presentation planning stage

Giving Presentations

Understanding your assignment, planning your presentation, organizing your presentation, signal words and transition phrases.

Group Presentations
Using Presentation Software
Engaging your Audience
Finding and Using Images
Citing Sources
Overcoming Anxiety

Suggested Books

Learn how to deal with nerves, prepare concise and effective notes, anticipate questions or problems and keep your audience interested.

A Student's Guide to Presentations

Provides tips on presenting individually, in groups, and for job interviews.

Develop Your Presentation Skills

Improve your confidence and nail your presentations with this pocket guide to preparing and delivering them well.

As with any assignment, it's important to first check the assignment requirements before you start planning your presentation. Read over the assignment requirements and make sure you understand the following:

Is it a group or individual presentation?
Is there a time limit or requirement?
Are you allowed to use videos? If so, how long can videos be? Instructors generally do not want videos to take up a big portion of your presentation, but short videos can help to illustrate a point
What's the topic you will be presenting on? Do you get to choose?
Are you required to prepare a visual component such as a PowerPoint or a poster?
What is the purpose of the presentation? Are you summarizing an issue to inform your classmates? Are you presenting a paper you wrote? Are you trying to convince them of a particular argument related to an issue? Are you leading discussion on a reading?

A good presentation requires careful planning. In general, you will need to follow these steps to plan a successful presentation:

Brainstorm and outline: What's your topic? What do you know about the topic? What do you want your audience to know?
Research: Use research to support your argument, find examples and statistics, or to learn more about your topic.
Write an outline .
Write a draft.
Plan any visual aids such as PowerPoint or any activities you want your audience to participate in
Practice, practice, practice! Make sure your presentation is not too long, and edit it down as needed.

A good presentation should be well organized, with a beginning, middle and end.

Beginning :

The beginning of a presentation is very important! This is when you have an opportunity to grab the audience's attention, and set the tone for your presentation.

Use an attention grabber. Some attention grabbing techniques include: asking a thought-provoking question, showing the audience am intriguing picture, telling a story or use a real life example related to your topic, sharing a shocking statistic related to your topic, sharing a powerful quote, playing a short video
Introduce yourself and the topic you will be discussing
Outline what you will be talking about.
Discuss your main points in a logical order
It should be clear to your audience when you are moving from one point to another
Use examples to support your points

Conclusion:

Summarize the main points
Avoid providing new information at this point, but you can state any additional questions that you think your research has led you too
Use language that lets your audience know that your presentation is coming to an end
Avoid ending with "that's it!" or apologizing for your presentation
Thank the audience for listening and invite questions

Using transition and signal phrases throughout your presentation will help keep it organized and ensure your thoughts are communicated clearly. Try using some of the phrases below to introduce ideas and structure your presentation.

Introducing your presentation:

The topic/question I will be discussing today is...
This presentation will investigate/examine...

Providing an outline:

I want to start by..., then I will...
This presentation is divided into [x number] of parts. First I will... then I will..., finally I will conclude by...
There are [x number] of points I will discuss: A, B, C and D
Let's begin by looking at... before examining...

Introducing your main point:

A significant issue is...
A major concern is...
The central problem is...

Rephrasing your main point:

In other words...
Another way to think about the problem is...

Moving to another point:

Now let's consider...
I'd like to move on to examine...
Now, turning to the issue of...

Introducing an example:

A case in point is...
Take the case of...
This is illustrated/demonstrated by...
An example of this is...

Introducing images or explaining visuals:

This image/diagram illustrates...
As you can see here...

Introducing and integrating videos:

We will now watch a short video that illustrates...
In the video we've just watched, it is important to note that...
As the video demonstrates...

Conclusions:

To sum up...
In conclusion...
In summary...
To summarize...
To conclude...
Therefore...

Inviting and Answering Questions:

I am happy to take questions now.
That's a very interesting question. In my opinion,...
Thanks for your question. What my research shows is that...
That's a relevant question, but it is out of the scope of my research.
I'm afraid I cannot answer that question, but that's an interesting topic.

The above tips have been adapted from RMIT University Study and Learning Centre's " Oral Presentations: Signalling and Transition Phrases."

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Last Updated: Aug 25, 2023 11:04 AM
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Education and Communications
Presentations

How to Plan a Presentation

Last Updated: October 8, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 229,600 times.

Presentation planning is a useful and necessary skill in the professional world as well as school. Whether you need to sell a product, or get a passing grade in your class, planning a presentation takes time and dedication. You will want to figure out the best way to construct your material, considering your audience and your presentation's message. From there, work on building your slides and materials. Assemble information in a logical order that best illustrates your point. Practice your presentation regularly before delivering it. This can help you figure out any information that should be cut or restructured.

Assembling Your Best Material

Step 1 Think about the goal of your presentation.

Write down your most important points. See if you notice a key point emerging. If your audience were to take away one thing from this presentation, what would it be?
Don't just bombard your audience with facts. Think about what these facts do for your audience. What's the point you're trying to make with the information?

Step 2 Know your audience's background to help you structure your presentation.

Are you trying to sell them a product, introduce them to a new idea, alter their way of thinking?
Think about the kind of people in your audience. Do you have a tougher crowd, or do you have a group of enthusiastic people excited about what you're going to say?

Step 3 Select your main points based on the length of your presentation.

For example, if you're talking to a company about recycling program, you might discuss how corporate pollution contributes to global warming and how recycling can help the company save money. You wouldn't discuss the melting ice caps as a key point.
Melting ice caps are a valid concern, but they are a fact or a supporting point.

Step 4 Find your best-supporting information.

Add clarity to your argument by explaining anything the audience may not understand. For example: a brief overview of pollution's effect on climate change.
Add authority by making connections with existing research, studies, and information. For example, you could mention the consensus in the scientific community that global warming is manmade and cite a few studies.
Add color to your argument through visuals, like pictures and videos. For instance, you could show a chart of the amount of waste an average corporation produces in one month.

Finding a Trajectory for the Presentation

Step 1 Start your presentation with a solid introduction.

Include the basics of introducing yourself. You can say something like, "I'm Clara Thompson from Clean Water Action, and I would like to address your company today."
Get your audience's attention with a question or a fact. For example, you could ask: "Have you ever passed a body of water covered in green sludge and wondered how this happened? The answer may surprise you."
You don’t have to write your presentation in chronological order. If you want to work on your main points first and save the introduction for last, you can.

Step 2 Present your research and work in the body of the presentation.

For example, you're trying to get the corporation to alter their recycling program. Start by overviewing the vast amount of corporate pollution in the world.
Explain the consequences of this. Show how pollution contributes to climate change, then show what the corporation can do through changes in their policies.

Step 3 Use linking statements to make your points clear.

Common linking statements include things like, "Another important issue...," "Based on this data, you can now see..." and, "This brings me to my main point..."
For example, "Now that I've shown you the effects of corporate pollution, this brings me to my main point. What can you do to stop it?"

Step 4 Make use of visuals and graphics on your slides.

If you have any graphs or diagrams that will help illustrate your point, use them. Physically seeing information can help make your point more clear.
You should also see if there are any videos you can include. A brief video of someone succinctly explaining an issue can shake things up a bit.
Pictures are also nice. Each slide should have a picture related to the topic at hand.
Make sure not to overuse graphics or visuals. Too many could be overwhelming or distracting for your audience.

You only need one slide. Recap what your point was. Begin with something like, "As you can see..." and then briefly repeat your main point.
A visual can help as well. Try adding one last visual aid that sums up your point. A graph or diagram would work well here.

Practicing Your Presentation

Step 1 Strive for 1 to 2 minutes of talking per slide.

If you're taking longer, cut some information out. You do not want to talk fast to include all information, as this can make you difficult to understand.
For accuracy, talk in your regular voice. Do not speak too fast or too slow. You want to make sure you can fit in all information talking at a normal rate.

Step 2 Keep your information relevant to the theme.

Are any facts extraneous? It's great to illustrate the effects of global warming, but do you really need five examples of environmental decay? Try to cut it down to two or three.

You should sound enthusiastic when presenting. Talk without hesitance, and don't use filler words, like "um" or "uh."
Don't jump between topics. Use your linking sentences, and say things like, "And this brings me to the following..."
Watch the time. Make sure your presentation isn't going on for too long.
Watch yourself give the presentation in a mirror so you can correct any distracting movements or gestures.

Step 4 Practice until you have little need for your notes.

Don’t read the information off of your visuals since it could affect your engagement between yourself and the audience.

How Should You End a Presentation?

Expert Q&A

↑ https://www.ncsl.org/legislators-staff/legislative-staff/legislative-staff-coordinating-committee/tips-for-making-effective-powerpoint-presentations.aspx
↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/oral-comm-lab/audience-analysis
↑ https://columbiacollege-ca.libguides.com/presentations/planning
↑ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/10551/partsofapresentation.pdf
↑ https://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/sites/default/files/Oral_presentations_signalling_2014_Accessible.pdf
↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-conclude-a-presentation
↑ https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studyingeffectively/preparing/presentations/delivering.aspx
↑ https://www.gvsu.edu/ours/oral-presentation-tips-30.htm

About This Article

To plan your presentation, start by spending 5 to 10% of your time summarizing your research and linking it to a main point. A good way to start is with a key question or fact. Then, follow this summary with your research and work, which should take up 60 to 70% of the presentation. This is the body of your presentation, and should be made up of 3 key ideas which lead to your main point. Keep reading for our reviewer’s tips on how to organize the body of your presentation! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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PRESENTATION SKILLS

How can you make a good presentation even more effective?

This page draws on published advice from expert presenters around the world, which will help to take your presentations from merely ‘good’ to ‘great’.

By bringing together advice from a wide range of people, the aim is to cover a whole range of areas.

Whether you are an experienced presenter, or just starting out, there should be ideas here to help you to improve.

1. Show your Passion and Connect with your Audience

It’s hard to be relaxed and be yourself when you’re nervous.

But time and again, the great presenters say that the most important thing is to connect with your audience, and the best way to do that is to let your passion for the subject shine through.

Be honest with the audience about what is important to you and why it matters.

Be enthusiastic and honest, and the audience will respond.

2. Focus on your Audience’s Needs

Your presentation needs to be built around what your audience is going to get out of the presentation.

As you prepare the presentation, you always need to bear in mind what the audience needs and wants to know, not what you can tell them.

While you’re giving the presentation, you also need to remain focused on your audience’s response, and react to that.

You need to make it easy for your audience to understand and respond.

3. Keep it Simple: Concentrate on your Core Message

When planning your presentation, you should always keep in mind the question:

What is the key message (or three key points) for my audience to take away?

You should be able to communicate that key message very briefly.

Some experts recommend a 30-second ‘elevator summary’, others that you can write it on the back of a business card, or say it in no more than 15 words.

Whichever rule you choose, the important thing is to keep your core message focused and brief.

