proper use of time presentation

Mastering Speaking Time Management: Elevate Your Presentations

Rosie Landry

As a journalist who has delivered countless presentations, I know firsthand the importance of effective time management during public speaking engagements. It can be challenging to strike a balance between engaging your audience and staying within your allotted time frame. However, mastering speaking time management can take your presentations to the next level.

Table of Contents

In this guide, we will explore key time management strategies for speakers, the art of pacing and timing, and ways to effectively incorporate visual aids and multimedia while staying on track. We will also discuss how to handle time limitations and adjust on the fly, as well as strategies for practicing efficient time management during speech preparation.

Key Takeaways:

• Effective time management skills can improve the impact of your presentations.
• Setting clear objectives, creating a structured outline, and utilizing time management tools are practical strategies for managing time effectively.
• Pacing and timing, engagement with the audience, and dealing with unexpected changes are crucial aspects of speaking time management.
• Efficient preparation and continuous self-evaluation can help improve time management skills.

The Impact of Effective Time Management in Public Speaking

As a professional speaker, I know that time management plays a critical role in delivering a successful presentation. If you’re struggling to keep on schedule, your message may get lost, and your audience may lose interest. Effective time management skills not only help you stay within the allotted time but also give you the confidence you need to deliver a great presentation.

One of the biggest challenges speakers face is balancing the time allotted to each topic with the need to engage the audience. When you have a lot to say, it’s easy to get carried away and run out of time. Conversely, if you don’t have enough material, your presentation may feel thin and unengaging, leading to audience disinterest.

By mastering time management techniques, you can ensure that your presentation is engaging, informative, and delivered within the given timeframe. These techniques include setting clear objectives, creating a structured outline, utilizing time management tools, rehearsing, and pacing and timing your delivery correctly.

The ability to manage time effectively can make a significant impact on the success of your presentation. Not only does it help you stay on schedule, but it also demonstrates your professionalism and preparedness for the event. By keeping your audience engaged and delivering a well-organized speech, you leave a lasting impression on your listeners.

As we move forward in this guide, we’ll discuss some key time management strategies that can help you elevate your presentations and improve your overall speaking skills.

Key Time Management Strategies for Speakers

As a speaker, effective time management is essential for delivering a successful presentation. Here are some practical strategies you can use:

• Set Clear Objectives: Before starting on your presentation, establish clear objectives and time limits for each section. This will help you stay on track and avoid going over time.
• Create a Structured Outline: Organize your presentation into a structured outline. This will help you maintain a good pace and avoid getting sidetracked. Use bullet points or numbered lists to break down your ideas and ensure that each point is addressed within the allotted time.
• Utilize Time Management Tools: There are many time management tools available to help you stay on track during your presentation. For example, you can set a timer or use a stopwatch to monitor your progress. Use a countdown clock to give yourself and your audience a clear indication of how much time is remaining.
• Rehearse and Practice: Rehearsing your presentation is essential for effective time management. Practice your delivery and timing until you feel comfortable with the material. This will help you identify any sections that may need extra time or attention, and allow you to make adjustments before the actual presentation.
• Be Adaptable: Despite your best efforts, unexpected situations can still arise during your presentation. It’s important to be adaptable and make adjustments on the fly to stay within your allotted time. For example, if a question from the audience takes longer than expected to answer, be prepared to adjust the pace of your presentation to accommodate for the extra time.

By applying these time management strategies, you can deliver a more effective and engaging presentation while ensuring that you stay within your allotted time.

The Art of Pacing and Timing

As a speaker, maintaining a consistent pace and timing is essential to keeping your audience engaged and interested. However, pacing and timing can be challenging and require constant attention and adjustment. Here are some effective techniques to master the art of pacing and timing:

1. Utilize Pauses

Pauses can be a powerful tool to emphasize points, allow your audience to reflect, and create a sense of anticipation. However, overusing pauses can also lead to boredom and disengagement. Practice incorporating pauses strategically throughout your presentation, and gauge audience reactions to adjust timing as needed.

2. Gauge Audience Reactions

Pay attention to your audience’s non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, to determine if you are pacing and timing effectively. If the audience appears restless or disengaged, it may be time to speed up or change tactics. If they seem bored or uninterested, a well-placed pause or change in tone can recapture their attention.

3. Be Adaptable

Even with careful planning and preparation, unexpected situations can arise during a presentation that can impact timing. It is important to be adaptable and able to adjust on the fly while maintaining the core message. Practice flexibility in your pacing and timing to handle any situation that may arise.

Overcoming Time Pressure and Nervousness

One of the most common challenges speakers face is managing time pressure and nervousness during a presentation. While these pressures can be overwhelming, there are several effective strategies you can use to stay calm and focused.

Here are some tips to help you overcome time pressure and nervousness:

• Practice, practice, practice: The more you rehearse your presentation, the more confident you’ll feel on stage. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or ask a friend to listen and provide feedback.
• Breathe deeply: Take a few deep breaths before you start your presentation to calm your nerves and clear your mind.
• Use time cues: Create a timeline or use time cues to help you stay on track during your presentation. This will help you manage time pressure and avoid going over your allotted time.
• Visualize success: Close your eyes and visualize yourself delivering a successful presentation. Imagine yourself speaking confidently and engaging with the audience.
• Be flexible: Be prepared to adjust your presentation if you encounter unexpected time constraints or issues with the audience. Stay calm and flexible to ensure a smooth delivery.

“Remember, nervousness is normal and even experienced speakers feel it. The key is to manage your nerves and be confident in your preparation.”

By applying these tips, you can manage time pressure and nervousness effectively and deliver a memorable presentation.

Incorporating Visual Aids and Multimedia Effectively

Visual aids and multimedia can be powerful tools in engaging audiences and reinforcing key messages in presentations. However, they can also consume valuable time if not incorporated effectively. Here are some tips for making the most of visual aids while also managing time:

• Choose visual aids that are relevant and enhance the message you want to convey. Avoid using excessive graphics or animations that may distract the audience.
• Prepare your visual aids early in the process to allow ample time for testing and refinement. This will help avoid unexpected technical difficulties during the presentation.
• Structure your presentation to allow for seamless transitions between visual aids and other components. This will help maintain a consistent pace throughout.
• Utilize multimedia that enhances the message without adding unnecessary complexity or length to the presentation. Keep videos and audio clips short and to the point.
• Practice incorporating visual aids and multimedia into your presentation to ensure smooth execution and timing.

By following these tips, you can successfully incorporate visual aids and multimedia without overextending your time and losing the audience’s attention.

Engaging the Audience without Overextending Time

As a speaker, engaging your audience is crucial but it can also be a challenge when it comes to managing time. To ensure that audience engagement enhances your presentation rather than consuming excessive time, here are some effective strategies:

• Be clear about the purpose of audience engagement and limit it to that purpose.
• Encourage audience participation through interactive exercises and questions that are directly related to your presentation content.
• Allocate a specific amount of time for audience engagement and stick to it. If you are receiving a lot of questions, consider asking the audience to submit their questions in writing so you can answer them all at once at the end of your presentation.
• Stay focused on your presentation goals and do not allow audience interaction to become a distraction.

