types of presentation media

We use essential cookies to make Venngage work. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

Manage Cookies

Cookies and similar technologies collect certain information about how you’re using our website. Some of them are essential, and without them you wouldn’t be able to use Venngage. But others are optional, and you get to choose whether we use them or not.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are always on, as they’re essential for making Venngage work, and making it safe. Without these cookies, services you’ve asked for can’t be provided.

Show cookie providers

• Google Login

Functionality Cookies

These cookies help us provide enhanced functionality and personalisation, and remember your settings. They may be set by us or by third party providers.

Performance Cookies

These cookies help us analyze how many people are using Venngage, where they come from and how they're using it. If you opt out of these cookies, we can’t get feedback to make Venngage better for you and all our users.

• Google Analytics

Targeting Cookies

These cookies are set by our advertising partners to track your activity and show you relevant Venngage ads on other sites as you browse the internet.

• Google Tag Manager
• Infographics
• Daily Infographics
• Popular Templates
• Accessibility
• Graphic Design
• Graphs and Charts
• Data Visualization
• Human Resources
• Beginner Guides

Blog Beginner Guides 8 Types of Presentations You Should Know [+Examples & Tips]

8 Types of Presentations You Should Know [+Examples & Tips]

Written by: Krystle Wong Aug 11, 2023

From persuasive pitches that influence opinions to instructional demonstrations that teach skills, the different types of presentations serve a unique purpose, tailored to specific objectives and audiences.

Presentations that are tailored to its objectives and audiences are more engaging and memorable. They capture attention, maintain interest and leave a lasting impression. 

Don’t worry if you’re no designer —  Whether you need data-driven visuals, persuasive graphics or engaging design elements, Venngage can empower you to craft presentations that stand out and effectively convey your message.

Venngage’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface, extensive presentation template library and customizable design options make it a valuable tool for creating slides that align with your specific goals and target audience. 

Click to jump ahead:

8 Different types of presentations every presenter must know

How do i choose the right type of presentation for my topic or audience, types of presentation faq, 5 steps to create a presentation with venngage .

When it comes to presentations, versatility is the name of the game. Having a variety of presentation styles up your sleeve can make a world of difference in keeping your audience engaged. Here are 8 essential presentation types that every presenter should be well-acquainted with:

1. Informative presentation

Ever sat through a presentation that left you feeling enlightened? That’s the power of an informative presentation. 

This presentation style is all about sharing knowledge and shedding light on a particular topic. Whether you’re diving into the depths of quantum physics or explaining the intricacies of the latest social media trends, informative presentations aim to increase the audience’s understanding.

When delivering an informative presentation, simplify complex topics with clear visuals and relatable examples. Organize your content logically, starting with the basics and gradually delving deeper and always remember to keep jargon to a minimum and encourage questions for clarity.

Academic presentations and research presentations are great examples of informative presentations. An effective academic presentation involves having clear structure, credible evidence, engaging delivery and supporting visuals. Provide context to emphasize the topic’s significance, practice to perfect timing, and be ready to address anticipated questions. 

2. Persuasive presentation

If you’ve ever been swayed by a passionate speaker armed with compelling arguments, you’ve experienced a persuasive presentation . 

This type of presentation is like a verbal tug-of-war, aiming to convince the audience to see things from a specific perspective. Expect to encounter solid evidence, logical reasoning and a dash of emotional appeal.

With persuasive presentations, it’s important to know your audience inside out and tailor your message to their interests and concerns. Craft a compelling narrative with a strong opening, a solid argument and a memorable closing. Additionally, use visuals strategically to enhance your points.

Examples of persuasive presentations include presentations for environmental conservations, policy change, social issues and more. Here are some engaging presentation templates you can use to get started with: 

3. Demonstration or how-to presentation

A Demonstration or How-To Presentation is a type of presentation where the speaker showcases a process, technique, or procedure step by step, providing the audience with clear instructions on how to replicate the demonstrated action. 

A demonstrative presentation is particularly useful when teaching practical skills or showing how something is done in a hands-on manner.

These presentations are commonly used in various settings, including educational workshops, training sessions, cooking classes, DIY tutorials, technology demonstrations and more. Designing creative slides for your how-to presentations can heighten engagement and foster better information retention. 

Speakers can also consider breaking down the process into manageable steps, using visual aids, props and sometimes even live demonstrations to illustrate each step. The key is to provide clear and concise instructions, engage the audience with interactive elements and address any questions that may arise during the presentation.

4. Training or instructional presentation

Training presentations are geared towards imparting practical skills, procedures or concepts — think of this as the more focused cousin of the demonstration presentation. 

Whether you’re teaching a group of new employees the ins and outs of a software or enlightening budding chefs on the art of soufflé-making, training presentations are all about turning novices into experts.

To maximize the impact of your training or instructional presentation, break down complex concepts into digestible segments. Consider using real-life examples to illustrate each point and create a connection. 

You can also create an interactive presentation by incorporating elements like quizzes or group activities to reinforce understanding.

5. Sales presentation

Sales presentations are one of the many types of business presentations and the bread and butter of businesses looking to woo potential clients or customers. With a sprinkle of charm and a dash of persuasion, these presentations showcase products, services or ideas with one end goal in mind: sealing the deal.

A successful sales presentation often has key characteristics such as a clear value proposition, strong storytelling, confidence and a compelling call to action. Hence, when presenting to your clients or stakeholders, focus on benefits rather than just features. 

Anticipate and address potential objections before they arise and use storytelling to showcase how your offering solves a specific problem for your audience. Utilizing visual aids is also a great way to make your points stand out and stay memorable.

A sales presentation can be used to promote service offerings, product launches or even consultancy proposals that outline the expertise and industry experience of a business. Here are some template examples you can use for your next sales presentation:

6. Pitch presentation

Pitch presentations are your ticket to garnering the interest and support of potential investors, partners or stakeholders. Think of your pitch deck as your chance to paint a vivid picture of your business idea or proposal and secure the resources you need to bring it to life. 

Business presentations aside, individuals can also create a portfolio presentation to showcase their skills, experience and achievements to potential clients, employers or investors. 

Craft a concise and compelling narrative. Clearly define the problem your idea solves and how it stands out in the market. Anticipate questions and practice your answers. Project confidence and passion for your idea.

7. Motivational or inspirational presentation

Feeling the need for a morale boost? That’s where motivational presentations step in. These talks are designed to uplift and inspire, often featuring personal anecdotes, heartwarming stories and a generous serving of encouragement.

Form a connection with your audience by sharing personal stories that resonate with your message. Use a storytelling style with relatable anecdotes and powerful metaphors to create an emotional connection. Keep the energy high and wrap up your inspirational presentations with a clear call to action.

Inspirational talks and leadership presentations aside, a motivational or inspirational presentation can also be a simple presentation aimed at boosting confidence, a motivational speech focused on embracing change and more.

8. Status or progress report presentation

Projects and businesses are like living organisms, constantly evolving and changing. Status or progress report presentations keep everyone in the loop by providing updates on achievements, challenges and future plans. It’s like a GPS for your team, ensuring everyone stays on track.

Be transparent about achievements, challenges and future plans. Utilize infographics, charts and diagrams to present your data visually and simplify information. By visually representing data, it becomes easier to identify trends, make predictions and strategize based on evidence.

Now that you’ve learned about the different types of presentation methods and how to use them, you’re on the right track to creating a good presentation that can boost your confidence and enhance your presentation skills . 

Selecting the most suitable presentation style is akin to choosing the right outfit for an occasion – it greatly influences how your message is perceived. Here’s a more detailed guide to help you make that crucial decision:

1. Define your objectives

Begin by clarifying your presentation’s goals. Are you aiming to educate, persuade, motivate, train or perhaps sell a concept? Your objectives will guide you to the most suitable presentation type. 

For instance, if you’re aiming to inform, an informative presentation would be a natural fit. On the other hand, a persuasive presentation suits the goal of swaying opinions.

2. Know your audience

Regardless if you’re giving an in-person or a virtual presentation — delve into the characteristics of your audience. Consider factors like their expertise level, familiarity with the topic, interests and expectations. 

If your audience consists of professionals in your field, a more technical presentation might be suitable. However, if your audience is diverse and includes newcomers, an approachable and engaging style might work better.

3. Analyze your content

Reflect on the content you intend to present. Is it data-heavy, rich in personal stories or focused on practical skills? Different presentation styles serve different content types. 

For data-driven content, an informative or instructional presentation might work best. For emotional stories, a motivational presentation could be a compelling choice.

4. Consider time constraints

Evaluate the time you have at your disposal. If your presentation needs to be concise due to time limitations, opt for a presentation style that allows you to convey your key points effectively within the available timeframe. A pitch presentation, for example, often requires delivering impactful information within a short span.

5. Leverage visuals

Visual aids are powerful tools in presentations. Consider whether your content would benefit from visual representation. If your PowerPoint presentations involve step-by-step instructions or demonstrations, a how-to presentation with clear visuals would be advantageous. Conversely, if your content is more conceptual, a motivational presentation could rely more on spoken words.

6. Align with the setting

Take the presentation environment into account. Are you presenting in a formal business setting, a casual workshop or a conference? Your setting can influence the level of formality and interactivity in your presentation. For instance, a demonstration presentation might be ideal for a hands-on workshop, while a persuasive presentation is great for conferences.

7. Gauge audience interaction

Determine the level of audience engagement you want. Interactive presentations work well for training sessions, workshops and small group settings, while informative or persuasive presentations might be more one-sided.

8. Flexibility

Stay open to adjusting your presentation style on the fly. Sometimes, unexpected factors might require a change of presentation style. Be prepared to adjust on the spot if audience engagement or reactions indicate that a different approach would be more effective.

Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and the best type of presentation may vary depending on the specific situation and your unique communication goals. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the most effective presentation type to successfully engage and communicate with your audience.

To save time, use a presentation software or check out these presentation design and presentation background guides to create a presentation that stands out.    

What are some effective ways to begin and end a presentation?

Capture your audience’s attention from the start of your presentation by using a surprising statistic, a compelling story or a thought-provoking question related to your topic. 

To conclude your presentation , summarize your main points, reinforce your key message and leave a lasting impression with a powerful call to action or a memorable quote that resonates with your presentation’s theme.

How can I make my presentation more engaging and interactive?

To create an engaging and interactive presentation for your audience, incorporate visual elements such as images, graphs and videos to illustrate your points visually. Share relatable anecdotes or real-life examples to create a connection with your audience. 

You can also integrate interactive elements like live polls, open-ended questions or small group discussions to encourage participation and keep your audience actively engaged throughout your presentation.

Which types of presentations require special markings

Some presentation types require special markings such as how sales presentations require persuasive techniques like emphasizing benefits, addressing objections and using compelling visuals to showcase products or services. 

Demonstrations and how-to presentations on the other hand require clear markings for each step, ensuring the audience can follow along seamlessly. 

That aside, pitch presentations require highlighting unique selling points, market potential and the competitive edge of your idea, making it stand out to potential investors or partners.

Need some inspiration on how to make a presentation that will captivate an audience? Here are 120+ presentation ideas to help you get started. 

Creating a stunning and impactful presentation with Venngage is a breeze. Whether you’re crafting a business pitch, a training presentation or any other type of presentation, follow these five steps to create a professional presentation that stands out:

• Sign up and log in to Venngage to access the editor.
• Choose a presentation template that matches your topic or style.
• Customize content, colors, fonts, and background to personalize your presentation.
• Add images, icons, and charts to enhancevisual style and clarity.
• Save, export, and share your presentation as PDF or PNG files, or use Venngage’s Presentation Mode for online showcasing.

In the realm of presentations, understanding the different types of presentation formats is like having a versatile set of tools that empower you to craft compelling narratives for every occasion.

Remember, the key to a successful presentation lies not only in the content you deliver but also in the way you connect with your audience. Whether you’re informing, persuading or entertaining, tailoring your approach to the specific type of presentation you’re delivering can make all the difference.

Presentations are a powerful tool, and with practice and dedication (and a little help from Venngage), you’ll find yourself becoming a presentation pro in no time. Now, let’s get started and customize your next presentation!

Discover popular designs

Infographic maker

Brochure maker

White paper online

Newsletter creator

Flyer maker

Timeline maker

Letterhead maker

Mind map maker

Ebook maker

Like what you're reading?

Everything you need to know about multimedia presentations

Get your team on prezi – watch this on demand video.

Anete Ezera May 25, 2023

Crafting a well-executed multimedia presentation can be the determining factor between success and failure when delivering presentations. The impact of a multimedia presentation is undeniable, but what exactly does it entail, and what are the essential considerations to keep in mind when creating one?

In this article, we’ll explore the key components involved in creating compelling multimedia presentations and delve into the strategies that can help you assemble these elements to craft the perfect presentation. We’ll discuss the importance of content structure, visual design, and engaging storytelling techniques that capture your audience’s attention and leave a lasting impact. Additionally, we’ll provide insights on leveraging Prezi’s features to enhance your multimedia presentations, making them more dynamic and interactive.

What is a multimedia presentation?

A multimedia presentation is a computer-based presentation that uses various forms of media to effectively communicate and engage an audience. In today’s fast-paced world, multimedia presentations have emerged as one of the most powerful and impactful means of communication. Complex ideas and information can be challenging to convey using only traditional tools. However, by harnessing the potential of visually engaging images, high-quality audio clips, and captivating video content, you can deliver a wealth of information that isn’t only clear, but also interesting, easy to understand, contextual, detailed, and engaging.

To facilitate the creation of multimedia presentations, Prezi offers a user-friendly and intuitive platform that empowers presenters to transform their ideas into attention-grabbing visual stories that move. One of the standout features of Prezi is its dynamic zooming capability. With this feature, presenters can seamlessly navigate between various levels of content, zooming in to emphasize critical details and zooming out to provide a comprehensive overview. This interactive zooming functionality not only adds visual interest to your presentation but also enables you to guide your audience’s focus and create a fluid and engaging storytelling experience. Furthermore, the presentation canvas allows for more creativity and freedom as you don’t need to be limited by the traditional slide-based presentation format. 

The psychology of multimedia

Multimedia presentations are not just about what you say but also how you make your audience feel and remember. Let’s discover how colors, visuals, and sounds can influence your audience’s perception and memory retention.

Color psychology

Colors evoke emotions and convey messages. For instance, red can signal urgency and passion, while blue suggests trust and calmness. Choose your color palette wisely to align with the emotions you want to portray to your audience.

Visual impact

Visuals are your secret weapon. The brain processes visual information 60,000 times faster than text. Use attention-grabbing images and graphics that resonate with your message. For example, if you’re presenting about eco-friendly initiatives, images of lush forests and clear skies can speak volumes.

Soundscapes

Sound can set the mood and reinforce key points. Think about the background music in movies – it enhances the overall emotional impact of a scene. In your presentation, use background music or sound effects thoughtfully to complement your content.

Memory retention

Did you know that people tend to remember only about 10% of what they hear after three days? However, if you pair that information with relevant visuals, retention jumps to 65%. Craft your multimedia presentation with this in mind; use visuals to reinforce your message for better recall.

Incorporate these psychological cues effectively, and your multimedia presentation will not only capture attention but also leave a lasting imprint on your audience’s memory.

Which elements can be included in a multimedia presentation?

Multimedia presentations have come a long way from the relatively simplistic options of the past. Now a whole range of different elements can be used to ensure your stand-alone presentation wows your intended audience. Some of the examples of what you can add to your multimedia presentations include:

• Slides: Slides are the backbone of most multimedia presentations. They consist of visual elements like text, images, graphs, and charts. Slides help you organize information and guide your audience through your presentation. For example, in a business pitch, slides can showcase product images, market data, and key points.
• Videos: Videos add motion and life to your presentation. You can use them to demonstrate processes, showcase testimonials, or provide visual explanations. In an educational setting, a biology lecture might include videos of animal behaviors or experiments.
• Audio clips: Audio clips can range from background music to voiceovers. They enhance the auditory experience of your presentation. In a travel presentation, you might include the sounds of waves crashing on a beach to create a more immersive feel.
• Animations: Animations breathe life into static content. They can illustrate processes, emphasize key points, or add a touch of humor. In a marketing presentation, animations can show how a product evolves or highlight its unique features.
• Music: Music sets the mood and tone of your presentation. It can create excitement, relaxation, or suspense. In a fashion show presentation, music may compliment the models’ walk down the runway, enhancing the overall experience.
• Images: Images are powerful visual aids. They can create certain emotions, provide context, and simplify complex ideas. In a history lecture, images of historical events and figures help students visualize the past.
• Text: Text is one of the most crucial parts of your content. It provides information, explanations, and key points. In a scientific presentation, text can explain research findings or provide definitions of complex terms.
• Podcasts: Podcasts are audio presentations that offer in-depth discussions or storytelling. They are excellent for sharing interviews, discussions, or storytelling. In a business conference, you might use a podcast-style presentation to share insights from industry experts.
• Pop-ups: Pop-ups are interactive elements that can surprise and excite your audience. They can include clickable links, additional information, or even mini-quizzes. In an e-learning module, pop-ups can provide learners with instant feedback on their progress.

For any professional who wants to stand out from the crowd with multimedia presentations that truly dazzle and inspire, Prezi’s multimedia platform brings you everything you need.

Choosing the right multimedia for your presentation subject

When creating a multimedia presentation, it’s crucial to select the appropriate multimedia elements that align with your presentation subject. By choosing the right multimedia, you can effectively convey your message, enhance understanding, and captivate your audience. Consider the following factors when selecting multimedia for your presentation:

Content relevance: does it fit your message?

Evaluate the relevance of each multimedia element to your presentation subject. Determine how each element contributes to the overall message and supports your key points. Choose multimedia that directly relates to your topic and enhances the understanding and engagement of your audience.

Visual impact: how visually appealing is it?

Visual elements play a significant role in multimedia presentations. Assess the visual impact of different multimedia options such as images, videos, and animations. Opt for high-quality visuals that are visually appealing, clear, and reinforce your message. Balance aesthetics with substance to maintain a professional and engaging presentation.

Audio enhancement: does it complement your content?

Determine if your presentation would benefit from audio elements such as background music, sound effects, or voiceovers. Audio can evoke emotions, set the mood, and reinforce key points. However, use audio sparingly and ensure it complements your content rather than overpowering it.

Data visualization: can it simplify complex data?

If your presentation involves data or statistics, explore options for effective data visualization. Choose charts, graphs, or maps that you can find on Prezi and incorporate those into your presentation. These elements will help you present complex information in a clear and digestible format. Visualizing data will also help your audience grasp the main points quickly and facilitate better comprehension. 

Multimedia integration: do all elements work together?

Aim for a cohesive and seamless integration of multimedia elements into your presentation. Ensure that different multimedia components blend well together and create a unified visual and auditory experience. Avoid using too many diverse multimedia elements that may distract or overwhelm your audience.

Accessibility considerations: is it accessible to everyone?

Keep accessibility in mind when selecting multimedia elements. Ensure that any visual or audio content you include is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Provide captions or transcripts for videos and ensure that any audio content is accompanied by text summaries. Consider the needs of all your audience members to ensure an inclusive and engaging presentation.

Technical feasibility: will it work smoothly during your presentation?

Assess the technical feasibility of incorporating various multimedia elements into your presentation. Consider the equipment and software requirements for displaying and playing different multimedia formats. Test the compatibility and functionality of multimedia elements in the presentation environment to avoid any technical glitches during your actual presentation.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the right multimedia elements that enhance your presentation’s effectiveness and engage your audience. Remember, the key is to strike a balance between informative content, compelling visuals, and appropriate interactivity to create a memorable and impactful multimedia presentation. 

What makes an effective multimedia presentation?

An effective multimedia presentation is like a good book you can’t put down or a catchy new song you hear on the radio that you can’t stop humming to all day long – it has your audience instantly engaged and wanting more. 

Gone are the days when we were limited to presentations that only featured text and basic graphics. Nowadays, using a combination of audio, video, and images can help anyone effectively communicate their message to any audience.

Prezi enables users to create attention-grabbing presentations that move their audience. You can create your own presentation from scratch or start out with a template that you can find in Prezi’s template gallery.

8 things to consider when creating a multimedia presentation

Creating a multimedia presentation can be very straightforward. It just requires some basic planning and preparation and the correct tools to implement those plans. Follow these steps when enhancing a presentation with multimedia.

What is your message?

What exactly are you presenting, and what key messages do you wish to communicate to your audience? Take time to thoroughly think through these questions before constructing your multimedia presentation.

Who is your audience? 

You must understand who exactly your audience is. After all, there is likely a huge difference between what might work best with 20-something IT specialists or a group of senior management. Are you hoping to sell a product to potential investors? Delivering a quarterly report to your bosses? Or preparing a presentation for a job interview? Be very clear about who your audience is.