And if what you are planning to say doesn’t contribute to that core message, don’t say it.

4. Smile and Make Eye Contact with your Audience

This sounds very easy, but a surprisingly large number of presenters fail to do it.

If you smile and make eye contact, you are building rapport , which helps the audience to connect with you and your subject. It also helps you to feel less nervous, because you are talking to individuals, not to a great mass of unknown people.

To help you with this, make sure that you don’t turn down all the lights so that only the slide screen is visible. Your audience needs to see you as well as your slides.

5. Start Strongly

The beginning of your presentation is crucial. You need to grab your audience’s attention and hold it.

They will give you a few minutes’ grace in which to entertain them, before they start to switch off if you’re dull. So don’t waste that on explaining who you are. Start by entertaining them.

Try a story (see tip 7 below), or an attention-grabbing (but useful) image on a slide.

6. Remember the 10-20-30 Rule for Slideshows

This is a tip from Guy Kawasaki of Apple. He suggests that slideshows should:

Contain no more than 10 slides;
Last no more than 20 minutes; and
Use a font size of no less than 30 point.

This last is particularly important as it stops you trying to put too much information on any one slide. This whole approach avoids the dreaded ‘Death by PowerPoint’.

As a general rule, slides should be the sideshow to you, the presenter. A good set of slides should be no use without the presenter, and they should definitely contain less, rather than more, information, expressed simply.

If you need to provide more information, create a bespoke handout and give it out after your presentation.

7. Tell Stories

Human beings are programmed to respond to stories.

Stories help us to pay attention, and also to remember things. If you can use stories in your presentation, your audience is more likely to engage and to remember your points afterwards. It is a good idea to start with a story, but there is a wider point too: you need your presentation to act like a story.

Think about what story you are trying to tell your audience, and create your presentation to tell it.

Finding The Story Behind Your Presentation

To effectively tell a story, focus on using at least one of the two most basic storytelling mechanics in your presentation:

Focusing On Characters – People have stories; things, data, and objects do not. So ask yourself “who” is directly involved in your topic that you can use as the focal point of your story.

For example, instead of talking about cars (your company’s products), you could focus on specific characters like:

The drivers the car is intended for – people looking for speed and adventure
The engineers who went out of their way to design the most cost-effective car imaginable

A Changing Dynamic – A story needs something to change along the way. So ask yourself “What is not as it should be?” and answer with what you are going to do about it (or what you did about it).

For example…

Did hazardous road conditions inspire you to build a rugged, all-terrain jeep that any family could afford?
Did a complicated and confusing food labelling system lead you to establish a colour-coded nutritional index so that anybody could easily understand it?

To see 15 more actionable storytelling tips, see Nuts & Bolts Speed Training’s post on Storytelling Tips .

8. Use your Voice Effectively

The spoken word is actually a pretty inefficient means of communication, because it uses only one of your audience’s five senses. That’s why presenters tend to use visual aids, too. But you can help to make the spoken word better by using your voice effectively.

Varying the speed at which you talk, and emphasising changes in pitch and tone all help to make your voice more interesting and hold your audience’s attention.

For more about this, see our page on Effective Speaking .

9. Use your Body Too

It has been estimated that more than three quarters of communication is non-verbal.

That means that as well as your tone of voice, your body language is crucial to getting your message across. Make sure that you are giving the right messages: body language to avoid includes crossed arms, hands held behind your back or in your pockets, and pacing the stage.

Make your gestures open and confident, and move naturally around the stage, and among the audience too, if possible.

10. Relax, Breathe and Enjoy

If you find presenting difficult, it can be hard to be calm and relaxed about doing it.

One option is to start by concentrating on your breathing. Slow it down, and make sure that you’re breathing fully. Make sure that you continue to pause for breath occasionally during your presentation too.

For more ideas, see our page on Coping with Presentation Nerves .

If you can bring yourself to relax, you will almost certainly present better. If you can actually start to enjoy yourself, your audience will respond to that, and engage better. Your presentations will improve exponentially, and so will your confidence. It’s well worth a try.

Improve your Presentation Skills

Follow our guide to boost your presentation skills learning about preparation, delivery, questions and all other aspects of giving effective presentations.

Start with: What is a Presentation?

Continue to: How to Give a Speech Self Presentation

See also: Five Ways You Can Do Visual Marketing on a Budget Can Presentation Science Improve Your Presentation? Typography – It’s All About the Message in Your Slides

Improve your practice.

Enhance your soft skills with a range of award-winning courses.

How to Structure your Presentation, with Examples

August 3, 2018 - Dom Barnard

For many people the thought of delivering a presentation is a daunting task and brings about a great deal of nerves . However, if you take some time to understand how effective presentations are structured and then apply this structure to your own presentation, you’ll appear much more confident and relaxed.

Here is our complete guide for structuring your presentation, with examples at the end of the article to demonstrate these points.

Why is structuring a presentation so important?

If you’ve ever sat through a great presentation, you’ll have left feeling either inspired or informed on a given topic. This isn’t because the speaker was the most knowledgeable or motivating person in the world. Instead, it’s because they know how to structure presentations – they have crafted their message in a logical and simple way that has allowed the audience can keep up with them and take away key messages.

Research has supported this, with studies showing that audiences retain structured information 40% more accurately than unstructured information.

In fact, not only is structuring a presentation important for the benefit of the audience’s understanding, it’s also important for you as the speaker. A good structure helps you remain calm, stay on topic, and avoid any awkward silences.

What will affect your presentation structure?

Generally speaking, there is a natural flow that any decent presentation will follow which we will go into shortly. However, you should be aware that all presentation structures will be different in their own unique way and this will be due to a number of factors, including:

Whether you need to deliver any demonstrations
How knowledgeable the audience already is on the given subject
How much interaction you want from the audience
Any time constraints there are for your talk
What setting you are in
Your ability to use any kinds of visual assistance

Before choosing the presentation’s structure answer these questions first:

What is your presentation’s aim?
Who are the audience?
What are the main points your audience should remember afterwards?

When reading the points below, think critically about what things may cause your presentation structure to be slightly different. You can add in certain elements and add more focus to certain moments if that works better for your speech.

Good presentation structure is important for a presentation

What is the typical presentation structure?

This is the usual flow of a presentation, which covers all the vital sections and is a good starting point for yours. It allows your audience to easily follow along and sets out a solid structure you can add your content to.

1. Greet the audience and introduce yourself

Before you start delivering your talk, introduce yourself to the audience and clarify who you are and your relevant expertise. This does not need to be long or incredibly detailed, but will help build an immediate relationship between you and the audience. It gives you the chance to briefly clarify your expertise and why you are worth listening to. This will help establish your ethos so the audience will trust you more and think you’re credible.

Read our tips on How to Start a Presentation Effectively

2. Introduction

In the introduction you need to explain the subject and purpose of your presentation whilst gaining the audience’s interest and confidence. It’s sometimes helpful to think of your introduction as funnel-shaped to help filter down your topic:

Introduce your general topic
Explain your topic area
State the issues/challenges in this area you will be exploring
State your presentation’s purpose – this is the basis of your presentation so ensure that you provide a statement explaining how the topic will be treated, for example, “I will argue that…” or maybe you will “compare”, “analyse”, “evaluate”, “describe” etc.
Provide a statement of what you’re hoping the outcome of the presentation will be, for example, “I’m hoping this will be provide you with…”
Show a preview of the organisation of your presentation

In this section also explain:

The length of the talk.
Signal whether you want audience interaction – some presenters prefer the audience to ask questions throughout whereas others allocate a specific section for this.
If it applies, inform the audience whether to take notes or whether you will be providing handouts.

The way you structure your introduction can depend on the amount of time you have been given to present: a sales pitch may consist of a quick presentation so you may begin with your conclusion and then provide the evidence. Conversely, a speaker presenting their idea for change in the world would be better suited to start with the evidence and then conclude what this means for the audience.

Keep in mind that the main aim of the introduction is to grab the audience’s attention and connect with them.

3. The main body of your talk

The main body of your talk needs to meet the promises you made in the introduction. Depending on the nature of your presentation, clearly segment the different topics you will be discussing, and then work your way through them one at a time – it’s important for everything to be organised logically for the audience to fully understand. There are many different ways to organise your main points, such as, by priority, theme, chronologically etc.

Main points should be addressed one by one with supporting evidence and examples.
Before moving on to the next point you should provide a mini-summary.
Links should be clearly stated between ideas and you must make it clear when you’re moving onto the next point.
Allow time for people to take relevant notes and stick to the topics you have prepared beforehand rather than straying too far off topic.

When planning your presentation write a list of main points you want to make and ask yourself “What I am telling the audience? What should they understand from this?” refining your answers this way will help you produce clear messages.

4. Conclusion

In presentations the conclusion is frequently underdeveloped and lacks purpose which is a shame as it’s the best place to reinforce your messages. Typically, your presentation has a specific goal – that could be to convert a number of the audience members into customers, lead to a certain number of enquiries to make people knowledgeable on specific key points, or to motivate them towards a shared goal.

Regardless of what that goal is, be sure to summarise your main points and their implications. This clarifies the overall purpose of your talk and reinforces your reason for being there.

Follow these steps:

Signal that it’s nearly the end of your presentation, for example, “As we wrap up/as we wind down the talk…”
Restate the topic and purpose of your presentation – “In this speech I wanted to compare…”
Summarise the main points, including their implications and conclusions
Indicate what is next/a call to action/a thought-provoking takeaway
Move on to the last section

5. Thank the audience and invite questions

Conclude your talk by thanking the audience for their time and invite them to ask any questions they may have. As mentioned earlier, personal circumstances will affect the structure of your presentation.

Many presenters prefer to make the Q&A session the key part of their talk and try to speed through the main body of the presentation. This is totally fine, but it is still best to focus on delivering some sort of initial presentation to set the tone and topics for discussion in the Q&A.

Questions being asked after a presentation

Demonstration

Use the demonstration structure when you have something useful to show. This is usually used when you want to show how a product works. Steve Jobs frequently used this technique in his presentations.

Explain why the product is valuable.
Describe why the product is necessary.
Explain what problems it can solve for the audience.
Demonstrate the product to support what you’ve been saying.
Make suggestions of other things it can do to make the audience curious.

Problem-solution

This structure is particularly useful in persuading the audience.

Briefly frame the issue.
Go into the issue in detail showing why it ‘s such a problem. Use logos and pathos for this – the logical and emotional appeals.
Provide the solution and explain why this would also help the audience.
Call to action – something you want the audience to do which is straightforward and pertinent to the solution.

Storytelling

As well as incorporating stories in your presentation , you can organise your whole presentation as a story. There are lots of different type of story structures you can use – a popular choice is the monomyth – the hero’s journey. In a monomyth, a hero goes on a difficult journey or takes on a challenge – they move from the familiar into the unknown. After facing obstacles and ultimately succeeding the hero returns home, transformed and with newfound wisdom.

