presentation software definition short

Software applications

presentation software

Rahul Awati

What is presentation software?

Presentation software, also known as graphics presentation applications or presentation graphics programs, is a category of software used to create content where information is often represented in a graphical or visual way. A variety of presentation software is available to help tell a story or support written information using pictures, charts, graphs and other visual elements.

Types of presentation software

There are two main types of presentation software: business presentation software and general multimedia authoring tools.

Business presentation software products generally emphasize ease of learning and use, particularly for nontechnical and business users. However, they can include more advanced functions for experienced users. Most business presentation applications let users include visual elements like images , and sometimes audio and video.

General multimedia authoring software lets users create sophisticated presentations that might include photos, icons , audio narrations, transitions, animations and video sequences. Some presentations products combine ease of use and sophisticated features.

Key features in presentation software

Presentation software often includes templates to create visually rich presentations and slide decks. Templates can be easily edited to match user requirements or company brand guidelines. The software usually includes a search feature to discover these templates, as well as approved layouts and previous presentations.

Cloud-based presentation applications generally include shared workspaces and team folders that let multiple people securely collaborate , provide inputs, set status updates, and add comments and reactions. Users can also share presentations, project plans, conference keynotes, sales decks and more in real time. Versioning capabilities might be included so authorized users can manage version history, recover previous versions and view current progress.

Many vendors offer a centralized library of images, photos, icons and animations, and regularly update these libraries so customers can access the visual elements for their presentations. Some applications also integrate with external image sources like Unsplash, Giphy and Brandfetch, so business users can find additional digital assets such as images, logos , fonts and colors.

Other vendors' presentation software integrates with external video sites like YouTube or Vimeo, enabling users to embed video to support the deck's story or main message. Still other graphics applications include audio and data capabilities so users can add narrations to content and integrate data from Google Analytics , Google Sheets and other sources to accompany and strengthen the text.

Some applications include a built-in designer that implements predefined design rules and guardrails. Once content is added to the software, the designer converts notes, data and more into visually rich slides. The slides automatically adapt to the rules, so users don't have to make manual adjustments to change text font and resize images, for example. In addition, the software might include intuitive editing options and smart formatting capabilities to let users make quick edits and finalize a presentation.

The best presentation software includes support for brand esthetics. The application updates every slide and deck with the brand's specific fonts, colors, logos, themes and templates to create consistent brand presentations with the approved brand style. In most cases, style themes are customizable so company logos, colors, fonts and icon styles can be added to the presentation theme and updated as needed.

example of a PowerPoint presentation slide

Artificial intelligence in presentation software

Presentation software products have evolved with more advanced capabilities and intuitive options for edits, sharing and collaboration. Sophisticated applications also include conversational AI engines so users can automatically generate new presentations quickly.

Depending on the software's capabilities, the AI engine may create the first draft of the presentation based on a user's description and needs.

Some AI-powered presentation products include smart templates that can quickly edit the autogenerated software and adapt the content to a user's or brand's story. The application might also include a designer bot that takes design inputs from the (human) user in natural language and generates unique images.

Common applications of presentation software

Presentation software is especially useful to create presentations and decks that include some combination of text, animations, images, video, audio and transitions. These might include creative briefs, pitch decks, moodboards , competitor analyses, proposals, bulletins, project reports, annual reviews, marketing plans and meeting discussions.

All these presentations can be displayed in a slideshow format. Built-in templates, content libraries and editing tools accelerate the design process, regardless of the presentation's purpose or intended audience.

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What Is Presentation Software? Explained!

What is Presentation Software? This article will help you decide which type of software is best for your needs. The most popular ones include PowerPoint, Keynote, and Prezi. There are also free tools available online. Check out our guide to the best presentation software for your needs. We’ll walk you through their pros and cons. And we’ll give you a list of our top recommendations. What’s the difference between free and paid presentation software?

Understanding Presentation Software

In a world driven by communication and information sharing, the art of delivering impactful presentations holds a position of paramount importance. At the heart of this art lies presentation software – a digital tool that transcends traditional methods and empowers us to convey ideas with unprecedented dynamism and visual appeal.

Defining Presentation Software

The transformative role of presentation software.

Consider a scenario where you have an idea, a project update, or a proposal to communicate. The static nature of printed material or the monotony of monologue fails to capture the attention of your audience effectively. This is where presentation software steps in as a transformative tool. It enables you to craft a visually engaging narrative that not only imparts information but also resonates with your audience on an emotional level.

From Transparencies to Digital Brilliance

The journey of presentations has seen a remarkable evolution. Gone are the days of transparencies and overhead projectors. Presentation software has propelled us into an era of digital brilliance. It allows us to orchestrate a symphony of visual elements that complement and amplify our spoken words, leaving a lasting impression in the minds of our listeners.

The Fusion of Creativity and Utility

Presentation software doesn’t just streamline the process of designing slides; it fuses the realms of creativity and utility. It empowers users to leverage a plethora of features, from inserting captivating imagery to orchestrating seamless transitions between slides. This fusion is at the core of what makes presentations not just informative, but captivating and memorable.

Key Features of Presentation Software

1. creative slide composition, 2. multimedia integration.

Gone are the days of static presentations. With presentation software, you can seamlessly integrate multimedia elements like images, videos, and audio clips. This means you can show rather than just tell, making complex ideas comprehensible and memorable. A well-chosen image or a relevant video clip can illuminate your point in ways words alone cannot.

3. Templates and Themes

Consistency in design is a hallmark of professional presentations. Presentation software offers a range of templates and themes that provide a cohesive visual framework. You can choose a template that aligns with your message, and themes ensure that fonts, colors, and slide layouts remain consistent throughout your presentation, enhancing its visual appeal.

4. Transitions and Animations

5. collaboration and sharing.

In a world of remote work and global connectivity, collaboration is key. Presentation software allows multiple users to collaborate in real-time, making it possible to create presentations collectively, irrespective of geographical boundaries. Additionally, these platforms facilitate easy sharing, ensuring your presentation reaches its intended audience without the hassle of file compatibility issues.

6. Speaker Notes and Presenter Tools

7. data visualization, 8. mobility and accessibility.

Modern presentation software isn’t confined to desktops. Cloud-based solutions allow you to access and edit your presentations from any device with an internet connection. This mobility enhances your flexibility and ensures you’re always prepared to present, whether you’re in the office or on the go.

How Presentation Software Works

Now that we’ve explored the essence and features of presentation software, let’s take a peek behind the digital curtain and uncover how this dynamic tool brings your ideas to life in the form of captivating presentations.

The User Interface

Slides and content.

Your presentation takes shape as a series of slides, akin to the pages of a book. Each slide represents a chapter in your narrative. Begin by adding a slide, choosing from various layouts that suit your content – title slide, content slide, image slide, and more. The canvas of each slide is where you craft your message, adding text, images, videos, and graphics.

Formatting and Customization

Transitions and animations, slide arrangement and organization.

The sequence of slides is akin to the rhythm of a musical composition. You orchestrate this rhythm by arranging slides in a logical order that tells a compelling story. Presentation software allows you to effortlessly move, duplicate, or delete slides, ensuring your narrative flows smoothly from beginning to end. Think of it as arranging the chapters of your presentation novel.

Presenter Tools and Speaker Notes

Slide show mode.

When it’s time for the curtain to rise, you switch to slide show mode. This is where the magic happens. Your canvas transforms into a dynamic presentation that captivates your audience. Transitions glide seamlessly, animations unfold with precision, and your carefully crafted content takes center stage, engaging your viewers on a visual and intellectual level.

Benefits of Using Presentation Software

Navigating the realm of presentations, both in boardrooms and lecture halls, has been forever transformed by the advent of presentation software. Let’s uncover the multitude of advantages this digital tool brings to the table, empowering you to convey ideas with finesse, engagement, and efficiency.

Unlocking Efficiency in Communication

Visual appeal, dynamic content delivery.

Static presentations are a relic of the past. Presentation software lets you weave a dynamic narrative, using animations and transitions to guide your audience through your story. This dynamic element not only enhances engagement but also aids comprehension. Concepts come alive as you unveil content with well-timed animations, fostering a deeper connection between you and your audience.

Collaboration in the Cloud

The gift of consistency, easy sharing and accessibility.

Sending presentations as email attachments often led to compatibility issues. Presentation software resolves this with easy sharing options. Whether it’s through direct links, embed codes, or cloud storage, sharing your work becomes hassle-free. Your audience can access your presentation on various devices, enhancing convenience and widening your reach.

Iterative Refinement

Tips for creating effective presentations.

1. Start with a Story: Human beings are wired for stories. Begin your presentation with a compelling anecdote or relatable scenario that sets the stage for your message. Stories draw your audience in, creating an emotional connection and a sense of anticipation for what’s to come.

2. Keep It Concise: Brevity is the soul of wit, and in presentations, it’s the key to maintaining attention. Keep your content concise and focused. Each slide should convey a single idea or point. Use bullet points to distill information, ensuring your message is clear and easily digestible.

4. Embrace Minimalism: Less is often more in presentation design. Adopt a clean, uncluttered layout. Choose fonts that are easy to read and maintain consistency in font size and color. Embrace white space to allow your content to breathe and your audience to focus.

5. Engage with Eye Contact: Your audience seeks a connection with you. Make eye contact and engage with them. Address them directly, and use body language to underscore your points. Your presence and engagement build rapport, making your message more relatable.

7. Reinforce with Repetition: Repetition aids memory. Reiterate key points throughout your presentation to reinforce your message. Summarize your main ideas at the beginning and end to drive home your key takeaways.

8. Practice, Practice, Practice: No one became a great presenter overnight. Practice your delivery multiple times. Familiarity with your content and pacing builds confidence and ensures a smooth, polished presentation.

10. Tailor to Your Audience: Understand your audience’s needs, interests, and familiarity with the topic. Tailor your content and examples to resonate with them. This personal touch enhances their connection to your message.

11. Rehearse Natural Gestures: Use gestures to emphasize points, but keep them natural. Avoid overrehearsed or robotic movements. Let your body language complement your spoken words.

Presenting with Presentation Software

The moment has arrived – you’re standing before your audience, armed with your presentation software and a compelling message. Let’s delve into the art of delivering your presentation with confidence, charisma, and the aid of technology.

1. Know Your Material Inside Out: Confidence stems from mastery. Thoroughly understand your content, allowing you to deliver it fluently and engage in spontaneous interactions. This knowledge forms the foundation of a confident presentation.

3. Make Eye Contact: Eyes are the windows to engagement. Maintain eye contact with your audience to forge a connection. Direct your attention evenly across the room, ensuring everyone feels included.

4. Leverage Speaker Notes: Speaker notes are your safety net. Use them to guide your flow and ensure you cover all key points. While it’s crucial not to read verbatim, these notes keep you on track and confident.

6. Engage with Your Audience: Engagement is a two-way street. Encourage questions, invite participation, and seek feedback. This interaction fosters a connection and transforms your presentation into a conversation.

8. Use Animations Thoughtfully: Animations add flair, but use them judiciously. Excessive animations can distract from your content. Employ animations to highlight key points or unveil content gradually.

9. Manage Technical Hiccups Gracefully: Technology is unpredictable. Be prepared to handle technical glitches with poise. Familiarize yourself with troubleshooting options to swiftly address any unexpected issues.

10. Vary Your Delivery: Monotony can lead to disengagement. Vary your tone, pitch, and pace to emphasize different points. Incorporate anecdotes, humor, or emotional appeals to maintain audience interest.

12. Encourage Interaction at the End: Conclude with a call to action, a thought-provoking question, or an invitation for further discussion. An engaged audience at the end ensures your message resonates beyond the presentation.

Future Trends in Presentation Software

As we stand at the crossroads of technology and communication, the horizon of presentation software is illuminated by exciting possibilities. Let’s peer into the crystal ball and explore the trends that are poised to shape the future of this dynamic tool.

2. Enhanced Data Visualization: Data-driven presentations are about to get a makeover. Advanced data visualization tools will allow you to create interactive charts, graphs, and visualizations that respond to audience input, enabling real-time exploration of complex data sets.

5. Gesture and Voice Control: Navigating presentations will take a step into the future with gesture and voice control. Imagine advancing slides with a simple gesture or vocal command, leaving you free to engage with your audience without being tethered to a clicker.

7. Environmental Sustainability: As our consciousness of environmental impact grows, presentation software will likely incorporate features to reduce paper wastage. Digital tools will focus on minimizing carbon footprint, promoting eco-friendly presentations.

8. Holographic Presentations: Step onto the holographic stage of the future. Holographic presentations could project lifelike 3D images and animations, enabling presenters to interact with virtual objects in real space, ushering in a new dimension of engagement.

10. Multisensory Experiences: Technology is advancing to engage more senses. Expect presentations to integrate touch, scent, and even taste (where applicable) to create multisensory experiences that leave a lasting impression.

In the realm of modern communication, presentation software stands as a beacon of innovation, bridging the gap between ideas and impact. From the inception of captivating narratives to the dynamic delivery that captivates audiences, presentation software has redefined the art of sharing information.

Through this journey, we’ve uncovered the essence of presentation software – a dynamic tool that blends creativity, technology, and storytelling prowess. We’ve explored its key features, witnessed its transformative effects, and delved into the nuances of crafting and delivering effective presentations.

As you navigate the landscape of presentation software, from the tried-and-true features to the cutting-edge trends, harness its potential to tell your story, captivate your audience, and leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re a seasoned presenter seeking to refine your skills or a newcomer eager to dive into the world of digital communication, presentation software is your canvas, and your ideas are the masterpiece waiting to be unveiled.