Preparation is vital, and with it comes research. You can’t wait to get started creating your new multimedia presentation. And the temptation is often to begin without first investigating fantastic examples of other people’s work for ideas or not taking advantage of Prezi’s awesome customizable presentations that are freely available to you, the user. Simply head over to Prezi’s Gallery and get inspired!

Create your content outline

What content do you wish to include in your presentation? Once you have decided, it’s time to create a content outline for your multimedia presentation. You can begin building the structure of your presentation by splitting your topic into separate ideas that run in a clear, logical sequence. If you want to learn more about how to create an effective presentation structure, watch the following video:

Decide which visualization mediums work best 

There are literally dozens of visualization mediums to choose from. The hard part sometimes is deciding which of these works best for you. Options include GIFs, short animation clips, audio clips, TED Talk video clips – the list goes on and on. The great news is that you can easily integrate all of these elements into your Prezi presentation. What’s more, Prezi has an extensive library of different multimedia elements like GIFs, stickers, images, icons, and more that you can pick and choose while creating your presentation.

Utilize templates

You might start entirely from scratch, building the presentation from the bottom up, which is great if you already have a clear idea in your mind. However, if you’re still trying to figure out what you want the end result to look like or want to spend less time on presentation design, explore the numerous tried and tested templates available on Prezi. You’ll discover various templates that are great for multimedia presentations.

It’s time to add your multimedia 

Don’t overdo the types of multimedia content you use in your presentation. Why? Because using too many different kinds can feel overwhelming and a little too ‘show offish’. Focus on 2-4 types of content that will work best with your target audience. Try to hit that balance between simplicity and style. If you are using video or animation, use it occasionally.

If you need to present online, take advantage of Prezi Video’s option to share your content next to you on-screen during your presentation. This will engage your audience and keep them hooked throughout your multimedia presentation even online.

Review and analyze your work

Your multimedia presentation is ready. Or is it? Invest some time reviewing your presentation. Is it clearly structured and cohesive? Do the multimedia elements you have added achieve what you wanted them to achieve? Be honest with yourself and trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right with your presentation, don’t be afraid to make changes! 

Best practices for delivering a multimedia presentation

Delivering a multimedia presentation requires careful planning and execution to effectively engage and captivate your audience. Follow these best practices to ensure that you leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Know your material

Familiarize yourself with the content of your presentation to make sure you can confidently deliver it without relying too heavily on notes. Thoroughly understand the key points, supporting evidence, and transitions between different sections. This will enable you to maintain a natural flow and deliver a confident presentation. Also, consider using Presenter Notes . They serve as a reminder of important talking points and additional information during your presentation. Only visible to you, the presenter, the notes remain hidden from the audience. This allows you to effectively communicate your points without any interruptions.

Practice timing

Time your presentation to ensure it fits within the allocated time frame. Practice transitions between different multimedia elements, such as slides, videos, and interactive features, to maintain a smooth flow. Keep in mind that pacing is crucial, so allocate sufficient time for each part of your presentation while maintaining an engaging pace.

Use visual aids strategically

Visual aids are a powerful tool for conveying information and enhancing understanding. However, it’s essential to use them strategically to support and highlight your message, rather than distract from it. Use visuals sparingly and ensure they’re clear, visually appealing, and easy to understand. Avoid cluttered slides and prioritize concise and impactful visuals that reinforce your key points. If you want to learn more about good presentation design practices when it comes to adding visual content, watch the following video on the topic: 

Speak clearly and confidently

Effective communication is key to delivering a memorable presentation. Project your voice to ensure everyone in the audience can hear you clearly. Maintain eye contact with your audience to establish a connection and demonstrate confidence. Speak with clarity and conviction, emphasizing key points and using appropriate pauses for emphasis. A confident and engaging delivery will help your audience connect with your message.

Incorporate storytelling techniques

Storytelling is a powerful way to engage and captivate your audience. Incorporate storytelling techniques to create a narrative structure for your presentation. Begin with a compelling introduction that sets the stage and grabs attention. Use storytelling elements such as anecdotes, examples, and personal experiences to illustrate your points and make the content relatable and memorable. A well-crafted story can evoke emotions and leave a lasting impact on your audience.

Practice with technology

Familiarize yourself with the multimedia tools and technology you will be using during the presentation. In particular, get to know the endless features and capabilities of Prezi, the powerful multimedia presentation tool. Take the time to explore its features and understand how it can enhance your presentation. Familiarize yourself with the different templates, transitions, and interactive elements available. By mastering Prezi, you’ll be able to create attention-grabbing presentations that move.

Adapt to the audience

Tailor your presentation to resonate with your specific audience. Consider their demographics, interests, and background when delivering your content. Use language that is accessible and appropriate for your audience, avoiding jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar. Incorporate relevant examples and references that relate to their experiences. By adapting your presentation to their needs and preferences, you can create a stronger connection and enhance their overall engagement.

Engage the audience

Use interactive features to involve your audience and make the presentation more engaging. Incorporate audience polling, where participants can vote or provide feedback on specific questions or topics. Additionally, include dedicated Q&A sessions to encourage active participation and address any queries or concerns. Engaging the audience in this way promotes interaction and makes your presentation more dynamic. 

Ask for feedback

You can practice your presentation in front of people to get honest feedback. This way you can make any changes or work on specific areas that may need tweaking before the real thing. After your real presentation, you may even want to seek feedback from your audience to gather insights on what worked well and areas for improvement.

Remember, a well-delivered multimedia presentation is a combination of interesting content, effective visuals, and confident delivery. By following these best practices, you can create an engaging experience for everyone in the room.

How to engage your audience with interactive multimedia presentations

In addition to the essential components and best practices we’ve discussed, incorporating interactive elements can take your multimedia presentations to the next level. By engaging your audience in an interactive experience, you can captivate their attention and create a memorable presentation. Let’s explore some strategies for incorporating interactivity into your multimedia presentations:

Interactive charts

Instead of static images, use interactive charts to convey data and complex information. Allow your audience to explore different data points, toggle between visualizations, and interact with the content. This hands-on approach enhances understanding and engagement.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) 

If applicable, consider incorporating VR or AR elements into your multimedia presentations. These technologies provide immersive experiences that can transport your audience to different environments or allow them to interact with virtual objects. VR and AR can be particularly effective in fields such as architecture, education, and product demonstrations.

Gamification

Introduce gamification elements to make your presentation more interactive and enjoyable. Create quizzes, challenges, or interactive scenarios that require audience participation. Offer rewards or incentives for active engagement, such as badges or prizes.

Collaborative activities

Foster collaboration among your audience by including interactive activities. For example, you can divide your audience into small groups or pairs and provide specific tasks or discussions related to your presentation topic. Encourage participants to share their insights or findings with the larger group afterward.

Live demonstrations

If possible, incorporate live demonstrations of software, tools, or processes directly into your presentation. Showcasing practical examples in real-time can enhance understanding and engage the audience through active participation.

Remember, interactivity should align with your presentation goals and content. Incorporate interactive elements strategically to support your message and keep your audience engaged throughout the presentation. Prezi offers various interactive features and templates to help you create dynamic and immersive multimedia presentations.

By embracing interactivity, you can transform your multimedia presentations into memorable experiences that leave a lasting impact on your audience.

Common concerns with multimedia presentations

People often share some common concerns when diving into multimedia presentations. Here are a few of those concerns and simple solutions to tackle them:

Technical glitches

• Worry: Fear of technical issues derailing your presentation.
• Solution: Always have a backup plan in case technology decides to be temperamental. Test your setup beforehand to avoid unexpected surprises.

Media overload

• Worry: The fear of overwhelming your audience with too much media.
• Solution: Strike a balance by using multimedia elements strategically. Less can often be more when it comes to engaging your audience effectively.

The evolution of multimedia tools

The world of multimedia presentation tools has seen quite a transformation over the years, making the process more user-friendly and accessible than ever before. Platforms like Prezi are at the forefront of this evolution, continuously updating and improving the presentation creation process. With intuitive interfaces and a wide range of creative options at your fingertips, multimedia tools have truly democratized the art of multimedia presentations. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the presentation scene, the evolution of multimedia tools has made it easier than ever to craft the perfect presentation.

Multimedia presentation examples 

Your audience will immediately lose interest if all you offer them is a traditional slide deck. Instead, take advantage of Prezi’s Gallery and get inspired by dynamic, interactive, and engaging presentations that include various multimedia elements.

Below are a few examples of attention-grabbing and creative multimedia presentations that you can get inspired by or even reuse as templates for your own presentation topic.

Summer Plans presentation

The summer plans presentation inspires and captivates. The template is perfect for delivering a story, sharing an experience, or presenting a plan. It features multiple media elements, such as animations, images, and data visualizations. 

Why Leaders Need to Get Out of Their Own Way presentation

This presentation grabs our attention with its visually appealing design and strategic use of visuals. The simple yet engaging layout divides the presentation into four parts, creating a well-defined structure that is easy to follow. You can reuse this presentation as a template for delivering a topic that you need to unpack in a certain order. 

Corporate Social Responsibility presentation

This multimedia presentation engages and captivates with animations, images, icons, and more. As a template, it’s perfect for creating and delivering informative presentations, where you need to dive into the details of certain topics.

Earth Day presentation

The Earth Day presentation is a great example of how one can create a timeline presentation with Prezi. It includes various media elements that make this multimedia presentation highly engaging and informative.

Future-proofing your presentations

To make sure your multimedia presentations stay useful and up-to-date in the long run, here are some straightforward tips:

Pick the right formats

• Use common file types like PDF, MP4, and JPEG since they’re likely to stay usable in the future.

Keep things fresh

• Don’t let your content get old. Update it regularly with new information and visuals to keep it interesting and relevant.

Fit different screens

• Make your multimedia presentations so they can work on big screens and small devices like phones or tablets.

Try new tech

• Keep an eye on new technologies like virtual reality and interactive features. They can make your presentations more exciting and modern.

Listen to your audience

• Pay attention to what your audience likes and dislikes. Their feedback can help you improve your multimedia presentations and keep them interesting.

With these easy steps, you can make sure your multimedia presentations will still be great in the future!

Create attention-grabbing multimedia presentations with Prezi

In conclusion, crafting a well-executed multimedia presentation is crucial for achieving success in delivering presentations. This article has explored the key components involved in creating compelling multimedia presentations and provided insights on how to assemble these elements effectively. By considering the importance of content structure, visual design, and engaging storytelling techniques, presenters can capture their audience’s attention and leave a lasting impact. Furthermore, leveraging Prezi’s features can enhance multimedia presentations, making them more dynamic and interactive. By incorporating these strategies and utilizing the right tools, presenters can elevate their presentations to a new level and increase their chances of achieving their desired outcomes. Ultimately, mastering the art of multimedia presentations opens up opportunities for effective communication and successful presentations in various professional and academic settings.

Give your team the tools they need to engage

Like what you’re reading join the mailing list..

• Prezi for Teams
• Top Presentations

Unlocking the power of multimedia presentations: A complete guide

Create impactful multimedia presentations with our comprehensive guide.

Sahul Hameed

Building presentations

Multimedia presentations have evolved from simple slideshows to interactive experiences that captivate audiences.

They blend text, images, audio, video, and animation to communicate messages more effectively.

This guide delves deep into the essentials, design principles, tools, planning, execution, and the future of multimedia presentations, ensuring you're equipped to create impactful and engaging presentations.

What is a multimedia presentation?

A multimedia presentation is a dynamic way to share information, stories, or ideas. It uses a combination of different media forms, such as text, images, sound, and video, to create a more engaging and informative experience than traditional, single-medium presentations.

The journey from the humble beginnings of the slide projector to today's interactive displays is a testament to technological advancement. This evolution has transformed how we share information, making presentations not just a one-way communication tool but an interactive experience that engages the audience.

The essentials of multimedia presentations

In multimedia presentations, the harmonious blend of text, images, audio, video, and animation transforms traditional storytelling, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for every audience. Each element plays a pivotal role in creating a captivating narrative.

Text and typography: Crafting the written message

The foundation of any presentation, text, and typography, plays a crucial role in conveying your message. Choosing the right fonts, sizes, and colors can significantly impact readability and audience engagement.

Images and graphics: visual storytelling

Images and graphics are powerful tools for storytelling, breaking down complex information into understandable visuals and making your presentation more memorable.

Audio elements: Enhancing narratives with sound

Sound can set the tone, evoke emotions, and enhance the narrative of your presentation, whether it's through background music, voice narration, or sound effects.

Video components: Dynamic visuals for engaging content

Videos add a dynamic element to presentations, illustrating points more vividly than static images and text alone.

Animation: Bringing content to life

Animations can make presentations more engaging by adding movement to otherwise static content, helping to draw the audience's attention to key points.

Design principles for effective multimedia presentations

To create a multimedia presentation that stands out, leveraging tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides is essential. By choosing the right presentation template and integrating various types of media, you design your multimedia presentation to captivate and engage. Incorporating video presentations, interactive elements, and well-designed slide decks enables your audience to interact and absorb the content effectively. Crafting your presentation using these principles, with a focus on presentation design and visual presentation, ensures a dynamic and engaging multimedia experience. Transition smoothly between slides and elements to maintain flow and interest.

Balance and contrast: Making your content stand out

Effective use of balance and contrast helps in drawing the audience's attention to the most important parts of your presentation.

Repetition and alignment: Creating a cohesive look

Repetition and alignment ensure your presentation has a unified look, making it more professional and easier to follow.

Proximity and hierarchy: Organizing content for easy consumption

By strategically organizing content, you can guide the audience through your presentation in a logical manner, making complex information easier to digest.

Tools and technologies

Choosing the right tools and technologies is crucial in creating a multimedia presentation that resonates with your audience. From powerful software solutions to cutting-edge hardware, leveraging these resources effectively can transform your presentation into an engaging and immersive experience.

Software solutions for multimedia presentations

• Overview of leading presentation software There's a wide range of software available for creating multimedia presentations, each with its own set of features, from PowerPoint to more advanced platforms like Adobe Creative Suite, and enterprise business presentation software's like Prezent with Fingerprint feature to create personalized presentation.
• Customization features: Themes, templates, and plugins These tools offer various customization options to make your presentation stand out, including themes, templates, and slide library that add functionality or aesthetic appeal.
• Integrating multimedia elements: Tips and tricks Integrating multimedia elements smoothly can be challenging. This section provides tips and tricks for seamless integration, ensuring a professional result.

Hardware considerations

• Projectors and displays: Matching your presentation to the venue Choosing the right projector or display is crucial for ensuring that your presentation is visible to the entire audience, regardless of the size of the venue.
• Sound systems: Ensuring your audio is heard A good sound system is essential for presentations with audio elements, ensuring that your message is heard clearly by everyone in the room.
• Remote controls and clickers: Navigating your presentation seamlessly Remote controls and clickers allow you to navigate through your presentation smoothly, keeping you in control and engaged with your audience.

Planning and execution: Crafting impactful multimedia presentations

In a world where even a goldfish boasts a longer attention span than us humans, mastering the craft of a multimedia presentation is akin to performing a magic trick.

Here we'll embark on a quest to transform those glazed-over gazes into wide-eyed wonder. With a sprinkle of strategic planning and a dash of delivery dynamism, we're not just going to capture attention; we're going to make it stick like gum on a hot sidewalk.

Get ready to turn your presentation into an unforgettable adventure that even the skeptics in the last row can't resist!

Structuring your multimedia presentation for maximum impact

Objective setting: inform, persuade, or entertain.

The foundation of any compelling multimedia presentation is a crystal-clear objective. Whether your aim is to educate, convince, or entertain your audience, setting a precise goal at the outset will direct every element of your presentation, from content to delivery.

Audience analysis: Customizing your message

A deep understanding of your audience is crucial for tailoring your presentation to meet their specific needs and preferences. By analyzing your audience’s interests, knowledge level, and expectations, you can craft a message that resonates deeply and fosters engagement.

Storyboarding: Designing your presentation’s flow

Employing a storyboard approach is instrumental in mapping out your presentation’s narrative flow. This technique ensures a seamless transition between topics, enhancing coherence and retaining audience interest. Starting with a well-thought-out outline enables you to organize ideas systematically, ensuring each segment aligns with your overarching goal. Leveraging user-friendly presentation tools simplifies slide organization, making your storytelling both effective and engaging.

Delivery techniques and best practices for engaging presentations

Verbal dynamics: mastering tone, pace, and articulation.

Your voice is a powerful tool in engaging your audience. A confident tone, well-modulated pace, and clear articulation can significantly enhance message delivery, making your presentation not just heard, but felt and remembered.

Non-verbal communication: Enhancing your message with body language

The silent language of your body speaks volumes. Adopting confident postures, using expressive gestures, and maintaining meaningful eye contact can reinforce your spoken words, forging a stronger connection with your audience and adding an extra layer of persuasion.

Interactive engagement: Making your presentation a two-way conversation

Transforming your presentation into an interactive experience can greatly increase its memorability and impact. Incorporating elements like live polls, interactive quizzes, and dedicated Q&A sessions invites your audience to actively participate, creating a dynamic exchange that enriches the presentation experience for everyone involved.

Through strategic planning, audience-centric content, and dynamic delivery techniques, you can elevate your multimedia presentations from mere information sessions to powerful, engaging experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Advanced techniques and trends

Interactive elements and audience participation.

Incorporating interactive elements such as polls, quizzes, and live feedback can transform a static presentation into an engaging experience. Tools that facilitate audience participation not only make your presentation more interesting but also provide valuable feedback in real-time.

Future trends in multimedia presentations

Emerging trends in multimedia presentations , notably the incorporation of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), are transforming audience engagement, paving the way for a more immersive and interactive experience. This multimedia presentation trend marks a significant evolution in how information is conveyed and received.

• Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) integration Emerging technologies like AR and VR offer new ways to immerse and engage your audience, providing them with a unique and memorable experience.
• AI and machine learning: Personalized presentations AI and machine learning are beginning to play a role in how presentations are created, allowing for more personalized and adaptive content that can respond to the audience's reactions and interests in real-time.

Case studies and examples

Success stories: memorable multimedia presentations.

In the realm of multimedia presentations, innovative approaches have led to remarkable success stories. From gamified demos to immersive VR training, these examples demonstrate how creative techniques can significantly enhance engagement and understanding.

Salesforce: Enhancing client engagement through interactive demos and gamification

Salesforce took a novel approach to showcase its software platform by developing an interactive, custom-built demo. Instead of a conventional presentation, users explored a 3D virtual office, engaging directly with the platform's modules and features. This interactive journey was gamified, rewarding users with points for interactions and task completions. The strategy led to an 80% increase in engagement and a 65% rise in purchase intent among participants, underscoring the effectiveness of immersive experiences in presenting complex software solutions.

Unilever: Leveraging data visualization for sustainability communication

To articulate the impact of its sustainability initiatives, Unilever shifted from traditional reports to a multimedia presentation enriched with infographics and animations. This method transformed complex data into interactive, easily digestible visuals, enabling stakeholders to delve into specific data points of interest. The innovative presentation method significantly enhanced stakeholders' understanding and appreciation of Unilever's sustainability efforts, demonstrating the power of visual storytelling in conveying intricate information.

McKinsey & Company: Advancing soft skills with virtual reality training

McKinsey & Company introduced a cutting-edge VR training program aimed at bolstering employee soft skills in a compelling and immersive manner. Participants were placed in virtual scenarios, such as client interactions and public speaking engagements, where their performance was evaluated by AI-driven feedback mechanisms. This VR training showed marked improvements in soft skills over traditional training approaches, highlighting VR's capacity to simulate realistic, impactful learning environments.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Overloading your audience: Finding the right balance It's important to strike the right balance between informative and overwhelming. Tailoring your presentation to your audience's capacity for information can help prevent cognitive overload.
• Technical difficulties: Preparation and backup plans Technical issues can disrupt even the best presentations. Having backup plans and being prepared to troubleshoot common problems can help you maintain composure and keep your presentation on track.

Summarizing key takeaways

• Understanding the needs of your audience and the objectives of your presentation is crucial when deciding the type of multimedia presentation to make.
• For business presentations, leveraging PowerPoint with embedded multimedia elements can create a compelling narrative, while academic settings benefit from a variety of multimedia presentations, including interactive elements and visual aids.
• Incorporating additional examples of multimedia presentations, such as engaging videos or interactive polls, can enhance your presentation's effectiveness and engagement level.
• It's essential to explore software that supports a variety of multimedia types to ensure your presentation stands out and effectively delivers your message.
• Whether your presentation is based on PowerPoint or other tools, the key is to create an effective multimedia presentation that captivates your audience and conveys your message seamlessly.

