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How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

By Krystle Wong , Jul 20, 2023

A top-notch presentation possesses the power to drive action. From winning stakeholders over and conveying a powerful message to securing funding — your secret weapon lies within the realm of creating an effective presentation .  

Being an excellent presenter isn’t confined to the boardroom. Whether you’re delivering a presentation at work, pursuing an academic career, involved in a non-profit organization or even a student, nailing the presentation game is a game-changer.

In this article, I’ll cover the top qualities of compelling presentations and walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to give a good presentation. Here’s a little tip to kick things off: for a headstart, check out Venngage’s collection of free presentation templates . They are fully customizable, and the best part is you don’t need professional design skills to make them shine!

These valuable presentation tips cater to individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, encompassing business professionals, sales and marketing teams, educators, trainers, students, researchers, non-profit organizations, public speakers and presenters. 

No matter your field or role, these tips for presenting will equip you with the skills to deliver effective presentations that leave a lasting impression on any audience.

Click to jump ahead:

What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?

Step-by-step guide on how to prepare an effective presentation, 9 effective techniques to deliver a memorable presentation, faqs on making a good presentation, how to create a presentation with venngage in 5 steps.

When it comes to giving an engaging presentation that leaves a lasting impression, it’s not just about the content — it’s also about how you deliver it. Wondering what makes a good presentation? Well, the best presentations I’ve seen consistently exhibit these 10 qualities:

1. Clear structure

No one likes to get lost in a maze of information. Organize your thoughts into a logical flow, complete with an introduction, main points and a solid conclusion. A structured presentation helps your audience follow along effortlessly, leaving them with a sense of satisfaction at the end.

Regardless of your presentation style , a quality presentation starts with a clear roadmap. Browse through Venngage’s template library and select a presentation template that aligns with your content and presentation goals. Here’s a good presentation example template with a logical layout that includes sections for the introduction, main points, supporting information and a conclusion: 

2. Engaging opening

Hook your audience right from the start with an attention-grabbing statement, a fascinating question or maybe even a captivating anecdote. Set the stage for a killer presentation!

The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – check out these 15 ways to start a presentation to set the stage and captivate your audience.

3. Relevant content

Make sure your content aligns with their interests and needs. Your audience is there for a reason, and that’s to get valuable insights. Avoid fluff and get straight to the point, your audience will be genuinely excited.

4. Effective visual aids

Picture this: a slide with walls of text and tiny charts, yawn! Visual aids should be just that—aiding your presentation. Opt for clear and visually appealing slides, engaging images and informative charts that add value and help reinforce your message.

With Venngage, visualizing data takes no effort at all. You can import data from CSV or Google Sheets seamlessly and create stunning charts, graphs and icon stories effortlessly to showcase your data in a captivating and impactful way.

5. Clear and concise communication

Keep your language simple, and avoid jargon or complicated terms. Communicate your ideas clearly, so your audience can easily grasp and retain the information being conveyed. This can prevent confusion and enhance the overall effectiveness of the message. 

6. Engaging delivery

Spice up your presentation with a sprinkle of enthusiasm! Maintain eye contact, use expressive gestures and vary your tone of voice to keep your audience glued to the edge of their seats. A touch of charisma goes a long way!

7. Interaction and audience engagement

Turn your presentation into an interactive experience — encourage questions, foster discussions and maybe even throw in a fun activity. Engaged audiences are more likely to remember and embrace your message.

Transform your slides into an interactive presentation with Venngage’s dynamic features like pop-ups, clickable icons and animated elements. Engage your audience with interactive content that lets them explore and interact with your presentation for a truly immersive experience.

8. Effective storytelling

Who doesn’t love a good story? Weaving relevant anecdotes, case studies or even a personal story into your presentation can captivate your audience and create a lasting impact. Stories build connections and make your message memorable.

A great presentation background is also essential as it sets the tone, creates visual interest and reinforces your message. Enhance the overall aesthetics of your presentation with these 15 presentation background examples and captivate your audience’s attention.

9. Well-timed pacing

Pace your presentation thoughtfully with well-designed presentation slides, neither rushing through nor dragging it out. Respect your audience’s time and ensure you cover all the essential points without losing their interest.

10. Strong conclusion

Last impressions linger! Summarize your main points and leave your audience with a clear takeaway. End your presentation with a bang , a call to action or an inspiring thought that resonates long after the conclusion.

In-person presentations aside, acing a virtual presentation is of paramount importance in today’s digital world. Check out this guide to learn how you can adapt your in-person presentations into virtual presentations . 

Preparing an effective presentation starts with laying a strong foundation that goes beyond just creating slides and notes. One of the quickest and best ways to make a presentation would be with the help of a good presentation software . 

Otherwise, let me walk you to how to prepare for a presentation step by step and unlock the secrets of crafting a professional presentation that sets you apart.

1. Understand the audience and their needs

Before you dive into preparing your masterpiece, take a moment to get to know your target audience. Tailor your presentation to meet their needs and expectations , and you’ll have them hooked from the start!

2. Conduct thorough research on the topic

Time to hit the books (or the internet)! Don’t skimp on the research with your presentation materials — dive deep into the subject matter and gather valuable insights . The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in delivering your presentation.

3. Organize the content with a clear structure

No one wants to stumble through a chaotic mess of information. Outline your presentation with a clear and logical flow. Start with a captivating introduction, follow up with main points that build on each other and wrap it up with a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

Delivering an effective business presentation hinges on captivating your audience, and Venngage’s professionally designed business presentation templates are tailor-made for this purpose. With thoughtfully structured layouts, these templates enhance your message’s clarity and coherence, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience for your audience members.

Don’t want to build your presentation layout from scratch? pick from these 5 foolproof presentation layout ideas that won’t go wrong. 

4. Develop visually appealing and supportive visual aids

Spice up your presentation with eye-catching visuals! Create slides that complement your message, not overshadow it. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, but that doesn’t mean you need to overload your slides with text.

Well-chosen designs create a cohesive and professional look, capturing your audience’s attention and enhancing the overall effectiveness of your message. Here’s a list of carefully curated PowerPoint presentation templates and great background graphics that will significantly influence the visual appeal and engagement of your presentation.

5. Practice, practice and practice

Practice makes perfect — rehearse your presentation and arrive early to your presentation to help overcome stage fright. Familiarity with your material will boost your presentation skills and help you handle curveballs with ease.

6. Seek feedback and make necessary adjustments

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek feedback from friends and colleagues. Constructive criticism can help you identify blind spots and fine-tune your presentation to perfection.

With Venngage’s real-time collaboration feature , receiving feedback and editing your presentation is a seamless process. Group members can access and work on the presentation simultaneously and edit content side by side in real-time. Changes will be reflected immediately to the entire team, promoting seamless teamwork.

7. Prepare for potential technical or logistical issues

Prepare for the unexpected by checking your equipment, internet connection and any other potential hiccups. If you’re worried that you’ll miss out on any important points, you could always have note cards prepared. Remember to remain focused and rehearse potential answers to anticipated questions.

8. Fine-tune and polish your presentation

As the big day approaches, give your presentation one last shine. Review your talking points, practice how to present a presentation and make any final tweaks. Deep breaths — you’re on the brink of delivering a successful presentation!