Storytelling for Business Success webinar , where well-know storyteller Javier Bernad shares strategies for crafting compelling narratives.

Another popular choice for using a story to structure your presentation is in media ras (in the middle of thing). In this type of story you launch right into the action by providing a snippet/teaser of what’s happening and then you start explaining the events that led to that event. This is engaging because you’re starting your story at the most exciting part which will make the audience curious – they’ll want to know how you got there.

Great storytelling: Examples from Alibaba Founder, Jack Ma

Remaining method

The remaining method structure is good for situations where you’re presenting your perspective on a controversial topic which has split people’s opinions.

Go into the issue in detail showing why it’s such a problem – use logos and pathos.
Rebut your opponents’ solutions – explain why their solutions could be useful because the audience will see this as fair and will therefore think you’re trustworthy, and then explain why you think these solutions are not valid.
After you’ve presented all the alternatives provide your solution, the remaining solution. This is very persuasive because it looks like the winning idea, especially with the audience believing that you’re fair and trustworthy.

Transitions

When delivering presentations it’s important for your words and ideas to flow so your audience can understand how everything links together and why it’s all relevant. This can be done using speech transitions which are words and phrases that allow you to smoothly move from one point to another so that your speech flows and your presentation is unified.

Transitions can be one word, a phrase or a full sentence – there are many different forms, here are some examples:

Moving from the introduction to the first point

Signify to the audience that you will now begin discussing the first main point:

Now that you’re aware of the overview, let’s begin with…
First, let’s begin with…
I will first cover…
My first point covers…
To get started, let’s look at…

Shifting between similar points

Move from one point to a similar one:

In the same way…
Likewise…
Equally…
This is similar to…
Similarly…

Internal summaries

Internal summarising consists of summarising before moving on to the next point. You must inform the audience:

What part of the presentation you covered – “In the first part of this speech we’ve covered…”
What the key points were – “Precisely how…”
How this links in with the overall presentation – “So that’s the context…”
What you’re moving on to – “Now I’d like to move on to the second part of presentation which looks at…”

Physical movement

You can move your body and your standing location when you transition to another point. The audience find it easier to follow your presentation and movement will increase their interest.

A common technique for incorporating movement into your presentation is to:

Start your introduction by standing in the centre of the stage.
For your first point you stand on the left side of the stage.
You discuss your second point from the centre again.
You stand on the right side of the stage for your third point.
The conclusion occurs in the centre.

Key slides for your presentation

Slides are a useful tool for most presentations: they can greatly assist in the delivery of your message and help the audience follow along with what you are saying. Key slides include:

An intro slide outlining your ideas
A summary slide with core points to remember
High quality image slides to supplement what you are saying

There are some presenters who choose not to use slides at all, though this is more of a rarity. Slides can be a powerful tool if used properly, but the problem is that many fail to do just that. Here are some golden rules to follow when using slides in a presentation:

Don’t over fill them – your slides are there to assist your speech, rather than be the focal point. They should have as little information as possible, to avoid distracting people from your talk.
A picture says a thousand words – instead of filling a slide with text, instead, focus on one or two images or diagrams to help support and explain the point you are discussing at that time.
Make them readable – depending on the size of your audience, some may not be able to see small text or images, so make everything large enough to fill the space.
Don’t rush through slides – give the audience enough time to digest each slide.

Guy Kawasaki, an entrepreneur and author, suggests that slideshows should follow a 10-20-30 rule :

There should be a maximum of 10 slides – people rarely remember more than one concept afterwards so there’s no point overwhelming them with unnecessary information.
The presentation should last no longer than 20 minutes as this will leave time for questions and discussion.
The font size should be a minimum of 30pt because the audience reads faster than you talk so less information on the slides means that there is less chance of the audience being distracted.

Here are some additional resources for slide design:

7 design tips for effective, beautiful PowerPoint presentations
11 design tips for beautiful presentations
10 tips on how to make slides that communicate your idea

Group Presentations

Group presentations are structured in the same way as presentations with one speaker but usually require more rehearsal and practices. Clean transitioning between speakers is very important in producing a presentation that flows well. One way of doing this consists of:

Briefly recap on what you covered in your section: “So that was a brief introduction on what health anxiety is and how it can affect somebody”
Introduce the next speaker in the team and explain what they will discuss: “Now Elnaz will talk about the prevalence of health anxiety.”
Then end by looking at the next speaker, gesturing towards them and saying their name: “Elnaz”.
The next speaker should acknowledge this with a quick: “Thank you Joe.”

From this example you can see how the different sections of the presentations link which makes it easier for the audience to follow and remain engaged.

Example of great presentation structure and delivery

Having examples of great presentations will help inspire your own structures, here are a few such examples, each unique and inspiring in their own way.

How Google Works – by Eric Schmidt

This presentation by ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt demonstrates some of the most important lessons he and his team have learnt with regards to working with some of the most talented individuals they hired. The simplistic yet cohesive style of all of the slides is something to be appreciated. They are relatively straightforward, yet add power and clarity to the narrative of the presentation.

Start with why – by Simon Sinek

Since being released in 2009, this presentation has been viewed almost four million times all around the world. The message itself is very powerful, however, it’s not an idea that hasn’t been heard before. What makes this presentation so powerful is the simple message he is getting across, and the straightforward and understandable manner in which he delivers it. Also note that he doesn’t use any slides, just a whiteboard where he creates a simple diagram of his opinion.

The Wisdom of a Third Grade Dropout – by Rick Rigsby

Here’s an example of a presentation given by a relatively unknown individual looking to inspire the next generation of graduates. Rick’s presentation is unique in many ways compared to the two above. Notably, he uses no visual prompts and includes a great deal of humour.

However, what is similar is the structure he uses. He first introduces his message that the wisest man he knew was a third-grade dropout. He then proceeds to deliver his main body of argument, and in the end, concludes with his message. This powerful speech keeps the viewer engaged throughout, through a mixture of heart-warming sentiment, powerful life advice and engaging humour.

As you can see from the examples above, and as it has been expressed throughout, a great presentation structure means analysing the core message of your presentation. Decide on a key message you want to impart the audience with, and then craft an engaging way of delivering it.

By preparing a solid structure, and practising your talk beforehand, you can walk into the presentation with confidence and deliver a meaningful message to an interested audience.

It’s important for a presentation to be well-structured so it can have the most impact on your audience. An unstructured presentation can be difficult to follow and even frustrating to listen to. The heart of your speech are your main points supported by evidence and your transitions should assist the movement between points and clarify how everything is linked.

Research suggests that the audience remember the first and last things you say so your introduction and conclusion are vital for reinforcing your points. Essentially, ensure you spend the time structuring your presentation and addressing all of the sections.

Slide Design Fundamentals
Presentation Fundamentals
App Tips & Tricks

Optimal Presentation Planning Uses 1 Definitive Method

November 6, 2020

Presentation planning is one of the most important components of creating a speech, slide deck, or presentation. Utilizing a good structure can make the process go smoothly and without stress.

Where to Begin

Not having a structure during the presentation planning stage will eat away at your productivity and build anxiety. We all strive to be more productive without adding minutes, hours, or days to our already burdened work lives.

In an article about time management , Entrepreneur Magazine, identified three actions that also work with project management and presentation planning. These are set deadlines, organize, and break projects down. These are all key elements to a good planning structure.

In a previous post , I discussed three ways to prepare for a presentation. One of the preparation strategies I suggested was creating a backwards timeline. While this preparation is just one part of the overall planning process, it can help set you up for an overall successful planning process.

About the Structure

On your backwards timeline, add the following columns after the task column: Length of time; Who; Dependent on another task? (Yes/No); and If Yes, what task(s)?

Length of time: Add how long you expect the task will take you, even if it is only 5 minutes. This serves two purposes. One, it can let you know if your deadline dates are accurate. Two, it will help you block time out on your calendar.
Who: While you may be doing most of the work, some tasks may need to be done by other people. By having the person identified, it helps you keep track of the many moving pieces. If you are working as a team, this column is imperative.
Dependent on another task?: This column can really help with the checks and balances part of the presentation planning process. This highlights potential delays.
What task(s)?: Works similarly to the previous column and clarifies what the task is.

Another benefit to this process is it can help clarify what tasks are vital and which could be skipped if needed. It can also help you select tasks that someone else can do. This is a good time to try to break free from a perfectionist mind set, too.

Having a plan in place can really help overcome procrastination. If you are at all anxious about giving a presentation this can help reduce it. Research shows that breaking down a large project into small achievable tasks make it easier to accomplish.

Example Backwards Timeline and Presentation Planner

When you first start doing this planning process, you might find you don’t always stick with it. That is okay. If this is really different from the way you normally work, it takes time to establish new habits. For people who have little structure in their life, it is natural for them to struggle more than others with this type of process.

In conclusion, one of the most effective ways to plan a presentation is to have structure. In particular, a system where you know what tasks need to be completed, the deadlines for those tasks, how long it will take to do each task, and who is completing the task. This not only helps you identify potential delays but can help with stress levels.

In the comments section, share techniques or strategies you use for presentation planning that work well or ones that didn’t work as well.

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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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Plan a Presentation for Success – 8 steps

September 03, 2023

Too many people, when they hear the word presentation, reach for their computer and switch to PowerPoint. That’s because they feel they are making progress by making slides. They pull information together, they lay out slides and admire their handiwork. Only then do they try to tell a story.

This is not the right way to plan a presentation..

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” Alexander Graham Bell

What to do instead: Plan a presentation using a story, a script and a plan

The process for presentation planning should be more like that of movie making. When you make a movie you only start filming at the end of the planning process. Before filming you have a story, a script and a plan. It should be the same when you plan a presentation.

The better you plan a presentation, the easier it is to be successful. At first, it may feel frustrating that you are not writing slides. You may spent hours staring into space or doing research. But investing in proper planning will pay back many times over.

In the end by planning your presentation properly you will spend less time writing PowerPoint slides. You will spend less time editing and you will spend less time searching for a way to link the sections of your presentation together. You’ll also discover that practising and rehearsing is easier.

“There are three things that are important for a film. Number one is story, number two is story, number three is story. Good actors can save a bad script and make it bearable, but good actors can’t make a bad script good – they can just make it bearable.” Mark Strickson, TV producer & actor

Your 8 Step Presentation Plan

Let’s explore each of these presentation planning steps, one by one.

1. Start by using the AIM approach in your presentation plan

What is the first step in planning a presentation? AIM is an easy-to-apply first step so that your presentations are easier to prepare.

What typically goes wrong. Most people create presentations without proper planning. They start writing slides before they have decided what they really want to say.

Why is it important to plan a presentation? Without an effective presentation plan you waste time and energy.