These strategies will help you engage your audience effectively without overextending your time limits.

Handling Time Limitations and Adjusting on the Fly

As speakers, we always strive to deliver our message effectively within the allotted time frame. However, sometimes unexpected situations arise, such as technical difficulties, interruptions, or a shorter than anticipated speaking slot. In these cases, it’s crucial to be able to adjust on the fly while maintaining the core message.

One effective technique is to have a backup plan in case of unexpected situations. This could mean having a condensed version of your presentation prepared or being able to skip certain sections without compromising the overall message.

Another strategy is to prioritize the most critical points and deliver them first. This ensures that even if the presentation is cut short, the most important information is still conveyed. It also allows for flexibility in adjusting the remaining content to fit the time available.

It’s essential to remain calm and composed when facing time limitations and unexpected changes. Take a deep breath, assess the situation, and make quick decisions in real-time . Remember that the audience is there to hear your message, and as long as you maintain the core message, they will still benefit from your presentation.

In summary, handling time limitations and adjusting on the fly requires preparation, flexibility, and composure. By having a backup plan, prioritizing critical points, and remaining calm in unexpected situations, speakers can maintain control over their presentation while still delivering an effective message.

Practicing Efficient Time Management in Speech Preparation

As a journalist, I always make sure to allocate enough time to prepare for any speaking engagements I have coming up. Effective time management is crucial in ensuring that my presentations are well-organized, impactful, and delivered smoothly. Here are some practical tips for practicing efficient time management in speech preparation:

• Organize your research and content gathering: Start by creating an outline of the key points you want to cover in your presentation. This will help you stay focused and avoid spending too much time on irrelevant topics.
• Allocate time for rehearsal and refinement: Practice makes perfect! Be sure to schedule enough time for rehearsing your presentation and making any necessary adjustments.
• Create a structured outline: Use your outline to create a detailed structure for your presentation. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you cover all key points within the allotted time.

Remember, time management is crucial not just during the presentation itself, but throughout the entire preparation process. By following these tips and practicing efficient time management, you’ll be able to deliver a polished and impactful presentation that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Evaluating and Improving Time Management Skills

As with any skill, mastering speaking time management requires practice and self-reflection. Here are some tips for evaluating and improving your time management skills:

• Track your performance: Keep a record of your time management performance during presentations. Note where you succeeded and where you struggled, and look for patterns that may indicate areas for improvement.
• Seek feedback: Ask colleagues or trusted friends to provide feedback on your time management during presentations. Solicit both constructive criticism and positive feedback, and use the information to adjust your techniques.
• Experiment with new strategies: Don’t be afraid to try new time management techniques and experiment with what works best for you. Keep what works and discard what doesn’t.
• Prioritize continuous improvement: Make it a goal to continuously improve your time management skills. Use each presentation as an opportunity to test new strategies and refine your techniques.

By committing to regularly evaluating and improving your time management skills, you’ll be on your way to becoming a master of speaking time management in no time.

The Importance of Mastering Speaking Time Management

As a professional copywriting journalist, I understand the crucial role of effective time management in delivering powerful presentations. As a speaker, your ability to manage time can determine the impact and success of your message. By mastering speaking time management, you can elevate your presentations, captivate your audience, and achieve your objectives.

FAQ on Speaking Time Management

Q: why is speaking time management important in delivering effective presentations.

A: Speaking time management is crucial in delivering effective presentations because it helps speakers stay organized, maintain audience engagement, and ensure that they cover all key points within the allotted time. By managing their time effectively, speakers can enhance the impact of their presentations and deliver a clear and concise message.

Q: What are some key time management strategies for speakers?

A: Some key time management strategies for speakers include setting clear objectives for the presentation, creating a structured outline, utilizing time management tools, rehearsing and practicing, and being adaptable to unexpected situations. These strategies help speakers stay on track, maintain a consistent pace, and effectively manage their time during presentations.

Q: How can speakers overcome time pressure and nervousness during presentations?

A: Speakers can overcome time pressure and nervousness by practicing effective time management skills and implementing strategies such as staying focused, utilizing relaxation techniques, and developing a strong understanding of their content. By managing these pressures, speakers can maintain composure and confidently deliver their presentations within the allotted time.

Q: How can visual aids and multimedia be incorporated effectively without impacting time management?

A: To incorporate visual aids and multimedia effectively without impacting time management, speakers should choose and prepare visuals that enhance their message without taking up excessive time. It is also important to address potential technical challenges in advance and have contingency plans in place. By ensuring a seamless integration of visuals, speakers can effectively manage their time during presentations.

Q: What strategies can be used to engage the audience while maintaining control over time?

A: Strategies to engage the audience while maintaining control over time include effective audience interaction, managing questions and discussion efficiently, and ensuring that engagement enhances the overall presentation rather than consuming excessive time. By implementing these strategies, speakers can create a dynamic and interactive presentation while staying within the allotted time.

Q: How can speakers handle time limitations and unexpected changes during their presentations?

A: Speakers can handle time limitations and unexpected changes by adjusting the content on the fly, making effective decisions in real-time, and ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining the core message. By staying flexible and prepared for unexpected situations, speakers can effectively manage their time and deliver a successful presentation.

Q: Why is efficient time management important in speech preparation?

A: Efficient time management in speech preparation is important because it helps speakers stay organized, allocate time for research and content gathering, create a structured outline, and allocate time for rehearsal and refinement. By managing their time efficiently throughout the entire preparation process, speakers can deliver a well-prepared and polished presentation.

Q: How can speakers evaluate and improve their time management skills?

A: Speakers can evaluate and improve their time management skills by tracking and analyzing their performance, seeking feedback from trusted sources, and implementing strategies for improvement. By continuously evaluating and refining their time management techniques, speakers can enhance their skills and deliver more effective presentations.

Q: Why is self-evaluation and continuous improvement important in time management skills?

A: Self-evaluation and continuous improvement in time management skills is important because it allows speakers to identify areas for growth, track progress, and adapt their techniques to suit their individual needs. By prioritizing self-reflection and seeking opportunities to improve, speakers can elevate their time management skills and deliver more impactful presentations.

Q: What is the importance of speaking time management?

A: Speaking time management is essential for delivering effective presentations. It helps speakers stay organized, maintain audience engagement, and ensure that they cover all key points within the allotted time. By mastering time management skills, speakers can enhance the impact of their presentations and deliver a clear and concise message.

About the author

I’m Rosie Landry, your friendly guide through the exciting world of practical management here on this blog. Here, I delve into everything from practical tips to complex theories of time management, combining scientific research with real-life applications. When I’m not writing about time management, you can find me with my nose in a gripping mystery novel, creating culinary delights, or out exploring nature with my faithful golden retriever, Marley. Join me as we discover how to take control of our time and enhance our lives together. If you need to reach out, do so here.