In competitive environments, persuasive presentations set individuals and organizations apart. To brush up on your presentation skills, read these guides on how to make a persuasive presentation and tips to presenting effectively . 

Whether you’re an experienced presenter or a novice, the right techniques will let your presentation skills soar to new heights!

From public speaking hacks to interactive elements and storytelling prowess, these 9 effective presentation techniques will empower you to leave a lasting impression on your audience and make your presentations unforgettable.

1. Confidence and positive body language

Positive body language instantly captivates your audience, making them believe in your message as much as you do. Strengthen your stage presence and own that stage like it’s your second home! Stand tall, shoulders back and exude confidence. 

2. Eye contact with the audience

Break down that invisible barrier and connect with your audience through their eyes. Maintaining eye contact when giving a presentation builds trust and shows that you’re present and engaged with them.

3. Effective use of hand gestures and movement

A little movement goes a long way! Emphasize key points with purposeful gestures and don’t be afraid to walk around the stage. Your energy will be contagious!

4. Utilize storytelling techniques

Weave the magic of storytelling into your presentation. Share relatable anecdotes, inspiring success stories or even personal experiences that tug at the heartstrings of your audience. Adjust your pitch, pace and volume to match the emotions and intensity of the story. Varying your speaking voice adds depth and enhances your stage presence.

5. Incorporate multimedia elements

Spice up your presentation with a dash of visual pizzazz! Use slides, images and video clips to add depth and clarity to your message. Just remember, less is more—don’t overwhelm them with information overload. 

Turn your presentations into an interactive party! Involve your audience with questions, polls or group activities. When they actively participate, they become invested in your presentation’s success. Bring your design to life with animated elements. Venngage allows you to apply animations to icons, images and text to create dynamic and engaging visual content.

6. Utilize humor strategically

Laughter is the best medicine—and a fantastic presentation enhancer! A well-placed joke or lighthearted moment can break the ice and create a warm atmosphere , making your audience more receptive to your message.

7. Practice active listening and respond to feedback

Be attentive to your audience’s reactions and feedback. If they have questions or concerns, address them with genuine interest and respect. Your responsiveness builds rapport and shows that you genuinely care about their experience.

8. Apply the 10-20-30 rule

Apply the 10-20-30 presentation rule and keep it short, sweet and impactful! Stick to ten slides, deliver your presentation within 20 minutes and use a 30-point font to ensure clarity and focus. Less is more, and your audience will thank you for it!

9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule

Simplicity is key. Limit each slide to five bullet points, with only five words per bullet point and allow each slide to remain visible for about five seconds. This rule keeps your presentation concise and prevents information overload.

Simple presentations are more engaging because they are easier to follow. Summarize your presentations and keep them simple with Venngage’s gallery of simple presentation templates and ensure that your message is delivered effectively across your audience.

1. How to start a presentation?

To kick off your presentation effectively, begin with an attention-grabbing statement or a powerful quote. Introduce yourself, establish credibility and clearly state the purpose and relevance of your presentation.

2. How to end a presentation?

For a strong conclusion, summarize your talking points and key takeaways. End with a compelling call to action or a thought-provoking question and remember to thank your audience and invite any final questions or interactions.

3. How to make a presentation interactive?

To make your presentation interactive, encourage questions and discussion throughout your talk. Utilize multimedia elements like videos or images and consider including polls, quizzes or group activities to actively involve your audience.

In need of inspiration for your next presentation? I’ve got your back! Pick from these 120+ presentation ideas, topics and examples to get started. 

Creating a stunning presentation with Venngage is a breeze with our user-friendly drag-and-drop editor and professionally designed templates for all your communication needs. 

Here’s how to make a presentation in just 5 simple steps with the help of Venngage:

Step 1: Sign up for Venngage for free using your email, Gmail or Facebook account or simply log in to access your account. 

Step 2: Pick a design from our selection of free presentation templates (they’re all created by our expert in-house designers).

Step 3: Make the template your own by customizing it to fit your content and branding. With Venngage’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can easily modify text, change colors and adjust the layout to create a unique and eye-catching design.

Step 4: Elevate your presentation by incorporating captivating visuals. You can upload your images or choose from Venngage’s vast library of high-quality photos, icons and illustrations. 

Step 5: Upgrade to a premium or business account to export your presentation in PDF and print it for in-person presentations or share it digitally for free!

By following these five simple steps, you’ll have a professionally designed and visually engaging presentation ready in no time. With Venngage’s user-friendly platform, your presentation is sure to make a lasting impression. So, let your creativity flow and get ready to shine in your next presentation!

6 Ways To Give A Top-Notch (And Engaging) Presentation

If you want to increase your presentation skills and keep everyone in the room engaged — while helping you either close a deal or get you noticed by upper management — remember one thing: it’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. You can cover all the points in your talk, pitch or lecture, but if you drone on and on and don’t engage people, your work won’t get you noticed.

Follow these tips to create top-notch presentation skills to boost your career and make you a pro at public-speaking.

Research Your Audience

The first step in creating a top-notch presentation is to find out what your audience wants to hear. That’s different than deciding what you want to tell them.

Sure, you can still have an agenda — such as making a sales pitch or informing co-workers of a new company launch — but you need to make sure you emphasize the things that are important to your listeners.

Researching your audience means going beyond who they are. Find out their pain points. What do they need help with? How can you make them more successful? Why is what you’re presenting important to them? Once you know this, you’ll know what to emphasize in your presentation.

Research Your Topic

Back up what you’re saying with facts, figures, data and news, not with personal opinion that’s unsupported. Places like government , academic and industry websites should be your best friend, as these are places with industry experts that support your claims and give your audience more bona fide information.

Ask some of your potential attendees what they want to learn and what they’ve heard about the topic recently. Make sure to see what others who have presented your topic have included in their talks, and use a similar structure.

Organize Your Presentation

Whether you use a dry erase board, flip chart, handouts or a computer program, building your presentation skills lives or dies with content organization that includes an overview, the main body and a recap. Start your presentation by using a simple outline, list the main points you want to make, then include sub-heads that support what you’re saying in your main categories.

While writing your presentation, look for a solution to a problem, or a way for your attendees to take advantage of an opportunity. Starting with that thought process as you create your presentation will help you subtly deliver the information you want them to hear.

Use a simple three-step process to organize each talk you give.

• Tell ‘Em What You’re Going To Tell ‘Em
• Tell ‘Em
• Tell ‘Em What You Told ‘Em

Start your presentation with an overview of what people will learn from this presentation. Don’t go into any details during your intro — just present the highlights that are coming, which tells your listeners why this presentation is important to them.

Organize the main body of your talk into bite-size sections that focus on one topic, so the information can be consumed easily. Order your sections to create smooth transitions from one topic to the next.

Finish your presentation with a summary and recap of your information, highlighting the key points people should take away from your talk and refer to in notes. You can follow this summation with a Q&A and action items.

Use Multiple Presentation Tools

It’s important to use various tools to deliver your message while looking to build your presentation skills. That will avoid making all of your information start to sound the same, run together and create a drone-like effect.

PowerPoint is still a go-to presentation tool for many people, but there are plenty of other ways to showcase your information. Also, switching back and forth between PowerPoint, a dry erase board, enlargements and props (like product samples) helps break up your talk and make it more interesting.