What to do instead. Use AIM. Start with a blank sheet of paper and write the three letters A.I.M. across the top. In each of these columns start writing what you know about A: Audience , I: Your intent , (or Purpose) and M: your take-away Message .

See the next three paragraphs for more detail on A, I and M.

“Proper planning prevents poor performance” James Baker, former US Secretary of State

2. Presentation planning : Who’s your audience and what do they need?

Shortcut Summary : Your audience, not you, should be centre of attention in your presentation. The better you understand your audience, the better your talk will be.

What typically goes wrong : When people give presentations about their latest project, they talk about their latest project. If they are reporting quarterly results, they report quarterly results. If they are speaking about their new business, they tell the audience about their new business. If explaining a new piece of regulation, they talk about elements of that regulation.

The problem with this approach is you are not including your audience in your talk. And if you don’t include your audience, your audience will be disengaged.

Why does this matter? Audiences are selfish. They like being talked about.

What to do instead. Your talk should be about what your subject means for the audience. For example these are good titles for a presentation:

“What you can learn from our latest project.”
“Our quarterly results and what they mean for your department next quarter.”
“How our new business can make you money.”
“What the new regulations mean for you and your clients”

To do this, you must understand your audience. That means asking questions about them and getting under their skin. For example, some questions you may have could include:

ABOUT BACKGROUND

Who is coming to this talk?
What common reference points can I use?
What experiences have they shared?

ABOUT MOTIVATION

Why are they coming?
What problems do they have?
What do they need and want?
What will make life easy for them?

ABOUT EXPECTATIONS

What would they like me to talk about?
What would victory feel like for them?
What will make them sit up?

ABOUT CONNECTING

What can I say that will show them I am on their side?
What stories will resonate?
How can I add value?

ABOUT EMOTIONAL POSITION

What frame of mind will they be in?
What should I avoid talking about?
What will make them feel good?
What can I say at the start to win them over?

ABOUT MAKING IT EASY FOR THEM

What specific language should I use?
How should I position what I am talking about for this audience?
What phrases will resonate?

The more you learn about your audience, the better you know them and the better you can plan your talk for them.

“Designing a presentation without an audience in mind is like writing a love letter and addressing it: To Whom It May Concern.” Ken Haemer, presentation designe r

Before any talk, analyse the audience.
Research them.
Make sure you really know them and their needs before you start planning what to say.

3. How to plan a presentation – What are you trying to achieve?

Summary : Decide early the intent or purpose to your talk. This will help you direct your efforts to achieve your goals.

What typically goes wrong : “I’m going to talk about…” is a typical answer to the question “Why are you doing this talk?” But talking about something is of no use to anyone. It is pointless.

For example these are bad intents:

“I’m talking about our new project”
“I’m talking about the new regulations”
“A pitch about our new fund”
“An introduction to ABCX co”
“Monthly board report”

Why does this matter? For a talk to work it requires a clear purpose. When you know your purpose you can harness your talk to achieve just that.

What to do instead : Decide your intent. For example, when I asked a Chief Financial Officer recently what was the intent of his presentation, he was clear: he said that he “Wanted to look like the next CEO of this business.” This clear purpose made it easy to help him prepare what he said, how he said it and how he positioned himself.

More examples of a good intent:

A Lawyer, when giving a talk about new regulations , was clear that she wanted “to help companies use the new regulations to run better, more profitable businesses”.
An HR director who was introducing a new expense system was clear that her intent was to “get people to use the new system by next month so they can get paid faster and with less effort.’
A fund manager who was pitching a first time fund to new investors had a clear intent of “getting onto their radar screens and securing a second meeting”
A company looking for a trade buyer had crystallised their intent into “creating excitement about the potential value of buying this business and demonstrate the risk of others buying it.”
An accountant at a well known firm had the intent with his monthly board reports to “Get them to recognise the value my team adds.”

Having a clear intent will make it easier for you to plan your presentation. Identifying that intent is also one of the harder parts of planning a talk.

“A talk is a voyage with purpose and it must be charted. The man who starts out going nowhere, generally gets there.” Dale Carnegie

Be absolutely clear on the intent of your talk.
Summarise your intent in one line
Use your intent as your North Star to guide everything you say and how you say it.

4. What’s your one big take-away message?

Summary : Your presentation needs a take-away message . This means one simple message so when someone asks “What was that talk about?” a listener can confidently answer.

What typically goes wrong : Many presentations have titles such as:

“Quarterly strategy report”
“Project X”
“Manufacturing update”
“Annual results”

These are all topics, not messages

Why does this matter? These titles don’t help the audience. They only tell them something they already know. With a topic title you miss the opportunity of preparing your audience and getting them in the right mindset to be ready for your talk.

What to do instead : Identify a message that summarises your talk that you can use as its title. Keep improving the title until it properly captures what you want to say. For example:

“Our strategy remains on track”
“Launching Project X by December could double revenues next year”
“Manufacturing: three problems we must address”
“Profits up 5% this year despite Covid headwinds”

Then test your title on other people. Check if it generates the reaction you want.

“If you can’t write your idea on the back of my calling card, you don’t have a clear idea.” David Belasco, theatre producer

Next Steps in planning a presentation

Decide the title of your talk early.
Check it generates the reaction you want.
Use this to build the rest of your talk.
Re-test your message against A.I.M.

5. How to plan a presentation – What are the three parts of your talk?

Summary : Your brain Is naturally tuned to hearing things in sets of three . If you can break your presentation into three parts then it’s more likely to be a success.

What typically goes wrong : Many presentations are like shopping lists: covering multiple topics and jumping from one idea to the next.

Why does this matter? In the end, a huge amount of information has been transmitted but little has been received.

What to do instead : Less is more in a presentation. Help your audience by giving them a structure. A three part structure is one of the most useful planning shortcuts that you can use.

Once you are completely clear about your intent and your message, start developing a three part structure for your talk. For example, if I wanted to give a talk that shared advice on how to present, I would consider using one of the following structures:

Mistakes other people make / Tips you can use / How to become a great speaker
How to define your messages / How to structure your talk / How to deliver your talk
What bad looks like / what good looks like / what you can do differently

“ In writing and speaking, three is more satisfying than any other number.” Carmine Gallo, author

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
Liberté, égalité, fraternité ;
A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play;
Stop, Look and Listen;
Faster, Higher, Stronger;
Veni, vidi, vici ;
“see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”
Find your three part structure early.
Use the structure to focus your efforts and guide your planning

6 . Presentation planning – What is your story?

Summary: Use a story to underpin your talk. No matter how dry your subject, when you use a story you will make it more memorable and more effective.

What typically goes wrong As an expert, a typical presenter wants to share knowledge.

For example: A few years ago, I helped a lawyer give a talk to investors. This audience consisted of private equity executives who sat on their investee company boards. The subject was the 2006 Companies Act and the Duties and Responsibilities of a Company Director. A dry subject.

In her first draft, she reviewed sections of the Act and highlighted problems that directors may face. For example, “Section 172 of the Act, sets out your overarching duties as a director. You must act in the way you consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole.”

As you can imagine, it was not the most exciting of talks.

Why does this matter? A precise talk may not be an interesting talk. Your job as a presenter is to make the talk interesting and easy for your audience.

What to do instead Find a story that fits what you want to talk about.

For example, for the investor director talk above, we decided to title the talk “How to keep your nose clean and yourself out of jail” Then the talk was based around a series of situations that anyone in the audience might face. She did not refer to any particular section of the Companies Act at all. Her text was:

“Imagine this situation. You turn up for a board meeting. You are a 10% shareholder and you are a director. At that board meeting the CEO announces that the company is near bankrupt and needs more funding. What should you do? Do you absent yourself, having a connected interest. Or do you declare your interest as a shareholder? Or do you carry as normal assuming business as usual?”

By framing it as a story you involve your audience and you make it easier for them to process what you say.

“Sometimes reality is too complex. Stories give it form.” Jean Luc Godard, film director

Find stories to tell, narratives to bring your facts to life.
Tell the story behind the numbers.
The dryer your subject matter, the more important stories become.

7. How to plan your presentation – Have you asked WHY?

Summary : ‘Why’ comes before ‘What’ comes before ‘How’

What typically goes wrong : When a speaker knows a subject well, it is easy for them to assume knowledge and talk about the nuances of what they know. I often describe this as the ‘How’ of a subject.

For example, when speaking about a new engine you have developed, you might say that you made the pistons more accurately, that you mix petrol more precisely and you have added a new technique of managing engine performance.

Why does this matter? This is one of the most common mistakes that experts make when giving talks. They spend too much time explaining HOW something works, rather than explaining WHAT it is they are talking about and WHY it is important.

What to do instead : “We have designed a more efficient car engine that will get 100 miles to the gallon.”

“Start with Why” Simon Sinek

Ask yourself “So What?” to everything you say
Check that you are clear why the audience will be interested.
Imagine someone in the audience asking “What’s in it for me?” (WIIFM)

8. How to plan a presentation – Can you give a 90 second summary of your presentation?

Summary : The best way to plan your presentation is by speaking a c 100-200 word summary of your presentation. This summary will test the rigour of your thinking, the clarity of your ideas and the robustness of your plan.

What typically goes wrong : The average poor presentation meanders from topic to topic and is more like a data dump than a well organised talk. It is rich in information but poor in story, structure and planning. It will be hard to summarise that talk easily.

Why does this matter? Lack of planning = Lack of story = Hard for your audience.

What to do instead : Create a short summary of your talk to test your thinking

You can use your summary early in your presentation planning to test your ideas.
If you are working with colleagues you can share your thinking using your summary.
If you are planning a presentation for someone else, you can share your summary to test their reaction.
If someone else is preparing your presentation, you can use a summary to check they are on track.

Creating a summary is one of the most powerful ways to plan a presentation and will save you a huge amount of wasted time.

“If you can’t write your message in a sentence, you can’t say it in an hour.” Dianna Booher, Autho r

Next Steps for Presentation Planning

Test your ideas with a short summary.
Use a critical audience.
If it is not tight enough, keep refining your summary.

Summary – how to plan a presentation for success

Start by planning, not by writing. This may feel counter intuitive, but you’ll make progress faster.

How do you plan a presentation for success? Try these steps:

Use AIM as the first stage of preparing any talk
A – Audience: Analyse your audience and understand their needs
I – Intent: Be clear on the single purpose of your talk.
M – Message: Decide your one take-away message from your talk
Decide the three parts of your talk
Create and perfect a 90 second summary of your talk before fleshing it out
Answer the WHY questions in your talk before the WHAT or HOW questions.
Imagine your audience asking So What? and What’s in it for me? throughout.
Check your talk summary against your Audience, Intent and Message.

How to plan a presentation

How to plan a presentation training programme

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Blog Marketing How To Start a Presentation: 15 Ways to Set the Stage

How To Start a Presentation: 15 Ways to Set the Stage

Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 25, 2023

The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – it’s your opportunity to make a lasting impression and captivate your audience.

