effective slides presentation

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

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

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

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

Partner Center

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

Manage Cookies

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

Strictly Necessary Cookies

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

Show cookie providers

• Google Login

Functionality Cookies

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

Performance Cookies

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

• Google Analytics

Targeting Cookies

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

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

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

How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 20, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Click to jump ahead:

What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?

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

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

1. Clear structure

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

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

2. Engaging opening

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

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

3. Relevant content

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

4. Effective visual aids

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

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

5. Clear and concise communication

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

6. Engaging delivery

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

7. Interaction and audience engagement

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

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

8. Effective storytelling

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

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

9. Well-timed pacing

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

10. Strong conclusion

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

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

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

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

1. Understand the audience and their needs

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

2. Conduct thorough research on the topic

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

3. Organize the content with a clear structure

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

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

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

4. Develop visually appealing and supportive visual aids

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

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

5. Practice, practice and practice

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

6. Seek feedback and make necessary adjustments

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

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

7. Prepare for potential technical or logistical issues

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

8. Fine-tune and polish your presentation

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

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

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

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

1. Confidence and positive body language

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

2. Eye contact with the audience

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

3. Effective use of hand gestures and movement

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

4. Utilize storytelling techniques

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

5. Incorporate multimedia elements

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

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

6. Utilize humor strategically

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

7. Practice active listening and respond to feedback

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

8. Apply the 10-20-30 rule

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

9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule

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

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

1. How to start a presentation?

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

2. How to end a presentation?

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

3. How to make a presentation interactive?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discover popular designs

Infographic maker

Brochure maker

White paper online

Newsletter creator

Flyer maker

Timeline maker

Letterhead maker

Mind map maker

Ebook maker

Home Blog Design The Rules of PowerPoint Presentations: Creating Effective Slides

The Rules of PowerPoint Presentations: Creating Effective Slides

Creating a PowerPoint presentation can seem straightforward, but several essential rules must be followed when the goal is to deliver something truly compelling. These guidelines ensure that your presentation slides are visually appealing and serve their primary purpose: clearly communicating your message to evoke an emotion.

In this article, we will cover 14 rules that differentiate an amateurish presentation from a professional one. Each rule will include tips on how to implement it.

Table of Contents

Keep It Simple

Consistent design matters, use visuals wisely, focus on readability, limit text per slide, data presentation should be clear, use animations sparingly, use white space effectively, prepare a strong opening and closing slide, test for cross-platform compatibility, always include a call to action, stay within time limits, plan the flow of information, balance between text and visuals.

This is a no-brainer. Complex or cluttered slides overwhelm your audience and detract from your message. Every element on the slide should have a clear purpose. Too much text, excessive animations, or irrelevant images will distract rather than enhance your presentation.

When preparing presentation slides, always focus on the key message of each slide. Ask yourself, “Does this support my point, or is it just noise?” Simplifying your content makes your presentation more engaging and easier for your audience to follow.

• Use bullet points rather than paragraphs.
• Limit each slide to one key idea or point.
• Avoid unnecessary effects like transitions between every slide.
• For more information on creating a truly compact presentation, check out our article on the 10-20-30 rules for presentations .

A well-designed slide deck should have a uniform look throughout the presentation. A consistent color scheme, font selection, and layout make your slides aesthetically pleasing and help the audience stay focused on the content.

A mismatch of fonts, colors, and slide layouts gives the impression of a disorganized presentation or lack of skill. You don’t have to be a designer to accomplish this; just stick to a PowerPoint template and get the design decisions sorted out for you.

• Stick to one or two fonts (e.g., a sans-serif font for headers and a serif font for body text). Check out our guide on the best PowerPoint fonts for more information.
• Use a limited color palette (three to four complementary colors).
• Ensure that each slide follows a similar layout for headings and content placement.
• Our color theory for presentations article can guide you about the psychological factors of certain colors and how to create color combinations.

Visuals are critical to any good presentation slides PPT, but they should be used thoughtfully. Images, charts, and diagrams help illustrate points in a way that words alone cannot. However, overusing visuals or choosing inappropriate ones can be counterproductive in terms of visual communication .

The rule is to use visuals that support your content. For instance, opt for a simple, well-labeled chart rather than a wall of numbers when discussing data. Pictures should reinforce your message, not distract or confuse the audience.

• Choose high-quality images that relate directly to your content.
• Make sure charts and graphs are easy to read with clear labeling.
• Avoid clipart and overly decorative elements. Instead, opt for high-quality vector images for PowerPoint .

Effective PPT presentation slides must be easily read, even from the back of the room or during a virtual presentation. Small or overly intricate fonts can make it difficult for your audience to follow along.

Ensure that text stands out against the background, with a strong contrast between the font color and slide background. A good rule is to avoid bright or overly complex backgrounds that can obscure text.

• Use a minimum font size of 24 points for body text.
• Stick to simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica.
• Avoid placing text over busy backgrounds.
• Don’t use intense contrast between text and background. Websites like WebAIM color contrast checker are ideal to ensure you work with the appropriate hues.

Your slides are not a presentation transcript; they should provide highlights and key points, not the entire content.

Slides packed with text are hard to read and tempt your audience to start reading rather than listening to what you’re saying. Stick to the idea of “less is more” when preparing good presentation slides.

