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How to Summarize Presentations

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Does your audience seem lost during your long presentation? You can see this happening when you ask them to recall a point and they look blank.

Do they find it difficult to put your information in context?

Chances are you may not be summarizing your points frequently enough. We will see how you can summarize your presentation effectively to enhance audience retention.

Let’s start by asking a simple question:

When should you summarize your presentation?

Did I hear you saying, “Towards the end”?

Wrong! You would’ve lost your audience by then.

An effective presentation habit is to summarize at the end of every major point. It’s all the more important to do so, if your presentation is long and content-rich.

The logic behind summarizing your points:

Do you remember building a tower with playing cards when you were a child? Every time you added a new card on top, you carefully adjusted and aligned all the other cards under it. It helped you build a tall and stable tower.

The principle applies to your presentations as well. Every new point puts a strain on memory of what was covered earlier. Unless you summarize periodically, your audience can’t remember your points beyond a point (pun intended).

How to summarize your presentation in a structured way?

This simple structure allows you to refresh the memory of your audience periodically. It helps your audience to place new information in the right context. It lays the foundation for an effective ‘call to action’. Remember, the call to action and WIIFM has been set right at the start.

Example of an effective presentation summary:

A good summary is short and quick. Here is an example of a sales presentation summary:

“I understood that your main requirements in choosing a home loan are – interest rates, long tenure and high loan amount. So far, we saw how our scheme offers you a highly competitive rate and the longest tenure for your age. Now, we’ll talk about loan amount.”

This summary gives you a chance to showcase your main benefits over and over again- in a reassuring way. It maximizes your opportunity to win business in a sales presentation.  

Some creative ways to summarize your presentations:

Here are 3 creative ways to summarize your presentations.

1. Use a quiz format to summarize a training presentation:

There can be many variations to this. Some presenters choose to show just the title and ask the participants to recollect the content. Some choose to use fill in the blanks format or true/false format to test the memory. Whichever way you choose, summarize your training presentations frequently.

We have found Quizzes to be an extremely effective way to summarize in a training. That is why we put together 45 different types of PowerPoint Quiz templates in a pack. Just select the type of quiz and add your questions. You can find out more about the Quiz pack and download it here:

2. Use a mid-session Q & A to summarize your business presentation:

We’ve seen presenters disguise their summary like – “We’ve covered Point A, Point B, and Point C – are there any questions in what we’ve covered so far?”

This helps them recollect their main benefits without sounding repetitive or pushy.

3. Repeat some key images and terms from earlier points to serve as memory hook:

Repeating images and key terms on your slides help you recount your points automatically. So, constantly referring to your earlier segments is a useful practice.

Finally, to summarize this article on ‘How to Summarize’ your presentation…

• Summarize at the end of every major point.
• Use your agenda slide to serve as guidepost.
• Let your summary be quick and short
• Explore creative ways to recall your key points

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5 Tips to Help You Write the Most Amazing Presentation Summary

Before we delve into the article, I want you to imagine a conference room filled with eager attendees waiting for the company’s marketing executive to deliver a presentation . Armed with an array of data, the executive steps up to the podium to present the latest market analysis. The audience listens attentively, jots down notes, and absorbs the wealth of information being presented.

As the presentation draws to a close, the executive concludes with a dynamic summary. She highlights the top trends and reiterates the strategies to gain a competitive edge. She runs a recap of the critical data points, showcasing the impressive growth achieved in the previous quarter and the ambitious targets set for the following year. The audience, now fully engaged, feels a sense of excitement about the company’s prospects and leaves with a stunning impression.

Thus, the summary plays an extremely crucial role in solidifying the impact of the presentation and empowering the audience to retain and act upon the information presented. By providing a condensed and memorable snapshot of the presentation’s main points, the summary becomes a valuable resource that extends the presentation’s influence beyond the confines of the conference room.

A well-crafted summary presents the information coherently and logically, ensuring that the main concepts are effectively conveyed. It allows the audience to quickly review their understanding of the material, making it an invaluable tool for retaining and applying the knowledge shared during the presentation.

Here are some tips to help you craft a mind-blowing presentation summary.

1. Begin by Summarizing the Key Takeaways

The purpose of a presentation summary is to deliver the message clearly and reinforce ideas in the audience’s minds. But before you begin to write it, start by answering a few questions-

• What is the central theme of my presentation?
• What are the problems and threats that I am addressing?
• Can I talk about the causes and underlying issues?
• Are there any potential solutions that I can include?
• What does my audience expect to learn from this presentation?

Let us understand with the help of an example. Consider you’re delivering a presentation about your Business Plan. The entire presentation includes critical information such as details about the competitors, prospects of growth, market analysis, case studies, etc. However, to sum it up and make an impact on your investors, you must conclude it in a single slide and mesmerize your stakeholders. But how can you sum up a dozen slides and fit them into one? 

Well, begin by answering the questions above, and you will realize that half of your summary is already done. You can then tailor the material accordingly and use a pre-designed Executive Summary template to communicate the same effectively.

2. Use Graphs and Charts to Showcase Numbers

If you want to increase the impact of your summary, you must incorporate visuals such as graphs and charts, as they provide a clear and concise way to present complex numerical data. Instead of overwhelming the audience with rows of numbers and statistics, these graphical elements convert the information into easily digestible visuals. They enable viewers to grasp critical insights at a glance, enhancing their retention.

By visually illustrating trends, patterns, and comparisons, graphical elements can bring the numbers to life and add a compelling narrative to the presentation. When used strategically, they can emphasize key points, highlight significant findings, and back your arguments. 

For instance, if you want to showcase the comparison of your project’s increasing revenue over different quarters, you can use a bar graph. It will make the information much more pleasing to look at, and rather than having to fathom through digits of numbers, the graph can show the audience an upward trend in the blink of an eye and prove your point.

3. Include Roadmaps and Timeline to Showcase Milestones

Roadmaps and timelines offer a structured and organized representation of the project’s or plan’s progress over time. They provide a precise visual sequence of events, milestones, and goals, enabling the audience to comprehend the project’s development at a glance. This visual clarity helps the audience stay on track and follow the presentation’s flow, making it easier to grasp the project’s scope, timeline, and major achievements.

They serve as excellent tools for setting expectations and managing stakeholders’ understanding of the project’s timeline and progress. By displaying key milestones and expected completion dates, these visuals enable stakeholders to see the project’s trajectory and better align their expectations with the proposed timeline. This helps avoid misunderstandings and facilitates effective communication between the presenter and the audience. 

They transform abstract concepts and ideas into a tangible and relatable story by visually showcasing the journey from the project’s inception to its anticipated completion. This engagement is particularly crucial in presentations involving long-term planning or complex processes. Such use of visuals inspires and motivates the audience to be invested in the project’s success. 

4. Harness the Power of Icons and Illustrations 

Summaries are quite tedious when they are overloaded with information. Rather than using separate texts for each element, it is much better to harness the power of self-explanatory illustrations and icons . They can inject creativity and personality into the slides, and a touch of artistry can make the content more engaging and relatable. 

One of the most important factors is that visuals have a universal language that transcends linguistic differences, making them particularly valuable in presentations with an international or diverse audience . While text-heavy slides may pose challenges for non-native speakers or those unfamiliar with technical terms, icons and illustrations can bridge the gap and ensure that the main points are communicated effectively. 

This inclusivity allows the presentation summary to reach a broader audience and ensures that the message is accessible and comprehensible to everyone.

For instance, if you want to talk about the details of a board meeting in your summary slide, you can use an expert-designed template and add a touch of life to your slides instead of writing every point and detail. This template includes all necessary details, such as the meeting agenda, time, goals, location, etc., and can be used to make your presentation inclusive and stand apart.

Such visually pleasing illustrations can help break chains of monotony and reduce clutter. They also improve the audience’s comprehension by serving as visual anchors for specific points, helping them quickly identify key topics and understand the relationships between different elements. 

5. Include a Compelling Call to Action

A compelling call to action at the end of your presentation summary is crucial in motivating your audience to take the desired next steps. To ensure effectiveness, it’s essential to be specific and concrete, leaving no room for ambiguity. 

Clearly state what you want your audience to do, whether it’s signing up for a service, scheduling a meeting, making a purchase, or investing in a project. Emphasizing the benefits of taking action is equally important, as it helps your audience understand how it will positively impact them or solve their problems. By presenting a persuasive case for the value they’ll gain, you increase the likelihood of a positive response.

Additionally, instilling a sense of urgency can prompt immediate action. Mentioning limited-time offers, upcoming deadlines, or time-sensitive elements related to your presentation encourages your audience to act promptly. 

Providing clear and accessible contact information facilitates the follow-up process, boosting your audience’s confidence in taking the desired action. Including a strong closing statement that reiterates the main message and connects it back to the call to action leaves a lasting impression and reinforces the significance of the action you’re proposing. 

Lastly, confidently and enthusiastically delivering your call to action makes your audience more receptive and eager to embrace the proposed action. A well-crafted call to action turns your presentation from a passive experience into an active and transformative one, yielding positive results for you and your audience.

A presentation summary is a valuable asset that every presenter must use. Not only does it maintain a flow of thoughts and connects the dots between multiple topics, but it also keeps the audience engaged . 

By crafting a concise and well-structured summary, presenters can ensure that the main concepts and takeaways remain at the forefront of the audience’s minds long after the presentation.

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How to Summarize a PowerPoint Presentation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Summarizing a PowerPoint presentation is a skill that can come in handy in various situations. Maybe you’ve just watched a colleague’s presentation and need to report back to your team, or perhaps you’re studying for an exam and want to condense the material. To summarize a PowerPoint effectively, you’ll need to identify the key points, understand the presentation’s purpose, and distill the information into a concise format. By mastering these steps, you’ll be able to communicate the essence of any presentation to your audience efficiently.

Once you’ve summarized the PowerPoint presentation, you’ll have a handy reference that captures the main ideas and supporting details without the fluff. This summary can serve as a study aid, a quick refresher, or a tool to brief others who may not have the time to go through the entire presentation.

Introduction

Let’s face it, sitting through a lengthy PowerPoint presentation can sometimes feel like a chore, especially when all you need are the highlights. Maybe you’re a busy professional with back-to-back meetings, a student juggling multiple assignments, or just someone who values efficiency. Whatever the case, being able to summarize a PowerPoint presentation is a valuable skill that can save you time and keep you informed.

Why is this ability so important? For starters, it helps you to quickly sift through information and focus on what’s essential. In our fast-paced world, time is of the essence, and being able to distill a lengthy presentation into a few key points can be a game-changer. Moreover, it’s not only about personal convenience; summarizing skills are crucial when you have to convey the gist of a presentation to others. Whether you’re briefing a colleague, preparing notes for a study group, or delivering a report to a client, a well-crafted summary can make all the difference. So, let’s dive into the how-to of summarizing a PowerPoint presentation, shall we?

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Summarize a PowerPoint Presentation

Before we jump into the steps, let’s establish what we’re aiming for. A good summary of a PowerPoint presentation should capture the main ideas, the supporting details, and the presenter’s intended message, all while being brief and easy to understand.

Step 1: Review the Entire Presentation

Start by going through the entire PowerPoint presentation.

Reviewing the presentation in its entirety allows you to get a sense of the overall flow and the key themes. Pay attention to the title slides and the concluding slides, as they often contain the main message and summary points.

Step 2: Identify the Key Points

Look for the main ideas in each slide.

Each slide usually focuses on a single main idea. Look for bullet points, bolded text, or headings as clues to what the presenter considers important. Make note of these points as they will form the backbone of your summary.

Step 3: Understand the Purpose

Determine the purpose of the presentation.

Understanding why the presentation was created helps to frame your summary. Was it to inform, persuade, or instruct? Knowing the intent will guide you in deciding what details are crucial for your summary.

Step 4: Condense the Information

• Condense the information into a concise format.

Now that you have the key points and the purpose, start writing your summary. Aim to express the ideas as simply and clearly as possible, without losing the original meaning. If a slide’s content can be said in one sentence instead of three, do it.

Step 5: Review and Edit

Review your summary and refine it.

Go through your summary to ensure it’s coherent and that it accurately reflects the presentation’s content and purpose. Edit out any redundancies or unclear statements.

Additional Information

When summarizing a PowerPoint presentation, it’s essential to keep the audience in mind. Who will be reading your summary? What do they need to know? Tailoring the summary to the needs of your audience can make it more effective. Additionally, consider using visual aids from the original presentation, such as charts or graphs, if they help illustrate a point more clearly.

Remember, a good summary is not just a list of points but a coherent mini-version of the presentation. It should flow logically and be engaging to read. Lastly, practice makes perfect. The more you practice summarizing presentations, the better you’ll become at capturing the essence of the content. So next time you sit through a PowerPoint, why not give it a try?

• Review the entire PowerPoint presentation.
• Identify the key points in each slide.
• Understand the purpose of the presentation.
• Review and edit your summary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the powerpoint presentation is very long.

Start by breaking it down into sections, and summarize each section before attempting to summarize the whole presentation. This will make the task more manageable.

Can I include quotes from the presentation in my summary?

Yes, but use them sparingly and only if they emphasize a key point effectively.

Should I use the same slide titles in my summary?

You can, but it’s not necessary. The aim is to capture the main ideas, not to replicate the presentation’s structure.

Is it okay to leave out examples used in the presentation?

If the examples are used to illustrate key points, briefly mention them. Otherwise, focus on the main ideas and leave out specific examples.

How long should my summary be?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a good rule of thumb is to make it as brief as possible while still covering all key points.

Summarizing a PowerPoint presentation is an art and a skill that can be honed with practice. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who values brevity, being able to condense information efficiently is incredibly valuable. Remember, the goal is to capture the essence of the presentation, not to replicate it.

Use your judgment to determine what’s essential and what can be left out. With the steps and tips outlined in this article, you’re well on your way to becoming an expert summarizer. So next time you’re faced with a lengthy presentation, don’t despair. Embrace the challenge and flex those summarizing muscles!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

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Home Blog Business Executive Summary: A Guide to Writing and Presentation

Executive Summary: A Guide to Writing and Presentation

Executive summaries precede nearly every type of business document. Despite being the shortest part, they often leave the biggest impression on the reader. Yet, many writers choose to treat an executive summary as an afterthought. (And some presenters too!). Why? Because writing an executive summary is a seemingly hard task. But our mission is to prove otherwise! 

What is an Executive Summary?

An executive summary is a preface to a larger business document such as an annual report, business plan, or whitepaper, succinctly summarizing the key discussion points. Effectively, an executive summary offers a preview of the content, so that the reader could form a baseline opinion about the contents prior to diving into a deep reading session. 