FAQs to create a multimedia presentation

1. how can i create an engaging multimedia presentation that captivates my audience.

Incorporating multimedia elements like video clips, interactive presentations, and diverse media types can transform your PowerPoint slides into stunning multimedia presentations. Remember, the key is to ensure that your presentation flows smoothly, keeping your audience engaged throughout. Adding a video or using interactive polls are excellent ways to make your presentation more dynamic and interactive.

2. What steps should I take to ensure my multimedia presentation is effective and well-received?

Start by creating an outline to organize your ideas and presentation objectives. Use multimedia presentation tools and software options to add various multimedia components, ensuring variety in your presentation. Review your presentation to ensure it aligns with the purpose of your presentation, and practice delivering it to make sure it’s engaging from start to finish.

3. Are there easy steps to follow to create stunning multimedia presentations for business or educational purposes?

Yes, there are several easy steps you can follow: First, choose the right presentation maker or multimedia presentation software that allows you to create presentations using multimedia. Next, select engaging presentation themes and incorporate a variety of multimedia content, including two or three types of media. Finally, review and rehearse your presentation to ensure it meets your presentation objectives and engages your audience effectively.

4. What advantages do multimedia presentations offer over regular oral presentations, and how can I make mine stand out?

Multimedia presentations offer the advantage of engaging multiple senses, making your message more memorable than a traditional oral presentation. To make yours stand out, consider adding multimedia elements throughout the presentation, such as animations and video clips. This not only makes the presentation more interactive but also helps to convey your message in a more dynamic and engaging way. Plenty of tools and presentation software options are available to help you create even better presentations that use multiple types of media to captivate your audience.

5. How do I choose the right type of multimedia presentation for my business or academic needs?

Selecting the right type of multimedia presentation begins with understanding the unique needs of your audience and the objectives of your presentation. For business presentations, using PowerPoint with embedded multimedia elements can create a compelling narrative. For academic settings, a variety of multimedia presentations, including interactive elements and visual aids, can enhance learning. Assessing your goals and audience engagement will help you make the perfect multimedia presentation.

6. What tools are essential for creating a multimedia presentation that stands out?

The tool for creating a standout multimedia presentation often depends on the complexity and desired outcome of your presentation. PowerPoint remains a versatile foundation, but incorporating additional multimedia presentation examples, such as engaging videos or interactive polls, can elevate your presentation. For those seeking to make their presentation more engaging, it’s time to explore software that supports a variety of multimedia types, ensuring every presentation captivates and informs.

Create on-brand presentations with Prezent

Create on-brand presentations using Prezent, the innovative presentation tool designed to streamline and elevate your presentation creation process.

With Prezent, you can effortlessly align your presentations with your brand identity, thanks to its array of features tailored for branding consistency.

Utilize Prezent's in-built storylines to simplify the storytelling process, saving valuable time while ensuring impactful presentations. Personalize your content with Prezent's Fingerprint feature, which analyzes audience communication styles for tailored messaging.

Explore Prezent's extensive slide library of over 35,000 pre-designed slides, meticulously curated for effective communication and seamless brand integration. Experience the power of Prezent firsthand by signing up for a free trial or opting for a comprehensive demo. Elevate your presentations to new heights of professionalism and brand cohesion with Prezent today!

More zenpedia articles

How to write a problem statement slide for PowerPoint

Storytelling in sales: How the power of storytelling can increase success rate?

How to present a Pricing Plan?

Get the latest from Prezent community

Join thousands of subscribers who receive our best practices on communication, storytelling, presentation design, and more. New tips weekly. (No spam, we promise!)

Engaging the Audience: What Is a Multimedia Presentation?

• By Judhajit Sen
• April 17, 2024

Key Takeaways

– Multimedia Presentations Engage Audiences: Combining text, images, audio, and video, effective multimedia presentations captivate audiences with dynamic content, unlike traditional slideshows.

– Versatility Across Settings: Widely used in business, education, and entertainment, engaging multimedia presentations range from simple slideshows to complex productions, aiming to enhance engagement and information retention.

– Crafting Effective Presentations: Defining clear objectives, understanding the audience, framing an outline, selecting appropriate tools, and integrating multimedia components purposefully are essential steps to create a multimedia PowerPoint presentation.

– Diverse Forms of Media: Text, images, videos, audio, and animations are widely used in multimedia presentations, each serving a unique purpose to enhance understanding, engagement, and retention. Balancing simplicity and style while ensuring accessibility and professionalism is key.

A multimedia presentation combines different types of media to convey information in a dynamic and engaging way. It includes elements like text, images, audio, and video, allowing for a multi-sensorial experience. Unlike traditional slideshows, multimedia presentations captivate audiences with sound, motion, and interactive features.

Multimedia presentations are widely used in various settings, from business to education and entertainment. They can range from simple PowerPoint slideshows to complex productions with animations, narration, and interactive components. By delivering messages through multiple channels, multimedia presentations enhance audience engagement and information retention.

While PowerPoint is a standard multimedia presentation tool, other software or online tools may also be used to create a multimedia presentation. The blend of different media forms makes better presentations effective for conveying complex ideas, engaging audiences, and delivering memorable experiences.

Crafting a Stellar Multimedia Presentation: 6 Key Steps

Define the presentation objectives.

Before creating your presentation, it’s crucial to define clear goals. These objectives guide the selection of content and multimedia. Whether aiming to inform, persuade, or entertain, a precise goal shapes every type of presentation. Consider the key messages to convey and the audience’s needs. For instance, data presentations may utilize infographics, while motivational talks might include photos and videos. Business presentations could feature interactive graphs.

Start by outlining the purpose of the interactive presentation : Is it to enhance a webpage, attract interest, educate, pitch to investors, report results, or present survey findings? Having a clear objective ensures the presentation remains focused and effective. Gather all necessary information beforehand to streamline the creation process.

Understand Your Audience

To create an impactful multimedia presentation, it’s vital to grasp who your audience is. Tailoring multimedia content to their needs and preferences enhances engagement. Consider demographics, such as age and profession, along with their interests and knowledge level.

Understanding your audience’s expectations allows you to select forms  of media that resonate deeply. Whether you are creating multimedia presentations for business, addressing IT specialists, senior management, potential investors, or interview panels, clarity about your audience ensures relevance and impact. Analyze their preferences and adjust every presentation to foster connection and capture their interest.

Frame an Outline

Developing an outline for your multimedia presentation is crucial to create even better presentations. Consider the content, forms of media, order, and design to craft a structured framework.

Start by breaking down your topic into manageable sections, ensuring a logical sequence of ideas. Think about how each slide complements your message. Visual motifs and color schemes can reinforce your theme and enhance engagement.

Integrate multimedia purposefully. Whether it’s animated graphics for complex data, relevant images for context, or videos demonstrating concepts, each element should reinforce your points.

To enrich your story , consider utilizing various multimedia elements, such as explainer videos, surveys, GIFs, interactivity, and sound effects. By incorporating diverse multimedia elements, you can create a dynamic and engaging presentation that resonates with your audience.

Select Your Tools

Choosing the right tools is essential for building your multimedia presentation effectively. While PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote are suitable for static presentations, multimedia requires additional considerations.

If you’re going to make your presentation by incorporating audio, video, or animations, you’ll need tools to create or source them. Some design agencies specialize in multimedia presentation software and offer expertise in crafting engaging content.

Ensure familiarity with your chosen program before you start to make a multimedia presentation. Seek resources or assistance if you need to master its basics.

If you have a clear vision, consider starting from scratch. Alternatively, explore available presentation templates online to streamline design and save time. Numerous templates cater specifically to multimedia presentations, providing a solid foundation for your project.

Add Multimedia Elements

Incorporating different forms of media elevates your presentation’s engagement and impact. Use multimedia components like GIFs, videos, infographics, and animated charts based on your objectives. Each medium communicates information uniquely, enhancing audience understanding.

Using tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides, integrate multimedia seamlessly for a perfect presentation. Prepare media in advance to avoid technical glitches. Control settings to ensure smooth playback and test to confirm everything functions correctly.

Referencing your outline, populate slides with headers to guide the flow of your presentation. Sketch out slide layouts and placeholders for media, then add content accordingly. Balance simplicity and style. Avoid overwhelming the audience with different types of multimedia.

Focus on 2-4 types of content that resonate with your audience, such as narration, interactive features, videos, or animated charts. Distribute multimedia strategically throughout the presentation, maintaining a harmonious blend. Ensure each element enhances understanding and engagement without overshadowing the message.

Elements of a Multimedia Presentations

Text is a fundamental component of multimedia presentations, conveying information through characters of various sizes and styles. Unlike video, text requires less effort but demands attention to formatting for professionalism.

Fonts and sizes matter, affecting aesthetic cohesion. Text is utilized to share information or complement other media, with different styles enhancing interest and reinforcing messages. Presentation design effects, like text on portraits, further engage audiences, while color choice and contrast hold psychological appeal, increasing interest.

Consideration for visual impairments is essential, necessitating adherence to specific guidelines for text design. Multimedia ensures accessibility by presenting text in various formats, facilitating rapid understanding for all audiences.

In presentations, the right typography significantly impacts readability and audience engagement, serving as a crucial vehicle for providing information, explanations, and key points.

Images play a vital role in multimedia presentations, enhancing understanding and engagement. They should complement other elements without overwhelming the audience. High-quality visuals are crucial, as low-resolution images can detract from the overall impact.

Data visualization simplifies complex information, making it easier to comprehend. Incorporating interactive graphs, charts, and animations into presentations aids in conveying insights effectively.

Images and graphics facilitate storytelling , transforming complex information into memorable visuals. They evoke emotions, provide context, and simplify ideas, aiding audience comprehension and retention. In educational settings, historical images help students visualize events and figures from the past.

Videos in multimedia presentations consist of moving images accompanied by sound, enhancing audience engagement and understanding. With speeds ranging from 24 to 30 frames per second, video clips captivate viewers’ attention. Text can be incorporated through captions or embedded in images, enriching presentations.

In business settings, video presentations are integral for training and internal communication, offering a refreshing break from traditional methods. They elevate brand representation and improve in-class engagement, as studies indicate higher attention levels than conventional lectures.

Quality setup is crucial for pre-recorded and live videos, requiring high-quality sound and camera equipment. Stable internet connections ensure smooth delivery, avoiding technical difficulties.

Videos bring concepts to life, making presentations more dynamic and memorable. They demonstrate processes, showcase testimonials, and provide visual explanations, enriching educational and professional settings.

Audio and Music

In multimedia presentations, audio conveys information that may be challenging through other mediums, such as motivational speeches or enlightening music. It enhances engagement and retention, particularly for users with visual impairments. 

Background music and vocal narration add depth and energy to presentations, captivating audiences and setting the tone. However, for public conferences, it’s essential to use royalty-free audio to avoid copyright issues.

Sound effects, background music, and voiceovers enrich the auditory experience, evoking emotions and enhancing the narrative. From the crashing waves in a travel presentation to the runway music in a fashion show, audio sets the mood. It improves the overall experience, making multimedia presentations more immersive and engaging.

Animations bring static images to life by creating the illusion of movement, enhancing visual appeal and understanding. They depict actions like playing the guitar or responding to threat scenarios, facilitating comprehension of complex concepts. Animated icons, charts, and graphs add dynamic elements to presentations, aiding in showcasing information effectively.

In multimedia presentations, animations guide audience attention and engagement. They serve various purposes, from clever transitions to spicing up infographics, making presentations more dynamic and engaging. Additionally, animations in presentation videos help articulate key points, creating natural pauses for reflection and enhancing persuasiveness .

Effective use of animations involves directing audience attention without distractions. Techniques like arrows, entrance animations, and graying out irrelevant content guide focus on crucial information. In marketing presentations, animations illustrate product evolution or highlight unique features, making content more compelling and memorable. Animations breathe life into static content, making presentations more engaging and impactful.

Before presenting your multimedia creation:

• Review your presentation.
• Watch it multiple times to ensure functionality and engagement.
• Check for lags and assess their overall length.

If you missed any ideas, now’s the time to include them.

Fine-tuning a multimedia presentation may take longer than a regular one, so be patient. Once satisfied, prepare to share it. To reinforce your ideas, consider distributing the slide deck to your audience afterward, especially for pitches.

Don’t overlook the importance of reviewing your work. Treat your presentation like a first draft. Take a break, then return with fresh eyes to assess transitions and content flow. Correct any typos or grammatical errors to maintain professionalism.

Ensure your presentation is structured and cohesive. Evaluate if multimedia elements achieve their intended impact. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, make necessary adjustments. With careful review and editing, your multimedia presentation will be ready to captivate your audience.

FAQs: What is a Multimedia Presentation?

1. What is a multimedia presentation, and how does it differ from traditional slideshows?

A multimedia presentation combines various media types like text, images, video, and sound to convey information in an engaging way. Unlike traditional slideshows, multimedia presentations use sound, motion, and interactive features to captivate audiences, offering a dynamic experience.

2. Where are multimedia presentations commonly used?

Multimedia presentations find applications in diverse settings, including business, education, and entertainment. They aim to enhance audience engagement and information retention across different contexts, from simple PowerPoint slideshows to complex productions with animations and narration.

3. What are the key steps to crafting a stellar multimedia presentation?

Crafting a multimedia presentation involves defining clear objectives, understanding the audience, framing an outline, selecting appropriate tools, and integrating multimedia elements purposefully. These steps ensure the presentation remains focused, relevant, and engaging, catering to the needs of the audience effectively.

4. What are the essential elements of multimedia presentations?

The vital elements of multimedia presentations include text, images, videos, audio, and animations. Each element serves a specific purpose in improving audience understanding and engagement, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the presentation.

Unlock the Power of Multimedia Presentations with Prezentium

Design your multimedia presentations with ease. With Prezentium ‘s best multimedia presentation maker services, you can make your presentation more dynamic, unleash the full potential of your ideas and effortlessly captivate your audience.

Transform Ideas into Masterpieces Overnight

Experience the magic of overnight presentations with Prezentium. Share your requirements by 5:30 pm PST, and wake up to a perfect multimedia presentation in your inbox by 9:30 am PST the next business day.

Expert Guidance for Exquisite Presentations

Let our team of specialists at Prezentium help you create exquisite presentations from meeting notes. From crafting new designs to refining templates, we’re here to elevate your presentation game.

Elevate Your Communication Skills with Zenith Learning

Join our communication workshops and training programs at Zenith Learning to make your presentations more interactive. Learn the art of structured problem-solving and visual storytelling to deliver impactful presentations every time.

Don’t settle for ordinary presentations. Elevate your storytelling with Prezentium and give your audience an unforgettable experience. Contact us today to get started!

Why wait? Avail a complimentary 1-on-1 session with our presentation expert. See how other enterprise leaders are creating impactful presentations with us.

11 Tips on How to Make a Good Presentation

11 leadership presentation ideas for team training, 12 effective presentation techniques to help you succeed.

Home Blog Design Multimedia Presentation: Insights & Techniques to Maximize Engagement

Multimedia Presentation: Insights & Techniques to Maximize Engagement

Effective public speaking is a crucial skill often overlooked. Multimedia presentations, such as digital stories, offer an opportunity to cultivate this skill. When appropriately executed, they blend visuals, text, and compelling speech in any setting. This article explores multimedia presentation, focusing on its definition, components, and the advantages it brings to the table.

Table of Contents

What is a Multimedia Presentation?

Types of mediums used in a multimedia presentation, advantages of multimedia presentation, how to create a multimedia presentation.

• How to Deliver a Multimedia Presentation?

Recommended Templates for Multimedia Presentations

Final words.

Multimedia originates from the combination of “multi” and “media,” where “multi” denotes “many” [1]. It represents a medium facilitating the seamless transfer of information between locations. Multimedia encompasses the computer-assisted integration of various elements like text, drawings, still and moving images (videos), graphics, audio, animation, and other forms of media [1]. It allows the expression, storage, communication, and digital information processing.

A multimedia presentation goes beyond traditional slides to convey information. It is a dynamic approach that enhances engagement and boosts information retention among the audience. With the use of technology, it requires thoughtful design, pacing, and interactive components. Multimedia presentations deliver information through various channels, offering a multi-sensorial experience. As a consequence, they accommodate different learning preferences.

To create a truly immersive experience, multimedia presentations leverage different mediums. Video clips offer dynamic visual content, infographics provide concise information, audio snippets add a layer of narration, and animations bring concepts to life. The synergy of these elements elevates the overall impact of the presentation.

Multimedia presentations employ diverse mediums to construct a comprehensive and immersive experience.

Video Clips

Video content consists of photographic images displayed in apparent motion at speeds ranging from 24 to 30 frames per second, and even higher values depending on the topic. The term “video” denotes a moving image accompanied by sound, commonly seen in television broadcasts [2]. Text can be incorporated into videos through captions or embedded in images, as seen in slide presentations. It provides a captivating element to the presentation. 

By incorporating motion and imagery, video clips enhance audience understanding and retention, as they can be introduced as a refreshing break during the course of the presentation. It offers the presenter a moment to regroup, especially in lengthy presentations. Videos can emotionally engage audiences through narratives, but their inclusion alone doesn’t guarantee benefits. For effective integration, videos have to follow the narrative of the speech the presenter is sharing. This implies that no random video can be added to a multimedia presentation, and presenters should also take extra care in unrequired effects that don’t contribute to the overall impact of the speech (i.e., abusing VFX or unprofessional transitions).  

Now we know why and how videos help a presentation, those who are unfamiliar can learn how to embed a video on a Google Slide .

Infographics

Infographics contribute to the attractiveness of multimedia applications. In numerous situations, the audience prefers visuals over extensive text. It aids in the clarification of concepts and provides background information. In contrast to regular graphics, infographics are commonly acknowledged as a better medium to communicate data extracted from charts and graphs [3]. Their visually appealing format ensures clarity without overwhelming the viewer, making data more digestible.

Text [4] is used in multimedia presentations because it is a familiar media channel. It includes characters of different sizes and styles, making words, phrases, and paragraphs. The text requires less effort compared to a video. But this doesn’t mean presenters shouldn’t care about formatting.

Different fonts and sizes in text matter. Using the wrong font shows a lack of professionalism. Multimedia uses text to share information or enhance other media. Therefore, fonts and sizes can be varied for a cohesive aesthetic.

Graphic Design effects, like text on portrait, are mighty in presentations. This technique, featuring phrases alongside visuals of well-known public figures, enhances interest and reinforces key messages.  Choosing the right colors and contrast in text design has a psychological appeal. It increases the audience’s interest.

Text design should also consider those with visual impairments.  Hence, the text to be used has to follow specific guidelines. Multimedia follows this by presenting text in various formats. This helps everyone understand the message quickly. They make information accessible instantly.

Audio Snippets

Adding audio into a media presentation gives users information that may be challenging to convey through other mediums. Certain types of information, like a motivational speech or enlightening music, are best conveyed through audio. It is a common practice in the motivational presentation niche to use audio as a resource to accompany exercises, like meditational practices, group activities, and storytelling techniques in which the audience has to place themselves in the shoes of the “character” in the story, and the list goes on.

Research indicates that presenting information through multiple senses improves retention [6]. Importantly, audio can make communication accessible for users who present visual impairments.

Animation is a series of static images rapidly flipped through, creating the illusion of movement [5]. Animation involves making a still image appear to be in motion. It enhances the visual appeal of a presentation. Animation is used for illustrating concepts related to movement, such as playing a guitar or hitting a golf ball. These actions are challenging to depict accurately with static images or text alone.  

Likewise, animated sequences can guide employees to respond correctly to different threat scenarios. For instance, showing threat scenarios through animation can enhance employees’ ability to recognize and respond to potential risks. Through movement and visual storytelling, animated templates contribute to a deeper understanding of intricate ideas.

Multimedia presentations emerge as a powerful tool for effective communication, offering engagement, retention, and adaptability in professional and educational settings.

Enhanced Engagement

Multimedia presentations excel in captivating audiences through a customized approach to diverse learning preferences. Multimedia presentations stimulate interest and maintain active engagement by integrating visuals and audio.

Improved Information Retention

Research conducted by Saini and Baba underscores the efficacy of multimedia presentations in enhancing information retention [7]. The combination of visual and auditory stimuli helps understanding quickly. It improves the audience’s ability to grasp and remember key concepts.

Professional Appeal

In professional settings, adopting multimedia presentations contributes to elevated sophistication. This method showcases a commitment to deliver information dynamically and accessibly. Thus, presentation on multimedia positively reflects on both the presenter and the organization.