Avoid giving attendees detailed handouts early in your presentation. They’ll start reading them and miss what you’re saying.

Practice Your Presentation Skills Beforehand

Prepare your presentation early enough so you can practice it and improve your presentation skills before stepping to the plate in front of the real audience.

Start by timing your presentation by reading it out loud, paying close attention to how fast you’re talking. You’ll be more nervous when you deliver your talk live, and this often leads to talking faster. If you have an hour to fill, don’t assume the time you use during a practice run is the same amount of time you’ll use to deliver your talk for real.

Record at least one pass of your test runs so you can hear what you sound like. Do you speak in a monotone? Do you get nervous and start speaking fast, which causes your voice to rise? If so, practice speaking low and slow.

Practice eye contact, moving your gaze to different areas in the room, including side-to-side and close and farther back. Make sure to add plenty of short pauses when you speak, especially after long statements.

Set Up The Room Correctly

Ever fall asleep during a presentation? You’re not the only one. Drowsiness isn’t triggered just by boring speakers, other factors do, in fact, play a big role — like poor lighting.

If you turn off the lights in your room for a video presentation, attendees’ brains start releasing melatonin, which causes drowsiness. If possible, only turn off the lights in the front of the room above your viewing screen.

If your room will be full of people, the room temperature will rise once they start filling the room. Keep the temperature cool before they arrive to account for body heat.

Make sure people in the back of the room can hear you and see your smallest on-screen text or charts.

Remember, organization is key. When you put lots of effort into a presentation, you don’t want anything to interfere with your message. Take time to manage anything that can affect your talk, including your organization, speaking manner, delivery tools and room factors.

Making sure you put your best effort into the “how you say it” part of presentations will make you stand out as a potential management candidate who is polished and professional.

All images via Getty

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How can you deliver a top-notch presentation to colleagues and clients when you’re working from home?  Business Optimizer considers practical and presentational tips for success.

We’re all figuring out new ways of doing things, given the new working from home situation most of us now find ourselves in.

For most of us, delivering a presentation ranks right up there with running a marathon or having a tooth pulled!  Switching to an online format might seem like an easier option than getting up physically in front of a large audience, but online presentations also come with their own challenges – both practical and presentational.

What are the secrets of delivering a top-notch presentation for your clients?

Getting the practicalities right

Before you even consider giving an online presentation, there are a few practicalities you will need to work through.  These include:

• Getting the technology right: tools like Microsoft Teams combine video conferencing capabilities with the ability to share desktops so that your audience can see you and your slides.
• Get the background and lighting right for your work area: a neutral background with natural lighting will be best to make sure you are well lit.
• Do a practice run with a colleague before scheduling with your client.  The Internet lit up last week with the story of the boss who, when taking a meeting on Microsoft Teams, accidentally turned herself into a potato using a WhatsApp filter and didn’t know how to remove it!  Don’t let user error mess up your meeting – test out your setup before you go live.

Getting the presentation right

As well as practicing with the technology arrangements, you’ll also need to practice your presentation, just as you would with an auditorium or sales conference delivery. 

While you don’t want to over-prepare and risk sounding too rehearsed, you do want to have a good grasp of the key points you need to communicate as you progress through your presentation.

Then try these few extra pointers which can help to make your delivery super-slick.

• Talk to your audience, not at them: build rapport through the judicious use of humor, ask engaging questions and seek feedback as your progress through the presentation.
• Tell anecdotes – but make them concise.  Funny or dramatic stories that add color to your points are a great way to help your presentation stick in the minds of your audience, but keep them tightly scripted so you don’t end up getting lost down the random and tangential wanderings of your own mind.
• Inject some personality into your voice.  You probably need to be a bit more animated than you would be in normal speech.  This may feel a little exaggerated at first, but practice until you feel comfortable with it.  Because you are limited in the physical and visual clues you can give your audience about how you want them to respond to your points, your voice has to work that much harder.
• Look at your audience; try not to get distracted by your own image or your slides – spend some time looking directly to camera when making important points.
• Don’t be afraid of silence.  Pause after important points to give your audience time to think about them and allow them to sink in.
• Allow time at the end to encourage questions and strive to answer them as fully and honestly as possible.
• Follow up with any further answers you weren’t able to give immediately as soon as you can.  You may want to share the full slide deck with your audience afterwards as a short video that they can refer back to later.  Anything you can do to differentiate yourself at this stage will pay off.

As with any change, giving presentations online does take a little work before you are totally comfortable with it.  But with these tips, there’s no reason why you can’t be achieving as much – or more – success than you had delivering presentations in person.  It may even change the way you work for good!

Hans Schumann - Executive Career & Life Coach in London

How to keep the attention of your audience

02/02/2018 by Hans Schumann

This is Part 2 of my series of articles about preparing a top-notch presentation.

Part 1:  How to create your content

Part 2: How to keep the attention of your audience (this article)

Part 3: How to prepare yourself for your presentation

Part 4: How to manage your fear of public speaking

In part 1 I covered how to create your content. There is one more crucial step to add, which is to include elements that will get the attention of your audience and prevent them from nodding off while you are speaking. This what I am going to cover now in this Part 2.

So let’s get started:

1. Start with a bang!

Don’t be fooled into thinking that your audience is dying to hear your fascinating business update or sales proposal. You will have to fight hard to keep their attention.

Most presenters start their presentation with a “WOW” effect or with a question to the audience that gets them their attention right away. This could be something like:

• A shocking statistic , e.g. “ Ninety-five per cent of all start-ups fail in their first year. You could be one of them.”
• An unsettling question , e.g. “If you lost your job today, how long could you survive without an income?”
• A question to the audience : “Hands up if you think your business is ready for the upcoming changes in data protection law. And now hands up those of you who have no clue what I am talking about!”
• A story with a suspension effect , e.g. “When I went bankrupt in 2001, I thought my life was over. At the end of this presentation you will find out how I rebuilt my seven-figure business and how you can do the same.”
• A brilliant joke (being German, I am not even going to try to give you an example for this).

Whilst some of these strategies are (arguably) a bit overdone nowadays, they work pretty well.

Yet starting with a bang is not enough.

You also need to keep the attention of your audience throughout your presentation. Whilst a good introduction will raise their attention at the beginning, it will fall again pretty quickly unless you make your presentation lively, interactive, funny or add more “WOW” elements all the way through.

Occasional questions to the audience also lift their attention span. Even if they are rhetoric questions and you don’t take answers, the mere act of asking them will make your audience think of possible answers, and this brings back their attention.

2. How to never, ever start your presentation

Never ever start your presentation by saying something like:

“Sorry, I got the boring topic to present to you. There is not much I can do to make this interesting”

“It’s hard to make this interesting, so I will be quick”. 

I hear people saying this a lot – and it kills the attention of your audience immediately. It’s your job to make the content interesting and engaging. If it’s not relevant to your audience, why would you even talk about it?

3. Use animated vocal patterns

Even if you have created amazing content, you will lose your audience if you recite it in a monotonous voice. I have heard people presenting the vision of their company to their staff with a flat monotonous voice that would have made a funeral speech sound more animated.

