definition formal presentation

Informal vs Formal Presentation: What You Need To Know

Table of contents, what is a formal presentation.

There are three key elements which make a presentation formal – your audience, your supporting material and the time you’re given to prepare in advance.

A presentation is considered formal when you’ve been asked to share ideas with an individual or group and you’ve been given time to prepare. Formal presentations require a very different approach than presenting to your team during a weekly meeting or in an impromptu discussion.

Let’s take a closer look at what goes into creating a formal presentation.

How Do You Create A Formal Presentation?

Creating a formal presentation is an art which requires hours of practice to create an effective presentation.

At Presentation Geeks, we know the importance of crafting an excellent formal presentation. That’s why we’ve put together a simple structured template of main points you should include in your next presentation to take it from a generic, informal presentation to a formal presentation which will surpass your audience’s expectations.

1 – Clearly Defined Goals

Before you begin writing your presentation or the speech you’ll deliver, you want to take the time to think about the following questions, “What do I want the audience members to remember and what is the key message I’m trying to drive?”.

Knowing your expected outcome is the goal of the presentation. Always keep reminding yourself what the goal is and don’t lose sight of it. This is the foundation of your formal presentation.

2 – Know Your Audience

Every audience is different and every audience consumes, absorbs and remembers information differently.

If you’re presenting to a graduating class of university students, your delivery will be much different than your presentation to an audience of senior executives at a Fortune 500 company or an audience of single mothers with newborns.

Get familiar with your audience members and prepare your presentation accordingly.

Bonus Tip: Try and figure out where the presentation will take place. Will it be held in an auditorium? A church? A boardroom? Perhaps it will even be held virtually. The venue in which your presentation will take place will also determine the supporting material you’ll use to help engage the audience during your presentation.

3 – Create An Outline

The success of your presentation depends on how well your audience can understand it. If you’re delivering a presentation that continuously jumps back and forth from one idea to another, your audience won’t follow and you’ll lose them.

Develop an outline that will guide the flow of your presentation. Think of it like a story. You want to keep it interesting. Provide appropriate examples that resonate with your audience. By tapping into an experience your audience is familiar with, it will work to your advantage as it will help the audience get engaged and keep them interested.

4 – Use Visual Aids

Using visual aids will help support your overall presentation and increase audience engagement.

Visual aids can include slides, videos, images and other visual supporting material. Although it might take some creative finesse to put visual aids together, you don’t have to do it alone.

Consider enlisting the help of a company that offers presentation design services. Presentation Geeks offers a variety of presentation services ranging from e-learning solutions, Google Slides, sizzle reels, Prezi design and much more!

5 – Dress Appropriately

Remember, first impressions are everything and your attire is a form of communication.

If you want to be seen as the expert on the topic matter and have people take your knowledge seriously, you want to dress appropriately.

Although this might seem like an outdated way of thinking, it is rooted in our psychology. These small details make or break a presentation and you don’t want to take a chance.

Don’t know where to start? Nine millionaires shared how they dress to make an impactful first impression which you can use in your wardrobe.

What are the types of formal presentations?

There are many types of formal presentations you’ll be exposed to throughout your career.

We’ve outlined six types of formal presentations you may consider when developing your next presentation.

However, if you’re looking for more examples of formal presentations in action, TED Talks are a great resource. TED Talks are presentations ranging on a variety of topics from science and business to motivational and unique life experiences.

Review the list below and determine which style your presentation will focus on. This will help you structure your notes, write your presentation and ultimately how you will present.

1 – Informative Presentation

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

2 – Persuasive Presentation

Persuasive presentations are used to motivate or convince someone to act or make a change in their actions or thoughts.

3 – Demonstrative Presentation

A demonstrative presentation involves demonstrating a process or the functioning of a product in a step-by-step fashion.

4 – Inspirational Presentation

An inspirational presentation’s aim is to motivate or emotionally move your audience.

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

5 – Business Presentation

A business presentation can encompass pitching client presentations , raising business capital, articulating company goals, RFP presentations , screening candidates, status reports, investment pitching and many more.

6 – PowerPoint Presentation

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.

The only downside to PowerPoint presentations is the time it takes to create them and the creativity needed to make them stand out. Fortunately, there are PowerPoint presentation design services you can use that will help you save time and deliver new ideas in a creative way.

See What We Can Do For You

What is an informal presentation.

It is fairly common for business meetings to include impromptu presentations. Most presentations you’ll encounter are informal presentations.

These types of presentations are usually prepared in a short amount of time and do not require the same organizational methods as a formal presentation such as using audience engagement or presentation software.

Oftentimes, they are very much like a conversation and you won’t be using any note cards. The presenter is usually speaking to a much smaller audience where each audience member will feel like they’re being spoken to.

What Presentation Style Should I Use?

Now that you know what the difference is between a formal presentation and an informal presentation, it is now time for you to decide which style to choose.

More often than not, if you have the time to be reading this article, you have the time to prepare a presentation. That means you’ll likely lean towards the formal style.

Informal presentations are more impromptu and you won’t have the time to research it ahead of time like you are now. But since you do have the time, here are some additional resources to help you master the craft of a formal presentation.

Additional Resources To Master Your Formal Presentation

Presentation 101: How to become a better presenter . We’ve put together a list of 10 actionable items you can start working on to become a better presenter. This article covers body language such as eye contact and voice projection to the topic you’ll talk about.

Secondly, if your presentation is held online, you need to have the skills to present a virtual presentation. We’ve got you covered once again. We take a deep-dive into how to ace your virtual presentation . We cover virtual presentation software you might encounter,

The last article you should review to incorporate into your presentation arsenal is how to give and receive constructive presentation feedback . The only way you’ll improve is through ongoing feedback and data collection of what your audience thought of your presentation and presentation skills.

If these aren’t enough, download and review some of the past presentation work we’ve done for Fortune 500 companies and other industries to help spark some inspiration for your next presentation.

If you review these three articles and incorporate them into your next presentation, you’ll be on your way to becoming an influential speaker who can convert any audience with a well crafted presentation.

Author:  Ryan

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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

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

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

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

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The formal presentation of information is divided into two broad categories: Presentation Skills and Personal Presentation .

These two aspects are interwoven and can be described as the preparation, presentation and practice of verbal and non-verbal communication. 

This article describes what a presentation is and defines some of the key terms associated with presentation skills.

Many people feel terrified when asked to make their first public talk.  Some of these initial fears can be reduced by good preparation that also lays the groundwork for making an effective presentation.

A Presentation Is...

A presentation is a means of communication that can be adapted to various speaking situations, such as talking to a group, addressing a meeting or briefing a team.

A presentation can also be used as a broad term that encompasses other ‘speaking engagements’ such as making a speech at a wedding, or getting a point across in a video conference.

To be effective, step-by-step preparation and the method and means of presenting the information should be carefully considered. 

A presentation requires you to get a message across to the listeners and will often contain a ' persuasive ' element. It may, for example, be a talk about the positive work of your organisation, what you could offer an employer, or why you should receive additional funding for a project.

The Key Elements of a Presentation

Making a presentation is a way of communicating your thoughts and ideas to an audience and many of our articles on communication are also relevant here, see: What is Communication? for more.

Consider the following key components of a presentation:

Ask yourself the following questions to develop a full understanding of the context of the presentation.

When and where will you deliver your presentation?

There is a world of difference between a small room with natural light and an informal setting, and a huge lecture room, lit with stage lights. The two require quite different presentations, and different techniques.

Will it be in a setting you are familiar with, or somewhere new?

If somewhere new, it would be worth trying to visit it in advance, or at least arriving early, to familiarise yourself with the room.

Will the presentation be within a formal or less formal setting?

A work setting will, more or less by definition, be more formal, but there are also various degrees of formality within that.

Will the presentation be to a small group or a large crowd?

Are you already familiar with the audience?

With a new audience, you will have to build rapport quickly and effectively, to get them on your side.

What equipment and technology will be available to you, and what will you be expected to use?

In particular, you will need to ask about microphones and whether you will be expected to stand in one place, or move around.

What is the audience expecting to learn from you and your presentation?

Check how you will be ‘billed’ to give you clues as to what information needs to be included in your presentation.

All these aspects will change the presentation. For more on this, see our page on Deciding the Presentation Method .

The role of the presenter is to communicate with the audience and control the presentation.

Remember, though, that this may also include handing over the control to your audience, especially if you want some kind of interaction.

You may wish to have a look at our page on Facilitation Skills for more.

The audience receives the presenter’s message(s).

However, this reception will be filtered through and affected by such things as the listener’s own experience, knowledge and personal sense of values.

See our page: Barriers to Effective Communication to learn why communication can fail.

The message or messages are delivered by the presenter to the audience.

The message is delivered not just by the spoken word ( verbal communication ) but can be augmented by techniques such as voice projection, body language, gestures, eye contact ( non-verbal communication ), and visual aids.

The message will also be affected by the audience’s expectations. For example, if you have been billed as speaking on one particular topic, and you choose to speak on another, the audience is unlikely to take your message on board even if you present very well . They will judge your presentation a failure, because you have not met their expectations.

The audience’s reaction and therefore the success of the presentation will largely depend upon whether you, as presenter, effectively communicated your message, and whether it met their expectations.

As a presenter, you don’t control the audience’s expectations. What you can do is find out what they have been told about you by the conference organisers, and what they are expecting to hear. Only if you know that can you be confident of delivering something that will meet expectations.

See our page: Effective Speaking for more information.

How will the presentation be delivered?

Presentations are usually delivered direct to an audience.  However, there may be occasions where they are delivered from a distance over the Internet using video conferencing systems, such as Skype.

It is also important to remember that if your talk is recorded and posted on the internet, then people may be able to access it for several years. This will mean that your contemporaneous references should be kept to a minimum.

Impediments

Many factors can influence the effectiveness of how your message is communicated to the audience.

For example background noise or other distractions, an overly warm or cool room, or the time of day and state of audience alertness can all influence your audience’s level of concentration.

As presenter, you have to be prepared to cope with any such problems and try to keep your audience focussed on your message.   

Our page: Barriers to Communication explains these factors in more depth.

Continue to read through our Presentation Skills articles for an overview of how to prepare and structure a presentation, and how to manage notes and/or illustrations at any speaking event.

Continue to: Preparing for a Presentation Deciding the Presentation Method

See also: Writing Your Presentation | Working with Visual Aids Coping with Presentation Nerves | Dealing with Questions Learn Better Presentation Skills with TED Talks

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Informal vs formal presentation (plus tips on creating and delivering both)

To give a successful presentation, whether in front of a client, student, colleague, or stranger audience or virtually, you must understand the difference between formal and informal presentation. This article will help you learn just that and provide information on delivering powerful presentations in both styles to effectively promote your skills and make your audience more receptive to your message. So, let’s dive in!

What is a formal presentation?

Your audience, supporting materials, and the amount of time you have to prepare in advance are the main elements that define a presentation as formal.

A presentation is considered formal when you are requested to share your thoughts with a person or group and given the opportunity to prepare. This type of presentation requires a totally different approach than presenting to your team during an informal discussion or weekly meeting.

Formal presentations often take place in an academic or professional setting and adhere to a specific set of guidelines. They can be delivered orally or via video chat, which enables participants to connect from different locations and meet on screen so they can see each other while speaking without having anybody else around to listen.

The different types of formal presentations include:

• Informative
• Demonstrative
• Inspirational

Now that you know the formal presentation definition and its types, let’s examine how to create one in more detail.

How to make a formal presentation?

Crafting an excellent formal presentation that surpasses your audience’s expectations is an art that requires countless hours of practice to master.

Here at SlidePeak, we understand that a properly delivered formal speech can make a huge difference in how effectively someone expresses their thoughts. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide that will educate you on how to make your formal presentation PowerPoint the best it can be and help you prevent typical rookie mistakes.

What to include in the formal presentation:

• A clear introduction that captures the audience’s attention.
• A well-organized body that presents your research and supporting evidence.
• A brief conclusion that summarizes your main idea.

What is the voice of the formal presentation?

Typically, the voice of a formal presentation is strong, authoritative, and appealing. Such a voice is crucial when presenting or speaking to a large audience. This comes from your ability to make your voice resonate since a resonant voice is more pleasing and can make you sound more confident. Speaking softly or mumbling, on the contrary, might give the impression that you are uncertain and undermine the strength of your presentation.

Tips for creating a formal presentation:

• Clearly define your goals.
• Get to know your audience and prepare a presentation accordingly.
• Ensure the topic you choose is suitable for the audience.
• Conduct in-depth research and collect reliable data.
• Craft a detailed outline that will guide the presentation’s flow.
• Include questions for audience interaction.
• Choose a professional presentation format, such as Keynote or PowerPoint.
• Add visual aids (e.g., slides, videos, images) to support your presentation and increase audience engagement.

Don’t know where to start? Check this formal presentation example or enlist the help of PowerPoint presentation services to save time and ensure your ideas are presented in an appealing way that combines aesthetics alongside content.

Tips for delivering a formal presentation in person

When giving a formal presentation, there are also a few things to consider:

• Ensure you are well prepared.
• Speak slowly and try to be as clear as possible.
• Look your audience in the eyes when speaking.
• Use formal language.
• Dress appropriately, as first impressions are everything.

Tips for delivering a formal presentation virtually

If you are going to give an online presentation, make sure to consider the below tips in addition to the ones above.

• Choose a background that looks professional.
• Test your video and audio settings beforehand.

So, what is the difference between a formal and informal presentation? Read on to find out what an informal presentation is, what makes it different from a formal one, and how to give one like a pro.

Informal presentation definition

Informal presentations, also known as impromptu presentations, can be presented in a variety of settings. They have the same structure as formal ones but are less formal. This type of presentation can be delivered in person or virtually via video chat and frequently has a more conversational tone.

An informal presentation is pretty common for business meetings and is typically prepared quickly, without much organization. It’s more like a conversation where everyone feels like they’re being spoken to directly by the presenter rather than watching the presenter talk to an audience from behind slides. This makes it a fantastic way to engage the audience. And unlike a formal, lecture-like presentation with a few questions at the end, informal presentations are often followed by vivid discussions.

Tips for creating informal presentations:

• Understand the purpose of your presentation.
• Pick a topic that is suitable for the setting and audience.
• Conduct research, but don’t try to compile as much data as for a formal presentation.
• Make an outline, but it doesn’t have to be as thorough as one for a presentation in a formal setting. Instead, hit what’s important.
• Choose an appropriate presentation format, such as a PowerPoint or whiteboard.
• Consider a hand-out (in case of an in-person presentation).

Here are some excellent informal presentation examples to get you started:

Pro tip: If you have an outdated presentation on a similar topic or one with a similar structure but on a different topic, you can opt for a PPT redesign service and have it revamped while you practice your presentation or indulge in other important activities.

How to give an informal presentation?

There are a few things to remember when delivering informal presentations, and they are as follows:

• Ensure you are adequately prepared.
• Keep eye contact with the audience.
• Stick to a conversational, positive, and optimistic tone.
• Don’t mumble; speak slowly and try to be as clear as possible.
• Interact with your audience: ask questions and allow feedback.
• Insert on-purpose jokes every now and then (if suitable for the audience).
• Make sure to test your audio and video settings (in case of a virtual presentation).

Wrapping up

Both formal and informal presentations have their benefits. However, it’s crucial to take your particular situation into account to choose the most appropriate style, as formal presentations are more acceptable in a professional setting, while informal ones work better if there is no formality requirement (e.g., team discussion, conference, weekly meeting).

“But what is the secret to delivering powerful presentations in both styles?” you might ask. The answer is pretty straightforward: when you’re putting together your presentation, always ensure that your organization and research abilities work in harmony and find time to practice. Remember, practice makes perfect, and passion persuades. Polished presenting skills provide payoffs. Speak slowly and clearly, look your audience in the eyes, and give them something to talk about when your speech is over.

For assistance with the presentation design part, you can always count on slidepeak.com . Our dedicated team is at your service 24/7!

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Understanding the difference: formal vs informal presentations

Learn the difference between formal and informal presentations and when to use them.

Supriya Sarkar

Problem-solving

Learn the difference between formal and informal presentations and when to use them. Enhance your presentation skills, with practical tips for any setting.

Presentations are a valuable tool—whether in academic, professional, or social settings. How information is delivered significantly impacts its reception and comprehension.

The two primary presentation styles that exist are formal and informal. While both serve distinct purposes, understanding their differences is crucial for effective communication.

This article covers the characteristics, usage, and strategies associated with formal and informal presentations—providing readers with comprehensive insights into both approaches.

Formal vs informal presentations: Definition

Creating a formal presentation requires careful planning and adherence to established guidelines. Presentations are usually structured and follow a predefined outline or agenda. This type of presentation is considered formal and is commonly given in professional settings such as board meetings, conferences, or academic seminars. Speakers maintain a professional disposition, employ formal language, and adhere to established standards of dress and conduct.

In contrast, informal presentations take on a different approach than presenting formally. They occur in more casual settings, like team meetings, workshops, or social gatherings. Informal presentations are often spontaneous and may be loosely structured or entirely improvised, allowing for more flexibility and spontaneity in delivery. Speakers adopt a conversational tone, often engaging the audience through anecdotes, humor, or personal stories.

When giving a formal presentation, it's common for business meetings to include a virtual presentation component, especially in today's digital age. This may involve using a slideshow to provide information to the audience. Speakers are usually given time to prepare their presentation and ensure that it meets the standards of professionalism expected in the given context.

However, when presenting to your team in a weekly meeting, the atmosphere is typically more relaxed. Presentations may feel more like a conversation, and speakers may take a less formal approach in delivering their content. This allows for a more interactive exchange of ideas among team members.

Characteristics of formal presentations:

The characteristics of a formal presentation encompass several key elements. Understanding and incorporating these elements can help you deliver formal presentations that are informative, engaging, and impactful.

