how to make business presentation creative

12 Easy Steps to Make a Presentation Creative (+ Examples)

Learn how to make a presentation creative without PowerPoint, and draw inspiration from creative presentation examples by industry and use case.

Dominika Krukowska

9 minute read

Short answer

How can I make a presentation more creative?

• Start with captivating cover videos
• Add chapters for smooth navigation
• Weave in personalization using dynamic variables
• Enhance storytelling with animations
• Highlight key points using subtle visual cues
• Engage with interactive elements
• Showcase ideas using vibrant images
• Sprinkle in video narrations
• Wrap up with a smart CTA

Boring presentations can damage your brand’s image

Boring presentations can feel like those endless meetings where one person monopolizes the conversation. You know, the ones where you’re zoning out, doodling on the side of your notes, just waiting for it to end so you could move on to something more engaging.

That's the disconnect your audience experiences when faced with a boring presentation.

What’s even worse is that when your presentation is dull, it doesn't just bore your audience—it subtly suggests that you or your brand might be, well, kind of boring too .

The good thing is that with the right tweaks and insights, every presentation holds the potential to be memorable.

In this post, we're diving deep into the heart of what makes a presentation creative. We'll explore the mistakes that lead to forgettable slides and the strategies to elevate your content.

By the end, you’ll have all it takes to transform your presentation from mundane to magnetic and have your audience engage with it from the first click to the last.

Let’s go!

What makes a presentation boring?

A boring presentation is a mix of repetitive designs and long chunks of text without a human touch. When slides come off as too generic or overly complex, or they swing between being too predictable or hard to grasp, they lose their spark.

Add in a lack of visuals, real stories, or interaction, and you've got a recipe for audience disinterest.

To truly engage, a presentation should blend interaction, emotion, and content that is relevant to the audience.

How to make a presentation creative step-by-step

Modern presentations are more than just slides—they're experiences. Gone are the days of static bullet points; today's audience craves engagement, interactivity, and a touch of the unexpected.

Let's explore how to make your presentation more creative step-by-step:

1) Add videos to break up text

Videos can set the tone, explain complex ideas, or simply entertain. By strategically placing them at key moments where you feel energy might dip, you make sure your audience remains engaged, and your message is reinforced.

Whether it's a real-life testimonial, a product demo, or a fun animation, videos can breathe life into abstract concepts, making them tangible and relatable.

And, there’s science behind it too: presentations with a video on the cover slide see 32% more engagement . But the magic of videos doesn't stop at the cover. Presentations sprinkled with videos throughout held people's attention 37% longer and even boosted the click-through rate on calls-to-action by 17%.

2) Create a non-linear flow

Who said presentations have to be a straight line? Let's mix it up! By linking slides, you're handing the remote to your audience. It's like those 'choose your own adventure' books from our childhood.

Group your slides into themes or create chapters and let them pick what they want to see next. It's a fun, interactive way to keep them on their toes and engaged.

3) Use personalization for creating tailored stories

You know those emails that greet you by name and make you feel all special? Imagine bringing that warmth to your presentations using dynamic variables.

By integrating with your CRM, you can fetch specific data about your audience and weave it into your slides. This simple trick can make your audience feel like the content was crafted specifically for them, creating a deeper connection.

If you’re making a presentation to showcase your product, you can even use dynamic variables to create a mock-up with your prospect’s name and logo on it to make your deck stand out.

4) Use narrated design

Scrollytelling is where the magic of scrolling meets the art of storytelling. It's an interactive content experience that weaves text, images, videos, and animations into a captivating narrative.

Instead of static slides, scrollytelling guides readers through a story, allowing them to control the pace. It breaks down complex content into bite-sized chunks, enhancing engagement and retention.

Our founder, Itai Amoza, wanted everyone to enjoy this dynamic content experience. So, he joined forces with visualization expert Prof. Steven Franconeri to weave scrollytelling into Storydoc.

Thanks to their partnership, we have dedicated storytelling slides in Storydoc, like the narrator slide you can see below , designed to make content both clear and captivating for all.

5) Tell stories with videos

Videos have this unique power to turn complex ideas into simple, engaging stories. A video might break down a tricky process into fun, easy-to-follow narrative, or give us a peek into real-life examples or experiences.

It's all about making your content feel alive, relatable, and super easy to understand. Because, let's face it, everyone's a sucker for a good story.

Here's a great example of a storytelling video:

6) Use roadmap and timeline slides

Ever tried reading a long-winded description of a company's journey or a product's development process? Yawn, right?

Now, imagine swapping that snooze-fest with a vibrant roadmap or timeline. Instead of slogging through paragraphs, you get a fun, visual play-by-play.

Picture a colorful line showing a startup's journey from a garage brainstorm to its first big sale.

Or a playful timeline marking the stages of turning a wild idea into a bestselling product. It's like turning a history lesson into a comic strip—way more fun and a whole lot clearer!

You can see what it looks like below:

7) Direct attention using animations

Ever been to a theater where the spotlight focuses on the main act? That's what animations do for your presentation.

Whether it's a cheeky arrow pointing out a fun fact, a grand entrance animation for a new idea, or using grayed-out content to highlight a key point, animations are your stage directors.

They ensure your audience's eyes are exactly where you want them to be, soaking in all the important bits.

Here's a great example:

8) Add interactive calculators

Who said numbers have to be boring? With interactive calculators, you're turning math into a fun game. Let your audience punch in numbers and see real-time results.

Whether they're calculating potential savings, ROI, or just playing around, it's an engaging and creative way to make your points tangible. It's like turning your presentation into a hands-on workshop.

9) Use AI-generated images

Instead of sifting through countless stock photos, thanks to the magic of AI, you can have an image that's tailor-made for your slide in seconds.

Storydoc presentation maker lets you generate any image directly in your deck - just give the AI assistant a short description and you’re good to go.

What's great is that you always get an image that matches your topic to a tee. No more "that'll do" compromises. Plus, think of all the time you save when you don't have to hunt for the right picture or take it yourself.

Here's a short video showing how it works:

10) Pop into the presentation with video bubble narration

Imagine if, during a presentation, a mini version of you could pop up, share a quick tip, or clarify a point. That's video bubble narration in a nutshell.

It's like having a friendly guide accompanying your audience, ensuring they get the most out of your content. It adds a creative personal touch, making your presentation feel like a cozy chat between friends.

11) Use before-and-after to show transformation

There's something magical about witnessing a transformation. Just think about the buzz online when someone shares a 'before and after' of a design revamp, weight loss journey, or how they helped a client grow their business.

With a before-and-after slide , you're giving your audience that 'aha!' moment. Even if you can't see their reactions in real-time, you can bet they're sliding back and forth, captivated by the change.

Whether it's showcasing a product's impact, a website redesign, or a process improvement, it's a visual treat that makes your message more powerful.

Here's an example of a before-and-after slide:

12) Close with a smart CTA

The grand finale of your presentation deserves a touch of flair. Instead of a simple 'Thank you' slide, imagine ending with an interactive live chat prompt or a calendar invite for a follow-up. It's like the encore at the end of a concert, giving your audience a chance to engage further.

These smart CTAs aren't just functional; they're creative extensions of your narrative. By integrating them, you're not just concluding your presentation; you're opening doors to new conversations and possibilities.

Here's a great example of a smart CTA:

3 presentation opening ideas

Kicking off a presentation with a bang can set the tone for everything that follows. Here are 3 captivating ways to grab your audience's attention right from the get-go:

Dive into a story: Begin with a personal anecdote or a relatable tale. It's like inviting your audience around a campfire, setting the stage for a memorable narrative.

Pose a thought-provoking question: Challenge your viewers with a question that gets their gears turning. It's an instant engagement booster, making them active participants.

Share a startling statistic: Drop a number that makes jaws drop. When you hit them with a fact that's hard to ignore, you've got their undivided attention.

Want more insights on crafting the perfect presentation opener? Check out our article on how to start a presentation people read to the end .