I appreciate that we in the UK are naturally a bit more reserved when we are presenting. A full-on Anthony Robbins-style motivational speech with shouting and jumping across the stage may not be your natural style; and luckily that’s not required at all! The following will do the job:

• use a wide range of different vocal patterns by changing the intonation, speed and volume of your voice
• stress important parts of your sentences
• show your own passion for the topic

Here is a test for you: record yourself practising your speech and listen to it afterwards. How interesting is your vocal pattern? Then listen to a few TED talks and noticed how their speakers use a wide range of vocal patterns.

4. Be brief!

People love short presentations, and in our digital age the attention span of audiences is often very low. That’s why TED talks are limited to 18 minutes.

It’s easy to make the mistake of overloading your presentation. You may be passionate about the subject and keen to share all those details that are fascinating to you. Yet the more you try to squeeze into your presentation, the more you run the risk of diluting your message so that your audience will switch off or miss your core meaning. Simplicity can be powerful.

So once you have completed your draft presentation, go through it again with a fresh awareness and ask yourself whether everything you set out to cover is really necessary. I also recommend rehearsing your presentation to check whether you can stick to the allocated time.

4. Establish personal credibility

When you enter the stage or meeting room, one of the questions that people may ask themselves is: “Why should I be listening to him/her?”

It can be useful to establish your credibility upfront by explaining why you are talking to the audience; e.g. “I was invited to talk to you because I have been facilitating cultural changes in FTSE   100 organisations for the last 10 years.”

Consider also how your outfit can support your credibility (or not!). Do you look like someone experienced in the area you are about to cover? This may seem superficial, but the reality is that people will judge you on the way you present yourself, whether that’s through your outfit, your body language or the competence that shines through your vocal pattern.

You now you have created your content (see Part 1) and added lots of elements that will help you get the attention of your audience.

The next step is to prepare yourself by rehearsing and checking out the venue. I will cover this in Part 3 : How to prepare yourself for your presentation .

If you would like to talk to me about ways to prepare an upcoming presentation or about improving your public speaking and influencing skills generally,  contact me on [email protected] or  book a free Discover Call here.  I would love to hear from you.

I also offer presentation training in virtual reality , which is really fun.

About Hans Schumann

Hans Schumann is an Executive Career & Life Coach in London , with a background in law and financial services. A serious health crisis with an autoimmune disease, which was triggered by a burnout, made him housebound for almost two years and prompted him to re-evaluate his life. He decided to leave the golden cage of corporate life and reconnect to his passion for personal growth.

He now helps executives, professionals and business owners create and thrive in lives they truly love. Most of his clients are in established careers, but at a point where they are ready to up their game and create deeper fulfilment and greater success. For some of them that’s about changing or progressing in their career. For others it’s about becoming more effective in what they already do, growing as leaders or creating a more balanced lifestyle.

Hans works on a wide range of topics, such as career change, life planning, personal effectiveness, confidence, stress management and leadership skills.

His services include: 

Life Coaching Career Coaching Executive Coaching   Confidence Coaching Stress Coaching Enneagram Coaching

Hans is also the author of the self-coaching book: “Falling in Love With Your Job” , available on Amazon.

“Let’s get started! Request a FREE Discovery Call to discuss your personal goals and challenges.”

Hans Schumann offers  Life Coaching, Career Coaching, Executive Coaching,   Stress Coaching .  and Enneagram Coachin g. He works on a wide range of topics, such as career change, life planning, personal effectiveness, confidence, stress management and leadership skills.

Hans Schumann Coaching – 13 St Luke’s Avenue, Clapham, London SW4 7LG

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5 Tools to Help You Create a Top Notch Presentations

Are you a business professional? Well, most likely the time will come when you will need to demonstrate a successful presentation for your colleagues. Maybe you want to persuade your boss to pay attention to your next amazing idea or attempt to close a deal with a client. You may be a teacher in need of great resources in order to effectively pass on your knowledge to a class. Or a student trying to impress a professor. Whatever profession you are in, creating the best presentation with the use of high-quality images, video, and animations is key to success.

So how do you do this? Thanks to the worldwide web, there are numerous tools to help you create amazing presentations . Here are a few of the best ones:

Say goodbye to boring presentations that leave your audience fighting sleep. With Prezi, you have the chance to create striking visuals that will intrigue your onlookers and gain their interest. This website is a presentation software that over delivers to its user. It is a resource which attempts to reinvent the way people offer information, share stories, and engage others.

Many people are familiar with the built-in PowerPoint option on their computers but Prezi provides something new. Instead of being restricted by boring templates, this resource provides creative ability to depict a well-told detailed story. Your presentation will not suffer in the world of 'forgetfulness'. Your audience will remember your visual displays and be inspired to action. So whether you are creating a business proposal or a project for school, Prezi has what it takes to make your work stand out.

Are you looking for a cutting edge design? Are you involved in sales and marketing? Canva allows for simple use that anyone can understand. For no cost at all, this platform provides assistance to the least artistic of us. To help, Canva offers numerous templates for your presentation so that all you have to do is choose and add in the information. In this way, you can finally stop fretting over artsy designs and simply plug in your presentation. The best part about this is it now has an iPad app and an Android app . If you are a busy professional that needs to construct a visual in less time, Canva can help put you back on top.

3.  Powtoon

Do you have an idea that you wish to convey to others but don't know how? Have you experienced failure with low-quality images and less than perfect visuals? These components are extremely important in creating a great presentation. Luckily there is Powtoon.

Have you ever heard the old phrase, "A picture is worth a thousand words"? Well Powtoon is an online source that allows anyone to animate engaging moving images. In fact it is their mission to improve your creative experience so that you will no longer need other sources like PowerPoint and Keynote. With Powtoon you can improve your presentation with minimalist designs that get straight to the point. The creators behind the thriving source understand that all great businesses have a story to share. Powtoon provides highly interactive options that will gain the traction you are looking for.

Among other tools to help you make presentations is Slides.This is not your average presentation builder. Slides beats the competition with its state-of-the-art quality that will leave your audience educated and entertained. This software got its premiere back in 2014 and continues to assist leaders in creating excellent visuals. Are you design challenged? Slides offers support to everyone. If you are a bit more savvy, you can increase your customization with Powtoon Studio to take your work to the next level. In less than 10 minutes you can design a professional presentation. Engage your audience and gain the influence you deserve by using the Slides service.

5.  Haiku Deck

Have you ever needed a great presentation but did not have your laptop or desktop computer readily accessible? Haiku Deck is a great resource for those who have an iPad. This online source allows you to look like a sales and marketing genius with no cost at all. Quickly create your very own presentation that can be shared all across the web. Haiku Deck uniquely connects to websites, social media platforms, blogs, and any smart device.

Even if you are not skilled in designing compelling visuals, Haiku Deck provides peace of mind with easy tools to help you start. Did we mention that this is all free?

You do not have to be a tech nerd in order to design something that will stand out in a crowd. The next time you have to give a group presentation, business proposal, or communicate with a client, consider any of these online resources for your next project.

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Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark

Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.

Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.

In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.

They Mock His Daughters To Their Face

"All my kids can speak and understand English. They know what you’re saying. It hurts their feelings." - Austin von Letkemann, Instagram

Saying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist

Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.