A strong presentation start acts as a beacon, cutting through the noise and instantly capturing the attention of your listeners. With so much content vying for their focus, a captivating opening ensures that your message stands out and resonates with your audience.

Whether you’re a startup business owner pitching a brilliant idea, a seasoned presenter delivering a persuasive talk or an expert sharing your experience, the start of your presentation can make all the difference. But don’t fret — I’ve got you covered with 15 electrifying ways to kickstart your presentation.

The presentation introduction examples in this article cover everything from self-introduction to how to start a group presentation, building anticipation that leaves the audience eager to delve into the depths of your topic.

Click to jump ahead:

How to start a presentation introduction

15 ways to start a presentation and captivate your audience, common mistakes to avoid in the opening of a presentation, faqs on how to start a presentation, captivate the audience from the get-go.

Presentations can be scary, I know. But even if stage fright hits, you can always fall back on a simple strategy.

Just take a deep breath, introduce yourself and briefly explain the topic of your presentation.

To grab attention at the start, try this opening line: Hello everyone. I am so glad you could join me today. I’m very excited about today’s topic. I’m [Your Name] and I’ll be talking about [Presentation Topic]. Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by [Challenge related to your topic]. Many of us might have faced challenges with [Challenge related to your topic]. Today, we’ll explore some strategies that’ll help us [Solution that you’re presenting].

Regardless of your mode of presentation , crafting an engaging introduction sets the stage for a memorable presentation.

Let’s dive into some key tips for how to start a presentation speech to help you nail the art of starting with a bang:

Understand your audience

The key to an engaging introduction is to know your audience inside out and give your audience what they want. Tailor your opening to resonate with their specific interests, needs and expectations. Consider what will captivate them and how you can make your presentation relevant to their lives or work.

Use a compelling hook

Grab the audience’s attention from the get-go with a compelling hook. Whether it’s a thought-provoking question, a surprising fact or a gripping story, a powerful opening will immediately pique their curiosity and keep them invested in what you have to say.

State your purpose

Be crystal clear about your subject matter and the purpose of your presentation. In just a few sentences, communicate the main objectives and the value your audience will gain from listening to you. Let them know upfront what to expect and they’ll be more likely to stay engaged throughout.

Introduce yourself and your team

Give a self introduction about who you are such as your job title to establish credibility and rapport with the audience.

Some creative ways to introduce yourself in a presentation would be by sharing a brief and engaging personal story that connects to your topic or the theme of your presentation. This approach instantly makes you relatable and captures the audience’s attention.

Now, let’s talk about — how to introduce team members in a presentation. Before introducing each team member, briefly explain their role or contribution to the project or presentation. This gives the audience an understanding of their relevance and expertise.

Group presentations are also a breeze with the help of Venngage. Our in-editor collaboration tools allow you to edit presentations side by side in real-time. That way, you can seamlessly hare your design with the team for input and make sure everyone is on track.

Maintain enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is contagious! Keep the energy levels up throughout your introduction, conveying a positive and upbeat tone. A vibrant and welcoming atmosphere sets the stage for an exciting presentation and keeps the audience eager to hear more.

Before you think about how to present a topic, think about how to design impactful slides that can leave a lasting impression on the audience. Here are 120+ presentation ideas , design tips, and examples to help you create an awesome slide deck for your next presentation.

Captivating your audience from the get-go is the key to a successful presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or a novice taking the stage for the first time, the opening of your presentation sets the tone for the entire talk.

So, let’s get ready to dive into the 15 most creative ways to start a presentation. I promise you these presentation introduction ideas will captivate your audience, leaving them hanging on your every word.

Grab-attention immediately

Ask a thought-provoking question.

Get the audience’s wheels turning by throwing them a thought-provoking question right out of the gate. Make them ponder, wonder and engage their critical thinking muscles from the very start.

Share a surprising statistic or fact

Brace yourself for some wide eyes and dropped jaws! Open your presentation with a jaw-dropping statistic or a mind-blowing fact that’s directly related to your topic. Nothing captures attention like a good ol’ dose of shock and awe.

State a bold statement or challenge

Ready to shake things up? Kick off with a bold and daring statement that sets the stage for your presentation’s epic journey. Boldness has a way of making ears perk up and eyes widen in anticipation!

Engage with a poll or interactive activity

Turn the audience from passive listeners to active participants by kicking off with a fun poll or interactive activity. Get them on their feet, or rather — their fingertips, right from the start!

Venngage’s user-friendly drag-and-drop editor allows you to easily transform your slides into an interactive presentation . Create clickable buttons or navigation elements within your presentation to guide your audience to different sections or external resources.

Enhance engagement by incorporating videos or audio clips directly into your presentation. Venngage supports video and audio embedding, which can add depth to your content.

Begin with an opening phrase that captures attention

Use opening phrases that can help you create a strong connection with your audience and make them eager to hear more about what you have to say. Remember to be confident, enthusiastic and authentic in your delivery to maximize the impact of your presentation.

Here are some effective presentation starting words and phrases that can help you grab your audience’s attention and set the stage for a captivating presentation:

“Imagine…”
“Picture this…”
“Did you know that…”
“Have you ever wondered…”
“In this presentation, we’ll explore…”
“Let’s dive right in and discover…”
“I’m excited to share with you…”
“I have a confession to make…”
“I want to start by telling you a story…”
“Before we begin, let’s consider…”
“Have you ever faced the challenge of…”
“We all know that…”
“This is a topic close to my heart because…”
“Over the next [minutes/hours], we’ll cover…”
“I invite you to journey with me through…”

Build connection and credibility

Begin with a personal connection .

Share a real-life experience or a special connection to the topic at hand. This simple act of opening up creates an instant bond with the audience, turning them into your biggest cheerleaders.

Having the team share their personal experiences is also a good group presentation introduction approach. Team members can share their own stories that are related to the topic to create an emotional connection with your audience.

Tell a relevant story

Start your presentation with a riveting story that hooks your audience and relates to your main message. Stories have a magical way of captivating hearts and minds. Organize your slides in a clear and sequential manner and use visuals that complement your narrative and evoke emotions to engage the audience.

With Venngage, you have access to a vast library of high-quality and captivating stock photography, offering thousands of options to enrich your presentations. The best part? It’s entirely free! Elevate your visual storytelling with stunning images that complement your content, captivate your audience and add a professional touch to your presentation.

Use a powerful quote

Sometimes, all you need is some wise words to work wonders. Begin with a powerful quote from a legendary figure that perfectly fits your presentation’s theme — a dose of inspiration sets the stage for an epic journey.

Build anticipation

Provide a brief outline.

Here’s a good introduction for presentation example if you’re giving a speech at a conference. For longer presentations or conferences with multiple speakers especially, providing an outline helps the audience stay focused on the key takeaways. That way, you can better manage your time and ensure that you cover all the key points without rushing or running out of time.

Pose a problem and offer a solution

A great idea on how to start a business presentation is to start by presenting a problem and offering a well-thought-out solution. By addressing their pain points and showcasing your solution, you’ll capture their interest and set the stage for a compelling and successful presentation.

Back up your solution with data, research, or case studies that demonstrate its effectiveness. This can also be a good reporting introduction example that adds credibility to your proposal.

Preparing a pitch deck can be a daunting task but fret not. This guide on the 30+ best pitch deck tips and examples has everything you need to bring on new business partners and win new client contracts. Alternatively, you can also get started by customizing one of our professional pitch deck templates for free.

Incite curiosity in the audience

Utilize visuals or props.

Capture your audience’s gaze by whipping out captivating visuals or props that add an exciting touch to your subject. A well-placed prop or a stunning visual can make your presentation pop like a fireworks show!

That said, you maybe wondering — how can I make my presentation more attractive. A well-designed presentation background instantly captures the audience’s attention and creates a positive first impression. Here are 15 presentation background examples to keep the audience awake to help you get inspired.

Use humor or wit

Sprinkle some humor and wit to spice things up. Cracking a clever joke or throwing in a witty remark can break the ice and create a positively charged atmosphere. If you’re cracking your head on how to start a group presentation, humor is a great way to start a presentation speech.

Get your team members involved in the fun to create a collaborative and enjoyable experience for everyone. Laughter is the perfect way to break the ice and set a positive tone for your presentation!

Invoke emotion

Get those heartstrings tugging! Start with a heartfelt story or example that stirs up emotions and connects with your audience on a personal level. Emotion is the secret sauce to a memorable presentation.

Aside from getting creative with your introduction, a well-crafted and creative presentation can boost your confidence as a presenter. Browse our catalog of creative presentation templates and get started right away!

Use a dramatic pause

A great group presentation example is to start with a powerful moment of silence, like a magician about to reveal their greatest trick. After introducing your team, allow a brief moment of silence. Hold the pause for a few seconds, making it feel deliberate and purposeful. This builds anticipation and curiosity among the audience.

Pique their interest

Share a fun fact or anecdote.

Time for a little fun and games! Kick-off with a lighthearted or fascinating fact that’ll make the audience go, “Wow, really? Tell me more!” A sprinkle of amusement sets the stage for an entertaining ride.

While an introduction for a presentation sets the tone for your speech, a good slide complements your spoken words, helping the audience better understand and remember your message. Check out these 12 best presentation software for 2023 that can aid your next presentation.

The opening moments of a presentation can make or break your entire talk. It’s your chance to grab your audience’s attention, set the tone, and lay the foundation for a successful presentation. However, there are some common pitfalls that speakers often fall into when starting their presentations.

Starting with Apologies

It might be tempting to start with a preemptive apology, especially if you’re feeling nervous or unsure about your presentation. However, beginning with unnecessary apologies or self-deprecating remarks sets a negative tone right from the start. Instead of exuding confidence and credibility, you’re unintentionally undermining yourself and your message.

Reading from Slides

One of the most common blunders in the opening of a PowerPoint presentation is reading directly from your slides or script. While it’s crucial to have a well-structured outline, reciting word-for-word can lead to disengagement and boredom among your audience. Maintain eye contact and connect with your listeners as you speak. Your slides should complement your words, not replace them.

Overwhelming with Information

In the excitement to impress, some presenters bombard their audience with too much information right at the beginning.

Instead of overloading the audience with a sea of data, statistics or technical details that can quickly lead to confusion and disinterest, visualize your data with the help of Venngage. Choose an infographic template that best suits the type of data you want to visualize. Venngage offers a variety of pre-designed templates for charts, graphs, infographics and more.

Ignoring the Audience

It’s easy to get caught up in the content and forget about the people in front of you. Don’t overlook the importance of acknowledging the audience and building a connection with them. Greet them warmly, make eye contact and maintain body language to show genuine interest in their presence. Engage the audience early on by asking a show of hands question or encourage audience participation.