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10 Powerful Tips For Time Management Presentation

• By Herwin Jose
• July 12, 2024

Key Takeaways

• Value Audience’s Time: Efficiently manage your presentation duration to demonstrate respect for your audience, ensuring they gain worthwhile knowledge within the allotted time.
• Ensure Structure and Continuity: Strategize the timing of each segment to guarantee seamless transitions, addressing all crucial points without haste or overlooking significant data.
• Involve the Audience: Foster engagement by inviting questions, feedback, and interactive components to retain audience interest and participation.
• Employ Visual Supports and Stay Brief: Utilize visual aids to emphasize key points and concentrate on core concepts, sidestepping superfluous details to improve clarity and efficacy.
• Rehearse and Stay Adaptable: Practice thoroughly to polish delivery and enhance self-assurance, and be ready to modify the presentation as required to sustain interest and tackle unforeseen obstacles.

What is Time Management Presentation

Time management in presentation refers to the ability to effectively allocate and utilize the limited time available to deliver a clear and concise message to the audience. It involves planning and organizing the content of the presentation in a way that ensures all key points are covered within the allotted time frame. This includes setting a clear agenda, prioritizing information, and practicing to ensure smooth transitions between topics.

Effective time management in presentation also involves being mindful of the audience’s attention span and adjusting the pace of delivery accordingly. It is important to strike a balance between providing enough detail to convey the message effectively and avoiding unnecessary information that may detract from the main points.

The Significance of Time Management in a Presentation

Effective time management is crucial in a presentation as it demonstrates consideration for the audience’s time. When attendees come to a presentation, they expect to receive useful information within a specific timeframe. Failing to manage time properly can result in a disorganized and chaotic presentation, leaving the audience feeling dissatisfied and frustrated. Furthermore, proper time management in a presentation helps maintain the structure and flow of the content. By carefully planning the timing of each segment, the presenter can ensure a seamless transition between topics and avoid hastily covering important points. This creates a more coherent and engaging presentation that is easier for the audience to follow.

10 Efficient Tactics for Time Management during a Presentation

Time management during a presentation is crucial for ensuring that you are able to effectively convey your message and engage your audience . Here are 10 efficient tactics to help you make the most of your time during a presentation:

1. Set clear objectives:

When preparing for your presentation, take the time to clearly define your goals and objectives. Consider what you want your audience to take away from your presentation and what actions you want them to take as a result. Having a clear understanding of your objectives will not only help you stay focused during your presentation, but it will also guide your content and delivery.

Additionally, consider the needs and expectations of your audience. Tailor your presentation to address their interests and concerns, and think about how you can engage them throughout the presentation. This will help you keep their attention and ensure that your message resonates with them.

It’s also important to have a clear structure for your presentation. Organize your content in a logical and coherent manner, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This will help you communicate your message effectively and make it easier for your audience to follow along.

Practice your presentation beforehand to ensure that you are comfortable with the material and confident in your delivery. Rehearsing will help you identify any areas that need improvement and allow you to make any necessary adjustments before the actual presentation. By taking the time to prepare and plan ahead, you will be better equipped to achieve your objectives and deliver a successful presentation.

2. Create a detailed outline:

A well-organized outline is like a roadmap for your writing. It helps you to structure your thoughts and ideas in a logical order, making it easier to stay focused on your main topic. By breaking down your main points into subtopics and organizing them in a clear and coherent manner, you can ensure that you cover all the key points you want to address in your writing.

An outline also helps you to see the overall flow of your writing and identify any gaps or areas that need further development. It can serve as a guide to keep you on track and prevent you from going off on tangents or getting lost in irrelevant details.

In addition, a well-organized outline can save you time and effort in the long run. By planning out your writing in advance, you can avoid the frustration of having to backtrack or rewrite large sections of your work. It can also help you to write more efficiently, as you can easily refer back to your outline to see what points you still need to cover.

3. Practice, practice, practice:

Rehearsing your presentation multiple times is crucial for ensuring that you are well-prepared and confident when it comes time to deliver your speech. By going over the material repeatedly, you will become more familiar with the content, allowing you to speak more fluently and confidently. This familiarity will also help you anticipate any potential questions or challenges that may arise during your presentation.

In addition to improving your familiarity with the material, rehearsing multiple times will also help you refine your delivery. You will have the opportunity to work on your pacing, tone, and body language , ensuring that you are engaging and effective in your presentation. By practicing multiple times, you can identify areas where you may need to make adjustments or improvements, ultimately leading to a more polished and professional delivery.

The more you rehearse your presentation, the more comfortable and confident you will become. This will not only benefit you as the presenter, but also your audience, who will appreciate your preparedness and professionalism. So, make sure to dedicate ample time to rehearsing your presentation multiple times to ensure that you are well-prepared and ready to deliver a successful speech.

4. Use visual aids:

Visual aids such as slides or props can be incredibly beneficial when presenting information to an audience. By incorporating visual elements into your presentation, you can help to reinforce key points, make complex information easier to understand, and keep your audience engaged and interested.

Slides can be used to display important data, statistics, or visuals that support your message. They can also help to break up the monotony of a presentation and provide a visual reference for your audience to follow along with. Props, on the other hand, can add a tactile element to your presentation and help to make abstract concepts more concrete. For example, using a physical object to demonstrate a process or concept can make it easier for your audience to grasp and remember.

5. Keep track of time:

Setting a timer or using a clock during your presentation is essential for keeping track of how much time you have left. By monitoring the time, you can pace yourself accordingly and make sure that you cover all the key points within the allotted time frame. This will help you avoid rushing through your presentation or running out of time before you have finished. Additionally, having a visual reminder of the time remaining can help you stay focused and on track, ensuring that you deliver a clear and concise presentation.

6. Be concise:

When giving a presentation, it is important to stay focused on the main points and avoid going off on tangents. Tangents can distract your audience and make it difficult for them to follow your message. Additionally, including unnecessary information can clutter your presentation and make it less effective.

To keep your presentation concise and to the point, it is important to stick to the key points. This means identifying the most important information that you want to convey and structuring your presentation around those key points. By focusing on the main ideas, you can ensure that your message is clear and easy to understand.

One way to stay on track during your presentation is to create an outline or script that outlines the key points you want to cover. This can help you stay organized and ensure that you are not including unnecessary information.

7. Engage your audience:

Encouraging audience participation is a great way to keep your audience engaged and interested in your presentation. By asking questions, you can gauge the level of understanding and interest in your topic, as well as encourage critical thinking and discussion among your audience members. Soliciting feedback allows you to receive valuable input and insights from your audience, which can help you improve your presentation or address any concerns or questions they may have.

Incorporating interactive elements, such as polls, quizzes, or group activities, can also make your presentation more dynamic and engaging. These interactive elements can help break up the monotony of a traditional presentation format and keep your audience actively involved in the learning process. Additionally, interactive elements can help reinforce key points or concepts, as well as provide a fun and memorable experience for your audience members.

