how to write a speech powerpoint

How to Create Effective Speaking PowerPoint Presentations

• Carolyn Manion Kinnie
• January 23, 2023

Table of Contents

Introduction.

On your path to becoming a speaker, you overcome a lot of hurdles. You find your niche, you market yourself, you land a few local gigs, and then your first big keynote. You’ve finally “made it” in your industry and you’ll be speaking to thousands at a conference. During your last check-in with the event planner, they ask: “can you send your slides to our A/V guy before the talk?” You freeze. Nobody ever taught you how to create effective speaking powerpoint presentations! Will the same powerpoint template you used for that final project in high school suffice? 

While that may not be exactly how this scenario plays out for you, at some point, probably early on in your speaking career, the question will arise. How do you create effective speaking PowerPoint presentations? Do they really matter? Can you just copy some sentences from your talk onto slides and call it a day? 

We get questions about this a lot, and we’re here to help. We’ve covered the topic of speaking PowerPoint presentations a few times on the TSL podcast, specifically on episodes 190 – 191 and  262 . Today, we’ll go over when and why you should use slides (and if you really should)! Then we’ll cover some of the essential strategies for creating effective slides to go with your talk. 

Do you really need slides? 

A lot of aspiring speakers over-emphasize the role PowerPoint plays in their speaking engagements. Before we get into how to create your slides, let’s get one fundamental principle out of the way. 

You can’t rely on your PowerPoint.

Slides are an enhancement , not a replacement for good content or your presence onstage. If your talk can’t stand on its own, even the most beautifully formatted PowerPoint can’t cover up for you. You should always be able to give your talk just as compellingly without a slideshow, video, photos, etc. Practice and hone your talk first, then create slides to go with it.

Preparedness is absolutely essential to the art of speaking, and even the best PowerPoint cannot cover for your unpreparedness. Slides exist to help the audience, not as a reminder for you. If you’re trying to make up for poor speaking skills with a fancy slide deck, that time is better spent working on your content and on-stage presentation. The order of importance is content first, delivery next, and only then your PowerPoint. 

After all, you could be that unlucky speaker who walks on stage just before a power outage happens. Or the event planning intern loses your flash drive. Or the battery on the mac connected to the projector dies. Sure, those are all worst case scenarios. But anybody who’s been around in the conference space for a while will tell you they do happen. Unfortunately, many speakers treat their PowerPoint as a crutch, and fumble around if something goes wrong on the technical end. The ability to deliver your talk seamlessly without slides in such a situation will set you apart and endear you to event planners and audience members alike. 

OK, so a PowerPoint isn’t absolutely essential. But when slides do enhance, they can be powerful! Some examples of their use include:

• Adding structure e.g. showing when you’re moving onto a new topic or reviewing points you’ve already made. 
• Orienting your audience toward your message by highlighting key words or points that they should listen for.
• Presenting data, statistics, and research conclusions, especially if your field has a commonly used “visual shorthand”. 

Your PowerPoint should work alongside your storytelling to keep your audience engaged and to the point. In our next section, we will dig deeper into how you can make your slides as effective and impactful as possible. 

Free Download: 6 Proven Steps to Book More Paid Speaking Gigs in 2024​

Download our 18-page guide and start booking more paid speaking gigs today!

Creating effective content in speaking PowerPoint Presentations

You should approach your speaking PowerPoint with an attitude of intentionality and minimalism. The number of slides is irrelevant–it’s how you present information on them that counts. Craft your words beautifully, and it will be easy to create slides alongside them.

When it comes to text on the screen, less is almost always more. Avoid redundancy–those blocks of text that you are going to say out loud anyway can go. Use big, readable fonts in a high-contrast color. Often, a single word to keep the audience on track is more compelling than a long block quote that would only distract them.

Minimalism doesn’t mean you should do away with images, but you must use them wisely! Two of the best uses for images are as an illustration or a visualization of a step-by-step process. Only images of the highest quality belong in your presentation, so ditch the grainy screenshots and dimly-lit photos. Free resources like Pixabay , Pexels , and Unsplash will provide you with great high-res stock images. For charts and diagrams, TSL friend Nancy Duarte offers a free PowerPoint-ready tool called Diagrammer . You can hear Nancy’s advice for slides and storytelling on Episode 262 of the Speaker Lab Podcast. 

As we’ve mentioned before , reminding people that you are a professional speaker is essential to building your network and brand recognition. Don’t underestimate the possibilities your slides offer for self-promotion! Do you offer additional services such as courses or coaching? Integrate stories of past client work with images alongside. Have you spoken for audiences similar to those that your listeners are part of? Include a picture from one of those events. Here’s one way to gain fans and followers with your speaking PowerPoint that you can implement anytime: at the end of your talk, display your social media handle or a QR code that leads to an email subscriber form. If you give away a free resource to email subscribers ( as you should ), this is a great chance to mention it.

You shouldn’t create an entirely new PowerPoint every time you speak. Once you develop a signature talk, develop an easily adaptable PowerPoint template to go along with it. Use the same color scheme, fonts, and voice as your website and other business materials (more tips here for developing your speaker brand ). 

It’s also in your own brand’s interest to design your slides with the client in mind. If there is a color, logo, or hashtag that unites your PowerPoint to an overarching event theme, it will be a big hit with audience and planners alike. Consider asking your point of contact if there’s a theme you should be aware of ahead of time. Integrating the theme into your template in small or subtle ways will take no time at all–and neither will your content if you follow our principles of intentionality and minimalism! Learn more about making the most of minimalist slides on Episode 190 of our podcast. 

Presenting your speaking PowerPoint: technical tips

Once you’ve nailed down your content, you should run through your speech alongside your slides at least once. Knowing how to create effective speaking PowerPoint presentations is half the battle; presenting them onstage presents its own set of challenges. Here are some tips for jumping through technical hoops and making sure nothing in your control goes wrong. 

When it comes to the template we mentioned in the previous section, you’ll have the option of creating it in a 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio. Always ask your client if they know the projector dimensions, but 4:3 is the safest by default. It’s far better to have smaller slides centered on a widescreen projector than unexpected cropping! Once you have the time, creating two templates will allow you to make the most of widescreen projectors when they are available. 

If music or video is an absolutely essential part of your message, it can totally have a place in your PowerPoint. But if it’s not essential, leave it out! The A/V team will be relieved and it’s one less thing that can go wrong. If you must include animations, videos, music, etc., do so in the way that creates the least friction by requiring the least technical support. Have a game plan for smoothly moving on if it doesn’t work. If you’ve focused properly on crafting your talk, it will still have the same impact. 

Here’s one tip we can’t stress enough: always bring backup. Even if you sent your slides to the client a week ago, bring a flash drive. If you’re supposed to project from your own device, send the file to the client or upload it to google slides just in case. And this tip doesn’t just apply to your PowerPoint! Put together a little tech bag stocked with cables, clickers, microphones, adaptors, and chargers. Many speakers even bring an ethernet cord. 

Preparedness is key when it comes to effectively presenting your speaking PowerPoint. Ask about deadlines and technical requirements well in advance. At the same time, you can’t prepare for every scenario, so being easy to work with is equally important. If you can roll with the punches, event planners and A/V teams alike will look forward to seeing your name on the program. Those good relationships are essential to the referrals that will ensure you future gigs down the road. 

If you’re looking for more details of technical success with your speaking PowerPoints, head over to episode 191 of the TSL podcast.

What Type Of Speaker Are You?

Click below to discover your Speaker Archetype and how to start getting booked and paid to speak!

Some speakers, like TSL founder Grant Baldwin or famous keynoter Simon Sinek avoid using slides whenever possible. 

Others, like our friend Melanie Deziel , love creating effective speaking PowerPoints that help maximize their message. 

Wherever you fall on the question of slides, it’s important to use them intentionally and without overwhelming the audience. While every speaker will have their own characteristic style, these tips should set you well on your way to creating amazing speaking slides! 

• Last Updated: February 29, 2024

Explore Related Resources

Learn How You Could Get Your First (Or Next) Paid Speaking Gig In 90 Days or Less

We receive thousands of applications every day, but we only work with the top 5% of speakers .

Book a call with our team to get started — you’ll learn why the vast majority of our students get a paid speaking gig within 90 days of finishing our program .

If you’re ready to control your schedule, grow your income, and make an impact in the world – it’s time to take the first step. Book a FREE consulting call and let’s get you Booked and Paid to Speak ® .

About The Speaker Lab

We teach speakers how to consistently get booked and paid to speak.  Since 2015, we’ve helped thousands of speakers find clarity, confidence, and a clear path to make an impact.

Get Started

Let's connect.

[email protected]

Copyright ©2023 The Speaker Lab. All rights reserved.

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

How to write a speech that your audience remembers

Whether in a work meeting or at an investor panel, you might give a speech at some point. And no matter how excited you are about the opportunity, the experience can be nerve-wracking . 

But feeling butterflies doesn’t mean you can’t give a great speech. With the proper preparation and a clear outline, apprehensive public speakers and natural wordsmiths alike can write and present a compelling message. Here’s how to write a good speech you’ll be proud to deliver.

What is good speech writing?

Good speech writing is the art of crafting words and ideas into a compelling, coherent, and memorable message that resonates with the audience. Here are some key elements of great speech writing:

• It begins with clearly understanding the speech's purpose and the audience it seeks to engage. 
• A well-written speech clearly conveys its central message, ensuring that the audience understands and retains the key points. 
• It is structured thoughtfully, with a captivating opening, a well-organized body, and a conclusion that reinforces the main message. 
• Good speech writing embraces the power of engaging content, weaving in stories, examples, and relatable anecdotes to connect with the audience on both intellectual and emotional levels. 

Ultimately, it is the combination of these elements, along with the authenticity and delivery of the speaker , that transforms words on a page into a powerful and impactful spoken narrative.

What makes a good speech?

A great speech includes several key qualities, but three fundamental elements make a speech truly effective:

Clarity and purpose

Remembering the audience, cohesive structure.

While other important factors make a speech a home run, these three elements are essential for writing an effective speech.

The main elements of a good speech

The main elements of a speech typically include:

• Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for your speech and grabs the audience's attention. It should include a hook or attention-grabbing opening, introduce the topic, and provide an overview of what will be covered.
• Opening/captivating statement: This is a strong statement that immediately engages the audience and creates curiosity about the speech topics.
• Thesis statement/central idea: The thesis statement or central idea is a concise statement that summarizes the main point or argument of your speech. It serves as a roadmap for the audience to understand what your speech is about.
• Body: The body of the speech is where you elaborate on your main points or arguments. Each point is typically supported by evidence, examples, statistics, or anecdotes. The body should be organized logically and coherently, with smooth transitions between the main points.
• Supporting evidence: This includes facts, data, research findings, expert opinions, or personal stories that support and strengthen your main points. Well-chosen and credible evidence enhances the persuasive power of your speech.
• Transitions: Transitions are phrases or statements that connect different parts of your speech, guiding the audience from one idea to the next. Effective transitions signal the shifts in topics or ideas and help maintain a smooth flow throughout the speech.
• Counterarguments and rebuttals (if applicable): If your speech involves addressing opposing viewpoints or counterarguments, you should acknowledge and address them. Presenting counterarguments makes your speech more persuasive and demonstrates critical thinking.
• Conclusion: The conclusion is the final part of your speech and should bring your message to a satisfying close. Summarize your main points, restate your thesis statement, and leave the audience with a memorable closing thought or call to action.
• Closing statement: This is the final statement that leaves a lasting impression and reinforces the main message of your speech. It can be a call to action, a thought-provoking question, a powerful quote, or a memorable anecdote.
• Delivery and presentation: How you deliver your speech is also an essential element to consider. Pay attention to your tone, body language, eye contact , voice modulation, and timing. Practice and rehearse your speech, and try using the 7-38-55 rule to ensure confident and effective delivery.

While the order and emphasis of these elements may vary depending on the type of speech and audience, these elements provide a framework for organizing and delivering a successful speech.

How to structure a good speech

You know what message you want to transmit, who you’re delivering it to, and even how you want to say it. But you need to know how to start, develop, and close a speech before writing it. 

Think of a speech like an essay. It should have an introduction, conclusion, and body sections in between. This places ideas in a logical order that the audience can better understand and follow them. Learning how to make a speech with an outline gives your storytelling the scaffolding it needs to get its point across.

