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Crafting a compelling business proposal: A step-by-step guide

In the competitive world of business, the ability to present a compelling business proposal is paramount to success. Whether you’re vying for a new client, seeking investment, or aiming to secure a partnership, a well-crafted proposal can make all the difference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the process of creating an impactful business proposal, step by step. We’ll explore what a business proposal entails, discuss its important elements, and show you how Prezi, an innovative presentation platform, can help you create an engaging business proposal that leaves a lasting impression.

A presenter on stage giving a presentation

Understanding business proposals

To begin, let’s establish a clear understanding of what is a business proposal and why it holds significant value. A business proposal is a formal document that outlines a solution to a client’s problem or presents a business opportunity. Its primary objective is to persuade the recipient to take a specific action, such as approving a project or entering into a partnership. By effectively conveying your ideas, expertise, and value proposition, a business proposal can help you win lucrative contracts and drive business growth.

A business proposal serves as a powerful tool for establishing credibility and showcasing your capabilities. It enables you to communicate your understanding of the client’s needs, propose a tailored solution, and demonstrate how your offerings can address their pain points. Additionally, a well-crafted business proposal showcases your professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering exceptional results. It sets you apart from competitors and positions you as a trusted partner in achieving your client’s objectives.

Key components of how to write a business proposal

A well-structured business proposal consists of several essential components that work together to create a persuasive narrative. Understanding and effectively incorporating these elements can significantly enhance the impact of your proposal. In order to understand how to write a business proposal you need to understand all areas, so let’s explore each component in detail.

Executive summary

The executive summary is a vital part of a business proposal, providing a concise overview that captures the reader’s attention. It highlights key points and conveys the unique value proposition of your proposal. To make it compelling, clearly showcase the benefits and advantages your proposal offers, addressing the client’s specific needs. Keep the summary concise, well-structured, and organized to ensure a quick understanding. 

Prezi’s dynamic presentation features can enhance the impact of your summary in a presentation format with captivating visuals and effects like zooming and panning. Incorporating interactive elements and embedding videos or clickable links can further engage the reader. Crafting a strong executive summary, leveraging Prezi’s tools, sets the stage for a successful business proposal presentation.

A Prezi business proposal presentation template
Prezi business proposal presentation example

Problem statement

To craft a compelling business proposal, it’s essential to articulate the client’s pain points and challenges clearly. This showcases your understanding of their needs and positions you as the ideal solution provider. Thorough research and analysis of their industry and competitors will provide valuable insights to tailor your proposal effectively. Be specific and provide examples that resonate with their situation, emphasizing the potential impact on their business. Outline your proposed solutions and explain how they address their pain points, showcasing your expertise and past successes. By effectively articulating the client’s challenges and demonstrating your understanding, you build trust and establish yourself as the preferred partner. This strengthens the overall impact and persuasiveness of your business proposal.

Proposed solutions

When presenting your proposed solutions, it’s crucial to convey them clearly and in a structured manner. Begin by clearly outlining the precise actions you’ll take to tackle the client’s challenges and help them achieve their desired goals. Break down the process into manageable phases or milestones, highlighting the key actions and deliverables at each stage. Clearly articulate the benefits and advantages of your approach, explaining how it uniquely positions the client for success. Focus on the value your solutions bring, whether it’s increased efficiency, cost savings, improved productivity, or any other relevant benefits. By emphasizing the positive impact of your approach, you make a compelling case for why the client should choose your proposal over others.

Presentation during business meeting - business person showing financial figures

Timeline and deliverables

When creating your business proposal, you need to ensure the timeline is realistic. This not only demonstrates your ability to meet deadlines but also highlights your efficient project management skills. By clearly outlining the key milestones and deliverables, you show the client that you understand the project’s scope and have the necessary resources to ensure timely delivery. Transparency and effective project management are highly regarded in the business world, and by emphasizing these qualities, you build trust with the client. 

Meeting deadlines is crucial, and by showcasing your track record of timely completion, you position yourself as a reliable and dependable partner for their project requirements. Your commitment to delivering on time speaks volumes about your professionalism and dedication to client satisfaction.

Team and expertise

When presenting your business proposal, it’s crucial to introduce your team members and emphasize their relevant experience and expertise. This not only establishes credibility but also builds trust with the client. By showcasing the qualifications and capabilities of your team, you reassure the client that you have the necessary resources to successfully execute the proposed project. 

Highlighting their expertise in relevant areas demonstrates your commitment to delivering high-quality results. It also instills confidence in the client that they are partnering with a knowledgeable and skilled team capable of overcoming challenges and achieving desired outcomes. Introducing your team members adds a personal touch to the proposal, allowing the client to connect with the individuals who’ll be involved in their project. This human element fosters a sense of collaboration and increases the client’s confidence in your ability to meet their needs effectively.

Close up of a group of sales people having a sales team meeting in a conference room

Pricing and payment terms

To establish trust and foster transparency, it’s essential to clearly communicate the cost of your services in your business proposal. Provide a detailed breakdown of pricing, including any available packages or options that align with the client’s specific needs. By being transparent about the financial aspect, you demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to open communication.

Additionally, it’s crucial to outline the payment terms, such as deposit requirements and invoicing schedules. We’ll clearly state the upfront deposit amount, timing, and the frequency and method of invoicing for your convenience and peace of mind. This level of clarity ensures that both parties are on the same page regarding financial expectations and facilitates a smooth and mutually beneficial working relationship. By addressing the cost of services and payment terms in a transparent manner, you instill confidence in the client, showcasing your reliability and commitment to fair business practices.

Testimonials and case studies

Including testimonials or case studies from satisfied clients is a great way to show off your track record of successful projects. It’s like having happy customers vouch for you and share their positive experiences. 

When potential clients see these testimonials, it gives them reassurance and confidence in your abilities. They can see that you’ve helped others just like them and delivered outstanding results. It’s real proof that you’re reliable, trustworthy, and capable of meeting their needs. These success stories are like a seal of approval, demonstrating your expertise and commitment to delivering excellent service. By sharing these testimonials you’re letting your satisfied clients do the talking for you.

A step-by-step guide to writing a business proposal

Now that we understand the key components of a business proposal, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating an impactful proposal.

Research and analyze

In order to write an effective business proposal, start by conducting thorough research and analysis of your client’s industry, market trends, and competitors. Dive deep into their specific needs and pain points to gain valuable insights that’ll allow you to tailor your proposal accordingly. By demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of their business landscape, you can showcase your expertise and position yourself as the ideal solution provider.

Define your objectives

Clearly defining the objectives of your business proposal is crucial. Determine whether you aim to win a new client, secure funding, or initiate a strategic partnership. Aligning your proposal with these objectives ensures its relevance and effectiveness. By explicitly stating your goals, you can craft a persuasive proposal that directly addresses the needs and desires of your target audience.

A man working on his business proposal presentation.

Structure and format

When structuring your business proposal, consider the appropriate format and layout. While there are no strict rules, a well-organized and visually appealing design significantly enhances readability and engagement. Break down your proposal into clear sections with headings, use bullet points and subheadings for easy navigation, and incorporate visuals or infographics to convey information effectively. By presenting a professional and polished document, you create a positive impression and increase the chances of capturing the reader’s attention.

Tailor your proposal 

One size does not fit all when it comes to business proposals. Tailor each proposal to address the unique needs and challenges of your clients. Personalize the content by referencing their specific situation, pain points, and goals. By showcasing your understanding of their individual requirements, you demonstrate a genuine interest in their success. This personalized approach sets you apart from generic proposals and builds a strong connection with the client, increasing the likelihood of a positive response.

Craft a compelling executive summary 

Invest time and effort into crafting a compelling executive summary for your business proposal. This concise section serves as the gateway to your proposal, capturing the reader’s attention from the outset. Summarize the key points of your proposal in a clear and impactful manner. Highlight the unique value you bring and emphasize the benefits the client will gain by choosing your solution. A compelling executive summary entices the reader to explore the proposal further and sets a positive tone for the rest of the document.

Provide a clear problem statement

Effectively articulate the pain points and challenges faced by the client in a clear and concise manner. Show your understanding of their specific situation and make them feel heard and understood. By accurately identifying and addressing their problems, you establish credibility and build trust. This clear problem statement lays the foundation for presenting compelling solutions that directly tackle the client’s concerns.

Present your solutions 

Present your proposed solutions in a logical and persuasive manner. Outline the specific steps you’ll take to address the client’s challenges and explain how your approach will deliver tangible results. Use persuasive language to highlight the benefits and advantages of your solutions. Incorporate relevant case studies or examples to demonstrate your track record of success with examples of previous business proposals. By presenting a well-structured and compelling plan, you instill confidence in the client and increase the likelihood of them choosing your proposal.

A woman presenting her business presentation

Showcase your expertise

Highlight the expertise and experience of your team members that are relevant to the proposal. Provide brief biographies or profiles of key individuals, showcasing their qualifications and accomplishments. This establishes credibility and demonstrates that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to execute the proposed project successfully. By showcasing your team’s expertise, you instill confidence in the client and differentiate yourself from competitors. Clients are more likely to trust and engage with a proposal backed by a team of capable professionals.

Visualize your ideas 

When crafting your business proposal, don’t underestimate the power of visual aids in capturing attention and delivering your message with impact. Incorporating charts, graphs, and infographics strategically throughout your proposal can make complex information more accessible, memorable, and engaging. By leveraging visual representations, you enhance the clarity of your ideas and increase the chances of resonating with your audience.

Visual elements act as persuasive tools, helping you illustrate the value and potential of your proposal in a compelling way. They provide a visual framework that supports your written content and makes it more compelling. Whether you’re presenting data, illustrating processes, or showcasing benefits, visual aids serve as a powerful complement to your narrative, making your proposal more compelling and persuasive (view the Prezi presentation example below).


Remember to keep your visuals clean, organized, and aligned with your brand. Choose colors, fonts, and imagery that reflect your professional image and enhance the overall aesthetics of your proposal. By embracing visual communication, you not only make your business proposal visually appealing but also increase its chances of standing out and leaving a lasting impression.

Proofread and polish

Before you finalize and submit your business proposal, invest time in meticulously proofreading and polishing its content. Take a thorough look at the entire document to identify and rectify any grammar, spelling, or formatting errors. Ensuring a consistent tone, style, and formatting throughout is crucial for presenting a polished and professional proposal.

Young woman working at home, working on her business presentation.

Proofreading goes beyond error correction; it helps you refine your message and ensure clarity and coherence. Use this opportunity to enhance sentence structures, rephrase complex ideas, and improve overall readability. Carefully evaluate the flow and logical progression of your proposal, making necessary adjustments to enhance its effectiveness.

Polishing your business proposal involves fine-tuning the language and presentation to make a lasting impact. Pay attention to word choice, sentence structure, and writing style, aiming for concise and precise communication. Remove any redundant or ambiguous content and ensure each section contributes meaningfully to your proposal’s objectives.

Also, make sure to watch a video on creating a business proposal presentation, where we cover 5 key steps in crafting an impactful presentation for success:

Leveraging Prezi for business proposal presentations

When it comes to presenting your business proposal, engaging visuals and seamless delivery can make a significant impact. Prezi, an innovative presentation platform, offers a range of features and tools that can elevate your business proposal presentations to new heights.

Dynamic presentations

In a business proposal presentation, leverage the dynamic and non-linear capabilities of Prezi to captivate potential investors and stakeholders, showcasing your ideas with immersive zooming and panning effects that leave a lasting impression.

Prezi will allow you to break free from the constraints of traditional slide decks, enabling you to think beyond linear narratives and instead craft a visual journey that seamlessly flows from one idea to another. By zooming in and out, panning across the canvas, and navigating through a virtual space, Prezi adds a new dynamic dimension, making your business proposal presentation more engaging, memorable, and impactful.

Interactive elements

When preparing your proposal presentation, consider incorporating a variety of interactive elements to elevate audience engagement and create a truly immersive and memorable experience. By seamlessly integrating videos that showcase your product or service, embedding clickable links to additional resources or relevant websites, and incorporating interactive charts that allow viewers to explore data in real-time, you can effectively communicate your ideas and capture the attention of your audience in a way that leaves a lasting impact. These interactive elements not only enhance the overall visual appeal of your presentation but also provide an opportunity for your audience to actively participate, interact with the content, and gain a deeper understanding of the value proposition you are offering.


Collaboration and sharing

With Prezi’s collaborative features, you can streamline the process of creating a proposal presentation by seamlessly working together with your team members. Gone are the days of sending multiple versions of the presentation back and forth via email; instead, Prezi enables multiple contributors to work simultaneously on the same presentation, fostering efficient teamwork and saving valuable time.

By leveraging Prezi’s real-time collaboration tools, team members can collaborate on different aspects of the proposal presentation, making edits, adding content, and refining the overall message concurrently. This collaborative environment encourages creativity, idea sharing, and collective input, resulting in a more comprehensive and polished final presentation.

Once your team has finalized the proposal presentation, Prezi makes it incredibly easy to share your work with clients or stakeholders for review and feedback. With just a few clicks, you can securely share a link to your presentation, allowing others to access and view it from any device or location. This streamlined sharing process ensures that your audience can conveniently review the proposal at their convenience, eliminating the need for cumbersome file transfers or scheduling multiple meetings.

Prezi business proposal presentation showcasing collaborative features

Business proposal presentation templates: Streamline your proposal presentation creation process with Prezi

Creating a business proposal presentation from scratch can be made easy with the correct tools. To simplify the process and ensure a professional presentation, utilizing templates can be a game-changer. With the help of Prezi, an innovative platform offering a wide range of templates, you can effortlessly create impressive business proposal presentations that capture attention and showcase your ideas effectively.

A business proposal template serves as a framework for organizing your content and guiding the overall structure of your proposal. It saves you valuable time by providing a pre-designed layout that incorporates essential sections. By using a template, you can focus on customizing the content to suit your specific needs rather than starting from scratch.

Prezi offers a diverse collection of business presentation templates, catering to various industries and business requirements. These templates are professionally designed, visually appealing, and customizable, allowing you to make them your own with ease.

Business proposal templates on Prezi

Using a business proposal presentation template not only saves time but also ensures consistency and professionalism throughout your proposal. The templates are designed with attention to detail, incorporating best practices for layout, typography, and visual elements. This consistency enhances the readability and cohesiveness of your proposal, leaving a positive impression on your audience.

With Prezi, you have the flexibility to customize any template to suit your unique brand identity. You can easily modify colors, fonts, and images to reflect your company’s visual style and create a cohesive presentation. This personalization adds a touch of professionalism and uniqueness to your proposal, making it stand out from generic, cookie-cutter proposal presentations.

With Prezi business presentation templates and editing tools, you can confidently create professional and visually stunning proposals that leave a lasting impression. 

Final thoughts

Crafting an outstanding business proposal requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and effective communication. By following this step-by-step guide and leveraging the power of Prezi, you can create business proposals and business proposal presentations that capture attention, differentiate you from competitors, and increase your chances of success. Remember, a well-crafted proposal is a powerful tool to convey your expertise, showcase your value, and win over clients. Embrace the possibilities offered by Prezi and take your business proposals to new heights. Start creating impactful proposals today and open doors to exciting opportunities in the world of business.

Creating impactful sales decks with Prezi: unleash the power of visual storytelling

A compelling sales presentation can be the key to capturing your audience’s attention and closing deals successfully. One powerful tool that can help you deliver an engaging and persuasive sales pitch is a sales deck. In this article, we’ll explore what a sales deck is, discuss its essential elements, and demonstrate how you can effortlessly create a remarkable sales slide deck using Prezi’s innovative platform.

A women in front of an audience presenting a sales deck.

What is a sales deck?

A sales deck, also known as a sales slide deck or sales presentation deck, is a visual representation of your sales pitch. It serves as a concise and persuasive overview of your product, service, or solution, designed to captivate and persuade your potential customers. A well-crafted sales deck can convey your value proposition effectively and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

The importance of sales deck presentations

Sales decks play a crucial role in modern presentations by providing a structured and visually compelling format for delivering your sales pitch. Here are key reasons why sales decks are useful and why incorporating them into your presentations is essential for sales success.

Structured communication

Sales decks provide a framework for organizing and presenting your sales message in a clear and coherent manner. By following a well-defined structure, you ensure that your presentation flows smoothly, making it easier for your audience to follow along and understand your value proposition.

Visual engagement

In today’s visually-oriented world, sales decks offer a visually appealing approach to captivate your audience’s attention. By incorporating compelling images, graphics, and charts, you can make complex concepts more accessible and memorable. Visual elements not only enhance engagement but also help convey information more effectively.

persuasive presentation design

Consistent messaging

Sales decks enable you to maintain consistency in your messaging across different sales interactions. By creating a standardized deck, you ensure that your sales team delivers a consistent brand message, emphasizing key points, benefits, and features of your offering. Consistency builds trust and reinforces your brand image.

Concise and impactful delivery

Sales decks encourage conciseness by presenting information in a condensed and focused manner. With limited space on each slide, you are prompted to distill your message down to its core components, ensuring that every slide adds value and supports your overall sales narrative. This concise delivery increases the impact of your presentation.

Customization and personalization

While sales decks provide a structured format, they also offer flexibility for customization and personalization. You can tailor your deck to specific prospects or industries, highlighting relevant case studies, testimonials, or data points. This customization demonstrates your understanding of their unique challenges and positions your offering as the ideal solution.

Post-presentation reference

Sales slide decks serve as valuable reference materials for your prospects. After the presentation, they can revisit the deck to review key points, reinforce their understanding, and share it with other decision-makers. A well-crafted sales deck, with clear and concise content, becomes a powerful tool that continues to work in your favor even after the presentation concludes.

A young employee confidently stands in front of a group of colleagues in a modern office environment. He casts a screen with stats and graphs from his laptop onto a large monitor. His colleagues listen intently.

Incorporating a sales deck into your presentation strategy is essential for maximizing the impact of your sales efforts. It ensures a structured, visually engaging, and consistent delivery of your sales message. With a well-designed sales deck, you can effectively convey your value proposition, establish credibility, and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Remember, a sales deck isn’t just a collection of slides but a strategic tool that helps you articulate your value proposition, address pain points, and ultimately close deals. By utilizing Prezi’s platform to create compelling sales decks, you can elevate your sales presentations and increase your chances of success in today’s competitive business landscape.   

Essential elements of a sales deck

Compelling opening

Grab your audience’s attention from the start with a compelling opening that highlights the problem your product or service solves. The opening of your sales deck is your opportunity to make a strong first impression and generate interest in your offering. Craft a powerful and attention-grabbing opening that resonates with your target audience, and you’ll set the foundation for a persuasive and impactful sales presentation. Take inspiration from this Prezi presentation example where the presentation opening features a video that immediately captures the viewer’s attention.


