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How to Create a Multimedia Presentation (& Tools to Use)

Written by: Orana Velarde

A multimedia presentation can help you stand out, grab attention and leave a stronger impact on the audience. If you're wondering how to create a multimedia presentation without having to spend hours editing on PowerPoint, you're at the right place.

In this guide, you’re going to learn about:

• What a multimedia presentation is.
• The steps to creating a visually appealing multimedia presentation.
• Some good examples of multimedia presentations and why they work.
• The best multimedia presentation tools you can use to get started.

Sounds good? Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

What is a multimedia presentation, how to create a multimedia presentation in 5 steps.

• 7 Examples of Multimedia Presentations
• The 5 Best Multimedia Presentation Software to Help You Get Started

If you prefer watching over reading, here’s the video version of this article on how to create a multimedia presentation.

A multimedia presentation is a type of presentation that uses several different forms of digital communication, such as video, interactive slides , audio clips, music and more, to get the message across.

In short, multimedia presentations go beyond the use of text and images. Including digital media like animation, video, audio, or interactive features like forms, popups and more can help enrich your presentations both visually and content-wise.

While you can create basic multimedia presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint, there are much more innovative and modern tools out there to help you create even better presentations, like Visme .

Visme's presentation software offers plenty of tools to create multimedia presentations. From video embeds to voiceovers to interactivity animated features, you'll find it all in one, robust platform.

Keep reading to find out how you can create an unforgettable multimedia experience with Visme.

Creating a multimedia presentation isn’t difficult, you just need the right tools. In fact, it’s as easy as the six steps in the tutorial below.

Step #1: Define the purpose of your multimedia presentation.

Before you can start creating a multimedia presentation, you need to know exactly what you’ll be presenting about and why.

Jot down some ideas about what you want to achieve with your presentation.

• Want to add value to an evergreen landing page?
• Hope to get more people interested in your content or services?
• Wish to impart knowledge to your readers in a meaningful way?
• Need to create a pitch deck that inspires investors in your project?
• Want to report sales or business results in a unique way?
• Need to present survey results that don’t bore your audience?

You can achieve all of the above with a multimedia presentation.

Just make sure to have all the information you need to present in an orderly fashion so it’s easier when it’s time to create.

Step #2: Outline the content with visualization ideas.

Now that you have everything planned out and all your content is ready to be put into a slide deck, it's time to create an outline.

While creating the outline, think of ways that you can improve the story using different mediums.

For example:

• Explainer videos
• Video clips
• Animated GIFs
• Interactivity between slides
• Color-coded maps
• Google Maps
• Animated charts
• Loom videos
• Sound effects
• Embedded third-party content
• Background music
• Ted Talk video embeds

Create a stunning presentation in less time

• Hundreds of premade slides available
• Add animation and interactivity to your slides
• Choose from various presentation options

Sign up. It’s free.

Step #3: Select a presentation template and add your content.

Now, log into your Visme dashboard and find a presentation template that will be perfect for your project. There are lots of choices, from pre-designed presentations to customizable slide libraries in different styles.

In the case of a multimedia presentation, we recommend you go with one of the slide libraries. Slide libraries can also be referred to as presentation themes.

Visme has three presentation themes:

• Modern: Sleek and unique
• Simple: Clean cut and no-frills
• Creative: Off the cuff and interesting

Each theme comes with a large slide library with hundreds of different options. You can mix-and-match slides to create your own, unique multimedia presentation.

The slides in Visme's presentation themes are organized into groups, such as:

• Introduction
• Comparisons
• Testimonials
• ...and more.

We suggest you add all the blank slides you need by following the outline you made in the previous step. Then, input the general content, images, backgrounds and design assets.

Next, add your logo, brand colors, fonts and branded imagery. When you have a Visme Brand Kit, that step can’t be any easier. The fonts are already set up in your editor as are the colors.

Use Dynamic Field to ensure your important data is consistent and updated across all your slides and projects. Once you place your information in the custom field , it will automatically appear on other slides containing the value.

Alternatively, create your presentation from scratch by starting with a blank canvas. Visme also offers content blocks and element groups to help you create a good presentation.

Presentation Templates

Ecommerce Webinar Presentation

Buyer Presentation

PixelGo Marketing Plan Presentation

Technology Presentation

Product Training Interactive Presentation

Work+Biz Pitch Deck - Presentation

Create your presentation View more templates

Step #4: Add multimedia content.

At this stage, your presentation probably looks good-looking, but static. Let’s make it interactive by adding unique multimedia presentation tools.

Start adding multimedia content to the slides that need it. Follow your outline and visualization idea notes.

You don’t need to add a different type of media on each slide — that’s overwhelming. Aim for two or three types of media spread throughout the presentation to keep a balance.

• A narration can cover all the slides and it should flow seamlessly.
• Interactive slides with links to the main slide or other sections need to be well-organized and easy to navigate.
• Videos shouldn’t be on every slide. There needs to be breathing space between videos so it's not overwhelming.
• Animated charts don’t need to be surrounded by too much content. Let them shine on their own.
• Surveys should have their own slide with a previous slide explaining why there’s a survey in the first place.
• Embed content on any slide and make it fit visually with the rest of the content.

Step #5: Review, download and share.

When you’ve added all your content, both regular and multimedia, it’s time to revise. Click on the “present” button on the top-right of your editor and take a look at your presentation as if you were a viewer.

As you go through every slide, take notes if you spot anything that looks off or unfinished. Then, go back and edit those slides until the presentation is just right.

Multimedia presentations can be presented or shared in several ways. For interactive presentations that include clicking or filling in forms, give your audience the best experience by:

• Embedding the presentation into a website
• Sharing the presentation with a live link
• Downloading the presentation as an HTML5 file

Presentations that don’t require your audience to interact can be downloaded as videos and even editable PowerPoint files.

When you share a Visme multimedia presentation via a live link, you can track the analytics of who watched it, for how long and where. This adds another level to your team’s content creation.

Another option is to upload your presentation to SlideShare where other people can see your work. SlideShare presentations can easily be shared on social media as well.

Examples of Multimedia Presentations

Are you ready to create your own multimedia presentation?

Before you get to it, let’s look at some inspiring examples. Below, you’ll find some stunning Visme presentations, some of which are templates that you can customize for your own use.

We have also included some examples of presentations from other sources that we found interesting.

Example #1: Presentation with GIFs

You can quickly create simple and beautiful multimedia presentations with GIFs. At Visme, we regularly create multimedia presentations with GIFs to present new features and updates.

Check out one of our recent ones:

Made with Visme Presentation Maker

We create our custom GIFs, which you can also do using our GIF maker !

If you don’t have the time or resources for that, Visme has a GIPHY integration, which lets you search through millions of GIFs in lots of different styles inside the editor.

Integrate GIFs with content that complements, not competes with it.

Also, don’t overload your presentation with GIFs, especially if they are all different. Stick to one style of GIF throughout to maintain visual consistency.

Example #2: Animations and Narration

This is an example of a multimedia presentation that uses animations to liven up the story and the slides.

This is the type of presentation that can be easily turned into a video.  Each slide can have animated objects, illustrations, text and design assets.

Impact Radius from Fab Design on Vimeo .

You can create a presentation like this with Visme quite easily.

Simply record your voiceover on each slide and download it as a video. If you already have a voiceover from a project, upload it into your presentation project and trim the audio as needed.

Example #3: Narrators and Video

This presentation is on the shorter side. This narrated presentation includes a balanced amount of media, such as images, videos, annotations and animation and charts.

It’s also presented as a video for easy viewing. A multimedia presentation video like this one takes more work than others, as it has a large amount of content.

Example #4: Interactive Charts and Music

Multimedia presentations for business reports are more engaging with interactive charts. Visme charts are animated by default but you can add more interactivity with popups and links .

Top it all off with a music clip that doesn’t overwhelm or distract from the content of the presentation.

Example #5: Video

Adding video to presentations is one of the easiest ways to create a multimedia video presentation. Here's an example of a slide created in Visme that includes a YouTube video. Go ahead and press play to see it in action!

Embed YouTube videos or Vimeo videos easily by simply inputting the video URL.

Upload your own video, use the Visme video editing tools to trim the clip to how you need it. Select from our gallery of video clips to add as backgrounds behind other content.

Example #6: Zoomable Presentation with Video

This is a Prezi multimedia presentation about The Red Bull Stratosphere Jump.

It has a classic Prezi feel and navigation plus videos of the event. Not every presentation warrants this level of multimedia or interactivity but for a brand like Red Bull, it makes sense.

This style of presentation can be created with Prezi quite easily. They have a number of templates that you can use to create a multimedia presentation with a zoomable navigation style.

Example #7: Survey and Embedded PDF

The last example is a little different. It includes an integrated survey and embedded PDF. This is the perfect multimedia presentation to include in a blog post or on a website.

Take a look below at how a survey works inside a presentation and how an embedded PDF can be integrated with other content.

The 4 Best Multimedia Presentation Software to Get You Started

To create multimedia presentations, you need the right tools.

Below are four tools to help you create engaging multimedia presentations.

Software #1: Visme

The first software on the list is Visme. The varied collection of integrations in our editor is just the right combination to create a multimedia presentation that will make an impact.

Usually, you need more than one software to create an engaging multimedia presentation. But if you're looking for a software that does it all, Visme's presentation maker is a great option.

Users have always been able to create multimedia presentations with Visme, especially with videos, animations and voiceovers.

But recently, we've added new features and AI-powered tools, including the Visme AI Designer . This tool will help you to create unique multimedia presentations in a matter of minutes rather than hours. 

Create complete or customizable designs by answering questions or using a single prompt concerning your topic. Once your presentation is generated, edit images, add interactive elements like links, GIFs, surveys,   interactive maps , and animation, plus integrate your current tech pack and tools if needed. 

Software #2: Wistia

Wistia is a video hosting, management and marketing software for businesses who want to have more control over their video content.

Embedding video is one of the quickest ways to create a multimedia presentation. If you're creating your presentation in Visme, you can easily embed Wistia videos in your slides.

You can also add videos into your presentation from YouTube, Vimeo and Vidyard. Check out the full list of Visme integrations here .

Note: When sharing videos that aren’t yours, make sure to add a description with the name of the creator and why you chose to share it.

Software #3: Typeform

Multimedia presentations with surveys add an unprecedented level of interactivity.

Use the Typeform or Jotform integration to add surveys to your informative presentations or market research projects.

When you include a survey in a multimedia presentation, you’ll have to share it as a link or embed it on a site. This way, your audience can input the answers straight into the survey inside the slide instead of opening a separate link.

Software #4: Loom

If you're not presenting your multimedia presentation in person, recording a Loom video and embedding it in your slides can be a great alternative for adding a personal touch.

Walk your audience through a tutorial, give a brief overview about a topic, shed light on your company and services, or simply introduce yourself. Loom videos offer tons of opportunities to make your multimedia presentation more interactive.

Software #5: Google Maps

Include maps in your multimedia presentations to visualize geographic data or location information. Visme has two map creation options, the Map Maker and the Google Maps integration .

The Map Maker lets you create custom maps with color-coding and interactive popups that match the design of your project. Import map data from a google sheet or input it manually.

Add a navigable Google Map in all the default styles. Show specific location coordinates in a box that you can customize.

Create Your Multimedia Presentation With Visme

Now, you’re ready!

It’s time to start creating the best multimedia presentation for your audience.

When you sign up for our presentation software , you’ll find all the tools you need to create an engaging multimedia presentation your audience is likely to remember for a long time.

Create a Brand Kit to stay on brand easier and faster by uploading your logos, color palettes and fonts. Organize your assets and projects into folders to make them easier to find.

At Visme, we're always adding new features and integrations. You can keep an eye on our What's New page to stay updated with all the new cool, new stuff.

If you have a PowerPoint presentation that you'd like to enhance, import the PPTX file into Visme and add multimedia there. The PowerPoint slides will import as editable slides so you have full control of how the final project looks.

Sign up for our presentation software today and start creating slides that nobody can look away from.

Create beautiful presentations faster with Visme.

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About the Author

Orana is a multi-faceted creative. She is a content writer, artist, and designer. She travels the world with her family and is currently in Istanbul. Find out more about her work at oranavelarde.com

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Everything you need to know about multimedia presentations

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

Anete Ezera May 25, 2023

Crafting a well-executed multimedia presentation can be the determining factor between success and failure when delivering presentations. The impact of a multimedia presentation is undeniable, but what exactly does it entail, and what are the essential considerations to keep in mind when creating one?

In this article, we’ll explore the key components involved in creating compelling multimedia presentations and delve into the strategies that can help you assemble these elements to craft the perfect presentation. We’ll discuss the importance of content structure, visual design, and engaging storytelling techniques that capture your audience’s attention and leave a lasting impact. Additionally, we’ll provide insights on leveraging Prezi’s features to enhance your multimedia presentations, making them more dynamic and interactive.

What is a multimedia presentation?

A multimedia presentation is a computer-based presentation that uses various forms of media to effectively communicate and engage an audience. In today’s fast-paced world, multimedia presentations have emerged as one of the most powerful and impactful means of communication. Complex ideas and information can be challenging to convey using only traditional tools. However, by harnessing the potential of visually engaging images, high-quality audio clips, and captivating video content, you can deliver a wealth of information that isn’t only clear, but also interesting, easy to understand, contextual, detailed, and engaging.

To facilitate the creation of multimedia presentations, Prezi offers a user-friendly and intuitive platform that empowers presenters to transform their ideas into attention-grabbing visual stories that move. One of the standout features of Prezi is its dynamic zooming capability. With this feature, presenters can seamlessly navigate between various levels of content, zooming in to emphasize critical details and zooming out to provide a comprehensive overview. This interactive zooming functionality not only adds visual interest to your presentation but also enables you to guide your audience’s focus and create a fluid and engaging storytelling experience. Furthermore, the presentation canvas allows for more creativity and freedom as you don’t need to be limited by the traditional slide-based presentation format. 

The psychology of multimedia

Multimedia presentations are not just about what you say but also how you make your audience feel and remember. Let’s discover how colors, visuals, and sounds can influence your audience’s perception and memory retention.

Color psychology

Colors evoke emotions and convey messages. For instance, red can signal urgency and passion, while blue suggests trust and calmness. Choose your color palette wisely to align with the emotions you want to portray to your audience.

Visual impact

Visuals are your secret weapon. The brain processes visual information 60,000 times faster than text. Use attention-grabbing images and graphics that resonate with your message. For example, if you’re presenting about eco-friendly initiatives, images of lush forests and clear skies can speak volumes.