Here’s a general speech structure to guide your writing process:

• Explanation 1
• Explanation 2
• Explanation 3

How to write a compelling speech opener

Some research shows that engaged audiences pay attention for only 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Other estimates are even lower, citing that people stop listening intently in fewer than 10 minutes . If you make a good first impression at the beginning of your speech, you have a better chance of interesting your audience through the middle when attention spans fade. 

Implementing the INTRO model can help grab and keep your audience’s attention as soon as you start speaking. This acronym stands for interest, need, timing, roadmap, and objectives, and it represents the key points you should hit in an opening. 

Here’s what to include for each of these points: 

• Interest : Introduce yourself or your topic concisely and speak with confidence . Write a compelling opening statement using relevant data or an anecdote that the audience can relate to.
• Needs : The audience is listening to you because they have something to learn. If you’re pitching a new app idea to a panel of investors, those potential partners want to discover more about your product and what they can earn from it. Read the room and gently remind them of the purpose of your speech. 
• Timing : When appropriate, let your audience know how long you’ll speak. This lets listeners set expectations and keep tabs on their own attention span. If a weary audience member knows you’ll talk for 40 minutes, they can better manage their energy as that time goes on. 
• Routemap : Give a brief overview of the three main points you’ll cover in your speech. If an audience member’s attention starts to drop off and they miss a few sentences, they can more easily get their bearings if they know the general outline of the presentation.
• Objectives : Tell the audience what you hope to achieve, encouraging them to listen to the end for the payout. 

Writing the middle of a speech

The body of your speech is the most information-dense section. Facts, visual aids, PowerPoints — all this information meets an audience with a waning attention span. Sticking to the speech structure gives your message focus and keeps you from going off track, making everything you say as useful as possible.

Limit the middle of your speech to three points, and support them with no more than three explanations. Following this model organizes your thoughts and prevents you from offering more information than the audience can retain. 

Using this section of the speech to make your presentation interactive can add interest and engage your audience. Try including a video or demonstration to break the monotony. A quick poll or survey also keeps the audience on their toes. 

Wrapping the speech up

To you, restating your points at the end can feel repetitive and dull. You’ve practiced countless times and heard it all before. But repetition aids memory and learning , helping your audience retain what you’ve told them. Use your speech’s conclusion to summarize the main points with a few short sentences.

Try to end on a memorable note, like posing a motivational quote or a thoughtful question the audience can contemplate once they leave. In proposal or pitch-style speeches, consider landing on a call to action (CTA) that invites your audience to take the next step.

How to write a good speech

If public speaking gives you the jitters, you’re not alone. Roughly 80% of the population feels nervous before giving a speech, and another 10% percent experiences intense anxiety and sometimes even panic. 

The fear of failure can cause procrastination and can cause you to put off your speechwriting process until the last minute. Finding the right words takes time and preparation, and if you’re already feeling nervous, starting from a blank page might seem even harder.

But putting in the effort despite your stress is worth it. Presenting a speech you worked hard on fosters authenticity and connects you to the subject matter, which can help your audience understand your points better. Human connection is all about honesty and vulnerability, and if you want to connect to the people you’re speaking to, they should see that in you.

1. Identify your objectives and target audience

Before diving into the writing process, find healthy coping strategies to help you stop worrying . Then you can define your speech’s purpose, think about your target audience, and start identifying your objectives. Here are some questions to ask yourself and ground your thinking : 

• What purpose do I want my speech to achieve? 
• What would it mean to me if I achieved the speech’s purpose?
• What audience am I writing for? 
• What do I know about my audience? 
• What values do I want to transmit? 
• If the audience remembers one take-home message, what should it be? 
• What do I want my audience to feel, think, or do after I finish speaking? 
• What parts of my message could be confusing and require further explanation?

2. Know your audience

Understanding your audience is crucial for tailoring your speech effectively. Consider the demographics of your audience, their interests, and their expectations. For instance, if you're addressing a group of healthcare professionals, you'll want to use medical terminology and data that resonate with them. Conversely, if your audience is a group of young students, you'd adjust your content to be more relatable to their experiences and interests. 

3. Choose a clear message

Your message should be the central idea that you want your audience to take away from your speech. Let's say you're giving a speech on climate change. Your clear message might be something like, "Individual actions can make a significant impact on mitigating climate change." Throughout your speech, all your points and examples should support this central message, reinforcing it for your audience.

4. Structure your speech

Organizing your speech properly keeps your audience engaged and helps them follow your ideas. The introduction should grab your audience's attention and introduce the topic. For example, if you're discussing space exploration, you could start with a fascinating fact about a recent space mission. In the body, you'd present your main points logically, such as the history of space exploration, its scientific significance, and future prospects. Finally, in the conclusion, you'd summarize your key points and reiterate the importance of space exploration in advancing human knowledge.

5. Use engaging content for clarity

Engaging content includes stories, anecdotes, statistics, and examples that illustrate your main points. For instance, if you're giving a speech about the importance of reading, you might share a personal story about how a particular book changed your perspective. You could also include statistics on the benefits of reading, such as improved cognitive abilities and empathy.

6. Maintain clarity and simplicity

It's essential to communicate your ideas clearly. Avoid using overly technical jargon or complex language that might confuse your audience. For example, if you're discussing a medical breakthrough with a non-medical audience, explain complex terms in simple, understandable language.

7. Practice and rehearse

Practice is key to delivering a great speech. Rehearse multiple times to refine your delivery, timing, and tone. Consider using a mirror or recording yourself to observe your body language and gestures. For instance, if you're giving a motivational speech, practice your gestures and expressions to convey enthusiasm and confidence.

8. Consider nonverbal communication

Your body language, tone of voice, and gestures should align with your message . If you're delivering a speech on leadership, maintain strong eye contact to convey authority and connection with your audience. A steady pace and varied tone can also enhance your speech's impact.

9. Engage your audience

Engaging your audience keeps them interested and attentive. Encourage interaction by asking thought-provoking questions or sharing relatable anecdotes. If you're giving a speech on teamwork, ask the audience to recall a time when teamwork led to a successful outcome, fostering engagement and connection.

10. Prepare for Q&A

Anticipate potential questions or objections your audience might have and prepare concise, well-informed responses. If you're delivering a speech on a controversial topic, such as healthcare reform, be ready to address common concerns, like the impact on healthcare costs or access to services, during the Q&A session.

By following these steps and incorporating examples that align with your specific speech topic and purpose, you can craft and deliver a compelling and impactful speech that resonates with your audience.

Tools for writing a great speech

There are several helpful tools available for speechwriting, both technological and communication-related. Here are a few examples:

• Word processing software: Tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or other word processors provide a user-friendly environment for writing and editing speeches. They offer features like spell-checking, grammar correction, formatting options, and easy revision tracking.
• Presentation software: Software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides is useful when creating visual aids to accompany your speech. These tools allow you to create engaging slideshows with text, images, charts, and videos to enhance your presentation.
• Speechwriting Templates: Online platforms or software offer pre-designed templates specifically for speechwriting. These templates provide guidance on structuring your speech and may include prompts for different sections like introductions, main points, and conclusions.
• Rhetorical devices and figures of speech: Rhetorical tools such as metaphors, similes, alliteration, and parallelism can add impact and persuasion to your speech. Resources like books, websites, or academic papers detailing various rhetorical devices can help you incorporate them effectively.
• Speechwriting apps: Mobile apps designed specifically for speechwriting can be helpful in organizing your thoughts, creating outlines, and composing a speech. These apps often provide features like voice recording, note-taking, and virtual prompts to keep you on track.
• Grammar and style checkers: Online tools or plugins like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor help improve the clarity and readability of your speech by checking for grammar, spelling, and style errors. They provide suggestions for sentence structure, word choice, and overall tone.
• Thesaurus and dictionary: Online or offline resources such as thesauruses and dictionaries help expand your vocabulary and find alternative words or phrases to express your ideas more effectively. They can also clarify meanings or provide context for unfamiliar terms.
• Online speechwriting communities: Joining online forums or communities focused on speechwriting can be beneficial for getting feedback, sharing ideas, and learning from experienced speechwriters. It's an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and improve your public speaking skills through collaboration.

Remember, while these tools can assist in the speechwriting process, it's essential to use them thoughtfully and adapt them to your specific needs and style. The most important aspect of speechwriting remains the creativity, authenticity, and connection with your audience that you bring to your speech.

5 tips for writing a speech

Behind every great speech is an excellent idea and a speaker who refined it. But a successful speech is about more than the initial words on the page, and there are a few more things you can do to help it land.

Here are five more tips for writing and practicing your speech:

1. Structure first, write second

If you start the writing process before organizing your thoughts, you may have to re-order, cut, and scrap the sentences you worked hard on. Save yourself some time by using a speech structure, like the one above, to order your talking points first. This can also help you identify unclear points or moments that disrupt your flow.

2. Do your homework

Data strengthens your argument with a scientific edge. Research your topic with an eye for attention-grabbing statistics, or look for findings you can use to support each point. If you’re pitching a product or service, pull information from company metrics that demonstrate past or potential successes. 

Audience members will likely have questions, so learn all talking points inside and out. If you tell investors that your product will provide 12% returns, for example, come prepared with projections that support that statement.

3. Sound like yourself

Memorable speakers have distinct voices. Think of Martin Luther King Jr’s urgent, inspiring timbre or Oprah’s empathetic, personal tone . Establish your voice — one that aligns with your personality and values — and stick with it. If you’re a motivational speaker, keep your tone upbeat to inspire your audience . If you’re the CEO of a startup, try sounding assured but approachable. 

4. Practice

As you practice a speech, you become more confident , gain a better handle on the material, and learn the outline so well that unexpected questions are less likely to trip you up. Practice in front of a colleague or friend for honest feedback about what you could change, and speak in front of the mirror to tweak your nonverbal communication and body language .

5. Remember to breathe

When you’re stressed, you breathe more rapidly . It can be challenging to talk normally when you can’t regulate your breath. Before your presentation, try some mindful breathing exercises so that when the day comes, you already have strategies that will calm you down and remain present . This can also help you control your voice and avoid speaking too quickly.

How to ghostwrite a great speech for someone else

Ghostwriting a speech requires a unique set of skills, as you're essentially writing a piece that will be delivered by someone else. Here are some tips on how to effectively ghostwrite a speech:

• Understand the speaker's voice and style : Begin by thoroughly understanding the speaker's personality, speaking style, and preferences. This includes their tone, humor, and any personal anecdotes they may want to include.
• Interview the speaker : Have a detailed conversation with the speaker to gather information about their speech's purpose, target audience, key messages, and any specific points they want to emphasize. Ask for personal stories or examples they may want to include.
• Research thoroughly : Research the topic to ensure you have a strong foundation of knowledge. This helps you craft a well-informed and credible speech.
• Create an outline : Develop a clear outline that includes the introduction, main points, supporting evidence, and a conclusion. Share this outline with the speaker for their input and approval.
• Write in the speaker's voice : While crafting the speech, maintain the speaker's voice and style. Use language and phrasing that feel natural to them. If they have a particular way of expressing ideas, incorporate that into the speech.
• Craft a captivating opening : Begin the speech with a compelling opening that grabs the audience's attention. This could be a relevant quote, an interesting fact, a personal anecdote, or a thought-provoking question.
• Organize content logically : Ensure the speech flows logically, with each point building on the previous one. Use transitions to guide the audience from one idea to the next smoothly.
• Incorporate engaging stories and examples : Include anecdotes, stories, and real-life examples that illustrate key points and make the speech relatable and memorable.
• Edit and revise : Edit the speech carefully for clarity, grammar, and coherence. Ensure the speech is the right length and aligns with the speaker's time constraints.
• Seek feedback : Share drafts of the speech with the speaker for their feedback and revisions. They may have specific changes or additions they'd like to make.
• Practice delivery : If possible, work with the speaker on their delivery. Practice the speech together, allowing the speaker to become familiar with the content and your writing style.
• Maintain confidentiality : As a ghostwriter, it's essential to respect the confidentiality and anonymity of the work. Do not disclose that you wrote the speech unless you have the speaker's permission to do so.
• Be flexible : Be open to making changes and revisions as per the speaker's preferences. Your goal is to make them look good and effectively convey their message.
• Meet deadlines : Stick to agreed-upon deadlines for drafts and revisions. Punctuality and reliability are essential in ghostwriting.
• Provide support : Support the speaker during their preparation and rehearsal process. This can include helping with cue cards, speech notes, or any other materials they need.

Remember that successful ghostwriting is about capturing the essence of the speaker while delivering a well-structured and engaging speech. Collaboration, communication, and adaptability are key to achieving this.

