presentation outline example pdf

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Free Printable Presentation Outline Templates [Word, PDF]

Unveiling a brilliant idea or sharing knowledge effectively hinges on the structure and clarity of your presentation. An integral part of this process is crafting a well-organized presentation outline , a roadmap guiding your audience from introduction to conclusion.

This article will delve into the art of designing a persuasive, engaging presentation outline , providing you with tools and techniques to ensure your audience remains engaged, understands your key points, and takes away the intended message. Whether you’re an industry professional preparing for a corporate meet , a student gearing up for a thesis defense, or a novice speaker looking to make an impact, understanding how to create a compelling presentation outline is a skill that pays dividends.

Table of Contents

What is a Presentation Outline?

A presentation outline is a structured framework that organizes the main points and sub-points of your presentation, akin to a roadmap guiding the journey of your speech or presentation. This crucial tool sets the course for your narrative flow, ensuring your content is logically organized, relevant, and easily understood by your audience.

It helps you stay on track, minimizing the risk of veering off-topic, and provides your audience with a clear, coherent message. In essence, a presentation outline serves as the backbone of your presentation, lending structure to your thoughts and ideas while making it easier for you to deliver your message and for your audience to absorb it.

Presentation Outline Templates

Presentation outline templates serve as a comprehensive guide to help plan and organize a presentation effectively. They play a crucial role in structuring information in a logical sequence, enabling the presenter to deliver a compelling and coherent narrative.

These templates come in various formats, but most generally comprise of a header, main points, sub-points, and a conclusion. The header typically states the presentation topic and purpose, giving a snapshot of what to expect. Main points , marked by Roman numerals or bullet points, highlight the essential themes or ideas. Sub-points provide further details, elaborations, or examples related to the main points. The conclusion summarises the entire presentation and restates the main ideas or findings.

Depending on the complexity of the presentation , these templates can be expanded to accommodate more layers. They can feature as many sub-points as necessary, each nested under the relevant main point. Some templates also include space for references, footnotes, or annotations to help the presenter remember additional details, relevant anecdotes, or statistical data .

What are the key benefits of creating a detailed presentation outline?

Creating a detailed presentation outline offers several substantial benefits that enhance not only the presenter’s experience but also the audience’s reception of the material.

Structure and Flow

A presentation outline ensures that your thoughts and arguments are arranged logically. This structure aids in maintaining a natural and coherent flow, keeping your audience engaged and improving their understanding of your content . It helps prevent you from jumping haphazardly between topics, which can confuse or lose your audience.

Clear Message

By clearly defining your main points and sub-points, an outline ensures that your core message is explicit and unambiguous. It guides you in developing and presenting your ideas systematically to avoid misinterpretation.

Preparation and Practice

A well-defined outline serves as a guide during your preparation and rehearsal stages. It helps you familiarize yourself with the content, sequence, and timing of your presentation, boosting your confidence and effectiveness.

Time Management

Outlines assist in effectively managing and allotting time to each segment of your presentation, ensuring you cover all points adequately within the given timeframe. They allow you to allocate more time to complex topics and keep the presentation on schedule.

Reduced Anxiety

Knowing you have a well-organized outline can significantly reduce presenter anxiety. It acts as a safety net, preventing you from forgetting important points, ensuring smooth transitions, and boosting your confidence.

Audience Engagement

Outlines help in designing interactive elements in your presentation, like Q&A segments or activities, at appropriate intervals. These can make your presentation more engaging and encourage audience participation.

Flexibility

An outline also offers flexibility. If a particular section sparks interest and requires more time, you can quickly adjust by reducing less critical segments. It’s easier to make such adjustments when you have an overview of your entire presentation .

Effective Recap and Summary

Finally, an outline simplifies creating a recap or summary towards the end of your presentation. You can quickly glance at your outlined points to ensure you’ve covered everything and to remind your audience about the key takeaways.

How to create a presentation outline

Creating a well-structured presentation outline involves a series of steps that ensures your content is presented in a logical and engaging way. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create an effective presentation outline:

Step 1: Understand Your Audience

Begin by identifying and understanding your audience. What is their knowledge level on the topic? What are their interests? What are they hoping to learn from your presentation? This step allows you to tailor your content to meet the needs and expectations of your audience.

Step 2: Define Your Purpose

Every presentation has a purpose, whether it’s to inform, persuade, or entertain. Clearly define what you aim to achieve by the end of your presentation. This purpose will guide the content of your presentation.

Step 3: Identify Your Main Points

Identify the key points that will form the backbone of your presentation. These are the primary pieces of information or arguments that support your purpose.

Step 4: Expand on Your Main Points with Sub-points

For each main point, identify sub-points or supporting details. These could include examples, statistics, case studies, or anecdotes that give more depth and meaning to your main points.

Step 5: Organize Your Points

Arrange your main points and sub-points in a logical sequence. This could be chronological, based on importance, or in a problem-solution format. The structure will depend on your content and purpose.

Step 6: Develop Your Introduction

Plan an engaging introduction that grabs your audience’s attention and sets the tone for your presentation. Your introduction should also briefly outline the purpose and content of your presentation.

Step 7: Plan Transitions

Think about how you will move smoothly from one point to the next. Effective transitions keep your audience engaged and help them follow your train of thought.

Step 8: Prepare Your Conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize your main points and reinforce your purpose. This is also a good place to include a call-to-action, if applicable.

Step 9: Include Interactive Elements

Depending on your presentation setting, consider adding interactive elements such as Q&A sections, polls, or activities. These can increase engagement and facilitate learning.

Step 10: Practice and Refine

Once you have created your outline, practice your presentation. This will give you an opportunity to refine your outline and make sure your content flows logically and smoothly. It also helps you identify any areas where you might need to clarify or expand on your points.

Example of a presentation outline

Title: The Impacts of Climate Change

I. Introduction

A. Attention Grabber: Share a startling statistic about climate change. B. Briefly introduce the topic of Climate Change. C. Thesis Statement : “Climate change impacts the planet in three significant ways: environmental degradation, effects on human health, and economic consequences.” D. Briefly outline what will be covered in the presentation.

II. Environmental Impact of Climate Change

A. Main Point: Rising global temperatures 1. Explanation of the greenhouse effect. 2. Data on global temperature rise. 3. Impact on polar ice caps and sea levels.

B. Main Point: Loss of Biodiversity 1. Discuss how climate change affects different ecosystems. 2. Provide examples of endangered species due to climate change. 3. Explain the long-term implications of reduced biodiversity.

Transition: Discuss how these environmental changes lead to human health effects.

III. Human Health Impact of Climate Change

A. Main Point: Spread of diseases 1. Explanation of how changing climates can expand disease vectors. 2. Discuss examples, such as increased incidence of Malaria.

B. Main Point: Food and Water Security 1. Discuss how climate change affects crop yields and water supply. 2. Describe the health implications of food and water insecurity.

Transition: Discuss how these health and environmental issues then lead to economic consequences.

IV. Economic Impact of Climate Change

A. Main Point: Damage to Infrastructure 1. Discuss how climate events like flooding and wildfires can cause infrastructure damage. 2. Share data on the costs of such damages.

B. Main Point: Increased Healthcare Costs 1. Discuss the financial implications of increased disease spread and health issues due to climate change. 2. Share data on projected healthcare costs due to climate change.

Transition: Summarize the main points and move to the conclusion.

V. Conclusion

A. Recap Main Points: Summarize the environmental, health, and economic impacts of climate change. B. Restate the Thesis: “As we’ve seen, climate change drastically impacts our planet in a multitude of ways.” C. Call to Action: Encourage audience to take individual actions against climate change. D. Closing Statement: End with a hopeful message for the future if actions are taken now.