The University of Arizona offers a more elaborated executive summary definition which also notes that an executive summary should:

• Restate the purpose of the follow-up document
• Highlight the key discussion points and most notable facts 
• Relay any notable results, conclusions, or recommendations

Though an executive summary is just a foreword to a bigger report, it’s one of the most labor-intensive items as you have to condense a lot of information into a high-level summary. Oftentimes, an executive summary also gets prominent placement in the follow-up presentation, done on the report.  

Executive Summary Examples

Nearly every type of business document will have an executive summary. Some are better structured and presented than others. But it’s not just limited to business documents. Executive summaries are also used in scientific projects, articles, and education. Below are several admirable executive summary examples you may want to use as an inspiration for writing. 

Accenture: Gaming: The Next Super Platform 

This executive summary for an industry report opens with some big quantifiable claims, clearly communicating the main agenda — describing the size and state of the global gaming market. The gaming industry is a huge market. The pullout texts on the sidebar further detail the scope of the document. Plus clarify for whom this report is intended. 

IBM: Cost of a Data Breach Report 2020 

IBM conducts an annual joint report on cybersecurity with Ponemon Institute. They open the executive summary with a brief recap of their mission and past research. Then dwell on this year’s findings and methodology. If you are writing an executive summary for a similarly massive original research, it’s worth focusing more on your techniques for obtaining data and arriving at the conclusions as IBM did. 

Deloitte Digital: Exploring the value of emotion-driven engagement

Deloitte selected a more narrative style for this executive summary, mixing some key data points and methodology with the core messaging of the report. This is a good example of structured data presentation . On one hand, you have an engaging narration flow. On the other, the summary covers all the important discussion points. 

Executive Summary Format

As the above executive summary examples illustrated, there is no one fit-it-all format for writing an executive study. The best approach depends on your report type, purpose, and contents. 

That being said, an executive summary needs to fulfill several earlier mentioned criteria — offer a preview, provide key information at glance, showcase any results, recommendations. That’s what most readers expect to see on the first page after all. 

The easiest way to approach writing is to draft a preliminary executive summary outline featuring the following subsections:

• General introduction, explaining the key problems discussed 
• Main problem statement(s)
• Selected findings or recommendations 
• The importance of discussed points 

Since you’d also be likely working on presenting the executive summary to other stakeholders , it helps you keep the above structured as bullet points at first. So that you could easily transfer the main ideas to your executive summary PowerPoint slide . 

How Long Should an Executive Summary Be?

As a rule of thumb, an executive summary should not go longer than one vertical page. That is an equivalent of 300-500 words, depending on the typeface. For longer reports, two pages (a horizontal split) may be acceptable. But remember, brevity is key. You are working on a trailer for a movie (the full report). 

How to Write an Executive Summary: a 3-Step Framework 

You can start with the aforementioned loose format and then adapt it to your document type. Remember, you don’t need to follow all the recommendations to a T. Instead, mix some ideas to make your executive summary sound both professional and engaging. Here are several tips for that:  

1. Start with a Problem Statement 

Think of the first paragraph as if of an opening slide for a presentation : you need to make a big compelling statement that immediately communicates your agenda. Set the scene for the reader. There are several ways to do so:

• Answer the “why now” question in the opening paragraph 
• Address the urgency of the matter 
• Highlight the importance of the discussed issue 

Alternatively, you can also go for a more traditional opening and explain the background of the research and discussed issue. For example, if you have conducted a go-to-market strategy evaluation for the team you can start by saying that “This report analyzed online furniture brand performance in 5 target EMEA markets in terms of market share, local brand recall, brand preference, and estimated online sales volumes.” Afterward, briefly communicate the main aim of the report. 

2. Present the Main Discussion Points 

Next, flesh out what’s included in the scope of this report to properly manage the reader’s expectations. You can use the report’s section subheads as key discussion points or come up with snappier, more descriptive statements. 

Here are several good writing practices to follow: 

• Use bullet points and numbered lists to break down text blocks. 
• Quantify the biggest findings when possible. Style them as “call-outs”. 
• Mention the limitations of your report and what it does not account for. 
• Discuss the used research methods and data sources. 

Finally, summarize the findings in one concluding paragraph if you have space. Or style it as a featured quote to draw the reader’s eye towards crucial information. 

3. List the Recommendations or Next Steps 

The bottom part of the page, around 100-150 words should be allocated towards underlining the results, conclusions, and follow-up action expected from the reader. Summarize what you have found during the course of your research. Mention if you have identified any specific type of solution or a type of recommended action. 

Once you are done, send over an executive summary draft to a team member who hasn’t seen the complete report. Ask for their feedback. Can they tell what the report content is after reading the summary? Does the summary intrigue them? Is it descriptive enough for someone without any other context into the matter? Use the critique to further improve the document. 

How to Prepare an Executive Summary Presentation 

High chances are that you’ll also be asked to write the copy for the executive summary presentation, and perhaps even design it too. So let’s get you up to speed on this aspect as well.

How Does an Executive Summary Slide Look Like in PPT?

There’s no ultimate look for an executive summary slide as most presenters customize it to best reflect the content they’d want to showcase. But if you want some universal example, here’s our executive summary slide template : 

You can build an entire slide deck tailored for an executive summary or business presentation by using our AI Presentation Maker . Fill the topic, analyze & edit the proposed outline, and select a design. That’s it! You can create an engaging executive summary slide deck with any number of slides.

What Makes a Good Executive Summary Slide?

A good executive summary slide visually communicates all the important information from the full report. Typically, it’s an even more condensed version of the written executive summary, prefacing the document. Thus to create a good executive summary slide, be prepared to do some ruthless editing.

Include a condensed version of the: 

• Main problem statement or report agenda 
• Key findings. Prioritize quantifiable ones
• Recommendations and next steps.

Also, you will need some PowerPoint design mastery to ensure that an executive summary in your PowerPoint presentation looks compelling, but not cluttered. Prioritize white space. Here is where a good executive summary template can make your life easier. To minimize the number of texts, add icons and other simple visualizations. Trim headers and subheads to give the slide even more breathing room.

For those looking to create an engaging and visually appealing presentation, consider utilizing professional presentation templates to enhance the visuals of your executive summary slide. These templates are specifically designed to help presenters convey their message effectively and with style, ensuring that your audience remains captivated and fully understands the key points of your report.

How to Write an Executive Summary for a Presentation

Most likely you won’t need to write a brand new copy for this slide, but rather adapt the text at hand. That already makes your job a lot easier when summarizing a presentation into an executive summary slide. Still, you don’t want to mess anything up. So stick with the executive summary template you’ve chosen and fill in the gaps using our tips. 

1. Keep the Tone Consistent 

Use the same tone of voice and word choices in your slide deck as you’ve adopted in the report. If the tone of your presentation speech differs too much with terms used on the slide and in the report copy, some audience members may get confused, and then disengaged. 

2. Focus on Telling a Story 

Stakeholders will have the extra time to read the “dry” report. During the presentation, your main goal is to draw their attention to the most important issue, showcase the value-packed inside the report, and make them eager to learn more by actually flipping the full copy afterward. 

3. Chop Full Sentences into Bullet Points 

Go snappy and present information in a snackable manner. Remember, our brain can only keep 3-5 items at once in the working memory. So you shouldn’t try to overload the audience with a long list of “very important points” in one sitting.  

Also, per a recent presentation survey, among the 3 things that annoy audiences most about presentations are slides that include full sentences of text. So, when working on your presentation summary slide, trim those lengthy texts and move on some of the other points to separate slides. 

4. Don’t Go Data Galore 

Including numbers and data visualizations is a great way to present your executive summary. However, overloading your data slides with data nuggets makes your presentation less impactful. 

As presentation design expert Nancy Duarte explains : 

“Data slides aren’t really about the data. They’re about the meaning of the data. It’s up to you to make that meaning clear before you click away. Otherwise, the audience won’t process — let alone buy — your argument.”

It’s a good idea to spotlight 3 main data points on your executive summary slide. Then use some extra minutes to comment on why you’ve chosen to present these. 

To Conclude

An executive summary is the first page and/or slide a reader will see. That’s why the stakes are high to make it look just right. Granted, that shouldn’t be an issue. Since you now know how to write, design, and present a compelling executive summary to others! 

1. Project Summary PowerPoint Template

Use This Template

2. Simple Executive Summary Slide Template for PowerPoint

3. One Page Strategy Summary PowerPoint Template

4. Executive Summary PowerPoint Template

5. Executive Business PowerPoint Template

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Business Presentation: The Ultimate Guide to Making Powerful Presentations (+ Examples)

A business presentation is a purpose-led summary of key information about your company’s plans, products, or practices, designed for either internal or external audiences. This guide teaches you how to design and deliver excellent business presentations. Plus, breaks down some best practices from business presentation examples by popular companies.

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How to write an effective executive summary like a mckinsey or bcg consultant.

Table of contents

Key components of an effective executive summary, an in-depth look at each component of the executive summary (with examples), some practical tips and tricks, the bottom line.

Management consultants at firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain are renowned for their ability to present complex ideas in a clear, concise manner that is easy to digest and understand. A key component of this process is the executive summary slide – often presented as the first part of a presentation deck on a given topic or problem. 

An executive summary aims to provide the audience with an overview of the subject at hand or a snapshot of the key points that will be discussed in greater depth. It should serve to quickly get the main messages and conclusions across and motivate audiences to dive deeper into the details.

In this post, we will outline the essential components of an effective executive summary using techniques from McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. We will also provide tips on how to craft a compelling executive summary in practice and give examples of best practices.

For a broader view on how to create consultant-style presentations take a look at our blog post 'How McKinsey Consultants Make PowerPoint Presentations' . Or deep-dive into other specific elements of creating best-in-class presentations, like our post on 'Mastering Risk Mitigation Slides: A Best Practice Guide with Examples'.

A good executive summary provides all the key information in one slide. The goal is to communicate as much information in as few words as possible.

To achieve this goal, you should focus on the following key components when crafting an executive summary slide: 

• [optional] Objective: Clearly state the purpose and objective of the presentation.
• Situation: Provide relevant background information to set the context for the problem or opportunity being addressed.
• Complication: Define the complication (problem or opportunity) the presentation addresses in simple, to-the-point sentences. This includes identifying the root cause of the problem or opportunity and its implications for the organization.
• Resolution: Present the recommended solution or solutions to the complication in a clear and concise manner. This should be based on data-driven insights and analysis.
• [optional] Benefits: Articulate the benefits of implementing the recommended solution. These benefits should be linked to the organization's strategic objectives.
• Call to Action: Provide a clear call to action outlining what the organization needs to do to implement the recommended solution. This should be actionable and linked to the organization's strategic objectives.

This structure is similar to the SCQA (situation-complication-question-answer) framework.

Craft effective executive summaries for your consulting presentations .

Let's take a closer look at each component of the executive summary and how it can be used to craft an effective executive summary deck using the McKinsey/BCG/Bain methodology.

1. Objective

The objective of the executive summary should succinctly define the purpose of the presentation and why it is important for the audience to understand the key points.

To craft an effective objective, you should consider the following: 

• Who is the target audience?
• What are the key points that the audience needs to understand?
• What is the purpose of the presentation?
• Why is it important for the audience to understand the key points?

An effective objective should be brief, clear, and focused on the needs of the audience. It should be written to clearly communicate what the presentation will cover and why it matters.

 Example: "This presentation will provide an overview of the current state of the industry and highlight key trends and opportunities for growth."

2. Situation

The background or situation section of the executive summary provides relevant context to the audience to help them better understand the problem or opportunity being addressed. 

This section should include:

• Relevant background information on the industry, market, or organization.
• Any key trends or developments that are important to the problem or opportunity being addressed.
• Any relevant historical information that helps to explain the current situation.

Some questions to ask when crafting the background section include:

• What is the context for the problem or opportunity being addressed?
• What are the key factors that have led to the current situation?
• What are the relevant historical or industry-specific factors that are important to understanding the problem or opportunity?

An effective background section should be concise and focused on the most important information. It should provide enough context for the audience to understand the problem or situation being addressed without overwhelming them with unnecessary information.

Here are some examples from McKinsey and BCG:

3. Complication

The complication section of the executive summary clearly and concisely defines the reason the situation requires action, either because there is a serious problem or there is a good opportunity. This includes identifying the root cause of the problem or opportunity and its implications for the organization.

• What is the problem or opportunity that the presentation is addressing?
• What are the root causes of the problem or opportunity?
• What are the implications of the problem or opportunity for the organization?

 An effective complication section should be short and to-the-point, focusing on the most important aspects of the problem or opportunity. The root cause of the complication should be clearly identified, along with the most relevant data or evidence that supports this analysis. In addition, the implications of the problem or opportunity for the organization should be clearly articulated, highlighting why it is important for the audience to understand the problem/opportunity and its impact and why it requires action.

Enhance your proposal writing with our Consulting Proposal template , or explore our collection of 10 Real Consulting Proposals .

4. Resolution

The resolution section of the executive summary presents the proposed solution or strategy for addressing the complication. This should include a brief overview of the approach and any relevant supporting information or evidence.

• What is the proposed approach for addressing the problem or opportunity?
• What are the key elements of the strategy?
• What are the expected benefits or outcomes of the approach?
• What evidence is there to support the proposed solution or strategy?

An effective resolution section should provide enough detail for the audience to understand what is being proposed and why without overwhelming them with unnecessary detail. The proposed approach and any relevant supporting information or evidence should be clearly outlined. In addition, the expected benefits or outcomes of the approach should be highlighted, as this helps to emphasize why it is important for the audience to understand and support the proposed solution.

5. Benefits

The benefits section of the executive summary presents a brief overview of any expected benefits or outcomes from implementing the proposed solution. This section is optional, and sometimes included as a bullet point under the resolution section.

• What are the primary benefits or outcomes of implementing the proposed solution?
• What are the secondary benefits or outcomes?
• How will these benefits impact the organization and its stakeholders?

An effective benefits section should provide a clear and concise overview of any expected benefits or outcomes from implementing the proposed solution. The primary benefits should be highlighted, as well as any secondary benefits that are relevant to the audience. Emphasis should be on quantifiable benefits.

In addition, the impact of these benefits on the organization and its stakeholders should be emphasized, highlighting why it is important for the audience to understand and support the proposed solution. 

Example: "The proposed approach will generate an incremental $10 million in revenue, reduce costs by 5%, and increase customer satisfaction by 10%. This will help to improve profitability, create new growth opportunities, and strengthen our competitive position in the sector."

6. Call to Action

The call to action section of the executive summary presents a brief overview of key proposed actions or decisions that need to be taken by the audience in order to implement the proposed solution. This section is also sometimes a bullet point under the resolution section.