Give your best speech yet

Learn how to make a speech that’ll hold an audience’s attention by structuring your thoughts and practicing frequently. Put the effort into writing and preparing your content, and aim to improve your breathing, eye contact , and body language as you practice. The more you work on your speech, the more confident you’ll become.

The energy you invest in writing an effective speech will help your audience remember and connect to every concept. Remember: some life-changing philosophies have come from good speeches, so give your words a chance to resonate with others. You might even change their thinking.

Elevate your communication skills

Unlock the power of clear and persuasive communication. Our coaches can guide you to build strong relationships and succeed in both personal and professional life.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

How to write an impactful cover letter for a career change

6 presentation skills and how to improve them, 10+ interpersonal skills at work and ways to develop them, what is a career statement, and should you write one, the 11 tips that will improve your public speaking skills, how to be more persuasive: 6 tips for convincing others, a guide on how to find the right mentor for your career, self-management skills for a messy world, want a leg up in your career master these 11 key listening skills, similar articles, how to write an executive summary in 10 steps, how to pitch ideas: 8 tips to captivate any audience, how to give a good presentation that captivates any audience, anxious about meetings learn how to run a meeting with these 10 tips, writing an elevator pitch about yourself: a how-to plus tips, 9 elevator pitch examples for making a strong first impression, how to make a presentation interactive and exciting, how to write a memo: 8 steps with examples, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care™
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Life Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

How To Write A Presentation 101 | Step-by-Step Guides with Best Examples | 2024 Reveals

Jane Ng • 05 Apr 2024 • 8 min read

Is it difficult to start of presentation? You’re standing before a room full of eager listeners, ready to share your knowledge and captivate their attention. But where do you begin? How do you structure your ideas and convey them effectively?

Take a deep breath, and fear not! In this article, we’ll provide a road map on how to write a presentation covering everything from crafting a script to creating an engaging introduction.

So, let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

What is a presentation , what should be in a powerful presentation.

• How To Write A Presentation Script
• How to Write A Presentation Introduction 

Key Takeaways

Tips for better presentation.

• How to start a presentation
• How to introduce yourself

Start in seconds.

Get free templates for your next interactive presentation. Sign up for free and take what you want from the template library!

Presentations are all about connecting with your audience. 

Presenting is a fantastic way to share information, ideas, or arguments with your audience. Think of it as a structured approach to effectively convey your message. And you’ve got options such as slideshows, speeches, demos, videos, and even multimedia presentations!

The purpose of a presentation can vary depending on the situation and what the presenter wants to achieve. 

• In the business world, presentations are commonly used to pitch proposals, share reports, or make sales pitches. 
• In educational settings, presentations are a go-to for teaching or delivering engaging lectures. 
• For conferences, seminars, and public events—presentations are perfect for dishing out information, inspiring folks, or even persuading the audience.

That sounds brilliant. But, how to write a presentation?

How To Write A Presentation? What should be in a powerful presentation? A great presentation encompasses several key elements to captivate your audience and effectively convey your message. Here’s what you should consider including in a winning presentation:

• Clear and Engaging Introduction: Start your presentation with a bang! Hook your audience’s attention right from the beginning by using a captivating story, a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or a powerful quote. Clearly state the purpose of your presentation and establish a connection with your listeners.
• Well-Structured Content: Organize your content logically and coherently. Divide your presentation into sections or main points and provide smooth transitions between them. Each section should flow seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive narrative. Use clear headings and subheadings to guide your audience through the presentation.
• Compelling Visuals: Incorporate visual aids, such as images, graphs, or videos, to enhance your presentation. Make sure your visuals are visually appealing, relevant, and easy to understand. Use a clean and uncluttered design with legible fonts and appropriate color schemes. 
• Engaging Delivery: Pay attention to your delivery style and body language. You should maintain eye contact with your audience, use gestures to emphasize key points, and vary your tone of voice to keep the presentation dynamic. 
• Clear and Memorable Conclusion: Leave your audience with a lasting impression by providing a strong closing statement, a call to action, or a thought-provoking question. Make sure your conclusion ties back to your introduction and reinforces the core message of your presentation.

How To Write A Presentation Script (With Examples)

To successfully convey your message to your audience, you must carefully craft and organize your presentation script. Here are steps on how to write a presentation script: 

1/ Understand Your Purpose and Audience

• Clarify the purpose of your presentation. Are you informing, persuading, or entertaining?
• Identify your target audience and their knowledge level, interests, and expectations.
• Define what presentation format you want to use

2/ Outline the Structure of Your Presentation

Strong opening.

Start with an engaging opening that grabs the audience’s attention and introduces your topic. Some types of openings you can use are: 

• Start with a Thought-Provoking Question: “Have you ever…?”
• Begin with a Surprising Fact or Statistic: “Did you know that….?”
• Use a Powerful Quote: “As Maya Angelou once said,….”
• Tell a Compelling Story : “Picture this: You’re standing at….”
• Start with a Bold Statement: “In the fast-paced digital age….”

Main Points

Clearly state your main points or key ideas that you will discuss throughout the presentation.

• Clearly State the Purpose and Main Points: Example: “In this presentation, we will delve into three key areas. First,… Next,… Finally,…. we’ll discuss….”
• Provide Background and Context: Example: “Before we dive into the details, let’s understand the basics of…..”
• Present Supporting Information and Examples: Example: “To illustrate…., let’s look at an example. In,…..”
• Address Counterarguments or Potential Concerns: Example: “While…, we must also consider… .”
• Recap Key Points and Transition to the Next Section: Example: “To summarize, we’ve… Now, let’s shift our focus to…”

Remember to organize your content logically and coherently, ensuring smooth transitions between sections.

You can conclude with a strong closing statement summarizing your main points and leaving a lasting impression. Example: “As we conclude our presentation, it’s clear that… By…., we can….”

3/ Craft Clear and Concise Sentences

Once you’ve outlined your presentation, you need to edit your sentences. Use clear and straightforward language to ensure your message is easily understood.

Alternatively, you can break down complex ideas into simpler concepts and provide clear explanations or examples to aid comprehension.

4/ Use Visual Aids and Supporting Materials

Use supporting materials such as statistics, research findings, or real-life examples to back up your points and make them more compelling. 

• Example: “As you can see from this graph,… This demonstrates….”

5/ Include Engagement Techniques

Incorporate interactive elements to engage your audience, such as Q&A sessions , conducting live polls, or encouraging participation. You can also spin more funs into group, by randomly dividing people into different groups to get more diverse feedbacks!

6/ Rehearse and Revise

• Practice delivering your presentation script to familiarize yourself with the content and improve your delivery.
• Revise and edit your script as needed, removing any unnecessary information or repetitions.

7/ Seek Feedback

You can share your script or deliver a practice presentation to a trusted friend, colleague, or mentor to gather feedback on your script and make adjustments accordingly.

More on Script Presentation

How to Write A Presentation Introduction with Examples

How to write presentations that are engaging and visually appealing? Looking for introduction ideas for the presentation? As mentioned earlier, once you have completed your script, it’s crucial to focus on editing and refining the most critical element—the opening of your presentation – the section that determines whether you can captivate and retain your audience’s attention right from the start. 

Here is a guide on how to craft an opening that grabs your audience’s attention from the very first minute: 

1/ Start with a Hook

To begin, you can choose from five different openings mentioned in the script based on your desired purpose and content. Alternatively, you can opt for the approach that resonates with you the most, and instills your confidence. Remember, the key is to choose a starting point that aligns with your objectives and allows you to deliver your message effectively.

2/ Establish Relevance and Context

Then you should establish the topic of your presentation and explain why it is important or relevant to your audience. Connect the topic to their interests, challenges, or aspirations to create a sense of relevance.

3/ State the Purpose

Clearly articulate the purpose or goal of your presentation. Let the audience know what they can expect to gain or achieve by listening to your presentation.

4/ Preview Your Main Points

Give a brief overview of the main points or sections you will cover in your presentation. It helps the audience understand the structure and flow of your presentation and creates anticipation.

5/ Establish Credibility

Share your expertise or credentials related to the topic to build trust with the audience, such as a brief personal story, relevant experience, or mentioning your professional background.

6/ Engage Emotionally

Connect emotional levels with your audience by appealing to their aspirations, fears, desires, or values. They help create a deeper connection and engagement from the very beginning.

Make sure your introduction is concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details or lengthy explanations. Aim for clarity and brevity to maintain the audience’s attention.

For example, Topic: Work-life balance

“Good morning, everyone! Can you imagine waking up each day feeling energized and ready to conquer both your personal and professional pursuits? Well, that’s exactly what we’ll explore today – the wonderful world of work-life balance. In a fast-paced society where work seems to consume every waking hour, it’s vital to find that spot where our careers and personal lives harmoniously coexist. Throughout this presentation, we’ll dive into practical strategies that help us achieve that coveted balance, boost productivity, and nurture our overall well-being. 

But before we dive in, let me share a bit about my journey. As a working professional and a passionate advocate for work-life balance, I have spent years researching and implementing strategies that have transformed my own life. I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with all of you today, with the hope of inspiring positive change and creating a more fulfilling work-life balance for everyone in this room. So, let’s get started!”

🎉 Check out: How to Start a Presentation?

Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or new to the stage, understanding how to write a presentation that conveys your message effectively is a valuable skill. By following the steps in this guide, you can become a captivating presenter and make your mark in every presentation you deliver.

Additionally, AhaSlides can significantly enhance your presentation’s impact. With AhaSlides, you can use live polls , quizzes , and word cloud to turn your presentation into an engaging and interactive experience. Let’s take a moment to explore our vast template library !

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a presentation step by step .

You can refer to our step-by-step guide on How To Write A Presentation Script: Understand Your Purpose and Audience Outline the Structure of Your Presentation Craft Clear and Concise Sentences Use Visual Aids and Supporting Material Include Engagement Techniques Rehearse and Revise Seek Feedback

How do you start a presentation? 

You can start with an engaging opening that grabs the audience’s attention and introduces your topic. Consider using one of the following approaches: Start with a Thought-Provoking Question: “Have you ever…?” Begin with a Surprising Fact or Statistic: “Did you know that….?” Use a Powerful Quote: “As Maya Angelou once said,….” Tell a Compelling Story : “Picture this: You’re standing at….” Start with a Bold Statement: “In the fast-paced digital age….”

What are the five parts of a presentation?

When it comes to presentation writing, a typical presentation consists of the following five parts: Introduction: Capturing the audience’s attention, introducing yourself, stating the purpose, and providing an overview. Main Body: Presenting main points, evidence, examples, and arguments. Visual Aids: Using visuals to enhance understanding and engage the audience. Conclusion: Summarizing main points, restating key message, and leaving a memorable takeaway or call to action. Q&A or Discussion: Optional part for addressing questions and encouraging audience participation.

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

More from AhaSlides

Speech Writing

Presentation Speech

Presentation Speech - An Ultimate Writing Guide

13 min read

People also read

The 10 Key Steps for Perfect Speech Writing

Understanding the Speech Format - Detailed Guide & Examples

How to Start A Speech - 13 Interesting Ideas & Examples

20+ Outstanding Speech Examples for Your Help

Common Types of Speeches that Every Speechwriter Should Know

Good Impromptu Speech Topics for Students

Entertaining Speech Topics for Your Next Debate

How to Write a Special Occasion Speech: Types, Tips, and Examples

Introduction Speech - A Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

How to Write the Best Acceptance Speech for Your Audience?

Commemorative Speech - Writing Guide, Outline & Examples

Farewell Speech - Writing Tips & Examples

How to Write an Extemporaneous Speech? A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting the Perfect Graduation Speech: A Guide with Examples

Presentations are a common part of our personal and professional lives. Whether you're a student, an employee, or an entrepreneur, mastering the art of presentations is a valuable skill.

A well-crafted presentation speech can inspire, inform, and engage your audience, leaving a lasting impact. 

So how can you craft an engaging presentation speech?

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating and delivering a compelling presentation, step by step. From writing your speech to mastering public speaking techniques, we've got you covered. 

So, let's dive in! 

• 1. What is a Presentation Speech?
• 2. How to Write a Presentation Speech?
• 3. How to Start a Presentation Speech?
• 4. How to End a Presentation Speech? 
• 5. Presentation Speech Examples 
• 6. Tips for Making Your Presentations More Engaging
• 7. Presentation Speech Topics

What is a Presentation Speech?