Structure: Formal presentations follow a structured format, typically beginning with an introduction, followed by the main body, and concluding with a summary or conclusion. Each section is explained, with transitions facilitating smooth progression between topics.

Language: Formal presentations employ precise, technical language suited to the audience's expertise. Jargon and terminology relevant to the subject matter are commonly used, enhancing credibility and professionalism.

Visual aids: Visual aids such as slideshows, charts, or graphs are integral parts of formal presentations, aiding in information retention and comprehension. They are carefully designed to complement the spoken content, emphasizing key points and data.

Interaction: While interaction with the audience may occur in formal presentations, it is typically more structured, with designated question-and-answer sessions or opportunities for feedback at specific intervals.

Strategies for effective formal presentations:

The following strategies for formal presentations will enable you to communicate, engage the audience, and achieve your presentation objectives.

Preparation: Thorough preparation is essential for formal presentations. This includes researching the topic, organizing content logically, and rehearsing delivery to ensure fluency and confidence.

Clarity: Clear and concise communication is paramount in formal presentations. Articulate your points clearly, avoiding ambiguity or unnecessary complexity.

Engagement: While maintaining professionalism, you should strive to engage the audience through compelling storytelling, relevant examples, or thought-provoking questions.

Professionalism: Research on appearance-based inferences shows that formally dressed individuals are perceived as more competent and establish credibility. Dressing appropriately, maintaining eye contact, and exhibiting confidence are all characteristics of professionalism in formal presentations.

How to make an effective formal presentation?

Crafting an effective formal presentation involves meticulous planning, thorough preparation, and polished delivery. A well-crafted presentation script provides a solid foundation for exceptional delivery, enabling you to engage your audience and convey your message impactfully. Here are key steps to ensure success:

Define objectives:

Clarify the purpose and objectives of the presentation as it guides your planning and content creation process. A clear purpose ensures that you stay on track, maintain audience interest, and effectively communicate your message. Identify the key messages you want to convey and the desired outcomes you hope to achieve.

Know your audience:

Understand the needs, interests, and expectations of your audience as it allows you to create personalized content. By understanding your audience demographics, interests, and expectations, you can create content that resonates with them on a deeper level, increasing engagement and retention. Personalized content demonstrates that you value your audience's time and attention, leading to a more meaningful and impactful presentation experience for both you and your audience.

Research thoroughly:

Conducting comprehensive research on the topic is crucial to gather relevant information, data, and examples. This step is essential for several reasons:

-    It enables you to gain a thorough understanding of the subject matter, allowing you to speak confidently and authoritatively during your presentation. -    Thorough research helps uncover pertinent data, statistics, and examples to support your points, thereby enhancing the credibility of your presentation. -    In-depth research allows you to anticipate potential questions or objections from your audience and prepare thoughtful responses. -    Verifying the credibility of your sources ensures accuracy and relevance in your content.

By prioritizing comprehensive research, you equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and evidence to deliver a compelling and credible presentation.

Organize content:

Structure your presentation logically and coherently. Develop an outline or storyboard to organize key points, transitions, and visual aids effectively. A presentation outline acts as the foundation for a well-organized and impactful presentation. Here's why having one is crucial:

‍ -     Clarity and structure: An outline offers a clear framework, allowing you to organize your ideas logically. It ensures a smooth flow of information from start to finish, helping your audience grasp the main message effectively. -     Prevention of information overload: With a structured outline, you can prioritize key points and avoid overwhelming your audience with excessive details. This keeps your presentation focused and engaging. -     Time management: Effective time allocation is vital in presentations. An outline helps you manage time efficiently by dividing your content into manageable segments. This ensures that you stay within the allotted time and maintain a steady pace throughout your delivery.

Create compelling visuals:

Research indicates that over 50% of our brain is dedicated to processing visuals, highlighting the importance of visual storytelling in communication. Designing visually appealing slides or multimedia presentations to accompany your spoken content can significantly enhance audience engagement and improve information retention.

Compelling visuals not only make presentations more captivating but also facilitate the understanding of complex information. By incorporating clear and concise visuals such as charts, graphs, or images, you can effectively break down dense data or intricate processes into easily understandable and memorable segments.

This approach is particularly beneficial for business presentations, which often involve conveying valuable insights, system workflows, or customer journeys. Visual representations of statistics or stages help simplify complex information, making it more accessible and digestible for your audience.

Practice delivery:

Rehearse your presentation multiple times to familiarize yourself with the content and flow. It goes beyond just explaining your topic and data—it's also about mastering soft skills like speaking without reading, maintaining eye contact, and controlling your pace. This combination helps convey confidence and professionalism. Here's how rehearsing your presentation can benefit you in an effective presentation delivery :

‍ -     Enhances confidence: Regular practice boosts confidence and reduces anxiety, leading to a more polished and assured performance. -     Improves timing: Rehearsing helps refine the timing of the presentation, ensuring it fits within the allotted time frame. -     Enhances clarity: Practicing enables presenters to articulate their message clearly, improving audience comprehension. -     Refines delivery style: Repeated rehearsal allows presenters to refine their tone, pacing, and body language, enhancing overall communication effectiveness. -   Increases preparedness: Regular practice ensures presenters are well-prepared to handle unexpected situations or questions during the actual presentation.

Engage the audience:

An engaging and interactive presentation is more memorable as it prevents distractions and effectively communicates key messages. It also fosters a connection between the presenter and the audience, building rapport, trust, and a positive impression. To keep your audience engaged, consider the following tips:

-     Start with a compelling opening: Grab the audience's attention with a thought-provoking question, surprising fact, or relevant anecdote. -     Use visual aids: Incorporate visually appealing slides, videos, or images to enhance the presentation and reinforce key points. -     Tell stories: Share relevant stories or examples to make your points more relatable and evoke emotional connections. -     Encourage interaction: Foster engagement through polls, quizzes, or group discussions, and invite audience questions and thoughts. -     Involve the audience: Invite volunteers to participate in demonstrations or role-plays to encourage active participation and experiential learning. -   End with a call to action: Conclude with a clear call to action that motivates the audience to take the next steps, whether it's signing up for a newsletter or implementing new ideas.

Creating an interactive environment during a presentation is an art but it is not impossible to learn how to engage your audience . By incorporating the above-given tips into your presentation, you can help you create an engaging and memorable experience that resonates with your audience and achieves your presentation goals.

Handle Q&A sessions:

Q&A sessions are vital components of successful presentations as they gauge your preparedness, establish credibility, and provide clarity to stakeholders. To handle them effectively, it's essential to:

-   Prepare in advance: Anticipate potential questions and objections from the audience, and formulate clear, concise responses to address them effectively. -     Maintain composure: When facing challenging or confrontational questions, remain composed and avoid becoming defensive . Acknowledge concerns respectfully and respond thoughtfully. -   Restate and clarify: If necessary, restate questions for clarity before providing your response. This ensures that everyone understands the context and facilitates a more effective exchange. -     Redirect tactfully: If a question veers off-topic or becomes disruptive, tactfully redirect the conversation back to the presentation's focus while acknowledging the importance of the audience's input.

By following these strategies, presenters can navigate Q&A sessions with confidence, professionalism, and effectiveness.

Evaluate and adjust:

Evaluating and adjusting your presentation is essential for continuous improvement. After delivering your presentation, it's essential to seek feedback from audience members or peers to identify areas for improvement. If possible, take the time to review a recording of your presentation, paying close attention to verbal and non-verbal cues, audience reactions, and overall flow.

Use this review to pinpoint areas where adjustments can be made to enhance your delivery, such as modifying slides, refining talking points, or practicing delivery techniques. Each presentation should be viewed as a learning opportunity, encouraging continuous growth and refinement of your skills based on audience response and evolving objectives.

Understanding the significance of different types of formal presentations is essential for achieving presentation objectives effectively. Each type serves a specific purpose, catering to various communication needs in business contexts. By exploring these different forms, you can tailor your approach to suit the specific requirements of their audience and message. Dive into our article, " Exploring 8 different types of presentations to excel in business communication ," to gain valuable insights on different types of presentations and enhance your presentation skills.

Characteristics of informal presentations:

In the realm of formal vs. informal presentations, it's essential to recognize the unique characteristics that set informal presentations apart. Here's what distinguishes them:

Flexibility: Informal presentations offer greater flexibility in content and delivery. Speakers may deviate from a predefined structure, responding to audience feedback or incorporating spontaneous ideas.

Tone: The tone of informal presentations is conversational and relaxed, fostering a sense of fellowship and connection with the audience. Humor, personal anecdotes, and informal language are often employed to create a more engaging atmosphere.

Interactivity: Informal presentations encourage active participation from the audience, fostering conversation and collaboration. Speakers may invite questions, facilitate group discussions, or encourage audience members to share their experiences.

Visual aids: While visual aids may still be used in informal presentations, they are typically simpler and less formal than those used in formal settings. Hand-drawn diagrams, whiteboard sketches, or multimedia clips may supplement verbal communication.

Strategies for effective informal presentations:

When delivering an informal presentation, certain strategies can significantly enhance its effectiveness. By creating a relaxed and engaging atmosphere, informal presentations allow for a more conversational approach. Here are some key strategies to help you make the most of this dynamic setting:

Authenticity: Authenticity is key in informal presentations. You should express genuine enthusiasm and passion for the topic, fostering rapport and connection with the audience.

Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability are essential in informal presentations. Be prepared to adjust their approach based on audience reactions, improvising as necessary to maintain engagement and interest.

Interactivity: Encouraging audience participation is crucial in informal presentations. You should create opportunities for dialogue, actively listening to audience feedback and incorporating it into the presentation where appropriate.

Engagement: Captivating the audience's attention is paramount in informal presentations. Make smart use of storytelling, humor, or interactive activities to maintain interest and foster a memorable experience.

How to make an impactful informal presentation:

Crafting a compelling informal presentation involves creating a relaxed and engaging environment while effectively conveying key messages. Here's how to enhance the impact of your presentation:

Start strong:

Starting your presentation strong is crucial to capture the audience's attention and set the tone for the rest of the session. A compelling opening statement, question, or anecdote can stimulate curiosity and encourage active participation from the outset.

Research suggests that when we anticipate a specific outcome, our attention may fade, but uncertainty about what comes next keeps us engaged. Therefore, using this principle can help maximize audience engagement and retention throughout your presentation.

Foster conversation:

Establishing a connection with your audience is key, and adopting a conversational tone and demeanor can help achieve this. By speaking naturally and using relatable examples, you can ensure clarity and engagement throughout your presentation. Avoiding complex jargon makes your message easier to follow, fostering a deeper connection with your audience. This approach creates a more inclusive and interactive atmosphere, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your presentation.

Harness the power of storytelling:

Storytelling is a powerful art form that can significantly enhance your overall message and captivate your audience. By incorporating storytelling, you can effectively illustrate complex ideas in a memorable and relatable manner. Share personal anecdotes or case studies that resonate with your audience, evoking emotions and deepening their understanding of the topic at hand. Through a compelling narrative, you can create a connection with your audience , making your message more impactful and memorable.

Encourage participation:

Encouraging participation involves involving the audience in the conversation right from the beginning. While presenting exhibit authenticity and confidence to foster an environment where questions, comments, and feedback are welcomed. This approach creates a participatory atmosphere where open dialogue and collaboration thrive, enhancing engagement and a sense of involvement among the audience members. By actively involving the audience throughout the presentation, you can create a more dynamic and interactive experience that resonates with the audience and encourages active participation.

Use visuals wisely:

When it comes to visual aids in informal presentations, simplicity and relevance are key. While formal presentations may rely heavily on polished powerpoint presentation slides, informal settings often favor more spontaneous tools like whiteboards, hand-drawn charts, and multimedia clips. These tools offer unique benefits, as they allow presenters to build visuals in real time, enhancing the impact of their spoken words.

‍ Using whiteboards or hand-drawn charts enables presenters to illustrate complex concepts on the spot, simplifying them for the audience's comprehension. This interactive approach fosters engagement and encourages audience participation. Additionally, multimedia clips can supplement verbal explanations, providing visual and auditory reinforcement to enhance understanding.

Inject humor appropriately:

Utilize humor to create a lively atmosphere and enhance audience engagement during your presentation. Incorporating wit and playful anecdotes not only lightens the mood but also encourages the audience to connect with and retain the information more effectively. By infusing your presentation with humorous elements, you can captivate your audience's attention and leave a lasting impression.

Stay flexible:

Stay responsive to your audience's reactions and feedback during your presentation to maximize your impact as a presenter. Pay attention to their non-verbal cues, which can offer valuable insights into their engagement and feelings toward the content. Embrace spontaneity and remain flexible, allowing space for improvisation to address audience interests or concerns in real time. This adaptability ensures that your presentation remains dynamic and relevant, fostering a deeper connection with your audience.

End on a strong note:

A strong conclusion ensures that the audience retains the most important information from the presentation and can motivate the audience to take certain actions. Additionally, it shows that the speaker has carefully considered the structure and content of the presentation, leaving a positive impression on the audience, and enhancing the speaker's credibility.

By implementing these strategies, speakers can create informal presentations that resonate with the audience, foster meaningful interactions, and make a lasting impact.

FAQ on informal vs formal presentation

What are the key differences between formal and informal presentations?

Explore the distinct characteristics and usage scenarios of formal and informal presentation styles, from the structured design of formal slideshows to the conversational flow of impromptu exchanges.

How can I effectively craft a formal presentation?

Discover the essential elements and strategies required for creating a polished formal presentation, including meticulous preparation, clear communication of main points, and engaging presentation design services.

Are impromptu presentations common in virtual settings?

Understand the prevalence of impromptu presentations in virtual environments and learn how to adapt presentation styles to effectively engage audiences during virtual meetings or discussions.

What organizational methods are typically employed in formal presentations?

Explore the organizational methods utilized in crafting a formal presentation, from outlining main points to structuring content for maximum impact and retention.

How can I engage my audience during a formal presentation?

Learn effective techniques for captivating your audience during a formal presentation, such as incorporating storytelling, utilizing persuasive presentation styles, and fostering interaction through questions and discussions.

Summarizing key takeaways:

• Understanding the difference : Presentations can be categorized into formal and informal styles, each requiring a different approach. Formal presentations are structured, planned, and usually occur in professional settings, while informal ones are more relaxed and spontaneous, akin to a conversation.
• Crafting effective formal presentations : Crafting a successful formal presentation involves meticulous preparation, clear communication, and professionalism. Speakers must dress appropriately, maintain eye contact, and employ precise language suited to the audience's expertise.
• Strategies for formal presentations : Key strategies for formal presentations include thorough preparation, clarity in communication, engagement through storytelling, professionalism in demeanor, and the use of compelling visual aids.
• Characteristics of informal presentations : Informal presentations offer flexibility, encourage interactivity, and adopt a conversational tone. They may include impromptu elements, involve the audience in discussions, and utilize simpler visual aids like whiteboards or multimedia clips.
• Strategies for informal presentations: Effective informal presentations prioritize authenticity, adaptability, interactivity, engagement through storytelling, visual aids tailored to simplicity and relevance, appropriate use of humor, flexibility in response to audience reactions, and a strong conclusion.
• Meeting audience expectations : Whether giving a formal or informal presentation, understanding audience expectations is crucial. Crafting presentations that align with audience needs, interests, and preferences enhances engagement, fosters connection, and increases the likelihood of achieving presentation goals.

How does Prezent help you in presentation creation?

Prezent uses Generative AI features to transform the process of presentation creation. It offers a wide range of features designed to streamline workflow, enhance visual appeal, and engage audiences effectively. Here's how it enhances workflow efficiency:

Templates and themes : Prezent provides you with a wide range of professionally designed templates and themes, offering the flexibility to choose the ideal layout and design for their presentations. With thousands of layouts available, covering various corporate agendas and topics, Prezent saves your valuable time and effort in creating visually appealing presentations tailored to their needs.

Collaboration tools : Prezent enables seamless collaboration among team members, allowing multiple users to edit and review presentations in real time. With features such as commenting, and shared access controls, teams can collaborate effectively and ensure consistency and accuracy in their presentations.

Data visualization tools : Prezent includes robust data visualization tools, allowing users to create compelling charts, graphs, and infographics to illustrate key points and trends. With customizable chart styles and interactive features, users can effectively communicate complex data in a visually appealing manner.

Audience analytics : With Prezent's communication fingerprint feature, you gain access to valuable audience analytics that offer insights into their data preferences and unique communication styles. This enables you to better understand your audience and tailor your content to their specific preferences, ultimately making your presentations more effective and impactful.

Learn more about Prezent and how it can boost your presentation effectiveness by booking a free trial . You can alternatively schedule a demo with our experts to explore Prezent’s AI capabilities.

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Communications Site

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• Formal Presentations

Presentations give you the opportunity to share and receive feedback on your ideas and research findings.  This page offers basic guidelines for organizing, designing, and delivering formal presentations. It also provides links for further discussion and examples.

But before you get started…

Know your audience.  As an engineer, you will deliver formal presentations to different audiences who have varying levels of technical knowledge: undergraduates, graduate students, professors, university administrators, and supervisors and colleagues in industry. Anticipate what your audience already knows about your topic. If you are unsure how to address your audience, imagine having a conversation about your topic with a member of the audience. You would employ different diction and sentence structures to discuss your work with a fellow engineering student than you would to explain it to a marketing student, wouldn’t you? Ideally, you address audience members on a field of shared knowledge and then lead them to greater understanding.

Also try to anticipate your audience’s mood.  You should organize your presentation differently for a friendly audience than you would for a skeptical or hostile one. Generally speaking, a friendly audience will likely accept an early assertion of your main point, followed by supportive details.  A skeptical audience, however, responds more productively to a presentation of shared concerns, followed by a “delayed thesis,” or main point (Ramage & Bean, 1995, 164).