VI. Q&A Session

Remember, this is just one way to structure a presentation outline. The specific details and order may vary depending on the nature of your topic and the purpose of your presentation.

Is there a specific format to follow when creating a presentation outline?

Presentation outlines often follow the traditional structure of an introduction, body, and conclusion. Within the body, points are typically structured from most to least important, or in a logical sequence that makes sense for the topic. Some people prefer bullet points, while others may use a more narrative structure. The format can be flexible as long as it aids in understanding and organizing your content.

How detailed should my presentation outline be?

The level of detail in your outline depends on your needs. Some presenters prefer a high-level outline that includes only the main points, while others might need a more detailed outline with sub-points and notes. A good rule of thumb is to include enough detail that you feel prepared, but not so much that the outline becomes difficult to navigate during your presentation.

Can a presentation outline be used for all types of presentations?

Yes, an outline can be used for any type of presentation. Whether you’re giving a business presentation, an academic lecture, a workshop, or a speech, an outline can help you organize your thoughts and deliver a well-structured presentation.

How can a presentation outline aid in time management during the presentation?

An outline can help you allocate time to each point or section of your presentation. By roughly estimating how long you’ll spend on each part, you can ensure you cover everything you need to within the time you have.

What’s the difference between a presentation outline and a script?

An outline provides the structure and key points of your presentation, while a script is a word-for-word write-up of what you plan to say. An outline offers more flexibility as it allows you to adapt your speech to the audience’s reactions and time constraints, while a script might make your delivery seem rehearsed or rigid.

What is the difference between a topic outline and a sentence outline?

A topic outline consists of short phrases and focuses on the main points of your presentation, while a sentence outline uses full sentences to express the details of each point. A topic outline is generally more flexible and easier to modify, while a sentence outline provides more detail and can serve as a script if necessary.

Should a presentation outline include references or sources?

Yes, it can be helpful to include references or sources in your outline, especially if you’re presenting complex data, statistics, or information that isn’t widely known. Including these in your outline will ensure you remember to credit your sources during your presentation and provide the audience with accurate information.

What is a speaking outline and how does it differ from a preparation outline?

A preparation outline is a detailed outline used to organize all the information in your speech. It includes the title, specific purpose, central idea, introduction, main points, subpoints, transitions, and conclusion. A speaking outline, on the other hand, is a brief outline that serves as a reminder of what you need to say and in what order. It’s used while delivering the speech.

Should a presentation outline include visual aids?

While the outline itself might not include visual aids, it’s often helpful to note down where you intend to use them. This can ensure that your visual aids are well integrated with your speech and serve to enhance the points you’re making.

How can I use my presentation outline effectively during my presentation?

You can use your outline as a roadmap to guide you through your presentation. It can remind you of the points you need to cover and the order in which to cover them. However, it’s important not to read directly from your outline. Instead, use it as a guide while still connecting directly with your audience.

Should I share my presentation outline with my audience?

In some cases, it might be helpful to provide your audience with a copy of your outline. This can help them follow along with your presentation, take notes, and remember key points. However, this depends on the context of your presentation and the preferences of your audience.

What should I do if I’m going over my allotted time during the presentation?

If you find that you’re running over time during your presentation, your outline can help you quickly identify points that can be shortened or skipped. However, it’s important to practice your presentation beforehand to ensure it fits within the allotted time.

Can the presentation outline help in reducing public speaking anxiety?

Yes, having a well-prepared outline can certainly help reduce public speaking anxiety. It serves as a safety net that you can refer to if you lose your train of thought, ensuring that you can always get back on track.

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December 4, 2023

How to create a presentation outline (with examples)

Four methods to create a presentation outline and example outlines for inspiration

Co-founder, CEO

Like it or not, if you work in an office environment or go to school, you'll probably have to make a presentation at some point. But creating a great presentation can be challenging, especially when you're short on time or suffering from writers' block.

Luckily, there are lots of ways to get a head start on your presentation outline, and in this article we'll walk through four options for creating a presentation outline and show you several examples of great presentation outlines.

Why should I write a presentation outline?

An outline helps you organize your ideas in a clear and logical way . Instead of getting bogged down on details like formatting or word choice, an outline presents the overarching story of your presentation with just a few main points. This helps to make sure you have a cohesive narrative before you dive in to the nitty gritty work of wordsmithing individual bullet points or selecting the perfect slide theme.

If this sounds like a lot of work, it often is! But spending time writing a great outline will save you time and effort down the road because it will be easier to organize your work and create each slide when you understand how it fits in to the broader presentation.

Here are four ways you can get a start on creating your next presentation outline.

Method 1: Create your outline from scratch

Creating an outline from scratch may sound intimidating if you have never written a presentation outline before, but this is the most straightforward way to get started.

Start by jotting down the three main points you want to make in your presentation. Once you have your main ideas in order, write down a few supporting details and examples for each point.

Then, add an introduction (find an interesting image, quote, or question to help grab the audience's audience) and a conclusion (decide on the best way to summarize the takeaways from your presentation) to the outline, and you are ready to go.

This method is great for those who prefer to have complete control over their presentation and want to create a custom outline that works best for their needs.

Method 2: Create a presentation outline using an AI presentation maker

If you're short on time or looking for a quick way to get a first draft of a presentation outline that you can then refine, using an AI presentation maker is a great option.

Plus AI lets you type a short prompt like "Create a presentation that provides an overview of the Norwegian oil industry," and it will automatically generate an outline of a presentation for you. After Plus creates the outline, you can change the titles of slides, rearrange slides, and remove any pieces of the outline that are not necessary.

From there, once your outline is created, you can click the "Generate presentation" button, choose a template, and let the AI create the first draft of your entire presentation.

This method is a good option for those who want to create a polished presentation without getting stuck with a blank piece of paper. Instead, it frees you up to take a first draft presentation and customize it for your needs.

Method 3: Create a presentation outline using ChatGPT

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that can help with a wide variety of tasks - everything from acting as a therapist, to sharing recipes, to helping you come up with presentation ideas and creating content for a presentation .

To have ChatGPT help you generate a presentation, you can take two different approaches:

• Use a custom GPT that has been trained to help people create presentations or
• Ask the general ChatGPT interface to "Create a presentation outline for me on the topic of [XYZ]."

Both approaches will yield similar results, but a custom GPT like Plus AI presentation maker will be more fine-tuned to helping people create presentations. It will also provide additional functionality like providing a visual preview of the slides and feedback on how to improve your presentation.

Method 4: Create a presentation outline using a template

Last but not least, using a template is a good way to speed up the process of creating a new presentation outline. Similar to using an AI presentation maker, a template can give you a first draft of an outline that is easier to edit and refine than starting from scratch.

Presentation templates often come pre-designed with example text and images, so all you have to do is fill in your own content. For example, this TED Talk presentation template provides some instructions on how to create an outline for a TED Talk-style slide deck.

The secret to using this method is to find the closest template to the type of presentation you want to create. You should use detailed search terms to and look across multiple sites and resources to find one that matches the content and style that you would like.

Once you have your template, start by reviewing the overall outline or structure and tweak it to meet your needs. Then, you can fill in the specific content (e.g., text and images) with your materials to make it your own to quickly make a beautiful presentation.

Presentation outline examples

Basic presentation outline example.

Let's take a look at a presentation outline and accompanying notes for a persuasive presentation on encouraging people to meditate every day:

I. Introduction

• Hook - find a striking image and tell a story
• Thesis statement - everyone should meditate for 10 min per day

II. Main point 1 - Meditation is one of the easiest ways to improve your health

• Physical health
• Mental health

III. Main point 2 - Meditation is backed up by thousands of years of practice and research

• One anecdote from antiquity
• One anecdote from recent research

IV. Main point 3 - You can get started with meditation today

• Basic technique
• Tips for newcomers

V. Conclusion

• Summarize key points
• Call to action

As you can see, this is a relatively lightweight plan for the presentation, but it provides an easy-to-understand framework that we can fill in with slides.

