how to make a presentation outline

December 4, 2023

How to create a presentation outline (with examples)

Four methods to create a presentation outline and example outlines for inspiration

Co-founder, CEO

Like it or not, if you work in an office environment or go to school, you'll probably have to make a presentation at some point. But creating a great presentation can be challenging, especially when you're short on time or suffering from writers' block.

Luckily, there are lots of ways to get a head start on your presentation outline, and in this article we'll walk through four options for creating a presentation outline and show you several examples of great presentation outlines.

Why should I write a presentation outline?

An outline helps you organize your ideas in a clear and logical way . Instead of getting bogged down on details like formatting or word choice, an outline presents the overarching story of your presentation with just a few main points. This helps to make sure you have a cohesive narrative before you dive in to the nitty gritty work of wordsmithing individual bullet points or selecting the perfect slide theme.

If this sounds like a lot of work, it often is! But spending time writing a great outline will save you time and effort down the road because it will be easier to organize your work and create each slide when you understand how it fits in to the broader presentation.

Here are four ways you can get a start on creating your next presentation outline.

Method 1: Create your outline from scratch

Creating an outline from scratch may sound intimidating if you have never written a presentation outline before, but this is the most straightforward way to get started.

Start by jotting down the three main points you want to make in your presentation. Once you have your main ideas in order, write down a few supporting details and examples for each point.

Then, add an introduction (find an interesting image, quote, or question to help grab the audience's audience) and a conclusion (decide on the best way to summarize the takeaways from your presentation) to the outline, and you are ready to go.

This method is great for those who prefer to have complete control over their presentation and want to create a custom outline that works best for their needs.

Method 2: Create a presentation outline using an AI presentation maker

If you're short on time or looking for a quick way to get a first draft of a presentation outline that you can then refine, using an AI presentation maker is a great option.

Plus AI lets you type a short prompt like "Create a presentation that provides an overview of the Norwegian oil industry," and it will automatically generate an outline of a presentation for you. After Plus creates the outline, you can change the titles of slides, rearrange slides, and remove any pieces of the outline that are not necessary.

From there, once your outline is created, you can click the "Generate presentation" button, choose a template, and let the AI create the first draft of your entire presentation.

This method is a good option for those who want to create a polished presentation without getting stuck with a blank piece of paper. Instead, it frees you up to take a first draft presentation and customize it for your needs.

Method 3: Create a presentation outline using ChatGPT

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that can help with a wide variety of tasks - everything from acting as a therapist, to sharing recipes, to helping you come up with presentation ideas and creating content for a presentation .

To have ChatGPT help you generate a presentation, you can take two different approaches:

Use a custom GPT that has been trained to help people create presentations or
Ask the general ChatGPT interface to "Create a presentation outline for me on the topic of [XYZ]."

Both approaches will yield similar results, but a custom GPT like Plus AI presentation maker will be more fine-tuned to helping people create presentations. It will also provide additional functionality like providing a visual preview of the slides and feedback on how to improve your presentation.

Method 4: Create a presentation outline using a template

Last but not least, using a template is a good way to speed up the process of creating a new presentation outline. Similar to using an AI presentation maker, a template can give you a first draft of an outline that is easier to edit and refine than starting from scratch.

Presentation templates often come pre-designed with example text and images, so all you have to do is fill in your own content. For example, this TED Talk presentation template provides some instructions on how to create an outline for a TED Talk-style slide deck.

The secret to using this method is to find the closest template to the type of presentation you want to create. You should use detailed search terms to and look across multiple sites and resources to find one that matches the content and style that you would like.

Once you have your template, start by reviewing the overall outline or structure and tweak it to meet your needs. Then, you can fill in the specific content (e.g., text and images) with your materials to make it your own to quickly make a beautiful presentation.

Presentation outline examples

Basic presentation outline example.

Let's take a look at a presentation outline and accompanying notes for a persuasive presentation on encouraging people to meditate every day:

I. Introduction

Hook - find a striking image and tell a story
Thesis statement - everyone should meditate for 10 min per day

II. Main point 1 - Meditation is one of the easiest ways to improve your health

Physical health
Mental health

III. Main point 2 - Meditation is backed up by thousands of years of practice and research

One anecdote from antiquity
One anecdote from recent research

IV. Main point 3 - You can get started with meditation today

Basic technique
Tips for newcomers

V. Conclusion

Summarize key points
Call to action

As you can see, this is a relatively lightweight plan for the presentation, but it provides an easy-to-understand framework that we can fill in with slides.

There are rough notes on specific content for the different points in the presentation, but we don't need to write out everything in fine detail, just the broad strokes.

Pitch deck outline example

Now let's review an outline for a pitch deck that someone might use to present their startup idea to prospective investors. This is for a startup that uses autonomous food trucks to deliver meals to people's homes and workplaces.

I. Problem statement - "Food delivery sucks, and here's why"

Hook - pictures of typical food delivery headaches (e.g., late/no show, bad selection, etc)

II. Value prop - "FoodDrive revolutionizes the food delivery model"

Compare value chain of FoodDrive to traditional restaurant and delivery service
Show how $50 order gets allocated to different people

III. The product - "Customers love our trucks"

Picture of food truck and menu
Customer quotes and reviews

IV. Why now? - "Our self-driving technology is ready for prime-time"

V. Business model - "Each truck can generate $2-3M of revenue per year with a 60% gross margin"

Show high-level financial forecasts on unit basis

VI. Competitive landscape - "FoodDrive's closest competitors don't come close"

Comparison table with delivery services, in-house delivery, eating out-of-home, etc.

VII. Go to market strategy - "We've tested FoodDrive in 2 markets so far. Here's how we win in new markets"

Overview of social media strategy
Case study on new market launch

VIII. Team - "Our team has experience in autonomous vehicles, food delivery, and quick service restaurants"

IX. Traction - "We generate $5M of revenue per year with our 2 trucks, and we can ramp up new trucks immediately"

Show revenue growth chart with focus on time to ramp new trucks to productivity

X. Fundraising goal - "We are raising $50M to expand FoodDrive to 10 more markets"

Highlight key milestones we aim to reach with additional funding

Even though a pitch deck is a specialized type of presentation that often requires specific content, it's helpful to start with an outline to build out the 'story' behind the content. That way, you have a cohesive story rather than a set of disparate slides.

How can I create a presentation from an outline?

Once you have your presentation outline written, it's time to start writing your slides. Since you already know the main points you are trying to make in your presentation, the main decisions here are

What type of visual style you want to follow
How many slides you want in your presentation
How you will present or share the slides

To get a head start on creating a first draft of your presentation, you could enter your outline into an AI presentation maker.

This will provide a first draft of the slides so that you can focus on making sure they tell a cohesive story or tweaking individual slides to leave a memorable impression.

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Strategy & planning

How to make a presentation outline: a step-by-step guide

Georgina Guthrie

May 24, 2024

Whether you’re building a house, baking a cake, or creating a killer presentation — having a plan in place before you begin work will make the task much easier. Planning saves time and enhances the quality of your work. This is especially true for business presentations, which is why you should always start with a presentation outline.

A presentation outline is a streamlined version of your talk, capturing the general direction and key points. Its purpose is to shape your thinking, organize your thoughts, and ensure your material is presented logically.

In this article, we’ll explore what a presentation outline is, how storytelling can engage your audience, and how to create a flawless outline. Let’s dive in.

Defining your presentation’s goal

What are you trying to achieve with your presentation? A good starting point is to think about the overall purpose.

Types of presentation goals

There are six main types of presentation goals:

Inspire action
Inspire or motivate

In a business setting, ‘to inform’ is most common, but it’s usually coupled with at least one other. For example, if you’re there to talk about quarterly results, then you’ll want to inform and motivate. However, if you’re a business coach, your goals will likely be to inspire, motivate, and entertain.

Once you’ve defined your goal, you’ll want to understand the impact you hope to have on your audience. To answer this, ask these questions:

What do I want people to take away from my presentation?
How will what I talk about help others in the room?
What do I want people to do after my meeting?

From here, you should be able to create a summary of your presentation’s goals and purpose in one or two sentences. Put that on your first slide for easy reference.

Understanding your presentation’s audience

Knowing your audience is crucial for crafting a presentation that resonates. Consider their knowledge level, interests, and what they hope to gain from your presentation. Tailoring your content to meet their expectations will make your presentation more engaging and effective.

Questions to understand your audience

What is the demographic makeup of your audience (age, gender, profession)?
What are their roles in the organization or industry?
How familiar are they with the topic you will be presenting?
Do they have any preconceived notions or misconceptions about the topic?
What are their primary interests related to the topic?
Why are they attending your presentation? What do they hope to gain?
What are their current pain points or challenges related to the topic?
How can your presentation address these challenges?
Do they prefer visual aids, interactive sessions, or straightforward lectures?
Are they more inclined towards data-driven insights or anecdotal evidence?

Choosing your story structure

Stories are powerful tools for bringing people and ideas together. Great stories persuade and inform; the best stories inspire and stay with us. But we don’t often see this happening enough in the boardroom.

Stats and numbers are important for supporting claims, but if you want to inspire your audience, you need to weave those stats into a story. T he truth is, most stories are formulaic, so once you’ve chosen your formula, filling in the blanks is pretty easy.

Let’s look at a few popular story structure formulas below.

1. Fact and story

Mixing storytelling with facts works in a kind of mutually supportive cycle. Facts add substance to the story; the story adds interest to the facts.

In this structure, you weave the two together and move back and forth between the two.

Start with a ‘what if’ question. For example, if you were pitching a vacuum cleaner, your initial sales pitch might be ‘what if you didn’t have to lose suction?’
Add facts that illustrate the current state of things. To continue with our example, it might be current stats on traditional vacuums losing suction. Keep alternating facts with fiction throughout the body of your presentation.
End on a high note that makes the listeners feel like they learned something and want to move to action because of it. For example, to invest in your new product, or to sponsor your new app .

2. The hero’s journey

From Odysseus to Chihiro , adventure stories typically feature a hero who goes on a journey fraught with peril and learns a vital lesson at the end of it. It’s a formula employed by thousands of writers — and you can draw from it to add some drama to your presentation.

This structure works really well for inspirational personal stories, or tales about a company from its humble beginnings to the success it is today.

Begin somewhere neutral. The situation is neither ideal nor unbearable.
Introduce a challenge — one that needs to be solved.
Present a worsening situation. The problem is being addressed, but things are still getting worse.
Define rock bottom. The situation seems impossible; there is apparently no way forward and all seems lost. Until…
Introduce a new discovery that offers hope.
Show your work. Armed with your new abilities, you tackle the issue head-on.
Resolve the problem, but instead of returning to the way things were before, the hero (you) discovers an even better way of living.
Finish with a lesson, which you can share to inspire your audience.

3. The pitch

The ‘pitch’ style of presentation is commonly used by salespeople. The goal is to show how a product or idea can help an individual overcome a hurdle toward a positive outcome. The story should be relatable, so the audience can picture themselves in the situation and, therefore, benefitting from the solution.