Finally, make sure you know your audience’s preferences for presentations. Does your audience expect or require PowerPoint or other presentation software? Does your audience, like Edward Tufte (2010), despise PowerPoint? Would your audience prefer other modes of presentation, such as displaying slides as  Web pages  (Olivo, 2006)? These types of questions may be difficult to answer for someone with little presentation experience, but doing some initial research into your audience’s expectations will make you a more effective presenter.

Organizing the Presentation

Most presentations have three distinct sections: Introduction, Middle, and Conclusion. 1. Draft the Introduction. 

Figure 1. Sample title slide

Think like a journalist: the introduction should explain the “who, what, when, where, and why” of your research.  The Middle will explain the “how.” Your title slide will convey much of this information. Fig. 1 shows a title slide that includes the “who, what, and where.” Make sure you attend to font size and color contrast so that your names are visible. Also, spell out the names of your university and department even though they may be obvious. If you receive external funding for your research, your title slide should identify the source of your support. At this stage, consider your Introduction as a rough draft. You will revise it later.

2. Concentrate on the Middle and Conclusion.

  Imagine yourself at the end of your presentation. What exactly do you want the audience to learn, or take away?  Engineering communicators recommend that you focus on 3-5 points per presentation (Doumont, 2009).  Yet at a busy conference, most of us can realistically remember only the main point of each speaker (Alley, 2003, 153.). Prioritize your points in order of importance.  Make sure all the information you include in the Middle of your presentation contributes to your most important point; too many unnecessary details will veil the important information. Select the most persuasive visual data to use as supporting evidence.

3. Organize your argument and support.

First, avoid your computer (Grant, 2010). Instead, write down your points on note cards and organize the cards, so you can see the entire structure at a glance and make changes quickly. If you begin this work on presentation software, you risk wasting time on slide design details. This process will also help to remove unnecessary information that does not support your main points. It will be earlier to throw away a notecard that you scribbled on than to delete a slide that took you an hour to perfect.

Repetition helps you to emphasize important information. If you want the audience to remember a point, allude to it early, present the information as clearly as possible, and repeat your point in the conclusion.

4. Finally, return to your Introduction. 

Review all the material in your draft, including your title.  Make sure your Introduction explains why your work is important—and why we should pay attention to you. Also explain the larger context of your work (or the “big picture”) for the least technically knowledgeable member of the audience; that person could have the most power or money to help you. If your presentation will last longer than 5 minutes, provide an overview slide to outline the contents. You can use the overview to explain your scope: what you will discuss and what you will not.

Designing the Slides

As an undergraduate, you will normally use PowerPoint for your slide designs, but you should know its limitations. Remember three principles:

Figure 2. Dr. Kristina M. Johnson (2010).

1. Slides should support your message,  not act as a substitute. If you watch the talks on  Ted.com  you will notice that the focus is on the speaker, not the slides. Watch  Dr. Kristina M. Johnson  (Fig. 2), an engineer and the former Under Secretary for Energy, discuss the Clean Energy Economy for 20 minutes at the Institute of International and European Affairs. We do not need slides to understand what she is saying.

2. Visual presentations and written reports speak different languages . In other words, don’t simply cut-and-paste words and illustrations from your reports onto the slides. Consider how your presentation audience differs from your reader, and how you can use the language of visual presentation to advantage. Fig. 3 shows another slide from the student presentation featured above in Fig. 1. Here, the authors show at a glance how decision-making factors (in blue) match their more specific goals in designing the production facility.

Figure 3. From “Monoclonal Antibody Production Facility,” (Eberly, Forschner, & Owens, 2010).

3. Keep the slides simple.  The more complex your material, the easier you should make the presentation for the reader.  As Doumont puts it, “maximize signal-to-noise ratio” (2010).  Neuroscientist Stephen Kosslyn observes that “audience members can only typically handle four ‘perceptual units’ (a word, phrase or picture) at a time” (Grant, 2010). Avoid long bullet lists, complex flow charts, and tables full of fine detail. Pay attention to the size of words and images. Alley recommends keeping the font side no smaller than 18 points (2003, 116).  What if you need to show the fine detail? Make a handout.

Three websites offer detailed advice on how to prepare slides for engineering presentations:

Michael Alley’s  Writing Guidelines for Engineering and Science Students  at Penn State includes links to pages that discuss examples of excellent slide designs and suggest an alternative template to PowerPoint’s default. Alley presents an argument for the “Assertion-Evidence Structure”, in which a sentence-headline states the “assertion” and the body provides the “evidence.”

Jean-Luc Doumont’s support website for his book  Trees, maps, and theorems  gives crisp, straightforward advice for producing technical documents, oral presentations, and illustrations. In his link, “Explore the Topics,” a section on “Effective Graphical Displays” shows how to improve graphs, with useful before-and-after examples.

Melissa Marshall’s  Becoming an Effective Presenter of Engineering and Science ,  also at Penn State, gives detailed guidelines to Structure, Speech, Delivery, and Visual Aids. One particularly useful feature of this site is its use of video examples, both from TED talks and student presentations.

Practicing the Delivery

Public speakers, politicians, and professional actors get nervous before stepping onto a stage, so why shouldn’t you? Arguably, some degree of “nervousness” works to your advantage in that it keeps you alert and energizes your performance. Still, learning to channel that energy takes time and practice. The delivery could make or break a presentation, so start planning it early. Prepare your delivery as follows:

1. Create note cards.   Even if you are asked to “present a paper,” don’t plan to read the entire paper out loud. Outline it on cards, legibly stating the major points. Make sure you know your sources for all your information. If you are using presentation software, the sources should be cited on the slide. If not, list the source on your note cards. You may be called on your sources during the Question and Answer period.

2. Practice in front of friends —not just the mirror. It is amazing how quickly your brain will disregard the 10 hours of practicing you did at home when faced with another human being. A real audience, however small, will help give you a sense of the “nerves” you will experience and alert you to lapses in clarity or design flaws in your slides. Practice maintaining eye contact as much as possible. Practice twice, and note your improvement. If you are soft-spoken, practice in the largest lecture room possible. Ask a friend to sit in the back row so you can practice voice projection.

3. Visit the location if possible.   For presentations on campus, you should be able to visit the room beforehand.

Note the size of the room and where you will stand. If you are presenting in a large lecture hall, check your slides for visibility from the back row. Test the projector and screen controls and arrange for technical support if necessary.

4. Remember  Murphy’s laws . Prepare for your laptop to crash, for the projector light bulb to blow out, for your partner not to show up. If you are presenting outside the University, prepare a backup plan to deliver your talk from memory, with handouts.

5. Anticipate questions and challenges . Be ready to elaborate on each major point. Prepare to support your sources, your methods, and your conclusions without appearing to go on the defensive.  If you do not know the answer, say so.

References and Resources:

Alley, Michael (2007).  The Craft of Scientific Presentations.  Retrieved March 31, 2016 from  http://www.craftofscientificpresentations.com

Doumont, Jean-Luc (2009). “Trees, maps, and theorems” from  Principiae: Structuring Thoughts . Retrieved Sept. 10, 2010 from  http://www.principiae.be/

Eberly, Hayley; Forschner, Caitlin; Owens, Lauren (Spring, 2010). “Monoclonal Antibody Production Facility.” PowerPoint presentation from ChE 473 K, Process Design and Operations. The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas.

Grant, Bob. (3 Jan., 2010). “Pimp your PowerPoint.”  The Scientist.  Retrieved Dec. 29, 2010 from  http://www.the-scientist.com/article/display/57186/

Johnson, Kristina M. (8 July, 2010). “Growing a Clean Energy Economy.” Address to Institute of International and European Affairs. Retrieved Sept. 10. 2010 from  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgj1tkJfXaA

Marshall, Melissa. (2010).  Becoming an Effective Presenter of Engineering and Science . Retrieved Sept. 10, 2010 from  http://www.engr.psu.edu/speaking/Visual-Aids.html

Olivo, Richard (2003-2006). “A Flexible Alternative to PowerPoint.” Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning. Retrieved Sept. 12 from  http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/html/icb.topic58474/notPPT.html

Ramage, John D. and Bean, John C. (1995). Writing Arguments: a Rhetoric with Readings . 3rd ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Ted.com (2010). Retrieved Sept. 10 from  http://www.ted.com/

Tufte, Edward R. (2010). “The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint: Pitching Out Corrupts Within,” from The Work of Edward Tufte and Graphics Press.  Retrieved Sept. 10 2012 from  http://www.edwardtufte.com/tufte/powerpoint

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What Are Effective Presentation Skills (and How to Improve Them)

Presentation skills are essential for your personal and professional life. Learn about effective presentations and how to boost your presenting techniques.

At least seven out of 10 Americans agree that presentation skills are essential for a successful career [ 1 ]. Although it might be tempting to think that these are skills reserved for people interested in public speaking roles, they're critical in a diverse range of jobs. For example, you might need to brief your supervisor on research results.

Presentation skills are also essential in other scenarios, including working with a team and explaining your thought process, walking clients through project ideas and timelines, and highlighting your strengths and achievements to your manager during performance reviews.

Whatever the scenario, you have very little time to capture your audience’s attention and get your point across when presenting information—about three seconds, according to research [ 2 ]. Effective presentation skills help you get your point across and connect with the people you’re communicating with, which is why nearly every employer requires them.

Understanding what presentation skills are is only half the battle. Honing your presenting techniques is essential for mastering presentations of all kinds and in all settings.

What are presentation skills?

Presentation skills are the abilities and qualities necessary for creating and delivering a compelling presentation that effectively communicates information and ideas. They encompass what you say, how you structure it, and the materials you include to support what you say, such as slides, videos, or images.

You'll make presentations at various times in your life. Examples include:

Making speeches at a wedding, conference, or another event

Making a toast at a dinner or event

Explaining projects to a team 

Delivering results and findings to management teams

Teaching people specific methods or information

Proposing a vote at community group meetings

Pitching a new idea or business to potential partners or investors

Why are presentation skills important? 

Delivering effective presentations is critical in your professional and personal life. You’ll need to hone your presentation skills in various areas, such as when giving a speech, convincing your partner to make a substantial purchase, and talking to friends and family about an important situation.

No matter if you’re using them in a personal or professional setting, these are the skills that make it easier and more effective to convey your ideas, convince or persuade others, and experience success. A few of the benefits that often accompany improving your presentation skills include:

Enriched written and verbal communication skills

Enhanced confidence and self-image

Boosted critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities

Better motivational techniques

Increased leadership skills

Expanded time management, negotiation, and creativity

The better your presenting techniques, the more engaging your presentations will be. You could also have greater opportunities to make positive impacts in business and other areas of your life.

Effective presentation skills

Imagine yourself in the audience at a TED Talk or sitting with your coworkers at a big meeting held by your employer. What would you be looking for in how they deliver their message? What would make you feel engaged?

These are a few questions to ask yourself as you review this list of some of the most effective presentation skills.

Verbal communication

How you use language and deliver messages play essential roles in how your audience will receive your presentation. Speak clearly and confidently, projecting your voice enough to ensure everyone can hear. Think before you speak, pausing when necessary and tailoring the way you talk to resonate with your particular audience.

Body language

Body language combines various critical elements, including posture, gestures, eye contact, expressions, and position in front of the audience. Body language is one of the elements that can instantly transform a presentation that would otherwise be dull into one that's dynamic and interesting.

Voice projection

The ability to project your voice improves your presentation by allowing your audience to hear what you're saying. It also increases your confidence to help settle any lingering nerves while also making your message more engaging. To project your voice, stand comfortably with your shoulders back. Take deep breaths to power your speaking voice and ensure you enunciate every syllable you speak.

How you present yourself plays a role in your body language and ability to project your voice. It also sets the tone for the presentation. Avoid slouching or looking overly tense. Instead, remain open, upright, and adaptable while taking the formality of the occasion into account.

Storytelling

Incorporating storytelling into a presentation is an effective strategy used by many powerful public speakers. It has the power to bring your subject to life and pique the audience’s curiosity. Don’t be afraid to tell a personal story, slowly building up suspense or adding a dramatic moment. And, of course, be sure to end with a positive takeaway to drive your point home.

Active listening

Active listening is a valuable skill all on its own. When you understand and thoughtfully respond to what you hear—whether it's in a conversation or during a presentation—you’ll likely deepen your personal relationships and actively engage audiences during a presentation. As part of your presentation skill set, it helps catch and maintain the audience’s attention, helping them remain focused while minimizing passive response, ensuring the message is delivered correctly, and encouraging a call to action.

Stage presence

During a presentation, projecting confidence can help keep your audience engaged. Stage presence can help you connect with your audience and encourage them to want to watch you. To improve your presence, try amping up your normal demeanor by infusing it with a bit of enthusiasm. Project confidence and keep your information interesting.

Watch your audience as you’re presenting. If you’re holding their attention, it likely means you’re connecting well with them.

Self-awareness

Monitoring your own emotions and reactions will allow you to react well in various situations. It helps you remain personable throughout your presentation and handle feedback well. Self-awareness can help soothe nervousness during presentations, allowing you to perform more effectively.

Writing skills

Writing is a form of presentation. Sharp writing skills can help you master your presentation’s outline to ensure you stay on message and remain clear about your objectives from the beginning until the end. It’s also helpful to have strong writing abilities for creating compelling slides and other visual aids.

Understanding an audience

When you understand your audience's needs and interests, you can design your presentation around them. In turn, you'll deliver maximum value to them and enhance your ability to make your message easy to understand.

Learn more about presentation skills from industry experts at SAP:

How to improve presentation skills

There’s an art to public speaking. Just like any other type of art, this is one that requires practice. Improving your presentation skills will help reduce miscommunications, enhance your time management capabilities, and boost your leadership skills. Here are some ways you can improve these skills:

Work on self-confidence.

When you’re confident, you naturally speak more clearly and with more authority. Taking the time to prepare your presentation with a strong opening and compelling visual aids can help you feel more confident. Other ways to improve your self-confidence include practicing positive self-talk, surrounding yourself with positive people, and avoiding comparing yourself (or your presentation) to others.

Develop strategies for overcoming fear.

Many people are nervous or fearful before giving a presentation. A bad memory of a past performance or insufficient self-confidence can contribute to fear and anxiety. Having a few go-to strategies like deep breathing, practicing your presentation, and grounding can help you transform that fear into extra energy to put into your stage presence.

Learn grounding techniques.

Grounding is any type of technique that helps you steer your focus away from distressing thoughts and keeps you connected with your present self. To ground yourself, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and imagine you’re a large, mature tree with roots extending deep into the earth—like the tree, you can become unshakable.

Learn how to use presentation tools.

Visual aids and other technical support can transform an otherwise good presentation into a wow-worthy one. A few popular presentation tools include:

Canva: Provides easy-to-design templates you can customize

Powtoon: Animation software that makes video creation fast and easy

PowerPoint: Microsoft's iconic program popular for dynamic marketing and sales presentations

Practice breathing techniques.

Breathing techniques can help quell anxiety, making it easier to shake off pre-presentation jitters and nerves. It also helps relax your muscles and get more oxygen to your brain.  For some pre-presentation calmness, you can take deep breaths, slowly inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.

While presenting, breathe in through your mouth with the back of your tongue relaxed so your audience doesn't hear a gasping sound. Speak on your exhalation, maintaining a smooth voice.

Gain experience.

The more you practice, the better you’ll become. The more you doanything, the more comfortable you’ll feel engaging in that activity. Presentations are no different. Repeatedly practicing your own presentation also offers the opportunity to get feedback from other people and tweak your style and content as needed.

Tips to help you ace your presentation

Your presentation isn’t about you; it’s about the material you’re presenting. Sometimes, reminding yourself of this ahead of taking center stage can help take you out of your head, allowing you to connect effectively with your audience. The following are some of the many actions you can take on the day of your presentation.

Arrive early.

Since you may have a bit of presentation-related anxiety, it’s important to avoid adding travel stress. Give yourself an abundance of time to arrive at your destination, and take into account heavy traffic and other unforeseen events. By arriving early, you also give yourself time to meet with any on-site technicians, test your equipment, and connect with people ahead of the presentation.

Become familiar with the layout of the room.

Arriving early also gives you time to assess the room and figure out where you want to stand. Experiment with the acoustics to determine how loudly you need to project your voice, and test your equipment to make sure everything connects and appears properly with the available setup. This is an excellent opportunity to work out any last-minute concerns and move around to familiarize yourself with the setting for improved stage presence.

Listen to presenters ahead of you.

When you watch others present, you'll get a feel for the room's acoustics and lighting. You can also listen for any data that’s relevant to your presentation and revisit it during your presentation—this can make the presentation more interactive and engaging.

Use note cards.

Writing yourself a script could provide you with more comfort. To prevent sounding too robotic or disengaged, only include talking points in your note cards in case you get off track. Using note cards can help keep your presentation organized while sounding more authentic to your audience.

Learn to deliver clear and confident presentations with Dynamic Public Speaking from the University of Washington. Build confidence, develop new delivery techniques, and practice strategies for crafting compelling presentations for different purposes, occasions, and audiences.

Article sources

Forbes. “ New Survey: 70% Say Presentation Skills are Critical for Career Success , https://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2014/09/25/new-survey-70-percent-say-presentation-skills-critical-for-career-success/?sh=619f3ff78890.” Accessed December 7, 2022.

Beautiful.ai. “ 15 Presentation and Public Speaking Stats You Need to Know , https://www.beautiful.ai/blog/15-presentation-and-public-speaking-stats-you-need-to-know. Accessed December 7, 2022.

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Formal vs Informal Presentations: A Complete Breakdown

Have you ever kept funny snaps of your friends or siblings to play them on a big screen on their birthday?       

Whether it be a corporate setup, college project, or merely a friends get-together slideshow, presentation skills always leave your audience with a great impact.

Knowing what type of presentation will serve you best and capture your audience's attention is vital for its success.

With that in mind, here we break down the ins and outs of formal and informal presentations. Hopefully, you’ll find all your answers in the next 5-6 minutes.

Formal vs Informal Presentation Styles

Formal presentations.

