short presentation topics ppt

10-Minute Presentation Topics | 50 Unique Ideas in 2024

Lawrence Haywood • 27 Oct 2023 • 10 min read

For 10 minutes, what can you really do? A shower? A power nap? An entire presentation?

You might already be sweating at the idea of that last one. Cramming an entire presentation into 10 minutes is tough, but doing it without even knowing what to talk about is even tougher. So let’s check out 10-minute presentation topics

No matter where you’ve been challenged to give a 10-minute presentation, we’ve got your back. Check out the ideal presentation structure below and over fifty 10-minute presentation topics, you can use for your big (actually, pretty small) speech. So, let’s check out the best 50 10-minute presentation topics!

Table of Contents

• The 10-Minute Presentation Structure
• Topics for College Students
• Topics for Interviews
• Relatable Topics
• Interesting Topics
• Controversial Topics

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Tips from AhaSlides – 10-minute presentation topics

• Types of Presentation
• Product presentation
• Business presentation

The 10-Minute Presentation Topics Structure

As you might imagine, the hardest part of a 10-minute presentation is actually sticking to 10 minutes. None of your audience, organisers or fellow speakers will be pleased if your speech starts running over, but it’s hard to know how not to.

You might be tempted to cram as much information as possible, but doing so is just going to make for an overbearing presentation. Especially for this type of presentation , knowing what to leave out is as much of a skill as knowing what to put in, so try and follow the sample below for a perfectly structured presentation.

• Introduction (1 slide) – Start your presentation with a quick question, fact or story relayed in a maximum of 2 minutes.
• Body (3 slides) – Get into the nitty gritty of your talk with 3 slides. Audiences struggle to take home more than three ideas, so spacing all three out over the course of 6 or 7 minutes can be very effective.
• Conclusion (1 slide) – End it all with a quick sum up of your 3 main points. You should be able to do this in 1 minute.

This 10-minute presentation example format contains a fairly conservative 5 slides, based on the famous 10-20-30 rule of presentations. In that rule, an ideal presentation is 10 slides in 20 minutes, meaning a 10-minute presentation would only require 5 slides.

10 Ideas for College Students – 10-Minute Presentation Topics

A 10-minute presentation is all you need as a college student to show your knowledge and forward-thinking values. So let’s check out few 10-minute presentation topics!

They’re also great practice for presentations you might be making in the future. If you feel comfortable within 10 minutes, chances are that you’ll be alright in the future, too.

• How to work alongside AI – Artificial intelligence is making huge steps forward daily. We’ll soon be in a different world, so how are you, the worker of the future, going to deal with it? This is a super interesting topic and one that’s very relevant for your classmates.
• Fighting the climate catastrophe – The issue of our age. What is it doing to us and how do we solve it?
• Portable homes – The portable home movement is on the way to revolutionising the way we live. What’s good and bad about having a house you can move around and what does your ideal one look like?
• The thrift life – How to save money on clothes, along with the pros and cons of throwaway fashion for youngsters.
• The future of streaming platforms – Why is TV on demand so great and why is it not universal? Or is it stealing too much of our free time?
• What happened to newspapers? – Newspapers are probably ancient technology to college students like you. A deep dive into history will reveal what they were and why they’re on their way out of print.
• The evolution of the mobile phone – Has any device in history advanced as quickly as mobile phones have? There’s so much to talk about in this 10-minute presentation topic.
• The life and times of your hero – A great chance to show your love for someone who inspires you the most. This can be within or outside of your college subject.
• My permaculture future – If you’re looking for a greener existence in your future, try explaining to your classmates about the advantages and logistics of having a permaculture garden.
• E-waste – We dump out so much electrical waste these days. Where does it all go and what happens to it?

10 Interview Presentation Ideas – 10-Minute Presentation Topics

More and more nowadays, recruiters are turning to quick-fire presentation as a means of testing a candidate’s skill and confidence in presenting something.

But, it’s more than that. Recruiters also want to learn about you as a person. They want to know what interests you, what makes you tick and what has changed your life in a profound way.

If you can nail any of these presentation topics in your interview, you’ll be starting next Monday!

• Someone who inspires you – Pick a hero and talk about their background, their achievements, what you’ve learned from them and how it’s shaped you as a person.
• The most eye-opening place you’ve ever been – A travelling experience or holiday that blew your mind. This might not necessarily be your favourite ever abroad experience, but it was one that made you realise something you had not thought about before.
• An imagined problem – Set out a hypothetical problem at the company you’re applying for. Show the recruiters the steps you would take to eradicate that problem for good.
• Something you’re proud of – We’ve all got achievements we’re proud of, and they do not necessarily work achievements. A quick 10-minute presentation on something you’ve done or made that has made you proud can reveal a lot of good stuff about you as a person.
• The future of your field – Make some interesting, bold predictions about where you think the industry is heading in the upcoming years. Do research, get stats to back up your claims, and avoid being condescending.
• A workflow you’ve fixed – Untidy workflows are rampant in many workplaces. If you’ve had a hand in turning something inefficient into a well-oiled machine, make a presentation about it!
• A book you’d love to write – Assuming you were a top-class wordsmith, what’s the one topic you’d love to write a book about? Would it be fiction or non-fiction? What would the plot be? Who are the characters?
• Your favourite work culture – Choose the job with the best work culture in terms of office atmosphere, rules, after-work activities and trips away. Explain what was so great about it; it might give your potential new boss a few ideas!
• Pet peeves in the workplace – If you fancy yourself as a bit of a comedian, listing out the things that grind your gears in the office could be a good laugh and a nice bit of observational comedy for your recruiters. Make sure it’s actually funny though, as listening to a candidate moan for 10 minutes is not normally something that leads to recruitment.
• The good and bad of remote working – Surely every office worker in the world has experience of remote working. Pry open your own experiences and discuss whether or not they’ve been for the better or for, the worse.

10 Relatable 10-Minute Presentation Topics

People love stuffs they can relate to their own experiences. It’s the reason why your presentation on the problems of the post office was a hit, but your one on the use of thermoplongeurs and suspension compression on modern fatigue carousels was an absolute travesty.

Keeping topics nicely open and accessible for everyone is a great way to get a good reaction. Do you need some topics for presentation that participants can get involved in quickly? Check out these fun presentation topics ideas as below…

• The best Disney princess – The best interesting presentation topics! Everyone’s got their favourite; who’s the one that gives you the most hope for generations of strong, independent girls?
• The greatest language ever – Maybe it’s the language that sounds the sexiest, looks the sexiest or the one that just works the best.
• Coffee vs tea – Most people have a preference, but very few have the numbers to back it up. Do some scientific research into what’s better between coffee and tea and why.
• Stand-up – You may not initially think it, but a stand-up comedy performance is definitely a presentation of sorts. 10 minutes is a great time window for some witty observations that make everyone laugh.
• Reasons for procrastination – List out all the things that keep you from doing what you’re supposed to be doing. Remember to tell some stories in this – chances are that almost all of your audience will be able to relate.
• Is social distancing for life? Introverts, assemble. Or actually, don’t. Should we keep social distancing an opt-in, opt-out kind of thing?
• Paper books vs ebooks – This one is all about physical touch and nostalgia against modern convenience. It’s a fight for our age.
• Identity of the decades – We all know the distinction between the 70s, 80s and 90s, but what were the unique cultural points of the 2000s and 2010s? Will we see later or will they just never get their own identities?
• Pluto’s a planet – Believe it or not, there are a surprising number of Pluto aficionados out there. Talking about how Pluto’s a planet could really get them on your side, and they’re a powerful bunch.
• Observational comedy – A dive into the most relatable of relatable short presentation topics. What makes observational comedy so relatable?

10 Interesting 10-Minute Presentation Topics

This one is the exact opposite of ‘relatable topics’. These short presentation topics are all about super interesting scientific phenomena that a lot of people don’t know about.

You don’t have to be relatable when you can be fascinating!

• Crown shyness – A presentation that explores the phenomenon of the crowns of trees that grow in such a way as not to touch each other.
• Sailing stones – There are rocks that can sail across the floor of Death Valley, but what causes it?
• Bioluminescence – Dive into what makes certain animals and plants light up the night using just their bodies. Include heaps of pictures in this one, it’s a glorious sight!
• What happened to Venus? – Venus and Earth came into existence at the same time, made of the same stuff. Yet, Venus is a real hellscape of a planet – so what happened?
• Music therapy in Alzheimer’s treatment – Music is so effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Take a dive into the interesting reason why that is.
• What the hell is slime mould? – An exploration of the mould made up of single cells that can solve mazes when those cells combine forces.
• All about Havana Syndrome – The mysterious illness that struck the US embassy in Cuba – where did it come from and what did it do?
• The origins of Stonehenge – How did people 5000 years ago drag boulders from the Welsh highlands to lowland England? Also, why did they even decide to build Stonehenge?
• Intuition – Gut feeling, sixth sense; whatever you want to call it, scientists don’t really know what it is.
• Deja vu – We all know the feeling, but how does it work? Why do we feel deja vu?

10 Controversial 10-Minute Presentation Topics

Check out some controversial 10-minute presentation topics. Not only are social topics for presentation, but these are also ideal topics for presentation for students in class as they can make positive debates in the learning environment.

• Cryptocurrency: good or bad? – It resurfaces in the news every few months, so everyone’s got an opinion, but we often only hear one side of the cryptocoin and not the other. In this 10-minute presentation, you can introduce the good and bad of crypto.
• Should we ban Black Friday? – Mass consumerism and mass tramplings at store entrances – has Black Friday gone too far? Some will say it’s not gone far enough.
• Minimalism – A new way to live that’s the opposite of everything Black Friday represents. How does it work and why should you try it?
• The best stuff for your health – Another one about which everyone’s got something to say. Do the research and give the facts.
• Disney whitewashing – This one’s definitely a controversial topic. It could be a quick exploration of how Disney seemingly chooses and alters skin tones depending on the story being told.
• Time to eat some bugs – As the world will soon have to move away from meat, what are we going to replace it with? Hope your audience likes cricket sundaes!
• Free speech – Is free speech something we still have? Are you having it right now while you give this presentation? That’s a pretty easy one to answer.
• Gun laws around the world – See how the world’s most gunned-up country compares to other countries in terms of weapons available and its ramifications.
• 1 million vs 1 billion – The difference between $1,000,000 and $1,000,000,000 is much bigger than you think. There are so many ways to highlight the enormous wealth gap in a 10-minute presentation.
• Military spending – We could solve all world issues in a flash if every country dissolved its military and used its funds for good. Is it feasible?

Bonus Topics: Vox

Looking for unique topics for presentation? Being your great idea source, Vox is an American online magazine with a real knack for making insightful video essays on interesting topics you may never have thought about. They were the guys behind the ‘ Explained ‘ series on Netflix, and they’ve also got their own YouTube channel full of topics.

The videos vary in length, but you can choose any of these to present if you feel like it’s interesting enough for your crowd. They are not only the best topics for presentation in college but also unique topics for presentation in office. Contract or expand the information in the video to 10 minutes and make sure you can present it comfortably.

Some of Vox’s videos include trendy topics for presentation…

• How music on TikTok goes viral.
• London’s super basements.
• The AI behind creating art on demand.
• The end of oil.
• The rise of K-pop.
• Why diets fail.
• Many, many more…

Wrapping Up

10 minutes is, categorically, not a long time , so yes, 10-minute presentation topics can be difficult! Okay, it’s a long time to spend on your turn on the karaoke machine, but it’s not a long time for a presentation. But those also can be the best ideas for video presentations!

Above is your choice of 10-minute presentation topics!

Nailing yours starts with the right topic. Any of the 50 unique ones above would be a great way to kick off a 10-minute presentation (or even a 5-minute presentation ).

Once you have your topic, you’ll want to craft the structure of your 10-minute talk and the content. Check out our presentation tips to keep your presentation fun and watertight.

Got a question? We've got answers.

3 magic ingredients of Amazing Presentations?

How do you present for 15 minutes, is a 10-minute presentation long.

Lawrence Haywood

Former ESL teacher and quiz master converted to the wild slide. Now a content creator, traveller, musician and big time slider preaching the good word of interactivity.

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140 Creative PowerPoint Presentation Topics for College Students

November 3, 2021

When it comes to creating a good PowerPoint presentation, choosing an interesting topic can define your success. Both teachers and students get bored with dull presentation topics. To avoid losing your audience and getting a lower grade, you should start with mulling over a few cool presentation ideas to pick a perfect topic.

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Since there are so many different subjects, it might be rather difficult for you to find suitable topics for presentation assignments. Prior to getting started, go through this checklist and settle on one topic:

• Do a Research Go online and look for interesting presentation topics. There is no guarantee that you will find a good subject to explore, but you can draw inspiration to come up with your own idea.
• Talk to Your Teacher Your professors can provide you with some unique presentation ideas if you seek their help at once. Don’t wait until another student gets a cool topic; be the first to ask.
• Consider Your Interests The easiest way to make an effective presentation is to tell about something you are interested in or know well. The best presentation topics ideas come from a person’s expertise or experience. So think carefully about what makes you engaged in a particular subject and use it to construct a topic.

If you are still uncertain about your presentation, read on to find a wide range of engaging presentation topics.

A List of Interesting Presentation Topics for College

To help you make your college presentations exciting, we have composed the list of universally interesting topics in various subjects. The areas of study are arranged in alphabetical order.

Agriculture Presentation Topics

• Environmental impact of agriculture
• Development and utilization of bio-based fuels
• How world population growth affects global demand for commodities
• Americans waste their food
• Trump’s return to conventional agriculture
• How GMO labeling works
• Anti-pollution efforts anyone can put in
• How is your beef treated before it ends up on your plate
• How is permaculture different from organic gardening
• Is there a future for sustainable agriculture?

Art Presentation Topics

• Popular misconceptions about oil paintings
• Is graffiti an artwork?
• The art of digital photography
• World weirdest museums
• Greatest painters of all time
• Peculiarities of Orientalism in art
• Religious aspects of art
• Impressions from Impressionism
• Posters and collages: modern art
• The art of murals

Architecture Presentation Topics

• Modern garden architecture
• Examples of post-modernist architecture
• Environmentally friendly architecture
• Architectural design
• World’s most impressive pieces of architecture
• Religious architecture
• Greatest architects of all time
• Industrial architecture
• Best examples of landscape architecture
• Architectural engineering

Business Presentation Topics

• Pros and cons of family-owned business
• Business ethics as a key factor in corporate success
• Evolution of entrepreneurship
• How does a franchise work
• Advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing
• Is freelancing a career?
• Effective management techniques
• How to create a healthy workplace environment
• Importance of the workplace diversity
• Perks of e-commerce

Criminal Justice Presentation Topics

• Hate crimes in different age groups
• What you should know about human trafficking
• How to deal with domestic violence
• Danger of cybercrime
• How to prevent crime
• How prison system works
• Consequences of wrongful conviction
• Capital punishment
• Elder/child abuse
• Types of juvenile delinquency

Environment Presentation Topics

• How urban ecology works
• Notion of environmental racism
• Size and impact of industrial pollution
• Environmental sustainability
• Consequences of deforestation
• What is ecofeminism?
• Contamination of groundwater
• Exposure to nuclear waste
• How bad is air pollution?
• Management of water resources

History Presentation Topics

• Role of the USA in Vietnam War
• Constitutional history of the US
• Rise and fall of the Roman Empire
• A typical day of an ancient Egyptian
• Interesting facts from Cleopatra’s biography
• Ancient Greece and the origins of democracy
• Historical aspects of Sumerian mythology
• Famous women in world history
• Unknown facts about Geronimo
• Legacy of African-American folklore

Lifestyle Presentation Topics

• Difference between consumption and consumerism
• Role of social media in our personal life
• Why are people obsessed with celebrities?
• Which family values still matter?
• Drug and alcohol substitutes
• Social issues of dating violence
• How efficient is online dating?
• Spending quality time with your friends
• Growing up in the same-gender family
• Does sport equal health?

Literature Presentation Topics

• Haiku: Japanese poetry at its best
• Stendahl and his two colors of French novel
• Literary genre of mystery and detective fiction
• George Orwell and dystopian literature
• Evolution of the short story genre
• Kabuki, a traditional Japanese theater
• Gods in Scandinavian mythology
• Catharsis and Greek tragedy
• Peculiarties of medieval drama
• Origins of science fiction literature

Psychology Presentation

• Archetypal attraction to horror movies
• Difference between stereotypes, discrimination, and prejudice
• False memory disorder
• Gender roles in modern society
• What is social identity?
• Cognitive models of decision making
• Individual differences in reasoning
• Nature of cognitive dissonance
• Experimental social psychology
• Basics of self-reflection

Science Presentation Topics

• What determines body mass index?
• How harmful is tobacco smoke?
• Germ theory of disease
• Sleep deprivation, patterns, and habits
• Cosmology versus cosmogony
• Marijuana use, dependence, and abuse
• What do we know about genes and DNA?
• Role of biotechnics
• Greatest women in science
• Origins of modern calculus

Sports Presentation Topics

• Popular sports superstitions
• Where do the fastest cars race?
• Greatest athletes of all times
• Little known facts about the Olympics
• Equine therapy for autistic kids
• History of basketball
• Famous animal athletes
• Origins of martial arts
• Which sports cause most injuries?
• Traditional sports you never heard of

Technology Presentation Topics

• Evolution of artificial intelligence
• Ethical hacker: Can hacking be legal?
• Possibilities of solar energy
• How a lie detector works
• Prospects of green technology
• Ethics of genetic engineering
• Eco-friendly means of transportation
• Networked culture of social media
• Risks of nanotechnology development
• SpaceX’s interplanetary spaceship

5 Minute Presentation Topics

• Greatest discoveries of the last decade
• Industrial impact of autonomous cars
• Governmental control of the Internet
• iOS versus Android
• Gender difference in IQ
• Reasons to stop watching horror movies
• Busting fast food myths
• Can an atheist have virtues?
• Blogging as self-employment
• Why care about politics?

60 Extra New PowerPoint Presentation Topics

Topics on politics.

• The global view of politics by students.
• Is tolerance a current approach to developing new political virtues?
• Reasons to justify liberal democracy.
• The difference between parliamentary and presidential elections and forms of democracy.
• Should politicians go extra mile to ensure that the community is prosperous?
• Do you agree that coronavirus situation in the New York City can be used as a means of promoting nationalization?
• Do you agree that the situation with the anti-coronavirus masks shortage is connected with the government mess done on purpose?
• The situation with corruption among politicians on a global scale.
• Compare and contrast the UK and the USA foreign policies.
• What is the function of congressional communities?

Topics on Mass Media

• Should social media operate according to specific rules?
• What are the main criteria for certain YouTube videos to spread viral?
• What was the main reason why social media platforms have become so trendy?
• Should some celebrities be ashamed of the content they expose in the social media? Or is it a way of gaining population?
• Is it possible to maintain safety and confidentiality on social media platforms?
• What do you think of the popularity rates when it comes to people who still prefer watching TV to surfing the net?
• Why are so many people interested in watching dangerous and life-threatening pranks?
• Your opinion on Netflix series: are they changing the world of movies?
• Recall some stories of child actors who succeeded in their future adult careers.
• What impact do politicians have on the Academy Awards?

Topics on Medicine

• Pros and cons of in-vitro fertilization.
• Dangers and mysteries behind pharmaceutical companies.
• The underlying principles of anatomy that everyone should know.
• The fundamental criteria used in diagnosing diseases.
• Mysteries behind the life of microbes.
• What do you know about the latest medical breakthroughs?
• Historical accounts about the world’s biggest pandemics.
• Should people be alert when it comes to the threat of brain sucking amoeba?
• What is the function of each part of the human brain?
• Nervous system and its influence on the other bodily systems.