Start with a summary of the way things are in simple terms.
Introduce the problem or hurdle that needs solving. Make it relatable to help your audience put themselves in the situation.
Introduce a solution: give your audience a glimpse into a possible solution.
Create a fork in the road: Give your audience a couple of options for solving the problem. Offer an average option first, then follow up with a better one.
Close: Choose the better option and explain why that’s the best one (and only real suitable choice).
Finish up by telling the audience exactly how to solve the problem , step by step.
Talk about extra benefits that extend beyond simply solving the problem. Finish on an uplifting high.

4. The explanation

This presentation format is for when you want to teach your audience something — whether that’s a process, a new skill, or a way to overcome a problem. It has similarities with the fact and story structure, insomuch as facts should weave into the story.

Explain how things are at the moment , what the goal looks like, and how you plan to get there. You can even start with a story to add emotional interest from the get-go.
Take your first step on the journey toward the final destination.
Add more steps that build on this.
Take a moment to recap the points you’ve covered so far while tying them to the main point. This will help your audience visualize the ground you’ve covered and see where you’re heading.
Add the finishing pieces to the puzzle and lead your audience to the end.
End your journey so your audience feels as though they’ve learned something new.

5. The opportunity

A close relative of the pitch, this three-part structure swaps a hurdle for an opportunity. Here, you want to show your audience that a problem they thought they had actually had an easy fix.

Start with the situation as it is now.
Next, add a ‘but’ — this could be a small hiccup that stops things from being as good as they could be. For example, our chocolate pudding company is doing really well. But we could be doing better if we changed supplier.
Talk about the opportunity, with as many facts and stats as possible to make it feel achievable and real.
Add a conclusion.
Explain why the product or service meets the challenges raised. Add more stats and facts to support your point.

Storyboarding your presentation outline

Now you’ve worked out your structure, it’s time to start building your presentation. Storyboarding is the best way to do this. In the same way that directors use storyboards to map out their films scene-by-scene, you’re going to use it to map out your presentation slide-by-slide.

(Don’t worry, you can do stick people and squiggles if drawing isn’t your strong point.) Image Source

The trick here is to avoid adding too much detail too quckly. Ideally, have one or two sentences on each slide summarizing what each one will address. Stick to one main point per slide and no more than 3 subpoints.

You can do this with pen and paper, but since you’ll likely end up going digital eventually, you might as well start there. It looks far neater, and it means that if you need to change something, it’s as simple as deleting or editing a cell or slide rather than starting over.

If you don’t want to start from scratch, a business presentation template is a great place to start. You can storyboard directly on the template, and then flesh out each of the slides in more detail once you’re ready.

Once you’ve got your storyboard mostly ready, all that’s left is to fill in the details! And of course: make it look great.

Formatting your presentation

Proper formatting is crucial to ensuring your presentation is visually appealing and easy to follow. Effective formatting helps to highlight key points, maintain audience engagement, and enhance overall comprehension. Here are some guidelines and best practices for formatting your presentation:

Choose a consistent theme

Use a professional and clean template that aligns with your topic and brand.
Ensure the template is consistent throughout the presentation to maintain a cohesive look.
Choose a color scheme that is visually appealing and easy on the eyes.
Stick to 2-3 primary colors to avoid visual clutter.

Organize your slides

Include a title slide with the presentation topic, your name, and date.
Add a relevant image or graphic to set the tone.
Provide an agenda or outline slide to give the audience an overview of what to expect.
Use section divider slides to clearly separate different parts of your presentation.
Include a brief title for each section.

Keep text clear and concise

Use easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri.
Avoid overly decorative fonts that can be hard to read.
Ensure the font size is large enough to be readable from a distance.
Titles should be at least 24-30 points, and body text should be 18-24 points.
Use bullet points to break down information into digestible chunks.
Keep each bullet point concise, ideally one line each.

Visual elements

Include high-quality images, charts, and infographics to illustrate key points.
Ensure visuals are relevant and add value to the content.
Maintain consistency in the style and size of images and graphics.
Align visuals properly to avoid a cluttered appearance.
Use white space effectively to prevent slides from looking overcrowded.
White space helps to highlight key elements and improves readability.

Multimedia and animation

Embed short videos to demonstrate concepts or provide visual examples.
Ensure videos are of high quality and relevant to the content.
Use animations sparingly to emphasize important points without distracting the audience.
Stick to simple transitions and avoid overly complex animations.

Data presentation

Use charts and graphs to present data clearly and concisely.
Label axes and include legends for clarity.
Avoid overwhelming the audience with too much data.
Highlight key data points and trends.

Final touches

Review the presentation for spelling and grammatical errors.
Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date.
Rehearse your presentation multiple times to ensure smooth delivery.
Check the flow of slides and the timing of animations and transitions.

By following these formatting guidelines, you can create a presentation that is not only visually appealing but also effective in communicating your message. Proper formatting helps to keep the audience engaged and ensures that your key points are clearly conveyed.

Presentation tools

For those looking for an intuitive and efficient way to create professional presentations, consider using Cacoo , our online diagramming tool. Cacoo allows you to collaborate in real time, offering a variety of templates and design tools that make planning, designing, and presenting a breeze. Whether you’re working solo or with a team, Cacoo helps you streamline the presentation creation process, ensuring that your final product is polished and impactful.

Ready to take your presentations to the next level? Try Cacoo for free today and experience the difference it can make in your workflow.

This post was originally published on April 07, 2021, and updated most recently on May 24, 2024.

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How to Write an Effective Presentation Outline

By Herwin Jose
April 17, 2024

Key Takeaways:

A presentation outline is a structured plan that helps you organize and deliver a well-structured presentation.
Creating an outline is important for organizing your ideas, ensuring clarity, and engaging your audience.
Identify your objective, gather content, organize ideas, add supporting details, create an introduction, develop the body, and summarize with a conclusion.
Tips for creating a compelling outline include keeping it concise, using bullet points, visualizing with headings and subheadings, including engaging elements, and practicing and revising.

What Is a Presentation Outline

A presentation outline is a structured plan that helps you organize and deliver a well-structured and engaging presentation. It serves as a roadmap, guiding you through the content, flow, and key points of your presentation. By creating an outline, you can ensure that your ideas are organized, your message is clear, and your audience remains engaged.

Importance of Presentation Outline

A presentation outline plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of your presentation. Here are some key reasons why having a well-crafted outline is important:

Organization: A presentation outline will help you structure your thoughts and ideas in a logical and coherent way. It ensures that your presentation flows smoothly and that your main points are effectively conveyed to the audience.
Clarity: By outlining the main ideas and supporting details of your presentation, you can clarify your message and avoid confusion. It helps you stay focused and deliver a clear and concise presentation.
Engagement: An outline allows you to plan engaging and interactive elements , such as visual aids, examples, and audience participation. It helps you maintain your audience’s interest throughout the presentation.

Without an outline, your presentation may lack coherence and direction, leaving your audience confused and disengaged. By creating an outline, you can strategically plan the flow of information, ensuring that each point builds upon the previous one.

Elements of an Effective Presentation Outline

A well-crafted presentation outline consists of several key elements. In this section, we will discuss the essential components that make up an effective outline, including the introduction, body, and conclusion. Discover how to structure your outline to create a cohesive and impactful presentation.

Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for your presentation and grabs the attention of your audience. It should include a compelling opening statement, an overview of what will be covered, and a clear thesis statement that highlights the main purpose of your presentation. By crafting a strong introduction, you can captivate your audience from the start.
Body: The body of your presentation outline is where you will present your main ideas, supporting evidence, and arguments. Break down your content into logical sections or subsections, making it easy for your audience to follow along. Each point should be clearly articulated and supported by relevant examples or data. Use headings and subheadings to create a structured flow of information.
Conclusion: The conclusion is your opportunity to wrap up your presentation and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Summarize the main points discussed in the body of your presentation and reiterate your key message. You can also provide a call to action or offer a thought-provoking question that encourages further reflection or engagement. A strong conclusion ensures that your presentation ends on a high note.

Tips for Creating a Compelling Presentation Outline

Crafting a presentation outline requires careful consideration of various elements. To enhance your outline and ensure a compelling presentation, it’s important to organize your ideas effectively, incorporate visual content strategically, and engage your audience from start to finish. Here are some practical tips and techniques to help you create an outline that captivates your audience:

Outline Organization

Start by identifying your main points and structuring your presentation in a logical order. Use headings and subheadings to create a clear hierarchy of ideas. This will help your audience follow along and comprehend the flow of your presentation.

Structure your Content

With your main ideas and supporting evidence in hand, it’s important to structure your content in a logical and coherent manner. This can be done by organizing your ideas into sections or segments that flow smoothly from one to the next.

“A well-structured presentation will capture the attention of your audience and keep them engaged throughout.” – John Smith, Speaker and Presentation Expert

Incorporate Visual Content

Visuals can significantly enhance the impact of your presentation. Consider using images, graphs, charts, and videos to support your key points. Visual content not only adds interest but also helps reinforce your message and make it more memorable.

Engage Your Audience

A successful presentation is interactive and engages the audience throughout. Incorporate interactive elements such as polls, Q&A sessions, or group activities to encourage participation. This will not only keep your audience engaged but also make your presentation more memorable and impactful.

“A well-structured presentation outline acts as a roadmap to guide both the presenter and the audience. It helps maintain a logical flow of ideas and ensures that key messages are effectively communicated.” – Jane Smith, Presentation Expert

Learn from Presentation Outline Examples

Take inspiration from real-life examples of effective presentation outlines. Analyze how others have organized their content, used visuals, and engaged their audience. By studying successful presentation outlines, you can gain valuable insights and ideas to enhance your own.

Pay Attention to Color and Design

Creating a presentation outline is crucial when it comes to making a good presentation. Start by brainstorming ideas on color and design that will create an impact. Using a presentation outline template helps in organizing your thoughts and structuring the main body of your presentation. When creating your outline, make sure to include a slide for each point you want your audience to take away. Consider the font and design of your presentation slides to ensure your audience stays engaged.

Including a Call to Action

To ensure your presentation design is on point, you should make a presentation outline that includes a call to action. When you have created your presentation outline, you can use presentation templates to help you make a presentation that is both visually appealing and engaging for your audience.

When writing a presentation outline for a new product, it’s a good idea to answer these questions:

What should be included in your outline to make a creative presentation? How can you make a presentation that leaves a lasting impact on your audience? By including a call to action as a part of your outline, you can create an effective presentation that encourages your audience to take action after the presentation is over.

Review, Revise, and Refine

Once you have created your initial outline, review it carefully. Ensure that it aligns with your presentation goals, effectively communicates your message, and maintains a logical flow. Revise and refine as needed, keeping your audience’s perspective in mind.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create an Effective Presentation Outline

Steps to Create an Effective Presentation Outline

Creating a presentation outline is an essential step in delivering a successful and impactful presentation. A well-structured outline helps you organize your thoughts, maintain a logical flow, and ensure that you cover all the key points you want to communicate to your audience.