8. Practice active listening:

When giving a presentation, it is important to pay close attention to your audience’s reactions in order to ensure that your message is being effectively communicated. By observing their body language, facial expressions, and verbal responses , you can gauge their level of interest and engagement with the material.

If you notice that your audience is becoming disinterested or distracted, it may be necessary to adjust your presentation style or content to re-engage them. This could involve asking questions , incorporating interactive elements, or providing real-life examples to make the material more relatable.

On the other hand, if you see that your audience is highly engaged and interested in what you are saying, you may choose to delve deeper into certain topics or provide additional information to further enhance their understanding. By being attuned to your audience’s reactions, you can tailor your presentation to meet their needs and ensure that your message is effectively received.

9. Be flexible:

Being prepared to adapt your presentation on the fly is an essential skill for any presenter. It is important to be able to read the room and adjust your presentation accordingly. If you notice that your audience is losing interest, you may need to change up your delivery style, add in some interactive elements, or provide more engaging visuals.

Similarly, if you are running out of time, you may need to cut out certain sections or condense your content to ensure that you are able to cover the most important points. Being flexible and able to make quick decisions on the spot will help you keep your audience engaged and ensure that you are able to effectively communicate your message.

It is also important to have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties or other unexpected issues that may arise during your presentation. By being prepared to adapt and make adjustments as needed, you can ensure that your presentation is successful and leaves a lasting impact on your audience.

10. End on a strong note:

When wrapping up your presentation, it is important to leave your audience with a clear takeaway or call to action . This serves as a final opportunity to reinforce your message and ensure that your audience remembers the key points you have made. By providing a clear takeaway, you are giving your audience something to reflect on and take away with them after the presentation is over.

A call to action, on the other hand, prompts your audience to take a specific action based on the information you have presented. This could be anything from signing up for a newsletter, making a donation, or implementing a new strategy in their own work. By providing a call to action, you are encouraging your audience to actively engage with your message and take steps towards making a change.

Ultimately, leaving your audience with a clear takeaway or call to action at the end of your presentation ensures that your message has a lasting impact. It helps to solidify the key points you have made and motivates your audience to take action based on the information you have shared. So, next time you give a presentation, be sure to end with a strong takeaway or call to action to leave a lasting impression on your audience.

1. What does the term ‘time management slideshare’ mean?

Time management slideshare refers to a presentation or slideshow that focuses on strategies, tips, and techniques for effectively managing one’s time. These slideshows typically cover topics such as setting goals, prioritizing tasks, creating schedules, eliminating distractions, and improving productivity.

2. What is the significance of time management in a Leadership Address?

Time management is a key component of successful leadership. It allows leaders to make the most of their resources, set a positive example for their team, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. By prioritizing time management in a Leadership Address, leaders can effectively guide their team towards success.

3. Is time management considered a leadership competency?

Time management is indeed considered a crucial leadership competency. Effective leaders must be able to prioritize tasks, set goals, and allocate their time efficiently in order to achieve success. Without proper time management skills, leaders may struggle to meet deadlines, make important decisions, and effectively delegate tasks to their team members.

4. What are the four kinds of time management in a Presentation?

• setting a clear agenda and timeline for the presentation.
• pacing the presentation effectively.
• prioritizing key points and information.
• Allowing for flexibility and adaptability.

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Understanding the 8 parts of speech in english grammar, business template, sales pitch examples, elevator pitch and more.

How to Effectively Manage Time During a Presentation? Short and Long Ones!

Slides are one of the best ways to engage an audience and nail a presentation. Nowadays, people use the most efficient and practical skills to make the slides clear, easy to understand. However, most people struggle to plan and manage time in their presentations.

How Many Slides are Suitable for Finishing a Presentation on Time?

The general rule says 1 to 2 slides per minute. However, it is critical to note that the presentation’s number of slides will vary according to the topic complexity, audience, available time, presentation structure and format, and goal. Good planning, rehearsal, and delivery skills are essential!

From 25 minutes to 60 minutes, you can make a considerable number of slides. Some experts recommend 1 to 2 slides per minute, but as I said before, it will depend on the topic. Imagine that one of your slides contains graphs about some work you have been doing that can take more than 2 minutes, and it is important to explain it in detail to the audience.

It all starts with planning, researching, organizing all the collected data, prioritizing your key points, and making a structure. After this exercise, it will be easier to know how many slides you will have according to your given time.

To sum this up, there is no exact rule to set a number of slides for a given time frame, and it will vary according to the topic, your research, and your presentation skills. All you have to do is to balance the slides with your speech and time.

How many Slides for a 3-minute Presentation?

A good practice for a 3 minutes presentation is to keep it clean and straightforward. Keep in mind that slides are more engaging with visuals rather than texts. And on your speech, be as brief as possible, make a 15 to 20 seconds introduction, and do the same on the conclusion.

How many Slides for a 5-minute Presentation?

Another good practice to keep your audience engaged during the whole presentation is eye contact. Using this technique, and of course, making a powerful introduction, the audience won’t take their eyes off you.

How many Slides for a 10-minute Presentation? 

The Rule of Thumb for a 10-minute presentation is having 10-12 slides. Presenters with good skills use up to 30 seconds per slide to keep it nice and engaging. This time frame is suitable for elaborately introducing the subject or topic, diving deep into it, and highlighting the key points.

How many Slides for a 20-minute Presentation?

According to  Guy Kawasaki , a 20-minute presentation should have ten slides where each slide utilizes a 30 point font. Using this rule of 10/20/30, the speaker would spend up to 1 minute per slide, which gives time for even allowing 1 or 2 questions from the audience.

In some cases, each slide has a different theme, and you will need to approach them differently. Having different themes per slide will require you to summarize each slide’s content in under a minute.

Although the Rule of Guy Kawasaki is suitable for a 20-minute presentation, you can set your own number of slides according to your subject and how much time you spend on a single slide as long as you deliver the message properly and engage your audience.

How many Slides for a 25-minute Presentation?

In this given time frame, you now have the opportunity to interact more with the audience, start with a quote, let them raise some clarification questions, and get more involved with them. 

How many Slides for a 30-minute Presentation?

But you can make more than 40 slides and still have a memorable presentation in just 30 minutes, and I will explain to you how. Well, if you want your audience to understand clearly each content of your slide, make it one paragraph or one sentence, and use more visuals.

Using this method, you will spend 1-2 seconds per slide, and the audience will understand way better seeing the visual (which counts more than text). The explanation is gradual from the beginning to the end.

How many Slides for a 45-minute presentation?

A 45-minutes presentation is in the range of long times ones, and in these cases, you have to use the slides very carefully, making them proportional to your presentation time. Consider having a wristwatch to control your time.

How many Slides for an hour Presentation?

Experts recommend 30 to 60 slides for a 60-minutes presentation. This period of time gives the speaker two main options: summarize the content in 30 slides or make a structure that allows one theme per slide. These two options also give more time to interact with the audience make a great introduction and conclusion.

