendships she forged as a student offers an important window into what spurred the Chinese student protests that ended in violence. Despite knowing the outcome, readers will be riveted by the author’s thoughtful, moving narrative of coming to political consciousness in a time of danger.

Sandwich: A Novel By Catherine Newman Harper: 240 pages, $27 (June 18)

With the pacing of a thriller, observations akin to poetry and real-life conflict like memoir, Newman’s novel about one family’s week on Cape Cod should find a place in your beach bag, even if your own summer vacation is in Bali. The menopausal Rocky, her husband, their two grown children (along with one’s partner), and her aged parents enjoy time-honored traditions but also have to figure out how to negotiate time’s changes on all of them.

Devil Is Fine: A Novel By John Vercher Celadon Books: 272 pages, $29 (June 18)

Vercher’s second novel provides a startling perspective, even darker than “American Fiction,” on what it means to be a person of color operating within our nation’s book-publishing industry. As the unnamed narrator copes with parenting a teenage son, he receives an unexpected inheritance from his white mother’s family that triggers tragic visions — and allows him to at last untangle his feelings about his own identity.

Miss May Does Not Exist: The Life and Work of Elaine May, Hollywood’s Hidden Genius By Carrie Courogen SMP: 400 pages, $30 (June 4)

The 92-year-old Elaine May does exist, and Carrie Courogen’s biography of May shows her long and vibrant career — and how her particular talent for comedy writing was ignored by too many of her contemporaries. Despite her stellar, groundbreaking work with Mike Nichols, May didn’t experience career liftoff until her 50s, when she became known as a script fixer. Today, her commitment to creative control sounds an important note for women in media.

The Fall of Roe: The Rise of a New America By Elizabeth Dias and Lisa Lerer Flatiron Books: 448 pages, $33 (June 4)

The subtitle of this new book by New York Times reporters Dias (religion) and Lerer (politics) underscores how the conservative religious faction’s far-reaching and secretive strategy of putting anti-abortion activists in the spotlight changed rights for Americans in June 2022. As the authors warn, if Democrats don’t change their own strategy, we might see an entirely different nation emerge because of a single issue.

Ambition Monster: A Memoir By Jennifer Romolini Atria: 304 pages, $29 (June 4)

Host of the “Everything Is Fine” podcast and author of “Weird in a World That’s Not,” Romolini here focuses on her own difficult upbringing and (at least early on) dysfunctional relationship with achievement and its signals, from corner office to substantial salary. Even after she earned all of those, she wasn’t fulfilled. This highly personal narrative documents how the author detached from her inner fears to find a more authentic path.

When the Sea Came Alive: An Oral History of D-Day By Garrett M. Graff Avid Reader Press: 608 pages, $33 (June 4)

June 4 also marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy, and Graff’s collection of 700 participants’ stories provides a compelling window into the kind of military maneuvers few living Americans can remember. The surprise landing of over 150,000 Allied troops on French beaches led to the eventual defeat of the Axis powers. Reading about survivors’ experiences in their own words proves a solemn practice.

The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir By Griffin Dunne Penguin Press: 400 pages, $30 (June 11)

The cover of "The Friday Afternoon Club"

Griffin Dunne has spent a lifetime surrounded by brilliant writers: his father, Dominick Dunne; his uncle and aunt, John Gregory Dunne and his wife Joan Didion; and his brother, Alex Dunne. Griffin Dunne is also a noted actor/director/producer. Perhaps the literary talent shown in his heartwrenching memoir shouldn’t be a surprise. Still, his deeply felt account of his sister Dominique’s 1982 murder, which opens the book, startles with its honesty, spareness and elegant structure.

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The Best Books of the Year (So Far)

The nonfiction and novels we can’t stop thinking about.

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By The New York Times Books Staff

May 24, 2024

Fiction | Nonfiction

We’re almost halfway through 2024 and we at The Book Review have already written about hundreds of books. Some of those titles are good. Some are very good. And then there are the following.

We suspect that some (though certainly not all) will be top of mind when we publish our end-of-year, best-of lists. For more thoughts on what to read next, head to our book recommendation page .