Brainstorm and Define Your Objectives:

Start by brainstorming ideas and determining the main objectives of your presentation. Consider what information you want to convey, the key messages you want to deliver, and the desired outcomes you want to achieve.

Identify Your Main Points:

From your brainstorming session, identify the main points you want to address in your presentation. These should be the key ideas or concepts that support your objectives and help you effectively convey your message to the audience.

Organize Your Thoughts:

Once you have identified your main points, organize them in a logical sequence that flows naturally. Consider using headings and subheadings to create a hierarchical structure that guides your audience through the presentation.

Add Supporting Content:

Think about the supporting content that you need to include for each main point. This can be facts, statistics, examples, case studies, or visuals that help reinforce your message and provide additional context to your presentation.

Summarize Key Takeaways:

At the end of each main point or section, summarize the key takeaways or messages you want your audience to remember. These should be concise and impactful statements that leave a lasting impression.

Review and Refine:

Once you have created a draft of your presentation outline, take the time to review and refine it. Ensure that the structure is clear, the content is well-organized, and the flow is logical. Make any necessary adjustments or additions to improve the overall effectiveness of your outline.

1. What is a presentation outline?

A presentation outline is a roadmap or blueprint that helps you organize your ideas and content for a presentation. It outlines the structure, flow, and key points of your presentation, ensuring a logical and cohesive delivery.

2. How can I engage my audience throughout my Business presentation?

To engage your audience throughout your presentation, consider using storytelling techniques , interactive elements, or thought-provoking questions. Encourage audience participation through activities, discussions, or Q&A sessions. Use visual aids, such as images, videos, or graphs, to enhance understanding and maintain interest. Finally, deliver your content with enthusiasm, clarity, and confidence.

3. What are the three basic parts of a presentation outline?

When creating a presentation outline, it is crucial to include three essential components. The first part is the introduction, which sets the stage for the presentation and provides background information. Following the introduction is the body, where the main points and supporting details are discussed in depth. Finally, the outline should include a conclusion that summarizes the key points and reinforces the main message.

4. What are the 5 pieces of presentation Outline? The 5 key pieces of an outline include the introduction, main points, supporting information, visuals, and conclusion. Each section plays a vital role in delivering a clear and impactful message to the audience.

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How to Outline a Presentation: A Complete Guide From a Pro

Filed under: Public speaking articles , Speaking tips , Speech preparation

When you’re writing an important speech, you must start with a clear outline. However, I find that many speakers are uncertain of how to write a good outline for their presentation. This is why I decided to write a guide for you, in hopes that learning to perfect your outlines will help you give better presentations in the future.

How do you outline a presentation? Always start with your introduction and end with your powerful closing. Flesh out the body by listing topics in the order that you want to cover them in. Never skimp on the important details of your speech. Remember that an outline is only a draft.

I know at this point that you still have questions, and that you still be confused at how to write the best outline for your speech. But writing a good outline for your presentation does not have to be stressful! This is my complete guide from a pro for you, in hopes that you can take the stress out of this important step.

Table of Contents

How to Outline a Presentation

Outlining a presentation can be done with a regular piece of paper, or on a word processing program on your computer. If you are hosting a PowerPoint presentation, you may prefer to do the entire thing from the comfort of your computer. But if you do decide to write your outline on a piece of paper, make sure you use a pencil and eraser so that you can make changes as you go along.

The very first step in creating an outline is to ask yourself what the purpose of your presentation is.

Write your main message or a one-sentence summary of your thesis at the top of your outline when you get started. This may help you stay on task, and it will keep the purpose of your speech right in your eye’s sight. After all, you don’t want to stray too far off the main topic of your presentation !

Remember, a quality outline is meant to enhance the purpose of your presentation. If you do not write a proper outline, you may risk not properly conveying the right message to your audience.

Or you may even forget to cover essential points that you wanted to talk about. A thorough outline is especially important if you are planning to speak without notes.

You should remember to properly summarize what you want to say with every sentence of your outline. After all, this is not a full script, so a summary is all you really need. Remember to rehearse and practice with your outline, so that you can remember what you have written.

Start With a Strong Beginning

Your introduction is where you start strong by grabbing your audience’s attention from the very beginning. But if that makes you feel stressed out, just remember to stay calm! Creating a great first impression from the beginning of your speech is not as difficult as you might be worrying.

When you create a strong beginning, you should try some of the following:

Start with an attention-grabbing statement that captures your audience from the start. If you have a few ideas but are not sure what to use, try running your ideas by a trusted friend or mentor.
Give a strong signal that you are beginning your speech. You don’t want your audience unsure of whether you’ve actually begun or not.
Give the main thesis statement about the purpose of your presentation.
You could start by giving a brief preview of all of the things that you are going to talk about in the body of your speech.
Talk about your credentials at the beginning. However, you should make sure to find a way to do it that is entertaining. You don’t want to risk boring your audience from the very beginning of your speech!
Thank your audience from the very beginning! This is not only a good way to begin your speech, but a good way to end it, as well.
If there are any current events or famous historical events that relate to the purpose of your presentation, you can start by talking about these. However, pick only one so that you do not draw your introduction out too long.
Ask your audience a question at the beginning. You could draw out their interest by answering this question at a later point in your speech.
Whenever possible, make sure you begin your speech on a positive note . This sets a good tone for the rest of the presentation.
Start by telling a story that relates to your presentation. A good reason to start with a story is that it helps you form a strong connection with your audience from the beginning. Write some of the main details of your story in your outline so that you remember them.

Be reminded thought, that sometimes it is wise to write your introduction last as only you know what you’ll be introducing. This way, you’ll also avoid including something in your introduction that you won’t be actually talking about.

Once you have written out your introduction, you have completed the first step in creating an excellent outline for your presentation.

Create a Powerful Ending

In my experience, it can be easier to create ending before you flesh out the body of your presentation. However, it is up to you if you prefer to create your outline in a different order.

If you are a regular reader, you might have realized that I already posted an in-depth article here about how to end a presentation in a powerful way . Right now we are going to talk about the same thing in somewhat less detail.

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Just like with your beginning, make sure that you’ve made it obvious you are ending. After all, few things are more awkward than your audience sitting there long after you’ve finished, feeling confused about whether they should leave or not.

If the point of your speech is to motivate your audience to do something, you might consider ending your speech with a call to action . A call to action is simply an instruction that you give your audience about something you want them to do.

You could also potentially end your presentation with a powerful quote or an entertaining story . And if you have a unique tagline that exists to help promote your personal brand, consider ending with it.

But if you are planning to have a question and answer period at all, make sure you are not directly ending with one. Plan to wrap up your question and answer period before delivering your speech’s closing at the end.

This is because ending with a question and answer period is not only not memorable, but a negative question from an audience member can leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth . This is not the last thing you want your audience members to remember as they’re leaving!

And as always, you should thank your audience at the end of your speech. This will make them feel valued, and impressed with your gratefulness.

Flesh Out the Body of Your Presentation

So, you’ve got your beginning and ending all figured out, but now what else do you do with your outline? This is the stage where you work on the body of your speech. That is, you will want to think about what you want to say in between your beginning and end. Here are some speech writing tips I have written about previously.

Write the main points of your outline in order

It may be easier for you to write bullet points or even a numbered list. List your main points in order of what you want to talk about. If at first glance the topics don’t seem to flow, it is okay to re-arrange them.

You can also decide at this point if there is anything you want to add or subtract. If you feel like you’ve made a mistake, don’t worry! It is okay to make any changes along the way.

Add sub-points and transitions to your topics

Add sub-points to your main points in order to further flesh out your outline. Even if you want to keep it simple, sub-points may help you to stay on track and remember what you were going to say.

You can also add to the ideas that your main points present. Make sure that the transitions from one point to another flow smoothly from one thing to the next.

Don’t forget the essential details!

Are there any special details that you need to remember for your presentation? Put these in your outline so that you don’t forget them. This can include important names, dates, and locations that you need to remember.

Write down how long will it take

If your speech is supposed to cover a certain amount of time, try listing times for each of your main points. This may help you not go over or under your time.

Also, take a look at these articles:

11 Great Tips How to Write a Great Persuasive Speech
How to Deliver a Perfect Elevator Speech

How to Outline a PowerPoint Presentation?

You may be thinking that you don’t need an outline for your PowerPoint presentation. However, don’t rely on your slides alone ; you need a proper outline, too. An outline for a PowerPoint presentation should also include images that you intend to use for your slides.

Fortunately, the PowerPoint program itself also allows you to view an outline of your slides. This can help give you a visual of your overall presentation.

Remember, This is Only a Draft!

If your outline isn’t the way you want it to be, remember that it is only your very first rough draft. Your outline doesn’t have to be perfect, because it is not your final product. While you should work hard to make your outline as good as possible, you don’t need to stress about it.

And remember that if you finish your outline, and you are not satisfied with how it looks? It is okay for you to scrap it and start all over again. There is no reason that you should stick with an outline that you don’t feel confident about.

An outline is a great place to start whether you intend to read from a full script, read from cue cards, or speak without notes. If you are an avid reader of Speak and Conquer, you’ll remember that I recommend creating an outline in many of my articles.

Get Feedback From Others About Your Outline

There is no reason that you have to go any of this by yourself. If you have a friend or mentor who is experienced with public speaking , why not ask them to take a look at your outline for you? They may see something that needs to be changed that never even occurred to you.

You could also give a practice round of your speech in front of a friend, family member, or mentor. Give them a chance to make suggestions about whether or not there’s anything that you should change. After all, it’s better for you to realize if something needs to be done differently before the actual day of the presentation.

If you don’t have someone who you can rehearse in front of in person, try recording your presentation in front of a video camera . Show it to someone you trust via email or social media. If they have any suggestions for change, you can alter your outline accordingly.

Why is a Presentation Outline so Important, Anyway?

While reading this article, you may be wondering why you even need an outline for your presentation. This may be especially puzzling to you if you are planning to give a speech without notes . But I find that an outline can be incredibly useful no matter what kind of presentation you are planning to give to your audience.

Like I said before, the main point of an outline is to enhance the main purpose of your speech further. But I’m also going to give you a list of some more reasons why I believe an outline is absolutely essential.

Some other good reasons for creating an outline for your presentation are:

You will have an easy visual to look at the order of the topics you are talking about. This way, you can see if anything looks out of place.
The proper outline will help to keep your speech organized.
You will be able to look at the connections between your ideas . This may even help you realize you need to add or subtract certain things from your speech.
A good outline will help you remember to t ouch on every important point that you need to cover in your presentation.
Outlining helps you see whether or not your main points and sub-points flow smoothly . If you create your outline and realize that some of your points do not flow, you can easily re-write key parts.
Using an outline instead of a full script will give you more freedom to improvise during your presentation. This is why creating an outline is a great first strategy if you are speaking without notes, or trying to memorize a speech in a short period of time.
If you’re not sure where to start preparing for your speech, then writing a loose outline is a good first step to help you out.
Practicing with an outline will help enhance your memory about the main points and sub-points of your presentation.