• What are the proposed actions or decisions that need to be taken?
• Who needs to take these actions or make these decisions?
• What is the timeline for implementing the proposed solution?

An effective call to action/recommendation section should provide a clear and concise overview of any proposed actions or decisions that need to be taken by the audience. The proposed actions or decisions and who needs to take these actions or make these decisions should be clearly outlined. 

In addition, the timeline for implementing the proposed solution should be highlighted, ensuring that the audience understands when and how these actions or decisions need to be taken.

Apply these summary techniques in your Business Strategy template .

• Consultants typically communicate in a 'top down' or pyramid fashion, starting with the conclusion and then providing the supporting information.
• Write the most important takeaway of each section as the bolded text and follow with numbers and other supporting facts as bullet points.
• Read through the bolded text and see if the story makes sense.  
• Spend the majority of the executive summary focusing on the solution/recommendation, rather than the situation and supporting analysis.
• The executive summary is not a play-by-play summary of a project. Instead, it is a decision document for your audience to understand the proposed solutions they have to decide on, and just enough information to set the solution in context and grasp the expected outcomes.
• Read through your executive summary and remove anything that is not directly relevant to deciding/agreeing with your proposed solution.  
• Try to keep the executive summary as a single slide (sometimes two).
• Eliminate unnecessary words and sentences, and make sure that each sentence adds value to the overall message.

Creating executive summary slides like a McKinsey consultant can have a significant impact on the success of your communication and decision-making efforts. Although it seems simple and many people treat the executive summary like an after-thought, it should in fact be one of the slides you spend the most time on in any presentation.

A well-crafted executive summary helps you structure your entire presentation by making you focus on the solution you are proposing and only keeping in analyses and arguments that help explain the why, what, and how of that solution.

By following the essential components and strategies outlined above you can create a clear, concise, and compelling executive summary that effectively communicates complex ideas and drives action. 

Cheat sheet

What is an executive summary exactly?

A short summary of the key messages and conclusions in a longer presentation, focused on actionable solutions or recommendations. In McKinsey and BCG consulting presentations the executive summary is typically one or two slides, but sometimes executive summary can also refer to a short deck.

What does an executive summary include and how do I write one?

See our 'How to' guide in this post.

Does an executive summary come before or after the table of contents? 

Typically before the table of contents, as the first (or one of the first) slides after a title page.

Is there a good executive summary slide example?

Yes, you can download some examples from McKinsey and BCG here . You can also see full presentations from BCG and McKinsey here and here .

Or take a look at our full Business Strategy template or our Business Case template for real-life client examples.

Should I include visuals? 

Generally McKinsey and BCG executive summaries do not include visuals, except perhaps icons to make the summary more visually appealing.

What is the difference between an executive summary slide and a key takeaways slide?

An executive summary slide, a recommendations slide , and a key takeaways slide are all part of a trio of slides centered around conveying main messages. Typically, an executive summary slide contains the most important points of the entire project/presentation while a key takeaways slide is often used either at the start or end of sections of the presentation to sum up points, or at the end to sum up the main takeaways before ending in an actionable recommendations slide.

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5 Tips to Summarize Your Business Presentations Impressively

8 Effective Ways to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation

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Standing in front of a crowd gives most of us jitters, and when the crowd consists of people like top management or potential investors, the stakes get even higher. You certainly wouldn’t want to ruin it.

However, business presentations can fall prey to 2 things quickly if presented poorly – the context can get lost, and with that interest of the audience.

If you don’t want to be the perpetrator of death by PowerPoint, you need to be thorough with one aspect that helps keep the presentation lucid and engaging – a presentation summary.

This article covers everything you need to know about summarizing business presentations. Let’s explore!

What Do You Mean by Presentation Summary?

A summary is an essential part of a presentation as it provides a bird’s eye view of everything essential. It condenses the main idea or significant details of your presentation into key takeaways, important points, or recommendations, helping the audience understand and remember it effortlessly.

Why is it Necessary to Summarize Business Presentations?

Adding a summary to your business presentation will help you in the following ways-

• It will help you clearly showcase the core message or gist of your speech to the audience and make it easier to explain.
• The reiteration and reinforcement of vital information will aid in learning and retention.
• A summary serves as a reference to which the audience can refer in the future.
• It will enable you to think clearly as a presenter. If you have trouble crafting the summary, it will give you insight into the complexity of your entire business presentation, which you can revise accordingly. 
• Providing a summary will ensure that people don’t lose the context of your business presentation.

What Should You Include in Your Business Presentation Summary?

Your presentation summary should consist of these essential components-

a). Key Takeaways

The main purpose of the summary slide is to cover and reinforce the key message of your business presentation. 

The slide will be your quick reference of the central points that you want people to take away with them. Condense everything important in bullet points to give a clear structure to your star content.

b).   CTA (Call To Action)

Your CTA is another significant thing that should be there in your summary, along with the key points. Whether you want to introduce a new product or service or inspire some action, everything requires a meticulous CTA to encourage and facilitate further steps.

CTA in your summary will help strengthen the message. You might include everything else in your summary, but it won’t do much good if people forget to act upon it later.

c).   Visuals

Visuals help us remember and retain information better. If your presentation summary includes complex data and statistics, showing it with the help of visuals would make the information attractive and easy to process.

Create an attractive visual summarizing the main points. You can even create a video to make your summary appealing and simplified.

d). Contact Details

Sharing your contact details will help people connect with you post-presentation. It can serve as an opportunity to strengthen your brand and expand your business. 

It will also tell people that you are willing to connect and engage, which will help build connections, thereby serving the purpose of your presentation.

How to Summarize Your Presentation?

Now that we have gone through the ‘why,’ let’s cover the ‘how.’ The points below will help you create a crisp and engaging summary.

1. Figure Out the Main Points

As mentioned above, your business presentation should iterate the key points. Concretize your message by considering the following points-

• The goal of delivering the presentation.
• The key insights people should leave with.
• The problems/concerns you are addressing with the presentation.

Analyze these points along with the content of your presentation. It will help you zero in on the key message and idea of your presentation that you can highlight in your summary.

For instance, the presentation is about your business plan. The content includes information about competitors, SWOT analysis, market trends, case studies, etc. The questions above will help you condense the information in a summarized format.

2. Craft An Outline

Just like the presentation, you should create an outline for your summary, too. It will help you align what you seek to present from all the content. Collect your thoughts, take notes, and create a logical sequence that best defines the gist of your business presentation. 

Note – You can segment all your material into different sections (for instance, next quarter forecast, previous reports, and growth prospects) to figure out key points from each section.

3. Take Help of Key Presentation Content

If you are uncertain about what content to include in your summary slides (along with the key message), consider incorporating important highlights of your business presentation. 

For instance, if your presentation features the current and anticipated growth trajectory of your business (business forecast), you can include key trends in your summary slide. 

4. Include Critical Data, Figures, and Analysis

Your slides will have pieces of information that are too important to mention just once. It could be crucial financial figures, data, statistics, analysis, etc., which need to be remembered by the audience. 

Summary slides are a great tool for quick recalls and focused attention. Include the vital information in a bullet list, graphics, timelines, business matrices, or different colored texts to make it stand out as the most pivotal part of your presentation.

Note – Use a relevant layout (colors, images, graphics, etc.) that supports the context and content of your summary slide.

5. Use Self-Explanatory Visuals

Visuals (icons, illustrations, images) help explain complex ideas in a single image without needing any outside explanation. 

It can really help condense your information while making it easily graspable since you can’t make your summary long and tedious for obvious reasons. 

For instance, you must have seen the pictures of the dragon and the planet. It explains the economic concept of unlimited wants and resources, where the dragon (wants) is seen to eat the entire planet (resources). 

You can download pre-designed summary templates featuring infographics, diagrams, bars, charts, etc., and include them in your presentations to make your summary outstanding and memorable.

Final Words

Just like an agenda slide is crucial to open your presentation and give the audience an idea about what they can expect in the next 30-40 minutes, a summary slide is essential to provide an impressive closure to your speech.

A well-designed summary slide gives a synopsis of your idea and a quick recap of critical points, ensuring all the audience members are on the same page.

It will also serve as your last chance to woo people. 

So, don’t think of a summary slide merely as a formality; it’s an integral part that can make or break your presentation. Therefore, take the help of the above tips to create a compelling summary slide and enable your audience to drive home with the takeaways you want them to remember for longer.

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How To Write Consulting Executive Summary Slides [BCG Example]

Table of contents.

If you’re anything like me, then y ou build all of the main body slides in your slide decks, sharpen the text , perfect your visualizations … and then quickly throw together an executive summary slide.

The problem?  The executive summary slide is the first impression of your deck and the only place that the reader can get a complete overview of your argument.

Therefore, executive summary slides shouldn’t be an afterthought. In fact, it’s important to spend significant time writing a strong executive summary that clearly articulates your argument and inspires your reader to act.

What is an executive summary slide?

An executive summary is a written overview of the main points or arguments of a larger document, memo or other report.

Strategy consultants also write executive summaries for their presentations or slide decks.

An executive summary slide is the first slide in your presentation that fully summarizes the argument, storyline, and supporting evidence of the body slides.

Download 120+ strategy consulting presentations for free

Looking for slide inspiration? Download 120+ consulting slide decks from top strategy consulting firms, such as McKinsey, BCG and Bain!

Why do you need executive summary slides?

As a reader, it’s so easy to get lost in a PowerPoint slide deck. You need to keep previous slides and messages in your mind, follow the line of argument, and somehow put everything together into a coherent story that you can make sense of.

Executive summary slides help the reader “follow along” with your slide deck. There are a few main benefits:

• Executive summaries provide context to help the reader understand why the topic of the slide deck is important.
• Executive summaries communicate the high-level argument before the reader gets into the body of the slide deck. This helps the reader understand your more detailed body slides.
• Executive summaries are a “map” that the reader can reference back to if they start losing the line of argument in the body of the deck.

How to write executive summary slides

To understand the best practices of writing executive summary slides, we’re going to break down a BCG executive summary.

In doing so, we’re going to learn the simple framework for writing executive summary slides that is used by strategy consultants, such as McKinsey & Co, Bain, and BCG.

Below you can see an example of a BCG executive summary.  This slide deck is a BCG report on “Melbourne as a Global Cultural Destination” and can be downloaded here .

Here are the two main executive summary slides:

These BCG executive summary slides are a great example of an executive summary done well. So we’ll use them to describe best practices.

Best practice #1: Bold text for summary sentences, bullet points for supporting data

One of the first things you’ll notice about the BCG executive summary is the bold-bullet structure.

The bold sentences denote key statements or claims, and the bullet points support those statements (usually with data).

If there was no evidence to support their claims — or if the evidence was buried deep in the slide deck — then the reader could quite easily doubt the validity of the claim, and ultimately the end conclusion of the slide deck.

So one of the key aspects of strategy consulting slide decks is that no claim is made without evidence. And that includes the executive summary.

Let’s zoom in on one example:

The key statement in this part of the executive summary is “there are weaknesses in Melbourne’s cultural and creative offer”.

This claim is supported by a bunch of data points, such as 90% of agencies and thought leaders believe the cultural offer is not clearly articulated.

Best practice #2: Bold summary sentences can be read alone to tell a story

Executives are busy people and many of them aren’t interested in diving into the supporting bullet points. They will simply read through your bolded summary sentences to understand the high-level argument and recommendations.

This means that  your executive summary should be “skimmable by design”.

In other words,  your bolded summary sentences should tell a complete and logical story without requiring the supporting data in the bullet points below.

Let’s read just the bolded sentences in our BCG executive summary:

Melbourne has a compelling creative and cultural offer; the city attracted >10m Australian and international visitors in 2015. Cultural visitors and creative industries drive significant economic benefits; cultural tourism projected to grow further. However, Melbourne’s position as Australia’s cultural and creative capital is being challenged. On a global index of cultural and creative cities, Melbourne ranks first in Australia, third in Asia and 12th globally. Melbourne has clear strengths to build on as a cultural and creative city. However, there are some weaknesses to address to further improve Melbourne’s cultural and creative offer. These findings suggest five strategic priorities to improve Melbourne’s position as a global cultural and creative destination, which may lift Melbourne’s position on the Performance Index.

It reads just like a narrative!

Despite ignoring all the bullet points, we can still fully understand the argument that BCG is making in their executive summary (which is also reflected in the body of the slide deck).

Best practice #3: The executive summary should reflect the ‘SCR storyline’ structure of the slide deck

It’s not good enough to just “tell a story”, you need a tell the story using a particular structure.

The structure used by strategy consulting firms, such as McKinsey & Co, Bain, and BCG, is the ‘situation, complication, resolution’ structure.

As an aside, you can learn more about how to craft a compelling argument and SCR storyline for your slide deck in our Complete Guide To Building Strategy Presentations . If you haven’t read that guide, you should check it out.

Let’s take a look at how the SCR storyline applies to your slide deck:

• What baseline knowledge do people need to have before they understand our argument?
• How did this problem come about?

Complication

• What is the problem we need to solve?
• Why is this particular problem important to solve?
• How do we respond / solve the problem?
• What are the specific recommendations and/or next steps?

Your executive summary slide should communicate the complete storyline in your slide deck. And thus it should also follow the situation, complication, resolution structure.

In our BCG example, you can clearly see the SCR structure in action:

It’s important to set the context with the situation, as there’s no guarantee that all of you readers will have the background knowledge to understand your argument. It also gives you the opportunity to explain the causes of the problem that you’re addressing in the slide deck.

Then, in the complication section, you should succinctly define the problem and why it is important to solve. Some people suggest that you use a question format, for example “How can Melbourne improve its position as a global cultural and creative destination?”, although that’s really just a matter of style.

Finally, you need to clearly articulate your proposed resolution or “answer” to the problem. You’ll note that most of the executive summary real-estate is spent on the resolution component. From a reader’s perspective, the recommendations are the most important part of the slide deck.

Executive summary slide examples

Below you’ll find examples of executive summary slides from consulting firms like Bain & Co, BCG, L.E.K. Consulting, Oliver Wyman, and others.

Creating an Executive Summary PowerPoint Presentation in 2024: Expert Tips and Techniques

• By Judhajit Sen
• March 20, 2024

What is an Executive Summary in PowerPoint Presentations?

A n executive summary slide gives a quick peek into a more extended presentation, usually found at the start of a slide deck. Its job is to summarize the main points so readers don’t have to go through the whole thing. These slides often have more text than regular slides because they’re meant to be read, not presented live. It’s important to keep live presentations engaging by avoiding too much text on slides.