Soundscapes

Sound can set the mood and reinforce key points. Think about the background music in movies – it enhances the overall emotional impact of a scene. In your presentation, use background music or sound effects thoughtfully to complement your content.

Memory retention

Did you know that people tend to remember only about 10% of what they hear after three days? However, if you pair that information with relevant visuals, retention jumps to 65%. Craft your multimedia presentation with this in mind; use visuals to reinforce your message for better recall.

Incorporate these psychological cues effectively, and your multimedia presentation will not only capture attention but also leave a lasting imprint on your audience’s memory.

Which elements can be included in a multimedia presentation?

Multimedia presentations have come a long way from the relatively simplistic options of the past. Now a whole range of different elements can be used to ensure your stand-alone presentation wows your intended audience. Some of the examples of what you can add to your multimedia presentations include:

• Slides: Slides are the backbone of most multimedia presentations. They consist of visual elements like text, images, graphs, and charts. Slides help you organize information and guide your audience through your presentation. For example, in a business pitch, slides can showcase product images, market data, and key points.
• Videos: Videos add motion and life to your presentation. You can use them to demonstrate processes, showcase testimonials, or provide visual explanations. In an educational setting, a biology lecture might include videos of animal behaviors or experiments.
• Audio clips: Audio clips can range from background music to voiceovers. They enhance the auditory experience of your presentation. In a travel presentation, you might include the sounds of waves crashing on a beach to create a more immersive feel.
• Animations: Animations breathe life into static content. They can illustrate processes, emphasize key points, or add a touch of humor. In a marketing presentation, animations can show how a product evolves or highlight its unique features.
• Music: Music sets the mood and tone of your presentation. It can create excitement, relaxation, or suspense. In a fashion show presentation, music may compliment the models’ walk down the runway, enhancing the overall experience.
• Images: Images are powerful visual aids. They can create certain emotions, provide context, and simplify complex ideas. In a history lecture, images of historical events and figures help students visualize the past.
• Text: Text is one of the most crucial parts of your content. It provides information, explanations, and key points. In a scientific presentation, text can explain research findings or provide definitions of complex terms.
• Podcasts: Podcasts are audio presentations that offer in-depth discussions or storytelling. They are excellent for sharing interviews, discussions, or storytelling. In a business conference, you might use a podcast-style presentation to share insights from industry experts.
• Pop-ups: Pop-ups are interactive elements that can surprise and excite your audience. They can include clickable links, additional information, or even mini-quizzes. In an e-learning module, pop-ups can provide learners with instant feedback on their progress.

For any professional who wants to stand out from the crowd with multimedia presentations that truly dazzle and inspire, Prezi’s multimedia platform brings you everything you need.

Choosing the right multimedia for your presentation subject

When creating a multimedia presentation, it’s crucial to select the appropriate multimedia elements that align with your presentation subject. By choosing the right multimedia, you can effectively convey your message, enhance understanding, and captivate your audience. Consider the following factors when selecting multimedia for your presentation:

Content relevance: does it fit your message?

Evaluate the relevance of each multimedia element to your presentation subject. Determine how each element contributes to the overall message and supports your key points. Choose multimedia that directly relates to your topic and enhances the understanding and engagement of your audience.

Visual impact: how visually appealing is it?

Visual elements play a significant role in multimedia presentations. Assess the visual impact of different multimedia options such as images, videos, and animations. Opt for high-quality visuals that are visually appealing, clear, and reinforce your message. Balance aesthetics with substance to maintain a professional and engaging presentation.

Audio enhancement: does it complement your content?

Determine if your presentation would benefit from audio elements such as background music, sound effects, or voiceovers. Audio can evoke emotions, set the mood, and reinforce key points. However, use audio sparingly and ensure it complements your content rather than overpowering it.

Data visualization: can it simplify complex data?

If your presentation involves data or statistics, explore options for effective data visualization. Choose charts, graphs, or maps that you can find on Prezi and incorporate those into your presentation. These elements will help you present complex information in a clear and digestible format. Visualizing data will also help your audience grasp the main points quickly and facilitate better comprehension. 

Multimedia integration: do all elements work together?

Aim for a cohesive and seamless integration of multimedia elements into your presentation. Ensure that different multimedia components blend well together and create a unified visual and auditory experience. Avoid using too many diverse multimedia elements that may distract or overwhelm your audience.

Accessibility considerations: is it accessible to everyone?

Keep accessibility in mind when selecting multimedia elements. Ensure that any visual or audio content you include is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Provide captions or transcripts for videos and ensure that any audio content is accompanied by text summaries. Consider the needs of all your audience members to ensure an inclusive and engaging presentation.

Technical feasibility: will it work smoothly during your presentation?

Assess the technical feasibility of incorporating various multimedia elements into your presentation. Consider the equipment and software requirements for displaying and playing different multimedia formats. Test the compatibility and functionality of multimedia elements in the presentation environment to avoid any technical glitches during your actual presentation.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the right multimedia elements that enhance your presentation’s effectiveness and engage your audience. Remember, the key is to strike a balance between informative content, compelling visuals, and appropriate interactivity to create a memorable and impactful multimedia presentation. 

What makes an effective multimedia presentation?

An effective multimedia presentation is like a good book you can’t put down or a catchy new song you hear on the radio that you can’t stop humming to all day long – it has your audience instantly engaged and wanting more. 

Gone are the days when we were limited to presentations that only featured text and basic graphics. Nowadays, using a combination of audio, video, and images can help anyone effectively communicate their message to any audience.

Prezi enables users to create attention-grabbing presentations that move their audience. You can create your own presentation from scratch or start out with a template that you can find in Prezi’s template gallery.

8 things to consider when creating a multimedia presentation

Creating a multimedia presentation can be very straightforward. It just requires some basic planning and preparation and the correct tools to implement those plans. Follow these steps when enhancing a presentation with multimedia.

What is your message?

What exactly are you presenting, and what key messages do you wish to communicate to your audience? Take time to thoroughly think through these questions before constructing your multimedia presentation.

Who is your audience? 

You must understand who exactly your audience is. After all, there is likely a huge difference between what might work best with 20-something IT specialists or a group of senior management. Are you hoping to sell a product to potential investors? Delivering a quarterly report to your bosses? Or preparing a presentation for a job interview? Be very clear about who your audience is.

Preparation is vital, and with it comes research. You can’t wait to get started creating your new multimedia presentation. And the temptation is often to begin without first investigating fantastic examples of other people’s work for ideas or not taking advantage of Prezi’s awesome customizable presentations that are freely available to you, the user. Simply head over to Prezi’s Gallery and get inspired!

Create your content outline

What content do you wish to include in your presentation? Once you have decided, it’s time to create a content outline for your multimedia presentation. You can begin building the structure of your presentation by splitting your topic into separate ideas that run in a clear, logical sequence. If you want to learn more about how to create an effective presentation structure, watch the following video:

Decide which visualization mediums work best 

There are literally dozens of visualization mediums to choose from. The hard part sometimes is deciding which of these works best for you. Options include GIFs, short animation clips, audio clips, TED Talk video clips – the list goes on and on. The great news is that you can easily integrate all of these elements into your Prezi presentation. What’s more, Prezi has an extensive library of different multimedia elements like GIFs, stickers, images, icons, and more that you can pick and choose while creating your presentation.

Utilize templates

You might start entirely from scratch, building the presentation from the bottom up, which is great if you already have a clear idea in your mind. However, if you’re still trying to figure out what you want the end result to look like or want to spend less time on presentation design, explore the numerous tried and tested templates available on Prezi. You’ll discover various templates that are great for multimedia presentations.

It’s time to add your multimedia 

Don’t overdo the types of multimedia content you use in your presentation. Why? Because using too many different kinds can feel overwhelming and a little too ‘show offish’. Focus on 2-4 types of content that will work best with your target audience. Try to hit that balance between simplicity and style. If you are using video or animation, use it occasionally.

If you need to present online, take advantage of Prezi Video’s option to share your content next to you on-screen during your presentation. This will engage your audience and keep them hooked throughout your multimedia presentation even online.

Review and analyze your work

Your multimedia presentation is ready. Or is it? Invest some time reviewing your presentation. Is it clearly structured and cohesive? Do the multimedia elements you have added achieve what you wanted them to achieve? Be honest with yourself and trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right with your presentation, don’t be afraid to make changes! 

Best practices for delivering a multimedia presentation

Delivering a multimedia presentation requires careful planning and execution to effectively engage and captivate your audience. Follow these best practices to ensure that you leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Know your material

Familiarize yourself with the content of your presentation to make sure you can confidently deliver it without relying too heavily on notes. Thoroughly understand the key points, supporting evidence, and transitions between different sections. This will enable you to maintain a natural flow and deliver a confident presentation. Also, consider using Presenter Notes . They serve as a reminder of important talking points and additional information during your presentation. Only visible to you, the presenter, the notes remain hidden from the audience. This allows you to effectively communicate your points without any interruptions.

Practice timing

Time your presentation to ensure it fits within the allocated time frame. Practice transitions between different multimedia elements, such as slides, videos, and interactive features, to maintain a smooth flow. Keep in mind that pacing is crucial, so allocate sufficient time for each part of your presentation while maintaining an engaging pace.

Use visual aids strategically

Visual aids are a powerful tool for conveying information and enhancing understanding. However, it’s essential to use them strategically to support and highlight your message, rather than distract from it. Use visuals sparingly and ensure they’re clear, visually appealing, and easy to understand. Avoid cluttered slides and prioritize concise and impactful visuals that reinforce your key points. If you want to learn more about good presentation design practices when it comes to adding visual content, watch the following video on the topic: 

Speak clearly and confidently

Effective communication is key to delivering a memorable presentation. Project your voice to ensure everyone in the audience can hear you clearly. Maintain eye contact with your audience to establish a connection and demonstrate confidence. Speak with clarity and conviction, emphasizing key points and using appropriate pauses for emphasis. A confident and engaging delivery will help your audience connect with your message.

Incorporate storytelling techniques

Storytelling is a powerful way to engage and captivate your audience. Incorporate storytelling techniques to create a narrative structure for your presentation. Begin with a compelling introduction that sets the stage and grabs attention. Use storytelling elements such as anecdotes, examples, and personal experiences to illustrate your points and make the content relatable and memorable. A well-crafted story can evoke emotions and leave a lasting impact on your audience.

Practice with technology

Familiarize yourself with the multimedia tools and technology you will be using during the presentation. In particular, get to know the endless features and capabilities of Prezi, the powerful multimedia presentation tool. Take the time to explore its features and understand how it can enhance your presentation. Familiarize yourself with the different templates, transitions, and interactive elements available. By mastering Prezi, you’ll be able to create attention-grabbing presentations that move.

Adapt to the audience

Tailor your presentation to resonate with your specific audience. Consider their demographics, interests, and background when delivering your content. Use language that is accessible and appropriate for your audience, avoiding jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar. Incorporate relevant examples and references that relate to their experiences. By adapting your presentation to their needs and preferences, you can create a stronger connection and enhance their overall engagement.

Engage the audience

Use interactive features to involve your audience and make the presentation more engaging. Incorporate audience polling, where participants can vote or provide feedback on specific questions or topics. Additionally, include dedicated Q&A sessions to encourage active participation and address any queries or concerns. Engaging the audience in this way promotes interaction and makes your presentation more dynamic. 

Ask for feedback

You can practice your presentation in front of people to get honest feedback. This way you can make any changes or work on specific areas that may need tweaking before the real thing. After your real presentation, you may even want to seek feedback from your audience to gather insights on what worked well and areas for improvement.

Remember, a well-delivered multimedia presentation is a combination of interesting content, effective visuals, and confident delivery. By following these best practices, you can create an engaging experience for everyone in the room.

How to engage your audience with interactive multimedia presentations

In addition to the essential components and best practices we’ve discussed, incorporating interactive elements can take your multimedia presentations to the next level. By engaging your audience in an interactive experience, you can captivate their attention and create a memorable presentation. Let’s explore some strategies for incorporating interactivity into your multimedia presentations:

Interactive charts

Instead of static images, use interactive charts to convey data and complex information. Allow your audience to explore different data points, toggle between visualizations, and interact with the content. This hands-on approach enhances understanding and engagement.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) 

If applicable, consider incorporating VR or AR elements into your multimedia presentations. These technologies provide immersive experiences that can transport your audience to different environments or allow them to interact with virtual objects. VR and AR can be particularly effective in fields such as architecture, education, and product demonstrations.

Gamification

Introduce gamification elements to make your presentation more interactive and enjoyable. Create quizzes, challenges, or interactive scenarios that require audience participation. Offer rewards or incentives for active engagement, such as badges or prizes.

Collaborative activities

Foster collaboration among your audience by including interactive activities. For example, you can divide your audience into small groups or pairs and provide specific tasks or discussions related to your presentation topic. Encourage participants to share their insights or findings with the larger group afterward.

Live demonstrations

If possible, incorporate live demonstrations of software, tools, or processes directly into your presentation. Showcasing practical examples in real-time can enhance understanding and engage the audience through active participation.

Remember, interactivity should align with your presentation goals and content. Incorporate interactive elements strategically to support your message and keep your audience engaged throughout the presentation. Prezi offers various interactive features and templates to help you create dynamic and immersive multimedia presentations.

By embracing interactivity, you can transform your multimedia presentations into memorable experiences that leave a lasting impact on your audience.

Common concerns with multimedia presentations

People often share some common concerns when diving into multimedia presentations. Here are a few of those concerns and simple solutions to tackle them:

Technical glitches

• Worry: Fear of technical issues derailing your presentation.
• Solution: Always have a backup plan in case technology decides to be temperamental. Test your setup beforehand to avoid unexpected surprises.

Media overload

• Worry: The fear of overwhelming your audience with too much media.
• Solution: Strike a balance by using multimedia elements strategically. Less can often be more when it comes to engaging your audience effectively.

The evolution of multimedia tools

The world of multimedia presentation tools has seen quite a transformation over the years, making the process more user-friendly and accessible than ever before. Platforms like Prezi are at the forefront of this evolution, continuously updating and improving the presentation creation process. With intuitive interfaces and a wide range of creative options at your fingertips, multimedia tools have truly democratized the art of multimedia presentations. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the presentation scene, the evolution of multimedia tools has made it easier than ever to craft the perfect presentation.

