technology presentation skills

Craft Effective Technical Presentations: 5 Success Strategies

Dominik Sumer

Aug 30, 2023 · 8 min read

Technical presentations can be tricky to execute. You know your subject inside out, but is that enough?

How do you ensure your audience stays engaged throughout the presentation, and how do you answer their questions effectively?

This blog post provides modern strategies for crafting effective technical presentations, covering all aspects, from understanding your audience to handling questions and feedback.

You will also learn about the practical parts of technical presentations, including proper tools and examples.

These tips will help you deliver a successful presentation that makes a lasting impact on your audience.

Anyone can use this guide as a checklist , but the following can get huge benefits:

• Software Engineers or Developers
• Tech YouTubers
• Candidates who are presenting in tech interviews
• Social Media Influences like tech on LinkedIn
• Students, Tech Teachers, and much more.

Identify your Audience:

In our previous guide about technical writing , we shared 19 expert tips you should know.

Let me quickly highlight the five most important tips:

• Understand Audience
• Define Purpose
• Always do your research
• Organize thoughts
• Avoid Jargon and Acronyms

Understanding your audience is not a first step but why?

Because first, you need to identify WHO is your target audience.

Question it by yourself, and write down the three closest audiences like:

• JavaScript Developers: Those who want to learn about JavaScript technologies. You can help them learn the tech faster by sharing beautiful code snippets .
• SaaS Owners: Those tech founders who want to learn about the ongoing development progress of their software. Give them tips on how to tackle obstacles in software development by using technical presentation slides .
• Tech Talks: Those interested in code screencasts within the video content like YouTube or TED Talks. You can use rich animated content, like videos created with snappify.

So, identify your audience first and use the smart tools to simplify things for you and the audience.

Use Smart Tools:

So, what are smart tools in the digital world?

Smart Tools are intelligent software applications that help users perform complex tasks more efficiently and effectively.

They simplify processes, improve productivity, and help achieve goals quickly and easily online.

You can learn about our curated list of technical writing tools , which comes with Artificial Intelligence.

Before using your tool for technical presentations, make sure to check these features first:

• Can you create a fully animated slide?
• Is there any feature for Video Export?
• The tool must be user-friendly to avoid presentation disruptions.
• Clear and visually appealing infographics are important for tools with graphs, diagrams, or slides.

Now that you know enough about the features, here is another list of modern tools to help you become a good presenter.

• Snappify: It can help you present code beautifully and has all the features I have mentioned above. It also has pre-made templates to help you create and share snippets faster.
• PowerPoint: A user-friendly software for creating dynamic presentations with text, images, charts, and multimedia elements.
• Google Slides: A web based presentation tool that lets users create basic presentations and save them online.

Let's take a closer look at the Slides and Video Export features of snappify and how it can become your new companion for your technical presentations.

It comes with a Present button at the top of the bar, which can help you show your code snippets in the presentation mode.

In slides, there are several options for animations:

Besides showing your presentation, you can download all slides or export videos to share on social media.

You can follow this tutorial on creating code presentations with snappify .

Video Export : TypeWriter Example

Video showcasing the TypeWriter transition

Structure Your Presentation

To craft an effective technical presentation, it is crucial to structure your content in a clear and logical flow .

Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction that captivates your audience and sets the tone for the presentation.

Organize your content into sections or chapters, making it easier for your audience to comprehend and follow along.

• Divide your presentation into key sections or points.
• Each section should have a clear focus and contribute to your main message.
• Use bullet points and concise text to support each point.
• Transition smoothly between sections to maintain a logical flow.
• Include visuals such as images, charts, graphs, animations , and videos to enhance understanding and engagement.
• Share real-life examples or case studies that illustrate your points.
• Use relevant data and statistics to back up your points and add credibility.

Finally, remember to summarize key points and provide a memorable conclusion to leave a lasting impact.

Create your next presentation

snappify will help you to create stunning presentations and videos.

This video was created using snappify 🤩

Choose a good Font and Color for the Slides

Font and color choices in slides play a key role in shaping the impact and effectiveness of your presentation.

These choices go beyond aesthetics; they influence how your content is perceived, understood, and remembered.

Here are quick tips to make effective font and color choices:

• Readability: Use simple, easy-to-read fonts that can be seen from far away. Avoid fancy or complex fonts that can make reading difficult.
• Consistency: For a professional look, limit your presentation to two font styles: headings and body text.
• Contrast: Use contrasting fonts for headings and body text for better readability. Headings should be in bold or larger font, while body text should be in regular font.
• Hierarchy: Establish hierarchy with color by using bold or contrasting hues for headings and more subdued tones for body text.
• Limit Bright Colors: While bright colors can add visual interest, avoid using too many as they can be distracting and make your presentation look unprofessional.

Remember that your font and color choices should support your technical content and help convey your message effectively.

Test your chosen fonts and colors on different screens to ensure they appear as intended.

Consistency in font and color usage contributes to a polished and visually appealing presentation.

Also take a look at our handcrafted templates to get started with your technical presentations.

Engage with Stories

People remember stories better than facts alone.

Include relatable case studies to illustrate your points and make your presentation more relatable.

Storytelling is a powerful technique that can elevate your technical presentation from informative to captivating.

Humans have been using stories to communicate and connect for centuries, and integrating this approach into your presentation can help you create a deeper and more lasting impact on your audience.

Here's how you can effectively use storytelling to engage your audience during your technical presentation:

Quick Story Example:

Meet Maya, a talented developer on a mission to make her technical presentations truly captivating.

One day, she discovered snappify, a tool rumored to bring code snippets to life .

Maya decided to give it a shot.

With snappify, Maya's code snippets transformed into dynamic visuals that got animated smoothly across the screen.

During her presentation, she used it to break down complex algorithms step by step.

The audience was captivated, effortlessly following along as the code was visually displayed.

Impressed by Maya's presentation, fellow developers asked about snappify.

Maya shared how the tool had elevated her delivery, making code accessible to all.

Afterward, snappify was known for its captivating technical demonstrations.

Developers worldwide used it to transform complex code into interesting visuals, captivating audiences and enhancing code comprehension.

Now, turn your boring code into fancy and beautiful snippets before sharing it on social media or inside your technical presentation.

In conclusion, delivering a successful technical presentation requires technical skills, engaging visuals, and audience interaction.

A compelling story and utilizing effective visuals are crucial for delivering a memorable and impactful presentation.

Following the tips in this comprehensive guide, you can always deliver successful technical presentations for interviews, YouTube videos, tech talks, social media posts, and much more.

How can I adjust my technical presentation to different levels of expertise among the audience?

Adjust technical depth and terminology based on audience familiarity. Provide real-world examples for beginners and deeper insights for experts.

What is the difference between presentation and technical presentation?

Presentations can be either general or technical. General presentations inform or persuade, while technical presentations explain complex concepts to an audience with relevant expertise like engineering, coding, or more.

How do I overcome nervousness before a technical presentation?

Practice is key. Familiarity with your content and great rehearsal can help reduce anxiety during the presentation.

What is most important in technical presentation?

Effectively convey complex concepts with clear explanations, visuals, and relevance to the audience's needs and expertise - that's clarity.

What are the four essential components of a technical presentation?

A technical presentation has four parts: intro, content, conclusion, and Q&A. Introduce, present, summarize, and impress.

How do you engage your audience during a technical presentation?

To keep your audience engaged during a technical presentation, use relatable examples, break down complex information, and include interactive elements like polls or Q&A sessions. Personal stories can also make it more interesting.

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Scott Hanselman

11 top tips for a successful technical presentation.

Here's my five-years-later Updated Tips for a Successful Technical Presentation.

1. Have a Reset Strategy (One-Click)

If you're going to give a talk, you'll probably have to give it more than once. If you have demonstrations of any kind, have a "one-click" way to reset them. This might be a batch file or Powershell script that drops a modified database and reattaches a fresh one, or copies template files over ones you modify during your demo.

Personally, I'm sold on Virtual Machines. I have seven VMs on a small, fast portable USB drive that will let me do roughly 12 different presentations at the drop of a hat. You never know when you'll be called upon to give a demo. With a Virtual Machine I can turn on "Undo Disks" after I've prepared the talk, and my reset strategy is to just turn off the VM and select "Delete Changes." A little up-front preparation means one less thing for you to panic about the day of the talk.

2. Know Your Affectations (Ssssssseriously)

I have a bit of a lisp, it seems. I also hold my shoulders a little higher than is natural which causes my neck to tighten up. I also pick a different word, without realizing it, and overuse it in every talk. This is similar to how Microsoft Employees overuse the word "so" (which is actually Northwestern Americans, not MSFTies) too much.

It's important to know YOUR affectations so you can change them. They may be weakening your talk. Don't try to remember them all, though. Just pick two or three and focus on replacing them with something less detracting. Don't overanalyze or beat yourself up, though. I've spoken hundreds of times over the last 15 years and I'm always taking two-steps forward and one step back. The point is to try, not to succeed absolutely.

3. Know When To Move and When To Not Move (Red light!)

One of the most powerful tips I ever received was this: "When you move, they look at you. When you stop, they look at the screen." Use this to your advantage. Don't pace randomly, idley or unconsciously. Don't rock back and forth on your heels. Also, empty your pockets if you tend to fiddle with lose change or your keys.

4. For the Love of All That Is Holy, FONT SIZE, People (See that?)

It just tears me up. It physically makes me ill. To give a presentation and utter the words "um, you probably won't be able to see this" does everyone in the room a disservice.  Do NOT use the moment of the presentation as your time to do the font resizing.

Lucida Console, 14 to 18pt, Bold.  Consider this my gift to you.  This is the most readable, mono-spaced font out there.  Courier of any flavor or Arial (or any other proportionally spaced font) is NOT appropriate for code demonstrations, period, full stop.  Prepare your machine AHEAD OF TIME.  Nothing disrespects an audience like making them wait while you ask "Can you see this 8 point font? No? Oh, let me change it while you wait."  Setup every program you could possibly use, including all Command Prompt shortcuts, before you begin your presentation.  That includes VS.NET, Notepad, XMLSpy, and any others, including any small utilities.

I've found that the most readable setup for Command Prompts is a Black Background and with the Foreground Text set to Kermit Green (ala "Green Screen."  Yes, I was suspicious and disbelieving also, but believe it or not, it really works.)  I set Command Prompts to Lucida Console, 14 to 18pt, Bold as well, with much success.

Also, set the font size to LARGEST in Internet Explorer and remember that there are accessibility features in IE that allow you to include your own Large Font CSS file for those web pages that force a small font via CSS.

Learn how to use ZoomIt and practice before-hand. It can be an incredibly powerful tool for calling out sections of the screen and making it so even the folks way in the back can see what's going on.

For simplicities' sake, I like to keep a separate user around call "BigFonty" (choose your own name).  He's an Administrator on the local machine and he exists ONLY for the purposes of demonstrations.  All the fonts are large for all programs, large icons, great colors, etc.  It's the easiest way to set all these settings once and always have them easily available.

5. Speak their Language (Know the Audience)

When I was in Malaysia for TechEd, I spent 3 full days exclusively with locals before the talk, I learned snippets of each of the languages, tried to understand their jokes and get an idea about what was important to people in Malaysia.  American analogies, much humor, and certain "U.S. specific" English colloquialisms just didn't make any sense to them.  When it came time to give the presentations, I better understood the Malaysian sense of timing, of tone and timbre, and I began each of my presentations by speaking in Bahasa Malaysia.  I changed aspects of my slides to remove inappropriate content and add specific details that would be important to them.

I've used this same technique in a half-dozen countries with success. While this is an extreme example, the parallels with any audience are clear.  If you're speaking to a room full of IT guys who work in the Automotive field, or the Banking industry, the fact that we are all programmers only gives you a small degree of shared experience.  Remember no matter the technical topic, try to get into the mind of the audience and ask yourself, why are they here and what can I tell them that will not be a waste of their time.  What would YOU want to hear (and HOW would you like to hear it) if you were sitting there?

6. Be Utterly Prepared (No excuses)

Short of an unexpected BSOD (and even then, be ready) you should be prepared for ANYTHING.  You should know EVERY inch of your demos and EXACTLY what can go wrong.  Nothing kills your credibility more than an error that you DON'T understand.  Errors and screw-ups happen ALL the time in Presentations.  They can even INCREASE your credibility if you recover gracefully and EXPLAIN what happened.  "Ah, this is a common mistake that I've made, and here's what you should watch for."  Be prepared with phrases that will turn the unfortunate incident around and provide them useful information.

7. CONTENT, CONTENT, CONTENT (Have some)

Every move, phrase, mistake, anecdote and slide should actually contain content.  It should be meaningful.  Your mistakes should teach them, your demos should teach them; even your shortcut keys, utilities and menu layout should teach them.  A presentation isn't an opportunity to read your slides.  I'll say that again. Don't READ your slides. I can read faster than you can talk.

Remember that most people can read silently to themselves 5 to 10 times faster that you can read to them out loud.  Your job as a presenter is to read in between the lines, and provide them structure.  Your slides should be treated as your outline – they are structure, scaffolding, nothing more.  If you jam your slides full of details and dozens of bullets, you might as well take your content and write an article.  It's difficult to listen to someone talk and read their slides at the same time – remember that when you design your content. YOU are the content, and your slides are your Table of Contents.

8. System Setup (Be unique, but don't be nuts)

When you a presenting, remember that you are looked upon as an authority.  Basically, you are innocent until proven guilty.  It's great to have a personality and to be unique, but don't let your personal choice of editors or crazy color scheme obscure the good information you're presenting.  I appreciate that you may like to use VI or emacs to view text files, but let's just say that sometimes Notepad has a calming effect on the audience. 

I give Microsoft talks, usually, so I tend towards Visual Studio, but 99% of my talks use a limited number of tools. Basically Visual Studio, Notepad, the Command Prompt and a Browser.

Remember that while you may prefer things a certain way while your face is a foot away from the screen, it's very likely the wrong setup when 500 people are more than 100 feet away.

I really like to get Toolbars and things out of the way. I use F11 (Fullscreen) in the Browser a lot, as well as Visual Studio's Shift-Alt-Enter shortcut to FullScreen. Turn off unneeded flair and toolbars. Also, turn on line-numbering so you can refer to lines if you're presenting code.

9. Speaking (Um…)

"Volume and Diction," my High School Drama teacher said to me.  Speak clearly, authoritatively, project your voice to the back of the room.  The best speakers don't even need microphones.  If you have a speaking affectation (I had a lisp growing up) or you tend to say, um, etc, or find yourself overusing a specific phrase ("a priori", "fantastic", "powerful", etc) take it upon yourself to NOTICE this mannerism and avoid it.

Practice multi-tasking.  It seems silly to say, but although we can all multitask to a certain degree, when we hit a real snag in a presentation, many of us tend to freeze.  Silence is deadly.  Remember, since all eyes are on you, complete silence and apparent introspection says "I don't know know what I'm doing."  When you need to get to a particular file, don't make the audience wait for you while you putter through explorer.  Have shortcuts ready (and explain when you use them).  Move fast and efficiently, but annotate your actions.  You should continue to "color-commentate" your actions like a sports announcer.  Don't allow "dead-air," unless it's silence for effect.