Clear value proposition

Clearly articulate the unique value your offering brings to the table. Focus on the benefits, features, and advantages that set your solution apart from the competition. By crafting a clear value proposition that resonates with your target audience, you’ll highlight the specific benefits and advantages they can expect from choosing your offering. This will reinforce their confidence in your solution and increase the likelihood of conversion.

Engaging storytelling

Incorporate storytelling techniques to create a narrative that resonates with your audience. Connect emotionally and help them envision how your solution can solve their pain points. Consider structuring your sales deck around a storytelling framework, incorporating elements such as a relatable protagonist, a problem or challenge, and a resolution that showcases the benefits of your offering. Use storytelling to humanize your brand, make complex information more relatable, and create a memorable experience that inspires action.

With Prezi, storytelling becomes easy and effortless as the open-canvas format allows for a highly engaging narration. You can use seamless transitions with zooming effects and take your audience on a captivating journey, effectively conveying your message in a memorable way. The following presentation illustrates how you can utilize zooming effects to create a highly engaging storytelling experience.


Visual appeal

Utilize visually appealing graphics, images, and charts to enhance the overall impact of your sales deck. Visuals can help simplify complex ideas and make your message more memorable. When designing your sales deck, consider the strategic placement of visuals to complement and enhance your key messages. Ensure that your visual elements align with your brand identity and support your overall narrative. By harnessing the power of visual appeal, you elevate the quality and effectiveness of your sales deck, increasing the likelihood of success.

Discover the following Prezi presentation about Eagle Copters that score in visual appeal and engagement. What’s more, you can make a copy and create a similar, attention-grabbing presentation for your audience.


Succinct content

Keep your text concise and avoid information overload. Use bullet points, short sentences, and key phrases to deliver your message effectively. When designing your sales deck, focus on brevity and clarity. Avoid overwhelming your audience with excessive text and information. Instead, use bullet points, short sentences, and key phrases to convey your message effectively. This approach ensures that your key points are highlighted, understood, and remembered.

For inspiration, take a look at the following Prezi presentation that provides clearly structured content, where you can choose to go in-depth about each topic or provide a brief overview.


Social Proof 

Include testimonials, case studies, or success stories to demonstrate the positive outcomes your solution has achieved for previous clients. Social proof builds credibility and trust in your offering. Make sure to include relevant details such as the industry, specific challenges, and measurable results. By presenting social proof, you create a sense of trust that resonates with your audience.

Incorporating data and analytics

To further enhance the impact of your sales deck, it’s important to incorporate data and analytics that support your value proposition. By presenting concrete evidence and statistics, you can provide a factual basis for the effectiveness and success of your solution. Here’s how you can leverage data in your sales deck with the help of Prezi.

Visualize data 

Use charts, graphs, and maps to present complex data in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format. Prezi offers a wide range of customizable data visualization tools that enable you to create compelling visuals that highlight key metrics and insights.

A screenshot of a Prezi presentation featuring a line and pie chart.

Case studies 

Showcase real-life examples of how your product or service has benefited previous clients. Include data-driven results, such as increased revenue, improved efficiency, or cost savings, to demonstrate the tangible impact of your solution. Prezi allows you to seamlessly integrate case studies into your sales slides, making them an integral part of your persuasive narrative.

Interactive analytics

Leverage Prezi’s interactive features to provide an engaging experience for your audience. Incorporate interactive analytics that allows potential customers to explore data, adjust parameters, and visualize the potential impact of your solution on their specific business needs. This interactive approach not only increases engagement but also helps potential customers see the value of your offering firsthand.

By incorporating data and analytics into your sales deck, you strengthen your arguments and establish credibility and trust with your audience. Prezi’s platform provides the necessary tools and flexibility to seamlessly integrate data visualization and interactive analytics, enabling you to create a data-driven sales deck.

Interactive elements and audience engagement

In addition to the essential elements mentioned earlier, incorporating interactive elements into your sales deck can further enhance audience engagement and create a memorable experience. By leveraging interactive features, you can encourage active participation, personalize the presentation, and strengthen the impact of your sales message. In this section, explore how you can leverage interactivity to make your sales deck even more impactful.

Quizzes and assessments

Integrate interactive quizzes or assessments that test your audience’s knowledge or highlight pain points related to their challenges. This approach not only keeps your audience engaged but also allows you to showcase your expertise and demonstrate the relevance of your solution.

Close up of a group of sales people having a sales team meeting in a conference room

Navigation and zooming

Utilize Prezi’s zooming and navigation capabilities to create a dynamic and immersive experience for your audience. With zooming, you can emphasize important details, guide the audience’s attention, and create a sense of exploration within your sales deck. By allowing the audience to navigate through the content at their own pace, you empower them to engage with the information that resonates most with their interests.


Video integration

Enhance your sales deck presentation with the integration of relevant videos that complement your message. Whether it’s a product demonstration, customer testimonial, or an animated explanation, videos can provide a multi-dimensional experience and increase engagement. Prezi allows the seamless integration of videos within your presentation, providing an immersive experience for your audience.

Interactive storytelling

Take storytelling to the next level by incorporating interactive elements within the narrative. For example, you can use clickable hotspots or branching paths to allow the audience to choose their own adventure within the presentation. This approach not only creates a personalized experience but also increases the level of engagement and emotional connection with your audience.

Remember, interactivity adds a layer of excitement and involvement to your sales deck, making it more memorable and impactful. By incorporating interactive elements, you create an immersive experience that keeps your audience engaged, fosters a deeper understanding of your solution, and increases their willingness to take the desired action.

Utilize Prezi’s interactive features to elevate your sales deck and deliver a presentation that stands out. By engaging your audience in a two-way conversation and providing a personalized experience, you can build stronger connections, address individual needs, and ultimately increase your chances of converting prospects into loyal customers. 


What not to do when using sales decks

While sales decks can be powerful tools for delivering impactful sales presentations, it’s important to be mindful of certain pitfalls that can diminish their effectiveness.

Overload slides with text

One of the biggest mistakes is cramming too much text onto each slide. Remember, the purpose of a sales deck is to provide a visual representation of your sales pitch, not to act as a script. Keep your text concise and focus on using visuals to convey your message effectively.

Neglect consistency

Consistency in design, messaging, and branding is crucial for a cohesive and professional sales deck. Avoid using different fonts, colors, or styles that may distract your audience or create a disjointed experience. Maintain a consistent visual identity throughout your sales deck to reinforce your brand image and build trust.

Lack of personalization

While a standardized sales deck is beneficial for maintaining consistency, it’s important to customize and personalize your presentation for each prospect. Avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach and instead tailor your sales deck to address the specific needs and pain points of your audience. Incorporate relevant case studies, testimonials, or data points that resonate with their industry or challenges.

Lack of practice

Even with a well-designed sales deck, poor delivery can undermine its impact. Failing to practice your presentation can lead to stumbling over words, losing track of your message, or appearing unprepared. Take the time to rehearse your pitch, familiarize yourself with the content, and ensure a confident and engaging delivery.

If you struggle with public speaking anxiety or simply are feeling nervous before the presentation, make sure to follow the helpful tips on how to not be nervous before a presentation in this video:

Overwhelm with data

While incorporating data and analytics can strengthen your value proposition, it’s important not to overwhelm your audience with excessive data. Select key metrics and insights that support your message and present them in a visually appealing format. Focus on the most compelling data points that directly relate to your audience’s needs and priorities.

Ignore audience engagement

Sales deck presentations should be interactive and engaging to maintain the attention of your audience. Avoid delivering a one-sided presentation without any opportunities for interaction. Incorporate quizzes or navigational options to encourage active participation and make your presentation a conversation rather than a monologue.

Neglect post-presentation follow-up

A well-crafted sales deck doesn’t end with the presentation itself. After delivering your pitch, it’s crucial to follow up with your prospects, answer any questions they may have, and provide additional information if needed. Failing to follow up can diminish the impact of your sales deck and hinder your chances of closing the deal.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can maximize the effectiveness of your sales deck and deliver a persuasive and memorable sales presentation that drives results. Remember, a well-designed and delivered sales deck can be a powerful asset in your sales arsenal, so take the time to refine your approach and unleash the full potential of visual storytelling with Prezi.

A meeting takes place in a modern office environment. A young woman has completed a successful sales deck presentation using a laptop and a huge computer monitor / television. Her colleagues giver her a round of applause for a job well done.

Creating a great sales deck with Prezi

Prezi offers a dynamic platform equipped with a variety of tools and features that empower you to create stunning sales decks with ease. Whether you prefer to start from scratch or utilize professionally designed templates, Prezi provides the flexibility and resources to bring your ideas to life and make a lasting impact on your audience.

Starting from scratch

Begin by outlining your sales deck using the sales presentation outline provided by Prezi at which guides you through the essential components and structure of an effective sales deck. This outline ensures that you cover all the necessary aspects of your pitch, from the attention-grabbing opening to the compelling closing. Once you have your content organized, Prezi’s intuitive interface makes it seamless to add visuals, transitions, and zooming effects that enhance engagement. You can upload your own images, graphics, and videos to create a visually captivating and interactive sales deck.

Pre-designed templates

If you’re short on time or seeking inspiration, Prezi offers a wide range of customizable sales presentation templates. These templates are professionally designed by experts and cover various industries and presentation styles. By choosing a template that aligns with your brand and message, you can jumpstart your sales deck creation process and save valuable time. The templates provide a solid foundation for your presentation and can be easily customized to match your branding guidelines, ensuring a professional and cohesive look. With Prezi’s templates, you can create a visually appealing sales deck in minutes, without compromising on quality or impact.

Prezi template gallery that feature templates that can be used for sales deck presentations
Prezi template gallery

Visual enhancement and interactivity

Prezi’s platform goes beyond traditional slide-based presentations by offering dynamic and engaging features. You can leverage Prezi’s zooming and panning capabilities to create a fluid and immersive experience for your audience. Zooming allows you to emphasize important details, guide the audience’s attention, and create a sense of exploration within your sales deck. With Prezi, you can incorporate cinematic transitions that seamlessly transition between different sections, enhancing the flow and storytelling of your presentation.

Collaboration and Sharing

Prezi offers collaborative features that facilitate teamwork and enable multiple stakeholders to contribute to the sales deck creation process. You can invite team members or colleagues to collaborate on the presentation, allowing for seamless coordination and feedback. Prezi’s cloud-based platform ensures that everyone involved can access and work on the sales deck simultaneously, regardless of their location. This collaborative approach enhances efficiency and allows for a more comprehensive and refined sales deck.

Once your sales deck is ready, Prezi provides various sharing options to ensure seamless distribution. You can share your presentation directly from the Prezi platform, send it via email, or generate a link that can be accessed by your audience. Prezi presentations can be viewed on any device with internet access, making it convenient for your prospects or clients to access the sales deck at their convenience.

Deliver impactful sales deck presentation with Prezi

In conclusion, Prezi offers a powerful platform with intuitive tools and features that enable you to create impactful sales decks. Whether you choose to start from scratch or utilize pre-designed templates, Prezi’s flexibility and customization options empower you to deliver visually stunning and engaging presentations that captivate your audience. Remember, a compelling sales deck supported by a well-delivered pitch can be the key to unlocking new business opportunities. Explore the possibilities with Prezi and revolutionize your sales presentations today.

Elevating user experience: A game-changing UI update at Prezi

We’re pleased to announce the release of Prezi’s latest UI update, designed to provide you with improved ease of use and accessibility. At Prezi, we prioritize the needs of our users, and this update is a direct response to our user’s valuable feedback and insights. We’ve listened attentively and are excited to introduce an interface that’s truly responsive to your needs!

With this update, our primary objective was to streamline the editing process, ensuring that you can easily navigate and access the essential features required for creating outstanding presentations. We’ve repositioned key functions carefully and refined the design, resulting in an interface that’s intuitive and efficient. 

In addition to enhancing usability, we’ve also focused on enabling you to achieve your desired output more quickly. Functions such as sharing, presenting, and previewing have been made easily accessible, eliminating unnecessary steps and confusion. This time-saving improvement allows you to effortlessly share and showcase your work, making the process more convenient and efficient.

In the upcoming sections of this article, we’ll explore the fundamental changes and improvements introduced in this UI update. From a more intuitive top menu to enhanced settings and navigation, we’re confident that these updates will significantly improve your editing experience.

Streamlined top menu insert buttons

One of the notable changes in Prezi’s UI update is the introduction of new top menu insert buttons, replacing the three-button version. The new buttons offer a refreshed look and improved functionality. They feature distinct states, including neutral, hover, and pressed, allowing for a more interactive and responsive user experience. This change aims to simplify the process of inserting various elements and empowers users to create attention-grabbing presentations more efficiently.

Enhanced settings and navigation

Prezi’s new UI also focuses on enhancing the settings section and streamlining navigation. As part of this effort, we’ve introduced clear labels under the settings menu, ensuring that users can effortlessly navigate and locate specific options without the need for extensive searching. By reducing the number of settings, we aim to streamline the editing process, saving you valuable time and effort. 

As part of this update, the layout options, also known as Topic layouts, have been relocated underneath the Style button to provide easier access and improved usability. This change ensures that you can quickly and intuitively explore and apply different layout options to your content. This new placement not only increases convenience but also encourages to explore and experiment with different layouts. It fosters creativity and allows for more engaging and dynamic presentations. 

Prezi template example with the new Prezi UI update

Ultimately, our commitment to simplicity and efficiency is reflected in these improvements. By prioritizing simplicity and reducing clutter, we strive to deliver a seamless editing experience that allows you to concentrate on what matters most: creating captivating presentations that leave a lasting impression.

Additional features and improved dropdowns

The UI update introduces additional features that can be accessed through the three-dot menu. This expanded functionality opens up new possibilities, particularly regarding animations and other engaging presentation elements. You can now easily incorporate captivating animations into your presentations, adding a dynamic and engaging touch to your content. Whether it’s subtle transitions or eye-catching motion effects, the functionality empowers you to seamlessly create stunning presentations that capture your audience’s attention. Furthermore, Presenter Notes can also be accessed conveniently under the three-button menu. This allows you to seamlessly add essential information and reminders readily available while presenting.

Prezi template example, showcasing the new Prezi UI update.

Also, the updated dropdown menus contribute to a more cohesive and visually appealing interface. By streamlining the interface, you can now access the necessary tools effortlessly and focus on crafting your content without any distractions. 

Copy updates and tooltips

Prezi’s UI update also introduces a range of comprehensive copy updates and tooltips. These updates are designed to offer clearer instructions and guidance, making it easier for users to navigate the platform with confidence. By providing enhanced clarity, we ensure that you have the necessary resources at your disposal to create truly impactful presentations.

Moreover, the previously known Prezi Live feature has undergone a name change and is now referred to as the Share Broadcast Link functionality. This revised name better reflects the purpose and functionality of the feature. By utilizing this feature, you can send a personalized link to your audience and present your content in real-time. Whether you’re hosting a live event or conducting remote meetings, the Share Broadcast Link empowers you to share your Prezi presentations effortlessly, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience for all participants.

Prezi template example, showcasing the new Prezi UI update.

Detached property bar and layout improvements

When you’re working on a creative project, you want the most necessary tools within your hand’s reach. The same applies when you’re designing a presentation. That’s where the detached menu comes into play as your handy toolbox, conveniently at your fingertips. Streamlining the editing process, the newly introduced detached property bar in the Prezi editor offers enhanced efficiency. This feature presents itself automatically when you select an object, providing quick and easy access to certain editing options. This functionality aims to improve productivity and ease of use, so all you need to focus on is your creative project. 

Prezi template example with the new Prezi UI update

Furthermore, you’ll notice a change on the left side of the interface. The hamburger menu now features a lower-opacity design, resulting in a visually streamlined experience. This adjustment further helps you focus on your content by minimizing unnecessary distractions, ultimately promoting a seamless and immersive editing process. 

Unleash your creativity with Prezi

The redesigned interface brings a fresh and modern aesthetic and prioritizes ease of use and accessibility, elevating your editing experience in the Prezi editor. With a streamlined interface and strategically repositioned key functions, you can easily find and utilize the essential features necessary to craft attention-grabbing presentations that move. For more detailed information on this UI update, read our comprehensive support article or watch the video below!


Now get ready to unlock your creativity and make impactful presentations that truly move and inspire!

Master your next sales pitch: Strategies and good sales pitch examples

In the competitive world of business, a well-crafted sales pitch can make all the difference in capturing your audience’s attention and ultimately driving conversions. A sales pitch serves as a persuasive tool to communicate the value of your product or service, address customer pain points, and compel potential clients to take action.

To create truly compelling sales pitches, professionals often turn to innovative presentation software that elevates their message and captivates their audience. One such powerful tool is Prezi, renowned for its dynamic features and ability to create visually engaging presentations that leave a lasting impact.

Throughout this article, we’ll explore the essential components of an effective sales pitch, discuss strategies for crafting compelling narratives, and delve into the unique advantages of using Prezi to elevate your presentations. Furthermore, we’ll present notable examples of successful sales pitches created using Prezi, demonstrating how this software can transform your approach and help you achieve your sales goals.

So, whether you’re a seasoned sales professional looking to refine your pitch or a budding entrepreneur seeking to make a memorable impression, you’ll find this article helpful with various tips and best practices. Keep reading and unlock the secrets to creating impactful presentations that resonate with your audience and drive business success.

Male professional sharing business strategies with colleagues in board room

Understanding the sales pitch

Before delving into the strategies and examples of successful sales pitches, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental concepts and purpose behind this crucial aspect of the sales process. In this section, we’ll explore the definition of a sales pitch, its purpose, and the key elements that contribute to its effectiveness.

What is a sales pitch?

At its core, a sales pitch is a persuasive presentation or conversation aimed at influencing potential customers to make a purchase or take a desired action. It’s an opportunity for sales professionals to showcase the value, benefits, and unique selling propositions of their product or service while addressing the specific needs and pain points of the target audience.

The purpose of a sales pitch

The primary purpose of a sales pitch is to engage the audience and create a compelling case for why they should choose your offering over competitors. It’s a strategic opportunity to capture attention, build rapport, establish credibility, and ultimately guide prospects toward a buying decision. A well-crafted sales pitch has the potential to not only generate immediate sales but also foster long-term customer relationships and drive business growth.

Millennial businesswoman addressing colleagues at a corporate business meeting. Group of business colleagues meeting in the boardroom.

Crafting a compelling narrative and addressing pain points

One of the key aspects of an effective sales pitch lies in crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with the target audience. By understanding their needs, desires, and pain points, you can tailor your pitch to address their specific challenges and offer solutions. This personalized approach helps establish a connection and demonstrates that you genuinely understand and empathize with their situation.

Moreover, a successful sales pitch emphasizes the unique value proposition of your product or service. By clearly communicating how it can solve problems, fulfill needs, or enhance the lives of potential customers, you create a sense of urgency and differentiation that sets you apart from the competition. A compelling narrative engages the audience emotionally, capturing their attention and fostering a desire to learn more.