There are rough notes on specific content for the different points in the presentation, but we don't need to write out everything in fine detail, just the broad strokes.

Pitch deck outline example

Now let's review an outline for a pitch deck that someone might use to present their startup idea to prospective investors. This is for a startup that uses autonomous food trucks to deliver meals to people's homes and workplaces.

I. Problem statement - "Food delivery sucks, and here's why"

• Hook - pictures of typical food delivery headaches (e.g., late/no show, bad selection, etc)

II. Value prop - "FoodDrive revolutionizes the food delivery model"

• Compare value chain of FoodDrive to traditional restaurant and delivery service
• Show how $50 order gets allocated to different people

III. The product - "Customers love our trucks"

• Picture of food truck and menu
• Customer quotes and reviews

IV. Why now? - "Our self-driving technology is ready for prime-time"

V. Business model - "Each truck can generate $2-3M of revenue per year with a 60% gross margin"

• Show high-level financial forecasts on unit basis

VI. Competitive landscape - "FoodDrive's closest competitors don't come close"

• Comparison table with delivery services, in-house delivery, eating out-of-home, etc.

VII. Go to market strategy - "We've tested FoodDrive in 2 markets so far. Here's how we win in new markets"

• Overview of social media strategy
• Case study on new market launch

VIII. Team - "Our team has experience in autonomous vehicles, food delivery, and quick service restaurants"

IX. Traction - "We generate $5M of revenue per year with our 2 trucks, and we can ramp up new trucks immediately"

• Show revenue growth chart with focus on time to ramp new trucks to productivity

X. Fundraising goal - "We are raising $50M to expand FoodDrive to 10 more markets"

• Highlight key milestones we aim to reach with additional funding

Even though a pitch deck is a specialized type of presentation that often requires specific content, it's helpful to start with an outline to build out the 'story' behind the content. That way, you have a cohesive story rather than a set of disparate slides.

How can I create a presentation from an outline?

Once you have your presentation outline written, it's time to start writing your slides. Since you already know the main points you are trying to make in your presentation, the main decisions here are

• What type of visual style you want to follow
• How many slides you want in your presentation
• How you will present or share the slides

To get a head start on creating a first draft of your presentation, you could enter your outline into an AI presentation maker.

This will provide a first draft of the slides so that you can focus on making sure they tell a cohesive story or tweaking individual slides to leave a memorable impression.

Other tips and tricks for great presentations

Here are some resources to help you create great presentations:

• Make slides look good - Here are six tips for making visually appealing slides.
• Number of slides - Here is a calculator that can help you calculate how many slides you need for a presentation depending on how long you need to present.
• Unique presentation ideas - Here are 250 ideas for presentation topics that will help you create a great presentation.

Creating a presentation outline can be one of the most time-consuming parts of the creative process for making a new slide deck. Luckily, there are many tools and templates that can help you kickstart this process.

With these four methods, you can choose the one that works best for your needs and get started on your presentation outline today.

And once you have your outline, make sure to try out a tool like Plus AI presentation maker to quickly get your slides as well!

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Create Effective Presentation Outlines: A Step-by-Step Guide with Tips & Examples

Table of Contents

What is a presentation outline .

A presentation outline is like a roadmap for organizing your thoughts and delivering your message smoothly during a presentation. It helps you structure your content logically, ensuring that your audience can follow along easily. By providing a clear framework, an outline enhances the clarity and effectiveness of your presentation.

Importance of Presentation Outline  

1. Clarity and Focus

Using an outline keeps your presentation organized and focused, preventing you from going off track. It ensures that your presentation has a clear purpose and that all the information you share is relevant to your main points.

2. Logical Structure

A well-crafted outline ensures that your presentation flows logically, guiding your audience smoothly from one point to the next. This helps your audience follow your train of thought and understand your message more easily.

3. Enhanced Delivery

Having a clear outline can boost your confidence and make your delivery smoother. With a structured plan, you’re less likely to forget important points or ramble on, resulting in a more professional presentation.

4. Time Management

An outline helps you manage your time better by estimating how long each part of your presentation will take. This ensures that you stay within the allotted timeframe, keeping your presentation on track and engaging for your audience.

How to Build Strong Presentation Outline s?

1. Purpose of Presentation

Understanding why you’re giving your presentation is crucial for planning its structure. Identifying your goal means thinking about what you want your audience to get out of it. This clarity forms the basis of your whole presentation. There are six potential reasons you might be presenting:

• Sharing information
• Teaching something new
• Making it enjoyable
• Inspiring action
• Convincing people of something
• Motivating them

Thinking about your goal will help you make a presentation that really grabs attention. Answering these questions can help you figure out what your goal is:

• What do I want people to learn or understand from my presentation?
• How will my presentation make a difference to those listening?
• What do I want people to do after my presentation?

Once you have the answers, you’ll have a good idea of what your presentation should cover and where to start.

2. Consider Color and Design

How you present your pitch matters just as much as what you say. Take a moment to think about the fonts and colors you’ll use on your slides. Research suggests that red can convey excitement and grab your audience’s attention, while white gives off a sense of simplicity and clarity.

3. Establishing Structure: Arrange Your Ideas in a Logical Order

When crafting your presentation, it’s important to structure your ideas in a clear and logical sequence. Start with an introduction to set the stage, followed by the main body where you delve into your key points, and wrap it up with a conclusion to summarize your main ideas.

4. Engaging Your Audience

When you’re getting ready for your presentation, think about how you can start off in a way that grabs everyone’s attention. You could ask a thought-provoking question, share an interesting story, or begin with a meaningful quote. The main thing is to get your audience interested right from the beginning and set the tone for the rest of your talk.

5. Adding Visuals

Give some thought to whether you want to include pictures, videos, or other visual stuff in your presentation. Even if your outline doesn’t mention exactly what visuals to use, you can suggest where they might fit in to help explain your ideas.

6. Encouraging Action

Come up with a clear and compelling message to encourage your audience to take action. Whether it’s encouraging customers to try out a new product or inviting people to join a demo, make sure they understand what’s in it for them. And if your presentation doesn’t really need a specific call to action, just wrap up by summarizing your main points and saying thanks for listening.

Alternatively, you can skip the hassle of crafting a presentation outline manually – try SlidesAI for seamless assistance .

Strategies for Crafting an Engaging Presentation

1. Understanding Your Audience

Take some time to know your audience by researching beforehand. This helps you adjust your presentation to connect with them better.

2. Enhance with Quotes, Testimonials, or Data

Make your presentation more interesting by adding extra info like quotes, testimonials, or data. It can make your audience more engaged and reinforce your message.

3. Visualize Your Concepts

How you show your ideas matters a lot. Tools like SlidesAI can help you express your concepts clearly and effectively.

4. Highlight Key Takeaways

Figure out the most important points you want your audience to remember. This makes it easier for them to recall and understand your message.

5. Seek Feedback

Ask for feedback to improve your presentation. It’s a good way to make sure it connects better with your audience.

Presentation Outline Example

Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Target Audience: College students

Time Limit: 15 minutes

I. Introduction (2 minutes)

Attention Grabber : Briefly discuss a real-life example of how social media can negatively impact mental health (e.g., cyberbullying, unrealistic beauty standards).

Introduce the topic : Clearly state the topic and its significance (e.g., “Today, I’ll be talking about the increasing impact of social media on mental health, particularly among young adults like yourselves”).

Preview : Briefly outline the key points that will be covered (e.g., “We’ll explore the positive and negative aspects of social media use, discuss common mental health concerns associated with it, and offer some tips for healthy social media habits”).