"No one says this to my wife. They only say this to me." - Austin von Letkemann, Instagram

Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.

By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.

Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Austin von Letkemann (@mandatoryfunday)

"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents

Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kate von Letkemann (@kate_vonlet)

In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.

Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.

9-Year-Old Has to Steal Food to Feed Her Brothers - But One Police Officer Changes Her Life

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blonde haired woman and a Facebook page

Marlena Karbowski, is the Liverpool banker who found herself sucked into a modern-day love story — with a dark twist.

Elderly Woman Was Going to Sell Her Home for Her Mystery “Boyfriend”

It all began when a sweet elderly woman entered the Westpac branch Karbowski worked at. But despite appearances, Karbowski couldn't help but notice there was something suspicious about this woman.

When the client (who remained anonymous) approached Karbowski's desk, she revealed her shocking intentions for showing up that day and it instantly raised a red flag for Karbowski. This elderly client had suddenly decided she wanted to sell her home and cancel her Westpac home insurance.

Even though Karbowski didn't know what exactly was going on, one thing was absolutely clear. The elderly woman – who had been a loyal Westpac client for years and did not have a diverse history of investing — was acting out of character. The only question was what — or who — was making her act so irrationally?

When Karbowski probed further, she received a vague answer from her client about "helping her son." But this surface-level explanation didn't satisfy Karbowski. Her instincts kicked in so she delved deeper. Finally, during a private conversation with her client, the dark truth hidden beneath the surface was revealed.

Her Gut Instinct Knew There Was More to This Story

"I asked her to send me photos of the guy and I put them into a Google reverse image search. There were so many different pictures of this guy, one was of a model somewhere in America, so then we knew it was a scam,” recounted Karbowski.

After a brief investigation, Karbowski discovered the elderly woman's true mission. She was seeking funds to secure her "boyfriend's" release from imprisonment overseas. The only way she knew how to get the money was to sell her home. Karbowski calmly asked to see photos of her alleged online beau. It didn't take the tech-savvy Karbowski much time to discover a disturbing pattern.

Her “Guardian Angel” Rescued Her in the Nick of Time

A reverse Google search heartbreakingly revealed that this mysterious "boyfriend" was not who he said he was. Many of the photos the woman had received from her purported beau were found online, stolen from other people's accounts with different names. When Karbowski realized her client had already negotiated the sale of her home, she felt sick to her stomach.

Due to the immediate nature of the matter, Karbowski made it her number one priority to save this elderly woman from homelessness. Fortunately, the settlement of the property was still one week away so her elderly client still had time to cancel the sale of her house. But she wasn't finished with her just yet.

Hand-in-hand Karbowski walked her client over to the Liverpool Police Station. She encouraged her to report the crime, ensuring that the necessary steps were taken to protect her client from further harm.

As Marlena Karbowski spoke to the elderly woman, a single question made the whole puzzle come into focus. With a gentle, unassuming voice, Karbowski asked, “When was the last time he took you out for coffee?” The silence that followed was more revealing than any words could be. The elderly woman’s eyes flickered with the painful realization that she had never actually met her "boyfriend" in person. In that moment, it all became clear to both of them.

"We cried together. We care and when we see those red flags, we act.” - Marlena Karbowski

Karbowski knew this was the turning point. It wasn’t just about money or property; it was about unraveling the emotional manipulation and lies that had ensnared her client. The air in the room grew heavier as they sat together, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. Karbowski offered a comforting presence as the elderly woman processed the truth, tears welling in her eyes.

This simple question was the key to unlocking a story of betrayal that had been expertly woven by the scammer. Karbowski's instincts had paid off, and she was ready to guide her client through the difficult steps that would follow.

Do You Think a Loved One Is Involved in a Romance Scam? Here Are a Few Simple Tips:

• Trust Your Instincts : Sometimes, our gut feelings speak louder than words. If something feels off, don't ignore it.
• Ask Probing Questions: Delve deeper into their story with gentle inquiries that encourage honesty and reflection.
• Verify Information: Empower them to verify the identity of their online partner through simple checks and searches.
• Seek Support: Let them know they're not alone. Connect them with resources and support networks that offer guidance and assistance.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect foul play, don't hesitate to reach out to the authorities or financial institutions for help. Together, we can protect our loved ones from the pitfalls of online deception.

Copyright © 2024 Goalcast

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Top Lessons for Top-notch PowerPoint Presentation Design

It’s back to school time again. In honor of the most wonderful time of the year – if you’re a parent – we’re reviewing our top lessons learned (since last September) for creating top-notch PowerPoint presentation design.

Organize first

There’s a lot of information out there these days, which is why organizing your message and supporting data is always the first step of any PowerPoint presentation design.

It’s generally agreed that there are only five ways to organize information, i.e., according to: location (i.e., space or place); alphabetical; time (e.g., timelines, directions, sequences); category (i.e., types of information); or hierarchy (e.g., newest to oldest). You can use more than one of the above categories at a time to organize your information. Find out more.

Your second step is to determine how best to visualize the categories you’ve chosen. Some of the tips below will get you started.

Create your own work of art

To inject some individuality into your PowerPoint presentation design, you can create your own artwork using software like Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw and then quickly and easily import it as an .emf file directly into PowerPoint.

The beauty of doing this is that, once in situ, you can manipulate details like fill color, line color and shape all within PowerPoint, so you don’t have to go back and forth when you want to make alterations. And, you can do it all without losing any of your artwork’s original quality. Find out more.

Add video for credibility

For a presentation to be effective, it must be believable. Examples are a great way to make you and your message credible. And using video is an easy way to show examples. It’s also a good way to make your presentation stand out from the bullet-point crowd.

But be wary of video (or other multimedia components) that don’t feed into your unfolding story in a seamless way. Playing a video during a presentation can disrupt story flow if it isn’t carefully integrated into the design.

There are lots of effective ways to add video to your PowerPoint presentation design, and even tools to help you style your videos by adding effects like frames, tilts, shadows and reflections. Find out more.

Include infographics for clarity

Infographics are the perfect visual tool for PowerPoint presentation design as they make it easy to distill large amounts of information into easily-read and quickly-understood visual content.

The first and most important step in creating an infographic is to make sure it’s appropriate for your information. Simply because you have a lot of charts, images and copy you want to use, doesn’t mean they will work as an infographic. All those elements need to be a part of a single concept or story.

For example, we created an infographic to explain the recent changes to the US Tax Code. This infographic designed in PowerPoint ® by eSlide, in partnership with Presti & Naegele Accounting Offices, highlights some of the key changes to the tax code and makes them easier to understand through the use of effective visuals. It’s a great example of the effectiveness of infographics. Horn tooted!

Choose color wisely

Advertisers place huge importance on color choice because colors conjure up emotions. Think of Coke’s red or Home Depot’s orange. Colors are a powerful way to create feeling and the biggest global brands understand this.

Color can give your audience the right feeling – the one you want them to have – or make them feel a way you hadn’t intended. For example, if you need to elicit excitement about exceeding first quarter sales targets, make sure your color scheme demonstrates excitement. Red does this well; blue doesn’t. It’s important to know which colors evoke which emotions and stick with the ones that work for your purposes.