Topics on Education and Academic Matters

• Benefits and drawbacks of online education.
• Should schools put forward some severe and drastic disciplinary measures?
• To what extent should parents be involved in their children’s education?
• The main features and differences of the educational process in the Asian countries.
• How convenient are gadgets for students’ learning process?
• How to balance part-time work and college education?
• Should education be controlled by the government?
• How to succeed in finding a job right after college education?
• Should college degrees be necessary for the opening position?
• How to survive when students have to live on a shoestring because of tuition fees?

Topics on Finance

• Advantages and disadvantages of private banking.
• How to cut down on the business expenses and get a bigger profit of your business?
• Neither a lender nor a borrower be: to what extent do you agree?
• Pros and cons of saving money and spending less vs. taking loans.
• Fundamental knowledge needed to be a financial analyst.
• Why are so many people reluctant to share their spending to the public?
• Pros and cons of passive income.
• How to minimize the credit loans on your credit card?
• How to manage your personal budget?
• How to travel the world even if you do not have much money?

Topics on IT

• The main features of operational systems working on Android.
• The role of tablets in the world of computers.
• The main principles of genetic engineering.
• The development process of touch screen gadgets.
• Ethicality of human cloning.
• Role of apps in learning and work.
• 5G technology: pros and cons.
• Danger of cyber crimes and what can be done about it?
• Dangers and threats of nuclear technology.
• BOYD principles.

You can choose any of the suggested topics to make an interesting college presentation. You can also try exploring curious and controversial aspects of a subject. In such a way, you will be able to find an engaging topic for your slide show.

You should not forget to make your PowerPoint presentation effective and memorable. For this, use images of good quality and appropriate size. Remember that a successful presentation is a combination of interesting information and helpful visual aids. That is why it is crucial that you provide both for your audience.

Some Advice On How to Make an Appealing Presentation

If you want to deliver a good presentation, keep in mind that it is not merely a successful topic that is decisive for making it a winning one. Actually, one may struggle with the presentation due to the lack of experience of public speaking. If you do not feel confident when delivering a topic in front of the audience, the presentation may easily be turned into a failure. If you want to prepare an effective presentation, be sure that there are specific tips to take into account if you want to make a presentation effective and appealing to the reader. So, check out the main aspects:

• Work on the presentation design and pay attention to the visuals and info graphics. If you have slides that have only words on the big screen, be sure that such presentation will not be appealing to you audience. So, express creativity and add some uniqueness – add pictures that are relevant to what you are speaking about and also make sure that they can catch attention of your listeners. Set your inner artist free in order to make your presentation stand out of the crowd. However, strike a balance when it comes to the colors and fonts – they should distract attention of your audience from the main idea.
• Do not use overly sophisticated words but at the same time be eloquent. Proper vocabulary choice will also attract the attention of your audience. When it comes to vocabulary choice, also please consider that you should speak in words you know what they mean and how they are pronounced. Of course, some sophistication may impress your audience but it will not be a positive impression when you are ignorant of the meanings of the words or rules of spelling or pronunciation.
• When planning your presentation, manage your time wisely and set aside some time for answering questions from your audience. Normally, the audience is interested in some aspects and is eager to know something more about the area of research you are talking about. Therefore, express your politeness here and provide your listeners with the possibility to engage in a conversation.

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Hi, Diana! You can chat with our support team and ask our writers for help.

How about politics?There is no suggession for politic topics

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they are ok but some seem a bit babyish

Didn’t do a research about media Any suggestions please

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81+ List of PowerPoint Topics & Ideas for your Next Presentation

Last updated on March 1st, 2024

PowerPoint has emerged as an effective tool for communication with a large number of audience in one go. These presentations can be widely used by people regardless of their field. However, what makes a PowerPoint presentation worth the time of the audience and the presenter is a well-crafted set of slides with the right mix of content. That alone can be more conveniently achieved if your presentation topic is appropriate and inspiring.

Let us categorize some important fields of PowerPoint presentation into separate lists and the type of topics that can be used for making awe-inspiring presentations.

Presentation Topic Ideas For Students

Students prepare presentations for multiple reasons, including some basic slides for important topic so that they can review the course content quickly at the time of examination. But the type of presentations which may get them the applause of their teacher or some extra marks are the one assigned by their teachers or the ones presented to explain an elaborate topic (e.g. to compliment an assignment).

Below is a list of some generic topics that you might find useful for your next assignment (no particular order):

15+ Presentation Topic Suggestions For Students:

• Global Warming
• Academic Freedom
• Human Capital
• Life as a nomad
• Green House Effect
• Global Technology
• Online Education
• Classroom of the future
• How to be a teacher of tomorrow?
• The stress associated with being a student
• Economic growth and the role of development
• Should mobile phones be allowed in classrooms
• Things you want to change about your teacher
• What rules do students break that teachers never find out about?
• What would you do if you switched places with your teacher for a day?

Some Visually Appealing PowerPoint Templates For Impressing Your Teacher:

• Free Education PowerPoint Templates
• Animated Educational PowerPoint Templates

Tip: Try to use a template which has vibrant colors, however, make sure that the colors are easy on the eyes. Moreover, presentations should never include content which may be deemed inappropriate for someone. If for educational purposes you choose a provocative topic, make sure that it opens a discussion and does not pass a verdict against a specific community.

For other visually appealing slides for presentations, you can check out the professional presentation templates provided by SlideModel.com. Read the full review from fixthephoto.com.

Convey Your Message Effectively Get Access to 50,000 PowerPoint Templates for your Presentation Topic Ideas

Subscribing to SlideModel you can get access to a huge content catalog of presentation templates. Convey your message and topic ideas with a visually appealing slide.

Presentation Topic Ideas for Businesses (+Examples)

Business is yet another important sector where PowerPoint presentations are widely used. You can use presentations for a variety of purposes, such as to convince your customers with the help of presentations, or even provide them details of your newly launched product .

Business presentations are also used by people to communicate about some new reformations in business techniques. If you get a chance to deliver a business presentation, you can choose a topic from the list given below.

15+ Important Business Presentation Topics To Train And Motivate Employees: 

Here is a list of some presentation ideas for business presenters that need to convey a message effectively.

• How to communicate an Annual Stock Report
• Use of audio and visual signals in Business and Industry
• How colors affect communication
• Business writing as a management tool
• Importance of feedback for effective business communication
• Basic methods of research in business
• Ideal presentation for an Annual General Meeting (AGM)
• How to make good use of statistical data in a presentation
• Business etiquette and company policies
• Using motivators in the process of communication
• Improving productivity with online collaboration
• Making effective use of email
• Using web apps to your advantage at the work place

If you need more presentation topic ideas for your business presentations, you can browse our catalog of free PowerPoint templates design and pick one suitable for your need.

Some great Business Presentation Templates To Impress Your Audience:

• Financial PPT Templates
• Free Animated PowerPoint Templates
• Free Business And Finance PowerPoint Templates
• Animated PowerPoint Template Of Office Staff In Cubicles
• 10 Animated PowerPoint Templates Guaranteed To Impress Your Boss

Tip: Sometimes it is also worth using an apparently unrelated PowerPoint template that is easy on the eyes and generic enough to be molded according to your topic, like this Color PowerPoint Template .

Presentation Ideas in the Field of Information Technology (IT)

This is amongst one of the fastest developing industries wherein fresh topics are being introduced each day. Technology based topics are so diverse that one may require several templates and topic ideas to cover even the most basic subjects. Below are a few technology related topics and templates that you might find useful.

14+ List of Suggested Information Technology Presentation Topics

• Android Operating System
• Role of Tablets in the computer world
• Bring Your Own Device (BOYD)
• Scope of Touch Screen Devices
• Genetic Engineering
• Human Cloning
• Nuclear technology
• Role of Mobile Phone Apps
• 4G Wireless Technology
• Cyber Crimes
• Network Security
• VoIP in Mobile Phones
• Visualization and Virtual Servers
• Using iPhone as more than a phone

Technology PowerPoint Templates

• Free technology PowerPoint Templates
• Digital Devices PowerPoint Template
• Animated Robot PowerPoint Template
• Animated Network PowerPoint Template
• Information Highway PowerPoint Template

Tip: You can also download generic technology PowerPoint templates or these  IT PPT templates for your tech and business needs. These abstract technology templates can help you present your ideas in a colorful and lively manner.

Presentation Topic Ideas for Healthcare and Medical Field

If you are a medical student, then you might be well aware about the importance of an effective PowerPoint Presentation. This field is vast and covers numerous branches within. Below are some suggested medical presentation topics that can be used for academic and professional purposes.

15+ Important Medical Presentation Topics:

• Embryology Presentation
• Anatomy Presentation
• Pharmacology Presentation
• Critical body disorders
• Diagnosing a disease
• Deadly Pathogens
• Brain Sucking Amoeba (Naegleria Fowleri)
• Parts of the human brain
• Nervous system
• Circulatory system
• New Medical breakthroughs
• Curing the plague (with historical accounts)

Some Useful Medical PowerPoint Templates:

• Heart PowerPoint Template
• Brain PowerPoint Template
• Biology PowerPoint Template
• Animated Microbes Template
• Free Medical PowerPoint Templates

Tip: For a complete collection of medical templates, see these free medical templates for PowerPoint . This website is dedicated in the provision of medical templates and provides slide designs related to various medical topics.

Presentation Topics for About Me Presentations

If you are creating presentations about yourself, here are some possible presentation topic ideas that you can consider.

• My strengths and weaknesses. It would be a kind of personal SWOT presentation but showing only the strenghts and weakenesses. If you want to expand it a bit, you may include the Threats and Opportunities components.
• My journey. How I became who am I today? In this presentation, you can include a personal journey where on each slide you present a stage of your life, and important milestones. You can summarize this in a personal journey or timeline describing your life.
• My hobby or passion for {activity}. In this presentation you can describe what are your hobbies and give information about your passion for a specific activity.
• My personal goals and career aspirations. In this kind of presentation you can present the personal achievements, your future goals and your aspirations.
• My travel journey around the world. In this presentation, you can present the different trips you made along your life.
• My favorite people presentation. In this presentation you can present who are your role models, the influencers of your life, or your favorite people.

Get Presentation Ideas from ChatGPT

Need more presentation ideas? You can leverage ChatGPT and AI to get topic ideas for your next presentations. LLM and specifically ChatGPT can be a great tool to generate topic ideas for your next presentations.

An useful prompt for generating presentation topic ideas can be:

I need to prepare a presentation about [enter topic here] , provide a list of 10 potential presentation titles and ideas.

For example, let’s say we are creating a presentation about new business models raised after the hype of ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence LLM models. Here we go:

I need to prepare a presentation about “New Business Models after ChatGPT”, provide a list of 10 potential presentation titles and ideas.

Here are the results after executing this prompt, and getting the output in ChatGPT.

• Title: “ChatGPT-Powered Startups: How AI is Changing the Business Landscape” Idea: Explore how startups are leveraging ChatGPT technology to develop new products and services, disrupting traditional industries.
• Title: “The Future of Work: AI Assistants and the Gig Economy” Idea: Discuss how AI assistants like ChatGPT are transforming the gig economy and the potential implications for freelancers and businesses.
• Title: “AI-Driven Content Creation: Unlocking New Revenue Streams” Idea: Investigate the impact of ChatGPT on content creation, marketing, and advertising industries, and the emergence of new business opportunities.
• Title: “Beyond Customer Support: ChatGPT’s Role in Enhancing Customer Experiences” Idea: Examine how companies are utilizing ChatGPT to provide personalized customer experiences and streamline their operations.
• Title: “EdTech Revolution: The Role of ChatGPT in Personalized Learning” Idea: Explore how educational technology companies are leveraging ChatGPT to develop personalized learning solutions and the resulting business models.
• Title: “AI Ethics and Regulations: Navigating the Challenges of ChatGPT Adoption” Idea: Discuss the ethical and regulatory considerations surrounding the implementation of ChatGPT and their impact on new business models.
• Title: “The Collaborative AI: How ChatGPT is Enhancing Human Creativity” Idea: Analyze the ways in which ChatGPT is being used to augment human creativity across various industries, from design to entertainment.
• Title: “ChatGPT in Healthcare: Transforming Diagnostics and Patient Engagement” Idea: Investigate the potential applications of ChatGPT in the healthcare sector, focusing on diagnostics, patient engagement, and the resulting business opportunities.
• Title: “The AI-powered Newsroom: How ChatGPT is Changing Journalism” Idea: Examine the impact of ChatGPT on the media landscape, specifically its role in automating news production and the emergence of new journalism business models.
• Title: “Investing in the AI Economy: Opportunities and Challenges with ChatGPT” Idea: Discuss the investment landscape surrounding ChatGPT-powered businesses, highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced by investors and entrepreneurs.

Then, you can make a new presentation in PowerPoint and generate the slides required to prepare the presentation for your topic. Once you have started your presentation in PowerPoint, if you use a pre-made template you can select multiple slides at once in PowerPoint and then remove the unused slides, or replace them with new slides. If you want to make your slideshow more engaging, you can apply transitions to all the slides in the presentation.

Getting Presentation Ideas From Slide Sharing Websites

You can also get PowerPoint and presentation ideas and topics from presentation sharing websites like SlideShare.com or SlideOnline.

Hope the above list of PowerPoint topics may prove to be beneficial for you while deciding for a presentation topic next time.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, selecting the right PowerPoint topic is crucial for crafting an engaging and impactful presentation. By carefully considering the needs of your audience and the purpose of your presentation, you can choose a topic that resonates with your listeners and drives your message home. As you explore our comprehensive list of PowerPoint topics, remember that the key to a successful presentation lies not only in the topic but also in the delivery, visuals, and storytelling. By combining a captivating topic with polished presentation skills, you can create a powerful and memorable experience for your audience. So, harness the potential of these PowerPoint topics and embark on your journey to becoming a more effective and inspiring communicator.

Click here to discover 50,000+ PowerPoint templates and slide designs for your presentations.

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Like what you're reading?

Discover over 60 engaging 5-minute presentation topics

Get your team on prezi – watch this on demand video.

Anete Ezera August 21, 2023

Delivering impactful presentations doesn’t always require a marathon of speaking. In fact, condensing your message into a succinct 5-minute presentation can be just as powerful. In this article, we’ll explore a 5-minute presentation topics list that captivate your audience’s attention, spark their curiosity, and leave a lasting impression. Whether looking for 5-minute presentation topics for college students, topics for professionals, or simply looking for a suitable subject to share insights, these categorized topics offer a concise platform to convey your message effectively.

Exploring a variety of engaging 5-minute presentation topics

Personal growth and well-being.

• The Power of Positivity: How cultivating a positive mindset impacts your daily life.
• The Journey of Mindfulness: Navigating the benefits of mindfulness and meditation.
• Overcoming Procrastination: Techniques to boost productivity and break the habit.
• The Science of Happiness: Unraveling the psychology behind happiness.
• Cultivating Resilience: Techniques to build resilience and bounce back from setbacks.
• Mastering Mindful Breathing: Introducing the art of mindful breathing to alleviate stress.

Innovations and sustainability

• The Rise of Renewable Energy: How sustainable resources are shaping our future.
• Sustainable Fashion Choices: Shedding light on the environmental impact of clothing choices.
• Impact of Microplastics: Raising awareness about microplastics’ effects on ecosystems and health.
• Unveiling Virtual Reality: A brief overview of the transformative potential of VR technology.
• The Future of Mobility: Discussing innovations in transportation, from electric vehicles to autonomous driving.
• Introduction to Blockchain: Simplifying the concept of blockchain and its applications.

Communication and personal development

• The Art of Storytelling: Why stories resonate deeply and influence perceptions.
• Art of Active Listening: Exploring the significance of active listening in communication.
• Effective Public Speaking: Tips to enhance speaking skills in various settings.
• Understanding Body Language: Decoding nonverbal cues in effective communication.
• Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Insights into the power of a growth mindset.
• Unconventional Careers: Exploring exciting career paths that defy traditional norms.

Technology and insights

• Digital Privacy Concerns: Exploring the implications of online data security.
• The Impact of Social Media: Unveiling its effects on mental health and society.
• Cybersecurity Essentials: Safeguarding personal data in the digital age.
• Introduction to Cryptocurrency: Simplifying the complex world of cryptocurrency.
• Exploring Genetic Engineering: A concise overview of genetic engineering’s science and ethics.
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence: Delving into AI’s transformative potential on industries and life.
• The Future of Work: Exploring how technology is reshaping the workplace.

Practical skills and techniques

• Tackling Time Management: Demonstrating efficient strategies for organizing your day.
• Language Learning Hacks: Quick strategies to accelerate language learning.
• Effective Time Blocking: Techniques for maximizing productivity through structured time management.
• The Magic of Minimalism: Exploring the benefits of decluttering and simplifying life.
• Nutrition Hacks: Quick insights into making healthier food choices.
• The Art of Negotiation: Tips for successful negotiation in personal and professional settings.
• Crisis Communication: Strategies for effective communication during challenging times.

Creativity and exploration

• Unlocking Innovative Solutions: Techniques to foster creative thinking and problem-solving.
• Exploring Astronomy: A brief journey through the universe’s wonders and celestial bodies.
• The Art of Photography: Unveiling the secrets to capturing captivating and meaningful images.
• Music Therapy: How music impacts emotions and well-being, and its potential for healing.
• The World of Origami: Discovering the ancient art of paper folding and its therapeutic benefits.
• Inspiring Travel Destinations: Showcasing unique places that offer enriching travel experiences.
• Exploring Local Cuisine: A tantalizing exploration of regional dishes and their cultural significance.
• The Beauty of Calligraphy: A glimpse into the world of elegant and expressive handwriting.

Environmental awareness and conservation

• The Importance of Biodiversity: Exploring the significance of diverse ecosystems and their role in sustaining life.
• Climate Change Solutions: Highlighting actionable steps individuals and communities can take to combat climate change.
• Ocean Conservation: Shedding light on the challenges facing marine ecosystems and the need for preservation.
• Green Initiatives in Cities: Showcasing innovative urban projects that prioritize sustainability and green spaces.
• Wildlife Protection Efforts: Discussing the importance of safeguarding endangered species and their habitats.
• Upcycling and Repurposing: Creative ways to reduce waste and repurpose materials for a more sustainable lifestyle.
• Eco-Friendly Gardening: Tips for cultivating gardens that support local biodiversity and minimize environmental impact.
• Food Waste Reduction: Strategies to minimize food waste and contribute to a more sustainable food system.

Cultural insights and diversity

• Cultural Traditions Around the World: Exploring unique customs, festivals, and rituals from different cultures.
• Language Diversity: Showcasing the richness of languages spoken globally and their importance in preserving heritage.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Insights into effective communication across diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Global Cuisines: A culinary journey through the flavors and dishes that define different regions.
• Traditional Arts and Crafts: Celebrating the craftsmanship and artistic expressions of various cultures.
• Celebrating Diversity: Embracing the value of inclusivity and the benefits of diverse perspectives.
• Traveling Responsibly: Tips for respectful and culturally sensitive travel experiences.
• International Etiquette: Navigating cultural norms and customs when interacting with people from different backgrounds.

Health and wellness

• The Benefits of Regular Exercise: Exploring the positive impacts of physical activity on overall well-being.
• Mind-Body Connection: Unveiling the link between mental health and physical well-being.
• Balanced Nutrition for Optimal Health: Tips for making nutritious food choices that support wellness.
• Stress Management Techniques: Strategies to cope with stress and maintain mental and emotional balance.
• Importance of Hydration: Highlighting the role of proper hydration in maintaining good health.
• Quality Sleep Habits: Discussing the significance of quality sleep and tips for improving sleep patterns.
• Mental Health Awareness: Shedding light on the importance of understanding and supporting mental health.
• Holistic Approaches to Wellness: Exploring holistic practices that address mind, body, and spirit.