3 presentation closing ideas

Wrapping up a presentation is just as crucial as the opening. It's your final chance to leave a lasting impression. Here are 3 best ways to ensure your audience walks away inspired:

Circle back to the start: Revisit your opening story or statement, bringing your narrative full circle. It's a neat way to tie everything together and reinforce your key message.

End with a Call-to-Action: End with a captivating personal video message or a lively animation. It's a unique way to engage, surprise, and guide your audience on what's next.

Share an inspiring quote: Leave them with words that resonate. A powerful quote can sum up your message and linger in their minds long after.

Here's an example of a presentation with a personal video message at the end:

Hungry for more tips on crafting the perfect presentation finale? Read our blog post on how to end a presentation and get people to act .

Best tools for making creative presentations

Crafting creative presentations is an art, and like any artist, you need the right tools to bring your vision to life. Here's a curated list of platforms that are pushing the envelope in presentation design:

Storydoc : Beyond traditional slides, Storydoc offers interactive web stories. It's not just about displaying content; it's about creating experiences. With dynamic visuals and interactive elements, your audience is in for a treat.

Pitch : Collaboration is Pitch's forte. Designed for teams, it offers real-time editing, customizable templates, and a sleek interface. It's where ideas transform into visually stunning stories.

Genially : From animated presentations to responsive infographics, Genially provides tools that make your content come alive on the screen.

Beautiful.ai : Automated design assistance is its claim to fame. Feed in your content, and watch as the tool intuitively crafts slides that are both coherent and captivating.

Canva : A versatile design platform, Canva boasts a variety of templates for presentations, graphics, and more. Its drag-and-drop interface ensures even design novices feel like pros.

Visme : Tailored for visual storytelling, Visme offers a rich library of assets. Think dynamic charts, data widgets, and a suite of animations that turn your data into visual narratives.

Creative presentation templates

Ever felt the weight of the cursor blinking on an empty slide, almost taunting you to come up with something creative?

It's like being handed a stage with an eager audience, but the script is yet to be written. That initial step can be the hardest, but what if you had a little nudge in the right direction?

Creative presentation templates can help you shape your story in a way that stands out in a sea of monotony. Think of them as the paint-by-numbers kits, where the structure is set, but the colors and flair? That's all you.

Grab one and see for yourself.

Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.

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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

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

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

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

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How to Make a Business Presentation (12 Easy Tips)

Jul 25, 2022

Whether over online or in the conference room, there’s a lot to consider when making a business presentation. Finding your unique presentation style that balances humor, confidence, approachability, and professionalism is no easy feat. Above all, capturing and retaining your audience’s attention is the most important and often the most difficult thing to juggle.

In this blog, we’ll share how to make a business presentation that’s compelling, engaging, persuasive, and memorable. Feel free to skip ahead to our 12 tips or start creating your own business presentation with a professional template

Updated: May 02, 2022

Published: September 11, 2019

There’s a reason many people despise public speaking. Defining your presentation style , putting together engaging slides, getting your point across clearly, handling unexpected questions, and squeezing a laugh out of the audience is a lot to consider.

Still, nearly all of us have to give business presentations every so often — especially salespeople . And the most daunting part of preparing for any presentation is that there’s always room to improve. 

Even the most seasoned speakers headlining at conferences or reps who top the leaderboard every month can improve their storytelling, deliver their message more clearly, and perfect their physicality. And so can you.

There are an infinite number of presentation tips out there, so we’ve distilled the vast pool of tips down to what will make the biggest impact on your presentation — and we’ve left you with actionable takeaways you can apply to your presentations today.

How to Make a Business Presentation

1. make a plan.

Things won’t go according to plan if you don’t even have a plan in the first place. Before building your slide deck , create an outline that includes the main points and pieces of evidence you want to get across.

This outline will act as your anchor while you build a slide deck and give your presentation, pointing you toward the key arguments you know you need to touch on.

I like to start with the bare bones: introductory remarks , the three points I hope my audience remembers from my talk, and concluding remarks. Then, I add sub-points to each of those three points that comprise the meat of my presentation.

These bullet points become helpful later, too, when I’m putting together my slides. They show me how much material I have on each takeaway, which allows me to split my content into the appropriate number of slides.

A well-delivered, memorable introduction and conclusion are essential ingredients of a presentation. Don’t overlook them in your outline.

Even a couple of quick bullet points on exactly what you plan to cover in each will help you set an engaging, confident tone at the start and wrap up in a way that helps your material stick in your audience’s mind.

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2. Choose a slide deck

Select a slide deck that matches the tone of your presentation. There are three primary factors that can influence your deck style:

• The formality of your workplace . A good litmus test is your company’s dress code. For example, if you wear business formal attire to work, stick with a slide deck with neutral colors like navy, white, grey, and black, and keep your fonts sharp. If your workplace is more casual or prizes creativity over ceremony, consider a more colorful deck, but keep it to two to three complementary colors to avoid creating slides that are too busy.If you’re looking for a slide deck that’s creative but not overwhelming, consider something like this ( you can download this slide deck template for free here ):

• The content you’re presenting. Serious research and financial data, for example, are suited for more professional decks. Informal recaps, brainstorms, and planning sessions may give you more bandwidth to use brighter colors.Here’s an example of a slide that would be well-suited for data:

Download the Slide Deck Template for Free

• Your personal brand . If you’re known at work for your sense of humor or your GIF reaction time on Slack, you’ll be able to get away with a more friendly font and colorful template. If you lean into professionalism and want to express rigor in your analysis or ideas, select a deck with few distractions — keep the colors neutral.

We had our designers here put together a set of free business presentation templates that you can start using today. 

3. Lead with a story and a laugh

One of the reasons it’s so easy to get wrapped up in TED Talks for hours on end is that nearly every presenter begins with a compelling story.

Whether it’s the harrowing tale of a near-death experience or a heartwarming recap of the speaker’s daughter’s first day of preschool, a great story engages the audience’s attention. It should also allow the speaker to build a personal connection with listeners and serve as a memorable cornerstone of the presentation.

When possible, begin your presentations with a story. The key, once you’ve shared your story, is to succinctly tie its main point back to the focus of your presentation.  

Don’t feel you must tell a story that’s groundbreaking or unique — in fact, relatable stories will be most effective at breaking through to your audience.

For example, a marketing director at HubSpot recently began a presentation about her team’s redesign project by sharing a personal anecdote about her struggles clearing weeds in her garden.

Finally, add humor where it feels natural. Getting a laugh out of your audience within the first minute will put them at ease and set a positive tone for the information they’re about to take in. 

4. Add verbal signposts

One of the best pieces of presentation advice I’ve ever gotten came from a college professor who believed our brains needed what he called “signposts”: verbal cues that could stick in an audience’s mind even as the details slipped away. 

He challenged us to distill our presentations down to three key takeaways and come up with one-to-three-word phrases that represented each point. Then, we were to reference those three cues or signposts in our introduction — just before diving into their details — and once again at the end.

If there were slides involved, he also had us select a simple image for each signpost that would be repeated throughout the deck.

Here’s an example: if you were giving a presentation pitching a website redesign, you might talk about all of the benefits a redesign would bring. Your website would be more visually consistent with your brand, the user experience would vastly improve, and you’d improve loading time to boost your search rankings.   

The signposts for this presentation might be: 

• Brand Consistency
• Improved UX

Even if the audience forgot the mechanics of how each of these areas would improve with the redesign, they would walk away with three easy-to-remember phrases that summarized the value of your proposed project.

Since taking that professor’s class, I’ve watched and created presentations completely differently. I always look for a speaker’s signposts and incorporate my own into every presentation I build. Signposts help me retain more material and communicate my points more directly.

5. Rely on images and charts rather than text and tables

Humans process images faster than text. And, as a speaker, it’s a disconcerting experience to see your audience squinting their eyes as they try to make out a hundred tiny words or numbers on your slides, scribbling down as much information as they can before you skip to the next section.  