II. Main Body (10 minutes)

Positive aspects of social media:

Connection and community : Highlight how social media can help people connect with friends and family, build communities based on shared interests, and combat feelings of loneliness.

Information and self-expression : Discuss how social media can be a source of information, news, and inspiration, and provide a platform for self-expression and creativity.

Negative aspects of social media:

Social comparison and envy : Explain how constant exposure to curated online profiles can lead to social comparison, feelings of inadequacy, and envy.

Cyberbullying and harassment : Discuss the prevalence of cyberbullying and online harassment, their potential to significantly impact mental health, and the importance of online safety.

Addiction and anxiety : Explain how excessive social media use can lead to addiction, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

III. Conclusion (3 minutes)

Summary : Briefly recap the key takeaways discussed in the presentation.

Call to action : Encourage the audience to be mindful of their social media usage and offer practical tips for developing healthy habits, such as setting time limits, curating their feed, and prioritizing real-life interactions.

Question and Answer : Allocate time for audience questions and address them thoughtfully.

This is just a sample outline, and you can adapt and modify it based on your specific topic, audience, and time constraints. Remember, a well-structured and engaging presentation will effectively communicate your message and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can ai help you create a presentation outline .

With the assistance of AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, crafting outlines becomes a breeze. Furthermore, you can utilize user-friendly online AI presentation tools such as SlidesAI to effortlessly generate your presentations.

Why is putting your outline on a slide a good idea?

Using a presentation outline can be helpful. It makes things clearer, boosts the speaker’s confidence, and helps manage information better. It also keeps the audience more engaged. But, if your presentation is fast-paced, casual, or focused on a specific area of expertise, you might want to keep the outline short and sweet. Just pick what works best for your situation and audience.

What is the format of the presentation outline?

There are various formats, but a common approach is using bullet points, numbered lists , or headings and subheadings. Choose the format that best suits your content and visualizes your information.

How can I adapt my presentation outline for different audiences?

Adapt your presentation outline by tailoring:

• Content : Depth, complexity, and examples based on audience expertise.
• Language : Formality, jargon, and storytelling to match audience and occasion.
• Visuals : Complexity and style to suit audience understanding.
• Delivery : Pace, volume, and even body language to audience energy.
• Focus : Highlight information most relevant to specific interests.

How long should a presentation outline be?

There’s no set rule; it depends on the complexity of your topic and presentation length.

Can I use a mind map to create a presentation outline?

Yes, mind maps can be a good way to visually brainstorm and organize presentation ideas.

What tools can I use to create a presentation outline?

You can use pen and paper, a word processing software like Microsoft Word, or dedicated outlining tools. Presentation software like PowerPoint also offers built-in outlining features.

Save Time and Effortlessly Create Presentations with SlidesAI

• Thompson Rivers University Library
• Research Guides

Academic Presentation Skills and Tools

Basic presentation outline.

• Understanding your audience
• Define your goal & learning objectives
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"Tell them what you are going to tell them; tell them; tell them what you have told them“

The number of points in the body of your lecture can expand and contract as required.

• average adult attention span is 15-20 minutes: divide the body of your talk into 15-minute sub-topics
• give each sub-topic a short introduction, conclusion, and transition into the next sub-topic
• vary the pace: for example, have question periods at the end of each sub-topic, or alternate 15-minute lectures with 15-minute interactive activities or audio-visual presentations

I. Introduction (2-3 minutes)

• Opener Or Attention Getter
• Significance of topic
• Relevance to Audience
• Thesis and Preview (Tell your audience “the big picture”; give them a roadmap to their learning)  
• Support material

(sign post - words that indicate that you are going to make a point - initially, finally, next.)

TRANSITION and CONNECTION

(sign post - words that indicate that you are going to make a point - initially, finally, next)

III. Conclusion (2-3 minutes)

• Summary of topic and what was learned
• Review the main points or your learning objectives
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• Last Updated: Sep 28, 2023 2:18 PM
• URL: https://libguides.tru.ca/presentation

Practical Presentation Outline Examples For Success (+ 8 Must Have Elements)

Jane Ng • 05 Apr 2024 • 6 min read

Looking for Presentation Outline Examples ? Do you want to take your presentations from mediocre to magnificent? The secret weapon in achieving that transformation is a well-crafted presentation outline. A clear and organized outline not only guides you through your content but also ensures your audience stays captivated throughout your talk.

In this blog post, we’re going to share practical presentation outline examples and 8 key elements for constructing your own outlines that will leave a lasting impression.

Table Of Contents 

What is presentation outline, why is presentation outline important, 8 key elements of presentation outline , presentation outline examples, key takeaways , faqs about presentation outline examples.

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A presentation outline is a plan or structure that helps you organize and deliver a presentation or speech. It’s like a map that guides you through your talk. 

• It outlines the main points, ideas, and key elements you intend to cover during your presentation in a logical and organized sequence.
• It ensures that your presentation is clear, logical, and easy for your audience to follow. 

In essence, it’s a tool that helps you stay on track and communicate your message effectively.

A presentation outline is a valuable tool that enhances both the organization and delivery of your presentation. 

• It benefits you as a presenter by reducing stress and improving focus, while also benefiting your audience by making your message more accessible and engaging. 
• If you’re using visual aids like slides, an outline helps you synchronize your content with your visuals, ensuring they support your message effectively.
• If you need to make last-minute changes or adapt your presentation, having an outline makes it easier to identify and adjust specific sections without overhauling the entire presentation.

Whether you’re giving a business presentation, a school lecture, or a public speech, an outline is a key element in ensuring your presentation’s success.

A well-structured presentation outline should include the following key elements:

1/ Title or Topic: 

Begin your outline with a clear and concise title or topic that represents the subject of your presentation.

2/ Introduction:

• Hook or Attention-Grabber: Start with a compelling opening statement or question to engage your audience.
• Purpose or Objective: Clearly state the purpose of your presentation and what you aim to achieve.
• Main Points or Sections : Identify the major topics or sections that you will cover in your presentation. These are the core ideas that support your thesis statement.

3/ Subpoints or Supporting Details: 

Under each main point, list the specific details, examples, statistics, anecdotes, or evidence that support and elaborate on that main point.

4/ Transition Statements: 

Include transition phrases or sentences between each main point and subpoint to guide the flow of your presentation smoothly. Transitions help your audience follow your logic and connect the dots between ideas.

5/ Visual Aids: 

If your presentation includes slides or other visual aids, indicate when and where you plan to use them to enhance your points.

6/ Conclusion:

• Summary: Recap the main points you’ve discussed during your presentation.
• Include any final thoughts, a call to action, or a closing statement that leaves a lasting impression.

7/ Q&A or Discussion: 

If applicable, mention when you’ll open the floor for questions and discussion. Be sure to allocate time for this if it’s part of your presentation.

8/ References or Sources: 

If you’re presenting information that requires citations or sources, include them in your outline. This ensures you give credit where it’s due and can reference them during your presentation if needed.

Here are some additional tips for creating a Presentation Outline

• Time Allocation: Estimate how much time you intend to spend on each section of your presentation. This helps you manage your time effectively during the actual presentation.
• Notes or Reminders: Add any reminders, cues, or notes to yourself that will help you deliver your presentation effectively. These can include tips on delivery, body language, or specific points to emphasize.

Here are a few presentation outline examples for different types of presentations:

Example 1: Sales Pitch Presentation – Presentation Outline Examples

Title: Introducing Our New Product: XYZ Tech Gadgets

Introduction

• Hook: Begin with a relatable customer problem.
• Purpose: Explain the presentation’s goal.
• Thesis: “Today, I’m excited to introduce our innovative XYZ Tech Gadgets designed to simplify your life.”