Multimedia presentation examples 

Your audience will immediately lose interest if all you offer them is a traditional slide deck. Instead, take advantage of Prezi’s Gallery and get inspired by dynamic, interactive, and engaging presentations that include various multimedia elements.

Below are a few examples of attention-grabbing and creative multimedia presentations that you can get inspired by or even reuse as templates for your own presentation topic.

Summer Plans presentation

The summer plans presentation inspires and captivates. The template is perfect for delivering a story, sharing an experience, or presenting a plan. It features multiple media elements, such as animations, images, and data visualizations. 

Why Leaders Need to Get Out of Their Own Way presentation

This presentation grabs our attention with its visually appealing design and strategic use of visuals. The simple yet engaging layout divides the presentation into four parts, creating a well-defined structure that is easy to follow. You can reuse this presentation as a template for delivering a topic that you need to unpack in a certain order. 

Corporate Social Responsibility presentation

This multimedia presentation engages and captivates with animations, images, icons, and more. As a template, it’s perfect for creating and delivering informative presentations, where you need to dive into the details of certain topics.

Earth Day presentation

The Earth Day presentation is a great example of how one can create a timeline presentation with Prezi. It includes various media elements that make this multimedia presentation highly engaging and informative.

Future-proofing your presentations

To make sure your multimedia presentations stay useful and up-to-date in the long run, here are some straightforward tips:

Pick the right formats

• Use common file types like PDF, MP4, and JPEG since they’re likely to stay usable in the future.

Keep things fresh

• Don’t let your content get old. Update it regularly with new information and visuals to keep it interesting and relevant.

Fit different screens

• Make your multimedia presentations so they can work on big screens and small devices like phones or tablets.

Try new tech

• Keep an eye on new technologies like virtual reality and interactive features. They can make your presentations more exciting and modern.

Listen to your audience

• Pay attention to what your audience likes and dislikes. Their feedback can help you improve your multimedia presentations and keep them interesting.

With these easy steps, you can make sure your multimedia presentations will still be great in the future!

Create attention-grabbing multimedia presentations with Prezi

In conclusion, crafting a well-executed multimedia presentation is crucial for achieving success in delivering presentations. This article has explored the key components involved in creating compelling multimedia presentations and provided insights on how to assemble these elements effectively. By considering the importance of content structure, visual design, and engaging storytelling techniques, presenters can capture their audience’s attention and leave a lasting impact. Furthermore, leveraging Prezi’s features can enhance multimedia presentations, making them more dynamic and interactive. By incorporating these strategies and utilizing the right tools, presenters can elevate their presentations to a new level and increase their chances of achieving their desired outcomes. Ultimately, mastering the art of multimedia presentations opens up opportunities for effective communication and successful presentations in various professional and academic settings.

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• Top Presentations

How to Easily Make a Multimedia Presentation (Tools & Templates)

Learn how to create a multimedia presentation in 6 steps with videos, GIFs, animations, audio, & photos. Go beyond PowerPoint - capture attention & engage.

Dominika Krukowska

7 minute read

Short answer

What is a multimedia presentation?

A multimedia presentation is a deck that uses a blend of text, images, audio, video, and interactive content to captivate an audience. It's a dynamic, engaging way to share your story where each media element plays its part to create a memorable experience.

Why PowerPoint is the wrong tool for multimedia presentations

Most of us are still using PowerPoint to create our presentations. And knowing intimately how to create a multimedia presentation in PowerPoint, I can tell you it’s not easy, and it ain’t fun.

This is a problem because the work you’ll have to put in to create a half-decent multimedia presentation with PowerPoint is not worth the outcome.

Sorry, but the tool was just not built for this. And trying to force it to do something it wasn’t meant to do will take away from your ability to tell an engaging story.

Wanna know why?

1) PowerPoint was built for how stories were told 30 years ago

PowerPoint's technology hasn't evolved much since its inception. If you're using it for your business presentations, you're relying on a static decades-old content format while your audience is used to getting their content in a very different way.

Most of us now expect dynamic and interactive content, videos, audio, and clickable elements we control. That’s not PowerPoint.

2) It’s hard to design (well) with PowerPoint

Creating an attractive PowerPoint presentation requires a good eye for design and a fair amount of time. Even little tweaks can ruin the layout, as PowerPoint has no safeguards that prevent you from commiting design crimes.

3) Personalizing with PowerPoint takes ages

If you want to personalize presentations for different audiences, you need to create separate files for that and tweak them manually. This will take you absolute ages and leaves plenty of room for error.

4) It has a horrible mobile experience

We know for a fact that 1 in 3 presentations being viewed on mobile devices . But PowerPoint was not built for mobile, and you wouldn't wish a PPT mobile experience on your worst enemy.

This means that if your audience doesn't live in a mobile-free zone, PowerPoint is a massive drawback.

5) PowerPoint has no analytics

PowerPoint doesn't provide an analytics dashboard, which means you don't have access to valuable feedback. You can’t measure if your presentation is nailing it or getting the same attention as the dishes in your sink.

This is a problem. Because if you don’t know how you perform, you can’t improve.

Here’s what a PowerPoint looks like compared to a modern interactive multimedia presentation:

How to create engaging multimedia presentations in 6 easy steps

Now let’s see how a modern multimedia presentation is done. For some of us, creating a presentation that resonates can feel overwhelming. But with the right presentation maker and a clear plan, it's as easy as following a recipe.

6 steps to create a multimedia presentation:

1. Tell our AI what presentation you want to create

Are you pitching a product , explaining a concept, or presenting quarterly results? Tell our AI the purpose of your presentation. This helps it generate content that's on point and relevant.

2. Introduce yourself, your company, and your product or service

You can also start by giving our AI a brief rundown of who you are, what your company does, the product you're showcasing, and the industry you're in. This helps the AI understand your context and tailor the presentation to your needs.

3. Pick a design template

No need to start from scratch. Storydoc offers a variety of presentation templates optimized for performance based on real-world data. Choose one that aligns with your brand and message.

4. Customize your presentation

Now, it's time to make the presentation truly yours. Add your text, tweak the design, and watch as the template adjusts to accommodate your content.

Sprinkle in some interactivity with clickable tabs, real-time variables for charts, or any other interactive elements that fit your content.

Then, upload your own multimedia or let our AI generate some for you.

You can also utilize graphic asset libraries like Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, or Icons8, offering everything from check mark icons for bullet points to neon graphics for futuristic presentations.

5. Add dynamic personalization

Our no-code editor allows you to easily add dynamic variables to your multimedia presentation. This means that you can personalize your decks at scale in just a few clicks.

The main benefit? Every deck looks like it was tailor-made for each specific reader, which can make your audience feel special and, in turn, significantly boost engagement.

6. Review and refine your presentation

Take a moment to review your presentation. Make sure everything looks good, the flow makes sense, and your message is clear.

But making a mistake is not as critical as it is with PowerPoint since Storydoc lives online and not on your audience’s computer.

So If you need to fix any mistakes after the presentation has been sent over, you still can. You control the version everybody sees, forever.

7. Advanced: Improve your presentation based on insights from analytics

Every presentation you create using Storydoc comes with access to an extensive analytics suite that gives you real-time insights into how your deck is performing.

Finally, you can see when your presentation is opened, how much time is spent on each slide, and even when your audience drops off. This enables you to quickly identify and fix any bad content.

One of the most powerful features of Storydoc's analytics panel is the ability to compare different versions of your presentation.

You can use this to A/B test your presentations, remove the guesswork, and continually improve based on data.

Even better, Storydoc's analytics panel integrates with your CRM and email marketing software . This means you can see all your data in your CRM where you and your team are already working, and use it to inform your sales and marketing strategies.

If you want to learn more about how it works, watch this short video:

How to use multimedia to bring your presentation to life (3 techniques)

Multimedia is more than just a way to make your presentation look more cool—it can transform your content into an immersive, interactive experience that people enjoy and share with friends and colleagues.

Let me show you how you can strategically leverage multimedia to captivate your audience, simplify complex ideas, and create a lasting impact.

3 key multimedia techniques that maximize engagement:

1. Narrate your design through scrollytelling

Scrollytelling is a unique blend of scrolling and storytelling. It's an interactive way of presenting content that takes your audience on a narrative journey as they scroll through the presentation.

This approach combines text, images, videos, and animations into “scenes” in a play that readers can move through at their own pace.

Scrollytelling simplifies complex content into easy to understand pieces which reduces cognitive load, increases comprehension, and makes your content highly memorable.

Here’s an example of Storydoc scrollytelling:

2. Bring yourself into the presentation with video bubble narration

Video bubble narration is a unique way to personalize your multimedia presentation. It involves adding a small video of yourself to your deck, providing commentary or extra insights.

The video bubble gives your audience a sense of connection with you, making the presentation more personal and engaging.

It's like having a one-on-one conversation with each member of your audience, which can significantly enhance their interest and investment in your deck.

3. Tell stories with animations and videos

Animations and videos can bring your message to life, illustrate complex processes, and provide visual examples that reinforce your points.

For instance, an animation could be used to demonstrate a process step-by-step, making it easier for your audience to understand.

A video could provide a real-world example that supports your argument, making your content more relatable and impactful. Perhaps use AI video maker tools to make the content more attractive.

Here’s a great example by one of our clients:

Octopai - Outbound sales one-pager

An outbound one-pager identifying a problem in modern-day analytics and offering an easy-to-grasp solution.

How to make highly engaging presentations with multimedia

Using multimedia is not just about adding visual flash—it's about guiding your audience's attention, enhancing understanding, and encouraging interaction.

Let's explore how simple animations and interactive content elevate your presentations from boring to share-worthy.

1. Direct attention using simple animations

Animations are a great way to guide your audience's attention. But complex or dominant animations can be distracting and may take attention away from your text message.

How to direct attention using animation:

• Arrows: Arrows can be used to point out key information or guide your audience through a process. They're a simple yet effective way to direct attention where you want it.
• Entrance animation: Entrance animations can be used to introduce new content or highlight a key point. They can create a sense of anticipation and make your presentation more dynamic.
• Grayed-out content: Graying out content that's not currently relevant can help your audience focus on the key points. It's a subtle yet effective way to guide your audience's attention.

Here’s an example of what it looks like:

2. Get readers involved using interactive content

Interactive content makes your presentation more engaging and gives your audience a sense of control. It also makes your content more memorable, as people tend to remember things they actively engage with.

Interactive content you can incorporate into your presentations:

• Tabs: Tabs allow you to neatly organize your content into sections, making it easy for your audience to navigate through your presentation. For instance, you could use tabs to separate different topics or information intended for different target groups.
• Sliders: Sliders are a dynamic way to present a range of data or to show progression. For example, you could use a slider to illustrate the growth of your company over time or to show how a particular metric changes under different scenarios.
• Calculators: Interactive calculators add a personal touch to your deck. They allow your audience to input their own data and see personalized results. For instance, you could use a calculator to show potential savings from using your product or to calculate ROI.
• Live graphs: Live graphs take data visualization to the next level. Instead of static charts, live graphs allow your audience to interact with the data. They can zoom in on specific data points, compare different data sets, or see how the data changes over time.

Here’s an example of a presentation using interactive content:

Multimedia presentation best practices

It's not enough to just add media like animations and videos—you need to use them to improve rather than hurt engagement.

Here are the best practices for making a multimedia presentation that works:

• Use media that exemplifies your audience's needs and preferences.
• Use media that adds context to your presentation text.
• Make sure your animations and videos support your text rather than compete with it. Consider looking into text-to-video AI tools to ease your process.
• Ensure that your media is high-quality and take advantage of design tools or background removers to ensure your narrative goals are achieved in your presentation.

Best multimedia presentation examples beyond PowerPoint

Let’s see the best multimedia presentation examples that break the PowerPoint mold.

These examples show you new and effective ways for making engaging content and how to stand out in a sea of same-old PowerPoint presentations.

Let’s go!

Meta - Interactive corporate report

Insights and trends from Israel's thriving consumer-facing industry. A comprehensive review of the B2C ecosystem's performance and future prospects.

HealthTech SNC - Simplified data-heavy report

An extensive data report from a non-profit organization made easy to digest thanks to interactive, engaging design.

Cannasoft - Investment pitch deck

A hard-hitting investment deck of a publicly traded tech company dedicated to medical cannabis manufacturers.

Orbiit - Visually narrated sales deck

Visually narrated sales deck of a virtual networking platform telling AND showing readers what's in it for them.

Matics - Digital product brochure

A product brochure showing smart manufacturing execution systems on a mission to digitalize production floors.

Galor - Personalized product sales deck

A highly-converting product sales deck with a modern design, interactive narrated content, and an integrated chatbot.

RFKeeper - Retail proposal deck

A dynamic, highly visual proposal deck for a retail software provider, designed to grab and keep attention.

Drive - Automotive research white-paper

A white-paper showing high-level research on electric vehicle charging wrapped in a stunning interactive experience.

If you want to see more multimedia presentation samples, check out our post containing the perfect presentation examples to set you apart from the competition.

Interactive multimedia presentation templates

Getting started with making your multimedia presentation is often the hardest part. But with interactive multimedia presentation templates , you can hit the ground running.

They take care of the design and interactivity, so you can focus on what matters most: your content.

So why wait? Grab a template.

Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.

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Unlocking the power of multimedia presentations: A complete guide

Create impactful multimedia presentations with our comprehensive guide.

Sahul Hameed

Building presentations

Multimedia presentations have evolved from simple slideshows to interactive experiences that captivate audiences.

They blend text, images, audio, video, and animation to communicate messages more effectively.

This guide delves deep into the essentials, design principles, tools, planning, execution, and the future of multimedia presentations, ensuring you're equipped to create impactful and engaging presentations.

What is a multimedia presentation?

A multimedia presentation is a dynamic way to share information, stories, or ideas. It uses a combination of different media forms, such as text, images, sound, and video, to create a more engaging and informative experience than traditional, single-medium presentations.

The journey from the humble beginnings of the slide projector to today's interactive displays is a testament to technological advancement. This evolution has transformed how we share information, making presentations not just a one-way communication tool but an interactive experience that engages the audience.

The essentials of multimedia presentations

In multimedia presentations, the harmonious blend of text, images, audio, video, and animation transforms traditional storytelling, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for every audience. Each element plays a pivotal role in creating a captivating narrative.

Text and typography: Crafting the written message

The foundation of any presentation, text, and typography, plays a crucial role in conveying your message. Choosing the right fonts, sizes, and colors can significantly impact readability and audience engagement.

Images and graphics: visual storytelling

Images and graphics are powerful tools for storytelling, breaking down complex information into understandable visuals and making your presentation more memorable.