Think of an executive summary as a short version of a big document, giving important info in an easy-to-understand way. Even though it’s short, an excellent executive summary must focus on the main message. Executives and decision-makers, who are often busy, like presentations that get to the point quickly and professionally. If you can’t do that, you might seem unprepared or unable to communicate well.

An executive summary PPT slide makes presenting vital info from a bigger report or business plan easier. It usually includes a title slide, an agenda or outline slide, and a few summary slides. This helps quickly share critical details like the problem you’re addressing, solutions, expected outcomes, and budget plans.

An executive summary template condenses a more extended presentation into crucial points. It aims to catch readers’ interest, clarify the presentation’s goals, and prepare the audience for the discussion. A good executive summary grabs attention and sets the stage for a complete understanding of the topic.

What are the Benefits of an Executive Summary in Slide Presentations?

In slide presentations, a business plan executive summary is a crucial connection between the presenter and the audience, giving a quick look into what’s coming up. Stakeholders often need to understand proposals, project details, or research quickly, especially in business. Creating a well-organized executive summary ensures that essential points are easy to see, setting the stage for deeper exploration if needed.

In the midst of a PowerPoint slide deck, it’s easy for readers to get lost, trying to remember earlier slides and the main story. Executive summary slides help guide readers through the presentation. They have a few main jobs:

1. Providing Context: Executive summaries provide background information, explaining why the slide deck’s topic is important, which helps the audience understand better.

2. Showing the Main Argument: Executive summaries help readers understand the main idea of the presentation before getting into the details by summarizing the central argument right away.

3. Acting as a Guide: These summaries work like maps for readers, helping them stay on track with the presentation’s story.

Executive summaries, especially in PowerPoint, are handy in the business world. They’re the first thing the audience sees, grabbing attention and making people curious by summarizing long and potentially dull content. The benefits of using an executive summary PowerPoint template include:

1. Saving Time: Executive summaries save presenters and audience members time by condensing important points from long reports or presentations.

2. Clear Organization Overview: These summaries give a quick and optimistic overview of the organization, showing its successes and goals, which makes the audience want to learn more about it.

Executive summaries in slide presentations are crucial for smoother communication and ensuring everyone can easily understand important information. By guiding the audience to deeper insights, they make engagement and understanding easier, moving the story along with clarity and purpose.

How To Write an Effective Executive Summary Slide

To ensure clarity and engagement, crafting a compelling executive summary for slide templates involves several key steps.

1. Start with a Clear Problem Statement: Think of your first paragraph as the opening slide of a presentation. You need to make a strong statement that immediately communicates the agenda. Address the urgency of the issue, highlight its importance, or provide background information to set the scene. Clearly outline the chief goals of the report or document and always communicate in an Active voice. However, an online paraphraser tool can also aid in this situation.

2. Present the Main Discussion Points: Expand on the points or scope of the report to meet audience expectations. Break down large blocks of text into bullet points for easier digestion. Use figures to highlight key findings and quantify significant results. Discuss the research methods and data sources, and mention any report limitations. Summarize the conclusions in a paragraph or as a featured quote to highlight critical information. Use concise language throughout the executive summary. For this, an AI summary generator is a useful solution. It uses AI technology to accurately summarize your information around the key points.

3. List Recommendations or Next Steps: Allocate a section at the bottom of the summary to emphasize outcomes, conclusions, and follow-up actions expected from the reader. Summarize the research findings and identify any recommended solutions or actions. Seek feedback from team members who have not seen the full report to ensure the summary effectively conveys the document’s content and piques interest without additional context.

By following these steps, you can create an executive summary that effectively communicates the main points of your presentation and encourages audience engagement. 

How To Make an Executive Summary Engaging

A creative executive summary presentation involves several vital strategies to capture your audience’s attention and convey the main points effectively.

1. Create an Engaging Slide Title: The title of your slide is the first thing your audience will see. Make it count by clearly stating the main takeaway and setting the tone for the rest of the slide.

2. Use Basic Story Structure: Your summary should provide a complete presentation overview, including a clear beginning, middle, and end. Many summaries focus solely on insights or data without providing a proper introduction or conclusion.

3. Ensure Scannability: Executive summary slides often contain lots of information, making them dense and challenging to navigate. Make it easier for your audience by organizing information into easily discernible sections. Group related text and graphs together, and include text headers for each section so even those scanning will understand the main points.

4. Maintain Consistent Tone: Ensure that the tone and language used in your slide match those of the primary document. Consistency in tone prevents confusion and keeps the audience engaged.

5. Focus on The Story: While stakeholders may have time to read the full report later, your goal during the presentation is to draw their attention to the most critical issues and highlight the value within the report, enticing them to delve deeper.

6. Use Bullet Points: Present information in bullet points to keep it concise and easily digestible. Avoid overloading your audience with long lists or full sentences, as this can overwhelm them and diminish the impact of your presentation.

7. Limit Data Overload: While data is essential, too much of it can overwhelm your audience. Choose three main data points to highlight on your executive summary slide and provide context for why these points are significant.

8. Utilize Professional Presentation Templates: Consider using presentation templates designed specifically for executive summaries. These help you create visually appealing slides that enhance your message and engage your audience. Prioritize white space and use icons and simple visualizations to minimize clutter and make your slides visually appealing.

By incorporating these strategies, you can create an executive summary slide that conveys important information and keeps your audience curious and engaged.

Crafting a compelling executive summary in slide presentations is essential for conveying critical information concisely and engagingly. 

By following strategies such as creating an engaging slide title, using basic story structure, ensuring scannability, maintaining a consistent tone, focusing on the story, using bullet points, limiting data overload, and utilizing professional presentation templates, presenters can captivate their audience’s attention and communicate their main points effectively. 

An engaging executive summary sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the topic and facilitates smoother communication, ultimately leading to better stakeholder understanding and engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of an executive summary slide in a presentation?

An executive summary PPT slide gives a quick overview of a more extended presentation, usually at the beginning of a slide deck. It summarizes the main points so readers don’t have to review the entire presentation. These slides are more text-heavy because they’re meant to be read, not presented live.

2. Why is it essential to have an executive summary in slide presentations?

Executive summaries are a crucial connection between presenters and audiences, offering a glance into the content ahead. They help stakeholders quickly understand proposals, project details, or research findings. By guiding readers through the presentation and providing context, they ensure that important points are easily grasped, setting the stage for deeper exploration if needed.

3. What are the key sections typically included in an executive summary?

An executive summary usually includes sections such as introduction, problem statement, outcomes/recommendations, and importance. These sections help readers understand the document quickly. It’s common to organize them into a clear outline using bullet points to make them easier to turn into slides for a PowerPoint presentation.

4. How can I make an executive summary slide engaging?

Crafting a creative executive summary slide involves:

• Creating an engaging slide title.
• Using basic story structure.
• Ensuring scannability.
• Maintaining a consistent tone.
• Focusing on the story.
• Using bullet points.
• Limiting data overload.
• Utilizing professional presentation templates.

Presenters can capture their audience’s attention by incorporating these strategies and effectively communicate their main points.

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Top 7 Executive Summary Templates With Samples and Examples

Naveen Kumar

C-suite executives are akin to budget shoppers in Walmart. Neither of them spends time or money on things that are not necessary. While budget shoppers make budgets or shopping lists, business persons depend on short versions of documents like executive summaries to manage their time. In the vast landscape of reports, analyses, and proposals, where every minute counts and decisions hold the weight of an entire enterprise, the executive summary emerges as a strategic tool that condenses the essence of information into a concise format.

Executive Summaries: Your Shortcut to Information Nirvana

An executive summary is a concise and condensed overview of a document, report, or presentation. It provides busy executives, decision-makers, or stakeholders with a quick and comprehensive understanding of the main points, key findings, recommendations, and essential insights within the document. An executive summary captures vital information in a way that allows the reader to grasp the main ideas without reading the entire document. For that, it should include:

• Context and Purpose : The background and purpose of the document highlight why the information is important and relevant.
• Findings : Summarize the key discoveries, results, or conclusions. Highlight the essential data, trends, or insights that the document presents.
• Recommendations : If applicable, provide any suggestions or action points that arise from the findings. These could be advice for future actions, strategies, or decisions based on the information provided in the document.
• Key Points : Condense the main points of each section or topic covered in the full document. It helps the reader understand the document's structure and scope.
• Data and Evidence : Highlight significant data, statistics, or evidence supporting the findings or conclusions of the document.
• Conclusion : Summarize the overall implications or significance of the information presented and reiterate its importance to the reader.

Executive summaries are used in business, academia, research, and various professional settings to communicate important information in a quick manner to individuals who do not have the time or need to read the entire document. These succinct snapshots offer a remarkable advantage, allowing decision-makers to grasp the essence of complex matters without being bogged down by exhaustive details. 

Simplify Documents With Executive Summary Templates

The effectiveness of an executive summary lies in its structure, brevity, and ability to encapsulate critical insights.

Our executive summary templates emerge as indispensable tools to assist professionals in making these documents the most effective with less time and effort. These content-ready slides, crafted with careful consideration of best practices, provide a much-needed structure that streamlines the process of condensing extensive content into a concise yet impactful format. The 100% customizable nature of these designs gives the desired flexibility to create professional executive summaries and presentations that make messages accessible and compelling and ensure effective communication of key points. 

From a high-stakes board meeting to presenting research findings, these executive summary templates can be the key to delivering resonating information. Let's dive in!

1. Executive Summary PowerPoint Presentation Deck

Step into a world of concise brilliance with our versatile collection of industry-tailored executive summary templates, catering to diverse sectors like food and beverage, IT organizations , soft drink companies, car manufacturing organizations, consumer goods firms, fashion clothing brands, consultancy services, and cement companies. These PPT Designs encapsulate the essence of your business, ensuring key insights are conveyed in an effective manner. Crafted for leaders, managers, and decision-makers, our deck equips you with the tools to captivate your audience and convey critical information. Whether you're presenting to stakeholders, colleagues, or clients, these PowerPoint Slides empower you to distill complex data into impactful executive summaries that shine. Download it now!

Download this template

2. Outsourcing Proposal Executive Summary Presentation Deck

Revolutionize the way you present your outsourcing strategies with a single click with our meticulous and expert-designed slides that redefine clarity and impact. This exhaustive collection empowers you to communicate your company's mission, vision, and meeting agendas. Display problems and solutions with precision using executive dashboards, financial insights, target market analyses, and growth matrices. Elevate your workforce's strategic prowess as you unveil unique selling propositions, value proposition expansions, feedback loops, and profit margin possibilities. From product sales volumes to action plans and desired outcomes, this PowerPoint Set becomes your compass in crafting a compelling outsourcing proposal. Get it now!

3. Marketing Plan Executive Summary Presentation Template

The well-organized sections of this executive summary presentation slide unveil a panoramic company overview, defined target markets, and the quintessential roadmap of marketing strategies that foster exponential growth. This PPT template empowers entrepreneurs, marketing mavens, and visionary leaders to distill complex marketing plans into masterful executive summaries that resonate. From captivating company narratives to laser-focused target market analyses and growth-oriented strategies, each slide is a canvas for your ideas to flourish. Grab it today!

4. Project Report Executive Summary Presentation Template

This ready-to-use one-page PPT Layout unravels a scenic project overview, showcasing key milestones achieved and the visionary roadmap ahead. Dive into financial insights, and navigate the deliverable timeline and the tempest of key project risks with the seamless guidance of this concise yet comprehensive presentation layout. It empowers you to condense intricate project reports into simplified executive summaries that resonate. Fuel your insights with visual storytelling through charts and timelines that command attention. Download it now!

5. Startup Company Executive Summary Presentation Template  

Unveil your brilliance in a single glance and ignite the potential of your startup journey with our one-page startup executive summary design. This presentation slide is a masterpiece that showcases your business vision, accomplishments, and expertise, in one cohesive page. It empowers you to capture the very essence of your startup in a succinct yet impactful manner. From the business landscape to a financial trajectory, every element of this one-page PPT Slide is a stroke of strategic genius. With our PowerPoint template, you can present your business mission, products, and core team, while showcasing your readiness to excel with confidence. This slide becomes your beacon for pitching, investor meetings, and networking events. Get it now!

6. Investment Pitch Executive Summary Presentation Template

This single-page investment template is a symphony of insights curated for startups, visionaries, and audacious entrepreneurs ready to shake the investment landscape. This template packs a punch in portraying your venture's essence, from company details to your dream team. Dive into the intricacies of customer conundrums and unveil how your solutions are second to none. With a flick of the slide, showcase your rivals and assert your competitive edge like a chess master. The revenue model unfolds, aligning visions of profit and growth. Reveal how investor funds will be used and the exit strategy to give investors a VIP pass to the thrilling last act of acquisition by venture capital. Grab it today!

7. Business Executive Summary Presentation Template

Your business brilliance meets a canvas of clarity and impact with our one-page presentation template. This template unravels your business in a single glance with finesse. Let the audience understand your business with an overview that sets the stage. Your mission and vision unfold with key offerings and innovation. Numbers come alive with a bar chart on your financial journey and a pie chart showcasing the competitive markets and market share. Highlight your competitive advantages with a table about your strengths and weaknesses. The business executive summary presentation template gives a snapshot of your historical footprints leading to your current spotlight. Download it now!

From Seconds to Success!

In today's fast-paced business landscape, the importance of executive summaries cannot be understated. These succinct snapshots distill complex information into vital components, enabling decision-makers to comprehend and act upon key insights in a swift way. Studies have shown that professionals spend an average of just a few seconds to minutes perusing documents before making critical judgments. This highlights the critical role that executive summaries play in capturing attention and conveying value in the shortest time.

An effective executive summary is akin to a guiding beacon for leaders navigating the labyrinth of meetings, reports, and strategic decisions. In a world where clear communication is a cornerstone of success, a well-crafted executive summary can catalyze impactful presentations, engage stakeholders, and steer organizations toward their objectives.

This is where our executive summary templates come into play. These well-thought-out and expert-designed PPT Slides are powerful tools that empower professionals to create concise, compelling, and crystal-clear executive summaries. Organized to cover the essentials – from purpose and findings to recommendations and impact – these designs streamline the process of refining information without sacrificing substance. 

Make every word count and every moment matter in your presentation with these executive summary templates.

FAQs on Executive Summary

What is an executive summary.

An executive summary is a concise and condensed version of a document, report, or proposal. It is designed to provide a high-level overview of the main points, findings, and recommendations of the document, allowing busy professionals to grasp the essential information without reading the entire content. In business, research, marketing, and other fields, executive summaries are used to communicate key information to decision-makers, stakeholders, and other interested parties.

What is included in the executive summary?