Effective communication and persuasive techniques

In delivering a sales pitch, effective communication is paramount. It involves not only the content of your message but also the manner in which it’s conveyed. A sales professional must be articulate, confident, and adept at actively listening to the concerns and questions of potential customers. By establishing clear and concise communication, you can effectively convey the benefits and features of your offering, instilling trust and confidence in your audience.

Persuasive techniques play a vital role in influencing the decision-making process during a sales pitch. These techniques may include storytelling, social proof, data-driven evidence, testimonials, and the use of compelling visuals. By leveraging these tactics strategically, you can build credibility, evoke emotions, and guide your prospects toward a favorable outcome.

By understanding the purpose of a sales pitch, crafting a compelling narrative that addresses pain points, and employing effective communication and persuasive techniques, you lay a strong foundation for delivering impactful sales presentations. In the next section, we’ll delve into the specific key components that contribute to a successful sales pitch, providing you with actionable insights to refine your approach and achieve your sales goals.

Close up of a group of sales people having a sales team meeting in a conference room

Key components of a successful sales pitch

A successful sales pitch is built upon a well-structured framework that captivates the audience, communicates the value of your offering, and drives them toward a desired action. In this section, we’ll explore the essential components that contribute to a winning sales pitch. By understanding and effectively utilizing these key elements, you can maximize your chances of creating a persuasive and impactful presentation. 

Opening

The opening of a sales pitch is crucial in capturing the attention and interest of your audience right from the start. It should be engaging, concise, and tailored to resonate with your target audience. Consider starting with a thought-provoking question, a compelling statistic, or a relatable anecdote. By establishing a strong opening, you set the tone for the rest of your pitch.

Value proposition

The value proposition is the heart of your sales pitch. It succinctly communicates the unique benefits and advantages your product or service offers to potential customers. Clearly articulate how your offering solves their pain points, addresses their specific needs, and delivers value that surpasses the competition. Focus on the outcomes and results your customers can expect to achieve by choosing your solution.

Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful technique that humanizes your pitch and creates an emotional connection with your audience. Use compelling narratives to illustrate real-world scenarios, success stories, or relatable examples that demonstrate the impact and benefits of your offering. By weaving storytelling into your pitch, you engage your audience on an emotional level, making your message memorable and relatable.

A woman doing a sales pitch.

Benefits

In this section, highlight the key benefits and features of your product or service. Clearly communicate how it addresses the pain points and challenges your audience faces. Focus on the tangible and intangible advantages they’ll gain by choosing your solution. Use language that’s customer-centric and emphasizes the value they’ll experience.

Call to action

A strong call to action (CTA) is essential to guide your audience toward the desired next step. Clearly state what action you want them to take, whether it’s scheduling a demo, signing up for a trial, or making a purchase. Make the CTA compelling and urgent, emphasizing the benefits they’ll receive by taking action. Provide clear instructions on how to proceed and ensure there are no barriers or obstacles in their path.

Practical tips and strategies

  • Tailor your pitch to the specific needs and pain points of your target audience. Research and understand their challenges, desires, and motivations.

  • Adapt your pitch to different sales scenarios. Customize your approach based on whether you’re pitching to a small group, a large audience, or an individual decision-maker.

  • Keep your pitch concise and focused. Avoid overwhelming your audience with excessive information. Highlight the most compelling and relevant points to maintain their interest.

By mastering the key components of a successful sales pitch and implementing practical strategies, you can create presentations that effectively engage, inform, and persuade your audience. Remember to tailor your pitch, adapt to different scenarios, and consistently refine and improve your approach. In the next section, we’ll explore how Prezi, a powerful presentation tool, can enhance your sales pitch and elevate your impact.

Creating a great sales pitch with Prezi

In today’s digital age, presentation software plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness and impact of sales pitches. Prezi, a dynamic and innovative presentation tool, offers a range of unique features that can elevate your sales presentations to new heights. We’ll explore how Prezi can empower you to create engaging and memorable sales pitches that captivate audiences and leave a memorable impression.

If you’re interested in learning how to pitch a startup to investors, watch this video:

Dynamic presentation software

Prezi stands out as a dynamic alternative to traditional slide-based presentations. Its non-linear structure allows for fluid movement between different elements, creating a seamless and visually captivating experience. By zooming in and out, panning across the canvas, and utilizing smooth transitions, you can transform your sales pitch into a compelling narrative that keeps your audience engaged and eager to learn more.

Zooming visuals

Unlike static slides, Prezi allows you to zoom in on specific details or zoom out for a broader overview. This zooming capability enables you to emphasize key points, highlight important information, and create a sense of depth and dimension within your presentation. By controlling the focus and flow of your visuals, you can guide your audience’s attention and reinforce your message effectively.

Interactive elements

If you want to significantly improve audience engagement, look for interactive elements. In Prezi, you can embed videos, add hyperlinks to external resources, and even enable live collaboration during your presentation. These interactive features transform your sales pitch into an immersive experience, encouraging active participation and making your message more memorable.

Prezi template gallery
Prezi template gallery

Seamless transitions

Transitions are a vital aspect of any presentation, and with Prezi, you can have a seamless transition between different topics, ideas, or sections. The fluid movement from one concept to another helps maintain a smooth flow and prevents your audience from getting lost or disconnected. By seamlessly transitioning between sections, you can ensure that your sales pitch remains cohesive and easy to follow.

Engaging and memorable presentations

With Prezi’s dynamic nature and unique features, you can create sales pitches that are both engaging and memorable. By leveraging zooming visuals, interactive elements, and seamless transitions, you can captivate your audience’s attention and leave a lasting impact. A Prezi presentation stands out from the crowd, making your pitch more memorable and increasing the chances of your message resonating with potential customers.

In the next section, we’ll showcase real-world examples of successful sales pitches created using Prezi, providing inspiration and practical insights for your own presentations.

Showcasing Prezi sales pitch examples

We’ll now delve into three compelling examples of sales pitches. Each of these examples demonstrates the power of Prezi in effectively communicating key messages and engaging the audience. By analyzing these real-world examples, you can gain valuable insights into how you can use Prezi to create persuasive and memorable sales pitches.

Lawn Tennis Association Player Pathway


This Prezi sales pitch example focuses on the Lawn Tennis Association’s Player Pathway, highlighting how it benefits tennis players looking to enhance their skills and advance in the sport. The presentation begins with an attention-grabbing zooming visual that showcases the journey of a tennis player. Through the use of engaging visuals, statistics, and testimonials, the pitch highlights the pathway’s success in developing talented players. Elements in Prezi, such as embedded videos and clickable links, add a layer of interactivity to the presentation. This example demonstrates how Prezi can effectively communicate complex information in an engaging and visually compelling manner.

MyDrive insurance fit for the future


This Prezi sales pitch example revolves around MyDrive Insurance and its adaptability in the insurance industry. The presentation starts with a captivating overview of the challenges faced by the insurance industry and how MyDrive Insurance is embracing innovative solutions. The Prezi seamlessly transitions between various sections, highlighting the company’s commitment to leveraging technology, data analytics, and personalized offerings. The use of zooming visuals effectively showcases the company’s growth and its ability to stay ahead of industry trends. The presentation also incorporates interactive elements, such as clickable graphs and customer success stories, to further emphasize the company’s achievements and credibility. This example illustrates how Prezi can effectively convey a company’s vision, values, and competitive advantages, making it an ideal tool for sales pitches in dynamic industries.

Uber for business demo


The Uber for Business Demo Prezi sales pitch example focuses on showcasing the benefits of using Uber for corporate transportation needs. The presentation begins with a captivating zooming visual that highlights the challenges faced by businesses when it comes to transportation logistics. The Prezi then proceeds to illustrate how Uber for Business offers a convenient, cost-effective, and efficient solution. Through the use of engaging visuals, customer testimonials, and interactive elements, such as a live demonstration of the Uber app’s features, the pitch effectively communicates the ease of managing corporate transportation using Uber. Furthermore, the presentation highlights the cost savings, streamlined processes, and enhanced employee experience that businesses can achieve by adopting Uber for Business. This example showcases how Prezi can effectively present the features and benefits of a product or service, enabling sales professionals to engage their audience and drive conversions.

The sales pitch examples demonstrate the power of dynamic presentation design. Whether it’s highlighting the benefits of a player pathway, showcasing adaptability in the insurance industry, or presenting the advantages of corporate transportation solutions, a Prezi presentation can engage any audience. By leveraging the unique features, sales professionals can elevate their sales pitches and increase their chances of driving successful outcomes.

Resources for enhancing sales presentations

To further support sales professionals in creating impactful presentations and delivering successful pitches, Prezi provides a range of valuable resources. Here, we’ll highlight two key articles from the Prezi blog that offer valuable insights and tips for enhancing your sales presentations. These resources will provide you with practical guidance on crafting a compelling sales presentation outline and delivering a good presentation.

Crafting a compelling sales presentation outline

Creating a well-structured sales presentation is essential for effectively conveying your message and engaging your audience. The article Crafting a Compelling Sales Presentation Outline dives into the key elements and structure of a persuasive sales presentation. You’ll find valuable guidance on capturing your audience’s attention from the start, structuring your content effectively, and incorporating storytelling techniques to make your message memorable. This article scores in actionable tips with a step-by-step approach to help you create a compelling sales presentation outline that aligns with your objectives.

How to give a good presentation: tips for success

Delivering a successful sales presentation goes beyond just having a well-designed slide deck. It requires effective communication, confident delivery, and engaging storytelling. The article How to Give a Good Presentation: Tips for Success offers practical advice and tips to enhance your presentation skills. From managing nerves and body language to engaging your audience and handling questions, you’ll discover valuable insights on delivering a compelling and impactful sales presentation. 

Also, feel free to watch our video on how to give a good presentation:

Conclusion

Mastering the art of the sales pitch is crucial for capturing audience attention, addressing customer pain points, and ultimately driving conversions. Throughout this article, we’ve explored the key components of a successful sales pitch, provided insights into creating engaging presentations with Prezi, and showcased real-world examples of impactful Prezi sales pitches. As we conclude, let’s recap the key takeaways and reinforce the value of a well-crafted sales pitch.

First and foremost, a well-crafted sales pitch relies on effective communication, persuasive storytelling, and addressing customer pain points. By structuring your pitch with a compelling opening, a clear value proposition, engaging storytelling, highlighting benefits, and incorporating a strong call to action, you can capture and maintain your audience’s interest.

Prezi offers unique features such as zooming visuals, interactive elements, and seamless transitions that can elevate your sales presentations to new heights. With Prezi, you can create engaging and memorable pitches that stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

To further enhance your sales pitches, we encourage you to explore the sales pitch examples. Analyze how these presentations effectively communicate their messages and adapt the strategies to suit your own pitch. 

In conclusion, a well-crafted sales pitch is a powerful tool for driving successful outcomes. With Prezi’s innovative features and the knowledge gained from this article, you’re equipped to create engaging, persuasive, and impactful sales pitches. Embrace the art of the sales pitch, leverage the capabilities of Prezi, and continue to refine your skills to achieve even greater success in your sales endeavors.

How to run effective sales meetings

On average, organizations spend roughly 15% of their time in meetings, according to Airgram. Therefore, when it comes to a sales meeting, we must put in extra effort to make a lasting impression on prospects. 

We invited Richard Mulholland and Dani Balona from the persuasive communications agency Missing Link to share their masterclass on how to use Prezi in meetings to hack customer expectations. Check out the three steps you need to take to change the way you think about your sales meetings or watch the full webinar here

Richard Mulholland
Richard Mulholland

Hack your customers’ expectations 

According to Rich, “Great service isn’t defined by how well you do your job, it’s defined by how well you do the ‘not my job’ stuff. i.e. the stuff that they didn’t pay you for.” If you go to a 5-star hotel, you’re going to expect 5-star treatment — however, it’s when they provide something unexpected that it becomes memorable. 

When the Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets movie came out, Rich mentioned to his business partner that he already bought tickets and was so excited to see it. His partner said it wasn’t very good, but still told Rich to go see for himself. After Rich watched it, he called his partner wondering what he was talking about — the movie was amazing. His business partner said he didn’t want to ruin it for him, so he set his expectations low (in other words, he hacked Rich’s expectations). 

The bar is already set low for online meetings. All you need to do is appear more professional on camera to hack expectations. Dani and Rich shared a few ways to do so: 

  • Incorporate light into your workspace by placing your setup in front of a window or bringing in a studio or ring light. 

  • Add an external camera to make you appear sharper.

  • Hack your height. Everyone appears tall on camera, and you can change the perception of yourself by taking up more of your screen. Place a fist above your head as a rule to see how much space you should leave above your head (or, in Dani’s case, just have a high hairstyle). 

Richard Mulholland - Rule of Fist
Rule of Fist

Prezi lets you easily hack expectations and present the unexpected by allowing you to bring slides on screen right in front of you. You can do this with a full-screen slide, a transparent full-screen slide, a picture-in-picture reveal, or a side slide. By taking advantage of these slide options, you can change the mundane nature of client meetings. 

Break barriers 

To make the most of Prezi and incorporate immersive scenes into your presentation, you’ll want to follow two key principles:

1. It’s about the customer’s story 

Remember: It’s not about storytelling but about story selling. The focus should not be solely on improving how you tell your story during client meetings, but rather on centering your attention on your customer’s story. “Don’t tell them your story. Sell them a new version of their story in which you play a part,” Rich said. 

2. Find common ground 

When you’re meeting a customer for the first time, find common ground or “commonplace” as Dani and Rich refer to it. 

Dani shared an example from a Harvard negotiation class, where students were paired up and tasked to make a deal. Within that group, 55% came to an agreement. 

The next group was assigned the same task, except this time the professor said that before you begin negotiating, share some information about each other and find something in common. Out of that group, 90% of the pairs reached a mutually beneficial agreement, resulting in deals that were 18% better for both parties. Therefore, finding some sort of connection with your clients off the bat will prove beneficial. 

Use Prezi to bring key moments to life 

According to Rich, the audience’s enjoyment of a presentation can never surpass the presenter’s own enthusiasm for delivering it.

Prezi allows you to surprise and excite your audience by being intentional when you share your content. As Rich shared earlier, while you have slide options, what he particularly appreciates about Prezi is that it allows you to choose specific moments when you bring the content on screen. 

There’s no need to screen share or have your content up the entire time. By doing so, your prospect can feel like they’re guiding the conversation, and you can incorporate the “wow” factor by bringing up content they actually want to see.

Like what you see? Contact us to see a product demo and learn more about Prezi for Sales.

How Prezi empowers educators to bring creativity and innovation to the classroom

Education is not merely about transmitting knowledge — it’s about igniting a spark of curiosity and empowering students to become lifelong learners. To achieve this, educators need to embrace innovative approaches and go beyond traditional methods to best support their students. In this blog post, we embark on an inspiring exploration of how Prezi empowers educators to bring their teaching to new heights.

Prezi makes online education more accessible and interactive

Example of Kamran’s work

As a Mumbai University professor, Kamran Mir has used Prezi for 10+ years to teach his online students. He’s relied on Prezi presentations and videos to create interactive and memorable lectures to increase attention and retention for ~500 students each year. 

By having Prezi online, Kamran can easily update and access all his presentations for lectures and assignment overviews, and if he needs to put together a presentation, he can easily select a relevant template from Prezi’s template library. What attracts him the most to Prezi is the zoom feature because it helps drive the point home, especially with visual learners. 

“The most interesting aspect of Prezi is that you can zoom everywhere,” Kamran said. “I can paste pictures anywhere in my presentations and zoom in as needed, which is handy when presenting live.” 

Kamran uses Prezi to introduce more interactivity in his lessons. Most of his students are used to linear slides, so Prezi’s dynamic presentations make lessons more memorable and interesting. 

In the past few months, Kamran became Prezi Certified by completing the Prezi Certified Educator Trainer program. The experience had a great impact on him, especially because the course covered the technical training of Prezi as well as theoretical concepts of teaching pedagogy.

“That was very interesting, like linking the technical side of Prezi and showing how we can apply it to provide better educational and training experiences for our students,” Kamran said.

Kamran has already trained hundreds of people on the use of Prezi and continues to share this tool with people around the world.

Prezi brings collaboration and confidence together


Educator Chris Waugaman began using Prezi “as soon as it hit the scene,” with his earliest presentation dating back to 2012.

Up until three years ago, Chris had been teaching primarily high school for 26 years. Now, he’s an assistant professor at Virginia State University. Throughout his teaching journey, Chris observed that his students “wanted something a little more dynamic, especially when people were ‘PowerPointing’ to death.” Recognizing the need for a fresh approach, Chris turned to Prezi to meet his students’ expectations.

The collaborative aspects of Prezi quickly empowered Chris to foster a sense of ownership and interactivity among his students, as they actively contributed their ideas and perspectives to the learning process.

And, Prezi makes it easy to collaborate on presentations — one of Chris’ favorite features. 

“Prezi allows you to work together to create the presentation,” Chris said when he introduced Prezi to his students. With its easy-to-use graphic designs and templates, students can be creative in designing their presentations. 

Chris has attended national conferences with his students where they are presenting with Prezi, which has lent to their increased confidence. “I think they feel fancy when they use Prezi on the national stage.”

And, as a professor popping up in classes, conferences, offices, and even coffee shops to prepare, present, and share his presentations, Chris has always been happy about having access to Prezi at any time and anywhere. 

“Just find a good coffee shop in the morning and download your Prezi presentations and you’ll be good to go for the rest of the day.”

Prezi engages audiences of all ages


As a digital coach and Prezi Certifed Educator Trainer, Khadijah Shahzad created a digital training course for both teachers and parents during the pandemic. It has evolved into the Facebook group “Never Cease to Grow,” where she trains people on the latest digital tools and technology with Prezi as her go-to instructional tool for these live sessions. 

Khadijah soon recognized the power of Prezi Video in capturing the attention of her audience, whether they were new participants or long-time followers. The integration of her presentation alongside her video creates an immediate sense of engagement, piquing curiosity and drawing people in.

“Whenever I want to impress people, especially with a new audience, I prefer to present with Prezi Video,” Khadijah said. “People are immediately engaged and want to know how I am using it because it’s so much more impactful to have your presentation right beside your video.”

One standout feature Khadijah favors is Prezi’s live-streaming capability, which allows her to seamlessly connect with her audience in real time, enabling her to deliver engaging presentations, answer questions, and foster interactive discussions.

Khadijah also loves how Prezi is such an inclusive tool for teaching different age groups. When she’s teaching students, Khadijah can record short videos so that they can view them at their own pace and convenience. Students can easily manage the videos with their preferences and flexibility. Adults, they’re impressed by Prezi’s technology and ease of use, especially with the ability to easily import their existing PowerPoint presentations. 

Prezi structures concepts cinematically 


Professor Nathan Crick teaches philosophy and abstract concepts to students at Texas A&M University. He’s developed his approach to best explain the material and has influenced his students with the assistance of Prezi.