Understanding Presentation Software: Definition and Real-Life Examples

allows users , create visually , their slides , users create , visually appealing , your presentation

What is Presentation Software? Definition and Examples

Presentation software is a computer program or application that allows users to create and present visual aids, slideshows, and presentations. It is a powerful tool that combines design, technology, and software to enhance communication and engage audiences. The most well-known presentation software is PowerPoint, which is widely used in education, business, and other professional settings.

Presentation software provides a platform for users to create and organize slides and content. Users can add text, images, videos, charts, and other media elements to their slides, making their presentations visually appealing and informative. The software also offers various design templates and themes, allowing users to customize the look and feel of their presentations.

One of the key features of presentation software is its ability to display slideshows on external screens or projectors. Presenters can connect their computer to a projector or a large screen to showcase their presentations to a live audience. The software provides tools for navigating through slides, zooming in on specific content, and controlling the flow of the presentation.

In addition to offline programs, there are also online presentation software platforms available. These web-based tools allow users to create and share presentations online, eliminating the need for installation and providing easy access from any device with an internet connection. Online presentation software often includes collaboration features, enabling multiple users to work on a presentation simultaneously and share feedback in real-time.

Overall, presentation software is a valuable tool for creating and delivering engaging and professional presentations. Whether in a classroom, boardroom, or conference hall, this application enhances communication by combining visuals, text, and media to effectively convey information and captivate audiences.

1.1 Overview of Presentation Software
2.1 Slide Creation
2.2 Formatting Options
2.3 Interactive Elements
3.1 Microsoft PowerPoint
3.2 Google Slides
4.1 Visual Aid
4.2 Engagement
4.3 Efficiency
5 FAQ about topic “Understanding Presentation Software: Definition and Real-Life Examples”
6 What is presentation software?
7 What are some examples of presentation software?
8 What are the benefits of using presentation software?
9 Can presentation software be used for purposes other than making presentations?

What is Presentation Software?

Presentation software is an application or software tool that enables users to create and deliver visual presentations to an audience. It is commonly used in business, education, and other professional settings to convey information, ideas, and data through a combination of graphics, text, and media.

One of the most popular presentation software programs is Microsoft PowerPoint, which revolutionized the way presentations are created and delivered. It provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of design templates and slide layouts to help users create visually appealing and engaging presentations.

Presentation software allows users to create slides that consist of text, images, charts, graphs, and other visual elements. These slides can be arranged in a logical sequence and displayed one by one using a projector or shared online.

With advancements in technology, presentation software has evolved to offer more features and capabilities. Many presentation software applications now include media integration, animation, and interactive elements to make presentations more dynamic and interactive.

Online presentation platforms have also become popular, allowing users to create and deliver presentations over the internet. These platforms offer cloud storage, collaboration features, and access from any device with an internet connection.

In summary, presentation software is a powerful tool for creating and delivering visual presentations. It provides users with the ability to design and organize slides, incorporate multimedia elements, and engage the audience with compelling visuals and content.

Overview of Presentation Software

Presentation software is a type of software that allows users to create and deliver multimedia presentations. It provides a platform for combining text, graphics , and other forms of media to create visually engaging slideshows. One of the most popular presentation software programs is PowerPoint , which is widely used in business, education, and other fields.

With presentation software , users can design and organize their slides to effectively convey information to an audience . Each slide can contain text, images, videos, charts, and other visual elements to enhance the message being presented. The software also provides tools for adding transitions between slides, animating objects, and incorporating audio to further engage the audience .

One of the key features of presentation software is its ability to create slides that can be projected onto a screen using a projector or displayed on individual devices via online platforms and technologies. This allows presenters to deliver their presentations to large or small groups, whether in a classroom, conference room, or remote location.

Whether you are a student, business professional, or educator, presentation software is a valuable tool for creating engaging and informative slideshows. It provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features to help you organize, design, and deliver your presentation effectively. By leveraging the power of technology and visual storytelling, presentation software allows you to communicate your ideas and messages in a compelling and memorable way.

Features of Presentation Software

Presentation software is a powerful tool that allows users to create visually stunning and interactive presentations. With the advent of online platforms, presentation software has become even more accessible and easy to use. Whether you are presenting in front of a room full of people or sharing your presentation virtually, presentation software offers a variety of features to engage your audience.

One of the most important features of presentation software is the ability to create visually appealing slides. This includes the option to choose from a wide range of pre-designed templates or to create your own custom design. With the help of graphics, colors, and fonts, you can make your presentation stand out and capture the attention of your audience.

Another key feature of presentation software is the ability to add multimedia elements to your slides. This can include images, videos, and audio files, which can help to enhance the overall impact of your presentation. By incorporating multimedia elements, you can make your presentation more engaging and memorable.

Presentation software also offers various tools for organizing and structuring your content. This includes the ability to create and rearrange slides, add transitions and animations, and incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes and polls. These features can help to create a more dynamic and interactive presentation.

One of the defining features of presentation software is the integration with other applications and technologies. For example, many presentation software platforms allow you to import and export slides from other applications such as PowerPoint. This enables users to work across different platforms and collaborate with others.

Whether you are presenting in a boardroom or using a projector in a conference hall, presentation software provides the flexibility to adapt to different presentation environments. This includes the ability to adjust the size and resolution of your slides to fit the screen, as well as the option to present in fullscreen mode for a more immersive experience.

In summary, presentation software is a versatile tool that allows users to create visually engaging and interactive presentations. With features such as customizable designs, multimedia integration, organizational tools, and compatibility with other applications, presentation software is an essential tool for effective communication and presentation in today’s digital age.

Slide Creation

Slide creation is one of the main features of presentation software. It allows users to design and create visual slides that are used to present information to an audience. With the help of presentation software, users can easily create slides by adding text, graphics, and media elements such as images and videos. The program provides a platform for users to organize and structure their content in a visually appealing way.

When creating slides, users have the option to choose from a variety of pre-designed templates or create their own custom designs. Many presentation software applications, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, offer a wide range of built-in slide templates that users can customize to fit their needs. These templates provide a starting point for users to create their slides and help them maintain a consistent design throughout their presentation.

Furthermore, slide creation tools often include features that allow users to enhance their slides with animations, transitions, and multimedia elements. For example, users can add slide animations to make the content appear more engaging and visually appealing. They can also insert audio or video files to incorporate media into their slides. Presentation software typically provides a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy for users to organize and arrange their slides in a logical sequence.

During a presentation, slides are typically displayed on a projector or large screen using the presentation software’s slideshow mode. This enables the presenter to deliver the content to the audience in a visually appealing and structured manner. With the advancement of technology, many presentation software also offer online platforms where users can create and share their slides. This allows users to collaborate with others and access their slides from any device with an internet connection.

Formatting Options

When using presentation software, there are various formatting options available to enhance the visual appeal of your slides. These options allow you to create professional and engaging presentations that effectively communicate your message. Here are some formatting options commonly found in presentation software such as PowerPoint.

Themes: Themes provide a set of pre-designed visuals that can be applied to your slides, offering a cohesive and professional look to your presentation. Themes may include color schemes, font styles, and background designs.
Templates: Templates are pre-designed slide layouts that can be customized with your own content. They save time and effort by providing a structure for your presentation, while also ensuring a consistent design throughout.
Transitions: Transitions are the visual effects that occur when moving between slides. They add a dynamic element to your presentation and can help maintain audience engagement. Popular transition options include fades, slides, and flips.
Animations: Animations allow you to add movement to individual elements within a slide. They can be used to highlight important points or create visual interest. Animations can include entrance effects, exit effects, and emphasis effects.
Fonts: Fonts play a crucial role in the overall design of your presentation. Presentation software often offers a variety of font options to choose from, including different sizes, styles, and colors. It’s important to select fonts that are readable and appropriate for your content.
Graphics: Graphics can be incorporated into your slides to enhance visual appeal and convey information effectively. Presentation software may provide tools for inserting and customizing graphical elements such as images, charts, diagrams, and icons.
Arrangement: The arrangement of your slides can greatly impact the flow of your presentation. Presentation software usually allows you to reorder slides, create sections, and group slides together based on content or themes. This can help you organize your presentation and make it easier for your audience to follow along.

These formatting options, among others, contribute to the versatility and creative capabilities of presentation software. Whether you’re using a desktop program, an online platform, or a mobile application, the availability of such formatting options allows you to create visually appealing and engaging presentations that effectively communicate your message to your audience.

Interactive Elements

Interactive elements are a crucial component of a presentation to engage the audience. These elements can be incorporated into various slides and design layouts using presentation software applications. Through the use of interactive elements, presenters can create a dynamic and captivating presentation experience.

One popular interactive element is the inclusion of multimedia, such as videos or audio clips. This can be achieved by embedding media files into the slides, allowing the audience to directly interact with the content. Additionally, interactive elements like hyperlinks can be used to navigate between different slides or external sources, enhancing the overall flow and accessibility of the presentation.

Interactive elements can also be used to foster collaboration and audience participation. Polls, quizzes, or surveys can be integrated into the presentation software, enabling real-time feedback and interaction with the audience. This not only keeps the audience engaged but also provides valuable insights for the presenter.

Furthermore, presentation software provides various interactive tools and features that allow presenters to create visually appealing and interactive slides. These tools may include drag-and-drop functionality, animation effects, or interactive charts and diagrams. By utilizing these tools, presenters can enhance the visual appeal of their slides and create an engaging experience for the audience.

With the advancements in technology, presentation software has evolved to include online platforms and cloud-based solutions. These platforms enable real-time collaboration and interaction, allowing multiple presenters or participants to contribute to the presentation simultaneously. This fosters teamwork and enhances the overall interactive experience for both presenters and audience members.

In summary, interactive elements play a vital role in presentation software, allowing presenters to create engaging and dynamic presentations. These elements provide opportunities for audience interaction, multimedia integration, and collaboration. By utilizing these interactive features, presenters can captivate their audience and deliver impactful presentations.

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation software program developed by Microsoft. It is a powerful tool that allows users to create and deliver presentations using a computer and a projector. PowerPoint provides a platform for designing and presenting visual and media-rich presentations that captivate the audience.

With PowerPoint, users can create slideshows that include text, images, videos, audio, and other media. This software application offers a wide range of features and tools to customize the design and layout of slides, including transitions, animations, and effects. Users can also add charts, tables, and graphs to present data and information in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand way.

One of the key advantages of Microsoft PowerPoint is its user-friendly interface and easy-to-use features. It enables users to create professional-looking presentations without the need for advanced design skills or coding knowledge. With PowerPoint’s drag-and-drop functionality and pre-designed templates, anyone can quickly create a visually impressive presentation.

In addition, Microsoft PowerPoint offers online collaboration features, allowing multiple users to work on a presentation simultaneously. This makes it easy for teams to collaborate on projects and share their ideas and feedback. PowerPoint also allows users to save their presentations in various formats, making it accessible across different devices and operating systems.

In summary, Microsoft PowerPoint is a widely used software application for creating and delivering presentations. Its intuitive interface, powerful features, and flexibility make it a preferred choice for individuals, students, educators, and professionals who want to communicate their ideas effectively and engage their audience.

Google Slides

Google Slides is an online presentation software that allows users to create, edit, and present slides using a web browser. It is a powerful tool for creating visually engaging presentations that can be easily shared with an audience.

With Google Slides, users can create professional-looking slides with a wide range of graphics, including images, charts, and diagrams. The application provides a variety of templates and themes to choose from, making it easy to create visually appealing presentations.

One of the advantages of using Google Slides is its online platform, which allows for easy collaboration and sharing of presentations. Users can work on a presentation simultaneously with others, making it ideal for group projects or team presentations.

Google Slides also integrates seamlessly with other Google products, such as Google Drive and Google Docs, allowing users to easily import and embed media from these platforms into their presentations. This makes it easy to incorporate videos, images, and other multimedia elements into a presentation.

In conclusion, Google Slides is a powerful presentation software that provides users with a wide range of tools and features to create visually appealing and engaging presentations. Its online platform and integration with other Google products make it a versatile and convenient choice for both individual and collaborative presentations.

Prezi is a presentation software that offers a unique approach to creating and delivering presentations. Unlike traditional presentation programs like PowerPoint, Prezi allows users to create dynamic and interactive presentations that engage the audience and tell a story.

With Prezi, users can design their presentations on a single canvas, zooming in and out to highlight different elements and create visual connections between ideas. This non-linear approach to presentation design allows for a more fluid and engaging experience for the audience.

Prezi can be accessed online, making it a convenient and versatile platform for creating and sharing presentations. Users can create, edit, and present their slides from anywhere with an internet connection, which is especially useful for remote or team collaborations.

One of the key advantages of Prezi is its emphasis on visuals and graphics. Users can easily add images, videos, and other media to enhance their presentations and make them more visually appealing. The software also offers a variety of templates and customization options to help users create professional-looking slides.

With its innovative technology and user-friendly interface, Prezi has become a popular choice for individuals and businesses looking to create engaging and interactive presentations. Whether it’s a sales pitch, a training session, or a conference talk, Prezi offers a dynamic and visually impressive way to captivate and inform the audience.

Benefits of Using Presentation Software

Enhanced visuals: Presentation software allows you to create visually appealing slides using graphics, images, and videos. These visual elements help to capture the audience’s attention and make the presentation more engaging.

Easy design: Presentation software provides user-friendly tools and templates that make it easy to design professional-looking slides. You can choose from a variety of themes, layouts, and fonts to create a visually cohesive and attractive presentation.