Flexibility in Communication

Multimedia presentations offer flexibility in conveying complex concepts . Incorporating various mediums allows presenters to adapt their communication style to suit the nature of the information. It makes it more accessible to a broader audience.

Increased Accessibility

The inclusion of diverse mediums enhances accessibility for a wider audience. Visual elements cater to visual learners, while auditory components appeal to those who learn best through listening. This inclusive approach ensures that the message resonates with different audiences.

Enhanced Persuasion

The dynamic nature of multimedia presentations facilitates a persuasive delivery . Engaging visuals, coupled with compelling narration, influence opinions. It effectively conveys the presenter’s message, making it more memorable and impactful.

Real-time Demonstration

Multimedia presentations enable real-time demonstration of concepts and ideas. Whether showcasing product features or illustrating complex processes, integrating videos, animations, and live demonstrations leave a lasting impression.

Adaptability to Technological Advances

By using multimedia presentations, presenters showcase adaptability to technological advances [8]. Multimedia presentation aligns with contemporary communication trends. It positions the presenter as forward-thinking and responsive to evolving methods of information delivery.

Crafting an effective multimedia presentation involves thoughtful planning and execution. A well-structured and engaging multimedia presentation is created by following several steps

Define Presentation Objectives

The goals and objectives of the presentation must be clearly outlined [9]. A presenter should identify the key message that is conveyed to the audience. This initial step guides the selection of multimedia elements based on the nature of the content. For instance, data presentations involve the use of infographics. On the other hand, motivational presentations may require photos, illustrations, and videos. Likewise, Business presentations may include interactive graphs and infographics.

Audience Research

Understand the target audience to customize content. Choose multimedia elements that resonate with them [9]. Consider the audience’s demographics, preferences, and expectations to create a presentation that captures their interest.

Select Media Channels

Choose appropriate multimedia channels, such as GIFs, videos, infographics, and animated charts, per the defined objectives. Different media channels convey information in distinct ways. Selecting the right ones enhances the overall impact of the presentation. Otherwise, the presenter can learn about design ideas in detail from SlideModel.

Write the Presentation Story

Develop a structured storyboard outlining the sequence of content, visuals, and multimedia elements. The story should have a logical flow. It captures the audience’s attention and maintains their interest throughout the presentation.

Select a SlideModel Template

Use a SlideModel template to maintain consistency and professionalism in design, including fonts, colors, and layout. Templates provide a cohesive visual identity. These templates reinforce the message and facilitate a clear understanding of the content. There are plenty of templates available that can assist in creating a multimedia presentation.

Create Narrations or Captions

Develop concise and focused content that supports the key message. This contributes to the overall narrative. Narrations provide spoken explanations, while captions offer written context. Narrations or captions should complement the visuals. They provide context and enhance the audience’s understanding.

Create Deliverables

Deliverables include the finalized presentation file. It ensures compatibility with the chosen presentation software. Generate deliverables for the multimedia presentation. Optimize files for seamless integration and playback. Pay attention to file sizes and formats.

Transitions and Timings

Incorporate smooth slide transitions for a seamless flow between content. Avoid excessive transitions that may distract from the message. Set appropriate timings to maintain a well-paced presentation. Keep the audience engaged.

Speaker Notes

Prepare speaker notes to guide the presenter during the delivery. Attention must be paid to timing and the use of multimedia elements. Speaker notes serve as a roadmap. It ensures a confident and well-timed presentation.

How to Deliver a Multimedia Presentation

Delivering a multimedia presentation with impact involves a strategic approach.

Testing Presentation on Arrival

Prioritize testing upon arrival to prevent any technical inconveniences. Verify the compatibility of multimedia elements and the presentation software with the venue’s system. A smooth technical setup is essential for a flawless multimedia presentation.

Timing of Multimedia Elements

Study the timing of multimedia elements.  Especially when introducing videos. Allocate time for a Q&A session post-presentation. This strategic timing ensures audience commitment, thus providing a platform for clarifications and discussions.

Avoid Inconsistent Perceptual Mediums

Leverage various perceptual channels, like hearing and vision, to enhance comprehension. Clarify infographics through spoken explanations. Steer clear of concurrent speech and sound sources to prevent interference and distractions. Seamless integration of multiple media sources is paramount for an effective presentation [10].

Professional Tone

Uphold a professional and authoritative tone throughout the presentation. Stay away from overly casual language to underscore the gravity of your message. Opt for a direct approach, aligning with the formality expected in a multimedia presentation.

Body Language

Pay attention to your body language, a critical aspect of multimedia presentations. Show confident and open postures. It reinforces the verbal communication. Effective body language contributes to the audience’s understanding.

Strategic Pauses for Multimedia Absorption

Introduce strategic pauses at key junctures to allow the audience to absorb multimedia information. Recognize that multimedia elements often require additional processing time. Strategic breaks enhance understanding. This prevents information overload and ensures a smooth flow throughout the presentation.

Visual Commitment through Multimedia

Pay close attention to the effective use of multimedia elements. Use body language to complement multimedia content. It will enhance the audience’s connection with the presentation. Effective visual engagement is crucial for a successful multimedia delivery.

1. Pitch Deck for Multimedia Presentation PowerPoint Template

If you are looking for multimedia presentation examples, in this article, we used one slide of this investor pitch deck to showcase why graphics matter in first impressions. Customize this presentation template to meet the requirements of your company; it just takes a couple of clicks!

Use This Template

2. Multimedia Annual Report PowerPoint & Google Slides Template

Rather than delivering a plain MS Excel sheet, create your report presentation by using this presentation on multimedia format template. Entirely customizable, you can adapt the presentation theme to any color scheme you choose. Download it today and make your annual report presentation the highlight of this year!

3. CV Template for Interview Meetings with Multimedia Effects

Long gone are the days in which resumes were a blank piece of paper with text and a bad-quality photo. Impress recruiters with a well-designed curriculum vitae by harnessing the advantages of multimedia presentations.

4. Collection of Infographic PPT Templates for Multimedia Presentations

For those who don’t know where to start with infographics, this slide deck has it all. Bubbles, demographics, iceberg metaphor, funnels, and more. Access now and customize the graphics in this high-quality infographics template for PowerPoint – fully compatible with Google Slides and Keynote.

Multimedia presentations are at the forefront of the transformation of public speaking. Using various mediums, presenters create engaging experiences for their audience. Integrating multimedia elements in business or academia raises presentations to new heights.

[1] Li, Z.N., Drew, M.S. and Liu, J., 2004. Fundamentals of multimedia (pp. 253-265). Upper Saddle River (NJ): Pearson Prentice Hall. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57105399-fundamentals-of-multimedia

[2] Bowen, C., 2017. Grammar of the Edit . Routledge. https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/546377

[3] Siricharoen, W.V., 2013, May. Infographics: the new communication tools in digital age. In The international conference on e-technologies and business on the web (ebw2013) (Vol. 169174). https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Waralak-Siricharoen/publication/256504130_Infographics_the_new_communication_tools_in_digital_age/links/0c9605232e6f666b1f000000/Infographics-the-new-communication-tools-in-digital-age.pdf

[4] Malhotra, R. and Verma, N., 2020. An impact of using multimedia presentations on engineering education. Procedia Computer Science , 172 , pp.71-76.

[5] Pavithra, A., Aathilingam, M. and Prakash, S.M., 2018. Multimedia and its applications. International journal for research & development in technology , 10 (5), pp.271-276.

[6] Henmon, V.A.C., 1912. The relation between mode of presentation and retention. Psychological Review , 19 (2), p.79. https://ia600708.us.archive.org/view_archive.php?archive=/28/items/crossref-pre-1923-scholarly-works/10.1037%252Fh0072137.zip&file=10.1037%252Fh0072813.pdf

[7] Saini, G. and Baba, M.M., 2023. Psychological expedient of multimedia in blended learning and metamemory satisfaction. The Learning Organization . https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/TLO-11-2022-0130/full/html

[8] Lauer, C., 2009. Contending with terms: “Multimodal” and “multimedia” in the academic and public spheres. Computers and composition , 26 (4), pp.225-239. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=1dd08158225c41e82243a7efe74e61c140293775

[9] Hosseini, Z. and Kamal, A., 2013. How to design effective multimedia presentations. In 7th International Symposium on Advances in Science and Technology (7th SASTech 2013) Pp (pp. 7-8).

[10] Sutcliffe, A.G., 1999. A design method for effective information delivery in multimedia presentations. New review of hypermedia and multimedia, 5(1), pp.29-58. https://doi.org/10.1080/13614569908914707

Like this article? Please share

Design, Presentation Approaches Filed under Design

Related Articles

Filed under Business • May 31st, 2024

How to Create an Appealing Report Presentation (Guide + Templates)

Discover the elements that make any kind of report presentation stand out. Recommendations for slide deck content and PPT templates.

Filed under Design • May 22nd, 2024

Exploring the 12 Different Types of Slides in PowerPoint

Become a better presenter by harnessing the power of the 12 different types of slides in presentation design.

Filed under PowerPoint Tutorials • May 22nd, 2024

How to Add Page Numbers in PowerPoint

If you wondered how you can speed up your slide numbering process, then stay tuned for this article on how to add page numbers in PowerPoint

Leave a Reply

Tips and Tools for Crafting a Multimedia Presentation

If you’re reading this blog, there’s a good chance you’ve given a presentation before. There’s also a good chance you’ve been on the receiving end of a presentation. Presentations are effective ways to teach, sell, and share ideas—the list is endless. Not all presentations are good, though—and when you’re in the midst of a bad one, it’s easy to tell.

With the right tools and dedicated time for editing, revising, and practicing, a multimedia presentation has the potential to take the topic at hand to new heights.

Let’s find out how.

What is a Multimedia Presentation?

Much like the name suggests, a multimedia presentation is a presentation featuring multiple (multi) types of media. A few examples of media types include videos, GIFs, animations, audio, or photos.

At first reference, you might automatically equate a multimedia presentation with a PowerPoint. While PowerPoint is a valuable tool for creating a multimedia presentation, not all PowerPoints are multimedia presentations. 

A multimedia presentation is effective because it uses different types of media to engage an audience and ultimately communicate. Whether it’s a lesson, a pitch, a complex idea, or even a data set, multimedia presentations are an effective way to capture and maintain the attention of your target audience. 

Multimedia Presentations: 3 Common Examples

In order to deliver an effective multimedia presentation, it’s important to consider what you’re trying to convey and which media type and format works best.

Here are three of the most common examples of multimedia presentations and how they can be used. 

Example 1: Video

Video is a captivating way to transform information. Using video in a presentation can add context to an idea or even bring a theory to life through a visual example.

Adding video can also be effective in any education setting where a teacher or professor is seeking to increase in-class engagement . In fact, according to a study published in Innovations in Pharmacy , students reported higher in-class attention levels when a multimedia presentation was used for a class lecture rather than a traditional “chalk and talk” lecture.

Incorporating multimedia presentations into the classroom doesn’t just improve class engagement—it also gives students the opportunity to learn in whichever style works best for them .

The same goes for professional presentations. Videos can keep your audience attentive, boost retention, and make your points crystal clear. That’s because videos disrupt the monotonous structure of a typical meeting, which so often lead to disengagement and lack of attention.

Example 2: Animations and GIFs

In a new era of remote pitches and virtual demos, sales teams that once relied on a team, an oral presentation, and a basic slide deck have to get creative.

Presentation videos are one way that sales teams across industries are reshaping the traditional pitch. A great way to get creative with presentation videos is by adding in animations or GIFs to help articulate your key points.

A well-placed animation or GIF can create a natural pause in your presentation for quick reflection or needed break. It can also make your pitch more personable—and persuasive. If you’re presenting with a slide deck that includes other forms of media, an animation can help bring greater clarity to a complex process and break down complicated concepts.

Example 3: Graphs and Charts

Massive amounts of data can be incredibly helpful when solving a complex problem. It can also be difficult to present effectively.

For example, you might be able to identify a particular pattern or trend in a data set from first glance. However, your audience may not share your skillset and feel confused or overwhelmed by large data sets in your presentation.

Data visualization is important because it makes data easier to understand and pull insights from. Data visualization tools take existing data and organize it into graphs, charts, or other visual tools.

Multimedia presentations can help data visualization come to life. You can incorporate interactive graphs, tables, charts, and maps into your presentation to get everyone on the same page. Or take it a step further and add animations to these visualizations to emphasize important data points.

Essential Tools for Multimedia Presentation Building

There are lots of different tools you can use to design your multimedia presentation and even create new media. While many tools are similar, it’s important to note that some are more advanced than others. Make sure you know your skill limitations ahead of time and select only the tools you feel comfortable using. 

Here are four of the most important tools for building a multimedia presentation. 

PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote

All three of these tools are the gold standard for creating a slide-deck style multimedia presentation. Similar in design and features, the differences between these three programs are subtle, and the only reason to use one over the other would be based on what you have access to. 

One of the biggest benefits of using any of these three programs is that they’re all easy to use. If you’re a beginner, you can select from a variety of pre-made templates and drag and drop your media directly into your slides. 

As a bonus, these three programs also have some animation features, allowing you to animate objects on a slide or add in some seamless transitions between slides. These programs are all also easy to export and share, so your audience can review your presentation whenever they need a refresher.

Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe Creative Cloud is more advanced and could require some additional knowledge or training. The biggest benefit of Adobe Creative Cloud is that all of the different products can be used interchangeably. For example, if you’re working on a video presentation in Adobe Premiere, you can seamlessly import an animation or motion graphic you created in Adobe After Effects directly into your video project file.

Canva is a multi-use tool that combines the features of PowerPoint and a variety of Adobe Creative Cloud products. It’s designed for beginner to intermediate users, also offering pre-made templates. As a bonus, many of their plans are low-cost, and there’s a free option that anyone can use. 

Canva features include everything from slide-deck style presentation templates to video presentations, standalone videos, and even some basic data visualization. 

Data Visualization

While many of the tools above have some sort of basic data visualization functionality, there are tools out there specially designed for more advanced applications and audiences.

Tableau , for example, is one of the most advanced data visualization tools often used by data scientists and statisticians. Power BI is another similar tool that tends to be lower cost for most users and integrates with other Microsoft products. 

Both tools have similar features and provide a variety of visualization options, so you can present data in a way that allows your audience to analyze effectively or clearly see important insights.

5 Steps for Creating a Multimedia Presentation

Overall, creating a multimedia presentation is similar to planning and designing any other type of presentation. Here are five steps to crafting a multimedia presentation:

• Frame your story.
• Create an outline.
• Choose your tools.
• Start building and add media.
• Revise and edit.

Let’s dig into these steps a bit more. 

Step 1: Frame Your Story

In this Harvard Business Review article—which breaks down the process of developing a TED Talk —writer and TED curator Chris Anderson suggests starting with framing. 

There’s no way you can give a good talk unless you have something worth talking about. Conceptualizing and framing what you want to say is the most vital part of the preparation. Anderson

Planning out your journey is exactly where Anderson suggests the first part of any presentation planning should begin. Why? Because it forces you, the presenter, to think critically about who your audience is and what level of knowledge they may or may not have regarding your topic. 

Anderson’s other piece of advice on framing your story is to limit your scope. While you might have a ton of information you want to share, it’s important to narrow down your topic to only the things that can be explained, with particular attention to the things that can be explained and reinforced with different types of media. 

Step 2: Create an Outline

Once you have your concept and a rough idea of your journey in mind, it’s time to organize it into an outline. Think of your outline as a way to break down your topic into smaller, digestible pieces. Eventually, these smaller chunks will become the content for each of your presentation slides if you’re doing a slide-deck style presentation. If you’re not doing a slide presentation, these small pieces could also work well into a video storyboard.

Once your outline is finished, it’s time to go back and make note of any items that would benefit from additional media.

Here are a few examples of things to consider:

• Do you have large amounts of numbers you can visualize with an animated graphic?
• Is there a picture you can display to bring context to something you’re talking about?
• Do you have access to videos that show a theory or concept you’re talking about?
• Are there any product videos available that show your product in use?

These are only a few examples of areas where different types of media can help reinforce your point or act as engagement pieces if you’re in a more collaborative presentation setting . 

Step 3: Choose Your Tools

Selecting the correct tools can make presentation building easier and help you plan out the different forms of media you’ll include. 

As with all tools, be sure you’re familiar with the program you’re working with before you get started. If you’re not familiar with the program, check to see if you can find any resources to get up to speed on the basics, or reach out to a colleague or teammate to get assistance. 

Step 4: Start Building and Add Media

Now that you have your outline and you’ve selected the tools you’re going to use to build your multimedia presentation, it’s time to get started!

Use your outline to guide the creation of your multimedia presentation. For example, if you’re going to create a slide deck style presentation, begin populating your slides with necessary headers to guide your presentation from one section to the next. 

It might be helpful to sketch out the design of your slide layout and create boxes or placeholders where you’d like to add media. Once you’re finished, go back and add the different types of media to your slides.

Step 5: Revise and Edit

This sometimes overlooked step is often one of the most important steps in any presentation design process, not just multimedia presentation creation.

Think of it this way: Once you finish your presentation, consider it your first draft. Step away, take a day off, and then return with fresh eyes to review your original outline and ensure your transitions are effective. 

As a final note, don’t forget to check for typos and grammatical errors. There’s nothing worse than being mid-presentation and realizing, or being alerted to, a silly mistake that you could have easily fixed with a bit more attention to detail. 

Enhancing Your Multimedia Presentation with Vibe

Simply put, making a multimedia presentation takes time and effort. Luckily, a Vibe Board gives you additional tools to deliver better presentations with ease.

Vibe’s laser pointer and annotation tool means you can keep participants focused on what matters. You can also add notes or drawings to your presentation in real-time.

If you’re presenting with Vibe Canvas , participants can even interact with your presentation from their personal devices. After joining the Canvas, they can highlight a point they’d like you to discuss more, provide instant feedback, or add their questions to the board for a quick Q&A session after your presentation.

You can also transition through slides and play embedded media with your finger or using the Vibe stylus. 

Most importantly, you can collaborate with your participants from anywhere. Vibe is integrated with multiple video conferencing apps, which means you can present with confidence both in-person and remote. 

Speaking of integration, Vibe also seamlessly integrates with more than 100 apps , like PowerPoint, Canva and more. Check out Vibe today !

Subscribe to get updates on all things at Vibe

Read our privacy policy .

• school Campus Bookshelves
• menu_book Bookshelves
• perm_media Learning Objects
• login Login
• how_to_reg Request Instructor Account
• hub Instructor Commons

Margin Size

• Download Page (PDF)
• Download Full Book (PDF)
• Periodic Table
• Physics Constants
• Scientific Calculator
• Reference & Cite
• Tools expand_more
• Readability

selected template will load here

This action is not available.

10.3: Media to Use for Presentation Aids

• Last updated
• Save as PDF
• Page ID 130892

\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

\( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

\( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\)

\( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)

\( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\)

\( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\)

\( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

\( \newcommand{\vectorA}[1]{\vec{#1}}      % arrow\)

\( \newcommand{\vectorAt}[1]{\vec{\text{#1}}}      % arrow\)

\( \newcommand{\vectorB}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

\( \newcommand{\vectorC}[1]{\textbf{#1}} \)

\( \newcommand{\vectorD}[1]{\overrightarrow{#1}} \)

\( \newcommand{\vectorDt}[1]{\overrightarrow{\text{#1}}} \)

\( \newcommand{\vectE}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{\mathbf {#1}}}} \)

Learning Objectives

• Understand the range of media choices for presentation aids.
• Identify advantages and disadvantages of different presentation aid media.
• Explain the role of careful planning and good execution when using presentation aids.

The venue of your speech should suggest the appropriate selection of presentation aids. In your classroom, you have several choices, including some that omit technology. If you are speaking in a large auditorium, you will almost certainly need to use technology to project text and images on a large screen.

Many students feel that they lack the artistic skills to render their own graphics, so they opt to use copyright-free graphics on their presentation aids. You may do this as long as you use images that are created in a consistent style. For instance, you should not combine realistic renderings with cartoons unless there is a clear and compelling reason to do so. Being selective in this way will result in a sequence of presentation aids that look like a coherent set, thereby enhancing your professionalism.

In keeping with careful choices and effective design, we also have to do a good job in executing presentation aids. They should never look hastily made, dirty, battered, or disorganized. They do not have to be fancy, but they do need to look professional. In this section we will discuss the major types of media that can be used for presentation aids, which include computer-based media, audiovisual media, and low-tech media.

Computer-Based Media

In most careers in business, industry, and other professions for which students are preparing themselves, computer-based presentation aids are the norm today. Whether the context is a weekly department meeting in a small conference room or an annual convention in a huge amphitheater, speakers are expected to be comfortable with using PowerPoint or other similar software to create and display presentation aids.