“I think the thing that I tried to get them to think about was just the way to organize material spatially,” Nathan said. “That was what initially attracted me to Prezi and why I tried to get people to use it, which was it was more like laying stuff out on a table.”

Nathan compared Prezi Present to a camera that pans across objects. This non-linear approach to presenting allows for a more conversational and interactive teaching style. He can effortlessly navigate between topics, zooming in on key details and providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Presentation example:


“It was more of a fluid structure of moving from thing to thing rather than a slideshow,” he added. 

More importantly, Nathan structured his presentation based on Prezi Present’s topic structure, which helps him present different abstract concepts. In turn, the non-linear animation and cinematic movement allow students to better learn the course material and the logic behind the concepts. 

After discovering and benefiting from Prezi’s templates to organize his concepts, Nathan recommended it to his advisor, David Tarvin. Intrigued by the idea of using dynamic and visually engaging presentations to captivate his students, David discovered that Prezi held the key to effectively instructing one of the most daunting courses, unlocking new possibilities for engaging and enlightening his students.

Map out the potential in lessons 

David Tarvin, an Instructional Associate Professor at Texas A&M who teaches communication, discovered that Prezi is the key for him to teach “Rhetoric in Western Thought,” one of the most feared courses in his department.

While the subject is notoriously difficult to grasp, David found that Prezi is an effective tool to keep students interested in the material being presented. And most importantly, it helped him visualize the core and potential of the concepts. David used graphic facilitation, text, and video to teach his courses and make them more accessible to students. 

“If I had an idea that could be more developed, I would ‘zoom’ into it or ‘zoom’ out of it if it related to something broader,” David said. “It really helped me organize my brain for writing. I think in Prezi even when I’m not using Prezi.” 

He notes that Prezi Present’s zooming features allow him to highlight specific details and keep students focused on important information in class. By honing in, he can draw attention to specific elements, whether it’s a key concept, a critical piece of information, or a thought-provoking quote. This targeted zooming not only directs students’ attention but also enhances their understanding of the material by providing a closer examination of relevant details.

“And my favorite thing about Prezi is my zoom-out moments where it reveals my theme of the day,” David added.

With the zoom-out feature, David can “sketch” the outline of the character, unveiling how different elements coalesce to form the bigger picture. This capability enables him to provide his students with a clear mindset on how to comprehend the intricate structure of the material and apply it to various contexts.

And with the shift to virtual teaching, David was ahead of the game with the spatial nature of Prezi Video. In particular, he liked the feature of zooming into the Prezi Video and then zooming back out to himself as a speaker. The easy and seamless switch between the two modes allowed him to transition in real time between slides and himself. 

“I like having the presentation materials next to me because I find students are more engaged if they have eyeballs to look at, rather than a PowerPoint presentation, and also that I can point to content.”

Conclusion

As the digital space evolves quickly (along with education tech tools), educators hold the key to discovering creativity and imparting knowledge to their students. In a world of rapidly evolving technology, Prezi stands ready as a toolkit to support and enhance the world of education.  Join our community of innovative educators and explore the endless potential for immersive learning experiences through our Prezi Education Programs

Presentation styles: Explore different ways of presenting

In the realm of public speaking and professional communication, mastering different presentation styles is essential for engaging and captivating your audience. Whether you’re delivering a business pitch, an educational lecture, or a sales presentation, the way you present your content can make a significant impact on conveying your message effectively. This article aims to explore various presentation styles and highlight the versatility of Prezi presentations that can elevate your delivery to new heights. From the classic approach to storytelling and demonstrations, we’ll delve into how Prezi can support and enhance each presentation style.

Presentation styles: A presenter on stage giving a presentation using one of the presentation styles

Why is it important to choose the right presentation style?

Selecting the appropriate types of presentation styles is crucial for effectively delivering your message and engaging your audience. The choice of style can significantly impact the overall effectiveness and success of your presentation. Here are some reasons why it’s important to choose the right style for your presentation.

Audience engagement

Different presentation styles have varying levels of audience engagement. By selecting a style that aligns with your audience’s preferences and expectations, you can enhance their level of engagement and create a more impactful presentation. For example, an interactive style may be ideal for engaging a tech-savvy audience, while a visual style can captivate visually-oriented individuals.

Message clarity 

Each presentation style has its strengths in conveying specific types of information. For instance, a storytelling style is effective for presenting narratives and evoking emotions, while a demonstration style is suitable for showcasing the practical application of a product or process. Choosing the right style ensures that your message is communicated clearly and resonates with your audience.

Retention and memorability

A well-suited presentation style enhances the audience’s ability to remember and retain information. By utilizing visuals, interactive elements, or a freeform approach, you can create a memorable experience that helps your audience internalize and recall key points long after the presentation is over. The right style can make your content more memorable, increasing its impact and effectiveness.

Personal connection

The presentation style you choose can also influence the level of personal connection you establish with your audience. Some styles, such as a freeform or conversational approach, foster a sense of rapport and authenticity. By selecting a style that aligns with your personality and communication style, you can establish a stronger connection with your audience and create a more engaging and relatable experience.

Brand representation

Your presentation style should also align with your brand identity and values. Consistency in style and tone across your presentations helps build brand recognition and reinforces your messaging. Choosing a style that is consistent with your brand image ensures a cohesive and professional representation of your organization or personal brand.

Audience needs and preferences

Understanding your audience’s needs, preferences, and expectations is paramount when choosing a presentation style. By considering factors such as their industry, demographics, and familiarity with presentation formats, you can tailor your style to cater to their specific requirements. This customization enhances their overall experience and increases the likelihood of achieving your presentation goals.

To explore the different presentation styles in a video format, watch our comprehensive video on this topic:

Classic presentation style

The classic style of presentation serves as the foundation for many public speeches and business presentations. It follows a structured and logical approach, with a clear introduction, main points, and conclusion. This style often utilizes bullet points, accompanied by concise explanations. By employing the classic style of presentation, speakers can effectively communicate their ideas, engage their audience, and leave a lasting impact.

Integrating Prezi into the classic style of presentation introduces an interactive dimension, enabling you to craft visually appealing slides that captivate and sustain audience interest. Through Prezi’s dynamic capabilities, such as zooming and panning, you can accentuate essential details and maintain an engaged audience from start to finish. For a classic presentation style, check out the following Prezi presentation templates.

Prezi presentation templates that can be used for different presentation styles

Storytelling presentation style

Storytelling is a powerful technique that can breathe life into your presentations. It goes beyond simply relaying facts and figures. It taps into the power of narrative, engaging the audience’s imagination, emotions, and personal experiences. Through storytelling, you can create a shared experience with your listeners, allowing them to relate to your message on a deeper level. By presenting information in the form of a story, you can captivate attention, maintain interest, and ensure better retention of key points. 

Storytelling also provides a framework for organizing complex information, as it follows a natural progression of beginning, middle, and end. It allows you to introduce characters, conflicts, and resolutions, which help in clarifying concepts and illustrating the practical applications of your ideas. This style invites active participation from the audience, as they become invested in the narrative and eagerly anticipate the outcome. Overall, storytelling is a potent tool that enriches presentations by fostering emotional connections, enhancing understanding, and leaving a lasting impact on your audience.

Prezi offers a range of templates and design options that enable you to create visually stunning storytelling presentations. You can incorporate images, videos, and other multimedia elements to enhance the storytelling experience. With Prezi’s seamless transitions and cinematic effects, you can take your audience on a captivating journey, effectively conveying your message in a memorable way.


Demonstration presentation style

Demonstration presentations are particularly useful when showcasing a product, process, or concept. This style involves actively illustrating how something works or how to perform a task. Furthermore, the demonstration presentation styles cater to different learning styles, accommodating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. Through a combination of visual aids, live examples, and interactive elements, this style ensures a memorable and impactful experience that resonates with the audience long after the presentation is over.

Prezi’s interactive features allow you to embed videos, animations, or step-by-step visual guides to provide a clear demonstration. You can create a path through the presentation that guides the audience through each step, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience. Prezi’s flexible canvas provides ample space to showcase details and highlight important features, making your demonstration impactful and informative.


Interactive presentation style

The interactive presentation styles break away from the traditional one-way flow of information and encourage active participation from the audience. It involves incorporating interactive elements, such as quizzes, polls, and collective exercises, to engage the audience and promote a two-way communication process. By embracing interactive presentation styles, speakers can transform their presentations into dynamic and engaging experiences that foster collaboration, encourage audience involvement, and create a shared learning environment.

With Prezi’s interactive capabilities, presenters can spark discussions, successfully hold people’s attention, and create a collaborative environment that keeps the audience involved and invested in the presentation. For an interactive presentation, discover the Prezi presentation example below.


Visual presentation style

A visual presentation style relies heavily on visually appealing elements to convey information. It emphasizes the use of graphics, images, charts, and infographics to enhance understanding and capture the audience’s attention. 

This style leverages the principle of visual hierarchy, organizing information in a visually logical manner to guide the audience’s attention and comprehension. Visual presentations not only make information more digestible but also enhance retention and recall. The combination of relevant visuals and concise text creates a harmonious blend that aids in understanding and increases the overall impact of the presentation.

Prezi provides a wide array of visually stunning templates, design elements, and multimedia integration options to create visually impactful presentations. Presenters can leverage Prezi’s drag-and-drop editor to easily incorporate eye-catching visuals, ensuring that complex concepts are simplified and memorable. By combining Prezi’s visual capabilities with storytelling techniques, presenters can create visually engaging presentations that resonate with their audience.


Freeform presentation style

The freeform style of presentation offers presenters the flexibility to adapt their content on the go, responding to audience reactions and tailoring the presentation in real-time. It allows for spontaneity, improvisation, and a more conversational tone. 

While it requires confidence, knowledge, and the ability to think on one’s feet, the freeform style allows for a more fluid and natural presentation that can resonate deeply with the audience. It’s a format that encourages active participation, facilitates meaningful discussions, and provides an opportunity for presenters to truly connect and build rapport with their listeners.

Prezi’s open canvas and non-linear structure provide the perfect platform for freeform presentations. Presenters can navigate freely between topics, zoom in on important details, and adjust the flow based on audience engagement. Prezi’s zooming and panning capabilities enable presenters to have a dynamic and fluid presentation, allowing for seamless transitions and a personalized delivery that connects with the audience.


Prezi for different presentation styles

Mastering various presentation styles is crucial for effectively conveying your message and captivating your audience. Prezi serves as an invaluable tool that enhances each presentation style, allowing you to create engaging, visually stunning, and interactive presentations. Whether you choose the interactive, visual, or freeform style, Prezi’s features and versatility enable you to craft memorable presentations that leave a lasting impact. Embrace the power of Prezi as you embark on your journey to deliver exceptional presentations that captivate, inform, and inspire your audience. Elevate your communication skills to new heights of excellence and unlock the true potential of your ideas with Prezi’s transformative capabilities.

Everything you need to know about multimedia presentations

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.

presentation design tips

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. 

A man showcasing a multimedia presentation

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
  • Video 
  • Audio clips
  • Animation
  • Music 
  • Images
  • Text 
  • Podcasts 
  • Pop-ups

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:

A man in front of a class presenting a multimedia presentation.

Content relevance

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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. 

Smiling professional young women giving a good presentation online.

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.

Research

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.

Prezi template gallery

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.

Prezi Video template gallery

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.

Presenter Notes

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. 

Business people raising hands to ask questions during a presentation. Woman giving a good presentation with people sitting in front raising hands at convention center.


Remember, a well-delivered multimedia presentation is a combination of compelling content, effective visuals, and confident delivery. By following these best practices, you can create an engaging and impactful experience for your audience.

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.

The class tutor uses storytelling to engage students.

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.

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 2023 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.


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.

Asynchronous learning: what it is and how to practice it successfully

In today’s fast-paced world, learning is no longer limited to a traditional classroom setting. With the rise of technology, distance learning has become increasingly popular, allowing individuals to access education anytime, anywhere. One of the most significant trends in distance learning is asynchronous learning, which has gained significant popularity in recent years. In this blog post, we’ll explore what asynchronous learning is, its benefits, and how it differs from synchronous learning. We’ll also provide some tips on how Prezi can help you to practice it successfully.

What is asynchronous learning? 

Asynchronous learning is a form of distance education that occurs when students learn at different times and locations. In asynchronous learning, students are not required to be present in real-time, unlike synchronous learning, where students must participate in classes or sessions at scheduled times. Asynchronous learning can be delivered through various means, including online courses, email, message boards, video lectures, and pre-recorded lectures. The primary objective of asynchronous learning is to provide students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace, based on their schedule and availability.

Asynchronous learning at home using a laptop.

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous learning 

What is synchronous and asynchronous learning? While both approaches share the common goal of providing education to students outside of a traditional classroom setting, they differ in how learning is delivered. 

Synchronous learning is a real-time, instructor-led approach to distance learning, where students and instructors participate in classes or sessions at scheduled times. Synchronous learning can be delivered through various means, including video conferencing, webinars, and chat rooms. 

Asynchronous learning, on the other hand, occurs when students learn at different times and locations. With asynchronous learning, learning materials are pre-recorded, and students can access them at any time, allowing for a more flexible approach to learning. 

The choice between asynchronous and synchronous learning depends on individual preferences and circumstances. When deciding whether asynchronous or synchronous learning is best suited for you, there are several factors to consider. If you have a busy home life or other commitments that prevent you from attending virtual lectures at specific times, asynchronous learning may be a better option as it allows you to complete coursework on your own schedule. Additionally, if you work better in your own time and space and prefer to study at your own pace, asynchronous learning may be a better fit for you. 

On the other hand, if you thrive in a structured environment and benefit from real-time interaction with instructors and classmates, synchronous learning may be a better choice. Ultimately, it’s important to evaluate your individual needs and preferences when choosing a learning format.

A women online learning at home.

Benefits of asynchronous learning 

Asynchronous learning offers numerous benefits over traditional learning methods, making it an attractive option for students and educators alike. Here are some of the significant benefits of asynchronous learning: 

Flexibility

Asynchronous learning provides students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and convenience. This flexibility is especially beneficial for students who have other commitments, such as work or family obligations, making it challenging to attend traditional classes. 

Self-paced learning

With asynchronous learning, students can learn at their own pace, spending more time on complex topics and less on concepts they are already familiar with. This allows for a more personalized learning experience that meets the individual needs of each student.

Accessibility

Asynchronous learning eliminates the barriers that can limit access to education. Students can access learning materials from anywhere, anytime, using a device with an internet connection. This opens up educational opportunities to individuals who may not have been able to attend traditional classes due to geographical, physical, or other reasons.

Improved retention

Asynchronous learning allows students to revisit content multiple times, which can lead to better retention of information. Students can pause, rewind, and re-watch lectures or review course materials as needed, allowing for a deeper understanding of the material.

Teenage boy doing schoolwork at home.

Overcoming the challenges

While asynchronous learning offers a lot of noteworthy benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some of the common challenges that students may face when practicing asynchronous learning and some strategies to overcome them:

Time management

Asynchronous learning requires students to be self-motivated and manage their time effectively. Without a set schedule, it can be easy to fall behind on coursework. To overcome this challenge, students should create a schedule and stick to it. They should also break down assignments into smaller tasks and set deadlines for each task to ensure that they are making progress.

Lack of motivation

Asynchronous learning can be isolating, and students may feel less motivated to complete assignments or engage with course material. To overcome this challenge, students should set clear goals, as discussed earlier, and establish a routine. They should also take regular breaks and find ways to stay connected with their peers and instructors. 

Technology issues

Asynchronous learning relies heavily on technology, and students may face technical difficulties that can disrupt their learning. To overcome this challenge, students should have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties, such as saving work frequently, using multiple devices, or contacting technical support when necessary. 

By understanding and addressing these challenges, students can practice asynchronous learning successfully and achieve their academic goals.

How to practice asynchronous learning successfully 

Asynchronous learning requires students to be self-motivated, disciplined, and organized. To practice asynchronous learning successfully, here are some tips and tools to keep in mind:

Develop a study plan

Creating a study plan can help students stay organized and on track with their learning. A study plan should include a schedule of when to study, what topics to cover, and deadlines for assignments or exams. Without a study plan, it can be difficult to prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively. 

To create a visually appealing and organized study schedule, use infographic, poster, or other templates available in Prezi. You can either choose from the selection of templates in the gallery or simply create a study schedule from scratch. Afterward, you can print it out and put it in a visible place for you or have a digital version available to you anytime. Here’s an example of a study plan you can create using Prezi:

Set goals

Setting clear goals can help students stay motivated and focused on what they want to achieve. Students should set both short-term and long-term goals for their learning, such as completing a specific assignment or mastering a particular topic. One helpful strategy is to write down a list of your goals and regularly review and update it as you make progress. This not only allows you to keep track of your accomplishments but also provides a sense of satisfaction and boosts your confidence as you tick off each goal. 

And having your goals visualized right in front of you will make you more motivated and organized in achieving them. Use a Prezi template visualized in the video below to illustrate your goals. 

Communicate with instructors and peers

While asynchronous learning may not involve real-time interactions, it’s still important for students to communicate with their instructors and peers. Students can use email, discussion boards, or other communication tools to ask questions, seek clarification, and collaborate with others. Instructors can also provide valuable feedback on your assignments and offer guidance on how to improve your work, while staying connected with your peers can help to foster a sense of community and support.

If you choose to check in with your instructor or students using a video conferencing tool, make sure to make the meeting even more productive and engaging using Prezi Video, where you can easily showcase your content right next to you on-screen. Or you can choose to record a video of yourself and send it to your instructor or students, where you present your visual material or simply share an important message. Staying connected, while keeping that face-to-face interaction will create a much more engaging learning and teaching experience. See what you can do with Prezi Video and check out the first of the Prezi Education Team’s 7 Tips for Engaging, Effective Instructional Videos featuring Paul Teske, a teacher in residence at Prezi.


Plus, you can also share your Prezi presentation with teachers or students and let them go through the content at their own pace. This is also a great way to stay connected and present content and feedback to each other. You can share a presentation like in the example below, where others can zoom in and out of topics they’re more interested in and view it in whatever order makes sense for them.


Take advantage of available resources

Asynchronous learning often provides students with access to a variety of resources, such as online textbooks, videos, and other multimedia materials. Students should take advantage of these resources to deepen their understanding of course material and enhance their learning experience.

As mentioned, with Prezi you can easily present and share your findings, learnings, and course content asynchronously. You can either choose to share a presentation, a video recording of you presenting your content right next to you on-screen, or create and share other learning materials, like infographics, reports, dashboards, and more. Discover everything that Prezi can offer to enhance your asynchronous learning experience and begin a more engaging learning chapter. 