These are the types of presentations one would give in a formal setting, as the word itself suggests, something you would do in an office or a business meeting, sometimes even a job interview.

Thus, there are many crucial factors that you should keep in mind while preparing for this type of presentation . Some of the most significant factors are as follows:

• Choosing the right topic
• Knowing the audience
• Informative rather than creative
• To the point
• Length as required
• Proper dressing and body language
• Keep the jokes to a minimum
• Keeping the audience's interest without losing the essence
• Choosing the suitable color scheme for a slideshow
• Proper structure and formats

If your setup ticks everything on this checklist, then you're good to go!

Informal Presentations

Now, these are the types of presentations you would give in a more straightforward and friendly setting, something you would give in a lighter note to your friends & family or co-workers.

This would include a family slideshow, memories from a trip, or pitching an idea to your colleagues before you give your boss the formal version of it.

Here is the 10-point consideration list for informal presentations

• Choose a captivating topic
• Creativity plays a significant role
• Proper dressing isn't a must
• Body language should be more open and welcoming
• You probably should keep a couple of jokes in
• Keep it short but get your point across
• Put more pictures to keep your audience glued
• More engagement with the audience
• Prefer more bright colors
• Formats and structure aren't important

This list makes sure to give you and your audience a lovely time!

How to Decide Which Presentation Would Be the Best?

A formal situation.

Has the boss asked you to do some work? Or are you preparing to impress those investors? Perhaps a group project in front of the whole school? Or a dream job interview?

All those are straight-up indicators that a formal presentation would do you best. This is because all these situations demand a degree of seriousness and professional work as you would be working towards portraying your presentation as a skilled worker who keeps everything to the topic.

Here are a few indicators to look out for

• Is the work official?
• Has it been assigned to me by someone of authority?
• Does it have deadlines?
• What's at stake?
• How important is the responsibility?
• Is there a format/structure for it?
• Will you have to present in an organized setup?

As such, deciding the right type to present might go a long way.

An Informal Situation

Is it for recreational purposes? Are your close friends the audience? Are you presenting photos of a recent trip? Game night with family?

It's a no-brainer that all these situations call for an informal presentation, as instead of worrying about being professional, you have to be concerned about keeping everyone interested.

Furthermore, this doesn't necessarily have to be too serious and should be held on a much lighter note compared to formal situations.

• Is it an unofficial work?
• Have you decided to make a presentation yourself?
• Do you decide on the deadlines?
• Not too much at stake?
• Do you determine the format?
• Will you present in an informal setup?
• Does the responsibility depend on you?

To conclude, a rightly made presentation leaves a significant impact.

That is what we will talk about next!

How to Make the Right Presentation for the Right Situation

Steps to make a formal presentation.

To make this type of presentation, here are things required beforehand:

• Proper research
• Using information from trusted sites only
• Compilation in a brainstorming document
• Choose a solid but formal color scheme
• Limit the number of slides
• Research your content thoroughly for any questions
• Filter any unwanted data from your research
• Make a mind map of how you want your presentation to look like
• Organize all your information in the formats provided

Done with these steps? Now onto things to ensure you are ready for the big day:

• Check if your presentation is in one flow
• Avoid monotony
• Make sure you practice your speech enough
• Try a mock presentation to calm any nerves
• Make sure your tone is just right
• Practice a serious body language
• Pick out an outfit that fits right to your presentation
• Make sure you look presentable

That said, a formal presentation also requires some post-presentation work. This involves a fair question-and-answer session to encourage feedback from your audience and welcome any criticism. Moreover, these can be essential steps to gain your audience's respect.

Steps to Make an Informal Presentation

To make this type of presentation here are things required beforehand:

• Collect all your information that will interest your audience
• Source of information shouldn't be an issue
• Brainstorming is optional
• Bright colors will make your presentation look more lively
• Don't make it too long and boring
• Memorizing information isn't a must
• Fill it with pictures
• Choose the right theme
• Make sure it isn't mundane
• Have a lively tone
• Involve and engage everyone
• Time isn't a constraint as long as everyone is enjoying
• Include jokes and interesting analogies
• Choose an outfit that fits your theme
• Involve skits and other presenters to mix things up

The post-presentation work requires asking people for their views on it. Ask them what they liked best and what you could do better; start a conversation .

Types of Presentations

• Informative Presentation: This is the most used type of presentation, be it in a school setting, office, or corporate situation. The purpose of an informative presentation is to give information about a sample, concept, or idea to a particular type of person.
• Persuasive Presentation: Persuasive presentations are to encourage or compel someone to work or make a difference in their life or views.
• Demonstrative Presentation :  A demonstration requires a presentation or the working of a product or procedure in a step-by-step manner.
• Inspirational Presentation: An inspirational presentation aims to affect or emotionally impact your presenters. Using explanations, talking about personal experiences, or even a keen sense of humor work in miles to perfect your presentation as people develop a sentimental bond to the presentation.
• Business Presentation: A business presentation can involve pitching a new product or conveying and selling a product to your investors. You can prepare a business presentation individually or collectively. You then base the content on your or the client’s needs and present it in a way that sells your idea to the client.
• PowerPoint Presentation: PPTs are the most commonly used type of presentation used almost worldwide for any kind of setting. PPTs have preset formal templates that you can use for any sort of presentation mentioned above.
• Interactive Presentation: This can contain interactions and choices with which the presenter or the audience can interact , which decides the course of the presentation.
• Slideshow Presentation: This usually contains a picture of either an event or a specific trip intended to show to friends or family. It barely has text and focuses more on visual aids .

Related: 14 Types of Speeches for All Occasions

Mixing It Up: The Formal and Informal Presentation Hybrid

A hybrid means a mixture or something in between two extremes. Have you ever wondered what creating a formal and informal mixture hybrid would be like? 

This would mean that while your audience can be a mixture of both, we can go out on a limb and be more flexible. This implies while wearing formal clothes, we can still have a sense of humor.

Additionally, while using bright colors, we can still keep the information serious and to the point.

When to use this, though?

You can use this hybrid in situations where you are the one in the position of authority and you are the one responsible.

One can use this to portray their uniqueness, impress, and leave a significant impact.

Summary: Informal vs Formal Presentations

A presentation is said to be formal when you have been asked by someone else in authority to share your ideas with a specific audience and have also been provided preparation time.

Additionally, formal presentations call for a totally different approach compared to an impromptu meeting.

Will you be standing in front of hundreds, or will you speak to a limited number of people? Will you be presenting to your boss and investors? Or are you presenting a family slideshow? 

You must know the people you will be presenting to, so you can shape your content in order to them. Furthermore, handing out brochures or flyers can also have a lasting effect on the audience.

Formal presentation equals formal wearing, whereas informal leans towards something more casual. A proper suit or a business dress is the way to go. Don't forget to stand up before presenting, though!

Have a question-and-answer session! Ask them about their opinions.

Informal presentations are more of an action and looking out for a reaction setup, keeping your audience interested and interacting. It ends up being a fun conversation. 

Formal presentations are more about you talking and them listening . Whereas informal ones are interaction and engagement based.

It is preferred to encourage discussion during an informal presentation and let it take its course while also returning to the topic naturally.

Choosing the right color schemes and slide lengths for any kind of presentation can decide its fate. It directly affects interaction rates and the audience's willingness to engage with the given work.

The hybrid system is the one where we can include both types of presentation to create something unique. However, it may be unconventional but can end up being totally out of the box if done correctly.

To conclude, presentations can be a daily routine in our work and school lives.

Among the various types of presentations, choosing the right one is the first and somewhat the most crucial step as it will decide the success of your presentation.

Properly conducting yourself and choosing from suitable options can go a long way. Formal and informal presentations require different approaches, content, and styles.

Thus, you should understand your audience and the purpose of the presentation before deciding on a method. That said, we hope you understand what's best for you. Happy presenting!

How To Master Formal and Informal Presentations: Key Differences

Table of contents.

Did you know that 75% of professionals believe that effective presentations and oral statements are crucial for career success? Views on this matter are supported by the fact that a well-delivered paragraph can greatly impact one’s professional growth. In addition, informal discussions also play a significant role in career advancement. Whether it’s pitching a new idea, delivering a job interview speech, or leading a team discussion, the ability to captivate an audience and hold their attention is invaluable. This skill is especially important when presenting different types of views or discussing specific clauses and sections of a topic. While formal presentations have long been the go-to method for sharing information and ideas, there’s a growing recognition of the power and impact of informal presentations . Informal presentations are gaining popularity due to their ability to engage different types of audiences and offer a more relaxed atmosphere . This recognition is leading to an increase in the number of people who prefer informal presentations over formal ones, as they believe it allows for more authentic and genuine interaction s. As a result, the use of informal presentations is becoming a common practice in various industries, with many organizations incorporating this type of presentation into their communication strategies.

Unlike traditional slideshow-driven talks, informal presentations focus on fostering genuine conversations and encouraging active participation to create an open exchange of thoughts, ideas, and views. This type of presentation does not rely on a rigid clause structure but instead values organic dialogue. We’ll outline the key differences between formal and informal presentation styles , discuss their unique benefits, and provide practical tips on how to deliver an impactful informal presentation. In this blog post, we will specifically focus on the different types of presentation styles, including formal and informal, and highlight their benefits. Additionally, we will provide practical advice on delivering an impactful informal presentation that captures the attention of your audience and leaves a lasting impression.

So if you’re looking for a different approach to captivate your audience and make meaningful contributions in any setting, buckle up as we dive into the world of informal presentations. These presentations can help you engage with your audience and express your views in a more relaxed and conversational manner. By using this type of presentation, you can also incorporate the use of visual aids and interactive elements to enhance the clause of your message. Get ready to unlock your conversational prowess!

Understanding the Difference between Formal and Informal Presentations

Definition and characteristics of formal presentations.

Formal presentations are typically structured, organized, and follow a specific set of rules. These rules often include a clause and depend on the type of presentation. They are often delivered in professional settings such as conferences, board meetings, or academic environments. These types of speeches are commonly given in various professional scenarios, including conferences, board meetings, and academic environments. These type of presentations tend to be more serious in nature and require a high level of professionalism. The clause is that they demand a certain level of seriousness and professionalism. Some key characteristics of formal presentations include:

• Structured Approach: Formal presentations of any type have a well-defined structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section in this blog post serves a specific purpose to effectively convey information about the type of content being discussed.
• Professional Language: The type of language used in formal presentations is usually precise, concise, and avoids slang or colloquialisms. The type of tone in this blog post is formal and respectful to maintain a sense of professionalism.
• Visual Aids : Formal presentations often incorporate visual aids such as slideshows or charts to enhance understanding and engage the audience visually.
• Time Management : Time management is crucial in formal presentations as there is typically a set time limit for each speaker. Presenters need to ensure they stay within the allocated time while effectively delivering their message.
• Audience Interaction : While there may be opportunities for questions at the end, formal presentations generally prioritize delivering information rather than engaging in extensive audience interaction during the presentation itself.

Definition and Characteristics of Informal Presentations

Informal presentations are more relaxed in nature and allow for greater flexibility compared to their formal counterparts. They are commonly seen in casual settings like team meetings, brainstorming sessions, or social gatherings where there is a focus on sharing ideas or discussing topics collaboratively. Here are some defining characteristics of informal presentations:

• Flexibility: Unlike formal presentations that adhere strictly to a predetermined structure, informal presentations offer greater flexibility in terms of format and content organization.
• Conversational Tone: Informal presentations often adop t a conversational tone, allowing presenters to engage with the audience more casually. This includes the use of personal pronouns, anecdotes, and humor to create a relaxed atmosphere.
• Less Reliance on Visual Aids: While visual aids can still be used in informal presentations, they are typically less formal and may include more casual elements such as memes or gifs to add humor or emphasize points.
• Audience Interaction: Informal presentations encourage active participation and engagement from the audience throughout the presentation. This can involve asking questions, seeking input, or encouraging discussions.
• Adaptable Time Management: Unlike formal presentations where time management is crucial, informal presentations allow for more flexibility in terms of time allocation.

Key Elements of an Effective Informal Presentation

Importance of engaging the audience through storytelling.

Engaging the audience is a crucial aspect of delivering an effective informal presentation. One powerful way to captivate your audience is through storytelling . By weaving personal anecdotes or relatable narratives into your presentation, you can create an emotional connection with your listeners. Storytelling not only grabs their attention but also helps them connect the information presented to real-life experiences.

When incorporating storytelling into your informal presentation, consider using vivid language and descriptive details to paint a picture in the minds of your audience members. This will help them visualize the content and make it more memorable. Sharing personal stories or anecdotes can add authenticity and credibility to your presentation, as it shows that you have firsthand experience or knowledge about the topic at hand.

Utilizing Visual Aids to Enhance Understanding

Another key element of an effective informal presentation is the use of visual aids. Visual aids such as slides, diagrams, charts, or videos can greatly enhance understanding and retention of information for your audience members. These visual elements provide a visual representation of complex ideas or data, making it easier for people to grasp and remember.

When creating visual aids for your presentation, keep in mind that simplicity is key. Use clear and concise visuals that support and complement your spoken words rather than overwhelming or distracting from them. Avoid cluttered slides or complicated graphics that may confuse or bore your audience.

Visual aids should be used strategically throughout your presentation to reinforce key points, highlight important information, or illustrate concepts that are difficult to explain verbally alone. Remember to refer back to these visuals during your talk and provide explanations or insights related to what is being shown on the screen.

Encouraging Interaction and Participation During the Presentation

Incorporating interaction and encouraging participation from your audience is vital for creating an engaging informal presentation. Instead of simply talking at them, aim for a more interactive and dynamic approach that involves your listeners. This can be achieved through various means, such as asking questions, conducting polls or surveys, or facilitating small group discussions.

By actively involving your audience, you create a sense of ownership and investment in the presentation. This not only keeps them attentive but also allows for a deeper understanding and retention of the information shared. Encouraging participation can also help address any potential doubts or questions that may arise during the presentation, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

To encourage interaction, consider using open-ended questions that promote discussion rather than simple yes-or-no answers. Allow ample time for audience members to share their thoughts or experiences related to the topic at hand. Incorporate activities or exercises that require active participation from everyone present.

Characteristics and Benefits of Formal and Informal Presentation Styles

In the world of presentations, there are two distinct styles that can be employed: formal and informal. Each style has its own unique characteristics and benefits, catering to different types of events and audiences. Let’s explore these two presentation styles in more detail.

Formal: Structured, Professional, Suitable for Official Events

Formal presentations are characterized by their structured nature and professional tone. These presentations are often used in official settings such as conferences, board meetings, or academic symposiums. The key aspect of a formal presentation is maintaining a sense of professionalism throughout the delivery.

One of the main benefits of a formal presentation is its structured format. It allows presenters to organize their content in a logical manner, making it easier for the audience to follow along. This structure often includes an introduction, body sections with clear points or arguments, supporting evidence or data, and a conclusion that summarizes key takeaways.

Another advantage of formal presentations is that they create an atmosphere of credibility and authority. By adhering to a professional tone and using appropriate language, presenters can establish themselves as experts on the subject matter. This can help build trust with the audience and enhance the overall impact of the presentation.

Informal: Relaxed, Conversational, Fosters Connection with the Audience

On the other end of the spectrum is informal presentations. These presentations have a more relaxed and conversational style compared to their formal counterparts. Informal presentations are often used in smaller group settings or casual events where a personal connection with the audience is desired.

The primary characteristic of an informal presentation is its conversational tone. Presenters use everyday language, anecdotes, humor, and engage directly with the audience to create an interactive experience. This style fosters a sense of connection between presenter and audience members.

Informal presentations offer several benefits over formal ones. Firstly, the relaxed atmosphere of an informal presentation puts the audience at ease, making them more receptive to the information being shared. This can lead to increased engagement and participation from the audience.

Secondly, informal presentations tend to be more memorable for the audience. The conversational style allows for a deeper level of connection and understanding between presenter and listener. As a result, the audience is more likely to retain and recall the information presented long after the presentation has concluded.

Benefits of having strong presentation skills include increased engagement, better retention of information, and adaptability to different situations. These skills are particularly important in job interviews and when providing services as they help individuals effectively convey their main points.

Both formal and informal presentation styles offer unique benefits that cater to different situations and audiences. Let’s take a closer look at these advantages:

How to Decide Which Presentation Would Be the Best?

Considering the purpose and context of the presentation.

When deciding which presentation style would be the best, it’s crucial to consider the purpose and context of your presentation. Ask yourself what you hope to achieve and what message you want to convey. Are you trying to inform, persuade, or entertain? Understanding your goals will help determine whether an informal or formal presentation is more suitable.

For example, if you’re presenting a business proposal to potential clients, a formal presentation may be more appropriate as it conveys professionalism and seriousness. On the other hand, if you’re delivering a training session within your organization, an informal approach might be better suited for fostering engagement and interaction.

Assessing audience expectations and preferences

Another important factor in deciding which presentation style is best is assessing audience expectations and preferences. Consider who your audience is and what they are accustomed to. Are they expecting a traditional PowerPoint-style presentation with slides and bullet points, or are they open to a more casual format?

Understanding your audience’s preferences can help you tailor your presentation accordingly. For instance, if your audience consists of younger individuals who are used to interactive presentations with multimedia elements, an informal approach that incorporates videos or group activities may be well-received.

Evaluating desired outcomes and level of formality required

The desired outcomes of your presentation also play a role in determining which style would be most effective. Think about what specific actions or responses you want from your audience after the presentation. Do you want them to make a decision, take action, or simply gain knowledge?

In some cases, a formal presentation may be necessary when dealing with sensitive topics where precision and accuracy are paramount. However, for less complex subjects where creativity and spontaneity can enhance engagement, an informal approach might yield better results.

It’s also essential to consider the level of formality required based on the setting or industry norms. Some industries or environments demand a more formal presentation style due to their nature, such as legal or financial sectors. Conversely, in more relaxed settings like creative industries or informal gatherings, an informal presentation can create a more comfortable and engaging atmosphere.