Historical perspectives

• Influential Women in History: Celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of remarkable women.
• Turning Points in History: Exploring pivotal moments that shaped the course of human history.
• Ancient Civilizations: A glimpse into the achievements and legacies of civilizations from the past.
• Revolutionary Inventions: Unveiling inventions that revolutionized industries and daily life.
• World-Changing Events: Discussing events that had a profound impact on societies and cultures.
• Great Leaders Throughout Time: Highlighting the leadership styles and achievements of notable figures.
• Cultural Renaissance Periods: Exploring periods of cultural revival and artistic innovation.
• Lessons from History: Extracting valuable lessons and insights from historical events and figures.

With these categories and their respective examples, you have a comprehensive palette of engaging 5-minute presentation topics catering to various interests and purposes. Whether you’re sparking conversations, sharing insights, or simply enhancing your presentation skills, these topics offer a platform for concise and impactful communication.

For further inspiration on crafting compelling topics, explore Prezi’s comprehensive guide on good presentation topics and presentation night ideas .

Elevating your short-form presentation skills

Creating and delivering a compelling 5-minute presentation requires a strategic approach to ensure your message is concise, engaging, and impactful. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

Define a clear message

Start by defining the core message or main takeaway you want your audience to remember. Keep it focused and concise to ensure your presentation remains on track.

Structure with purpose

Organize your presentation with a clear structure: introduction, main points, and conclusion. Each section should flow logically and contribute to the overall message.

Learn more about how to effectively structure your presentation by watching the following video:

Engaging opening

Begin with an attention-grabbing opening that hooks your audience and sets the tone for the rest of your presentation. This could be a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or a captivating anecdote.

Concise content

Keep your content concise and to the point. Avoid information overload and focus on the most relevant and impactful details that support your main message.

Visual aids

Use visuals sparingly to complement your spoken words. Visual aids should be simple, relevant, and easy to understand. They should enhance your message, not distract from it.

Rehearse your presentation multiple times to become comfortable with the content and timing. Practice helps you refine your delivery and identify areas for improvement.

Time management

Keep a close eye on your time during practice and the actual presentation. Aim to stay within the 5-minute limit to ensure your message is delivered effectively.

Engaging delivery

Maintain good eye contact, use appropriate gestures, and vary your vocal tone to keep your audience engaged. A confident and enthusiastic delivery enhances your message’s impact.

Discover more about engaging delivery by mastering the art of storytelling :

Relevance and depth

Prioritize quality over quantity. Instead of covering numerous points superficially, delve deeper into a few key ideas to provide valuable insights.

Transitions

Use smooth transitions between sections to guide your audience through your presentation. These transitions create a seamless flow that keeps listeners engaged.

Call to action

Conclude your presentation with a clear call to action that aligns with your main message. Encourage your audience to take a specific action or reflect on what they’ve learned.

Choose a relevant topic

Perhaps most importantly, select a topic that is relevant to your audience’s interests, needs, and preferences. Make sure it aligns with the purpose of your presentation and resonates with your listeners. For example, if you’re preparing for an interview, be sure to research 5-minute interview presentation topics. Here are a few examples; 

• My Professional Journey: Share your career path, highlighting key experiences, and accomplishments, and how they align with the role you’re interviewing for. 
• Strategic Problem-Solving: Present a real-world challenge you’ve encountered and walk through the steps you took to analyze, strategize, and find a solution. 
• Innovative Ideas for Company Growth: Propose innovative strategies or initiatives that could drive growth, improve efficiency, or enhance the company’s offerings. 
• Market Trends and Insights: Present your analysis of current market trends, including opportunities and challenges, and discuss how your insights could benefit the company. 
• Effective Team Leadership: Describe a situation where you successfully led a team to achieve a common goal, emphasizing your leadership style, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.

Discover more presentation ideas that’ll help you craft a compelling presentation:

Using these topics for 5 minute presentations and delivering them effectively 

Crafting and delivering a 5 minute presentation requires finesse in both content creation and delivery. By selecting a focused topic, structuring your presentation effectively, and practicing your delivery, you can make the most of these brief but effective moments in the spotlight. The diverse array of the best 5 minute presentation topics showcased here offers a launchpad for your creative expression, sparking engaging conversations and leaving a lasting impression on your audience. Remember, it’s not about the duration—it’s about the quality and resonance of your message. To create an attention-grabbing presentation that moves your audience, try Prezi today.

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Short Presentation in PowerPoint: How to Win Your Audience over with a 5 Minute / 5 Slide Presentation! -Includes Examples

There are occasions when you only have limited time to give a PowerPoint presentation. This is where knowing how to create and deliver a short PowerPoint presentation is essential. Done right, you really only need a few minutes to deliver your presentation, get your ideas across and achieve your goals.

You may well be thinking, “No!  How can I squash my ideas into that time? Only five minutes?” Actually, it’s easier than you think with the right structure . Here’s how!

Why give a short presentation?

So when might you only have a few minutes to give a presentation? When making the first steps in applying for a job, for example, or when presenting a product or business idea to potential prospects and investors.

The length does NOT have to be a disadvantage! A well-put-together short presentation, delivered smartly, can actually engage your audience more than a presentation lasting much longer.

Sure, you can go into more detail in a longer presentation, but it’s often more difficult for your audience to stay focused for the full duration. Scientific studies show that most listeners have trouble maintaining their concentration after just 20 minutes.

Haven’t you been there yourself? So why ask your audience to do something you find difficult, unless they’re already on board with your ideas?

Short presentations are actually a great way to present facts, ideas or concepts clearly in only a few minutes. However, take care not to overload them with too much information. It’s important to distill the content of your presentation down to the essentials and key messages.

The purpose of a short presentation is usually to draw your audience’s attention to either you or your product. You don’t get much time to do this, so you need to know how to focus on what’s important. The following tips may help.

Short PowerPoint presentation: set-up and structure

A short presentation should have a clear structure so that the audience can easily grasp and digest the information. So:

Introduction :

A brief explanation of what the presentation will be about.

Main body :

This is the actual content of the presentation. This is where to present the most important information.

Conclusion :

A brief summary of what you covered in the presentation.

Also, keep in mind the order of your slides. The first and last slides are the most important as studies have shown these are what people remember . So make sure that these two slides are particularly engaging and give the audience a good overview of your topic.

The order of the other slides is important too, but not as crucial as the first and last slides. Just play around with the order a bit and find what works best for you.

Make the presentation count

How you design your slides is important here. Create slides that are as clear and professional-looking as possible. Be careful not to put too much text on a slide, and make sure you use a font size that is large enough to be clearly seen by everyone.

If you try to put so much text on a slide that you need to make the font too small, you’ll lose your audience’s attention. For tips on choosing the right font, see our “ Fonts in PowerPoint ” post.

Try using pictures and graphics to make your slides more vivd . A picture, as they say, is worth a thousand words. Use images to illustrate and support your statements.

As well as adding visual interest to your slides, they arouse emotions in the audience, whether they know it or not, which makes you and your presentation topic seem more approachable. Be careful not to place too many images on one slide, though, as this can make it look messy.

Surefire ways to make your short presentation compelling:

• Present no more than three main points . More than this and you’ll lose your audience.
• Have a clear structure , so your audience always knows where you are and what’s coming next. Getting the structure of the presentation clear in advance really helps. Our article „Preparing a PowerPoint Presentation: 11 Tips”   shows you how to make the best use of your presentation preparation time.
• Make it easy for the audience to follow you. Use clear and simple language and avoid jargon. Smart use of images and graphics will make your content more vivid.
• Stay positive and confident . Your audience should be reassured that you really know your stuff; how else are they going to take your ideas seriously? Try to avoid coming across as arrogant, though – that automatically puts people off.
• Maintain eye contact with the audience. This demonstrates interest and appreciation – both important factors in convincing people and thus gaining potential customers.
• Be ready for questions . At the end of your presentation, allow a few minutes for questions and discussion. This gives your audience the opportunity to go into further detail or address other aspects as well. We’ve set out a few tips for including Q&A sessions in our article „ Prepare for your Q&A in Presentations” .

Short PowerPoint Presentation Example #1: The Five-Minute / Five-Slide Presentation

A classic example here is the five-minute presentation . This is similar to a Pitch-Presentation  , but structured slightly differently. Read on to see how.

What does a 5-minute / 5-slide presentation entail?

Imagine you have to present yourself, your company or your product in just a few minutes. You only ever need five slides for this . One way of structuring this, and creating a coherent storyline, would be:

• Overall idea (1st slide) A brief introduction. One slide showing your name might well suffice; you can then briefly describe your field of work or what you do within the company.
• Introduction (2nd slide) Start with a funny story, an anecdote or a quote to attract your audience’s attention. Then briefly address what you will be talking about. This slide can serve as a short introduction to the topic (company, product or service range).
• Main message (3rd slide) Try to illustrate the main point of your presentation with one or two simple graphics or diagrams. Photos related to your content or theme are also very useful here. PowerPoint is brilliant for this.  Aim for as little text as possible, with the visuals doing the work for you.
• Main concepts (4th slide) Underline your main message with three to five essential arguments and present them on a single slide (animated one after the other, if needs be). Remember that people’s attention span drops off sharply after absorbing five ideas.
• Conclusion (5th slide) Keep your conclusion short and end your presentation with a summary of the content and key messages of your presentation. These are, of course, what you want your audience to remember.

TIP: When preparing your presentation, remember the main question in your audience’s mind: “ What’s in it for me? ” We’ve covered this in our post about customer benefits . The overriding principle is KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid). Design and present everything as simply as possible!

Questions and discussion after the presentation:

If you have time, give your audience the opportunity to ask questions after the presentation, or actively try to spark a discussion and then moderate it. Allow about 5-10 minutes for this. If necessary, you can create back-up slides beforehand, to deepen certain sub-areas in case of specific questions.

Tips for your Q&A session can be found in our Q&A post .

Less is more

It’s sadly not uncommon to see slides stuffed with far too much information, whether text or images. The presenter certainly meant well, but failed to realise that their audience wouldn’t be able to process and absorb all that information at once. So try to stick to the following when putting your presentation together:

• Maximum one image per slide
• Only one topic per slide
• Minimal text
• Font size at least 18 point
• Maximum two fonts; sans serif fonts are more legible
• Display figures as graphs and diagrams
• No more than four colors per slide

In a five-minute presentation, you need to get to the point as quickly as possible . So skip the lengthy introductions and aim to grab your audience’s attention right at the start. Try to summarize your presentation as pithily as possible, too, to leave them wanting more.

While presenting, don’t forget to establish eye contact with the audience . Just standing there reading the text of a presentation from the slides is a common mistake, and one which quickly loses an audience’s attention.

Try to speak as fluently and freely as possible , so that you don’t look as though you’re just reading off your content (which can come across as a lack of competence or preparation). Invest enough time in preparing your presentation and practice it in front of an audience of acquaintances or, if needs be, in front of a mirror, until you’ve internalized the content and flow of your presentation.

Coming across as confident is just as important for the success of your presentation as its actual content. Don’t underestimate the influence that body language, speaking speed, gestures and facial expressions have on how the audience perceives your presentation. We go into this in detail in our “body language” post.

Keep your presentation lively by using figures of speech or catchy metaphors at appropriate points. We’ve gone into how (and why) to integrate rhetoric into your presentation in our „Public speeking skills” post. 

Short Presentation PowerPoint Example #2: The Three-Minute Presentation 

Imagine you only have three minutes. Three minutes in which to tell your audience everything they need to know about your idea, your product and your company. Well, it’s possible with a three-minute presentation! This is exactly what it sounds like: a coherent narrative, or story, in three minutes.

How to get your presentation to the point

The essence of this concept is to answer these three questions “ What’s it about?”, “How does it work?” and “What’s in it for me? ” in a few short paragraphs, a handful of slides and finally a short, pithy statement. A strong and compelling three-minute presentation will consist of roughly 25 sentences.

Write these down in advance so you have a clear outline in your head , making the presentation lively. Short and snappy is what you’re aiming for. You can get to the meat of your presentation in three minutes; try it!  Even if you have longer to present, it’s a tremendously useful exercise.

“If I’d had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.” Blaise Pascal, mathematician and philosopher 

The above quote is really on point.  It takes time and effort to organize your thoughts into short, coherent sentences, but it’s so worth it. There’s a lot of excess verbiage about, the result of people just writing down whatever comes to mind, however disorganized it is. This has the effect of boring or confusing people, or both.  It really pays to condense your thoughts smartly.

So you need to work out which are your most important points, weigh them against each other, and discard any excess. This is the only way to communicate clearly and concisely.

It’s really useful to have the essentials of what you want to communicate distilled into their bare bones when time is short. If you know exactly what you need to say, you can fit it into whatever time slot you’re given, even if the half hour you’d expected ends up being only five minutes.

This is also invaluable if your boss unexpectedly asks you what you’re working on, or if you’re talking to a client and they want a brief overview of your presentation.

Getting your presentation distilled down to three minutes is very advantageous , even if you plan on presenting for longer. Concentrating on the essentials not only shows creativity, but also organizational and communication skills. You’ll have a strong core to your message and won’t need to depend on your presentation slides and charts. 

Storytelling or Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch gets to the heart of your ideas in just a few minutes, and is great for getting someone new to what you’re presenting to want to learn more.

The focus in an elevator pitch is on the positive aspects of your ideas , for example their uniqueness and utility. Of course, the pitch must be delivered persuasively enough for the conversation to continue in a follow-up meeting afterwards!

Storytelling focuses on the story , which pulls the power of emotions into your content, selling them better. So storytelling can also work for a three-minute presentation. Do keep it short and resist going off on tangents, though. We’ve covered all this in our “Storytelling” post.

When you don’t have enough time to present (all) your slides

Even if the time you’re allowed for a presentation is really short (say your customer or client arrives late, then has to leave for another appointment soon), you can still make a strong impression with a three-minute story. It means you always have a plan B up your sleeve.

If you know exactly what you want to communicate, it will be easy to spontaneously adapt it to whatever time limits you are given. This way, many of your slides, diagrams and graphics are an added extra, rather than being something you are lost without.

Short PowerPoint presentations: More examples

Short presentations are an effective way to engage your audience with your idea, offer or brand. They can also be used to draw attention to a specific aspect or trigger an action. Short presentations are often used as presentation teasers to capture the audience’s interest and make them want to learn more.  Examples include:

• Presenting a new brand or product
• Presenting a current topic or trend
• Presenting your company’s successes or growth
• Presenting your company’s vision or mission statement
• An informational or educational presentation
• A scientific topic within your own discipline
• A research paper, a concept, an innovative project
• A hot social or political topic
• A presentation on climate change, migration, globalization, inflation, conflicts
• A topic from your private life such as a vacation, a special experience or a passion
• A historical event
• The history and development of a company you admire
• An artist whose work you find interesting
• Your favorite book/movie/musical/etc.

As you can see, the short presentation is ideal for a huge range of topics and occasions. Two examples are introducing a new product or a new service to potential customers.  How to get those into the short presentation format?

Presenting a new product

When introducing a new product, first highlight its key features and benefits. Then explain the different applications of the product and provide examples of them. Finally, you can ask the audience to test the product and give feedback.

Introducing a new service  

present this successfully, start by highlighting the added value and customer benefits. Then explain the different areas of application in more detail and show with concrete examples of where your service can be used meaningfully, and the advantages and results it has led to with your existing clientele.

To sum up: Short PowerPoint presentations – how to effectively use limited time to deliver your presentations in a target-oriented way

Short presentations are a great way to present and communicate topics to an audience. Why? Because they help the audience grasp the key message of the presentation in the shortest amount of time.

This is especially important when the audience is in the middle of a conference or workshop and has a limited attention span. Presentations are an important means of conveying information to an audience. So follow our tips to make your short presentation the best it can be and achieve your goals.

Got further questions about short PowerPoint presentations, or indeed general questions about PowerPoint? Please don’t hesitate to contact us! Feel free to email us your question at [email protected] . We’re always happy to help!

Looking for professionally designed slide templates to strengthen your short presentation? Have a look around our store! We have a huge range of slides on business topics. Get the best basis for your short presentation today! ► To the Store

 You might also be interested in these articles:

• Pitch Presentations
• Speech techniques for Presentations
• Storytelling in Presentations
• Elevator Pitch
• Preparing Presentations: 11 Tips
• Body language in Presentations
• Customer Benefits for Your Presentations
• Q&A that’s how you manage it

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120+ Presentation Ideas, Topics & Example

By Ryan McCready , May 08, 2023

Did you know that 46% of people can’t sit through a presentation without losing focus? 

That’s why I wanted to learn how to make a presentation that will captivate an audience. After looking at hundreds of different authors, topics and designs, I’ve assembled over 100 presentation ideas and tips on how to design a compelling presentation for:

• Social media
• Online courses
• Pitch decks
• Lead generation

In this blog, you’ll find 120+ presentation ideas, design tips and examples to help you create an awesome slide deck for your next presentation.

To start off, here’s a video on the 10 essential presentation design tips to make sure that your presentations don’t fall under the YAWN category.

1. Use a minimalist presentation theme

CREATE THIS PRESENTATION TEMPLATE

The best designs can also be some of the simplest you see. In the Airbnb pitch deck below, they use a minimalist color scheme and font selection.

A minimalist design is sleek, organized and places the most important thing in focus: your information. There are no distracting stock images, icons, or content. Everything on this unique presentation feels like it belongs and works together perfectly. 

Learn how to customize this template:

2. Use a consistent design motif throughout your presentation

Here’s a go-to tip to for a cohesive presentation design: use a design motif. The motif could be a recurring shape (like circles, lines or arrows) or symbol (like a leaf for “growth” or a mountain for “goals”). For more ideas, check out our guide to common symbols and meanings used in design .

For example, this  presentation template uses circles as a design motif. The same circle icon is used in three different colors to add a bubbly touch to the design. The team photos are also incorporated using circle frames:

3. Use an eye-catching presentation background image

Like with any type of design work, you should want to catch the eye of your audience. In a presentation, this should be done from the beginning with a  compelling background image or a color gradient.

In this presentation template, the creators were able to do just that with a landscape photo. When a presentation like this is seen on social media, during a webinar or in person, your audience will definitely listen up.

4. Visualize your points with icons

Icons are the perfect visuals to include in presentations. They’re compact and can convey a concept to your audience at a glance. You can even combine multiple icons to create custom illustrations for your slides. 

Use the Icon Search in Venngage to find illustrated and flat icons:

5. Use a black & white color scheme for a corporate presentation design

In the presentation below there are only two colors used: black and white. Now, you might be worried that only using two colors is boring, but it all comes down to balance.

Playing off the ideas of classic minimalism, the designer made this presentation look sleek and professional. And now your content can be the main attraction of your presentation as well!

6. Repurpose your slide deck into an infographic 

Different types of presentations serve different purposes and sometimes it helps to work smarter, not harder when you are creating a unique presentation. In fact, the spacing, layout, and style used in this presentation makes it easy to repurpose the same images into an infographic.

This allows you to create two unique pieces of content from one idea!  Which is exactly what  Officevibe did .

Join Venngage’s CEO, Eugene Woo, to learn how you can design impactful infographics that will help maintain trust, increase productivity and inspire action in your team.

SIGN UP NOW

7. Break your genre mold for a fun presentation idea

When I first clicked on this creative presentation from SEMrush, I was not expecting to be transported into a comic book. I’m glad I clicked because it may be the most unique slide deck I have ever seen. Going this extreme with your presentation ideas may seem a bit risky, but to be able to break the mold in this age of cookie-cutter presentations is worth it.