If your public speaking course meets in a smart classroom, you have probably had the opportunity to see the computer system in action. Many such systems today are nimble and easy to use. Still, “easy” is a relative term. Don’t take for granted someone else’s advice that “it’s really self-explanatory”—instead, make sure to practice ahead of time. It is also wise to be prepared for technical problems, which can happen to even the most sophisticated computer users. When Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple and cofounder of Pixar, introduced a new iPhone 4 in June, 2010, his own visual presentation froze (Macworld, 2010). The irony of a high-tech guru’s technology not working at a public presentation did not escape the notice of news organizations.

The world was first introduced to computer presentations back in the 1970s, but these software packages were expensive and needed highly trained technicians to operate the programs. Today, there are a number of presentation software programs that are free or relatively inexpensive and that can be learned quickly by nonspecialists. Table 15.1 “Presentation Software Packages” lists several of these.

Table 15.1 Presentation Software Packages

In addition to becoming more readily accessible, presentation software has become more flexible over the years. As recently as the mid-2000s, critics such as the eminent graphic expert and NASA consultant Edward Tufte charged that PowerPoint’s tendency to force the user to put a certain number of bullet points on each slide in a certain format was a serious threat to the accurate presentation of data. As Tufte put it, “the rigid slide-by-slide hierarchies, indifferent to content, slice and dice the evidence into arbitrary compartments, producing an anti-narrative with choppy continuity” (Tufte, 2005). Tufte argues that poor decision making, such as was involved with the 2003 space shuttle Columbia disaster, may have been related to the shortcomings of such presentation aids in NASA meetings. While more recent versions of PowerPoint and similar programs allow much more creative freedom in designing slides, this freedom comes with a responsibility—the user needs to take responsibility for using the technology to support the speech and not get carried away with the many special effects the software is capable of producing.

What this boils down to is observing the universal principles of good design, which include unity, emphasis or focal point, scale and proportion, balance, and rhythm (Lauer & Pentak, 2000). As we’ve mentioned earlier, it’s generally best to use a single font for the text on your visuals so that they look like a unified set. In terms of scale or proportion, it is essential to make sure the information is large enough for the audience to see; and since the display size may vary according to the monitor you are using, this is another reason for practicing in advance with the equipment you intend to use. The rhythm of your slide display should be reasonably consistent—you would not want to display a dozen different slides in the first minute of a five-minute presentation and then display only one slide per minute for the rest of the speech.

In addition to presentation software such as PowerPoint, speakers sometimes have access to interactive computer-based presentation aids. These are often called “clickers”—handheld units that audience members hold and that are connected to a monitor to which the speaker has access. These interactive aids are useful for tracking audience responses to questions, and they have the advantage over asking for a show of hands in that they can be anonymous. A number of instructors in various courses use “clickers” in their classrooms.

Using computer-based aids in a speech brings up a few logistical considerations. In some venues, you may need to stand behind a high-tech console to operate the computer. You need to be aware that this will physically isolate you from the audience you with whom you are trying to establish a relationship in your speech. When you stand behind presentation equipment, you may feel really comfortable, but you end up limiting your nonverbal interaction with your audience.

If your classroom is not equipped with a computer and you want to use presentation software media in your speech, you may of course bring your computer, or you may be able to schedule the delivery of a computer cart to your classroom. In either case, check with your instructor about the advance preparations that will be needed. At some schools, there are very few computer carts, so it is important to reserve one well in advance. You will also want to see if you can gain access to one ahead of time to practice and familiarize yourself with the necessary passwords and commands to make your slides run properly. On the day of your speech, be sure to arrive early enough to test out the equipment before class begins.

Audiovisual Media

Although audio and video clips are often computer-based, they can be (and, in past decades, always were) used without a computer.

Audio presentation aids are useful for illustrating musical themes. For instance, if you’re speaking about how the Polish composer Frederick Chopin was inspired by the sounds of nature, you can convey that meaning only through playing an example. If you have a smart classroom, you may be able to use it to play an MP3. Alternatively, you may need to bring your music player. In that case, be sure the speakers in the room are up to the job. The people in the back of the room must be able to hear it, and the speakers must not sound distorted when you turn the volume up.

Video that clarifies, explains, amplifies, emphasizes, or illustrates a key concept in your speech is appropriate, as long as you do not rely on it to do your presentation for you. There are several things you must do. First, identify a specific section of video that delivers meaning. Second, “cue up” the video so that you can just pop it into the player, and it will begin at the right place. Third, tell your audience where the footage comes from. You can tell your audience, for instance, that you are showing them an example from the 1985 BBC documentary titled “In Search of the Trojan War.” Fourth, tell your audience why you’re showing the footage. For instance, you can tell them, “This is an example of storytelling in the Bardic tradition.” You can interrupt or mute the video to make a comment about it, but your total footage should not use more than 20 percent of the time for your speech.

Low-Tech Media

In some speaking situations, of course, computer technology is not available. Even if you have ready access to technology, there will be contexts where computer-based presentation aids are unnecessary or even counterproductive. And in still other contexts, computer-based media may be accompanied by low-tech presentation aids. One of the advantages of low-tech media is that they are very predictable. There’s little that can interfere with using them. Additionally, they can be inexpensive to produce. However, unlike digital media, they can be prone to physical damage in the form of smudges, scratches, dents, and rips. It can be difficult to keep them professional looking if you have to carry them through a rainstorm or blizzard, so you will need to take steps to protect them as you transport them to the speech location. Let’s examine some of the low-tech media that you might use with a speech.

Chalk or Dry-Erase Board

If you use a chalkboard or dry-erase board you are not using a prepared presentation aid . Your failure to prepare visuals ahead of time can be interpreted in several ways, mostly negative. If other speakers carefully design, produce, and use attractive visual aids, yours will stand out by contrast. You will be seen as the speaker who does not take the time to prepare even a simple aid. Do not use a chalkboard or marker board and pretend it’s a prepared presentation aid.

However, numerous speakers do utilize chalk and dry-erase boards effectively. Typically, these speakers use the chalk or dry-erase board for interactive components of a speech. For example, maybe you’re giving a speech in front of a group of executives. You may have a PowerPoint all prepared, but at various points in your speech you want to get your audience’s responses. Chalk or dry-erase boards are very useful when you want to visually show information that you are receiving from your audience. If you ever use a chalk or dry-erase board, follow these three simple rules:

• Write large enough so that everyone in the room can see.
• Print legibly; don’t write in cursive script.
• Write short phrases; don’t take time to write complete sentences.

It is also worth mentioning that some classrooms and business conference rooms are equipped with smartboards, or digitally enhanced whiteboards. On a smartboard you can bring up prepared visuals and then modify them as you would a chalk or dry-erase board. The advantage is that you can keep a digital record of what was written for future reference. However, as with other technology-based media, smartboards may be prone to unexpected technical problems, and they require training and practice to be used properly.

A flipchart is useful when you’re trying to convey change over a number of steps. For instance, you could use a prepared flipchart to show dramatic population shifts on maps. In such a case, you should prepare highly visible, identical maps on three of the pages so that only the data will change from page to page. Each page should be neatly titled, and you should actively point out the areas of change on each page. You could also use a flip chart to show stages in the growth and development of the malaria-bearing mosquito. Again, you should label each page, making an effort to give the pages a consistent look.

Organize your flip chart in such a way that you flip pages in one direction only, front to back. It will be difficult to flip large pages without damaging them, and if you also have to “back up” and “skip forward,” your presentation will look awkward and disorganized. Pages will get damaged, and your audience will be able to hear each rip.

In addition, most flip charts need to be propped up on an easel of some sort. If you arrive for your speech only to find that the easel in the classroom has disappeared, you will need to rig up another system that allows you to flip the pages.

Poster Board or Foam Board

Foam board consists of a thin sheet of Styrofoam with heavy paper bonded to both surfaces. It is a lightweight, inexpensive foundation for information, and it will stand on its own when placed in an easel without curling under at the bottom edge. Poster board tends to be cheaper than foam board, but it is flimsier, more vulnerable to damage, and can’t stand on its own.

If you plan to paste labels or paragraphs of text to foam or poster board, for a professional look you should make sure the color of the poster board matches the color of the paper you will paste on. You will also want to choose a color that allows for easy visual contrast so your audience can see it, and it must be a color that’s appropriate for the topic. For instance, hot pink would be the wrong color on a poster for a speech about the Protestant Reformation.

Avoid producing a presentation aid that looks like you simply cut pictures out of magazines and pasted them on. Slapping some text and images on a board looks unprofessional and will not be viewed as credible or effective. Instead, when creating a poster you need to take the time to think about how you are going to lay out your aid and make it look professional. You do not have to spend lots of money to make a very sleek and professional-looking poster.

Some schools also have access to expensive, full-color poster printers where you can create large poster for pasting on a foam board. In the real world of public speaking, most speakers rely on the creation of professional posters using a full-color poster printer. Typically, posters are sketched out and then designed on a computer using a program like Microsoft PowerPoint or Publisher (these both have the option of selecting the size of the printed area).

Handouts are appropriate for delivering information that audience members can take away with them. As we will see, handouts require a great deal of management if they are to contribute to your credibility as a speaker.

First, make sure to bring enough copies of the handout for each audience member to get one. Having to share or look on with one’s neighbor does not contribute to a professional image. Under no circumstances should you ever provide a single copy of a handout to pass around. There are several reasons this is a bad idea. You will have no control over the speed at which it circulates, or the direction it goes. Moreover, only one listener will be holding it while you’re making your point about it and by the time most people see it they will have forgotten why they need to see it. In some case, it might not even reach everybody by the end of your speech. Finally, listeners could still be passing your handout around during the next speaker’s speech.

There are three possible times to distribute handouts: before you begin your speech, during the speech, and after your speech is over. Naturally, if you need your listeners to follow along in a handout, you will need to distribute it before your speech begins. If you have access to the room ahead of time, place a copy of the handout on each seat in the audience. If not, ask a volunteer to distribute them as quickly as possible while you prepare to begin speaking. If the handout is a “takeaway,” leave it on a table near the door so that those audience members who are interested can take one on their way out; in this case, don’t forget to tell them to do so as you conclude your speech. It is almost never appropriate to distribute handouts during your speech, as it is distracting and interrupts the pace of your presentation.

Like other presentation aids, handouts should include only the necessary information to support your points, and that information should be organized in such a way that listeners will be able to understand it. For example, in a speech about how new health care legislation will affect small business owners in your state, a good handout might summarize key effects of the legislation and include the names of state agencies with their web addresses where audience members can request more detailed information.

If your handout is designed for your audience to follow along, you should tell them so. State that you will be referring to specific information during the speech. Then, as you’re presenting your speech, ask your audience to look, for example, at the second line in the first cluster of information. Read that line out loud and then go on to explain its meaning.

As with any presentation aid, handouts are not a substitute for a well-prepared speech. Ask yourself what information your audience really needs to be able to take with them and how it can be presented on the page in the most useful and engaging way possible.

Key Takeaways

• Speakers in professional contexts are expected to be familiar with presentation software, such as PowerPoint.
• Computer-based media can produce very professional-looking presentation aids, but as with any other media, the universal principles of good design apply.
• Speakers using computer-based media need to practice ahead of time with the computer they intend to use in the speech.
• Each presentation aid vehicle has advantages and disadvantages. As such, speakers need to think through the use of visual aids and select the most appropriate ones for their individual speeches.
• Every presentation aid should be created with careful attention to content and appearance.

Figure 15.20

• How would you change it?
• What kind of presentation aids might you use in a speech on the health benefits of laughter? Why might these be good choice?

Lauer, D. A., & Pentak, S. (2000). Design basics (5th ed.). Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt College Publishers.

Macworld. (2010, June 7). WWDC: Steve Jobs’ iPhone 4 launch glitches [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoqh27E6OuU

Tufte, E. (2005, September 6). PowerPoint does rocket science—and better techniques for technical reports [Online forum]. Retrieved from http://www.edwardtufte.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0001yB&topic_id=1

The 6 types of presentation (and why you need them)

Hrideep barot.

• Presentation , Public Speaking

We all have been exposed to different types of presentations right from school years.

Group presentations, lectures by teachers and professors, seminars, webinars or online presentations, e-learning, e-conferences, etc., are all different types of presentations that we come across in our daily lives.

But each of them work for different settings.

In this article, we will take a look at 6 such types of presentations and when and why you need them.

1. Informative Presentations

This is the most common type of presentation, be it in an educational setting or business or corporate setting.

The aim of an informative presentation is to give detailed information about a product, concept, or idea to a specific kind of audience.

They are often analytical or require a rational analysis of the data presented.

Training sessions or one-day workshops are good examples where this kind of presentation is used.

Here is an example of an informative presentation on public speaking and presentations.

Now, there are different situations where you can use informative presentations.

a) Reporting

Although a report is a written explanation of an event, it can also be verbal.

A perfect place to use informative presentations is news reporting , as it requires the presenter to present information systematically.

b) Briefing

This involves explaining both positive and negative aspects of a particular topic in a few words.

It is providing information quickly and effectively about an issue to influence decisions or to come to solutions.

Hence, the decision-making bodies of an organization can make use of this kind of presentation to save time and effectively come to conclusions.

c) Research

Informative presentations are often used to present research findings to a specific audience , as it involves reporting the findings and briefing it to the audience.

Hence, almost everywhere where research takes place, be it in an educational context or occupational , can make use of this kind of presentation.

Tips for giving informative presentations

• As there would be a lot of technical information and statistics, focus on the main points or agenda first and if you have more time, you can add them at the end
• Keep your presentation simple and clear . Avoid complex sentence structures and graphics
• Tell the outline of your presentation briefly in the introduction for a better flow
• Make sure that your presentation does not stretch for too long. 10-15 minutes is what your audience can concentrate on
• Restate your keyphrase at the end and briefly summarize all the important points of your presentation

Speech topics for an informative presentation

• Cropping techniques
• Organic Farming
• Corporate Farming
• Hydroponics
• Sustainable Agriculture, etc
• Climate change
• Environmental issues
• Eco-friendly ways of management
• Eco-politics
• Eco-feminism, etc
• Gender studies
• Gender and education
• Religious studies
• History of education
• Philosophy of education, etc
• Ethnic cultures
• Indigenous cultures
• Multiculturalism
• Popular culture
• Cultural trends, etc
• Business administration
• Business ethics
• Business models
• Promotion and marketing communications
• Finance, etc

2. Persuasive presentations

Persuasion is the art of motivating or convincing someone to act or make a change in their actions or thoughts.

If you are planning to give a persuasive presentation, and are looking for how to give a persuasive speech, check out our article on A Comprehensive Guide to Writing a Persuasive Speech to gain in-depth knowledge about the art of giving persuasive presentations.

Persuasive presentations are also widely used form after informative presentations.

There are various circumstances where persuasive presentations can be used.

a) Policy-making

Government bodies make use of persuasion almost every time, be it the legislative or decision-making bodies, executive bodies, or even courts.

Even election campaigns involve using persuasive presentations as an instrument of their pre-determined goals of swaying the citizens.

For that matter, any executive or management body of an organization can make use of these kinds of presentations.

b) Value judgment

This kind involves answering the question “why” and supplementing it with possible benefits.

Most Ted talks and YouTube videos try to persuade the audience and fall into the persuasive presentation category.

Even religious heads use this as a means of persuading their believers to follow their belief system.

Deciding on a procedure or telling an audience the correct procedure of doing something is another situation.

An example of a persuasive presentation

Bailey parnell: is social media hurting your mental health.

This TED talk by Bailey Parnell is a good example of a persuasive presentation.

She starts strong by asking rhetorical questions that set the mood for her further points.

We can also see how the speaker is genuinely concerned regarding the issue, engaging the audience till the end.

Tips for giving a persuasive presentation

• Start your presentation with a relevant quote or statistics about your topic to establish credibility
• Tell personal anecdotes and examples wherever necessary to develop an emotional connection with your audience
• Deliver your presentation with passion and genuine interest to motivate your audience to think
• Answer the question “why” for better understanding and clarity in your presentation
• State your viewpoint clearly and clarify doubts if your audience seems to have any

Speech topics for persuasive presentations

• Is animal testing ethical?
• Should cosmetic surgery be banned?
• Can the death penalty be the only solution to the rising crime rates?
• Should the legal age be 18?
• Should immigration laws be revised?
• Why you should never add your parents on Facebook
• Guys are more interested in gossip than girls
• It is your major duty to annoy your parents
• You are not enjoying student life if you are not procrastinating
• Endless memes can be made on my life, etc
• Is taming wild and exotic animals ethical?
• The importance of emotional support animals
• Why are bunnies the perfect pet?
• Why do animals make the best companions?
• Why there is a need for patients to have emotional support animals, etc
• How and why there is a need to do business analysis before opening your business?
• Why small businesses are successful and more profitable?
• Why do sales and customer service departments need to be paid more?
• Why does the HR department need to be polite and understanding?
• Why should you not do business with a family member?
• How charity is a means of converting black money to white?
• Why is detaining people on the suspicion of terrorism justified?
• Should euthanasia be made legal?
• Should violent crime offenders be sentenced to death?
• Should foreigners be allowed to buy a property?

3. Demonstrative presentations

This involves demonstrating a process or the functioning of a product in a step-by-step fashion.

So, a master class on communication skills or making a product model is an example of a demonstrative presentation.

Usually, the audience is an active part of such presentations and these can work in any context where you want the audience to learn a new skill.

a) Instructions

This involves giving guidelines or steps of a process or work .

Teaching how to make a car model step-by-step is a good example where you can use this kind of informative presentation to guide your audience.

Another instance can be at the workplace , to train the employees or introduce them to a new product at work.

This type also works with demonstrating recipes and cooking workshops.

An example of demonstrative presentation

The easy guide on making just about any smoothie.

In this recipe demonstration, he tells his audience how many ingredients are involved and briefs them about the outline of his presentation at the start of his speech.

He also shows all steps in real-time so that the audience have a better understanding of the process and keeps them engaged.

Tips to give a demonstrative presentation

• Introduce your product and its function to your audience before telling them how to go about with the steps
• Explain the steps with diagrams or show them in real-time along with the audience
• Give equal time to every person in the audience for clearing doubts, if any
• Keep your introduction short. Not more than 5 minutes
• Discuss options or variations that the audience can try at the end of the presentation

Speech topics for demonstrative presentations

• How to administer CPR
• How to wrap a gift professionally
• How to budget your monthly income
• How to choose a car insurance
• How to restore a piece of antique furniture

4. Inspirational presentations

As the name suggests, this type of presentation involves inspiring others!

The main aim of an inspirational presentation is to motivate or move your audience and is also known as a motivational presentation.

Using techniques like storytelling, narrating personal anecdotes , or even humor work wonders as your audience develops an emotional connection to the message.

This TED talk by Luvvie Ajayi Jones is humorous but a lot more inspirational. Check it out!

Tips for giving an inspirational presentation

• Start with a question that will leave the audience thinking. Pause for some time and then begin with your presentation
• Develop a sense of connection by narrating personal incidents and experiences to grow empathy
• Have some main points that you want to emphasize on
• Make use of humor ! It instantly builds a connection with the listener
• Non-verbal elements like paralanguage, body language, speech modulations, tone, etc., makes a huge difference

Speech topics for an inspirational presentation

• Importance of diversity and inclusion
• Building mental resilience
• Need for change management
• Valuing small victories in life
• How procrastinating is your enemy

5. Business presentations

In the corporate world, presentations are the go-to solution to do anything: planning or strategizing, articulating company goals, screening candidates, status reports , and many more.

Let us take a dive into the different types of business presentations.

a) Sales presentation

Also known as sales pitches , sales presentations involve providing information about a product or a service to sell it.

It has a pre-defined strategy of initiating and closing the sales deal.

This can be done in person or nowadays, on the phone, or via e-communication .

b) Training sessions

Often employees have on-the-job training sessions that are aimed to increase the knowledge and skills of the employees.

This kind can also involve the audience to participate , like in demonstrative presentations.

c) Meetings

Meetings can be called for for different reasons and can be of different forms as well.

Conferences ( both video and in-person), board meetings, informal team meetings, daily reporting, etc., are all various contexts of meeting in a business setting.

d) E- presentations

E- presentations existed before the COVID pandemic as well but were used seldom.

But, with the ongoing pandemic, e-presentations or remote presentations have replaced all other types of presentations and will be with us for a while longer.

However, on the brighter side, it is an eco-friendly alternative to normal face-to-face kind of a set-up, and it also saves transportation and other costs !

e) Seminars

Seminars are widely used in the health sector , usually involving a panel of speakers on a topic. The audience is anywhere between 10 to 100.