Audio elements: Enhancing narratives with sound

Sound can set the tone, evoke emotions, and enhance the narrative of your presentation, whether it's through background music, voice narration, or sound effects.

Video components: Dynamic visuals for engaging content

Videos add a dynamic element to presentations, illustrating points more vividly than static images and text alone.

Animation: Bringing content to life

Animations can make presentations more engaging by adding movement to otherwise static content, helping to draw the audience's attention to key points.

Design principles for effective multimedia presentations

To create a multimedia presentation that stands out, leveraging tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides is essential. By choosing the right presentation template and integrating various types of media, you design your multimedia presentation to captivate and engage. Incorporating video presentations, interactive elements, and well-designed slide decks enables your audience to interact and absorb the content effectively. Crafting your presentation using these principles, with a focus on presentation design and visual presentation, ensures a dynamic and engaging multimedia experience. Transition smoothly between slides and elements to maintain flow and interest.

Balance and contrast: Making your content stand out

Effective use of balance and contrast helps in drawing the audience's attention to the most important parts of your presentation.

Repetition and alignment: Creating a cohesive look

Repetition and alignment ensure your presentation has a unified look, making it more professional and easier to follow.

Proximity and hierarchy: Organizing content for easy consumption

By strategically organizing content, you can guide the audience through your presentation in a logical manner, making complex information easier to digest.

Tools and technologies

Choosing the right tools and technologies is crucial in creating a multimedia presentation that resonates with your audience. From powerful software solutions to cutting-edge hardware, leveraging these resources effectively can transform your presentation into an engaging and immersive experience.

Software solutions for multimedia presentations

• Overview of leading presentation software There's a wide range of software available for creating multimedia presentations, each with its own set of features, from PowerPoint to more advanced platforms like Adobe Creative Suite, and enterprise business presentation software's like Prezent with Fingerprint feature to create personalized presentation. Sign up for our free trial or book a demo today!
• Customization features: Themes, templates, and plugins These tools offer various customization options to make your presentation stand out, including themes, templates, and slide library that add functionality or aesthetic appeal.
• Integrating multimedia elements: Tips and tricks Integrating multimedia elements smoothly can be challenging. This section provides tips and tricks for seamless integration, ensuring a professional result.

Hardware considerations

• Projectors and displays: Matching your presentation to the venue Choosing the right projector or display is crucial for ensuring that your presentation is visible to the entire audience, regardless of the size of the venue.
• Sound systems: Ensuring your audio is heard A good sound system is essential for presentations with audio elements, ensuring that your message is heard clearly by everyone in the room.
• Remote controls and clickers: Navigating your presentation seamlessly Remote controls and clickers allow you to navigate through your presentation smoothly, keeping you in control and engaged with your audience.

Planning and execution: Crafting impactful multimedia presentations

In a world where even a goldfish boasts a longer attention span than us humans, mastering the craft of a multimedia presentation is akin to performing a magic trick.

Here we'll embark on a quest to transform those glazed-over gazes into wide-eyed wonder. With a sprinkle of strategic planning and a dash of delivery dynamism, we're not just going to capture attention; we're going to make it stick like gum on a hot sidewalk.

Get ready to turn your presentation into an unforgettable adventure that even the skeptics in the last row can't resist!

Structuring your multimedia presentation for maximum impact

Objective setting: inform, persuade, or entertain.

The foundation of any compelling multimedia presentation is a crystal-clear objective. Whether your aim is to educate, convince, or entertain your audience, setting a precise goal at the outset will direct every element of your presentation, from content to delivery.

Audience analysis: Customizing your message

A deep understanding of your audience is crucial for tailoring your presentation to meet their specific needs and preferences. By analyzing your audience’s interests, knowledge level, and expectations, you can craft a message that resonates deeply and fosters engagement.

Storyboarding: Designing your presentation’s flow

Employing a storyboard approach is instrumental in mapping out your presentation’s narrative flow. This technique ensures a seamless transition between topics, enhancing coherence and retaining audience interest. Starting with a well-thought-out outline enables you to organize ideas systematically, ensuring each segment aligns with your overarching goal. Leveraging user-friendly presentation tools simplifies slide organization, making your storytelling both effective and engaging.

Delivery techniques and best practices for engaging presentations

Verbal dynamics: mastering tone, pace, and articulation.

Your voice is a powerful tool in engaging your audience. A confident tone, well-modulated pace, and clear articulation can significantly enhance message delivery, making your presentation not just heard, but felt and remembered.

Non-verbal communication: Enhancing your message with body language

The silent language of your body speaks volumes. Adopting confident postures, using expressive gestures, and maintaining meaningful eye contact can reinforce your spoken words, forging a stronger connection with your audience and adding an extra layer of persuasion.

Interactive engagement: Making your presentation a two-way conversation

Transforming your presentation into an interactive experience can greatly increase its memorability and impact. Incorporating elements like live polls, interactive quizzes, and dedicated Q&A sessions invites your audience to actively participate, creating a dynamic exchange that enriches the presentation experience for everyone involved.

Through strategic planning, audience-centric content, and dynamic delivery techniques, you can elevate your multimedia presentations from mere information sessions to powerful, engaging experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Advanced techniques and trends

Interactive elements and audience participation.

Incorporating interactive elements such as polls, quizzes, and live feedback can transform a static presentation into an engaging experience. Tools that facilitate audience participation not only make your presentation more interesting but also provide valuable feedback in real-time.

Future trends in multimedia presentations

Emerging trends in multimedia presentations , notably the incorporation of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), are transforming audience engagement, paving the way for a more immersive and interactive experience. This multimedia presentation trend marks a significant evolution in how information is conveyed and received.

• Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) integration Emerging technologies like AR and VR offer new ways to immerse and engage your audience, providing them with a unique and memorable experience.
• AI and machine learning: Personalized presentations AI and machine learning are beginning to play a role in how presentations are created, allowing for more personalized and adaptive content that can respond to the audience's reactions and interests in real-time.

Case studies and examples

Success stories: memorable multimedia presentations.

In the realm of multimedia presentations, innovative approaches have led to remarkable success stories. From gamified demos to immersive VR training, these examples demonstrate how creative techniques can significantly enhance engagement and understanding.

Salesforce: Enhancing client engagement through interactive demos and gamification

Salesforce took a novel approach to showcase its software platform by developing an interactive, custom-built demo. Instead of a conventional presentation, users explored a 3D virtual office, engaging directly with the platform's modules and features. This interactive journey was gamified, rewarding users with points for interactions and task completions. The strategy led to an 80% increase in engagement and a 65% rise in purchase intent among participants, underscoring the effectiveness of immersive experiences in presenting complex software solutions.

Unilever: Leveraging data visualization for sustainability communication

To articulate the impact of its sustainability initiatives, Unilever shifted from traditional reports to a multimedia presentation enriched with infographics and animations. This method transformed complex data into interactive, easily digestible visuals, enabling stakeholders to delve into specific data points of interest. The innovative presentation method significantly enhanced stakeholders' understanding and appreciation of Unilever's sustainability efforts, demonstrating the power of visual storytelling in conveying intricate information.

McKinsey & Company: Advancing soft skills with virtual reality training

McKinsey & Company introduced a cutting-edge VR training program aimed at bolstering employee soft skills in a compelling and immersive manner. Participants were placed in virtual scenarios, such as client interactions and public speaking engagements, where their performance was evaluated by AI-driven feedback mechanisms. This VR training showed marked improvements in soft skills over traditional training approaches, highlighting VR's capacity to simulate realistic, impactful learning environments.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Overloading your audience: Finding the right balance It's important to strike the right balance between informative and overwhelming. Tailoring your presentation to your audience's capacity for information can help prevent cognitive overload.
• Technical difficulties: Preparation and backup plans Technical issues can disrupt even the best presentations. Having backup plans and being prepared to troubleshoot common problems can help you maintain composure and keep your presentation on track.

Summarizing key takeaways

• Understanding the needs of your audience and the objectives of your presentation is crucial when deciding the type of multimedia presentation to make.
• For business presentations, leveraging PowerPoint with embedded multimedia elements can create a compelling narrative, while academic settings benefit from a variety of multimedia presentations, including interactive elements and visual aids.
• Incorporating additional examples of multimedia presentations, such as engaging videos or interactive polls, can enhance your presentation's effectiveness and engagement level.
• It's essential to explore software that supports a variety of multimedia types to ensure your presentation stands out and effectively delivers your message.
• Whether your presentation is based on PowerPoint or other tools, the key is to create an effective multimedia presentation that captivates your audience and conveys your message seamlessly.

FAQs to create a multimedia presentation

1. how can i create an engaging multimedia presentation that captivates my audience.

Incorporating multimedia elements like video clips, interactive presentations, and diverse media types can transform your PowerPoint slides into stunning multimedia presentations. Remember, the key is to ensure that your presentation flows smoothly, keeping your audience engaged throughout. Adding a video or using interactive polls are excellent ways to make your presentation more dynamic and interactive.

2. What steps should I take to ensure my multimedia presentation is effective and well-received?

Start by creating an outline to organize your ideas and presentation objectives. Use multimedia presentation tools and software options to add various multimedia components, ensuring variety in your presentation. Review your presentation to ensure it aligns with the purpose of your presentation, and practice delivering it to make sure it’s engaging from start to finish.

3. Are there easy steps to follow to create stunning multimedia presentations for business or educational purposes?

Yes, there are several easy steps you can follow: First, choose the right presentation maker or multimedia presentation software that allows you to create presentations using multimedia. Next, select engaging presentation themes and incorporate a variety of multimedia content, including two or three types of media. Finally, review and rehearse your presentation to ensure it meets your presentation objectives and engages your audience effectively.

4. What advantages do multimedia presentations offer over regular oral presentations, and how can I make mine stand out?

Multimedia presentations offer the advantage of engaging multiple senses, making your message more memorable than a traditional oral presentation. To make yours stand out, consider adding multimedia elements throughout the presentation, such as animations and video clips. This not only makes the presentation more interactive but also helps to convey your message in a more dynamic and engaging way. Plenty of tools and presentation software options are available to help you create even better presentations that use multiple types of media to captivate your audience.

5. How do I choose the right type of multimedia presentation for my business or academic needs?

Selecting the right type of multimedia presentation begins with understanding the unique needs of your audience and the objectives of your presentation. For business presentations, using PowerPoint with embedded multimedia elements can create a compelling narrative. For academic settings, a variety of multimedia presentations, including interactive elements and visual aids, can enhance learning. Assessing your goals and audience engagement will help you make the perfect multimedia presentation.

6. What tools are essential for creating a multimedia presentation that stands out?

The tool for creating a standout multimedia presentation often depends on the complexity and desired outcome of your presentation. PowerPoint remains a versatile foundation, but incorporating additional multimedia presentation examples, such as engaging videos or interactive polls, can elevate your presentation. For those seeking to make their presentation more engaging, it’s time to explore software that supports a variety of multimedia types, ensuring every presentation captivates and informs.

Create on-brand presentations with Prezent

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With Prezent, you can effortlessly align your presentations with your brand identity, thanks to its array of features tailored for branding consistency.

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• Presentations

What Is Multimedia? +How to Use It in Your PowerPoint Presentations

• Bahasa Indonesia

What is a multimedia presentation? You've probably heard the term multimedia,  but what does it actually mean in PowerPoint? 

In short, it's combining many types of media in your presentation. You can use combinations of images, audio,  and  video  to make your point.

Every PowerPoint slide is a blank canvas. It's just waiting for your content to reinforce your speaking points or guide the presentation. Multimedia brings variety to your slides and helps visual learners understand your content better.

You probably already know how to work with text. So, I'll show you how to combine multiple types of media into the same PowerPoint presentation. You'll learn how to insert multimedia and edit it inside PowerPoint. Multimedia presentations hold more interest and engage your audience better when done well. 

Need Help? Grab Our New eBook on Making Great Presentations (Free)

We a great compliment to this tutorial. Quickly download this FREE eBook before you read on:  The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations . It'll help you write, design, and deliver the perfect presentation. 

Why Use Multimedia in Your Presentation?

If we were bound to using only text and shapes, it would be much harder to hold an audience's attention during a presentation.

You can define a multimedia presentation as a presentation that uses more than one type of media to reach the audience. 

Multimedia exists to help reinforce our key speaking points. Here are a few ideas for working with images, audio, and video to make your presentation more interesting:

• Images . These could be used for everything from simple stock photos that add slide variety, to logos and icons that showcase your brand.
• Audio . Audio is a great way to add narrations to your slides if you can't present directly to your audience or to add music and sound effects.
• Video . You can add video clips from your computer or sites like YouTube. Videos could be used for showing instructional walkthroughs from YouTube, TED talks , or a recorded screencast of your own.

Discover high-quality PowerPoint presentation templates on Envato Elements like the popular Snow template we use in the slide above.

Before we dive in, always remember: less is more . It's great to incorporate multimedia in PowerPoint. But don't clutter slides with too many distractions for your audience.

How to Use Multimedia in PowerPoint Presentations (Watch & Learn)

Let's walk through multimedia together in this quick screencast. In it, I'll teach you how to insert each type of multimedia and make basic edits to them.

PowerPoint also has tools inside the app to add basic edits to your multimedia. You can crop images, trim video clips, and adjust audio levels. I'll show you how to use each of these tools, so that you don't have to open other apps to work with multimedia quickly.

If you want more detail on how to work with each of those types of multimedia, check out the step-by-step tutorial below on how to add multimedia to your presentations.

How to Use Multimedia in PowerPoint PPT Presentations

Multimedia is helpful in presentations to keep your audience's attention. Here's how to add multimedia to your presentation:

Let's get started with a multimedia presentation example:

1. Images in PowerPoint: Stills & Animated

The first thing we want to do is add images to the PowerPoint template. This section explains how to add still and animated images:

How to Insert Images into PowerPoint

The simplest way to add an image to PowerPoint is to simply copy and paste. You can copy an image to your clipboard in practically any app like a web browser or image editor, and then right-click to paste it into PowerPoint.

A better way to insert images is to save them to your computer, then insert them using the  Insert  menu. Go to the  Insert > Pictures  menu to browse to an image to insert.

On the pop-up menu, browse to where your images are stored and click on them to add them to the presentation. 

Hold the  Control  button on your keyboard and click on multiple images before you press  Insert  to add them all to a slide.

Resize and Reposition Images

Once an image is on the slide, you can click and drag it to move it around on the slide. If the image is larger or smaller than you want, you can click and drag on the corner to resize it. 