What's included in an executive summary can vary depending on the type of document it summarizes, but it should cover the following:

• Purpose/Objective : State the purpose of the document and what it aims to achieve in a brief manner.
• Context/Background : Provide a brief introduction to the topic, context, or problem the document addresses.
• Main Findings/Key Points : Highlight the most important findings, insights, or key points from the document.
• Recommendations/Actions : If applicable, outline the main recommendations or actions that are suggested based on the findings.
• Conclusion : Summarize the main results drawn from the document.
• Benefits/Impact : Explain the potential benefits or impact of the findings and recommendations.
• Target Audience : Specify who the document is intended for and who would benefit from reading the full version.
• Scope/Limitations : Brief the limitations or constraints of the document's findings.
• Visuals : Use visuals like charts, graphs, or diagrams to support key points.

How to make an executive summary?

To create an effective executive summary:

• Read the Document : Before writing the summary, read the entire document to understand its content and key points.
• Identify Key Information : Identify the most crucial information, findings, and recommendations from the document.
• Be Concise : Keep your sentences short and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details or jargon.
• Maintain Flow : Structure the summary in a logical way, following the order of the main document's sections.
• Use Clear Language : Write in clear, straightforward language your target audience can easily understand.
• Focus on Impact : Emphasize the impact of the findings and why they matter.
• Proofread and Edit : Review the summary for grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Ensure it captures the essence of the original document in an effective way.
• Tailor to Audience : Customize the tone and level of detail based on the knowledge and interests of your audience.
• Include Visuals : If appropriate, incorporate visuals to illustrate key points.

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• Top 10 Business Executive Summary Templates That Add Value To Your Business Documents!
• [Updated 2023] Presenting the most effective One-Page Executive Summary for Startups [with templates designed by professionals]
• [Updated 2023] Top 50 Most Effective Executive Summary Templates [includes One pagers and Full Templates] To Impress Your Clients
• Top 20 Executive Summary Templates To Attract Investors

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How To Write An Executive Summary Plus Examples Templates

Nowadays, it is becoming challenging to grab the attention of business executives. With jam-packed schedules, quick decisions to make, and not much time to spare, the executives are always looking for value for their time. Hence the need for the Executive Summary to capture the attention of the busy audience by providing the gist of the entire presentation engagingly.

What Is An Executive Summary?

An executive summary is a vital part of any business presentation. In the broader sense, the executive summary is the brief that precedes a more extended report or presentation and outlines the essence of the entire report.

In business environments, an executive summary presentation summarizes the intent of the entire business deck in a concise form.

The purpose of an executive summary is to pique the reader’s curiosity by presenting facts from the larger piece of content. A robust executive summary creates value for the reader as a first impression and generates interest in viewing the rest of the content.

How To Write An Executive Summary

After dealing with several professional clients, we have found many things to keep in mind while writing an executive summary format. These tips will help you build a winning executive summary.

Begin with a bang

The opening statement of your executive summary needs to be effective. Use the most differentiating plus point of your company and present it as the lead sentence. A few examples:

• List the unique problem you are solving, and the impact your solution has.
• Highlight if you have a huge market size, growth opportunity, or high potential investor return.
• Drop known names in the industry if they have collaborated, invested, or endorsed you.

Keep it Simple and Short

The executive summary template should only be 5% – 10% of the length of the entire presentation. Putting too many details in the executive summary is contradicting to its purpose. Make the executive summary focused and simple, by using short paragraphs or bullets, and subheadings.

Placement of the Summary

The executive summary slide should be the last thing you should write when  making the presentation . With every revision, the summary needs an update. However, it should be placed right after the  table of contents PowerPoint template , and before the introduction of the presentation so that the audience knows what to expect.

The Interest of the Audience

Do your research and consider the mindset of your audience. Tailor the summary to intrigue them with your study and proposal, convincing them to invest more effort in your presentation, and read further.

Good Examples Of Executive Summary For Different Business Scenarios

SlideUpLift has an extensive collection of PowerPoint &  Google slide templates  to whip up a compelling executive summary instantly. The templates cater to building an executive summary for different types of business presentations. Below are a few executive summary examples:

Strategic Initiatives Executive Summary Template

In this business summary example, you can showcase the snapshot of the strategic initiatives you are proposing in your plan. In a single executive summary slide, you can convey the current facts about the market, market trends, key milestones you wish to achieve, and further how you plan to reach milestones through your initiatives.

The template is perfect to showcase your executive in one single slide. The effective use of icons and shapes makes this template a good executive summary template.

Business Proposal Executive Summary Template

This executive summary sample gives a snapshot of the size and expertise of your organization, conveying how you are qualified to take on the prospective client’s business.

An effective executive summary design format that showcases all important aspects can increase your chances to impress your client or prospect.

Customer Journey Executive Summary Template

This Executive Summary example showcases a customer’s journey with a brand, company, or organization using creative infographics. This framework allows the brands to summarize factors such as – a customer’s tenure, activity status, demographics, and customer spread across the world.

By using an Executive Summary Template to exhibit a customer’s journey, brands can improve their sales efficiency.

Business Review Executive Summary Template

The following sample of executive summary summarizes the major points an executive need to know for a business review. The slide covers, key milestones, market share and growth, product profile, company strategy, revenue, and profit, all in a structured way.

Project Executive Summary Template

This project executive summary example is used to outline a project plan in a business presentation. Using this executive summary of a project template, you can give a quick overview of a project plan with a focus on Team Members, key highlights, and the background of the project. This framework also allows you to compare actions taken and measure the results of a project plan.

Project Launch Executive Summary Template

This project executive summary template allows you to give a quick overview of the context of your project planning.

Sales Executive Summary Template

This is a marketing plan executive summary example that can be used to summarize your marketing and sales plan.

Financial Plan Executive Summary Template

This executive summary sample can help summarize financials in your presentation.

Resume Executive Summary Template

This is the best executive summary example that helps you highlight your career experiences and achievements and allows you to showcase the reasons that make you a suitable candidate.

Best Executive Summary Templates Collection

This collection of executive summary templates that cover most of the summarization of business professionals is available in PowerPoint Themes and Google Slides themes .

Building An Executive Summary Template For A Startup

Now that we know what an executive summary is and learn the tips on how to write an effective Executive Summary. An executive summary example for a startup should be a lean abbreviated version of a business plan with no extra fat. It is like a business plan executive summary example that is crisp. The goal of the startup executive summary presentation is to get a meeting with venture capitalists however the objective of a great executive summary format for a business proposal may include a company profile, existing client information, rich media like charts, graphs, images, projections, and more to keep the readers hooked.

The Punch Statement

The first statement or paragraph should make your audience stop everything else and focus on you. Lead with the most convincing statement and tell why your idea is huge and worthy of your audience’s time. If possible, throw in names that impress the room, like world-class advisors, famous companies you are already working with, or renowned investors you have.

The Problem

Emphasize how the problem you aim to solve is big and impacts a large demographic.

The Solution

What specifically are you offering to whom? Software, hardware, service, combination? Use commonly used terms to state concretely what you have, or what you do, that solves the problem you’ve identified.

The Opportunity

Briefly describe your target customer, size of the market, growth opportunities, market dynamics, and plan for the market.

Your competitive advantage

Describe the competitive position of your company over your competitors, the possible opportunities in the future, plans for growth, and overcoming possible competitor threats.

The Business Model

How specifically are you going to generate revenues, and from whom? Why is your model leverageable and scalable? Why will it be capital efficient?

Why is your team uniquely qualified to win? Don’t just add a shortened form of each founder’s resume; explain why the background of each team member fits.

Detail the exact amount you want to raise, and the key areas where you will invest the funds. Use this section to highlight the growth and add perspective for the reader by showing relevant numbers.

In short, having a good executive summary is crucial to capturing the attention and excitement of your audience. An effective executive summary template captures the core message of your presentation and successfully raises your audience’s intrigue to read further into your presentation.

Build an excellent executive summary to convey to the business executives how you value their time and are worthy of the same, increasing the likelihood of the success of your business presentation . Get ideas from 100+ creative ways of building executive summaries from SlideUpLift Library.

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30 Examples: How to Conclude a Presentation (Effective Closing Techniques)

Ending a presentation on a high note is a skill that can set you apart from the rest. It’s the final chance to leave an impact on your audience, ensuring they walk away with the key messages embedded in their minds. This moment is about driving your points home and making sure they resonate. Crafting a memorable closing isn’t just about summarizing key points, though that’s part of it, but also about providing value that sticks with your listeners long after they’ve left the room.

Crafting Your Core Message

To leave a lasting impression, your presentation’s conclusion should clearly reflect your core message. This is your chance to reinforce the takeaways and leave the audience thinking about your presentation long after it ends.

Identifying Key Points

Start by recognizing what you want your audience to remember. Think about the main ideas that shaped your talk. Make a list like this:

• The problem your presentation addresses.
• The evidence that supports your argument.
• The solution you propose or the action you want the audience to take.

These key points become the pillars of your core message.

Contextualizing the Presentation

Provide context by briefly relating back to the content of the whole presentation. For example:

• Reference a statistic you shared in the opening, and how it ties into the conclusion.
• Mention a case study that underlines the importance of your message.

Connecting these elements gives your message cohesion and makes your conclusion resonate with the framework of your presentation.

30 Example Phrases: How to Conclude a Presentation

• 1. “In summary, let’s revisit the key takeaways from today’s presentation.”
• 2. “Thank you for your attention. Let’s move forward together.”
• 3. “That brings us to the end. I’m open to any questions you may have.”
• 4. “I’ll leave you with this final thought to ponder as we conclude.”
• 5. “Let’s recap the main points before we wrap up.”
• 6. “I appreciate your engagement. Now, let’s turn these ideas into action.”
• 7. “We’ve covered a lot today. To conclude, remember these crucial points.”
• 8. “As we reach the end, I’d like to emphasize our call to action.”
• 9. “Before we close, let’s quickly review what we’ve learned.”
• 10. “Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to our next steps.”
• 11. “In closing, I’d like to thank everyone for their participation.”
• 12. “Let’s conclude with a reminder of the impact we can make together.”
• 13. “To wrap up our session, here’s a brief summary of our discussion.”
• 14. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to present to you. Any final thoughts?”
• 15. “And that’s a wrap. I welcome any final questions or comments.”
• 16. “As we conclude, let’s remember the objectives we’ve set today.”
• 17. “Thank you for your time. Let’s apply these insights to achieve success.”
• 18. “In conclusion, your feedback is valuable, and I’m here to listen.”
• 19. “Before we part, let’s take a moment to reflect on our key messages.”
• 20. “I’ll end with an invitation for all of us to take the next step.”
• 21. “As we close, let’s commit to the goals we’ve outlined today.”
• 22. “Thank you for your attention. Let’s keep the conversation going.”
• 23. “In conclusion, let’s make a difference, starting now.”
• 24. “I’ll leave you with these final words to consider as we end our time together.”
• 25. “Before we conclude, remember that change starts with our actions today.”
• 26. “Thank you for the lively discussion. Let’s continue to build on these ideas.”
• 27. “As we wrap up, I encourage you to reach out with any further questions.”
• 28. “In closing, I’d like to express my gratitude for your valuable input.”
• 29. “Let’s conclude on a high note and take these learnings forward.”
• 30. “Thank you for your time today. Let’s end with a commitment to progress.”

Summarizing the Main Points

When you reach the end of your presentation, summarizing the main points helps your audience retain the important information you’ve shared. Crafting a memorable summary enables your listeners to walk away with a clear understanding of your message.

Effective Methods of Summarization

To effectively summarize your presentation, you need to distill complex information into concise, digestible pieces. Start by revisiting the overarching theme of your talk and then narrow down to the core messages. Use plain language and imagery to make the enduring ideas stick. Here are some examples of how to do this:

• Use analogies that relate to common experiences to recap complex concepts.
• Incorporate visuals or gestures that reinforce your main arguments.

The Rule of Three

The Rule of Three is a classic writing and communication principle. It means presenting ideas in a trio, which is a pattern that’s easy for people to understand and remember. For instance, you might say, “Our plan will save time, cut costs, and improve quality.” This structure has a pleasing rhythm and makes the content more memorable. Some examples include:

• “This software is fast, user-friendly, and secure.”
• Pointing out a product’s “durability, affordability, and eco-friendliness.”

Reiterating the Main Points

Finally, you want to circle back to the key takeaways of your presentation. Rephrase your main points without introducing new information. This reinforcement supports your audience’s memory and understanding of the material. You might summarize key takeaways like this:

• Mention the problem you addressed, the solution you propose, and the benefits of this solution.
• Highlighting the outcomes of adopting your strategy: higher efficiency, greater satisfaction, and increased revenue.

Creating a Strong Conclusion

The final moments of your presentation are your chance to leave your audience with a powerful lasting impression. A strong conclusion is more than just summarizing—it’s your opportunity to invoke thought, inspire action, and make your message memorable.

Incorporating a Call to Action

A call to action is your parting request to your audience. You want to inspire them to take a specific action or think differently as a result of what they’ve heard. To do this effectively:

• Be clear about what you’re asking.
• Explain why their action is needed.
• Make it as simple as possible for them to take the next steps.

Example Phrases:

• “Start making a difference today by…”
• “Join us in this effort by…”
• “Take the leap and commit to…”

Leaving a Lasting Impression

End your presentation with something memorable. This can be a powerful quote, an inspirational statement, or a compelling story that underscores your main points. The goal here is to resonate with your audience on an emotional level so that your message sticks with them long after they leave.

• “In the words of [Influential Person], ‘…'”
• “Imagine a world where…”
• “This is more than just [Topic]; it’s about…”

Enhancing Audience Engagement

To hold your audience’s attention and ensure they leave with a lasting impression of your presentation, fostering interaction is key.

Q&A Sessions

It’s important to integrate a Q&A session because it allows for direct communication between you and your audience. This interactive segment helps clarify any uncertainties and encourages active participation. Plan for this by designating a time slot towards the end of your presentation and invite questions that promote discussion.

• “I’d love to hear your thoughts; what questions do you have?”
• “Let’s dive into any questions you might have. Who would like to start?”
• “Feel free to ask any questions, whether they’re clarifications or deeper inquiries about the topic.”

Encouraging Audience Participation

Getting your audience involved can transform a good presentation into a great one. Use open-ended questions that provoke thought and allow audience members to reflect on how your content relates to them. Additionally, inviting volunteers to participate in a demonstration or share their experiences keeps everyone engaged and adds a personal touch to your talk.

• “Could someone give me an example of how you’ve encountered this in your work?”
• “I’d appreciate a volunteer to help demonstrate this concept. Who’s interested?”
• “How do you see this information impacting your daily tasks? Let’s discuss!”