Stay motivated and focused

In conclusion, asynchronous learning offers many benefits for students, including flexibility and convenience. By being self-motivated, disciplined, and organized, students can successfully navigate this learning format and achieve their academic goals. However, it’s important to note that asynchronous learning requires a high degree of personal responsibility and accountability, and students must be willing to put in the effort to stay engaged and connected with the learning community. Additionally, synchronous learning can provide opportunities for students to interact with their peers and instructors in real-time, facilitating immediate feedback and promoting a sense of community and collaboration. However, it may not be as flexible as asynchronous learning and can require strict adherence to a schedule.

A women studying at home.

If you opt for asynchronous learning, you can elevate your experience using Prezi. With Prezi, students can create visually engaging presentations that incorporate multimedia elements such as images, videos, and audio. This can enhance the learning experience by capturing students’ attention and making the content more memorable. Additionally, Prezi offers collaboration features that enable students to work together on presentations, even if they are not physically present in the same location. This fosters collaboration and encourages peer-to-peer learning, which is beneficial in asynchronous learning environments where direct interaction with classmates may be limited.

Moreover, Prezi’s cloud-based nature allows students to access and present their presentations from any device with an internet connection. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for asynchronous learners who may have varying schedules and need to access their materials at different times and locations.

Co-presenting tips: How to deliver an engaging and cohesive presentation

Delivering presentations with a partner can be challenging as it requires synchronizing with them, balancing speaking time, and ensuring a smooth flow. However, with proper preparation and practice, co-presenting can be a highly effective way to engage and inform your audience. Co presenting can also be fun and engaging, as it allows you to showcase different perspectives, share ideas, and build on each other’s strengths. 

One key benefit of co presenting is the ability to divide the workload and responsibilities among multiple presenters. This allows for a more efficient and effective presentation. It can also result in a more engaging and dynamic presentation, as each presenter can bring their unique perspectives and expertise to the table. Additionally, co presenting can make it easier and less nerve-wracking than presenting alone. It can also provide support and backup for each other during the presentation. Overall, co presenting can lead to a more polished, collaborative and successful presentation.

In this article, we’ll discuss co-presenting tips to help you deliver an engaging and cohesive presentation. Whether you’re presenting with a colleague, friend, or partner, these tips will help you work seamlessly and deliver an impactful presentation.

Two men co-presenting.

What is Co-Presenting? 

Co presenting is a term used to describe a situation where two or more people present a topic or subject matter to an audience. It’s common in business, education, and public speaking, and is often used to showcase different perspectives, share ideas, and build on each other’s strengths.

Co presenting requires a high level of coordination and cooperation between the presenters. Each presenter must work seamlessly with the other to ensure that the co presentation is cohesive and engaging. This is why Prezi Present is an asset to your co presentations. Prezi Present’s open canvas feature can aid in delivering an exceptional co-presentation by offering a comprehensive view of the entire presentation. With the freedom to move between topics in real-time, presenters can emphasize vital information with precision, keeping the audience engaged. Co-presenters can work together effortlessly, using the open canvas feature to create an impactful presentation that delivers the intended message effectively.

Being comfortable with co-presenting is a valuable skill to possess as it fosters more successful and cooperative presentations. In many business and educational settings, presentations require input and collaboration from multiple individuals with different expertise and experiences. By being comfortable with co presenting, you can better work with others to divide the workload, share the responsibility of presenting, and make use of each other’s strengths to create a more engaging and informative presentation. Additionally, co presenting allows for constructive feedback and support from your co-presenters, which can help you improve your presentation skills and boost your confidence.

Two people preparing for a presentation for co-presenting.

Explore five ways of co-presenting

Simultaneous co-presenting

Simultaneous co-presenting is when two or more presenters work together to deliver a presentation in real time. Each presenter takes turns speaking while the others may assist by operating visual aids or providing additional commentary. 

This type of presentation delivery also has numerous advantages that can benefit both presenters and audiences. One of the most significant advantages of simultaneous co-presenting is enhanced engagement. With multiple presenters working together to deliver content in real time, there is a greater chance of capturing and maintaining audience attention throughout the presentation. Check out a Prezi presentation example below that can easily be used for this type of delivery. 

Author: Lydia Antonatos

Sequential co-presenting

In this format, each presenter takes turns presenting a segment of the content, often separated by specific topics or themes. The presenters may provide additional insights or feedback on each other’s segments, but each is responsible for delivering their content independently. 

This form of co presenting allows presenters to delve into specific topics or themes in greater detail, as each presenter can focus on a specific area of the content. It also ensures that each presenter has adequate time to prepare and deliver their segment, reducing the risk of errors or miscommunications. 

When designing a presentation for this type of delivery, check out Prezi’s presentation templates and examples that can be perfect for this presentation form. With open canvas and zooming effects, you can choose to zoom in and out of topics in whatever order you want. Check out one of the examples below.

Author: Gretchen Rubin

Tag team co-presenting

This form of co-presentation involves presenters working together in pairs or small groups. One presenter can introduce the topic and the other(s) provide additional insights or examples to support the presentation. What’s more, this format can add variety and dynamism to the presentation, as presenters can switch roles and add their own personal touches to the presentation. 

The Prezi presentation template below is perfect for tag team co-presenting as you can easily navigate through the presentation topics and subtopics, and go into detail where necessary by zooming into specific areas on the canvas.

Author: NOBL Collective

Expert co-presenting

This format involves one presenter serving as the primary expert on the topic, with other presenters providing additional commentary or insights that complement the expert’s content. 

This form of presenting can be especially valuable for complex or technical topics where multiple perspectives are needed to fully understand the material. Additionally, expert co-presenting can help build credibility and authority with the audience, as the collective expertise of the presenters can instill confidence and trust in the material being presented.

The Prezi presentation example below showcases how you can structure your presentation for this presentation delivery style.

Author: Jan Rezab

Panel discussion co-presenting

Panel discussion co-presenting is often used in conferences or public events, where a panel of presenters is assembled to discuss a specific topic. Each presenter may deliver a brief presentation, followed by a discussion or debate on the topic moderated by a host or facilitator. 

This form can help build a sense of community and collaboration among presenters and audiences alike, as everyone is invited to participate and contribute to the discussion.

To create this type of presentation format, check out the Prezi presentation template below and re-create it for your topic.

Author: Monserrat Molina

Co-presenting tips 

Plan and prepare together

The key to successful co presenting is planning and preparation. The presenters must plan and prepare the presentation together to ensure that they are on the same page and that the co presentation flows smoothly.

Before the presentation, the co-presenters should discuss the following:

  • The purpose of the presentation.
  • The target audience.
  • The main points to be covered.
  • The roles and responsibilities of each co presenter.
  •  The presentation formats.

By planning and preparing together, the co-presenters can ensure that they are aligned and that the presentation is structured and coherent.

Assign roles and responsibilities

To ensure that co presenting runs smoothly, it’s essential to assign roles and responsibilities to each presenter. Each presenter should have a specific role to play, whether it’s introducing the topic, presenting the main points, or concluding the presentation.

Assigning roles and responsibilities can help to:

  • Ensure that each presenter has a clear understanding of their role.
  • Ensure that the presentation flows seamlessly.
  • Prevent two or more presenters from speaking at the same time.
  • Allow each presenter to showcase their strengths.
Three sales people meeting and looking at a laptop and a document. There is paperwork and other technology on the table, formal business wear.

Practice is key

Practice is essential when co-presenting. The presenters should rehearse the presentation together several times to ensure that they are synchronized and that the presentation progresses with ease. 

During the practice sessions, the presenters should focus on the following:

  • The timing of each segment of the presentation.
  • The transitions between each segment.
  • The delivery of each co-presenter (e.g., tone, pace, volume).

Practice sessions should be conducted in a quiet and distraction-free environment. Also, the presenters should be open to feedback and suggestions from each other. Feedback can help build trust and collaboration among presenters, as they work together to create the best possible presentation. By listening to each other’s feedback and incorporating suggestions, presenters can create a more cohesive and effective presentation.

Use visual aids 

Visual aids are a powerful tool for engaging audiences and simplifying complex information. With Prezi and Prezi Video (for online meetings and presentations), you can take your co presenting to the next level by adding stunning, real-time visuals that captivate and inspire your viewers. Co-presenters can collaborate seamlessly, creating an immersive experience that seamlessly integrates their words with the visuals.

Using visual aids when co-presenting helps to:

  • Break up the presentation into manageable chunks.
  • Reinforce key points.
  • Provide a visual representation of complex information.
  • Add interest and variety to the presentation.
Education-themed Prezi presentation templates.
Prezi templates

Engage the audience

Co-presenters should work together to engage the audience in new and interesting ways. This can include asking questions, using humor, or incorporating interactive elements such as charts or polls. Engaging the audience during a co-presentation is important because it helps to keep their attention focused on the presentation and increases their interest and understanding of the topic being presented. When audience members are engaged, they are more likely to retain the information being presented, as well as be more receptive to the ideas being conveyed.

Maintain consistency

It’s important to maintain consistency throughout the presentation, including style, tone, and pacing. Co-presenters should work together to ensure that the presentation feels cohesive and seamless. It’s important to remain consistent during a co-presentation because inconsistency can create confusion and undermine the effectiveness of the presentation. When working together, use the best presentation design practices that we describe in the following video:

Be prepared for the unexpected

Co-presenting can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for unexpected events such as technical difficulties or questions from the audience. Co-presenters should work together to develop a plan for addressing these situations. By preparing for the unexpected, presenters can maintain their composure and continue to deliver an effective presentation, even in challenging or unexpected circumstances. Additionally, being prepared for unexpected situations can help you build credibility and trust with the audience. It demonstrates that the presenters are professional, adaptable, and able to handle unexpected challenges with ease.

Handle conflicts gracefully

Co-presenting can be a rewarding experience if executed correctly. But unfortunately, sometimes that does not always go to plan. Sometimes there are disagreements or conflicts between presenters. To ensure a smooth and effective presentation, it’s important to handle conflicts gracefully.

Here are some tips for handling conflicts:

Listen actively: When a conflict arises, listen to the other presenter’s perspective without interrupting. Active listening can help you understand the other presenter’s point of view and find common ground.

Express your own perspective calmly: When expressing your own perspective, avoid attacking or blaming the other presenter. Instead, focus on explaining your own viewpoint and how it can benefit the presentation.

Compromise: When there are disagreements, try to find a compromise that works for both presenters. Look for solutions that can meet both presenters’ needs and still achieve the goals of the presentation.

Take a break if necessary: If conflicts become too heated, take a break and step away from the situation. Give yourself time to cool down and gather your thoughts, and then return to the discussion with a fresh perspective.

Apologize when needed: If you realize that you have made a mistake or reacted poorly during a conflict, take responsibility for your actions and apologize. This can help rebuild trust and collaboration between co-presenters.

By handling conflicts gracefully, co-presenters can maintain a positive and collaborative working relationship. This can ultimately lead to a more successful presentation.

People in a discussion regarding co presenting.

Manage non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication can greatly affect the impact the presentation has on the audience. Co-presenters should pay attention to their body language, eye contact, and facial expressions to ensure they send the right message to the audience. Practicing active listening skills can help co-presenters to understand each other’s perspectives better and avoid countering your co presenters’ narrative.

By managing non-verbal communication, co-presenters can create a positive and engaging environment for the audience. This can help them to better understand and retain the information being presented. Effective non-verbal communication feeds the mood to the audience before any information has been presented. This allows the audience to view the co presenters as impactful individuals, leading to a hard-hitting presentation.

For more tips on non-verbal communication and body language skills, watch the following video:

Streamline your co-presenting with Prezi

In conclusion, co-presenting can be a highly effective way to engage audiences and deliver compelling presentations. However, it can also be a challenging experience, requiring careful planning and coordination between presenters. That’s where Prezi comes in – with its range of innovative presentation tools, Prezi can help ease the stresses of co-presenting and make creating engaging and impactful presentations a stress-free and exciting experience.

The unique open canvas feature of Prezi Present allows the viewing of your presentation as a cohesive whole. With the freedom to move seamlessly between topics and the ability to zoom in on pertinent details in real-time, Prezi empowers you to highlight critical information with precision and impact. And with Prezi Video, you can easily bring your words to life even in the limiting online space. By following the tips provided and using Prezi, co-presenters can work together to create the best possible presentation and deliver a memorable and engaging experience for their audience.

Unlock effective presentation skills (tips and best practices)

Presentation skills are a crucial aspect of communication in today’s world. Whether you’re delivering a pitch to potential investors, giving a lecture in front of a class, or trying to make a point at a meeting, your ability to effectively present your ideas can greatly impact your success. However, not everyone is a natural-born speaker. Many struggle with nerves and self-doubt when it comes to presenting in front of an audience. But don’t worry! Improving your presentation skills is possible with practice and dedication. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with practical tips that will help you become a confident and engaging speaker. From preparing your material to engaging with your audience, we’ll cover everything you need to know to take your presentation skills to the next level. So whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your existing presentation skills, read on for all the advice and inspiration you need to succeed.

Confident business woman presents quarterly progress in meeting using a large display screen. Photographed through a window with reflections using effective presentation skills.

Types of Presentations

Before we dive into specific presentation skills, it’s important to define the different types of presentations that may require different skills in how they’re presented. There are several types of presentations you can choose from, each with its own distinct format and style. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of presentations:

Narrative presentations

In these types of presentations, the speaker focuses on telling a story that engages the audience and reinforces the main message. This type of presentation is perfect for engaging and entertaining an audience. It helps to keep the audience interested and focused and can be a great way to reinforce the main message. However, it can also be time-consuming to prepare a well-structured narrative.

Prezi template gallery for narrative presentations

Informative presentations

These types of presentations are designed to provide information on a specific topic. The speaker focuses on delivering accurate and relevant information to the audience in an organized and straightforward manner. This type of presentation is great for providing accurate and relevant information to the audience. The organized and straightforward delivery makes it easy for the audience to understand and retain the information. However, it can be difficult to keep the audience engaged and interested if the presentation is too dry or lacks excitement.

Prezi template gallery

Persuasive presentations 

In persuasive presentations, the speaker aims to convince the audience to take a specific action or adopt a particular point of view. This type of presentation often includes arguments, statistics, and other persuasive techniques. However, if the arguments are weak or the persuasive techniques are ineffective, the presentation can fall flat and fail to achieve its intended outcome.

Prezi template gallery for persuasive presentations

Demonstrative Presentations

These types of presentations focus on demonstrating a product or service to the audience. The speaker often includes visual aids, such as slides or videos, to help illustrate the key features and benefits of the product or service. However, it can be difficult to keep the audience engaged if the demonstration is too lengthy or repetitive.

Prezi Video template gallery for demonstrative presentations
Prezi Video templates

Instructional Presentations

Instructional presentations are designed to teach the audience a specific skill or provide them with step-by-step instructions. The speaker often uses visual aids, such as diagrams or slides, to make the instructions clear and easy to follow. It’s perfect for teaching the audience how to perform a specific task. The use of visual aids, such as diagrams or slides, makes it easy for the audience to understand and follow the instructions. In this type of presentation, it’s important to present the instructions in a highly engaging way so the audience doesn’t lose interest.

Choosing the right type of presentation format can greatly impact the success of your presentation. Consider the audience, the message you want to convey, and the resources available to you, when deciding on the best presentation format for your needs. Once you’ve decided on a presentation format, you can move on to developing certain presentation skills that are most important for the specific case. 

Prezi template gallery

Presentation delivery methods

The way you deliver your presentation is crucial. Therefore, we want to highlight this aspect before we dive into other effective presentation skills. A delivery method can make or break a presentation, regardless of the quality of the content. There are various methods of presentation delivery. The choice of method depends on the type of audience, the topic of the presentation, and the desired outcome. Discover 4 ways you can deliver a presentation and what kind of skills and approach they require. 

Traditional delivery

One of the most common presentation delivery methods is the traditional method of standing in front of an audience and delivering a speech. This method is suitable for formal presentations, such as keynote speeches, lectures, and corporate presentations. This method requires the speaker to have excellent public speaking skills, including voice modulation, body language, and eye contact. A traditional presentation delivery usually follows a classical presentation outline that has a clear beginning, middle, and end. 



Visually-focused presentation delivery

Another method of presentation delivery is the use of visual aids. This method involves using multimedia tools, such as images, videos, and infographics. Visual aids are effective because they can help the audience to better understand complex information, and they can also serve as a reference for the audience to refer to after the presentation. However, visuals should not be the sole focus of the presentation, as they can distract the audience from the message. 

If you want to create a visually-focused presentation, discover different Prezi presentation templates, and be sure to add images, videos, data visualizations, GIFs, stickers, and other visuals that you can find in Prezi’s content library and Prezi Design. 

If you want to learn more about the use of visuals in a presentation, and what are the best design practices, watch this video:

Interactive presentation delivery

Another way to deliver a presentation is by using interactive methods such as group discussions, role-plays, and simulations. This method is suitable for presentations that require the audience to actively participate in the presentation. Interactive presentations can be useful for training sessions, team-building exercises, and workshops. 

On Prezi, you can create highly interactive presentations where your audience can be active participants. Prezi’s non-linear format allows you to jump between topics instead of flipping through slides, so your presentation feels more like a conversation than a speech.



Storyteller delivery

The last method of presentation delivery is storytelling. It involves the use of anecdotes, personal experiences, and stories to deliver a message. Storytelling is a highly effective tool because it can help the audience to relate to the message on a personal level. 

Storytelling can also be used to make a presentation more engaging and entertaining. 

If you want to visually showcase a relation between two aspects and capture the transitional movement in a timeline, use motion, zoom, and spatial relationships in a Prezi presentation to showcase the nuances of your story world. 

Regardless of the presentation delivery method, make sure to follow the best presentation practices:

  1. Be well-prepared and knowledgeable about the topic. This can be achieved through research, practice, and rehearsal.

  2. Use clear and concise language that is easy for the audience to understand. You should avoid using jargon and technical terms, or you can take time to explain them to the audience. 

  3. Work on engaging the audience using eye contact, body language, and humor. This can help you establish a connection with the audience and make the presentation more engaging. 

  4. Be mindful of the time and ensure that the presentation is delivered within the allotted time frame.

     
  5. Use effective visuals, if applicable, to support your message without overpowering it.


Women presenting with a confident body language presentation skill

Effective presentation skills

There are numerous skills that you can develop to improve your presentations. In this article, we’ve summoned the following 8 presentation skills that are essential to any presenter that wants to make an impact with their message.

1. Effective communication

Effective communication skills are critical when it comes to presenting information to others. Presentations require a clear and concise message, and communication skills are key in delivering this message to your audience. Good communication skills allow you to connect with your audience, build rapport, and maintain engagement throughout the presentation. In addition, communication skills allow you to articulate your ideas and arguments clearly, and to respond to questions or challenges effectively. 

To improve this skill, practice speaking in front of a mirror or recording yourself to identify areas where you may need improvement. Also, consider using vocal techniques such as varying your tone and volume to keep your audience engaged.