No matter what kind of presentation you are planning to give, a solid outline with help you be prepared and ready to go.

Conclusion: How do you make an outline for a talk?

Today, I have compiled a thorough guide about writing a quality outline. We discussed creating a good beginning, ending, and body of your presentation. We have even talked about why a good outline is important, too. If you have any other tips to share about creating an outline for your presentation, make sure to share them in the comments section.

If you are looking to improve your public speaking and presentation skills, check out the rest of my articles on Speak and Conquer. The purpose of my site is to help you succeed in becoming a better public speaker. For example, I have covered popular topics such as how to memorize a speech in less than an hour , and how to use hand gestures effectively during a presentation .

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16 secret ways how to speak to a bored audience
How to Use Your Voice Effectively in a Presentation?
13 Effective Ways How to Make Speech Pauses

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Who is janek tuttar.

My name is Janek Tuttar , and I am the founder and author of Speak and Conquer website.

I have been teaching public speaking at Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences

Here, I am sharing the wisdom of how to cope in different public speaking situations.

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Hi! My name is Janek Tuttar, and I am the founder and author of SpeakAndConquer.com.

I have been teaching and blogging about public speaking since spring 2007. Here, I am sharing the wisdom of how to cope in different public speaking situations.

Send me an e-mail: [email protected]

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Create Effective Presentation Outlines: A Step-by-Step Guide with Tips & Examples

What is a presentation outline.

A presentation outline is like a roadmap for organizing your thoughts and delivering your message smoothly during a presentation. It helps you structure your content logically, ensuring that your audience can follow along easily. By providing a clear framework, an outline enhances the clarity and effectiveness of your presentation.

Importance of Presentation Outline

1. Clarity and Focus

Using an outline keeps your presentation organized and focused, preventing you from going off track. It ensures that your presentation has a clear purpose and that all the information you share is relevant to your main points.

2. Logical Structure

A well-crafted outline ensures that your presentation flows logically, guiding your audience smoothly from one point to the next. This helps your audience follow your train of thought and understand your message more easily.

3. Enhanced Delivery

Having a clear outline can boost your confidence and make your delivery smoother. With a structured plan, you’re less likely to forget important points or ramble on, resulting in a more professional presentation.

4. Time Management

An outline helps you manage your time better by estimating how long each part of your presentation will take. This ensures that you stay within the allotted timeframe, keeping your presentation on track and engaging for your audience.

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How to Build Strong Presentation Outline s?

1. Purpose of Presentation

Understanding why you’re giving your presentation is crucial for planning its structure. Identifying your goal means thinking about what you want your audience to get out of it. This clarity forms the basis of your whole presentation. There are six potential reasons you might be presenting:

Sharing information
Teaching something new
Making it enjoyable
Inspiring action
Convincing people of something
Motivating them

Thinking about your goal will help you make a presentation that really grabs attention. Answering these questions can help you figure out what your goal is:

What do I want people to learn or understand from my presentation?
How will my presentation make a difference to those listening?
What do I want people to do after my presentation?

Once you have the answers, you’ll have a good idea of what your presentation should cover and where to start.

2. Consider Color and Design

How you present your pitch matters just as much as what you say. Take a moment to think about the fonts and colors you’ll use on your slides. Research suggests that red can convey excitement and grab your audience’s attention, while white gives off a sense of simplicity and clarity.

3. Establishing Structure: Arrange Your Ideas in a Logical Order

When crafting your presentation, it’s important to structure your ideas in a clear and logical sequence. Start with an introduction to set the stage, followed by the main body where you delve into your key points, and wrap it up with a conclusion to summarize your main ideas.

4. Engaging Your Audience

When you’re getting ready for your presentation, think about how you can start off in a way that grabs everyone’s attention. You could ask a thought-provoking question, share an interesting story, or begin with a meaningful quote. The main thing is to get your audience interested right from the beginning and set the tone for the rest of your talk.

5. Adding Visuals

Give some thought to whether you want to include pictures, videos, or other visual stuff in your presentation. Even if your outline doesn’t mention exactly what visuals to use, you can suggest where they might fit in to help explain your ideas.

6. Encouraging Action

Come up with a clear and compelling message to encourage your audience to take action. Whether it’s encouraging customers to try out a new product or inviting people to join a demo, make sure they understand what’s in it for them. And if your presentation doesn’t really need a specific call to action, just wrap up by summarizing your main points and saying thanks for listening.

Alternatively, you can skip the hassle of crafting a presentation outline manually – try SlidesAI for seamless assistance .

women presenting in frint of business leaders

Strategies for Crafting an Engaging Presentation

1. Understanding Your Audience

Take some time to know your audience by researching beforehand. This helps you adjust your presentation to connect with them better.

2. Enhance with Quotes, Testimonials, or Data

Make your presentation more interesting by adding extra info like quotes, testimonials, or data. It can make your audience more engaged and reinforce your message.

3. Visualize Your Concepts

How you show your ideas matters a lot. Tools like SlidesAI can help you express your concepts clearly and effectively.

4. Highlight Key Takeaways

Figure out the most important points you want your audience to remember. This makes it easier for them to recall and understand your message.

5. Seek Feedback

Ask for feedback to improve your presentation. It’s a good way to make sure it connects better with your audience.

Presentation Outline Example

Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Target Audience: College students

Time Limit: 15 minutes

I. Introduction (2 minutes)

Attention Grabber : Briefly discuss a real-life example of how social media can negatively impact mental health (e.g., cyberbullying, unrealistic beauty standards).

Introduce the topic : Clearly state the topic and its significance (e.g., “Today, I’ll be talking about the increasing impact of social media on mental health, particularly among young adults like yourselves”).

Preview : Briefly outline the key points that will be covered (e.g., “We’ll explore the positive and negative aspects of social media use, discuss common mental health concerns associated with it, and offer some tips for healthy social media habits”).

II. Main Body (10 minutes)

Positive aspects of social media:

Connection and community : Highlight how social media can help people connect with friends and family, build communities based on shared interests, and combat feelings of loneliness.

Information and self-expression : Discuss how social media can be a source of information, news, and inspiration, and provide a platform for self-expression and creativity.

Negative aspects of social media:

Social comparison and envy : Explain how constant exposure to curated online profiles can lead to social comparison, feelings of inadequacy, and envy.

Cyberbullying and harassment : Discuss the prevalence of cyberbullying and online harassment, their potential to significantly impact mental health, and the importance of online safety.

Addiction and anxiety : Explain how excessive social media use can lead to addiction, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

III. Conclusion (3 minutes)

Summary : Briefly recap the key takeaways discussed in the presentation.

Call to action : Encourage the audience to be mindful of their social media usage and offer practical tips for developing healthy habits, such as setting time limits, curating their feed, and prioritizing real-life interactions.

Question and Answer : Allocate time for audience questions and address them thoughtfully.

No design skills required
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Don’t need to learn a new software

This is just a sample outline, and you can adapt and modify it based on your specific topic, audience, and time constraints. Remember, a well-structured and engaging presentation will effectively communicate your message and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can ai help you create a presentation outline .

With the assistance of AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, crafting outlines becomes a breeze. Furthermore, you can utilize user-friendly online AI presentation tools such as SlidesAI to effortlessly generate your presentations.

Why is putting your outline on a slide a good idea?

Using a presentation outline can be helpful. It makes things clearer, boosts the speaker’s confidence, and helps manage information better. It also keeps the audience more engaged. But, if your presentation is fast-paced, casual, or focused on a specific area of expertise, you might want to keep the outline short and sweet. Just pick what works best for your situation and audience.

What is the format of the presentation outline?

There are various formats, but a common approach is using bullet points, numbered lists , or headings and subheadings. Choose the format that best suits your content and visualizes your information.

How can I adapt my presentation outline for different audiences?

Adapt your presentation outline by tailoring:

Content : Depth, complexity, and examples based on audience expertise.
Language : Formality, jargon, and storytelling to match audience and occasion.
Visuals : Complexity and style to suit audience understanding.
Delivery : Pace, volume, and even body language to audience energy.
Focus : Highlight information most relevant to specific interests.

How long should a presentation outline be?

There’s no set rule; it depends on the complexity of your topic and presentation length.

Can I use a mind map to create a presentation outline?

Yes, mind maps can be a good way to visually brainstorm and organize presentation ideas.

What tools can I use to create a presentation outline?

You can use pen and paper, a word processing software like Microsoft Word, or dedicated outlining tools. Presentation software like PowerPoint also offers built-in outlining features.

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A comprehensive guide on creating an effective presentation outline

Master the skill of outlining presentations with these insightful tips for creating an impactful presentation structure.

Supriya Sarkar

Building presentations

A well-organized presentation serves as a powerful tool in the realm of effective communication. A presentation outline acts as the backbone of a successful presentation, providing a roadmap for the presenter and ensuring that key points are delivered clearly. In this article, we will examine the intricacies of presentation outlines, explore their significance, and some tips for crafting an effective outline to enhance the presentation process.

What is a Presentation Outline?

A presentation outline is a structured framework that organizes the content of a presentation by highlighting key points and supporting details. It serves as a guide for the presenter, helping to maintain a logical flow and ensuring that the audience can easily follow and understand the information being presented. Research shows that structured presentations with a clear outline led to a 40% improvement in information retention compared to unstructured presentations.

Why is it important to have a Presentation Outline?

A presentation outline serves as the backbone for a well-organized and effective presentation. Here are some key reasons why having a presentation outline is important:

Clarity and structure:

An outline provides a structured framework for your presentation, helping you organize your thoughts and ideas in a logical order. It plays an important role in ensuring a seamless flow of information from the introduction to the conclusion. This structured approach allows you to prioritize key information, guaranteeing that your audience understands the central message of your presentation with clarity and focus.

Prevention of information overload:

A well-structured outline helps in avoiding information overload. It encourages you to prioritize essential points and discard unnecessary details, keeping your presentation focused and engaging.

Time management:

Time is of the essence in any presentation. An outline assists in managing your time effectively during the presentation. It helps you allocate appropriate time to each section, preventing you from running over the allotted time and ensuring a well-paced delivery.

Audience engagement:

With a clear and organized outline, you can maintain audience engagement more effectively. The structured format helps keep the audience's attention and makes it easier to follow and understand your presentation.

Message retention:

An outline helps your audience to retain the shared information. Its logical flow reduces your dependency on written notes as you remember the content and as a result, you establish a meaningful connection with your audience.

What to consider before working on an outline?