Types of Presentations (Formal and Informal)

In the world of presentations, there are two main types: formal and informal. Each type serves a different purpose and is suited for various settings. Let’s take a closer look at these two types and understand their differences in tone, structure, and delivery style.

Examples of Formal Presentations

Formal presentations are often associated with professional settings such as business conferences or academic lectures. These presentations have a more serious tone and follow a structured format. Here are some examples of formal presentations:

• Business Conferences: In a business conference, presenters aim to convey important information or share insights with an audience consisting of professionals from various industries. The content is usually well-researched, data-driven, and delivered in a formal manner.
• Academic Lectures: Professors or subject matter experts deliver academic lectures to students in educational institutions. These presentations focus on teaching complex concepts, theories, or research findings. The language used is typically formal and technical.

Examples of Informal Presentations

On the other hand, informal presentations are more relaxed and casual in nature. They are commonly seen in team meetings, workshops, or even TED talks where speakers engage with the audience on a personal level. Here are some examples of informal presentations:

• Team Meetings: In team meetings, colleagues come together to discuss project updates, brainstorm ideas, or share progress reports. The atmosphere is less rigid compared to formal presentations, allowing for open dialogue among team members.
• Workshops: Workshops provide interactive learning experiences where participants actively engage in discussions and activities facilitated by a presenter. These sessions encourage collaboration and creativity through hands-on exercises.
• TED Talks: TED talks have gained immense popularity due to their engaging nature and ability to deliver powerful messages in an informal setting. Speakers often use storytelling techniques to captivate the audience while sharing their unique perspectives.

Highlighting Differences in Tone, Structure, and Delivery Style

The key differences between formal and informal presentations lie in their tone, structure, and delivery style.

• Tone: Formal presentations adopt a more serious and professional tone, using formal language and avoiding slang or colloquialisms. In contrast, informal presentations embrace a conversational tone that connects with the audience on a personal level.
• Structure: Formal presentations typically follow a structured outline with clear sections such as an introduction, main points, supporting evidence, and conclusion. Informal presentations may have a looser structure that allows for spontaneity and flexibility depending on the presenter’s style.
• Delivery Style: In formal presentations, speakers often rely on visual aids like PowerPoint slides to enhance their message.

Mixing It Up: The Formal and Informal Presentation Hybrid

In the world of presentations, there’s often a clear divide between formal and informal styles. However, what if we could combine the best of both worlds? Enter the hybrid approach—a unique blend that incorporates elements from both formal and informal presentations. This article will explore this innovative approach, discussing its appropriateness in different scenarios and highlighting the benefits it offers.

Exploring a Combination Approach

The hybrid presentation style is all about finding a balance between formality and informality. It involves incorporating certain elements of an informal discussion into a more structured format. By doing so, presenters can create an engaging and interactive experience while maintaining professionalism.

One way to achieve this combination is by adopting a conversational tone throughout the presentation. Instead of strictly adhering to a rigid script or formal language, presenters can inject some personality into their delivery. This allows for better connection with the audience and helps to establish rapport.

Another aspect of the hybrid approach is incorporating visual aids or multimedia elements that are commonly associated with informal presentations. Including relevant images, videos, or interactive slides can help to break up the monotony of a traditional formal presentation and keep participants engaged.

When Is the Hybrid Approach Appropriate?

While the hybrid style may not be suitable for every situation, there are specific instances where it can be highly effective:

• Informative Presentations : When presenting information-heavy content such as data analysis or research findings, using a hybrid approach can make it more digestible for the audience. Breaking down complex concepts through casual conversation or relatable anecdotes helps participants grasp key points more easily.
• Team Meetings : In team meetings or brainstorming sessions, adopting a hybrid style encourages open communication among team members. By creating an environment that feels less rigid and hierarchical, individuals are more likely to share ideas freely without fear of judgment.
• Training Sessions : When conducting training sessions or workshops, a hybrid approach can foster a more interactive and engaging learning experience. Incorporating group discussions, hands-on activities, or even incorporating gamification elements can enhance knowledge retention and participant involvement.

Benefits of the Hybrid Approach

The hybrid presentation style offers several advantages that make it worth considering:

• Engagement : By combining elements from informal presentations, the hybrid approach keeps participants engaged throughout the session. The conversational tone and interactive components create a dynamic environment that encourages active participation.
• Flexibility : The hybrid style allows presenters to adapt their delivery based on audience feedback or preferences. They can gauge the level of formality required and adjust accordingly during the presentation, ensuring that participants are comfortable and receptive to the content.

How to Choose a Presentation Style

One of the key decisions you need to make is choosing the most suitable style. While formal presentations have their merits, informal presentations can also be highly effective in engaging and connecting with your audience.

Identifying Personal Strengths in Delivering Formal or Informal Presentations

When deciding on a presentation style, it’s important to consider your own strengths and comfort level as a speaker. Some individuals thrive in formal settings, where they can demonstrate professionalism and authority through structured speeches and polished delivery. On the other hand, if you are more relaxed and charismatic in casual conversations, an informal presentation style might suit you better.

• Formal presentations allow you to showcase your expertise and knowledge.
• They provide a sense of structure and formality that can be reassuring for both you and your audience.
• Formal presentations are often perceived as more professional and credible.
• Formal presentations may feel rigid or scripted for some speakers.
• The pressure to adhere strictly to a formal format can lead to increased anxiety or nervousness.
• It may be challenging to establish a genuine connection with the audience when using a formal approach.

On the flip side, informal presentations offer greater flexibility for speakers who prefer a conversational tone. This style allows for spontaneity, storytelling, humor, and interaction with the audience. If you excel at building rapport quickly or engaging listeners through relatable anecdotes, an informal presentation style might be ideal for you.

• Informal presentations create a relaxed atmosphere that encourages open dialogue.
• They allow for more creativity in delivery techniques such as storytelling or incorporating multimedia elements.
• Informal presentations can foster stronger connections with the audience by showcasing authenticity and personality.
• Informal presentations may require more improvisation and quick thinking.
• Without a structured format, it’s important to maintain focus and avoid rambling or going off-topic.
• Some formal settings or topics may not be suitable for an informal presentation style.

Considering Audience Preferences for a Specific Topic or Event

Another crucial factor in choosing a presentation style is understanding your audience’s preferences. Different audiences have varying expectations and respond differently to different styles of presentations. By tailoring your approach to their preferences, you can increase engagement and ensure that your message resonates effectively.

For example, if you are presenting to a group of executives or professionals in a formal business setting, a more traditional and structured style might be appropriate.

How to Adapt Your Presentation Style

Transitioning from a formal presentation style to an informal one, or vice versa, can be a challenging task. However, with the right approach and some key adjustments, you can successfully adapt your presentation style to suit different audiences and contexts. Here are some tips to help you navigate this transition effectively.

Tips for transitioning from a formal job interview to an informal presentation skills situation or vice versa can be helpful. Here are some steps to consider when navigating these different situations.

• Assess the audience: Before making any adjustments to your presentation style, it’s essential to understand your audience. Consider their demographics, such as age, education level, and professional background. This information will guide you in determining whether a more formal or informal approach is appropriate.
• Adapt your language use: One of the most significant differences between formal and informal presentations lies in the language used. When delivering a formal presentation, it’s crucial to use proper grammar, avoid slang or colloquialisms, and maintain a professional tone throughout. On the other hand, when presenting informally, you have more flexibility in using conversational language and incorporating relatable phrases or expressions.
• Adjust your visuals: Visual aids play an important role in presentations and can contribute significantly to setting the tone. In a formal setting, opt for clean and professional-looking slides with minimal distractions. For informal presentations, consider using more visually engaging elements like images or videos that resonate with your audience on a personal level.
• Be mindful of attire: Your appearance also plays a part in conveying formality or informality during a presentation. Dress appropriately for the occasion while considering what would make your audience feel comfortable and engaged.
• Use humor strategically: Humor can be an effective tool for engaging audiences during both formal and informal presentations. However, it’s important to gauge the appropriateness of humor based on the context and audience preferences.

Adjusting language use according to audience demographics

When adapting your presentation style, it’s crucial to consider the demographics of your audience. Different age groups, educational backgrounds, and professional experiences may respond better to specific language choices. Here are some key considerations:

• Simplify complex concepts: If you’re presenting to a diverse audience with varying levels of expertise, avoid using jargon or technical terms that might alienate certain individuals. Instead, focus on simplifying complex concepts and explaining them in relatable terms.
• Tailor your vocabulary: Adjusting your vocabulary is essential when addressing different demographics. For formal presentations, use precise and sophisticated language appropriate for the subject matter. In informal settings, opt for simpler words and phrases that resonate with your audience’s everyday language.
• Consider cultural nuances:

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of this blog post on formal and informal presentations. By now, you should have a clear understanding of the differences between these two styles and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Remember, There is no one-size-fits-all approach. It’s important to consider various factors such as audience, topic, and desired outcome. Formal presentations are great for professional settings where you need to convey information in a structured manner. On the other hand, informal presentations allow for more flexibility and can be effective in engaging and connecting with your audience on a personal level.

To make the most impact with your presentations, I encourage you to experiment with different styles and adapt them based on your specific situation. Don’t be afraid to mix it up by incorporating elements from both formal and informal presentation styles. This hybrid approach can help you strike a balance between professionalism and authenticity.

Now that you have all this knowledge at your disposal, go out there and give some amazing presentations! Remember to be confident, authentic, and always keep your audience engaged. Happy presenting!

If you found this article helpful or have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.

What is an informal presentation?

An informal presentation is a relaxed and casual way of sharing information or ideas with others. It’s less structured than a formal presentation and often involves more interaction and discussion with the audience.

Why should I consider giving an informal presentation?

Informal presentations can be a great way to engage your audience in a more personal and conversational manner. They allow for open dialogue, encourage participation, and create a relaxed atmosphere that promotes better understanding and connection.

How do I prepare for an informal presentation?

To prepare for an informal presentation, start by clearly defining your key points or messages. Keep your content concise and focus on the most important information. Practice speaking in a natural and conversational tone to ensure you come across as approachable and engaging.

Can I use slang or colloquial language during an informal presentation slideshow or oral statement? In situations where I am presenting my work, is it appropriate to incorporate slang or colloquial language?

Absolutely! In fact, using slang, idioms, or colloquial language can help you connect better with your audience during an informal presentation. Just make sure to gauge the appropriateness based on the context and the familiarity of your audience with such language.

How can I make my informal presentation more interactive?

To make your informal presentation interactive, encourage audience participation through activities like Q&A sessions, group discussions, or small breakout exercises. Incorporating multimedia elements such as videos or interactive slides can also enhance engagement levels.

Is it okay to deviate from my prepared script during an informal presentation? This question often arises when creating a slideshow or oral statement. In certain situations, it may be appropriate to stray from the planned content and speak more freely. However, it is essential to maintain a coherent flow and ensure that each paragraph contributes to the overall message.

Yes! Informal presentations are meant to be flexible and adaptable. While having some key points in mind is important, feel free to deviate from your script if it allows for more spontaneous conversations or addresses specific questions raised by the audience.

What’s next after delivering an informal presentation?

After delivering an informal presentation, don’t forget to provide clear call-to-action steps for your audience. This could include sharing additional resources, inviting them to follow up with questions via email or social media, or encouraging them to take specific actions related to the topic discussed.

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Blog Beginner Guides How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 20, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Click to jump ahead:

What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?

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

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

1. Clear structure

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

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

2. Engaging opening

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

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

3. Relevant content

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

4. Effective visual aids

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

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

5. Clear and concise communication

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

6. Engaging delivery

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

7. Interaction and audience engagement

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

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

8. Effective storytelling

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

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

9. Well-timed pacing

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

10. Strong conclusion

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

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

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

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

1. Understand the audience and their needs

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

2. Conduct thorough research on the topic

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

3. Organize the content with a clear structure

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

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

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

4. Develop visually appealing and supportive visual aids

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

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

5. Practice, practice and practice

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

6. Seek feedback and make necessary adjustments

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

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

7. Prepare for potential technical or logistical issues

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

8. Fine-tune and polish your presentation

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

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

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

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

1. Confidence and positive body language

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

2. Eye contact with the audience

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

3. Effective use of hand gestures and movement

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

4. Utilize storytelling techniques

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

5. Incorporate multimedia elements

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

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

6. Utilize humor strategically

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

7. Practice active listening and respond to feedback

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

8. Apply the 10-20-30 rule

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

9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule

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

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

1. How to start a presentation?

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

2. How to end a presentation?

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

3. How to make a presentation interactive?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How to Structure your Presentation, with Examples

August 3, 2018 - Dom Barnard

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

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

Why is structuring a presentation so important?

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

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

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

What will affect your presentation structure?

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

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

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

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

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

What is the typical presentation structure?

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

1. Greet the audience and introduce yourself

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

Read our tips on  How to Start a Presentation Effectively

2. Introduction

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

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

In this section also explain:

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

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

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

3. The main body of your talk

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

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

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

4. Conclusion

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

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

Follow these steps:

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

5. Thank the audience and invite questions

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

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

Other common presentation structures

The above was a description of a basic presentation, here are some more specific presentation layouts:

Demonstration

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

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

Problem-solution

This structure is particularly useful in persuading the audience.

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

Storytelling

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

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

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

• Great storytelling: Examples from Alibaba Founder, Jack Ma

Remaining method

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

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

Transitions

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

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

Moving from the introduction to the first point

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

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

Shifting between similar points

Move from one point to a similar one:

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

Internal summaries

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

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

Physical movement

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

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

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

Key slides for your presentation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some additional resources for slide design:

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

Group Presentations

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

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

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

Example of great presentation structure and delivery

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

How Google Works – by Eric Schmidt

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

Start with why – by Simon Sinek

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

The Wisdom of a Third Grade Dropout – by Rick Rigsby

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

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

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

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

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

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

Formal, Interactive or Informal Presentation – Which Type Is Best?

Simon Morton shares a chapter of his latest book, “The Presentation Lab”.

Understanding the presentation landscape

There’s no getting away from it, bookstores, social media and the web are awash with great advice to support the business presenter. Tap “help with business presentations” into Google, and you’re greeted with over 450 million results.

The good news is that most of these links will offer considered, practical advice to help you navigate your way through a formal presentation. They’ll no doubt provide hints and tips on how to stand, project your voice and ensure that your PowerPoint slides look good. If you’re wearing a suit, presenting to an audience that knows not to ask any questions until the end of the presentation and are determined only to use PowerPoint as a visual aid, you’re in good hands.

The bad news is that most business presentations are nothing like this.

Indeed, most of the day-to-day presentation situations in which you’ll find yourself do not lend themselves to the (many) rules that surround formal presentations. You’ll often be presenting to a single individual over an informal coffee or to a group on a topic that needs greater levels of interaction than a linear PowerPoint slide deck will support. You might be next up on stage at a conference and can tell from the coma-like expressions of the conference audience that another 30-slide PowerPoint deck would push them over the edge.

Whatever the particular details, more and more presentation situations exist outside of this ‘formal’ environment. Yet pretty much the entire canon of presentation thinking remains transfixed on addressing the shortcomings of the “I speak, you listen” format.

How does the Presentation Landscape break down?

As with all good things in the presentation world, the landscape breaks down rather nicely into three key areas shown in the graphic below:

And while they aren’t hard-and-fast rules, there are some basic parameters we can use to determine which kinds of presentations might fit into each.

The Formal Presentation

Typical presentation scenarios that fall into the Formal category are bids and pitches, conferences and investor presentations. They have one thing in common: the presenter speaks and the audience listens, and then (ideally) a lively Q&A session kicks off at the conclusion of the presentation at the behest of the presenter. In short, the majority of the presentation is a broadcast rather than a conversation .

If it seems that I’m a little snooty about ‘Formal’ presentations, or that I feel they lack an intimacy that plays well with audiences, please know that this couldn’t be further from the truth. Getting ‘Formal’ presentations right is hard – damned hard. This is because these kinds of presentations, more than any other, are subject to disengaged audiences. They also frequently have more at stake, which inadvertently but understandably puts the presenter at a disadvantage before they’ve even stepped onto the stage. Formal presentations are also more likely to be ‘one-offs’ or delivered irregularly, which means that studious rehearsal is required by all involved (and, lest we forget, most of the intended rehearsal time will be eaten up by last-minute changes to the slides – an unavoidable part of human nature).

My semi-snooty tone might come from the fact that the Formal presentation structure has been foisted on presenters and audiences alike for way too long. We’ve followed the unwritten (and in some cases, written) rules regarding posture, diction and how many bullet points you’re allowed on a slide so slavishly that they’ve hindered audience engagement. Communication – the primary goal of most presentations – is, ironically, the first casualty of over formalizing.

So how do we fix this? Being a little more casual with all presentations is foolish, since some do demand the formal approach. However, a good place to start is to recognize that not all presentations fit the same mold.

This leads rather nicely onto our next category – the Interactive presentation.

The Interactive Presentation

The ability to interact has never been so widely embraced as it is today. Our media thrives on its ability to engage and interact with its audiences, from the occasionally hysterical discussion boards on newspaper websites to the hordes of business Tweeters and Facebookers, to the ease of voting contestants on and off reality TV shows. (My children don’t believe a Saturday evening in front of the TV is complete if they haven’t called a premium-rate phone line to vote off a dancer/singer/juggler who doesn’t meet their high standards.)

With interaction being so prevalent across the media landscape, it seems strange that presentations have, on the whole, managed to dodge the trend. It might be that conventional wisdom scorns the idea of an audience asking questions throughout a presentation; heaven forbid they got ideas above their station and started driving the presentation towards something that actually appealed to them. Or, it might be that presenters have preferred to stay within the lines and stick with the formal approach.

Another reason for the lack of interactivity in presentations is that presenters are simply not aware that many presentation tools at their disposal are eminently capable of supporting an interactive audience engagement.