10. Advancing Slides (No lasers!)

I always used to hate slide-advancers, you know, those little remotes with forward and backward buttons. Then I tried one and I'm hooked. I use the Microsoft Presenter Mouse 8000 and totally recommend it. It isn't just a great Bluetooth mouse, but flip it over and it's a great Powerpoint slide advancer. 

Take a look at Al Gore's excellent presentation in "An Inconvenient Truth." It's seamless and flows. Now imagine him running over to his laptop to hit the spacebar each time he wanted to advance a slide. My presentations have gotten better as I've started incorporating this technique.

11. Care (deeply)

I really avoid presenting on topics that I don't care about. I avoid it like the Plague and I encourage you to do so as well. There's nothing more important that truly caring about your topic. If you care, it'll show. If you eschew all the other tips, at the very least care.

What are YOUR tips, Dear Reader? What tips, mantras or preparations have you used to make your presentations that much better?

About Scott

Scott Hanselman is a former professor, former Chief Architect in finance, now speaker, consultant, father, diabetic, and Microsoft employee. He is a failed stand-up comic, a cornrower, and a book author.

Comments are closed.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed herein are my own personal opinions and do not represent my employer's view in any way.

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6 presentation skills and how to improve them

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What are presentation skills?

The importance of presentation skills, 6 presentation skills examples, how to improve presentation skills.

Tips for dealing with presentation anxiety

Learn how to captivate an audience with ease

Capturing an audience’s attention takes practice. 

Over time, great presenters learn how to organize their speeches and captivate an audience from start to finish. They spark curiosity, know how to read a room , and understand what their audience needs to walk away feeling like they learned something valuable.

Regardless of your profession, you most likely use presentation skills on a monthly or even weekly basis. Maybe you lead brainstorming sessions or host client calls. 

Developing effective presentation skills makes it easier to contribute ideas with confidence and show others you’re someone to trust. Although speaking in front of a crowd sometimes brings nerves and anxiety , it also sparks new opportunities.

Presentation skills are the qualities and abilities you need to communicate ideas effectively and deliver a compelling speech. They influence how you structure a presentation and how an audience receives it. Understanding body language , creating impactful visual aids, and projecting your voice all fall under this umbrella.

A great presentation depends on more than what you say. It’s about how you say it. Storytelling , stage presence, and voice projection all shape how well you express your ideas and connect with the audience. These skills do take practice, but they’re worth developing — especially if public speaking makes you nervous. 

Engaging a crowd isn’t easy. You may feel anxious to step in front of an audience and have all eyes and ears on you.

But feeling that anxiety doesn’t mean your ideas aren’t worth sharing. Whether you’re giving an inspiring speech or delivering a monthly recap at work, your audience is there to listen to you. Harness that nervous energy and turn it into progress.

Strong presentation skills make it easier to convey your thoughts to audiences of all sizes. They can help you tell a compelling story, convince people of a pitch , or teach a group something entirely new to them. And when it comes to the workplace, the strength of your presentation skills could play a part in getting a promotion or contributing to a new initiative.

To fully understand the impact these skills have on creating a successful presentation, it’s helpful to look at each one individually. Here are six valuable skills you can develop:

1. Active listening

Active listening is an excellent communication skill for any professional to hone. When you have strong active listening skills, you can listen to others effectively and observe their nonverbal cues . This helps you assess whether or not your audience members are engaged in and understand what you’re sharing. 

Great public speakers use active listening to assess the audience’s reactions and adjust their speech if they find it lacks impact. Signs like slouching, negative facial expressions, and roaming eye contact are all signs to watch out for when giving a presentation.

2. Body language

If you’re researching presentation skills, chances are you’ve already watched a few notable speeches like TED Talks or industry seminars. And one thing you probably noticed is that speakers can capture attention with their body language. 

A mixture of eye contact, hand gestures , and purposeful pacing makes a presentation more interesting and engaging. If you stand in one spot and don’t move your body, the audience might zone out.

3. Stage presence

A great stage presence looks different for everyone. A comedian might aim for more movement and excitement, and a conference speaker might focus their energy on the content of their speech. Although neither is better than the other, both understand their strengths and their audience’s needs. 

Developing a stage presence involves finding your own unique communication style . Lean into your strengths, whether that’s adding an injection of humor or asking questions to make it interactive . To give a great presentation, you might even incorporate relevant props or presentation slides.

4. Storytelling

According to Forbes, audiences typically pay attention for about 10 minutes before tuning out . But you can lengthen their attention span by offering a presentation that interests them for longer. Include a narrative they’ll want to listen to, and tell a story as you go along. 

Shaping your content to follow a clear narrative can spark your audience’s curiosity and entice them to pay careful attention. You can use anecdotes from your personal or professional life that take your audience along through relevant moments. If you’re pitching a product, you can start with a problem and lead your audience through the stages of how your product provides a solution.

5. Voice projection

Although this skill may be obvious, you need your audience to hear what you’re saying. This can be challenging if you’re naturally soft-spoken and struggle to project your voice.

Remember to straighten your posture and take deep breaths before speaking, which will help you speak louder and fill the room. If you’re talking into a microphone or participating in a virtual meeting, you can use your regular conversational voice, but you still want to sound confident and self-assured with a strong tone.

If you’re unsure whether everyone can hear you, you can always ask the audience at the beginning of your speech and wait for confirmation. That way, they won’t have to potentially interrupt you later.

Ensuring everyone can hear you also includes your speed and annunciation. It’s easy to speak quickly when nervous, but try to slow down and pronounce every word. Mumbling can make your presentation difficult to understand and pay attention to.

6. Verbal communication 

Although verbal communication involves your projection and tone, it also covers the language and pacing you use to get your point across. This includes where you choose to place pauses in your speech or the tone you use to emphasize important ideas.

If you’re giving a presentation on collaboration in the workplace , you might start your speech by saying, “There’s something every workplace needs to succeed: teamwork.” By placing emphasis on the word “ teamwork ,” you give your audience a hint on what ideas will follow.

To further connect with your audience through diction, pay careful attention to who you’re speaking to. The way you talk to your colleagues might be different from how you speak to a group of superiors, even if you’re discussing the same subject. You might use more humor and a conversational tone for the former and more serious, formal diction for the latter.

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses when it comes to presenting. Maybe you’re confident in your use of body language, but your voice projection needs work. Maybe you’re a great storyteller in small group settings, but need to work on your stage presence in front of larger crowds. 

The first step to improving presentation skills is pinpointing your gaps and determining which qualities to build upon first. Here are four tips for enhancing your presentation skills:

1. Build self-confidence

Confident people know how to speak with authority and share their ideas. Although feeling good about your presentation skills is easier said than done, building confidence is key to helping your audience believe in what you’re saying. Try practicing positive self-talk and continuously researching your topic's ins and outs.

If you don’t feel confident on the inside, fake it until you make it. Stand up straight, project your voice, and try your best to appear engaged and excited. Chances are, the audience doesn’t know you’re unsure of your skills — and they don’t need to.

Another tip is to lean into your slideshow, if you’re using one. Create something colorful and interesting so the audience’s eyes fall there instead of on you. And when you feel proud of your slideshow, you’ll be more eager to share it with others, bringing more energy to your presentation.

2. Watch other presentations

Developing the soft skills necessary for a good presentation can be challenging without seeing them in action. Watch as many as possible to become more familiar with public speaking skills and what makes a great presentation. You could attend events with keynote speakers or view past speeches on similar topics online.

Take a close look at how those presenters use verbal communication and body language to engage their audiences. Grab a notebook and jot down what you enjoyed and your main takeaways. Try to recall the techniques they used to emphasize their main points, whether they used pauses effectively, had interesting visual aids, or told a fascinating story.

3. Get in front of a crowd

You don’t need a large auditorium to practice public speaking. There are dozens of other ways to feel confident and develop good presentation skills.

If you’re a natural comedian, consider joining a small stand-up comedy club. If you’re an avid writer, participate in a public poetry reading. Even music and acting can help you feel more comfortable in front of a crowd.

If you’d rather keep it professional, you can still work on your presentation skills in the office. Challenge yourself to participate at least once in every team meeting, or plan and present a project to become more comfortable vocalizing your ideas. You could also speak to your manager about opportunities that flex your public speaking abilities.

4. Overcome fear

Many people experience feelings of fear before presenting in front of an audience, whether those feelings appear as a few butterflies or more severe anxiety. Try grounding yourself to shift your focus to the present moment. If you’re stuck dwelling on previous experiences that didn’t go well, use those mistakes as learning experiences and focus on what you can improve to do better in the future.

Tips for dealing with presentation anxiety 

It’s normal to feel nervous when sharing your ideas. In fact, according to a report from the Journal of Graduate Medical Education, public speaking anxiety is prevalent in 15–30% of the general population .

Even though having a fear of public speaking is common, it doesn’t make it easier. You might feel overwhelmed, become stiff, and forget what you were going to say. But although the moment might scare you, there are ways to overcome the fear and put mind over matter.

Use these tactics to reduce your stress when you have to make a presentation:

1. Practice breathing techniques

If you experience anxiety often, you’re probably familiar with breathing techniques for stress relief . Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can help you stop worrying and regulate anxious feelings. 

Before a big presentation, take a moment alone to practice breathing techniques, ground yourself, and reduce tension. It’s also a good idea to take breaths throughout the presentation to speak slower and calm yourself down .

2. Get organized

The more organized you are, the more prepared you’ll feel. Carefully outline all of the critical information you want to use in your presentation, including your main talking points and visual aids, so you don’t forget anything. Use bullet points and visuals on each slide to remind you of what you want to talk about, and create handheld notes to help you stay on track.

3. Embrace moments of silence

It’s okay to lose your train of thought. It happens to even the most experienced public speakers once in a while. If your mind goes blank, don’t panic. Take a moment to breathe, gather your thoughts, and refer to your notes to see where you left off. You can drink some water or make a quick joke to ease the silence or regain your footing. And it’s okay to say, “Give me a moment while I find my notes.” Chances are, people understand the position you’re in.

4. Practice makes progress

Before presenting, rehearse in front of friends and family members you trust. This gives you the chance to work out any weak spots in your speech and become comfortable communicating out loud. If you want to go the extra mile, ask your makeshift audience to ask a surprise question. This tests your on-the-spot thinking and will prove that you can keep cool when things come up.

Whether you’re new to public speaking or are a seasoned presenter, you’re bound to make a few slip-ups. It happens to everyone. The most important thing is that you try your best, brush things off, and work on improving your skills to do better in your next presentation.

Although your job may require a different level of public speaking than your favorite TED Talk , developing presentation skills is handy in any profession. You can use presentation skills in a wide range of tasks in the workplace, whether you’re sharing your ideas with colleagues, expressing concerns to higher-ups, or pitching strategies to potential clients.

Remember to use active listening to read the room and engage your audience with an interesting narrative. Don’t forget to step outside your comfort zone once in a while and put your skills to practice in front of a crowd. After facing your fears, you’ll feel confident enough to put presentation skills on your resume.

If you’re trying to build your skills and become a better employee overall, try a communications coach with BetterUp. 

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The significance of written communication in the workplace

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Enhance your soft skills with a range of award-winning courses.

7 Steps to Delivering a Technical Presentation

June 21, 2021 - Dom Barnard

So you want to share the fruits of your technical labor with a presentation? Perhaps, you’re an engineer, a maker, a coder, or a designer, and you’re looking to discuss a research study, explain a process, or demonstrate a product.

Regardless of the agenda,  speaking to a group  can be intimidating. However, there are steps you can take to deliver an effective technical presentation that gets your point across and appeals to the audience.

Whether you’re presenting in person or via  web conferencing software , the following tips and best practices will help you be prepared, feel more confident, and set up the tools you need to conduct your presentation without any issues.

Know your subject matter

A great presentation isn’t about reading a bunch of slides – your attendees are capable of reading much faster on their own.

If you are going to pack your slides with dozens of details and bullet points, you might as well ditch the slides and write an article instead. It’s difficult for the audience to listen to a presenter and read a lot of information at the same time.

Your job as a presenter is to be the expert that your attendees expect you to be. Keep your slides simple and minimal. In fact, 91% of people say that  well-designed slides  help  boost their confidence  when giving a presentation.

Remember that your slides are not the star of the show, you are. Help your audience understand and make sense of what they are reading in your slides. To do this, make sure you are using a  suitable structure  for your presentation.

You can do these things only when you’re well-versed in what you’re presenting. The slides are supposed to be your outline, or simply a table of contents to remind you what to cover during the presentation.

Know your audience

Knowing your audience  is crucial for any presentation, but it’s even more important for a technical one. If your audience is as experienced and comfortable with the topic of your presentation as you are, then you don’t want to dumb it down to the extent that it bores them.

On the other hand, you don’t want to give a complex presentation to an audience with no clue of what you’re talking about.

There may also be times when your attendees are people with different levels of technical skill, experience, and interests. Then your job is to make sure that the content of your presentation is relevant and doesn’t alienate any of those segments.

Image Source:  Digital Clarity Group

To understand how technical you need to be, consider what your audience might already know and how much is required for them to understand to meet your goal.

If your objective is to acquire funding, for instance, your audience will be more interested in financial benefits than the technical details of your product. The idea is to meet the needs of your audience, not to fuel your passion for engineering.

Configure your IDE

Since you’re delivering a technical presentation, there may be instances where you’ll want to walk your audience through your development environment, code scripts, software demos, or other technical components.

However, you may have adjusted how things look on the screen according to what’s the most convenient for your usual workflow. And what’s good for working in your day-to-day routine may not render well as you go full screen in presentation mode.

If the attendees can’t decipher what’s on the screen, they’ll get confused and will find it hard to focus on your talk. So it’s important that you customize whatever you’re going to show in your presentation such that it’s easily readable and viewable.

There are several steps you can take to make this happen. First of all, don’t use dark backgrounds. Light-colored backgrounds are easy on the eyes. Second, adjust your font styles and sizes to make sure they’re big enough.

And finally, learn to zoom in on specific areas as required, depending on whether you’re using a  Windows PC  or a  Mac system .

Practice Presentation Skills

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Minimize distractions

Nothing is more annoying than to keep getting disruptive notifications or popups from in the middle of your presentation. These can be from your operating system (Windows or Mac), or apps such as Slack, Email, Twitter, and more.

At times, these notifications can be personal, embarrassing, or contain confidential information that you don’t want your audience to see.

Therefore, it’s best to make sure in advance that there are no unpleasant surprises. Before you get up to give your presentation, turning off your notifications can go a long way.

This will also reduce the number of processes running on your machine and free up available resources. As a result, the resource-intensive programs that are part of your presentation will run a lot smoother. Here’s how to turn off  notifications for Windows ,  Google Chrome , and  Mac .

Get the right equipment

If you want to be a master presenter, you should have the proper tools for the job. The basics include a desktop or laptop machine with good configuration, a big display screen, presentation software (usually MS Powerpoint or Keynote), and a clicker/pointer device.

A clicking device, like the  Logitech Wireless Presenter , can help you switch slides from wherever you are in the room, point to a specific part of a slide, and add an overall professional touch to your presentation.