Wide application: Presentation software can be used in various settings, including business meetings, educational presentations, and even personal projects. It is a versatile platform that allows you to customize your slides to fit the specific needs of your audience.

Online accessibility: With the advancement of technology, many presentation software programs offer online platforms. This enables you to create and access your presentation from anywhere, making it convenient for collaboration and remote presentations.

Real-time edits: Presentation software allows you to make real-time edits to your slides. This means that you can easily modify the content, rearrange the order of slides, or add new elements during a presentation, without interrupting the flow of your presentation.

Integration with multimedia: Presentation software seamlessly integrates with multimedia elements such as videos, audio, and interactive media. This allows you to enhance your presentation with rich media content, making it more dynamic and engaging for your audience.

Compatibility with projectors: Presentation software is compatible with projectors, making it easy to display your slides on a larger screen for a larger audience. This feature is especially beneficial for presentations in conferences, classrooms, or large meeting rooms.

Visual aids are an integral part of presentations and serve as a powerful tool to enhance audience engagement and understanding. PowerPoint, an online program commonly used to create presentations, offers a variety of features that allow presenters to design visually appealing slides.

With the help of PowerPoint or any other presentation software application, presenters can easily incorporate multimedia elements, such as images, videos, and audio, into their slides, creating a visually appealing and dynamic presentation. These visual aids help to captivate the audience’s attention and provide additional information and context to the presenter’s message.

Using presentation software as a visual aid also allows presenters to organize their content in a structured and logical manner. The use of different slide layouts, themes, and templates makes it easier to present information in a clear and visually appealing way.

Moreover, presentation software provides tools for adding graphics, visuals, and animations to the slides, making it easier to convey complex ideas or data to the audience. Presenters can emphasize key points or highlight important information through the use of visuals and animations, ensuring that the audience stays engaged and follows the presentation.

Visual aids can also be used in conjunction with technology such as projectors to display the presentation slides on a larger screen, making it easier for the audience to see and understand the content being presented. This combination of technology and visuals enhances the overall impact of the presentation and ensures that the audience can fully experience and comprehend the information being shared.

Engagement is a vital aspect of any presentation, and presentation software serves as a valuable tool in achieving it. With the advancements in technology, online presentation software has made it easier for presenters to captivate their audience through visually appealing design and interactive features.

One of the definitions of engagement in the context of presentation software is the ability to hold the attention of the audience and create a meaningful connection. The use of tools like projectors and PowerPoint programs allows presenters to project their slides onto a larger screen, making it easier for the audience to follow along and stay engaged.

Engaging presentations often include multimedia elements such as graphics, videos, and interactive features. Presentation software provides a platform for presenters to create visually stunning slides that enhance the overall message and captivate the audience’s attention.

Additionally, online presentation software enables presenters to easily collaborate with others, allowing for seamless teamwork and the creation of more engaging presentations. Presenters can share their work with others, receive feedback, and make improvements, all within the same software application.

Overall, engagement in presentations is crucial for conveying information effectively and keeping the audience interested. Presentation software provides the necessary tools and features to create captivating slides that enhance engagement and make presentations more impactful.

In the world of presentations, efficiency plays a crucial role. Presentation software is designed to streamline the process of creating and delivering presentations, making it easier and faster for presenters to communicate their ideas to an audience.

Thanks to advancements in technology, presentation software has evolved from traditional offline tools like PowerPoint to online platforms and applications. This shift to online presentation tools has allowed for greater flexibility and accessibility, as presenters can now create, edit, and share their presentations from anywhere with an internet connection.

One of the key advantages of using presentation software is its ability to enhance visuals and deliver impactful messages. With features like slide templates, graphics, and media integration, presenters can create captivating and engaging presentations that grab the attention of their audience.

Furthermore, presentation software provides a structured format that guides presenters through their content, ensuring a cohesive and organized flow. Presenters can easily arrange their slides, add transitions, and incorporate multimedia elements to enhance their overall message.

Additionally, presentation software allows presenters to present their slides on a variety of devices, from laptops and tablets to projectors and large screens. This versatility allows for seamless integration with different presentation environments and enhances the overall effectiveness of the presentation.

In conclusion, presentation software is a powerful tool that helps presenters create and deliver engaging presentations efficiently. Its diverse range of features and capabilities make it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to communicate their ideas effectively to an audience.

FAQ about topic “Understanding Presentation Software: Definition and Real-Life Examples”

What is presentation software.

Presentation software is a computer program that allows users to create and display visual presentations. It provides tools and features for designing slides, adding text and images, and incorporating multimedia elements such as videos and animations. The software allows presenters to organize and structure their content in a visually appealing and professional manner.

What are some examples of presentation software?

Some examples of presentation software include Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, Google Slides, Prezi, and Adobe Spark. These programs offer a wide range of features and templates to help users create dynamic and engaging presentations.

What are the benefits of using presentation software?

Using presentation software has several benefits. Firstly, it allows presenters to create visually engaging slides that can capture the audience’s attention. Secondly, it provides tools for organizing and structuring content, making it easier for presenters to communicate their ideas effectively. Thirdly, it allows for the incorporation of multimedia elements, such as videos and animations, which can enhance the overall presentation experience. Finally, presentation software often offers features for collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on a presentation simultaneously.

Can presentation software be used for purposes other than making presentations?

Yes, presentation software can be used for purposes other than making presentations. For example, it can be used to create interactive educational materials, such as tutorials or e-learning modules. It can also be used to design product demos or prototypes. Additionally, some people use presentation software to create visual resumes or portfolios to showcase their work. The versatility of presentation software makes it a valuable tool for various creative and professional projects.

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Tribit stormbox 2 portable bluetooth speaker: a big sound in a small package, ‘house of the dragon’ just introduced a new character who’ll play a key role later. here’s what to know about lohar., zero regrets: firefox power user kept 7,500 tabs open for two years, 50 years ago, cp/m started the microcomputer revolution, sources: the us dept. of commerce plans to propose barring chinese software in autonomous vehicles and some chinese wireless communications hardware in us cars (david shepardson/reuters), olympic boxer imane khelif breaks silence on ‘bullying’ over gender misconceptions, 15 questions house of the dragon needs to answer in season 3, how that alicent and rhaenyra meeting completely changes our understanding of the dance of dragons, what daemon’s vision of daenerys means for house of the dragon, what is presentation software.

Presentation software is a computer program used to create multimedia presentations that enable users to communicate ideas, information or messages with the help of visual aids such as images, videos, and graphs. With this software, users can assemble, organize and display information in a way that is engaging, coherent, and effective at capturing their audience’s attention.

The software has several key features that make it ideal for creating and delivering presentations. Firstly, it allows the creation of numerous slide layouts that users can use to add text, images, and other graphic elements to their presentations. These layouts can be easily customized and edited to suit a user’s needs or preferences.

Secondly, presentation software allows users to control the time and sequence of their slides. This means that users can choose how long each slide will be displayed before moving on to the next one. It also allows users to add transitions between slides, which can add enhanced visual effects or smooth out the presentation’s flow.

Thirdly, presentation software allows users to add multimedia elements to their slides. These can include images, videos, animations, and audio clips. This feature makes it easy for users to add different types of media to their presentations without having to use different programs.

Another vital feature of presentation software is its ability to integrate with other applications. For instance, it can work with spreadsheet programs, which users can use to create data charts and graphs to add to their presentations. Users can also use word processing software to add text, lists, and other elements to their presentations.

Presentation software also enables users to save their presentations in various formats. They can save them as a PowerPoint, PDF, or video format. This makes it easy to share and distribute presentations with others, whether through email, websites, file-sharing platforms or other avenues.

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The Ultimate Guide to Presentation Software

Presentation software is a technology that helps users create and deliver visual presentations. These programs allow users to create slideshows, which can include text, images, videos, and animations, and can be displayed at a meeting or conference or shared online.

In today's fast-paced business environment, effective communication is essential for success. Presentation software enables businesses to showcase their ideas and products in an engaging and visually appealing way, which can help to capture the attention of potential clients or investors. It also allows businesses to convey information in a clear and concise manner, making it easier for audiences to understand and remember key points.

As we move towards the future of work, the use of presentation software is likely to become even more important for businesses. With the rise of remote work and virtual meetings, it's vital for businesses to be able to present their ideas and products digitally. Additionally, as competition continues to increase across industries, businesses need to find new ways to stand out and make an impact. Presentation software can help them achieve this by creating dynamic and memorable visual presentations that leave a lasting impression on their audience.

Because of its ever growing importance, we’re seeing more and more presentation software companies popping up. So, where do you start in choosing the right software for your business needs?

Consider this your ultimate guide to the different types of presentation softwares .

Traditional presentation software

Traditional software refers to computer applications or programs that are typically used to create and deliver visual presentations. These programs are designed to allow users to create slideshows containing text, images, charts, graphs, and other visual aids. Some examples of traditional presentation software include Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Apple Keynote.

These software programs often feature a linear structure where one slide follows another in a predetermined order. The user can customize each slide with their desired content and then present them live or share them digitally.

While traditional presentation software has been widely used for many years and remains popular, there are alternative options available that offer more advanced features and customization options.

Web-based or SaaS presentation software

Web-based or SaaS (Software as a Service) presentation software refers to programs that are accessed through a web browser and do not need to be installed on a user's device. These programs are hosted on the cloud and can be accessed from any internet-connected device.

Web-based or SaaS presentation software typically offers more flexibility and convenience than traditional presentation software like PowerPoint. They often include a wide range of customizable templates, as well as interactive features such as animations, videos, and audio. They also allow for easy collaboration between team members, as changes and updates can be made in real-time and accessed from any device.

Some popular examples of web-based or SaaS presentation software include Visme, Canva, and Beautiful.ai. These programs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ease of use, accessibility, and collaborative features, making them a preferred choice for many businesses and individuals.

Examples of SaaS presentation software

Visme’s PowerPoint-alternative presentation software helps users design slide decks, infographics, interactive charts and other visual content. The easy-to-use cloud-based tool allows users to move elements around the workspace, and new content can be added by dragging and dropping it into place. Visme users can build presentations from scratch by starting with a blank canvas, or they can customize a variety of templates. The presentation software also features a collection of thousands of icons, images and data visualizations, and users can even choose to boost engagement by adding elements like video, audio and GIF files.

Canva Presentations

Canva offers much more than an alternative to PowerPoint. Users can rely on the visual design platform to create social media graphics, posters, invitations, business cards and all sorts of other documents along with presentations. Canva features thousands of professional templates, images and other content elements, as well as features to help teams collaborate with ease. The software tool’s drag-and-drop interface makes it simple for non-designers to customize templates and even edit photos with little experience.

Beautiful.ai

We’re biased, but our presentation software is one of the best to help you work faster and smarter. By choosing advanced presentation software like Beautiful.ai, users are handing over the bulk of the design work to artificial intelligence. With powerful features like DesignerBot and Smart Slides, Beautiful.ai automates a lot of the presentation design process for you so you can create something brilliant in half the time. The design guardrails ensure teams stay on-brand , while allowing them to collaborate in the same deck at the same time.

AI presentation software

AI presentation software is a type of presentation software that uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help users create and design presentations. AI presentation software typically includes features such as automated design suggestions, layout recommendations and image recognition to streamline the presentation creation process.

Many AI presentation softwares will leverage generative AI to create fully customizable slides and decks from a text single prompt making the design process ridiculously fast. Other capabilities include image generation baked into the software, and content assistance to rewrite or adjust text.

Examples of AI presentation software include Beautiful.ai, Tome, and Slidesgo. These programs use AI technology to automate and streamline the presentation creation process, making it faster and more efficient for users to develop engaging and visually appealing presentations.

Examples of AI presentation software

With the recent buzz around AI, you’ve likely heard of Tome. Tome is a presentation app that generates your presentation for you with the help of AI. Simply type in a prompt and get a basic presentation to work with, edit, and customize in return. Tome also offers a few select templates for users to choose from if they don’t want to enter a prompt, which acts as a good jumping off point to get the bones of a presentation. While Tome leans heavily on technology and AI, users will still need some design skills to customize their decks once it’s generated.

Slidesgo is a Spanish-based company that provides high-quality presentation templates for individuals and businesses. The company offers a wide variety of templates, including business plans, marketing presentations, and educational materials. Slidesgo's templates are available for both Google Slides and PowerPoint, and can be easily customized to suit the user's needs. The company is known for its modern and creative designs, which help users create engaging and visually appealing presentations.

Beautiful.ai’s new DesignerBot makes it easier than ever for non-designers to create a new presentation from scratch, regardless of the content. Users can opt to create a new deck with DesignerBot by entering a short description (or prompt) based on what they need. Teams have the liberty to add as many keywords as they see fit to generate a fully built, totally customized presentation draft populated with appropriate text, layouts, photos, icons and design. Then, our powerful Smart Slides technology can be used to quickly edit slides by adding or removing content and automatically adapting, resizing and laying out the slides, all while maintaining corporate brand guidelines. With Beautiful.ai, businesses can generate entire decks in one click while Smart Slides and Team controls work together to preserve the integrity of the brand. It’s truly an automated zero-to-finish experience.

Video presentation software

Video presentation software is a type of software that allows users to create and deliver video presentations. These presentations can include a combination of video footage, images, text, and audio. Video presentation software typically includes features such as editing tools, visual effects, and transitions to help users create engaging and professional-looking presentations.

Examples of video presentation software include Powtoon and Lumen5. These programs allow users to record or import videos and then edit them with a variety of tools and effects. Video presentation software also enables users to add voice overs, music, and sound effects to their presentations.