To leave a lasting impression on your audience, consider transforming your slides into an interactive presentation. Here are 15  interactive presentation ideas  to enhance interactivity and engagement.

8. Make your presentation cover slide count

As I was scrolling through all of the presentations, this one made me stop in my tracks. It could be that I have a life-long love of Star Wars, or it could be that their presentation cover slide was designed to do just that: grab your attention. That’s why you should not stick with a boring, text-only title slide. Don’t be afraid to use icons and illustrations to make a statement.

9.  Alternate slide layouts to keep your presentation engaging

Keeping your audience engaged throughout an entire presentation is hard, even if you have been working on your presentation skills . No one wants to look at slides that look exactly the same for an hour. But on the other hand, you can’t create a unique masterpiece for each slide.

That’s why I’m very impressed with what the designers did in the presentation example above. They use a consistent visual theme on each slide, but alternate between vertical and horizontal orientations.

The swapping of orientations will show people that the presentation is progressing nicely. It can help you make a strong, almost physical, distinction between ideas, sections or topics.  

10. Make your audience laugh, or at least chuckle

Sometimes you need to not take your business presentations too seriously. Not sure what I mean? Go check out slide number 10 on this slide deck below.

If you did not actually laugh out loud, then I don’t know what to tell you. Small illustrated embellishments can be very powerful because they evoke an emotional response and to gain your audience’s trust.

Did you know 70% of employees think that giving a good presentation is an essential workplace skill? Check out the top qualities of awesome presentations and learn all about how to make a good presentation to help you nail that captivating delivery.

11. Supplement your presentation with printed materials

Printed takeaways (such as brochures and business cards ) give audience members a chance to take home the most important elements of your presentation in a format they can easily access without using a computer. Make sure you brand these materials in a way that’s visually consistent with your slide deck, with the same color scheme, icons, and other iconic features; otherwise, your recipients will just end up scratching their heads.

If you’re giving people multiple materials, try packaging them all into one convenient presentation folder. There are over 100 styles with a wide range of custom options, so feel free to get creative and make your folder stand out. Sometimes a unique die cut or an unusual stock is all you need to make something truly memorable. Here are some brochure templates to get you started.

12. Only use one chart or graphic per slide 

Having too much information on a slide is the easiest way to lose the focus of your audience. This is especially common when people are using graphs, charts or tables .

In this creative slide deck, the author made sure to only include one focal point per slide, and I applaud them for it. I know this may sound like a simple presentation tip, but I have seen many people lose their audience because the slides are too complex.

13. Keep your employee engagement presentations light   

Sometimes you need to get away from stuffy, professional presentation ideas to capture your audience’s attention. In this case, Officevibe used some very colorful and playful illustrations to stand out from the crowd.

I mean, who could not love the plant with a face on slide number 9? And if you want to see some more icons and illustrations like this, be sure to check out our article on how to tell a story with icons.

14.  Feature a map when talking about locations

Including a map in your creative presentations is a fantastic idea! Not only do they make an interesting focal point for your slide layout, they also make location-based information easier to understand.

This cool presentation example by our pro designers at Venngage uses maps to visualize information. This map both dominates the screen, and also displays all the locations being covered.

15. Use a font that is large and in charge 

If you are presenting to a small group or a packed stadium, make sure your audience can see your text! Use a large and in charge font that can be read from even the nosebleed seats. 

Honestly, you really never know where your unique presentation will be seen. It could be seen in a conference room or conference hall, and everything in between. Be ready to present almost anywhere with a bold and easy to read font.

16. Use pop culture references to build a fun presentation 

Using a meme or pop culture reference is another way that you can jive with your audience. It can be used to quickly get a point across without saying a word or create a moment that you can connect with the room. For example in this presentation, they used Napoleon Dynamite to give the audience feelings of nostalgia.

17. Use more than one font weight on your presentation cover slide

Just like you would never use one font on an infographic, you should never use just one font on your presentation (for more tips, read our guide on how to choose fonts ). In this presentation example from HubSpot, they use a bunch of different font weights to add emphasis to key words and ideas.

As you can see, they use a bold font on the presentation cover to bring attention to Steve Jobs name. This makes it easy for the audience to know what your presentation is going to be about from the beginning as well. 

18. Use a color theme for each idea 

Color is another extremely powerful nonverbal tool that you can use to guide your audience. By using a different color for each section of your creative presentation, Dell is able to clearly indicate when they are switching points or ideas.  Going from green to orange, and even red almost effortlessly.

This is a great way to design a list, guide, or a  how-to presentation as well. And each color can be assigned to a different step or number with ease. 

Need help picking the perfect color palette? Start here !

19. Use illustrations instead of pictures 

An easy way to keep your design consistent throughout your unique presentation is to use illustrations like in this slide deck by Domo.

They used illustrations instead of pictures to show off their subject on slide numbers 4-10 and it looks fantastic. This will ensure that the audience focuses on the content, instead of just the photo they could have used.

It also helps that illustrations are a top design trend for 2020 .

20. Use contrasting colors to compare two perspectives or sides of an argument 

Contrasting colors can be used to quickly show each side of topic or an argument. For example in this presentation, they use this trick to show the difference between their company and the competition.

They use color very effectively in this example to show their company is better, in a nonverbal way. With a lighter color and illustrated icons, the company is able to position them as the better choice. All without saying a word.  

Now if they would have used similar colors, or a single color the effect wouldn’t have been as strong or noticeable.

21. Include your own personal interests

This example is one of the most interesting and cool presentations I have seen in awhile, so I suggest checking out the entire thing. The creator inserts a bunch of his personal interests into the slide to make his presentation about education fun and relatable. And they even use a Super Mario Bros inspired presentation cover, so you know it has to be fantastic! 

22. Try to stick to groups of three 

How many major ideas should be present on your presentation aid? Never break your  presentation layout down into anything more than thirds. This means there should be at most three columns, three icons, three ideas and so on.  A great example of this idea starts on slide number 9 in this slide deck and continues throughout the rest of the presentation.

 Here is a great three columned slide template to get started with.

23. Add a timeline to help visualize ideas 

One of the best ways to visualize a complex process or historical event is to use a timeline presentation. A list of all the steps or events is just not going to cut it in a professional setting. You need to find an engaging way to visualize the information.

Take the presentation example above, where they outline the rise and fall of Athens in a visually stimulating way.

24. Label your graphs & charts 

If the people at Pollen VC had not added those annotations to the graphs on slide number 5, I would have definitely not known what to make of that graph.

But when you combine the visuals on a graph with descriptive text, the graph is able to paint a picture for your audience. So make your graphs easy to understand by annotating them (this is a chart design best practice ).

Create a free graph right here, right now!

25. White font over pictures just works 

There is a reason that you see so many quotes or sayings in a white font that are then overlaid on an image. That it is because it just works in so many situations and the text is very easy to read on any image.

If you do not believe me, look at the slide deck example above where they use a white font with a few different fonts and about 100 images. Plus the presentation template is chocked full of other tips on how to create a winning slideshow.

26. Color code your points across the whole presentation 

Here is another example of a presentation that uses color to keep their points organized. In this case, they use 10 different pastel colors to match the 10 different tips for employee engagement.

Check out our guide for how to pick the best colors for your visuals .

27.  Use a simple flow chart to break down a process

If you’re a fan of the movie Step Brothers , you may have heard of Prestige Worldwide before. In this fun presentation example they are back to sell you on their business model and growth plans.

This time, the presentation will be effective because it actually talks about what the business does.

Instead of making a music video, they use a helpful flowchart template to explain their business model. I would recommend following their lead and creating a dynamic flow chart to visually break down any process.  Try making your own flowchart  with Venngage.

28. Make your slide deck mobile friendly 

As more people move to mobile as their main device each year, making your presentations mobile-friendly is becoming increasingly important. This means that the text is large and there aren’t too many small details, so everything can scale down. Just like in this presentation example from the creators at Globoforce.

29. Don’t be afraid to include too many examples 

If you are presenting a complex idea to a group, especially a large audience, I would recommend having a ton of good examples. Now, I would try not to overdo it, but having too many it is better than having too few.

In this creative presentation, the people at With Company spend about 20 slides just giving great examples of prototyping. It doesn’t feel too repetitive because they all are useful and informative examples.

30.  Use consistent visual styles for an elegant presentation design

I have already written extensively about using icons in all of your design projects . I haven’t talked as much about matching icons to your presentation template.

But that’s just as important, especially if you want to create a professional presentation for your audience.

As you can see in the example above, the designer used minimalist icons that fit the slide designs. All of the other graphics, charts and visual elements fit together nicely as well.

Plus the icons don’t distract from the content, which could ruin a stellar presentation.

31. Use a consistent presentation layout 

In this example from Bannersnack, they use a consistent layout on each of their slides to help with the flow by using the same margins and text layout.

It’s a solid presentation example because they help the user know where to look immediately. It may seem like they are playing it safe, but anything that can speed up the time it takes for a user to read the content of the slides, the better.

32. Use loud colors as much as possible 

This is one of my favorite presentations because of the highlighter yellow they chose to use as their main color. It is actually very similar to one that I saw presented live a few years ago and I have used this same approach in a few presentations ideas of my own.

33. Pull your design motif from your content 

If you are talking about an interesting topic, why not use the topic as the main design motif in your creative slide deck? For example, in this presentation about sketchbooks, the creator uses a sketchy, handwritten motif. It is something simple that helps the audience connect with the topic. Plus, it allows you to include a ton of great examples.

34. Utilize a call & answer cadence

In this SlideShare about how to create a presentation, Peter Zvirinsky uses a two-step process to present a point. First, he presents the header presentation tip in a speech bubble. Then he shows a supporting point in a responding speech bubble. This gives the presentation a conversational flow.

35. Repurpose ebook content into a creative presentation

This slide deck was adapted perfectly from a Seth Godin ebook into the presentation example you see above. In the slide deck, they take a piece of content that would usually take a while to read and cut it down to a few minutes. Just remember to include only the most important ideas, and try to present them in a fresh way.

36. Add a timed outline to your presentation

We have already covered how important it is to have a table of contents in your slides but this takes it a bit further. On the second slide of the presentation below, the creator added how long each of the slides should take.

This is great because it helps your audience know the pace the presentation will take and will help keep them engaged. It also will help them identify the most important and in-depth parts of the presentation from the beginning.

37. Use a “next steps” slide to direct your audience

One of the worst things you can do as a presenter is to leave your audience without any idea of what to do next. A presentation should never just end because you ran out of slides.

Instead, use a conclusion or “next steps” slide like in the example above to finish your presentation. Sum up some of your main points, tell your audience where they can get more information, and push them to take action.

38. Go a bit crazy with the design 

Sometimes you need to throw convention to the wind to create something unforgettable. This presentation from Velocity Partners does just that, and I think it is one of my favorite ones from this entire roundup.

They use unconventional typography, quirky icons, and unusual presentation layout to make each slide surprising.

39. Make your slide deck easy to share 

If you are looking to get a lot of eyes on your presentation I would make sure people will want to share it on social media. How do you do that? By presenting new and interesting value. This means your content needs to answer a common question and your design needs to be clutter-free. For example, look at this very social media-friendly. The slides are simple and answer questions directly.

40.  Use shapes to integrate your photos into the slides

Want to include a bunch of images in your presentation? I say do it!

Now most of the time you would add a raw image directly to your slide. However, if you want to present images in a professional way I would recommend using an image frame .

Like in the example above, you can use these frame to create a collage of images almost instantly. Or provide a similar visual theme to all of your slides.  

Overall, I believe it’s a great way to add a new visual component to your presentation.

41. Hijack someone’s influence in your marketing slides

If you are stuck in the brainstorming phase of your presentation, focusing on a brand or influencer is a great place to start. It could be a case study, a collection of ideas or just some quotes from the influencer. But what makes it effective is that the audience knows the influencer and trusts them. And you are able to hijack their awareness or influence.

42. Put y our logo on every slide 

Whether you have a brand as powerful as Moz, or you are just getting started, you should always have your logo on each slide. You really never know where a presentation is going to end up–or what parts of it will! In this presentation template, Moz does a good job of including their branding and such to get others interested in Moz Local. Don’t have a logo yet? Our logo design tips will help you create a logo that’s iconic and will stand the test of time.

43. Lead your audience to it 

In this example, the creator uses something very similar to the call and answer approach I mentioned above, but with a little twist. Instead of just throwing all the info up at once, they use three slides to build to a particular point and include a subtle call to action in the third slide.

44. Make visuals the focal point of your presentation slides

If you haven’t noticed, illustrated icons are having a revival in 2020 and beyond. This is likely because minimalist icons dominated the design world for the past decade. And now people want something new.

Brands also like using illustrated icons because they are seen as genuine and fun.

And because they are so eye-catching you can use them as focal points in your presentation slides. Just like they did in the creative presentation example above.

Picking the perfect icon is tough, learn how you can use infographic icons like a pro.

45. Use a quirky presentation theme 

In this slide deck, the authors show you how to become an Animation Ninja…and they use ninja graphics and icons extensively. This caught my eye immediately because of the amount of work that I knew was behind this. It takes a lot of time and effort to line all of the content and graphic up to create a cohesive theme, but the payoff can be massively worth it.

46. Use a consistent background image 

I am a big fan of the way that Aleyda Solís uses only a single presentation background image throughout her presentation.

By using this tactic the audience is able to focus on what is happening in the foreground. Plus it gives the whole presentation a different feel than all the other ones I have looked at.

47. Summarize your points at the end

It’s a good idea to summarize your points before you end your presentation , especially if you’ve covered a lot of information. In this presentation example, Deanta summarizes exactly what they do on slide numbers 16-18. They also provide their contact information in case their audience has any more questions. I think that every presentation should use this same approach, especially the ones you are presenting outside of your company.

48. Use a minimalist presentation template

This slide deck from QuickBooks uses a minimalist theme to help the audience focus on what is important, the content.

There were only five colors used in the entire presentation and the graphics were simple line drawings. This made it easy to read and very pleasing to the eyes.

49. Split your slides length-wise 

Here is a simple template you can use to separate your headers, or main points, from your body text in a presentation.

Instead of using a solid presentation background, split the slide in half like Sequoia did in their slide deck. They used their brand color for the title portion and a neutral white for the supporting content.

Use this company report template to create a very similar slide right now!

50.  Embrace a bold color scheme throughout your presentation

My favorite part of the creative presentation example above is the use of complementary colors in each slide. As you can see, not one of the slides use the same color scheme but they all feel related connected.

This approach can be used to make your presentation visually unique, without abandoning a cohesive theme or idea.

51. Put text in the top left corner 

English speakers will instinctively try to read text from a top to bottom, left to right orientation. I would recommend using a left alignment for your text and adding additional things from top to bottom, just like Aaron Irizarry did in this presentation layout.

52. Break up your tables 

A plain table with a white background with black or gray lines are difficult to read on a computer screen, so why would you create one for viewing on a large presentation screen? You shouldn’t!

Instead, follow Intuit’s lead and break up the rows with a bit of color. This applies to data visualization in general , but think it is even more important when it comes to presentations.

53.  Present connected information in a visually similar way

In this startup pitch presentation example, they have a ton of information to get through. But they present their most important slides, the problem and solution, in a visually similar way.

By using a similar layout on each slide, the audience will be able to quickly make a connection. If you want to present two connected pieces of information, use this tactic.

From the font to the layout, it’s all basically the same. The main message they’re trying to impart is a lot more impactful to the reader.

If they would have used two wildly different presentation layouts, the message may have been lost.

54. Roundup expert tips into one presentation 

If you are looking for useful insights into the topic of your presentation, talk to some influencers in your niche. These are called “expert roundups” in the content marketing world and they are incredibly shareable.

Plus, they are pretty easy to create and have a great shelf life. In the example above, we talked to a gaggle of marketing experts about what makes a SlideShare great.

55. Use bold & brash colors throughout 

B old colors usually make your presentation template a lot easier to read and remember. Like at this slide deck made by our talented designers, which doesn’t shy away from bright, bold colors.

Want to pick a perfect color palette for your presentation? Read this blog on the do’s and don’ts of infographic color selection .

56. Make your graphs easy to read & interpret 

It should not require a Master’s degree in statistics to understand the graphs that someone uses in a presentation. Instead, the axis should be easy to read, the colors should enforce the point, and the data should be clearly plotted.

For example, in this presentation on slide numbers 14 and 25, the graphs nail all of those tips perfectly.

57. Condense your presentation into a memorable line 

If you can, try condensing your information into a simple one-liner to help the message stick with your audience. In slide number 36 of this presentation, Mika Aldaba does just that and shows that “Facts + Feelings = Data Storytelling.”

He does this again a few times throughout the presentation with other memorable one-liners.

58.  Bring attention to important figures with colorful icons

If you’re including a figure or number on your slides, I’m guessing you want the audience to actually see it.

That’s why I would recommend using an icon or graphic to highlight that figure. Maybe use a color or icon that isn’t used anywhere else in the presentation to make sure it really jumps off the screen.

In the presentation example above, all that’s used is a simple circle to make each figure a focal point. It’s really that easy, but many people leave it out of their presentations.

59. Anchor Your Text With Icons 

Having your text or content floating out in the white space of your presentation is not a good look.

Instead, you should use anchor icons to give the text something to hold onto and draw the audience’s eye. If you need some examples of good anchor icons, check out slide numbers 4, 7 and 9 in this presentation example.

60. Add semi-opaque lettering as a presentation background 

A neat way to keep your slide deck organized is to number your slides or points using semi-opaque lettering in the background.

Then, place your slide content on top of the opaque lettering. This helps your audience know that you are on the same point or idea, plus it just looks really good when done right.

61. Use simple or minimalist borders

An easy way to class up your slides is to put a border around your text. Take this presentation from Venngage that uses a couple of different types of borders to make their slides look professional.

Plus it helps keep all of your content contained on the slide!

62. Feature one idea per slide

Nothing is worse than a confusing, cluttered slide. Instead of trying to pack a bunch of ideas into one slide, focus on one core idea on each slide. If you need to flesh the idea out, just make another slide. 

Having trouble condensing your slides? Our presentation design guide can help you summarize your presentations and convey a singular idea with a clear focus.

63. Keep your style consistent with your brand 

You might be tempted to switch up the style of your creative presentations each time, but think again. If your brand is known for fun and lighthearted content, like Officevibe, let that be your style throughout all of the presentations you publish under that brand. This will make your slide decks recognizable and will enforce your brand’s message .

64. Use accent fonts to emphasize important numbers

Some people hate pie charts with a passion, but I think they are perfect for presentations. Especially if you want to bring attention to a figure or percentage point .

In this simple example, the pie charts are used to visualize each figure in an interesting way. Plus the pie charts fit the circular and fun theme of the rest of the presentation very well.

65. Use patterned and textured presentation backgrounds

Source  

Adding some subtle textures, icons or shapes to the presentation background can help make your slides more interesting. This is especially effective when you are only showing one point per slide, because it makes the slide design less sparse.

You can even switch up the colors on your shapes or textures to match the theme of the slide like DesignMantic did in this presentation.

66. Illustrate complex or confusing concepts with icons 

Ideally, you don’t want every slide in your deck to just be text. Instead, switch things up every few slides by using just pictures.

This slide deck by Gluwa uses icons to create little diagrams to illustrate their presentation ideas. Their slides still communicate concepts to the audience, but in a new way.

67. Overlay stock photos with color 

One problem many people encounter when creating a presentation or slide decks are finding photos with a consistent style. An easy way to edit photos to make them consistent is to add a transparent color overlay. In this example, Change Sciences uses a blue overlay on all of their photos. Plus, the color you choose can also help convey a particular mood.