PowerPoint Picture Tools

PowerPoint also includes a set of tools to edit images from within the app. You don't always have to open up Photoshop or another editor to make basic changes to your images. 

When you select an image, you'll see a new option on the PowerPoint ribbon. Click on the  Picture Tools > Format  to open up image editing tools.

Here are the key Picture Tools to try out:

• Cropping . Select the part of the image that you want to keep (and remove) to trim an image inside PowerPoint
• Remove background . If you've got a logo with a white or black background, use this wizard to isolate the logo.

Check out this tutorial for a deep dive on working with images inside PowerPoint:

2. Audio in PowerPoint

Once you've added your images to PowerPoint, it's time to add sound. This section explains how to use audio files in your multimedia presentation:

Add an Audio File to PowerPoint

Audio is another multimedia type you can work with in PowerPoint. 

If you've got an audio track on your computer like an MP3 or WAV file, you can easily add them to your presentation. Choose the  Insert > Audio > Audio on My PC  option to browse for and choose an audio file.

After you choose the audio file, you'll see a small speaker icon on your PowerPoint slide. You can hover over it and press the play button to play it while presenting.

Record Audio Inside PowerPoint

If you don't already have your audio recorded in a file, you can actually capture it right inside of PowerPoint.

To record audio for the presentation, go to the  Insert > Audio > Record Audio  option.

Now, you'll see the  Record Sound  option pop up. Press the red Record button, and PowerPoint will start grabbing audio. When you're finished press the  Stop  button (black square) to add your audio to PowerPoint.

Working With PowerPoint's Audio Tools

PowerPoint lets you make minor edits and adjustments to audio files without having to open another app. With the audio file selected, the most useful options are found on the  Audio Tools > Playback menu.

Here are some of the most useful options:

• Trim Audio . Open this option to reduce your audio file to play only a selection of the original file.
• Start . Change from On Click  to  Automatically  to play the audio without clicking the speaker icon.

3. Video in PowerPoint

Video is a powerful multimedia type you can use. PowerPoint supports adding video from your computer or online. Let's look at how to insert and change them: 

Add a Clip From Your Computer

If you've got a video clip on your computer, you can quickly drop it into your presentation by using the Insert  menu. Go to  Insert > Video > This Device to browse to your video file.

Once the video is on your slide, you can drag the corners to resize it and control how much of the slide it covers.

PowerPoint has good support for most of the major video file types, like MP4, QuickTime, and Windows Media files. 

Learn more about how to add video into PowerPoint: 

Add a Video Clip from Online

Finding an inspiring or insightful YouTube video can help make drive your point to reach an audience. Instead of finding a workaround to download and convert a YouTube video, PowerPoint can link to and insert them directly.

To add a YouTube (or other online) video, go to  Insert > Video > Online Video  to launch the menu.

Now, PowerPoint shows a new window to search for or add an online video. If you want to add a YouTube video, you can drop in the URL for a video, or search directly inside this box for a relevant clip.

Other sites might give you embed codes on their site. On sites like Vimeo or TED, try out the Embed code and dropping the HTML into the bottom box.

Adding a YouTube video is a great way to include a video without increasing your PowerPoint file size. Instead of embedding the video inside the file, the link plays a YouTube video, right inside the presentation. For more detail, read through this quick tutorial: 

PowerPoint Video Playback Options

Just as PowerPoint has built-in tools to adjust images, the  Playback Options  are great to adjust how a video plays inside the presentation.

With the video selected, click on the Video Format tab.

Here are several key options to try out to change how the video plays:

• Start . Change this option from On Click to Automatically to start playing the video as soon as the slide appears.
• Play Full Screen . With this option turned on, playing the video will cut to a full-screen mode with the rest of the slide hidden.
• Trim Video . Open this option to select which parts of the video to reduce the video to the parts you want to show.

Recap and Keep Learning More About PowerPoint

In this tutorial, you learned how to mix multimedia types to create an interesting presentation. PowerPoint makes it easy to add and edit images, video, and audio. 

We've just scratched the surface on what's possible with PowerPoint presentations. Here are a few more tutorials that'll help you build great-looking slides from scratch:

Five Top Multimedia Presentation Templates from in Envato Elements for 2022

If you’re looking for a template, it’s helpful to see the top premium templates. Here are five top multimedia PowerPoint presentation template examples:

PLAST is a modern multimedia presentation template that comes with 30 unique slides. Plus, this template comes with Icons, infographics, mobile mockups, charts, and graphs. The PLAST template has a colorful and fun design that'll work for any topic you want.

2. Terrenifa Multipurpose PowerPoint

Terrenifa Multipurpose PowerPoint has 100 unique and editable slides. It also comes with two theme variations with 50 slides with each theme. This template comes with infographics, charts, graphs, and maps. You can quickly turn the Terrenifa template into a multimedia PowerPoint presentation.

3. Roara PowerPoint Template

Roara PowerPoint Template can be used as a multimedia presentation with minimal and modern design. Since this template comes with picture placeholders, you can easily add an image of your choice to the slide. It also comes with two theme variations, allowing you to choose the design you want.

This is a great option if you’re looking for a multimedia presentation with many infographics, charts, and graphs. The Maximus presentation also comes with ten color scheme options. Also included in this presentation template are animated slides and transitions.

5. Danastri - Multipurpose PowerPoint Template

Danastri template is a great option if you’re looking for a template with a pop of color. It comes with 40 slides that can be edited. It also comes with graphs, icons, mockup devices, and picture placeholders. Easily add an image by dragging and dropping an image into a picture placeholder.

Make Great Presentations (Free eBook Download)

We've got the perfect complement to this tutorial, which will walk you through the complete presentation process. Multimedia helps your presentation stand out, but there's a whole lot more to master. Learn how to write your presentation, design it like a pro, and prepare it to present powerfully. 

Download our new eBook:  The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations . It's available for free with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter. 

Download a Template and Start Your Multimedia Presentation Today

You've just learned the answer to " what is a multimedia presentation. " Plus, we've shown you some multimedia PowerPoint presentation examples to help you get started on your own presentation.

So, don't wait any longer. Download your favorite multimedia PowerPoint template from Envato Elements and start building your presentation today.

Editorial Note: This tutorial was originally published in September of 2017. It's been updated to include new information and to make sure that it's relevant and up to date—with special help from Sarah Joy .

Home Blog Design Multimedia Presentation: Insights & Techniques to Maximize Engagement

Multimedia Presentation: Insights & Techniques to Maximize Engagement

Effective public speaking is a crucial skill often overlooked. Multimedia presentations, such as digital stories, offer an opportunity to cultivate this skill. When appropriately executed, they blend visuals, text, and compelling speech in any setting. This article explores multimedia presentation, focusing on its definition, components, and the advantages it brings to the table.

Table of Contents

What is a Multimedia Presentation?

Types of mediums used in a multimedia presentation, advantages of multimedia presentation, how to create a multimedia presentation.

• How to Deliver a Multimedia Presentation?

Recommended Templates for Multimedia Presentations

Final words.

Multimedia originates from the combination of “multi” and “media,” where “multi” denotes “many” [1]. It represents a medium facilitating the seamless transfer of information between locations. Multimedia encompasses the computer-assisted integration of various elements like text, drawings, still and moving images (videos), graphics, audio, animation, and other forms of media [1]. It allows the expression, storage, communication, and digital information processing.

A multimedia presentation goes beyond traditional slides to convey information. It is a dynamic approach that enhances engagement and boosts information retention among the audience. With the use of technology, it requires thoughtful design, pacing, and interactive components. Multimedia presentations deliver information through various channels, offering a multi-sensorial experience. As a consequence, they accommodate different learning preferences.

To create a truly immersive experience, multimedia presentations leverage different mediums. Video clips offer dynamic visual content, infographics provide concise information, audio snippets add a layer of narration, and animations bring concepts to life. The synergy of these elements elevates the overall impact of the presentation.

Multimedia presentations employ diverse mediums to construct a comprehensive and immersive experience.

Video Clips

Video content consists of photographic images displayed in apparent motion at speeds ranging from 24 to 30 frames per second, and even higher values depending on the topic. The term “video” denotes a moving image accompanied by sound, commonly seen in television broadcasts [2]. Text can be incorporated into videos through captions or embedded in images, as seen in slide presentations. It provides a captivating element to the presentation. 

By incorporating motion and imagery, video clips enhance audience understanding and retention, as they can be introduced as a refreshing break during the course of the presentation. It offers the presenter a moment to regroup, especially in lengthy presentations. Videos can emotionally engage audiences through narratives, but their inclusion alone doesn’t guarantee benefits. For effective integration, videos have to follow the narrative of the speech the presenter is sharing. This implies that no random video can be added to a multimedia presentation, and presenters should also take extra care in unrequired effects that don’t contribute to the overall impact of the speech (i.e., abusing VFX or unprofessional transitions).  

Now we know why and how videos help a presentation, those who are unfamiliar can learn how to embed a video on a Google Slide .

Infographics

Infographics contribute to the attractiveness of multimedia applications. In numerous situations, the audience prefers visuals over extensive text. It aids in the clarification of concepts and provides background information. In contrast to regular graphics, infographics are commonly acknowledged as a better medium to communicate data extracted from charts and graphs [3]. Their visually appealing format ensures clarity without overwhelming the viewer, making data more digestible.

Text [4] is used in multimedia presentations because it is a familiar media channel. It includes characters of different sizes and styles, making words, phrases, and paragraphs. The text requires less effort compared to a video. But this doesn’t mean presenters shouldn’t care about formatting.

Different fonts and sizes in text matter. Using the wrong font shows a lack of professionalism. Multimedia uses text to share information or enhance other media. Therefore, fonts and sizes can be varied for a cohesive aesthetic.

Graphic Design effects, like text on portrait, are mighty in presentations. This technique, featuring phrases alongside visuals of well-known public figures, enhances interest and reinforces key messages.  Choosing the right colors and contrast in text design has a psychological appeal. It increases the audience’s interest.

Text design should also consider those with visual impairments.  Hence, the text to be used has to follow specific guidelines. Multimedia follows this by presenting text in various formats. This helps everyone understand the message quickly. They make information accessible instantly.

Audio Snippets

Adding audio into a media presentation gives users information that may be challenging to convey through other mediums. Certain types of information, like a motivational speech or enlightening music, are best conveyed through audio. It is a common practice in the motivational presentation niche to use audio as a resource to accompany exercises, like meditational practices, group activities, and storytelling techniques in which the audience has to place themselves in the shoes of the “character” in the story, and the list goes on.

Research indicates that presenting information through multiple senses improves retention [6]. Importantly, audio can make communication accessible for users who present visual impairments.

Animation is a series of static images rapidly flipped through, creating the illusion of movement [5]. Animation involves making a still image appear to be in motion. It enhances the visual appeal of a presentation. Animation is used for illustrating concepts related to movement, such as playing a guitar or hitting a golf ball. These actions are challenging to depict accurately with static images or text alone.  

Likewise, animated sequences can guide employees to respond correctly to different threat scenarios. For instance, showing threat scenarios through animation can enhance employees’ ability to recognize and respond to potential risks. Through movement and visual storytelling, animated templates contribute to a deeper understanding of intricate ideas.

Multimedia presentations emerge as a powerful tool for effective communication, offering engagement, retention, and adaptability in professional and educational settings.

Enhanced Engagement

Multimedia presentations excel in captivating audiences through a customized approach to diverse learning preferences. Multimedia presentations stimulate interest and maintain active engagement by integrating visuals and audio.

Improved Information Retention

Research conducted by Saini and Baba underscores the efficacy of multimedia presentations in enhancing information retention [7]. The combination of visual and auditory stimuli helps understanding quickly. It improves the audience’s ability to grasp and remember key concepts.

Professional Appeal

In professional settings, adopting multimedia presentations contributes to elevated sophistication. This method showcases a commitment to deliver information dynamically and accessibly. Thus, presentation on multimedia positively reflects on both the presenter and the organization.

Flexibility in Communication

Multimedia presentations offer flexibility in conveying complex concepts . Incorporating various mediums allows presenters to adapt their communication style to suit the nature of the information. It makes it more accessible to a broader audience.

Increased Accessibility

The inclusion of diverse mediums enhances accessibility for a wider audience. Visual elements cater to visual learners, while auditory components appeal to those who learn best through listening. This inclusive approach ensures that the message resonates with different audiences.

Enhanced Persuasion

The dynamic nature of multimedia presentations facilitates a persuasive delivery . Engaging visuals, coupled with compelling narration, influence opinions. It effectively conveys the presenter’s message, making it more memorable and impactful.

Real-time Demonstration

Multimedia presentations enable real-time demonstration of concepts and ideas. Whether showcasing product features or illustrating complex processes, integrating videos, animations, and live demonstrations leave a lasting impression.

Adaptability to Technological Advances

By using multimedia presentations, presenters showcase adaptability to technological advances [8]. Multimedia presentation aligns with contemporary communication trends. It positions the presenter as forward-thinking and responsive to evolving methods of information delivery.

Crafting an effective multimedia presentation involves thoughtful planning and execution. A well-structured and engaging multimedia presentation is created by following several steps

Define Presentation Objectives

The goals and objectives of the presentation must be clearly outlined [9]. A presenter should identify the key message that is conveyed to the audience. This initial step guides the selection of multimedia elements based on the nature of the content. For instance, data presentations involve the use of infographics. On the other hand, motivational presentations may require photos, illustrations, and videos. Likewise, Business presentations may include interactive graphs and infographics.

Audience Research

Understand the target audience to customize content. Choose multimedia elements that resonate with them [9]. Consider the audience’s demographics, preferences, and expectations to create a presentation that captures their interest.

Select Media Channels

Choose appropriate multimedia channels, such as GIFs, videos, infographics, and animated charts, per the defined objectives. Different media channels convey information in distinct ways. Selecting the right ones enhances the overall impact of the presentation. Otherwise, the presenter can learn about design ideas in detail from SlideModel.

Write the Presentation Story

Develop a structured storyboard outlining the sequence of content, visuals, and multimedia elements. The story should have a logical flow. It captures the audience’s attention and maintains their interest throughout the presentation.

Select a SlideModel Template

Use a SlideModel template to maintain consistency and professionalism in design, including fonts, colors, and layout. Templates provide a cohesive visual identity. These templates reinforce the message and facilitate a clear understanding of the content. There are plenty of templates available that can assist in creating a multimedia presentation.