Color is a great way to add more punch to your presentation, and when used properly, can help to make your message distinct and memorable. Find out more.

Don’t forget your fonts

A big part of your total visual package is the font you choose for your PowerPoint presentation design. It’s more important than you think.

Sans serif fonts – the ones without the tiny tails (or ligatures) at the end of the letters – are the best choice for PowerPoint presentation design. Fonts like Arial or Calibri are better for headlines, taglines, and bits of info that need to capture the eye’s attention.

PowerPoint comes fully loaded with lots of great fonts. Try to stick with what’s there, rather than importing something fancy from left field. Using non-standard fonts will likely cause compatibility problems when sharing presentations among colleagues, clients or using presentation equipment at conferences. For a list of system-safe fonts, read this.

We’re here when you need us

As always, eSlide is ready to help whenever you need us. Our team of experts is well-versed in applying the above to create PowerPoint presentation design that gets results. We work with top executives at Fortune 500 companies around the world to create game-changing presentations and we’re ready to work with you too. Get in touch for a free consultation.

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20 Great Examples of PowerPoint Presentation Design [+ Templates]

Published: January 17, 2024

When it comes to PowerPoint presentation design, there's no shortage of avenues you can take.

While all that choice — colors, formats, visuals, fonts — can feel liberating, it‘s important that you’re careful in your selection as not all design combinations add up to success.

In this blog post, I’m sharing some of my favorite PowerPoint tips and templates to help you nail your next presentation.

Table of Contents

What makes a good PowerPoint presentation?

Powerpoint design ideas, best powerpoint presentation slides, good examples of powerpoint presentation design.

In my opinion, a great PowerPoint presentation gets the point across succinctly while using a design that doesn't detract from it.

Here are some of the elements I like to keep in mind when I’m building my own.

1. Minimal Animations and Transitions

Believe it or not, animations and transitions can take away from your PowerPoint presentation. Why? Well, they distract from the content you worked so hard on.

A good PowerPoint presentation keeps the focus on your argument by keeping animations and transitions to a minimum. I suggest using them tastefully and sparingly to emphasize a point or bring attention to a certain part of an image.

2. Cohesive Color Palette

I like to refresh my memory on color theory when creating a new PowerPoint presentation.

A cohesive color palette uses complementary and analogous colors to draw the audience’s attention and help emphasize certain aspects at the right time.

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It‘s impossible for me to tell you the specific design ideas you should go after in your next PowerPoint, because, well, I don’t know what the goal of your presentation is.

Luckily, new versions of PowerPoint actually suggest ideas for you based on the content you're presenting. This can help you keep up with the latest trends in presentation design .

PowerPoint is filled with interesting boilerplate designs you can start with. To find these suggestions, open PowerPoint and click the “Design” tab in your top navigation bar. Then, on the far right side, you'll see the following choices:

This simplistic presentation example employs several different colors and font weights, but instead of coming off as disconnected, the varied colors work with one another to create contrast and call out specific concepts.

What I like: The big, bold numbers help set the reader's expectations, as they clearly signify how far along the viewer is in the list of tips.

10. “Pixar's 22 Rules to Phenomenal Storytelling,” Gavin McMahon

This presentation by Gavin McMahon features color in all the right places. While each of the background images boasts a bright, spotlight-like design, all the characters are intentionally blacked out.

What I like: This helps keep the focus on the tips, while still incorporating visuals. Not to mention, it's still easy for me to identify each character without the details. (I found you on slide eight, Nemo.)

11. “Facebook Engagement and Activity Report,” We Are Social

Here's another great example of data visualization in the wild.

What I like: Rather than displaying numbers and statistics straight up, this presentation calls upon interesting, colorful graphs, and charts to present the information in a way that just makes sense.

12. “The GaryVee Content Model,” Gary Vaynerchuk

This wouldn‘t be a true Gary Vaynerchuk presentation if it wasn’t a little loud, am I right?

What I like: Aside from the fact that I love the eye-catching, bright yellow background, Vaynerchuk does a great job of incorporating screenshots on each slide to create a visual tutorial that coincides with the tips. He also does a great job including a visual table of contents that shows your progress as you go .

13. “20 Tweetable Quotes to Inspire Marketing & Design Creative Genius,” IMPACT Branding & Design

We‘ve all seen our fair share of quote-chronicling presentations but that isn’t to say they were all done well. Often the background images are poor quality, the text is too small, or there isn't enough contrast.

Well, this professional presentation from IMPACT Branding & Design suffers from none of said challenges.

What I like: The colorful filters over each background image create just enough contrast for the quotes to stand out.

14. “The Great State of Design,” Stacy Kvernmo

This presentation offers up a lot of information in a way that doesn't feel overwhelming.

What I like: The contrasting colors create visual interest and “pop,” and the comic images (slides 6 through 12) are used to make the information seem less buttoned-up and overwhelming.

15. “Clickbait: A Guide To Writing Un-Ignorable Headlines,” Ethos3

Not going to lie, it was the title that convinced me to click through to this presentation but the awesome design kept me there once I arrived.

What I like: This simple design adheres to a consistent color pattern and leverages bullet points and varied fonts to break up the text nicely.

16. “Digital Transformation in 50 Soundbites,” Julie Dodd

This design highlights a great alternative to the “text-over-image” display we've grown used to seeing.

What I like: By leveraging a split-screen approach to each presentation slide, Julie Dodd was able to serve up a clean, legible quote without sacrificing the power of a strong visual.

17. “Fix Your Really Bad PowerPoint,” Slide Comet

When you‘re creating a PowerPoint about how everyone’s PowerPoints stink, yours had better be terrific. The one above, based on the ebook by Seth Godin, keeps it simple without boring its audience.

What I like: Its clever combinations of fonts, together with consistent color across each slide, ensure you're neither overwhelmed nor unengaged.

18. “How Google Works,” Eric Schmidt

Simple, clever doodles tell the story of Google in a fun and creative way. This presentation reads almost like a storybook, making it easy to move from one slide to the next.

What I like: This uncluttered approach provides viewers with an easy-to-understand explanation of a complicated topic.

19. “What Really Differentiates the Best Content Marketers From The Rest,” Ross Simmonds

Let‘s be honest: These graphics are hard not to love. I especially appreciate the author’s cartoonified self-portrait that closes out the presentation. Well played, Ross Simmonds.

What I like: Rather than employing the same old stock photos, this unique design serves as a refreshing way to present information that's both valuable and fun.

20. “Be A Great Product Leader,” Adam Nash

This presentation by Adam Nash immediately draws attention by putting the company's logo first — a great move if your company is well known.

What I like: He uses popular images, such as ones of Megatron and Pinocchio, to drive his points home. In the same way, you can take advantage of popular images and media to keep your audience engaged.

PowerPoint Presentation Examples for the Best Slide Presentation

Mastering a PowerPoint presentation begins with the design itself.

Get inspired by my ideas above to create a presentation that engages your audience, builds upon your point, and helps you generate leads for your brand.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in March 2013 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.

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5 top notch presentation tips

• Posted: 08/06/2014

Having top notch presentation skills is integral when trying to convey ideas and educate your audience. The key is doing so in a way that retains your audience’s attention while selling the ideas, projects and concepts you are speaking about. Your audience is choosing to listen to what you have to say. Use their time wisely!