Main Points

A. Product Features

• Subpoints: Highlight key features and benefits.

B. Target Audience

• Subpoints: Identify potential customers.

C. Pricing and Packages

• Subpoints: Offer options and discounts.

Transition: “I’m glad you’re interested in our product. Let’s talk about the different ways you can purchase it.”

Purchase and Support

• a. Ordering Process
• b. Customer Support
• Recap product highlights and benefits.
• Call to action: “Visit our website or contact our sales team to get your XYZ Tech Gadgets today.”

Q&A Session.

Example 2: The Evolution of Jazz Music – Presentation Outline Examples

Title: The Evolution of Jazz Music

• Hook: Begin with a famous jazz quote or a snippet of iconic jazz music.
• Purpose: Explain the goal of the presentation.
• Thesis: “Today, we’ll take a journey through time to explore the fascinating evolution of jazz music.”

A. Early Origins of Jazz

• Subpoints: African roots, New Orleans as a melting pot.

B. The Jazz Age (1920s)

• Subpoints: Swing music, jazz legends like Louis Armstrong.

C. Bebop and Modern Jazz (1940s-1960s)

• Subpoints: Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, experimental jazz.

Transition : “Let’s now turn our attention to the diversity of jazz styles, which is as vast and complex as the history of the music itself.”

Different Styles of Jazz

• a. Cool Jazz
• b. Fusion Jazz
• c. Latin Jazz
• d. Contemporary Jazz

Influence of Jazz on Popular Music

• Subpoints: Jazz’s impact on rock, hip-hop, and other genres.
• Summary of the evolution of jazz music.
• Call to action: “Explore the world of jazz, attend live performances, or even pick up an instrument to contribute to this ever-evolving art form.”

Presentation outlines are indispensable tools that can elevate your presentations from good to great. They provide structure, organization, and clarity, ensuring that your message reaches your audience effectively. No matter if you’re delivering an educational presentation, a convincing sales pitch, or an interesting speech, these presentation outline examples aim to offer you valuable information.

To take your presentations to the next level, leverage AhaSlides. With AhaSlides , you can seamlessly integrate interactive features into your presentation, such as spinner wheel , live polls , surveys , quizzes , and audience feedback features.

These interactive features not only enhance audience engagement but also provide valuable insights and real-time interaction, making your presentations more dynamic and memorable.

So, let’s explore our template library !

📌 Tips: Asking open-ended questions help you to create an outline for presentation easier!

What should a presentation outline include?

Title, Introduction, Key points, subpoints, transitions, visuals, conclusion, Q&A , and time allocation.

What are the 5 parts of a presentation?

Introduction, main points, visuals, conclusion, and Q&A.

How do you outline a project presentation?

Define objectives, list key topics, organize content logically, and allocate time.

Do you need an outline for a presentation?

Yes, an outline helps structure and guide your presentation effectively.

Ref: Indeed | EdrawMind

A writer who wants to create practical and valuable content for the audience

More from AhaSlides

Presentation Outline Example and Template

How to create a presentation Outline

A presentation outline is a roadmap to a more successful business pitch — a general plan that summarizes what you want to say to prospective customers, clients or investors. It lets you organize your thoughts, group ideas into main points and present your material logically. But what should you include in your slides?

We've compiled 11 tips for more effective pitch prep.

If you came here looking for presentation templates , here's an a couople of examples from of our most popular ones. If not, just carry on.

Browse our PRESENTATION TEMPLATES

What is a presentation outline.

An outline for a presentation is a helpful tool that organizes the main points and flow of the presentation. It acts as a guide for the presenter, outlining the order in which information will be presented and the main ideas that will be covered. A good outline should include headings and subheadings that outline the main topics and supporting details, ensuring a clear and logical arrangement of information. Creating a presentation outline helps the presenter stay organized and focused, and makes it easier for the audience to follow the content and understand the main concepts of the presentation.

11 tips to create more effective presentations

1. decide on a goal.

Before you brainstorm, and before you scribble down any notes, come up with a goal for your presentation. What do you want your pitch deck to say to your audience? What message do you want to convey? What do you want it to achieve?

Perhaps you want your pitch to raise seed funds. Maybe you want to introduce a new product or service to customers. Whatever the reason for creating your pitch, decide on a specific, measurable goal. This will guide the rest of your preparation.

2. Create a Structure for Your Presentation

Every good presentation includes an introduction, main body, and conclusion. These three components form the "skeleton" of your presentation — the bare bones of your pitch. You don't need to think about all the small details at this stage — you can flesh out your presentation slides at a later date.

Your introduction is probably the most important part of your pitch. After all, you only have seven seconds to make a good first impression, according to research. Use your intro to introduce your brand, greet your audience and give a taster of what's to come.

The body of your presentation includes your main ideas and any supporting ideas. Use it to feature testimonials, financials and fundraising info, traction and milestones, and, of course, your marketing plan.

Finally, your conclusion summarizes all your points in a few slides. This should leave your audience wanting more.

3. Think About Visual Content

Visual content is an essential ingredient. The human brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than regular text, so including images in your pitch is a great idea. Don't forget about videos, either. Consumers are 64 percent more likely to purchase a product after watching an online video, making visual content a good choice if you want to generate leads and boost sign-ups.

The most successful pitch decks incorporate striking visuals. Others have fancy fonts and graphics. All of this visual content demands attention from your audience and creates a cool aesthetic that will help you outrank your rivals.

At this early stage of pitch deck preparation, you don't have to finalize the images you are going to include in your pitch. However, we think it's a good idea to point out where you are going to use images in your presentation. This way, you can organize your ideas and make sure everything flows properly.

4. Understand What Makes a Good Presentation — and a Bad One

No two presentations are the same. The most successful pitch decks, however, certainly have a lot in common. When creating your outline, discover what makes a brilliant pitch. The University of Hawaii says great presentations rarely cover more than five points. The University of Cambridge in England says there should be four key points in every 45-minute presentation.

Here at Slidebean, we think one idea per slide, good design, lots of images, and quotes all make presentations so much more interesting. We're not fans of the 'thank you' slide, though — the one that recognizes your audience for sitting through your presentation. It's completely unnecessary.

5. Include a Call-to-Action

A call-to-action is much better than a 'thank you' slide. This encourages your audience to take action after your presentation. When creating your outline, think of a short, snappy call-to-action that prompts a response. A call-to-action is your final chance to engage with your audience during your presentation. You might want to encourage people to sign up to your mailing list, for example. Alternatively, you can include a link to your website so people can download a trial version of your product.

"No matter what form your CTA takes, the most important aspect is the copy," says growth marketing expert Sujan Patel and Voila Norbert co-founder, writing for Forbes magazine . "You’re telling the visitor what you want them to do, so it needs to be persuasive. Remember, your audience is looking for an answer or a solution to a problem. Connect with them by telling them exactly what they’re going to get if they take action."

6. Identify a Solution to a Problem

Every day, more than 30 million presentations are created on PowerPoint alone. Then there are the hundreds of thousands of pitches designed in Keynote, Prezi, and Slidebean. With so many presentations out there, how do you inspire people to invest in your services? One way to create a successful pitch is to identify a solution to a problem that your audience might have.

Slidebean recently reviewed some of the best presentation examples from successful startups. Most of them provide solutions to common problems early on in their respective pitches. Customer messaging platform Intercom, for example, says analytics, customer base browsing, and customer research is the answer for businesses who find it hard to engage with customers. They include these solutions near the beginning of their pitch deck.

If you want to have a more successful presentation, think about solving problems in your niche when creating your outline.