Create Narrations or Captions

Develop concise and focused content that supports the key message. This contributes to the overall narrative. Narrations provide spoken explanations, while captions offer written context. Narrations or captions should complement the visuals. They provide context and enhance the audience’s understanding.

Create Deliverables

Deliverables include the finalized presentation file. It ensures compatibility with the chosen presentation software. Generate deliverables for the multimedia presentation. Optimize files for seamless integration and playback. Pay attention to file sizes and formats.

Transitions and Timings

Incorporate smooth slide transitions for a seamless flow between content. Avoid excessive transitions that may distract from the message. Set appropriate timings to maintain a well-paced presentation. Keep the audience engaged.

Speaker Notes

Prepare speaker notes to guide the presenter during the delivery. Attention must be paid to timing and the use of multimedia elements. Speaker notes serve as a roadmap. It ensures a confident and well-timed presentation.

How to Deliver a Multimedia Presentation

Delivering a multimedia presentation with impact involves a strategic approach.

Testing Presentation on Arrival

Prioritize testing upon arrival to prevent any technical inconveniences. Verify the compatibility of multimedia elements and the presentation software with the venue’s system. A smooth technical setup is essential for a flawless multimedia presentation.

Timing of Multimedia Elements

Study the timing of multimedia elements.  Especially when introducing videos. Allocate time for a Q&A session post-presentation. This strategic timing ensures audience commitment, thus providing a platform for clarifications and discussions.

Avoid Inconsistent Perceptual Mediums

Leverage various perceptual channels, like hearing and vision, to enhance comprehension. Clarify infographics through spoken explanations. Steer clear of concurrent speech and sound sources to prevent interference and distractions. Seamless integration of multiple media sources is paramount for an effective presentation [10].

Professional Tone

Uphold a professional and authoritative tone throughout the presentation. Stay away from overly casual language to underscore the gravity of your message. Opt for a direct approach, aligning with the formality expected in a multimedia presentation.

Body Language

Pay attention to your body language, a critical aspect of multimedia presentations. Show confident and open postures. It reinforces the verbal communication. Effective body language contributes to the audience’s understanding.

Strategic Pauses for Multimedia Absorption

Introduce strategic pauses at key junctures to allow the audience to absorb multimedia information. Recognize that multimedia elements often require additional processing time. Strategic breaks enhance understanding. This prevents information overload and ensures a smooth flow throughout the presentation.

Visual Commitment through Multimedia

Pay close attention to the effective use of multimedia elements. Use body language to complement multimedia content. It will enhance the audience’s connection with the presentation. Effective visual engagement is crucial for a successful multimedia delivery.

1. Pitch Deck for Multimedia Presentation PowerPoint Template

If you are looking for multimedia presentation examples, in this article, we used one slide of this investor pitch deck to showcase why graphics matter in first impressions. Customize this presentation template to meet the requirements of your company; it just takes a couple of clicks!

Use This Template

2. Multimedia Annual Report PowerPoint & Google Slides Template

Rather than delivering a plain MS Excel sheet, create your report presentation by using this presentation on multimedia format template. Entirely customizable, you can adapt the presentation theme to any color scheme you choose. Download it today and make your annual report presentation the highlight of this year!

3. CV Template for Interview Meetings with Multimedia Effects

Long gone are the days in which resumes were a blank piece of paper with text and a bad-quality photo. Impress recruiters with a well-designed curriculum vitae by harnessing the advantages of multimedia presentations.

4. Collection of Infographic PPT Templates for Multimedia Presentations

For those who don’t know where to start with infographics, this slide deck has it all. Bubbles, demographics, iceberg metaphor, funnels, and more. Access now and customize the graphics in this high-quality infographics template for PowerPoint – fully compatible with Google Slides and Keynote.

Multimedia presentations are at the forefront of the transformation of public speaking. Using various mediums, presenters create engaging experiences for their audience. Integrating multimedia elements in business or academia raises presentations to new heights.

[1] Li, Z.N., Drew, M.S. and Liu, J., 2004. Fundamentals of multimedia (pp. 253-265). Upper Saddle River (NJ): Pearson Prentice Hall. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57105399-fundamentals-of-multimedia

[2] Bowen, C., 2017. Grammar of the Edit . Routledge. https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/546377

[3] Siricharoen, W.V., 2013, May. Infographics: the new communication tools in digital age. In The international conference on e-technologies and business on the web (ebw2013) (Vol. 169174). https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Waralak-Siricharoen/publication/256504130_Infographics_the_new_communication_tools_in_digital_age/links/0c9605232e6f666b1f000000/Infographics-the-new-communication-tools-in-digital-age.pdf

[4] Malhotra, R. and Verma, N., 2020. An impact of using multimedia presentations on engineering education. Procedia Computer Science , 172 , pp.71-76.

[5] Pavithra, A., Aathilingam, M. and Prakash, S.M., 2018. Multimedia and its applications. International journal for research & development in technology , 10 (5), pp.271-276.

[6] Henmon, V.A.C., 1912. The relation between mode of presentation and retention. Psychological Review , 19 (2), p.79. https://ia600708.us.archive.org/view_archive.php?archive=/28/items/crossref-pre-1923-scholarly-works/10.1037%252Fh0072137.zip&file=10.1037%252Fh0072813.pdf

[7] Saini, G. and Baba, M.M., 2023. Psychological expedient of multimedia in blended learning and metamemory satisfaction. The Learning Organization . https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/TLO-11-2022-0130/full/html

[8] Lauer, C., 2009. Contending with terms: “Multimodal” and “multimedia” in the academic and public spheres. Computers and composition , 26 (4), pp.225-239. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=1dd08158225c41e82243a7efe74e61c140293775

[9] Hosseini, Z. and Kamal, A., 2013. How to design effective multimedia presentations. In 7th International Symposium on Advances in Science and Technology (7th SASTech 2013) Pp (pp. 7-8).

[10] Sutcliffe, A.G., 1999. A design method for effective information delivery in multimedia presentations. New review of hypermedia and multimedia, 5(1), pp.29-58. https://doi.org/10.1080/13614569908914707

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How to Create a Multimedia Presentation

What is a multimedia presentation, and how can you create one to better engage your audience? Nobody is impressed by a series of boring slides filled with text anymore. Modern audiences demand beautiful slide decks with plenty of engaging visualizations and interaction to keep them interested

Fortunately, PowerPoint-alternative presentation software options like Beautiful.ai make it simple for even the most amateur designers to include multimedia elements in their slides.

What is a multimedia presentation?

We hear the term all the time, but exactly what is a multimedia presentation? Just as its name implies, a multimedia presentation is a visual presentation that provides information through not only slides, but also audio, video , infographics , animations and other forms of communication. All of these tools combine to create greater audience engagement, while holding viewers’ focus and enhancing their retention.  

What can be included in a multimedia presentation? Most of us are familiar with multimedia, but those new to the presentation design game might need some multimedia presentation examples. While the options are practically endless, most multimedia presentations feature slides with text and a combination of any of the following elements:

• Music and other audio effects
• Infographics
• Screenshots
• Icons, logos and other graphics

How to create a multimedia presentation

It’s simple to create a multimedia presentation if you have the right software tools at your disposal, just follow the following steps:

• Select and outline your content – What is the purpose of your presentation? What is your subject? Answer these questions and choose content that will support your presentation objectives. Create an outline of the content as it will appear on your slides.
• Consider multimedia options – Examine your content outline and decide what multimedia elements will best showcase your information. Will a concept clearly be communicated with a video , or will a photograph be a better fit? Should you add music to a certain section, and what multimedia options will boost audience engagement at key moments?
• Design your slide deck – You can design your slide deck from scratch or customize a presentation template from PowerPoint-alternative software options like Beautiful.ai. Construct your slide deck so that each section of your outline is represented by its own slide. Add titles and headings to designate each slide’s function.
• Insert your content – Add your textual content to the appropriate slides. Be sure the text is in a clear and legible font, and try to avoid crowding too much content on any individual slide.
• Add images, video and audio elements – Using your presentation software of choice, insert video, audio and graphic elements in the appropriate slides. If you use Beautiful.ai, artificial intelligence will automatically adjust the design of your slides each time you add new content, ensuring your presentation adheres to the principles of good design .
• Add animations and transitions – Once you’ve designed your slide deck and inserted multimedia elements, you can add extra pizzazz to your presentation with the addition of transition and animations. The subtle motions will polish your presentation with increased visual appeal, and it will boost audience engagement by capturing and retaining viewers’ attention.
• Review your presentation and share it – Carefully review your presentation to ensure it’s ready for audiences, rehearse your delivery and share your information with the world!

Effective multimedia presentation examples

Still unsure how to design your multimedia presentation? The following presentation templates featuring plenty of multimedia elements should offer some inspiration:

Product proposal presentation template

This presentation template from Beautiful.ai easily could have become yet another dull and lifeless PowerPoint-esque frankendeck, but the addition of multimedia elements brings the slide deck to life. The slide deck features an engaging video clip and plenty of animated infographics.

Uber pitch deck makeover

In our PowerPoint makeover , we redesigned the original pitch deck Uber used to score a critical investment. The presentation template features a host of eye-catching photos to illustrate its points and an assortment of animations to ensure eyes stay glued to the slides.  Details also are illustrated with informative screenshots strategically positioned inside images of a mobile device.

Research project template

Even a presentation for something possibly as mundane as a research project can be brought to life using multimedia elements. In this presentation template , the Beautiful.ai design team added multimedia options like transitions, vivid photos and animated infographics to boost audience engagement with researched data.

How can Beautiful.ai help create multimedia presentations?

While some sources will tell you employing PowerPoint is the easiest way to create a multimedia presentation, we tend to disagree. Who has the time to meticulously (and slowly) design a slide deck using PowerPoint?

PowerPoint alternative software options like Beautiful.ai, however, make it simple to construct effective slide decks in no time at all. Thanks to Beautiful.ai’s own flavor of artificial intelligence, users just add their content – including multimedia elements like video, photos and infographics – and watch as the magic of technology adapts their presentation based on principles of design used by the pros.

Samantha Pratt Lile

Samantha is an independent journalist, editor, blogger and content manager. Examples of her published work can be found at sites including the Huffington Post, Thrive Global, and Buzzfeed.

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Engaging the Audience: What Is a Multimedia Presentation?

• By Judhajit Sen
• April 17, 2024

Key Takeaways

– Multimedia Presentations Engage Audiences: Combining text, images, audio, and video, effective multimedia presentations captivate audiences with dynamic content, unlike traditional slideshows.

– Versatility Across Settings: Widely used in business, education, and entertainment, engaging multimedia presentations range from simple slideshows to complex productions, aiming to enhance engagement and information retention.

– Crafting Effective Presentations: Defining clear objectives, understanding the audience, framing an outline, selecting appropriate tools, and integrating multimedia components purposefully are essential steps to create a multimedia PowerPoint presentation.

– Diverse Forms of Media: Text, images, videos, audio, and animations are widely used in multimedia presentations, each serving a unique purpose to enhance understanding, engagement, and retention. Balancing simplicity and style while ensuring accessibility and professionalism is key.

A multimedia presentation combines different types of media to convey information in a dynamic and engaging way. It includes elements like text, images, audio, and video, allowing for a multi-sensorial experience. Unlike traditional slideshows, multimedia presentations captivate audiences with sound, motion, and interactive features.

Multimedia presentations are widely used in various settings, from business to education and entertainment. They can range from simple PowerPoint slideshows to complex productions with animations, narration, and interactive components. By delivering messages through multiple channels, multimedia presentations enhance audience engagement and information retention.

While PowerPoint is a standard multimedia presentation tool, other software or online tools may also be used to create a multimedia presentation. The blend of different media forms makes better presentations effective for conveying complex ideas, engaging audiences, and delivering memorable experiences.

Crafting a Stellar Multimedia Presentation: 6 Key Steps

Define the presentation objectives.

Before creating your presentation, it’s crucial to define clear goals. These objectives guide the selection of content and multimedia. Whether aiming to inform, persuade, or entertain, a precise goal shapes every type of presentation. Consider the key messages to convey and the audience’s needs. For instance, data presentations may utilize infographics, while motivational talks might include photos and videos. Business presentations could feature interactive graphs.

Start by outlining the purpose of the interactive presentation : Is it to enhance a webpage, attract interest, educate, pitch to investors, report results, or present survey findings? Having a clear objective ensures the presentation remains focused and effective. Gather all necessary information beforehand to streamline the creation process.

Understand Your Audience

To create an impactful multimedia presentation, it’s vital to grasp who your audience is. Tailoring multimedia content to their needs and preferences enhances engagement. Consider demographics, such as age and profession, along with their interests and knowledge level.

Understanding your audience’s expectations allows you to select forms  of media that resonate deeply. Whether you are creating multimedia presentations for business, addressing IT specialists, senior management, potential investors, or interview panels, clarity about your audience ensures relevance and impact. Analyze their preferences and adjust every presentation to foster connection and capture their interest.

Frame an Outline

Developing an outline for your multimedia presentation is crucial to create even better presentations. Consider the content, forms of media, order, and design to craft a structured framework.

Start by breaking down your topic into manageable sections, ensuring a logical sequence of ideas. Think about how each slide complements your message. Visual motifs and color schemes can reinforce your theme and enhance engagement.

Integrate multimedia purposefully. Whether it’s animated graphics for complex data, relevant images for context, or videos demonstrating concepts, each element should reinforce your points.

To enrich your story , consider utilizing various multimedia elements, such as explainer videos, surveys, GIFs, interactivity, and sound effects. By incorporating diverse multimedia elements, you can create a dynamic and engaging presentation that resonates with your audience.

Select Your Tools

Choosing the right tools is essential for building your multimedia presentation effectively. While PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote are suitable for static presentations, multimedia requires additional considerations.

If you’re going to make your presentation by incorporating audio, video, or animations, you’ll need tools to create or source them. Some design agencies specialize in multimedia presentation software and offer expertise in crafting engaging content.

Ensure familiarity with your chosen program before you start to make a multimedia presentation. Seek resources or assistance if you need to master its basics.

If you have a clear vision, consider starting from scratch. Alternatively, explore available presentation templates online to streamline design and save time. Numerous templates cater specifically to multimedia presentations, providing a solid foundation for your project.

Add Multimedia Elements

Incorporating different forms of media elevates your presentation’s engagement and impact. Use multimedia components like GIFs, videos, infographics, and animated charts based on your objectives. Each medium communicates information uniquely, enhancing audience understanding.