68. Use black and white blocks 

An easy way to make your text pop, particularly on a photo background, is to use white font on a black blog background (and vise-versa). Check out this slide deck by Abhishek Shah, which uses this trick in an effective way.  

Now if you want to become a better leader this year, check out some of our favorite leadership infographics .

69. Use photos with similar filters 

Using a bunch of photos with wildly different filters can be jarring in a business presentation. To maintain a consistent flow, use photos with a similar filter and color saturation.

Take a look at this example from HubSpot across slide numbers 1-6 and you can see what I mean.

70. Visualize your points with diagrams 

Sometimes the best way to get your point across is to throw some diagrams into the presentation mix. But be sure to make is something that the audience can pick up on in three to five seconds tops.

For example, Jan Rezab uses a diagram to illustrate what takes up time in our lives on slide numbers 4, 5, 7 and 9!

71. Get experts to share tips

If you want to provide even more value to your audience than you can offer yourself, why not call in some expert reinforcement? See what experts in your field have to say on the topic of your presentation and include their tips and insights. Plus you can hijack their influence and expand your audience fairly quickly. 

72. Mimic a popular presentation style 

Uber’s pitch deck helped them raise millions of dollars in venture capital eventually leading to the glorious moment when they IPOed this year.

Aside from our sleek design upgrade (hey, we love good design!), this pitch deck template is the exact same one that Uber used to go from Idea to IPO.

And who knows? Maybe you might start the next Uber. But to raise money, you will need to create flawless business pitch decks to impress investors and raise those dollars.

73. Plan your presentation idea ahead of time

I know that minimalist designs are all the rage this year, but there is a big difference between a well-thought-out minimalist design and a lazy design without the finish touches. The same goes for a cluttered design with too many things going on at once.

That’s why it’s worth it to take the time to really plan out your presentation ideas and design concepts. Take this slide deck about storytelling by HighSpark. A quick glance will tell you that they put a lot of thought into designing their slides.

74.  Use tables to compare your brand to the competition in sales presentations/pitch decks

There are a lot of ways to visually compare similar things in this day and age. You could use a comparison infographic , or even a venn diagram!

However, when it comes to presentations I think that the simple table is best. Especially if you are comparing more than two things, like in this presentation example.

With a table, you can clearly lay out all the pros and cons of each idea, brand or topic without it being overwhelming to the audience. Plus, virtually everyone knows how to follow a table, so your information will be easy to consume.  

See more examples of the best pitch decks .

75. Blend icons & content effortlessly

Usually, icons are used as eye-catching objects detectors or anchors for text in a slideshow. But they can be used for so much more than that!

Like in this marketing presentation from Constant Contact they are very large but do not distract from the content.

76. Make your audience want more 

This tactic has been used by everyone since the idea of marketing was invented (or close to that). In this presentation example called “100 Growth Hacks, 100 Days” the creator only shows the audience the first 10 days of it and then uses a call to action at the end of the presentation to encourage them to seek out the rest.

The only risk with these kinds of presentation ideas is if your initial content is not great, you can’t expect your audience to seek out more information.

77. Use memes (for real, though) 

Usually, memes do not have a place in a serious business setting, so maybe don’t use them for formal presentations. But if you’re covering a lighter topic, or if you’re going for a fun presentation that will connect with your audience, don’t be afraid to throw a meme or two into the mix.

The audience immediately knows what you are trying to say when you use a popular meme in your presentation. For example, on slide number 7, the creator uses a meme to show that it will be hard to create great content

78.  Include a slide that introduces your team in pitch decks

In this presentation example, the creators decided to include their team on a slide. I think it’s a great gesture.

Showing your team can help the audience put a face to your brand and make the whole company feel more genuine. So if there is a team that has helped you get where you are today, give them some recognition!

79. Feature a complementary color palette

Even though I am not a formally trained designer, I still understand that proper color usage is the base of any good design. Although not all of the tenets of color theory work great for presentations, complementary colors are always a great pick.

Take a look at the color usage in this business presentation from Gary Vaynerchuk below . The purple and Snapchat yellow, which are complementary colors, look fantastic and the content jumps off the screen.

80. Use a heavy or bold font 

The very back of the room should be able to read your content if you are giving a group presentation. To ensure that your entire audience can read the slides I would not only use a large font, but also use a heavy font.  If you are confused by what I mean by a heavy font take a look at this unique presentation example by Slides That Rock.

81. Do the math for your audience

If you are going to use a graph in your presentation to compare data you should do the match for your audience. Do not make them do the calculations in their head because you will quickly lose their attention. For example, on slide number 5 the people at Sickweather lay out exactly what figures they want the audience to take from the slide.  

82. Use unique colors for different sections

The example below has 145 slides but it does not feel overwhelming or confusing.

That’s because each section has a different corresponding color, which makes it easier to flip through the slide deck and find a particular part.

83.  Give your presentation a catchy title that anyone can remember

What I really love about the presentation example above is that it features a catchy tagline on the second slide–“The 3S Framework.” It’s simple but it works!

This motto helps outline the structure of the presentation, and each slide referring back to it. Plus, the tagline will give the audience something to latch onto and remember from the presentation.

84. White backgrounds are not always bad 

A lot of people think that plain white background is a boring presentation faux pas. So the first thing they do is add color or image, which is not a bad thing at all.

But I also think that when used correctly, like in this example, plain white backgrounds can lead to beautiful presentations.

85. Split the header text from the body text

This idea is very similar to the one-two punch tactic that I talked about above, but it spreads the content over two slides as opposed to a single slide.

Use this design choice when you have fairly easy to follow presentations, like the one below from Steve Young. I know that this is effective because it allows the audience to focus on the main point before he drives it home with the supporting details.

86. Feature circle image frames 

I am a big fan of the design choices that Frank Delmelle uses in this slide deck about content strategy. He uses circles as his main design motif and frames his images in circles as well.

87. Talk directly to your audience 

This slideshow tops out at 70 slides but it’s a breeze to flip through. That’s because the creator, Ian Lurie, decided to present it in the form of a conversation instead of a classic slide deck.

While each slide only has one or two sentences, it flows just like a friendly chat. He also includes the necessary pauses, breaks and other conversational tics that helps make it even more convincing.

88. Illustrated icons are key this year 

Icons add a fun and functional element to your designs. In this presentation by Iryna Nezhynska, they use illustrated icons to make a potentially intimidating topic seem manageable.

89. Highlight key numbers and percentages 

Surprising percentages have the ability to excite and shock an audience. To make the percentages on your slides even more impactful, present them in a different color or font than the rest of the text.

In the presentation example above, Contently uses that exact tactic to bring more attention to key numbers.

90. Use a gradient as your presentation background 

Just like bold color schemes, gradients are a current social media graphic design trend . They may feel retro to some, but I believe they will be around well into the future.  

Gradients are perfect for presentation backgrounds because they are so versatile and eye-catching. I mean, you can literally create a gradient with any colors you can think of! And they look a lot more interesting than a simple flat background.

So embrace the future and use a gradient in your next presentation!

91. Track the steps in a process 

In this example, the creators from O.C. Tanner add a very interesting feature to their slides, starting on slide number 6. If you take a look at this business presentation template, you will see that they number the steps in a process and track which step they’re on at the bottom of the slides.

92. Use mind blowing font pairings 

The creator of this slide deck uses at least 10 different types of fonts. And it looks fantastic because they know that one font choice is boring. But this does not mean that you should use a bunch of random fonts–pick font pairs that play well together and keep your font choices for different types of information consistent throughout the presentation.

93. Make your ideas as obvious as possible 

Your audience shouldn’t be guessing at what you mean. That is why I think that this presentation example from In a Rocket is so powerful because they make the information easy to digest.

Learning to code can be challenging, but they break the information down with simple diagrams and clear examples. Heck, I have not touched CSS in a few years and I could still follow what they were instructing.

94. Use images that will actually scale 

A large mistake that you can make in your slide deck is using low-quality images. They may look great on your computer, but as soon as the slides are put up on a screen, the low quality will show. In this example by ThoughtWorks, all of their presentation background images look great and will scale well to a bigger screen. And that is even after the image compression that LinkedIn most likely does!

95. Take risks with your presentation layout

I honestly was blown away the first time I saw this presentation because it capitalized on such a risky design idea. The creators from Weekdone literally turned their presentation into an 8-Bit video game. A nd if you are looking for something that will stick with your audience, I would take a few creative cues from them!

96. Seriously, you better use memes 

In this day and age memes are mainstream, so why wouldn’t you use them in a creative presentation? These do not have to be the coolest meme that all the hip kids are sharing, they can be some of the classics. Like the one that Dana DiTomaso uses on slide 16 to emphasize that it’s a trap!

97. Follow a clear design rhythm

I really like how this presentation introduced each new point in three or four steps, using the same design. It gave the presentation a rhythm that flowed almost like a song!

I would recommend using this approach if you have to introduce multiple points per slide.

98. Use LOTS of icons

If you have made it this far in the list you have already probably seen how effective icons are in presentations. They are the perfect way to support your ideas and make your presentation more pleasing to the eyes.

For example, take a look at all the icons SlideShop uses in this presentation. Almost every slide has at least one icon and a few have more than ten!

99. Give each slide its own spark

I know this goes against earlier points I had about creating a cohesive theme in your presentation layout, but everyone knows that rules are made to be broken (if you can do it better)!

In this slide deck, the team at Officevibe literally created different designs for all 27 of their slides. And to top it off, each of the designs fit the quotes they used extremely well.

100. Use LARGE header cards 

An easy way to stick to that “one piece of content on each slide rule” is to use header cards. They are basically the header that you would normally use in a blog post or article, but it gets is own slide before the content. Here is an example of that idea in the real world in this presentation from Brian Downard.

101. Ask your audience questions 

I think one of the most common elements I saw in all the slide decks was that they asked the audience questions. You can use questions to engage with your audience and get them thinking a bit harder about the topic. The Site By Norex team did an exceptional job of this when they explored what the topic of what makes up a brand.

Need some more info about creating a memorable brand? Check out some of the best branding stats for 2020 and beyond!

102. Introduce yourself and your brand 

I would say that a majority of presentations that I looked at in this list just jumped right into the content without an introduction to the author or brand in the actual slide deck.

This introduction is very important because it establishes your credentials from the beginning, especially if someone is just reading the slide deck. In this example from Losant, they do just that by spending the first few slides telling the audience who they are.

103. Mix up your mediums 

Finally, this slide deck effectively marries two very distinct content forms together: digital images and hand-drawn illustrations. In this example, Freshdesk uses the timeless classic of a comic strip, Calvin & Hobbes, in something so modern to inform the audience in a fun way.

104. Show off your credentials 

Just like with any piece of content, people are more likely to believe what you are saying if they know what your company does. That is why I really like when people insert their qualifications right into the presentation slides. Just like Andreas von der Heydt, from Amazon, did at the beginning of this presentation about thinking big.  

105. Highlight key data points 

If you are presenting a chart or graph on a dry topic, I would recommend using a single color to highlight the most important data point. For example, the investment firm a16z uses orange to highlight the data points they want their audience to focus on in each of their charts.

Check out some examples of how to highlight your key information in bar charts .

106. Show your audience where to find more information 

A lot of people end their presentations by literally just running out of slides, and that is the wrong way to do it. Instead, CBInsights consistently pushes their readers towards another piece of content at the end. This is also where you can insert a call to action!

107. Tell your origin story

  Source

This idea is kinda similar to showing off your company qualifications at the beginning of your presentation. But with this approach, you are trying to make an emotional connection with your audience instead of just showing off accolades.

And Rand from Moz does this extremely well in the presentation example above.

108. Use one focused visual 

This presentation uses a central visual of a structure, with each slide moving down the levels of the structure. This is incredibly powerful because the entire presentation is about sinking your company, and the visual they designed mirrors that idea perfectly. Using one focus visual also makes your slide deck design cohesive.

109. Don’t take presentation design too seriously

Sometimes we get caught up trying to make the perfect presentation and it ends up making us crazy!

But in this presentation example, Jesse Desjardins uses a mix of wit and hilarious retro images to create a memorable and light-hearted presentation.

110. Use size to your advantage 

I am a big fan of using bubble charts and other charts that use size to compare two pieces of data. That is why I like this pitch deck from the ShearShare team that utilizes a size-based chart on slide number 9. The chart is used to illustrate the massive growth potential in their industry.

111. Split section headers from the main content with different background colors 

In this presentation, Seth Familian uses alternating colors in a very interesting way. For each of the title slides, he uses a black color background, but for the content slides he uses a white background.

This helped the readers follow along and comprehend what was on the page even faster. And when you are presenting to hundreds of different types of people, this can make or break your presentation.  

112.  Have a conversation with your audience 

Take a conversational tone in your presentation is a great way to encourage your audience to participate.

In this slide deck example, we presented a simple storyline and use questions to engage with the audience throughout. And it helped create a flow throughout the  presentation template  that is easy to follow.

113.  Include your branding throughout your presentation ideas

Another thing that people seem to forget when they are working on a presentation is to include their business’s branding. You honestly never know where your work is going to be shared, so it is important to make sure people know it’s yours. HubSpot does an outstanding job of this on all their presentations, as you can see in the bottom left corner of each slide.

Plus you have spent a ton of time creating your  brand guidelines , might as well use them.

114.  Include multiple slides to build to your main point

Try using multiple slides to build to your main point. This helps you walk through the components of one overarching point while also building suspense. In this slide deck, the creator uses 6 slides to build up to one main point, adding a new illustration to the diagram on each slide.

115.  Split the difference 

Use either the left or right side of the slide to hold your text and the opposite to display an image. If you are using a photo or graphic as the main background in your slides, this is a great way to keep things organized. 

116. There are millions of fonts out there…use them

Hey, I love simple fonts just as much as the next guy, but sometimes you need to step up your font game to stand out. For example, WebVisions uses a very gritty, probably custom font in their unique presentation that fits the topic extremely well. Take a look!

117.  Build your presentation content around icons 

Try using icons as the focal points of your presentation layout. This example from Omer Hameed  uses icons to draw the audience’s eyes  right to the middle of the presentation, where the main points and headers are located.  

118.  Mix up font style to emphasize important points

If you would like to draw some extra attention to a certain word or idea,  switch up the font  to one that is bolder. For example, in this oldie but goodie presentation from HubSpot they use a heavy sans-serif font to highlight ideas, as opposed to the serif font for the other text.

119.  Add personal touches to your presentation

If you want to create a truly unique presentation, add personal touches. In the slide numbers 6-13 from this presentation, the creator adds something to their design that no one else could ever have: they use original drawings they did themselves.

120.  Harness the power of your own brand colors

Sometimes people forget that they already have a battle-tested color palette that they can use in their  brand colors . I try to incorporate one of our brand colors in most of my designs and it makes so much easier to choose colors.

In this simple presentation example, Spitfire Creative used a palette that had both of their brand colors throughout the slideshow.

121.  Used dark-colored blocks to highlight words

I have seen this trick used in a lot of presentations and it works well. Highlight certain words or phrases by laying them overtop a colored rectangle. Take slide number 7 in this presentation example as a great guide. Use it to bring attention to a saying or idea you really want your audience to remember.

122.  Show the audience your mug 

This presentation example comes from the same presentation as a previous one, but it was too good not to share. Throughout the slides, you will see Rand from Moz pop up to add a human element to the design. Using an image of your team or yourself can put the audience at ease and make it easier to connect with the presenter.

123.  Include a helpful table of contents 

I only saw this presentation idea used a few times throughout my research, but I believe it should be used a lot more. A table of contents will help the audience know what to expect and keep their focus throughout. Especially if you are creating a presentation that is a bit longer than normal.

124.  Do not post just screenshots, do more

Screenshots of a program or app are very common in any blog post, but I think you can do a little better when it comes to presentations.

So instead of just posting a boring screenshot, add a little more to the slide by using illustrations and product shots. If you are not sure what I am talking about, just check out how great the screenshots look at slide numbers 7 and 8 in this presentation.

125. Highlight keywords using BOLD color 

Here’s another slide deck that uses different colors and blocks to highlight keywords. If you are going to use text-heavy slides, then make sure the key points are easy to pick out. Take this slide deck: starting in slide number 4, they highlight exactly what they want you to take away from the text on each slide!

Enough presentation ideas for you?

You made it! I applaud you for making it through all those presentations. Hopefully, now you have a few nifty presentation ideas ready for when you need them.

The next step is to create a presentation that will captivate a meeting room, an amphitheater, and even the world (hey, it doesn’t hurt to dream big).

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

169 Five-Minute Topics for a Killer Speech or Presentation

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

There are pros and cons to giving a 5-minute presentation. One good thing is the length. Long presentations can easily become boring, and you have a much better chance of keeping your audience engaged from beginning to end than with a 5-minute speech.

In this article:

Food & Drink

Relationships, social media, supernatural, list of topics for a 5-minute speech or presentation.

Choosing a topic is extremely important. To help you getting started, here is a list of some killer topics for 5-minute speech or presentation.

• Why it’s better to adopt a pet from a shelter
• Choosing the perfect leash for your dog
• What is the best food for your pet?
• How much exercise does your pet need?
• The horror of puppy mills
• Bringing back endangered species
• How long are giraffes in labor
• Domestication of horses
• Picking the right vet
• Sleeping with your dog
• Why should you get goats in pairs
• Ethics of zoos
• The domestication of dogs
• How to keep a goldfish alive for a long time
• How to choose the right pet
• Why cats are so independent
• When to get a dog
• What kind of dog is best for a household with children
• Why therapy animals work
• How to find the money to go to college
• How much control should the federal government have over curriculum design?
• How to choose a college
• Ideas for narrowing down a career choice
• When to declare a major
• Benefits of charter schools
• Why charter schools are bad
• Negative effects of school vouchers
• Attracting the right people to the teaching profession
• Discipline in the classroom
• Memory tricks that work
• Why homework is bad
• Should students still have to use the books in the library?
• Why cursive should still be taught in schools
• Textbooks vs. tablets
• Benefits of going to a trade school
• Are there positives to taking a gap year?
• The problem with low teacher pay
• Social media in the classroom
• Benefits of integrating apps into the classroom
• The importance of attachment
• How to compromise on names for your kids
• What is the ideal age to start a family
• How important are grandparents
• Traveling with children
• Strategies for potty training
• How to help a child with nightmares
• Middle child syndrome
• How many kids should you have?
• How to recognize a gifted child
• When your child doesn’t like to eat
• How to encourage good eating habits
• When to intervene with a bully
• Being active in your child’s school
• The benefits of aunts and uncles
• When family falls apart
• The first days with a new baby
• When to call the doctor
• Caring for an ailing parent
• Balancing home and career
• When to start saving for retirement
• IRA vs. Roth IRA
• When should you start saving for your children’s college education?
• Crowdfunded loans vs. the bank
• How Kickstarter changed everything
• Using your HSA
• How to apply for a mortgage
• Improving your credit score
• How to negotiate a raise
• Renting vs. buying
• How does compound interest work?
• How to ask for a promotion
• When is it time to get a new job?
• What to do when you find out a coworker makes more than you
• How much of a down payment on a house do you really need?
• Living on minimum wage
• Is it better to lease or buy a new car?
• How to budget for a new car
• What to do when you lose your job
• Using credit cards responsibly
• Is rare meat safe?
• Vegan vs. vegetarian
• Microbrews vs. standard brewing
• How to make your own wine
• What are hops?
• Best plants for a backyard garden
• When to transplant sprouts
• Bananas and plantains
• How to make a brine for pickling
• Where did brunch begin?
• Why pineapple belongs on a pizza
• When to order in
• Planning a menu
• Meal planning and grocery lists
• Is free range really better?
• The perfect macaroni and cheese
• Growing your own herbs
• How to make your own pasta
• How to make cookies that are softer
• Benefits of drinking black coffee
• Benefits of a gluten-free diet
• Is the paleo diet accurate?
• Effects of not getting enough sleep
• Are meal subscription services worth it?
• Downsides to Crossfit
• Benefits of yoga
• How to meditate
• Can therapy change the way your mind works?
• Are GMOs really dangerous?
• The truth about diet soda
• Importance of hydration
• Why cleanses don’t work
• Best juice diet
• Most effective exercise for burning calories
• Do essential oils really work?
• The history of television
• When the railway was king
• Thwarted assassination attempts
• The first Olympics
• Media during World War II
• Military advancements between World War I and World War II
• War photographers
• Things you didn’t learn in history class
• Historical lies
• The early Internet
• Why podcasts are great
• Most unbiased news channel
• When do people tune into the news most
• How relevant are women’s magazines?
• Cable vs. Netflix
• How worried should you be about your browsing history?
• How to limit screen time
• Why it’s bad to use your smartphone right before bed
• Apple vs. Android
• The best age to get married
• How to get an amicable divorce
• Finding a roommate
• Splitting financial responsibilities evenly among the household
• How to have a happy marriage
• Choosing your family
• How to fight effectively
• Signs of an abusive relationship
• What to look for in a spouse
• When to let it go
• How to overcome self-doubt
• Faking confidence
• Becoming comfortable with yourself
• How to say no
• Relaxation techniques
• Controlling anxiety
• Qualities of a leader
• The importance of self-care
• Identifying triggers
• How to eliminate negativity
• Making new habits
• Ethics of posting pictures of your children on social media
• How Internet ads are tailored to you
• How to advertise your business on Facebook
• Privacy and social media
• How to protect your personal information
• When to allow your kids to get their own social media accounts
• Why you shouldn’t post your location on social media
• How to use a hashtag
• Uncovering Twitter Bots
• Snapchat etiquette
• Proof that aliens exist
• Debunking crop circles
• Is Bigfoot real?
• Proof that ghosts exist

Good 2-Minute Speech Topics for Students

13 All-Time Best TED Talks

23 thoughts on “169 Five-Minute Topics for a Killer Speech or Presentation”

Ideal Teacher

is life really a blessing?