In addition, you should have any cables (HDMI, VGA, USD, etc) and adapters required to connect the devices you are going to use for the presentation.

Conrad Delock USB 3.0 Network adapter

If you have no idea about what will be available at your presentation venue, then carry one piece of each of the commonly used cables and adapters. You’ll thank us later.

Rehearse in advance

Practice your slides and your demo multiple times before the presentation, even if you have presented the exact same thing in the past. Do not make any assumptions about your actual presentation environment based on your practice environment.

Technologies and situations change, and you may find things that catch you off guard. Run through everything at least once the night before just to be sure.

Practice your presentations with  interactive exercises .

Even better if you can record yourself during these rehearsal presentations and watch the recordings later to find areas of improvement.

Also, if you’re relying on downloading or doing something in front of the audience that may require a high-speed internet connection, don’t assume you’ll have access to such a network during your presentation. Download and install whatever you need ahead of time.

Finally, enjoy the experience

You’re giving a technical presentation, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring, or that you have to be serious all the time as you talk.

It’s okay to have fun, crack some jokes,  tell a story ,  ask a rhetorical question  or invite participation from the audience when presenting. In fact, a study showed that presentations that don’t let the audience participate see a  drop of 14%  in engagement.

Don’t worry too much about things going wrong. See every presentation as a dialogue with your attendees and an opportunity to learn and be a better presenter. If you are enjoying yourself, so will your audience.

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10 Tips For Giving Effective Virtual Presentations

What to know before you go live.

September 26, 2016

Presenting online? Try these suggestions to improve your results. | Illustration by Tricia Seibold

As audiences go global and you need to reach more people through technology (including webinars, conference calls and teleconference), you must consider the challenges to connecting with a virtual audience. Here I pinpoint 10 valuable best practices to ensure you communicate successfully.

1. Be Brief

Audiences begin to lose attention after roughly 10 minutes of hearing from the same presenter. If you have more than 10 minutes of content, use interactive activities to keep your audience engaged (for example, take a poll, give quizzes, or ask audience members for their opinions via chat).

2. Be Simple

Keep slides simple — avoid too many words, graphics and animation features. Less is definitely more!

Light yourself well | Illustration by Tricia Seibold

3. Be a TV Personality

Look straight into your camera, not the screen. Wear clothing that is neutral in color (no plaids or stripes). Light yourself well and from above. Be mindful of what appears behind you in the background. Invest in a good microphone.

4. Be Standing

Even though your audience cannot see you, stand when you present. This allows you to stay focused and use good presentation delivery skills such as belly breathing, vocal variety, and pausing.

5. Be Prepared

Practice delivering your presentation with your technology in advance of your talk. Make sure all of the features of the technology work. Record your practice using the recording feature of your tool. Watch and listen to learn what works and what you can improve.

6. Be Assisted

Have someone available to deal with technical issues and to field email/text questions. Also, if you have multiple remote audience members in one location, be sure to pick one of them to be your “eyes and ears.” Ask them to queue up questions and facilitate discussion on your behalf.

7. Be Specific

Ask pointed questions to avoid too many people answering at once. For example, rather than ask, “Are there any questions?” try “Who has a question about the solution I provided?” Set a ground rule that people state their names prior to speaking.

Imagine your audience | Illustration by Tricia Seibold

8. Be Synchronized

Transitions are critical. You must connect what you just said to what is coming next when you move from point to point. Transitions between topics and slides are good opportunities to get people reengaged to your talk.

9. Be Connected

Imagine your audience even though you can’t see them. You can place pictures of audience members behind your camera so you can look at people as you present.

10. Be Early

Encourage your audience to access your call or webinar in advance of the start time so you can iron out any technical issues in advance and get them familiar with the technology.

Matt Abrahams is a Stanford GSB organizational behavior lecturer, author, and communications coach.

For media inquiries, visit the Newsroom .

Explore More

Class takeaways — how to run a meeting effectively, conviction and compassion: how to have hard conversations, communicating through conflict: how to get along with anyone, editor’s picks.

April 04, 2016 A Big Data Approach to Public Speaking Key takeaways from analyzing 100,000 presentations.

November 19, 2014 Matt Abrahams: The Power of the Paraphrase An expert on public speaking shows how paraphrasing can help you navigate tricky communication situations.

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Presentation Training Institute

A division of bold new directions training, the role of technology in presentations and how to use it effectively.

Technology can be a powerful tool for delivering a dynamic presentation and improving communication. In today’s digital world, the effective use of technology can have a significant impact on the success of a presentation. Whether you are presenting online or in person, using technology wisely can help you engage your audience, convey your message, and enhance the overall effectiveness of your presentation. 

The Role of Technology

One of the key roles of technology in presentations is to enhance visual communication. Visual aids such as slides, images, videos, charts, and graphs can help convey complex information so it is easier for the audience to understand. Furthermore, presentation software tools allow presenters to create visually appealing slides that capture audience attention and make the presentation more memorable. In addition, technology also enables presenters to interact with the audience. By incorporating interactive elements such as polls, questionnaires, and quizzes, audience members can participate in the presentation in real-time. Finally, technology serves as a tool for facilitating remote presentations and virtual meetings. Technology allows presenters to reach a broader audience which has become essential for conducting presentations and meetings with participants in different locations. 

Tips for Using Technology Effectively

1. choose the right tools.

Before you start creating your presentation, think about the tools you will need and how you plan to use them. For example, are you planning to use Prezi or PowerPoint to create an informative slideshow or do you plan to host a webinar? Think about the purpose of your presentation as well as the audience and the context in order to choose the appropriate tools that will allow you to deliver the most effective presentation.

2. Keep it Simple

Remember that your slides are not your presentation. Rather, they are visual aids meant to enhance your message. Therefore, you should design them to be clear and concise and avoid overwhelming the audience with too much information or distracting animations. Use a consistent font, color, and background and use bullet points to highlight your key points. 

3. Use Multimedia Wisely

Make sure any images, videos, and audio clips that you use are relevant to your topic. They should be used only to support your message and not to distract from your main points. 

4. Engage Your Audience

Technology can help you engage with your audience through interactive tools such as polls, quizzes, surveys, and Q&A sessions. You can also use chat, email, or social media to communicate with your audience before, during, and after your presentation. 

5. Practice with Technology

Technology is great when it works properly, but mishaps do occur so you should never assume things will work as expected without testing it beforehand. The last thing you want is to deal with glitches, delays, or failures that can ruin your presentation.Familiarize yourself with features and functions of your tools and check your connection and equipment ahead of time.

7.1 Effective Presentation Skills

Learning objectives.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Ensure the slideshow meets the needs of the presentation
• Craft a strong presentation hook
• Identify the key skills for presenting in front of an audience
• Describe the importance of a strong closing

A well-crafted set of slides is essential for an effective presentation. Equally essential are presentation skills. In this first section, we discuss some best practices in presenting. Some people may be apprehensive about presenting in front of a group; others may welcome the challenge. At this point in your academic career, you may have also taken a course in public speaking. Regardless of your prior experience and your feelings about presenting in front of others, some practice and attention to developing your skills as a presenter will be worthwhile. We can all benefit from fine-tuning our public speaking and presenting abilities, even if we are regularly in front of a group. These skills are relevant in all types of meetings, whether in person or virtual.

One of the best ways to improve your presenting is to practice. This can help you work through all of the technological hiccups, as well as set your mind at ease. You should practice in the same space and with the same technology, if possible, as well as practice what you are going to say and your demeanor during the presentation. The importance of this prep work cannot be overemphasized. Consider recording yourself as you are practicing to give you a firsthand look at your presentation skills. This strategy is helpful even if you are presenting fully in person.

Ensuring the Final Presentation Meets Its Goals

In general, to create an effective presentation, you first need to understand the goal or intent of the presentation. Your supervisor may provide those goals, or you may determine them yourself. Regardless, setting your goals first will help you ensure that the look of your slides matches those goals. Presentations can fall into one of the following categories, as outlined in Table 7.1 : persuasive, instructional, informational, or inspirational. Knowing the goal of your presentation helps you set the stage for developing the slides and constructing your narrative.

For example, if you want to create a lively, inspirational presentation to encourage the audience to donate to a nonprofit cause, a gray-tone slide presentation dominated by text will not be effective in meeting your goals.

Opening a Presentation

There are many ways to start a presentation to engage your audience. What you do not want to do is jump right into the content or start by simply introducing yourself. You want your audience to be interested and engaged right away and to want to know more about what you are presenting.

To get your audience interested and engaged in the presentation from the get-go, consider developing a strong opener, or hook . A hook is a statement, story, or question designed to get participants’ attention and pique their interest.

For example, if you are presenting WorldCorp’s sales goals, you could begin with a personal anecdote about how you once set a goal and achieved it. Alternatively, you could ask the audience to think about a time when they faced a lofty goal and found a way to overcome the challenges. Be creative—think about a time when you were in a meeting or presentation and found yourself engaged from the beginning. What did that speaker do to get your attention? Did the presentation include compelling statistics? Maybe a short video or bit of humor got your attention. The hook helps set the tone of the entire presentation and can establish rapport with the group. It is your way to connect with the audience from the initial stages of the presentation.

Also, think about your goals and how they are relevant to the type of presentation you are giving. Do you want to inspire the group and leave them with a call to action? Perhaps your presentation is a training session where you will be assessing the participant’s learning at the end. Keeping the type of presentation in mind can help you craft an impactful hook. After you have delivered the hook, transition into the introduction of the slideshow, drawing the connection between the hook and the goal of the slideshow.

Spotlight on Ethics

Inclusivity and presentations.

When delivering presentations, consider the needs of all audience members and ensure accessibility for all individuals, including those with disabilities. Presentations should be designed and delivered in a way that accommodates individuals with visual, hearing, or other impairments, to ensure equal access to information and an inclusive experience. Here is an example:

Imagine WorldCorp is conducting a large-scale conference at which it provides handouts of presentation slides to attendees. In this case, it would be important to consider whether the handouts are available in alternative formats, such as braille or accessible electronic formats. This ensures that individuals with visual impairments can access the same information as everyone else.

Additionally, in the context of delivering presentations, presenters should consider incorporating accessible features in their slides and delivery style. Some key considerations include the following:

• Clear and readable text: Use legible fonts, appropriate font sizes, and high contrast between text and background colors to ensure readability for individuals with visual impairments.
• Alt text for visuals: Provide alternative text descriptions for images, graphs, and charts. This allows individuals with visual impairments who use screen readers to understand the content presented visually.
• Captioning and transcripts: If the presentation involves audio or video elements, provide closed captions or transcripts. This helps individuals with hearing impairments or those who may have difficulty understanding the spoken language.
• Verbal descriptions: When demonstrating visual elements, ensure that the presenter provides verbal descriptions of what is being shown on the screen. This assists individuals who are visually impaired and cannot see the visuals.
• Inclusive language and tone: Use inclusive language, and avoid making assumptions or generalizations that could marginalize or exclude certain groups of individuals.

By considering these guidelines, presenters can create a more inclusive and accessible environment, ensuring that their presentations are accessible to a broader range of individuals.

Key Presentation Skills

Specific skills can vary by the type of presentation. For example, if you are giving a persuasive presentation, you might use more humor than you would in an informational presentation. There is no single standard set of skills that all presenters should possess, and what defines a good presenter versus a bad presenter can be quite subjective. However, there are some skills that pertain in all situations. A good presenter is one who is prepared, professional, and able to communicate effectively with the audience.

First, consider what you are going to wear to the presentation. You should choose attire that is professional and appropriate for the type of presentation you are giving. Make sure you feel comfortable too. Do not wear clothing that you think you will be fidgeting with or accessories that you might handle if you are feeling nervous, such as coins or keys in your pocket. If your hair falls on your face often, you may want to pull it back for the presentation. The fewer distractions there are, the better. Consider the type of footwear you will wear. If you will be moving around the room during the presentation, choose comfortable shoes that you are confident walking in. The type of flooring in the room is also something to consider. Carpet is typically much quieter when walking during the presentation. Certain shoes on tile floors can be quite loud and distracting.

Also, think about the temperature in the room. When you are presenting, you may warm up quickly because of nerves and because you are active. Choose attire that will not show signs of sweat and will not let you become overheated. You might also want to consider what fragrances you typically wear. In a smaller or warm room, strong fragrances can quickly become overwhelming and distracting.

But first and foremost, be on time for your presentation. In fact, you should plan to arrive early. Arriving early will help set your mind at ease and leave time for you to work out any issues that may arise. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least thirty minutes before your presentation is scheduled to start. Get the slideshow set up before any participants arrive, and get prepared to begin. Remember, you will start with your hook. Be sure to use your slides as a supplement to what you are saying. The slides should not be the centerpiece; they are secondary and complementary to what you want to convey. Reference the content on the slides as necessary to keep the audience engaged.

During the presentation, be aware of your body language. You want to appear confident and prepared. Make eye contact with the audience, making sure you look at all sides of the room. Also, you should display body language that shows the audience you are engaged and excited about the presentation. This means good posture, using hand gestures as appropriate, and pausing to make sure the audience is following. There is nothing worse than sitting through a presentation where the speaker appears disengaged and bored. Try not to rely on the slides or your notes too much, and avoid turning your back to the audience. It is acceptable to walk out into the room a bit and not stay in the front of the room or behind a computer desk or podium. However, too much moving around can be distracting to the audience and make you appear nervous and unprepared.

Think about how your voice is coming across to the audience. Have good voice projection without yelling. Maintain a conversational style of speaking, rather than sounding monotone and memorized. Avoid swearing and inappropriate jokes. Be sensitive to audience members and aware of words or phrases that may reflect any bias or discrimination. Use pauses and voice inflection when you want to draw attention to certain parts of the presentation. Throughout the presentation, you can also repeat or rephrase important points for emphasis. Speak slowly and clearly. Keep a bottle of water close in case you need it, especially if you will be speaking for an extended period. If you lose your train of thought or are searching for the next phrase, avoid using filler words such as “uh” and “um.” Instead, try silently counting to yourself for a few moments; this is one strategy that can help you avoid using words to fill pauses. Sometimes a little silence is okay. You do not need to fill every spare moment with speaking.

Again, consider recording yourself presenting to see where you can improve. Use the available technological tools such as the Rehearse with Coach feature in PowerPoint. Your skills and comfort level will improve with practice and preparation. The more you practice and present in front of others, the better you will get at it.

Real-World Application

One way to hone your presentation skills is to watch other presenters. TED Talks are an excellent source. One TED Talk that is often recommended for its exceptional presentation skills and storytelling is “The power of vulnerability” by Brené Brown. In this talk, Brown, a renowned research professor and author, explores the topic of vulnerability and its connection to human connection and personal growth.

Brown’s talk stands out for several reasons:

• Engaging storytelling: Brown captivates the audience with personal anecdotes, humor, and relatable stories that make the topic accessible and relatable to a wide range of people. She uses storytelling as a powerful tool to connect with the audience emotionally.
• Authenticity and vulnerability: As she discusses vulnerability, Brown displays a genuine and vulnerable presence on stage. She shares personal experiences and openly acknowledges her own struggles and fears. This authenticity creates a strong connection with the audience, making her talk even more impactful.
• Research-based content: Brown supports her talk with research findings, which adds credibility and depth to her message. She presents her research in a way that is easily understandable and relatable, helping the audience grasp complex concepts.
• Humor and wit: Brown infuses her talk with humor and wit, using well-timed jokes and lighthearted moments. This keeps the audience engaged and creates a pleasant atmosphere during the presentation.