7. Use Quotes, Testimonials and Statistics

Quotes from senior management help you convey abstract ideas and make your presentation more engaging. You should obtain any quotes you want to use in your presentation during the planning stage. Testimonials from customers and clients also prove popular. Research shows that positive reviews influence purchasing decisions and increase trust.

Finally, statistics add some depth to your presentation. Industry facts and figures back up any claims you make and increase engagement. Discover relevant statistics when creating your outline. You don't need to include any actual quotes, testimonials or statistics yet. Just jot down where you want to place them in your presentation.

8. Think About Color and Design

The way you present information in your pitch is just as important as the information itself. Now is the time to start thinking about the font/s you want to use or the color of your slides. Research shows that red conveys passion and excitement and catches the attention of your audience. White, on the other hand, conveys simplicity and purity.

Slidebean has a range of color palettes that transform the look of your slides. You can choose up to three color sets and play around with different text, backgrounds, and highlights.

9. Plan the Order of Your Slides

Think of your presentation outline template as a very rough first draft. Decide on what types of slides you want to use, and decide on a final running order. You might feature quotes early on in your presentation, for example, and leave testimonials until the end. Don't forget to include a slide with your contact details — website, phone number, address, etc. — and your brand values.

Your presentation outline should be a group effort, too. Ask your colleagues for input.

10. Identify Key Takeaways From Your Presentation

Your outline should include enough information so you can visualize what your final presentation will look like. Once you have finished your outline, read it back and identify the key takeaways from the document. Is the structure of your presentation clear, for example? Does it convey your brand message? Will it engage your audience?

Every slide in your presentation should achieve the goal you created at the beginning of your outline. If something isn't working, make changes. You might want to switch slides around or remove unnecessary information, for example.

11. Use a Presentation Template

Once you have completed your outline, it's time to start putting everything together. Yes, you could create a PowerPoint pitch deck from scratch, but this is often time-consuming and complicated. Instead, use a template, which provides you with all the presentation slides you need.

Here at Slidebean, we have presentation templates for business of all sizes, including startups and scaleups. You can create a professional pitch deck in just a few minutes by following the on-screen prompts. Everything's included — bullet points, graphics, headers, footers, and more. Take the time to plan your pitch to produce a powerful sales document that helps you communicate with your audience.

Once you have created your presentation outline template, sign up to Slidebean and design a pitch that provides you with a huge return on your investment.

Try Slidebean Templates

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How to make a presentation outline: a step-by-step guide

Georgina Guthrie

April 07, 2021

Whether you’re building a house, baking a cake, or writing an essay — having all the necessary pieces in place before you begin will make the task much easier.

It may seem counterproductive to spend time sorting things out when you’re in a rush… After all, why spend time organizing when you could dive straight in? But the fact is, the opposite is true: Planning saves time, and the same goes for creating a business presentation. Start with a presentation outline.

A presentation outline is a bare-bones version of your talk. It should take the general direction of your pitch, plus summaries of your key points. Its purpose is to help you shape your thinking, organize your thoughts, and make sure your material is presented logically.

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at what a presentation outline is, how storytelling can help engage your audience, and how to create a flawless outline of your own. Let’s get stuck in.

What’s the purpose of your presentation?

This is the foundation on which you will build your whole presentation — so make sure you know the answer to this question. A good starting point is to think about the overall purpose. There are six possible purposes your presentation might have:

• Inspire action
• Inspire or motivate

In a business setting, it’ll usually be ‘to inform,’ along with one or two others. If you’re there to talk about quarterly results, then you’ll want to inform and motivate. If you’re a business coach, your goals will likely be to inspire, motivate, and entertain.

Once you’ve worked this out, you’ll be one step closer to working out the purpose of your pitch. Here are some questions to help you find an answer to this question:

• What do I want people to take away from my presentation?
• How will what I talk about help others in the room?
• What do I want people to do after my meeting?

Note down your ideas and start creating a topline summary of your presentation purpose. Summarize it into one or two sentences, then put that on your first slide. You can change it later, but this is a good starting point.

Create a story arc for your presentation

As humans, we love a good story. We’ve been doing it since, well, forever. The earliest cave paintings helped the painters and those who saw the paintings make sense of the world.

Interesting things happen when you start telling a story. Your brain’s auditory cortex (aka the bit that helps you listen) switches on. This helps you imagine the activities being described. Meanwhile, the frontal and parietal cortices are fired up, which helps us emotionally engage with what’s being said.

Stories have been, and will always be, a powerful tool for bringing people together. Great stories persuade and inform; the best stories inspire and stay with us. But we don’t often see this happening in the boardroom, where graphs and quarterly results preside.

Stats and numbers suck the life out of a presentation. We think these details will speak for themselves. But… they don’t because, well… they’re boring, and they make us switch off. If you want to inspire your audience, you need to weave those stats into a story . But where do you begin, and how do you start?

Storytelling isn’t something only a few select people are good at. Anyone can master the art with a little practice. It doesn’t even require heaps of creativity because the truth is, stories are formulaic, and once you’ve got the formula down, the rest runs on autopilot.

Let’s look at how to build your notes and ideas into a compelling story using one of the formulas below.

1.Fact and Story

Mixing storytelling with facts works in a kind of mutually supportive cycle. Facts add substance to the story; the story adds interest to the facts.

In this structure, you weave the two together and move back and forth between the two.

• Start with a ‘what if’ question. For example, if you were pitching a vacuum cleaner, your initial sales pitch might be ‘what if you didn’t have to lose suction?’
• From here, work in facts that illustrate the way things currently are. To continue with our example, it might be current stats on traditional vacuums losing suction. Keep alternating facts with fiction throughout the body of your presentation.
• End on a high note that makes the listeners feel like they learned something and want to move to action because of it. For example, to invest in your new product, or to sponsor your new app .

2. The hero’s journey

From Odysseus to Chihiro , adventure stories typically feature a hero who goes on a journey fraught with peril and learns a vital lesson at the end of it. It’s a formula employed by thousands of writers — and you can draw from it to add some drama to your presentation.

This structure works really well for inspirational personal stories, or tales about a company from its humble beginnings to the success it is today.

• Begin somewhere neutral. The situation is neither ideal nor unbearable.
• Introduce a challenge — one that needs to be solved.
• Present a worsening situation. The problem is being addressed, but things are still getting worse.
• Talk about rock bottom. The situation seems impossible; there is apparently no way forward and all seems lost. Until…
• Talk about a new discovery that offers hope.
• Armed with your new abilities, you can tackle the issue head-on.
• Talk about resolving the problem, but instead of returning to the way things were before, the hero (you) discovers an even better way of living.
• Finish with a lesson, which you can share to inspire your audience.

3. The Pitch

The ‘pitch’ style of presentation is commonly used by salespeople. The goal is to show how a product or idea can help an individual overcome a hurdle toward a positive outcome. The story should be relatable, so the audience can picture themselves in the situation and, therefore, benefitting from the solution.

• Start with a summary of the way things are in a way that’s easy to relate to.
• Introduce the problem or hurdle that you need to solve. Make it relatable to further help your audience put themselves in the situation.
• The solution: give your audience a glimpse into a possible solution.
• The fork in the road: Give your audience a couple of options for solving the problem. Offer an average option first, then follow up with a better one.
• Close: Choose the better option and explain why that’s the best one (and only real suitable choice).
• Finish up by telling the audience exactly how to solve the problem, step by step.
• But that’s not all: Before you finish, talk about extra benefits that extend beyond simply solving the problem. Finish on an uplifting high.

4. The explanation

This presentation format is for when you want to teach your audience something — whether that’s a process, a new skill, or a way to overcome a problem. It has similarities with the fact and story structure, insomuch as facts should weave into the story.