It ends with a question and answers session , and the audience gets to take handouts with them.

f) One-on-one or 1:1

Interviews are usually one-on-one and involve presenting your achievements and capabilities to your prospective employer.

Apart from interviews, 1:1 meetings are also used in sales and marketing to crack a business deal.

Tips for giving business presentations

• Include key phrases and other important details on your slides and make them bold
• Avoid casual slangs and informal tone of speech
• If you are giving a sales presentation, explain your product or service in simple and clear words , and list the reasons why it is beneficial for your potential clients
• Make sure to be on time ! Delaying your audience will work against you and leave a bad impression on you and your company
• Know your material or content thoroughly to answer the questions asked by your audience

Speech topics for business presentations

• Implementing an Agile Project
• Introduction to data modeling
• Introduction to UML(Unified Modeling Language)
• Social Media strategies for a successful business
• Business writing for managers

6. Powerpoint presentations

PowerPoint presentations or PPTs are the most effective ones among all types of presentations simply because they are convenient and easy to understand .

They are available in different formats and are suitable to use in practically any type of presentation and context, be it business, educational, or for informal purposes.

There are various types of PowerPoint presentations that you can use depending on the context.

a) PPTs for general audience

• For general audiences, avoid using jargon terms

If you feel that you need to use them, provide the audience some background information about the field or topic being covered

• Avoid using more than 8 words per line, as anything more than that becomes difficult to remember
• Use bullets or a numbered list for better retention
• Try not to read from your PPT
• Give handouts or record your presentation in case anyone wants it

b) PPTs for teaching

• In this case, the PowerPoint is content-based
• Make sure that the words on the slides are visible
• Use bigger font and avoid fancy fonts
• Add relevant pictures and graphics to keep your audience engaged
• You can also add documentaries or relevant videos to aid in understanding

c) Repurpose PPTs

• This involves reinventing an earlier ppt or combining 1 or more than 1 PowerPoints
• Giving new touches to an earlier PPT or changing the format
• You can take any slide of your PPT and upload it on social media for growing your brand or business
• You can even convert your PPT into mp4 , i.e, video format
• You can even add voice and save the mp4 format, and you have a good marketing plan!

d) PechaKucha

• This type of PowerPoint presentation comes from the Japanese word PechaKucha meaning sound of a conversation or chit-chat
• This involves changing slides every 20 seconds
• There can be a maximum of 20 slides , which means your presentation lasts for only 6 minutes and 40 seconds
• The PPT mostly has graphics and fewer words
• This type of presentation is best suited for telling a story or a personal anecdote

e) Multimedia presentations

• This is the best kind of PPT to engage your audience
• It contains texts along with pictures, videos, infographics, music, illustrations, GIFs , and many more
• Add higher resolution images and videos , or even a 360-degree snapshot if you are in the sales and marketing industry
• Adding infographics such as charts and graphs makes the process of understanding easier and saves time
• Music in a PPT helps your audience to be relaxed, at the same time making them alert and engaged

Types of slides in a presentation

PowerPoint presentation slides are broadly classified into 3 categories: Text, Visual, and Mixed slides.

1. Text slides

As the name suggests, this category of slides involve words or texts.

You can format the text as plain sentences or pointers.

You may even arrange them all in a single slide or one line per slide.

The slide seen below is an example where every point is mentioned in a single slide.

2. Visual slides

This type of slide has visual elements such as images or videos , and are better known as conceptual slides since they are a better option than text slide to explain a particular concept.

You can use them at the start of the presentation to better visualize and grasp the meaning of the presentation.

The slide right below is a good example of a visual slide.

3. Mixed slides

Mixed slides combine the texts and visuals to give a comprehensive understanding of any concept or a speech.

Graphs and charts are the best examples of mixed slides.

Mixed slides have an advantage over the other slides; they keep your audience engaged, listening and participating more actively!

Types of Oral presentations

So far we came across 6 types of presentations, and they all share one common feature. They are all one of the types of oral presentations.

Oral presentations involve the use of verbal and non-verbal elements to deliver a speech to a particular or general audience.

All the types we discussed fall into these 4 broad categories:

1. Extemporaneous presentations

This type of presentation involves making short pointers or key phrases to aid while speaking.

You do not memorize, but organize the points and structure the speech way in advance.

Hence, on the day of your presentation, by just looking at the key points , you expand on them and move to the next point.

2. Impromptu presentations

Impromptu presentations are spoken without any preparation . It can be nerve-wracking for many, and hence not many are in favor of it.

There is a valid reason for their fear, as you have to make your speech as you say it!

However, those who are experts in their fields and are called upon to share a few words can easily give this type of presentation.

3. Manuscript presentations

The other extreme of the spectrum is manuscript presentations.

Here you have a script and you speak from it, word by word.

News anchors and show announcers usually engage in this type, since there are a lot of specific details that cannot be said wrong, and also, time constraints.

Usually, a prompter is used, from which the speaker speaks to their audience.

Nowadays, there are teleprompters , that are heavily used in the entertainment and media industry.

It is a digital screen that displays the contents, and the speaker speaks from it.

4. Memorized presentations

This type does not have any notes or cues , but you memorize or rote learn the whole speech.

School and some presentations at the workplace involve using this kind of presentation.

In most cases, we recommend not to memorise your speech in most cases. We’ve made a video on the same and how it could lead to you potentially blanking out on stage. Highly recommend you view this quick vid before choosing memorisation as a presentation path:

But, if you do choose it for whatever reason, since you are free from notes, you are free to focus on other aspects, such as body language and gestures.

Types of presentation styles

There are various presenting styles, but they do not work for all types of presentations.

Let us get familiar with them, and know which style works with which type.

a) The storyteller

This style of presentation involves the speaker narrating stories and engaging the audience emotionally .

This technique works best with persuasive and inspirational types of presentation.

So, how to tell a story in a presentation?

• Understand and know your audience : Knowing your audience will help you with how you will frame your story, at the same time gauging the relevance of your narrative
• Know your message : Be clear with what you want to convey through your story or how you are connecting the story with your actual presentation
• Try narrative a real-life story : Inspiring presenters often take their own stories or the stories of people whom they know as a supplement to their presentation. When the audience listens to your real-life examples, they become genuinely interested in your story
• Add visual aids : Using visual aids such as pictures, videos, multimedia, etc., increases the memory retention and engagement of your audience
• Use the “you” attitude : Tell the story keeping your audience in mind because ultimately they are going to be the receivers and hence, the story should be relevant and should include their point of view as well

Want more storytelling tactics? Mystery, characterisation and the final takeaway are some more key elements of a good story for your next presentation. We’ve gone deeper into this topic in this video if you would like to know more:

b) The Visual style

Most of us are visual learners, making visual information easy to understand and retain.

Visual aids like graphics, images, diagrams, key pointers or phrases , etc., are very useful when giving any type of presentation.

Some tips of presenting with visual style:

• Include only important pointers in your PowerPoint presentation and highlight or bold them
• Try including visuals that complement what you are saying and use them as a supplementary tool to aid in understanding your audience
• If you are giving a business presentation and want to include visuals, instead of plain texts, include graphics and charts to make information simpler to present and understand
• Avoid overly complex visuals as it will confuse the audience more
• Avoid using more than 6 lines per slide

c) Analytic style

If you have data records or statistical information to be presented, an analytic style will be more helpful.

It works best for Informative and Business types of presentations.

Tips to deliver in analytic style:

• Give handouts so that the audience is on track with your presentation and the information will be easier to comprehend
• Focus and speak on selected data as too much data statistics can be overwhelming for the audience
• You can make use of humor and personal anecdotes to keep the presentation interesting and engaging
• If you have too much data and are worried that you will not be able to explain it in the time frame given, avoid writing content of more than 2000 words

Quick tip: In case you have a PDF to present and want to edit the data points, there are multiple software programs that you can use to allow you to easily do this. Check out this list of the Best Free Recording Software Programs to know more.

d) The Connector

The connector style of presentation involves the speaker establishing a connection with the audience by pointing out similarities between them and the listeners.

This style works well with Sales and marketing presentations.

How to give a presentation using connector style?

• Have a Q & A round with the audience at the end of your presentation for clarifying any doubts and avoiding miscommunication
• Use audience polls at the start of your presentation to know your audience and tailor your speech accordingly
• Make use of body language and gestures for delivering your presentation effectively. If you are confused or want to know more about the aspects of how to use body and gestures, check out our article on To walk or stand still: How should you present when on stage?
• Ask questions to your audience at regular intervals for a better audience engagement
• Make use of multimedia sources to keep your audience engaged and entertained

Which type of presentation is best?

Although all the presentation types have their own bonuses and are suitable for certain circumstances, some are universal and can be used with a little bit of modification almost everywhere!

These are persuasive presentations!

You can use them in various settings; from political, business to educational.

Just remember to choose the right topic for the right audience, and a style that you think is the most suitable and you are good to go!

Level up your public speaking in 15 minutes!

Get the exclusive Masterclass video delivered to your inbox to see immediate speaking results.

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

To conclude

We saw 6 types of presentation and understood it in detail.

We also gained some tips on how to make our presentation more engaging and also came across things to avoid as well.

We then explored the types of slides that you can use, and also the types of presenting orally.

We also gave you some tips and a few topic ideas that you can incorporate in your next speech!

Enroll in our transformative 1:1 Coaching Program

Schedule a call with our expert communication coach to know if this program would be the right fit for you

Lost Voice? Here’s How to Recover Sore Throat and Speak Again

7 Keys to Emcee Like a Pro: Unlock Your Hosting Potential

8 Ways to Rise Above the Noise to Communicate Better

• [email protected]
• +91 98203 57888

Get our latest tips and tricks in your inbox always

Copyright © 2023 Frantically Speaking All rights reserved

Kindly drop your contact details so that we can arrange call back

Select Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria AmericanSamoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Rwanda Samoa San Marino Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Tajikistan Thailand Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Wallis and Futuna Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe land Islands Antarctica Bolivia, Plurinational State of Brunei Darussalam Cocos (Keeling) Islands Congo, The Democratic Republic of the Cote d'Ivoire Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Guernsey Holy See (Vatican City State) Hong Kong Iran, Islamic Republic of Isle of Man Jersey Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Lao People's Democratic Republic Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Macao Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Mozambique Palestinian Territory, Occupied Pitcairn Réunion Russia Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan Da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sao Tome and Principe Somalia Svalbard and Jan Mayen Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tanzania, United Republic of Timor-Leste Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S.

Learn » Presentations » Multimedia Presentation

Multimedia Presentation

Table of contents, what is a multimedia presentation.

What makes a multimedia presentation different than the average PowerPoint, Prezi, or other presenter software, is the fact that a multimedia presentation incorporates both audio and visual elements to captivate an audience. It can be used for anything from lectures, trainings, presentations, or even marketing campaigns. Multimedia presentations can range from simple PowerPoint slideshows to complex video productions.

Other popular elements of a multimedia presentation  will range from stock photos, audio narration, background music, custom transition animations, animated icons , and even sound effects. While the setting and types of presentation may vary, the core purpose of the multimedia presentation is to deliver the message to a group or audience. 

Unlike a PowerPoint presentation however, the term “multimedia presentation” is more commonly used in the business or corporate setting. Companies will use them in trade show displays, explainer videos that demonstrate how their product or services is best suited for their customer. All multimedia presentations however start off in the same manner as a PowerPoint does, a blank canvas or document that outlines what content (text, photos, ideas)  must be presented by the time the presentation has finished.

(created for a past client)

Advantages of multimedia presentations

One of the major benefits of using a multimedia presentation is to allow for different types of learning styles. Auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners all learn differently, so incorporating multiple types of multimedia will help ensure that everyone in the audience is able to comprehend your message.

Another advantage of using multimedia is that it keeps your audience engaged. If you have a longer presentation, visuals can help break up the monotony of simply talking and help keep listeners’ attention. Audio elements such as music and sound effects can also be effective in keeping a consistent flow to the presentation.

Developing an outline for a multimedia presentation

When creating an outline for your multimedia presentation, it’s important to start by identifying the key points that you want to make. This will serve as a roadmap for the rest of your presentation and ensure that each slide is structured in a way that makes sense in relation to the topic at hand.

You should also consider how many slides you’ll need and what kind of visuals you’ll be using. Will you be presenting images, videos, or something else? Once you have a basic outline of your presentation, you can start building out each slide.

optimizing content for maximum engagement

When it comes to multimedia presentations, clarity and conciseness are key. Each slide should communicate the main point quickly and effectively. Too much content or too many visuals can be overwhelming and make it difficult for your audience to comprehend the point you’re trying to make.

It’s also important to think about how the audio and visual elements of each slide will interact with one another. Listeners should be able to clearly hear what is being said, while visuals should be used to reinforce the audio. When done correctly, multimedia presentations create an immersive experience that engages your audience and helps them better understand and remember what they just heard.

how to create a multimedia presentation

If you already have a Powerpoint presentation, congrats! You’ve saved yourself some time as the content is already there. The most important aspect at the beginning is determining which headlines are to be paired with which text, everything else is secondary. 

PowerPoint and other presentation software creators can give you many ideas for the flow of the video presentation but they lack the custom animations and “pop” that a multimedia presentation can benefit from.

Take for example, the series of presentation images above. These look great from a layout-perspective but typically what these “out-of-the-box” software options will do is only enable you to click and the image will appear (sure, maybe it’s a dissolve or flash animation but remember, everyone else is doing this as well).

Multimedia presentation software

If you or someone you know has access to the Adobe Creative Suite, I  highly recommend using this first and foremost. If not, Adobe After Effects will be powerful enough to get you up and running with animations, unique backgrounds and the best part is you can import all your own images. 

While this is not a tutorial on how to use After Effects, some of the nifty things you can do is animate your logo as the intro. This is one component of presentations that I often find people overlook. Having a solid intro (5-10 seconds max) can give your video presentation that “branded feel.” Attached here is one I created for REMAX Brokerage. 

What are common multimedia components

In a multimedia presentation, several components work together to convey the main topic and points. To help the end user better consume the message, components that are frequently found in a multimedia presentation are:

• Transitions

Let’s take a look at each one below…

Even if you opt to present a multimedia presentation vs. a written report, it is beneficial to include at least some text. There can’t be any presentation whether simple or multimedia which doesn’t contain text, simply because audience members benefit from a diverse set of data inputs (i.e. audio, visual, kinetic). That is why the text is a basic component of multimedia presentation. However, text can take several forms in multimedia presentations such as headlines, features list, and more. It does not have to be paragraphs that can be daunting to read.

Images and Photos:

Images (whether your own or stock photos) can be a great benefit to the overall presentation. I believe the saying goes “a picture tells 1000 words…” while this is certainly true, keep in mind that all components of a multimedia or video presentation should be used to support the other elements. Too much of a good thing can be just that…too much. 

image resolution

Choosing images and videos for your multimedia presentation is only half the battle. You also need to make sure that these visuals are of high enough quality for your audience to be able to enjoy them. Image resolution is an important factor in multimedia presentations – using images or videos with low resolution can make them look blurry and low-quality, which can ruin the overall effect of your presentation.

Background music and vocal narration are two other elements that can help bring a presentation to life. Music can not only help an audience pay more attention to the overall presentation but give it a bit more “pop.”

Animated Icons:

Animated Icons within multimedia presentations typically render as video or GIF format . If you’re using a popular presentation software such as PowerPoint, dragging and dropping (or uploading) is one of the easiest ways to quickly add some dynamic movement. Below are a few animations icons for customization. (change colors, dimensions, format, etc.):

What Is The Most Important Aspect of a Multimedia Presentation

The most important aspect of a multimedia presentation is the message it’s trying to convey. It’s all too easy to get caught up in picking visuals and planning out slides, but without a clear message, your presentation won’t be effective.

Make sure that each slide serves a purpose and helps drive home the main point you are trying to make. This will ensure that your presentation leaves a lasting impression on your audience and helps them get the most out of what you’re trying to say.

Data Infographics & Animated Charts

Animated charts and graphs are a great way to help showcase your information and message. Even if you are not using a video format for your entire presentation, i.e. using something like PowerPoint, you can embed video infographics and GIFs inside your presentation. Considerations for your animated graphs can be:

• Dimensions of graph
• Format (GIF vs. Video)
• Length of Animation
• Image to Text Ratio

is a powerpoint a multimedia presentation

A Powerpoint presentation can indeed be considered a multimedia presentation, as it can include both visual and audio elements. However, for a Powerpoint to truly be considered a multimedia presentation, the visuals should work together with the audio in order to create an immersive experience that engages your audience.

Where are video presentations used

There is wide use of multimedia presentations in business and corporate events. Various training programs take place in offices and organizations where multimedia presentations play a vital role. Video training and internal communication has benefited from the use of media and video presentations because let’s face it…reading through TPS reports all day can become quite straining on the mind. 

From video advertisements, conferencing, classes, and workshops, these presentations can help you in better representing your brand and business. 

final multimedia design tips

The best multimedia presentations are those that capture the attention of their audience and keep them engaged throughout. To create a successful multimedia presentation, it’s important to consider key factors such as content structure, visuals, audio-visual interaction, color palettes, and image resolution. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating an effective multimedia presentation that packs a punch.

If you’re looking to have a custom quote for your project or brainstorm some ideas feel free to get in touch using the button below. 

Wondering what other services Jon offers? Learn about websites, animations and other creative deliverables. Offered worldwide.

Questions and projects welcome.

© JonMGomes.com

Thanks for stopping by! Ready to move forward?

Choose an option below to get started:

Next, briefly describe your project and Jon will get back to you shortly with a personalized quote.

Receive a curated list of resources from Jon's website tailored to help you achieve your goals.

• Presentation

What is a multimedia presentation? – A complete guide

• February 18, 2023

The footprint of technology can be seen in every home and work today. Using laptops and computers to create presentations to share data and information or present a product with others is an ordinary task nowadays. It’s an effective communication method for delivering your idea, message, and targeted information to audiences.

Multimedia presentation is one of the most used and powerful tools for Presentation design services . You can combine images and videos with audio and animations to present a new multi-sensory experience for your audiences. In this blog post, we are going to introduce what is multimedia presentations , their definitions, how to make one, and some multimedia presentation examples to understand it better.

Table of Contents

Multimedia presentation meaning

A multimedia presentation can be explained as a presentation including information and data that is presented by video, images, and animation, or a digital presentation that includes audio, narration, music, and sound effects to deliver your messages to the audience.

You can create introductory multimedia presentation examples with Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides. Also, more creative and modern tools are available to help you make even better presentations.

Why do you need to do a Multimedia Presentation?

• Multimedia presentation expands the technology skills · 
• It brings the opportunity to present updated technologies 
• To make an interesting/appealing presentation it creates creative challenges
• Multimedia presentations have a unique competition

What are various types of multimedia presentations?

People are familiar with multimedia and whatever means like it. There are many types of multimedia presentations . Here are some of the best multimedia presentations that can combine with text in your slides: Photos, Video, Music and other audio effects, Infographics, Animation, GIFs, Surveys, Screenshots, Logos, icons, and other graphics.

How do you choose the correct multimedia presentation?

When developing a digital-text presentation, one must pick up suitable multimedia components that are relevant to your presentation topic. Multimedia used appropriately enables the message to be expressed meaningfully, creating understanding and keeping the audience interested. Consider the following factors when selecting multimedia for your presentation:

• Content relevance: does the content you are using fit your message?
• Audio enhancement: does the quality of audio complement your content?
• Data visualization: can you simplify complex data with the visualization?
• Multimedia integration: Can all elements work together and be related?
• Accessibility considerations: is it accessible to everyone to use and understand it?
• Technical feasibility: Will you manage to present your prepared speech effectively?

What makes a multimedia presentation effective?

An effective multimedia presentation is not just adding a video or animation to your presentation; it’s about building a story. Your presentation must shine in front of your audience and grab their attention before delivering your message. We believe that the best way to make this happen is if you prepare an excellent ‘hook’ for your presentation.

Just like a good book captivates your audience so they cannot put it down or even want more of it. Those ones have long been gone where there was a need to rely on just text and simple graphics alone to develop presentations. Nowadays, it is possible for anyone to use an amalgamation of audio, video, and pictures when addressing any audience to be effective.

Common multimedia presentation examples

You can use videos to enhance information. The video can also be used in different types of multimedia presentations to add context or bring a theory to life using visual examples.

Voice narration

You can use recorded voices and voice narration in your multi media presentation to influence your audience with different methods than regular ones.

Animations and GIFs

Sales teams no longer depend on their team to present an oral presentation. Instead, they can use remote pitching.