2. Confident body language

Confident body language is an essential presentation skill as it communicates to the audience that the speaker is credible, knowledgeable, and in control. A confident posture, eye contact, and gestures can help you establish a strong presence and build rapport with the audience. It also helps you to convey your message more effectively. 

To practice confident body language, start by standing tall with shoulders back and head held high. Also, make eye contact with the audience and use natural hand gestures to emphasize key points. It’s also important to practice speaking clearly and with conviction, as this can further enhance the impact of confident body language during a presentation. 

If you’re interested in learning more about body language, read our article on 9 secrets to a confident body language

Shot of a young businessman delivering a presentation to his colleagues in the boardroom of a modern office. Useinf effective presentation skills and confident body language.

3. Audience engagement

Being able to engage your audience is a crucial presentation skill because it ensures that your message is well-received and understood. When you engage your audience, you capture their attention and maintain their interest throughout your presentation. This can make the difference between a successful presentation and one that falls flat. Holding the attention of your audience requires a combination of factors, such as having a clear message, being confident and comfortable in your delivery, using visual aids effectively, and connecting with your audience on a personal level. 

To improve this skill, you can practice rehearsing your presentation in front of friends or colleagues and seeking feedback. You can also try studying successful public speakers and their techniques and incorporating audience participation activities into your presentation to keep them engaged and interested. 

Additionally, you can engage your audience by opting for a motion-based presentation. It’ll enhance the impact of your content and ideas, making it more captivating for your audience to watch than a slide-based presentation. On Prezi, you can use motion, spatial relationships, and zooming effects to create highly impactful presentations. 



4. Time management

Time management is an essential presentation skill as it helps to ensure that you deliver your message effectively and efficiently within the allotted time. Poor time management can lead to an unprofessional and unprepared presentation, leaving the audience disinterested or confused.

To practice good time management, begin by planning and rehearsing your presentation in advance. It’s important to allocate sufficient time to each section and consider factors such as audience engagement and potential interruptions. You can also use time-tracking tools and practice pacing yourself during rehearsals to ensure you stay on schedule. By mastering time management, you can deliver a polished and engaging presentation, leaving a positive and lasting impression on your audience.

5. Content organization

Effective organization of presentation content is crucial for any presenter, as it determines the clarity and impact of the message. Organized content can help you convey your ideas in a logical and coherent manner, which aids in maintaining the audience’s attention and retention of information. 

To ensure that your presentation’s content is well-organized, it’s important to follow a few key steps. 

  1. Identify the main points you want to convey and arrange them in a logical order.

  2. Create a clear outline that includes an introduction, main body, and conclusion.

  3. Use transition words or phrases to smoothly connect each point to the next. 

  4. Ensure that your presentation has a consistent flow and that each point supports your overall message. 

By following these steps, you can effectively organize your presentation’s content and create a memorable and impactful experience for the viewers.

If you’re creating a sales presentation, be sure to read our step-by-step guide on crafting a winning sales presentation.

Also, discover how to best structure your presentation based on your presentation goal in this video:

6. Storytelling 

Storytelling is a powerful presentation skill that can captivate your audience’s attention and enhance the impact of your message. Stories allow us to connect with people on a deeper emotional level, and help us convey complex ideas in an easy-to-understand way. When we tell a story, we engage our audience, evoke their imagination, and inspire them to take action. 

To develop strong storytelling skills, you should practice telling stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end that convey a message or lesson. It’s also important to incorporate sensory details, such as sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste, to help the audience visualize the story. Also, make sure to focus on the tone of your delivery, including voice inflection, body language, and facial expressions, to effectively convey the emotions and dynamics of the story. Finally, use one of Prezi’s presentation templates like the one visualized below, or create your own story presentation on Prezi and visualize relations between topics, events, and characters using spatial relationships and visual hierarchy. 



By mastering the art of storytelling, you can deliver a powerful presentation that resonates with the audience and creates a lasting impression.

7. Adaptability

Adaptability is a crucial presentation skill – it allows you to adjust and respond to unexpected situations, changes, and challenges during the presentation. The key is to be properly prepared. This means researching your topic and practicing your presentation speech enough so that you’re prepared for any changes or questions that may arise. When you’re prepared, you’ll feel more present and be able to read the room and adjust to your audience’s needs and interests.

Also, be flexible and open-minded to new information, feedback, and audience reactions. This skill will enable you to think on your feet and modify your content or delivery style accordingly. 

And lastly, you want to uphold the quality of your presentation no matter where you’re presenting, online or offline. If you need to adapt your presentation to an online experience, use Prezi Video and simply import your already-existing Prezi, Powerpoint, or Google slides, and deliver the same level of presence and quality as offline. With Prezi Video, you can showcase your slides next to you on-screen as you present, keeping that face-to-face interaction. 

Make sure to check out Prezi Video templates that you can find in Prezi’s template gallery.

Prezi Video template gallery

8. Confidence

Last but definitely not least, one of the key presentation skills a great presenter possesses is confidence. Presenting with confidence can help you engage your audience and convince them of your authority and knowledge on the topic at hand. When you exude confidence, the audience is more likely to trust you and your message, leading to better communication and understanding. 

Developing confidence can be achieved through several methods. Practicing your speech multiple times, visualizing a successful presentation, and focusing on positive self-talk are all techniques that can help boost your confidence. Additionally, learning to control body language and voice tone can also have a positive effect on confidence levels during your time in the spotlight. 

By implementing these strategies, you can build your confidence and improve your presentation skills each time you’re speaking in front of an audience. 

Discover more about effective presentation skills in this video:

How to improve public speaking and presentation skills

While working on the effective presentation skills we listed above, you may feel nervous about public speaking in general. It’s no secret that public speaking can be a daunting task for many people. However, if you want to be a powerful, confident, and impactful presenter, you need to overcome your fear of anxiety of public speaking and improve the way you feel and appear when presenting. 

If you want to learn more about different techniques that can help you calm down before a presentation, here’s a helpful video for you to watch:

To help you become better at public speaking, we summoned 20 tips you can follow:

1. Practice, practice, practice

One of the most effective ways to become more comfortable with public speaking is to practice your speech as much as possible. When you practice, you can work out any kinks or rough spots that you may encounter when giving your speech in front of an audience. Additionally, practicing allows you to become more familiar with the material, making it easier to remember and deliver with confidence. While it may be tempting to simply read your speech from a script or cue cards, practicing your speech will allow you to internalize the material and deliver it with greater ease, flow, and naturalness. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that you take the time to practice your speech as much as possible before giving it in front of an audience, whether that be your friends, family, or colleagues.

2. Use presenter notes 

Preparing for a presentation can be a lengthy endeavor, particularly if you aim to memorize the entire script. Trying to remember every point can be challenging. Plus, the stress of public speaking can cause you to overlook crucial details. Jotting down your talking points can help you stay organized and avoid forgetting any essential information. However, relying solely on flashcards or paper notes may not be ideal. Constantly glancing at sticky notes or looking away from your audience can disrupt the flow of your presentation and disconnect you from your listeners. Instead, try using presenter notes on Prezi, where you can easily add notes to each slide. While presenting, you’ll be the only one that sees them, helping you deliver an impressive presentation with maximum confidence. 

3. Know your audience

When delivering a speech, it’s important to analyze and understand the audience you’ll be speaking to. By doing so, you can tailor your speech to their interests and needs. This means that you should take into account factors such as their age range, educational background, and cultural or professional affiliations. Additionally, it’s important to research the topic you’ll be discussing thoroughly and provide examples that are relevant to your audience. By doing this, you can ensure that your message will resonate with your listeners and leave a lasting impact.

4. Start with a strong opening

To really captivate your audience, it’s important to start with a strong opening that grabs their attention and sets the tone for the rest of your speech. One approach could be to start with a thought-provoking question or a powerful anecdote that relates to your topic. Alternatively, you could begin with a surprising fact or statistic that shocks and intrigues your listeners. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s attention-grabbing and relevant to the message you want to convey. Remember, the opening of your speech is your chance to make a lasting impression, so make it count!

Discover other ways to start your presentation speech and watch this video for more tips on starting a virtual presentation: 

5. Use humor

Using humor can be a great way to start off a presentation. It can help to reduce the tension in the room and make your audience feel more at ease. For example, you could start off with a joke or a funny story that relates to your topic. Alternatively, you could use a humorous image or meme to grab your audience’s attention. Just be sure not to overdo it – too many jokes can detract from your message and make you seem unprofessional. Remember that the ultimate goal of your presentation is to communicate information and ideas effectively, so use humor wisely.

6. Incorporate stories

Using stories in your speech can be an incredibly powerful tool. Personal stories, in particular, can help illustrate your points and make your message more memorable. By sharing a personal experience, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level and create an emotional bond. This can help them better understand your message and remember it long after your speech is over.

One way to incorporate personal stories into your speech is to draw from your own life experiences. Think about a time when you faced a challenge or overcame an obstacle, and how that experience taught you something valuable. Share that story with your audience and explain how the lessons you learned can be applied to their lives as well.

You can also use stories to illustrate more abstract concepts. For example, if you’re giving a talk about the importance of perseverance, you could share a story about someone who faced numerous setbacks but refused to give up. By sharing that story, you can make the concept of perseverance more concrete and relatable to your audience.

Confident businessman talking into microphone during seminar. Happy male professional is giving presentation to colleagues. He is wearing smart casuals.

7. Use pauses

Using pauses is a great way to enhance your communication skills. In fact, when you take breaks in your speech, can help you gather your thoughts and think more clearly. Pausing also allows you to emphasize key points you want to make in your speech. Additionally, by using pauses strategically, you give your audience time to process the information you’re sharing with them, which can help ensure that they understand and retain it better. All in all, incorporating pauses into your speaking style can be incredibly effective in making your message more impactful and memorable.

8. Speak clearly and loudly

When delivering a speech or presentation, it’s important to speak in a manner that is clear and easy to understand. However, it’s equally important to ensure that your voice is projected loudly enough for your audience to hear you. Speaking too softly can make it difficult for people in the back of the room or in larger spaces to hear what you’re saying, which can lead to confusion and a lack of engagement. To avoid this, try to practice projecting your voice and enunciating your words clearly before you give your speech. You can also use tools like microphones or audio amplifiers to help ensure that your message is heard loud and clear by everyone in the room.

9. Take deep breaths

Taking deep breaths is a great way to help you relax and calm your nerves, but there are other things you can do too. For example, you might want to try some light yoga or stretching exercises to loosen up your muscles and release tension. Also, you could take a warm bath or shower to soothe your body and mind. Another option is to listen to some calming music or read a book that you enjoy. By taking the time to find what works best for you, you can develop a personalized relaxation routine that you can turn to whenever you need it.

Relaxed calm business woman take deep breath of fresh air resting with eyes closed at work in home office. Doing office yoga and meditating with closed eyes.

10. Use repetition

Repetition is a powerful tool that can help you drive the point home in your speech. By repeating key points, you can reinforce your message and increase your chances of being remembered. In addition, repetition can help you emphasize important ideas and create a sense of rhythm in your speech. It can also be used to build suspense and create a sense of anticipation in your listeners. With these benefits in mind, it’s clear that repetition is an essential aspect of effective public speaking.

11. Use active verbs

One way to improve the effectiveness of your speech is to use active verbs. Active verbs help to create a more engaging and dynamic presentation, as they convey a sense of action and energy. By using active verbs, you can help to capture your audience’s attention and hold their interest throughout your speech.

In addition to using active verbs, it’s also important to consider the pace and rhythm of your speech. Varying the speed and tone of your delivery can help to keep your audience engaged and prevent them from becoming bored or disinterested.

Another way to enhance the impact of your speech is to use vivid language and descriptive imagery. By painting a vivid picture with your words, you can help to create a more memorable and impactful presentation. For example, instead of simply saying “the sky was blue,” you could describe it as “a brilliant shade of deep blues, like the ocean on a clear summer day.”

By focusing on these key elements of effective speechwriting, you can help to create a more engaging and impactful presentation that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

12. Ask rhetorical questions

Rhetorical questions are a powerful tool that can help make your speech more engaging and interactive. They can be used to stimulate critical thinking, provoke curiosity, and encourage the audience to reflect on the topic at hand. By asking a thought-provoking question, you can capture the audience’s attention and encourage them to think about the subject matter in a new and different way. Furthermore, rhetorical questions can be used to create a sense of anticipation and excitement, as the audience eagerly anticipates the answer to the question you have posed. 

Close up of a group of sales people having a sales team meeting in a conference room

13. Use metaphors and similes

Metaphors and similes are powerful tools that can help individuals better understand complex concepts. They are like a flashlight that illuminates the dark corners of the mind, providing clarity and insight. By comparing two seemingly different things, metaphors and similes can create a bridge between the familiar and the unfamiliar, allowing individuals to grasp difficult ideas with ease. In our fast-paced world, where information overload is a common issue, the use of metaphors and similes can help cut through the noise and deliver a clear message. So, the next time you encounter a challenging concept, remember to use these techniques to shed light on the subject matter.

14. Prepare handouts

When giving a speech, it’s important to remember that your audience needs to be able to follow along with what you’re saying. One way to help them do this is by using handouts. Handouts can be a great way to enhance your presentation because they allow you to provide additional information that may not be covered in your speech. For example, you can use handouts to provide graphs, charts, or other visuals that illustrate your points. Additionally, handouts can be a useful tool for your audience to take notes and refer back to later. By providing handouts, you can ensure that your audience is engaged and able to fully understand the information you’re presenting.

15. Incorporate props

Using props during your speech is a great way to enhance your delivery and keep your audience engaged. By incorporating visual aids such as props, you can help to illustrate your points and add depth to your content. Additionally, props can be used to make abstract concepts more concrete and easier for your audience to understand. For example, if you’re delivering a speech on the importance of recycling, you could bring in a visual prop such as a bin of recyclable materials to help drive home your message. Overall, the use of props can help take your speech to the next level while making it more memorable and impactful for your audience.

16. Practice in front of a mirror

Another useful tip for improving your presentation skills is to practice in front of a mirror. Not only can this help you perfect your body language and delivery, but it can also give you a better sense of how you come across to others. Additionally, practicing in front of a mirror can help you identify any nervous habits or tics that you may have, allowing you to work on eliminating them before your actual presentation. Overall, incorporating mirror practice into your preparation routine can be a simple yet effective way to boost your confidence and improve your presentation skills.

Practicing presentation skills in front of a mirror.

17. Join a public speaking group

Joining a public speaking group is a great way to improve your public speaking skills. Not only will you have the opportunity to practice speaking in front of others, but you’ll also receive valuable feedback that can help you improve. Additionally, by joining a group, you’ll have the chance to meet and network with other like-minded individuals who share a passion for public speaking. This can lead to new opportunities and connections that can benefit you both personally and professionally. Finally, being part of a public speaking group can also provide a sense of community and support, as you work together with others to achieve your goals and improve your skills.

18. Record yourself 

Another way to enhance your public speaking skills is to record yourself. By doing this, you can identify areas where you need to improve and refine your delivery. When you listen to yourself speak, you can pay attention to your pitch, pacing, and tone. You can also identify filler words or phrases, such as “um” or “like,” that you might use unconsciously. Additionally, recording yourself can help you become more comfortable with the sound of your voice. This can be especially helpful if you’re not used to hearing yourself speak for extended periods of time. Overall, recording yourself is a simple yet effective way to become a more confident and polished public speaker.

19. Learn to handle interruptions

One of the most common challenges that speakers face is handling interruptions. These interruptions can come in many different forms, such as unexpected questions, technical difficulties, or distractions in the environment. It’s important to learn how to handle these interruptions gracefully, as they can often derail a speech and throw off the speaker’s focus and confidence.

One key strategy for handling interruptions is to remain calm and composed. It’s natural to feel frustrated or flustered when faced with an interruption, but it’s important to take a deep breath and stay focused. Remember that interruptions are a normal part of public speaking, and they don’t have to ruin your presentation. If you need a moment to collect your thoughts, don’t be afraid to pause and take a few seconds to regroup.

By learning to handle interruptions with grace and composure, you can become a more effective and confident speaker. With practice and preparation, you can manage interruptions and keep your presentation on track, even in challenging situations.

Rear view shot of a businessman raising hand to ask questions during a seminar. Professional asking query during a launch event in convention center.

20. End on a strong note

When giving a speech, it’s important to not only focus on what you say during the body of your presentation, but also on the way in which you conclude. A strong presentation should summarize the main points of your speech and leave a lasting impression on your audience. This can be achieved by reiterating your main points in a memorable way, making a call to action, or leaving your audience with a thought-provoking question. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your message resonates with your audience long after your speech has ended.

Another useful technique is to anticipate potential interruptions and plan how to address them in advance. For example, if you’re giving a presentation with a Q&A session at the end, be prepared for questions that might challenge your ideas or require additional information. It can be helpful to practice your responses to common questions ahead of time so that you feel more confident and prepared.

Discover other memorable ways how to end a presentation.

Conclusion

Effective presentation skills are key. While not everyone may be a natural-born speaker, with practice and dedication, anyone can improve their abilities to become a confident and engaging presenter. Whether you’re pitching to investors, delivering a lecture, or presenting in a meeting, being able to effectively present your ideas can greatly impact your success.

Remember, becoming a great presenter is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and constant improvement. Don’t be afraid to seek feedback from others, practice regularly, and try out new techniques. With time, you’ll become more comfortable and confident in your abilities to deliver engaging and impactful presentations.

In conclusion, improving your presentation skills is a worthwhile investment that can pay dividends in both your personal and professional life. So take the time to hone your abilities, put in the effort, and embrace the opportunities that come your way. With the tips and techniques we’ve provided in this blog post, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident presenter.

Michelle Singh’s art of inclusion with Prezi

Interactivity with a personal touch that includes everyone — that’s what attracted Michelle Singh to Prezi from the first time she saw it.

During her time working at the Miami-Dade Public School System, Michelle was first introduced to Prezi because her students used it as a tool in the classroom. Then, a few years ago, she was attending a session as part of the ​​Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert program, where they spoke about Prezi Video. When she first tried it out for herself, all she had to do was import existing PowerPoint presentations and fell in love. 

“What a great way to bring in something that’s already created and have that interactivity with my content and me on the screen,” Michelle said. “It allows me to create presentations with a personal touch.” 

For the college courses she’s teaching, virtual workshops, webinars, workshops, trainings, and client meetings, Michelle uses Prezi Video to create welcome videos and lead live sessions to connect better with her audience and increase participation. She uses Prezi for these trainings to not only show teachers how practical of a tool it is, but also all of its possibilities for student engagement and interactivity. By using Prezi Video, educators can “have an added layer of visibility and creativity for your students to view this content, as well as more personalization.” 

“Engagement and retention are definitely addressed when you’re using Prezi, whether it’s in the classroom or in a meeting,” Michelle added. “I’ve had meetings where someone made a great point or I want to reiterate a point, so I type it right there on the screen. And then that light bulb goes off.” 
Check out her upcoming workshop on March 30, Creating a Culture of Engagement & Equity, if you want to see Prezi Video in action.