Lack of Clarity

Your audience should know exactly what to expect from your presentation. Starting with a vague or unclear opening leaves them guessing about the purpose and direction of your talk. Clearly communicate the topic and objectives of your presentation right from the beginning. This sets the stage for a focused and coherent message that resonates with your audience.

Simplicity makes it easier for the audience to understand and retain the information presented. Check out our gallery of simple presentation templates to keep your opening concise and relevant.

Skipping the Hook

The opening of your presentation is the perfect opportunity to hook your audience’s attention and keep them engaged. However, some presenters overlook this crucial aspect and dive straight into the content without any intrigue. Craft an attention-grabbing hook that sparks curiosity, poses a thought-provoking question or shares an interesting fact. A compelling opening is like the key that unlocks your audience’s receptivity to the rest of your presentation.

Now that you’ve got the gist of how to introduce a presentation, further brush up your speech with these tips on how to make a persuasive presentation and how to improve your presentation skills to create an engaging presentation .

How can I overcome nervousness at the beginning of a presentation?

To overcome nervousness at the beginning of a presentation, take deep breaths, practice beforehand, and focus on connecting with your audience rather than worrying about yourself.

How long should the opening of a presentation be?

The opening of a presentation should typically be brief, lasting around 1 to 3 minutes, to grab the audience’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the talk.

Should I memorize my presentation’s opening lines?

While it’s helpful to know your opening lines, it’s better to understand the key points and flow naturally to maintain authenticity and flexibility during the presentation.

Should I use slides during the opening of my presentation?

Using slides sparingly during the opening can enhance the message, but avoid overwhelming the audience with too much information early on.

How do I transition smoothly from the opening to the main content of my presentation?

Transition smoothly from the opening to the main content by providing a clear and concise outline of what’s to come, signaling the shift and maintaining a logical flow between topics.

Just as a captivating opening draws your audience in, creating a well-crafted presentation closing has the power to leave a lasting impression. Wrap up in style with these 10 ways to end a presentation .

Presenting virtually? Check out these tips on how to ace your next online presentation .

Captivating your audience from the very beginning is crucial for a successful presentation. The first few moments of your talk can set the tone and determine whether your audience remains engaged throughout or loses interest.

Start with a compelling opening that grabs their attention. You can use a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic or a powerful quote to pique their curiosity. Alternatively, storytelling can be a potent tool to draw them into your narrative. It’s essential to establish a personal connection early on, whether by sharing a relatable experience or expressing empathy towards their needs and interests.

Lastly, be mindful of your body language and vocal delivery. A confident and engaging speaker can captivate an audience, so make eye contact, use appropriate gestures and vary your tone to convey passion and sincerity.

In conclusion, captivating your audience from the very beginning requires thoughtful preparation, engaging content and a confident delivery. With Venngage’s customizable templates, you can adapt your presentation to suit the preferences and interests of your specific audience, ensuring maximum engagement. Go on and get started today!

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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

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

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

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

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- The Public Speaking Superhero’s Journey
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- Developing Your Leadership Skills
- Video Marketing Super Pack
- Wedding Speech Templates
- Creating Your Ideal Audience Avatar
- Public Speaking Superhero’s Journey
- Training & Mastermind Program
- Boost Your Self-Confidence 7-Day Challenge
- Speaking Palooza! 2019
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- For Book Clubs

The Importance of Planning Your Presentation

Although you don’t need to memorize your presentation word-for-word, you do need to plan it out. With planning your presentation will have a logical flow and you’ll be better prepared to handle last-minute edits and on-the-fly tailoring queued by your audience. Read on to learn more ways that planning helps you deliver a better presentation.

When You Fail to Plan…

You know how the saying goes — you plan to fail. Although I’m sure you don’t literally plan to fail, by failing to plan out your presentation, you do set yourself up for potential failure.

Planning involves a systematic approach to a project that brings about the desired results. For instance, if you want a more visual presentation, you learn how to create slides that people can view, or create a slideshow of images they can relate to. Nothing happens automatically. There is some action involved. Without a plan, you may find yourself quickly floundering about on the stage.

Benefits of Planning

Here are some rewards of a presentation that are well thought out.

1. Your words flow naturally

Rehearsing is a part of the planning process. You decide how you will present the information and then practice running through the entire speech as many times as necessary to get the feel that you want. Most presenters strive for a conversational feel instead of a scripted performance, so word-for-word memorization isn’t necessary. But you do want to have your general beats down.

2. You stay on topic

Planning allows you to hone in on your topic, select a few essential bullet points and expand upon them. Chunking your speech in this way will help keep tangents away. And, it also helps you to remember what you want to say much more easily.

3. You can develop a Plan B

Suppose that your laptop crashes or your slides don’t load properly? What will you do now? Thinking about this ahead of time means formulating a backup plan just in case of emergency. For example, I always bring a print out of my slides. That way if PowerPoint is not cooperating, I can have the slides copied and distributed — or at least have a copy for me to use as notes. Devise a strategy for what you will do in the event of equipment failure, technology failure, power failure and the like.

4. You can better understand your audience

Planning gives you time to ask questions of the person or organization inviting you to speak. Find out what they expect as well as the likes and dislikes of the group. If started early enough, you can even survey or interview people who will be attending your presentation. Now you can center your topic on their interests.

5. You can anticipate questions, challenges and sticking points

What types of questions would you ask if you were in the audience? How would you respond? Questions like this prepare you for just about anything that the audience throws your way without getting flustered. It also increases your knowledge of the subject matter. Better yet, practice your presentation in front of someone else, preferably someone like the people in your audience, to find out what questions they might have about the topic.

6. Correcting mistakes

When you rehearse your presentation, ask a trusted friend or colleague to watch you. They can point out mistakes being made so they can be corrected in advance of the big day. I also recommend video recording your presentation, so you can uncover mistakes you might be making, as well.

As you can see, there are several advantages to planning your presentation, not the least of which is knowing what you will say to your audience.

Did you like this post? Please share!

About the author

Carma Spence, is author of Public Speaking Super Powers. She is fiercely committed to guiding women to Owning their Superpowers and turning their knowledge and interests into a profitable business. She is masterful at helping her clients see what is possible for them and supporting them on the journey from where they are to where they want to be, releasing the Mind Goblins of self-doubt, self-sabotage and second-guessing that keep them stuck.

With 20+ years experience in marketing communications and public relations, natural intuitive skills and certification in using some of the most effective transformational coaching tools available, Carma’s mission and commitment is to unleash the inner power every woman entrepreneur possesses so they can boldly go out into the world, transforming the fabric of people’s lives in meaningful and positive ways.

You can find her on Facebook , Twitter , Google+ and LinkedIn . Her website is CarmaSpence.com .

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The 3 Most Important Stages In Your Presentation

If you want to deliver a presentation on a particular topic and you have to prepare yourself for it you should make sure that you go through several very important stages in order to craft a compelling, persuasive and useful speech for your listeners.

The stages your presentation has to go through are the introduction, the unveiling and the wrap up, but before you even start thinking about those three you have to pick the topic. The topic will help you craft the title of your presentation.

You have to answer one single question and the question is this - Why is this so important to share?

Why is this so unique to anything else that you could share?

Once you know the answer to this you can now start listing the major discussion points that you want to share with your audience.

Stage 1 - The Introduction

The introduction could vary in time it could be like 3 minutes, or around 5 minutes depending on your presentation topic, length and discussion points.

In the introduction you have to make sure that you talk about your ideal outcome or best result for the listeners. This is the so called "promise"

Once you pick your promise/best outcome you have to answer the question "Why?" as you will most probably be asked this one by the audience during the presentation or when you have a Q&A at the end of it.

Stage 2 - The Unveiling

This is the stage where the presenter has to share his/her wisdom, knowledge and experience with the crowd. And of course the right time for you to shed more light on the previously picked key discussion points.

Tell the people about a compelling story or a lesson that you can share with them that will further support your topics and ideas.

Stage 3 - The Wrap Up

This is the perfect time for any presenter to stress on the topic or thesis he wants to make clear. The right time for you to talk about the number one takeaway you want the listeners to remember.

And last but not least, make sure you tell the audience about the single most important action that they can take right away to implement the knowledge and experience you have just shared.

Having gone through these stage will not only put you as an expert presenter under the spotlight but will also provide value to your listeners that will make them feel they have received valuable and useful information that they can use right away...

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Nicky Nikolaev is a Social Media Marketing Strategist, an Online Marketing Strategist and a Consultant. Nicky has extensive knowledge and experience in the fields of Blogging, Copywriting, Internet Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Web Traffic and Lead Generation, developing new business opportunities and helping businesses establish their online presence in order to spread their ideas, target their potential target audiences and attract loyal followers. Nicky worked as an Online Marketing Manager at ICYGEN and as the Head of Sales in the Web Design and Interactive Marketing Department at TravelStoreMaker.com, he was also a Sales Manager and an Online Marketing Strategist at companies from the IT/Software fields which provided him with the experience that is required for fruitful communication in the online environment and the ability to establish good personal relationships with clients.

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What is ‘Presentation, Practice, Production’ (PPP)?

And how can i best use it in my classroom.

Presentation, practice, production (PPP) is a lesson structure, a way to order activities in your lessons.

Although quite old and heavily criticised over the years, PPP is probably the most commonly used lesson structure in teaching English to foreign learners today. It’s also still widely taught to new teachers and seen on initial teacher training courses like the CELTA and CertTESOL.

Most course books that you’re likely to use will structure their chapters in ways similar or the same as PPP, meaning that you’ll get a lot of exposure to this method.

As the name suggests, there are three stages to this lesson structure, which we’ll look at now.

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The ‘presentation’ stage

This is where the language is introduced, or ‘presented’ to the learners, usually by introducing a context or situation. For example, you could:

Tell or act out a short story or anecdote ( “I woke up this morning with a nasty cold… AHHH-CHOOO! I went to the doctor and…”)

Play a short audio clip

Show a clip from a movie or TV show.

Show objects you’ve brought in (e.g. newspaper cuttings, plane tickets, hobby materials)

The aim is to ensure students understand the context and get them thinking about it. You could elicit ideas or suggestions from students, get them to talk to each other about what they know or think about the situation, etc. This also helps them start to remember the language and vocabulary they already know about the topic (or ‘activate the schemata’, if you want the fancy term for it).

The ‘practice’ stage

The ‘practice’ stage is when students use the language in a controlled way. This stage is sometimes divided into two — a controlled practice and a freer practice. Again, among many things, you could get students to:

Drill sentences or sounds, chorally or individually.

Substitution drill in pairs

Sentence matching activities

Gap-fill exercises

Pair work asking and answering questions

The aim of this stage is accuracy . Error correction is important in this stage, so monitor the students closely and take time to correct errors immediately. A delayed error correction section after the activity would be useful for target language errors that seem to be common.