Using tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides, integrate multimedia seamlessly for a perfect presentation. Prepare media in advance to avoid technical glitches. Control settings to ensure smooth playback and test to confirm everything functions correctly.

Referencing your outline, populate slides with headers to guide the flow of your presentation. Sketch out slide layouts and placeholders for media, then add content accordingly. Balance simplicity and style. Avoid overwhelming the audience with different types of multimedia.

Focus on 2-4 types of content that resonate with your audience, such as narration, interactive features, videos, or animated charts. Distribute multimedia strategically throughout the presentation, maintaining a harmonious blend. Ensure each element enhances understanding and engagement without overshadowing the message.

Elements of a Multimedia Presentations

Text is a fundamental component of multimedia presentations, conveying information through characters of various sizes and styles. Unlike video, text requires less effort but demands attention to formatting for professionalism.

Fonts and sizes matter, affecting aesthetic cohesion. Text is utilized to share information or complement other media, with different styles enhancing interest and reinforcing messages. Presentation design effects, like text on portraits, further engage audiences, while color choice and contrast hold psychological appeal, increasing interest.

Consideration for visual impairments is essential, necessitating adherence to specific guidelines for text design. Multimedia ensures accessibility by presenting text in various formats, facilitating rapid understanding for all audiences.

In presentations, the right typography significantly impacts readability and audience engagement, serving as a crucial vehicle for providing information, explanations, and key points.

Images play a vital role in multimedia presentations, enhancing understanding and engagement. They should complement other elements without overwhelming the audience. High-quality visuals are crucial, as low-resolution images can detract from the overall impact.

Data visualization simplifies complex information, making it easier to comprehend. Incorporating interactive graphs, charts, and animations into presentations aids in conveying insights effectively.

Images and graphics facilitate storytelling , transforming complex information into memorable visuals. They evoke emotions, provide context, and simplify ideas, aiding audience comprehension and retention. In educational settings, historical images help students visualize events and figures from the past.

Videos in multimedia presentations consist of moving images accompanied by sound, enhancing audience engagement and understanding. With speeds ranging from 24 to 30 frames per second, video clips captivate viewers’ attention. Text can be incorporated through captions or embedded in images, enriching presentations.

In business settings, video presentations are integral for training and internal communication, offering a refreshing break from traditional methods. They elevate brand representation and improve in-class engagement, as studies indicate higher attention levels than conventional lectures.

Quality setup is crucial for pre-recorded and live videos, requiring high-quality sound and camera equipment. Stable internet connections ensure smooth delivery, avoiding technical difficulties.

Videos bring concepts to life, making presentations more dynamic and memorable. They demonstrate processes, showcase testimonials, and provide visual explanations, enriching educational and professional settings.

Audio and Music

In multimedia presentations, audio conveys information that may be challenging through other mediums, such as motivational speeches or enlightening music. It enhances engagement and retention, particularly for users with visual impairments. 

Background music and vocal narration add depth and energy to presentations, captivating audiences and setting the tone. However, for public conferences, it’s essential to use royalty-free audio to avoid copyright issues.

Sound effects, background music, and voiceovers enrich the auditory experience, evoking emotions and enhancing the narrative. From the crashing waves in a travel presentation to the runway music in a fashion show, audio sets the mood. It improves the overall experience, making multimedia presentations more immersive and engaging.

Animations bring static images to life by creating the illusion of movement, enhancing visual appeal and understanding. They depict actions like playing the guitar or responding to threat scenarios, facilitating comprehension of complex concepts. Animated icons, charts, and graphs add dynamic elements to presentations, aiding in showcasing information effectively.

In multimedia presentations, animations guide audience attention and engagement. They serve various purposes, from clever transitions to spicing up infographics, making presentations more dynamic and engaging. Additionally, animations in presentation videos help articulate key points, creating natural pauses for reflection and enhancing persuasiveness .

Effective use of animations involves directing audience attention without distractions. Techniques like arrows, entrance animations, and graying out irrelevant content guide focus on crucial information. In marketing presentations, animations illustrate product evolution or highlight unique features, making content more compelling and memorable. Animations breathe life into static content, making presentations more engaging and impactful.

Before presenting your multimedia creation:

• Review your presentation.
• Watch it multiple times to ensure functionality and engagement.
• Check for lags and assess their overall length.

If you missed any ideas, now’s the time to include them.

Fine-tuning a multimedia presentation may take longer than a regular one, so be patient. Once satisfied, prepare to share it. To reinforce your ideas, consider distributing the slide deck to your audience afterward, especially for pitches.

Don’t overlook the importance of reviewing your work. Treat your presentation like a first draft. Take a break, then return with fresh eyes to assess transitions and content flow. Correct any typos or grammatical errors to maintain professionalism.

Ensure your presentation is structured and cohesive. Evaluate if multimedia elements achieve their intended impact. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, make necessary adjustments. With careful review and editing, your multimedia presentation will be ready to captivate your audience.

FAQs: What is a Multimedia Presentation?

1. What is a multimedia presentation, and how does it differ from traditional slideshows?

A multimedia presentation combines various media types like text, images, video, and sound to convey information in an engaging way. Unlike traditional slideshows, multimedia presentations use sound, motion, and interactive features to captivate audiences, offering a dynamic experience.

2. Where are multimedia presentations commonly used?

Multimedia presentations find applications in diverse settings, including business, education, and entertainment. They aim to enhance audience engagement and information retention across different contexts, from simple PowerPoint slideshows to complex productions with animations and narration.

3. What are the key steps to crafting a stellar multimedia presentation?

Crafting a multimedia presentation involves defining clear objectives, understanding the audience, framing an outline, selecting appropriate tools, and integrating multimedia elements purposefully. These steps ensure the presentation remains focused, relevant, and engaging, catering to the needs of the audience effectively.

4. What are the essential elements of multimedia presentations?

The vital elements of multimedia presentations include text, images, videos, audio, and animations. Each element serves a specific purpose in improving audience understanding and engagement, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the presentation.

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Students as Creators: Exploring Multimedia

• Resources & Preparation
• Instructional Plan
• Related Resources

This lesson introduces students to the genre of multimedia presentations. Working first as a class and then in small groups, students view and analyze sample multimedia presentations and develop a list of characteristics of the genre. Students then brainstorm programs and tools they could use to make their own multimedia presentations and review applicable copyright law. Finally, they plan, storyboard, and create their own multimedia presentations. The lesson stresses the importance of using media in compliance with copyright protection and provides information about various multimedia formats. The topic and format of the presentations are left open-ended so teachers can tailor the project to the topics they are studying and/or the equipment they have available. This lesson plan was developed as part of a collaborative professional project with the American Library Association Office for Information Technology Policy and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).

Featured Resources

Multimedia Project Planning Sheet : Students can use this sheet to plan the topic, purpose, tools, and format for any multimedia project.

Image and Sound Organizer : This printout guides students in identifying multimedia components needed for any project and tracking the location and copyright status of possible resources.

Multimedia Tools and Tutorials : This handout lists online tutorials for several types of multimedia.

From Theory to Practice

Depending on how they are used, multimedia projects can provide a motivation for learning or an alternative to traditional assessment that can be very meaningful and engaging to today's media-savvy students. These projects can encourage teamwork and cooperation and offer an outlet for student creativity, while also arming students to critically engage with multimodal texts in authentic situations. In order to be most effective, multimedia projects must be presented to students in a way that not only engages their interest in technology but also enhances their critical understanding and fluency with the multimedia genre and the many modes of text that can be incorporated. NCTE's Statement on Multimodal Literacies suggests that "From an early age, students are very sophisticated readers and producers of multimodal work. They can be helped to understand how these works make meaning, how they are based on conventions, and how they are created for and respond to specific communities or audiences." This lesson therefore engages students in thinking critically about multimedia not only through the analysis of online examples but also by challenging them to choose appropriate formats and modes of text to craft a presentation that suits their own purpose and audience. Further Reading

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

• 1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
• 4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
• 5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
• 11. Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.
• 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Materials and Technology

Projector for showing a Website (optional)

• Image and Sound Organizer
• Multimedia Project Assignment Sheet
• Multimedia Project Planning Sheet
• Multimedia Project Storyboard
• Multimedia Tools and Tutorials
• Peer Review

Preparation

• This lesson is designed to be co-planned and co-taught by the classroom teacher and the school library media specialist. Meet to decide responsibilities for teaching the lessons and assessing student work, as well as to arrange logistics for using the library media center.
• The student work in this lesson depends on background knowledge about copyright law and fair use. The classroom teacher and school library media specialist should together adapt materials and activities from Students as Creators: Exploring Copyright to support students in this lesson.
• Prepare one copy of the Multimedia Project Assignment , Multimedia Project Planning Sheet , and Multimedia Tools and Tutorials handout for each group.
• Prepare several copies of the Image and Sound Organizer and Multimedia Project Storyboard handouts for each group.
• Prepare one copy of the Peer Review handout for each student.
• The classroom teacher and school library media specialist should familiarize themselves with multimedia tools available at school, including computer presentation, photo, sound, video, and drawing programs; video equipment; cameras and other photography equipment; scanners; etc. If necessary, arrange to use this equipment as needed in Sessions Three - Nine.
• Review the pertinent tools and tutorials from the Multimedia Tools and Tutorials handout or Web page , and select the ones that will work best for your students and the available equipment.
• If not already familiar with posting work to the school Website, the classroom teacher and school library media specialist should become familiar with this process. Alternatively, prepare for recording students' finished products on CD.
• Test the ReadWriteThink Flip Book and ReadWriteThink Multimedia Analysis Chart on your computers to become familiar with the tools and ensure that have the Flash plug-in is installed. Schools can download the plug-in from the technical support page .

Student Objectives

Students will

• analyze an online multimedia presentation to identify characteristics of the genre.
• identify modes of text that are most effective for their audience and purpose.
• create an original multimedia presentation.

Note: In addition to the stated NCTE/IRA standards, this lesson is also aligned to the following American Association of School Librarians Standards for the 21st-Century Learner .

• Respect copyright/intellectual property rights of creators and producers.
• Follow ethical and legal guidelines in gathering and using information
• Use information and technology ethically and responsibly.
• Respect the principles of intellectual freedom.

Session One

• Ask students what the term multimedia means to them. Students should understand that multimedia means that something is made up of more than one medium , such as images, video, animation, sound, text, and graphics such as charts or graphs. Multimedia in the Classroom provides a good definition and examples of multimedia that can be shared with the class.
• Ask students to suggest some purposes for creating a multimedia work. Suggestions may include expressing oneself artistically, conveying information about a place or topic, and persuading someone to do something.
• Open the ARTSEDGE resource Blues Journey . Share this resource with students using a projector, or have students access it and follow along on individual or group computers.
• What is the purpose of this screen?
• What types of media are used on this screen?
• Which type of media makes the biggest impact? Why?
• How has color been used to convey the message of this multimedia work?
• How have images been used? How do these images contribute to the message conveyed?
• How is text used on this screen?
• How many different fonts are used? Why might different fonts have been selected rather than one?
• What style are the fonts (e.g., simple, gimmicky/fun, scripted/elaborate). How does this style contribute to the feel of the whole screen? How does it relate to the purpose of the text?
• How does this multimedia work transition from one screen to the next?
• How is this screen similar to the first screen? How is it different?
• What additional media are used on this second screen?
• What is the purpose of this multimedia work as a whole?
• Is all the information given on this screen available directly on the screen? Why not?
• What items make the biggest impact on this screen? Why?
• What font color is used? Is this a good choice? Why was it likely selected?
• Is the resource easy to read? Why or why not?
• How does the audio contribute to the resource? Is it essential or just "background noise"?
• How do the images contribute to the resource? Are they essential? Why or why not?
• Why might the images have been selected?
• What do the images on all the screens have in common? How might this contribute to the message the resource is trying to convey?
• What are the common elements found on most screens? How do these help the reader?
• Which type of media (text, images, audio) takes up the most space on the screen? Why might the designer have done this?
• Which items are most effective? Which are least effective? Why?
• After viewing the entire resource, brainstorm a list of characteristics of multimedia resources based on the resource you viewed as well as students' prior knowledge.
• National Geographic Sights and Sounds features (Note: This is not a section of the site, but rather a search landing page for all multimedia content from National Geographic.)
• ARTSEDGE Multimedia Finder
• PBS Cyber ads from the 2004 Presidential elections
• After students have viewed the resources, have each group share additional characteristics they identified with the class. Add those characteristics to the initial brainstorming list.
• Ask students to share their favorite examples of a use of multimedia that they felt was particularly powerful or one that did not work well.
• Keep the class notes accessible to students, and encourage them to keep their own notes as well for reference when they create an original multimedia work in the following sessions.

Session Two

• Explain that students will be working in groups to design and create an original, publishable multimedia work over the next two weeks.
• Brainstorm some programs or tools students could use to create a multimedia work, and list them on the board. The list could include PowerPoint, Keynote, or other presentation programs; a digital camera; a video camera; a sound recorder; photo-editing software (most computers have basic photo-editing software included); Web page-creating software (note that Microsoft Word can be used to create Web pages); drawing programs, such as Paint; images or sound from other sources, such as the Web; etc.
• Arrange the class into groups of 3-4 students. For this project, it might be useful to let students, with approval, self-select groups with common interests.
• The group must create a multimedia work that it can present to the class. The work can be on a topic and in a format of the group's choice. Note that this part can be adapted if desired to focus students on a particular topic that is relevant to your classroom and/or with a more limited choice of formats.
• Each work must integrate at least two of the following forms of media: images, video, sound, animation, text, graphics.
• The presentation of the work must last between one and five minutes.
• The work must respect copyright law.
• Explain to students that they will be given information and tools that will help them make sure their works uphold and conform to copyright law, as well as tutorials to help them use various multimedia programs.
• Brainstorm some examples of what a group's finished multimedia project might look like. For example, it might be a Web page with links and images, a PowerPoint presentation with photographs and music, a slide show with sound, a video with sound, an animation with sound, etc. Be sure to point out which basic options, such as slide shows, video, etc., will be possible for students to create using school resources.
• Allow students time to discuss within their groups the kind of projects they want to create and the topics they want to cover. Students can use the Multimedia Project Planning Sheet to create basic plans for their projects.
• Collect the planning sheets. The classroom teacher and school library media specialist should review them prior to the next session. Alternatively, the classroom teacher and school library media specialist can meet with each group briefly to discuss its plan. It is important at this stage to make sure that every group has a good topic with which all members are comfortable, as well as an appropriate format selected in which to create the project.