This has helped me so much for my English class thank you!

Why personal (private) rules are helpful

I got an A!!!!!

Risks of abortion Wage gap How social media impacts education/mental health Why it’s important to have a good stable mental health Do teenagers really spend all their time on their phones Gsce requirements unfair or reasonable

Here is a kind of a dense topic, domestic abuse. Why does it happen? What are some ways to identify a abusive relationship? How does it affect families? Why is the abuser abusive?

We have presentation next week. I can’t think about the topic. Please help me!

i want a topic that involves supernatural: HELP

Is water wet?

death, what if the earth loses air entirely for five minutes, what is the most common death.

I have presentation next two day concerning with my classroom. I must choose five topics but i can’t think how to choose these topics. Please! help me

Tanks for giving me an A in drama

so helpful thank you

thanks this helped with my speach at school

i need a best topic to present on that is educational to consumer science and food nutrition students. can i please be assisted

what if the earth stopped spinning pros and cons of being an artist how Gen Z affected slang why people are afraid of the dark why knowing how to play an instrument is beneficial/not needed

Here’s a controversial one: are trans, intersex and non-binary people getting the same right as every else?

I have a presentation this week I don’t understand how to find a good title please help me I’m a diploma student the speech must have more than 10 minutes

How do create presentation for famous place in Sri Lanka

i need something for my oral communication class. it must be attention grabbing and not an argument. please help

I need ideas on a slide show presentation, a kid appropiate topic.

Pls I need more ideas on self help

hi lol i like these topics but i need a trendy one like something new or like a natural phenomene or someth like that… 🙂

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October 12, 2023

250 unique presentation ideas

Need some inspiration for presentation topics that are not boring? Here's 250 of them.

Co-founder, Head of Product

Capturing people’s attention has become more difficult than ever. So what’s the key to creating a memorable presentation that engages your audience?

It starts by picking a presentation topic that stands out. Whether you’re a student, hobbyist, or professional, here are more than 250 unique presentation ideas — and best practices — to jumpstart your creative process.

How to choose a great presentation topic

There’s no such thing as a bad presentation idea in general. A good presentation topic is one that is well suited for your goals, audience, and setting. A great presentation topic is one that is appropriate for its context and where you can bring unique or novel perspective.

Ask yourself these questions when choosing a presentation topic.

• Articulate your goals: Why are you presenting? Is it to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire? You should be able to articulate the three takeaways your audience should leave the presentation with. Write these down.
• Understand your audience : Who will be watching or listening? Consider their demographics, interests, and level of knowledge. How in depth should you go in your presentation? What content formats will resonate with them?
• Define your constraints: What medium will your presentation use? Are you presenting on stage to hundreds of people in a lecture hall or over video conference to a small team? How long do you have? How many slides do you need?
• Make it your own: Do you have a unique angle or perspective on this topic? That is the biggest difference between a boring presentation and a captivating one. How passionate are you about it? If you’re disinterested, your audience will be able to tell.
• Narrow your focus : There’s nothing more boring than a generic presentation. The broader your topic, the more you run the risk of not being able to say anything new. Narrow your topic down to something specific and manageable. Instead of "The Benefits of a Healthy Diet,” try "10 Superfoods and Their Impact on Brain Health."

How to build a great presentation quickly

Just as an existing list of presentation topic ideas can help inspire you during the brainstorming phase, it can be helpful to get a jumpstart when you’re ready to make the presentation itself. One tool that can help you get over the daunting blank-page problem is an AI presentation maker, like Plus .

Plus AI can suggest presentation outlines to help you structure your content, design slides to save you time on formatting, and generate many variants to inspire you if you get stuck. You can try Plus for free by installing the Google Slides add-on below.

Whether or not you get started with an AI slide maker , you will also want to give some consideration to the visual appeal of your presentation. Understanding the basics of layout, information hierarchy, color, and type will help you craft a more beautiful presentation that connects with your viewers.

Personal presentation topics

Presentation topics based on your personal experience.

• Navigating my first year abroad: Lessons and insights from living in Japan
• The road to recovery: My personal journey after a major surgery
• Finding my roots: What I discovered tracing my ancestry and DNA
• From novice to marathoner: My running journey
• Mastering a new language: 10 tips from one year of learning Italian
• Fostering Fido: My experience as a first-time dog foster parent
• Adventures in veganism: My month-long challenge of going plant-based
• Off the beaten path: Backpacking through Southeast Asia's lesser-known gems
• My experiment with digital detox: My month without social media
• Becoming a minimalist: How decluttering transformed my life and mindset
• Couchsurfing chronicles: The good, the bad, the ugly
• Chasing the Northern Lights: My trip to Iceland
• Reconnecting with nature: My experience of a solo wilderness retreat
• Overcoming my fear of public speaking: 10 actionable techniques that worked for me
• Brewing passion: My journey into home brewing and craft beers
• Binge-watching for good: I watched 100 documentaries in a year. This is what I learned.
• The art of silence: My 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat
• Flavors of the world: Culinary discoveries from my global food tour
• Between two worlds: My life as a first-generation immigrant
• Celebrations across borders: How I celebrate traditional holidays with a twist
• From skeptic to believer: My transformative journey into holistic wellness

Presentation topics for job interviews or school applications

• 10 lessons I’ve learned from my successes and failures
• My leadership journey navigating a project with a remote team in three time zones
• How joining a college improv group enhanced my public speaking and spontaneity skills
• Coding for a cause: Developing a mobile app to connect local farmers with urban consumers
• How I used my fluency in Mandarin and Arabic when working in Dubai
• Innovating under pressure: Prototyping during a 48-hour hackathon
• My deep dive into ancient Mayan culture during a summer research fellowship in Guatemala
• Charting digital skies: Leveraging drone technology to improve urban infrastructure surveys
• From concept to canvas: Curating an exhibition on emerging artists in Southeast Asia
• How I spearheaded a campus-wide sustainability initiative that reduced plastic waste by 60%
• Pivoting with purpose: transitioning from a career in finance to championing mental health awareness
• How I created an AI chatbot to suggest recipes based on dietary preferences and restrictions
• Managing via metrics: How I led a junior team to exceed sales targets by 150%
• Blending tradition with tech: Digitizing ancient tribal patterns into modern fashion designs
• How I launched a startup focused on upcycled products in a circular economy
• How I built a peer-tutoring program for student athletes
• Integrating AI-driven solutions in a traditional manufacturing organization
• Scaling success: How I led a cross functional team to a 200% increase in quarterly sales
• Navigating change: Managing culture and process change through a company merger
• How I championed the adoption of cloud technologies in a decade-old enterprise
• Mentorship matters: How we accelerated junior staff promotions by 40%
• From chaos to clarity: My experience streamlining complex internal processes
• Elevating the brand: How we found a niche in a crowded market
• Driving corporate sustainability to reduce costs and boosted brand image
• Crisis to comeback: My strategies for business continuity during unexpected disruptions
• Innovating from within: How our "skunkworks" project became a top revenue earner
• How I revamping our customer service approach, leading to a 50% drop in complaints
• Managing and integrating diverse teams across the globe

Educational presentation topics

Presentation topics on history that aren’t boring.

• What’s the deal with the Roman Empire and why are people obsessed with it?
• When cosmetics were deadly: The intriguing tale of makeup in the Elizabethan era
• Pirate queens and seafaring heroines: Untold stories of women who ruled the seas
• Lunar legends: Tracing mankind's fascination with the moon across ancient civilizations
• Dining through the ages: Bizarre and extravagant eating habits of medieval monarchs
• The fashion revolutionaries: How the flappers of the 1920s challenged societal norms
• Civilizations beneath the waves: Exploring sunken cities and their mysteries
• Espionage and intrigue: Notorious spies that changed the course of history
• From gladiators to samurais: The evolution of warriors' armor and weaponry
• Lost and found: Forgotten ancient texts and their impact on modern thought
• Beyond the pyramids: Lesser-known architectural wonders of ancient Egypt
• Dance of death: The cultural and historical significance of Europe's plague doctor masks
• High stakes and high heels: Tracing the controversial history of the stiletto
• Elixirs and potions: A deep dive into the bizarre world of medieval medicine
• The Underground Railroad's secret codes
• The fall of ancient metropolises
• From the vellum to the pixel: Evolution of manuscript illumination in the digital age
• In Caesar's footsteps: Decoding the linguistic evolution of Latin across the Roman Empire
• The astrolabe and its pivotal role in medieval astronomy and navigation
• Conundrums in cartography: Analyzing historical map inaccuracies and their implications
• Papyrus puzzles: The art and science of reconstructing ancient fragmented texts
• Alchemical ambitions: The quest for the philosopher's stone
• Secrets of the scriptorium: The intricate world of medieval book production
• Deciphering the neumes and notations of early Gregorian chants
• Byzantine bureaucracy in Constantinople
• Numismatic narratives: What ancient coin hoards reveal about trade, treachery, and treasure
• Siege warfare science: Deconstructing the trebuchet
• Guilds and their grip: The economics and politics of medieval craft associations

Presentation topics on science that are real mind-benders

• Quantum entanglement: The eerie phenomenon of "spooky action at a distance"
• Black holes and information paradox: Understanding Hawking radiation and its implications
• Time dilation: How moving faster can slow down time according to Einstein's relativity
• The holographic principle: Is our universe merely a 2D projection on a cosmic horizon?
• Multiverse theories: Exploring the possibility of parallel universes and alternate realities
• Quantum computing: How qubits might revolutionize our computational landscape
• Wormholes and interstellar travel: Shortcuts through spacetime?
• Dark matter and dark energy: The enigmatic forces driving our universe's expansion
• The Planck scale: A realm where gravity and quantum mechanics collide
• Quantum field theory: Understanding the vibrational essence of particles and forces
• Neutrino oscillations: The shape-shifting nature of these elusive subatomic particles
• Cosmic speed limits: Why nothing can go faster than light
• Quantum gravity: The quest to reconcile general relativity with the quantum world
• The simulation hypothesis: Are we living in a complex computational construct?
• Schrödinger's cat explained: How a thought experiment baffles our understanding of reality
• Time crystals: The strange materials where time keeps ticking, but never moves forward
• Antimatter mysteries: The mirror world of particles and why we're made of "normal" stuff
• Quantum teleportation is real, but not as sci-fi as you think
• Twisted light beams: Carrying more data with light's angular momentum
• How the butterfly effect shapes our world and the patterns we miss
• Eerie "songs" emitted by celestial objects
• A deep dive into quarks, gluons, and the dance of the subatomic
• How colliding black holes "ring" space-time like a bell
• The universe's fate: Exploring the Big Crunch, Big Freeze, and Big Rip scenarios

Presentation topics that are explainers

• The circular economy: Moving beyond recycling to a sustainable future
• Mutual funds and ETFs: Diversifying investments and how they differ
• Bonds vs. Stocks: Breaking down the basics and the risks involved
• How crypto tokens work: The basics of the blockchain
• Gene editing and CRISPR, explained.
• The psychology of misinformation: How and why fake news spreads
• Decoding the stock market: From bull markets to short selling, what it all actually means
• Net neutrality simplified: The battle for the internet's future, broken down
• The global supply chain: Why a delay in one country can mean empty shelves in another
• AI, explained: beyond the buzzwords, how they're shaping our world
• Derivatives and their dangers: From simple contracts to the 2008 financial crash
• The enigma of black boxes in airplanes: What they capture and why they're crucial
• Inflation and deflation: How prices move and what it means for your wallet
• How platforms like Instagram and TikTok decide what you see
• Hedge funds vs. private equity: The big players in finance and their strategies
• Modern vaccine development: mRNA, vector vaccines, and the race against time
• Exploring the gut-brain connection: Why your stomach might influence your mood
• Universal Basic Income (UBI): 10 experiments around the world
• The Electoral College, explained
• Understanding credit scores: What they are, why they matter, and how to improve them
• Back to basics: The three branches of the US government
• The filibuster explained: Its history, function, and the debates surrounding it
• How a bill becomes a law: The journey from an idea to legislation
• The Supreme Court demystified: How justices are chosen and the impact of their decisions
• Gerrymandering and redistricting: How district lines can shape election outcomes
• The role of lobbyists: Influence, advocacy, and the concerns about "dark money”
• The census and its significance: Population counts, representation, and funding at stake
• The U.S. budget process: How we allocate trillions and why it matters
• Compound interest: The magic behind how your money grows over time
• The role of central banks: Interest rates, money printing, and economic stabilization

Presentation topics that teach people how to do something

• 10 ways  to transform into a morning person
• How to build an authentic personal brand on social media
• Work-life balance: Strategies for time management and boundary setting
• How to forage in urban cities
• How to start aquascaping
• 10 steps to build a capsule wardrobe
• Fermentation 101: Making kombucha, kefir, and sauerkraut from scratch
• Skygazing: How to track satellites, space stations, and iridium flares
• How to marble paper: Crafting swirl patterns for artistic projects and bookbinding
• How to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed
• Optimizing productivity with the Pomodoro Technique
• Stressed at work? Try these coping strategies and mindfulness practices
• How to cultivate a Growth Mindset
• How to make an earthen oven in your backyard
• 5 easy steps to reduce screen time and reconnect with the offline world
• How to make prehistoric-style tools and art from flint.
• Learn how to whittle
• How to build a bee hotel
• How to homebrew mead
• Personal finance 101
• How to network effectively in a virtual world
• How to start a side hustle
• 25 new strategies for even the most seasoned remote worker
• How to have a difficult conversation

Professional presentation topics

Presentation topics to improve workplace dynamics.

• Cultivating Emotional Intelligence: Why EQ matters as much as IQ in the workplace
• Addressing and preventing workplace burnout: Strategies for holistic well-being
• Feedback is a gift: How to create a feedback-oriented culture
• Building inclusive teams: Celebrating diversity and ensuring equal opportunity
• 10 strategies to build trust and foster open communication
• The art of active listening: Strengthening connections and improving understanding
• How Radical Candor can transform your workplace culture
• Tackling unconscious bias: Raising awareness and promoting fairness
• Fostering psychological safety — what it really means
• Strategies for effective onboarding
• How to use MBTI in one-on-one feedback
• Navigating cross-generational dynamics
• Decoding Gen Z communications in the workplace
• The agile methodology and how it can apply to our team
• The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: Patrick Lencioni’s model

Interactive presentation topics for team-building

• Escape room challenges for team building
• Design thinking workshop introduction
• Mystery product feedback session
• Reverse brainstorming: Tackling problems backward
• Story cubes for corporate storytelling
• Interactive polls and live surveys: Real-time feedback
• Role-reversal scenarios: A day in another's shoes
• Blindfolded trust exercises
• Personalized SWOT analysis for teams
• Interactive timeline creations: Charting company history
• Mock "Shark Tank" pitching event
• Building virtual worlds: An introduction to collaborative VR
• Innovation auction: Bidding on the future
• Interactive quiz challenges: Test your knowledge
• Persona crafting workshop for marketing teams

Presentation topics on digital marketing

• Conversational AI: Revolutionizing customer interactions in 2024
• The rise of ephemeral content: How disappearing media is capturing lasting attention
• Omnichannel marketing: Crafting seamless user experiences across all touchpoints
• The next wave of influencer marketing: Micro-communities and niche leaders
• Visual search optimization: The future of product discovery in e-commerce
• Augmented reality (AR) in advertising: Bridging virtual experiences with real-world sales
• Predictive analytics: Anticipating customer behavior in a post-cookie era
• Hyper-personalization in 2024: Beyond demographics to individualized content delivery
• Interactive email campaigns: Innovations in inbox engagement
• The resurgence of podcasts: Audio content strategies for brands
• Sustainable marketing: Embracing eco-conscious campaigns and strategies
• Neuromarketing insights: Leveraging brain science for more effective ads
• Video content evolution: From TikTok to virtual reality storytelling
• Blockchain in digital marketing: Still relevant?

Presentation ideas for sales teams

• Mastering remote sales pitches in 2024
• Leveraging platforms beyond LinkedIn
• Aligning with modern consumer values and ethics
• The role of AI in sales forecasting: Predictive models and real-time adjustments
• Account-based sales strategies: Hyper-targeted approaches for B2B success
• 10 sales strategies from the latest behavioral neuroscience research
• Never Split the Difference: Mastering negotiations
• Win clients with AI-generated personalized video pitches
• The future of sales automation, 10 new tools for 2024
• Ghosted: Addressing the silent rejections in the sales journey
• 3 infamous stories about the biggest sales blunders
• 10 unconventional channels for leads and conversions

Presentation ideas on productivity

• 10 new AI tools that can speed up how we work
• Pro tips for getting control over your Google Calendar
• Why multi-tasking doesn’t work and what you can do about it
• How to become better at email
• Why declaring email bankrupcy might be the right move
• Debunking the myth of the 4 hour work week
• Maximizing productivity with power naps
• What historical civilizations teach about modern-day productivity
• Strategic procrastination with project trackers
• Making the perfect playlist to get in the flow
• Setting and tracking future goals with all-in-one workspace tool like Notion or Coda
• Maximize tools in Slack to stay focused and minimize distractions
• Using voice memos to stay in the flow
• Setting up a knowledge management system for your team that actually works
• Habit-tracking apps to reinforce productive behaviors
• The benefits of keeping a daily journal

Just-for-fun presentation topics

Presentations in novel formats.

Try some of these alternative presentation formats to make your presentations more engaging or interactive.