Video presentation software is often used for business presentations, educational materials, and marketing campaigns. The use of video presentations has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the rise of remote work and virtual events, as well as the growing trend of online video content consumption. Video presentation software provides an effective way for users to communicate their ideas and messages in an engaging and dynamic way.

Examples of video presentation software

Powtoon— a British company that got their name by combining “PowerPoint” and “cartoon”— launched in 2012 as a more animated approach to otherwise stale presentations. They offer a wide variety of visual communication features like videos, doodles, presentations, animations, and screen recordings. However they’re most known for their ability to turn slides into video animations in an effort to make them more engaging and interactive for audiences.

Lumen5 is a Canadian-based technology company that provides an AI-powered video creation platform for businesses and individuals. The platform allows users to easily create engaging video content from articles, blog posts, or other written content without requiring any previous experience or special training. Lumen5's platform uses artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to automatically generate video content, including images, animations, and text overlays.

Nonlinear presentation software

A nonlinear presentation is a type of presentation where the viewer can navigate the content in a non-sequential order, rather than proceeding from one slide to the next in a linear fashion. In a nonlinear presentation, the content is organized using hyperlinks or other interactive elements that allow the viewer to jump back and forth between different parts of the presentation, depending on their interests and needs.

Nonlinear presentations are often used when presenting complex or interconnected information, or when the audience may have varying levels of interest or expertise in different areas. They can be created using specialized software, such as Prezi, or by manually creating hyperlinks within traditional presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides.

Nonlinear presentations can be more engaging and interactive than traditional linear presentations, as they allow the viewer to take control of their own learning experience and explore the content in a way that suits them best. They can be particularly effective for educational and training purposes, as well as for sales and marketing presentations.

Examples of traditional presentation software

Prezi’s presentation software is a true alternative to PowerPoint. Rather than design standard slide decks, Prezi users create animated, non-sequential presentations that highlight topics and uncover subtopics with an engaging zoom feature. The PowerPoint-alternative software is an enticing alternative for creating visual presentations, but it’s probably better suited for experienced presentation designers thanks to its unique design. Still, Prezi is a perfect choice for presenters seeking a more creative way to capture an audience's attention.

Comparisons and considerations

Key differences between presentation software types.

The key differences between presentation software types are accessibility and technology. While most businesses are well versed in Microsoft and Google, other web-based (SaaS) softwares offer newer technologies and more flexible features. Each platform comes with its own pros and cons, and will vary based on the use case of the business.

Factors to consider when choosing presentation software

When choosing the right presentation software for your business, you first have to define what your goal is. Is it collaboration for your teams, design guardrails, leveraging AI to work faster, or accessibility and the ability to work in the cloud? Do you prefer linear or non-sequential presentations? What is your budget? These all play a major role in deciding which solution is the best fit for your workflow.

For more on presentation softwares, check out our recommendations for the top 2023 PowerPoint alternatives .

Jordan Turner

Jordan is a Bay Area writer, social media manager, and content strategist.

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What is Presentation Software?

Why a great presentation software is crucial to the success of organization

Any experienced salesperson knows that words can only get you so far. You can articulate the features and benefits of your product or service to perfection. But eventually, the prospect will want to see it for themselves.

This is especially true in the world of software. Where users spend hours navigating apps, sites, and programs as part of their daily responsibilities.

According to research gathered by 3M (known for their invention of the Post-It Note) visuals are processed by the human brain 60,000 times faster than text.

Presentations can truly make or break a prospect’s experience with your brand. A great presentation is engaging and conveys value through visuals. And it helps prospects visualize themselves as beneficiaries of your product or service.

What is presentation software?

A presentation software (sometimes called a presentation program) is a digital tool. It utilizes sequences of graphics, text, audio, and video to accompany a spoken presentation. These sequences, often called slides, are consolidated in virtual files called “slide decks.”

Presentation software across the web vary greatly in their capabilities, but they must offer at least three essential features:

A text editor with custom formatting
A means of inserting, editing, and resizing digital graphic
A slideshow system for displaying these visuals sequentially

Some presentation programs, like Microsoft PowerPoint, must be downloaded onto a computer’s hard drive before they can be used. Others, like Google Slides and Prezi, can be accessed from an internet browser.

Why is a Good Presentation Software Important?

Oftentimes, if a prospect agrees to view a presentation, you’ve at least piqued their interest.

You’ve likely spent some time on the phone or exchanged a few emails. Perhaps the prospect has visited your website a couple times. They’re likely not sold on you and actively forming their opinion of your brand.

This is why it’s imperative that your first presentation is a slam dunk. When a prospect sees you, your brand, and your product on display, you want them to leave excited for the benefits you can offer them.

A great presentation software gives you the tools and functionality you need to create a winning presentation. And create it quickly and easily.

In addition to usability, below are more benefits a good presentation software can bring to your organization.

Consolidation of information

A great slide deck combined with quality content is often one of the best single sources of sales information in your company.

Most sales decks contain a complete pitch all the way from pain point identification to feature/benefit pairings. Testimonials, best practices, and case studies are often scattered throughout.

This means you have a single file you can hand off to new sales reps for training. Or, if you need to pull a testimonial from a happy customer, you can find it in the slide deck. This one-stop shop for valuable sales information is made possible by a good presentation software.

Mobility for reps on the go

If your sales reps are doing a lot of physical site visits, having a mobile sales presentation that they can carry around in their pockets is a whole lot easier than lugging around a laptop. Almost every modern presentation software offers robust mobile functionality.

Having the consolidated information mentioned in the last point available at all times is a powerful asset for the rep doing on-site visits or demos.

For an example of how impactful a mobile presentation can be, check The Real Problem of Humanity as it pertains to technology by Tristan Harris.

Consistency across the team

Most presentation solutions allow for the creation of custom templates. This, combined with a “master slide deck” means that you can ensure greater alignment across your sales reps. This, with a content management platform , means your content is version-controlled and up-to-date. Which is important as its being presented to prospects.

Rapid content personalization

Let’s say you’re about to hop on a presentation call with a prospect. Right before the call, you receive an email from him letting you know his boss will be on the call as well. As it turns out, she’s particularly interested in one specific feature of your product.

With a great presentation tool, you can edit slides immediately (often from your mobile device, if needed). You can also delete, append, or customize information. This allows you to quickly tailor your messaging and visuals to fit the needs of a particular prospect or market segment.

Firsthand feedback from prospects

There are a lot of advantages of making sales presentations a two-way conversation as opposed to a monologue. Even if you can’t meet in person, real-time verbal feedback from prospects is incredibly valuable information.

A good sales rep will listen closely for clues that certain slides are holding the attention of the audience. These are moments that likely deserve to be highlighted or more deeply articulated.

A great presentation software will allow you to add slides, write copy, and format visuals immediately after the prospect hangs up. All while the information is fresh in the presenter’s mind. That way you can elevate their points of interest.

Thus, an easy-to-use presentation software is key to a sales team’s ability to quickly iterate on and improve effective content.

Getting the Most Out of Your Presentation Software

Vastly more important than your tool of choice is how you use it. Modern presentation software can produce razor-sharp, engaging presentations that convert prospects to sales. But they’re also capable of producing abominations that no prospect should ever see.

Abide by the following guidelines and you’ll be on the right track. Not only to avoid common presentation pitfalls, but also to help your message stick.

Utilize your Notes section

While a more conversational tone is obviously the goal, hitting all the important beats of a sales presentation from memory can be tough. This is where presentation notes come in handy.

Whether it’s a word-for-word script or bullet points, every presentation software offers the ability to write formatted notes associated with your slide decks.

When you present, these notes will be visible to you alone. This is especially useful when delivering presentations remotely over the web. If you’re going to read a word-for-word script, be sure to add some inflection and natural pauses to avoid sounding robotic.

Utilize grids when formatting visuals

Pixelated graphics and misaligned visuals in slide decks can make you look like an amateur. Which is not the message you want to send to your audience.

It’s safe to say that most sales reps are not also trained graphic designers. It’s all the more important that we rely on grids to line up our images in an aesthetically-pleasing way.

All modern presentation tools offer some sort of grid for optimal image placement. Cross-referencing your visuals against the grid takes mere minutes. But it could potentially save you embarrassment and help build credibility with your prospect.

Tell a story

Real-life stories are what captivate and unite humans. It’s been neurologically proven that stories engage more areas of the brain than the parts that store and recall facts. In fact, science shows us that our brains don’t distinguish between hearing a story and actually experiencing it.

That means your prospect will tune out if you’re reciting a laundry list of features and benefits. They’re more likely to stay engaged if you tell a real story of how your product helped a real person.

This also means that when you describe a real-life pain point of someone in a similar position, the odds are high that your prospect will feel that pain. It follows that they’ll also feel a greater urgency for whatever you’re offering.

The Hero’s Journey is a popular storytelling framework that’s been used ever since humans could communicate with drawings on cave walls. Using this template is one of the most effective ways to integrate storytelling into your presentations. So, try making them the hero, not your product.

Keep it simple

Keep the amount of information you give the prospect down to a few important things. Don’t burry the resources they need to see with lots of little insignificant things. Don’t get bogged down in feature explanations. Keep things brief and high-level. If you have to ask yourself if you should cut a section, the answer is yes.

Avoid animations (unless they’re custom)

As a general rule, when animations in presentations are good, they’re really good. When they’re bad, though, they’re really bad. I have seen some beautiful animations done in PowerPoint for large-scale conference presentations. Important note: they were created by a trained graphic designer with weeks of prep time and years of experience.

If you don’t have time or expertise to make your animations great, keep them simple and minimal. Or avoid them altogether. The animation presets in modern presentation tools are guaranteed to make your content look cheap.

The occasional fade-in can be tasteful. But beyond that, it’s probably wise to stay away from any distracting spins, swipes, or bounces.

Rehearse on your target machine

This tip is more about technology than technique. I can’t count how many times I’ve been in the audience of a presentation where the presenter advances to a broken or unformatted slide. “Whoa,” they say. “That’s so weird. That worked on my computer.”

Perhaps you’ve experienced the same thing. It’s definitely not something you want your prospect experiencing as they’re forming their opinion of your brand.

So, if you’re building a presentation on your home PC to transfer to your work laptop, make sure you test it on your work laptop before unveiling to the world. It seems obvious, but it takes mere minutes to troubleshoot and could save you a sale and a stressful situation.

Start with a template

A great way to ensure aesthetic consistency and alignment is a custom template. One that’s designed with your organization’s branding. If you don’t have an in-house designer, there will be an initial investment. But it’s well worth it considering it may be the first impression a prospect gets of your brand. As well as, how many eyeballs will be on your slides over time.

This will help you avoid the distraction of mismatched fonts and colors. But this will also help you ensure that every prospect gets a consistent experience, regardless of the presenter. Nothing is left up to chance.

Almost every modern presentation software has a “New from Template” or equivalent option. These save time during the start of each slide deck as well. Branded templates mean you’re never left wondering if your team has the right content.

Speaking of saving time, Accent Connect keeps all of your presentation decks neatly organized and updated. Your sales reps can access them from any device, anywhere, at any time.

To learn more about how we can help you optimize your presentation workflow and sell more effectively, reach out to our team today for a live demo .

By Accent Technologies

12th june 2020.

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Presentation Software

Check list with the words objectives next to it

Learning Objectives

Define functions of presentation graphics programs as used in business.
Design, create, and execute an artistic presentation that includes graphics and animation.

Presentation software is designed to allow the user to present information in an engaging way with text, pictures, sound, and video. It is a way to communicate ideas in a powerful, organized manner. It utilizes sequences of slides that accompany a spoken presentation. The presentation may also be recorded and posted online. The slides are consolidated in virtual files called slide decks. Communication skills are necessary for many careers. Presentation software can help to deliver a message online or in-person to a large audience or small group. The goal is to create a presentation that will leave a lasting impression on the audience, and not distract them from the message you are delivering. The ultimate goal is to create dynamic, interesting presentations that engage your audience.

Common presentation software programs:

Presentation Software	Type	Key Features
Microsoft PowerPoint	App	Available across many platforms including mobile devices for ease of use Arguably the most commonly used presentation software in business Powerful and easy to use Integrates well with Microsoft Office
Apple Keynote	App	Included with most Apple devices Real-time collaboration Use Apple Pencil on your iPad to create diagrams or illustrations that bring your slides to life
Google Slides	App	Integrates with other Google Apps Unique audience Q&A feature Advanced web publishing features

Going forward, we will focus primarily on Microsoft PowerPoint.

Since Microsoft PowerPoint is widely used in business, and we are using Microsoft Windows, we will focus on this presentation software. There are many similarities across presentation software, so the skills we are learning can be translated to other systems. Some of the tasks in PowerPoint may seem familiar because they were used in other applications. The following Practice It assignments are designed to be completed using Microsoft PowerPoint in Office 365 on a PC with Windows 10 or higher. You may need to download the Professional version of Office 365 (which is free to students) to access all features.

POWERPOINT PRACTICE 1

Prefer to watch and learn? Check out this video tutorial:

Complete the following Practice Activity and submit your completed project.

We will use PowerPoint to create a presentation that welcomes individuals to coding. We will build upon this presentation over the next 3 practice assignments. Key skills in this practice include creating and editing a new presentation, entering text, adding slides, presentation themes, bullets, adding and formatting pictures, transitions, and printing a presentation.