Graphs and charts

A multimedia presentation is an excellent way to solve complex problems that require close examination of large amounts of data. Charts and graphs often enhance these multimedia presentations.

How to Create a Multimedia Presentation?

You need to use the right presentation tools in multimedia based on your needs. These are simple and easy steps in the tutorial here:

1-Define what is the aim or goal of your multimedia presentation

Firstly, you should find out clearly what it is that will be presented and also why. Ensure that everything is in place concerning the necessary material to be arranged in a manner that facilitates composition.

2-Use visuals to plan your content

With everything planned for and all your content prepared for the slide deck, it’s time to develop an outline. When developing your outline, consider how this may involve different media and be improved.

3-Pick a slide layout/template and develop your contents

Go to your presentation tools in multimedia , choose a theme, select a background color or image for slides, and then go ahead and open whichever presentation tool you’re planning to make use of to locate an ideally suited presentation template meant for your task. There is a variety ranging from ready-made presentations to slide libraries available in various designs. 

For a multimedia presentation, select one from slide libraries. Presentation themes are also known as slide libraries. For example, you can use Visme or Canva presentation themes.

4-Add multimedia content

By now, your presentation should appear to be smart but static. We want to make this interesting, so let’s throw in some fun multimedia presentation devices.

You can use outline and visualization idea sketches by write a short note on adding multimedia contents & printing slides . Keep in mind and do not overload the slides with too many types of media. It won’t work. In order to maintain a balance, one should aim at two or three types of media scattered throughout the presentation.

5-Review, re-edit, and share it

When it’s done, now you should make a review of your presentation. This stage is where you should check everything after you have added all your content, including regular and multimedia. Click on “present” in your used tool to read through your presentation as an observer would see it. Write down anything that appears wrong or incomplete every time you finish looking at a specific slide. Revise the same slides accordingly until you feel your presentation is perfect.

Tips to create an effective multimedia presentation

Choose the right media.

In making a multimedia presentation, you need to specify one appropriate form of media to convey every item of information that you would like communicated. One example might be that while describing a complicated idea, consider using a video or animation. In the case of simple fact communication, choose a text or image.

Keep it balanced

Provide not more than two media for your presentation. Your audience may find it overwhelming if you give them too much media. Thus, you should use various types of media and use them little by little in your presentation.

Use high-quality media

Ensure that you have good-quality media in your presentation. Therefore, one should use transparent pictures and clips and record high-quality sound.

Keep It Short and simple

Avoid overcrowding your slides. The images and text need to be limited. This is because if it is too much, it becomes impossible to read. On average, audiences can pay attention to a presentation season of about 20 minutes. In that case, keep in mind in the presentation less is more. The duration of your presentation should not exceed 15 minutes.

Practice your presentation repeatedly before presenting it. By practicing your PowerPoint presentation, you will be able to deliver your presentation at the right time and deliver your message without any hitches.

Best Presentation Tools in Multimedia

Normally, you would require several software packages specifically designed for making a multimedia presentation. Presenter Maker by Visme is a great choice if you want multi-purpose software.

This means that at all times, users could choose to build multimedia presentations, which may involve animation, voiceover, or video presentation.

Canva integrates several key elements of PowerPoint into some of these Adobe Creative Cloud programs. It is appropriate for intermediates to experts. Their plans are also cheap for many people, while a free plan is available for everyone.

People can also use a program known as Keynote, which is a product of Apple, in order to craft multimedia presentations. It is simple and very user-friendly, with a presentation font size that will allow you to create an impressive show.

4-Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint is the most known and popular free tool for creating presentations. It’s easy to use PowerPoint presentations, and it would be a good choice for beginners. 

5-Google Slides

Slide is a free online tool from Google. Google Slides allows users to create presentations using text, images, charts, and graphs all in one place and its have new feature like Google Slides on smart TV .

The evolution of multimedia presentation s has created a new communication channel in which people have learned to share ideas, disseminate, and communicate data. Audiences enjoy the different feelings of multimedia presentations integrated with multiple media elements such as text, images, audio clips, videos, and animations for more profitable retention and impact on their minds. These include educational, business marketing, and entertainment presentations. Such tools are highly functional, as they help attract viewers and stick in their minds anywhere. The emergence of multimedia presentations, coupled with technological advancement, will offer increasingly dynamic means of communicating with and engaging with global audiences worldwide.

What is a multimedia presentation vs a presentation?

A multimedia presentation is exactly what it says: a visual presentation that uses multiple media. A multimedia presentation is different from a static presentation. It uses motion, sound, and interactive elements.

Why is multimedia presentation important?

Multimedia content can be used to enhance and vary the learning process and improve knowledge retention. Video education can give students more ways to interact with the material. Students around the globe can access video content.

• Graphic Design , UI-UX

How to Become a Motion Graphic Designer?

A Brief Overview of Lean UX

UX Strategy and Its Components

you'r more than welcome

7 days a week, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

contact info

[email protected] +971581974748

• LB07129, Jebel Ali Freezone, Dubai, UAE

Got a Project?

We’re a team of creatives who are excited about unique ideas and help companies to create amazing identity by offering wide range of digital services

© 2021 All rights reserved.

Be the first one who knows about updates!

enter your email address 📩

Welcome to the club 🎉.

From now on, Temis will inform you of its most valuable content and offers. You can also subscribe to this list at the moment. We will also protect your privacy

Find the images you need to make standout work. If it’s in your head, it’s on our site.

• Images home
• Curated collections
• AI image generator
• Offset images
• Backgrounds/Textures
• Business/Finance
• Sports/Recreation
• Animals/Wildlife
• Beauty/Fashion
• Celebrities
• Food and Drink
• Illustrations/Clip-Art
• Miscellaneous
• Parks/Outdoor
• Buildings/Landmarks
• Healthcare/Medical
• Signs/Symbols
• Transportation
• All categories
• Editorial video
• Shutterstock Select
• Shutterstock Elements
• Health Care
• PremiumBeat
• Templates Home
• Instagram all
• Highlight covers
• Facebook all
• Carousel ads
• Cover photos
• Event covers
• Youtube all
• Channel Art
• Etsy big banner
• Etsy mini banner
• Etsy shop icon
• Pinterest all
• Pinterest pins
• Twitter all
• Twitter Banner
• Infographics
• Zoom backgrounds
• Announcements
• Certificates
• Gift Certificates
• Real Estate Flyer
• Travel Brochures
• Anniversary
• Baby Shower
• Mother’s Day
• Thanksgiving
• All Invitations
• Party invitations
• Wedding invitations
• Book Covers
• Editorial home
• Entertainment
• About Creative Flow
• Create editor
• Content calendar
• Photo editor
• Background remover
• Collage maker
• Resize image
• Color palettes
• Color palette generator
• Image converter
• Contributors
• PremiumBeat blog
• Invitations
• Design Inspiration
• Design Resources
• Design Elements & Principles
• Contributor Support
• Marketing Assets
• Cards and Invitations
• Social Media Designs
• Print Projects
• Organizational Tools
• Case Studies
• Platform Solutions
• Generative AI
• Computer Vision
• Free Downloads
• Create Fund

8 Types of Presentations and Examples of When You Can Use Them

Presentations help you communicate ideas in a simple way that sticks with your target audience. here’s what you need to know to have success with all types of presentations..

For your presentation to be effective, you need to choose the right format and recognize the nuances of each one. Here’s a look at eight types of presentations you can use to share your knowledge.

8 Types of Presentations

1. Providing Information

The primary purpose of any type of presentation is to provide information to an audience. The difference between this method and others is that there are many elements you have to consider in order to be effective. That includes slide design , talking points, and usually, a time limit.

2. Teaching

When you’re educating, use several examples to illustrate your points. If your audience doesn’t understand something you’re talking about, give them specific examples so they can see for themselves what you mean.

Repetition is key when you teach a new concept. It’s important to include a variety examples throughout your slide deck to reinforce your information. This helps combat your audience getting bored or tired from hearing the same thing over and over again.

3. Reporting

You can use presentations when reporting by showing research findings and conclusions. The most important thing to remember is that you need to design your slides to highlight your most critical data. That way, your audience will walk away understanding its high points.

It’s important to know your audience before you jump into your presentation and start selling. Research must be the first step of the process, so you can design a presentation that speaks to your people.

Also, be sure to not overwhelm yourself or others by packing too much information into one slide.

5. Problem-Solving

While it’s a less common use case, you can also use presentations to sort out problems. This is especially useful when you’re working with a team. It acts as a simple way to get everyone on the same page before making a decision.

6. Decision Making

Once you come to an agreement that something is an issue and discover some ways to solve it, there are still choices you need to make. You can use presentations to explore and explain different options before you finalize your next step forward.

7. Entertaining

Creating a presentation with entertainment in mind is a nice way to break up any potential monotony and deliver important information, at the same time.

The entertainment factor doesn’t necessarily have to be goofy or fun, but it should be compelling for the audience and capture their attention. Visuals are particularly important here.

8. Motivational

Stories are good tools for bringing any message home. Use personal anecdotes and examples that illustrate points. This will help people remember your message when they need it most, and it also makes it easier for the audience to connect with you.

3 Presentation Use Cases

Want to take your information and put it in presentation format for your audience? Before you start, use these examples to gain inspiration.

1. Business Presentation Examples

Business presentations don’t have to be boring. Take these tips to wow your colleagues and your audience. 

Conferences

There are many different companies and ideas competing for attention at conferences. Use storytelling and bold design choices to stand out.

Raising Awareness

Getting a new initiative going in an organization is no easy feat. Use a presentation to fill in stakeholders on what you want to do and get their approval.

Sales Decks

Selling has a direct impact on revenue goals, so it’s critical for your presentation to support that. Include questions, pain points, and supporting data to let your potential customers know you “get” them.

2. Presentation Ideas for Kids and Students

Education requires a lot of listening and absorbing information. Help kids and students show what they know with these presentation formats.

All About Them

For younger or new students, this is an easy presentation idea. They can create slides that explain details about themselves to learn the art of public speaking. It also helps their peers get to know them better.

Charts and Graphics

Facts and data play a key role in understanding a concept. However, keeping track of them all can be intimidating. Take them through the process of communicating complex ideas visually, with this presentation idea for students.

Storytelling

Stories are an important part of early learning but, eventually, we all learn there’s a place for stories outside of a book. Students and kids can create presentations that focus on this skill.

3. Virtual Presentation Ideas

Virtual presentations are more prevalent than ever, but engaging an audience when you aren’t in the same room isn’t easy.

If you’re sharing ideas with a group, make it interactive by giving a workshop-style presentation. Be sure to leave room to ask and answer questions, as well as save space for group discussions.

Ask Me Anything

The question and answer format is a popular presentation type, but you can add even more interest with slides. Use images, fonts , and colors that are on brand and increase engagement. 

Information and Gamification

Gamification results in 14% higher scores on skill-based assessments. To amplify people’s understanding of the concepts you present, use gamification throughout your slide deck.

How to Put Together Presentation Ideas without PowerPoint

If you’re looking for creative presentation ideas without PowerPoint , Shutterstock Create’s slideshow presentation maker is easy to use. Our designer-crafted templates are super-simple to customize and make your own in just a few clicks. 

We have thousands of graphics in a multitude of styles, shapes, and sizes you can use to create designs that others will notice. We also offer gorgeous stock photos to help you communicate exactly what you need to with each visual. Everyone has something to teach, now it’s your turn. Use these ideas to create all types of presentations and communicate effectively.

Need some more presentation inspo? We’ve got you covered:

• How to Make a Professional Video Presentation
• 10 Fun “Presentation Night” Ideas
• Google Slides vs. PowerPoint: Which Is Best to Make a Slideshow?

License this cover image via AlexandrWell .

Recently viewed

Related Posts

How to Make a Photography Portfolio to Showcase to Clients

A photography portfolio brings together the best examples of your…

How to Make a Coloring Book for Self-Publish or Just for Fun!

Coloring books aren’t just for children anymore! You can design…

10 Successful Pitch Deck Examples (and 2 Examples to Avoid)

A pitch deck is a short presentation used to communicate…

Inspiring Graphic Design Portfolio Examples

Learn how to create a graphic design portfolio with style and impact in this complete guide to portfolio design.

© 2023 Shutterstock Inc. All rights reserved.

• Terms of use
• License agreement
• Privacy policy
• Social media guidelines

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

15.3 Media to Use for Presentation Aids

Learning objectives.

• Understand the range of media choices for presentation aids.
• Identify advantages and disadvantages of different presentation aid media.
• Explain the role of careful planning and good execution when using presentation aids.

The venue of your speech should suggest the appropriate selection of presentation aids. In your classroom, you have several choices, including some that omit technology. If you are speaking in a large auditorium, you will almost certainly need to use technology to project text and images on a large screen.

Many students feel that they lack the artistic skills to render their own graphics, so they opt to use copyright-free graphics on their presentation aids. You may do this as long as you use images that are created in a consistent style. For instance, you should not combine realistic renderings with cartoons unless there is a clear and compelling reason to do so. Being selective in this way will result in a sequence of presentation aids that look like a coherent set, thereby enhancing your professionalism.

In keeping with careful choices and effective design, we also have to do a good job in executing presentation aids. They should never look hastily made, dirty, battered, or disorganized. They do not have to be fancy, but they do need to look professional. In this section we will discuss the major types of media that can be used for presentation aids, which include computer-based media, audiovisual media, and low-tech media.

Computer-Based Media

In most careers in business, industry, and other professions for which students are preparing themselves, computer-based presentation aids are the norm today. Whether the context is a weekly department meeting in a small conference room or an annual convention in a huge amphitheater, speakers are expected to be comfortable with using PowerPoint or other similar software to create and display presentation aids.

If your public speaking course meets in a smart classroom, you have probably had the opportunity to see the computer system in action. Many such systems today are nimble and easy to use. Still, “easy” is a relative term. Don’t take for granted someone else’s advice that “it’s really self-explanatory”—instead, make sure to practice ahead of time. It is also wise to be prepared for technical problems, which can happen to even the most sophisticated computer users. When Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple and cofounder of Pixar, introduced a new iPhone 4 in June, 2010, his own visual presentation froze (Macworld, 2010). The irony of a high-tech guru’s technology not working at a public presentation did not escape the notice of news organizations.

The world was first introduced to computer presentations back in the 1970s, but these software packages were expensive and needed highly trained technicians to operate the programs. Today, there are a number of presentation software programs that are free or relatively inexpensive and that can be learned quickly by nonspecialists. Table 15.1 “Presentation Software Packages” lists several of these.

Table 15.1 Presentation Software Packages

In addition to becoming more readily accessible, presentation software has become more flexible over the years. As recently as the mid-2000s, critics such as the eminent graphic expert and NASA consultant Edward Tufte charged that PowerPoint’s tendency to force the user to put a certain number of bullet points on each slide in a certain format was a serious threat to the accurate presentation of data. As Tufte put it, “the rigid slide-by-slide hierarchies, indifferent to content, slice and dice the evidence into arbitrary compartments, producing an anti-narrative with choppy continuity” (Tufte, 2005). Tufte argues that poor decision making, such as was involved with the 2003 space shuttle Columbia disaster, may have been related to the shortcomings of such presentation aids in NASA meetings. While more recent versions of PowerPoint and similar programs allow much more creative freedom in designing slides, this freedom comes with a responsibility—the user needs to take responsibility for using the technology to support the speech and not get carried away with the many special effects the software is capable of producing.

What this boils down to is observing the universal principles of good design, which include unity, emphasis or focal point, scale and proportion, balance, and rhythm (Lauer & Pentak, 2000). As we’ve mentioned earlier, it’s generally best to use a single font for the text on your visuals so that they look like a unified set. In terms of scale or proportion, it is essential to make sure the information is large enough for the audience to see; and since the display size may vary according to the monitor you are using, this is another reason for practicing in advance with the equipment you intend to use. The rhythm of your slide display should be reasonably consistent—you would not want to display a dozen different slides in the first minute of a five-minute presentation and then display only one slide per minute for the rest of the speech.

In addition to presentation software such as PowerPoint, speakers sometimes have access to interactive computer-based presentation aids. These are often called “clickers”—handheld units that audience members hold and that are connected to a monitor to which the speaker has access. These interactive aids are useful for tracking audience responses to questions, and they have the advantage over asking for a show of hands in that they can be anonymous. A number of instructors in various courses use “clickers” in their classrooms.

Using computer-based aids in a speech brings up a few logistical considerations. In some venues, you may need to stand behind a high-tech console to operate the computer. You need to be aware that this will physically isolate you from the audience you with whom you are trying to establish a relationship in your speech. When you stand behind presentation equipment, you may feel really comfortable, but you end up limiting your nonverbal interaction with your audience.

If your classroom is not equipped with a computer and you want to use presentation software media in your speech, you may of course bring your computer, or you may be able to schedule the delivery of a computer cart to your classroom. In either case, check with your instructor about the advance preparations that will be needed. At some schools, there are very few computer carts, so it is important to reserve one well in advance. You will also want to see if you can gain access to one ahead of time to practice and familiarize yourself with the necessary passwords and commands to make your slides run properly. On the day of your speech, be sure to arrive early enough to test out the equipment before class begins.

Audiovisual Media

Although audio and video clips are often computer-based, they can be (and, in past decades, always were) used without a computer.

Audio presentation aids are useful for illustrating musical themes. For instance, if you’re speaking about how the Polish composer Frederick Chopin was inspired by the sounds of nature, you can convey that meaning only through playing an example. If you have a smart classroom, you may be able to use it to play an MP3. Alternatively, you may need to bring your music player. In that case, be sure the speakers in the room are up to the job. The people in the back of the room must be able to hear it, and the speakers must not sound distorted when you turn the volume up.

Video that clarifies, explains, amplifies, emphasizes, or illustrates a key concept in your speech is appropriate, as long as you do not rely on it to do your presentation for you. There are several things you must do. First, identify a specific section of video that delivers meaning. Second, “cue up” the video so that you can just pop it into the player, and it will begin at the right place. Third, tell your audience where the footage comes from. You can tell your audience, for instance, that you are showing them an example from the 1985 BBC documentary titled “In Search of the Trojan War.” Fourth, tell your audience why you’re showing the footage. For instance, you can tell them, “This is an example of storytelling in the Bardic tradition.” You can interrupt or mute the video to make a comment about it, but your total footage should not use more than 20 percent of the time for your speech.

Low-Tech Media

In some speaking situations, of course, computer technology is not available. Even if you have ready access to technology, there will be contexts where computer-based presentation aids are unnecessary or even counterproductive. And in still other contexts, computer-based media may be accompanied by low-tech presentation aids. One of the advantages of low-tech media is that they are very predictable. There’s little that can interfere with using them. Additionally, they can be inexpensive to produce. However, unlike digital media, they can be prone to physical damage in the form of smudges, scratches, dents, and rips. It can be difficult to keep them professional looking if you have to carry them through a rainstorm or blizzard, so you will need to take steps to protect them as you transport them to the speech location. Let’s examine some of the low-tech media that you might use with a speech.

Chalk or Dry-Erase Board

If you use a chalkboard or dry-erase board you are not using a prepared presentation aid . Your failure to prepare visuals ahead of time can be interpreted in several ways, mostly negative. If other speakers carefully design, produce, and use attractive visual aids, yours will stand out by contrast. You will be seen as the speaker who does not take the time to prepare even a simple aid. Do not use a chalkboard or marker board and pretend it’s a prepared presentation aid.

However, numerous speakers do utilize chalk and dry-erase boards effectively. Typically, these speakers use the chalk or dry-erase board for interactive components of a speech. For example, maybe you’re giving a speech in front of a group of executives. You may have a PowerPoint all prepared, but at various points in your speech you want to get your audience’s responses. Chalk or dry-erase boards are very useful when you want to visually show information that you are receiving from your audience. If you ever use a chalk or dry-erase board, follow these three simple rules:

• Write large enough so that everyone in the room can see.
• Print legibly; don’t write in cursive script.
• Write short phrases; don’t take time to write complete sentences.

It is also worth mentioning that some classrooms and business conference rooms are equipped with smartboards, or digitally enhanced whiteboards. On a smartboard you can bring up prepared visuals and then modify them as you would a chalk or dry-erase board. The advantage is that you can keep a digital record of what was written for future reference. However, as with other technology-based media, smartboards may be prone to unexpected technical problems, and they require training and practice to be used properly.

A flipchart is useful when you’re trying to convey change over a number of steps. For instance, you could use a prepared flipchart to show dramatic population shifts on maps. In such a case, you should prepare highly visible, identical maps on three of the pages so that only the data will change from page to page. Each page should be neatly titled, and you should actively point out the areas of change on each page. You could also use a flip chart to show stages in the growth and development of the malaria-bearing mosquito. Again, you should label each page, making an effort to give the pages a consistent look.