The starting-off point is ultimately less about the tools you choose to use and more about the decision to move away from the Formal approach’s comfort zone. When we embrace the Interactive approach, we must rethink the rules and allow a presentation to become more about discussion than broadcast. This apparent lack of control demands that the presenter has a much greater grasp of the presentation story and message, an intimate knowledge of the tool, and an awareness of the audience and how and when to react to their engagement.

Make no bones about it: as the presenter, you are still in charge of the process and need to navigate the presentation and your audience from A to B. The only difference with the Interactive model is that you may meander ‘off-course’ occasionally if and when a given topic proves of particular interest to your audience. But as long as you complete the journey and end up at ‘B’ with message duly delivered and understood, then it really doesn’t matter how circuitous a route your audience may have taken you. You’ve still succeeded.

The good news is that it’s not as scary as it sounds! A good interactive presentation requires as much from the presenter as a business conversation. You simply need to know your subject — since there’s no opportunity to simply read words from the slide autocue style – and be ready to listen to your audience.

As such, the good presentation opportunities to move from a Formal to Interactive style are exhibitions, demonstrations and account management sales meetings. It’s less about delivering a ‘slick pitch’ and more about building a bond and rapport and demonstrating you can support your audience.

It’s for these reasons that Interactive presentations tend to work best for smaller audience groups. Any more than five audience members and you can find yourself in the middle of an argument rather than a conversation. At this point, you’ll be better served by calling upon the more traditional rules of the Formal approach.

The question remains – why eschew the well-established Formal approach for the apparently more risky Interactive route? The answer is simple: audience engagement.

Ultimately, the reason we present is to engage with the audience to the point where they will listen to, understand and ideally act on our message. By putting them in the driver’s seat and allowing them into the presentation conversation, you dramatically change the dynamics of the presenter–audience relationship. You’re giving them license to test, question and evaluate your message as part of the process. By doing so, you’re much more likely to keep the audience on your side and thus to get the result you desire.

The Informal Presentation

The example I always use is the ubiquitous airport bar conversation. You’re unwinding with a beer while waiting for your flight to board when you strike up a conversation with the person next to you. As business people do, you ask each other what line of work you’re in and the reason for your travel. One thing leads to another, and soon enough you’re sharing your business message with your new friend – just like you had done three hours prior to a room of prospects.

The power of the Informal presentation is that rather than pulling out your laptop and firing up PowerPoint – thereby killing the nice, informal environment you’ve created – you are able to tell/sell your story using no more than a napkin and a pen by way of visuals.

Note: the use of handmade impromptu visuals as part of an Informal engagement is not restricted to bars! It’s a running joke in our offices that I find it difficult to chat with anyone without a pad of paper and selection of pens to hand. I’m always doodling to visually share my thoughts and ideas with someone. Despite the jokes, people understand that this is my informal way of presenting and engaging with the team, and ultimately ensuring that they understand and receive my message loud and clear.

It’s essential to know that using an Informal approach only works if the presenter really knows their subject. This is more than aimless doodling and a meandering story; it’s about recognizing that the engagement with the audience demands a more relaxed approach, while still delivering a focused and powerful message.

Delivering Competitive Advantage

The evolving Presentation Landscape is an incredibly exciting change in the way we deliver our messages to audiences. In my opinion, it trumps any new technological developments (while the birth of the iPad/tablet was exciting, it’s just another tool at the end of the day) or new design thinking.

The Presentation Landscape takes our ability to truly build a relationship with audiences to a whole new level…something that no single presentation tool will ever be able to do.

The reason for this bold statement is a simple one – it relies on people recognizing and acting on the opportunity. Once we understand the dynamics in play at any presentation situation – and use this insight to apply the right story-telling approach and tools to meet the audience’s requirements – we automatically move up the scale in terms of engagement. This increased engagement provides us not only with a greater chance of meeting our objectives (remember Must-Intend-Like!) but also of addressing our audience’s specific needs.

There’s no getting away from it: a greater understanding of the Presentation Landscape coupled with a Blended Presenting approach delivers huge competitive advantage that, while useful for internal or conference presentations, is invaluable for sales or investor presentations.

Blended Presenting – A Customer’s Tale

As news of our Presentation Optimization methodology spread, we started getting calls from international companies looking for support and guidance. These were always exciting projects that combined travel to some remarkable countries with the opportunity to work with some truly fantastic companies and people.

Of all these early international projects, there is one that stands out for a couple of reasons. We’d been working with the European offices of a German software company for a number of years, having supported them in all manner of different presentation scenarios. We’d been there for sales decks, kick-off events and for internal presentations – and we’d used PowerPoint as the visual tool each and every time.

There’s no doubt that they’d categorized us as their “PowerPoint people”. This suited us down to the ground; they required a lot of PowerPoint, we had a great reputation within the business and, top down, they were nice people to work with. Then the message spread to the US.

I was asked to join a confidential conference call where it was announced that the software company was in the process of acquiring one of their largest competitors. This acquisition would make a huge difference to the already very impressive business – a revised and improved customer proposition, greater leverage in a vibrant marketplace and the opportunity to embed themselves even deeper into their growing customer base. It was all very exciting – and they needed a PowerPoint presentation to release as part of the rollout training and coaching for their global sales team. I was summoned to the US and arrived at their offices fresh as a daisy after being flown over business class and being put up in one of the finest hotels the East Coast could offer.

With a suitably senior (and, let’s be honest, expensive) executive team seated behind closed doors, we commenced the Presentation Optimization process. We established a good understanding of the prospect audience, discussed objectives, and quickly identified a compelling key message (it was such a wonderful proposition that none of this was all that tricky). Then we moved onto the content.

And this is where the cold sweats started.

The audience heatmap profile was heavily weighted towards the Factual with a strong sense of Visionary. This was to be expected – it was a highly technical sale with a multimillion price tag attached. Due to the very technical nature of the new combined solution, we were going to have to get pretty detailed quite quickly in terms of content, which could alienate the Visionary section of the audience. My business prides itself in getting PowerPoint to do things it wasn’t originally designed to do, but this seemed like a step too far.

I had no option but to voice my concerns. So, with more than a little trepidation, I turned to my senior and generous hosts and uttered the fatal words: “This isn’t right for PowerPoint. I don’t see how we can make this work using simple slides.”

Somewhat understandably, a silence fell over the room. (Oh dear.)

I pressed on, however, explaining that the story itself was extremely compelling and that by sticking purely to PowerPoint, we ran the very real risk of switching off what should and would be an audience hooked on everything we had to say.

I suggested that we continue to think visually and see where the rest of the session took us. I think it’s fair to say that there was a sense in the room that this had all turned a bit sour…and I was to blame. (Oh dear indeed.)

About an hour in, I had a flash of inspiration after scribbling up comments and ideas on the very fancy electronic whiteboard. I was using the whiteboard to share my ideas and demonstrate visually my message; so why couldn’t my customer and their sales team do the same thing?

Over the following three hours, we created a proposition story that could be visualized using the whiteboard. We “topped and tailed” this innovative approach using conventional PowerPoint; this not only suited the audience but also gave the presenters a familiar and defined way of starting and concluding the formal presentation.

The customer was delighted and went on to make a huge success of their new combined solution, cutting a swathe through the competition and opening up new opportunities left, right and center.

Importantly, there were a couple of completely unforeseen benefits to this new way of presenting. It seemed that the audience was compelled to interact as the salesperson used the interactive whiteboard to tell the visual story and explain how the elements might work for their prospect; they often jumped to their feet, grabbed a marker and drew their requirements right on the board. Despite our best efforts, PowerPoint or Keynote never got close to this level of interactivity.

Add to that the fact that our customer’s sales team now had a visual describing their prospects’ specific requirements IN THE PROSPECT’S HANDWRITING. This meant that they could use the wonders of Smartboards to e-mail and insert them directly into proposal documents – and could reference them later on to produce a truly bespoke offering.

From moments of blind panic came a solution that exceeded all of our expectations.

Personally, this was a sea change in the way we looked at the entire process of presenting. By challenging the established norms and mixing things up a bit, we’d made a great story even more powerful and palatable for the audience. It was a simple as using the right tool at the right time for the right type of content — and by doing so, we’d inadvertently created a new approach to presentations. Blended Presenting had been born.

We no longer view presentations as necessarily being purely of one format. Our customer base now generally accepts that getting the message and story optimized is the first and often most challenging phase in the development of a presentation. The visualization of that story into an array of different presentation outputs is the fun bit. It’s what allows us to engage with any audience type, in any number and in any situation in a way that truly makes a difference.

Suddenly, the audience is in charge of the format the presentation takes – and the presenter is able to call upon any number of combinations from their toolkit of formats.

It’s exciting, it’s relevant and it’s powerful.

Simon Morton

Simon Morton launched his PowerPoint presentation design company Eyeful Presentations in 2004, with a simple goal of creating better, more effective business presentations that would engage audiences and actually get presenters results and success. A published author, his first book, ‘ The Presentation Lab ’ is making waves and has been released around the world in 6 languages. A hugely experienced speaker, writer and trainer, Simon is recognized as an influential business leader and expert in the field of presentations. Connect with him on LinkedIn or follow him on Twitter .

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How to prepare and deliver an effective oral presentation

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• Peer review
• Lucia Hartigan , registrar 1 ,
• Fionnuala Mone , fellow in maternal fetal medicine 1 ,
• Mary Higgins , consultant obstetrician 2
• 1 National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
• 2 National Maternity Hospital, Dublin; Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medicine and Medical Sciences, University College Dublin
• luciahartigan{at}hotmail.com

The success of an oral presentation lies in the speaker’s ability to transmit information to the audience. Lucia Hartigan and colleagues describe what they have learnt about delivering an effective scientific oral presentation from their own experiences, and their mistakes

The objective of an oral presentation is to portray large amounts of often complex information in a clear, bite sized fashion. Although some of the success lies in the content, the rest lies in the speaker’s skills in transmitting the information to the audience. 1

Preparation

It is important to be as well prepared as possible. Look at the venue in person, and find out the time allowed for your presentation and for questions, and the size of the audience and their backgrounds, which will allow the presentation to be pitched at the appropriate level.

See what the ambience and temperature are like and check that the format of your presentation is compatible with the available computer. This is particularly important when embedding videos. Before you begin, look at the video on stand-by and make sure the lights are dimmed and the speakers are functioning.

For visual aids, Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple Mac Keynote programmes are usual, although Prezi is increasing in popularity. Save the presentation on a USB stick, with email or cloud storage backup to avoid last minute disasters.

When preparing the presentation, start with an opening slide containing the title of the study, your name, and the date. Begin by addressing and thanking the audience and the organisation that has invited you to speak. Typically, the format includes background, study aims, methodology, results, strengths and weaknesses of the study, and conclusions.

If the study takes a lecturing format, consider including “any questions?” on a slide before you conclude, which will allow the audience to remember the take home messages. Ideally, the audience should remember three of the main points from the presentation. 2

Have a maximum of four short points per slide. If you can display something as a diagram, video, or a graph, use this instead of text and talk around it.

Animation is available in both Microsoft PowerPoint and the Apple Mac Keynote programme, and its use in presentations has been demonstrated to assist in the retention and recall of facts. 3 Do not overuse it, though, as it could make you appear unprofessional. If you show a video or diagram don’t just sit back—use a laser pointer to explain what is happening.

Rehearse your presentation in front of at least one person. Request feedback and amend accordingly. If possible, practise in the venue itself so things will not be unfamiliar on the day. If you appear comfortable, the audience will feel comfortable. Ask colleagues and seniors what questions they would ask and prepare responses to these questions.

It is important to dress appropriately, stand up straight, and project your voice towards the back of the room. Practise using a microphone, or any other presentation aids, in advance. If you don’t have your own presenting style, think of the style of inspirational scientific speakers you have seen and imitate it.

Try to present slides at the rate of around one slide a minute. If you talk too much, you will lose your audience’s attention. The slides or videos should be an adjunct to your presentation, so do not hide behind them, and be proud of the work you are presenting. You should avoid reading the wording on the slides, but instead talk around the content on them.

Maintain eye contact with the audience and remember to smile and pause after each comment, giving your nerves time to settle. Speak slowly and concisely, highlighting key points.

Do not assume that the audience is completely familiar with the topic you are passionate about, but don’t patronise them either. Use every presentation as an opportunity to teach, even your seniors. The information you are presenting may be new to them, but it is always important to know your audience’s background. You can then ensure you do not patronise world experts.

To maintain the audience’s attention, vary the tone and inflection of your voice. If appropriate, use humour, though you should run any comments or jokes past others beforehand and make sure they are culturally appropriate. Check every now and again that the audience is following and offer them the opportunity to ask questions.

Finishing up is the most important part, as this is when you send your take home message with the audience. Slow down, even though time is important at this stage. Conclude with the three key points from the study and leave the slide up for a further few seconds. Do not ramble on. Give the audience a chance to digest the presentation. Conclude by acknowledging those who assisted you in the study, and thank the audience and organisation. If you are presenting in North America, it is usual practice to conclude with an image of the team. If you wish to show references, insert a text box on the appropriate slide with the primary author, year, and paper, although this is not always required.

Answering questions can often feel like the most daunting part, but don’t look upon this as negative. Assume that the audience has listened and is interested in your research. Listen carefully, and if you are unsure about what someone is saying, ask for the question to be rephrased. Thank the audience member for asking the question and keep responses brief and concise. If you are unsure of the answer you can say that the questioner has raised an interesting point that you will have to investigate further. Have someone in the audience who will write down the questions for you, and remember that this is effectively free peer review.

Be proud of your achievements and try to do justice to the work that you and the rest of your group have done. You deserve to be up on that stage, so show off what you have achieved.

Competing interests: We have read and understood the BMJ Group policy on declaration of interests and declare the following interests: None.

• ↵ Rovira A, Auger C, Naidich TP. How to prepare an oral presentation and a conference. Radiologica 2013 ; 55 (suppl 1): 2 -7S. OpenUrl
• ↵ Bourne PE. Ten simple rules for making good oral presentations. PLos Comput Biol 2007 ; 3 : e77 . OpenUrl PubMed
• ↵ Naqvi SH, Mobasher F, Afzal MA, Umair M, Kohli AN, Bukhari MH. Effectiveness of teaching methods in a medical institute: perceptions of medical students to teaching aids. J Pak Med Assoc 2013 ; 63 : 859 -64. OpenUrl

Ideas and insights from Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning

Powerful and Effective Presentation Skills: More in Demand Now Than Ever

When we talk with our L&D colleagues from around the globe, we often hear that presentation skills training is one of the top opportunities they’re looking to provide their learners. And this holds true whether their learners are individual contributors, people managers, or senior leaders. This is not surprising.

Effective communications skills are a powerful career activator, and most of us are called upon to communicate in some type of formal presentation mode at some point along the way.

For instance, you might be asked to brief management on market research results, walk your team through a new process, lay out the new budget, or explain a new product to a client or prospect. Or you may want to build support for a new idea, bring a new employee into the fold, or even just present your achievements to your manager during your performance review.

And now, with so many employees working from home or in hybrid mode, and business travel in decline, there’s a growing need to find new ways to make effective presentations when the audience may be fully virtual or a combination of in person and remote attendees.

Whether you’re making a standup presentation to a large live audience, or a sit-down one-on-one, whether you’re delivering your presentation face to face or virtually, solid presentation skills matter.

Even the most seasoned and accomplished presenters may need to fine-tune or update their skills. Expectations have changed over the last decade or so. Yesterday’s PowerPoint which primarily relied on bulleted points, broken up by the occasional clip-art image, won’t cut it with today’s audience.

The digital revolution has revolutionized the way people want to receive information. People expect presentations that are more visually interesting. They expect to see data, metrics that support assertions. And now, with so many previously in-person meetings occurring virtually, there’s an entirely new level of technical preparedness required.

The leadership development tools and the individual learning opportunities you’re providing should include presentation skills training that covers both the evergreen fundamentals and the up-to-date capabilities that can make or break a presentation.

So, just what should be included in solid presentation skills training? Here’s what I think.

The fundamentals will always apply When it comes to making a powerful and effective presentation, the fundamentals will always apply. You need to understand your objective. Is it strictly to convey information, so that your audience’s knowledge is increased? Is it to persuade your audience to take some action? Is it to convince people to support your idea? Once you understand what your objective is, you need to define your central message. There may be a lot of things you want to share with your audience during your presentation, but find – and stick with – the core, the most important point you want them to walk away with. And make sure that your message is clear and compelling.

You also need to tailor your presentation to your audience. Who are they and what might they be expecting? Say you’re giving a product pitch to a client. A technical team may be interested in a lot of nitty-gritty product detail. The business side will no doubt be more interested in what returns they can expect on their investment.

Another consideration is the setting: is this a formal presentation to a large audience with questions reserved for the end, or a presentation in a smaller setting where there’s the possibility for conversation throughout? Is your presentation virtual or in-person? To be delivered individually or as a group? What time of the day will you be speaking? Will there be others speaking before you and might that impact how your message will be received?

Once these fundamentals are established, you’re in building mode. What are the specific points you want to share that will help you best meet your objective and get across your core message? Now figure out how to convey those points in the clearest, most straightforward, and succinct way. This doesn’t mean that your presentation has to be a series of clipped bullet points. No one wants to sit through a presentation in which the presenter reads through what’s on the slide. You can get your points across using stories, fact, diagrams, videos, props, and other types of media.

Visual design matters While you don’t want to clutter up your presentation with too many visual elements that don’t serve your objective and can be distracting, using a variety of visual formats to convey your core message will make your presentation more memorable than slides filled with text. A couple of tips: avoid images that are cliched and overdone. Be careful not to mix up too many different types of images. If you’re using photos, stick with photos. If you’re using drawn images, keep the style consistent. When data are presented, stay consistent with colors and fonts from one type of chart to the next. Keep things clear and simple, using data to support key points without overwhelming your audience with too much information. And don’t assume that your audience is composed of statisticians (unless, of course, it is).