Both of them are OK. But there are aspects that you have to consider; if you are preparing few slides, you will need to train how to summarize content to make sure you don’t spend too much time explaining all the points or having your audience stuck on reading your slide. 

How many Slides for a 90-minute Presentation?

As a speaker, you will also need skills to engage your audience during a presentation and set time for questions and answers. And most importantly, after 10-15 slides, make a break and double-check if the audience completely understands your presentation.

If you fail to make these pauses to double-check if the audience is on the same page with you, you will be running a risk of going back from almost the end of the slides to the first ones to explain something that the audience did not get very well.

How many Slides for a two-hour presentation?

Generally, a presentation with more than one hour of duration is for professional speakers who can deal with time management. The best way to not have your audience boring is to use the method of one idea per slide; it will make them easily understand each part of your content.

How many Slides for 2+ hours presentations?

What are the skills needed to deliver long presentations or speeches.

For long presentations, several skills are required to ensure successful delivery, such as:  

How to keep time in your presentation?

First of all, to have complete control of your time on stage, you have to write the schedule of time you will spend on each part of your presentation, something like setting time for your opening, how long time you will spend on the introduction, how long time you reserve for questions and answers, etc.

Planning is also crucial to keep time on your presentation. The main thing in the plan to deliver your message is the structure of your content. A good structure will allow you to know how much time you will spend on each point.

I have an excellent article with  a guide for outlining your speech , which should help you nail this part of the process. A  good speech outline  is key in managing presentation time.

Why do people usually fail to finish a presentation within the stipulated time?

Another session that makes speakers fail to finish the presentation in time is the question and answers. This mistake happens when the speaker does not practice enough or predict questions that may come and end up thinking about the answer when the question is raised.

Not setting time for each session of your presentation also makes you not finish on time. This mistake will cause you to take longer at one point or another, especially if you don’t have a clock to keep track of the time.

How to keep your Presentation Brief and Clear

The design is also essential to help you get a clean design. Choose a layout that comfortably suits your text and image. Another detail is the color, which has to be neutral to help the reader focus on the content only. 

For More Tips on Designing and Nailing a Presentation, open the recommended articles below.

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In conclusion, the number of slides a presentation should have for a given time depends on who is presenting and the topic or subject. And also, it varies according to the methods that you use to deliver your message. As long as it reaches the audience properly and on time, the number of slides should be the least of your concerns. 

This example shows that you can follow the standards and still have a successful presentation. the main thing you have to do, is a good planning, a good structure, and make your content brief and clear, that will help them understand and enjoy your presentation 

Speakers should focus more on Planning, structuring, and time management to have a memorable presentation. Some speakers prefer to break the content into many pieces to facilitate understanding during the presentation, and others make a structure where the content is summarized on each slide. 

https://www.soappresentations.com/how-many-slides-should-be-used-for-a-60-minute-presentation/

Brevity, Clarity and Wit: 10 Commandments for a 10-Minute Talk | Cath Lab Digest | HMP Global (hmpgloballearningnetwork.com)

How Many Slides to Use For a 5, 10, 15+ Minute Presentation (tutsplus.com)

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Presentation Training Institute

A division of bold new directions training, effective time management for presentations.

Time management is crucial in delivering a presentation that is clear and concise. A well-planned and organized presentation not only ensures the audience is informed of all key points in the allotted time frame, but it also reflects positively on the presenter’s professionalism and preparation. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of time management and some strategies for adhering to a set schedule in your next presentation. 

The Significance of Time Management in Presentations

Effective time management is significant because it demonstrates consideration for the audience’s time. When people attend a presentation, they expect to receive useful information within the allotted time frame. Failing to adhere to this schedule can leave audiences feeling frustrated and confused. Furthermore, proper time management helps the presenter stay on track to ensure that all key points are covered. This prevents the presenter from going off topic and running over time, which could result in the audience losing interest. 

Strategies for Effective Time Management in Presentations

1. know your time limit.

It may seem like an obvious point but you need to know how much time you have and the absolute hard stopping point should something go awry. You need to work and plan your presentation around an exact period of time. 

2. Set Clear Objectives

You need to define your goals and objectives and have a clear understanding of what information you want your audience to take away from your presentation. This will help you stay focused on your main points and guide your content and delivery. 

3. Create a Detailed Outline

It is also important to have a clear structure for your presentation.  A well-organized outline acts like a roadmap for your presentation. It helps you to move through your thoughts and ideas in a logical order, making it easier for the audience to follow along. It can also serve as a guide to keep you on track and prevent you from going off topic. Furthermore, a detailed outline allows you to determine how much time you can spend on each key point. 

4. Set a Timer

Setting a timer or using a clock during your presentation will allow you to keep track of how much time you have left. Monitor your time throughout the presentation so you can pace yourself accordingly and ensure that you cover all of your points in the allotted time.

5. Practice!!!

There is perhaps nothing as important as practice to ensure you stay on time during your presentation. By going over the material repeatedly, you can gauge how much time you are spending on each key point and you can learn how to pace yourself accordingly. You will also become more familiar with the material, which will help you speak more fluidly. In addition, it will help you anticipate any questions that may arise during the presentation. 

Time management is a critical component of delivering a successful presentation. By planning, organizing, and preparing in advance, presenters can ensure their presentations are well-structured and delivered within the designated time frame. At Bold New Directions, we recognize the importance of building your skills in order to deliver effective presentations. Our unique Presentation Training courses are designed to help you enhance your time management skills so that you can make the most of your presentation time. Call today and learn more about how our training courses can help you improve your presentation skills!

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The Art of Timing: Timing Your Presentation for Maximum Impact

When delivering a presentation, timing is more than just keeping track of minutes on a clock.

Timing is an art that can greatly impact the effectiveness of your message and your audience’s engagement. The right timing can captivate your audience, reinforce key points, and leave a lasting impression. However, poor timing can result in disinterested listeners, missed opportunities, and a lackluster presentation.

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The science of timing.

Timing is not just an abstract concept but has real psychological and physiological impacts on the presenter and the audience. Understanding the science behind timing can help presenters make informed decisions on structuring their presentations for maximum impact.

Psychological Impact

Timing plays a significant role in audience engagement and retention.

Studies have shown that attention spans are limited, and listeners tend to lose interest if a presentation drags on or feels rushed. Moreover, your presentation’s timing can affect your audience’s cognitive load—the amount of mental effort required to process information.

Too long or fast-paced presentations can overwhelm the audience and reduce their ability to retain and comprehend the information.

Physiological Impact

Timing can also impact the physiological responses of both the presenter and the audience.

When a presenter is rushed or anxious due to poor timing, it can affect their vocal tone, body language, and overall delivery. On the other hand, a well-timed presentation can create a sense of rhythm and flow, enhancing the speaker’s confidence and stage presence.

Similarly, the audience’s physiological response, such as their heart rate, can be influenced by the timing of the presentation, affecting their level of engagement and emotional connection with the content.

Optimal Presentation Lengths

Research suggests that the ideal presentation length may vary depending on the context and audience.