"The power of vulnerability" has millions of views and has resonated with people worldwide. It serves as an excellent example of how effective storytelling, authenticity, and research-based content can create a powerful and memorable presentation.

Closing a Presentation

Just as you need a strong hook to start off a presentation, you also need a strong closing statement. It should be more than simply a summary of what you discussed in the presentation. Your closing statement should be a few words that leave a lasting, positive impression and that convey the essence of the slideshow. You want your audience to remember the presentation, especially your key points. This is your last chance to bring it all together for the audience.

To prepare your closing statement, start by making a list of the top three to five items you hope the audience will walk away with after listening to your presentation. For Amir’s presentation at WorldCorp, he may want the audience to remember his leadership skills, his teamwork ability, and a few items about his background. In your closing, you can reemphasize these items in a creative way rather than simply listing them one by one. For example, your closing slide might include a collage of pictures that visually represent your main points. If you are giving a persuasive or inspirational presentation, you may want to close with a call to action—what you hope the participants will be motivated to do after hearing your presentation.

For example, if you are giving a presentation to encourage people to donate to a nonprofit organization, in the closing you can specifically ask about how to donate. Another option is to end the presentation with a story or joke that sums up the main points. If you started with a story as your opening hook, you can come back to that story and add more to it. Finally, you may want to use a quote from a famous historical or contemporary figure that encapsulates what you hope the audience will take away from your presentation.

As you can see, there are many ways to close a presentation that go beyond simply ending with a “Thank You” or “Questions” slide. Your main goal should be to get the audience to remember the presentation and the message you set out to convey.

Link to Learning

One technique to engage the audience during a presentation is to tell a story rather than give a speech. People are intrigued by stories. Using this approach encourages your listeners to create mental images. See this blog on storytelling techniques used by the TED presenters for some tips on using storytelling in presentations.

This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's permission.

Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution License and you must attribute OpenStax.

Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/workplace-software-skills/pages/1-chapter-scenario

• Authors: Tammie Bolling, Angela Mitchell, Tanya Scott, Nyrobi Wheeler
• Publisher/website: OpenStax
• Book title: Workplace Software and Skills
• Publication date: Nov 29, 2023
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Book URL: https://openstax.org/books/workplace-software-skills/pages/1-chapter-scenario
• Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/workplace-software-skills/pages/7-1-effective-presentation-skills

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How to Perfect Your Presentation Skills to Get Ahead in Your Career

We show you how to become a competent presenter and effectively engage your audience..

Communication is a part of life. It enables us to connect with each other, share information, resolve conflicts , and build trust. And while conversing with others typically comes as second nature, standing in front of an audience and communicating our message is an entirely different story. For many, giving a presentation is the stuff of nightmares. If this applies to you, we get it. However, you can become a champion in your professional life by developing your presentation skills.

If you aspire to become a public speaker or are looking to elevate your presenting skills at work, there are lots of practical tips and strategies at your disposal. From honing your delivery to incorporating striking visuals, there are techniques that can help you exude confidence and deliver an outstanding presentation.

So, create a lasting impression, effortlessly achieve your objectives, and advance in your career by dedicating time to refining your skills. In this article, we explain why good presentation skills are imperative, what makes a good presentation, and give you actionable tips for presenting to help you engage and inspire your audience.

What is a Presentation?

A presentation is a powerful tool for communicating information, ideas, and opinions. Its purpose is to persuade, educate, inform, or inspire an audience on a particular topic. In essence, a presentation is a form of public speaking that involves visual aids, spoken words, and sometimes physical demonstrations.

Whether it's a corporate presentation, interview, lecture, sales meeting, training program, or speech, your presentation skills should capture your audience's attention and leave a lasting impression.

There are many different types of presentations, each with its unique purpose and format. Each one requires a special approach and structure, so choosing the type most appropriate for your purpose is essential. Here are some of the most common presentations:

• Informative presentations are designed to provide the audience with new information or knowledge about a specific topic. For example, an HR manager giving a company presentation to employees on procedures, benefits, or new bonus requirements.
• Persuasive presentations intend to persuade an audience to take a specific action or adopt a particular point of view. For instance, a sales executive delivering a presentation to investors to pitch a product.
• Instructional presentations provide step-by-step instructions on how to perform a task or complete a project. An example could be a tech manager running a training workshop on how to use the company's new software program.
• Inspirational presentations aim to boost morale and inspire and motivate the audience, often through personal stories or powerful imagery. You can find these in TED talks or other motivational speaking contexts.

Why are Presentation Skills Important for Your Career?

Strong presentation skills can elevate your career in numerous ways. Here are some of the key benefits:

Effective Communication

The ability to communicate effectively is a fundamental skill in any job. Good presentation skills enable you to clearly and concisely convey your ideas, thoughts, and information to your colleagues and clients. Whether you're pitching a product, educating your employees on a new procedure, or teaching a class, you'll be able to better articulate your message and help ensure everyone is working towards a common goal.

Increased Professionalism

Excellent presentation skills are seen as a symbol of professionalism. You can demonstrate your expertise, knowledge, and credibility to your audience by delivering a well-prepared and well-executed presentation. This helps establish your reputation as a competent and skilled individual within your organization and industry.

Career Advancement

Mastering an effective presentation is a strong leadership skill because you demonstrate your ability to motivate, educate and inspire others on your team. By delivering a successful presentation, you present your knowledge and expertise to others in your industry and increase your visibility, potentially leading to new business opportunities, promotions, or other benefits.

Influence and Persuasion

In many roles, particularly sales and marketing, the ability to influence and persuade others is critical. Good presentation skills can help you do this by using effective communication techniques, such as storytelling, humor, and visual aids. This can convince others to take action, such as buying a product or service or supporting a particular initiative.

Boosted Confidence

Public speaking can be daunting for many people. However, delivering a successful presentation can increase your self-confidence and help you develop a positive attitude towards speaking in front of an audience. Plus, developing your presentation skills makes you more confident in negotiating, networking, and achieving your professional goals.

Presentation Skills: Examples

Let’s explore some examples of valuable presentation skills that will help you influence, engage, and inspire your audience.

Clear Communication

Let's say that you're presenting a new project to your team. Ensure that everyone understands the scope and goals of the project. by using simple language and avoiding technical jargon that might confuse your audience. Also, provide examples or use visuals to help illustrate your points and make them easier to understand.

Eye Contact

During your presentation, you want to build a connection with your team and show that you value their input. To achieve this, you should always maintain eye contact with different team members throughout your presentation.

It also helps to convey confidence and build trust and rapport. If your audience is large, try focusing on different sections of the room so everyone feels included.

Voice Modulation

Suppose you're giving a presentation that covers a lot of information. In that case, you want to ensure your team stays engaged and interested.

To achieve this, vary your voice's tone, pitch, and volume to emphasize important points and keep your audience focused. For example, you could raise your voice to express excitement about a new development in the project or use a lower tone to convey a sense of seriousness about a potential challenge.

Positive Body Language

To deliver a presentation that’s engaging and motivating, your body language should convey confidence and enthusiasm. Stand up straight and use gestures to emphasize key points or show excitement about the project. You could also move around the room to engage with different team members, making them feel involved in the discussion.

Time Management

When you're giving a presentation, managing your time effectively is critical. Take your time with essential points and stay within your allotted time. To achieve this, plan your presentation in advance, allocating enough time for each section and ensuring you have time for questions and feedback.

Thorough Preparation

Careful preparation is essential for delivering a successful presentation. Research your topic in advance, organize your thoughts, and practice your delivery.

Make sure that you have a clear structure for your presentation and anticipate potential questions or objections from your team. This will allow you to prepare responses in advance and be ready to address any concerns that might arise.

Strong Interaction

Engaging with your audience during a presentation is essential for building rapport and getting buy-in from your team. It helps if you ask for feedback or questions throughout your presentation, making your team feel more involved in the discussion. This helps create a welcoming and inclusive environment where your team feels comfortable contributing.

Active Listening

By actively listening to your audience during your presentation, you can adjust your delivery or content if they need more support or clarification. This skill involves several key elements, including paying attention to your audience's words, clarifying any misunderstandings, and responding appropriately. You might also address questions or concerns that your audience has raised, showing that you value their input and are willing to consider their needs.

How to Improve Your Presentation Skills

Refining your skills takes time and effort, but you can become a more confident and effective presenter by following these presentation tips for how to give a good presentation and practicing regularly.

1. Determine the Purpose of Your Presentation

Are you trying to inform, persuade or motivate your audience? When you’re clear about your purpose, you1. can better structure your presentation to support your message and engage your audience. Remember, having a clear vision helps you stay focused and prevents you from going off on tangents that may not be relevant to your message.

2. Know Your Audience

Before developing your presentation, take the time to understand your audience. Who will be watching or listening? Are they potential clients or team members that you know well?

Consider their background, interests, and knowledge level and use this information to tailor your presentation to their needs. This will help you create a more engaging and relevant message that resonates with your audience.

3. Structure Your Content

Make sure it has a clear message or theme that ties everything together. Then organize your thoughts coherently into an introduction, body and conclusion. The introduction should set the stage for your presentation, so consider asking a question or telling a story to grab your audience’s attention. Remember, people love stories.

Present your main points in a logical and organized way. Try to use supporting evidence, examples and data to make your points more compelling and relevant to your audience. Finally, end with a strong closing that reinforces your message and encourages your audience to take action.

4. Use Visual Aids

A picture tells a thousand words. Incorporating effective visual aids, technology, and multimedia in your presentation can spark connections in your audience’s heads. It also creates more engagement and improves audience understanding and retention.

Consider the type of information you’re presenting and choose the visual aid that best conveys your message. If you’re using PowerPoint slides, be careful when choosing text, images, video, graphs, and infographics. Avoid cluttering your visual aids with too much information or distracting elements. Remember, your visual aids should support your message, not replace it.

5. Be Aware of Your Body Language

Your body language speaks volumes and is one of the most valuable presentation skills, so be intentional and purposeful in your movements during your presentation. Here are practical tips on how to use your body language effectively to help engage your audience and deliver your message more effectively:

• Stand up straight with your shoulders back to convey confidence and professionalism.
• Make eye contact with your audience to create a connection and engage them in your presentation.
• Use natural hand gestures to emphasize key points.
• Use appropriate facial expressions to convey emotion and enthusiasm.
• Move around the room purposefully to keep your audience engaged.

6.  Overcome Your Anxiety

Presenting yourself in front of a group can be intimidating. Still, there are strategies you can use to boost your confidence and overcome any anxiety. Remember, confidence comes with practice, so the more you present, the more comfortable you'll become.

Before you speak, visualize a positive outcome and imagine yourself giving a confident and successful presentation. It can be helpful to use positive self-talk and affirmations before your presentation, such as "I am confident and capable," "I am prepared and knowledgeable," or "I can do this." Try taking a few deep breaths and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to calm your nerves.

7. Be Open to Questions and Feedback

Handling questions and feedback during a presentation can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can be an opportunity to engage your audience and strengthen your message. During your presentation, actively listen to questions or feedback and respond with clarity and conciseness.

Remain calm and composed, even in the face of difficult questions or negative feedback. And always be honest and authentic when answering concerns.

You can use feedback to improve your future presentations and communication style. It can also encourage audience participation, creating a more interactive experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

By avoiding these common mistakes and practicing good presentation skills, you can deliver a successful and engaging presentation that effectively communicates your message.

• Lack of preparation: Not preparing your presentation adequately can lead to confusion and mistakes and can leave your audience feeling perplexed and uninterested.
• Poor time management: Overrunning your allotted time or rushing through your presentation can leave your audience feeling unsatisfied and unengaged.
• Reading from slides: Simply reading from your slides can be bland and disengaging for your audience. Use slides to support and enhance your presentation, not to replace it.
• Lack of audience engagement: Not engaging your audience can lead to disinterest and lack of attention. Use interactive methods, such as asking questions, using visual aids, or storytelling, to keep your audience interested.
• Poor body language: Weak body language, such as fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, or slouching, can convey a lack of confidence and detract from your message.

How to Make a Presentation That is Set to Impress

Giving a presentation in a business setting can be a daunting task, but with careful planning, preparation, and good presentation skills, you can deliver a talk that will impress your colleagues and superiors and help you achieve your professional goals. Follow our guidelines below to create a presentation worthy of applause.

How to Prepare for a Presentation

A well-prepared presentation is more engaging and exciting for your audience. Plus, knowing what you want to say and how you want to say it will allow you to feel more comfortable and confident. Make sure you take the time to:

• Research: Gather information and data to support your message. This could involve reading articles, books, or reports, conducting interviews, or reviewing company data or statistics.
• Practice your delivery: This can help you become more comfortable with the material and identify any areas you may need to improve in your delivery, such as speaking too fast, using filler words, or not making enough eye contact.
• Prepare for questions: Consider the questions that may arise during or after your presentation and prepare thoughtful, well-informed responses.

How to Structure a Presentation

Your presentation structure should follow a clear and logical sequence that guides your audience through your message. The key is to ensure that your presentation flows logically, is well-organized, and captures the audience's attention.

Start with a clear and engaging introduction, followed by main points supported by relevant evidence and examples, and use visual aids where appropriate. Your presentation should conclude with a summary of key points and a clear call to action.

How to Start a Presentation

Your opening is critical, setting the tone for the entire presentation. In effect, it can either make or break your talk. Here are some tips to start your presentation:

• Ask a question: Start with a thought-provoking question that engages the audience and gets them thinking about the topic.
• Tell a story: Use a personal story or anecdote that relates to the topic to help connect with the audience and establish credibility.
• Use a quote: Use a quote that is relevant to the topic to add weight and authority to the presentation.
• State a surprising fact : Use a shocking fact to grab the audience's attention and generate interest in the topic.

How to Close a Presentation

Closing a presentation is just as important as how you start it, as you want to leave the audience with a lasting impression. Summarize the key points to reinforce your message and provide a clear call to action that encourages your audience to take the next steps.

Ending with a memorable and influential quote is also a great way to make an impact. Don’t forget to thank the audience for their time and attention and express appreciation for their engagement and feedback. And if there’s time, be open to additional questions where you can address any concerns or queries your audience may have.

Continue Honing Your Presentation Skills

Improving your presentation skills is an ongoing process and requires time, effort, and dedication. One of the best ways to continue refining your skills is simply to practice as much as possible. Practice on your own regularly by recording your presentation and also make an effort to get more involved in presenting – whether at work or at a public speaking group like Toastmasters International.

Watching and learning from other skilled presenters is also an effective way to way to develop your presentation skills. Check out TED Talks, where you’ll see some of the world’s leading thinkers and presenters. Analyze their presentation style, use of visual aids and audience engagement to identify techniques you can incorporate into your own presentations.

Also, don’t forget the importance of feedback. Constructive criticism from colleagues, mentors and industry professionals is one of the best ways to find areas for improvement, get a fresh perspective, and learn from others’ experiences.