The cover of “James” is black. The title is in yellow, and the author’s name is in white.

James , by Percival Everett

In this reworking of the “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” Jim, the enslaved man who accompanies Huck down the Mississippi River, is the narrator, and he recounts the classic tale in a language that is his own, with surprising details that reveal a far more resourceful, cunning and powerful character than we knew.

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Good Material , by Dolly Alderton

Alderton’s novel, about a 35-year-old struggling to make sense of a breakup, delivers the most delightful aspects of romantic comedy — snappy dialogue, realistic relationship dynamics, funny meet-cutes and misunderstandings — and leaves behind clichéd gender roles and the traditional marriage plot.

Martyr! , by Kaveh Akbar

A young Iranian American aspiring poet and recovering addict grieves his parents’ deaths while fantasizing about his own in Akbar’s remarkable first novel, which, haunted by death, also teems with life — in the inventive beauty of its sentences, the vividness of its characters and the surprising twists of its plot.

The Hunter , by Tana French

For Tana French fans, every one of the thriller writer’s twisty, ingenious books is an event. This one, a sequel to “The Searcher,” once again sees the retired Chicago cop Cal Hooper, a perennial outsider in the Irish west-country hamlet of Ardnakelty, caught up in the crimes — seen and unseen — that eat at the seemingly picturesque village.

Wandering Stars , by Tommy Orange

This follow-up to Orange’s debut, “There There,” is part prequel and part sequel; it trails the young survivor of a 19th-century massacre of Native Americans, chronicling not just his harsh fate but those of his descendants. In its second half, the novel enters 21st-century Oakland, following the family in the aftermath of a shooting.

Headshot , by Rita Bullwinkel

Set at a women’s boxing tournament in Reno, Nev., this novel centers on eight contestants, and the fights — physical and emotional — they bring to the ring. As our critic wrote: This story’s impact “lasts a long time, like a sharp fist to your shoulder.”

Beautyland , by Marie-Helene Bertino

In 1970s Philadelphia, an alien girl sent to Earth before she’s born communicates with her fellow life-forms via fax as she helps gather intel about whether our planet is habitable. This funny-sad novel follows the girl and her single mother as they find the means to persevere.

Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder , by Salman Rushdie

In his candid, plain-spoken and gripping new memoir, Rushdie recalls the attempted assassination he survived in 2022 during a presentation about keeping the world’s writers safe from harm. His attacker had piranhic energy. He also had a knife. Rushdie lost an eye, but he has slowly recovered thanks to the attentive care of doctors and the wife he celebrates here.

Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis , by Jonathan Blitzer

This urgent and propulsive account of Latin American politics and immigration makes a persuasive case for a direct line from U.S. foreign policy in Central America to the current migrant crisis.

The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook , by Hampton Sides

By the time he made his third Pacific voyage, the British explorer James Cook had maybe begun to lose it a little. The scientific aims of his first two trips had shifted into something darker. According to our reviewer, the historian Hampton Sides “isn’t just interested in retelling an adventure tale. He also wants to present it from a 21st-century point of view. ‘The Wide Wide Sea’ fits neatly into a growing genre that includes David Grann’s ‘ The Wager ’ and Candice Millard’s ‘ River of the Gods ,’ in which famous expeditions, once told as swashbuckling stories of adventure, are recast within the tragic history of colonialism .”

The Rebel’s Clinic: The Revolutionary Lives of Frantz Fanon , by Adam Shatz

This absorbing biography of the Black psychiatrist, writer and revolutionary Frantz Fanon highlights a side of him that’s often eclipsed by his image as a zealous partisan — that of the caring doctor, who ran a secret clinic for Algerian rebels.

Fi: A Memoir , by Alexandra Fuller

In her fifth memoir, Fuller describes the sudden death of her 21-year-old son. Devastating as this elegant and honest account may be — it’s certainly not for the faint of heart — it also leaves the reader with a sense of having known a lovely and lively young man.

Explore More in Books

Want to know about the best books to read and the latest news start here..