Delivering a Persuasive Ending

At the end of your presentation, you have the power to leave a lasting impact on your audience. A persuasive ending can drive home your key message and encourage action.

Sales and Persuasion Tactics

When you’re concluding a presentation with the goal of selling a product or idea, employ carefully chosen sales and persuasion tactics. One method is to summarize the key benefits of your offering, reminding your audience why it’s important to act. For example, if you’ve just presented a new software tool, recap how it will save time and increase productivity. Another tactic is the ‘call to action’, which should be clear and direct, such as “Start your free trial today to experience the benefits first-hand!” Furthermore, using a touch of urgency, like “Offer expires soon!”, can nudge your audience to act promptly.

Final Impressions and Professionalism

Your closing statement is a chance to solidify your professional image and leave a positive impression. It’s important to display confidence and poise. Consider thanking your audience for their time and offering to answer any questions. Make sure to end on a high note by summarizing your message in a concise and memorable way. If your topic was on renewable energy, you might conclude by saying, “Let’s take a leap towards a greener future by adopting these solutions today.” This reinforces your main points and encourages your listeners to think or act differently when they leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some creative strategies for ending a presentation memorably.

To end your presentation in a memorable way, consider incorporating a call to action that engages your audience to take the next step. Another strategy is to finish with a thought-provoking question or a surprising fact that resonates with your listeners.

Can you suggest some powerful quotes suitable for concluding a presentation?

Yes, using a quote can be very effective. For example, Maya Angelou’s “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” can reinforce the emotional impact of your presentation.

What is an effective way to write a conclusion that summarizes a presentation?

An effective conclusion should recap the main points succinctly, highlighting what you want your audience to remember. A good way to conclude is by restating your thesis and then briefly summarizing the supporting points you made.

As a student, how can I leave a strong impression with my presentation’s closing remarks?

To leave a strong impression, consider sharing a personal anecdote related to your topic that demonstrates passion and conviction. This helps humanize your content and makes the message more relatable to your audience.

How can I appropriately thank my audience at the close of my presentation?

A simple and sincere expression of gratitude is always appropriate. You might say, “Thank you for your attention and engagement today,” to convey appreciation while also acknowledging their participation.

What are some examples of a compelling closing sentence in a presentation?

A compelling closing sentence could be something like, “Together, let’s take the leap towards a greener future,” if you’re presenting on sustainability. This sentence is impactful, calls for united action, and leaves your audience with a clear message.

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How to Create the Perfect Executive Summary Slide [Examples and Templates]

Most business communication necessitates a quick overview – a precis of the information that follows. While it is called an executive summary, even personnel in non-executive positions benefit from this summary. They are commonly used in business settings but are also used in scientific discussions, education, projects, and so on.

Getting the design of the executive summary template for PowerPoint and ensuring its clarity can be pretty challenging. After all, it is the abridged version of the business document that follows, and yet, it has to impress the viewer and convey the message properly. We can guide you if you’re worried about creating a good executive summary slide.

Check out our collection of PowerPoint templates for executive summary slides here.

What is an Executive Summary?

It is simply a summary of business documents like whitepapers, business plans, or annual reports, which provides the important points of discussion in a concise preview of the main document. This helps the audience understand the contents to follow before they dive headlong into the details.

A more detailed definition is provided by The University of Arizona, which says that an executive summary should:

• Reiterate the aim of the following document.
• Emphasize the important points of discussion and crucial facts.
• Mention prominent outcomes, suggestions, or conclusions.

Much effort goes into creating the ideal executive summary as you have to squeeze in a great deal of information in a short space.

Executive Summary Examples

Almost all documents have executive summaries, and some are structured and presented in a better manner than others. Here are some of the most effective executive summary slide examples we collected:

Executive Summary Format

There isn’t any single format that can be touted as ideal for an executive summary slide. It all depends on the type of document to be presented, the purpose behind it, and what it contains. However, there are certain norms it needs to follow, like conveying important information at a single glance, offering a preview of the main document, highlighting outcomes and suggestions, and so on. Most readers or viewers expect to see these on the first page as it is.

An executive summary should ideally have these sections:

• A generic introduction and explanation of the important points to be discussed
• A statement of the main issue
• Handpicked outcomes, recommendations, etc.
• The importance of the points discussed.

You are likely to present this summary to other stakeholders. It may be a good idea to keep this structure as a bulleted list. You can then move the important ideas to your executive summary in PowerPoint slides.

You also need expertise in PowerPoint to ensure that your executive summary looks appealing – eye-catching, neat, and clear. It is important to make good use of white space. You can use icons and other minor visual elements to reduce text blocks; use crisp headings and subheadings to make the slide look leaner.  If you’re unsure how to do this, check out the templates listed in this article.

Length of your Executive Summary

Ideally, an executive summary should be one page, or about 500 words maximum, depending on the font, of course. If the document to be presented is voluminous, you could have a two-page summary, but it is always better to be brief. Think of an executive summary as a trailer for a movie: you reveal just enough to pique the reader’s interest.

The need for Executive Summary Slides

Your audience can easily lose interest in a PowerPoint slide deck, or lose interest in it. After all, you need to remember the information presented in the previous slide and follow the argument presented, and then link everything into a narrative that makes sense to you.

This is where executive summary slides help:

• They provide the reader with context and explain the importance of the topic of the PowerPoint slide deck.
• They convey the high-level argument prior to the reader getting into the details, which allows the reader to understand your slide deck and its details.
• These slides function like a map for the viewer to refer to in case they lose the trail of the argument or report in the slide deck.

Executive Summary Slide Templates

There is no ‘perfect’ look for an executive summary slide; presenters use custom slides to align with the content they want to project. However, there are some universal examples like these below:

How to Write an Executive Summary for a Presentation

Here are some ideas we collected from various sources that can help you create a solid draft executive summary for a presentation:

1. State the Problem

Your first paragraph is akin to the first slide of a presentation, which means you need to create an impact and convey the agenda – set the scene, so to speak. This can be achieved by stressing the urgency of the matter, showcasing the importance of the issue to be discussed, or explaining the background behind the research. You can then go on to convey the chief goals of the report or other document.

2. Talk About the Main Discussion Points

Expand the points or the report scope to fulfill the audience’s expectations. For example, utilize the subheads in the report as the main points of discussion; you can even create more descriptive and appealing statements. Here are some tips:

• Break down big blocks of text into bullet points.
• Use figures for the most important findings.
• Be sure to clarify the scope of the report and what it does not include.
• Talk about the resources and methods of research used.
• If space permits, include a summary of the findings as a conclusion, or keep it as a featured quote to catch the viewer’s attention to critical information.

3. List the Next Steps

Towards the bottom of the page, dedicate a small paragraph to stress the outcomes and deductions and what follow-up action you expect your viewer to take. Finally, summarize what you found during your research and if there’s any solution or action you have recommended.

When this is done, get feedback from team members who have not seen the report to be presented, and ask if they can say what is included in the report after reading the summary. For example, does it pique their interest, and can they understand it without getting additional context? Use their feedback to make necessary improvements.

Tips to Make the Summary Engaging

1. use a consistent tone.

Ensure you continue with the same voice tone and choice of words in the summary slide as you have in the main document. Significant differences in the tone and terms between the presentation and the summary can cause your audience to get confused and lose interest.

2. Tell a Story

Your audience will get time to read the report in its entirety; when you present it before them, you need to focus on getting them to pay attention to the most critical issues, highlight the value contained within the report, and get them interested enough to go through the entire document later. The summary must thoroughly outline the whole communication with a proper starting, middle, and ending. Most people tend to focus their summaries on the data or observations without a proper introduction or conclusion – and you can lose the audience this way. Formulating a clear narrative in your mind at the outset is important.

3. Use Bullet Points

We’ve already touched on this point briefly. People today prefer snippets of information; with attention spans dwindling, short sentences and phrases are preferred. Trim your text and resist the urge to overload your audience with information. Bulleted lists present information crisply and quickly.

4. Cut Down on Data

While figures and data visualizations are great, going overboard with data slides does not create a bigger impact – in fact, the opposite happens. You should convey what the data means, rather than the data itself. By showcasing a lot of numbers, you won’t be able to convince your audience as they cannot process all those figures. Stick to a couple of important data points in the executive summary slide – and maybe you can elaborate on why these are depicted here.

5. Give an attention-grabbing slide title

The title or heading is where anyone’s attention naturally gravitates to at first; use this to your advantage. The title must clearly state the important takeaway and set the stage for the rest of the slide.

6. Ensure it can be scanned

Even summary slides can have tons of information, making them difficult to go through; you can make it easy for your audience to consume such a slide by cutting it up into sections that can be easily noticed. For example, you could put graphs and related text in the same group. You can also use text headings for every section so that any person who is skimming through for a few seconds will get the important points.  You can also do the same for visuals – like bar charts, for example.

To Conclude

As your executive summary is the very first page or slides your audience will see, it is critical to perfect it. Now, with these tips and tricks, we’re sure it’s no longer a problem! Do you have any more tips for creating a compelling executive summary slide? Let us know.

At SlideBazaar, we help you create engaging and memorable presentations. Choose from our collection of professional templates or opt for our custom design services for a personalized touch. Your presentations deserve to be elevated to new heights, and we’re here to help you achieve just that!

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Crafting the Perfect Executive Summary in PowerPoint

• December 27, 2022
• 96 Comments

An executive summary is a short presentation of the most important points in your business plan. It serves to provide an overview of the company, its products, and its goals. It’s one of the first things potential investors will want to see when you are pitching your company.

However, no two companies are exactly alike, which means there isn’t a single template for an executive summary. Instead, it’s up to you to tailor the presentation according to the type of funding you are seeking. If you are raising capital from private investors or venture capitalists, be sure that your executive summary has enough information about your key risks and competitive advantages.

For government grants or loans, focus on how your business plan will benefit society and create jobs. And for crowdfunding campaigns, highlight the social media following and number of backers that you already have in order to attract potential donors.

An executive summary is a brief overview of your company’s business. It usually includes the company’s vision, some financials such as revenue and earnings, and its goals for the future. This document is often shared with potential investors or other key stakeholders to give them a concise, easy-to-read overview of what you’re all about. A well-written executive summary, crafted with precision and care, serves as a crucial asset for any company. This succinct document can significantly enhance your prospects during fundraising and M&A endeavors. Utilizing a proficient summary generator can streamline the process and improve the overall quality of your executive summary.

The goal of this task is not only to explain what you would like to present, but also summarize the key points of your presentation . Here are some tips on how to create one that will make a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

What is an executive summary?

An executive summary is one of the most important documents in your company. It’s a one-page document that summarizes your company. This document is often shared with potential investors or other key stakeholders in your company to give them a concise overview of the company’s business.

Why is an Executive Summary important?

An executive summary is an important document because it is one of the first things people will read about your company. If you want to make an impression on a potential investor , it’s important that your executive summary stands out and gets their attention.

A good executive summary should be concise and easy to read, with the goal of summarizing the key points of your presentation. A poorly written or confusing executive summary can cause your business to not get as much interest as you would like.

In this article we’ll provide 3 best practices for creating an effective summary in PowerPoint : 1) create a brief summary of your presentation including the key points; 2) identify and summarize each section of your presentation; 3) highlight the main takeaway and how it solves the problem. Not sure where to start? We’ve got some tips that will help you out!

Who reads the Executive Summary?

The Executive Summary is usually distributed to potential investors or other key stakeholders. The goal is to engage them and keep them interested in your business!

Begin by introducing the company, including its background information and current financials. Include an overview of the company’s strategy for the future. This should include what the company hopes to accomplish in the next 1-2 years. Finally, provide an outlook of what might happen if they implement their plan.

Don’t forget to include any other salient information about your company that might be important to your readers (for example, if you are a small privately-held company).

How to Create a Successful Executive Summary

Business-focused presentations often include an executive summary, and it’s important to know how to create one. This document is a quick overview of your company’s business and should be concise and easy to read.

How to highlight the main takeaway and how it solves the problem

Your presentation is not always going to have a single takeaway. It’s important to identify the main story of your presentation and how it solves the problem.

A great example of this is what we see in movies, when there’s the big reveal at the end of the film. This is often done by showing what was really happening throughout the movie, but it could also show how one event led to another event.

The purpose of this is to keep your audience engaged for longer periods of time. You want them to stay focused on your message and remember what you’re saying. It should be easy for them to understand where you’re coming from, why you’re talking about it, and how they can benefit by listening to you.

How to identify and summarize each section of your presentation

When you’re summarizing each section of your presentation, it’s important to be as concise as possible. You want to briefly cover the key points of that section.

For example, if you have a PowerPoint slide about your company’s vision, it would be helpful to summarize what your business is trying to achieve in the near future. The key points are the things that are most relevant for investors or other decision makers.

Another example would be if you have a slide on how your company is performing financially. If this slide includes revenue and earnings , then it would be helpful to include some projections for the following year. This can help potential investors make an informed decision about investing in your company.

General tips for making a successful executive summary

-Keep it brief. Your summary should be concise and to the point. Provide the key points of your presentation without too much detail. The goal is not to provide an in-depth description, but to clarify what you would like to present.

-Be clear about your intentions. This is a summary of your presentation, so it should include which audience you want to present to and why this topic is important to that audience.

-Provide an overview of each section of the presentation. It’s often helpful for readers to see all the information in one place rather than reading through slides one by one.

-End with a takeaway message or how it solves the problem at hand. Think about what your audience will remember most from your summary and make sure that’s included in the final paragraph!

Tips for different industries

Tips for a tech company.

Tech companies are in a fiercely competitive market. Considering that, it’s important for them to use all the tools at their disposal to get ahead of the competition. Some of the tools include executive summaries—a brief overview of your company’s business.

Tips for a law firm

If you work in a law firm, these 3 tips will help you create a good summary for your executive summary.

In the business world, the term “partner” is often associated with someone who has been working with a company for many years and is an integral part of the organization. A partner often has a stake in the company, takes on leadership roles, and is responsible for helping to set the long-term goals. Becoming a partner is usually a clear sign that an employee is trusted and valued by their company.

Tips for the fashion industry

Are you in the fashion industry? If so, your biggest competitor is up-to-date trends. The fashion world moves fast. But to stay on top of the game, it’s important to be aware of what’s happening in the industry and know what consumers want.

-Stay on top of current trends by reading trade magazines or having a subscription to a website that provides overviews on what’s new in the industry.

-Keep a running list of all the brands you’re interested in and note any items from those brands that you want, as well as why they’re on your list. This is a good way to help remember trends or styles that interest you.

-Gain inspiration from other industries as well! Fashion often takes cues from other industries such as architecture, art, and engineering.