Organize your flip chart in such a way that you flip pages in one direction only, front to back. It will be difficult to flip large pages without damaging them, and if you also have to “back up” and “skip forward,” your presentation will look awkward and disorganized. Pages will get damaged, and your audience will be able to hear each rip.

In addition, most flip charts need to be propped up on an easel of some sort. If you arrive for your speech only to find that the easel in the classroom has disappeared, you will need to rig up another system that allows you to flip the pages.

Poster Board or Foam Board

Foam board consists of a thin sheet of Styrofoam with heavy paper bonded to both surfaces. It is a lightweight, inexpensive foundation for information, and it will stand on its own when placed in an easel without curling under at the bottom edge. Poster board tends to be cheaper than foam board, but it is flimsier, more vulnerable to damage, and can’t stand on its own.

If you plan to paste labels or paragraphs of text to foam or poster board, for a professional look you should make sure the color of the poster board matches the color of the paper you will paste on. You will also want to choose a color that allows for easy visual contrast so your audience can see it, and it must be a color that’s appropriate for the topic. For instance, hot pink would be the wrong color on a poster for a speech about the Protestant Reformation.

Avoid producing a presentation aid that looks like you simply cut pictures out of magazines and pasted them on. Slapping some text and images on a board looks unprofessional and will not be viewed as credible or effective. Instead, when creating a poster you need to take the time to think about how you are going to lay out your aid and make it look professional. You do not have to spend lots of money to make a very sleek and professional-looking poster.

Some schools also have access to expensive, full-color poster printers where you can create large poster for pasting on a foam board. In the real world of public speaking, most speakers rely on the creation of professional posters using a full-color poster printer. Typically, posters are sketched out and then designed on a computer using a program like Microsoft PowerPoint or Publisher (these both have the option of selecting the size of the printed area).

Handouts are appropriate for delivering information that audience members can take away with them. As we will see, handouts require a great deal of management if they are to contribute to your credibility as a speaker.

First, make sure to bring enough copies of the handout for each audience member to get one. Having to share or look on with one’s neighbor does not contribute to a professional image. Under no circumstances should you ever provide a single copy of a handout to pass around. There are several reasons this is a bad idea. You will have no control over the speed at which it circulates, or the direction it goes. Moreover, only one listener will be holding it while you’re making your point about it and by the time most people see it they will have forgotten why they need to see it. In some case, it might not even reach everybody by the end of your speech. Finally, listeners could still be passing your handout around during the next speaker’s speech.

There are three possible times to distribute handouts: before you begin your speech, during the speech, and after your speech is over. Naturally, if you need your listeners to follow along in a handout, you will need to distribute it before your speech begins. If you have access to the room ahead of time, place a copy of the handout on each seat in the audience. If not, ask a volunteer to distribute them as quickly as possible while you prepare to begin speaking. If the handout is a “takeaway,” leave it on a table near the door so that those audience members who are interested can take one on their way out; in this case, don’t forget to tell them to do so as you conclude your speech. It is almost never appropriate to distribute handouts during your speech, as it is distracting and interrupts the pace of your presentation.

Like other presentation aids, handouts should include only the necessary information to support your points, and that information should be organized in such a way that listeners will be able to understand it. For example, in a speech about how new health care legislation will affect small business owners in your state, a good handout might summarize key effects of the legislation and include the names of state agencies with their web addresses where audience members can request more detailed information.

If your handout is designed for your audience to follow along, you should tell them so. State that you will be referring to specific information during the speech. Then, as you’re presenting your speech, ask your audience to look, for example, at the second line in the first cluster of information. Read that line out loud and then go on to explain its meaning.

As with any presentation aid, handouts are not a substitute for a well-prepared speech. Ask yourself what information your audience really needs to be able to take with them and how it can be presented on the page in the most useful and engaging way possible.

Key Takeaways

• Speakers in professional contexts are expected to be familiar with presentation software, such as PowerPoint.
• Computer-based media can produce very professional-looking presentation aids, but as with any other media, the universal principles of good design apply.
• Speakers using computer-based media need to practice ahead of time with the computer they intend to use in the speech.
• Each presentation aid vehicle has advantages and disadvantages. As such, speakers need to think through the use of visual aids and select the most appropriate ones for their individual speeches.
• Every presentation aid should be created with careful attention to content and appearance.

Figure 15.20

• How would you change it?
• What kind of presentation aids might you use in a speech on the health benefits of laughter? Why might these be good choice?

Lauer, D. A., & Pentak, S. (2000). Design basics (5th ed.). Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt College Publishers.

Macworld. (2010, June 7). WWDC: Steve Jobs’ iPhone 4 launch glitches [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoqh27E6OuU

Tufte, E. (2005, September 6). PowerPoint does rocket science—and better techniques for technical reports [Online forum]. Retrieved from http://www.edwardtufte.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0001yB&topic_id=1

Stand up, Speak out Copyright © 2016 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book

6 Different Types of Presentations

Presentations should be as unique as your business and the information you’re trying to present. However, there are certain types of presentations that are common across industries and teams. Before you worry about which slides to include or how to organize your information, you’ll need to determine which type of presentation is best for your audience. 

To figure this out, ask yourself: Are you entertaining or informing? Are you speaking to colleagues, investors, or potential customers? Asking these questions will help you choose the type of presentation that supports you best. Beautiful.ai is here to make this even easier with a description of different types of presentations to help you choose.

Informative Presentations

An informative presentation is educational, concise, and to the point. While other presentations may entertain or inspire, the main goal of an informative presentation is to share information.

A good example of an informative presentation is a human resources benefits presentation. Human resources needs to explain what benefits employees receive, how benefits work, which important dates employees need to remember, where employees can find more information, and so on. 

An HR benefits presentation for new hires (or any informational presentation) should be short, straightforward, and easy to understand so that new employees will remember the information they’re given. 

Instructive Presentations

A presentation that teaches something is similar to an informative presentation, but it goes beyond sharing facts. It also instructs the audience on a specific topic. People attend or view an instructive presentation with the intention to learn, and they leave with a better understanding of the topic of the presentation.

There are many examples of instructive presentations. Workshops, training sessions, or webinars teach audiences a new skill or procedure by offering specific information or instructions. Explaining new policies to a company is another type of instructive presentation. For example, an HR benefits presentation for new employees may be informative, but a presentation for existing employees about policy changes might lean more towards instructive, especially if employees have to take action or need to ask questions.     

Persuasive Presentations

Many presentations hope to sell something or persuade the audience to take certain actions. Persuasive presentations often present a problem and explain their solution using data. Examples of persuasive presentations include business pitches or sales proposals.

For example, a startup company looking for initial funding may need a startup pitch deck or a Series A presentation to convince investors to back their idea. A startup pitch deck would explain a problem in the market, how their startup will solve that problem, and how they’ll monetize their business. A Series A presentation can help a startup secure more rounds of funding to grow their company and pursue further goals.

Motivational Presentations

One of the most prominent examples of inspiring presentations? TEDTalks. Many motivational speakers use TEDTalks to inspire people to think or change their behavior. 

Motivational presentations in the business world may not be as dramatic or life-changing as a TEDTalk, but they still aim to generate interest or gain an audience’s approval. A company overview presentation is a good example of a motivational presentation. It may present the information of a company — how it was founded, who is leading it, what the company does — but more importantly, it tells the company’s story. 

A company overview presentation connects with the audience. A manager may use it to boost morale at a team meeting. Or an executive may present a company overview to convince potential customers or investors to work with them. Or, an HR rep may use it to make new hires feel welcome and excited to join the company.

Decision-making Presentations

Need to make a decision within the company? A presentation that shares a problem, solution options, and their outcomes can help speed along the process. Decision making presentations might be found in business meetings, government meetings, or all-hands meetings.

For example, let’s say a company wants to improve engagement on their social media channels. There are many ways they might achieve their goal, including hosting giveaways, dedicating more resources to creating Facebook posts or Instagram stories, and researching their audience or competitors to see how they can improve. A marketing campaign plan template for a presentation would keep details of the problem, different options, and possible outcomes organized in one place. It would inform and guide everyone involved in the meeting, helping them make informed decisions on how to move forward.

Progress Presentations

Imagine our hypothetical company decided on a marketing strategy to meet their goals. Now that they have a campaign in place, they need to report on the progress of said campaign. This sixth presentation type shares status updates, progress towards deadlines, collected data so far, any obstacles popping up, and tasks that need to be added or adjusted.

A team stand up presentation is a great example of this type of presentation. Team stand up presentations usually include an agenda, talking points, deliverable updates, discussion topics, and time for questions at the end. This presentation keeps everyone organized and focused, ensuring that everyone is still on the same page and working towards the same end goal.

Whichever Presentation Type You Choose, Create it With Beautiful.ai

Now that you know which presentation type is right for your project, it’s time to create a beautiful and effective presentation. With Beautiful.ai , you don’t need to set aside hours of time to build your presentation, nor do you need design expertise to do it. Use one of our many presentation templates that can be customized for your needs in minutes. No matter what type of presentation you create, Beautiful.ai can help you do it.

Beautiful.AI Team

Beautiful is an AI-powered presentation tool that makes it fast and easy for anyone to build clean, modern and professionally designed slides that they can be proud of.

Recommended Articles

How can i make my team presentation stand out in 2022, create clear, succinct presentations for pharmaceutical sales reps, 5 ways to pitch solar energy installation to homeowners and businesses, how bad pitches can kill great ideas.

Types Of Media Presentation

There are various types of media presentation and each of them requires specific presentation techniques for easy understanding and accumulation by the audience. The following is therefore the various types of media presentation used by media houses and other related agencies.

1. Informative presentation

These types of media presentation are always to the point and very brief. They are usually composed of facts as complicated information is avoided. The following are some of the different types of media presentation found under this category:

*Time: this type of presentation makes use of positional words such as 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, and put things in list form. It explains when events occur or when they will happen. The time system of presentation is ideal for individuals with a clear picture of sequence of events in the organization under study.

Presentations about places are usually based on the explanation of where events occur. It is usually effective for people who understand the environment of the concerned reporting area.

Cause and Effect

This explains how events occur and is better handled by individuals that understand clearly the link between the various events.

2. Instructional media presentation

These types of media presentation are mainly observed to provide specific orders or directions. A presentation under this type is usually long because it has to take care of all aspects of the event or object under review. Presentations are intended to teach listeners new skill or new knowledge about how certain things are done. A typical presentation will therefore:

* Explain why the skill or information is very important to the listening audience

* Explain the learning objective of the program

* Show practical examples of the process to the audience in case they will need to participate in the process later

* Give the participants the chance to ask questions and make comments on the program

* Ensure that the participants mention how they are going to use the information

3. Arousing presentation

This is one of the types of media presentation that arouse the interest of the audience and make them offer their own opinion about the subject matter. In this kind of presentation it is very important to make use of vivid language in order to arouse enthusiasm and project sincerity. This can be done by:

* trying to gain attention by presenting the story in such a way that the problem is illustrated and sometimes exaggerated

* Showing why it is necessary to provide solution to the problem and illustrating with an example that is specific or general

* Describing the solution so that the problem will be resolved satisfactorily

* Comparing and contrasting the two different scenario that is possible if the problem is tackled or left unresolved

* Engaging the audience to help provide solution to the problem

* Giving the audience directives that are immediate, easy, and clear to follow

4. Persuasive presentation

A persuasive presentation is intended to convince your audience to agree to your proposal. It provides or tries to resolve a problem, dispute, or a controversy. To be successful with these types of media presentation, your presentation must be logical, sufficient, factual, and emotional in a way that will lure your audience to accept your arguments. You have to:

* begin with a great introduction in order to lure the audience to listen to you. After all, they have to first listen to you before they’ll decide whether to accept your argument or not.

* Entice your listeners by presenting the benefits of solving the need or problem

* Create a craving for your audience to accept your proposal by providing clear descriptions on how the item will fulfill their needs and wants

* finish your presentation by making a clear call to action

Related Posts

• Types Of Green Beans
• Types Of Welders
• Types Of Warts on Fingers
• Types Of Hairstyles
• Types Of Elements
• Types Of Affect
• Types Of Seafood
• Types Of Brandy

• Our Company
• Sustainability Approach
• Access to Medicines
• Sustainability Disclosures
• Transparency Disclosures
• Corporate Giving
• Governance Strategy
• Governance Structure
• Charters and Reports
• Areas of Focus
• Research and Development
• Our Products
• Manufacturing
• Clinical Trials
• Our Stories
• Press Releases
• Media Resources
• Financial Results
• Investor Events
• Investor Contact

Takeda’s TAK-861 Phase 2b Late-Breaking Data Presentations at SLEEP 2024 Demonstrate Clinically Meaningful Impact of Oral Orexin Agonist in Narcolepsy Type 1 Compared to Placebo

Phase 2b Trial Demonstrated Statistically Significant and Clinically Meaningful Improvements Across Primary and all Secondary Endpoints up to 8 Weeks

TAK-861 is the First Oral Orexin Receptor 2 Agonist to Potentially Address the Underlying Pathophysiology of NT1

Safety Results Indicated TAK-861 is Generally Safe and Well Tolerated

Phase 3 Trials of TAK-861 to be Initiated in 1H FY2024

OSAKA, Japan and CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, June 3, 2024 – Takeda ( TSE: 4502/NYSE:TAK ) will present today positive results from its Phase 2b trial of TAK-861 in narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) as late-breaking data presentations at SLEEP 2024, the 38th annual meeting of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society. TAK-861 is an investigational oral orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) agonist and, based on the results, has the potential to provide transformative efficacy in addressing the overall disease burden in people with NT1. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple dose trial, TAK-861-2001 ( NCT05687903 Go to https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05687903?term=TAK-861&draw=2&rank=3 ), in 112 patients with NT1 demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements across primary and secondary endpoints, with efficacy sustained over 8 weeks of treatment.*

NT1 is a chronic, rare neurological central disorder of hypersomnolence caused by a significant loss of orexin neurons, resulting in low levels of orexin neuropeptides in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid. No currently approved treatments target the underlying pathophysiology of NT1. People with NT1 suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone), disrupted nighttime sleep, hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations and sleep paralysis. These debilitating symptoms lead to a markedly reduced quality of life and can severely impact job performance, academic achievement and personal relationships. TAK-861 is designed to address the orexin deficiency in NT1 by selectively stimulating the orexin receptor 2.

The presentation highlights results from the Phase 2b trial including:

The primary endpoint demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful increased sleep latency on the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) versus placebo across all doses (LS mean difference versus placebo all p ≤0.001). Improvements were sustained over 8 weeks.

Consistent results were achieved in the key secondary endpoints including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Weekly Cataplexy Rate (WCR), demonstrating significantly improved subjective measures of sleepiness and cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone) frequency versus placebo that were also sustained over 8 weeks.

The majority of NT1 patients in the trial were found to be within normative ranges for MWT and ESS by the end of the 8-week treatment period as a result of these sustained improvements.

The majority of the participants who completed the trial enrolled in the long-term extension (LTE) study with some patients reaching one year of treatment.

The trial also included additional exploratory endpoints that showed meaningful improvements in narcolepsy symptoms and functioning according to most participants. These data will also be presented in poster presentations at SLEEP and at future scientific congresses.

The dataset showed that TAK-861 was generally safe and well tolerated during the study, with no treatment-related serious treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) or discontinuations due to TEAEs.

No cases of hepatotoxicity or visual disturbances were reported in the Phase 2b trial or in the ongoing LTE study. The most common TEAEs were insomnia, urinary urgency and frequency, and salivary hypersecretion. Most TEAEs were mild to moderate in severity, and most started within 1-2 days of treatment and were transient.

“In this trial, TAK-861's profile balanced efficacy and safety with the potential to establish a new standard of care for people with NT1,” said Sarah Sheikh, M.D., M.Sc., B.M., B.Ch., MRCP, Head, Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit and Head, Global Development at Takeda. “We are dedicated to investigating the full potential of orexin biology and advancing TAK-861 to late-stage clinical trials, with the ultimate goal of delivering a potential first-in-class treatment that can make a meaningful difference for patients.”

Based on these results, and in consultation with global health authorities, Takeda plans to initiate global Phase 3 trials of TAK-861 in NT1 in the first half of its fiscal year 2024. The Phase 2b data also supported the recent Breakthrough Therapy designation for TAK-861 for the treatment of EDS in NT1 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Breakthrough Therapy designation is a process designed to expedite the development and review of a drug that is intended to treat a serious or life-threatening condition, for which preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the drug may demonstrate substantial improvement over available therapies on at least one clinically significant endpoint.

Takeda will be hosting a call to discuss these data this evening, June 3, at 7:30 p.m. CT for investors and analysts. Presentation slides and a virtual meeting link will be available here .

Additional presentations on TAK-861 will be shared during the SLEEP 2024 poster presentation session on Tuesday, June 4, from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. CT, assessing function and health-related quality of life in individuals with NT1, as well as patient satisfaction with TAK-861 treatment. There is no change in Takeda’s full year consolidated forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 (FY2024), announced on May 9, 2024.

About Takeda’s Orexin Franchise

Takeda is advancing the field of orexin therapeutics with a multi-asset franchise offering tailored treatments to unlock the full potential of orexin. Orexin is a key regulator of the sleep-wake cycle and is involved in other essential functions, including respiration and metabolism. TAK-861 is the leading program in this franchise. The company is also progressing multiple orexin agonists in patient populations with normal levels of orexin neuropeptides and other indications where orexin biology is implicated. This includes TAK-360, an oral OX2R agonist being investigated for narcolepsy type 2 and idiopathic hypersomnia, which recently initiated a Phase 1 trial and received Fast Track designation from the U.S. FDA, and danavorexton (TAK-925), an intravenously administered OX2R agonist being investigated in a Phase 2 trial in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea undergoing general anesthesia.

About Takeda

Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com .

* The topline results were announced on February 8, 2024, via a press release, “Takeda Intends to Rapidly Initiate the First Global Phase 3 Trials of TAK-861, an Oral Orexin Agonist, in Narcolepsy Type 1 in First Half of Fiscal Year 2024."

Media Contacts:

Japanese media.

Yuko Yoneyama

[email protected]

+81 70-2610-6609

U.S. and International Media

Rachel Wallace

Important Notice

For the purposes of this notice, “press release” means this document, any oral presentation, any question-and-answer session and any written or oral material discussed or distributed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) regarding this release. This press release (including any oral briefing and any question-and-answer in connection with it) is not intended to, and does not constitute, represent or form part of any offer, invitation or solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction. No shares or other securities are being offered to the public by means of this press release. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States except pursuant to registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. This press release is being given (together with any further information which may be provided to the recipient) on the condition that it is for use by the recipient for information purposes only (and not for the evaluation of any investment, acquisition, disposal or any other transaction). Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws. The companies in which Takeda directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release, “Takeda” is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Takeda and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any materials distributed in connection with this press release may contain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions regarding Takeda’s future business, future position and results of operations, including estimates, forecasts, targets and plans for Takeda. Without limitation, forward-looking statements often include words such as “targets”, “plans”, “believes”, “hopes”, “continues”, “expects”, “aims”, “intends”, “ensures”, “will”, “may”, “should”, “would”, “could”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “projects” or similar expressions or the negative thereof. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements: the economic circumstances surrounding Takeda’s global business, including general economic conditions in Japan and the United States; competitive pressures and developments; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; challenges inherent in new product development, including uncertainty of clinical success and decisions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; uncertainty of commercial success for new and existing products; manufacturing difficulties or delays; fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates; claims or concerns regarding the safety or efficacy of marketed products or product candidates; the impact of health crises, like the novel coronavirus pandemic, on Takeda and its customers and suppliers, including foreign governments in countries in which Takeda operates, or on other facets of its business; the timing and impact of post-merger integration efforts with acquired companies; the ability to divest assets that are not core to Takeda’s operations and the timing of any such divestment(s); and other factors identified in Takeda’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and Takeda’s other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, available on Takeda’s website at: https://www.takeda.com/investors/sec-filings-and-security-reports/ or at www.sec.gov Go to https://www.sec.gov . Takeda does not undertake to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule. Past performance is not an indicator of future results and the results or statements of Takeda in this press release may not be indicative of, and are not an estimate, forecast, guarantee or projection of Takeda’s future results.

Medical Information

This press release contains information about products that may not be available in all countries, or may be available under different trademarks, for different indications, in different dosages, or in different strengths. Nothing contained herein should be considered a solicitation, promotion or advertisement for any prescription drugs including the ones under development.

Paper or Media Type Settings - Printing Software

Salesforce is closed for new business in your area.