Here are 5 top notch presentation tips:

1. Tell a story. Take the time to really plan  your presentation. Tell a story you’re passionate about and set clear goals as to what you want your presentation to accomplish.

2. Less is more. Realize you can’t possibly communicate every single thing you know in your presentation, so choose the most important parts and articulate them clearly. Keep the slides and visuals as simple as possible, focusing on key messages.

3. Prepare and practice . Know your materials inside and out, backwards and forwards so that you’re comfortable presenting without a presentation. If you’re confident conveying your message, your audience will be more comfortable and willing to receive the information.

4. Think in 10 minute increments. Research has shown that the brain gets bored after 10  minutes. Design your presentation to provide “soft breaks” like showing a video, revealing a comical or unusual image or asking your audience a question.

5. Details. Details. Details. Nothing is more embarrassing than an evident typo or unmistakable formatting error on a visual aid. A simple grammar and spell check will go a long way in producing professional looking deliverables to your clients. Keep your font sizes consistent wherever possible and be sure to consider what your presentation will look like when it’s projected, which can be very different than on your desktop.

Caroline Kealey

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Best Practices for Creating a Top-Notch Investment Presentation

Raising venture capital is difficult. On top of having a business or product that a VC finds “fundable,” you need to have a system in place to raise capital. This includes everything from identifying the right investors to pitching investors to nurturing investors.

Related Resource: How To Write the Perfect Investor Update (Tips and Templates)

Inevitably, you will have to present or pitch to investors over the course of a fundraise (typically using a pitch deck ). To learn more about how to best pitch and present to your potential investors, check out our tips below:

What is the purpose of an investment presentation?

An investment presentation or pitch is a tool to help founders share their company story and vision with investors. An investor presentation is a visual representation of your company narrative and includes things like metrics, roadmaps, team members, etc.

Kristian Andersen of High Alpha breaks down how founders should think about crafting their pitch deck and story below:

Related Resource: Tips for Creating an Investor Pitch Deck

How long should an investment presentation be?

There is no exact answer when it comes to determining the length of your pitch deck. Different businesses and pitches will require different pitch decks, but we have found that as a rule of thumb founders should shoot for a pitch deck that is 12 slides or less.

We studied our own data from our pitch deck sharing tool and found that the average number of slides in a pitch deck (where 100% of slides were viewed) was 12.2 slides.

Related Resource: Pitch Deck 101: How Many Slides Should My Pitch Deck Have?

Many investors agree with somewhere between the 10 to 15 slide range as well. Alex Iskold of 2048 recommends a short pitch deck that should be 10 or fewer slides.

What your pitch deck should look like for your investment presentation

As we mentioned previously, every business is different. The needs for different slides and narratives will differ from business to business. However, there are a few slides that are typically used regardless of the business. Check out a few popular pitch deck slides below:

1) Discuss the company overview

First things first, clearly present your company and what you do. This should be easy to digest and understand for the investors you are pitching.

2) Present the problem

Use data, stories, or a compelling way to present the problem you are solving. Ideally, you’d like your audience to feel the problem or have a good grasp of others experiencing the problem.

3) Present your solution

Once investors understand the problem you are tackling, you need to lay out how your solution solves the problem. Make the case why you and your solution are the ones to solve the problem.

4) Highlight the target market

Next, lay out the target market and what your ideal customer looks like. This can help investors answer the “why now?” question.

5) Illustrate the market opportunity

At the end of the day, investors want to invest in companies that can turn into huge companies. Demonstrate the market and how it is (or has the opportunity) to become a large market.

6) Identify the competition

Investors will want to understand the space. Lay out your competitors and explain how you are different and better than them.

7) Showcase your product

Next, showcase the status of your product and future plans. Use data or customer stories to share how awesome your product is.

8) Share why your team is the one to solve the problem

Show your executive team members and share their relevant experience and skills so investors understand why your team is fit to execute the problem and the solution.

9) Explain your business model and marketing strategies

Investors want to know that your business has a clear plan and strategy to generate revenue. Clearly lay out your acquisition strategy and sales & marketing efforts to date so investors can understand how your business will attract and close new customers.

10) Present financial data and metrics

Of course, investors want to see the data and metrics behind your business. Lay out key financial and core metrics so investors know the status of your business.

Qualities investors want to see

An investor’s job is to generate returns for their investors (limited partners, LPs). What investors look for in a potential investment will vary from firm to firm but we laid out a few of the common attributes investors want to see in a founder and their business below:

• Large market
• Clear customer acquisition strategy
• Experienced team
• Strong leadership
• Traction and growth
• Coachability

Of course, those are just a few of the traits investors will look for in a founder or startup. Different investors will place a different level of importance on different attributes. It is important to understand what an investor looks for in an investment and tailor your pitch to them.

Related Resource: Startup Metrics You Need to Monitor

Best practices for a top-notch investor presentation

As we’ve mentioned, different investors will look for different attributes in a presentation. However, most things investors look for can be boiled down to a few key areas. Below we lay out a few best practices for putting together a top-notch investor presentation.

Practice your pitch

This should go without saying but make sure you practice your pitch. You should know the ins and outs of your presentation and business. Of course, practicing in front of a mirror or friend can only go so far.

Some founders and investors recommend “ranking” your investors before approaching investors. E.g. Tier 1 investors are the best fit, Tier 3 are less of a fit for your business. If you rank your investors you’ll be able to spend some of your earliest pitches on “Tier 3” (or lower fit) investors to dial in your pitch and prepare for your pitches with better fit investors later on in your fundraise.

Related Resource: How to Pitch a Perfect Series B Round (With Deck Template)

Keep your message simple and clear

Investors see hundreds or thousands of pitches over a given year. Being able to clearly articulate your message and pitch is a surefire way to remove any confusion. By keeping your message simple and clear, you’ll remove any back-and-forth wasted on small details and be able to spend time on what matters most — having a conversation about your business.

Find ways to connect with the investors

At the end of the day, a founder is selling their company to potential investors. Like a good sales process, a good investor pitch starts by building a relationship and trust. When pitching potential investors, find ways to connect with them in advance of the pitch. This could be everything from following and interacting with them on Twitter to going to in-person events where they are present.

Highlight early successes and wins

Get potential investors excited about your business by sharing early successes and wins. This will get the presentation off on the right foot and allow everyone to build excitement around your business. Of course, try to back up your early successes and wins with data when possible.

Know your metrics

Inevitably, investors will want to dig into the metrics and data behind your business. For most investors, this is used to evaluate your business and could be considered the best predictor of success for your business.

However, metrics can also be a barometer for how well you know your business. You don’t need to remember every data point behind your business but need to know how different metrics are calculated and what causes any major fluctuations.

Include engaging visuals and graphics

An investor presentation is a tool used to pitch your business. In order to best engage with your audience, you should aim to have engaging visuals and graphics throughout your presentation. Of course, the underlying data is what is most important but having engaging and easy-to-understand visuals and graphics is a great way to support and improve your pitch.

Leave time for questions

The best pitches and presentations tend to be more conversational. You’ll want to balance feeding your investors with the material they need and also be able to have a constructive conversation about your business. By coming prepared, having a clear and simple presentation, and engaging with your investors beforehand is a surefire way to have a conversation about your business.