The ‘production’ stage

The ‘production’ stage is where the language is used more openly. Things like:

Communication tasks

Collaborative tasks

Discussion activities

The focus of this stage is using the language as fluently and naturally as possible , as students would do outside of the classroom.

Theory behind Presentation, Practice, Production

This is where PPP gets criticised. It started in the 1960s, and language learning theory has developed considerably since then. Academics who study second language acquisition get annoyed at how PPP doesn’t tick any of the boxes for how we’re supposed to learn a language and yet is still so widespread.

Some learning assumptions behind presentation, practice, production are:

Students should be told the grammar rules and then practice them (a deductive approach).

Language learning is a skill like any other and should be practised as such.

There should be a high level of teacher control, slowly handed over to learners as the lesson progresses.

Language is a series of items that can be learned in sequence.

The target language should be practised by removing unnecessary language to help focus.

All of these have been shown that this isn’t how we best learn languages (in fact, the opposite is largely true!).

However, it isn’t all bad. Here’s my opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of PPP:

It’s easy to learn for new teachers.

It’s very flexible.

It’s easy to plan for and has a logical progression.

It works for most types of classes, including larger classes.

Most course books use this or a similar method to structure their lessons and chapters.

Disadvantages

Research shows that it may not be the best way to teach/learn a language.

Weaker learners may overuse the target language from the practice session, so it sounds unnatural.

Learners may not know how to use the target language in different contexts.

It can be boring if used repeatedly for higher-level students.

Thoughts on Presentation, Practice, Production

Academics are often far removed from the classroom and the real world, studying the individual phenomenon in isolation.

I’ve often seen a light bulb moment for students whilst teaching PPP (although one could argue that it’s not strict PPP, and it’d be hard to isolate the teaching method from other variables). Teaching over a period of time with this method, you do see students improve. Consider also that it’s not done in isolation — you should be getting your learners to interact in English naturally and read extensively outside of class, for starters.

Presentation, practice, production works. Maybe not as well as something like task-based learning (TBL), but TBL takes longer to plan and implement, which becomes very difficult when your teaching hours are high.

Sure, so it might not be theoretically perfect, but it does work.

How to adapt the PPP method

Also, I believe it has evolved from the ‘traditional’ PPP approach described above. Here are some ways you can adapt the classic PPP structure:

Spend more time in the presentation stage eliciting.

Turn the deductive aspect of explicit grammar instruction into an inductive aspect (so learners have to figure out the patterns themselves).

Add collaborative tasks during the practice stage, which learners must use the target language to complete successfully.

Include meta-learning strategies so students can learn how to learn.

Include more incidental language throughout the class so learners hear language in a more natural context.

Change the final stage into a task, such as you’d find in task-based learning .

These changes turn PPP into something else, a blended approach that addresses many of the criticisms of PPP.

Other structures have sought to improve upon the model of PPP. Variants include ESA (engage, study, activate) and CAP (context, analysis, practice)

However, the simplicity of PPP and its notoriety have kept it the most widely used model. I doubt it’s going away any time soon.

If you liked this article, you’ll love my books:

📝 Lesson Planning for Language Teachers - Plan better, faster, and stress-free (4.5 ⭐ , 175 ratings).

👩‍🎓 Essential Classroom Management - Develop calm students and a classroom full of learning (4.5 ⭐, 33 ratings).

🏰 Storytelling for Language Teachers - Use the power of storytelling to transform your lessons (4.5 ⭐, 11 ratings).

🤖 ChatGPT for Language Teachers - A collection of AI prompts and techniques to work better, faster (4.5 ⭐, 10 ratings).

💭 Reflective Teaching Practice Journal - Improve your teaching in five minutes daily (4.5 ⭐, 16 ratings).

📄 PDF versions available here.

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How to Create an Effective Lesson Plan Presentation

Regardless of the subject or content you’re teaching, having a lesson plan in place prepares you for class by offering detailed guidelines for the session. The lesson plan doesn’t have to be lengthy or complex—it just needs to include elements about what you’re teaching, the method of presenting this material, and what objective and goals you wish your students to achieve as part of the curriculum.

Why Lesson Plans Are Important

It’s crucial for teachers to prepare their lessons in advance and implement the best teaching approaches. Attending a session without a lesson plan can be counterproductive for both students and teachers. Without the right preparation beforehand, classes can end up being unproductive or confusing.

Below are a few reasons why you should consider lesson planning:

Lesson Planning is Handy for Classroom Management

Developing the lesson plan from the learning objectives provides flexibility in adapting to different teaching methods and classroom management techniques. For instance, hybrid or online classes require a different delivery approach from the traditional classes, which means making modifications to any existing plans. With the right foresight and plan in place, classes can stay on topic and effective. Such circumstances underscore how crucial lesson plans are in ensuring that the class runs smoothly, regardless of the learning environment.

Lesson Planning Creates Student Success

Various studies have shown that students benefit immensely from and appreciate well-structured lessons. Thus, success is more likely when students engage and show interest in the material being taught. Using a curriculum guide, teachers can develop valuable lesson plans based on specific objectives and goals (what’s intended for students to learn).

Lesson Planning Is Central to Teacher Success

Teachers’ success is, to some extent, pegged on students’ success. Besides that, the documents you develop as part of the lesson planning process are often part of your assessment by school administrators. What’s more, as you advance your teaching career, your lesson plans serve as a repository for your expanding body of knowledge. Thus, the significance of lesson planning cannot be overlooked when it comes to advancing your career as an educator.

Lesson Planning is Vital in Student Assessment

Lastly, lesson plans turn the learning sessions into clear objectives for students and a way to gauge their understanding of the subject matter. One notable benefit of the lesson plan is tailoring the assessment to a particular objective while considering students’ specific needs. You can use common assessment methods such as quizzes, tests, and homework assignments.

How to Write a Lesson Plan

Lesson plans include different sections that clarify questions students might have about the subject on hand. What are the lesson objectives? What subjects will be covered during the session? How long will the course take?

Introduction – As the lesson commences, it’s good to have a concise yet vivid introduction about what the lesson will cover. The ideal practice is to create a memorable title for every lesson to create a general understanding of the learning material students will be interacting with.
**Lesson Objectives –**This section is critical as it allows the students to ascertain each lesson. When it comes to objectives, it is crucial to consider the acquired skills you expect the students to gain by the end of the session. Each objective should be measurable and actionable; meaning after every session, students should be able to apply what they’ve learned.
Learning Activities – This should be a detailed account of how each activity will lead the class to achieve its predetermined goals. To create valuable activities, consider how each learning activity fits each objective, and the requirements students need.
Practice – Practices are primarily intended to assess students’ comprehension of the material and aid in memorizing what they have learned in class. Therefore, it is crucial to include this in the lesson plan so that assessments can always be done at the appropriate time.

Today, lesson planning has been made less time-consuming and easier, thanks to smart whiteboards for the classroom . A digital whiteboard like the Vibe Board Pro provides unmatched performance that shows you know your craft and are way ahead of the pack.

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How Smart Whiteboards Simplify Lesson Plan Creation and Presentation

Not only does using a smart whiteboard make learning accessible , it’s also a great way of enhancing and enriching your lesson plans with interactive activities for the class. Smart whiteboards function as a touch screen for all; during class sessions, you and your students can use it as a digital whiteboard to create a space where students’ engagement, knowledge, and teamwork are appreciated.

While the smart whiteboard aids in making your lesson more engaging, interactive, and educational, you as the teacher can still customize your teachings to what you want them to be. This helps in foiling any hitches in your lesson presentation and makes switching from one topic to another seamless.

Below are more specific ways how smart whiteboards make your lesson plan presentation better:

Take Advantage of Built-in Templates

Once you invest in a smart whiteboard, make sure to take advantage of the wide variety of built-in lesson planning templates. You can use these templates to improve lesson plans while leveraging the technology associated with smart whiteboards. Even better, these templates can be easily customized for every lesson plan and cover different subject matters, allowing you to create new lesson plans without always starting from scratch quickly. How cool is that?

Organize and Present Lesson Plans Better

Smart whiteboards combine the power of the traditional whiteboard and a TV/projector into one hub, allowing you to write on the board while concurrently projecting it to the classroom. This allows you to conduct lesson plan presentations on a larger scale while also letting students see what’s going on.

For instance, if you’re presenting on an extensive topic involving multiple subtopics, a smart whiteboard will help you walk students through each subtopic with ease. Begin with the presentation divided into primary or main sections, highlight key definitions, and add infographics and videos to ensure that every student understands the tiniest detail.

Additionally, you can get students involved in the lesson plan presentation by asking questions, polling them on key points, or allowing them to follow along on their tablets or laptops.

Record Lesson Plan Presentations

Another benefit of using smart whiteboards in the classroom is that a lesson plan presentation can be recorded and accessed long after the session is over. This allows your students to access the material on their own time.

Final Words: Creating a Lesson Plan Presentation

Lesson plan presentation offers students the first interaction with the material they will learn. Take your time, appreciate the process, and create an attractive and comprehensive lesson plan that will encourage your students to have deep and thoughtful learning experiences. Even better, all of this can be made easier with smart whiteboard technology. Leave the spiral notebooks and sticky notes at home. A smart whiteboard is all you need.

What is the presentation stage in lesson planning?

Presentation is usually the core of the lesson plan. During this stage, theteacher introduces the topic and the key subject matter the students need to master. Presenting with smart whiteboards is exceedingly easy and less time-consuming.

What are the 5 steps in lesson planning?

The five steps are:

Objective: A learning concept or objective is introduced.
Warm-up: Revise the previous lesson
Presentation: Present the material using suitable tools and techniques.
Practice: Students try to apply what they have learned.
Assessment: Evaluate whether the objectives were achieved

How does lesson planning help teachers?

Planning lessons in advance allows teachers to arrive at class each day prepared to introduce new concepts and facilitate engaging discussions rather than improvising as they go. In other words, without a lesson plan, teachers may be left scrambling, making students lose interest in the material to be learned.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Podcast Production and Editing

Post Author:

CacheFly Team

Categories:

Podcasts & Audio

Date Posted:

May 20, 2024

Key Takeaways

Setting up the right podcasting equipment, with emphasis on high-quality microphones for superior sound quality.
Designing an effective podcast format for a professional and cohesive presentation.
Planning a content strategy that resonates with your target audience.
Creating a recording environment that minimizes background noise and echo.

Podcasting is a compelling medium that allows you to share your unique voice and stories with the world. Whether you’re a seasoned content creator or a curious newbie ready to dive into the world of podcasting, understanding the fundamentals of podcast production is essential. In this guide, you’ll learn about the key aspects of setting the stage for successful podcast production. We’ll discuss everything from selecting the appropriate recording equipment to designing your podcast format, planning your content strategy, and setting up an optimal recording environment. Let’s get started on your journey to become a successful podcaster!