Start PowerPoint and select the Design tab. Under Themes, select the Circuit theme. If the Circuit theme is not visible, use the search to locate it.
Select File, Save As, Browse, and then navigate to your PowerPoint folder on your flash drive or other location where you save your files. Name the presentation as Yourlastname_Yourfirstname_PowerPoint_Practice_1.
Take a moment to view the PowerPoint window:

Notice that the layout of slide 1 is Title and Content. This is a common layout for the Title Slide . All text, graphics, videos, or anything that is on a slide must be in a placeholder . In the “Click to add title placeholder,” type Welcome to Coding! In the subtitle placeholder type Introduction to Python .
On the Design tab, in the Themes group, ensure under Variants, Blue colors are selected.
Although we only have our title slide added, most presentations have several slides. When creating your presentation, keep in mind the attention span of your audience, and the allotted amount of time. For this presentation, we have been allotted 10 minutes and will create 5 slides.
Outline View
Slide Sorter
Notes Pages
Reading View
On the Home tab, in the Slides group, select the arrow next to New Slide and choose the Title and Content layout. In the “Click to add title” placeholder type: Student Life.
With slide 2 still active, on the Home Tab, in the Slides Group, select the arrow next to Layout and select Two Content. Notice how the layout of slide 2 changed.
Coding develops problem-solving skills
Coding nurtures creativity
Coding makes math more fun and engaging
Coding promotes learning by doing
Coding enables computational thinking
Format the text as a bulleted list, with the default bullet. Change the font size of the text to 28.
In the second placeholder, use the placeholder shortcut to insert a stock image. In the Insert Pictures dialog box, use the search bar and search the word Coding. Choose any picture, then return and insert it into the placeholder.
With slide 2 still active, on the Transitions tab, select Fade.
Computer Programmer
Web Developer
Software Application Developer
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Engineer
Front and Back End Developer
Resize the text to 28 pt and use the default bullet.
With slide 3 still active, on the Insert tab in the Illustration group, select the arrow next to Shapes. Under Stars and Banners add the Explosion: 8 points shape to the right of the bulleted list. Click and drag the shape onto the slide.
Inside the shape type: All High Paying Jobs.
On the Home tab, in the Slides Group, select New Slide and choose Blank Layout. Ensure slide 5 is active.
On the Insert tab, in the Text Group, select the arrow under WordArt , and select Word Art in the first row, first column Fill: White, Text color 1; Shadow. Type the text: Any Questions?
Change the font size of the WordArt to 72.
Change the font color to orange from the standard colors.
Select the File tab to display Backstage view. Select Print to view the Print Options . Although PowerPoint slides are meant for presentations, there is the option to print slides for the presenter and participants. Under Setting, click Print All Slides.
Under Slides, select 6 slides Horizontal. Notice how the data and page number display on the slide in Print Preview .
Save your presentation and take note of where it is located. There should be a total of 4 slides in your slide deck. Compare your presentation to the image below and make any modifications if needed. Close out of PowerPoint and submit your entire presentation per your instructor’s instructions.

POWERPOINT PRACTICE 2

We will continue to work with the PowerPoint presentation we started in PowerPoint Practice 1. You have been asked by the Dean to add additional content to the presentation regarding Computer Science courses that require coding. Key skills in this practice include how to enhance a presentation, insert and format images, manage slides, add speaker notes and animations, and apply effects.

Start PowerPoint; notice how it opens in Backstage View. Under Open, browse to locate your PowerPoint_Practice_1, and select Open.
Select File, Save As, Browse, and then navigate to your PowerPoint folder on your flash drive or other location where you save your files. Name the presentation as Yourlastname_Yourfirstname_PowerPoint_Practice_2.
There should be 4 slides in your slide deck. Ensure your presentation is in normal view.
With a slide selected, on the Home tab in the slides group, select New Slide and then Duplicate Selected Slides .
With slide 4 active, change the title to Coding Courses.
Introduction to Programming I
Introduction to Programming II
Data Structures
Database Management Systems
Programming Languages
Delete the shapes from the slide.
At the bottom of the screen, click Notes.
Type the following Presenter Notes: Remember other courses that may not require coding.
With slide 4 active, move slide 4 above slide 3 in the thumbnail pane making slide 4 become slide 3, and vice versa.
With slide 3 still active, on the Insert tab, in the Pictures group, select Online Pictures . In the Insert Pictures dialog box, in the search box, type coding course and then press enter. Choose any image you like that represents technology. Insert the image of your choice under the last bullet on slide 3. If necessary, resize the picture so that it fits on the slide without overlapping with the text.
Select the image you just added. On the Animations tab, in the animation group, select the Wheel entrance effect. Once the animation is applied, notice the number 1 appears next to the image to indicate this is the first animation that will play.
On the Animations tab, in the advanced animation group, turn on the Animation Pane by clicking it one time. The Animation Pane will open on the right side of the screen. Click the down arrow next to the first animation, Picture 1, and select Effect Options . In the Wheel dialog box, select the Effect tab, and under Sounds choose Applause. Click the speaker icon to hear the applause and ensure your volume is turned up, but not too loud. Select OK to hear the applause sounds you just applied. Close the Animation Pane.
Save your presentation and take note of where it is located. There should be a total of 5 slides in your slide deck. Compare your presentation to the image below and make any modifications if needed. Close out of PowerPoint and submit your entire presentation per your instructor’s instructions.

POWERPOINT PRACTICE 3

We will continue to work with the PowerPoint presentation from PowerPoint Practice 2. After submitting your presentation to the Dean, she has asked you to make a few enhancements that incorporate multimedia. Key skills in this practice include screenshots, embedding videos, recording audio, and background images.

Start PowerPoint; notice how it opens in Backstage View. Under Open, browse to locate your PowerPoint_Practice_2, and select Open.
Select File, Save As, Browse, and then navigate to your PowerPoint folder on your flash drive or other location where you save your files. Name the presentation as Yourlastname_Yourfirstname_PowerPoint_Practice_3.
Select slide 4 in the thumbnail pane. With slide 4 active, on the Home Tab, in the Slides Group, select New Slide and select Layout and Content.
There should be 5 slides in your slide deck. Ensure your presentation is in normal view and select slide 5. In the title placeholder type: Why Learn Coding?
In the content placeholder below the title, click the icon to insert an online video. To insert an online video, you can also use the Insert tab, Media group, video, online video. It may take a few moments for the Insert Video screen to load.
Use the Search YouTube box by typing in Why Learn Coding? and then selecting the search icon or pressing enter on your keyboard. Scroll through the videos to find the video titled Why Learn Coding? If that video is not available, you can select a different one. Double-click the video or select Insert to add the video to slide 5.
With the video selected, on the Video Tools, Format tab, resize the video so that it has a height of approximately 5″ and a width of approximately 9.4″. Move the video so that it is centered on the slide if necessary.
On the Playback tab, select Play to watch the video.
Another way to add an online video to a PowerPoint slide is by embedding it. Using your web browser, navigate to www.youtube.com . In the search window, type, Why Learn Coding? Locate the video Why Learn Coding? Select the Share icon, and then select embed. Copy the embed code.
In PowerPoint, on slide 5, select the Insert tab, Media group, Video, Online Video. In the box next to From a Video Embed Code, paste the code you copied from YouTube and then press Enter. It may take a few moments for the video to preview. If necessary, right-click on the video, and then select Preview. You can put the video in the presentation either way.
Select slide 5 in the thumbnail pane. With slide 5 active, on the Home Tab, in the Slides Group, select New Slide and select Layout and Content.
With slide 6 still active, on the Insert tab, in the Pictures group, select Online Pictures . In the Insert Pictures dialog box, in the search box, type: computer languages. Choose any image you like that represents technology. Insert the image of your choice. If necessary, resize the picture so that it fits on the slide without overlapping with the text.
Select slide 6 so that it is the active slide. On the Insert tab, Media group, select the arrow under Audio and select Record Audio. Record a short audio clip (about 20 seconds) and tell me what language you would like to learn.
After recording your audio and playing it back, name it Coding. Then, close the Record Sound audio dialog box. Notice a speaker icon displays on slide 6. Move this icon to the upper left-hand corner of slide 6. Click the speaker once to play the audio.
On slide 6, in the Notes pane, add the following note: Remember to play the audio.
Select slide 1 so that it is the active slide. On the Design tab, customize group, and select Format Background. Under Fill, select the button next to Picture of texture fill. Under insert picture Online Picture, search for any coding picture and select Insert. Be sure to not select Apply to All, as we only want the background image applied to the title slide.
Close the Format Background dialog box by clicking the x in the upper right-hand corner.
Save your presentation and take note of where it is located. There should be a total of 9 slides in your slide deck. Compare your presentation to the image below and make any modifications if needed. Close out of PowerPoint and submit your entire presentation per your instructor’s instructions.

MASTER ACTIVITY 1

Trophy with the words master it next to it

Complete the following Master Activity and submit your completed project.

All about me using Google Slides

You will need to be logged into your Google account to complete this assignment. Since Google Slides is web based , it changes frequently. The steps outlined here may be slightly different from what you see on your screen. If you do not already have a Google account, you will need to create one. Go to http://google.com and in the upper right corner, click Sign In. On the Sign In screen, click Create Account. On the Create your Google Account page, complete the form, read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, and then click Next step. On the Welcome screen, click Get Started.

Family and pets
1-, 5-, and 10-year goals
From the desktop, open your browser, navigate to http://google.com, and then sign in to your Google account. In the upper right corner of your screen, click Google apps, and then click Slides .
Select the template gallery to browse templates . Take a moment to view General templates.
Select the back arrow to go back to the main Slides page. Select the plus sign to start a new Blank presentation. If necessary, hit ESC on your keyboard to show the toolbar.
In the Themes dialog box, select the Simple Dark theme.
Name your presentation Yourlastname_Yourfirstname_PowerPoint_Master1, and save it in your Google Drive or other location as indicated by your instructor.
With Slide 1 selected, enter your name as the title, and for the subtitle type All About Me.
On the Slide tab, select New Slide to insert a new blank slide. Type My Hobbies as the slide title. In the textbox below, create a bulleted list with at least 5 hobbies. The bulleted list is found on the main menu, format, in Google Slides.
On the main menu, select the plus button to add another new slide with the same layout as the previous slide.
Type My Family and Pets for the slide title. In the textbox below the title, create a bulleted list with information on your family and pets.
On the main menu, select the arrow next to the plus button to add a new slide with the title and two-column layout, then type My Work and Major for the title. In the textbox to the left create a bulleted list that contains at least 3 bullets about your work life. In the textbox to the right create a bulleted list that contains at least 2 bullets about your major or future career.
My one-year goal is to…
My five-year goal is to…
My ten-year goal is to…
Complete each sentence with your own personal goals.
Select slide 1 so that it is the active slide. Ensure the entire slide is selected, not the textbox. On the main menu, select background. In the background dialog box, next to Image, select Choose image. Select the option for Google image search. Find an image that represents you, and add it to the background for the title slide.
If necessary, change the text color, or move the text so that it stands out against the new background image. To change the text color, select the textbox, and on the main menu, select text color.
Select slide 2 so that it is the active slide. On the main menu, select the Insert Image button, and select Search the Web. Search for an image that describes your hobbies, and then insert it into slide 2. If necessary resize the image by selecting it and using the resize handles.
With the image selected, choose Animate on the main menu. Add an Object Animation to Fade in on click. Play the animation to preview it and close the Motion dialog box if necessary.
Select slide 3 so that it is the active slide. In the empty space next to the bulleted list, add a shape from the Insert tab, then Shapes. Choose any shape to compliment slide 3, and add it to your slide. Then, add text and a fill color to the shape.
Select slide 4 so that it is the active slide. On the Insert tab, select video, and use the YouTube search to embed a video related to your future career. Trim the video so it is 3 minutes or less. If necessary, close the Format video dialog box.
Select slide 5 so that it is the active slide. Select the textbox with your goals listed. On the main menu, select a light blue fill color for the textbox. Then, select a darker blue Border Color, with a border weight of 8px. Ensure the solid borderline is selected.
On the Tools tab, run spell check and make any corrections.
In the upper right-hand corner, select the arrow next to Present, and then select Present from the beginning. Use the arrows on your keyboard to navigate each slide of the slide deck. When completed, press the ESC key on your keyboard.
Make any final adjustments to your slide deck, and submit per your instructor’s instructions.

MASTER ACTIVITY 2

In this assignment, you are working as a Clinical Educator for a local healthcare company. You have been asked to make enhancements to a presentation that will be shared with employees on how to properly wash their hands. You have been asked to make the following enhancements to the presentation:

Change the slide deck theme Droplet Third Variant
Insert and edit an online video demonstrating proper handwashing
Add a chart
Add speaker notes
Add professional quality images to add visual interest to the presentation
Add transitions and animations
Add sources
Correct bulleted list and fonts
Run spelling and grammar
From your data files, open the file Starter_PowerPoint_Master2. If necessary, enable content . In Backstage view, under File, Save As, save the database as Lastname_Firstname_PowerPoint_Master_2 in your assignment files folder.
Change the slide deck theme to Droplet, with the third color variant. The color variant should be light blue. Ensure the theme and variant are applied to all slides in the deck.
On slide 3, ensure the hand washing video from YouTube is enabled. If not, insert an online video from YouTube from a reputable source that demonstrates the WHO proper handwashing technique.
Format the video so that the Height is approximately 5″ and the Width is approximately 9″.
With slide 4 active, insert a new slide with the Title and Content Layout. For the title, type Statistics. In the content placeholder below the title, select the Insert Chart icon and select Clustered Column.
Enter the following data for the clustered column chart.