Michelle’s educational journey

For 15 years, Michelle Singh worked as a classroom teacher, teacher leader, department chair, and district curriculum specialist and technology trainer for Miami-Dade until 2019. One year later in 2020, she founded LCT-E Learning Solutions™, a leading education consulting firm that specializes in diversity, equity, and inclusion training and development. One of the reasons Michelle left her career as a public school educator was because there was a need for teachers to have research- and evidence-based techniques that they can use in the classroom, especially in a public school system where 54% of students are Black and brown. Michelle used her 20 years of experience and expertise in education to design the powerful proprietary EQUAL Methodology™, a simple and effective framework to address the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools. 

“There are disparity gaps that exist in our educational system that need to be addressed, and we are really doing the work to equip teachers with the tools, strategies, and framework they need to bridge these gaps and meet the diverse learning needs, cultural needs, relationship-building needs, community needs, socio-emotional needs  of students of color, and really of all students.” 

Her daughter, who is in college now at Howard University, also matriculated through the system and faced similar challenges that Michelle had faced in school. It broke Michelle’s heart to see her daughter at the back of the classroom, being ignored. When Michelle migrated to Florida from Jamaica at age 9, she entered the Miami-Dade County public school system, the third largest public school system in the United States. As a student and educator in the system, Michelle faced similar challenges, which is why inclusion, and diversity, equity, and inclusion are so important to her. 

“The reason that I decided to quit my 15-year career for this journey was seeing my daughter experience shame and pain as the only Black kid in her classroom — being ignored, not being understood — which broke my heart,” Michelle said. “It tore me apart to see my daughter this way, but it also lit a fire in me. That fire fueled my passion to support and empower children like 9-year-old immigrant me, my brilliant and bold Black daughter, and all the other Black and Brown students whose voices are silent in their educational settings. I have the tools, experience, empathy, and expertise to help them flourish and shine culturally, academically, socially, and emotionally. And to help them reach their full potential, despite the obstacles they may face. This is my why. This is my purpose.”

This is why Michelle gravitated toward and was encouraged by Prezi — it includes and engages all. Michelle is currently working on programs using Prezi for new teachers who want long-term guidance and mentorship, specifically when it comes to DEI. Everything she teaches is aligned with her methodology that addresses five key areas — the school culture, the pedagogy and practices of the teacher, how to build students’ skill sets and their mindsets, how to utilize relationships and partnerships within the school and the community, and how to leverage equitable assessments. 

“That’s where Prezi comes in because students have access to Prezi as a way to show their learning,” Michelle stated. “Teachers have access to Prezi as a way to make their content more multimodal and engaging for their students to be able to consume it and learn it.” 

How to encourage others to get started

It’s just a matter of a click. That’s how simple Michelle says Prezi Video can be. 

When Michelle first started using Prezi, she started by importing PowerPoint presentations because it was easy and they were already done — it was just a matter of bringing them on screen with her.

“I tried to get teachers to see that it’s like the Staples Easy button,” Michelle said. “You already have the content and you’re more than halfway there. All that’s left is to try it.” 

When Michelle uses Prezi Video for a virtual conference, other people are just sharing their screens. Most recently, Michelle used Prezi for a pitch competition, and Prezi definitely made her stand out, earning her second place. 

“It has really amped up my game,” Michelle said. “There I am with Prezi on the screen, interacting with my content, which has totally leveled me up.” 

Best of all, this platform is accessible and engaging for all, no matter where you are in the classroom. 

Why educator David Tarvin “thinks in Prezi”

What emotion does the course title “Rhetoric and Western Thought” invoke in you? For most at Texas A&M, it was one of the more feared courses in the Department of Communication and Journalism. For Professor David Tarvin, it was one of his favorite courses when he was a student.

Imagine his confusion when he heard one of his students crying outside of his office, upset over not understanding what David thought was fascinating material. She said, “It’s just Greek philosophy. It goes in one ear, and out the other.” Even though he wasn’t currently teaching the course, he had such fond memories of it that he decided to map out the Greek story that she was learning using a process called graphic facilitation. In basic terms, it means using pictures to help with learning. This method, one that is used in Prezi, helped her understand and appreciate the course in a more comprehensive way.

After that, David, who is in his ninth year of teaching at Texas A&M, requested to teach that course, in addition to his inner cultural communication and public speaking courses.

An example of how David Tarvin uses Prezi to engage his students
An example of one of David’s lectures

David’s teaching approach

Remember childhood books with beautiful illustrations? David uses a similar approach to teaching, graphic facilitation, to teach his courses and make them more accessible to students. He has struggled with ADHD and dyslexia so he understands that hand drawing all of his lectures and using Prezi as a capture tool helps his students engage with the material that “lives a little bit more than with other software.”

“Using Prezi for my lectures makes the classroom experience more fun for the students, and for myself,” David said. 

Because of how David organizes these concepts in his mind, he likes using Prezi because it allows him to envision his presentations based on how he can zoom in and out of topics. When he was writing his dissertation, he used Prezi to visualize his structure. 

“If I had an idea that could be more developed, I would ‘zoom’ into it or ‘zoom’ out of it if it related to something broader,” David said. “It really helped me organize my brain for writing. I think in Prezi even when I’m not using Prezi.” 

His punny images in the Prezi presentations that he shares bring modern-day laughter into a class about ancient comedy. For one of his lectures, David tells the story of Aristophanes, who was the first comedian, and showcases his play, Birds, where he uses each letter as a different slide and zooms out to a comedy club. 

David Tarvin uses Prezi to bring puns and humor to his classes

“In this lecture, we start talking about the rhetoric of humor, and how we can use humor to persuade, and using Prezi just shows that we can communicate language in an interesting way,” David said. 

“And my favorite thing about Prezi is my zoom-out moments where it reveals my theme of the day.”

In another lecture, David shared the story of the Iliad, where his presentation zooms out to Brad Pitt’s face, who played Achilles in Troy. Using this approach helps the modern-day student feel more connected with an ancient text. 

How David Tarvin used the movie Troy to teach about the Iliad

The virtual classroom

With the shift to virtual teaching, David was prepared with Prezi Video. He really loves that he can upload Prezi presentations and PowerPoint presentations and they appear right next to his face. 

“I like having it next to me because I find students are more engaged if they have eyeballs to look at, rather than a PowerPoint presentation, and also that I can point to content,” David said. “I also like the feature of zooming into the video and then zooming back out to me as a speaker. It’s just so easy and seamless.” 

Where it started

When David worked at Louisiana State University, his adviser Dr. Nathan Crick was focusing his research on Marshall McLuhan’s philosophy of the medium as the message, meaning it’s not just the message that’s important, but equally as important is the way it’s delivered. 

“And so when Prezi was first initiating, he realized this new medium could be a new message to get to students, which is how I got into it,” David said. 

How David evangelizes Prezi

That same student who came into David’s office years ago is another Prezi success story. During her time at Texas A&M, she took more of David’s classes and had an even bigger interest in graphic facilitation. 

Now, she’s a language, arts, and theater high school teacher in Dallas, where she draws out her lectures and then uses Prezi to present them to students, just like David had taught her. Prezi helped turn those tears of frustration into an engaging educational experience — not only in her past but also in her future.

8 Practical Tips to Maximize Efficiency in Real Estate Investing

The real estate world is highly competitive, so those who pursue real estate investing must work hard to stay on top of their game. News events, market shifts, financial technology, and a host of outside factors can change the investment terrain seemingly overnight.

Real estate investing also offers investors tax benefits. Investors can take advantage of depreciation deductions and capital gains exemptions, which can provide a significant tax advantage. Additionally, investors can use a 1031 exchange to defer capital gains taxes on the sale of a property by investing the proceeds in a new property.

Done right, real estate investing can be (and often is) an incredibly lucrative endeavor. However, making a career in real estate sustainable and consistently profitable is also a complex and time-consuming process. Maximizing your efficiency is essential to ensure you get the most out of your investments, especially if you are working as a team of one.

Listed below are eight practical tips to help you do just that. These tips will help you get the most out of your real estate investments, from creating a well-defined investment strategy to taking advantage of automation tools.

Whether your preferred niche is in the residential market, wholesale real estate, property management, or elsewhere, adhering to these guidelines will help you save time and make more informed decisions to maximize your returns.

1. Develop a well-defined investment strategy

Investment strategies are the blueprints for your real estate ventures and are crucial for maximizing efficiency. Before investing in any property, you must have a well-defined investment strategy.

In what kind of properties do you want to invest? What is your target return on investment (ROI)? What are the acquisition costs? How much cash flow do you expect from each property? Answering these questions will help you better define your investment strategy and make better decisions in the long term.

If you’re just getting started with real estate investing, start by building a property finder. In the property finder, list all the types of properties you want to invest in and the reasons why. By doing this upfront, you’ll save time when looking for deals later on since you’ll know exactly what you’re hoping to find.

2. Utilize automation tools

Automation is one of the best ways to save time while investing in real estate. Whether researching properties, managing your finances, or scheduling meetings, automation tools can make your life much easier.

One of the best ways to save time while investing in real estate is to automate your financial processes. If you’re managing all of your own finances, you’ll want to find ways to automate as many tasks as possible. Targets for automation include routines like paying bills, tracking your spending, and setting up automatic transfers to your savings account. These tasks can be extremely time-consuming, especially if you manage more than one investment property.

If you’re managing more than one property, you’ll want to automate as many financial processes as possible to save time. For example, you can set up automatic bill pay to pay all your expenses, such as property taxes and maintenance fees, consistently.

3. Leverage market research data

When it comes to real estate investing, the amount of data you have at your disposal can make a huge difference. You need access to the correct data to make the best decisions when investing in real estate.

You can tap many different sources when it comes to market research data. One of the best market data sources is the National Association of Realtors’ Market Data section. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of data, such as average home prices, inventory data, and historical market trends.

For data on a specific city or neighborhood, sites like Trulia and Zillow can help you find what you’re seeking. These sites offer tons of data, such as average home prices and rental rates, and can make it much easier to make informed decisions.

4. Network with other real estate investors

While it may seem like you’re competing against other real estate investors, it’s also essential to network with them. By networking with other real estate investors, you can gain access to deals that may otherwise be off-limits to you.

In addition, you’ll likely find other real estate investors who are also trying to discover great deals. Working together with other real estate investors is a great way to pool resources, share information, and get access to deals you may have yet to see on your own.

Real estate investors can also partner with other investors or developers to invest in larger projects. Partnerships are a great way to gain access to larger investments with lower levels of risk. Investors can also invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs), which allow them to invest in large-scale properties without having to manage them directly.

While there are plenty of online groups for real estate investors, nothing beats the value of networking in-person. If you’re interested in meeting other real estate investors, join your local REIA chapter, attend meetups, and find different ways to connect with like-minded individuals.

Networking has its pitfalls, though. The real estate market has a reputation for volatility, and any alliances you form could cause regret later on. Assuming you’ve clearly defined your goals, it will become much easier to identify partnerships that make sense for your long-term objectives. Similarly, you’ll develop a keen sense of when to walk away.

5. Focus on finding great deals

Real estate investing is an incredibly competitive industry, and finding a “great deal” is one of the most critical aspects of the process. You’ll want to take advantage of different resources, such as the MLS, to find these great deals.

When looking for deals, it’s essential to be as efficient as possible. Instead of browsing through every property listed in the MLS, use different filters and search criteria to narrow down your options.

For example, you can search properties with low equity or cash-flow properties to find deals that are likely to close quickly. While searching for deals, it’s important to remember that not all of these opportunities are created equal.

6. Outsource tasks that don’t require your expertise

Depending on your investment strategy, you may come across tasks that don’t require your expertise. For example, you may need to hire a property management company to manage your rental properties, or you may need to hire an attorney to help you close on a property.

While these tasks are necessary for real estate investing, they can be competently accomplished without your expertise. As such, you should outsource these tasks to specialists who are more qualified than you.

For example, property management companies have access to plenty of data that helps them make better decisions, such as average rental and tenant turnover rates. By outsourcing these tasks, you’ll save time and get access to data and expertise that you don’t have.

7. Take advantage of real estate software

Real estate investors are a data-driven bunch, so it’s no surprise that many rely on real estate software. Real estate software allows you to manage all aspects of your business, including tracking your finances, managing your team, and finding new deals. Plenty of different real estate software solutions are available, so it’s crucial to find one that best fits your needs.

When selecting real estate software, ensure it’s compatible with your devices, such as your phone or computer. It’s also a good idea to choose a real estate software solution that integrates with other tools you use, such as Google Sheets or accounting software, such as QuickBooks. Selecting a real estate software solution that integrates with other devices can save time by automating some of your processes.

8. Set clear goals and objectives

As with any other business venture, it’s vital to set clear goals and objectives with real estate. If you don’t know where you’re going, it’s almost impossible to get there. By setting goals and objectives, you’ll be able to make better decisions, reduce risk, and increase ROI.

When you start investing in real estate, you’ll have all sorts of ideas about what you want to achieve. With so many goals to achieve, it can be challenging to stay focused and make progress. By creating a checklist, you can easily keep track of all your goals and see how close you are to achieving them. Checklists are also a great way to stay focused and help you keep track of all the things you need to do by a specific date.

As you embark on your real estate adventure, keep a recurring reminder in your calendar software to chart progress and revisit your initial work. The real estate market is in a constant state of flux. Interest rates, market upswings (or downturns), new technological advancements, and a veritable legion of other factors outside your control ebb and flow. Even just six months ago, what seemed like a great idea may no longer be appealing to you or unprofitable.

Overall, real estate investment offers a variety of opportunities for investors. From buying and selling property to financing businesses and generating passive income, real estate investing can provide a steady income for those willing to commit to a strategic plan. With the right resources and a sound investment strategy, real estate investing can be a great way to generate wealth.

This article was originally published on Calendar.

A step-by-step guide to craft a winning sales presentation outline 

Creating an effective sales presentation outline is crucial if you want to impress and persuade potential customers to purchase your products or services. Whether you’re part of a small startup or a large corporation, a well-crafted presentation can help you make a powerful and convincing case for your offering.

Crafting a successful sales presentation can be a challenging task. With the right knowledge and tools, you can create a winning presentation that communicates the value of your product or service while saving time in the process. Whether you’re giving a presentation in person or online, the key is to keep your audience engaged and interested in what you have to say. In this article, we’ll go over the basic structure of a sales presentation, offer tips for making as effective a sales presentation outline as possible, and provide some great sales presentation templates and examples you can use for inspiration.

Close up of a group of sales people having a sales team meeting in a conference room

The structure of a sales presentation

  1. Introduction

The introduction of your sales presentation should grab your audience’s attention. It also should give them a sense of what they can expect from the rest of the presentation. Start by introducing yourself and your company, and then provide a brief overview of the product or service you’re going to be discussing. This is also a good opportunity to establish a connection with your audience by finding common ground or addressing any pain points they may be facing.

  1. Problem Statement

After the introduction, it’s important to clearly define the problem or challenge that your product or service is designed to solve. This will help your audience understand the need for what you’re offering. It’ll also set the stage for the next section of the presentation.

  1. Solution

Now that you’ve clearly defined the problem, it’s time to introduce your solution. This is where you’ll provide detailed information about your product or service, including its features, benefits, and any relevant case studies or testimonials. It’s also the time to address any potential objections or concerns that your audience may have.

Three sales people meeting and looking at a laptop and a document. There is paperwork and other technology on the table, formal business wear.
  1. Demonstration

If possible, include a live demonstration or visual aids like images, videos, or diagrams in your presentation. This will help your audience see how your product or service works in action and will provide a better sense of its value.

  1. Call to Action

The final step of your sales presentation is to ask for the sale. This can be as simple as asking for the order or booking a follow-up meeting. Be sure to remind your audience of the benefits of your product or service, and make it easy for them to take the next step.

Sales presentation outline tips

When crafting your sales presentation outline, there are a few things you have to keep in mind to make the presentation a true success. Take note of the following sales presentation structure tips that’ll help you create a presentation that stands out and makes an impact. 

Start your presentation right

The first impression is everything. Grab your audience’s attention with a compelling start of the presentation – introduce a shocking statistic, tell a story, or display a capturing visual. This way you’ll catch people’s interest right from the start. 

Support your claims

Use data and customer testimonials to support your claims about the key problem or pain point your product or service tackles.

Make an impact with data visualizations

Add interactive visuals such as graphics and charts to display statistics and other data in an engaging manner. Use Prezi Design to create these visuals. Also, use dynamic visuals, images, and videos – that’ll make the presentation more engaging and interactive.

Have a well-defined structure

Make sure to use a clear and consistent structure throughout the presentation, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. You want your presentation to feel like a story that’s well-formatted and thought-out. 

Highlight your USP

Clearly define your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and highlight it throughout the presentation. Emphasize your USP using bold statements, impactful data, and eye-catching visuals.

Use storytelling techniques

Make your presentation more engaging and memorable by applying storytelling techniques. Swap your slide-based presentation for a Prezi presentation that elevates the storytelling experience. The non-linear format allows you to jump between topics instead of going through slides. This way your presentation will feel more like a conversation rather than a speech, making it a much more engaging and interactive experience.

Practice to make it perfect

Practice your delivery and timing to ensure that you stay within the allotted time and keep the audience engaged. This will help you define your sales presentation structure as you’ll notice what presentation parts take longer to discuss and where you need to add more content or context.

Woman having online business meeting, video conferencing on laptop with her business partners, working from home in the living room

End your sales presentation on a memorable note

End your presentation with a clear call to action that leaves a lasting impact. Apply visuals, like images, data visualizations, videos, and animations to catch people’s attention. Also, remember to include contact information so the audience can follow up with you.

By incorporating the tips outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to creating an effective sales presentation that’ll help you close more deals. Remember that each presentation is unique and needs to be tailored based on the audience and context.

Great sales presentation examples

Developing a powerful sales presentation from scratch can be challenging. Seeking inspiration from existing successful examples can assist in creating a presentation that’ll leave a lasting impression on your audience. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of great sales presentation examples that score in presentation design and structure. 

Sales presentation on communicating key business elements

This presentation examines how to better define the purpose, vision, mission, values, and key business metrics. It’s a great example of a visually appealing and engaging sales presentation structure that scores in presentation design. It’s easy to navigate the presentation as you can zoom in and out of topics. Also, the visualization of a table as topic placement creates a compelling layout. The overall structure of the presentation has a natural and logical flow, going from background information to an action-based plan. 

Salesforce presentation

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your workforce into salesforce, this presentation provides a clear guide that makes it easy for you to dig deep into this topic. The visual format clearly represents the topic and captures attention with the highlighted title and topics. 

Also, when viewing this presentation, you can zoom in and out on topics, deciding what you want to read about first. The layout is simple and straightforward, leaving no room for confusion. The presentation is structured to introduce the topic first, then go to 3 main talking points, and finally lead to tips that leave the audience with an action plan in mind. The presentation design also helps to navigate and understand the content better.  