Communicate before your presentation

Investors need months of data and interactions to make a decision about a potential investment. In order to best help investors build conviction and have more meaningful conversations, make sure you are engaging with potential investors on a regular basis. This can be in the form of your monthly investor updates or sharing your pitch deck in advance before a meeting.

Sharing your pitch deck in advance of a meeting is a hot topic. Some investors will say you should and some will say the opposite. At the end of the day, it is important for you to feel out the investor and do what you believe is best for you and your business.

Related Resource: 18 Pitch Deck Examples for Any Startup

In-person vs remote investment presentations

Before 2020, investment presentations were generally in-person. However, since the way we work has shifted so have investment presentations. Investors are largely open to receiving pitches and making investment decisions via a remote presentation. Learn more about the pros and cons of both in-person and remote presentations below:

In-person presentation

Before 2020, in-person presentations were the go-to for investment presentations. In-person presentations come with both pros and cons. On the positive side, in-person presentations are typically a better way to build relationships and will make sure an investor’s time is undivided.

On the other hand, in-person presentations can be expensive (both financially and time-wise) for an early-stage startup founder that might not have the resources to travel across the country. This will likely limit the number of potential investors that a founder can meet with over the course of a fundraise.

Remote presentation

Remote presentations and investor pitches have risen in popularity since COVID. Many investors are becoming comfortable with investing in companies remotely and is largely accepted by most investors. Like in-person presentations, remote presentations come with their own unique set of pros and cons.

On the positive side, remote presentations allow founders to meet with more investors as it is more viable financially (and time-wise) to meet with investors remotely. On the flip side, some individuals might find that developing a relationship remotely is more difficult and can take more meetings and a different style of communication to build trust.

Share your pitch deck with Visible

With our suite of fundraising tools, you can easily find investors , share your pitch deck, and track your fundraising funnel. Learn more about our pitch deck sharing tool and give it a free try here .

Go inside the Cotillion Ball's 75th anniversary event in Shreveport

Cotillion Ball Chief Lara Yerger took a page from 18th century France and translated it into L'Esprit Rococo" celebrating the 75th anniversary Platinum Jubilee of the always lavish soiree at Municipal Auditorium presented by Cotillion Club.

For 75 years, the glamorous top-notch Cotillion has outpassed all local glitzy socials to supply a magical evening in Shreveport's historic Municipal Auditorium.

"Join us for an evening of dancing and merriment among parterre gardens halls as we gather to celebrate "The Spirit of Rococo," proclaimed 2024 ball Chairwoman Lara Yerger. She selected that particular theme, because she has always loved the time period.

"The aesthetic was characterized by its whimsical take on elegance with an eye towards decadence. The effect? Unparalleled extravagance at every turn," explained Yerger.

She captured the feel of France with sea foam green walls, 14 filigree  "windows" and royal thrones for the stage setting.  Gossamer white bunting stretched across four balconies added to the whole. She also helped set the scene by writing much of the program in French and providing music by The Chad Causey Orchestra and by The Motion Band, of Dallas, for La Fete Royale Dance Floor dancin'.

Oh, the flowers - absolutely stunning peonies, roses, hydrangea, sweet peas, Casablanca lilies - boughs of cherry blossom stems flown in from Washington, D.C., said one florist as he worked on an arrangement hours before the doors opened at 7:30. The blossoms paired with topiaries were artistically arranged in urns, brass vessals, boxes and crystal, they filled the entry, banked the stage and centered tables.

With farmer-turned-King LXXV Chris Frierson and University of Arkansas Coed-turned-Queen LXXV Emma Deas Pickens, ruling over the evening, Yerger's dream came true.

Next in the royal court line: Prince James Wesley Barlow and Princess Hannah Maurine Falls, he a student at Louisiana Tech, she,  LSU.

The tableau also included more Cotillion Club Royal Court 2024: Gentlemen of the Court, Ladies of the Court, Duchesses, King and Queen Pages and Heralds. (Among the pages:  King Chris' grandson, Christian Basinger Frierson III.) Applause, too for: High school seniors serving as ushers,  marching with purpose and smiling as their names were called.  Among those on the list: Mary Marzelle Elberson, Anna Spencer Frierson, Matthew Allen Frierson, Gracie Everett Ghali, William Fuller Peacock, Garland Gates Barrett, Stephen Collier White Jr.

What pageantry!

But it wasn't over for Yerger ended the presentation in the Le Bosquet Royal with Pyromania's lengthy fireworks display - Le Feu D'Artifice - visible through a see-through tent. As fireworks roared and patterns burst overhead, guests crammed into the tent for Royal Banquet's fine French-inspired food by Uppercrust of Haynesville.The menu?  How about a peek: Boeuf Bourguignon with petit veggies ... pates du jardin ...  savory chicken artichoke crepes ... strawberry Amaretto crepes ...fondue au fromage with French baguettes & charcuterie.

Cotillion Club Veep Patrick Ferenc Lukacs served regally as master of ceremonies. Yerger, on the arm of  Cotillion Prez Lloyd Andrew Brown, was formally introduced.Interesting Note: the Ladies,  Duchesses  and Gentlemen of the Court: were announced through specific titles in the program: Les Oiseaux d'une plume - "Birds of a Feather"; Les rubans ravissants- "Ribbons & Bows"; Les jardins et les bosquets - "Gardens & Groves"; and Les papillons et les abeilles - "Butterflies & Bees."

Cotillion Notes:

To get the skinny on the 75-year-old Cotillion, an anniversary coffee table-style book will be published in the fall, said official Jane Bicknell. It will include both candid and formal photos. "To celebrate everything the Cotillion has offered since its inception in 1949," promised information posted at the Cotilion. Price: $75, with $10, for shipping or pick up when they are ready.

The 2025 Cotillion Ball Chief Mrs. John Gray Noles is already planning next year's show.

The program listed Ball Chairwomen who served from 1949 - Mrs. Carl Stewart - to 2024. Among those spotted across the crowded Cotillion room: Mikey Carlisle, Clare Nelson, Susan Adams, Judy Chidlow, Jane Bicknell, Jodi Rives, Minou Fritze, Katherine Sale, Debbie Hall, Noreen Dockendorf and Cissie Smith, with Yerger joining them after her presentation across the ball floor.

Yerger left no detail untouched. She even covered large hall garbage cans with linen on the outside and plastic, inside, and provided transportation for King Chris by James and Peyton Mayeaux, Osborn Funeral Home and Crematorium.Seeing and being seen: 2023 King Stephen White and wife Ellen, a smiling Queen XIVII Caffery Werner Brown, Paula Frierson, Bobby and Maura Pugh, Margaret Oden, Elizabeth Meadows, Evelyn Quinn, Dr. Daryl Barnett and wife Kelly,  John and Dana Pickens, Betty Henderson Brian and Ginny Homza, Will Blanchard, Dr. Russ Van Norman and his wife, Cotillion Publicity Chief Susanna Van Norman, who made an appearance after backstage duties were completed,  Greg and Candy Watkins,

Yeah! For L'Esprit Rococo.

Presentation of 2023 Regional Military Conservation Partner Award to Fort Drum

Mike Strasser /Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs

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