To avoid this issue, rely on images whenever possible. Keep the attention on you, the expert, by selecting an image or two to drive home your point. Don’t try to squeeze all of your information on a single slide.

6. Incorporate audience interaction

We all dread sitting through boring presentations. And no matter how experienced a speaker you are, there’s inevitably going to be a low-energy point of your talk during your first dry run.  

To keep the energy up, add in a quick moment of audience interaction. There are many different ways to re-engage listeners with participation:  

• Quiz them and have them raise their hands to vote on options.
• Ask a question.
• Have them turn to a neighbor and share one reaction to what they just heard.
• Have people stand up momentarily if they agree with a given statement.

Movement will engage attention in a new way and refresh the energy of the room, carrying you through to the end of the presentation.

7. Hold a couple of non-essential data points until the Q&A at the end

You will always want to use adequate data to make a business case and provide a meaningful, truthful presentation. However, it’s okay if you’re not able to fit every detail into your presentation. 

In fact, if you intend to hold a question and answer session at the end of the presentation , leaving a couple of interesting but non-essential data points out during the presentation can give you impressive material to work with during the Q&A.

Anticipate several questions you’re likely to get or have a colleague watch a practice run-through and come up with three questions for you. Then, choose a couple of pieces of evidence not included on the slides themselves and have them in your mental back pocket to support your answers. 

Data always speaks more loudly than statements that don’t have a specific piece of evidence behind them. Remember, you’re an expert on your presentation topic — and additional, specific points can only help you when it comes to demonstrating your expertise.

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How To Create A Winning Business Proposal Presentation

By Krystle Wong , Jun 28, 2023

In the corporate landscape, a good business proposal presentation can be a game-changer to seal the deal with your prospective client or investors.  

Think of your business proposal presentations as your chance to showcase your groundbreaking ideas, products or services to potential clients, investors and stakeholders. Whether you’re convincing investors to fund your dreams or clients to choose your services, creating a compelling presentation can make them go, “You know what? I’m sold!”

A good presentation simplifies the complex. It breaks down complicated concepts into bite-sized pieces that even those who are not in the industry can understand. I know I know, it’s no easy work and you’ve got enough on your plate — so let our selection of pitch deck templates take the load off the design work. 

Customizing a compelling business proposal presentation takes only minutes thanks to Venngage’s user-friendly drag-and-drop editor. Just so you know, some of our presentation templates are free to use and some require a small monthly fee. Sign-up is always free, as is access to Venngage’s online drag-and-drop editor.

Now that you’ve got one less thing to worry about, let’s get back to business on how to create and deliver a winning proposal presentation. 

Click to jump ahead:

What makes a good business proposal , 10 tips to create an effective business proposal presentation, 8 steps to deliver a winning business proposal presentation, create a business proposal presentation that will win over your clients with venngage.

If you’ve read our guide on how to write winning business proposals , you’ll know that a successful business proposal is one that answers the following questions: 

• Who you are and what your company does
• The problem your buyer is facing
• The solution your company offers to alleviate the problem
• How your company will implement this solution effectively
• An estimate of resources (time, money, etc) required to implement the solution

Well, picture this: you’ve spent countless hours crafting a comprehensive business proposal that has the potential to revolutionize your industry. But here’s the catch – you need to condense all that information into a presentation that grabs attention, engages your audience and leaves a lasting impression. 

It’s not easy, but it’s also not impossible. If you have an important proposal presentation coming up, I highly recommend you check out this guide on how to summarize information for presentations . 

A good presentation gets things moving! Check out the top qualities of awesome presentations and learn all about how to make a good presentation to help you nail that captivating delivery.

Now, before we dive deep into the tips and tricks of creating and delivering a successful business proposal presentation, here are some business pitch examples to help you get inspired and win over new clients and investors. Alright, let’s get started!

Still working on your business proposal? Check out our selection of business proposal templates designed by our professional team.

In this competitive business environment, a good presentation gives you an edge over your competitors. It allows you to showcase your unique selling points, competitive advantages and differentiates you from others in the industry.  

Whether it is securing a new client, securing funding or obtaining a favorable business agreement, a successful presentation can ultimately bring significant opportunities and long-term business growth. 

Tip number one: always start with a solid presentation layout . Your presentation should emphasize the most important aspects of your business proposal, ensuring that they stand out and resonate with your audience. To do that, here are 10 tips along with some professionally crafted business proposal presentation templates to help you ace your next business proposal presentation. 

1. Crafting a compelling storyline

A strong narrative structure is the backbone of any successful proposal presentation. Start with a captivating opening that grabs attention and clearly articulates the problem or opportunity at hand. Present your solution with confidence, providing solid evidence and data to support your claims. Finally, conclude with a powerful call to action that leaves your audience inspired and ready to take the next steps.

A timeline graph can help you organize your ideas as you create a compelling storyline for your presentation and make your content more engaging.  Determine the important events or milestones that are relevant to your presentation topic. This will provide a sense of direction and structure for your storyline.

2. Focusing on the problem and solution

One of the keys to an effective business proposal presentation is highlighting the problem or challenge your audience is facing. Clearly communicate how your proposal provides a viable solution in bullet points, emphasizing the benefits and advantages it offers. Show your audience that you understand their pain points and present your proposal as the ideal answer to their needs.

This example of proposal presentation talked about the challenges that beginners face when going to the gym and how they provide the solution for it.

3. Using a consistent and professional template

To create a polished and cohesive visual experience, choose a clean and professional slide template that aligns with your brand colors. Consistency in design throughout the presentation not only enhances the overall look but also reinforces your professionalism and attention to detail.

Last-minute presentations are the worst, but don’t panic! Customize one of our professionally designed business presentation templates to save time and hassle.

4. engaging with visuals.

A picture is worth a thousand words and in the case of your proposal presentation, visuals can be your secret weapon. Visuals play a crucial role in capturing your audience’s attention and making complex information more digestible. Utilize charts, graphs, images and diagrams strategically to support your key points and reinforce your message. 

As a business owner, a well-thought-out finance pitch deck provides a platform to outline the business’s strategic direction and growth plans. It allows you to highlight your unique value proposition, competitive positioning, marketing strategies and expansion plans. Here’s a template I figured you could use:

No idea what goes into your financial pitch deck? This guide on how to make successful pitch decks for start ups might help. 

5. addressing potential objections.

Many business proposal presentations fail to anticipate potential objections or concerns audiences might have. Showing that you’ve considered challenges and providing persuasive counterarguments or solutions boosts your preparedness and increases the credibility of your proposal. Addressing objections head-on demonstrates your ability to handle potential hurdles and builds trust with your audience.

6. Using multimedia elements in your slides

To add depth and variety to your presentation, consider incorporating multimedia elements such as videos, audio clips, interactive charts or animations. These elements help illustrate concepts, showcase product demonstrations or provide real-life examples, making your proposal more engaging and memorable.

7. Incorporating interactive elements

Depending on the platform or setting of your presentation, incorporating interactive elements can enhance engagement. Live polls, Q&A sessions or group exercises encourage active participation, clarification and a deeper understanding of your proposal. Creating opportunities for interaction keeps your audience engaged and invested in the presentation.

8. Testing the readability and accessibility of your slides

Ensure that your slides are easily readable on different devices and screen sizes. Test for color blindness accessibility by using tools or viewing your presentation in grayscale. Consider incorporating alt text for images to make your presentation accessible to visually impaired individuals. Ensuring readability and accessibility demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity and professionalism.

Sometimes, using a simple presentation template makes all the difference as they promote effective communication, minimizes confusion and ensures that the audience can grasp the main points effortlessly. Try it out for your next presentation!

9. practice, practice and practice again.

Even the most well-prepared presentation can fall flat if you stumble through it. So, practice, practice and practice some more. Rehearse your presentation until you feel comfortable and confident. Pay attention to your tone, pace and body language. Incorporate pauses for emphasis, maintain eye contact and engage with your audience. I promise — the more you practice, the more comfortable and effective you’ll become as a presenter.