• Pecha Kucha (or Ignite Talk): A presentation format originally from Japan, where you present 20 slides, each of which automatically advances after 20 seconds (15 seconds). It’s fast paced, super engaging, and can be hilarious to watch the presenter try to keep up with the slides.
• Lightning talk : A very short presentation of only a few minutes that gets straight to the point. It's popular in tech conferences, especially for introducing new ideas or concepts without going into depth.
• TED-style talk : These are short presentations focusing on one clear message, often accompanied by compelling narratives or personal stories. The presentation slides are usually very minimal, to keep the focus on the presenter.
• PowerPoint Karaoke : Presenters are given a set of slides they've never seen before and must improvise a talk on the spot. It’s a fun exercise in adaptability.
• Demo Slam : A fast-paced event where presenters get a limited time (often 3 minutes or less) to demonstrate a tech tool, technique, or tip. It's competitive, with the audience voting for their favorite demo.
• Speed Geeking : Similar to speed dating, presenters set up at multiple stations, and attendees rotate around, spending a few minutes at each station. It's a rapid-fire way to get exposed to multiple topics in a short time.
• PowerPoint Night : Take turns presenting funny and interactive topics. Great for remote socializing.

Presentation topics for weddings

• The groom's misadventures as a kid
• The bride's college escapades: Stories we will never let her forget
• High school days: Tales of the groom's awkward phase
• When paths crossed: Recounting the couple's unexpected first meeting
• Love letters: Reading old letters or messages exchanged between the couple
• A sibling's roast: A light-hearted, funny take on growing up with the bride or groom
• Adventures abroad: Slideshow of the couple’s nomadic year
• The proposal blooper: Narrating the behind-the-scenes mishaps of the proposal day
• Pets and the couple: Amusing stories of the couple's adventures with their furry friends
• Dance floor memories: Slideshow of the couple's most memorable dance-offs or moves
• Childhood dreams vs. reality, with cute photos
• Bucket list adventures: List of silly goals the couple hopes to achieve together

Presentation topics for birthday parties

• A journey through the birthday person's fashion choices over the years
• The great cake disasters
• Notes from my childhood diary
• Letters from the past
• A montage of dance moves from over the years at various birthdays
• Growing up in the 90s: Throwback to childhood trends we forgot about
• My pet chronicles
• Musical journey: Embarrassing playlist of old favorites
• Sports and spills
• The dating diaries: Remember this ex?
• Guess the year: Guests have to guess when a photo of the birthday person was taken

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Try These 160 Insanely Fun PowerPoint Ideas for Your Next Presentation

Ausbert Generoso

In the modern-day PowerPoint presenting, slide decks don’t just inform, but also entertain and spark joy. PowerPoint shouldn’t just be confined to the monotony of bullet points and charts, but rather offers a unique canvas where imagination can run wild!

We get it. The thought of sitting through another mundane PowerPoint presentation might make you want to run for the hills. But fear not, because we’re here to spark some fun PowerPoint ideas for your your next presentation. Whether you’re aiming to captivate colleagues during a virtual meeting, add a splash of excitement to your classroom, or simply stun your friends at your next PowerPoint game night , we’ve got you covered with ideas that blend education and entertainment seamlessly.

So, fasten your seatbelt (or loosen your tie 😉), as we embark on a complete list through categories that will transform your next PowerPoint presentation into a rollercoaster of excitement. Whatever theme you’re thinking of for your next presentation, these fun PowerPoint ideas are poised to leave your audience not just informed, but exhilarated.

Why Settle for the Ordinary? Elevate Your Presentations with Fun PowerPoint Ideas!

You might be wondering, why bother with all the extra effort to infuse fun into your PowerPoint presentations? After all, the usual routine of bullet points and graphs seems to get the job done, right? Well, allow us to unveil why taking the road less traveled and incorporating fun PowerPoint ideas can be the game-changer you never knew you needed.

🤸🏻‍♀️  Unforgettable Engagement

Let’s face it – the human attention span isn’t exactly legendary. But when you introduce a touch of fun into your presentation, you’re not just holding attention, you’re capturing it in a delightful grip. Unconventional ideas, witty humor, and interactive elements transform passive listeners into active participants , making your message resonate and stick.

🧠  Enhanced Memorability

Ever noticed how the most memorable experiences are the ones that evoke emotion? The same principle applies to presentations. When you inject an element of fun, whether it’s a surprising twist, a clever visual, or an unexpected game , you create a mental anchor for your audience. Those who chuckle and engage are more likely to remember and recall the essence of your presentation long after it’s over.

🎨  Sparking Creativity

The world thrives on innovation, and that extends to the world of presentations too. Opting for fun PowerPoint ideas challenges you to think beyond the norm and come up with creative solutions . It encourages you to see your content from new angles, fostering a culture of innovation and resourcefulness that extends beyond the presentation room.

💬  Connection and Communication

Human beings connect through shared experiences and emotions. By introducing an element of fun, you’re forging a connection with your audience that goes beyond the screen. Laughter and engagement create a bond, facilitating better understanding and communication. In a professional setting, this can translate into improved team dynamics and a more open dialogue.

So, while the tried-and-true method might get you from point A to point B, why not embark on a journey that’s not only efficient but also exhilarating? Why settle for the ordinary when you can captivate, connect, and leave a mark with your fun PowerPoint ideas? The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. It’s time to break free from the mold and transform your presentations into extraordinary experiences that linger long after the last slide.

150+ Fun PowerPoint Ideas for All Presentation Types

Fun powerpoint ideas for social gatherings and events.

• Emoji Charades:  Use emojis as clues for a game of charades with friends.
• Virtual Costume Party:  Have participants dress up and share their costumes on slides.
• Name That Tune:  Play a few seconds of a song and challenge attendees to guess the title.
• Create Your Meme:  Provide images and have guests come up with humorous captions.
• Bucket List Share:  Have everyone share one item from their bucket list with images and explanations.
• Interactive Map Quest:  Share travel stories and ask attendees to guess the locations on a map.
• Party Playlist Collaboration:  Let participants add their favorite songs to a shared playlist slide.
• Personal Trivia:  Create a slide about yourself with facts for others to guess.
• Two Truths and a Lie:  Participants share statements; others guess which one is false.
• Virtual Escape Room:  Turn your slides into a virtual escape room with puzzles and clues.

Fun PowerPoint Ideas for the Workplace

• Emoji Icebreaker:  Start meetings with a slide displaying emojis representing moods.
• Reverse Role Presentation:  Present as if you’re the audience and vice versa.
• Meme Monday Updates:  Share weekly updates in meme format to keep things light.
• Interactive Polls:  Add clickable options for participants to vote on decisions.
• Choose Your Adventure:  Present a scenario with choices, letting the audience decide the outcome.
• Team Trivia Challenge:  Test knowledge with team-based trivia using PowerPoint animations.
• Inspirational Quote Showcase:  Share powerful quotes with visual design to motivate the team.
• Visualize Goals:  Use animations to show progress towards team goals over time.
• Role Play Skits:  Act out scenarios using images and text in a comic book-style layout.
• Name the Colleague:  Share humorous hints to have attendees guess the colleague.

Fun PowerPoint Ideas for the Classroom

• Science Experiment Journey:  Present the process and results of a science experiment.
• Historical Time Travel:  Create immersive history lessons with visuals and sound effects.
• Math Riddle Challenge:  Share math riddles and reveal solutions with animations.
• Language Learning Adventure:  Teach vocabulary and phrases in a foreign language interactively.
• Literary Parodies:  Analyze literature through humorous parodies of famous stories.
• Math Olympics:  Turn math problems into interactive challenges with medals for winners.
• Interactive Periodic Table:  Explore chemical elements with interactive info and animations.
• Geography Quiz:  Engage students with interactive maps and questions.
• Scientific Pictionary:  Play a Pictionary-style game with scientific terms and concepts.
• Art Appreciation Gallery:  Analyze famous artworks through an interactive virtual gallery.

Fun PowerPoint Ideas for Personal Projects & Hobbies

• Hobby Exhibition:  Display your hobbies, from painting to photography, using slides.
• Fitness Journey Timeline:  Document your fitness progress with images and data charts.
• Digital Portfolio:  Showcase your work and skills through an interactive digital portfolio.
• Travelogue:  Share your travel experiences with photos, anecdotes, and travel tips.
• DIY Tutorial:  Teach a craft or DIY project through a series of animated slides.
• Music Playlist Presentation:  Curate themed playlists and explain your song choices.
• Language Learning Journey:  Document your progress in learning a new language.
• Culinary Adventure:  Showcase international cuisines you’ve explored and cooked.
• Writing Journey:  Share your writing process and excerpts from your creative pieces.
• Art Evolution:  Display your artistic journey from early works to current creations.

Fun PowerPoint Ideas for Storytelling

• Virtual World Tour:  Craft a global adventure through storytelling and images.
• Mystery Detective Story:  Unravel a mystery using clues and interactive elements.
• Personal Evolution:  Share your life journey through milestones and anecdotes.
• Time-Traveling Adventure:  Create an interactive story that spans different eras.
• Fairy Tale Remix:  Reimagine classic fairy tales with a modern twist.
• Unsolved Mysteries:  Present historical or fictional mysteries and let the audience speculate.
• Myth vs. Fact:  Compare myths and facts through interactive scenarios.
• Character Development Showcase:  Create profiles of fictional characters with images and backstories.
• Epic Quest Narrative:  Craft an epic journey with challenges, choices, and consequences.
• Alternate Endings:  Rewrite the endings of famous stories with your creative twist.

Fun PowerPoint Ideas for Challenges and Quizzes

• Trivia Extravaganza:  Host a fun-filled trivia night with interactive questions and answers.
• Visual Riddles:  Present visual riddles and reveal the solutions with animations.
• Guess the Sound:  Play audio clips for attendees to guess the corresponding sounds.
• Brain Teaser Quiz:  Challenge participants with puzzles that test logical thinking.
• Quote Identification:  Display famous quotes and ask participants to identify the source.
• Word Association Challenge:  Present words and have participants quickly associate related words.
• Pop Culture Trivia:  Test knowledge of movies, music, and current events through a quiz.
• Speed Typing Challenge:  Display words, and participants type them as fast as they can.
• Guess the Logo:  Share partial images of logos for attendees to guess the brands.
• Memory Game:  Reveal a series of images, then ask attendees to recall the order.

Fun PowerPoint Ideas for Data and Infographics

• Data Storytelling:  Transform statistics and data into compelling visual narratives.
• Illustrated Concepts:  Use custom illustrations to explain complex ideas and concepts.
• Interactive Infographics:  Create clickable infographics with hidden details and insights.
• Process Flow Comics:  Present processes as comic strips with characters navigating each step.
• Comparative Timelines:  Compare historical events, progress, or trends side by side.
• Interactive Charts and Graphs:  Make charts interactive for deeper exploration of data.
• Explorable Maps:  Present geographical data with interactive maps and annotations.
• Evolution of Technology:  Visualize the evolution of technology and its impact.
• Visual Decision Trees:  Present decision-making processes as interactive branching scenarios.
• Illustrated Quotes:  Combine famous quotes with custom illustrations that capture their essence.

Fun PowerPoint Ideas for Motivational Talks

• Personal Growth Journey:  Share your personal growth journey with motivational lessons.
• Success Stories:  Present inspiring stories of individuals who overcame challenges.
• Motivational Quotes Compilation:  Curate a collection of powerful quotes for inspiration.
• Life Lessons Through Stories:  Convey life lessons using engaging narrative examples.
• Overcoming Adversity:  Share stories of resilience and strategies to overcome challenges.
• The Power of Positivity:  Explore the impact of positive thinking on personal and professional life.
• Leadership Insights:  Present leadership principles with examples from renowned leaders.

Fun PowerPoint Ideas for Futuristic and Imaginative Presentations

• Time Capsule:  Present predictions and visions of the future with a time capsule theme.
• Virtual Reality Showcase:  Use VR-inspired visuals to immerse the audience in your content.
• Space Exploration:  Explore the cosmos with interactive space-themed slides.
• Inventions of Tomorrow:  Present imaginative ideas for future inventions and innovations.
• Post-Apocalyptic Scenarios:  Craft a presentation depicting post-apocalyptic worlds and possibilities.
• AI and Robotics:  Discuss the future of AI and robotics through speculative presentations.
• Dystopian vs. Utopian:  Compare and contrast dystopian and utopian visions of the future.
• Future of Education:  Visualize how education might evolve with technology and trends.

Fun PowerPoint Ideas for Entertainment and Pop Culture

• Guess the Movie Scene:  Display screenshots and challenge your audience to guess the movie.
• Pop Culture Charades:  Act out pop culture references, from movies to memes.
• Fan Theories Discussion:  Present and analyze intriguing fan theories about popular shows or movies.
• Celebrity Look-Alike Game:  Share images of ordinary people who resemble celebrities.
• Music Lyrics Challenge:  Display song lyrics with missing words for attendees to complete.
• TV Show Mashup:  Combine characters and scenes from different TV shows for humorous outcomes.
• Pop Culture Trivia Tournament:  Host a tournament-style trivia challenge with various rounds.

Fun PowerPoint Ideas for Self-Care and Wellness

• Mindful Moments:  Guide attendees through a short mindfulness exercise during your presentation.
• Self-Care Bingo:  Create bingo cards with self-care activities for a wellness-themed meeting.
• Healthy Habits Showcase:  Present effective wellness tips and habits for a balanced lifestyle.
• Stress Relief Techniques:  Share interactive slides with stress-relief exercises and techniques.
• Gratitude Journal:  Encourage participants to share moments of gratitude during the presentation.
• Daily Affirmations:  Present daily affirmations to boost positivity and confidence.
• Wellness Goal Tracker:  Create interactive slides to track personal wellness goals.
• Mental Health Awareness:  Present insights and resources for maintaining mental well-being.

Fun PowerPoint Ideas for Cultural Exploration and Diversity

• Global Cuisine Showcase:  Present unique dishes from various cultures with images and descriptions.
• Folklore and Legends:  Share fascinating folktales and legends from different countries.
• Cultural Attire Exhibition:  Display traditional clothing and explain their significance.
• Language Showcase:  Teach fun phrases and greetings from different languages.
• World Festivals Journey:  Explore diverse festivals and celebrations from different cultures.
• Cultural Traditions Quiz:  Create interactive slides to test knowledge of cultural customs.

Want More? Download This Exclusive PowerPoint Ideas Book with 160 Fun PowerPoint Ideas! 👇

Best practices to maximize your fun powerpoint ideas.

Congratulations, you’re now armed with a treasure trove of fun PowerPoint ideas that are bound to leave your audience both entertained and enlightened. But before you dive headfirst into crafting your next presentation masterpiece, consider these tips to ensure your creative efforts shine:

• Tailor your chosen fun PowerPoint idea to your audience’s preferences and expectations. What might resonate with friends at a game night could differ from what engages colleagues in a meeting.
• While fun is essential, remember the purpose of your presentation. Make sure the chosen idea aligns with your message and doesn’t overshadow the content.
• Familiarize yourself with the technical aspects of executing your chosen idea. Smooth transitions, animations, and interactions contribute to a polished presentation.
• While creativity is key, don’t sacrifice clarity for novelty. Ensure your audience can follow your narrative and main points throughout.
• Manage your time effectively. Ensure your fun elements don’t consume too much of the presentation, leaving room for your core content.
• Maintain a consistent visual theme to tie together the fun elements and the main content. Harmonious design enhances the overall experience.
• Before the big day, gather feedback from colleagues or friends. Their insights can help you refine your presentation and identify areas for improvement.
• Embrace the fun you’ve planned. Confidence in your delivery will make your audience more receptive to the engaging elements you’ve integrated.
• Sometimes, unexpected technical glitches or participant reactions can arise. Be prepared to adapt on the spot to keep the fun flowing.
• If your fun idea involves interactive elements, make sure they work flawlessly. Test the technology and ensure everyone can participate seamlessly.

Remember, these tips aren’t meant to limit your creativity, rather, they’re tools to ensure your creative ideas are presented in the best possible light. By blending innovation, enthusiasm, and strategic planning, you’re set to deliver a presentation that’s both fun and impactful.

And there you have it – a whole bunch of exciting, innovative fun PowerPoint ideas ready to turn your next presentation into a showstopper! From parties to classrooms, meetings to personal projects, we’ve covered it all. Now, it’s your turn to run with these creative gems and make your slides come alive with laughter, engagement, and sheer enjoyment.

With over 150 ideas to choose from, you’re set to rock any occasion. So, don’t just settle for the usual slides – inject your unique style, tell stories, and keep everyone on their toes. Remember, it’s all about sparking connections, sparking ideas, and having a blast while you’re at it. Here’s to unleashing your inner presentation superstar – one fun idea at a time!

More Fun PowerPoint Ideas

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About Ausbert Generoso

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160+ Interesting Topics For Presentation (Updated)

Below is the list of more than 160 most interesting topics for presentation for PPT & oral presentations in the English language. These topics can be used in class, school, college, university, workplace, office, seminars, conferences, workshops, speeches and discussions. Students can make their PowerPoint presentations more interesting by selecting an appropriate topic. These topics are suitable for both, individuals as well as group presentations.

So, let’s explore interesting topics to talk about in a presentation. These topics are updated in 2021.

Table of Contents

Interesting Presentation Topics For College Students

Who will be the next superpower?

Are girls more intelligent than boys?

Is a college education worth it?

Interplanetary Superhighway: Dream Vs. Reality!

SpaceX: Journey to mars!

Should smoking be banned?

Villages: strength or weakness for the nation

Multitasking is a lie!

Driverless Cars: New Reality!

Hardcover Books vs. Kindle Books!

The necessity of Sex Education

Save Mother Earth!

The best age to get married!

Academic freedom should be permitted in our higher education!

Academic dishonesty is the first step in corruption!

Are footballers overpaid?

The influence of social media on students!

Interesting Topics For Short Presentation

Love Marriage or Arrange Marriage!

Love: Choice or feeling!

Are humans animals?

Is Beauty subjective!

Love Vs Attraction

The balance between rights and duties

Are humans more intelligent than other animals?

Is it right for life to protect another!

How to balance between mother and wife!

I t is better to die on feet than to live on knees !

Human Cloning: Challenges & Possibilities.

People are weird!

Conquer those who believe they can!

What is real intelligence?

What is the Purpose of Life?

What is the self?

A human can live without meat!

Life is full of ” Ifs” and ” Buts”

Effect of Music on Mind!

What can cause the third World War!

Interesting Presentation Topics About India

India 2020 vision: dream vs. reality!

Cricket a curse for the other games!

India’s $5 trillion dream!

Greatest business personalities in India!

India needs educational reforms!

Should sport be obligatory at school?

India: the next superpower!

Interesting Presentation Topics For Work or Office

Where are the ethics of business?

The balance between personal and professional life!

Job Vs. Business: Dream Vs. Reality!

Multitasking is a lie! (Ref. The One Thing by Garry Keller)

Work-life balance is a myth!

Pareto Principle: 80% of results come from 20% of work!

Interesting Topics For Lecture

Role of Women in Nation Building

Attitude is everything

Role of discipline in success!

Indian discoveries that changed the world!

Democracy is dying!

Social media: Boon or Bane for society!

Young India: Role of youngsters in nation-building

Education is a big scam!

Ragging in colleges: problem & practical solutions

Interesting Literature Topics For Presentation

Shall literature be gendered?

Indian mythology in literature

Influence of western culture on Indian literature!

Indian literature: Challenges & opportunities!

The liberalization of literature!

Use of psychology in literature!

Literature & social issues!

Should literature be censored?

The work of Shakespeare

Ancient Vs. Modern literature!

The influence of feminism on modern literature

Political influence on literature!

Literature as a part of modern culture in India!

The History of literature

Literature affects culture or culture affects literature!

My favourite Author!