• Use short bullet points or brief phrases instead of full sentences.
• Aim for no more than 5-7 lines of text per slide.
• Highlight key points, not entire explanations.
• Apply the Feynman technique to simplify explanations.

If your PowerPoint presentation includes data, it must be presented in a way that’s easy to understand. Avoid dense tables of figures and opt for simple, clean charts and graphs that visually communicate the data.

Good presentation slides ensure that every data point supports your narrative. Clarity is the number one winning factor when presenting sales growth, research findings, or market trends.

• Use charts that match the data type: bar graphs for comparisons, pie charts for proportions, etc.
• Label axes and data points.
• Avoid 3D charts that can distort data visualization.
• Check our guides on data presentation and data storytelling to structure your data in the most appropriate format.

While animations and transitions can add a dynamic element to your presentation, they should be used sparingly and with a clear purpose. Overuse of these effects can make a presentation look unprofessional and distracting.

The best practice is to use simple transitions, such as fades or wipes, to move between slides smoothly. Animations within slides should be used to emphasize important points or guide the audience’s attention, not as a constant feature of your effective PPT presentation slides.

• Stick to one type of transition throughout the presentation.
• Use animations only to highlight important data or concepts.
• Avoid overly complex or distracting animations.
• These effects are not restricted to PowerPoint. Learn how to use Google Slides animations .

White space, or the empty space on a slide, is just as important as the text and visuals. It gives your content room to breathe and prevents the slide from feeling overcrowded.

Proper use of white space can make your good presentation slides more professional and easier to read. It allows the audience to focus on the key points rather than trying to decipher a crowded slide.

• Leave margins around the text and visuals to balance them. If you plan to print your slide deck, consider safe areas, margins, and bleed.
• Avoid filling every inch of a slide with content.
• Use white space to separate different elements for clarity.

The first and last impression is critical in any PPT presentation. Your opening slide sets the tone for the entire presentation, while your closing slide provides the final takeaway.

Keep the opening clean and straightforward, introducing the topic without overwhelming details. The closing slide should summarize the main points and leave a lasting impact, perhaps with a call to action or final thought.

• Use a simple title slide to start your presentation .
• Include key takeaways or a strong conclusion in your closing slide.
• Avoid introducing new information in the final slide.

Sometimes, formatting, fonts, or multimedia may not translate well between systems, leading to errors during the presentation. For users who consistently work with Google Slides templates , this may not be an issue, but if PowerPoint or Keynote are your presentation software options, then it’s best to stick to the safe side.

• Test your presentation on both Mac and PC platforms.
• Use standard fonts that are available across different operating systems. If not, opt for Google Fonts.
• Embed fonts or convert your presentation to PDF format to avoid compatibility issues.

If your presentation has a purpose beyond delivering information—such as inspiring action or driving decisions—your final slide should include a clear call to action slide . This will direct your audience to what to do next, ensuring that your message has a lasting impact. It can be as simple as just adding a banner slide to seduce prospective clients about your upcoming offers.

• Use action-oriented language like “Sign up,” “Start now,” or “Contact us.”
• Provide clear instructions or next steps for the audience to follow.
• Keep the call to action simple and easy to follow.
• Bold colors help to guide the audience toward the CTA button or phrase.

When preparing your presentation slides, keep the time constraints in mind. While the content may be detailed and relevant, your presentation must fit within the allocated time to avoid rushing or cutting key information.

• Time yourself when rehearsing to ensure you stay within limits.
• Trim unnecessary slides or points if your presentation exceeds the allowed time.
• Use visual cues, like a progress bar or section divider slides, to show time management.

The presentation structure of your slide deck should guide the audience through your argument or story step by step. Start with an introduction, move into your key points, and conclude with a summary or call to action. Jumping between unrelated points can confuse the audience, so the order of your slides matters as much as the content.

• Plan your slides in a way that builds on the previous information.
• Ensure smooth transitions between sections.
• Use summary slides to reinforce key points at the end of each section.

As with everything in life, going overboard or coming up short has consequences. Too much of either of these elements can make your slides overwhelming or too simplistic.

When considering how to make effective presentation slides, always think about how the text and visuals can work together to reinforce the main message. If a visual alone can convey the point, limit the text to a title or supporting bullet point.

• Pair concise text with a relevant visual.
• Avoid slides that are entirely visual or entirely text-based.
• Maintain a clear hierarchy by using larger fonts for headings and smaller ones for supporting text.

Like this article? Please share

Presentation Ideas, Presentation Tips Filed under Design

Related Articles

Filed under Design • October 17th, 2024

Architecture Project Presentation: Must-Know Secrets for Creative Slides

Impress your audience by mastering the art of architectural project presentations. This detailed guide will give you the insights for this craft.

Filed under Google Slides Tutorials • October 16th, 2024

How to Add Voice Memos to Google Slides

Make your slides more interesting by learning how to add voice memos to Google Slides presentations. Step-by-step instructions here.

Filed under Business • October 8th, 2024

Data-Driven Decision Making: Presenting the Process Behind Informed Choices

Discover how to harness data for informed decision-making and create impactful presentations. A detailed guide + templates on DDDM presentation slides.

Leave a Reply