Before you create a presentation outline, several crucial factors must be considered to make your presentation truly impactful. These considerations will help you create a well-organized and effective outline tailored to your audience and goals:

Know your audience:

Understanding your audience is extremely important to make business communication a success. Tailor your presentation outline to the needs and expectations of your audience. To better understand your audience, consider taking these actions.

• First, conduct thorough research on their demographics, interests, seniority level, and data consumption preferences. The more you know, the better you can tailor your messaging for a diverse audience.

• Analyze their communication styles to identify effective approaches. Apply these insights to refine your messaging and improve your business writing skills.

• Lastly, invest time in building personal connections with your key audience. Learn about their hobbies, interests, and unique preferences to demonstrate a genuine understanding in your written and verbal communications.

Define clear objectives:

Defining clear presentation objectives is crucial for guiding your content creation and engaging your audience effectively. These objectives outline the purpose of your presentation, whether it's to inform, persuade, educate, or inspire. Consider the following points before working on your presentation objectives:

• Reflect on the "why" by answering questions like why the presentation matters to the audience and why they should dedicate their time and attention to it.

• Consider what you want the audience to learn, feel, and do because of your presentation. This includes the information they gather, the emotions they experience, and the actions you hope they take afterward.

• Keep each slide focused by including no more than three key points, promoting clarity in your presentation.

Structure content logically:

Without a well-defined structure in your presentation, there's a risk of losing your audience's attention, leading to communication breakdown and potential damage to your reputation.

Different types of structures serve different purposes, and before deciding, consider two crucial factors:

The goal of your presentation:

Your presentation objective influences the approach you take. Therefore, the structure you choose should align with your presentation's purpose, whether it's to inspire, motivate, inform, persuade, or entertain.

Your audience:

Consider your audience's needs. Those unfamiliar with your topic may require more background information, impacting the structure to ensure clarity and reinforcement of key points.

Additionally, prioritize the use of a storyline to facilitate a smooth transition from one point to another. This ensures a cohesive and engaging presentation, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your message.

Storytelling provides a natural structure to convey information , making it more memorable and persuasive. Storytelling has five key parts- exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This approach not only engages the audience but also adds depth and impact to business presentations by providing context, direction, and value to the information.

Visual aids and data:

According to a study, visuals significantly improve information retention, with audiences recalling 65% of content from oral presentations with visuals compared to 10% from oral presentations alone. Effectively incorporating visuals into your presentation demands attention to two critical considerations:

• Ensure that visuals are strategically placed to reinforce your arguments. Thoughtfully integrate them at key points to enhance the narrative and reinforce your key points.

• Carefully choose visuals that align with the data you're presenting. Select the right graphs and charts that best illustrate your points.

When you correctly visualize the data you not only enhance understanding but also empower the audience to make informed decisions based on the presented data.

Choosing the right type of chart, graph, or map for data visualization depends on the nature of the information you aim to convey. When deciding on the most suitable visualization, consider the specific insights you want to present, understand, or prove. Aligning the visuals with the objectives of your presentation enhances clarity and ensures that your visual representation effectively communicates the intended message.

Effective time management is crucial for establishing yourself as a distinguished and well-versed presenter in your subject. Presentations that are either too short or too long can risk losing the audience's attention and may impact your reputation. Therefore, it's essential to determine the allocated time for your presentation and plan strategically.

Break down the time for each section of your outline to ensure comprehensive coverage of essential points without rushing or exceeding the time limit. This approach not only keeps your audience engaged but also reinforces your credibility as a skilled presenter.

Scheduling your presentation involves careful planning to ensure effective time management and audience engagement. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to schedule your presentation:

• Capture attention at the start: Allocate a couple of minutes at the beginning of the presentation to engage and captivate your audience. This sets the tone for an attentive audience throughout your presentation.

• Plan for a Q&A session at the end: Reserve a few minutes toward the end of your presentation to address questions from the audience. This ensures a smooth and uninterrupted flow of your main content.

• Include a Call to Action (CTA): Dedicate about 30-40 seconds for your call to action. Communicate the desired action you want your audience to take after the presentation.

• Divide time for each content section: Separate the remaining time into portions, allocating specific timeframes for each section of your content. This helps in maintaining a balanced and well-paced delivery.

• Maintain a strong finish: As you approach the end, ensure a strong and memorable finish to leave a lasting impact on your audience.

Engagement strategies:

Capturing and maintaining audience attention is crucial for a successful presentation, especially considering the diminishing attention spans in our digital age. Microsoft's study on digital attention spans reveals that the average attention span of humans has declined to approximately 8 seconds . This data underscores the importance of audience engagement to overcome shorter attention spans and ensure that the audience remains captivated throughout the presentation.

Here are some of the valuable insights on how to overcome the challenge of low attention span and deliver effective communication.

Emphasize conversation: Involving the audience in a conversation right from the beginning is a key strategy. Actively engaging with your audience and incorporating their perspectives creates a shared experience. This approach demonstrates that you value their input and care about what matters to them.

Bring in your authentic self: Embrace your authentic self by acknowledging the distinct qualities you bring to the table. Understand your personal story and communicate a compelling sense of purpose that deeply connects with your

Communicate confidently: Success in communication involves three key aspects: being clear with the objective of your presentation, sharing engaging and real stories to connect with your audience, and showing confidence by actively listening and asking interesting questions. Confidence is crucial for effective communication, ensuring your message is impactful and resonates with others.

Whether you plan audience engagement through questions, interactive elements, or storytelling, incorporating engagement strategies can enhance the overall experience. Keep the above insights in mind to ensure a more engaging and impactful delivery.

How does Prezent help in an effective presentation outline?

Prezent provides innovative solutions to streamline and enhance your presentation outline process by empowering you with the following features:

In-built storylines: Prezent simplifies the storytelling process by offering built-in storylines based on diverse business themes. This saves you valuable time in creating impactful presentations.

Hyper personalize with fingerprint: Prezent's Fingerprint feature analyzes your audience's communication style and preferences. This helps you to customize your content to align seamlessly with your audience's preferences, ensuring that your presentation resonates effectively and increases its impact.

Slide library: Prezent provides an extensive library of over 35,000 pre-designed slides , thoughtfully curated for effective communication. These slides are easily customizable, ensuring that your presentations not only convey information effectively but also align seamlessly with your brand guidelines.

Experience the power of Prezent in revolutionizing presentation creation by signing up for a free trial . Alternatively, opt for a comprehensive demo to delve into the tool's features and capabilities. Take your presentations to the next level – begin your free trial with Prezent today!

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

How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 20, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Click to jump ahead:

What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?

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

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

1. Clear structure

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

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

2. Engaging opening

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

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

3. Relevant content

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

4. Effective visual aids

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

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

5. Clear and concise communication

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

6. Engaging delivery

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

7. Interaction and audience engagement

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

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

8. Effective storytelling

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

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

9. Well-timed pacing

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

10. Strong conclusion

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

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

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

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

1. Understand the audience and their needs

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

2. Conduct thorough research on the topic

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

3. Organize the content with a clear structure

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

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

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

4. Develop visually appealing and supportive visual aids

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

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

5. Practice, practice and practice

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

6. Seek feedback and make necessary adjustments

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

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

7. Prepare for potential technical or logistical issues

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

8. Fine-tune and polish your presentation

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

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

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

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

1. Confidence and positive body language

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

2. Eye contact with the audience

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

3. Effective use of hand gestures and movement

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

4. Utilize storytelling techniques

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

5. Incorporate multimedia elements

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

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

6. Utilize humor strategically

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

7. Practice active listening and respond to feedback

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

8. Apply the 10-20-30 rule

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

9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule

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

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

1. How to start a presentation?

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

2. How to end a presentation?

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

3. How to make a presentation interactive?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Practical Presentation Outline Examples For Success (+ 8 Must Have Elements)

Jane Ng • 05 April, 2024 • 8 min read

Looking for Presentation Outline Examples ? Do you want to take your presentations from mediocre to magnificent? The secret weapon in achieving that transformation is a well-crafted presentation outline. A clear and organized outline not only guides you through your content but also ensures your audience stays captivated throughout your talk.

In this blog post, we’re going to share practical presentation outline examples and 8 key elements for constructing your own outlines that will leave a lasting impression.

What is presentation outline, why is presentation outline important, 8 key elements of presentation outline , presentation outline examples, key takeaways , faqs about presentation outline examples.

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A presentation outline is a plan or structure that helps you organize and deliver a presentation or speech. It’s like a map that guides you through your talk.

It outlines the main points, ideas, and key elements you intend to cover during your presentation in a logical and organized sequence.
It ensures that your presentation is clear, logical, and easy for your audience to follow.

In essence, it’s a tool that helps you stay on track and communicate your message effectively.

A presentation outline is a valuable tool that enhances both the organization and delivery of your presentation.

It benefits you as a presenter by reducing stress and improving focus, while also benefiting your audience by making your message more accessible and engaging.
If you’re using visual aids like slides, an outline helps you synchronize your content with your visuals, ensuring they support your message effectively.
If you need to make last-minute changes or adapt your presentation, having an outline makes it easier to identify and adjust specific sections without overhauling the entire presentation.

Whether you’re giving a business presentation, a school lecture, or a public speech, an outline is a key element in ensuring your presentation’s success.

A well-structured presentation outline should include the following key elements:

1/ Title or Topic:

Begin your outline with a clear and concise title or topic that represents the subject of your presentation.

2/ Introduction:

Hook or Attention-Grabber: Start with a compelling opening statement or question to engage your audience.
Purpose or Objective: Clearly state the purpose of your presentation and what you aim to achieve.
Main Points or Sections : Identify the major topics or sections that you will cover in your presentation. These are the core ideas that support your thesis statement.

3/ Subpoints or Supporting Details:

Under each main point, list the specific details, examples, statistics, anecdotes, or evidence that support and elaborate on that main point.

4/ Transition Statements:

Include transition phrases or sentences between each main point and subpoint to guide the flow of your presentation smoothly. Transitions help your audience follow your logic and connect the dots between ideas.

5/ Visual Aids:

If your presentation includes slides or other visual aids, indicate when and where you plan to use them to enhance your points.

6/ Conclusion:

Summary: Recap the main points you’ve discussed during your presentation.
Include any final thoughts, a call to action, or a closing statement that leaves a lasting impression.

7/ Q&A or Discussion:

If applicable, mention when you’ll open the floor for questions and discussion. Be sure to allocate time for this if it’s part of your presentation.

8/ References or Sources:

If you’re presenting information that requires citations or sources, include them in your outline. This ensures you give credit where it’s due and can reference them during your presentation if needed.

Here are some additional tips for creating a Presentation Outline

Time Allocation: Estimate how much time you intend to spend on each section of your presentation. This helps you manage your time effectively during the actual presentation.
Notes or Reminders: Add any reminders, cues, or notes to yourself that will help you deliver your presentation effectively. These can include tips on delivery, body language, or specific points to emphasize.