Showcase Your Presentation Skills in Your Next Job

Set yourself up for success by investing time into developing your presentation skills. Discover a variety of job opportunities looking for confident workplace speakers. Start by setting up a free profile on Monster . We’ll send you expert career advice, workplace trends, and job search tips to help you stay ahead of the competition curve.

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Mastering Presentation Skills: A Comprehensive Guide

Presentation skills are an essential aspect of professional development and personal growth. Learn to convey your ideas clearly and compellingly.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the importance of effective presentation skills in professional and personal growth.
• Learning how to utilize body language and visual aids to keep the audience engaged.
• Strategies to overcome pre-presentation jitters and improve overall presentation performance.

Presentation skills are an essential aspect of professional development and personal growth. Whether you're addressing a small group or a large audience, the ability to convey your ideas clearly and compellingly can make a significant difference in your career. This comprehensive guide will delve into the most effective presentation skills, offering practical advice to help you improve your presentation skills and deliver successful presentations.

The Foundation of Good Presentation Skills

Good presentation skills are rooted in the ability to communicate effectively. This involves not only what you say but also how you say it. Your body language, voice modulation, and the clarity of your message all play a crucial role in delivering a good presentation. To master these skills, one must practice regularly and be open to feedback from other presenters and audience members.

Body Language: Your Silent Communicator

Your body language can speak volumes before you even utter a word. Appropriate gestures, facial expressions, and maintaining eye contact are crucial components of effective presentations. They help convey your message and keep the audience's attention. An experienced presenter knows that a positive enthusiasm and a confident stage presence can significantly impact the delivery of their presentation.

Visual Aids: Enhancing Your Message

Visual aids, such as Microsoft PowerPoint slides, charts, and videos, can greatly enhance your presentation by providing a visual context to your words. They should complement your speech, not overshadow it. Use bullet points to summarize information and high-quality images to illustrate points more vividly. Remember, the visual aids are there to support your presentation, not to be the main focus.

Overcoming Stage Fright

Stage fright, or pre-presentation jitters, is a common challenge for many presenters. Breathing techniques, such as taking deep breaths before stepping onto the presentation stage, can help calm your nerves. Arriving early to familiarize yourself with the environment and practicing your speech with note cards can also reduce anxiety. Remember, even TED Talk speakers feel nervous; what sets them apart is their ability to manage and channel that nervousness into a compelling presentation.

Engaging Your Audience

Keeping the audience engaged is one of the most important aspects of a successful presentation. This involves understanding the needs and interests of your target audience and tailoring your content accordingly. Use a personal story or a relatable example to make your points more relatable. Encourage questions and interactions to create a two-way dialogue and maintain audience interest throughout your talk.

The Role of Public Speaking in Presentation Skills

Public speaking is an integral part of presentation skills. It's about delivering your message with clarity and confidence. To improve your public speaking abilities, focus on articulating your ideas clearly and at a pace that is easy for the audience to follow. Practice your speech in front of a mirror or record yourself to evaluate your voice modulation and body language.

Leadership Skills and Presentation

Effective presentation skills are closely linked to leadership skills. A leader must be able to present their vision and ideas in a way that inspires and motivates their team. This requires a combination of self-confidence, clear communication, and the ability to connect with audience members on a personal level. By honing your presentation skills, you also enhance your leadership capabilities.

Pre-Presentation Preparation

Preparation is key to a killer presentation. This includes researching your topic thoroughly, organizing your ideas into a coherent structure, and rehearsing your delivery. Use note cards to remember key points, but avoid reading from them verbatim. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel when it's time to present.

Presentation Tools and Technology

Leveraging presentation tools and technology can take your presentation to the next level. Familiarize yourself with software like Microsoft PowerPoint or other presentation platforms to create visually appealing slides. However, ensure that technology enhances your presentation rather than becoming a distraction.

The Importance of Practice

Practice is essential to improve your presentation skills. Rehearse your presentation multiple times, ideally in the actual room where you will be presenting. Seek opportunities to present in front of others, such as a small group or even a mirror, to gain confidence and receive constructive feedback.

Crafting a Killer Presentation: The Art of Preparation

The significance of thorough research.

Before stepping onto the presentation stage, it's crucial to invest time in researching your topic. This not only ensures that you are well-versed in your subject matter but also boosts your self-confidence. A presenter who is confident in their knowledge can engage the audience more effectively. Harvard Business Review emphasizes the importance of understanding your target audience's needs and expectations. Tailoring your content to address these points makes your presentation more relevant and compelling. Remember, a well-researched presentation is a foundation upon which successful presentation skills are built.

Structuring Your Content for Maximum Impact

Once your research is complete, the next step is to structure your presentation in a way that flows logically and keeps the audience's attention. Start with an outline that includes an introduction, key points, and a conclusion. Use bullet points to distill complex ideas into digestible pieces of information. This structure helps you maintain focus while delivering your presentation and aids the audience in following your narrative. A clear structure is a hallmark of good presentation skills and is essential for a compelling presentation. Think of your outline as a roadmap that guides both you and your audience through the journey of your talk.

Enhancing Delivery Through Rehearsal Techniques

Enhancing delivery through rehearsal techniques is crucial for ensuring effective communication and presentation skills. By dedicating time to practice and refine delivery methods, individuals can significantly improve their ability to convey information clearly and confidently. Rehearsal allows speakers to familiarize themselves with the material, anticipate potential challenges, and adapt their delivery style to engage and captivate their audience effectively. Moreover, through repetition and feedback, speakers can fine-tune their delivery, refine their message, and enhance overall performance. Whether preparing for a presentation, speech, or any form of public communication, investing in rehearsal techniques is essential for achieving impactful delivery and maximizing audience engagement.

Mastering the Use of Presentation Tools and Technology

Presentation tools and technology are integral to delivering a successful presentation. With the advent of software like Microsoft PowerPoint, presenters can create visually appealing slides that support their message. The key is to use these tools to enhance, not overshadow, the content. For instance, incorporating bullet points for clarity, using high-quality images to illustrate points, and embedding videos for dynamic examples can make a presentation more engaging. However, it's crucial to ensure that the technology serves the presentation and not the other way around.

The vast majority of presentation tools offer features that can help maintain the audience's attention. Interactive elements such as polls, animations, and transitions can keep the audience engaged, but they must be used judiciously to avoid distraction. Experienced presenters recommend rehearsing with the technology beforehand to ensure smooth execution. Arriving early to test equipment and familiarize oneself with the setup can prevent technical glitches that might otherwise disrupt the flow of a presentation. Remember, the goal is to use technology to deliver a compelling presentation that resonates with the audience.

The Power of Body Language and Eye Contact in Presentations

Body language and eye contact are among the most effective presentation skills that can significantly influence the success of a presentation. Appropriate gestures, facial expressions, and posture convey confidence and enthusiasm, which can be contagious to the audience. A presenter who stands tall, makes eye contact, and uses hand gestures effectively can command the room and keep the audience engaged. It's not just about what you say, but how you say it; your body language speaks volumes about your self-confidence and belief in your message.

Moreover, maintaining eye contact with audience members is a powerful way to connect on a personal level, making your presentation more compelling. It signals to the audience that you are focused on them and interested in their reaction. However, it's important to strike a balance; too much eye contact can be intimidating, while too little can make you seem disengaged. Practice varying your eye contact throughout the room, making sure to include even those in the back or on the sides. This inclusive approach helps ensure that all audience members feel acknowledged and valued during your presentation.

Integrating Effective Visuals in Presentations

Visual aids are not just supplementary elements; they are integral to delivering a successful presentation. When used appropriately, they can transform a good presentation into a compelling one, capturing the audience's attention and reinforcing your message. The most effective presentation skills involve the strategic use of visuals to clarify complex information and illustrate points vividly. Whether it's a simple pie chart or an intricate infographic, each visual should be designed with the target audience in mind, ensuring that it adds value rather than distracts.

Incorporating visuals into your own presentation requires a balance between content and aesthetics. Slides should not be overcrowded with bullet points; instead, they should support the speaker's words with impactful imagery or key takeaways. Remember, the vast majority of audience members are more likely to remember information that is visually stimulating. Tools like Microsoft PowerPoint or other presentation tools offer a range of options to create these visuals. By practicing the integration of visuals in your rehearsals, you can ensure that they complement your delivery rather than compete for attention.

Overcoming Pre-Presentation Jitters

Pre-presentation jitters are a common experience, even for the most seasoned presenters. Good presentation skills involve recognizing these feelings and implementing strategies to manage them effectively. One of the most important things to do is to arrive early, allowing yourself time to become familiar with the presentation space. This can help reduce anxiety and provide an opportunity to troubleshoot any issues with presentation tools or visual aids. Taking deep breaths and engaging in light stretching or breathing techniques can also help calm nerves before taking the stage.

Another key strategy is to focus on the message you want to convey rather than on your own nervousness. By shifting the focus to the value you are providing to your audience, self-confidence naturally increases. It's also a great idea to have a personal story or anecdote ready to share; this not only makes the presentation more relatable but also serves as a comfortable starting point for many speakers. Remember, the goal is not to eliminate nerves entirely but to harness that energy into positive enthusiasm that enhances your stage presence and keeps the audience engaged.

The Role of Practice in Polishing Your Performance

Practice is, without a doubt, the most important thing you can do to improve your presentation skills. Repeatedly rehearsing your speech allows you to refine your delivery, work on your timing, and ensure you are comfortable with the material. It's a great idea to practice in front of a small group or even alone, using a mirror to observe your body language and facial expressions. TED Talks and other presentations by experienced presenters can serve as excellent examples to emulate. By the time the big meeting or event arrives, you should feel as though you know your presentation inside and out.

Utilizing Feedback to Hone Your Skills

In addition to self-rehearsal, seeking feedback from others can be invaluable. Whether it's from colleagues, friends, or a speaking coach, constructive criticism can provide insights into areas of your presentation that may need more detail or a different approach. Use this feedback to adjust your content, delivery, and even your visual aids. Remember, the goal is not to memorize your presentation word for word but to be so familiar with the material that you can speak about it conversationally. This level of preparation helps to reduce pre-presentation jitters and sets the stage for a successful presentation.

Handling Questions and Feedback

Be prepared to handle questions and feedback during and after your presentation. Listen carefully to the questions, provide thoughtful answers, and use the feedback to improve future presentations. Remember, questions are a sign that the audience is engaged and interested in your topic.

The Power of Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful tool in presentations. A well-told story can captivate the audience, make complex ideas more understandable, and create a memorable experience. Incorporate stories that are relevant to your message and resonate with your audience.

Maintaining Audience's Attention

To maintain the audience's attention, vary the tone of your voice, use hand gestures to emphasize points, and move around the stage to engage different parts of the audience. Make eye contact with various audience members to create a connection and keep them involved in your presentation.

The Role of Confidence

Confidence is the cornerstone of a compelling presentation. It reassures the audience that you are knowledgeable and passionate about your topic. Build your confidence by mastering the subject matter and practicing your delivery until it feels natural.

Incorporating Humor

Humor, when used appropriately, can be an effective way to connect with your audience and make your presentation more enjoyable. Be mindful of your audience and the context of your presentation when incorporating humor to ensure it is well-received.

Using Personal Experiences

Sharing personal experiences can make your presentation more relatable and authentic. It allows the audience to see the real-life application of your ideas and can help illustrate your points in a way that facts and figures alone cannot.

The Art of Persuasion

A successful presentation often involves persuading the audience to accept a new idea or take action. Use logical arguments, credible evidence, and emotional appeals to persuade your audience effectively. Be clear about what you want them to think, feel, or do after your presentation.

Adapting to Different Audiences

Every audience is different, and adapting your presentation to fit the specific audience you are addressing is crucial. Consider the audience's background, knowledge level, and expectations when preparing your presentation. This will help you connect with them more effectively.

The Use of Non-Verbal Cues

Non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions, gestures, and posture, can reinforce your message or contradict it. Be aware of your non-verbal communication and ensure it aligns with what you are saying. This consistency will enhance your credibility and the impact of your presentation.

Continuous Improvement

The journey to improve presentation skills is ongoing. Seek out opportunities for public speaking, ask for feedback, and reflect on your performances to identify areas for improvement. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to becoming a master presenter.

Effective presentation skills are vital for professional success and personal development. This guide has explored various aspects of presentation skills, from body language and visual aids to overcoming stage fright and engaging the audience. By incorporating these strategies and continuously practicing, you can improve your presentation skills and deliver compelling presentations that captivate your audience.

FAQ Section

How can I overcome my fear of public speaking?

Overcoming the fear of public speaking involves preparation, practice, and employing techniques such as deep breathing and positive visualization. It's also helpful to start with smaller, more familiar audiences and gradually work your way up to larger groups.

What are some effective ways to engage my audience during a presentation?

Engaging your audience can be achieved by asking questions, encouraging participation, using storytelling, incorporating humor, and making eye contact. Tailoring your content to the audience's interests and involving them in the presentation can also keep them engaged.

How important are visual aids in a presentation?

Visual aids are very important as they can help illustrate and reinforce your points. They should be used to complement your message, not replace it. Ensure that your visual aids are clear, professional, and relevant to the content of your presentation.

Related Topics

• Public Speaking
• Storytelling in Business
• Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
• Nonverbal Communication
• Audience Analysis

Recommended Reading

Click on the link to purchase the book.

• Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds by Carmine Gallo
• Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery by Garr Reynolds
• The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience by Carmine Gallo
• Slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations by Nancy Duarte
• Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences by Nancy Duarte

Teach This Topic

• Practice Sessions: Organize regular practice sessions where team members can present on various topics and receive constructive feedback.
• Workshops on Nonverbal Communication: Conduct workshops focusing on the importance of body language, eye contact, and voice modulation in effective presentations.
• Storytelling Exercises: Implement storytelling exercises to enhance the ability to convey messages in a more engaging and relatable manner.
• Tech-Savvy Presentations: Provide training on the latest presentation tools and software to create visually appealing and interactive presentations.
• Public Speaking Clubs: Encourage participation in public speaking clubs or groups to build confidence and improve presentation skills in a supportive environment.

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Mastering Effective Communication: Strategies and Techniques

Mindful communication: a comprehensive guide.

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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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Overview of Training  Topics and Learning Points Deliverd

• Understand how presentation skills effect audience participation  
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• Present technical content clearly and concisely
• Use presentation approaches to make complex information simple
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• Choose the best presentation tools
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• Preparing yourself – ignore this at your peril
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• Getting and keeping audience attention
• Implement persuasive communication techniques
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Tips & Presentation Technologies to Use & Tips for a Great Presentation

Table of Contents

Introduction to the use of presentation technology.

This guide is designed with a diverse array of audiences in mind — from business professionals and educators to public speakers and trainers. Our goal is to navigate you through the intricacies of available technologies you can use in your presentations, aiding you not only in choosing the right technology for your needs but also in the application of that technology to its fullest potential. We’ll explore a variety of software options like Microsoft PowerPoint, real-time essential hardware selections, and strategies for engaging your audience, ensuring clarity of your message, and much more.