10. Ending with a memorable closing statement

Leave a lasting impression by crafting a memorable closing statement. Summarize the key benefits of your proposal, reinforce its importance or leave your audience with a thought-provoking quote. End your presentation with a call to action that inspires action and demonstrates the urgency of taking the next steps.

Ready to get started? Pick from these engaging presentation templates that can get your audience hooked on your presentation till the end.

Your business proposal presentation can be the key to securing new clients, partnerships or investment opportunities. That said, delivering a winning presentation requires careful planning, effective communication and a deep understanding of your audience’s needs. 

Follow these 8 essential steps to deliver a persuasive and impactful business proposal presentation:

Step 1: Understand the requirements

Before diving into your business proposal presentation, take the time to clearly understand the requirements. Familiarize yourself with the format, time limit, submission date and any specific guidelines provided by the audience or client. This ensures that you meet their expectations and deliver a presentation that aligns with their needs.

Step 2: Research your audience

To make a lasting impact, conduct thorough research on your audience. Gain insights into their industry, needs, challenges and goals. This information allows you to tailor your presentation to their specific interests, speak their language and demonstrate the relevance of your proposal. It will also help you show that you understand their pain points and present your solution as the perfect fit for their requirements.

For example, this business proposal presentation targets food entrepreneurs and manufacturers who are passionate about the plant-based lifestyle to attract franchisees for their local green ingredients franchise. 

Step 3: Plan your content

A well-organized presentation keeps your audience engaged and makes your proposal more compelling. Develop a clear and logical structure to help strengthen your message and deliver a winning business proposal presentation. Define the key points you want to convey and outline the flow of information and make sure your content effectively addresses the audience’s pain points and emphasizes the benefits of your proposal. 

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.

Step 4: Create compelling slides

Design visually appealing slides that support your content and enhance its impact. Use a consistent template that aligns with your branding and maintains a professional look. Incorporate high-quality visuals such as relevant images, charts or graphs to convey information effectively. 

Creativity is important but keep the design clean, uncluttered and focused on conveying your message clearly. Remember, visually engaging slides capture attention and reinforce your professionalism.

Don’t know where to start? Here are 5 ways how you can design winner presentation slides . Or you could browse our library of creative presentation templates that’ll easily set your presentation apart from competitors.

Step 5: engage your audience.

Active audience engagement is key to a successful business proposal presentation. Encourage interaction throughout your presentation by asking thought-provoking questions, seeking input or incorporating interactive elements like polls or group exercises. Show genuine interest in your audience’s feedback and questions as this builds rapport and demonstrates that you value their perspective. Engaging your audience creates a dynamic and memorable experience.

Giving an online presentation? Here are some tips on how to adapt your in-person presentation into a virtual presentation that will leave a lasting impression. 

Step 6: communicate with clarity.

Focus on the key messages and benefits of your proposal. Clear communication is vital to conveying your ideas effectively, so be sure to use language that is easily understandable and free from jargon. Support your points with concrete examples or stories that resonate with your audience. By communicating with clarity, you ensure that your message is easily comprehensible and memorable.

Step 7: Adapt and respond

Flexibility is crucial when delivering a business proposal presentation. Pay close attention to your audience’s reactions, questions and feedback. Be prepared to adapt your presentation on the fly to address their specific needs and concerns. 

The trick is to listen attentively and respond thoughtfully, demonstrating your ability to cater to their requirements. This flexibility and responsiveness build trust and show that you genuinely care about meeting their expectations.

Step 8: Follow up

After concluding your presentation, don’t let the momentum fade away. Follow up with your audience to address any remaining questions, provide additional information or clarify any points. 

Following up with your audience helps maintain the relationship and keeps the conversation going. By staying in touch, you demonstrate your commitment to their success and increase the chances of moving forward with your proposal.

Have another round of presentations coming up? Give it your best with these tips on how to improve your presentation skills . 

A business proposal presentation is not just a chance to present your business idea; it’s a prime opportunity to showcase the unique value, potential and profitability of your business concept 

By following the tips and tricks in this article, I’m confident that business professionals like you can easily win over potential investors and prospective clients.

Venngage offers a wide range of pre-designed templates specifically tailored for business proposals. With the help of Venngage’s presentation maker , creating visually appealing and professional business proposal presentations becomes easier than ever.

Step 1: Sign up for a Venngage account (P.S. It’s free!). 

Step 2:  Browse through Venngage’s template library and choose a business presentation template that suits your needs (they’re all created by our expert in-house designers).

Step 3: Replace the placeholder text in the template with content from your business proposals.

Step 4: Customize your business presentation in just a few clicks with our user-friendly drag-and-drop editor tool. Modify various elements such as text, colors, fonts, backgrounds and layout. Enhance your presentation with visual aids such as images, icons, charts and graphs.

Step 5: Share your presentation publicly or upgrade to a business account to export the presentation to PowerPoint or PDF. You can also choose to present straight from Venngage’s presentation software.

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Businessing Magazine

Leading     Christina DeBusk    January 10, 2015     4 min read

7 Steps to Creating an Effective Business Presentation

In my pre-writing life, when I was still an Enforcement Officer charged with helping the court enforce domestic relations orders, I attended a presentation put on by the State of Michigan. The opening speaker was fabulous. Not only was he able to gain my attention from the moment he first spoke, but he kept it for 45 minutes straight.

Admittedly, this guy was not delivering a business presentation as it was more of a motivational speech, but the same general rules apply. After all, isn’t a business presentation also a way to motivate your audience to do whatever it is you want them to do?

For instance, if you’re presenting to your employees, you may be sharing procedural changes that you want them to welcome with open arms or you could be sharing your future vision of your company so they help guide you in that direction. Business presentations are also often necessary to convince potential investors of the worth of your business, or to get a financial institution to extend a line of credit. Thus, they serve many purposes, which makes presenting successfully the key to taking your small business where you want it to go.

To create a solid and impactful business presentation, here are the seven steps that will help you captivate your audience and inspire them to get on board:

Step #1: Decide Your Purpose

Knowing what you intend to accomplish with your presentation is beneficial in two different ways. First, it helps you select the information and material that will guide you toward your preferred results. Second, it establishes what outcome you want to see which allows you to more accurately gauge whether or not you were effective.

So, what is it that you intend to achieve by giving your business presentation? Are you seeking employee compliance with a new office procedure, or do you want other business owners to partner with you on a joint venture? Decide this up front so you have a clearer image of what you are attempting to do.

Step #2: Set Specific Expectations

Once you know your general intent, it is time to add some detail by way of setting specific expectations. This will motivate you even more as you strive to reach your intended results, and it will help you decipher whether or not you’ve been successful.

It’s like when you set a goal, or expectation, to help your company grow. Which statement is going to motivate you more: saying that you want to bring on a couple investors sometime in the near future to help you build your company, or deciding that you need three investors who will supply $50,000 each over the course of the next twelve months?

While both may be what you want, the detail provided in the second statement is more definitive and helps you see exactly what results you expect to achieve.

Step #3: Learn About Your Audience

Just as you have to know your target market inside and out in order to effectively engage with them, the same is true when it comes to the audience that will hear and see your presentation. You need to know what motivates them, what demotivates them, what their worries are, and what concerns keep them up at night.

Learning their likes and dislikes, what drives them, and what inspires them to action helps you create a presentation that will appeal directly to them. You will be able to connect with them in a way in which they understand.

Step #4: Draft Your Presentation

Now that you’ve thought about what you want to do and who your audience is going to be, it is time to draft your presentation. Here are some pointers to make this process easier:

• Outline the key points that you wish to address. Ideally, you want to highlight three as they will be harder to remember if there are more.
• Come up with an introduction that gets your audience’s attention. Look for a shocking statistic, use a famous quote, or start with a funny or dramatic story as all of these options are compelling presentation openers.
• Use language they will understand. Don’t talk over or under your audience as neither will connect the way you’d like.
• Be careful with humor and jokes. Even the best intentioned “funny” can offend someone and cause negative consequences, so be cautious if you decide to take this route.