When presenting qualitative data, brief videos provide a way to engage your audience and create emotional connection and impact. Word clouds are another way to get qualitative data across.

Practice makes perfect You’ve pulled together a perfect presentation. But it likely won’t be perfect unless it’s well delivered. So don’t forget to practice your presentation ahead of time. Pro tip: record yourself as you practice out loud. This will force you to think through what you’re going to say for each element of your presentation. And watching your recording will help you identify your mistakes—such as fidgeting, using too many fillers (such as “umm,” or “like”), or speaking too fast.

A key element of your preparation should involve anticipating any technical difficulties. If you’ve embedded videos, make sure they work. If you’re presenting virtually, make sure that the lighting is good, and that your speaker and camera are working. Whether presenting in person or virtually, get there early enough to work out any technical glitches before your presentation is scheduled to begin. Few things are a bigger audience turn-off than sitting there watching the presenter struggle with the delivery mechanisms!

Finally, be kind to yourself. Despite thorough preparation and practice, sometimes, things go wrong, and you need to recover in the moment, adapt, and carry on. It’s unlikely that you’ll have caused any lasting damage and the important thing is to learn from your experience, so your next presentation is stronger.

How are you providing presentation skills training for your learners?

Manika Gandhi is Senior Learning Design Manager at Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning. Email her at [email protected] .

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Presentation Definition: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of contents, unraveling the presentation definition.

Presentation – a word frequently used in English, Spanish, Latin, French, and Arabic contexts, but what does it exactly mean? In this article, we delve into the definition of presentation , exploring its various facets and applications in different fields.

The Essence of Presentation: A Definition

What is a presentation.

A presentation is the act of presenting information or ideas to a group of people in a structured and deliberate manner, often with the aid of visual aids like PowerPoint, Keynote, or multimedia tools.

Presentations are a ubiquitous part of the professional, educational, and social landscape. The act of presenting, essentially communicating information and ideas to a group of people, has evolved significantly over time. This article explores the definition of a presentation, its various formats, the skills required to make it effective, and the nuances of a great presentation, all while weaving in an eclectic mix of keywords.

Historical Roots: From Latin to Modern Day

The Evolution from ‘Praesentātiō’ to ‘Presentation’

In its essence, a presentation is the act of presenting or displaying information or ideas to an audience. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the action or process of presenting something to someone.” In Latin, the term stems from ‘praesentātiō’, denoting the action of placing before or showing. This definition has broadened in modern English to encompass various methods of showcasing information, whether it’s a business pitch, an academic lecture, or introducing a new product.

The term has its origins in Latin (‘praesentātiō’), evolving through various languages like French and British English, symbolizing the act of presenting, displaying, or giving something to others.

Types and Formats of Presentations

Diverse Formats for Different Needs

Presentations can vary in formats – from formal PowerPoint presentations to informal Prez (an informal abbreviation of presentation) discussions, each tailored to suit specific requirements.

Enhancing Presentation Skills: A Guide

Mastering the Art of Presentation

Presentations come in various formats, from the traditional speech to more contemporary multimedia showcases. PowerPoint, a widely used tool, allows the integration of text, images, and graphs to create visually appealing slides. Similarly, Apple’s Keynote offers tools for creating impactful multimedia presentations. The inclusion of visual aids, like graphs and charts, enhances comprehension and retention. For those interested in learning Spanish, Arabic, or French, incorporating these languages in presentations can broaden audience reach.

Effective presentation skills involve a blend of clear communication, eye contact , engaging visual aids , and a confident delivery. These skills are crucial in both business and educational settings.

Presentation in the Digital Age: Multimedia and Keynote

Embracing Technology for Impactful Presentations

In the era of digital communication, tools like multimedia presentations and Apple’s Keynote software have become indispensable for creating dynamic and interactive presentations.

The Art of Visual Aids: Graphs and More

Using Graphs and Visuals Effectively

Effective presentations often include graphs and other visual aids to convey complex information in an easily digestible format, enhancing the audience’s understanding.

Presentation in Different Languages

A Multilingual Perspective

The concept of presentation transcends languages, from English to Arabic , each offering unique nuances in the art of presenting.

Presentation in Literature and Culture

Presentation Copy and Beyond

The term also appears in literary contexts, such as a “presentation copy” of a book, and in cultural scenarios like a “breech presentation” in childbirth, where the baby is positioned to exit the birth canal feet first.

Effective Presentation: Tips and Techniques

Crafting an Impactful Presentation

An effective presentation is more than just delivering facts; it involves engaging storytelling, structured key points , and the ability to connect with the audience.

To deliver an effective presentation, certain skills are paramount. English, being a global lingua franca, is often the preferred language for presentations. However, the ability to present in multiple languages, like Spanish or French, can be a significant advantage.

Eye contact is a crucial skill, establishing a connection with the audience and making the presentation more engaging. Additionally, the ability to read the room and adjust the presentation accordingly is vital.

Incorporating Quizzes and Group Activities

Interactive elements like quizzes can transform a presentation from a monologue into a dynamic group activity. They encourage participation and can be especially effective in educational settings. Quizzes can also be used in business presentations to gauge audience understanding or to introduce a new product.

Presentation in Educational Contexts

Learning Through Presentations

In educational settings, presentations are used as a tool for teaching and assessment, often involving quizzes and interactive sessions to enhance learning.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Exploring Synonyms and the Thesaurus

The thesaurus offers a range of synonyms for ‘presentation,’ such as exhibition, demonstration, and display, each with slightly different connotations.

The Thesaurus and Vocabulary Expansion

Utilizing a thesaurus can enrich presentation language, offering synonyms and example sentences to clarify points. The ‘word of the day’ concept, often found in English learning resources, can be an interesting addition to presentations, especially in multilingual contexts.

Historical and Specialized Types of Presentations

The term ‘presentation’ also has specialized meanings. In historical contexts, a ‘presentation copy’ refers to a book or manuscript gifted by the author. In obstetrics, ‘breech presentation’ denotes a situation where the baby is positioned to exit the birth canal feet or buttocks first. Understanding these specialized definitions enriches the overall grasp of the term.

Presentation in Business: Introducing a New Product

The Role of Presentation in Business

In business contexts, presentations are crucial for scenarios like introducing a new product , persuading investors, or communicating with stakeholders.

Word of the Day: Presentation

Expanding Vocabulary with ‘Presentation’

In language learning, ‘presentation’ can be a word of the day , helping learners understand its usage through example sentences and pronunciation (notated as /ˌprez.ənˈteɪ.ʃən/ in English).

Key Points and Summarization

An effective presentation distills complex information into key points, making it easier for the audience to remember the most important takeaways. Summarization skills are critical in achieving this clarity.

Cultural Influences and Adaptations

The concept of presentations varies across cultures. In Arabic-speaking countries, the style of presentation might differ significantly from that in English-speaking contexts. The benefice of understanding cultural nuances cannot be overstated, as it can significantly impact the effectiveness of a presentation.

The Role of Technology

Technology, particularly multimedia, plays a pivotal role in modern presentations. From PowerPoint slides to advanced software like Keynote, the use of technology has revolutionized the way information is presented. The integration of videos, sound, and interactive elements makes presentations more engaging and memorable.

Eye Contact and Body Language

In delivering a presentation, non-verbal cues like eye contact and body language are as important as the spoken content. Maintaining eye contact with the audience establishes a connection and keeps them engaged. Similarly, confident body language can convey authority and enthusiasm.

The Art of Storytelling

A great presentation often resembles storytelling. It’s not just about relaying facts; it’s about weaving a narrative that resonates with the audience. This involves understanding the audience’s needs and interests and tailoring the content accordingly.

Innovation and New Products

Presentations are often the first introduction of a new product to the market. The effectiveness of these presentations can make or break the product’s success. Highlighting the unique features and benefits in a clear, compelling manner is crucial.

The Power of Presentation

Presentations are a powerful tool for communication and education. Whether in a formal business setting or an informal educational environment, mastering the art of presentation can lead to more effective and impactful communication.

1. Oxford English Dictionary

2. Merriam-Webster Thesaurus

3. Apple Keynote User Guide

4. Presentation Techniques in Educational Literature

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## Frequently Asked Questions About Presentations

### What is in a presentation?

A presentation typically includes a combination of spoken words and visual aids such as PowerPoint slides, graphs, or multimedia elements. It’s an organized way to convey information or ideas to a group of people.

### What is meant by giving a presentation?

Giving a presentation refers to the act of presenting information or ideas to an audience. This act, known in various languages including English, Spanish, and French as ‘presentation’ (or ‘praesentātiō’ in Latin), involves communication skills, visual aids, and sometimes interactive elements like quizzes.

### What makes a good presentation?

A good presentation effectively communicates key points, engages the audience through eye contact and clear speech (often practiced as a ‘word of the day’ in English classes), uses visual aids like graphs, and is well-structured. Effective presentation skills are crucial for this.

### What are the types of presentation?

There are various types of presentations, including formal business presentations (often using PowerPoint or Keynote), educational lectures, sales pitches for a new product, and informal talks. Each type uses different formats and approaches.

### What are the 4 parts of a presentation?

The four main parts of a presentation are the introduction, the main body, the conclusion, and the Q&A session. Each part plays a vital role in delivering an effective presentation.

### What are the three things that a good presentation should do?

A good presentation should inform, engage, and persuade or inspire the audience. It’s about more than just delivering facts; it’s an act of communication that can change perspectives or encourage action.

### How is a presentation linked with multimedia?

Presentations often use multimedia elements like videos, audio clips, and animated graphs to enhance the viewer’s understanding and engagement. Multimedia tools like PowerPoint and Keynote are widely used in creating dynamic presentations.

### How long should a presentation be?

The length of a presentation can vary, but it’s typically between 15 to 30 minutes. The duration depends on the context and the amount of information to be covered. It’s important to keep presentations concise to maintain the audience’s attention.

These answers incorporate various aspects of presentations, including their definition, formats, and the skills required, in multiple languages and contexts, as seen in resources like Oxford dictionaries and thesaurus.

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Great Leaders are Great Presenters

Home » Blog » Great Leaders are Great Presenters

GREAT LEADERS ARE GREAT PRESENTERS

All the great speakers were bad speakers at first. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Presentations are common in the workplace, and often leaders are expected to step up to the plate and deliver presentations that are enlightening, inspiring, or compelling. Formal presentation is the ability to deliver an interesting, informative, and organized presentation. A leader may not need presentation skills on a day-to-day basis, but when required, it is essential for the success of a leader’s presentation.

Importance of Presentation Skills

Presentations differ in their length, scale, and importance. However, from small, short project briefings to a team of three employees, to large productions where you outline the future of your company to major stakeholders, the success of all presentations depends on the ability of the presenter to organize information, convey ideas, and garner support. A successful presenter will convince their audience of the points being made and leave them ready to make changes in their own attitudes or behaviours going forward. Unsuccessful presentations may differ in why they fail, but all have the same result: an audience who is uninterested, uninspired, and completely unchanged by the ideas or information presented to them.

In assessing your formal presentation skills, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does this presentation give valuable or interesting information?
• Is there a message or idea I want my audience to leave with?
• Have I designed my presentation at the appropriate level for my audience?
• Am I telling a compelling story?
• Do I use visual aids effectively?
• Have I given myself enough time to prepare?

Improve Your Formal Presentation Skills

Preparation is essential: Some believe that the ability to give a captivating performance is all about confidence and charisma. Many spend time trying to learn the correct body language and vocal tone that will convey assurance in themselves and their ideas. Consequently, this shifts the focus away from what you are presenting and moves it to how you are presenting. It is important to remember that it is the ideas, not your behaviours, that make or break a presentation. The words you say are more important than the presence you have in front of a crowd, and that is where you should invest most of the time and energy when preparing for a presentation.

Consider your audience: Knowing who you are presenting to is useful in knowing how to deliver your information. Different stakeholders will have different interests. For example, if you are introducing a major change in your organization, board members may wish to hear about the impact this will have on profit and productivity, while workers will want to hear how this changes their daily activities. Always tailor your information to your audience, from the level of detail provided to the tone of your message. In an even more basic sense, your audience will also determine the language that you use. Avoid using jargon for those unfamiliar with your area of expertise. Also, refrain from over-explaining concepts to those well-versed in your topic. Over or under explaining is a quick way to lose your audience and ensure your message remains unheard.

Presentations can be an effective communication tool: Communication is another characteristic that is essential for leaders to succeed. This involves keeping employees informed about decisions, events, and developments that are ongoing in your organization. Effective communicators are seen by their employees as fair and supportive. Presentations can be another method of giving information to employees. So, when writing a presentation, remember that the sharing of information and ideas with employees is related to more positive leader-follower relationships. Use presentations when you need to share updates or developments with a large number of employees at once, or when you need to tell a compelling story to introduce new ideas or changes to your direct reports.

Start Doing These 3 Things Now to Present More Effectively

The following steps can help you become better at formal presentation:

• People prefer to listen to stories than a list of facts. In order to communicate information to others, they need to be attentive and willing to listen. The best way to hold the attention of an audience is via story-telling. Many presenters do this by either relating their topic to a current event or cultural reference, or by weaving a careful example throughout their presentation. Telling a narrative not only helps keep the attention of your audience, but also helps them to later recall the information. When crafting your story, remember to have a clear beginning, which states what your topic is, where you are going with your story, and why it’s important. Throughout, don’t get so bogged down in details that the story is lost. Remember to keep the level appropriate for your audience. Lastly, finish with a strong conclusion that recaps where you’ve been and ties up any questions from your introduction. People should leave your talk with a clear understanding of the problem you are addressing, the reason why they should care about this issue, the solution you are proposing, and the value of implementing your solution. These types of talks are not only more engaging, but also more convincing when seeking the support of your employees.
• Choose your visual aids carefully. There are many options when it comes to visual aids in presentations. Most commonly, presenters often have a slideshow to accompany their speech. Individuals also make use of photographs, videos, comic strips, and clips from television shows. In fact, a presentation may automatically translate to a slideshow with a number of lines of text per slide. This may be accompanied by pictures or videos to add interest and break up all the writing. These tools are overused and often result in the presenter reading or repeating information displayed in text. This is not to say that using slides or visual aids is inherently bad. Rather, leaders should consider if visual aids will add a significant contribution to their presentation. If you use slides simply to display information you plans to say, they are likely distracting and will result in boredom. In contrast, if you use slides to elaborate or enhance what you say (e.g., a graph showing a trend in data within a company as the presenter talks about the global trends), they are worth investing the time and drawing the attention of your audience. Keep in mind that aids are something that should help your presentation, not something to rely upon to create interest.
• Practice makes perfect. While charisma is not necessarily required to give an effective presentation, audiences can tell when someone is unprepared to speak. For example, nerves are understandable, but there is a big difference between being nervous to speak publicly and being nervous because you don’t comprehend the material you’re presenting. Always prepare your presentations well in advance and give yourself time to practice your speech. Some presenters like to give themselves flexibility regarding what they will say, while others like to write out talking points to remember all parts of their story. In addition, others may even prefer to memorize their entire script. Each leader will need to choose the method that is best for them. However, it is important to be comfortable with the material, to know how your story will unfold, and to prepare for questions that may arise during the presentation. Additionally, never read directly from slides, notes, or teleprompters. Give yourself ample time to practice your speech, both alone and in front of audiences. Finally, remember that the ideas you present are the most important part of a presentation. Practicing the words you will use to convey these ideas will increase your confidence in the material and help you tell a convincing and compelling story.

Looking for More Ways to Improve Your Presentation Skills?

WATCH: TED’s Secret to Great Public Speaking READ: How to Give A Killer Presentation DEVELOP your formal presentation ability by taking advantage of SIGMA’s Coaching Services .

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About the Author

Brittney is a member of our coaching and consulting team. She brings her expertise in evidence-based practice to provide companies with leadership solutions that meet their needs. Primarily, Brittney helps her clients prepare for their future with succession planning and comprehensive leadership development programs. As an executive coach, she helps leaders hone their skills using a process-based approach to development.

• Presentation

formal and informal presentation

• June 25, 2022

Presentation skill is one of the important skills that can play a significant role in our career and academic success.

The following are examples of the application of presentation skills in our professional and educational lives:

• prepare a proposal and talk about it in a meeting with the clients
• prepare a set of slides to introduce a theory or tool
• Speech at a meeting to defend or critique a new plan
• Educational lecture for the audience

In order to give a good presentation, it is necessary that you know the difference between formal and informal presentations. This article will help with this knowledge by providing information on how one can effectively represent both styles of talk so they may promote their skills more effectively!

Table of Contents

1. Formal presentations

What is a formal presentation.

When presenting formally, there are three key elements that need to be considered. The first is your audience – who will most likely have very specific expectations of how the presentation should go and what information they’re looking for; secondly, you’ll want supporting material such as Powerpoint slides or Presentation design services which can help give additional context around points made during delivery (this might include visuals too); lastly, remember not everyone has time on their side so make sure any media used isn’t too intensive!

Formal presentations are usually done in a professional or academic setting and follow specific guidelines. They can be given either orally to an audience of one (or more) or through video conference software like Skype for Business which allows participants across different locations with internet access to get together on screen so they don’t have any problem seeing each other’s facial expressions while speaking without having anyone else around listening!

How to make a formal presentation:

You’ll need to research and plan an outline before giving your presentation. A well-executed formal speech can make all the difference in getting what’s on someone’s mind out there! You might feel like a failure if it doesn’t go as planned, but don’t worry – we’ve got this crazy easy guide that will teach how exactly not only to practice making them successful (and remind yourself why these presentations are important) but also help avoid common mistakes made by newbies like myself 😉

Tips for making formal presentations:

• Make sure to choose a topic appropriate for the audience and setting.
• Do extensive research and gather high-quality information.
• Create a detailed outline.
• Choose a formal presentation format, such as PowerPoint or Keynote.
• Practice your presentation several times before delivering it.
• Key things to remember:
• Formal presentations are typically given in a professional or academic setting.
• They may be given in person or virtually, and often follow specific guidelines.
• Formal presentations are usually formal in tone.