	Reduction of Illness
GI	31%
Respiratory	21%

On slide 5, select the vertical value axis and format the axis so that the minimum bounds is 0.0 and maximum bounds is 0.4.
Apply Quick Style 6 to the clustered column chart and delete the chart legend.
Insert a textbox below the chart, and enter the following text: Source: Am J Public Health. 2008 Aug;98(8):1372-81. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2007.124610. Epub 2008 Jun 12.
On slide 5, enter the following speaker note:

This data is based on the research study, Effect of hand hygiene on infectious disease risk in the community setting: a meta-analysis, and Improvements in hand hygiene resulted in reductions in gastrointestinal illness of 31% and reductions in respiratory illness of 21%.

Select slide 2. Delete all of the text starting with “This helps prevent…” and all of the text following it. Remove the bullet from the first paragraph that begins with “Cleaning hands at key times…” and change the font size to 24.
Under the paragraph, insert an online picture that represents the importance of handwashing. The image selected should be professional. Resize the image and center it under the paragraph. Apply the Drop Shadow Rectangle Quick Style to the picture.
Select slide 4. With all of the text selected, remove the bullets (do not delete the text). Insert an online picture that represents FAQ, or Frequently Asked Questions. Insert the image in the upper right-hand corner next to the title. Resize the image if necessary so that it fits to the right of the title.
Centers for Disease Control
Federal Government
Clean hands save lives
World Health Organization
The International Health Authority on Handwashing
Infection, Prevention and Control
Thurston County Public Health in Washington
Local County Health and Wellness
Handwashing Toolbox
Ensure all text that was just added is a bulleted list and left justified.
With slide 6 still active, insert an online picture that represents the importance of handwashing. The image selected should be professional. Resize the image and center it under the paragraph. Apply the Drop Shadow Rectangle Quick Style to the picture.
With the picture on slide 6 selected, add the Shape Animation to the picture.
With slide 1 active, apply the Reveal Transition to all slides in the slide deck.
Run spelling and grammar check and make any corrections.
View your slideshow.
Save your presentation, and take note of where it is located. There should be a total of 6 slides in your slide deck. Compare your presentation to the image below, and make any modifications if needed. Close out of PowerPoint and submit your entire presentation per your instructor’s instructions.

6 pages of a PowerPoint presentation on proper hand washing

MASTER ACTIVITY 3

In this activity, you will create a presentation regarding your plan of study. Your presentation should include:

A title slide with your major or plan of study
A slide explaining why you chose this major
A slide detailing your graduation timeline
A slide with post-graduation plans such as University Transfer, Jobs, Certifications, etc.
A slide highlighting your dream job
A slide that details your biggest influencers or motivators for completing your plan of study

Your presentation should be professional and collegiate and demonstrate effective presentation strategies. It should include the following elements:

Professional quality graphics
Transitions and animations
A background image on the title slide
Proper spelling and grammar
Review your presentation slideshow view.
Save your presentation as YourLastName_YourFirstName_PowerPoint_Master_3, and take note of where it is located. There should be a total of 6 slides in your slide deck. Close PowerPoint and submit your entire presentation per your instructor’s instructions.

CHALLENGE IT

Complete the following Challenge and submit your completed project.

In this challenge activity, you will complete a project that incorporates many of the key skills learned in the Presentation Software unit. For this project, you are the Marketing Director for the Arizona Tourism Office. The goal of the presentation is to educate visitors on all of the wonderful things Arizona has to offer. You will create a PowerPoint Presentation with the following:

Animations and transitions
7 Themed slides
Open PowerPoint and select Blank Presentation. In Backstage View, save the presentation in your PowerPoint folder, and name it Lastname_Firstname_PowerPoint_Challenge.
On the Title Slide, in the Title Content Placeholder, add the following text: Arizona.
In the content placeholder under the title, add the following text: The Grand Canyon State.
Change the Font Color to Black, Background 1. Bold all of the text.
Add a background picture to the title slide only. The background image is found in your data files and titled PowerPoint_Challenge_Step3. Change the transparency of the background picture to 25%.
Change the Theme to Office Theme, with the third variant.
Using Reuse slides, add slides 2-6 from the presentation in your data files titled PowerPoint_Challenge_Step_5.
On Slide 2, insert an online picture of a cactus. Resize and reposition the picture so that it fits to the right of the text. Apply the Soft Edge Rectangle Quick Style.
On Slide 2, show the speaker notes. In the notes pane, add a period after 2019. And then type the following note: Retrieved online on 1/26/2021 at https://tourism.az.gov
On slide 3, insert the picture from your data files titled PowerPoint_Challenge_Step8. Resize and reposition the image so that it fits to the right of the text. Apply the Soft Edge Rectangle Quick Style.
On Slide 3, show the speaker notes. In the notes pane, add the following note: The Grand Canyon is also located in Arizona and is a National Park.
On Slide 3, insert an Oval Callout shape. Resize the shape so that it has a height of about 2.1″ and a width of about 3.4″. The shape should be located in the bottom portion of the slide, it is ok if it covers a portion of the text or picture. Apply the Colored Fill—Blue, Accent 5 Shape Style. In the shape, type: Which parks have you been to? Apply the Float In animation to the shape.
On slide 4, insert a Line with Markers Chart. Use the following data:

Year End	Visitors
2015	2,660,672
2016	2,788,118
2017	3,076,938
2018	3,191,415

Apply Quick Style 3 to the Line Chart, and delete the Legend.
In the speaker notes on slide 4, type the following note: Data provided by the Arizona Office of Tourism in collaboration with Northern Arizona University—The W.A. Franke College of Business.
On slide 5, insert the alternating hexagon SmartArt. In each shape, enter one sports team per shape, in any order. Delete the Add a picture placeholder, and delete the bulleted list of sports teams. Move the SmartArt to the right of the title. Change the colors of the SmartArt to Transparent Gradient Range—Accent 1. Apply the 3-D polished Quick Style to the SmartArt.
On slide 6, insert an online picture of a desert sunset. If necessary, resize and reposition the picture so that it fits to the right of the text. Apply the Soft Edge Rectangle Quick Style.
After slide 6, add a new slide with the Blank Layout. Insert a Fill—Blue, Accent 1 Shadow WordArt with the words: We look forward to seeing you soon!
Apply the Page Curl transition to all slides in the deck.
View the slideshow.
Save your presentation, and take note of where it is located. There should be a total of 7 slides in your slide deck. Compare your presentation to the image below, and make any modifications if needed. Close out of PowerPoint and submit your entire presentation per your instructor’s instructions.

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What is Presentation Software?- Features of Presentation Software

Presentation software is a type of application software that uses graphics, animation, sound, and data or information to make a visual presentation. These presentations can be used directly on the screen of computer

The presentations can also be viewed as slides on a screen or projection screen. The user can also print them for different uses.

image showing the presentation software and its features

Some examples of presentation software are MS PowerPoint, Keynote, and Presentations.

Table of Contents

Features of Presentation Software

Some important features of presentation software are as follows:

Presentation software has many formatting facilities. We can change the color of text, background color, style of your text, and size.

Presentation software provides a printing facility. The user can print slides to get a hard copy Printing can be of the whole presentation or of any range of

Predefined Formats

Presentation software provides many predefined presentations formats with different background colors, text styles, and graphics for the presentation

Slide Layout

Presentation software provides different slide layouts. The user can select any layout for your presentation. Presentation software provides the facility to add sounds and

Audio and Video

Presentation software provides the facility to add sounds and videos in the presentation. It enhances the effects of the presentation.

Auto Shapes

Presentation software allows the user to draw different geometrical shapes, arrows, flowchart symbols, stars, and banners on the slide.

Clipart gallery

Presentation software includes a clipart gallery that contains images, photos, video clips, and audio clips for the presentations.

Spelling and Grammar

Spelling and Grammar features are used to detect and correct the spelling and grammatical mistakes in the presentation.

Presentation software provides the facility to animate the contents of presentations. Different types of movements can be applied to different components of the presentation. It makes the presentation more attractive.

Slide transition:

Presentation software can be used to apply special effects to the transition between slides. Slide transitions are the visual movements as one slide changes to another. By default, one slide simply replaces the previous screen.

Slide Timing

Slide timing is used to set the timing of slides. The presentation automatically displays the next slide after a preset delay. The user can rehearse the presentation to know the time required to complete the presentation.

Speaker Notes

Presentation software provides the facility to add speaker notes to a presentation. The notes can be used to remember important points during a presentation or to give to the audience.

Chapter-Basics of Information Technology

What is Computer Motherboard?-Types and History of Motherboard

Data and Information in Computer – Types of Data

Input, output, processing, and storage devices of computer

What is Fax Machine? – Invention, features

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15 Best Presentation Software for 2021

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By Bilyana Nikolaeva

in Insights

4 years ago

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On average a presentation takes up to 20 minutes and experts say we make an impression within the first 30 seconds. That is why it’s important to “dress” our great product/idea with an equally exciting design. Most often, presentations are cooked up by non-designers, which creates a specific need – for powerful presentation software, which can help communicate a message beautifully, effectively, and to suit any user’s skill level. We hand-picked 15 of the best presentation software for 2021 , which will help you create presentations online, share them, while shining in your best light. In the meanwhile, check out some useful ideas tips to spice up your presentations .

A web-based presentation tool, which means you can access your presentations wherever you are, with an internet connection. It is known for its animations, cartoons, and infographics, which help the user to create more interactive presentations and explainer-style videos.

Example by Focusky

Best Features: Very interactive; you can create a unique to your story by combining different “frames” (slides); create your own animations within the presentation Price: Free, but heavily subscription-based Learning curve: Very intuitive, nicely organized by categories, but it would require some time to learn the animation controls Available for: Online Perfect for: Marketing and education

To summarize, this presentation tool is best for marketers and education, where the creator can get the most out of the cool animation and cartoons available. In the last years, there is an increased interest in Powtoon and RenderForest and we expect that more and more people will use them in 2021. No surprise – if you look at our article about Graphic Design Trends in 2022 , everything is moving towards animation, cool 3D-s, cartoons, and illustrations – and these are all things that this software can offer for your presentation.

Prezi is an online presentation software, which resembles a mind map. In comparison, PowerPoint offers a linear way of presenting, whereas Prezi allows you to better show relationships between different elements of your presentation, show details, zoom in and zoom out and show an overall view of your topic. Compared to PowerPoint is more interactive, but with fewer functionalities and a choice of templates.

Example by PreziBase

Best Features: Interactive presentations and interesting transitions, zoom in/out details Price: The very basic features are free, but most of the interesting ones are paid, starting from $3/month and reaching up to $59/month. They offer a free trial. Learning curve: it requires learning and going through a lot of menus and functionalities, similar to PowerPoint Available for: Online / Limited use for iOS and Android (only viewing, not creating and editing) Perfect for: teachers, businesses, more experienced designers, and specific presentations needs, but not recommended for newbies

Prezi is best in showing relationships between different parts of your presentations. There are some challenges in editing, and viewing across devices and its best features are paid for. We recommend it for quick, mind-map-like presentations without the need for ultra-special design.

3. RenderForest Presentation Maker

RenderForest is an online presentation tool, which is famous for its explainer style and whiteboard animations. The presentation templates often offer various motion/video backgrounds, which helps to grab your audience’s attention. Currently, the company is working on releasing its Graphic Design Software, which will allow users to create printables and beautiful designs for social media. This shows that RenderForest’s team knows the market well and does its best to cater to its needs!

Example by Renderforest

Best Features: Video holders with text on shapes, cool transitions Price: There is a free version, the paid ones start at $20.34 per user/month Learning curve: Relatively easy to use, the simple interface helps the user Available for: Online / iOS / Android Perfect for: Education and business

Although not one of the cheapest solutions, it allows you to create engaging and interactive presentations with lots of cool animations. That makes RenderForest a great choice for more educational and marketing explainer-type videos/presentations.

4. Mentimeter

Mentimeter is a very interesting online presentation software. It allows your audience to engage with your presentation in real-time and you can create polls, ask questions, which are then displayed to your presentation. The answers from the audience remain anonymous so people are even more encouraged to participate.

Example by Mentimeter

Best Features: Launch live, interactive polls, surveys, quizzes and create things like word clouds in real-time Price: It has a free version, but the paid plans offer most of the attractive features – the basic plan costs $9.99 per user/month and the more advanced plan is $24.99 per user/month Learning curve: Easy to use; might need to explain to a less tech-savvy audience how to connect to your presentation Available for: Online / Android / iOS Perfect for: Educators, speakers, business and competitions

An excellent choice for educators, speakers, and businesses who want to engage the audience in real-time and display the results immediately. Clean, simple designs, that help you focus on the content.

5. Libre Office Impress

Libre Office is free presentation software, an open-source alternative to PowerPoint. As you can expect from a free product, it offers only the main features of its “big brother”, but it’s a good solution for people used to Microsoft’s productivity suite. The interface is very similar to PowerPoint, which again makes it comfortable to use for a certain audience. Users who need collaboration on presentations, clean interface, and more creative design solutions should steer away from this free presentation software because it will simply not cover their needs.

Example by Theodoros Bousios

Best Features: Free, compatible with older versions (Windows XP for example) Price: Free Learning curve: It will take some time to go through all the options and to get familiar with the interface; Available for: Windows / macOS / Linux / Android / iOS. Perfect for: people who want to use a free product and people with older operation systems

To summarize, Libre is free, compatible with older versions, it can cover your basic needs for a presentation, but the options are too many and available templates too little.

6. Zoho Show

Zoho Show is also an online presentation software, which has a very friendly user interface and great collaboration features. There are many functionalities, which help you create a beautiful design, but require some time and design knowledge to get it right. The premade templates are limited and this presentation software needs an internet connection to be able to edit and present.