Step #5: Create Captivating Visuals

Oftentimes, people will remember visuals more than something they heard. Therefore, you may want to consider coming up with some sort of slideshow or graphics to enhance your presentation and make it stand out. Charts, graphs, and infographics are all options that can really make your message stick.

Step #6: Practice Your Delivery

One of the worst things you can do when preparing for a business presentation is fail to practice your delivery. Going through your presentation a couple of times will allow you to identify any problem areas or potential issues beforehand, which also gives you the opportunity to correct them without losing face with your audience.

Step #7: Present with Confidence

Finally, give your business presentation with complete and total confidence. Take a few deep breaths before you begin, stand with good posture (head up, shoulders down and back, tummy tilted in), and, most importantly, smile.

When you follow these seven steps, you will create a business presentation that your audience may just remember forever. For good reasons, that is.

Christina DeBusk

Freelance writer, author, and small business consultant committed to helping entrepreneurs achieve higher levels of success.

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Home Blog Business How to Create and Present a Project Timeline

How to Create and Present a Project Timeline

Creating and presenting project timelines can be a game-changer in project management. A well-constructed timeline outlines key milestones and deadlines and serves as a crucial communication tool for stakeholders. Designing these timelines with clarity and precision is essential to ensure everyone involved understands the project’s flow and expectations. 

This article will guide you through the steps to develop a coherent project timeline from scratch, highlight what information to include, and share tips on presenting it clearly to your audience. Whether you’re a seasoned project manager or just starting out, these insights will help you build an informative and easy-to-digest timeline, facilitating better project tracking and management. By the end, you’ll be equipped to create a timeline that enhances project visibility and coordination, making your work smoother and more predictable.

Table of Contents

What is a Project Timeline?

Components of a project timeline, why should we use project timelines, is a project timeline the same as a gantt chart, how to create an actionable project timeline, how to present a project timeline in a business meeting, how to keep a project timeline updated, case study: organizing a charity event with a two-phase timeline, recommended powerpoint & google slides templates for project timelines.

A project timeline outlines a project’s entire journey, dividing it into smaller, manageable tasks and significant points, each with its due date [1] . This timeline for the project helps teams understand when each part needs to be completed and the overall deadline for the project’s completion.

These tools in project management help indicate the status of various tasks. It shows what is completed, what is underway, and what remains to be done until the project’s due date. Through visual representation of every task involved, timelines help managers keep track of crucial tasks and their respective timelines.

Incorporating a few elements into a visual aid is essential when developing and overseeing efficient project timelines.

While you might add additional components to suit the specific requirements of your project, the components listed below are fundamental to every project timeline [4] :

These are the jobs that need to be done. When breaking down tasks, it is important to ensure they are specific and clear. When listing all the tasks related to your project, also include them in your timeline. Keep the titles of each task short and to the point. A lengthy explanation of the task’s scope in the timeline is unnecessary. This would only consume time and unnecessarily complicate the chart.

Start and End Dates of Tasks

You need to estimate the time required to complete each task. It is important to mention a clear start and end date for the task. While setting dates, do not be overly optimistic; choose timeframes that motivate your team and create a sense of urgency [5] .

These are significant achievements or steps in your project. They signify progress points or the completion of crucial stages within the project. Milestones could include completing a major phase of work, meeting a key deadline, or achieving a critical deliverable. Identifying milestones in your project timeline provides a roadmap for progress.

How long tasks will take?

This is how many days or weeks you think a task will need. Project timelines should effectively communicate essential task information with a glance. Therefore, it is necessary to include the estimated duration for each task. For example, one task might be expected to take three days.  However, a more complex task needs more days to complete.

Task Dependencies

Dependencies are other tasks that must be completed before starting the next task. When you create a project timeline, you will notice that your project has few dependencies at the start. However, as you progress, there will be more dependencies.

Project timelines guide you and your team along the way till completion. However, why are they so important? Let us break it down:

Clarity and Direction

Imagine driving without a map or GPS. You’d probably end up lost or taking the wrong turns. Similarly, in a project, a timeline provides clear direction. It will take you to the right destination and specify when you need to get there. It also ensures everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal.

Effective Resource Management

Likewise, just as you would want to save gas by driving in circles, you want to save resources by efficiently allocating them. Whatever your resources are, whether people or money, a project timeline helps you allocate efficiently. You can see which tasks require what resources and plan accordingly, avoiding shortages or overages.

Risk Management

Every journey has its obstacles, from unexpected detours to road closures. Similarly, every project faces risks, such as delays, budget overruns, or resource shortages. A project timeline helps to identify potential risks early and plan for them. By foreseeing challenges, you can have a contingency plan in place. This will minimize their impact on your project’s success.

Deadline Management

Just like you would not want to miss a flight or arrive late for an important meeting, you don’t want your project to miss its deadlines. A project timeline helps you stay on track by clearly presenting when each task needs to be completed [3] . It creates a sense of urgency that motivates everyone to meet their deadlines.

Stakeholder Communication

Similarly, a project is not just about completing tasks. It is also about keeping stakeholders informed and engaged. A project timeline can be a communication tool to update stakeholders on progress. Meanwhile, you can address any concerns or questions. This can ensure that everyone is aligned with the project’s objectives.

The Gantt chart is one of the types of project timelines that offers a user-friendly way to visualize project schedules [1] . It presents a graphical presentation of the time required for various tasks within a specific timeframe. However, timelines can be in multiple forms. You can also show different events of your project in a single-line form.  This visualization displays the start and finish times of other activities. In addition, it can organize them based on project objectives or categories. However, a Gantt chart is two-dimensional [2] .

There are a few steps that will guide you in creating a timeline for a project.

Set the Project Scope

Before you start listing tasks or making a timeline , you need to know what your project is all about. This means figuring out what you want to achieve and what needs to be done. It is like planning before you begin. This way, everyone knows what they’re supposed to do. Each segment is clearly defined, allowing the audience to understand the journey ahead.

With an example, we will better understand ways to create a project timeline.

Sarah is a seasoned project manager. She is going to launch a new software product. They set the project scope to develop a user-friendly application for managing finances. 

Divide the Project into Tasks

After figuring out what needs to be done for the project, the next step is to break it down into smaller tasks. It is like making a to-do list for the project. This helps everyone know what to do and when to do it.  The project would be easier to manage.

Following this step, Sarah breaks down the project into various phases. These phases include research and development, production, marketing, and launch. Each phase represents a leg of the journey towards the destination: the successful launch of the new product.

Highlight Key Milestones

After the division of the tasks, key milestones along the project timeline are highlighted. These milestones present significant progress points and checkpoints for the project’s advancement.

In Sarah’s case, one of the initial milestones is the completion of the product design phase. It signifies that the product’s conceptualization is ready for the development stage. Another critical milestone is the completion of the prototype, which marks the transition from development to testing.

Visualize Task Timelines

Visualizing task timelines involves using various tools designed for this purpose. Using the tool, you will form a timeline for the project. These tools help organize tasks, set deadlines, assign responsibilities, and track progress throughout the project lifecycle. Interactive tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Trello are better suited for complex projects with many tasks and dependencies.

However, static timelines created using PowerPoint or Google Slides can be sufficient for more straightforward projects. These tools can create chronological timelines, such as roadmap timelines , visually representing task sequences and deadlines. They do not offer the same level of interactivity as dedicated project management software, but they are user-friendly and accessible for basic project planning and communication purposes.

A chronological timeline would work well as a roadmap for Sarah’s project. This type of timeline shows tasks in the order they need to be completed, like journey steps. Sarah uses colors or symbols to represent different phases of the project, such as design, development, testing, and launch.

Add Dependencies

Adding dependencies to your project tasks is like connecting the dots between different tasks. It is about identifying which tasks need to be completed before others can start. By adding dependencies, tasks are completed in the correct order.