• Explain how things are at the moment, what the goal looks like, and how you plan to get there. You can even start with a story to add emotional interest from the get-go.
• Take your first step on the journey toward the final destination.
• Add more steps that build on this.
• Take a moment to recap on the points you’ve covered so far while tying them into the main point. This will help your audience visualize the ground you’ve covered and see where you’re heading.
• Add the finishing pieces to the puzzle and lead your audience to the end.
• By the end of your journey, your audience should feel as though they’ve learned something new.

5. The Opportunity

A close relative of the pitch, this three-part structure swaps a hurdle for an opportunity. Here, you want to show your audience that a problem they thought they had actually has an easy fix.

• Start with the situation as it is now.
• Next, add a ‘but’ — this could be a small hiccup that stops things from being as good as they could be. For example, our chocolate pudding company is doing really well. But we could be doing better if we changed supplier.
• Talk about the opportunity, with as many facts and stats as possible to make it feel achievable and real.
• Add a conclusion.
• Explain why the product or service meets the challenges raised. Add more stats and facts to support your point.

How to plan your presentation

Now you’ve worked out your structure, it’s time to start building your presentation, pulling in all your points and forming them into a story.

Storyboarding is the best way to do this. Directors use storyboards to map out their films scene-by-scene — you’re going to use it to map out your presentation, slide-by-slide.

(Don’t worry, you can do stick people and squiggles if drawing isn’t your strong point.) Image Source

The trick here is to use broad strokes without adding too much detail. Make it too wordy and you’ll lose your top-level view, which is important for assessing the arc of your story. Ideally, have one or two sentences on each slide summarizing what each one will address.

You can do this with pen and paper, but when it comes to final drafts and editing, it’s a good idea to move your drawings over to a digital format. It looks far neater, and it means that if you need to change something, it’s as simple as deleting or editing a cell or slide rather than you having to start over.

Once you’ve got your rough storyboard more or less ready, it’s time to start building your presentation.

Your presentation outline

Using a presentation template will be a big help here. First, choose your template — then start adding pre-made slides according to your storyboard. For those who didn’t plan, this can be a bit of a nightmare that usually ends up with you shuffling slides around indefinitely. For those who planned, it’s simply a matter of putting all your hard work in place, then spicing it up with pictures, video, and audio.

Top Tip : If your slides are there to support your spoken words, try not to make them too wordy. Talking too much will distract your audience, whose attention will be split between what’s on screen and your voice. Instead, opt for images and video. If you’re sharing your presentation slides without presenting them, keep your communication simple and succinct. A wall of text is never engaging.

Finally, rehearse your presentation. According to experts, 10 is the magic number when it comes to practicing speeches . The more you practice, the better it’ll flow, the easier it’ll be for your listeners to get sucked into your story. And when it comes to persuading, inspiring, informing, or selling — having a captive and engaged audience is half the battle.

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Presentation Outline

The thought of giving a presentation in front of other people is enough to make your hands sweat and knees shake. Being tasked to do a project presentation can cause a person to overthink and worry about things. What happens if you forget what to say next? What happens if you end up giving a poor performance? Erase all these negative thoughts by preparing a presentation outline.

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What Is a Presentation Outline?

A presentation outline is a document that will list the organized flow of a presentation. You can use this outline as a guide or as a note in planning for your presentation. In addition, you can also use this in case you forget something when presenting in front of the audience.

How to Construct an Organized Presentation Outline

Both students and business professionals would have to give a class or sales presentation more than once in their lives. If you have given one, you surely have realized the importance of preparing an outline before your presentation. To learn how to create a reliable one,  continue reading this article and learn presentation outline writing tips .

1. Choose a Software

In reporting, it is always better to use creative visual aids such as a PowerPoint presentation. Generating visuals can help in capturing the attention and increasing the clarity of the topic you are presenting. There are plenty of presentation tools and software you can choose from in generating your business presentation or academic report , but you should go for the one you’re most familiar with and comfortable using.

2. Compose an Introduction

Before composing your introduction, it is advisable to conduct your audience analysis and write your presentation agenda . Undergoing these steps will help you determine whether your audience already has prior knowledge about the topic you are about to present and will give an idea of where to start. After this, you can proceed with coming up with a brief introduction speech.

3. Structure Your Presentation

Split your topic into separate slides. In deciding the order of your slides, make sure the sequence makes sense. After organizing your content, create your outline following the order in your visual slides. Label each slide in your presentation outline with the necessary things you should include in your discussion. Setting how long you should discuss each concept would also be helpful. You can use a blank outline template, process flow chart , or roadmap to make it easier to review.

4. Devise Your Conclusion

Your presentation would be incomplete unless you wrap everything up. In devising the conclusion to your project outline , you don’t have to go through everything in detail again. You should summarize and reiterate only the main points of your presentation. You should ensure to meet the objectives that you set beforehand. Don’t forget to note to let your audience ask if they have any questions regarding your discussion.

What do you mean by the 10,20, 30 rule?

The 10 20 30 rule means that an oral presentation should have a maximum of ten slides and not last more than twenty minutes. The thirty in 10 20 30 stands for the rule of not using fonts smaller than thirty. Assuming that an adult’s attention span lasts for 15-30 minutes, this rule is widespread in the business world.

What are the elements of a presentation?

There are components a speaker should consider to make his or her presentation effective. The first one is to establish a connection with your audience. Don’t look at your slides too much. It is necessary to maintain eye contact. Also, you should choose a design that’s not too distracting. Lastly, try considering using diagrams and charts that would better present data and ideas.

What are the necessary skills of a presenter?

A good presenter should be confident and should also know how to command the room. Being good at using gestures and facial expressions are also necessary characteristics of a presenter. Aside from that, they should also be enthusiastic, good at delivering their presentation speech , and they should also have a vast knowledge about what they are discussing.

Aside from your nervousness, other factors can also affect your presentation. Despite that, a good outline can combat them all. You know, you can never be too prepared. If your presentation outline is reliable enough, you can be more ambitious of your end goal and aim to deliver a presentation that would leave them in awe of your presentation skills.

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Presentation Outline Template – 19+ Formats for PPT, Word & PDF

Presentation is one of the important things in speeches, public audience and congregation. It helps one to be straight to the point when making a speech or talking because any minute spent means a lot in communication. Presentation makes one gain confidence to be bold when presenting something from first point to the last and thus at the end everyone will applaud for the well-planned speech. This is possible with the downloadable, editable, and printable presentation outline template. If one is used to making presentation every now and then it makes sense not to buy a template but rather get the free and creative informal or formal outline format .

How the presentation outline should look like

• Introduction: This is the head of your presentation and it means a lot. First it is where you salute the delegates or people present. You need to observe the protocol from the seniors all down to the juniors and comrades. It is also at this point where you inform the audience of the things you will talk about. Introducing them and thus making them prepare for it.
• Body part: This is the main part that talk collectively and broadly about your supporting points. It captures the audience mind and attention as you try to explain, support and make them know what they are not aware of. From point to point you break it into other subtopics to help those noting down and for a good arrangement. After a very organized outline you will then move to the other sub heading doing the same till you finalize on the points.
• Conclusion: This is the other best part that summarizes the whole presentation talking on the key things and helping to point them down. At the end you will thank the audience and wish them the very best in deciding. How you summarize also gives the audience the sense of what you have been talking about. Thank the involved parties in seeing the presentation a success. It counts.

Here are some samples, Formats and Examples to Help you.