TED talks, known for their engaging and impactful presentations, are typically limited to 18 minutes or less since shorter presentations align better with the limited attention spans of today’s audiences. However, longer presentations may be appropriate in specific settings, such as academic lectures or training sessions. 

Understanding the optimal presentation length for your audience and context can help you plan your timing accordingly.

Attention Spans

Attention spans vary depending on factors such as age, context, and level of interest. 

On average, studies have shown that the attention span of adults ranges from 10 to 20 minutes, while children’s attention span is even shorter. This highlights the importance of structuring your presentation with engaging content and well-timed transitions to maintain audience attention throughout your presentation.

Techniques for Timing Your Presentation Effectively

Timing your presentation requires more than being aware of the factors that can impact your pacing; it also involves utilizing specific techniques to ensure your delivery is smooth, engaging, and impactful. Here are some techniques to help you time your presentation effectively:

Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse

Practice makes perfect when it comes to timing your presentation. Rehearsing your presentation multiple times can help you get familiar with your content, delivery style, and timing.

Time yourself during rehearsals to ensure you stay within your allotted time, and make adjustments as needed. Practicing also helps you build confidence, which can positively impact your delivery and timing during the actual presentation.

Use a Timer or Stopwatch

Utilize a timer or stopwatch during rehearsals and the actual presentation to track of your time. Set specific time limits for each section or slide of your presentation and stick to them to help you stay on track and avoid running over time.

Pace Yourself

Pay attention to your speaking rate and pace yourself accordingly .

Avoid speaking too quickly or too slowly, as both can affect the timing and comprehension of your presentation. Vary your speaking speed to add emphasis, create pauses, and engage your audience.

Use Visual Cues

Use visual cues, such as notes or slides, to guide your timing during your presentation. 

Highlight key points, transitions, or cues for audience engagement to ensure you stay on track with your timing. However, be mindful not to rely too heavily on visual cues, as they may affect your connection with the audience.

Be Mindful of Time Signals

Keep an eye on any time signals provided by organizers or moderators during your presentation.

Time signals may include visual cues, such as time cards or hand signals, to indicate how much time you have left. Be attentive to these signals and adjust your pacing accordingly.

Practice Flexibility

Be prepared to adjust your timing on the spot if needed.

Unexpected situations may arise during your presentation that can affect your timing, such as technical issues, audience questions, or interruptions. Therefore, practice flexibility by having contingency plans, such as shortening or omitting certain content, to adapt to unexpected situations while maintaining effective timing.

Seek Feedback

Request feedback from a trusted colleague, mentor, or friend who can provide constructive feedback on your timing. They could identify areas where you can improve your pacing and suggest adjustments.

Mastering the art of timing is essential for delivering a presentation that captivates and resonates with your audience. Follow these strategies to ensure your presentation is well-timed for maximum impact, leading to a successful and memorable presentation experience.

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11 Steps to Help You Keep Time During Your Presentation

Anushka kala.

• Body Language & Delivery

Some researchers say that the attention span of the human mind is only about 8 seconds. Even if we assume this to be a more pessimistic approach, there still exists a huge challenge faced by every presenter, in keeping their audience enraptured.

A key concept that successful orators and presenters use is the dictum of the ABC in effective communication: Accuracy, Brevity , and Clarity. These are bound by one common factor– time, or as we like to call it, the muslin minute .

This mantra ensures that the underlying principle of effective communication is adhered to, and forms the backbone of any good presentation.

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Here’s why keeping time is so important, in any presentation:

Importance of Keeping Time :

1. prioritize your audience:.

Let’s face it, as a presenter, one unfortunately does not have the luxury to speak for hours together, with no time restriction.

While it is important to get the message across, it is also essential to do so, while respecting the audience’s and/or organiser’s time.

Ever so often, there may be multiple speakers presenting one after the other, which makes adhering to the given time limit even more necessary.

Additionally, the audience too would have multiple commitments to get to, post your presentation, and thus, considering these factors is pivotal.

2. Limited Attention- A Tension:

The fact of the matter is that no matter how interesting the subject may be, the human mind is easily distracted, resulting in a loss of attention.

For a presenter, this poses as a challenge, as the main goal is to ensure that the subject being discussed is thoroughly understood and retained.

Hence, following the time limit and preparing your material concisely, and in accordance to the same, will help in making your presentation effective in nature.

3. More Information:

Yes, you read that right. One may ask how keeping time will help propagate more information.

An important point to be kept in mind is the fact that presentations aren’t merely about reading the slides of a PowerPoint presentation, but also depend majorly on any form of discussion (usually Q&A) where queries are addressed and doubts are cleared, so as to ensure an in-depth understanding of the subject.

Thus, presenters must allocate enough time for an interactive session with their audience, in addition to the ‘talking time’ to skim through and explain the presentation itself.

Now having understood the importance of following and respecting the time limit, let’s now move on to understanding how to do so.

How to Time Your Presentation:

1. what’s the time :.

The first step is to simply ask and know what your time limit is. Always note it down in case you forget.

If no time limit is specified, try consciously packaging your material in a succinct manner, so as to respect your audience’s time.

Regularly follow-up with the organizers, in case of any changes.

2. Know it All:

Know what you have to say.

If you’ve been given a subject or are asked to present a topic of your choice, it is important to be absolutely well-versed with the required concepts, what it entails, and the sub-topics you would want to cover within the given duration.

If your knowledge is inadequate on your end, it could result in a lot of wastage of time– after all, your goal of communicating efficiently with your audience is obstructed.

You must also know how to work your way around the technology you use. While it does make life simpler, it could also end up wasting time, if you don’t know how to use it well.

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Keep reading this article to find out some tips, shortcuts and tricks that can enhance your presentation.

3. Ration your Duration:

Once you’ve made note of your time limit and have an idea of the concepts you wish to cover, it is crucial for you to begin scheduling your information and placing them in your slides accordingly.

Structure your presentation in accordance to the given time, and allocate a certain duration per slide/ concept. This will give you a blueprint of your presentation, and ensure its smooth sailing.

Related Article: Effective Speech Transitions: How To Make Your Speech Flow

4. Time Yourself:

Keep timing and recording yourself while practicing.

This practice helps you recognize areas you could cut, need be, as well as gives you an idea on how the presentation would sound to your audience.

There are so many more benefits to this, and is something one must most definitely inculcate. Read more about this here .

5. Write Your Speech:

Write each and every word of your speech. Don’t take shortcuts through bullet points and summaries.

While it is not essential to memorise your entire speech, it is scientifically proven that writing helps you process, analyse and retain information much better, which is necessary when it comes to public speaking.

This exercise ensures that you’re more well-acquainted with your speech and subject, and leaves lesser room for error, thus saving time.

Additionally, if you practice by merely referring to bullet points, chances are you might spend more time beating around the bush while presenting, resulting in time-waste.

6. Watch it:

During your final presentation, do ensure that you have an accurate source of time with you–a wristwatch, clock, smartphone, or even a trusted aide who could signal it for you.

Make sure this source is near you, and in your line of sight, so that you can adhere to it precisely.