The different types of formal presentations

here are different types of formal presentations:

• PowerPoint presentation
• Keynote presentation
• Poster presentation
• formal speech

What to include in a formal presentation

Formal presentations should include:

• An introduction
• The body of the presentation
• A conclusion
• Formal presentations should be:
• Well-researched
• Well-organized
• Formal in tone

Tips for delivering a formal presentation

When delivering a formal presentation, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Make sure you are well-prepared.
• Practice your presentation beforehand.
• Speak clearly and slowly.
• Make eye contact with your audience.
• Use formal language throughout the presentation.
• formal presentations can be given in person or virtually. If you’re giving a virtual presentation, make sure to:
• Choose a professional-looking background.
• Test your audio and video settings beforehand.

There are a series of tips that I think should be mentioned here, and these tips are very useful for formal PowerPoint presentations:

Set clearly defined goals.

In order for you to present a successful formal presentation, it’s very important that beforehand (or at least during) all of the information you want your audience members to learn should be written down. This way they can use this as a guideline in putting together what is expected from each slide and how much time should actually pass by until going onto the next point or idea being discussed within the slides themselves!

Know your audience.

Whether you’re presenting to a room full of people or just two, it’s important that your presentation includes key points and is tailored toward meeting certain needs. For example, if I was speaking before managers/executives then maybe my content would be more technical while someone else might need something simpler – this all depends on who their audience are so make sure they know!

Create an outline.

Giving a formal presentation is an opportunity to shine! If you’re not prepared, your audience will know it. They’ve been given time so they can judge how well-prepared and rehearsed we are – which means that our presentations need some structure too…

Include questions for audience interaction.

Formal presentations are more than just reading off a Powerpoint deck. You need to engage your audience and end with either a Q&A session or continue asking questions along the way after each point you make in order for it to be effective!

Use visuals.

When given time to prepare, it is expected that you will have visual aids for your audience. Formal presentations usually include PowerPoint or slideshow material so the viewers can follow along with what’s being shown on screen in order better understand its significance and impact upon them personally (or at least this was true before all our digital devices took over!).

2. Informal presentations

What is an informal presentation.

Informal presentations are typically less formal than formal ones and may be given in various settings. They may be given in person or virtually, and often have a more conversational tone.

The type of presentation you’ll encounter at a business meeting is usually impromptu, informal. These types are prepared quickly and don’t require as much organization due to their quick-fire nature – they’re more like conversations where each person feels talked about directly by the presenter rather than looking out on stage from behind slides or note cards!

Informal presentations are a great way to engage your audience. They’re less formal than their more clinical counterparts, and can be given in many different formats: person-to-person or virtually via video chat! These casual sessions often feature interactive tools that will allow participants to take part with you during the presentation so there’s no need for Powerpoint slides at all if it suits them better – just bring along what feels necessary based on how much time each participant has available before meeting up again later…

How to make an informal presentation

When making an informal presentation, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Choose a topic that is appropriate for the audience and setting.
• Do research, but don’t feel like you need to gather as much information as you would for a formal presentation.
• Create an outline, but it doesn’t need to be as detailed as it would for a formal presentation.
• Choose a presentation format that is appropriate for the setting, such as a PowerPoint or a whiteboard.
• Practice your presentation before delivering it.
• Informal presentations are typically less formal than formal ones.
• They may be given in person or virtually, and often have a more conversational tone.

What to include in an informal presentation

informal presentations should include:

• informal presentations should be:
• Informal in tone

Tips for delivering an informal presentation

When delivering an informal presentation, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• The language throughout the presentation.

Prepare your material

It’s not easy to brief a speaker in just two hours, but it is possible. Start by jotting down some notes on the topic and main points you want to cover for your presentation so that when they give us only a limited time before going live with their project we can still deliver an effective message without wasting too much of our own precious energy or using up all available meeting minutes trying thing out until college decides what kind theirs will be!

Understand the purpose

Informal presentations are a great way to get your audience invested in what you have planned. Informally talking with people rather than presenting their information can make for more interesting conversations, as they’ll be able to hear how it sounds when spoken aloud and ask questions about anything from the content itself all throughout its duration- which gives us greater insight into their thoughts on our ideas!

Consider a hand-out

Informal presentations are more effective than formal ones because you don’t have enough time to prepare a slideshow and it can be distracting for audiences who might not fully understand the information being presented. Instead, use handouts in these types of settings so that people will know where they need their attention focused when listening actively instead!

Keep visual aids to a minimum

The slide deck is the most formal way of presenting your data. It should be prepared with care and attention to every detail, from font choices down through visuals like images or animations—all in an effort that combines aesthetics alongside content. However, if you’re short on time then don’t worry! Informal presentations still benefit greatly by using quick presentations rather than lengthy ones so long as they hit what’s important without sacrificing clarity The key difference between formal vs informal shows occur at different points: While making sure there’s enough information included throughout our presentation (such because this might become outdated quickly), we can get away without doing much work.

Interact with your audience

Informal presentations are more about engaging with the audience and less so they’re just listening. It’s perfectly acceptable to get your attendees involved, by asking questions or allowing them feedback on what you’ve discussed in depth already beforehand! A formal presentation can sometimes feel like one long Q&A session where everyone analyzes every little detail – but this isn’t always effective for getting people excited enough about topics that aren’t new information (i e anything stick shift). Informality also allows room outside the traditional “lecture” format; instead relying heavily upon the interaction between speaker/ AUDIENCE members.

Formal and informal presentations both have their own set of benefits. It’s important to consider the right type for your situation, as well-formals can be more appropriate in professional settings while informality would work better where there isn’t any formality required or desired by attendees (such as at conferences).

When you are preparing for a presentation, it’s important to make sure that your research and organization skills come together in perfect harmony. You should practice before going into the big show so as not to slip up on stage or give away valuable information too soon! Speak clearly with slow-paced speech; look at all of those listening – they may be able to provide some feedback about what works well (or doesn’t) when we’re delivering our messages orally.

Formal presentations are usually done in a professional or academic setting and follow specific guidelines.

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Signposts for Presentations

Signposts are words or phrases that guide the listener during a presentation. They let the listener know what has happened so far, and what is going to happen next. Below is a guide for using signposts during a presentation. It is divided into three sections: signposts for the introduction of a presentation, signposts for the middle of a presentation, and signposts for the conclusion of a presentation. The first column contains signposts for a formal presentation, and the second column contains signposts for an informal presentation.

Signposts for the Introduction of a Presentation

Signposts for the middle of a presentation, signposts for the conclusion of a presentation.

Example sentences formal presentation

The student must make a formal presentation of the project.

The student must also supply a detailed business plan and prepare a formal presentation of their business venture.

For unknown reasons, his family did not receive his medal in a formal presentation ceremony as was typical.

The public was also able to observe artists while they developed site-specific exhibitions and performances for formal presentation .

Following the formal presentation of the paper, two speakers are invited to comment by prior arrangement.

Definition of 'formal' formal

Definition of 'present' present

Cobuild collocations formal presentation.

Browse alphabetically formal presentation

• formal occasion
• formal offer
• formal portrait
• formal presentation
• formal procedure
• formal process
• formal proposal
• All ENGLISH words that begin with 'F'

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How-To Geek

Do cheap wireless hdmi adapters actually work i tested games, movies, and presentations.

Can you trust them for gaming and high definition streaming?

Key Takeaways

• Wireless HDMI adapters work well for movies and streaming, offering decent image quality without tearing or artifacts.
• Latency is not ideal for gaming, making gameplay frustrating.
• Wireless HDMI is perfect for presentations, providing practicality and convenience for meetings and events.

Wireless HDMI seems like magic: no more cables from your laptop to your TV or projector; no Chromecast Apple Airplay, or other screen sharing apps to set up; no compatibility problems if your devices aren't in the right Windows, Android, or Apple ecosystem. But how well does it actually work?

How Does Wireless HDMI Work?

Wireless HDMI does just what it says on the tin. You receive two dongles with standard HDMI sockets , one to transmit and one to receive a HDMI signal. Plug one end into your computer or gaming console and the other into your TV, monitor, or projector, and they are supposed to "just work" by sending sound and video from your device to your screen, just as if there were a cable there.

The generic, unbranded adapters I'm using cost about $70 on Amazon , and they look like this:

The wireless HDMI Adapters as they arrived: a nice case, and some handy accessories.

At one end, the HDMI plugs, and on the other, a USB plug to provide extra power for them to transmit their signal. If your device can't supply enough power to the USB port, it can be plugged into a USB phone charger instead. Once they're plugged in, they automatically find each other and start working. There is no need to pair them or perform any additional setup.

Above you can see my wireless HDMI adapter set up and ready to receive video.

These adapters are sold under a number of different brand names by different online vendors, so, like a lot of other cheap Amazon gadgets, you'll need to go by their appearance, not their product label. While there's a number of more expensive wireless HDMI adapters available on Amazon (some from more widely known and reputable brands), I wanted to see what the absolute cheapest option could do. After all, I plan on using these adapters while traveling, and don't want to risk leaving something expensive plugged into the back of a hotel TV.

Testing Conditions

To perform these tests, I'm using a Windows 11 computer that is about 2.5 meters away from my 1080p TV, with a couch in the way for good measure. Before testing, I checked that the wireless HDMI adapters worked with some other devices, including an Apple MacBook and an Xbox Series S, to confirm that they worked with a variety of devices.

Wired HDMI will always have far superior quality than any wireless version, so this is a practical test to find out if wireless HDMI is useful, not a quality comparison.

Wireless HDMI for Movies and Streaming: Pretty Good!

I tested this by watching 1979's Alien on Blu-ray at 1080p. Alien is my go-to film for these kinds of tests, as there's a lot of dark corridors and contrast, if the quality is too bad it'll be hard to see what's going on.

Switching back and forward between wired and wireless HDMI, there was some blurring, but it didn't bother me from a reasonable viewing distance . There was no tearing or weird screen artifacts. Latency is not really an issue for movies and streaming (so long as the audio and video are in sync) and there didn't seem to be any noticeable issues with the overall frame rate and quality.

While I wouldn't use Wireless HDMI for my home cinema, it's perfectly fine for watching a streaming movie in a hotel, or viewing some home movies from your laptop on a bigger screen.

As you can see, the image quality for a high definition movie is quite reasonable.

One real bonus is the wide compatibility. I've had no small amount of trouble trying to share video to a TV in a hotel using various wireless standards, only to find that it doesn't work. HDMI is pretty much just HDMI, so these hardware adapters work with everything (so long as I can reach behind the TV to get to the socket).

Wireless HDMI for Gaming: It's Doable (Just)

Now the most important test: Gaming. For these adapters to be effective, the latency (the time it takes for the video signal to reach the TV) needs to be very low, as playing games isn't fun when it takes a few moments for your input on the controller to show up on the screen.

Disappointingly, latency was a problem here. Even dropping the resolution to 720p (let's face it, no one wants to go any lower) didn't help a lot. As you can see above, the visuals are washed out, blurry, and far from ideal.

Interestingly, the video quality and frame rate seemed worse when gaming than when watching a movie, rendering the usually visually striking Horizon Zero Dawn an ugly mess. This may be because of a difference in frame rate : while movies are presented at 24 frames per second, games are usually expected to run at 60 frames per second, and anything less is considered suboptimal. To transmit more frames, the quality appears to suffer. So, if you must use wireless HDMI for gaming, you'll probably want to stick to something with a slower pace, like turn-based strategy or point-and-click adventures.

Wireless HDMI for Presentations: Perfection

We've discussed video quality already, and most presentations aren't made to the standards of a Hollywood film, so we don't need to worry too much there. If wireless HDMI is good enough for watching movies, it's good enough for PowerPoint presentations .

It's practicality that wins out here. Work presentations are usually made on a big TV on a wall or from a projector sitting on a meeting table. Getting a cable from there to your laptop usually means creating a trip hazard, or moving your laptop closer so that you have to strike a yoga pose to reach for the keyboard and move to the next slide. Wireless HDMI adapters solve this perfectly: plug them in, and put your laptop wherever you want it. It's also great for events and conferences where different presenters might need to quickly connect with a variety of different devices.

Final Verdict

Would I buy these again? That depends on whether I am planning on doing much travel in the near future. These adapters are great for getting around inconvenient screen placement and for short-term use, but they aren't really practical for gaming, and the reduction in quality is enough that I'd rather just run a longer cable (and maybe drill some holes in the wall) if necessary for my home cinema.

Here is what Stormy Daniels testified happened between her and Donald Trump

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Porn performer Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday in the hush money case against former President Trump, who looked on as she detailed their alleged sexual encounter and the payment she got to keep it quiet.

Prosecutors allege Trump paid Daniels to keep quiet about the allegations as he ran for president in 2016. Her testimony aired them very publicly as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee seeks to win the White House again.

Trump denies having sex with Daniels , and his lawyers unsuccessfully pushed for a mistrial midway through her testimony.

It was a major spectacle in the first criminal trial of a former American president, now in its third week of testimony in Manhattan.

Here are some takeaways from Daniels’ testimony:

Who is Stormy Daniels?

The case centers on a $130,000 payment to Daniels from Trump’s then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, in the final weeks of Trump’s 2016 campaign. Prosecutors say it was part of a scheme to illegally influence the campaign by burying negative stories about him.

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His lawyers have sought to show that Trump was trying to protect his reputation and family — not his campaign — by shielding them from embarrassing stories about his personal life.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, told jurors that she started exotic dancing in high school and appearing in adult films at age 23, eventually moving to direct more than 150 films and winning a roster of porn industry awards.

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Meeting Trump

Daniels testified she first met and chatted with Trump at a 2006 Lake Tahoe celebrity golf outing where her studio was a sponsor.

He referred to her as “the smart one” and asked her if she wanted to go to dinner, she said. Daniels testified that she accepted Trump’s invitation because she wanted to avoid dinner with her co-workers and thought it might help her career. Trump had his bodyguard get her number, she said.

When they met up later in his penthouse, she appreciated that he seemed interested in the business aspects of the industry rather than the “sexy stuff.” He also suggested putting her on his TV show, “The Apprentice,” a possibility she hoped could help establish her as a writer and director.

She left to use the bathroom and was startled to find Trump in his underwear when she returned, she said. She didn’t feel physically or verbally threatened but realized that he was “bigger and blocking the way,” she testified.

“The next thing I know was: I was on the bed,” and they were having sex, Daniels recalled. The encounter was brief but left her “shaking,” she said. “I just wanted to leave,” she testified.

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Payments for silence

Daniels was asked if Trump ever told her to keep things between them confidential, and said, “Absolutely not.” She said she learned in 2011 that a magazine had learned the story of their encounter, and she agreed to do an interview for $15,000 to make money and “control the narrative.” The story never ran.

In 2016, when Trump was running for president, Daniels said she authorized her manager to shop the story around but did not initially receive interest from news outlets. She said that changed in October with the release of the “Access Hollywood” tape in which Trump bragged about grabbing women sexually without asking permission . She said she learned that Cohen wanted to buy her silence.

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Mistrial push

Midway through her testimony, Trump’s lawyers moved for a mistrial.

Defense lawyer Todd Blanche argued that Daniels’ testimony about the alleged encounter and other meetings with him had “nothing to do with this case,” and would unfairly prejudice the jury.

The judge rejected it, and he faulted defense attorneys for not raising more of their objections while she was testifying.

Before Daniels took the stand, Trump’s lawyers had tried to stop her from testifying about the encounter’s details, saying it was irrelevant in “a case about books and records.”

Prosecutors countered that Daniels’ testimony gets at what Trump was trying to hide and they were “very mindful” not to draw too much graphic detail. Before Daniels took the stand, they told the judge the testimony would be “really basic,” and would not “involve any details of genitalia.”

While the judge didn’t side with Trump’s lawyers, he acknowledged that some details were excessive. The objections could potentially be used by Trump’s lawyers if he is convicted and they file an appeal.

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Cross-examination

Trump’s lawyers tried to attack Daniels’ credibility, suggesting she was motivated by money and that her account has shifted over the years.

“Am I correct that you hate President Trump?” defense lawyer Susan Necheles asked Daniels at one point. Daniels acknowledged she did.

“And you want him to go to jail?” the lawyer asked.

“I want him to be held accountable,” Daniels said. Pressed again whether that meant going to jail, she said: “If he’s convicted.”

The defense pressed Daniels on the fact that she owes Trump hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees stemming from an unsuccessful defamation lawsuit, and on a 2022 tweet in which she said she “will go to jail before I pay a penny.” Daniels dug in at times in the face of pointed questions, forcefully denying the idea that she had tried to extort money from Trump.

Trump whispered frequently to his attorney during Daniels’ testimony, and his expression seemed to be pained at one point as she recounted details about the dinner she says they shared. He shook his head and appeared to say something under his breath as Daniels testified that Trump told her he didn’t sleep in the same room as his wife.

On the way out of the courthouse, Trump called it “a very revealing day.” He didn’t address Daniels’ testimony explicitly but claimed the prosecutors’ case was “totally falling apart.”

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Jarring split screen

Trump’s appearance in court Tuesday, like all other days he’s stuck in the courtroom, means he can’t be out on the campaign trail as he runs for president a third time. It’s a frequent source of his complaints, but Daniels’ testimony in particular might underscore how much of a distraction the trial is from the business of running for president.

While Trump was stuck in a Manhattan courthouse away from voters and unable to speak for much of the day, President Biden was attending a Holocaust remembrance ceremony and condemning antisemitism .

It’s an issue Trump has sought to use against Biden in the campaign by seizing on the protests at college campuses over the Israel-Hamas war .

Associated Press writer Price reported from New York, Whitehurst from Washington. AP writers Michael Sisak, Jennifer Peltz, Jake Offenhartz and Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this story.

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