Sales kickoff presentation

What makes a good sales kickoff? This presentation provides a step-by-step guide to having a great sales kickoff using powerful visuals and a well-defined structure. 

The steps are visualized as American football icons and illustrate the order in which they should be discussed. This provides an engaging viewing experience with a clearly defined outline that navigates the audience throughout the presentation

Conclusion

Creating an effective sales presentation outline is crucial for impressing and persuading potential customers to purchase your products or services. Crafting an effective sales presentation involves understanding your audience’s needs and customizing the presentation to suit them. The basic structure of a sales presentation includes an introduction, problem statement, solution, demonstration, and call to action. To make your presentation a success, it is important to start with a compelling introduction, support your claims with data and customer testimonials, use data visualization to make an impact, and have a well-defined structure. By following the tips and using the examples provided in this article, you can create a winning sales presentation that effectively communicates the value of your idea, product, or service and keeps your audience engaged and interested.

Allison Upshaw uses Prezi to teach performing arts

Learning a new language is a challenge. Learning how to sing in a new language is another story. 

Allison Upshaw, Assistant Professor of voice at Stillman College, a trained opera singer, and professional actress, uses Prezi Video to teach voice auditions and help her students pronounce foreign language words. Having the lyrics on screen as she talks through the pronunciation and allowing students to see her mouth as it moves, makes it easier for her to teach, and for them to learn. 

If we take a look back at her journey, Allison was first introduced to Prezi in 2014, when she began using Prezi Present for teacher training content.

As she’s not a “PowerPoint girl,” she was drawn back into Prezi when she started working on her second doctorate in instructional technology and had to create more formal presentations. 

“That fell right in with using Prezi for what I needed to submit, and I was able to keep all my work in one place, which is really important to me,” Allison said. 

But the one product that she uses the most is Prezi Video. She’s participated in the Voices from the Field webinar series with our education team on how video can deepen the impact of blended learning, she’s been listed as a Staff Pick (which is a list of our favorite videos of the year), and frequently shares her teachings with the public in all her videos

Additionally, educators have a list of accessibility standards that they must incorporate into all their teaching content. When it comes to Prezi’s template library, she appreciates those that are in high contrast because it quickly addresses some accessibility requirements.

How she streamlines her presentation structure with Prezi

Allison says that she’s not a linear thinker, jumps around a lot in her thought process, and struggles to go from A to Z. But when she uses Prezi Present, she likes to choose from our template library because it forces her “to think in a way people can follow” and easily structure her ideas. 

She’s always thinking about her process as a facilitator and how she can engage her audience, which is why she became a Prezi Certified Educator Trainer in 2022. For a long time, she was very reliant on face-to-face interactions. She liked getting back into Prezi because it was familiar enough, and she found that she was able to effectively use it to interface between her and her audience while using Prezi Video for video lessons.

Given that her first doctorate was in arts-based research methods and critical auto-ethnography, Allison is committed to incorporating STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) into her teaching. This is something that she believes she can showcase by teaching with and having students use technology like Prezi. 

“All of this tech and science is important, but you also need the creativity of an artist,” Allison said. “The functional designs are great, but you want something that’s creative as well. If you can think creatively, then you can build new knowledge.” 

The challenge for Allison is that most of STEAM tends to center around visual arts, and she wants to understand how performing arts can fit into tech. 

“In the world of screens, there can be a flatness with technology,” Allison said. “It makes it more difficult  to have an energy circle between the presenter or performer and the audience, where the performer can understand exactly how the audience is feeling.” 

Using Prezi Video has enabled Allison to better tap into the energy of her audience even when she and her students are divided by the screen. 

Allison also considers herself an arts-based storyteller, and she works to share stories of other black women who may not get the chance to tell themselves. She has just written a grant that will look at Black female landowners during slavery and Jim Crow. She’s planning to share the stories of these women and what it means to be a female landowner in a time when women weren’t allowed to own property and had fewer rights. 

“So what are their stories? I want to find out and share these stories and summarize what they went through,” Allison said. “I’ll be sharing them in conference presentations, and using Prezi has helped me focus my ideas. I will use it to sum up their stories and share them in a concise way.” 

That’s just another way that Prezi’s engaging tools can help bring meaningful stories to life.

Drew Tarvin has inspired audiences in 100+ virtual presentations

When he discovered Prezi Video, Andrew Tarvin, a bestselling author and keynote speaker, said, “Holy schwow, this is the easiest, quickest way to do picture in picture, and it’s smooth, so I’ve been using it for all of my virtual presentations ever since.” 

And now, he’s used Prezi Video for 121 virtual presentations and counting. 

Andrew has delivered more than 500 talks, in-person and virtual, one of which was a viral TEDx talk that has over 13 million views (only half of which he claims came from his mother). He’s primarily spoken to corporate audiences, including Microsoft, IBM, NASA, and the FBI.

Typically, Andrew had been presenting in person, but when the pandemic hit, all of his presentations shifted to virtual. He hated the idea of sharing his screen, which forced him into a tiny little box. What he aspired for in his virtual presentations was to have picture-in-picture slides. He had tried other tools, including Ecamm Live or ATEM Mini, but then was hooked once he discovered Prezi Video in April 2021.

“I have a degree in computer science & engineering, so theoretically I could build out the perfect system using OBS and Elgato Stream Deck,” Andrew shared. “But Prezi Video already does it so well, there’s no reason to.”

Andrew’s keynotes and workshops cover a wide range of topics, such as how to build a culture of using humor in the workplace, how to be more effective while working remotely, how to deliver engaging virtual presentations, and how to make work suck less. 

With Prezi, Andrew has also been able to collaborate and present side by side with other speakers. For one virtual presentation, Andrew presented alongside author and founder David Nihill, and they would both switch between presenting their Prezi video presentations. 

What Andrew really likes about Prezi is how it enables him to connect with his audience. 

“It’s primarily the ease to transition in and out of slides for me, connecting and engaging with the audience by making eye contact, while at the same time then bringing up a visual right next to me. Now I can be speaking and show a picture, video, or meme right next to me to make a point,” Andrew said.

Ease of use is a big part of his message and he demonstrates things that he wants other people to feel like they can do very easily. Therefore, he loves the function of designing in PowerPoint and then importing it into Prezi Video because it’s simple, quick, and effective. 

It’s also enabled him to take slides that he had used for in-person talks and easily upload or import them into Prezi so he could get more use out of his presentations without having to reinvent the wheel — and just like that, he gets picture in picture. 

“It lowered the bar in terms of what it takes to get started while also raising the bar of how engaging virtual presentations can be,” Andrew said. “It made users feel like ‘Oh, I can do that,’ making it more accessible.” 

Andrew also likes how Prezi Video’s desktop app makes recording so seamless, whether that’s recording a video in one take, or sometimes, 37. Features like presenter notes at the top of the screen, the pause functionality, and the countdown all make Andrew love using Prezi Video for recording asynchronous videos and as a capture tool. 

One of Andrew’s favorite features is that he can edit his Prezi video presentations on the fly. While he’s on a call or sitting in the audience during a virtual conference, he can go in and change his notes to customize a point or add another slide to reference something that was said earlier, which always amazes his audiences. 

“I continue to use Prezi Video because it is by far the easiest way to very quickly make a more engaging, more compelling virtual presentation experience. I can so quickly and easily get into picture-in-picture views, fluid slide transitions, fluid zoom in and zoom out,” Andrew stated. “It’s almost inevitable that people will ask, ‘How did you have the slides right next to you?’ and the answer is always Prezi Video.” 

Davide Luzzati makes Prezi’s presence known in Italy

Most people were not taught about conversational presenting — a different approach to delivering a presentation that allows room for audience interaction — in school. Often, we were tasked with creating linear, static slide decks for assignments and projects, but not how to create powerful presentations that will be memorable for our audience. 

“Presentations are for listeners, not for the people talking,” said Davide Luzzati, founder of presentation consultancy Luzz Presents. “You have to build the slides for the people that are listening to you, not for yourself. This is the main issue and even today, people haven’t understood this.” 

After working in the tourism industry for more than 30 years, Davide realized that he needed to create a space for people to improve their presentation structure, design, and delivery. This is why in 2017, he founded Luzz Presents in Genoa, Italy. 

“When you look around, most people have pretty average presentations, so I was dedicated to starting a company around helping people improve theirs,” Davide said. 

Luzz Presents is a full-service consultancy agency, offering presentation, graphic design, and training services centered around Prezi. He thought about also offering services for PowerPoint or Keynote to his clients, but he chose to dedicate his services to Prezi because of how it shook up the presentation space. 

“It’s changed the way that I was looking at presentations. Thanks to Prezi, I learned that I need to be asking ‘What’s the most important part you want to transfer to your audience?’” Davide added. 

Davide’s interest in wanting to learn how to create the most compelling presentations and advancing his experience with Prezi is what prompted him to become a Prezi Certified Educator Trainer, which is a part of a certification program that aims to help educators and trainers learn how to effectively use Prezi tools to support instruction. 

However, it’s more than just knowing the software. It’s also about how you use it.

“You could easily add 30 lines of text on a slide, but once you understand that that’s not effective, you can move to the next step of using a unique presentation software, like Prezi,” Davide said. “When you use Prezi, it’s a big help because you can organize your thoughts into topics and subtopics, use the zoom effect for emphasis, etc.”

Davide sees Prezi as a canvas, and has even designed a Prezi presentation using Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Vitruvian Man” as the framework for an anesthesiology presentation.

Know your basics

While Prezi has three different products, Davide stresses the importance of knowing Prezi Present. 

“The baseline, I would say, is Prezi Present,” Davide stated. “That’s the most important because if you don’t know Prezi Present, you won’t get the most out of the other products.”

This year, Davide already has big plans with Prezi. In March, Davide will be using Prezi to teach an online course about presentation tips. He is also creating a 140-slide training presentation for an international food company, and is going to use Prezi Video to create TV spots for a local company in Italy. 

“Prezi Video is astonishing,” Davide said. “It makes such a difference because you actually can still keep eye contact with your audience.”

His biggest plan for this year is to become even more in tune with Prezi. In Italy, Prezi is not that well known and Davide aims to become the “Prezi person in Italy” to help everyone there with their presentation needs and advance their presentation skills. 

“I believe that Prezi gave me, and many people, the possibility to change the way you approach a presentation,” Davide added. “It’s so simple to build in, but so revolutionary.” 

Why David Nihill uses Prezi for organized professional hilarity

What do “Three Men and a Baby”, “Good Morning, Vietnam”, “Beverly Hills Cop 2”, and PowerPoint all have in common?  

They all were released in 1987. This is why David Nihill, a founder, bestselling author, and comedian, wants to know why we’re still using old technology. 

“I wanted the whole approach to be fresh, so if everybody is out there with their PowerPoint deck, it just looks dull and boring and stagnant, and it isn’t moving in any way,” David said. “Prezi was a way for me to say ‘new message, new approach, new way for me to deliver this message,’ and I think ultimately that’s why it was a better fit.”

According to David, our tools should evolve with us — as a result, since he discovered Prezi, he hasn’t looked back. 

“It’s fun,” David said. “It scratches a creative itch. It allows you to just take a bit of canvas and go for it and make it cool and dynamic, and with PowerPoint, it’s very hard to do that.”

Balancing comedy and public speaking

After getting his master’s in business, David worked for the Irish government; worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers; and worked as the Operations Director for the largest private education company for five years. David has taught programs at Stanford Business School and the University of Oxford using Prezi. But, he says he can undo the perception of all that hard work once people find out he’s an internationally touring comedian. Thankfully, Prezi allows him to show his credibility and his professionalism. 

“It’s funny that all that can be done away very quickly with comedy, and the way I combat that is by having material that is very fresh, but looks very professional, and that’s where Prezi kicks in,” David said. “By the time they’re done listening, they completely forget the comedy element. They’re like, ‘Well, I learned so much there, and that was really funny and engaging, and I never heard any of it before, and that was really well put together.’ So it’s kind of funny, but for me, it allows me to balance comedy with the business stuff, and those are two big parts of my life that I don’t want to separate.” 

Plus, it catches people’s attention. One of the most frequently asked questions David receives after any presentation is, “How did you make that?”

“There’s nothing about me that screams ‘professional.’ But when I’m on stage and I’m using Prezi and I’m giving a talk that I know all the beats of and I have a visual representation behind me that screams somebody put effort into this — when you combine those elements, the takeaway for the audience is always that it’s slick,” said David.

That remained the same when David began presenting virtually and used Prezi Video. For one of his first talks during the pandemic, he presented to the University of Oxford, and every lecturer and professor asked the same question of how he created the presentation. 

What he especially liked about using Prezi Video was that “you’re not separate from your slides anymore,” eliminating the need for him to screen share. 

David Nihill using Prezi Video

Conference hacks

David is also the founder of the FunnyBizz conference, which is dedicated to teaching modern businesses the essential principles of comedy, improv, and storytelling — by doing so, he can help them use humor to make an impact, add value, and connect with customers on a level that inspires loyalty and encourages laughter. 

As a founder, he knows what goes into making it happen, and how to stretch some of their “deadlines.”

Most organizers will ask for their presentation a couple of weeks in advance to ensure that the presenter has their content created. With Prezi Present, David is able to easily send the link to the organizer by their deadline and still has the capability to make tweaks up until the minute he goes on stage. 

“I could update the presentation last minute, and a lot of the times I actually sat in the audience and watched the other presenters. Then, I took elements from their talks, and I built it into mine, where the audience was like, ‘Whoa! How did he do that?’” David said. “Because there’s no conceivable way in their mind that I could have known in advance. That definitely allowed me to stand out in a lot of conferences for just being extremely different.”

Take your viewers on a journey with Prezi

With Prezi, you can take your audience on a roadmap, with a clear beginning, middle, and end — just like a good story. 

“You’re never going to be able to do conversational presenting with PowerPoint, but you can with Prezi. The whole thing is built to encourage you not to put a giant pile of words or bullet points on a page,” David said.

What’s next for David

For 2023, David is planning to embark on a 50-city comedy tour. Keep an eye out for him — chances are he’s coming to a place near you. Prezi and all.

For now, David wants to leave you with this lasting thought about Prezi. 

“Prezi just looks great,” added David. “It’s more unique, and it gets people’s attention. They’re getting the visual representation of the exact journey I want to take them on. It adds a layer to public speaking.”

Prezi presents Shehrevar Davierwala’s flipped classroom model

“If you tell me to list out how, I could write a big, fat book on it.”

That’s how Shehrevar Davierwala, a global computer science educator and assistant professor at RK University, Rajkot, Gujarat, answered when asked how he’s benefited from using Prezi. 

It’s certainly made his life easier, especially in attracting students’ attention. As an educator who conducts academic workshops using information and communications technology (ICT) to “contribute a sense of diversity and inclusion within various cultural aspects” to students from 30 different countries, Shehrevar wanted a tool that would allow him to better connect with his students.  

Leveraging the flipped classroom model

Shehrevar had been using Prezi since 2018, but in 2021, he discovered the Prezi Certified Educator Program, which is a program that aims to help educators learn how to effectively use Prezi tools to support instruction, whether hybrid, blended, or in the classroom. By enrolling in the Prezi Certified Educator Program, he completed courses on how to create engaging videos for blended learning with Prezi Video, how to create dynamic presentations and content bundles for students using Prezi Present, and how to create stunning classroom visuals and graphics using Prezi Design. 

Since then, Shehrevar uses Prezi on a weekly basis. His typical workflow is to import his PowerPoint presentations into Prezi Present to optimize for Prezi Video, which he uses to record async videos or present to his students live. 

“The first reaction is always like, ‘Hey, you’re making a YouTube-like video. How do we do that? Which software are you using?’” Shehrevar said. “And the most important thing is you’re able to connect with the students because you have the presentation running next to you, so you can point and show some actions. You have full control.” 

For more information on how Shehrevar and his students have benefited from Prezi, check out the presentation below.

How Prezi enables an exchange of cultural ideas 

Since he has such a diverse group of students, Shehrevar encourages students to introduce themselves by showing off their country and culture to their peers using Prezi Present. 

“So that’s where the first exchange of ICT is because we are learning a technology — Prezi — and how to use the presentation software,” Shehrevar said. “And through this software, there’s an exchange of cultural ideas.” 

Additionally, Shehrevar works to make all his students feel seen. He paired with a student to design a presentation about building a virtual assistant, who voiced over it in Nepali. 

His favorite Prezi features

Shehrevar upped his Prezi game with the announcement of Prezi Video in 2019, and now he leverages both tools to create a multifaceted learning experience for his students. Let’s take a look at what  Shehrevar likes the most: 

1. Sharing asynchronous lessons with students

Since the pandemic, Shehrevar now follows the traditional flipped classroom approach. He shares async videos with his students for them to go through and complete their tasks. Then, in the classroom, they focus more on the practical aspects. 

2. Using Prezi Video for live video conferencing

One of the most impressive features for him was using Prezi Video for video conferencing because it made it so easy to review what was shared in their online learning materials, as well as have a discussion with key points outlined live with Prezi Video. 

“So this was one complete package, where the students just had to log in and they got everything together, and it made the video in the live session much more engaging,” Shehrevar said. 

3. Compatibility

Another feature that Shehrevar really appreciates is Prezi’s compatibility. 

“The best feature is that Prezi’s quite compatible with other software. Like, if I have a Google Slides or PowerPoint presentation, I can import it. Or, it’s easy to take a Prezi template and start something from scratch,” Shehrevar said. 

4. Collaboration with students

One of the features he uses the most is being able to add collaborators. Whenever his students create Prezi presentations, they add him as a collaborator, which enables him to add comments to give direct feedback on specific slides.

Going with the Prezi flow

In order to create his presentations, Shehrevar’s been using Prezi to create mockups. For example, for a class he’s teaching about Android mobile app development, he says that Prezi enables him to take his students on a journey and help them understand the flow.  

“I use Prezi because I’m starting from the initial stage with the students and then slowly taking them on the path of coding,” Shehrevar said.  

Using Prezi also gives Shehrevar the ability to incorporate storytelling and creativity into his presentations. 

“I find that Prezi has made me more creative because you need to think more about how you design and how you add animations — not just about the content itself,” Shehrevar said. “And that creativity is one of the most important things as an educator.” 

His work goes beyond the classroom, where he uses Prezi to support and train other organizations. One of these organizations is Afghan Tech Sisters, an initiative to train Afghan school girls in computer skills to motivate more girls to enter the IT sector by walking them through using Prezi. His commitment to these students is much more than just teaching them. Once they’ve completed their presentations and videos, Shehrevar showcases them on social to highlight their achievements and provide examples for future students. He has demonstrated how Prezi can support flipped classrooms to provide a better learning experience, introduce students to cross-cultural curricula in different ways, and connect them from all around the world.

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