John S. Jacobs was a fugitive, an abolitionist — and the brother of the canonical author Harriet Jacobs. Now, his own fierce autobiography has re-emerged .

Don DeLillo’s fascination with terrorism, cults and mass culture’s weirder turns has given his work a prophetic air. Here are his essential books .

Jenny Erpenbeck’s “ Kairos ,” a novel about a torrid love affair in the final years of East Germany, won the International Booker Prize , the renowned award for fiction translated into English.

Kevin Kwan, the author of “Crazy Rich Asians,” left Singapore’s opulent, status-obsessed, upper crust when he was 11. He’s still writing about it .

Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .

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Step 3: Create an outline. An outline acts as the backbone of your book presentation. It helps you organize your thoughts and ensures a logical flow of information. Divide your presentation into sections such as introduction, plot summary, themes, characters, and your personal analysis. This will make it easier for your audience to follow along.
How to make a book presentation
Select a book. Decide on what book you want to make a presentation. Collect information. Make a research about the author's biography, reviews, and other books. Start designing the page layouts. Flipsnack offers a fantastic online editor. Add interactive elements. Integrate video, captions, hyperlinks, and other interactive elements in your ...
How to Write a Presentation of a Book
Include the year it was published, number of pages and what genre the book falls under. Describe each of the main characters in the book and talk about how each influences the story. Provide an explanation of your perceptions and thoughts regarding the book. While the rest of your presentation may be in third-person, you can usually write this ...
The Presentation Planning Checklist
Make sure you are dressed and groomed appropriately and in keeping with the audience's expectations. Practice your speech standing (or sitting, if applicable), paying close attention to your body language, even your posture, both of which will be assessed by the audience.
7 Tips to Write a Killer Book Presentation
In fact, as you prepare to make your presentation, you may find that your writing skills are quite useful. You can leverage those skills by following these seven tips to write a killer book presentation. 1. Use Your Storytelling Skills. The people attending your presentation want to know the story behind your book.
8 Steps to Create a Dynamic Presentation from Your Book by Kirsten
Speaking gigs are a key ingredient in book publicity and building an author platform. An author's interaction with an audience often generates book sales. Likewise, strong demand for a book creates more opportunities for speaking. The relationship is symbiotic. Yet many authors—having poured their expertise into a robust written work—find the task of crafting speeches […]
How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]
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.
Book Presentation Prep: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Authors
Preparing Your Book Presentation: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Authors. September 19, 2023 by Eithan. The days of writing custom works and hearing phrases like " do my essay for free " are gone - now you are officially a writer and have your book. The presentation of a book is one of the most awaited moments for authors after publication.
Effective Presentations Checklist
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.
Presentation Checklist: What to do Before and After Delivery
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.
What Is a Book Talk? A Classroom Guide to Making Them Work
1. Provide a template. Help students structure a book talk with a template that lets students know that they have all the components of a solid book talk. 2. Don't give away the ending. Share the story until the climax or a cliff-hanger, and leave students wanting to know what happened next.
Free book report education presentation templates
Skip to start of list. 30 templates. Create a blank Book Report Education Presentation. Green and Pink Stickers and Badges Book Report Education Presentation. Presentation by Canva Creative Studio. Beige Green and Blue Illustration Book Report Education Presentation. Presentation by Canva Creative Studio.
Virtual presentation checklist
When it's your turn to step into the virtual spotlight use this free presentation checklist. You'll learn how to: Choose the right type of virtual presentation to reach your audience. Write content that will keep your remote audience engrossed. Create visuals that make you and your content stand out online. Command the virtual room and build ...
Book Presentation Checklist