7. The Ritual of Being Punctual:

Be on time. Reach your venue at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

Very often, presenters themselves are late, and hence, find themselves in a position where they’re scrambling for time. This may result in the impact of your presentation going downhill.

Plus, this will most definitely cut into the time of the other speakers present.

Punctuality is a sign that you respect the time of your fellow speakers, organizers and most importantly, listeners. This goes a long way.

8. Adapt and React:

The element of uncertainty always exists. You could still find yourself running out of time. Or, the organizers might ask you to speed your presentation due to a venue being booked for a limited time, other delays and/or technical issues.

Nevertheless, there must exist a Plan B. You must immediately be able to adapt to the situation and eliminate the needful.

Yes, your material may be concise, but you must always have a fair idea of what can be eliminated in case a situation like this arises. Consider your audience and approach it from their perspective.

You must be quick on your feet. Don’t let your nerves get the better of you. With adequate prior preparation, one will seamlessly be able to adapt to the situation.

9. The Filler Killer:

We often use filler words such as Um, Well, and Like in our day-to-day conversations.

However, while giving a presentation in a limited timeframe, these filler words may actually end up wasting time and cause you to exceed your given limit. After all, these words are meaningless.

We often use these words due to lack of preparation, nerves or just sheer habit.

Learn how to eliminate its usage through this helpful article.

10. Handy Handouts:

The experience of an effective PowerPoint presentation is incomplete without handouts.

Handouts are a tangible and printed form of information handed over to your audience.

As a presenter, you may feel restricted, in terms of addressing all essential points for a subject. This is where handouts come in handy.

All required information can be printed on your handout, and these help in creating a lasting impression and impact on your audience.

Here’s all you need to know about presentation handouts.

11. Don’t Stress to Impress:

We get it, public speaking and giving presentations is nerve-wracking. But, we’ve got your back.

Nerves result in the wastage of a lot of time. No matter what the preparation is, your efforts might go in vain due to nerves.

Relax! That’s what you have to do when you’re up next. You can even harness your nervous and vulnerable state of mind, into a powerful tool.

Read this article, in order to do so.

Ideal Length of a Presentation

Speeches and presentations are subjective in nature. There isn’t any universal duration set for your presentation.

This depends on the kind of meeting being held, as well as, your audience.

To help you get a fair idea, here are some examples of the types of speeches and their ideal duration:

• TED Talks : A talk can be no longer than 18 minutes, as it is considered to be just the right span of time to hold one’s attention and create a serious impact.
• Business Pitch: Should range between 10-18 minutes, but not exceed this limit. It is done so to prevent saturation of information and loss of interest.
• Ceremonial Speeches: Should range between 5-10 minutes. These include weddings, graduations, birthdays, and even funerals.
• Informative Speaking : Ideal time considered is 10 minutes. Here, the speaker disseminates important information.
• Persuasive Speaking : Duration between 2-7 minutes. Here, a speaker tries to convince their audience to agree with their viewpoint.

Again, there is nothing set in stone in terms of time, for these presentations. They wary in nature, size and context.

In some scenarios, one could probably be more flexible with their time; for example– a wedding toast, which isn’t necessarily bound by a restrictive timeframe.

Whereas, in more formal environments such as a business pitch, the 18 minute time limit is adhered to.

Best Time of the Day to Give a Presentation

Yes, that is a thing. If you have the flexibility to schedule your presentation, you should most definitely aim to take the morning slot around 10 AM.

Why? This is because your audience will be fresh, with higher levels of concentration and short-term memory.

10 AM isn’t too early in the day, where your audience might doze off.

If a slot is taken after that, around afternoon, it may coincide with lunch time (which, let’s admit, is very important) and result in your audience being more distracted and restless due to the same.

Post-lunch, too, becomes relatively riskier, as productivity levels do go down in the afternoons, especially after a heavy meal. A large number of people feel tired after a heavy meal, and concentration levels dip.

Of course, in the end, choosing your time depends on your knowledge of your audience. It depends on who they are, what they do, and their working hours.

So do keep these factors in mind while scheduling your next presentation!

Putting Power in your Point: Tips & Tricks

Now, keeping time isn’t necessarily limited to just your speech. The presentation you make must also be accurate and clear.

Here are a few hacks you could use to up your PowerPoint game.

1. Simplicity’s the Key:

KISS . Keep it simple, stupid!

If you want to save time while presenting, avoid using ‘fancy’ words or complex explanations; you’re probably going to end up explaining those more than actually presenting, leading to a waste of time. If there’s a simpler route, always go for that.

Limit the number of words per line, and throughout your presentation. Just about 6-8 words per line, and keep a close eye on the number of slides.

2. Display Matter that Matters:

Make it a point to present only essential information. The explanation is to be done by the speaker.

Hence, just put in the required keywords in bullet points, and explain them accordingly.

Quite often, presenters make large bullet points with the whole text, and end up reading those verbatim instead. This must be avoided.

Follow the 6 x 6 rule for bullet points , which states no more than 6 words per point, and no more than 6 points per slide.

3. Limit your Slides:

Ensure that you don’t have too many slides, which may result in exceeding the time limit.

Time your presentation accordingly, with reference to the one slide per minute rule.

4. ‘Builds’ Could Knock you Down :

Build slides are those slides that gradually show you the bullet points so present, as the mouse is clicked.

They are used to add variety, but ever so often, they end up slowing down the presentation.

Avoid using builds repetitively, and use them only where necessary and/or to make a point.

5. Learn to Navigate:

In the course of the presentation, you may be asked to go back and forth your slides, for purposes of reference.

For example, if at Slide 14, you wish to cover a concept so explained on Slide 5, you may end up wasting time going through each of those previous 9 slides. Remember, every second counts.

There are various methods to ensure you reach your desired slide, with the simple click of a button. Read this.

Guy Kawasaki’s 10/20/30 Rule :

It’s pretty simple:

10 Slides — the optimal number 20 Minutes — the optimal duration 30 pts. — minimum font size.

According to Kawasaki, 10 is the adequate number of slides that the human mind can fully interpret and retain. It’s up to the speaker on how he wants to structure his presentation, but the message should be conveyed within those 10 slides.

20 minutes is the time you should allocate for your presentation. Even if you are given a whole 60 minutes for the same, aim to finish in 20 and allocate the remaining 40 minutes to an interactive question/answer session.

30 pts. should be the minimum size of the font you choose. Nothing smaller than that. The idea behind this is that the smaller the text, the more information is put on the slide. This may be counterproductive to the fact that PowerPoint Presentations are meant to be concise and to-the-point. The explaining is to be done by you.

In Conclusion

Keeping your thoughts, on the dot, may seem like a task, at first. But, now you know, it surely isn’t.

All it requires is prioritization from the presenter’s end. Keep the needs and interests of your audience in mind and respect their time.

Keep time, and don’t let time keep you.

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Managing Time Effectively in Your Presentation: 4 Expert Tips  – How to Stay on Track!