A presentation speech is a type of speech that serves to convey information, share ideas, persuade, or inspire a specific audience. A presentation speech is carefully planned and typically delivered in a formal setting, such as a classroom, a boardroom, or a conference.

In other words, a presentation speech can be defined as: 

A public speech that attempts to inform or convey a particular message effectively to a specific audience. 

Main Components of a Presentation Speech

The key elements that set a presentation speech apart are its intentionality and structure. Here's a breakdown of these crucial aspects: 

• Purpose 

Every presentation speech has a clear purpose, which could be:

• To persuade
• To entertain
• To inspire and motivate 

Understanding your purpose is the foundation upon which you build your speech.

A presentation speech typically follows a structured format that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction lays out the context, the body conveys the main content, and the conclusion reinforces the key points. 

Effective presentation speeches are tailored to the needs and expectations of the audience. Knowing your audience helps you choose the right tone, style, and content.

• Visual Aids

Presentation speeches often make use of visual aids like slides, props, or multimedia elements to enhance the message and keep the audience engaged.

How to Write a Presentation Speech?

Creating an effective presentation speech requires careful planning and organization. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you write a presentation speech effectively:

Determine the Audience

The first step in crafting a presentation speech is to understand your audience. Consider their background, knowledge, interests, and expectations. Are they experts in the subject, or are they new to it? This information will shape the tone and depth of your speech.

Choose a Topic

Select a topic that aligns with both your expertise and the interests of your audience. Your topic should be engaging and relevant. It could be a current issue, a problem-solving solution, or a subject of general interest. Make sure your passion for the topic shines through.

Research and Gather Information

To build a strong speech, gather credible information from a variety of sources. Use books, articles, online resources, and expert interviews. Keep track of your sources and make note of key statistics, quotes, and examples that support your message.

Make an Outline

Creating a structured outline for your presentation speech is essential for keeping your message organized and ensuring that your audience can follow your points easily. 

Here's how to construct a well-organized presentation speech outline:

Review and Revise

After you've written your speech, review it for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Here are the steps you should take for reviewing your speech:

• Ensure that each point supports your main message and is easy to understand. 
• Check for grammar and spelling errors.
• Practice your speech in front of a mirror or with a friend. Pay attention to your delivery, pacing, and timing. Make necessary revisions based on your practice sessions.

Remember that a well-written presentation speech not only conveys your knowledge but also connects with your audience on a personal level. Your goal is to inform, persuade, or inspire, and the steps outlined here will help you achieve just that.

How to Start a Presentation Speech?

Now that you’ve written your presentation and its content, the time has come to deliver your speech. So, how to open a presentation speech effectively? 

The beginning of your presentation speech is your chance to make a strong first impression and captivate your audience's attention. 

Here are key steps to help you start your presentation speech effectively:

Begin with a Hook

Grab your audience's attention with a compelling opening. This could be a surprising fact, a thought-provoking quote, a relevant anecdote, or even a rhetorical question. The goal is to pique their interest right from the start.

Here are some example phrases that you can use to catch your audience’s interest:

• "Did you know that..."
• "Imagine a world where..."
• "I'd like to start with a story..."
• "Have you ever wondered why..."
• "Let's begin with a surprising statistic..."
• "Picture this scenario..."
• "Today, I want to share a secret with you..."
• "What if I told you that..."
• "To get your attention, I'll start with a riddle..."
• "I have a question for you:"

Learn more about crafting better hook statements with our complete guide to writing engaging hooks with hook examples .

Introduce Yourself

After the hook, briefly introduce yourself. Share your name and a few words about your background or expertise that make you a credible source on the topic. 

These example phrases below demonstrate how you can get the audience to know you:

• "Hello, I'm [Your Name], and I've been working in [relevant field] for [number of years]."
• "I'm [Your Name], and I've had the privilege of [mention significant achievement or experience]."
• "Good [morning/afternoon/evening], my name is [Name], and I'm here as a [your role] at [your organization]."
• "For those of you who don't know me, I'm [Your Name], and I specialize in [relevant expertise]."
• "It's a pleasure to be here with you today; I'm [Your Name], and my journey in [relevant field] has been truly inspiring."

Make sure to keep your introduction short and direct. If you take 20 minutes to introduce yourself, you might lose the audience’s interest in your speech. So, keep it clear and short. 

Mention the Topic or Purpose

After hinting at the topic through the hook and introducing yourself, you should clearly state the purpose or topic of your presentation. 

Let your audience know what they can expect to learn or gain from your presentation. This sets the stage for your audience, giving them a sense of direction.

• "Today, I'm going to share with you the key strategies to..."
• "The purpose of this presentation is to shed light on..."
• "In the next [time duration], I will explore the critical aspects of..."
• "I aim to help you understand the importance of..."
• "By the end of this presentation, you'll have a clear grasp of..."
• "Our goal today is to uncover the secrets of..."
• "I want you to leave here with actionable insights into..."
• "My objective is to show you how to achieve [specific goal]."
• "We're going to dive deep into the world of [presentation topic], and you'll walk away with..."

How to End a Presentation Speech? 

The conclusion of your presentation speech is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impact on your audience. A strong conclusion should effectively summarize your key points, reinforce your message, and inspire action or reflection. 

Here's how to end a presentation speech on a high note:

Summarize Key Points

Begin by recapping the main takeaways of your speech. Summarize the key points in a concise and clear manner. This reinforces the core message and helps your audience remember what you've shared.

Here are some helpful phrases you can use:

• "To recap our journey today..."
• "In conclusion, let's revisit the key takeaways..."
• "In summary, we've explored..."
• "To sum it up..."
• "As a quick reminder..."
• "So, to put it all together..."
• "In a nutshell..."
• "To reiterate our main points..."
• "Let's briefly go over what we've learned..."
• "In brief..."

End with Impact

Craft a memorable closing statement that reinforces the significance of your topic. This statement can be a thought-provoking quote, a powerful anecdote, or a call to action It should be emotionally engaging and leave a strong impression.

If your presentation aims to inspire action or change, make a clear and persuasive call to action. Encourage your audience to take specific steps based on the information you've provided. Whether it's signing a petition, making a change in their personal lives, or joining a cause, specify what you want them to do next.

For instance, you can end with these impactful words:

• "As we conclude, consider this..."
• "To leave you with something to ponder..."
• "This statistic is a sobering reminder..."
• "Let's close with an inspiring story..."
• "As we finish, remember..."
• "I want you to carry this message with you..
• "Now, I encourage you to take the next step..."
• "Let's turn knowledge into action..."
• "I challenge each of you to..."
• "It's time to make a difference, starting with..."

Thank the Audience

Express gratitude to your audience for their time and attention. A simple "thank you" goes a long way in building rapport and goodwill. 

You can also take some ideas from these “thank you” phrases:

• "I want to express my sincere gratitude to each one of you for being here today."
• "Thank you all for your time and attention throughout this presentation."
• "I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to share this information with you."
• "Your presence here means a lot, and I appreciate your engagement."
• "I'd like to take a moment to thank you for joining me in this discussion."
• "A big thank you to our attentive audience for being a part of this conversation."
• "I appreciate your willingness to be here and participate in this presentation."
• "Your presence has made this presentation more meaningful."
• "Thank you for being such a wonderful and responsive audience."
• "Your interest in this topic is greatly appreciated."

Open the Floor for Questions (if applicable) 

If you plan to have a question-and-answer session, invite your audience to ask questions. Be prepared to provide thoughtful and informative responses. The conclusion of your presentation speech should leave your audience feeling informed, inspired, and motivated. 

Presentation Speech Examples 

Taking help from good and structured presentation speeches will allow you to write and deliver the address smoothly. Here are some examples of presentation speeches you can follow to write a well-structured presentation. 

Award Presentation Speech Example

Product Presentation Speech Example

Thesis Presentation Speech Example

Presentation Speech Script Sample

Presentation Speech Template

Tips for Making Your Presentations More Engaging

Delivering a presentation speech that captivates your audience and leaves a lasting impression requires more than just good content. It also involves effective communication and engaging delivery. 

Here are some essential tips for giving better presentations:

Master Your Body Language

Sometimes, your body language speaks more than your words – make it say 'confident and engaging.'

• Maintain good posture; stand or sit tall with confidence.
• Make eye contact with your audience to establish a connection.
• Use hand gestures purposefully to emphasize key points.
• Move around the stage or speaking area to engage with different audience members.
• Smile and convey enthusiasm; it's contagious.

Focus on Voice and Tone

Presentations depend on your ability to speak. Use your speech strategically to enhance your presentation.

• Speak clearly and at a moderate pace, ensuring everyone can understand you.
• Vary your tone and pitch to avoid a monotone delivery.
• Use pauses strategically to emphasize important points or allow your audience to digest information.
• Adjust your volume to ensure everyone in the room can hear you without straining.
• Practice vocal warm-up exercises to avoid vocal strain.

Prepare for Nervousness & Anxiety

Embrace the butterflies in your stomach as the energy that fuels a stellar presentation. Here’s how you can do that:

• Prepare thoroughly; knowledge and practice reduce anxiety.
• Deep breathing and relaxation techniques can help calm nerves before and during your presentation.
• Visualize a successful presentation and focus on your message rather than your anxiety.
• Embrace the natural adrenaline rush as a source of energy and enthusiasm.
• Start with a familiar or engaging point to build confidence.

Welcome Questions and Feedback

The question and answer session can be a great opportunity to engage with your audience. Make it successful with these tips:

• Encourage questions and feedback to engage your audience and clarify any doubts.
• Be polite and patient when responding to questions or criticism.
• Use feedback as an opportunity for conversation and engagement.
• Anticipate relevant and common questions and practice their answers beforehand.

Tailor to Your Audience

The best speeches are those that are loved by the audience. Tailor your speech according to their expectations.

• Customize your speech to the interests and needs of your specific audience.
• Use language and examples that resonate with your listeners.
• Address any potential concerns or objections your audience might have.
• Research your audience's background and preferences in advance.
• Make sure your content is relevant and relatable to your audience.

Engaging Visual Aids

Visual aids should enhance, not overpower, your speech. Here is how to use them effectively:

• Use slides or visual aids sparingly, and keep them simple and clear.
• Avoid overcrowding slides with text; use visuals to complement your spoken words.
• Ensure that visuals are easy to read and understand from a distance.
• Practice with your visual aids to smoothly incorporate them into your speech.
• Be prepared to present without visual aids in case of technical issues.

Presentation Speech Topics

Now that you know how to write and deliver an engaging presentation, you may be wondering about a topic to speak on. You need a strong and interesting topic to make your presentation speech impactful. 

Here are some compelling presentation speech ideas to help you out:

• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Job Market
• Climate Change and Sustainable Practices
• The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
• The Art of Time Management
• The Future of Renewable Energy
• The Psychology of Decision-Making
• Mental Health Awareness and Reducing Stigma:
• Innovations in Space Exploration
• The Art of Negotiation
• The Role of Music in Society

Looking for compelling and thought-provoking topics for your presentation speech? Check out 100+ informative speech topics to inspire your next presentation.

To Conclude,

In the world of presentations, your ability to inform and persuade relies on the way you craft and deliver your speech. Mastering the art of a presentation speech requires careful planning, engaging delivery, and an accurate understanding of your audience.

So remember to make your outline, use engaging visual aids, and practice effective body language. With practice, patience, and passion, you can become a confident and impactful presenter. 

Need further help in making your presentation speech? No worries! 

MyPerfectWords.com is a professional speech writing service that provides versatile academic help. Whether you have a speech or a research paper to write, come to us. We have a team of experts to help you with all your writing needs. 

Place an order now to buy custom essay online  at affordable rates.

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

How to make a great presentation

Stressed about an upcoming presentation? These talks are full of helpful tips on how to get up in front of an audience and make a lasting impression.

The secret structure of great talks

The beauty of data visualization

TED's secret to great public speaking

How to speak so that people want to listen

How great leaders inspire action

How-To Geek

8 tips to make the best powerpoint presentations.

Want to make your PowerPoint presentations really shine? Here's how to impress and engage your audience.

Quick Links

Table of contents, start with a goal, less is more, consider your typeface, make bullet points count, limit the use of transitions, skip text where possible, think in color, take a look from the top down, bonus: start with templates.

Slideshows are an intuitive way to share complex ideas with an audience, although they're dull and frustrating when poorly executed. Here are some tips to make your Microsoft PowerPoint presentations sing while avoiding common pitfalls.

It all starts with identifying what we're trying to achieve with the presentation. Is it informative, a showcase of data in an easy-to-understand medium? Or is it more of a pitch, something meant to persuade and convince an audience and lead them to a particular outcome?