Sarah highlights that the development phase must be finished before the testing phase can begin. Similarly, the product must be fully developed and tested before the marketing phase.

Add Progress Indicators

Progress indicators track task completion and project status, similar to mile markers on a road trip. Using symbols or colors, they highlight completed tasks, tasks in progress, and upcoming deadlines to inform everyone of the project’s progress.

Sarah highlights completed tasks with green checkmarks, tasks in progress with yellow labels, and upcoming deadlines with red flags. This helps her team stay informed and motivated; thus, the team remains on track to meet project milestones and deadlines.

Assign Tasks to Team Members

Assigning tasks to team members is like dividing the work among friends for a group project. It is about ensuring that each person knows what they’re responsible for and when it needs to be done. By assigning tasks, you distribute the workload evenly and ensure that everyone contributes to the project’s success.

Sarah allocates specific responsibilities to each team member based on their skills and expertise. For instance, Sarah assigns the coding task to a developer with programming experience, while designing the user interface is given to a graphic designer.

Track your Project Timeline

After you’re done assigning and your project has already started, it is time to monitor and keep a record. Tracking your project timeline is like watching the clock during a race. It is about monitoring your project’s progress to ensure you’re staying on schedule. Similarly, by monitoring your project timeline, you can identify any delays or issues early on and take steps to address them. It ensures that you complete your project successfully and on time.

In Sarah’s project, tracking the project timeline involves monitoring the progress of each task and milestone using her chronological timeline created in PowerPoint. Sarah diligently updates the timeline with specific deadlines for each task, ensuring that she has a clear visual representation of the project’s progress. She regularly reviews the timeline to assess if tasks are being completed on schedule and if any adjustments are necessary. For instance, if the development phase takes longer than expected, Sarah may need to revise the timeline for subsequent phases to prevent delays in the overall project timeline .

Presenting a project timeline in a business meeting is like telling a story about your project’s journey. You want to make sure your audience understands what is happening. Here’s how you can do it:

Start with Context

Start your presentation by providing background information about the project and why the timeline is essential. This helps set the stage and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Use Visuals

You can display your project timeline using PowerPoint templates or similar presentation software. Keeping it simple and easy to follow helps a lot; clear labels and colors are used to distinguish different tasks and milestones.

Pointing out the significant milestones on the timeline, such as project kickoff, important deadlines, and completion dates, will help the audience understand the timeline’s progress. It also forecasts what to expect in the coming weeks or months.

Discuss Progress

Apart from displaying the timeline, you can also provide updates on the project’s progress orally. You can highlight completed tasks and any challenges or delays encountered along the way. However, we suggest being honest and transparent about the project’s status and focusing on the positive achievements.

Invite Questions and Discussion

It is also important to encourage questions and discussion from your audience. It will ensure that everyone understands the timeline and feels engaged in the project.  You can also address any concerns raised and be open to feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Reiterate Next Steps

End your presentation by summarizing the next steps in the project and any upcoming milestones or deadlines. This helps reinforce the timeline’s importance and keeps everyone focused on moving forward.

Maintaining an updated project timeline guarantees that the project remains on course. This enables all team members to be informed about the project’s progress. Below are the steps to update the task effectively:

Regular Review

We suggest to keep a schedule for regular reviews of the project timeline. You can check the timeline weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly to assess progress and make any necessary updates. However, it depends on the project’s duration and complexity.

Update Completed Tasks

When tasks are completed, you can mark them completed on the timeline. This assists all individuals in identifying what has been achieved and what tasks remain outstanding.

Adjust Deadlines

Sometimes, tasks take longer than expected, and new priorities may arise. We need to adjust the timeline accordingly. We will be realistic about what can be achieved within the given timeframe. All the changes will be communicated to the team.

Use Collaboration Tools

We can also use project management software or collaboration tools that allow team members to access and update the timeline quickly. This ensures that everyone always has the most up-to-date information.

This case study explores how “Hopeful Hearts,” a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting pediatric healthcare, successfully organized a charity gala using a two-phase timeline approach. The organization aimed to raise funds and awareness for pediatric medical research while engaging the community and stakeholders.

Phase 1: Planning and Preparation (Duration: 3 months)

Step 1: concept development (month 1).

In one month, the “Hopeful Hearts” team brainstormed ideas for the charity gala, considering factors such as the target audience, fundraising goals, and available resources. After careful consideration, they decided on a “Carnival of Dreams” theme, creating an immersive experience that resonated with their supporters and attracted participants.

Step 2: Venue Selection and Logistics Planning (Month 2)

During this phase, the organization researched and secured a prestigious venue for the gala, the Grand Ballroom at the Harborview Hotel. They also decided on logistics such as catering, audiovisual equipment, and permits. Additionally, they drafted a comprehensive budget to ensure financial feasibility and accountability.

Step 3: Sponsorship and Partnerships (Month 3)

The team contacted potential sponsors and partners to secure financial support and in-kind donations for the gala. They targeted local businesses, corporations, and healthcare organizations known for their philanthropic efforts and community involvement. Through persuasive pitches highlighting the benefits of sponsorship, such as brand exposure and association with a noble cause, they successfully negotiated agreements with interested parties.

With this, the first phase is completed, and the project’s second phase starts.

Phase 2: Execution and Implementation (Duration: 1 month)

Step 4: marketing and promotion (month 4).

With the event details finalized, the organization launched a marketing campaign to promote the charity event. They used various channels such as social media, email newsletters, and local advertisements to reach a broad audience and drive attendance.

Step 5: Volunteer Recruitment and Training (Month 4)

Simultaneously, the organization recruited volunteers to assist with event logistics, fundraising activities, and attendee engagement. They provided training and resources to ensure volunteers were well-prepared for their roles during the event.

Step 6: Event Day Operations (Month 4)

On the charity event day, the organization executed its plan with precision. Volunteers assisted with setup, registration, and event coordination, while staff members managed fundraising activities, entertainment, and guest interactions.

Adopting a two-phase timeline approach, “Hopeful Hearts” successfully organized a charity gala that exceeded its fundraising and awareness goals. The structured approach allowed them to plan and execute each phase strategically, resulting in a well-coordinated and impactful event that brought the community together to support pediatric healthcare initiatives.

1. Tiered Project Timeline Roadmap Template

Give an overview and a detailed, phase-by-phase guise of what your project timeline consists of by using this implementation timeline template. Available in light and dark layouts.

Use This Template

2. Project Timeline Workplan Template for PowerPoint

Picture the different stages of your project organized by blocks with this best PPT template. Ideal for projects with multiple milestones per phase.

3. Horizontal Timeline for Project Template

As seen in our examples above, you can create an easy-to-understand project planning timeline with this PowerPoint template.

4. Circular Project Timeline Template

If you aim to represent a six-year project timeline, then opt for this timeline PowerPoint template in a segmented semi-circular format. With bold colors and icons, you can easily make elements stand out.

Creating and presenting a project timeline helps get things done effectively.  Breaking down tasks into smaller pieces with deadlines helps teams stay focused and meet goals. It also assists everyone in seeing the big picture and where they fit in. When presenting a project timeline, keep it simple and focus on what is important. You can use visuals like charts and graphs to make it easier to understand. Lastly, remember to keep your project timeline updated as things change. Regularly review and adjust it based on new information or unexpected challenges.

[1] https://caes.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk1721/files/inline-files/2018%20RIFA%20Timeline-Gantt%20Chart.pdf

[2] https://www.umsl.edu/~sauterv/analysis/488_f02_papers/ProjMgmt.html

[3] https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/create-a-project-timeline/

[4] https://hub.misk.org.sa/insights/education-career/2023/how-to-create-project-timelines-for-project-management/?allowview=true

[5] https://opentextbc.ca/projectmanagement/chapter/chapter-11-resource-planning-project-management/

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How To Create A Project Timeline: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re struggling with deadlines and tasks, creating a project timeline might be the key to your project’s success! When creating your project timeline with a short 6-step process, you can pick from a variety of formats as per your requirements. There are several benefits of creating a project timeline, such as improved communication and increased accountability.