Here are a few presentation outline examples for different types of presentations:

Example 1: Sales Pitch Presentation – Presentation Outline Examples

Title: Introducing Our New Product: XYZ Tech Gadgets

Introduction

Hook: Begin with a relatable customer problem.
Purpose: Explain the presentation’s goal.
Thesis: “Today, I’m excited to introduce our innovative XYZ Tech Gadgets designed to simplify your life.”

Main Points

A. Product Features

Subpoints: Highlight key features and benefits.

B. Target Audience

Subpoints: Identify potential customers.

C. Pricing and Packages

Subpoints: Offer options and discounts.

Transition: “I’m glad you’re interested in our product. Let’s talk about the different ways you can purchase it.”

Purchase and Support

a. Ordering Process
b. Customer Support
Recap product highlights and benefits.
Call to action: “Visit our website or contact our sales team to get your XYZ Tech Gadgets today.”

Q&A Session.

Example 2: The Evolution of Jazz Music – Presentation Outline Examples

Title: The Evolution of Jazz Music

Hook: Begin with a famous jazz quote or a snippet of iconic jazz music.
Purpose: Explain the goal of the presentation.
Thesis: “Today, we’ll take a journey through time to explore the fascinating evolution of jazz music.”

A. Early Origins of Jazz

Subpoints: African roots, New Orleans as a melting pot.

B. The Jazz Age (1920s)

Subpoints: Swing music, jazz legends like Louis Armstrong.

C. Bebop and Modern Jazz (1940s-1960s)

Subpoints: Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, experimental jazz.

Transition : “Let’s now turn our attention to the diversity of jazz styles, which is as vast and complex as the history of the music itself.”

Different Styles of Jazz

a. Cool Jazz
b. Fusion Jazz
c. Latin Jazz
d. Contemporary Jazz

Influence of Jazz on Popular Music

Subpoints: Jazz’s impact on rock, hip-hop, and other genres.
Summary of the evolution of jazz music.
Call to action: “Explore the world of jazz, attend live performances, or even pick up an instrument to contribute to this ever-evolving art form.”

Presentation outlines are indispensable tools that can elevate your presentations from good to great. They provide structure, organization, and clarity, ensuring that your message reaches your audience effectively. No matter if you’re delivering an educational presentation, a convincing sales pitch, or an interesting speech, these presentation outline examples aim to offer you valuable information.

To take your presentations to the next level, leverage AhaSlides. With AhaSlides , you can seamlessly integrate interactive features into your presentation, such as spinner wheel , live polls , surveys , quizzes , and audience feedback features.

These interactive features not only enhance audience engagement but also provide valuable insights and real-time interaction, making your presentations more dynamic and memorable.

So, let’s explore our template library !

📌 Tips: Asking open-ended questions help you to create an outline for presentation easier!

What should a presentation outline include?

Title, Introduction, Key points, subpoints, transitions, visuals, conclusion, Q&A , and time allocation.

What are the 5 parts of a presentation?

Introduction, main points, visuals, conclusion, and Q&A.

How do you outline a project presentation?

Define objectives, list key topics, organize content logically, and allocate time.

Do you need an outline for a presentation?

Yes, an outline helps structure and guide your presentation effectively.

Ref: Indeed | EdrawMind

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How To Make an Effective Presentation Outline

Edraw content team, do you want to make presentation outline.

EdrawMind helps move ideas forward, faster and better. Learn from this complete guide to know how to make a perfect Presentation Outline. Just try it free now!

1. What is a Presentation Outline?

A presentation outline presents a comprehensive idea of what you plan to share with the audience. It is a synopsis of a talk, pitch, or subject matter under discussion. It serves as a guide for writing a paper, publishing a study, or building a presentation and enables you to structure your information in a way that is easy to understand. Making a presentation outline is similar to having all the necessary pieces in place before building a house. It may appear counter-productive to spend time and resources sorting things in the form of an outline. However, outlining saves time and gives clarity on a particular topic.

2. Why Should You Create a Presentation Outline?

A presentation outline assists you in preparing for your pitch or speech. It provides a clear path to take your audience from where it is to where you want it to be. It plays an important role in positively shaping people's perspectives about your planning and execution skills. There are several other advantages associated with creating a presentation outline which includes:

It helps in brainstorming your presentation and saves time by giving a clear idea of what you need to focus on.
It helps structure ideas so that they appear in a logical order.
It enables you to determine the main points you need to keep in your presentation.
You can categorize ideas into groups and create separate slides for each group for further clarity.
It helps you rehearse your presentation while going over the important points.
It provides a visual aid to help people understand your topic in a better way.

3. How to Create a Presentation Outline?

The following steps will help you create a presentation outline:

1 Considering the Purpose of Presentation

Determination of your presentation goal is fundamental to creating an outline. To find the purpose, you need to think about what you want from your audience. Finding this out will enable you to build your whole presentation. There are six purposes your presentation possibly have:

Entertaining
Inspiring to act

Considering the purpose will help you build an impressive presentation. The following few questions will enable you to figure this out:

What do I want people to take away or understand from my presentation?
How will my talk help those attending the presentation?
What do I want people to do after the presentation is over?

Answers to these questions will help you create a summary of your presentation and will serve as a fine starting point.

2 Creating Structure

Creating a structure implies considering where different points belong in your discussion and where to use the supporting material. There are three main components of a presentation:

Introduction

Structuring your points and arguments in these parts will enable you to transition from one part of the presentation to another without creating any trouble.

3 Using an Attention Grabber

Thinking about how you want to open your topic is an integral part of planning a presentation. If you want your audience to get engaged with what you are talking about, you can ask an interesting question, share a related story or quote something entertaining. It sets the tone for the rest of your discussion.

4 Considering Visual Content

You can add images, videos, or other visual content to your presentation to convey what you want to. It helps you to communicate emotions, excitement, passion, and experiences effectively. You can also focus on using different fonts and colors to make your presentation more interactive and interesting.

5 Including a Call to Action

A creative call to action will inspire your audience to take appropriate action. It will show what you want your audience to do after the presentation. Let your audience know what it will get from performing the required action.

4. How to Make a Presentation Outline?

You can make a presentation outline in the following two ways:

With PowerPoint and Word

1 creating an outline in word.

Open Word document.
Select View > Outline. This will automatically generate an outline and open the Outlining tools.
If there are headings in your document, you will witness those headings organized by level (from H1 to H9). If there are no headings in the document, the outline will appear as a bullet list. You can assign or edit headings, and heading levels. You can also set up the structure of your document.
Select a bullet item.
Select a heading Level 1 for slide titles, Level 2 for bullet points on that slide from the Outline Level box.
When the work is done, select Outline View to edit your document.
Select Save to save your document, name your file, and then select Save once more.
Select Close to close the document.

2 Importing a Word Outline into PowerPoint

Open PowerPoint and select Home > New Slide.
Select Slides from Outline.
In the Insert Outline dialog box, find and select your Word outline. Select Insert.

With EdrawMind

how to make a presentation outline step 1

5. Presentation Outline Template

This presentation outline template describes three components of the outline: The introduction, the main body, and the conclusion. The introductory part opens the topic with an attention grabber and summarises the importance of the topic and its relevance of the topic to the audience. It also includes learning objectives that points out what the audience is going to learn from this presentation. The main body part constitutes the main idea of the topic. This idea is substantiated by supporting material. The concluding part constitutes a summary of the topic discussed and what the audience learned from it. It reviews the main points and calls the audience to take appropriate action.

6. Key Tips for Creating a More Effective Presentation

Here are some important points to consider to create an effective presentation:

Know Your Audience. Get to know your audience by researching ahead of time so that you can make your presentation relatable.
Add Quotes, Testimonials, or Data. Adding additional information to your presentation can help you engage your audience better.
Visualize Your Ideas. The way you present your ideas is fundamental to the success of those ideas. EdrawMind helps you to create and present your ideas most effectively and efficiently.
Identify Key Takeaways from Your Presentation. It will enable you to recall, review, and reassert what you want to communicate with your audience.
Gather Feedback. Gathering honest feedback will help you make further improvements and adjustments to your presentation to make it more effective.

7. Key Takeaways

A presentation outline is a tool to communicate your ideas precisely. It helps you brainstorm and plan your presentation in a logical flow. Moreover, it helps to grab the attention of your audience by providing it with a visual depiction of what you are going to talk. If you want to create an impressive and creative presentation outline, EdrawMind will help you in this regard. It has a variety of functions and tools which enable you to create a dynamic outline suited to your topic. It enables you to brainstorm and present your ideas most effectively by using different diagrams, charts, graphs, clipart, etc. EdrawMind provides the best solution to your presentation problems.

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Writing an outline: creating a presentation blueprint

What is a presentation outline? A presentation outline is an initial plan for your future presentation. It lets you understand which points to concentrate on and which structure to apply. A plan helps creating a presentation outline much easier and saves time and money. So, let’s dive straight into some useful tips!

Determine your presentation goal

What do you want to convey with the presentation?
Who will be in the audience?
What would make the presentation successful?
What would you like to achieve with the presentation?

Answering these questions will make you understand how to direct your future work and write a basic presentation outline. Deciding on your presentation’s goal is the outline foundation. Make sure your goal can be evaluated appropriately, and we can go right to the next step!

Mind the structure

Creating a structure is essential for an informative outline in a presentation. Usually, presentation services provide the foundation of your presentation the three main parts: introduction, main part, and conclusion. Your goal is to hook the audience in your introduction and make sure you have caught their attention. Then, you can elaborate on your ideas in the central part and finish with a summary of your points.

Get the right visuals

The next step in the outline for a presentation is good visuals. Here, you must decide what visual materials you would like to use on the slides. At this point of the presentation outline, you don’t need to decide on the exact visual materials, but rather what type you’d like to use and where: graphs, photos, infographics, etc.

Decide on evaluation criteria

It is a quality control step. Think of what makes a good presentation, and most importantly — how do you define a great presentation? There is no universal answer — some concentrate on the lengths, while others focus on design. Your goal here is to evaluate all the points that seem important to consider in the outline for the presentation. Studying other presentations may help!

Call to action

Now we’re getting to the content, starting from the end of your presentation . A call to action is a short phrase encouraging your audience to do something related to your presentation: buy a product you advertise, dive deeper into the field you’re researching, and so on. A call to action is much better than a simple “thank you” since it encourages interaction among your audience.

Provide a solution

Remember your presentation structure? The solution refers to the conclusion part and can be a highly effective way of summarizing your material. While the other parts of your, e.g., business presentation outline may be dedicated to a market problem you want to highlight, the solution, in conclusion, will be a logical ending satisfying to the audience.

Primary sources

We’ve come to one of the most important parts of your PowerPoint presentation outline. Primary sources, like quotes and especially statistics, are the most persuasive arguments you can use to prove your point. Moreover, a good quote can also open your presentation, so think of several places to put them.