An executive summary is an important document that can help you get your message across to your audience. Hope the above information was useful to understand what an executive summary is, what it’s used for, how to create one, and what you should be aware of when writing one.

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How to Create a Summary Slide in PowerPoint?

Creating a summary slide in PowerPoint is an essential part of putting together a presentation that grabs and holds your audience’s attention. Not only does it help to reinforce the key themes of your presentation, but it also serves as a powerful tool for summarizing complex information and data in an easy-to-understand format for your audience. In this article, we will explore the importance of a summary slide in PowerPoint presentations, how to plan and design an effective summary slide, and some best practices and tips for creating an engaging and informative summary slide.

Table of Contents

The Importance of a Summary Slide in PowerPoint Presentations

One of the key reasons why a summary slide is so important in PowerPoint presentations is its ability to reinforce the main themes and ideas of your presentation. By highlighting the most important points and takeaways, a summary slide can help to ensure that your audience remembers your presentation long after it is over. Additionally, a summary slide provides a clear and concise way to summarize complex data or information, helping to make your presentation more accessible and engaging for your audience.

Another benefit of including a summary slide in your PowerPoint presentation is that it can serve as a roadmap for your audience. By providing a clear overview of the topics covered in your presentation, a summary slide can help your audience to follow along and stay engaged throughout the entire presentation. This can be especially helpful for longer presentations or those that cover a lot of complex information.

Finally, a summary slide can also be a useful tool for reinforcing your call to action or key message. By summarizing the main points of your presentation and highlighting the key takeaways, you can help to ensure that your audience understands the importance of your message and is motivated to take action. This can be particularly important in business or marketing presentations, where the ultimate goal is to persuade your audience to take a specific action or make a purchase.

Understanding the Purpose of a Summary Slide in Your Presentation

Before you start creating your summary slide, it’s essential to understanding its purpose in your overall presentation. The summary slide is typically the last slide of your presentation, and it should summarize the most important points covered in your presentation along with a memorable final thought. For example, if you’re delivering a sales pitch, your summary slide should highlight the key benefits of your product or service and provide a clear call to action for your audience.

Another important aspect of a summary slide is that it helps your audience to remember the key takeaways from your presentation. By providing a concise summary of the main points, your audience is more likely to retain the information and be able to recall it later. Additionally, a well-crafted summary slide can also serve as a visual aid to reinforce your message and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Planning Your Summary Slide: What to Include and What to Leave Out

When planning your summary slide, it’s important to strike the right balance between including enough information to summarize your presentation effectively while also avoiding overwhelming your audience with too much detail. Some key elements to consider including in your summary slide include the main themes and ideas covered in your presentation, key data points or statistics, any notable quotes or testimonials, and a final call to action. However, be sure to leave out any extraneous information that isn’t directly relevant to your main message or themes.

Another important factor to consider when planning your summary slide is the visual design. Your summary slide should be visually appealing and easy to read, with clear and concise text and graphics. Use a consistent color scheme and font throughout your presentation to create a cohesive and professional look. Additionally, consider using visual aids such as charts, graphs, or images to help illustrate your main points and make your summary slide more engaging for your audience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Summary Slide in PowerPoint

Creating a summary slide in PowerPoint is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using a few simple steps. First, choose the template or design for your summary slide. Most PowerPoint templates include a suitable summary slide layout, so you don’t need to start from scratch. Next, consider the key message and themes of your presentation and decide what information to include in your summary slide. Be sure to keep your text concise and focused, and use bullet points or other visual aids to help keep things clear and easy to understand. Finally, add any relevant images, charts, or graphs to your summary slide, and make sure to use fonts and colors that are consistent with your overall presentation design.

It’s important to note that the summary slide should be the last slide in your presentation. This slide should provide a quick overview of the key points and takeaways from your presentation. It’s also a good idea to include a call to action or next steps on this slide, so your audience knows what to do next. Remember, the summary slide is often the slide that your audience will remember the most, so make sure it’s clear, concise, and visually appealing.

Designing an Eye-Catching Summary Slide for Your Presentation

While the content of your summary slide is essential, the design also plays a crucial role in creating an engaging and memorable summary slide. To design an eye-catching summary slide, consider using bold colors and fonts, incorporating relevant images or graphics, and using animations or slide transitions to help emphasize key points. Remember to keep your design consistent with your overall presentation theme and style.

Another important aspect to consider when designing your summary slide is the placement of information. You want to make sure that the most important information is prominently displayed and easy to read. This can be achieved by using larger font sizes or bolding key words. Additionally, consider using bullet points or numbered lists to break up information and make it easier to digest.

Finally, don’t forget about the importance of white space. A cluttered summary slide can be overwhelming and difficult to read. Leave enough space between elements to create a clean and organized design. This will not only make your summary slide more visually appealing, but it will also make it easier for your audience to understand and remember the information presented.

Tips and Tricks for Creating an Effective Summary Slide in PowerPoint

When creating your summary slide, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you to ensure its effectiveness. First, consider using a strong headline or tagline that sums up the main message or takeaway from your presentation. Second, use bullets or numbers to break down complex information into manageable chunks, making it easier for your audience to understand. Finally, use visuals like images or charts to help illustrate your key points, making them more memorable and engaging for your audience.

Another important tip to keep in mind when creating a summary slide is to keep it simple and concise. Avoid cluttering the slide with too much information or unnecessary details. Stick to the most important points and use clear and concise language to convey your message effectively.

Additionally, it can be helpful to include a call to action on your summary slide. This could be a request for feedback, a call to visit your website or social media pages, or an invitation to continue the conversation after the presentation. Including a call to action can help to keep your audience engaged and interested in your message beyond the presentation itself.

How to Customize Your Summary Slide with Animations and Transitions

PowerPoint offers a wide range of options for customizing your summary slide with animations and transitions. Animations can be used to bring attention to key points or data, while transitions can help to create a seamless flow between slides. When using animations and transitions, be sure to use them sparingly and consistently throughout your entire presentation.

Best Practices for Using Images and Graphics on Your Summary Slide

Images and graphics can be powerful tools for enhancing the impact of your summary slide. When using images and graphics, be sure to choose visuals that are relevant to your presentation and that help to reinforce your main message or themes. Additionally, use high-quality images and graphics that are visually appealing and easy to understand for your audience.

Adding Charts and Graphs to Your Summary Slide: A Comprehensive Guide

If your presentation includes complex data or information, charts and graphs can be an effective way to present it in a clear and easy-to-understand format. When adding charts and graphs to your summary slide, consider using simple designs and labels that are easy to read and interpret. Additionally, be sure to only include the most important data points or information on your summary slide, leaving out any unnecessary information that could confuse your audience.

Creating a Memorable Conclusion with Your Summary Slide

The last slide of your presentation should leave a lasting impression on your audience. To create a memorable conclusion with your summary slide, consider including a final call to action or memorable quote that reinforces your presentation’s main message. Additionally, use images, graphics, or animations to help emphasize your main points and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

How to Use a Summary Slide to Engage Your Audience

A summary slide can also be an effective tool for engaging your audience throughout your presentation. By previewing your summary slide at the beginning of your presentation, your audience will have a clear understanding of what to expect and will be more engaged and attentive throughout the rest of your presentation. Additionally, use your summary slide to encourage audience participation by asking questions or soliciting feedback on your key messages.

Examples of Amazing Summary Slides: Inspiration for Your Next Presentation

Looking for some inspiration for your next summary slide? There are plenty of examples of amazing summary slides that you can draw inspiration from. Some great examples include TED Talks and other presentations from thought leaders in your industry. Take note of how they use visuals, text, and other design elements to create engaging and memorable summary slides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Summary Slide in PowerPoint

When creating your summary slide, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. These include including too much information or detail, using fonts or colors that are difficult to read, and failing to use visuals or other design elements effectively. Additionally, be sure to proofread your summary slide carefully to avoid any spelling or grammatical errors that could detract from your message.

Wrap Up: Final Thoughts on Creating a Perfect Summary Slide in PowerPoint

Creating an effective summary slide is a crucial part of any PowerPoint presentation. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this article, you can create a summary slide that not only reinforces the key themes and ideas of your presentation but also engages and informs your audience in a memorable and effective way.

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5 quick tips on how to write a summary for a presentation

Table of contents, 5 quick tips on how to write a summary for a presentation.

Before writing a summary for a presentation , make sure to time your talk! You only have fifteen minutes to deliver your  presentation . Creating effective notes will help you get your point across in a short time. Don’t write out your entire presentation – use your outline to create quick reminders of what you want to say. Make sure to make the text large enough for the audience to easily read.

Using A Non-Linear Writing Tool Like Milanote

If you have a lot of information to cover, you can write a summary for a presentation by using a tool that makes it easier to manage your ideas. It also helps you to keep notes organized . A non-linear writing tool such as Milanote can be used for this purpose. It allows you to make notes without following a traditional writing style.

Using a non-linear writing app like Milanote can be helpful if you want to write a comprehensive, concise summary for a presentation . You can keep notes on the go with its free version and competitive pricing. However, if you’re not a creative type, you might consider using another tool such as Evernote, Simplenote, Genei, and Roam Research.

When writing a non-linear narrative, you can try using Milanote or Evernote to write a summary for a presentation . This tool lets you skip the traditional chronological order of events, making the story more engaging and exciting for the audience. When creating a non-linear story, be sure to use it only when it is necessary to drive the story forward. However, you might end up with an unresolved mess in the first draft. If you do this, you might surprise your audience with a twist that you didn’t see coming.

One advantage of using a non-linear writing tool like this one is that it allows you to create many points of reference in one document. This helps you avoid bad links and can help you spot mistakes. Another advantage of non-linear writing is that it’s much easier to edit and sift through large amounts of information, allowing you to whittle it down to the bare essentials.

Using A Presentation Template

There are several benefits to using a presentation template to write a summary for a presentation . It can make it easier to get your point across in a concise way. This is particularly useful if you are presenting a technical or business presentation. This way, you can make sure to include everything you need to include in your presentation. A good example of a template is a decktopus template. This presentation tool lets you create slides , create a summary for a presentation , and present your information in an organized and professional manner.

Using a template will help you to write a summary for a presentation that is more concise, comprehensive, and data-driven than your own. As the title of your document is often the first thing that an audience will look at, you must ensure it conveys the most important takeaway from your presentation. This will set the tone for the remainder of the document. It also makes it easier for you to highlight the main points and showcase the most important benefits.

Another advantage to using a template is that you can choose the color scheme that suits your presentation and target audience. For instance, if your presentation has a lot of graphics, you can use a color palette that is more appealing to your target audience. For the text on the presentation, you can use a font that has a higher contrast than your title slide. The same applies to the background color. A dark background might be better for a conference presentation, while a light background may be more appropriate for a corporate presentation.

Using a template for a summary for a presentation will give you the confidence you need to give an effective presentation. It will also help you create an attractive and visually appealing presentation that will keep your audience engaged. It also saves you time and helps you focus on the content of your presentation, rather than the presentation template itself. If you’re a beginner in creating a presentation, use a template and make changes as needed.

Avoiding Wordy Slides

During a presentation, the audience will read the text on the slides and any unspoken physical cues to determine if it is relevant. One of the most common mistakes that presenters make is using slides to write full-fledged essays. Instead of using the slides as a text-heavy substitute for the narrative portion of the presentation, draw out the most relevant and immediate information, and then feature those core ideas on the slides. Alternatively, some presenters use the “6×6 technique”: six bullet points or lines of text per slide.

Wordy slides can overwhelm the audience. Educators often fill their slides with wordy information, leaving no room for images or other visual media. This leads to collective information overload. The best approach is to use a limited number of words on each slide to support the overall message of the presentation. You can also add a few visual elements to the slides if you need to, but do not overload them.

Remember that people have limited memory capacity. Keeping your slides brief and to the point will make your audience more receptive to your content. It is also easier to recall and digest information if you use diagrams or other visuals to convey the main points. You should also remember that wordy slides are boring and unprofessional. To avoid this problem, use a short summary for a presentation or outline for each slide.

Instead of reading your slides, make sure to summarize your ideas verbally to a listener who doesn’t know the topic. Then, use a whiteboard to write down your points. Keep your slides simple and concise – use the 5×5 rule, and make use of images in your presentation. You may also need to practice your talk in front of an audience member to become more comfortable. 

Keeping Eye Contact With The Audience

One of the best tips for a successful presentation is to keep eye contact with your audience throughout your speech. While it can be difficult to keep eye contact with every member of the audience, you should aim to make eye contact for as long as possible. While you may be tempted to glance away at your notes or props, this is actually a bad idea, and could make the audience feel uncomfortable. Instead, focus on the people in front of you.

While it may not be practical to maintain eye contact with your audience during a presentation, it’s important to remember that it’s important to make your words memorable. Eye contact is not just a conversation between you and your audience; it’s a way to communicate and establish rapport with your audience. So, while writing your summary for a presentation , be sure to maintain eye contact with your audience during key points like your opening, closing, and any critical lines.

Another way to make a connection with your audience is to keep your eye contact with them throughout your presentation. This is important because the more eye contact you maintain, the more your audience will be engaged with your speech and will respond positively. This will create a bond between you and your audience, and it will be easier to keep your audience engaged and interested. However, if you don’t make eye contact, you’ll lose your audience’s attention and your audience will feel ignored.

Another way to make eye contact is to show that you’re confident and prepared. When you are able to show confidence in yourself, your audience will be more engaged with your speech. Not only will they show nodding and smiling, but they’ll be more attentive and willing to participate in the speech. Maintaining eye contact with your audience will help you establish a personal connection with them and keep them interested in what you’re saying.

Using A Progress Bar To Indicate Where You Are In Your  Presentation

A progress bar shows how much work is complete or in progress. This visual cue is useful for many purposes. It can indicate how much budget has been spent on a project and how long the presentation will take to complete. It can also serve as a visual cue of how many slides are currently on display. There are a number of ways to create a progress bar, and these methods all involve creating a shape that resembles a bar.

Using a progress bar to indicate where your presentation is in its completion is an easy way to keep the audience updated on the progress of the slides. You can also choose to show a percentage of the slides to show how much work is done in each slide. Progress bars can be visually appealing or simple and subtle, depending on how you decide to use them. It is important to keep in mind that a progress bar can make the presentation more enticing to your audience.

Another way to create a progress bar is to use a macro in PowerPoint . This macro automatically adjusts itself based on how many slides are in your presentation. Make sure to select the appropriate shape for the bar, and remember to enter a unique name for it. Using the keyboard shortcut CTRL+D, you can rotate the last shape in the progress bar 180 degrees and complete the bar.