It's here where the majority of these presentations go wrong with the inability to identify the talking points that best support our goal. Always start with a goal in mind: to entertain, to inform, or to share data in a way that's easy to understand. Use facts, figures, and images to support your conclusion while keeping structure in mind (Where are we now and where are we going?).

I've found that it's helpful to start with the ending. Once I know how to end a presentation, I know how best to get to that point. I start by identifying the takeaway---that one nugget that I want to implant before thanking everyone for their time---and I work in reverse to figure out how best to get there.

Your mileage, of course, may vary. But it's always going to be a good idea to put in the time in the beginning stages so that you aren't reworking large portions of the presentation later. And that starts with a defined goal.

A slideshow isn't supposed to include everything. It's an introduction to a topic, one that we can elaborate on with speech. Anything unnecessary is a distraction. It makes the presentation less visually appealing and less interesting, and it makes you look bad as a presenter.

This goes for text as well as images. There's nothing worse, in fact, than a series of slides where the presenter just reads them as they appear. Your audience is capable of reading, and chances are they'll be done with the slide, and browsing Reddit, long before you finish. Avoid putting the literal text on the screen, and your audience will thank you.

Related: How to Burn Your PowerPoint to DVD

Right off the bat, we're just going to come out and say that Papyrus and Comic Sans should be banned from all PowerPoint presentations, permanently. Beyond that, it's worth considering the typeface you're using and what it's saying about you, the presenter, and the presentation itself.

Consider choosing readability over aesthetics, and avoid fancy fonts that could prove to be more of a distraction than anything else. A good presentation needs two fonts: a serif and sans-serif. Use one for the headlines and one for body text, lists, and the like. Keep it simple. Veranda, Helvetica, Arial, and even Times New Roman are safe choices. Stick with the classics and it's hard to botch this one too badly.

There reaches a point where bullet points become less of a visual aid and more of a visual examination.

Bullet points should support the speaker, not overwhelm his audience. The best slides have little or no text at all, in fact. As a presenter, it's our job to talk through complex issues, but that doesn't mean that we need to highlight every talking point.

Instead, think about how you can break up large lists into three or four bullet points. Carefully consider whether you need to use more bullet points, or if you can combine multiple topics into a single point instead. And if you can't, remember that there's no one limiting the number of slides you can have in a presentation. It's always possible to break a list of 12 points down into three pages of four points each.

Animation, when used correctly, is a good idea. It breaks up slow-moving parts of a presentation and adds action to elements that require it. But it should be used judiciously.

Adding a transition that wipes left to right between every slide or that animates each bullet point in a list, for example, starts to grow taxing on those forced to endure the presentation. Viewers get bored quickly, and animations that are meant to highlight specific elements quickly become taxing.

That's not to say that you can't use animations and transitions, just that you need to pick your spots. Aim for no more than a handful of these transitions for each presentation. And use them in spots where they'll add to the demonstration, not detract from it.

Sometimes images tell a better story than text can. And as a presenter, your goal is to describe points in detail without making users do a lot of reading. In these cases, a well-designed visual, like a chart, might better convey the information you're trying to share.

The right image adds visual appeal and serves to break up longer, text-heavy sections of the presentation---but only if you're using the right images. A single high-quality image can make all the difference between a success and a dud when you're driving a specific point home.

When considering text, don't think solely in terms of bullet points and paragraphs. Tables, for example, are often unnecessary. Ask yourself whether you could present the same data in a bar or line chart instead.

Color is interesting. It evokes certain feelings and adds visual appeal to your presentation as a whole. Studies show that color also improves interest, comprehension, and retention. It should be a careful consideration, not an afterthought.

You don't have to be a graphic designer to use color well in a presentation. What I do is look for palettes I like, and then find ways to use them in the presentation. There are a number of tools for this, like Adobe Color , Coolors , and ColorHunt , just to name a few. After finding a palette you enjoy, consider how it works with the presentation you're about to give. Pastels, for example, evoke feelings of freedom and light, so they probably aren't the best choice when you're presenting quarterly earnings that missed the mark.

It's also worth mentioning that you don't need to use every color in the palette. Often, you can get by with just two or three, though you should really think through how they all work together and how readable they'll be when layered. A simple rule of thumb here is that contrast is your friend. Dark colors work well on light backgrounds, and light colors work best on dark backgrounds.

Spend some time in the Slide Sorter before you finish your presentation. By clicking the four squares at the bottom left of the presentation, you can take a look at multiple slides at once and consider how each works together. Alternatively, you can click "View" on the ribbon and select "Slide Sorter."

Are you presenting too much text at once? Move an image in. Could a series of slides benefit from a chart or summary before you move on to another point?

It's here that we have the opportunity to view the presentation from beyond the single-slide viewpoint and think in terms of how each slide fits, or if it fits at all. From this view, you can rearrange slides, add additional ones, or delete them entirely if you find that they don't advance the presentation.

The difference between a good presentation and a bad one is really all about preparation and execution. Those that respect the process and plan carefully---not only the presentation as a whole, but each slide within it---are the ones who will succeed.

This brings me to my last (half) point: When in doubt, just buy a template and use it. You can find these all over the web, though Creative Market and GraphicRiver are probably the two most popular marketplaces for this kind of thing. Not all of us are blessed with the skills needed to design and deliver an effective presentation. And while a pre-made PowerPoint template isn't going to make you a better presenter, it will ease the anxiety of creating a visually appealing slide deck.

• Google Slides Presentation Design
• Pitch Deck Design
• Powerpoint Redesign
• Other Design Services

• Guide & How to's

Crafting an engaging presentation script

Crafting a presentation goes beyond simply putting together content. It also involves mastering the art of scripting by the speaker. Learning how to write a script for a presentation can take some time and effort to master, and similar to designing Google slides or PowerPoint presentations, there are several important rules to follow.

From developing a compelling storyboard and adding strategic pauses to making sure the words match the slides and maintaining a natural flow, delivering an effective presentation speech is a skill that needs to be honed.

In this article, we aim to provide comprehensive guidance on all these aspects and more, making it easier for you to create a presentation script that effortlessly resonates with your audience.

Top 10 tips on how to write a script for PowerPoint presentation

1. finalize the storyboard.

When it comes to crafting presentation scripts, planning is vital. A speaker must be well-prepared and have ample time before the event to practice and make sure the content flows naturally. Therefore, clear storyboarding must come first if you want to produce excellent presentation content. This is particularly true when the script and design are being done by the same person.

2. Follow the KISS rule

‘KISS,’ or Keep It Short and Simple, is the number one rule for crafting a fantastic script for presentation. Short and concise sentences can help you get the message across much faster, especially if your presentation’s emphasis is placed more on the visuals than the aural aspect.

3. Make sure your script for presentation introduction is engaging

A strong introduction is critical to captivate the audience’s attention and make them interested in what you have to say. This can be done through a compelling narrative, a thought-provoking question, or a startling fact. Remember, your introduction for presentation script should be designed to hook the audience and make them want to keep listening.

4. Aim for well-structured content

The presentation script’s content needs to be well-organized and structured. It has to have natural transitions from one idea to another, as well as distinct breaks between sections. And to make each argument more convincing and relatable to the audience, you should back it up with examples or evidence.

5. Stick to the slide content

It’s important to keep in mind that the information on your slides must serve as the basis for your script. It should be closely related to the presentation material you have already storyboarded and be simple to follow.

In case your script for PowerPoint presentation doesn’t match the content on the slides, the audience will likely feel confused and lose their place. That’s why it is recommended that you always have the presentation’s material nearby. Divide the text into chunks corresponding to the slides’ arrangement so that the two complement one another perfectly.

6. Add pause breaks

When attending a presentation, an audience member has two tasks: first, taking in the speaker’s words, and second, understanding the information offered by the presentation content. Therefore, when writing a script for a presentation, it’s essential that you always put yourself in the audience’s shoes and include pauses in the script.

Remember, when the speaker pauses, the audience has a chance to digest what has just been said and absorb as much information as possible from the visual aids. Additionally, it gives you, as a speaker, more control over the audience’s attention during the entire speech.

7. Use engaging language

Whether it’s an introduction for presentation script or a closing part, your entire content should be written in clear and engaging language. Refrain from using technical or jargon terminology that the audience might not understand. Instead, speak in plain English and incorporate jokes, rhetorical questions, or storytelling to keep the audience interested throughout your presentation.

8. Don’t forget about calls to action

Strong presentation scripts always end with a clear call to action. This could be requesting that the audience takes a specific action, such as subscribing to a newsletter, making a purchase, or putting the concepts discussed into practice in their own lives or places of employment. Your call to action must be captivating and inspire the audience to do the desired action.

9. Practice and rehearse

Practice and rehearsal are essential components of a good script. That’s why it is crucial to rehearse your script several times, ensuring a smooth delivery. Additionally, practice helps boost self-assurance and ease presentation-day nervousness. By including these components in your PowerPoint presentation script, you can create a persuasive and memorable presentation that effectively conveys your message and interests your audience.

10. Enlisting key points is also an option

Writing down every word you intend to say might sometimes result in overly scripted content, which can lack empathy and prevent you from connecting with the audience. Therefore, sometimes it is enough to simply focus on the key points or even use slide content as a starting point, keeping in mind the presentation’s structure and your time limit. Now that you know how to write a presentation script, let’s look at some examples to see the above tips in practice.

Presentation script example

Detailed presentation script:

https://www.slideshare.net/aland/script-for-perfect-presentation

Presentation script containing only key points:

All in all, having a presentation script is essential for delivering a great audience experience. It gives you flow, structure, and two times more confidence than when you are simply improvising or reading off your slides.

Use the above guidelines to ensure you are starting with a strong script, and remember that our presentation design company is here to help 24/7! SlidePeak’s dedicated team can not only help you improve your old presentation but can also design a professional pitch deck with unique infographics to wow potential investors, clients, and employers.

#ezw_tco-2 .ez-toc-widget-container ul.ez-toc-list li.active::before { background-color: #ededed; } Table of contents

• Presenting techniques
• 50 tips on how to improve PowerPoint presentations in 2022-2023 [Updated]
• Keynote VS PowerPoint
• Types of presentations
• Present financial information visually in PowerPoint to drive results

• Design Tips

Informal vs formal presentation (plus tips on creating and delivering both)

• Business Slides

Give a project plan presentation (expert senior-level tips)

Writing an outline: creating a presentation blueprint

How to Give a Speech With PowerPoint

When preparing a speech for your small business, you often feel pressure to make every last detail of the presentation perfect. PowerPoint helps you create accompanying slides for your speech. Used well, the slides enhance the speech's impact on your audience. Used poorly, a PowerPoint presentation overwhelms your speech, reducing its effectiveness and leaving your audience distracted and dissatisfied. Identify your speech's key points to carefully craft a supporting PowerPoint presentation.

Advertisement

Begin by preparing your speech and then basing your PowerPoint presentation on it, rather than the reverse. PowerPoint's features add value and interest to your speech, but don't the slides themselves become something without which your speech wouldn't exist.

Video of the Day

Keep your PowerPoint presentation simple. Maintain your audience's focus on the presentation, rather than simply reading the screen behind you and ignoring those to whom you are presenting.

Use as few slides as possible. Include only the bare bones of your speech, along with any supporting material that is better shown than described, such as product photos or charts.

Insert black slides into your presentation. These slides transition between the content you've covered on the last slide and the content on the following slide. Inserting a black slide shifts your audience's focus back to you, increasing the effectiveness of your speech.

Advance the presentation to the next slide or pause it automatically. If you walk back and forth from your speaking location in the room to your computer, you create unnatural or uncomfortable pauses in your speech. Use either a remote to control the computer, enlist help or simply position your computer so that you can reach the mouse without moving or bending over.

Practice your speech until you have the speech memorized and you no longer need the PowerPoint presentation to deliver it. If a technical issue occurs that stops your PowerPoint slides from working, you can still present the speech and leave copies of the slides or have them delivered at a later point.

• Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs: Thoughts on using PowerPoint Effectively
• Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs: Tips on using Microsoft PowerPoint

Report an Issue

Screenshot loading...

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Public Speaking and Presentations

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Public Speaking and Presentations: Tips for Success

This resource includes tips and suggestions for improving your public speaking skills.

Even if you’ve never spoken in front of a large group before, chances are you will encounter public speaking sometime during your life. Whether you’re giving a presentation for your classmates or addressing local politicians at a city council meeting, public speaking allows you to convey your thoughts and feelings in clear ways. Having the right tools can prepare you for successful public speaking and equip you with high-quality communication skills.