Make a design draft

Design is a feature that can’t be overlooked. In this part of the outline for a presentation, you can choose the theme for your slides, the color scheme, and the layout of the slides. Think of where the text and visuals would be and what background is the most fitting to your presentation type.

Decide on an order

No presentation outline can’t be complete without the slide order creation. This step is pretty easy — just place your slides logically, depending on what information they display and to which part of the presentation this information refers. Don’t forget the “technical” slides, such as the title or the slide with your contact info.

Check your outline

You can perform quality control once again at this point of your presentation outline — only this time, you check the outline itself. By this point, your outline should provide you with a functional presentation slab, with only some details to insert into it — basically, the content itself. You might want to make some changes here and there — and that’s the reason for quality control! Once satisfied with the outline, you can start working on a presentation and feeling all the missing parts.

To Conclude

As you can see, the outline creation is effortless. We hope this article will enrich your knowledge of “how to write a presentation outline”. The presentation will compose itself with a good outline, leaving you with only minor details to fill in.

If you still need help with a strong outline that includes all critical points, feel free to contact us .

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Presentation Outline Example and Template

How to create a presentation Outline

A presentation outline is a roadmap to a more successful business pitch — a general plan that summarizes what you want to say to prospective customers, clients or investors. It lets you organize your thoughts, group ideas into main points and present your material logically. But what should you include in your slides?

We've compiled 11 tips for more effective pitch prep.

If you came here looking for presentation templates , here's an a couople of examples from of our most popular ones. If not, just carry on.

Browse our PRESENTATION TEMPLATES

What is a presentation outline.

An outline for a presentation is a helpful tool that organizes the main points and flow of the presentation. It acts as a guide for the presenter, outlining the order in which information will be presented and the main ideas that will be covered. A good outline should include headings and subheadings that outline the main topics and supporting details, ensuring a clear and logical arrangement of information. Creating a presentation outline helps the presenter stay organized and focused, and makes it easier for the audience to follow the content and understand the main concepts of the presentation.

11 tips to create more effective presentations

1. decide on a goal.

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Before you brainstorm, and before you scribble down any notes, come up with a goal for your presentation. What do you want your pitch deck to say to your audience? What message do you want to convey? What do you want it to achieve?

Perhaps you want your pitch to raise seed funds. Maybe you want to introduce a new product or service to customers. Whatever the reason for creating your pitch, decide on a specific, measurable goal. This will guide the rest of your preparation.

2. Create a Structure for Your Presentation

Every good presentation includes an introduction, main body, and conclusion. These three components form the "skeleton" of your presentation — the bare bones of your pitch. You don't need to think about all the small details at this stage — you can flesh out your presentation slides at a later date.

Your introduction is probably the most important part of your pitch. After all, you only have seven seconds to make a good first impression, according to research. Use your intro to introduce your brand, greet your audience and give a taster of what's to come.

The body of your presentation includes your main ideas and any supporting ideas. Use it to feature testimonials, financials and fundraising info, traction and milestones, and, of course, your marketing plan.

Finally, your conclusion summarizes all your points in a few slides. This should leave your audience wanting more.

3. Think About Visual Content

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Visual content is an essential ingredient. The human brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than regular text, so including images in your pitch is a great idea. Don't forget about videos, either. Consumers are 64 percent more likely to purchase a product after watching an online video, making visual content a good choice if you want to generate leads and boost sign-ups.

The most successful pitch decks incorporate striking visuals. Others have fancy fonts and graphics. All of this visual content demands attention from your audience and creates a cool aesthetic that will help you outrank your rivals.

At this early stage of pitch deck preparation, you don't have to finalize the images you are going to include in your pitch. However, we think it's a good idea to point out where you are going to use images in your presentation. This way, you can organize your ideas and make sure everything flows properly.

4. Understand What Makes a Good Presentation — and a Bad One

No two presentations are the same. The most successful pitch decks, however, certainly have a lot in common. When creating your outline, discover what makes a brilliant pitch. The University of Hawaii says great presentations rarely cover more than five points. The University of Cambridge in England says there should be four key points in every 45-minute presentation.

Here at Slidebean, we think one idea per slide, good design, lots of images, and quotes all make presentations so much more interesting. We're not fans of the 'thank you' slide, though — the one that recognizes your audience for sitting through your presentation. It's completely unnecessary.

5. Include a Call-to-Action

A call-to-action is much better than a 'thank you' slide. This encourages your audience to take action after your presentation. When creating your outline, think of a short, snappy call-to-action that prompts a response. A call-to-action is your final chance to engage with your audience during your presentation. You might want to encourage people to sign up to your mailing list, for example. Alternatively, you can include a link to your website so people can download a trial version of your product.

"No matter what form your CTA takes, the most important aspect is the copy," says growth marketing expert Sujan Patel and Voila Norbert co-founder, writing for Forbes magazine . "You’re telling the visitor what you want them to do, so it needs to be persuasive. Remember, your audience is looking for an answer or a solution to a problem. Connect with them by telling them exactly what they’re going to get if they take action."

6. Identify a Solution to a Problem

Every day, more than 30 million presentations are created on PowerPoint alone. Then there are the hundreds of thousands of pitches designed in Keynote, Prezi, and Slidebean. With so many presentations out there, how do you inspire people to invest in your services? One way to create a successful pitch is to identify a solution to a problem that your audience might have.

Slidebean recently reviewed some of the best presentation examples from successful startups. Most of them provide solutions to common problems early on in their respective pitches. Customer messaging platform Intercom, for example, says analytics, customer base browsing, and customer research is the answer for businesses who find it hard to engage with customers. They include these solutions near the beginning of their pitch deck.

If you want to have a more successful presentation, think about solving problems in your niche when creating your outline.

7. Use Quotes, Testimonials and Statistics

Quotes from senior management help you convey abstract ideas and make your presentation more engaging. You should obtain any quotes you want to use in your presentation during the planning stage. Testimonials from customers and clients also prove popular. Research shows that positive reviews influence purchasing decisions and increase trust.

Finally, statistics add some depth to your presentation. Industry facts and figures back up any claims you make and increase engagement. Discover relevant statistics when creating your outline. You don't need to include any actual quotes, testimonials or statistics yet. Just jot down where you want to place them in your presentation.

8. Think About Color and Design

The way you present information in your pitch is just as important as the information itself. Now is the time to start thinking about the font/s you want to use or the color of your slides. Research shows that red conveys passion and excitement and catches the attention of your audience. White, on the other hand, conveys simplicity and purity.

Slidebean has a range of color palettes that transform the look of your slides. You can choose up to three color sets and play around with different text, backgrounds, and highlights.

9. Plan the Order of Your Slides

Think of your presentation outline template as a very rough first draft. Decide on what types of slides you want to use, and decide on a final running order. You might feature quotes early on in your presentation, for example, and leave testimonials until the end. Don't forget to include a slide with your contact details — website, phone number, address, etc. — and your brand values.

Your presentation outline should be a group effort, too. Ask your colleagues for input.

10. Identify Key Takeaways From Your Presentation

Your outline should include enough information so you can visualize what your final presentation will look like. Once you have finished your outline, read it back and identify the key takeaways from the document. Is the structure of your presentation clear, for example? Does it convey your brand message? Will it engage your audience?

Every slide in your presentation should achieve the goal you created at the beginning of your outline. If something isn't working, make changes. You might want to switch slides around or remove unnecessary information, for example.

11. Use a Presentation Template

Once you have completed your outline, it's time to start putting everything together. Yes, you could create a PowerPoint pitch deck from scratch, but this is often time-consuming and complicated. Instead, use a template, which provides you with all the presentation slides you need.

Here at Slidebean, we have presentation templates for business of all sizes, including startups and scaleups. You can create a professional pitch deck in just a few minutes by following the on-screen prompts. Everything's included — bullet points, graphics, headers, footers, and more. Take the time to plan your pitch to produce a powerful sales document that helps you communicate with your audience.

Once you have created your presentation outline template, sign up to Slidebean and design a pitch that provides you with a huge return on your investment.

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Create a PowerPoint presentation from an outline

If you've already jotted down an outline of your presentation in Word and now need a quick way to add it to your slides, you can import a Word outline into PowerPoint.

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Create an outline in Word

Select View > Outline . This automatically generates an outline and opens the Outlining tools:

If your document has headings (any heading levels from H1-H9), you’ll see those headings organized by level.

If your document doesn’t have headings and subheadings yet, the outline will appear as a bulleted list with a separate bullet for each paragraph or body text. To assign or edit headings, heading levels, and set up your document structure:

Select a bulleted item. Or press the Ctrl key to select several lines.

In the Outline Level box, select a heading Level 1 for slide titles, Level 2 for bullet points on that slide.

When finished or to edit your document, select Close Outline View .

If you need help creating an outline, see Create an outline in Word .

Save an outline in Word

To save your document, select Save , name your file, and then select Save once more. Select Close to close your document.

Note: Your Word document must be closed to insert it into a PowerPoint presentation.

Import a Word outline into PowerPoint

Open PowerPoint and select New Slide > Slides from Outline .

In the Insert Outline dialog box, find and select your Word outline and select Insert .

Note: If your Word document contains no Heading 1 or Heading 2 styles, PowerPoint will create a slide for each paragraph in your content.

Guidelines for importing an outline

PowerPoint can import an outline in .docx, .rtf, or .txt format.

If your outline is a Word document Apply a heading format to any text you want to include in a slide. For example, if you apply the Normal style to a block of text, Word won't send that text to PowerPoint.

If your outline is a .txt file Use indentation to indicate heading levels. Any unindented lines of text will become titles of new slides.

For PowerPoint to successfully convert your outline to slides, you must follow these guidelines:

If your outline is a Word document:

Apply a heading format to any text you want to include in a slide. For example, if you apply the Normal style to a block of text, Word won't send that text to PowerPoint

Save the Word document as an .rtf file. In PowerPoint for macOS, you can only import Word documents that are saved in Rich Text Format. Click File > Save As , and in the File Format box, select Rich Text Format (.rft) ).

If your outline is a .txt file: Use indents to indicate heading levels. Remember that any un indented lines of text will become titles of new slides.

Insert outline text into a PowerPoint presentation

In a new PowerPoint presentation file, click the first slide. Or, in an existing presentation file, click the slide that you want the outline to appear after.

On the Home tab, click the arrow next to New Slide , and then click Outline .

Locate the outline file (.rtf or .txt) that you want to insert, and then double-click it or click Insert .

New slides are inserted in the presentation based on the text in the outline file you selected. You are now ready to edit the slides and the presentation as you see fit.

Creating a presentation from an outline isn't support in PowerPoint for the web. It requires a desktop version of PowerPoint.

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Present Like a Pro with a Well-Designed Presentation Outline

Whether you’re pitching a new idea to investors or putting together an inspiring talk for potential customers, you’ve got your hands full. Presenting is tricky. Like tightrope walking tricky.

First, you need to convey a huge amount of info to make an impact. And second, it’s too easy to lose your audience’s attention. One boring slide or organizational slip-up and your whole presentation might tumble to the ground.