Embracing the tips, tools, and techniques we cover, including the use of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and even considering hologram technology, you’ll be ready to augment your speaking game. This will help in engaging your audience like never before and ensuring a successful presentation. Whether you’re preparing for a strategic business pitch, an educational seminar, or any other scenario where you need to shine, this guide will serve as your comprehensive resource for using technology to advance your presentations. We aim not just to make your presentation better but also to highlight the future of the presentation world.

Choosing the Right Presentation Software

In the quest for delivering a powerful presentation, the choice of software serves as your digital canvas — a crucial platform where your ideas can take shape and captivate your audience. Not all presentation tools are created equal, and selecting the best one for your needs depends on your specific objectives, context, and proficiency with technology. Below, we dive into some of the technology used in presentations, showcasing major players in the presentation software field.

Microsoft PowerPoint: The Tried-and-True Standard

Microsoft PowerPoint , the cornerstone of presentation tools, remains the perennial favorite for a vast array of users. Its robust features cater to beginners and seasoned presentation artists, offering customizable templates and seamless multimedia integration. As PowerPoint was released, it quickly became the powerhouse of traditional slide-based presentations.

Features and Benefits:

• Versatility: Easily shift between simple designs for quick presentations and elaborate layouts for more intricate projects.
• Integration: Part of the Microsoft Office Suite, it boasts smooth integration with Excel, Word, and other applications, making it a staple for business presentations.
• Widespread Use: PowerPoint’s familiarity across industries ensures compatibility and audience comfort, essential for a successful presentation.
• Advanced Features: For the detail-oriented, PowerPoint provides master slides, sophisticated animation options, and complex charting tools, enabling creators to deliver presentations that keep the audience engaged.

Google Slides: Collaboration Made Simple

Google Slides shines when collaboration and flexibility are key. It thrives on simplicity and real-time collaboration, allowing team members to work concurrently on a presentation, regardless of their location.

Collaborative Aspects:

• Accessibility: It’s accessible from any device, offering flexibility for teams distributed in different locations.
• Real-Time Editing: Adjust content on the fly with your team’s real-time feedback.
• Commenting and Suggested Edits: Facilitates a streamlined review process, enhancing the presentation flow.
• Ease of Use: Its user-friendly interface simplifies the presentation creation process, even for novices.

Prezi: A Unique Approach to Presenting

For those seeking to move beyond the conventional slide-by-slide narrative, Prezi presents an engaging alternative. Its dynamic zooming function allows for a presentation that unfolds on a single, vast canvas, offering a narrative that’s both spatial and compelling.

Unique Approach to Presenting:

• Engagement: The immersive experience of Prezi’s zooming feature can more effectively seize your audience’s attention.
• Spatial Freedom: Navigate content in a non-linear fashion, breaking free from the constraints of traditional presentations.
• Creativity: Prezi allows for a visually and conceptually unfolding presentation narrative.
• Online Format: As a cloud-based tool, Prezi ensures easy accessibility and sharing, similar to the collaborative advantages seen with Google Slides.

While these tools highlight the possibilities within the realm of presentation technology, your final choice should consider your audience, the content of your presentation, and your comfort level with technology. Exploring more than one platform allows for versatility and adaptability across different presentation scenarios. Remember, the optimal software is the one that effectively communicates your message and meets your presentation objectives. In the sections to come, we’ll explore the hardware that can augment your presentation, strategies for clear voice projection, and visual tactics to maintain and amplify audience engagement.

Essential Presentation Hardware for the Presenter

While the software forms the digital foundation of your presentation, the hardware you use underpins its actual delivery, profoundly influencing both performance and audience experience. Compatibility between your needs, budget, and presentation venue is more crucial than chasing after the most expensive or advanced technologies. Here’s an overview of some indispensable hardware selections.

Selecting a Powerful Enough Laptop

Your laptop often acts as the central command for your presentation. It’s essential to have a laptop with enough processing power to smoothly run your presentation software, particularly when using rich media like high-resolution images or videos. A laptop with robust memory (minimum 8GB RAM), a capable processor (Intel i5 or AMD equivalents), and ample storage is advisable. Furthermore, verify that your laptop has the necessary ports (HDMI or VGA) to connect easily to different display systems.

The Best Portable Projectors on the Market

In scenarios lacking a pre-existing projector, a portable projector can be invaluable. Modern projectors bring features such as high-definition resolution, compact size, and diverse connectivity options. Renowned choices include the Anker Nebula Capsule for its transportability, the Epson PowerLite 1781W Wireless WXGA 3LCD Projector for its excellent display quality, and the Apeman Mini for those on a tighter budget.

The Necessity of Reliable HDMI Cables

The HDMI cable might be a small component, but its role is significant. It’s the lifeline between your laptop and the display unit, whether that’s a projector, TV, or monitor. Always come prepared with a quality HDMI cable that is long enough for your presentation space. Cables with gold-plated connectors and thick shielding help mitigate data loss and ensure the highest possible video quality.

Selecting the correct hardware is pivotal to a smooth presentation, but remember, the equipment alone doesn’t create an impactful presentation. The subsequent sections will cover the strategies for utilizing this hardware to its fullest, ways to assure audio clarity, crafting visually engaging slides, fostering audience interaction, and staying prepared for any technical issues that may arise.

Ensuring Audio Clarity

“Sound is the vocabulary of nature,” Pierre Schaeffer once pointed out, highlighting the importance of clear audio in delivering effective presentations. Your voice paints vivid imagery in your listeners’ minds, thereby cementing your message effectively. Ensuring that your voice is audible to every attendee is critical. Let’s explore various microphone options that can enhance the clarity of your audio and provide guidelines for each.

Wired Microphones

Despite less mobility compared to wireless versions, wired microphones usually offer superior sound clarity and reliability. Due to their low susceptibility to interference, they are ideal for areas prone to signal disruption or crucial presentation settings. Remember to check the cable length and your movement range beforehand to ensure that the wire doesn’t constrain your presentation.

Wireless Microphone Setup and Troubleshooting

Wirelessness affords freedom from cables, enabling unrestrained movement — a key advantage of wireless microphones. Their utility shines when your presentation entails significant movement on the stage. Choices range from handheld to headset mics, contingent on your preferences. Because they operate on radio frequencies, interference occasionally disrupts their functionality. Ensure to test your wireless microphone before your presentation to guarantee lucid signal reception.

Lavalier Microphones and When to Use Them

Often referred to as lapel mics, lavalier microphones are miniaturized microphones that attach to your clothing. Lapel mics extend portability and provide hands-free convenience, making them optimal for presentations requiring extensive hand movements, such as demonstrations or product presentations. However, they usually capture less vocal resonance compared to handheld or headset mics. Yet, through judicious positioning and sound checks, they can produce clear and consistent audio output.

Remember that a microphone’s role goes beyond amplifying your voice — it’s about ensuring clarity. Regardless of the type you pick, always conduct sound checks well ahead to determine the ideal volume and EQ settings for the room.

With your audio now assured, the stage is set for you to enhance your presentation visually. In the upcoming section, we will delve into the principles of creating visually arresting slides to captivate your audience and underscore your spoken message.

Creating Visually Engaging Slides

Your voice sets the scene, but your slides bring it to life. Visuals can make or break your presentations, acting as powerful tools to engage, explain, and persuade your audience. The key to effective slides lies not in their complexity, but in their clarity and relevance. Here are some guiding principles for creating visually engaging slides that complement your message and leverage the use of technology to capture your audience’s attention.

Keep It Simple

The most impactful slides are often the simplest. Aim for clean, clutter-free designs that focus on your key message. Use minimal text — ideally no more than six words per line and six lines per slide. This encourages brevity and helps your audience focus on your verbal delivery. The use presentation technology wisely to keep the slide content accessible and engaging.

High-Quality Images and Videos

Incorporate high-resolution images and crisp, impressive videos to make your presentation memorable. Ensure the media you choose is directly relevant to your topic and is of high quality to avoid distractions. Technologies you can use, like VR (Virtual Reality) or AR (Augmented Reality), can augment your presentation and make abstract concepts tangible.

Leverage Color and Fonts Wisely

Choose colors and fonts that enhance readability and mood. A consistent color scheme and legible fonts can significantly impact the audience’s perception and engagement.

Effective Data Visualization

Use graphs and charts to present complex data. Visualizations should be clear and straightforward, utilizing tools like Microsoft PowerPoint or Tableau for crafting impactful graphs.

Consistency is Key

Ensure a consistent design theme across all slides, using templates for uniform colors, fonts, and layouts. This consistency aids in maintaining a professional look and enhancing the presentation flow.

Transition and Animation: Use Sparingly

Transition and animations should be used sparingly to avoid distracting the audience. They should serve to emphasize key points or smoothly move between topics.

Embracing the Future with Emerging Technologies

Understanding and integrating emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and hologram technology can redefine the way we deliver presentations. These technologies that lead the future of the presentation world promise an engaging, interactive presentation experience. For instance, AR technology can be used to augment real-time data onto physical objects, making the presentation immersive.

Choosing the right technology and applying it effectively can help in creating a successful presentation. Software such as Microsoft PowerPoint , Keynote, and tools like Microsoft Teams for virtual presentations, or Radartouch and Myo armband for interacting with your slides, are technologies you can use to deliver an impactful message. Moreover, the use of smartphones, Leap Motion, and other devices enhances technology’s role in presentations, enabling presenters to control slides, animations, or data displays in real-time.

Finally, in the era where the future of the presentation world leans heavily towards virtual presentations and interactive elements, staying updated with the technologies that lead the future — from VR and AR, Leap Motion to hologram technology — is crucial. These tools not only keep the audience engaged but also allow you to share your vision in a vivid, memorable way. Whether you’re presenting online or in person, make your presentation shine by using images, videos, and data visualization smartly while choosing the right technology to truly captivate and communicate with your audience.

When you integrate these principles and technologies into your approach, you can ensure that your presentations are not just seen and heard, but experienced and remembered. Remember, the successful use of technology in presentations can transform how your message is received and understood, setting the stage for a future where presentations are more engaging, interactive, and impactful than ever before.

Preparing for Technical Difficulties

“No plan survives contact with the enemy,” Helmuth von Moltke famously stated, which translates well into the realm of presentations: no presentation survives intact after encountering technical issues… unless you’re prepared. Developing a troubleshooting mindset and equipped with a thorough checklist can dramatically reduce the chances of your presentation being derailed by technical difficulties.

Developing a Troubleshooting Mindset

Adopting a troubleshooting mindset means expecting the unexpected and knowing how to remain calm and think on your feet. Familiarity with your presentation technology is key, allowing you to quickly identify and solve common problems that might arise. Remember, your audience will take cues from you—if you handle technical issues calmly and professionally, they’re more likely to remain engaged.

Checklists for Pre-Presentation Setup

A pre-presentation checklist is your assurance against technical glitches. Here’s a basic outline you might adapt:

• Equipment Check : Verify that your laptop, projector, microphone, and any other devices you’ll use are working correctly.
• Connectivity Test : Ensure you have a stable internet connection if your presentation relies on online content. Check wi-fi signals if applicable.
• Presentation Backup : Always have a backup of your presentation on a USB drive or accessible online storage, like Dropbox or Google Drive .
• Software Check : Confirm that any software needed for your presentation is up-to-date and functioning. This includes your presentation software and any apps for audience interaction.
• Audio-Visual Check : Test audio levels and visual settings in the actual presentation environment, ideally at the same time of day your presentation is scheduled.
• Power Supply : Ensure you have easy access to power outlets and your devices are fully charged or plugged in.
• Preparation for Online Presentation : For virtual presentations, verify the functionality of key presentation tools such as webcams, microphones, and screen sharing features. Testing video conferencing software like Zoom or Microsoft Teams beforehand is crucial.

Creating a custom checklist that matches your specific needs and going through it before every presentation can mitigate the most common technical issues. This preparation ensures a smooth experience, not just for you but also for your audience, by minimizing disruptions and maintaining engagement.

Having walked through essential preparations to safeguard against technological hiccups, let’s next discuss how you can optimize your presentation environment to maximize comfort and engagement.

Advanced Technology Tips

Today, delivering a presentation can be an exhilarating experience thanks to the fusion of traditional methods and new-age technology. Understanding how to seamlessly integrate diverse tools, from classic whiteboards and flip charts to augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), allows presenters to offer a dynamic, immersive experience. Let’s explore how you can leverage this technology spectrum to its fullest potential to enhance your presentations.

Incorporating Cloud Storage into Your Workflow

Cloud storage platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive provide safety nets that prevent loss of work and enhance accessibility. These platforms are indispensable for several reasons:

• Accessibility: Access your presentation anywhere, on any device, and deliver a presentation without physical constraints.
• Backup: Using cloud storage ensures your work has a reliable backup, reducing the risk of technical mishaps.
• Collaboration: They promote real-time collaboration, making it a breeze to work in tandem with colleagues regardless of geographical barriers.

Adopting cloud storage is a fundamental step that technology enables, offering a secure and flexible base for your presentation preparations.

Bridging Classic and Emerging Technologies

While it’s essential to embrace emerging tech, it’s equally important to integrate tried-and-true aids such as overhead projectors, whiteboards, and flip charts. These tools offer a tangibility that modern technology can’t replicate, providing a balance that caters to varied audience preferences.

Immersive Experiences with AR and VR

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are transforming the art of presentation by introducing a layer of immersion that simply wasn’t possible with traditional tools:

• AR for Enhanced Engagement: AR brings interactive, 3D models right into the physical space, allowing audiences to engage with the content in real-time.
• VR for Complete Immersion: VR, on the other hand, creates a fully immersive environment, perfect for simulations or walk-throughs, making complex data or environments more accessible and understandable.

Employing AR and VR requires thoughtful integration, ensuring that the technology complements rather than overpowers the core message of your presentation.

Design Tools to Enhance Visuals

High-quality graphics are essential, and tools such as Canva , Adobe Spark , or PowerPoint’s own Designer feature can help in crafting visuals that resonate with your audience. Keep in mind:

• Design Consistency: Maintain consistency with fonts, colors, and style.
• Simplicity over Clutter: Utilize visuals to underscore your message, not overshadow it.
• High-Resolution Images: Choose quality over quantity, particularly when displaying on large screens or through projectors.

Recording and Revisiting Your Presentation

Recording presentations not only helps in self-evaluation but also in extending your reach through content repurposing. Here’s how you can fully utilize this aspect:

• Self-Review: Identify areas of improvement by watching your recordings.
• Constructive Criticism: Share your recordings with a trusted circle for feedback.
• Second Life as Content: Repurpose recordings as educational content on various digital platforms.

Tools such as OBS Studio or Zoom can assist in creating both high-quality records for professional use and simple recordings for quick reviews.

When you capitalize on both the classic and futuristic tech, your presentations can transcend traditional limits and provide a more enriched and engaging experience. From the tried-and-true whiteboard explanations to transporting your audience to virtual landscapes, these advanced technology tips are designed to take your presentation skills into a new dimension, ensuring you leave a lasting impact.

Final Insights

Every presentation is an opportunity to inspire, inform, and connect. When you implement the strategies and tips outlined in this guide, you’re not just prepared to present; you’re ready to captivate and make a lasting impact.