Just like a road trip needs a detailed map with turns, stops, and estimated travel times, every project needs a plan. A project timeline acts as your roadmap, giving you a clear picture of the project’s journey. It helps you anticipate potential problems and refines your time estimates for completion. What exactly constitutes a project plan timeline? 

What Is A Project Timeline?

A project timeline is a roadmap that guides the project to its destination. It lays out the key phases and their deadlines and breaks everything down into manageable tasks — just like a schedule. This lets you monitor progress by tracking each task’s completion. Building your timeline can be done with project management software or simple tools like Gantt charts. Regardless of the project’s size, a timeline project is a vital tool in the world of project management .

Types Of Project Timelines

However, Project timelines aren’t one-size-fits-all. When it comes to visualizing your project schedule, there’s a variety of timeline project formats at your disposal. Each offers a distinct lens to view your project’s journey, ranging from a straightforward chronological list to a detailed chart that maps task dependencies. Here are the popular timeline formats and how they can empower your project.

1. Gantt Chart Timeline

Ideal for: Projects with complex dependencies, multiple tasks, and need for visual representation of timelines.

Named after Henry Gantt, an American engineer and management consultant, a Gantt chart is a popular way to visualize a project’s tasks. In this chart, you’ll find several horizontal bars, each representing a task and its attributes. The length of the bars matches the duration and depicts dependencies in a simple manner.

2. Vertical Chart Timeline

Ideal for: Projects with sequential tasks or phases where time is the primary focus.

A vertical chart timeline is a graphical representation of events or milestones arranged along a vertical axis, usually with time progressing from top to bottom or bottom to top. Each point or bar on the timeline depicts an event or milestone, with the position indicating its occurrence relative to other events.

3. Historical Timeline

Ideal for: Projects with historical context or events and storytelling elements.

A historical timeline is a chronological representation of past events or milestones, typically presented in a linear format with dates along an axis. While historical timelines are commonly used to illustrate the progression of significant events over time, you can also use them for project management purposes.

4. Kanban Timeline

Ideal for: Projects with agile methodologies, continuous delivery, and focus on workflow management.

A Kanban timeline, often called a Kanban board, is a visual project management tool used to track and manage work as it progresses through various stages of completion. While not inherently a timeline in the traditional sense, a Kanban board can still serve as a project timeline by visually displaying tasks and their status over time. 

5. Critical Path Method (CPM)

Ideal for: Projects with complex interdependencies that focus on identifying critical tasks.

The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a project management technique used to identify the sequence of tasks your team must complete on time to ensure the project’s swift completion. It helps project managers identify the most critical tasks and determine the shortest possible duration for completing a project.

6. Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

Ideal for: Projects with uncertain durations, probabilistic time estimates, and focus on risk management.

The Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is a project management tool used to analyze and represent the tasks involved in completing a project, especially when the time required to complete each task is uncertain. PERT charts are beneficial for projects with high levels of uncertainty or complexity. 

Benefits Of Using A Project Timeline

Creating a project timeline management can be a hassle, but the advantages of having one ready certainly outweigh the effort the process requires. A project management timeline can act as a preventative measure for several common issues of working on projects, such as missed deadlines, miscommunications, and even resource constraints. It helps you proactively prepare for challenging situations instead of reacting to challenges when chaos and frustration strike. Here’s how it can help:

1. Improved Planning and Organization

A project management timeline streamlines the planning process, ensuring tasks are executed logically and deadlines are met. This enhances overall project organization and efficiency.

2. Enhanced Communication and Collaboration

By visually representing project milestones and tasks, the timeline facilitates clear communication and fosters collaboration among team members, minimizing misunderstandings and improving productivity.

3. Effective Resource Management

With a project management timeline, resources such as budget, human resources, and materials can be allocated efficiently, maximizing utilization and preventing bottlenecks or overallocation.

4. Increased Accountability

The timeline serves as a roadmap, clearly outlining individual responsibilities and deadlines, fostering accountability among team members, and ensuring everyone remains committed to project objectives.

5. Risk Mitigation

By identifying potential obstacles and dependencies early on, the timeline allows for implementing proactive risk management strategies, minimizing the impact of unforeseen events, and keeping the project on track.

6. Client Satisfaction

A well-executed project management timeline ensures timely delivery of milestones and transparent communication, leading to increased client satisfaction as expectations are consistently met or exceeded.

7. Informed Decision-making

With real-time updates on project progress and milestones, stakeholders can access valuable insights, enabling them to make informed decisions and adjustments to ensure success.

How To Create A Project Timeline

To create a project timeline, you must familiarize yourself with the correct steps and order. Skipping an important step or switching up the order could, in some cases, easily confuse the entire project, causing several issues in its wake. Here are the steps for creating a project timeline and their ideal order.

1. Map Out The Project Scope

Start off by defining the project’s scope by asking yourself these questions:

• What is the project trying to achieve?
• What should the team be able to present by completing the project?
• What steps must the team take to prepare these deliverables?
• How will you measure the success of your project?
• What limits must the team stick to to execute this project successfully?

You identify the project’s objectives, deliverables, OKRs , and constraints by answering these questions. If you fail to establish a clear scope, you might face confusion and delays as your project’s parameters shift.

2. Break It Down To Bits

No matter the project’s size, you must break it down into smaller and more manageable tasks to efficiently track the task’s progress. Let’s take the example of building a Lego house. In this case, the deliverables would be:

• Gather Legos
• Design the House
• Build the Walls
• Add Finishing Touches
• Test Stability

Each of these deliverables requires a set of tasks to be completed. You can further break these down into smaller tasks.

3. Identify Dependencies

Next, you want to understand the dependencies between each task. The tasks in your project can be divided into concurrent and dependent tasks. Concurrent tasks can be performed simultaneously with other tasks, saving you time. In our example, you can’t add the roof until you build the walls, which means that the roof’s installation is dependent on the completion of the wall’s construction. Not identifying such dependencies might lead to bottlenecks or delays in the project.

4. Estimate The Duration

The next step is estimating how long it might take to complete each task. When doing so, you must consider factors such as the resources needed, the complexity of the task, and any potential obstacles you might face. Making inaccurate estimations could lead to unrealistic deadlines and delays in the project.

5. Set Up Deadlines

Once you have the project’s deliverables, dependencies, and time estimates, you can assign realistic deadlines based on the dame. Setting specific deadlines helps avoid procrastination and adds a sense of urgency to each task, ensuring project completion as per the decided delivery dates.

6. Plan Milestones

Creating a project timeline is setting up milestones or checkpoints that help you track progress and celebrate achievements. This will allow you to identify possible issues early and gauge the speed of progress, enabling you to adjust the timeline as required.

The best way to communicate your project timeline to your team is with the help of a presentation. Google Slides and MS PowerPoint are a few of the tools you can use to do so. You can use a pre-designed template to create presentations when presenting your project timeline.

Best Practices For Making A Project Management Timeline

Several additional measures can help you create an efficient and productive project timeline. These help you streamline processes and allocate resources effectively. These practices can improve your team’s collaboration and communication, ensuring your project’s success.

• Use SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to set a direction for your project that aligns with stakeholders’ expectations.
• Getting everyone involved early helps you understand what matters, get buy-in, and consider different viewpoints throughout the project.
• Break big goals into smaller tasks to make planning, assigning people, and tracking progress a lot easier.
• Plan realistically to figure out exactly how much time, money, and people you’ll need for each step to avoid delays and going over budget. 
• Figure out what needs to happen in what order to help you avoid roadblocks and keep things moving smoothly.
• Match the right people to the right tasks, considering their skills, availability, and what the task needs to get done efficiently and avoid conflicts.
• Set achievable deadlines by taking into account the project size, who you have to work with, and what stakeholders expect. This keeps everyone motivated.
• Track your progress and make sure you’re on schedule. You can adjust your plans as needed to stay on track.
• Encourage open communication as it helps address problems, share updates, and ensure everyone’s on the same page.
• Regularly review how things are going, identify what worked and what didn’t, and use that knowledge to improve future projects.