Literature inspired movies!

Impact of technology on literature!

The golden era of Vedic Literature

Science & Technology

Cryptocurrency: The Future of Money!

Cybersecurity: Are we really safe!

Try Offline, Buy Online

The Rise of SpaceX

The decade of the digital economy!

How bad or good social networks are!

Top 10 Discoveries of the Decade

Blended realities!

Why the new online is offline!

Internet : is producing copycats!

Ban on cell phone usage in schools and colleges

The online risk(s)!

The balance between respiration and photosynthesis

Plastic Roads : Future of Roads

The Duplicate Mobile phone Market – Who is responsible?

Earth is not round!

Power of 3D Printing!

Mars: Human’s New Destination!

Environment

Population : Asset or Threat for growth!

No more gender inequality!

CNG Vs. Electric: Best alternate fuel !

Will population growth destroy our way of life?

Overpopulation : The human explosion!

Ways to calculate the life of Earth !

In Awe of nature!

Mysterious & Brainstorming

The Mystery of Reincarnation !

Truth about Reincarnation

Are vampires real?

Are boys better at sport than girls ?

Bermuda Triangle : Miracle or Science?

Do aliens really exist?

Do  vampires really exist on earth?

Does God really Exist?

Do mermaids really exist?

Are UFOs real?

The truth about Unidentified Flying Object

Do Ghosts Really Exist?

The myth of Area51 !

Controversial Topics

Gay Marriage : Right or Wrong?

Government is responsible for high petrol prices!

Gun Control: Good or Bad?

Abortion is murder

Media censorship: your views

Should the death penalty exist?

If you can’t convince him, confuse him

Should we be happy with what we have?

The Death Penalty : Use it or not?

Should drugs become legal ?

Should guns be banned?

No one is above the law : How true!

Should All the World Armies be Dissolved?

Who is responsible for global warming : Government or Public?

Should Politicians Have a Retirement Age?

Miscellaneous Topics

Best solutions for Terror attacks

Do our planners lack foresight?

Car: lease or buy!

Every tick of clock formulates a history

Fear sets in if you don’t grab opportunities

What is middle child syndrome ?

Measures to control corruption

Palliative care is in need of a lifeline

Revolutions are not made, they come

Should military service be obligatory?

Should our society be gun-free

Who is responsible to protect endangered species ?

Is China a Threat to Industry!

The evolution of the English language

Interesting Subjects For Presentation

Digital Marketing

Artificial Intelligence

Virtual Reality

Marketing 4.0

Quantum Physics

This is all about the most interesting topics for presentations. You can use Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slide or Prezi to make your presentations more attractive and cool.

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A Comprehensive Guide on Short Presentations

Hrideep barot.

• Body Language & Delivery , Presentation , Public Speaking , Speech Writing , Workplace Communication

A short presentation is a presentation that conveys a point or a topic in brief within the span of 5 to 12 mins. It generally sticks to the main idea with a speed of 120-160 words per minute. Short presentations approximately have 12-20 slides depending on the depth of the topic and also differ in length from person to person.

Imagine a situation where you missed your presentation day due to some reasons and now your teacher/ senior is furious and is threatening you that they will give a remark that could be damaging to your student/work résumé. But somehow you convince them to give you a second chance. However, the condition is that the presentation that you had prepared for should be now presented in just 2-5 minutes or else give up. What to do? And how to do it? 

A short presentation. What is that? So, when you must research a particular concept or topic in detail but explain or present it in brief that is 5 to 10 mins is known as a short presentation. One gives a short presentation with the thought in mind that their audience’s attention span is small. Short presentations are even used in daily life while convincing someone, explaining a thought, pitching an idea, etc. in a well-presented manner. For instance, to convince your parents to let you go on a trip with your friends you make a short presentation on ‘XX reasons why I should be allowed to go on a trip with my friends’ ‘or why should you be allowed to adopt a pet’. 

Furthermore, recent research showed that the 12 slide presentations pitches outclassed their longer counterparts and were also stated as more effective.  

Short Presentation Terms   

Additionally, there are some terms used for short presentations. One of the terms is known as lightning talk; this is a noticeably short presentation given in forums or conferences that lasts for only a few minutes. They only focus on certain important key points and discuss as many ideas as possible in a fleeting time span. 

Furthermore, other types of short presentations include Ignite and Pecha Kucha. Having the Japanese meaning of chit chat, Pecha Kucha is adopted from the phrase “talk less show more”. Here the presenter talks for exactly 6 minutes and 40 seconds with 20 slides lasting 20 seconds (set to change periodically). Pecha Kucha nights involve people sharing personal presentations about their work or any specific topic with 8 to 14 presentations per event. 

Likewise, ignite talks is a series of events (somewhat like ted talks) where the presenter is given 5 minutes to present 20 slides with each taking 15 seconds and then automatically advancing. It was presumably inspired from Pecha Kucha and started in Seatle before reaching to more than 350 countries. 

To know more about the several types and styles of presentation, read our article – The 6 Types Of Presentation (And Why You Need Them)

Creation, Practice and Presentation   

How do you execute a successful short presentation? In order to do that you need to be proficient with the ‘CPP’ of the presentation that is creation, practice/preparation, and presentation. If you become familiar with these steps it could be easier for you to make a compelling presentation. 

Creation   

 Creating a presentation is the first and the most crucial step to a good presentation. Knowing what to add and how much to add can have a profound impact during the demonstration.  

1. Correct Topic

Firstly, choosing the correct topic if given a choice is a major decision. Selecting a topic that is too complex and lengthy might confuse you as well as your audience and create a bad impression. Easier topics might result in less information overload and more information grasping or perceiving. 

2. Information Filter

Subsequently, filter out the points that you feel are the most important to be added after completing your research. Taking up points with extra information could take up your presentation time. 

3. Target audience Knowledge

Tertiarily, know your target audience. Having the time constraints, you do not want to bore the audience with the information that they already know or the information that they do not want to know or is useless to them. Thus, do you research well and only add the points that are relevant to your audience.  

4. Presentation Quantity and Quality

Try to keep the average number of slides between 12-20 depending on the time that you have in your hand. Moreover, use a good template, even if the presentation is short, it should appear appealing to the audience.  

5.Timed Intervals

Keep your transitions interval coupled with the time you want to take on a particular slide; that is use auto transition during your slideshow so that you are aware of your time limit. 

6. Effective Opening

Make your opening one that steals the attention of the audience. Since you have less time to present make sure the audience focuses from the start, if they would not be able to do this you would anyways have to end presentation in the next few minutes (as you less time) with no one getting what you just presented or getting your idea. Some of the good opening remarks are included in our article – 10 Of The Best Things To Say In Opening Remarks

7. Crammed vs Clean

Lastly, avoid cramming in much information on a slide, try to keep your slide more visual and cleaner. Too much information on a slide could look unappealing and the audience could also not be able to complete reading before the slide transitions.  

Practice/Preparation  

The second step is preparation or practice. Now as the slides are less and the creation part is completed quickly one gets a lot of time to practice.

A) Time Yourself

Start off with timing your presentation, make sure you finish off with your presentation on the allotted time limit, 10 secs here and there is fine but try to refrain from taking more time than that. Specifically, practice in slideshow mode so that you can synchronize your speaking time with the transitioning of the slides. 

B) Rehearse with Coach Feature

If nobody is around to practice with, you could use rehearse with Coach feature (only available if you have made your presentation on PowerPoint) to correctly time and practice your presentation. It analyses your pace, use of filler words (like uh, uhm, etc.), your pitch, if you are simply just reading from the slide, culturally sensitive terms etc. 

To learn to use the rehearse with coach feature, watch the video below: 

C) Pace perfecting

Practicing your pace is essential. You ought to pick up a perfect pace, do not speak too fast just because you are timed (though sometimes you might speak fast unconsciously so practice thoroughly), choose a pace where the audience can contemplate what you are saying. Do not speak so slowly that you surpass your cutoff time. Try to avoid fillers, this can decrease your time and give you more speaking time. However, time your speech such that you finish before the time limit as sometimes you unconsciously also might use the fillers and end up pausing frequently.  

D) Understand and Memorize

Likewise, try to memorize (although do not mug it up!) your speech as much as possible resist simply reading from a paper or slides, it looks unprofessional. 

Presentation   

The final and the most unnerving step is the presentation. This is the evaluation day where all your effort will be examined and judged. First of all, make sure that you calm yourself before the presentation. If you start panicking or become nervous you might mess up the presentation and as it is a short presentation, you might not even have time to cover up. 

Use different techniques to be calm like meditation, talking to a close one, bioenergetics etc., to learn about being less nervous watch our video – 

Remember the practice that you have done, remember all the important points (like your pace should not be too fast), revise your content and make sure you look confident and interactive. Lastly, do not be extremely nervous, remember you just have to present for 5-10 mins but make that time count and impress the audience. 

Importance of Short Presentations  

So, short presentations are omnipresent and used in almost every field. Therefore, they become an important soft skill to acquire. Some reasons highlighting the importance of short presentations comprise of: 

Time constraint. In this technological era people are available 24*7 and can be contacted anytime. Hence, with increased online hours to keep themselves updated with the world and work hours; people have very less time to spare to attend long presentations of you pitching in your ideas. Therefore, short presentations work as saviors here in getting your idea to the audience without taking much of their time. 

Moreover, it helps you identify and focus on your key message. Short presentations improve your identification and inclusion of important points. It enhances your skill to explain your skill to explain your point in short even in daily life, preventing you from losing the interest of others and from becoming that boring person in the room that explains way too much. As a bonus it also increases the chance of your senior choosing you to interact with the client. 

Why Short Presentations  are Better 

What makes short presentations so widely used and convenient? There are many benefits of short presentations. 

1. Time saving

As mentioned above, short presentations save the audience as well as the presenter a lot of time, and besides, they also cover loads of topics in truly little time, giving each person a chance to put forth their ideas and thoughts. It also saves time on the creation part of the presenter thus giving them more time to practice. 

2. Less attention time

This is a desirable alternative for those who hate long stage time or presenting in front of others (either due to anxiety, stage fear or any other reasons). This could furthermore be a stepping stone for those who want to get rid of their fears of prolonged hours on stage but want to systematically desensitize themselves to it and not in one go. 

3. End moment revision

Short presentations are helpful in explaining everything in a gist and hence they are great resources for end moment revision before an exam when one has less time to study in detail. Teachers can use it during revision lectures or students can use them as reference notes as they are self-explanatory. 

4. Useful for short attention spans

Nowadays people have a short attention span and they are less tolerant towards long presentations. They are not interested in the long thesis of a topic, they need what, why and how it will affect or benefit them. Therefore, short presentations keep them focused on what you are saying and make them understand your idea more effectively. 

5. More time to practice

With short presentations after completing the creation part one gets a lot of time to practice and do some extra research to get well acquainted with the topic that they are presenting on. This further helps them during the questions and answers sessions to solve the audience’s doubt clearly. 

6. Easier evaluation

Short presentations are easier for the professors or the authorities to evaluate. If they assign short presentations to their students or employees, authorities can get a clear understanding of their presentation and research skills in a shorter time. The short length makes evaluating skills 40-50 people simpler and less tiring.  

7. Additional benefits

Added advantages of short presentations include getting more time for the interactive or QandA sessions with the audience. Consequently, you also have the time to know the opinions, thoughts, and experience of the audience; along with their reviews. 

Challenges of a short presentation  

Short presentations are many times thought of as easier because of their limited number of slides and the short duration. However it comes with its own challenges and drawbacks.  

Concise Points

The most important skill to make a short presentation is the ability to keep your points concise but understandable. The audience should be able to get the idea even in 4 words. Lack of this skill could make it quite difficult for you to end your presentation in a given time limit. 

Tight Time Constraints

Besides, as you have time constraints, it gets difficult to add all the information that you find important. You would need to filter out the essential information from the additional ones and further select the information that you think of as the most important. Keep the rest as backup slides in case you need it (for a proper guide on backup slides check out our article – Backup Slides: The Six Situations Saviors ). This takes up a lot of your cognitive resources. 

Less but not Incomplete

Next is that you need to choose the right and sufficient information. Giving out incomplete information that does not make sense. It becomes incomprehensible to your audience and they might end up misunderstanding and taking away the wrong message or even worse lose attention during your presentation.  

Uses up a lot of cognitive resources

Every second counts during a short presentation. Creating a short presentation requires more focus, efficacy, and better attention to detail. Therefore, short presentations become cognitively more taxing to deal with.  

Limited Interactive Elements

Furthermore, don’t beat around the bush while presenting. You need to come straight to your point and explain it in brief. Hence, you might not be able to add interactive elements like storytelling, activities, or social experiments. However, you could add these after you complete your presentations if extra time is left. 

Duration and word limit per minute   

The duration of short presentations might range from 2-15 minutes depending on the topic one chooses or the time limit given to them. However, the average duration of a short presentation could be around 7 mins. 

Similarly, the average pace of the speaker should be 120-160 words per minute so that the speaker sounds comprehensive to the audience (however even this could differ from speaker to speaker).  

The right duration and pace would affect the evaluation of the authority. This further might earn you some points so keep that in mind while presenting. 

Checklist  

It is important to keep the points mentioned above in mind as a guide for a short presentation. Hence to make it easier to verify, here is a checklist of the guidelines:  

Effective short presentations in shorter time   

Imagine that some client your organization wanted to have a meeting with since many days. They have suddenly cleared up their schedule and wants to arrange a meeting with you tomorrow. However, you still have not prepared the short presentation for the meeting, what would you do? Here are some tips that you could take into account  

First off, starting with creation make your presentation as short as possible. The audience is not going to focus on the quantity of your content but the quality and the important points. Remember that even if your presentation is short, you should have a thorough knowledge of your content. 

Try to add an interactive section if possible, this would help you connect with the audience but more importantly lessen your speaking part as the audience would take that up.  

Consequently, keep your talking points simple. Do not add complex points and explanations making it difficult to remember in less time and recall during the presentation. You could add a story or personal experience that you remember, this way you would have less content to memorize as you already know it. 

Lastly, even if you have less time to practice try to appear confident. As quoted “fake it till you make it.” This would possibly increase the audience’s belief in what you say. 

If you want to be clued more up on how to prepare for presentation with no preparation time, learn from our video: 

Short Presentation Examples   

Short presentations are short with fewer points and its visuals are also simple and sober. There are no too fancy animations, transitions, or designs, just something that looks appealing and conveys the message effectively. Some of these kinds of presentations of a few brands are: –  

Conclusion   

Short presentations are a part and parcel of life used in every work-field, as well as for day-to-day purposes. Short presentations have several benefits but not without their challenges. Learning to make an effective short presentation is a skill to acquire. By correctly using all the guidelines there would be no reason for you to not have a successful performance. 

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• March 30, 2024
• Daguan Nong
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Author: Will Hancock

Because you only have 10 or 12 minutes, you need to be concise. Limit intro slides, and clearly state the goals of the project early in your talk, and at the end tie results and future directions into goals. Limit the number of slides, one rule of thumb is 1 slide per minute. Don’t repeat the title of your talk, but do introduce yourself. Don’t use an outline slide. If you need to, go over the outline verbally on your title slide. Every slide needs to have a message you can state in one declarative sentence. Sometimes this statement can be the title of the slide. Beforehand, make sure your PowerPoint file and all of your movies run properly on the computer you will using to present the talk. Also, learn how to use the remote control mouse. Limit the amount of text on your slide. This isn’t simply the reiteration of a paper. It is very unsatisfying to listen to a talk where the speaker is just reading long passages of text off of their slides. One reason that students have text-rich slides is that they don’t have the confidence they will remember what to say. Trust yourself and practice. Use bullet points for text and make efficient use of figures and diagrams. If you need to put a lot of text into your slides when you’re putting them together in PowerPoint, put it into the notes section (at the bottom) for your reference. We would rather hear you say it than read it. Don’t put material on your slide that you don’t talk about. Clear out the clutter. Be sure that the legend titles and values on your graphs are large enough to read at the back of the room. Explain the axes of graphs. All axes have titles, numbers, and units! All pictures (microscope, EM, etc) should have a labeled dimension bar. In general, any data value presented should have an SD or SEM value associated with it. Do not use jazzy PowerPoint backgrounds. They divert attention and make you look like someone who either has never given a PowerPoint talk or is trying to deceive the audience by replacing substance with style. They also make it hard to read the text. Either use a white background or a dark (solid blue, etc) background. Better yet, make a standard template for your lab. Excel is easy to use but is not designed for scientific data. If you must use Excel use a white background (default gray only reduces contrast), and remove default horizontal lines. DO NOT USE YELLOW LINES, they are impossible to see. Good alternatives are Origin or SigmaPlot. In giving numbers, think about how many significant digits you use – if the extra numbers are beyond your error, drop them (don’t just use the number that your spreadsheet spits out). If you use an acknowledgment slide, point out a couple of people, don’t just breeze through it. (Some people like to put it as the second slide after the title slide). If your work was collaborative or you are extending someone else’s work, clearly delineate what others have done and what you have done. You don’t want to sound like you’re taking credit for other people’s work. Finally, think about your audience. They are there to learn and they want to be interested. Be clear. State both the long-term significance of your work and the near-term goals you are working toward. Clearly describe your results and future work.

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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Presentations > Five tips for choosing the right PowerPoint template

Five tips for choosing the right PowerPoint template

The design or template you choose can greatly influence the success of your presentation, either capturing your audience’s attention or leaving them disengaged. To make a lasting impression on your audience, utilize these five tips when selecting your PowerPoint presentation template.

How do you choose a template in PowerPoint?

The initial step in creating your PowerPoint presentation is choosing the appropriate design. To effectively select the best PowerPoint template for your presentation, there are several components you should consider. These components include the following:

1. Consider your audience

The first component you should consider is your audience. Is the presentation intended for a formal setting, such as in a business context, or will it be delivered in a more informal gathering? Are the viewers going to review the slides virtually , in-person, or will they be viewing the presentation independently? What are the demographics of your audience? It’s crucial to contemplate your audience before outlining your presentation, as they significantly influence your design choices. For example, if you are delivering a business-oriented presentation, you might choose a more conservative design, while a more informal presentation may call for a bolder and more captivating template.

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2. Select a template with appropriate layout options

The layout plays a crucial role in determining how your content is delivered, read, and ultimately comprehended by your audience. When you assess presentation templates, ensure that the layout options align with the nature of your content. Ask yourself, ‘Will this format enhance the readability and comprehension of my content for my audience? Is it the most efficient way to convey my information?

3. Choose a design that fits your style

You’ll feel most comfortable presenting when your presentation feels like yourself. Make you presentation an extension of your personal style and brand, that effectively complements your aesthetic preferences. Whether you prefer minimalism and clean lines or a striking, vibrant presentation filled with animation, select a design that aligns with your style and creates cohesive visuals.

4. Find a template that reflects your message

Outside of aesthetics, your template should reflect the core message of your presentation. If your content is data-heavy, opt for a template with clear charts and graphs. For a storytelling presentation, choose a template that incorporates visuals and storytelling elements. Ensuring your template and message aligns strengthens your presentation’s storytelling .

5. Consider the length of your presentation

The duration of your presentation should be incorporated in your template decision making. Longer presentations may benefit from a clean and organized template that aids in maintaining audience attention. Shorter presentations, on the other hand, provide room for more creative and visually striking templates. Consider the pacing and structure of your content in relation to the template to optimize your audience’s engagement.

The key to an effective PowerPoint presentation template is extensively considering the context of your presentation. Know who your audience is, what your message is, the length of your message, and how the content should be presented. When you consider these elements, you can ensure your presentation will resonate with your audience, with your intended impact. For more ways to improve your next presentation, learn more presentation tips .

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