Now is the time to put these insights into action. Start by revisiting your current presentations and identifying areas for improvement or experimentation. Dive into new technologies or platforms you haven’t yet explored. Most importantly, continue seeking feedback and refining your approach.

For further guidance, consider joining presentation skills workshops, reaching out to professional mentors, or a talent management agency like ours, and even engaging with online communities dedicated to presentation mastery. Remember, the journey to becoming an exceptional presenter is ongoing, and every step you take builds your skills and confidence.

Let’s transform how you communicate. Take the first step today!

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+20 Technology Topics For Presentation | Best Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners in 2024

Jane Ng • 07 April, 2024 • 8 min read

Are you struggling to prepare your technology topic for presentation ? Don't worry! We've got you covered! In this blog post, we provide you with a step-by-step definition guide to craft a well-rounded and informative presentation. Whether you're exploring Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, or Cybersecurity, this post will equip you with 20 technology topics for presentation to captivate your audience and showcase your expertise.

• Easy topics for presentation
• Marketing presentation

Let's get started with top technology presentation topics!

Table of Contents

#1 - who is your target audience.

• #2 - What Is Your Technology Topic?

#3 - Why Do You Choose This Topic For Presentation?

#4 - when & where will you make your presentation, #5 - how to make your presentation effective , 20 technology topics for presentation , key takeaways.

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Identifying your presentation's target audience is the first step in choosing a technology topic that will resonate with them and meet their needs.

You can define your audience by the following aspects:

Demographics

Consider the demographics of your audience, such as age, gender, education, and professional background. Different demographics may have different levels of familiarity and interest in technology. 

• For example, an audience of tech-savvy professionals may require an advanced or specialized topic, while a general audience with diverse backgrounds may benefit from a broader subject matter. 

Take into account your audience's interests and areas of focus. 

• Are they primarily interested in the business applications of the technology?
• Are they more concerned with the social or ethical implications? 

Understanding their interests will help you tailor your topic to capture their attention and engage them throughout your presentation.

Technical knowledge 

Evaluate the level of technical knowledge your audience possesses by answering these questions:

• Are they beginners with a limited understanding of the technology, or are they experts in the field? 

Then you can adjust the complexity and depth of your subject accordingly. Make sure that the presentation strikes the right balance between being easy to understand to people with limited technical backgrounds while providing value for those with more advanced knowledge.

Specific needs

Consider the specific needs and challenges of your audience. 

• Can the problems they are facing be solved by technology? 
• Can you offer solutions, strategies, or real-world examples that work for their situation? 

Tailoring your theme to meet their needs will improve the relevance and applicability of your presentation.

By carefully considering your audience's demographics, interests, and technical savvy, you can choose a technology topic that aligns with their interests and captures their curiosity. 

#2 - What Is Your Tech Presentation Ideas?

Defining technology topics for presentation involves clarifying its scope, purpose, and key aspects. You can effectively define your tech topics for presentation in the following steps:

• Start by conducting preliminary research on broad technology topics that interest you. 
• Explore technology trends and industry news to identify potential topics that align with your presentation goals. 
• Once you have a broad idea, narrow the focus of your topic to specific sub-topics, applications, or challenges in the technology sector that you find interesting or relevant. 
• Consider the resources available, such as research materials, case studies, or expert interviews. 
• Consider the time constraints of your presentation and determine the appropriate scope and depth for your topic. Ensure that the content can be adequately covered within the allocated time.

By following these steps, you can effectively define a technology theme for your presentation. 

Understanding why you chose particular technology-related topics is essential as it helps define the purpose and goals of your presentation. Here are some common:

Educational purpose

If your objective is to educate your audience, explain why you chose this topic. 

• Is it because the technology is new, and you want to provide an overview? 
• Are you aiming to share technology-related insights, knowledge, or best practices? 

Communicate the educational value your chosen topic brings to your audience.

Purpose of persuasion

If your goal is to convince your audience, explain why you believe the topic is important and deserves their attention. 

• Highlight the potential impact or benefit that technology can have.
• Present compelling evidence, case studies, or examples that support your argument. 

Emphasize why your audience should be interested in this topic and how it can positively affect their lives, work, or industry.

Inspirational purpose

If you aim to inspire your audience, explain what makes this tech theme so inspiring or innovative. 

• Share stories of successful implementations or groundbreaking progress. 
• Discuss the transformative power of technology and how it has the potential to change lives, industries, or society as a whole. 

Inspire your audience by showcasing the possibilities and encouraging them to embrace the potential of technology.

Awareness purpose

If your goal is to create awareness, explain why this topic deserves attention and recognition. 

• Discuss any social, environmental, or ethical impacts associated with the technology. 
• Highlight challenges or risks that need to be addressed. 

Raise awareness of the importance of understanding and interacting with the subject for the betterment of individuals, organizations, or the world at large.

When you clearly define the purpose and objectives of your presentation, you provide a guiding framework for structuring your content, selecting supporting examples or data, and tailoring your delivery to achieve the desired impact on your audience.

By considering the "When" and "Where" aspects of your presentation, you can effectively plan and prepare for the logistics and environment for your presentation. This ensures that you are equipped with the necessary resources to deliver a successful and engaging presentation experience.

Here are some pointers you need to check about time and location when preparing a presentation: 

• Timing: Determine the date and time of your presentation. Take into account any deadlines, event schedules, or specific timeframes that may impact the availability or attention of your target audience. 
• Location: Identify the venue or platform where you deliver your presentation. Will it be an in-person event at a physical location or an online presentation through a video conferencing platform or webinar? 
• Setting and Environment: If it is an in-person presentation, evaluate the seating arrangement, stage setup, audio-visual equipment, etc. If it is an online presentation, ensure that you have a quiet and well-lit space with a stable internet connection.
• Technical Considerations: Pay attention to any technical considerations associated with your presentation. Make sure you have access to the necessary technology, equipment, and technical support. 

Choosing technology topics for presentation effectively requires the right approach, and AhaSlides can be a valuable tool to enhance the process. By following these steps, you can effectively select technology topics for your presentation: 

• Understand your audience: Take into account the interests, needs, and background of your audience. Analyze their level of technical knowledge to identify topics that will resonate with them. Utilize AhaSlides' live polls to gather audience feedback and tailor your topic accordingly.
• Research current trends and emerging technologies: Stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends and advancements. Interactive quizzes and trivia sessions can be used to engage your audience and share knowledge about these trends.
• Evaluate impact and relevance: Consider practical applications, benefits, and challenges associated with each topic. You can use spinner wheel , word cloud , idea board and Q&A to gather audience opinions and perspectives on different technology topics.
• Balance complexity and simplicity: Choose technology topics that balance between being informative and understandable for your audience. AhaSlides allows you to create visually appealing slides and rating scale , prdinal scale to simplify complex concepts and enhance audience comprehension.

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Here are some popular and interesting IT presentation topics for a presentation that you can consider:

• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Applications, benefits, and Challenges.
• Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Homes: Enhancing convenience and efficiency.
• Cybersecurity: Protecting digital assets and safeguarding personal information.
• Blockchain Technology: Revolutionizing industries
• Augmented Reality (AR) in Education: Transforming learning experiences.
• The Impact of 5G Technology: Faster Connections and new possibilities.
• Cloud Computing: Advantages, deployment models, and use cases.
• Biometric Authentication: Ensuring secure and convenient access control.
• Robotics and Automation in Manufacturing: Improving productivity and efficiency.
• Sustainable Energy Technologies: Advancements in renewable energy sources.
• Data Science and Predictive Analytics: Extracting insights for informed decision-making.
• Virtual Reality (VR) in Training and Simulation: Enhancing Learning and skills development.
• The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT): Innovations in healthcare technology.
• Quantum Computing: Unlocking new levels of computational power.
• E-commerce and Digital Payments: Trends, challenges, and prospects.
• Autonomous Vehicles: Advancements and implications for transportation.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Applications in chatbots and voice assistants.
• 3D Printing: Revolutionizing manufacturing and prototyping processes.
• Big Data and Business Intelligence: Leveraging data for strategic decision-making.
• Edge Computing: Powering real-time applications and reducing latency.

Check out: 2024 Updated | Online Quiz Makers | Top 5 Free Options to Energise your Crowd

By following the step-by-step guide we've provided for choosing technology topics for presentation, you're on your way to delivering a successful presentation that resonates with your audience. 

And don't forget to utilize AhaSlides' templates and interactive features to make your presentations captivating, intuitive, and engaging for your audience. 

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

Tips to Engage with Polls & Trivia

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Presentation Skills

• Introduction
• Storytelling
• Presentation Outlines
• Tools for Creating Presentations
• Creating Interactive Presentations
• Designing Presentation Slides
• Finding & Citing Media
• Citing Your Sources

Preparing & Testing Technology

• Recording Your Presentation
• Handling Audience Questions
• Presentation Anxiety
• Online Presentations
• Feedback Form
• Co-Curricular Recognition Form
• Faculty Resources

In this section, we'll look at setting up your technology for a great presentation. Even the best presentation can be challenged by technical issues. Checking your technology in advance can help minimize some of those issues.

• Video Transcript—Preparing and Testing Your Technology [RTF]

Setting Up Equipment for In-Person Presentations

In-person presentations often involve technology, and you may not have a say in what is available to you. You may have a projector and computer showing your visual aids to your audience, or you may be presenting in a hi-flex space with multiple cameras and microphones and an audience attending in-person and virtually. Anticipating and preparing for various situations will help you navigate technical issues with ease.

Check the Tech

If you can, check out the space for yourself so you know what technology is in the room you are presenting in.

Can you bring your own laptop or is there a computer already there? If you are using tech like a microphone or smart pointer, will you be able to connect them? How do you project to the screen? etc.

Accessing your Content

How will you access your presentation?

Options include:

• emailing the file to yourself
• a USB drive
• Google Drive/OneDrive
• using the file directly from your computer
• or your instructor may ask you to email it to them.

It is always best to prepare multiple methods of access , just in case.

Compatibility

Confirm your presentation will work with the technology . You do not want to use software or hardware that is incompatible.

For example, do not use Apple’s Keynote if you will be using a PC. Browser-based tools such as Google Slides, Canva, Kahoot, Mentimeter, and Prezi are good bets as they do not rely on installed software.

Check the lighting.

Will any windows in the space impact your presentation, making it difficult to read? Will people in the back of the room be able to read/see everything on the screens because of overhead lights? Are you able to turn the lights down or close the blinds?

Setting Up Equipment for Online Presentations

Try to position your camera at eye level . This will allow for a good camera angle that shows your entire face. You can use a riser or stand or can use sturdy objects like books or boxes. If using a phone or tablet, a tripod or stand may help keep your camera steady. Be sure that whatever you use is stable, so your camera or device does not shift or fall.

It may feel more natural to look at your screen or keyboard, but looking directly at the camera will give you the opportunity to make eye contact with your audience. Rehearsing your presentation will help, so you can feel confident and will not need to spend as much time reading from notes or off the screen.

• Natural Light : Natural light coming in through a window can be very effective. Avoid sitting directly in front of a window, as it may make you harder to see. Having a light shining from in front of you or from an angle can be more flattering.
• Lamps :If your room does not have windows or other sources of natural light, you can use lamps. You can try turning your desk lamp so it faces an opposing wall to bounce light onto your face.

When you are on a Zoom call you rarely have access to great lighting. How do you make the most of your dim at-home environs? In the video below, a professional video producer will show you some easy lighting tips at home.

Space and Background

Avoid having a cluttered background behind you. The ideal is to find a solid background to film in front of, but if that's not possible make sure the area behind you is neat. You may wish to close any doors behind you.

Some video conferencing software will allow you to change your background to a digital image. If you do change your background, make sure it's appropriate for the tone of your presentation and not distracting.

Try to limit background noise during your presentation. This may mean turning off or moving away from fans or muting your devices.

The video belows touches briefly on backgrounds and your environment, among other things like standing, rehearsing, dressing for success, and thinking about your support materials.

Your microphone is key to your online presentation, so you need to make sure it is working as intended ahead of time.

Here is what to consider when it comes to your mic:

The built-in microphone on your computer may pick up other sounds in the room. Consider using an external mic, like a headset, to give a clearer sound.

If possible, position your microphone near but not too close to your mouth. With a headset aim to have the microphone slightly above or below your mouth.

Test with another person or record yourself to make sure your voice is coming through on your microphone. Video conferencing software will often have an audio test feature, or may allow you to record your session to test for sound quality.

If you do use an external microphone, check that your video conferencing software is using it over your computer’s internal microphone.

Slow network? It is good practice to introduce yourself to the audience with your camera on, but if you are in a situation with a slow network connection you may need to have your camera off for some of your presentation. Start with your camera on, then let your audience know you will be turning it off for the duration of your presentation to help keep things running smoothly.

Testing Video Conferencing Software

Testing your technology not only ensures that your presentation will go smoothly, but it also provides you an opportunity to run through your presentation and to familiarize yourself with the technology. Whenever possible, use the same technology and software that you intend to use during your presentation and test well before your presentation date . Just like in any rehearsal, you may want to recruit a colleague or friend to help you with the testing and to offer feedback.

Generally, when testing you should run through your whole presentation. A good idea is to make an inventory of the technology and features you intend to use. Ask yourself:

• Will you be sharing your screen during your presentation?
• Are you presenting alone or with a group?
• Will your presentation require you to share audio or videos?
• Do you require closed captioning, breakout rooms, polls, or other video conferencing software features?

Answering these questions will help you frame your presentation and provide you with a checklist of things you will need to test for.

Testing, Testing!

Here are some common things you will want to test before your online presentation.

If you are using an external microphone, it is a good idea to make sure that your web conferencing software is setup to use your external microphone instead of any internal microphones.

Notice where your camera is positioned. Raise your camera (or laptop) to eye level for a presentation.

Deciding to use a virtual background can be a big timesaver. Keep in mind that lighting, your choice of clothing, and camera position can affect how well a virtual background works.

If you are sharing something that includes audio (like a YouTube video), do you know how to enable system audio when sharing your screen?

Although presentation features are generally similar across video teleconferencing platforms, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with navigating your presentation software so you can quickly activate the features when intended.

Closed captioning can help your audience follow along your presentation. Are you aware of how to enable and disable this feature?

Testing your technology not only ensures that your presentation will go smoothly, but it also provides you an opportunity to run through your presentation and to familiarize yourself with the technology.

More Technology Tips

• Turn off any applications that you do not need, especially those with pop-up notifications.
• If you are not using your phone to present, turn it off or have it on silent with no vibration.
• If using a laptop, make sure it is plugged in or fully charged before your session.
• Have all software/browser tabs that you need for your presentation open and ready before you start the live presentation.
• Last Updated: Jul 31, 2024 3:47 PM
• URL: https://sheridancollege.libguides.com/presentationskills

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50 Technology Topics

Immerse yourself in our curated list of 50 groundbreaking technology topics. This collection will shine a light on the latest trends and innovations transforming our world today, offering you an in-depth look at the forefront of technological advancement.

• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Future of Work
• How Blockchain is Revolutionizing Security and Trust Online
• The Rise of Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Home Technology
• The Role of Big Data in Personalized Medicine
• 5G Technology: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Prospects
• Ethical Considerations in the Development of Autonomous Vehicles
• Virtual Reality: Transforming Entertainment and Education
• Augmented Reality: Applications Beyond Gaming
• Cybersecurity in the Age of Mass Data Breaches
• The Digital Divide: Bridging the Gap in Internet Access Worldwide
• Biotechnology Advances and Their Ethical Implications
• Clean Energy Technologies and Combating Climate Change
• The Future of Quantum Computing
• Robotics and Automation in Manufacturing
• Wearable Technology: Innovations and Privacy Concerns
• The Evolution of Social Media and Its Impact on Society
• Cloud Computing: Transforming Data Storage Solutions
• Technology and Mental Health: The Pros and Cons
• Space Exploration Technology and the New Space Race
• The Advancement of Assistive Technologies for Disabilities
• AI and Machine Learning in Financial Services
• Drones: Civilian and Commercial Uses
• The Intersection of Technology and Education in the 21st Century
• 3D Printing: Disrupting Production and Distribution
• The Changing Landscape of Retail with E-commerce Technology
• Digital Wallets and Mobile Payments: The Future of Financial Transactions
• Nanotechnology: Small Size, Big Impact
• Gamification and its Impact on Engagement and Learning
• The Role of Technology in Modern Agriculture
• The Pros and Cons of Telemedicine and Online Healthcare
• The Relationship between Screen Time and Productivity
• The Ethics of Genetic Engineering and Designer Babies
• The Digital Currency Revolution: Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency
• Data Analytics in Sports Performance and Fan Engagement
• The Challenges of Content Moderation on Social Platforms
• Technology’s Role in Disaster Response and Preparedness
• Privacy in the Digital Age: Are We Too Late?
• The Influence of Technology on the Music Industry
• Smart Cities and Urban Technology Solutions
• Electric Vehicles and the Future of Transportation
• Implementing AI in Creative Industries: Risks and Rewards
• The Expansion of Telecommuting and Remote Work Technologies
• How Technology is Shaping Modern Journalism
• Tackling Tech Addiction: Strategies and Solutions
• The Globalization of Technology and Cross-Cultural Impacts
• Enhancing Athletic Performance through Technological Innovations
• The Convergence of Biometrics and Security
• The Advent of Personalized Marketing with Technology
• Deepfakes and the Implications for Media Authenticity
• The Role of STEM Education in Preparing for a Tech-driven Future

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Using Technology to Enhance Your Presentation

• May 20, 2018
• Kevin Lerner

Tips to help you stay in balance between your presentation and your presentation technology.

Technology and presentations have always gone hand-in-hand.  But truly great presenters make it appear seamless, forging a silent partnership between technology and presenter that allows each to do what they do best.  Here are some tips to help you stay in balance between your presentation and your presentation technology.

Unless you’re a riveting $100,000/day nationally recognized keynote speaker, you’ve had to try to balance presentation delivery with presenting technology. To be honest, we haven’t always done a stellar job as presenters. Some fearful presenters hide behind their technology to take focus away from mind-numbing content while the more bold wear it like a badge of honor. But in the end analysis, the truly great presenters forge a silent partnership between technology and presenter that allows each to do what they do best. Here are some tips to help you stay in balance.

Tip 1: The very best technology is stealthy

We get no incremental points with an audience because we enjoy playing with our presentation hardware. In fact, it can create anxiety if they sense last minute technology challenges. Get there early enough to set up, get an image on the wall and have your title slide displaying 20-30 minutes before your audience arrives. This is in your best interest as well as theirs. You don’t need the grief of last minute projector/laptop adjustments and they don’t need to be a part of the behind the scenes efforts that make your presentation possible. Today’s small and quieter projectors mean lower profile technology and less distraction for your audience. If you’re integrating live video from a VCR, learn to transition seamlessly between computer and VCR with a single non-dramatic click on the remote. If you have multiple presenters, use a switch box to quickly toggle between laptops so time (and focus) is not lost on less important matters. Bottom line, invisible technology serves us better than technology that displaces presenters by virtual of size, noise or undo attention.

Tip 2: A remote mouse is not a death ray.

Presenters everywhere have discovered the freedom of non-tethered presenting. With the remote mouse capability of many of today’s projectors or 3rd party remote devices, the potential exists to transition through images without fanfare. Unfortunately, with any presentation technology, we need to learn to use it correctly. Some presenters, with straight-arm, eye squinting accuracy, point their remote IR devices at the target to signal the advance of each presentation slide but miss the point. If we are to keep focus squarely on the presenter, it’s essential we practice sufficiently with the device so that images appear to move/change on screen effortlessly. This type of fluidity insures that our thoughts are not broken up like periods in a paragraph – but flow smoothly from image to image – almost at will. Practice talking through your slide transitions as imagery changes on screen. This simple technique alone will set you apart from the presentation crowd.

Tip 3: Good presenters can direct audience’s focus

Let’s face it, we want an audiences total attention. In fact, we get bummed out when someone two rows back appears disinterested or is checking accumulated email during the presentation. The frequent presenter realizes that the potential for competition is present between screen and presenter. Unfortunately, the outcome of that competition is often determined by who is bigger and louder. That battle is won with brains not brawn.

Presenters need to better refine the art of guiding the audience’s eye and directing their focus. Remember, the audience will take your lead. As you take a few steps forward towards them, their attention naturally moves to you. When there is movement on screen , it quickly shifts there. (This is a great case for only an appropriate use of animation effects). When you blank out the screen altogether (“b” key when in PowerPoint) attention goes to the single source of visual reinforcement – you. When you take a few steps back and towards the screen and focus your attention there, the audiences focus quickly follows. We are not helpless pawns in this process. We are the chess masters orchestrating all the elements of the “game.” Our delivery “plan” is as much a part of the presentation process as the graphics themselves. How well are you planning?

The ultimate goal for every presenter is to ensure that our presentations are more about products, not lumens- partnerships not resolution values – strategic messages not cables and duct tape. But our occasional preoccupation with the mechanics over the message means we often start our presentations at a distinct disadvantage. Our mental preparation gets diverted at a critical time. How prepared are you? Projectors manufacturers have done their part with smaller, brighter and quieter technology, now it’s time we remember what our role is and stick to it.

Jim Endicott  is a recognized consultant, designer, speaker specializing in professional presentation messaging, design and delivery. Jim has been a Jesse H. Neal award-winning columnist for Presentations magazine with his contributions to the magazine’s Creative Techniques column. Jim has also contributed presentation-related content in magazines like Business Week, Consulting and Selling Power as well as a being a paid contributor for a number of industry-related websites.

Jim’s company, Distinction, provides professional presentation design and training services for clients ranging from Fortune 500 executive teams to small business start-ups.

presentation technology , presentations , technology

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TED talks stand for 20-minute presentations on technology, entertainment and design, and everything in between.

The origin of these talks came from Richard Wurman , an American architect fascinated by the interconnections and impact of the tech, entertainment and design worlds.

The first TED talks were posted in 2006, and these fascinating presentations by gifted orators continue to inspire and engage millions over 10 years later.

Veteran TED speakers of all backgrounds and expertise have something impactful to share — from the process of the Titanic discovery to how silence can be dangerous. Whether you're a keynote speaker or are sharing statistics, turn to these TED Talks to gather strategies to empower your presentation.

Here are 10 presentation skills you can learn from TED talks:

1. Self-Disclosure Communicates on Multiple Levels

Kevin Robinson's “ How Schools Kill Creativity ” presentation was one of the first TED talks posted and still is at the top because of his ability to communicate emotion through self-disclosure. A speaker who reaches their audience emotionally shows their relatability through universally human experiences. Robinson tells stories about his family to support his argument that all children are creative and need an outlet for expression.

2. Eliminate Filler Words

Tony Robbins use pauses effectively in his “ Why We Do What We Do ” talk, allowing him to speak mindfully about this topic without filler words. Though it's common practice in conversation to use filler words, such as um, they take up valuable time and space in a brief presentation and reduce your impact and authority on a subject. When you feel tempted to say um, pause for a moment before moving on to your next point.

3. Foster an Engaged and Active Audience

Your audience becomes engaged with a subject when you pose questions and present problems that need solving. Bruce Aylward fosters this environment with his audience in “ How We'll Stop Polio for Good ” when he asks them to close their eyes for two seconds and consider how science or technology changed the world.

4. Hook the Audience

In written or spoken communication, you have anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes to hook your audience. Instead of starting with a knock, knock joke, try something similar to Chef Jamie Oliver's hook in his talk “ Teach Every Child About Food .”

Oliver opens with: “Sadly, in the next 18 minutes when I do our chat, four Americans that are alive will be dead from the food that they eat.” It's like a powerful hook in a novel, but the statement also communicates the gravity of the talk and how quickly death can strike in the everyday moments you sit down to eat.

5. Cue the Audience into the Close

You don't want your audience to leave thinking, “Is that it?” Just as you want to start strongly, you want to end strongly — not abruptly. In Benjamin Zander's “ The Transformative Power of Classical Music ,” he discusses the link between power and music and gives a verbal cue that the presentation is about to end. This spoken courtesy allows the audience to pause reflectively and brace themselves for his final thought.

6. Speak With Empathy and Elegance

Have you struggled with speaking up only to feel unheard? Sound expert Julian Treasure shares his wisdom and speaking exercises in his talk “ How to Speak So That People Want to Listen .” Use H.A.I.L. to speak with empathy: Honesty (clear with meaning), authenticity (be true to yourself), integrity (practice what you preach) and love (mean well).

When it comes to speaking, be careful with your tone and volume. For example, use volume wisely and speak more softly when conveying a point that evokes a similar feeling. Also, a higher pitch indicates excitement in a speaker. Vocal exercises used by actors and singers help tone your speaking voice.

7. Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are

Your body language affects how others see you, but it also impacts how you see yourself. Psychologist Amy Cuddy shares that power posing is an effective tool to positively communicate your identity and message in her talk “ Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are .” Striking your power pose helps you feel confident even when you feel doubt.

8. Let Your Inner Nerd Shine, But Speak Plainly

In “ Talk Nerdy to Me ,” Melissa Marshall reassures scientists that non-scientists are eager to hear their data points and research, but the key is to speak plainly and with passion. Share your knowledge but don't talk down to the audience — make it accessible. In only four minutes, Marshall demonstrates ways and strategies scientists can be clear and inspirational.

9. Be Courageous: Silence Can Be Deadly

Teacher and poet Clint Smith encourages people to have courage and speak up in his talk “ The Danger of Silence .” As a presenter, you may not only feel shy about what you have to say, but also fearful of angering others or making a situation worse. Silence is dangerous, too.

How often do you listen to the content of what someone says without listening for what is unsaid? Your silences in content and in speaking are powerful. Use them wisely.

10. Feel Confident About Public Speaking

Though Megan Washington grew up with a speech impediment, she used a major talent to transform it into a powerful force that helped her feel more confident about public speaking. She shares what she discovered in her talk “ Why I Live in Dread of Public Speaking .” A highly talented and recognized songwriter and singer in Australia, Washington uses her voice to turn stutters into yes as she sings points she struggles with loudly and proudly.

What talents do you have that will allow you to face your fear of public speaking and shine?

From psychologists to singers, the most accomplished of individuals face doubts about their skills with public speaking, but these TED talks go to show that your voice and what you have to say are powerful. Vocal exercises help a shaky and shy voice find strength and clarity.

Sharing data and statistics doesn't have to feel boring — let your authenticity and passion shine through as you speak conversationally. People will find inspiration and feel informed.

Use these TED talks to bolster your presentation arsenal and get pumped about sharing your wisdom. Be courageous, and speak up. Your talk will be worth sharing, too.

About the Author

Kayla Matthews is a productivity writer and self-improvement blogger. You can read more work from Kayla on MakeUseOf, VentureBeat, TinyBuddha and Inc.com.

Continue to: Top Tips for Effective Presentations Overcoming Presentation Nerves

See also: Presenting to Large Groups | Building Personal Confidence Building Rapport | Self Presentation

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Boost Your Team’s Design Skills with a Figma Training Course

July 31, 2024 By GISuser

Are your team’s design skills stuck in the Stone Age? Maybe their projects resemble a Picasso painting—creative but utterly confusing! Don’t worry; you’re not alone. 

In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s crucial for teams to stay updated with the latest design tools and trends. One tool that has revolutionized the design industry is Figma. 

This blog will show you how a Figma training course can make your team design like pros. By the end, you’ll understand the benefits, skills gained, and how to implement Figma training effectively.

Figma is a cloud-based design tool that allows multiple users to collaborate in real time. Imagine Google Docs but for design! 

No more emailing back and forth or losing track of versions. Everyone can see changes as they happen, making teamwork more efficient and less stressful.

Accessibility and Flexibility

Because it’s cloud-based, Figma can be accessed from anywhere, anytime. 

Whether your team is working from home, the office, or a beach in Bali (lucky them!), they can all be on the same page—literally.

Features Galore

Figma offers an array of features like vector networks, prototyping, and version history, to name a few. 

These features make it easier to create, share, and iterate on designs, ensuring your team can produce high-quality work quickly.

The Benefits of a Figma Training Course

A Figma course team training offers structured learning, ensuring your team gets a comprehensive understanding of the tool.

 They’ll learn everything from the basics to advanced features, boosting their confidence and competence.

Team Collaboration

Training ensures everyone is on the same skill level, which improves collaboration. When everyone knows what they’re doing, projects run smoother, and deadlines are easier to meet.

Time and Cost Efficiency

Investing in training might seem costly upfront, but the benefits outweigh the initial expenditure. Skilled employees work faster and make fewer mistakes, saving both time and money in the long run.

Key Skills Gained from a Figma Training Course

Learning the ins and outs of Figma’s interface is crucial. Your team will become adept at navigating the tool, making their workflow more intuitive and less frustrating.

Prototyping Like a Pro

Prototyping is one of Figma’s standout features. With proper training, your team can create interactive prototypes that bring designs to life, making it easier to test and iterate.

Effective Collaboration

Figma training focuses on collaborative features, teaching your team how to work together seamlessly. They’ll learn how to leave comments, track changes, and manage version history.

Implementing Figma Training

Before jumping into training, assess where your team stands. Are they beginners, or do they have some experience? This will help you choose the right course level.

Choosing the Right Course

There are many Figma courses available, ranging from online tutorials to in-person workshops. Choose a course that fits your team’s schedule and learning preferences.

Scheduling and Commitment

Set aside dedicated time for training. Make sure everyone understands that this is a priority. A well-trained team is an investment in your company’s future.

Real-world Applications

A Figma training course can teach your team how to create and manage design systems. This ensures consistency across projects and makes scaling design efforts much easier.

Client Presentations

With Figma’s prototyping features, your team can create interactive presentations that wow clients. No more static slideshows—engage clients with dynamic, clickable designs.

Feedback and Iteration

Figma makes it easy to gather and implement feedback. Your team will learn how to use these features to iterate quickly, improving project outcomes.

Transforming your team’s design skills with a Figma training course is a game-changer. Not only does it enhance individual skills, but it also boosts team collaboration, efficiency, and creativity. By investing in training, you’re investing in your team’s future and your company’s success.

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