Image by Zoho

Best Features: Live broadcasting a presentation with live chat and commenting Price: Zoho Show is free for personal use. For business users, Zoho Show is included in the Zoho Docs enterprise pricing packages – €5 or €8 per user/month Learning curve: Available for: Online / Android / iOS Perfect for: non-profits, start-ups, personal use, teachers

To summarize, Zoho offers great collaboration features, but you need a connection to edit and present. It is suitable for quick, non-pretentious presentations, where you need some kind of collaboration.

7. ClearSlide Presenter

ClearSlide is a sales engagement platform, including an online presentation tool. Another online tool – SlideRocket, was acquired by ClearSlide and one of the differences is that ClearSlide is more costly and targeted at larger businesses. It’s a great platform for very specific needs – collaborating between sales and marketing teams, to achieve the company’s goals. It’s clear even by the interface:

Image by ClearSlide

Best Features: Analytics for costumers’ engagement, video conferencing, screen sharing Price: They offer a free trial and you can see more about the payment plans here. Learning curve: Clear and simple interface, but it requires some time to get used to the tools Available for: Online Perfect for: Sales/business, managers (for coaching); not suitable for newbies, teachers, students

To summarize, ClearSide is perfect for presenting sales pitch , graphics, collaborate in larger teams. It is somehow restrictive for a non-designer because the templates are specific.

8. Piktochart

Piktochart allows you to make infographics, presentations, and printables quickly. Primarily known for its easy customizable infographics, Piktochart also has simple presentation templates and the company is constantly trying to update its library.

Example by Piktochart Knowledge Base

Best Features: Turning data-heavy content into simple visuals; nice transitions between slides Price: There is a free version and a paid one, starting at $29 per user/month. They offer a free trial. Learning curve: It requires time to get used to the options available and to navigate through Available for: Online Perfect for: Designers, teachers; it does not offer collaboration options, which might be needed by teams, students, etc.

Compared to other online presentation software is a bit costly and we could still ask a bit more from the presentation templates. We’d recommend it to someone who often uses infographics and wants to use a single platform to combine the infographics with a presentation. But why not check our free infographics as well?

Slides is online presentation software, initially aimed at developers and covering their presentation needs. Thus said, it does not offer offline editing, but you can present offline, after exporting your presentation.

Best Features: It allows you to use your phone as a remote control; Live Present Mode allows you to control what your audience sees; drop in code, iframes, and SVGs with ease. Price: Free, with paid plans starting at $7.00/month and $14-$18/month for pro and team packages. They offer a free trial. Learning curve: friendly interface, but too many functions and options, which might overwhelm the average user and beginner Available for: Online Perfect for: developers, designers, a little bit too specific for newbies

To summarize, it’s a very cool tool, giving you complete design freedom, but that is also why we do not recommend it to teachers, non-designers, or marketers. Developers and design gurus will love it.

Canva is a web-based solution that started with a mission – to make beautiful designed content available to everyone. The whole platform is organized so that a person without any prior design knowledge can easily create graphs, images, and presentations to impress. Although it is not the best tool for data visualization, it scores high in any other category. Needless to say, it has become a popular choice amongst non-designers.

Image by Iconfinder

Best Features: Plenty of beautiful templates to choose from and Canva school has plenty of tutorials and tips for free. It offers more free functionalities compared to other competitors. Price: Free, the offer different subscription plans, starting at $9.95 per user/month Learning curve: Very easy to use, most of the actions can be performed by drag-and-drop Available for: Online / iOS / Android Perfect for: newbies, marketers (who need a unified look across all their social media), non-profits, and teachers

Canva is becoming one of the most popular tools amongst non-designers for creating beautiful unified content. You can create entire presentations, flyers, and other materials with a single drag and drop.

11. Slidebean

Slidebean is the go-to online presentation software for last-minute projects, that look original and professional. Slidebean offers clean and easy-to-use templates and keeps track of your audience’s engagement.

Source Slidebean

Best Features: It allows you to arrange your content with the help of AI, which saves time creating a beautiful layout. You just pick a template, upload content, and let the AI offer you a nice layout. Premade animations, effects, and alignments are automatically applied to your content and create a cohesive look. Price: Free, paid versions starting from $8/month Learning curve: very easy to use since everything is made to fit the premade templates Available for: Windows / Mac / Android / iOS Perfect for: financial, academic, pitch, marketing, sales; everything quick with a clear structure

To summarize, if you are in a hurry, Slidebean will offer several layouts for your slides and speed up the process of creation. The platform targets primarily sales, marketing, and financial fields, and the available templates reflect that.

12. Google Slides

Google Slides is part of the G Suite business application. Its popularity has increased in the last years since it’s a web-based platform, allowing you to store, edit, and share your presentation, without the need of installing presentation software on your computer. All you need is a Google account and you are good to go.

Image by G Suite Updates blog

Best Features: It’s free for personal use, and offers great paid features for business – for example, seamless collaboration and commenting on a presentation, converting other presentations to Google Slides. Some other great features are the wide variety of fonts available (GoogleFonts, not need installing), easy embedding, plus it’s super intuitive and easy to use! Price: It’s free for individual use. For business use, the price starts at $5/user/month and plans of $10 and $25/user/month, for unlimited cloud storage and extra features Learning curve: Simple interface, but it will require some time to pick up. Similar to PowerPoint, only a bit lighter. Available for: Windows / Mac / Online Perfect for: businesses, freelancers, who need a user-friendly app with elementary features; great for collaborating teams, not so perfect for complex designs and tools, required by big enterprises

Perfect for personal use, well synchronized across different devices, similar to PowerPoint. Maybe you are a teacher and you like GoogleSlides because it is free and easy to use? Well, we’ve gathered some awesome FREE GoogleSlides and PowerPoint templates , specially made for education needs.

If you need something along the lines of PowerPoint but need the option for collaboration – a paid plan for GoogleSlides is your go-to choice.

13. Keynote

Keynote is an Apple product, very similar to Google Slides. All you need to do is create an iCloud account (similar to a Google account) and start using Keynote from there. Running Keynote on Windows also requires an internet connection and a modern browser. The latest version can also import and export PowerPoint formats if needed. All this sends Keynote higher in the list regarding the accessibility and shareability of this presentation software.

Image by Envato tuts+

Best Features: Simplicity of design, great drag and drop functions, polished transitions and animations, easy image editing/cropping; works great with multimedia; design templates with better aesthetic than an average slide deck; Price: Free for macOS and iOS Learning curve: Pretty easy to use for Mac users, a bit of learning curve for users, having experience with other software. Available for: Mac / Windows / Online Perfect for: businesses, marketers, people with not much of a design experience

Bottom line, if you are a Mac user, you love the sleek design and you are looking for cool aesthetics – Keynote is simple to use and free, why not use it?

14. Adobe Spark

Adobe Spark is a web and mobile-based media creation application, which helps you create social graphics, short videos, and web pages. What is immediately noticeable is the clean, crisp, simple, and modern designs, which focus you on the content. If you are looking for a funky, ornate design – Adobe Spark is not the right pick for you.

Example by Cikeys

Best Features: Beautiful templates, user-friendly interface, step-by-step creation, you can add audio to your slides (narrating) Price: There is a free version, the paid on starts at $9.79. The best templates, as with the competitors, are paid. They do not offer a free trial. Learning curve: Easy to use Available for: Online / iOS / Android Perfect for: quick presentations, teachers, basic presentations without jamming them with too much cool stuff.

Adobe Spark eliminates the cluster of design options and leads you step-by-step in creating elegant, simple presentations. Ideal for basic presentations, not the best for sales and marketing.

15. PowerPoint

PowerPoint certainly is a “classic” – it’s has been the most popular tool for creating presentations so far. What first started as a component of the Microsoft Office suite, now has improved shareability and accessibility. It can be used on the web (as part of Office on the web), works with Android, and iOS, and there is a Mobile app, as well as presentation software for mac.

Example by Abris DC

Best Features: Many people are familiar with the software, a wide variety of templates; improved accessibility across platforms; extensive tools and options Price: If you want to enjoy the full features of PowerPoint, you’ll need to subscribe to Microsoft 365 – they have payment plans for personal or business use. The price for personal use starts at $5.99/month or $59.99/year, and business plans start at $12.50 per user/month with an annual commitment. You can find more information here . The mobile applications are completely free to use, of course with some limitations. You can compare the available features across different platforms here. Learning curve: Due to the variety of options and the complexity of the menus, it might take some time to master all of its features. Something that could take a lot of time is editing the text, arranging the visuals, and picking the right transitions – overall, is time-consuming. Still, the interface remained easy to navigate over time and if you trust your design sense, you can achieve satisfying results. Available for: Windows / Mac / Online Perfect for: business, medical, accounting and students; creating concise presentations; but not so suitable for teachers, educators, start-ups and marketers who want to create more interactive and story-based presentations.

To this date, PowerPoint is keeping the lead as the most popular tool for creating presentations. Some of the downsides are that sometimes it can be time-consuming to come up with a good design and PP doesn’t offer collaboration tools and compared to other platforms. But we have a solution for at least one of your problems – we’ve selected 31 Modern PowerPoint templates to set the right tone for your presentation.

We made a quick summary for you…

Ok, not that we’ve looked at the 15 best presentation software for 2021, we decided to go one step further and compare them by price and popularity. Let’s have a look first at the new-comers:

As you can see, the leaders from the uprising platforms are Canva and Mentimeter, with relatively low prices and with huge success amongst users . Powtoon, Piktochart, and Renderforest are a bit costly , but they are popular since they offer a lot of animation and interactive elements. Hey, but maybe some of the other tools are right for you? We encourage you to go on their websites, contact their support team, and see what they have to offer.

Then, let’s see how the veterans are ranking:

It’s no surprise that PowerPoint and Google Slides are at the top – people are used to their products, have familiar interfaces, and offer a lot of functionalities at a good price. Although, for quick, unpretentious results, their competitors are a very attractive solution.

Final words

We can conclude that there are many useful tools to help you create beautiful presentations. Some of them are well-known and have been here for a while, while others are uprising… No matter the case, we notice a trend for presentation tools catering not only to the designers’ needs but also to the newbies, marketers, and teachers. That way, enabling everyone to create stunning presentations in no time and share them easily.

We hope this presentation software list shed some light on different options out there and that we helped you evaluate quickly what would work for your situation best.

You may also be interested in these related articles:

12 PowerPoint Presentation Tips To Dramatically Boost Your Efficiency
35 Free Google Slides Infographic Templates to Grab Now
23 Online Collaboration Tools for Your Remote Team

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Bilyana Nikolaeva

Bilyana is an inspiring content writer and illustrator at GraphicMama with years of experience in art and design. When she’s not busy writing for the blog, you will usually see her working hard on new illustrations and graphic resources.

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What is PowerPoint Presentation with Features & Examples?

PowerPoint is a presentation software developed by Microsoft, which allows users to create, edit, and deliver visually engaging slideshows, whether you're a student, professional, or simply curious, explore the power of Microsoft PowerPoint and learn how you can create impactful presentations effortlessly.

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According to Glassdoor , a PowerPoint designer's average salary in the UK is about £37,811 annually. Who knew there was big money in presentations alone? In this blog, you will learn What PowerPoint is, its key features, its benefits, and how to use it, as well as learn some tips for creating effective presentations.

Table of contents

1) What is PowerPoint?

2) Understanding the PowerPoint interface

3) Key features of PowerPoint

4) How to use PowerPoint to create a presentation?

5) Benefits of PowerPoint

6) Tips for creating effective PowerPoint Presentations

7) Alternatives to PowerPoint

What is PowerPoint?

PowerPoint is an essential multifunctional tool for making presentations which had been created by MS. As a part of the Microsoft Office Suite, it offers a toolbox to organise the presentation by using different tools and features to make it visually pleasant and attractive. MS PowerPoint gives the opportunity for the text, graphics, multimedia objects, and animation elements to be combined in one place to allow the users to present information in a more effective way.

Evolution of PowerPoint

In the course of time, PowerPoint has become a very functional tool to produce high-quality presentations Moreover, a secure system would be established to manage risks of data leakage or theft. First released in 1987 for Apple computers, it defies to the competition with its easy Graphical User Interface (GUIGUI)) and its large range of functions. With every new release, MS PowerPoint offered new functionality and boasted significant improvements, staying the wonder of the world of presentations.

Understanding the PowerPoint interface

The PowerPoint Program provides the presenter with an easy-to-use interface for designing and updating the presentation. It is important to master its main functions in order to conduct operations using this software with a level of proficiency.Here's a breakdown of the MS PowerPoint interface:

1) Ribbon: The Ribbon is located at the top of the MS PowerPoint window and has several tabs which include Home, Insert, Design, Transitions, etc.

2) Slides pane: Slide pane which is positioned to the far left of the window, is the PowerPoint window. You will see there a collection of your slides examples (thumbnails) which enables you to adjust and customize them with greater ease. The floating pane of the editor lets you not only add, delete, duplicate, but also hide slides from there.

3) Notes pane : The Notes pane is located below the Slides pane. It provides space for adding speaker notes or additional information related to each slide.

4) Slide area : The Slide area occupies the central part of the PowerPoint window. It displays the selected slide, where you can add and arrange content such as text, images, charts, and multimedia elements .

5) Task panes : Task panes are additional panels on the PowerPoint window's right side. They offer various functionalities such as formatting options, slide layouts, animations, etc. Task panes can be opened or closed based on your specific needs.