We’ve all been there. Halfway through a presentation, you suddenly realise that you don‘t have enough time left! This despite the fact that you‘ve practiced the presentation again and again and have always come in under time.

Presentations are often time-limited. In particular, pitch presentations, and occasions where there are several speakers, generally have rigid time limits that you must stick to. This article will give you four great tips for managing time effectively.

How to keep your presentation to time – 4 expert tips

Here are our four best tips for managing time during your presentation effectively – why not give them   a try?

Tip #1: Prepare thoroughly

You need to start thinking about the timing of your presentation from the beginning of your preparation . One way of doing this is to take a sheet of paper and sketch out your slides in sequence , making a note of the maximum presentation time you anticipate for each slide.

This helps you see which slides are essential, and which can be left out.  You should end up with a coherent narrative line, where each slide adds to your argument.

How much speaking time should you allow per slide?

It would be great if we could calculate the speaking time per slide , adding up to the time you’re allowed for your presentation, thus solving the problem of time management. Unfortunately, there aren’t any hard and fast rules. The approximate speaking time per slide depends on the content of that slide and your presentation topic.

As a rule, however, aim to speak for no more than 3-4 minutes per slide. In general, keep it shorter rather than too long – this keeps your audience attentive.

Bonus tip: Keep in mind that your presentation will almost always take longer than when you rehearse it at home beforehand. This is because you are interacting with the audience and follow-up questions are asked. Allow about 20%-40% more time for the actual presentation.

Tip #2: Look at your subject from an outsider’s perspective, and present it accordingly

Think like an outsider. Instead of considering the individual points of your presentation from your own point of view, imagine how long it would take someone without your prior knowledge and background to understand them . Use the latter times as a guide. This way you allow as much room as possible for questions.

You know yourself and your strengths best. When is your energy level at its highest? Do you start strong or do you need a few minutes to get into flow? Tailor your presentation accordingly. Who is your audience and where are you going to give your presentation?

If you are presenting on the evening of the last day of a conference, for example, you need to be prepared for a tired audience. If you are introducing a conference, you may need to clarify terms first. Also, plan your presentation time carefully in light of your surroundings. T hat way, you won’t run out of time or breath.

As a general rule, make sure you meet the needs of your audience . Ask yourself what points you really want to include in your presentation to get your core message across. You can find further tips in our short article “ Focus on audience’s needs “.

Tip #3: Use PowerPoint Speaker View

Another simple trick you can use to keep your presentation time is the PowerPoint Speaker View. This handy PowerPoint feature offers lots of helpful options. For example, you could set it to show the next slide along in your presentation, or display notes that only you, and not your audience, can see.

A really useful feature here is the timer. It shows how much time of your presentation has already passed, allowing you to keep the presentation on time.

We go through how to set the timer in our article “ PowerPoint Presenter View” .

Tip #4: Use shortcuts for PowerPoint for managing time better!

With the right keyboard shortcuts, you can save a lot of time, whether in PowerPoint presentations or generally when working on the computer. The best thing is: they are easy to learn and work on every computer! You can find out exactly which shortcuts there are and how to get the most out of working with shortcuts in our blog post on “ Shortcuts .”

With the help of shortcuts, you can work much more efficiently in the future and invest more time in presenting itself . Not only you, but also your audience will thank you!

Extra Tip: Use add-ins from PresentationLoad!

Our customers often ask whether there is an add-in available that makes it possible to display time periods, countdowns or the current time in presentations . We listened, and developed such an add-in ourselves! With the help of our revolutionary time presentation tool, you can now incorporate time management and efficiency into your next presentation in a professional way.

Until now, the only way to get an overview of time in PowerPoint presentations was to use PowerPoint Speaker View. Unfortunately, this function is only visible to the presenter. That’s why our new Dynamic Time Add-In tool equips your current PowerPoint version with the features needed to show time, date and time periods in the way that best suits your presentation.

The add-in is compatible with:

• Microsoft Office 2010 (32bit & 64bit)
• Microsoft Office 2013 (32bit & 64bit)
• Windows 7 (32bit & 64bit)
• Windows 8.1 (32bit & 64bit)

Four for one: time, date, counter and countdown

Whether it’s a presentation, a lecture, self-running info screens, or trade fair presentations, showing the time, whether faded in or as a countdown, can be a great tool . For example, you could announce an upcoming deadline for an important product or the launch of your website by fading in a countdown.

By doing so, you not only add interest to your presentation, but also have the use of a unique tool known only to a few. To help you get started, we provide a short tutorial below, to help get you up to speed. Follow the simple instructions to get started!

Just install and go: instructions

The add-in is installed by executing the downloaded file (admin rights may be required) and is automatically integrated within your PowerPoint window as a tab.

To activate the range of functions, click the DynamicElements tab. Then select the Time button to open the Time Panel options window. The editing interface for Dynamic Time now appears on the right of the screen.

As soon as you create a new textbox and select a mode in the Time Panel, it will automatically include the date (or time/countdown) you want.

Any number of text fields can be assigned with time and date display. To do this, create a text field in the conventional way, then activate it via the Time Panel (on the right of the page) by assigning a new mode (the default is none).

We’ve put in four modes (functions with setting options) for this purpose:

• Clock for the time display
• Date to show the date
• Counter to display a counter
• Countdown to see a countdown

When choosing time- or date-based displays, you need to select a time zone if the one you want is not the default.

You can display any time or date using a single field, or split it into components (e.g. the time in hours, minutes and seconds).

To see what the dynamic element looks like once inserted, switch to presentation mode via the Slide Show tab and choose From current slide .

(For further instructions, please see the ReadMeFirst file included in the add-in).

Possible uses:

• Dynamic time display
• Show the current time (including seconds) on your PowerPoint slides during the presentation:

• Show a start screen with live time in digital format (for your event, lecture, self-running presentation/info screen):

• Display a world clock with different time zones. By setting different time zones you can, for example, display an individualized company world clock, including all your company locations:

Display the date in different formats . The days of the week can be automatically included if so desired. Combine the date and time for attractive calendar pages!

3. Dynamic Counter

Show the time which has elapsed since a specified point in time (giving the date and time). For example, show the time since the launch of a new product or of your website, the founding of your company or the opening of a particular location.

4. Dynamic Countdown

Show the time remaining until a particular event (in days, hours, minutes and seconds).

Click here to get to the add-in: Download

To sum up: Managing time in presentations the right way

The chances are that your next presentation is coming up. Using our expert tips, you can plan and achieve sticking to the time you’re given for your presentation .  You should find it far easier to manage that time effectively.

If you have any further questions about managing presentation time, or indeed about PowerPoint in general, do feel free to email us at [email protected] . We’re always glad to help!

Looking for professionally designed slide templates for your presentation? Take a look around our store! We have a fabulous range of slides for download covering the business topics you need! ► Shop

You might also be interested in the following articles:

• PowerPoint Presenter View
• Concentrate on Audience’s Needs
• Preparing Presentatios: 11 tips
• Target Group Analysis

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