Project Timeline Examples

We’ve created a few timeline project examples using SlideUpLift’s project timeline templates to help you understand exactly how a project timeline can be used and how it should look once completed. Each example shows how this can be used in various industries.

1. Community Green Space Development Project Timeline

The timeline slide displays the six-month journey of the Community Green Space Development project. It starts with brainstorming design ideas in August and moves through team formation, plan approval, permit acquisition, and construction, concluding with the project’s completion and opening in January.

2. App Launch Project Timeline

The slide outlines a strategic action plan for a tech startup’s web development, mobile development, and digital marketing operations over six months. Each vertical—Web Development, Mobile Development, and Digital Marketing—is aligned with monthly targets leading up to significant deliverables, such as the website launch and the mobile app deployment. The timeline is a visual roadmap designed to guide the team through each development and marketing phase, ensuring a synchronized launch of their digital products.

What’s the difference between a project schedule and a project timeline?

While project schedules help you break down your process into steps to create a detailed plan, a project timeline allows you to give a bird’s eye view of the project, tracking its overall progress with ease through milestones.

What are the four things a project timeline consists of?

A project timeline consists of:

• Deliverables
• Dependencies
• And Milestones.

What are the five main phases of a project?

The five main phases of a project are initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.

What is the project lifecycle?

The project lifecycle is the series of phases that a project goes through from its initiation to its closure. This includes the key stages and activities occurring during the lifespan of the project. A project timeline chart can help you track this.

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How-To Geek

What is copilot pro and how do you use it.

Copilot Pro shines when it comes helping you generate images online and increasing your productivity when using Microsoft 365 apps.

Quick Links

What is copilot pro, how to use copilot pro to generate ai images, how to use copilot pro in microsoft 365 apps, key takeaways.

• Copilot Pro offers GPT-4 priority access and integration with Microsoft 365 apps for $20/month.
• Copilot Pro also gives you access to DALL-E 3 and 100 boosts a day for image generation.
• You can utilize Copilot in Microsoft 365 to write content in Word, generate formulas in Excel, draft emails in Outlook, and plan presentations in PowerPoint.

Copilot Pro comes with extra features that make you more creative and productive. Let’s dive into what it is and how to use it to create images and do more in Microsoft 365 apps. Here’s what you need to know.

Copilot Pro is the premium version of Copilot with enhanced performance and more features. The subscription costs $20 per month, and you can subscribe from the Microsoft website .

In terms of enhanced performance, you get priority access to GPT-4, an advanced version of GPT-3 , during peak times. Peak times are when people use Copilot the most, leading to reduced performance and access for regular users.

The same goes for GPT-4 Turbo, which is faster and more advanced than GPT-4. To access it, you need to change Copilot's conversation style to "Creative" or "Precise" before typing in your prompts.

A notable added feature of Copilot Pro is integration with Microsoft 365 apps . You can use Copilot directly within apps like Office and Excel to be more productive.

When it comes to creativity, you have advanced image-creation tools like DALL-E 3 and 100 boosts per day. The former improves Copilot’s ability to understand content and context, leading to more impressive results. The latter are credits you spend on increasing the speed at which Copilot generates the images (free users get 15 per day).

You can also train your own GPT in Copilot Pro. That means you can create a GPT tailored to your needs by giving it a name, description, and set of instructions.

Generating an image using Copilot Pro is easy. Just open the Copilot website in your browser, and then describe the image you want it to create. For example, we asked it to create a cool scene where The Avengers and Men in Black fend off an alien invasion.

Since this is AI, the results will have some obvious issues that humans can easily avoid (Tony Stark being an MIB agent), which is why AI can’t replace human creativity.

To use Copilot Pro in Microsoft 365 apps, you’ll also need a Microsoft 365 subscription, which costs $6.99 per month. Also, make sure you’re using the latest version of the 365 apps. Afterward, you’re good to go.

How to Add Copilot to 365 Apps

When you open a Microsoft 365 app like Word or Excel, you should be able to see the “Copilot” button on the ribbon of the “Home” tab (except for Outlook).

If it’s grayed out, ensure the “AutoSave” toggle in the top-left corner is turned on. Copilot Pro requires that this feature be enabled.

If the Copilot button is still grayed out, updating the license can fix the issue. To do that, click “File” on the left side of the top menu.

Then, click “Account” in the bottom left corner.

Afterward, click “Update License” below Product Information in the right panel.

Click “Sign In” and follow the instructions to sign into your Microsoft account. Make sure it’s the one with the Microsoft 365 and Copilot Pro subscriptions.

You should now be able to see the “Copilot” button in the ribbon of the Home tab. Clicking it, will open a panel on the right where you can prompt Copilot.

Keep in mind that any AI-generated content might be incorrect, so always make sure to double-check it. If you want to find out which prompts you can use, click the “View Prompts” button—the book icon—at the bottom of the Copilot panel.

You’ll see that Copilot can help you with a lot of tasks. This includes summarizing the document, checking for specific information (i.e., deadlines and key points), or expanding certain sections.

Writing Documents in Word

In Word, Copilot can help you draft and rewrite content. To draft something with Copilot, select a new line and then click the Copilot icon on the left or press Alt+i.

In the prompt, type what you want Copilot to draft, and click "Generate" or press Enter.

After it generates the output, you can further tweak it from within the prompt by asking Copilot to, for instance, “make it longer” or “make it formal.” Then, click the right arrow button to regenerate Copilot’s response based on the tweaks you want.

Make sure to click “Keep It” —the blue button—if you like the output.

You can also rewrite text by highlighting it, clicking the Copilot icon on the left, and choosing “Rewrite with Copilot” in the menu.

Generate Formulas and Analyze Data in Excel

You can use Copilot to be productive in Excel by generating formulas. In our sample sheet, we have a Budget and Revenue column for each campaign. We can then prompt Copilot for the profit using these columns.

Copilot will create a new column based on your prompt. To see a preview of the output, hover your mouse pointer over the “Insert Column” button. If it’s accurate, click the button to add it to the sheet.

You can also analyze data in your sheet by typing something like: What is the average revenue of each campaign type as a pie chart? You can even insert the resulting chart into the document by clicking the “Insert to a New Sheet” button.

These are just a few examples of how to generate formulas and analyze data. You can even do some basic editing with Copilot, such as highlighting cells and sorting or filtering items within the sheet.

Creating Presentations in PowerPoint

Copilot is one of the tools that can help you plan a presentation. Click the “Copilot” button in the ribbon of the Home tab. Then, describe the presentation you want it to create. In our example, we typed: Create a presentation about procrastination, including what it is, what causes it, and how to overcome it.

Copilot will create the presentation, complete with content, images, and notes.

You can also prompt Copilot to add more slides by typing something like i nclude a slide about [topic] . You can also add an image by typing something such as a dd an image about [topic].

Drafting Emails in Outlook

You need to use the new Outlook or the web version instead of the classic Outlook if you want to be able to use Copilot. The “Copilot” button only shows up when you’re drafting or responding to an email. Once you click the “Copilot” button in the ribbon of the Message tab, select “Draft with Copilot” in the menu.

Tell Copilot what you want to draft and then click “Generate” in the bottom right of the prompt.

Then, you can choose to keep, discard, or regenerate the response. Alternatively, you can prompt Copilot further by clicking the text box that says “Anything You’d Like to Change?”

From there, you can, for instance, ask Copilot to “make it longer” or “make it sound more direct,” based on your needs.

Copilot Pro has even more advanced features that you can dig into, too. This includes things like enhanced code generation, collaboration tools, and the ability to create your own GPTs.

However, you should be able to use it now to be creative when creating images and being productive in Microsoft 365 apps. Keep in mind that Copilot cannot do everything a human does. In some cases, it might be faster and more accurate to do certain things manually.