Setting the Stage for Podcast Production

If you’re new to the world of podcasting, the first step is to set up your podcast production stage. This involves several crucial steps, each contributing to the quality and success of your podcast.

First and foremost, you need to evaluate and select appropriate recording equipment. The quality of your podcast will largely depend on the quality of your equipment. As the Podcasting for Beginners guide suggests, “Audio quality begins and ends with a microphone.” A high-quality microphone can significantly enhance your sound quality, making your podcast more appealing to listeners.

Next, design a structured format for your podcast. This includes the introduction, main content, and closing segments. A well-structured podcast not only ensures a cohesive and professional presentation but also makes it easier for listeners to follow along. You could consider including regular segments or features in your podcast to create a sense of familiarity and anticipation among your audience.

Thirdly, plan your content strategy meticulously. Focus on topics that resonate with your target audience while maintaining a balance between evergreen and trending subjects. This approach will help you keep your content fresh and relevant. It’s also a good idea to have a backlog of episode ideas to ensure the continuity of your podcast.

Finally, establish a recording environment that minimizes background noise and echo. This involves setting up acoustic treatments and positioning your microphone correctly. Remember, the goal is to create a clear and pleasant listening experience for your audience. So, invest time and effort in getting your recording environment right — your listeners will thank you for it!

Setting the stage for podcast production might seem like a daunting task, especially for newbies. However, with careful planning and the right resources, you can create a podcast that stands out in the ever-growing podcasting landscape. So, ready to hit the record button?

Mastering Podcast Recording Techniques

Once you’ve set the stage for podcast production, it’s time to delve into the nitty-gritty of podcast recording techniques. From implementing best practices for audio recording to exploring recording software options, conducting engaging interviews, and addressing common recording challenges, mastering recording techniques is an integral part of successful podcast production and editing for newbies .

Best Practices for Audio Recording

When it comes to podcasting, clarity of sound can make or break your audience’s experience. Here are some tips to ensure optimal audio quality:

Always check your audio levels before starting to record. This can help prevent clipping, which results in distorted audio.
Use pop filters to minimize plosive sounds, those explosive ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds that can cause a burst of wind into the microphone.
Record in a quiet, controlled environment. This minimizes background noise and allows your voice to shine through.

Exploring Recording Software Options

The right recording software can make your podcasting journey a whole lot smoother. Look for software that offers multi-track recording, allowing you to record different audio sources separately. This feature can be a lifesaver during the editing process, especially when you need to fix or adjust specific tracks without affecting others. Easy integration with various microphones is another feature to look out for, offering you the flexibility to use different mics as per your recording needs.

Conducting Engaging Interviews

Interviews can add a dynamic element to your podcasts, offering varied perspectives and keeping your content fresh. Here’s how you can ace them:

Research your guests thoroughly. Knowing their background and work can help you ask insightful questions that your audience will appreciate.
Craft thoughtful questions that steer the conversation in interesting directions.
Master the art of maintaining a natural conversation flow. Listen actively to your guests and build on their responses.

Addressing Common Recording Challenges

Recording a podcast isn’t always smooth sailing. You might face issues like microphone bleed, where sound from one microphone gets picked up by another, or inconsistent audio levels that make your podcast sound unprofessional. Long-distance interviews can present another set of challenges, from time zone differences to varying audio quality. However, with patience, practice, and the right tools, you can overcome these challenges and produce high-quality podcasts consistently.

Mastering podcast recording techniques is a journey, not a destination. As you gain experience and experiment with different methods, you’ll discover what works best for you and your audience. So, are you ready to hit ‘record’ and start producing amazing podcasts?

Navigating the Editing Process for Podcast Production and Editing Newbies

Having mastered the basics of podcast recording, your journey towards creating a top-notch podcast is well underway. Now, it’s time to explore the next crucial phase—editing. With just a bit of technical know-how and an ear for detail, you can transform your raw recordings into polished episodes that resonate with your audience.

Basic Editing Techniques to Improve Audio Quality

Editing is not just about piecing together your audio clips; it’s about enhancing your sound to create a more professional and enjoyable listening experience. Here’s how to do it:

Noise Reduction: This helps eliminate unwanted background noise that may have been picked up during recording.
Equalization: This helps balance your audio frequencies, ensuring the bass and treble are not too overpowering.
Compression: This helps maintain a consistent volume level throughout your podcast, so your listeners won’t have to constantly adjust their volume controls.

Choosing the Right Editing Software

There are plenty of editing software options out there. For newcomers, Audacity is a popular choice due to its user-friendly interface and it’s free! If you’re a Mac user, GarageBand is another excellent, easy-to-use option. For more seasoned podcasters, advanced tools like Adobe Audition or Logic Pro X may be worth exploring. Keep in mind, the best software for you depends on your specific needs, technical skill level, and budget.

The Importance of Meticulous Editing

In podcast production and editing for newbies, meticulous editing is key. Pay attention to the small details. This includes removing filler words like ‘um’, ‘ah’, and long pauses. These may seem minor, but they can distract your listeners and disrupt the flow of your content. Remember, your aim is to provide a smooth and engaging listening experience.

Enhancing Your Podcast with Music and Sound Effects

Music and sound effects can elevate your podcast’s atmosphere, adding depth and dimension to your content. But remember, it’s important to source these elements legally. Numerous platforms offer royalty-free music and sound effects specifically for podcasters. When used appropriately, these elements can enhance your storytelling, emphasize key points, and make your podcast more memorable.

Navigating the editing process can seem daunting, but don’t let that deter you. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to turn your raw recordings into polished podcasts that your audience will love. Remember, every great podcaster was once a newbie too!

Perfecting Post-Production and Publication: The Final Steps in Podcast Production for Newbies

With the editing phase behind you, it’s time to move into the final stages of podcast production and editing for newbies—the mastering of the audio file and its publication. These steps are crucial in ensuring your podcast isn’t just good, but great. Let’s dive in.

The Significance of Mastering and Finalizing the Audio File

Mastering your podcast involves refining your edited audio file to meet broadcasting standards. You need to focus on:

Loudness Standards: Aim for a consistent volume throughout to avoid peaks and troughs that can disrupt your audience’s listening experience.
Metadata Tagging: Tag your podcast correctly with relevant information like the title, episode number, and description. This helps search engines index your podcast correctly, making it easier for listeners to find and subscribe to your series.
File Formats: Save your audio file in a format that’s compatible with most platforms. MP3 is the most widely accepted.

Selecting a Hosting Platform

Once your podcast is ready, you need a hosting platform to publish and distribute your episodes. When selecting one, consider the following factors:

Distribution Capabilities: Your host should be able to distribute your podcast to popular platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Analytics Tools: These can provide insights into your audience demographics, listening habits, and more, helping you refine your content strategy.
Monetization Options: Look for hosts that offer monetization options, such as ad insertions or premium content for subscribers.

Effective Episode Promotion Strategies

With your podcast now live, it’s time to promote it to reach your target audience. Here are some strategies you can leverage:

Social Media: Share your episodes on your social media platforms. Engage with your followers and encourage them to share your content.
Podcast Directories: Submit your podcast to directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. The more platforms you’re on, the wider your potential audience.
Cross-Promotion: Collaborate with other podcasters for cross-promotion. This can help you tap into their audience and vice versa.

Engaging with the Podcast Community

Engaging with the podcast community is not only good practice, but it can also help you grow your audience. Here’s how you can do it:

Listener Feedback: Encourage your listeners to leave reviews or comments. This can provide valuable feedback and help you improve your content.
Podcasting Forums and Events: Participate in podcasting forums and events to network with other podcasters, share experiences, and learn from industry experts.

Perfecting your post-production and publication process is the last piece of the puzzle in podcast production and editing for newbies. With these steps, your podcast is not only ready to air but set to make a significant impact in the podcasting world.

Keeping the Momentum: Sustaining Your Podcast’s Growth

Once you’ve mastered podcast production and editing for newbies, your journey is far from over. You’ve launched your podcast and it’s out there in the world—but how do you keep the momentum going? This section explores the strategies for sustaining and growing your podcast audience over time.

Consistency in Publishing

One of the key elements to building and maintaining an audience is regularity. A consistent release schedule helps:

Keep your podcast top-of-mind with your audience.
Set expectations for your listeners—people love routine!
Improve your podcast’s visibility on platforms, as algorithms often favor regularly updated content.

So, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, pick a schedule that works for you and stick to it.

Creating a Content Calendar

Organization is a podcaster’s best friend. A well-planned content calendar can help you:

Manage topics, guests, and special episodes effectively.
Ensure a diverse and engaging podcast that keeps your audience coming back.
Prevent last-minute scrambles for content.

So, start planning and take the stress out of content creation.

Advanced Techniques for Audience Growth

To take your podcast to the next level, explore advanced audience growth techniques:

SEO for Podcasts: Optimization isn’t just for websites. Use relevant keywords in your title and description to help your podcast show up in search results.
Listener Surveys: Gain valuable insights from your listeners. Ask for feedback to understand what they love, what they don’t, and what they want more of.
Strategies for Increasing Listener Engagement: Encourage listeners to interact with your podcast through reviews, social media engagement, or even live events.

Embrace Continuous Learning and Adaptation

Podcasting, like any other field, is constantly evolving. Stay informed about:

Industry trends: What’s new and popular in the world of podcasting?
Technological advancements: Are there new tools or software that could improve your podcast production and editing process?

Staying in the loop and adapting to new realities can help you stay ahead of the curve in podcasting.

From consistency in publishing to continuous learning and adaptation, these strategies are key to sustaining your podcast’s growth. They aren’t exhaustive, but they lay a solid foundation for you. So, how will you ensure your podcast not only survives, but thrives?

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Oral presentations typically involve three important steps: 1) planning, 2) practicing, and 3) presenting. 1. Planning Oral presentations require a good deal of planning. Scholars estimate that approximately 50% of all mistakes in an oral presentation actually occur in the planning stage (or rather, lack of a planning stage).
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A good presentation should be well organized, with a beginning, middle and end. Beginning: The beginning of a presentation is very important! This is when you have an opportunity to grab the audience's attention, and set the tone for your presentation. Use an attention grabber.
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If you want to work on your main points first and save the introduction for last, you can. 2. Present your research and work in the body of the presentation. Your body should make up about 60 to 70% of your presentation, so put all your best points here. Think of your body as the path to your point.
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4. You can better understand your audience. Planning gives you time to ask questions of the person or organization inviting you to speak. Find out what they expect as well as the likes and dislikes of the group. If started early enough, you can even survey or interview people who will be attending your presentation.
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What is the presentation stage in lesson planning? Presentation is usually the core of the lesson plan. During this stage, theteacher introduces the topic and the key subject matter the students need to master. Presenting with smart whiteboards is exceedingly easy and less time-consuming. What are the 5 steps in lesson planning? The five steps are:
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