Book Presentation Checklist - Back to School. Subject: Whole school. Age range: 11-14. Resource type: Worksheet/Activity. File previews. docx, 23.65 KB. A handy checklist for presentation, you can print off and laminate into cards - 3 per sheet. I hand them to pupils as they enter the room, to use to check their book, as a settling / starter ...
17 must-read books about presentation design
The Non-Designer's Design Book by Robin Williams. This book, also by design expert Robin Williams, covers everything from color to typeface. It gives you a wealth of professional design tips that can easily be applied to your next PowerPoint or Google Slides creation. More info.
Top 35 Presentation Books: Expert Ratings
Most books (31 out of 35) are rated 4 out of 5 stars or higher by amazon.com readers. The "Amazon Rating" column in the tables below gives the "stars" ranking and the number of reader reviews. Most books (27 out of 35) are priced between $14 and $28. Four books are less than $14, and one book is over $28. Three books are no longer ...
7 Great Books for Boosting Your Presentation Skills
1. Speak to Win. Subtitle: How to Present With Power in Any Situation. Author: Brian Tracy. Why It's Worth Reading: While Tracy's other books are more famous, this one takes the author's deep ...
Virtual Presentation Checklist
Presentations are hard. Virtual is even harder — particularly with all the distractions and technical hurdles you and your audience face. If you've watched Rob's Virtual Presentation Crash Course, you're also going to want this handy checklist that captures all the key points from the video — 35 tips in all.
Free Book Google Slides themes and PowerPoint templates
Download the Literature Flashcards presentation for PowerPoint or Google Slides and start impressing your audience with a creative and original design. Slidesgo templates like this one here offer the possibility to convey a concept, idea or topic in a clear, concise and visual way, by using different graphic resources.
Top 9 Presentation Design Books (2023)
Overview. A companion to Good Charts, the Good Charts Workbook by Scott Berinato offers hands-on exercises and practical tools to help you create better data visualizations. Improve your skills with engaging activities and real-world examples.
10 Best Presentation Books: Boost Your Presentation Skills
Data visualization: Presenting complex data in a clear and concise manner is a critical skill in effective presentations. Slide preparation and organization: The book offers strategies for organizing slides and building a coherent flow throughout the presentation. Buy Slideology On Amazon.
Presenting virtually? Here's a checklist to make it great
Engage as many of your audience's senses as possible so you tip the sensory scales from "You're home, you're safe, carry on," over to "You may be in the same place, but this is is a different thing. Pay attention.". You can't do anything about smell or taste, but you can maximize your message across sight, sound, and touch.
A List of the Top 40 Books on Presentation Skills
With recent the passing of Casey Kasem, I allowed nostalgia to grab hold of me this week and decided to dive into a Top 40 list.. Following are the top 40 books listed under the category of "Running Meetings & Presentations" as ranked by Amazon.com on Monday, June 16, 2014.A few of these are classics and must-reads. I had never heard of some of these books and have added them to my reading ...
Gov. Kristi Noem's book received NYT 'dagger of death': What that means
The book was on the list for the week of May 20-26. As of May 27, the book was no longer on the list, though it's unclear why. "Institutional, special interest, group or bulk purchases, if and ...
The 30 Greatest Dystopian Books Of All Time
5. The Giver by Lois Lowry (1993) The book that introduced the concept of dystopian societies to many Young Adult readers, The Giver is a treasured, timeless classic. Set in a "utopian ...
Bill Gates' 2024 summer book recommendations: One is a 'must-read'
The billionaire Microsoft co-founder, a voracious reader who regularly shares his top book recommendations, released his newest list of summer reads on Tuesday. This year's list includes one ...
28 books to read this summer
12 min. According to experts, this is going to be the busiest summer for travel in almost 20 years. You'll need books for all those trains, planes and automobiles (only in the passenger seats ...
How MLB's record book changes as Negro Leagues stats are added
Save. Major League Baseball announced Wednesday that the statistics of more than 2,300 Negro Leagues players will be incorporated into its record book. The addition, which comes a few years after ...
10 books to add to your reading list in June
Today, her commitment to creative control sounds an important note for women in media. The Fall of Roe: The Rise of a New America. By Elizabeth Dias and Lisa Lerer. Flatiron Books: 448 pages, $33 ...
The Best Books of 2024 (So Far)
Jenny Erpenbeck's " Kairos ," a novel about a torrid love affair in the final years of East Germany, won the International Booker Prize, the renowned award for fiction translated into ...