Session Three

• Return the planning sheets with combined comments to the groups. Ask them to make any necessary adjustments to their basic plans based on the comments. Meet with groups briefly as necessary to make sure they are ready to proceed to the next step.
• Give each group a Multimedia Project Storyboard . Alternatively, give students access to the ReadWriteThink Flip Book , which can be used to create a storyboard, with each page as a panel. Demonstrate how to use the storyboard to sketch each step of the project. The use of storyboards will differ slightly depending on which format students are using. For example, if they are using PowerPoint, each frame on the storyboard would represent one slide. If they are using video, each panel would describe a shot in the video (e.g., students walking into the classroom laughing and talking [five seconds]). If they are focusing on sound, with supporting images or graphics, each panel would list the text or sound and describe related images, as appropriate.
• Give students time in class to begin sketching their projects using the storyboard. They should include a rough draft of any text, describe or sketch the kinds of images or video they will use, and note ideas for sound or types of sounds they want to include (e.g., bird call, spooky music, or chorus of _____ song).
• If students are using the ReadWriteThink Flip Book , make sure they print their work before closing the interactive.

Session Four

• Allow time for students to finish their initial, rough storyboards. As students work, the classroom teacher and school library media specialist should briefly visit the groups to check their storyboards.
• When students have completed their rough storyboards, gather them together to discuss the next step. Explain that they will next search for or create particular images, sounds, and other resources that they can use in their presentations.
• Review the rules for use of copyrighted material with students, using the Students as Creators: Exploring Copyright lesson plan. Explain that students will need to follow copyright rules when selecting images, sounds, and other resources for their presentations. The lesson plan includes a list of Online Sources for Finding Works in the Public Domain , which may be useful to students.
• Explain that students may choose to create some of their own images and sound. Students may create images or art using standard materials, such as paint, collage materials, drawing materials, etc., that then can be digitized using a scanner or digital camera. They also may take photographs or create images using a computer drawing program, such as Paint. They can record sound using a microphone and the recording tools available with most computers. If students are not familiar with the available drawing programs and/or sound programs, they may need a brief tutorial before continuing with the project. The Multimedia Tools and Tutorials list includes links to a number of useful resources for the creation of sound, image, animation, and video.
• Students should use any remaining time to begin finding and/or creating sound and images for their presentations. They should use the Image and Sound Organizer to track where each item was found. They will continue with this process in the next session.

Session Five

• Give students time to continue finding and/or creating images and sounds for their presentations. As students work, visit with each group to check that students are selecting appropriate resources. If groups are unable to find resources as described on their storyboards, they will need to form an alternative plan.
• After finding the images, sounds, and other resources for their presentations, students should revisit their storyboards. They will need to revise them to include the specific sounds, images, video, etc. that they selected. They may also need to revise their text or make more substantial revisions to adjust for the actual elements they found.
• Students may need additional time outside class to complete their storyboards. In any case, groups should turn in their storyboards for review by the teacher and school library media specialist prior to the next session.

Session Six

• Return to the groups the storyboards with any comments. Allow students a few minutes to revise their storyboards if needed before continuing.
• Explain that students will now use various tools available to them to create a multimedia work based on their storyboards.
• Give a brief overview of the programs and materials available in your classroom or school for their use.
• Allow groups time to discuss which tools they want to use and to spend time familiarizing themselves with those tools. Depending on the number of students, the amount of resources available, and the technical knowledge of the students, consider creating a sign-up sheet for training and use of some of the tools. The school library media specialist may be able to identify student "experts" who are familiar with some of the tools and programs available and can assist their peers, and/or direct students to online tutorials for their programs. A number of tutorial options are listed on the Multimedia Tools and Tutorials handout or Web page .
• As students become familiar with the necessary tools, they can begin to create the multimedia work outlined on their storyboards.

Session Seven

• Allow students to continue working on their multimedia projects during this session.
• Visit with groups as they work to make sure they are able to use the desired programs or tools and that they are considering copyright concerns as they incorporate material into their presentations.
• The classroom teacher, school library media specialist, and/or student "experts" should be available to help with any technical problems that may arise as students work.
• Because of the variety of approaches possible to this project, some students may finish early, while others may need additional time outside class to complete their projects. Plan for alternative activities for those who finish early, and be prepared to delay the final three sessions if needed to give students additional time outside class to finish their projects.

Session Eight

• Allow students to complete any finishing touches to their projects during the first half of the session.
• Have students use the rest of the session to test and troubleshoot their projects, using the actual equipment that will be available during their presentation, if possible.
• Students should be prepared to share their completed projects with the class during the next session.

Session Nine

• In this session, each group should present its multimedia work to the class. Allow time for each group to explain its project briefly and to answer any questions their classmates may have.
• Ask student audience members to peer review each presentation using the Multimedia Peer Review handout. Encourage students to be constructive in their comments so as to help the group refine its work before it is published.
• The classroom teacher and school library media specialist should co-facilitate a brief discussion each project after it is presented. Ask the audience to share specific elements they liked and offer specific suggestions for improvement prior to publication. The classroom teacher and school library media specialist should share comments and suggestions with each group.

Session Ten

• Groups should refine their projects based on the reviews they were given in the previous session.
• Work with students as needed to publish their work on a school Website or on CD.
• Tie the multimedia project to a content-area research project and use it as an alternative assessment of students' learning.
• Collaborate with music and art teachers to have students create a multimedia project showcasing their own music, art, and/or creative writing.
• Tie the multimedia project in with literature you are reading in class. Help students relate the literature to their own lives by selecting an "inspiration point" from the literature and creating a multimedia work to celebrate that inspiration or to convince or inspire others. This activity could be very effective with English Language Learners.
• Have students create a multimedia presentation to advocate for a cause that is important to them. Explore the effectiveness of multimedia for persuasive writing.

Student Assessment / Reflections

• The classroom teacher and school library media specialist should each observe students during the process of planning and creating their projects to assess their contributions to the group work and their understanding of the tools they use.
• The classroom teacher and school library media specialist should together assess the planning process using the completed group copies of the Multimedia Project Planning Sheet , Image and Sound Organizer , and Multimedia Project Storyboard .
• Using the guidelines covered in the Multimedia Project Assignment , the classroom teacher and school library media specialist should assess the final project.
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Blog Beginner Guides How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 20, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Click to jump ahead:

What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?

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

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

1. Clear structure

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

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

2. Engaging opening

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

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

3. Relevant content

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

4. Effective visual aids

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

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

5. Clear and concise communication

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

6. Engaging delivery

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

7. Interaction and audience engagement

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

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

8. Effective storytelling

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

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

9. Well-timed pacing

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

10. Strong conclusion

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

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

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

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

1. Understand the audience and their needs

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

2. Conduct thorough research on the topic

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

3. Organize the content with a clear structure

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

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

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

4. Develop visually appealing and supportive visual aids

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

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

5. Practice, practice and practice

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

6. Seek feedback and make necessary adjustments

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

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

7. Prepare for potential technical or logistical issues

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

8. Fine-tune and polish your presentation

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

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

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

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

1. Confidence and positive body language

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

2. Eye contact with the audience

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

3. Effective use of hand gestures and movement

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

4. Utilize storytelling techniques

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

5. Incorporate multimedia elements

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

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

6. Utilize humor strategically

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

7. Practice active listening and respond to feedback

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

8. Apply the 10-20-30 rule

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

9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule

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

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

1. How to start a presentation?

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

2. How to end a presentation?

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

3. How to make a presentation interactive?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Multimedia Presentation Guide

Multimedia presentations are an excellent way to assess competencies in an online or classroom environment. Depending on the software that a student is able to access, there are many ways to create and share multimedia presentations. Please explore the options below!

MS Powerpoint - Desktop Version

This option is for students who have the desktop version of PowerPoint, which will allow narration while the Office 365 version does not allow narration. Note: the MS Office Suite provided by NCWC is Office 365 so will not work alone. Office 365 is a web-based product, so you will access it via an internet browser (i.e. Explorer, Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, etc.). Watch the first video below about recording a presentation.

Once you have the presentation recorded and saved, you may need to save it in Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, or another online storage platform to be able to share with a link. The second video below will show you how to share via OneDrive.

Presentation Software & Screencasting

This option is for students who do not have the desktop version of PowerPoint. This option requires the presentation to be set up in a software program such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi, etc. Once ready to record, use a screen-casting software to record your voice while advancing through your presentation. There are many low or no cost screen-cast programs such as Screen-cast-o-matic , Screencastify , or QuickTime . These software products usually have good tutorials that will help you learn quickly how to use the software.

Once the screen-cast is complete, it can be shared via link if the program allows or downloaded onto the computer as a video file. Video files can be shared in  Dropbox , OneDrive , Google Drive , or another online storage platform, however the best tool for sharing video is YouTube . The video below will show you how to record with Screen-cast-o-matic.

Online Presentation Software

There are many online products that are available to create presentations and also provide tutorials about how to use the software. Additionally, YouTube has many videos that can help you to figure out what program to use and how to use it.

Some examples:

Consider using your smartphone! There are many apps that can be downloaded at no cost that will record your screen and audio.

Check out some videos below about recording on your phone!

Uploading Your Video to YouTube

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Center for Teaching

Multimedia presentations.

More and more professors are using presentation technologies to bring visual aids into their classroom. More and more students expect a professor to distribute lecture slides to the class, either in hard copy or via the World Wide Web.

Professors deciding to use such slides in their teaching face many questions. What sorts of material should go on the slides? Are there limits to the amount of text one should put on a slide? How does one arrange the material for optimum viewing? Should the slides be distributed before class, after class, or not at all? If one decides to distribute them, should one do that in hard copy or via a course web site?

An instructor’s use of visual aids in teaching, like other elements of the teaching practice, should be congruent with the instructor’s general approach to teaching. However, there are general rules and guidelines that the instructor can follow; we attempt to develop some of these below. On this page we present briefly stated rules and guidelines and also provide some links to other resources for those who would like more information.

• General guidelines for slide design
• Suggestions for uses of slides
• Links to other web-based resources

General Guidelines for Slide Design

Font selection.

• Sans serif fonts are better than serif fonts. Serif fonts have small embellishments or lines at the base of each letter. These embellishments make it easier to follow a line of text on the printed page, but they are a distraction on a screen. So select a sans serif font (like Helvetica or Arial) instead of a serif font (like Times New Roman) for your PowerPoint slides.
• Font size is crucial. You can find many rules for determining the proper font size for a particular presentation setting. A good general rule is to use at least 28 point for body text and 38 point for heading text.

Working with colors.

• Remember that some (perhaps 5 – 10%?) of people are colorblind, so avoid using such color combinations as red text on a green background.
• Standard advice is to use light text on a dark background in projected presentations, but pay attention to the strength of the image projected by the projector. One graphics person suggested yellow text on an indigo background. (There are some who recommend dark text on a light background if the room is large.) (Note: if you’re using transparencies and an overhead projector, don’t use dark backgrounds.)
• Pay attention to how different colors go together, and remember that the shades you see on your monitor are not necessarily the ones you’ll see when projecting your presentation.

Text and white space.

• Blank space on a slide is important – as a general rule, if you find yourself wanting to reduce the font size so that you can get more text on the screen, it’s probably a good idea to consider redesigning the slide so that you have less text on it.
• The standard limit is either 7 x 7 (seven lines, no more than seven words each) or 5 x 5 (five lines, no more than five words each) on each slide.

Suggestions for Uses of Slides

If you’re using slides to illustrate and/or  support a lecture …..

• Remember that lecture notes on a slide play a different role in a lecture than do lecture notes that only the lecturer can see. If you try to make them play the same role, you’re likely to find students reading your slides instead of listening to you.
• List major points of your lecture. Several of the major points might stay on the screen as you develop each of them in turn, providing a way for those listening to the lecture to place each point in the larger context.
• List important terms. Again, one slide with several terms might remain on the screen for some time, allowing you to refer to each of them as you introduce them in your lecture.
• Illustrate with images. Sometimes a picture can make words worth much more than they are without the picture.

While instructors tend to think of lectures when they think of using visual aids in teaching, images can also be used to  support classroom discussions .

• Move participants through stages of understanding. Suppose you have a discussion in which students are asked to work together to analyze a dataset and reach a particular conclusion about the dataset. You could begin with a slide that presents the dataset in a disorganized way and ask the students to work together to identify patterns. As the discussion progressed to identify patterns that you would expect students to identify, you might then present a slide that showed these patterns. The discussion would proceed, supported at each stage by a slide that exhibited the patterns identified at that stage.
• Take, organize, project real-time notes on discussion. Students often take notes during a discussion. Have students take turns serving as primary notetaker for the discussion, recording these notes in real time in a word processor projected onto the screen. Students develop the skill of recording and organizing information as a discussion is taking place. Moreover, these notes are in electronic form and therefore easily revised and reproduced. Notes taken in one class session can provide the basis for discussions later in the term.
• Organize small-group work. If you have students working in small groups, you can put prompts for group work on slides that are projected as the students do their work. You could move students gently from one stage to the next by changing the prompts.
• PowerPoint tutorial . There are many tutorials for PowerPoint. Here’s one developed at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
• Active Learning with PowerPoint . An in-depth discussion of strategies for teaching with PowerPoint from the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Minnesota.
• PowerPoint: Possibilities and Problems . Eugene V. Gallagher and Michael Reder of Connecticut College discuss how teachers can use PowerPoint thoughtfully and effectively .
• Serif vs sans serif fonts . Here’s a discussion that’s more fully developed than the one above, but still very brief.
• Choices about font size . If you’re not satisfied with the general guidelines given above regarding font size in PowerPoint presentations, than you might consider using the rule described on this page.
• Noted information designer  Edward Tufte offers his thoughts on the uses and misuses of Power Point (and other presentation software) in his  The Cognitive Style of Power Point , an excerpt of which is available  here . Also see Tufte’s article,  PowerPoint is Evil from the September 2003 issue of Wired magazine.It should be noted that in his analysis of PowerPoint, Tufte often neglects to address the use of PowerPoint (and other slideware) to complement what a speaker says. He points out that a PowerPoint slideshow is limited in the ways that it can convey information as a stand-alone document, but he doesn’t address ways that a slideshow can enhance an in-person presentation.
• For a different approach to using PowerPoint and other slideware to complement an in-person presentation, read  Garr Reynold’s advice on designing slides . Reynolds is the author of  Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery . See also Reynolds’  Presentation Zen blog for additional thoughts on presentations.

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