If you are presenting a complex task, using a progress bar to indicate where you are can make it easier for your audience to follow along. Progress bars are particularly helpful when an operation is long, and they provide a visual indication of the time remaining. When used with a progress bar, it helps your audience to be aware of any failures or delays. If you do not have the time to provide accurate information, you can use a percentage of completion instead

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• How to Write a Summary | Guide & Examples

How to Write a Summary | Guide & Examples

Published on November 23, 2020 by Shona McCombes . Revised on May 31, 2023.

Summarizing , or writing a summary, means giving a concise overview of a text’s main points in your own words. A summary is always much shorter than the original text.

There are five key steps that can help you to write a summary:

• Read the text
• Break it down into sections
• Identify the key points in each section
• Write the summary
• Check the summary against the article

Writing a summary does not involve critiquing or evaluating the source . You should simply provide an accurate account of the most important information and ideas (without copying any text from the original).

Table of contents

When to write a summary, step 1: read the text, step 2: break the text down into sections, step 3: identify the key points in each section, step 4: write the summary, step 5: check the summary against the article, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about summarizing.

There are many situations in which you might have to summarize an article or other source:

• As a stand-alone assignment to show you’ve understood the material
• To keep notes that will help you remember what you’ve read
• To give an overview of other researchers’ work in a literature review

When you’re writing an academic text like an essay , research paper , or dissertation , you’ll integrate sources in a variety of ways. You might use a brief quote to support your point, or paraphrase a few sentences or paragraphs.

But it’s often appropriate to summarize a whole article or chapter if it is especially relevant to your own research, or to provide an overview of a source before you analyze or critique it.

In any case, the goal of summarizing is to give your reader a clear understanding of the original source. Follow the five steps outlined below to write a good summary.

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You should read the article more than once to make sure you’ve thoroughly understood it. It’s often effective to read in three stages:

• Scan the article quickly to get a sense of its topic and overall shape.
• Read the article carefully, highlighting important points and taking notes as you read.
• Skim the article again to confirm you’ve understood the key points, and reread any particularly important or difficult passages.

There are some tricks you can use to identify the key points as you read:

• Start by reading the abstract . This already contains the author’s own summary of their work, and it tells you what to expect from the article.
• Pay attention to headings and subheadings . These should give you a good sense of what each part is about.
• Read the introduction and the conclusion together and compare them: What did the author set out to do, and what was the outcome?

To make the text more manageable and understand its sub-points, break it down into smaller sections.

If the text is a scientific paper that follows a standard empirical structure, it is probably already organized into clearly marked sections, usually including an introduction , methods , results , and discussion .

Other types of articles may not be explicitly divided into sections. But most articles and essays will be structured around a series of sub-points or themes.

Now it’s time go through each section and pick out its most important points. What does your reader need to know to understand the overall argument or conclusion of the article?

Keep in mind that a summary does not involve paraphrasing every single paragraph of the article. Your goal is to extract the essential points, leaving out anything that can be considered background information or supplementary detail.

In a scientific article, there are some easy questions you can ask to identify the key points in each part.

If the article takes a different form, you might have to think more carefully about what points are most important for the reader to understand its argument.

In that case, pay particular attention to the thesis statement —the central claim that the author wants us to accept, which usually appears in the introduction—and the topic sentences that signal the main idea of each paragraph.

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Now that you know the key points that the article aims to communicate, you need to put them in your own words.

To avoid plagiarism and show you’ve understood the article, it’s essential to properly paraphrase the author’s ideas. Do not copy and paste parts of the article, not even just a sentence or two.

The best way to do this is to put the article aside and write out your own understanding of the author’s key points.

Examples of article summaries

Let’s take a look at an example. Below, we summarize this article , which scientifically investigates the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

Davis et al. (2015) set out to empirically test the popular saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples are often used to represent a healthy lifestyle, and research has shown their nutritional properties could be beneficial for various aspects of health. The authors’ unique approach is to take the saying literally and ask: do people who eat apples use healthcare services less frequently? If there is indeed such a relationship, they suggest, promoting apple consumption could help reduce healthcare costs.

The study used publicly available cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants were categorized as either apple eaters or non-apple eaters based on their self-reported apple consumption in an average 24-hour period. They were also categorized as either avoiding or not avoiding the use of healthcare services in the past year. The data was statistically analyzed to test whether there was an association between apple consumption and several dependent variables: physician visits, hospital stays, use of mental health services, and use of prescription medication.

Although apple eaters were slightly more likely to have avoided physician visits, this relationship was not statistically significant after adjusting for various relevant factors. No association was found between apple consumption and hospital stays or mental health service use. However, apple eaters were found to be slightly more likely to have avoided using prescription medication. Based on these results, the authors conclude that an apple a day does not keep the doctor away, but it may keep the pharmacist away. They suggest that this finding could have implications for reducing healthcare costs, considering the high annual costs of prescription medication and the inexpensiveness of apples.

However, the authors also note several limitations of the study: most importantly, that apple eaters are likely to differ from non-apple eaters in ways that may have confounded the results (for example, apple eaters may be more likely to be health-conscious). To establish any causal relationship between apple consumption and avoidance of medication, they recommend experimental research.

An article summary like the above would be appropriate for a stand-alone summary assignment. However, you’ll often want to give an even more concise summary of an article.

For example, in a literature review or meta analysis you may want to briefly summarize this study as part of a wider discussion of various sources. In this case, we can boil our summary down even further to include only the most relevant information.

Using national survey data, Davis et al. (2015) tested the assertion that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” and did not find statistically significant evidence to support this hypothesis. While people who consumed apples were slightly less likely to use prescription medications, the study was unable to demonstrate a causal relationship between these variables.

Citing the source you’re summarizing

When including a summary as part of a larger text, it’s essential to properly cite the source you’re summarizing. The exact format depends on your citation style , but it usually includes an in-text citation and a full reference at the end of your paper.

You can easily create your citations and references in APA or MLA using our free citation generators.

APA Citation Generator MLA Citation Generator

Finally, read through the article once more to ensure that:

• You’ve accurately represented the author’s work
• You haven’t missed any essential information
• The phrasing is not too similar to any sentences in the original.

If you’re summarizing many articles as part of your own work, it may be a good idea to use a plagiarism checker to double-check that your text is completely original and properly cited. Just be sure to use one that’s safe and reliable.

If you want to know more about ChatGPT, AI tools , citation , and plagiarism , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• ChatGPT vs human editor
• ChatGPT citations
• Is ChatGPT trustworthy?
• Using ChatGPT for your studies
• What is ChatGPT?
• Chicago style
• Paraphrasing

 Plagiarism

• Types of plagiarism
• Self-plagiarism
• Avoiding plagiarism
• Academic integrity
• Consequences of plagiarism
• Common knowledge

A summary is a short overview of the main points of an article or other source, written entirely in your own words. Want to make your life super easy? Try our free text summarizer today!

A summary is always much shorter than the original text. The length of a summary can range from just a few sentences to several paragraphs; it depends on the length of the article you’re summarizing, and on the purpose of the summary.

You might have to write a summary of a source:

• As a stand-alone assignment to prove you understand the material
• For your own use, to keep notes on your reading
• To provide an overview of other researchers’ work in a literature review
• In a paper , to summarize or introduce a relevant study

To avoid plagiarism when summarizing an article or other source, follow these two rules:

• Write the summary entirely in your own words by paraphrasing the author’s ideas.
• Cite the source with an in-text citation and a full reference so your reader can easily find the original text.

An abstract concisely explains all the key points of an academic text such as a thesis , dissertation or journal article. It should summarize the whole text, not just introduce it.

An abstract is a type of summary , but summaries are also written elsewhere in academic writing . For example, you might summarize a source in a paper , in a literature review , or as a standalone assignment.

All can be done within seconds with our free text summarizer .

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McCombes, S. (2023, May 31). How to Write a Summary | Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 3, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/how-to-summarize/

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Presentation Examples: Inspiring Ideas for Different Types of Presentations

When preparing for a presentation, it can be immensely helpful to look at examples for inspiration. Different situations require different approaches—whether you’re pitching a new idea to investors, presenting a strategy to your team, or educating an audience at a conference. In this blog post, we’ll explore presentation examples across various categories, breaking down how each can be structured for maximum impact.

By examining these examples, you’ll gain insights on how to tailor your own presentation based on your objectives and audience.

1. Business Pitch Presentation Example: The Investor Pitch

An investor pitch aims to secure funding by convincing potential investors that your business is a solid opportunity. It needs to be concise, compelling, and data-driven.

Key Components:

• Problem Statement: Start by highlighting a clear problem in the market that your product or service solves.
• Solution and Value Proposition: Clearly explain how your offering addresses the problem and what sets it apart from competitors.
• Market Opportunity: Provide data on the market size, growth potential, and target audience.
• Business Model: Outline how your business makes money and its scalability.
• Traction and Milestones: Showcase your progress so far, such as revenue growth, customer acquisition, or partnerships.
• Funding Ask and Use of Proceeds: Specify how much funding you’re seeking and how you plan to use it.

Example Structure:

• Slide 1: Introduction with a compelling statistic or quote about the industry.
• Slide 2: Problem statement illustrated by customer pain points.
• Slide 3: Solution overview with visuals of your product or service.
• Slide 4: Market opportunity with key figures and growth trends.
• Slide 5: Business model explanation with revenue streams and pricing strategy.
• Slide 6: Traction, including growth charts, testimonials, or case studies.
• Slide 7: Funding request and breakdown of how funds will be allocated.

2. Sales Presentation Example: Closing a Deal with a Client

A sales presentation should focus on understanding your client’s needs and presenting your product or service as the ideal solution. It needs to be persuasive, highlighting the benefits and outcomes your offering provides.

• Understanding the Client’s Pain Points: Begin by discussing the challenges your client faces and what they’re hoping to achieve.
• Tailored Solution: Customize your pitch to show how your offering directly solves their specific problems.
• Benefits and ROI: Highlight the key benefits and the return on investment your client can expect.
• Case Studies and Testimonials: Provide examples of similar clients who’ve seen success with your solution.
• Next Steps and Call to Action: Clearly outline the next steps, whether it’s scheduling a demo, signing a contract, or a follow-up meeting.
• Slide 1: Client-specific introduction with their pain points and goals.
• Slide 2: Overview of your product or service, focusing on features that matter most to the client.
• Slide 3: Detailed benefit breakdown with visuals showing outcomes and results.
• Slide 4: Case study of a similar client, highlighting the problem, solution, and positive results.
• Slide 5: ROI analysis with projections tailored to the client’s business.
• Slide 6: Call to action, clearly stating the next steps or decision points.

3. Strategy Presentation Example: Presenting a New Business Strategy to Executives

A strategy presentation is about communicating a clear vision and plan for achieving specific goals. When presenting to executives, it’s crucial to be concise, data-driven, and aligned with business objectives.

• Executive Summary: Begin with a high-level overview of the strategy and its importance.
• Current Situation Analysis: Analyze the current landscape, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT).
• Strategic Objectives: Clearly define the goals and objectives of the strategy.
• Action Plan: Break down the steps, initiatives, and timelines needed to achieve the objectives.
• Resource Allocation: Highlight the resources (people, budget, technology) required for implementation.
• Risk and Mitigation: Address potential risks and how they’ll be managed.
• KPIs and Metrics: Define how success will be measured and monitored.
• Slide 1: Executive summary with a bold statement about the strategy’s potential impact.
• Slide 2: SWOT analysis or current situation overview.
• Slide 3: Strategic objectives, laid out as clear, measurable goals.
• Slide 4: Action plan timeline, including major milestones and deliverables.
• Slide 5: Resource allocation, specifying budget and team responsibilities.
• Slide 6: Risk assessment and contingency plans.
• Slide 7: Key performance indicators and how progress will be tracked.

4. Educational Presentation Example: Teaching a Concept to Students

An educational presentation is about breaking down complex information into digestible parts. The goal is to inform and engage, making sure your audience walks away with a solid understanding of the subject.

• Introduction to the Topic: Provide a clear overview of what the audience will learn and why it’s important.
• Key Concepts Explained: Break the content into bite-sized sections, with each section covering a key concept.
• Visual Aids and Examples: Use diagrams, charts, and examples to clarify and reinforce key points.
• Interactive Elements: Incorporate quizzes, polls, or discussions to check for understanding and maintain engagement.
• Summary and Review: Recap the key concepts and answer any questions the audience might have.
• Slide 1: Topic introduction with a statement of objectives (e.g., “Today, we’ll explore the fundamentals of digital marketing”).
• Slide 2: Breakdown of the first key concept with visuals and a real-world example.
• Slide 3: Explanation of the second concept, including a brief interactive activity (e.g., a poll or quiz).
• Slide 4: Visual demonstration or case study related to the topic.
• Slide 5: Summary slide recapping the main points and next steps for further learning.
• Slide 6: Open the floor for questions and discussion.

5. Motivational Presentation Example: Inspiring an Audience to Take Action

A motivational presentation aims to inspire and energize the audience. Whether you’re speaking at a conference or leading a team meeting, the goal is to evoke emotion and drive people to take action.

• Personal Story or Anecdote: Start with a relatable story that sets the tone and connects with the audience.
• Core Message or Theme: Define the central message that you want the audience to take away.
• Powerful Examples or Quotes: Use impactful quotes or stories to reinforce your message and add emotional weight.
• Call to Action: Clearly communicate what you want the audience to do next, and why it matters.
• Closing with a Memorable Statement: End with a statement that lingers in the minds of your audience.
• Slide 1: Opening with a powerful quote or a story that resonates with the audience.
• Slide 2: Introduce the core message or theme (e.g., “The Power of Resilience in Overcoming Adversity”).
• Slide 3: Share a personal experience or example that illustrates your message.
• Slide 4: Reinforce the theme with a memorable quote or an inspiring example from history.
• Slide 5: Call to action, urging the audience to apply what they’ve learned or commit to change.
• Slide 6: Closing with a motivational statement or vision for the future.

Great presentations are built on a foundation of clear structure, relevant content, and a deep understanding of your audience’s needs. By examining these examples and tailoring your approach to fit your specific context, you can create presentations that are impactful, persuasive, and memorable. Whether you’re pitching, educating, or inspiring, having a well-organized presentation outline will give you the confidence and clarity needed to deliver your message effectively.

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How to Use Summary Zoom for Better Navigation in PowerPoint

In this video, Nolan Haims shows how to use Powerpoint’s Summary Zoom to focus in on a particular slide and back out again to a selection of slides. He uses this method as a great alternative to boring and uninteresting bullet points.

This video in an excerpt from Nolan’s “Alternatives to Bullet Points” session at CreativePro Week .

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