Table of Contents

Presentation Outline Template for Word and Google Docs

Presentation Outline Template for Word

Presentation Outline Template for PowerPoint

Oral Presentation Outline Template

Presentation Speech Outline Template

Persuasive Preparation Outline for Word

Sales Presentation Outline Template

Sales Presentation Outline Example

Informative Presentation Outline for PDF

Presentation Outline Template for PPT

Oral Presentation Outline Format

Oral Presentation Outline Template for PDF

Sample Presentation Outline

Presentation Outline Example for PDF

Business Presentation Outline Example

Business Presentation Outline Template

Basic Outline Format (Plus Guide)

How to Create Presentation Outline (PowerPoint Slide)

Ultimate Business Presentation Outline Template (Plus Guide)

Tips for preparing your presentation outline

• Maintain the theme of the discussion of presentation you are to perform, thus having a blank outline template that communicates your ideas even through the design layout.
• Customize the template you have downloaded by editing the parts that you may want them to feature in your presentation.
• keep the points in the of the presentation outline brief. This helps make the presentation easier and excite and understandable making the communication clear.

Here is the best part. To get the best presentation outline template with the best outlook design you will have to spend nothing. All of the templates are very simple, completely free of charge and more so easy to use. All you need it to do is choose the best presentation outline template for your topic theme, download it, edit to your preference, then print or present it. You may also like to see speech outline templates .

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FREE 6+ Sample Presentation Outline Templates in PDF

Presentation outline template is a handy tool for those professionals and students who need to prepare presentation in very efficient manner to draw attention of the entire audience. Presentation template is frequently required by business analysts, researchers, students and sales personnel in all industries and orators every now and then. Success in work largely depends on how a presentation is created and represented. You May also See  Report Outline Templates

Presentation Outline Templates

Outline template - 11+ download free documents in pdf , excel ..., sample speech outline example - 7+ documents in pdf, word, sample outline - 15+ examples in pdf, word, ppt, oral presentation outline template.

Size: 420 KB

This template helps to create perfect oral presentation that would keep the audience absolutely focused on the presentation throughout. This example of speech helps researchers, scholars, professionals and students to design their own presentations for conferences, company meetings, sales presentations to a large audience, etc.

The oral presentation outline template available here also provides professional guidelines on customizing presentations. There are three aspects in any form of oral presentation – planning, practicing and presenting. The sample speech makes a user perfect by delivering guidance in all these three sectors.

Powerpoint Presentation Outline Template

Size: 129 KB

This is the most popular presentation outline template which is equally used by professionals, researchers and students. This makes a presentation easier, elaborate and classy. The user can use any number of slides to complete his presentation. The key points in his work, the charts and tables, images, references etc. can be included to make the speech more user friendly. Moreover, wherever needed, user can import excel and word sheets or create a direct link to a website. Hence, it is a dynamic speech format.

Business Presentation Outline Template

Size: 76 KB

This presentation outline template helps to represent the entire business plan of a company which is indeed very useful for loan sanctioning or inviting investments. This easy to use template touches several essential aspects of a business like the following ones.

This template also helps to discuss elaborately, without missing any important part of the business plans and future targets. It also provides space to include different important financial statements and required analysis.

Sales Presentation Outline Template

Basic Presentation Outline

Size: 217 KB

Sample Presentation Outline

Size: 238 KB

Presentation Speech Outline Template

Size: 94 KB

These templates are easy to download and follow. They are written in simple language to help the users meet their very requirements. These templates are so professionally designed that the users belonging to any profession will be able to build a good impression on the audience. In case of sales professionals, using the relevant template will provide him higher success in market, while for the researchers, these templates will help them to make a grand speech in presence of a large number of learned people.

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Free Project Outline Templates

By Kate Eby | November 10, 2021

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Choose from a selection of the ultimate project outline templates designed for business projects and academic research. 

On this page, you’ll find a mix of document and presentation templates, including a one-page project outline and a sample project outline template with example text, as well as a format template for a research project outline .

Business Project Outline Template

Download Business Project Outline Template

Microsoft Excel | Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF | Google Docs

Construct a detailed outline for any business project. This template provides example headings for each outline section, along with bullet points and tables for listing subtasks. Add a brief executive summary describing the project, followed by the reasons for doing it and add broader context in the background section. Describe the scope of work and list project objectives, constraints, and assumptions. Identify members of the project team, including key stakeholders. In the timeline section, list important milestones, projected dates, and the contact person for each item. Under resource requirements, create a basic budget with estimated costs for the tools, equipment, and labor your project requires.

Simple Project Outline Template

Download Simple Project Outline Template

Microsoft Word | Google Docs | Adobe PDF

Create a basic project outline with this one-page, blank document template. Write your project summary, list key deliverables, and define metrics for measuring success. Break down your project timeline into phases and milestones. Identify roles and responsibilities for stakeholders and team members. This template’s simple layout helps ensure that your project outline remains succinct and focuses on key details. The outline should provide a high-level view of how your project will play out.

Project Outline Presentation Template

Download Project Outline Presentation Template

Microsoft PowerPoint  | Google Slides

Turn your project outline into a presentation using this preformatted slide deck. Each slide covers an essential element of the outline, from the project overview and goals to deliverables and scheduled milestones. The template breaks up the information into digestible pieces and adds visual interest to keep viewers engaged. Enter your text on each slide, and edit the headings or slide formatting to create a customized template.

Sample Project Outline Template

Download Sample Project Outline Template

Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF

This project outline example gives you an idea of how a template might look after you fill it out. The template is fully customizable, and you can replace all sample text with your original content. Each section in the outline expands as you add text, allowing you to create a longer document. Insert the details you want to track in the project timeline, such as specific due dates or milestones. Use bullet points to accentuate important points and increase readability.

Design Project Outline Template

Download Design Project Outline Template

Microsoft Excel | Microsoft Word  | Adobe PDF

Similar to a design brief , this template covers primary elements of a design project. However, the project outline is less comprehensive, providing a higher-level overview of the design project’s purpose and process. Use this template for in-house planning or in the initial stages of client communication. Include a project description , list of objectives, problem statement, and design concept and style. Add a projected time frame and deliverable dates, meetings, and other events. Itemize costs to estimate budget needs.

Research Project Proposal Outline

Download Research Project Proposal Outline Template

Microsoft Word  |  Google Docs

This template provides a basic outline for a science, academic, or other research project proposal. Fill out each portion of the outline, using the numbered headings as a guide. Discuss the research problem, the rationale for the project, and the significance of the study. Cite sources for literature review topics, and describe your hypothesis and research methodology. Use the template like a worksheet to help you organize your project proposal.

For business project proposals, see our roundup of the top project proposal templates , including proposals for specific products and services.

Research Project Outline Sample Format

Download Sample Research Project Outline Format

Microsoft Word | Google Docs

Use this template to create an outline for an academic research paper or a capstone project. The template provides a sample format with numbered headings and sub-items. For example, the introduction features subsections for a problem statement, research review, study significance, and thesis statement. If you are conducting original research as part of the project, list your research methods for a further level of organization. The outline offers example headings and subheadings to guide you through the process of developing your outline. Edit the text to suit your project type and requirements.

What Is a Project Outline Template?

A project outline template breaks down the parts of a project into its essential elements. The outline provides a glimpse into the project background, objectives, deliverables, and scheduling. It does not offer the depth or detail of a project plan . 

For more project planning tools, download free project overview templates .

Easily Create and Share Project Outlines in Smartsheet

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The Smartsheet platform makes it easy to plan, capture, manage, and report on work from anywhere, helping your team be more effective and get more done. Report on key metrics and get real-time visibility into work as it happens with roll-up reports, dashboards, and automated workflows built to keep your team connected and informed. 

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All Formats

Outline Templates

9+ presentation outline templates.

Presentation outline templates come in handy when you are trying to create a sample presentations folder for corporate and research work and need to come up with good examples of ideas. You can easily download and print the  outline templates for free from different websites but if you want high quality premium ones, you must be ready to pay.

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Example for Making PowerPoint Presentation Outline Slides Template

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