Understanding the MS PowerPoint interface will help you navigate the software effectively and make the most of its features. Whether you are creating slides, adding content, or applying formatting, having a good grasp of the interface ensures a smooth and productive experience .

Key Features of PowerPoint

When it comes to creating captivating and professional presentations, MS PowerPoint stands out as versatile and feature-rich software. Its array of tools and functionalities enables users to bring their imagination and ideas to life. Moreover, it also helps engage their audience effectively .

From slide templates to multimedia integration, there are various Features of PowerPoint ; let's discuss some of them below.

1) Slide Templates : PowerPoint provides a collection of pre-designed templates that make it easy to create visually appealing slides.

2) Slide Master : The Slide Master feature allows users to define the overall layout, font styles, and colour scheme for the entire presentation .

3) Animations and transitions : PowerPoint offers various animation effects and slide transitions to add visual interest and captivate the audience .

4) Multimedia integration : Users can embed images, videos, and audio files directly into their presentations, enhancing the overall impact .

5) Collaboration tools : MS PowerPoint allows multiple users to work on a presentation simultaneously, making it ideal for team projects and remote collaboration .

6) Presenter View : The Presenter View feature gives presenters access to speaker notes, a timer, and a preview of upcoming slides, enabling a seamless presentation experience .

These features collectively contribute to PowerPoint's versatility and make it a powerful tool for developing engaging and impactful presentations.

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How to use PowerPoint to create a presentation?

Creating a presentation in PowerPoint is a straightforward process. Whether it's simple animations or explainer videos learning H ow to use PowerPoint is an extremely valuable skill. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a presentation:

1) Launch PowerPoint and choose a template or start with a blank slide.

2) Add slides by clicking "New Slide" or using the shortcut key (Ctrl + M).

3) Customise slide content by entering text and inserting visuals.

4) Rearrange slides for a logical flow by dragging them in the slide navigation pane.

5) Apply slide transitions for visual effects in the "Transitions" tab.

6) Add animations to objects in the "Animations" tab.

7) Preview your presentation by clicking "Slide Show".

8) Save your presentation and choose a format (.pptx or .pdf).

9) Share your presentation via email, cloud storage, or collaboration tools.

By following these steps, you can create a well-structured and visually appealing presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint. Remember to keep your content concise, use engaging visuals, and practice your presentation skills to deliver an impactful presentation .

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Benefits of PowerPoint

PowerPoint is a very popular presentation software and for a good reason. It offers numerous benefits for users, from easy collaboration to ease of use. These are some of the key benefits of PowerPoint.

1) Visual appeal : Microsoft PowerPoint allows you to create visually appealing presentations with its wide range of design tools and features. You can use templates, themes, and customisable layouts to make your slides visually engaging and professional .

2) Easy to use : PowerPoint has a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to users of all levels. The intuitive tools and straightforward navigation make it easy to create, edit, and deliver presentations efficiently .

3) Flexibility : PowerPoint provides flexibility in terms of content creation. You can include various types of content, such as text, images, charts, graphs, videos, and audio files, to enhance your message and engage your audience effectively.

4) Organisation and structure : PowerPoint offers features to help you organise and structure your content. You can create multiple slides, use slide masters for consistent formatting, and arrange the sequence of slides to create a logical flow .

5) Presenter tools : PowerPoint includes built-in presenter tools that aid in delivering presentations smoothly. You can use presenter view to see your notes and upcoming slides while your audience sees only the presentation. Additionally, features like slide transitions and animations add visual interest and help you control the flow of information .

6) Collaboration and sharing : PowerPoint allows for easy collaboration and sharing of presentations. Several users can simultaneously work on the same presentation, making it convenient for team projects. You can also share your presentations via email, cloud storage, or online platforms, ensuring easy access for viewers .

7) Integration with other tools : PowerPoint can seamlessly integrate with other Microsoft Office applications, such as Word and Excel. You can import data and charts from Excel or copy and paste content between different Office applications, saving time and effort .

8) Presenter-audience interaction : PowerPoint provides features that facilitate interaction between the presenter and the audience. You can include interactive elements like hyperlinks, buttons, and quizzes to engage your audience and make your presentations more dynamic.

9) Portable and accessible : PowerPoint presentations can be saved in various formats, such as .pptx or .pdf, making them easily accessible on different devices. This portability allows you to deliver presentations on laptops, tablets, or even projectors without compatibility issues .

10) Time and effort savings : PowerPoint simplifies the process of creating presentations, saving you time and effort. The pre-designed templates, slide layouts, and formatting options enable you to create professional-looking presentations efficiently .

Tips for Creating Effective PowerPoint Presentations

PowerPoint presentations can be powerful tools for communicating information and engaging an audience. Consider the following PowerPoint Tips to create effective presentations .

Tips for Creating PowerPoint Presentations

1) Simplicity is key : Keep your slides clean and uncluttered. Use concise bullet points and simple visuals to convey your message effectively .

2) Visuals matter : Incorporate relevant, high-quality visuals such as images, charts, and diagrams to enhance understanding and engagement .

3) Limit text : Avoid overwhelming your audience with excessive text on slides. Use brief phrases or keywords to communicate key points .

4) Choose legible fonts : Opt for clear and readable fonts that are easy to read, even from a distance. Maintain consistency in font styles throughout your presentation .

5) Consistent design : Maintain a consistent design theme, including colours, fonts, and layout, to create a visually appealing and professional presentation.

6) Emphasise important points : Use visual hierarchy techniques, such as font size, colour, and formatting, to draw attention to essential information .

7) Use transitions and animations sparingly : Incorporate slide transitions and animations thoughtfully, focusing on enhancing content and transitions without distracting the audience .

8) S lide notes for guidance : Utilise the slide notes feature to include additional details, explanations, or reminders for a well-prepared and confident presentation.

9) Practice and time yourself : Rehearse your presentation to ensure smooth delivery and stay within the allocated time. Practice helps you refine your content and delivery.

10) Engage the audience : Encourage audience participation through interactive elements, questions, or discussions to foster engagement and make your presentation more memorable.

By implementing these tips, you can create effective MS PowerPoint presentations that capture attention, communicate information clearly, and engage your audience effectively.

Alternatives to PowerPoint

Most of you are used to using PowerPoint for your presentation needs since it was the first option available to us through our academics. However, if you wish to check out alternative options to Powerpoint know if they work better for you, here are ten options that is worth a short:

5) Slidebean

6) Zoho Show

7) Google Slide

9) Beautiful.ai

10) Microsoft Sway

Conclusion

This blog walked you through What is PowerPoint and how it can aid you in curating compelling visual representations of the message you wish to get across. We discussed it features and the process of how you can create presentations on PowerPoint. Now take what you know and run with it explore your options with your templates and building new ones, let your creativity take its course.

Learn how to create customised slide shows in MS PowerPoint with our Microsoft PowerPoint MO300 Training .

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, making a presentation can be tricky business. Here are some of the common mistakes people make:

1) Adding too much text! The presentation needs to have brief and simple points you elaborate on in person.

2) Bad colour schemes for template and font colour. Sometimes the clash of colour may make the text illegible.

3) Too many elements! Crowding of elements may lose your audience’s attention.

Yes, you most definitely can! You can use PowerPoint online with a Microsoft Office 360 plug in that allows you to use all Microsoft applications on your browser.

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The Definition of a Slide (or Slides) in a PowerPoint Presentation

Brock University

Presentation software such as PowerPoint generates a series of slides to accompany a human presenter or to be recorded as a stand-alone presentation. A slide is a single screen of a presentation, and every presentation is composed of several slides. Depending on the subject matter, the best presentations may consist of 10 to 12 slides to get a message across, but more may be needed for complex subjects.

Slides keep an audience's attention during a presentation and provide additional supporting information in textual or graphic format.

Selecting Slide Formats in PowerPoint

When you open a new PowerPoint presentation file, you are presented with a large selection of slide templates that you can choose from to set the tone for your presentation. Each template has a series of related slides in the same theme, color, and font choice for different purposes. You can choose a template and use only the additional slides that work for your presentation.

The first slide of a presentation is usually a title or introductory slide. It typically consists of text only, but it can include graphic elements or images as well. Subsequent slides are chosen based on the information to be transmitted. Some slides contain images, or charts and graphs.

Transitions Between Slides

Slides follow one after another during a presentation, either at a set time or when the presenter advances the slides manually. PowerPoint includes a large number of transitions you can apply to slides. A transition controls the appearance of one slide as it transitions to the next. Transitions include one slide morphing into another, a fade of one to another, and all sorts of special effects such as page curls or animated motion.

Although transitions add extra interest to a slide presentation, overdoing them by applying a different spectacular effect to each slide tends to look unprofessional and may even distract the audience from what the speaker is saying, so use transitions judiciously.

Enhancing a Slide

Slides can have sound effects attached to them. The sound effects list includes cash register, crowd laughing, drum roll, whoosh, typewriter and many more.

Adding motion to an element on a slide – a line of text or an image – is called animation. PowerPoint comes with a large selection of stock animations you can use to generate movement on a slide. For example, you can choose a headline and have it zoom in from the margin, spin around 360 degrees, flip in one letter at a time, bounce into position or one of many other stock animation effects .

As with transitions, don't use so many special effects that the audience is distracted from the content of the slide.

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

How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 20, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Click to jump ahead:

What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?

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

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

1. Clear structure

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

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

2. Engaging opening

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

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

3. Relevant content

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

4. Effective visual aids

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

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

5. Clear and concise communication

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

6. Engaging delivery

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

7. Interaction and audience engagement

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

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

8. Effective storytelling

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

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

9. Well-timed pacing

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

10. Strong conclusion

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

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

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

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

1. Understand the audience and their needs

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

2. Conduct thorough research on the topic

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

3. Organize the content with a clear structure

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

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

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

4. Develop visually appealing and supportive visual aids

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

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

5. Practice, practice and practice

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

6. Seek feedback and make necessary adjustments

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

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

7. Prepare for potential technical or logistical issues

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

8. Fine-tune and polish your presentation

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

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

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

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

1. Confidence and positive body language

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

2. Eye contact with the audience

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

3. Effective use of hand gestures and movement

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

4. Utilize storytelling techniques

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

5. Incorporate multimedia elements

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

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

6. Utilize humor strategically

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

7. Practice active listening and respond to feedback

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

8. Apply the 10-20-30 rule

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

9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule

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

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

1. How to start a presentation?

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

2. How to end a presentation?

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

3. How to make a presentation interactive?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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COMMENTS

What is Presentation Software?
Presentation software is a category of application software that is specifically designed to allow users to create a presentation of ideas by stringing together text, images and audio/video. The presentation tells a story or supports speech or the presentation of information. Presentation software can be divided into business presentation ...
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What is Presentation Software?| The Beautiful Blog
Understanding presentation software Presentation software is a type of computer application software that is designed to help users create digital presentations, or slide shows, to convey information in a more engaging way.
What Is Presentation Software? Explained!
Presentation software, in its essence, is a versatile digital application designed to facilitate the creation, organization, and delivery of presentations. It acts as a bridge between creativity and information, allowing presenters to seamlessly blend textual content, images, graphics, animations, and multimedia elements into a cohesive narrative.
What Is Presentation Software? (Definitions and Examples)
Read the answer to "What is presentation software?", learn what to consider before choosing an application, and see examples of popular presentation programs.
Understanding Presentation Software: Definition and Real-Life Examples
Presentation software is an application or software tool that enables users to create and deliver visual presentations to an audience. It is commonly used in business, education, and other professional settings to convey information, ideas, and data through a combination of graphics, text, and media. One of the most popular presentation ...
Presentation program
In computing, a presentation program (also called presentation software) is a software package used to display information in the form of a slide show. It has three major functions: [1] an editor that allows text to be inserted and formatted. a method for inserting and manipulating graphic images and media clips.
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What is Presentation Software?
A presentation software (sometimes called a presentation program) is a digital tool. It utilizes sequences of graphics, text, audio, and video to accompany a spoken presentation. These sequences, often called slides, are consolidated in virtual files called "slide decks.".
Presentation Software
Presentation software is designed to allow the user to present information in an engaging way with text, pictures, sound, and video. It is a way to communicate ideas in a powerful, organized manner. It utilizes sequences of slides that accompany a spoken presentation.
Presentation software
A presentation software is a computer software package used to show information, normally in the form of a slide show. It mostly includes three major functions: an editor that allows text to be inserted and formatted, a method for inserting and manipulating graphic images and a slide-show system to display the content.
PRESENTATION SOFTWARE
PRESENTATION SOFTWARE definition: software that is used to prepare presentations: . Learn more.
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Presentation software provides the facility to add speaker notes to a presentation. The notes can be used to remember important points during a presentation or to give to the audience. Presentation software is a type of application software that uses graphics, animation, sound, and data or information to make a visual presentation. These.
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Microsoft PowerPoint
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What is Microsoft PowerPoint (PPT)?
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How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]
A good presentation drives action. Discover the top qualities of effective presentations to guide you in delivering a compelling one.

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What is presentation software?

Types of presentation software

Key features in presentation software

Artificial intelligence in presentation software

Common applications of presentation software

Popular presentation software products

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What Is Presentation Software? Explained!

Understanding Presentation Software

Defining Presentation Software

From Transparencies to Digital Brilliance

The Fusion of Creativity and Utility

Key Features of Presentation Software

3. Templates and Themes

4. Transitions and Animations

6. Speaker Notes and Presenter Tools

How Presentation Software Works

The User Interface

Formatting and Customization

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Unlocking Efficiency in Communication

Collaboration in the Cloud

Iterative Refinement

Presenting with Presentation Software

Future Trends in Presentation Software

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