Know Your Audience

Different audiences require different modes of public speaking. How you address a room full of preschoolers will vary from how you address a group of professors at an academic conference. Not only will your vocabulary change, but you might alter your pacing and tone as well.

Knowing your audience also helps you decide the content of your speech. For example, if you’re presenting research to a group of scientists, you might not need to define all your scientific language. However, if you present that same research to a group of individuals who are unfamiliar with your scientific field, you may need to define your terms or use simpler language.

Recognizing the extent to which your audience is familiar with your topic helps you center your presentation around the most important elements and avoid wasting time on information your audience either 1) already knows or 2) does not need to know for the purpose of your speech.

Knowing your audience also means tailoring your information to them. Try to keep things straight and to the point; leave out extraneous anecdotes and irrelevant statistics.

Establish Your Ethos and Feel Confident in Your Subject

It’s important to let your audience know what authority you have over your subject matter. If it’s clear you are familiar with your subject and have expertise, your audience is more likely to trust what you say.

Feeling confident in your subject matter will help establish your ethos. Rather than simply memorizing the content on your PowerPoint slides or your note cards, consider yourself a “mini expert” on your topic. Read up on information related to your topic and anticipate questions from the audience. You might want to prepare a few additional examples to use if people ask follow-up questions. Being able to elaborate on your talking points will help you stay calm during a Q & A section of your presentation.

Stick to a Few Main Points

Organizing your information in a logical way not only helps you keep track of what you’re saying, but it helps your audience follow along as well. Try to emphasize a few main points in your presentation and return to them before you conclude. Summarizing your information at the end of your presentation allows your audience to walk away with a clear sense of the most important facts.

For example, if you gave a presentation on the pros and cons of wind energy in Indiana, you would first want to define wind energy to make sure you and your audience are on the same page. You might also want to give a brief history of wind energy to give context before you go into the pros and cons. From there, you could list a few pros and a few cons. Finally, you could speculate on the future of wind energy and whether Indiana could provide adequate land and infrastructure to sustain wind turbines. To conclude, restate a few of the main points (most likely the pros and cons) and end with the most important takeaway you want the audience to remember about wind energy in Indiana.

Don't be Afraid to Show Your Personality

Delivering information without any sort of flourish or style can be boring. Allowing your personality to show through your speaking keeps you feeling relaxed and natural. Even if you’re speaking about something very scientific or serious, look for ways to let your personality come through your speech.

For example, when Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek announced in March of 2019 that he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he still let his trademark dignity and professionalism set the tone for his address. He began his announcement by saying “it’s in keeping with my long-time policy of being open and transparent with our Jeopardy! fan base.” Later, he joked that he would need to overcome his illness in order to fulfill his contract, whose terms required him to host the show for three more years. Though the nature of Trebek's announcement could easily have justified a grim, serious tone, the host instead opted to display the charm that has made him a household name for almost thirty-five years. In doing so, he reminded his audience precisely why he is so well-loved.

Use Humor (When Appropriate)

Using humor at appropriate moments can keep your audience engaged and entertained. While not all occasions are appropriate for humor, look for moments where you can lighten the mood and add some humor.

For example, just two months after the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan, Reagan was in the middle of giving a speech when a balloon loudly popped while he was speaking. Reagan paused his speech to say “missed me,” then immediately continued speaking. This off-the-cuff humor worked because it was appropriate, spontaneous, and did not really distract from his message.

Similarly, at the end of his final White House Correspondents Dinner, Barack Obama concluded his speech by saying “Obama out” and dropping the mic. Once again, the humor did not distract from his message, but it did provide a light-hearted shift in his tone.  

Don't Let Visual Aids Distract From Your Presentation

Visual aids, such as PowerPoints or handouts, often go alongside presentations. When designing visual aids, be sure they do not distract from the content of your speech. Having too many pictures or animations can cause audience members to pay more attention to the visuals rather than what you’re saying.

However, if you present research that relies on tables or figures, having many images may help your audience better visualize the research you discuss. Be aware of the ways different types of presentations demand different types of visual aids.

Be Aware of Your Body Language

When it comes to giving a presentation, nonverbal communication is equally as important as what you’re saying. Having the appropriate posture, gestures, and movement complement the spoken element of your presentation. Below are a few simple strategies to make you appear more confident and professional.

Having confident posture can make or break a presentation. Stand up straight with your shoulders back and your arms at your sides. Slouching or crossing your arms over your chest makes you appear smaller and more insecure. However, be sure you’re not too rigid. Just because you’re standing up tall does not mean you cannot move around.

Eye contact

Making eye contact with your audience not only makes them feel connected to you but it also lets you gauge their response to you. Try to look around the room and connect with different audience members so you’re not staring at the same people the whole time. If you notice your audience starting to nod off, it might be a good time to change your tone or up your energy. 

Avoid distracting or compulsive gestures

While hand gestures can help point out information in a slide or on a poster, large or quick gestures can be distracting. When using gestures, try to make them feel like a normal part of your presentation.

It’s also easy to slip into nervous gestures while presenting. Things like twirling your hair or wringing your hands can be distracting to your audience. If you know you do something like this, try to think hard about not doing it while you’re presenting.

Travel (if possible)

If you are presenting on a stage, walking back and forth can help you stay relaxed and look natural. However, be sure you’re walking slowly and confidently and you’re using an appropriate posture (described above). Try to avoid pacing, which can make you appear nervous or compulsive.

Rehearse (if Possible)

The difference between knowing your subject and rehearsing comes down to how you ultimately present your information. The more you rehearse, the more likely you are to eliminate filler words such as like and um . If possible, try practicing with a friend and have them use count the filler words you use. You can also record yourself and play back the video. The more you rehearse, the more confident you will feel when it comes time to actually speak in front of an audience.

Finally, Relax!

Although public speaking takes time and preparation, perhaps one of the most important points is to relax while you’re speaking. Delivering your information in a stiff way prevents you from appearing natural and letting your personality come through. The more relaxed you feel, the more confident your information will come across.

Dictate your presentations and slide notes in PowerPoint

Dictation lets you use speech-to-text to author content in Office with a microphone and reliable internet connection. It's a quick and easy way to add content into presentation placeholders and slide notes.

How to use Dictation

Sign in to your Microsoft account using Edge, Firefox, or Chrome.

Wait for the button to turn on and start listening.

Move your cursor to a placeholder or to the slide notes and start speaking to see text appear.

Insert punctuation at any time by saying them explicitly.

Fix mistakes with your keyboard without having to toggle the mic icon off.

Punctuation

• Select your language

Mathematics

Emoji/faces

While dictating

Tip:  * To resume dictation, use the keyboard shortcut ALT + ' or press the Mic icon in the floating dictation menu.

Spoken languages supported

By default, Dictation is set to your document language in Office.

We are actively working to improve these languages and add more locales and languages.

Supported Languages

Chinese (China)

English (Australia)

English (Canada)

English (India)

English (United Kingdom)

English (United States)

French (Canada)

French (France)

German (Germany)

Italian (Italy)

Portuguese (Brazil)

Spanish (Spain)

Spanish (Mexico)

Preview languages *

Arabic (Bahrain)

Arabic (Egypt)

Arabic (Saudi Arabia)

Chinese (Traditional, Hong Kong)

Chinese (Taiwan)

Croatian (Croatia)

Dutch (Netherlands)

English (New Zealand)

Gujarati (India)

Marathi (India)

Norwegian (Bokmål)

Portuguese (Portugal)

Swedish (Sweden)

Tamil (India)

Telugu (India)

Turkish (Turkey)

* Preview Languages may have lower accuracy or limited punctuation support.

This service does not store your audio data or transcribed text.

Your speech utterances will be sent to Microsoft and used only to provide you with text results.

For more information about experiences that analyze your content, see Connected Experiences in Office .

Troubleshooting

Can't find the dictate button

If you can't see the button to start dictation:

check if you are on the new Edge, Firefox, or Chrome.

make sure you're signed in with your Microsoft account.

on Windows: make sure you have Windows 10 or above.

Dictate button is grayed out

If you see the dictate button is grayed out:

make sure the document is not in a Read-Only state.

Microphone doesn't have access

If you see "Please check your audio settings" or "We don’t have access to your microphone":

make sure no other application or web page is using the microphone and try again.

Microphone isn't working

If you see "There is a problem with your microphone" or "We can’t detect your microphone":

make sure the microphone is plugged in.

test the microphone to make sure it's working.

on Windows 10: check the microphone settings in Control Panel.

on Windows 10: also see How to set up and test microphones in Windows 10.

on a Surface running Windows 10: Adjust microphone settings.

Dictation can't hear you

If you see "Dictation can't hear you" or if nothing appears on the screen as you dictate:

make sure your microphone is not muted.

adjust the input level of your microphone.

move to a quieter location.

if using a built-in mic, consider trying again with a headset or external mic.

Accuracy issues or missed words

If you see a lot of incorrect words being output or missed words:

make sure you're on a fast and reliable internet connection.

avoid or eliminate background noise that may interfere with your voice.

try speaking more deliberately.

check to see if the microphone you are using needs to be upgraded.

Move your cursor to a placeholder to the slide notes and start speaking to see text appear.

Fix mistakes with keyboard without having to toggle the mic icon off.

Tip:  You can also move your cursor to a new comment to dictate feedback for others.

Dictate is not available in Office 2016 or 2019 without Microsoft 365 .

make sure you have Windows 10 or above.

Make sure the document is not in a Read-Only state.

If you see "We don’t have access to your microphone":

check the microphone settings in Control Panel.

also see How to set up and test microphones in Windows 10

on a Surface running Windows 10: Adjust microphone settings

Need more help?

Want more options.

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

Microsoft 365 training

Microsoft security

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Ask the Microsoft Community

Microsoft Tech Community

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Was this information helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

How to Add Text-to-Speech in PowerPoint: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adding text-to-speech to PowerPoint presentations is a nifty feature that allows your slides to be more accessible and engaging. Simply go to the ‘Insert’ tab, select ‘Audio’ and then ‘Text-to-Speech’ to add a spoken version of your text. You can choose from different voices and adjust the speed to suit your needs.

Once you’ve added text-to-speech to your PowerPoint, your slides will now have an audio feature that reads the text aloud to your audience. This is especially useful for those who may have difficulty reading or for presentations that will be viewed without a presenter.

Introduction

Talking about presentations, have you ever thought of making your PowerPoint slides talk? Literally! In this digitized era, accessibility is key, and one way to enhance your PowerPoint presentations is by adding text-to-speech (TTS). TTS is an assistive technology that reads digital text aloud, and it’s a game-changer for creating inclusive content. It’s beneficial for individuals with visual impairments, reading difficulties, or those who prefer auditory learning. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to give your presentation a voice when you can’t be there in person.

But why is this important? Well, think about it. We live in a world where content is consumed in various ways. By adding TTS to your PowerPoint presentations, you’re making sure that your content is accessible to a wider audience. This feature is not just for those with disabilities; it’s for everyone. It’s for the multitasker who listens to your presentation while doing something else, or the non-native speaker who benefits from hearing the pronunciation of words. It’s for the educator who wants to provide different ways for students to engage with material, or the professional who wants to add a touch of innovation to their slides. So, let’s dive in and learn how to give your PowerPoint presentations their own voice!

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Add Text-to-Speech in PowerPoint

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, understand that by following these steps, you’ll be able to add audio to your PowerPoint slides that will read the text you select. This will not only make your slides more dynamic but also more inclusive.

Step 1: Open PowerPoint and select the slide

Open your PowerPoint presentation and click on the slide where you want to add text-to-speech.

Choosing the right slide is crucial because the TTS audio will be associated with that particular slide. If you have a lot of text, consider breaking it up across multiple slides to make it easier for your audience to follow along.

Step 2: Go to the ‘Insert’ tab

Navigate to the ‘Insert’ tab on the PowerPoint ribbon, which is at the top of the screen.

The ‘Insert’ tab is where the magic happens. It’s where you can add all sorts of elements to your slides, from images to videos, and yes, TTS audio.

Step 3: Select ‘Audio’ then ‘Text-to-Speech’

Click on ‘Audio’ in the media section of the tab, and then choose ‘Text-to-Speech’ from the dropdown menu.

By selecting ‘Text-to-Speech,’ you’re telling PowerPoint that you want to convert your selected text into spoken words. It’s pretty cool!

Step 4: Highlight the text you want to read aloud

Once the TTS window opens, highlight the text on the slide that you want to convert to speech.

Be selective with the text you choose. Remember, you want your TTS to complement your presentation, not dominate it.

Step 5: Choose the voice and speed

In the TTS window, select the voice and speed you want for the audio. You can preview it to make sure it sounds just right.

This is where you can personalize the TTS feature to match the tone and pace of your presentation. Play around with the different options to find the perfect fit.

Step 6: Insert the audio

After you’re satisfied with the TTS, click ‘Insert’ and the audio will be added to your slide.

Voilà! You’ve now added a voice to your PowerPoint slide. You can move the audio icon around and hide it behind images or off the slide if you prefer a cleaner look.

Additional Information

When it comes to adding text-to-speech in PowerPoint, there are a few additional tips and insights that can enhance your experience. First off, not all versions of PowerPoint have the TTS feature built-in. If you’re using an older version, you might need to upgrade or find a third-party TTS plugin. Also, consider the language and clarity of your text. Since TTS reads exactly what’s written, ensure your text is clear, concise, and free of jargon that might confuse the TTS software.

Furthermore, practice good design principles when using TTS. Since the audio will draw attention to the text, make sure it’s easy to read and visually appealing. Use bullet points, short sentences, and avoid cluttering the slide with too much information. Remember, the goal is to enhance your presentation, not overwhelm your audience.

Lastly, always test your TTS before presenting. This will help you catch any errors, adjust the volume, and ensure the pacing is right. Consider the environment where your presentation will be viewed. Will there be noise interference? Will the audience have headphones? All these factors can affect how well your TTS is received. By paying attention to these details, you ensure that your message is heard loud and clear.

• Open PowerPoint and select the slide.
• Go to the ‘Insert’ tab.
• Select ‘Audio’ then ‘Text-to-Speech’.
• Highlight the text for TTS.
• Choose the voice and speed.
• Insert the audio into your slide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i customize the voice in text-to-speech.

Yes, you can choose from different voices provided by PowerPoint to find one that suits your presentation.

What if my PowerPoint version doesn’t have text-to-speech?

You may need to upgrade to a newer version or find a third-party TTS plugin compatible with PowerPoint.

Can I adjust the speed of the text-to-speech?

Absolutely, you have control over how fast or slow the TTS reads your text.

Will text-to-speech work with any text on my slide?

TTS will read any text that you highlight and choose to convert. However, keep in mind any limitations in text length.

Is there a way to test the text-to-speech before presenting?

Yes, you can preview the TTS in PowerPoint and make adjustments as needed before finalizing your presentation.

PowerPoint has come a long way, and with the text-to-speech feature, it’s making strides in accessibility and versatility. Whether you’re an educator, professional, or just someone who loves to create dynamic presentations, adding TTS is a step towards making your content more inclusive and engaging.

Remember, the goal is to communicate effectively, and by giving your slides a voice, you’re ensuring that your message is not just seen but also heard. So, go ahead, explore this feature, and let your PowerPoint presentations speak for themselves!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

Share this:

Related posts:.

• How to Save Powerpoint as PDF with Notes
• How to Set Time for Slides in Powerpoint
• Can I Convert My Powerpoint to Google Slides?
• How to Drag Slides From One PowerPoint to Another: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Add Page Numbers in Powerpoint 2010
• How to Unhide a Slide in Powerpoint 2013
• How to Create a Speech Bubble in Photoshop CS5
• How to Make a Powerpoint Slide Vertical in Powerpoint 2013
• How to Insert Text Box in Google Docs
• How to Delete a Slide in Powerpoint 2010
• How to Insert Slides from Another Presentation in Powerpoint 2010
• How to Loop a Slideshow on Powerpoint 2013
• How to Insert Check Mark in Powerpoint for Office 365
• How to Hide a Slide in Powerpoint 2010
• How to Change the Font on All Slides in Google Slides
• How to Rotate a Slide in PowerPoint: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Delete Multiple Slides in Google Slides
• How to End Powerpoint on Last Slide in Powerpoint 2010
• How to Change Line Spacing in Powerpoint for Every Slide at Once
• How to Make Curved Text in Powerpoint 2013

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

What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

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

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

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

Partner Center

• International
• Schools directory
• Resources Jobs Schools directory News Search

Writing a speech

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

28 August 2020

• Share through email
• Share through twitter
• Share through linkedin
• Share through facebook
• Share through pinterest

Creative Commons "Sharealike"

Your rating is required to reflect your happiness.

It's good to leave some feedback.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

amie_campbell1

Thank you for sharing this. I really liked the writing frame

Empty reply does not make any sense for the end user

Julietteaharrison

Yes. Great resource. Thank you

geraldinedaly

Thank you for sharing! Great resource!

Thanks for sharing! Great content.

darlene_gedye

Thank you. There is some great content here to help students to structure and write their speeches. The power points will be very handy as will the variety of lead up lessons included. Thanks for sharing your resources.

Report this resource to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.

Not quite what you were looking for? Search by keyword to find the right resource:

How to write a speech

Sep 30, 2014

100 likes | 237 Views

Spending all your time focusing on writing a speech will only make the process harder for you. The task will become simple when you come to Writing a Speech. You can learn more about how to write a good speech on http://www.writingaspeech.org/

Share Presentation

Presentation Transcript

Writing A Speech: Writing a speechis most stressful task because • speech is meant to be spoken out loud and not submitted as a paper • content should be appropriate and meaningful for the special occasion.

Before writing a good speech, first of all, you need to understand about your audience you are writing speech for and, second one is your topic you are going to write on, for example(writing a persuasive speech, writing a wedding speech or writing a political speech).

Focus on your message: The message that matches the occasion for the speech needs to be one. Don't put too many ideas into your speech. Because people remember very little thing from speeches, so just give them one or two ideas.

Use Accurate Words: The words use in speech are the main things to worry about. You have to choose words that will bring the audience around to your way of thinking about the topic.

Make it simple: To make speech effective use short sentences always. Write two simple sentences than one long complicated sentence.

Grab listeners attention: Always think how you can relate with your audience and get them to relate to you or your topic. If you capture their attention and concern, then you will increase your chances for a successful speech.

Take Another Look: Once you have done with speech writing you need to recheck your speech several times carefully. First of all make sure that you have got your main points in their correct order with your supporting materials.

On the second reading check your used language and tone. On the third reading check all sentences and words you used in your speech. Keep these rules in mind and you won't go wrong.

Contact Us For more detail about how to write a speech or in case if you need a professional help with writing your speech, please contact us via phone 18666070723 est.52 or Email [email protected]

• More by User

How to Write a Paragraph

How to Write a Paragraph When Who Where

1.35k views • 16 slides

How To Write and Deliver A Successful Speech

How To Write and Deliver A Successful Speech. Presentation by Keva Silversmith 2002. Writing The Speech. Write for the ear, not for the eye. A speech must be written to be heard, not read Learn to “write aloud.”. Average Number of Words Understood Per Sentence.

400 views • 17 slides

How to prepare a speech

How to prepare a speech. 2 types of speeches: 1 . Informative You give information about someone or something that your audience doesn’t know.

405 views • 15 slides

HOW TO WRITE A SPEECH

HOW TO WRITE A SPEECH. Narrative Describes. Persuasive Convinces . THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF SPEECHES:. Introduction + Body (3 points) + Conclusion = Successfully written Speech. INTRODUCTION. Begin with a snappy introduction to GRAB your reader’s attention

565 views • 15 slides

HOW TO WRITE A SUMMARY

HOW TO WRITE A SUMMARY. HOW TO WRITE A SUMMARY. There are many situations in the workplace , at the university , in your life in which it is necessary to summarise information.

5.5k views • 27 slides

HOW TO WRITE A

HOW TO WRITE A. FEASIBILITY SUMMARY. The 16 th Annual Edward L. Kaplan, ’ 71 New Venture Challenge 2011-12. Steve Kaplan Ellen Rudnick. WORKSHOP. AGENDA. PRESENTATION. REVIEW NVC TIMELINE FEASIBILITY SUMMARY: KEY ELEMENTS OUTSIDE - IMPACTS DOS & DON ’ TS Q&A. AFTERWARDS.

609 views • 45 slides

How to write and deliver a persuasive SPEECH!

How to write and deliver a persuasive SPEECH!. STEP 1. MAKE SURE THAT YOU CHOOSE A TOPIC WHICH INTERESTS YOU !. Here are a few different speech topics: “Plastic bottles should be banned !” “Australians should find out the real facts about Asylum Seekers !”

368 views • 13 slides

How to write a…

How to write a…. BUSINESS LETTER. D.0.L. Please write the following sentences in your class folder. We will correct them together as a class. I dont under stand why we need to learn how to right an business letter. If you ask me I think their just plaine boring.

328 views • 11 slides

How to Deliver a Speech

How to Deliver a Speech. Elements of a Good Speech . Attitude Rehearsal Verbal Expression Nonverbal Expression. Attitude. Attitude matters a great deal with delivery. A confident presence shows your credibility and persuasiveness. Rehearsal. Practice, practice, practice

179 views • 7 slides

How to Write a How-to Article

How to Write a How-to Article. 4 th Grade Writing. Lesson 1. What makes a good how-to article?

478 views • 28 slides

How To Write A Speech

How To Write A Speech.

710 views • 13 slides

How to Present a Speech

How to Present a Speech. Maria Campana. Speech Preparation. Know your audience Research your topic thoroughly Choose a speech style related to the goal of your speech (ex: informative, persuasive) Be confident!. Step 1: What to do Before Your Speech. Know your venue beforehand

378 views • 6 slides

How To Write a

How To Write a. B. Q. D. A “Dazzling” D.B.Q. Is Like a Tasty Hamburger. The Introductory Paragraph. The “Top Bun” of your essay! 4-6 sentences. The Introductory Paragraph. Establish TIME & PLACE . Create a clear, THESIS* STATEMENT . [underline or highlight it!]

249 views • 12 slides

How to write a

How to write a. D. B. Q. Steps to success…. Read the Question Brainstorm: “Odometer” Take notes relating to the documents Answer scaffolding questions Outline Essay Write Essay Proofread Essay. THE HAMBURGER THEORY. Introduction:. Introduce the Essay- in your own words

559 views • 11 slides

How to Write a Thesis

How to Write a Thesis. Why a Thesis Statement?. To test your ideas by distilling them into a sentence or two To better organize and develop your argument To provide your reader with a “guide” to your argument. What is a Thesis Statement?.

458 views • 30 slides

How to build a Speech

How to build a Speech. Construct a frame. A building needs a strong frame to stand, and so does a good speech. Use the following to build your frame:. Capture Motivate Assert Preview Point-Support Action. Capture.

387 views • 12 slides

HOW TO WRITE A CV HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER

HOW TO WRITE A CV HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER. As graduation approaches, students start thinking about their future employment, either full time or part time . One of the first things they have to do is to write and submit a job application and a CV or résumé * .

590 views • 33 slides

How to Deliver a Speech. Speaking With Confidence And Purpose. ELEMENTS OF GOOD SPEECH. ATTITUDE REHEARSAL VERBAL EXPRESSION NONVERBAL EXPRESSION. ATTITUDE. Attitude matters a great deal with delivery. A confident presence is an aspect of your credibility and persuasiveness.

321 views • 20 slides

HOW TO WRITE A ………

To whom it may concern. Dear Sir. Dear Ms Smith. HOW TO WRITE A ………. BUSINESS LETTER USFUL PHRASES FOR WRITING LETTERS EMAILS AND FAXES LAST BUT NOT LEAST – PUNCTUATION EXERCISES. Dear Jane. A SKING FOR INFORMATION 45 Muswell Rd London NW4 15 April 2009 Sunshine Holiday Cottages

599 views • 33 slides

How to Write a Diary

Read about writing a diary

264 views • 6 slides

The Next Big Thing in how to write a demonstration speech

This Demonstration Speech Ideas Will Help You To Write Your Speech Are you in search of demonstration speech ideas for college? Writing an illustration speech may not be as straightforward as you thought. the different measurements for sizes within the United States and standards utilized in other coutries, all in regards to the yards, feet, inches, meters, centimeters and their history. You can restrict these technical methods to speech subjects to clothes solely. However, earlier than we current ideas now we have give you when fascinated by doable topics to talk about in this kind of essay, we wish to make sure that you perceive the important fundamentals of this writing. Select your phrases fastidiously depending on the nature of your speech subject. Use jargon and technical language whether it is necessary to convey your meaning effectively. The physique of the speech should be characterized by vivid procedures or steps that yield to the ultimate output. Primarily, the gathering or the outline is arranged in such a way that the cations to be taken, the sensible points and the visual aids to assist every step is included. 12. Steps Provide the viewers with the steps wanted to complete the duty. Your audience should be able to follow alongside along with your steps. Steps should be simple to follow. Steps must be detailed. There should be an inexpensive quantity of steps. Think about the time restrict for the speech. These action verbs and phrases help describe to your audience what they can anticipate from your speech. Your headline might be more of an consideration getter with these demonstration-specific words. Time restrict - Take into consideration what you'll be able to realistically teach within the time you're given in your speech. Whereas one matter may stand out to you, you might not be capable to absolutely cowl it for those who're solely given 5 minutes. An indication speech is about training the audience to perform a process or full a process. Just as with every instructional process, it helps tremendously in case your viewers is motivated to be taught. Informative speeches are helpful as an introduction to some topic that is unfamiliar to your viewers. And this is where your viewers analysis pays off, which you learned about in Lesson 1. You'll want to be acquainted with what your audience already knows. After all, you wouldn't need to lecture on "The Historical past of the Airplane" to an viewers of NASA scientists. Alternatively, youu00a0mightu00a0give an informative speech on "The Supplies Used by the Wright Brothers for Their First Airplane" to that NASA audience. They is perhaps properly versed within the general historical past of the airplane, however they mayu00a0notu00a0know what exact supplies were used at Kitty Hawk.

20 views • 1 slides

How to Deliver a Speech. Speaking With Confidence And Purpose. ELEMENTS OF GOOD SPEECH. ATTITUDE REHEARSAL VERBAL EXPRESSION NONVERBAL EXPRESSION. ATTITUDE. You must be confident, sure of yourself and your product, and give a positive deliver!. ATTITUDE.

282 views • 22 slides

How To Use PowerPoint In Public Speaking

Table of Contents

When To Use PowerPoint In Public Speaking

How to use PowerPoint in public speaking? PowerPoint has become a standard software used in public speaking in our current Information Communication Technology age. With the increasing accessibility and affordability of LCD projectors and even mobile pocket-size projector, it is not difficult to set up a PowerPoint presentation for public speaking . However, how many speakers have actually used PowerPoint effectively and appropriately in public speaking?

I dare not say that I am an expert nor am I qualified in teaching people how to deliver an effective presentation using PowerPoint.

I am merely speaking from my observation as an audience who has been put through torturous presentations that used PowerPoint.

Instead of being an enhancement to the presentations, the way PowerPoint was used in these presentations distracted and frustrated me as an audience.

First and foremost, as a speaker you first have to decide, whether is there a need for you to use PowerPoint in your speech. Ask yourself these questions.

• How will the use of PowerPoint enhance your presentation?  
• What are the things do you need to show your audience that require the use of PowerPoint?  
• Do you need images, charts and tables?
• Are you making a technical presentation?

PowerPoint Slides Should Not Contain Too Much Details

Unless you are making a technical presentation or you need to show your audience images, tables or charts, you do not really need to use the PowerPoint software in your presentation. Most toastmasters do not use PowerPoint in their prepared speech projects during their clubs’ chapter meetings unless they are presenting a prepared speech project that specifically required them to use visual aids or they are making a Technical Presentation project.

However, I have noticed that whenever toastmasters were presenting prepared speech projects that were related to their jobs, they would conveniently use the PowerPoint presentations that they had already prepared in their office. They would modify the presentation they had made in the course of their works as their prepared speech projects.

It always turns out that the PowerPoint presentations contained far too much details packed in each slide and they were also packed with far too many jargons for anyone who is not doing the same job as the speakers to absorb in a 7-minute prepared speech project.

After all, public speaking does not necessarily require PowerPoint except those presentations that are required to show many details, charts, images such as technical presentations and board meeting presentations. Try restricting the use of PowerPoints to visual objects that cannot be communicated verbally such as images and charts.  

Use PowerPoint primarily to highlight the main points of what you are saying. Use them to help your audience focus on the key points that you want them to take away from your speech.

Perhaps you want to show more than just the main outlines of your presentation. Then sit down and think through what are the important points that you want to emphasise to your audience and for them to remember. Perhaps in a particular point, there are several issues that are connected to one another and together they lead to a certain conclusion. Then under your main point, you can highlight those connective issues and the conclusions with the sub-points under one of the individual main points of your speech.

Your PowerPoint Slides Should Be Readable With Just A Glance

Your audience should only just take a glance at Your PowerPoint slides and then focused on listening to you. If there are too many words on your PowerPoint slides, they will not be able to read all the words in your slides and listen to you at the same time. When they start reading the words on your slides, they cannot listen to what you are saying. Your slides are competing for their attention with you on what you are saying.  

Most audience especially Singaporeans who grew up in our local education system, has been psychologically trained and compelled to read every single word in a presentation slide just in case they miss out, fall behind and thus lose out on what they are suppose to know.

If your slides contain everything that you have to say, who needs to listen to you?

Too many speakers fill their PowerPoint slides with so many words and details as if they are writing a book. This is particularly true for university lecturers and junior college teachers. 

You need to understand that university lecturers and junior college teachers do that because their PowerPoint slides are meant for the students to copy word for word as their lecture notes for studying.   Speaking as a former teacher, it is unnecessary for teachers to use PowerPoint presentations for their lectures. In my opinion, PowerPoint is ineffective for teaching and in fact it makes the flow of the lesson inflexible.

Do Not Use Your PowerPoint As Your Notes

Perhaps you feel that it is absolutely necessary and important to present all the details and information to your audience. Then it is better for you to prepare all the details you want to present as handouts and give them to your audience instead of putting all these details into your PowerPoint presentation.

Perhaps you are generous enough to give away all the informative details as notes to your audience, or perhaps you are a lecturer or a teacher and you have to give your notes to your students.

You should not be printing out your PowerPoint presentation as notes for your audience. Your notes should be populated with all the important details including elaborations that are not possibly included in your presentation typed out with a word processor software, properly formatted.

Remember that your PowerPoint slides are not the same as your notes and your PowerPoint should not contain too much details.

Remember this! Notes that are meant to be studied take much time to be read and assimilated. They cannot be read in a short span of time, much less understood and assimilated during your speech. Thus, it does not make sense to put all the details into your PowerPoint slides.

Let Your Notes Be Downloadable

That will bring us to the question of whether you should print out the details of your presentation and give them out to your audience before or perhaps halfway through during your presentation?  

If you do so before your presentation, they would begin reading your handout instead of listening to you. Yes, it is very likely that they will, especially Singaporean audience. It is also an extremely bad idea to give your handouts in the midst of your speech. It is extremely disruptive and people will be distracted from your speech checking whether they have gotten the full set of handouts, asking and looking around when they felt that they were overlooked and were missing out.

For you to continue with your speech is pointless amidst such chaos because many of your audience are no longer listening to you while those who are listening are distracted and annoyed by all the noise and movement.

University lecturers and junior college teachers are different. Their notes are meant to be read by their students before they attend the lesson. So the notes are given to the students days before the lesson itself. The drawback of this practice is that students would probably decide not to attend the lessons because they already have the notes. 

To prevent students from skipping lessons, lecturers usually would leave out some information in the notes for the students to fill in during the lessons. Good lecturers would focus more on elaborating and illustrating concepts beyond the notes during the lessons instead of just mere reciting from the notes.

In this current digital age, you can choose to give your audience a url or a QR code where they can download your handouts at the end of your speech. Between url and QR code, QR code is better because they could just scan the QR code with their smart phones whereas for url, more often than not, they will type it wrongly.  

That will also save you the extra money needed to print your handouts on papers, which you probably would end up either printing insufficient handouts for your audience or in excess. 

It is also a good opportunity for you to collect some data from your audience such as their names and email addresses for future follow-up and ask them for their feedback before they download your notes.

Do Not Recite Word For Word From Your PowerPoint Slides

Do not recite or worse still, read word for word from your PowerPoint slides. This tends to be the case for speakers who fill their PowerPoint slides with too many words. They made their PowerPoint slides the scripts for their speech.

Keep the number of words to a minimal, showing mainly the outline of your speech and show them one by one as you elaborate on each point instead of showing them all at the same time. PowerPoint is designed to have several lines of text as well as images on a slide appearing one after the other. Showing all the text and images on a slide all at once defeat the purpose of using PowerPoint. It also overwhelms the audience with too many details all at one go.  

There are advices out there that say that the PowerPoint slides are not your outline. The choice is yours. Do you want to emphasise your outline? If you think that it is unnecessary, then perhaps you do not even need to use PowerPoint in your presentation unless you want to show charts and images. 

Make your speech and your presence (body language) the main attraction and let your slides be the companion that merely enhance your speech.

PowerPoint Cannot Replace The Board And The Marker

The whiteboard and the marker, or the blackboard and the chalk, continue to have their place in presentation, just as essential as the pen and the paper.  

We are living among people who have a herd mentality and follow the latest trend blindly. Even more sadly, we have been led by ignorant leaders who impose on us to follow the trend blindly. Information and Communication Technology has become a hype. Making presentations using so-called primitive tools like the marker and the board are condemned as ineffective and unprogressive.

The key in making an effective presentation is using the right tool to do the right task. Using technology blindly will not make public speaking more effective but the opposite could be true.

If time and effort permit, the use of technology can add “bells and whistles” to your presentation.

Nevertheless, rhetoric devices, body language and your vocal varieties are the real tools to an effective and impactful speech.

Knowledge and information are to be constructed bit by bit. They cannot be thrown out at your audience as a completed, finished product all at one go. Using a whiteboard or flip charts is more helpful in bringing your presentation at a rate where the facts are written or drawn manually during your presentation. Certain diagrams are best drawn up a little by little; first a line, followed by another, then a circle or a triangle.

Although we have been living in an age of high-end technology, we all grew up and are still facing a real world where things are developed slowly before our eyes apart from technologically enhanced animations. We see a person grows from a baby to a toddler, then from a teenager into an adult. They do not evolve before our eyes from a baby into an adult in a span of a few seconds or a few minutes at the rate of a computer animation.

As a former Mathematics teacher, I am fully aware that my students need me to present the solution to a problem by writing symbol by symbol, digit by digit, and not to show the solution line by line from a PowerPoint presentation that has been typed out earlier on. A geometrical diagram has to be constructed and drawn line by line, shape by shape before their very eyes and not reproduced as a completed diagram that they have no idea how it was constructed.

Whiteboards and blackboards are flexible tools where any illustrations can be produced spontaneously. During a live interaction with the audience, you might require to explain and illustrate an idea that was not prepared beforehand and you need to use this so-called ancient tool.  

Moreover, writing on a whiteboard or blackboard comes more naturally than writing on a tablet where the touch and feel of writing is not as natural. Given a choice, anyone would still prefer to write with a pen and paper instead of writing on a tablet. Even erasing a mistake will be easier. A big board gives you the flexibility of how much space you want to use in your presentation without having to hide or erase a page you have written earlier on and provide you the convenience of referring to what have been written or drawn previously.

To sum up this article, remember the following.

• Your PowerPoint presentation should not replace you. You are the main focus of the your presentation.
• Do not use PowerPoint in public speaking unless they are really necessary.
• Use PowerPoint if you need to show images, charts and tables to your audience.
• Keep the details in your PowerPoint slides to a minimal. Do not overwhelm and confuse your audience with too much details.
• Do not use your PowerPoint as your notes for the audience. Prepare a separate set of detailed notes for your audience to download from the internet.
• Unveil the details, be it images or text, in each PowerPoint slide a little each time instead of overwhelming your audience with all the details all at once.
• PowerPoint does not replace traditional tools like the whiteboard and marker that are best for step-by-step illustrations and spontaneous discussion.

Uplyrn – Platform For Your Online Learning

Enrol For Free – Pay just 50% for your first course

Use the referral code RF551mBS to get 20% off every subsequent course you purchase after your first course.

Related Posts

How To Improve Your English

Dec 29, 2020

This article focuses on how to improve your English. The suggestion that I am giving here is an amalgamation of my...

Overcoming The Fear Of Public Speaking

Jun 16, 2020

Overcoming the fear of public speaking is the number one task you need to undertake. Failing which, your fear will...

Public Speaking Preparations – Write Your Scripts

Research and Write the Scripts for Your Speech The first and foremost thing in public speaking preparations that you...

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

Privacy Overview