But there is a way to balance informational depth with curiosity. If you plan ahead and start out with a clear, well-organized presentation outline, you can walk the presenter high wire. You’ll have a clear flow of ideas that carries your audience from start to end.

And the best part? No snoring. 😁 No one’s going to tune out when you have a captivating story to tell.

But just like creating your presentation design, making your presentation outline design is a process. It requires forethought, planning, and organization.

What It Takes to Design Visual Presentations with Impact

So what do you need to get started? Let’s look at what a presentation outline is, why it matters, and how you can create one.

What Is a Presentation Outline?

A presentation outline is the roadmap that guides your talk. It clarifies your main points, your structure, and the movement or flow of the underlying story. Critically, this is where you hone in on why this information matters to your audience and what you want them to take away from it.

Without a presentation outline, you might have the most compelling stats, facts, quotes, and illustrations in the world. But, no string to thread them all together.

This is why creating an outline – even a simple presentation outline design – should always be step one. 🤓 It’s a critical tool for marketing, sales professionals, motivational speakers, educators, entertainers, and anyone else who presents.

Whether you’re putting together an inspirational talk, a sales pitch, or internal training, an outline should always be your starting point. It’s the visual aid that will guide your talk and ensure your presentation resonates with your audience .

With a well-designed outline, there’s no way your presentation will go off track. That’s why so many brands and professionals turn to design services. Experienced designers know how to create a super-useful, easy-to-follow visual aid.

With a knockout outline design, you can say goodbye to pre-presentation jitters and hello to a captivated audience.

Want to present with confidence? Expert design services ensure your presentation is a success.

Why Create a Presentation Outline?

Okay, so I know what you’re thinking. Why should I create a full outline design? Won’t that take more time?

In the long run, no. Believe it or not, the better your outline design, the more time you’ll save. But there’s a bigger why behind creating an outline. Ultimately, it’s going to ensure your presentation is a hit.

Without it, you have something to share, but no guidelines to give your ideas and supporting points structure.

Here’s the thing: when you present – versus telling a story through written content or a video – you have to work harder to hold your audience’s attention. People are listening to your words .

You might have visual slides to accompany your talk. But if you lose them for even a moment , there’s no paragraph of text or video clip to fall back on. It’s just you, your slides, and them.

Also, everything happens in real-time. So there’s no assurance your audience is following you once you start talking.

That’s why you have to create your success guarantees beforehand. And the way to do this is with a simple, clear presentation outline.

Planning ahead with an outline helps you:

Establish your line of thinking. Your outline develops the form to hold your ideas in place and determines the shape of your thoughts.
Organize your points. You need to share your key points and details in a logical manner, and the outline empowers you to do this. Honestly, you can spend infinitely reshuffling your slides trying to figure out the best sequence to use without a premade outline.
Build the story. A good presentation has conflict, suspense, and resolution. The outline design is where you set up your story’s structure.
Increase confidence in your presentation. Planning ahead, you know your presentation has meaning: because you put in the hard yards to outline why your information matters. That lets you present with confidence.

How to Create a Presentation Outline in 7 Steps

There’s no one way to create an outline for a presentation. From visual-forward storyboards to descriptive text and everything in between, what works for you depends on the type of presentation and your personal preferences.

But no matter what direction you choose, there are a few key components you need. Let’s unpack what you should include in your outline.

1. Identify your purpose

The first part of your outline is the why. Why are you presenting this information?

To figure this out, name your goal. Here are some of the most common presentation goals:

Motivate an action
Inform or educate

Besides this overarching purpose, you need to get clear on your presentation’s underlying agenda. Here are some questions you can answer to help you dig further.

What do you want your audience to learn?
What are the key takeaways?
How will your presentation help them?
What action should they take or want to take when you’re done?

Once you answer these questions (the ones that are relevant to your presentation), distill your purpose into a one or two-sentence summary that you can fit on a single slide. This summary is the first part of your outline design.

2. Set up the structure

Okay, enough philosophizing about your purpose and goals. Time for the meat and bones of your presentation: the story structure. 😎

Storytelling is the best way to keep your audience hooked. Not just because your audience will relate to what you’re saying and form an emotional connection. A good narrative goes way further. It has the power to put you and your audience on the same wavelength .

That’s any presenter’s dream, but it’s real. A Princeton University research team found that the brain wave patterns of the listener and storyteller sync up during a story .

And the better your audience’s understanding, the closer the alignment, which is why it’s so critical to get your story structure right in your outline. The better you organize your structure, the easier it will be for your audience to follow along and absorb your main points.

So, how do you design an effective story structure? You follow a formula. Remember the plot formulas you learned in middle school English class? Hook and exposition, rising movement, climax, falling action, and resolution?

The formulas are slightly different, but the idea is the same. All you need to do is choose the best story formula for your presentation.

So, let’s dive in – here are the formulas you can use to create the story structure for your outline design:

a) The hero’s journey

The hero’s journey starts with the call to adventure and ends with the return. Along the way, there’s some sort of initiation through trials or challenges. When you create your presentation outline, your designer can make a storyboard or map out a chart of events showing how your hero moves through those stages, changes from the experience, and comes back with a solution or better say.

Let’s take a beverage company as an example for a presentation outline. They have a new, exciting product to introduce to the market – herbal coffee. 😮 It doesn’t have any caffeine but tastes like coffee. So it appeals to health-conscious consumers who are trying to limit their caffeine intake.

Now, the company has to convince its partners – the grocery stores and coffee shops that sell their products – to stock this new herbal coffee on their shelves.

So they need a compelling story that makes their new product out to be the next hot trend in the beverage world.

The company is the hero.
The call to adventure is the need to find a caffeine-free coffee alternative that people actually like to drink.
Next, the storyboard design shows all the obstacles they face on their quest – the search for the right ingredients and the challenges creating a product that tastes similar to coffee.
The company finally nails the perfect recipe. That’s the high point in the story arc.
Then, as they start selling it to customers, they realize it’s a bigger hit than expected. The storyboard might include slides of graphs or charts demonstrating these findings. Or maybe quotes from happy customers.
The outline ends with slides of content herbal coffee drinkers and projections for how popular this new drink will be. It’s positive, inspiring, and motivates the audience to contact a representative to learn more about getting this herbal coffee on their shelves.

When to use it

The hero’s journey is a good story structure when you’re talking about a company’s history, introducing a new product, or using a personal story in a motivational presentation.

b) The fact flow

This story structure uses a combination of hard facts and interesting story points.

In your presentation outline, you’ll flow back and forth between the two to keep the momentum going. It can go something like this:

📜 Story: What if you needed to cut back on coffee for health reasons, but you don’t want to give up on the comfort you get from your daily coffee ritual?

✅ Fact : 54% of coffee drinkers say that the caffeine in coffee makes them feel anxious, and 71% believe it impacts their sleep cycle.

📜 Story: NewX Drinks (our example company) traveled to France to find the best chicory, Finland for the most nutrient-rich chaga powder, and the mountains of China for naturally harvested cordyceps.

✅ Fact : Studies show that the ingredients in our herbal coffee can help raise energy levels without causing anxiety or dehydration.

Continue alternating facts and story points until your closing slides. Finish with a wrap-up of how noteworthy this new information is, and what your audience can do next to take action based on what they learned.

When to use it:

You can use this formula for almost any type of presentation. It’s a good fit when you have a lot of statistics, quotes, and other facts to weave into your presentation.

c) The how-to

When your presentation is educational, use the how-to story formula to organize your ideas.

The how-to is linear, which makes it perfect for when you are showing how to get from point A to point B.

The beginning of the outline design shows the current situation and your end goal. Then, your subsequent blocks or storyboard cells illustrate each step someone needs to take to get from that starting point to the endpoint, whether the objective is to learn a new skill or how to resolve a challenge.

For example, if you want to show your team how to protect their work devices from hackers, you can prepare a how-to style presentation to depict:

The current situation – existing cybersecurity threats
The end goal – a cyber-aware workforce
Steps to get there – different cybersecurity best practices, like multi-factor authentication and recognizing phishing emails, how to use them, and the impact taking these steps can have
Obstacles and challenges along the way – stats or case studies showing how sophisticated hackers are becoming and how complex the threat landscape is

Any time you want to demonstrate how to use a product, follow a process, or resolve a problem, you can use the how-to formula. It’s useful for employee training presentations and any scenario where you are teaching your audience how to do something.

d) The solution pitch

Want to make your solution seem irresistible to stakeholders? Use the solution-pitch formula to create a presentation they resonate with.

The goal here is to set up your storyboard so your audience can see themselves in the situation. They should walk away with a clear sense of the immense benefit they’re in for if they get on board with your idea or product.

Here’s how the formula works:

The first cell of your storyboard should lay out the initial environment and circumstances where the audience’s problem exists. You can use a fictional product user or a past client to set the scene.
Next, dig into the problem – why does your hero need to solve this problem? Why won’t it go away on its own, or what will they gain by overcoming it?
Build the story arc by hinting at a solution.
Create tension by offering different ways to solve the problem, presenting your idea or product as the best option.
Close with a deep dive into why this is the best choice, why that is, and how much better off your audience will be with this new product, investment, or idea in their court.

The solution pitch is a good fit for sales. But it’s not just useful when pitching to prospects. It’s also useful when trying to get investors or executive decision-makers on board with your great idea.

3. Expand with visual content

Visual content helps tell your story. Well-designed data visualizations, images, animations, and other visuals play several critical roles.

Holds the audience’s attention for longer
Creates emotional connections and makes your presentation more relatable
Further develops the points you make
Achieves a sense of consistency that makes it easier for your audience to follow along

So how do you pull all these benefits into your presentation?

You guessed it – by integrating your visual content into your outline design.

There are different ways to do this:

Include sketches or other starter visuals in your outline design. Then, your designers can create all of your visual content for your final presentation.
Show where you want your illustrations, photos, charts, and graphs to appear in your outline. Simply describe what you want and where they should go. With this approach, your designer can handle the visual aspects once you get your structure organized.
Start with professional-quality designs from the beginning and plug them into your outline. This approach lets you put all your images in their places when you’re still in the pre-planning phase so you can visualize how your elements will look side by side.

4. Establish your design guidelines

Another component to include in your outline is the design guidelines. Color palette, typography, font size, style – they should all be uniform throughout your presentation.

And they should match – or at least complement – your brand guidelines.

How to Create a Brand Style Guide that Supercharges Your Marketing Strategy

But don’t feel stuck with your brand parameters. Ultimately, you want the colors, fonts, and other elements to reflect the nature of your presentation’s content more than anything else. Then your brand guidelines can take a back seat through subtle details and the logo.

For example, if you’re presenting serious information and lots of data visuals – but your brand is bright and bubbly – you will probably want to tone down your presentation aesthetics.

You don’t want rainbows of colors and heavy fonts overwhelming the information you’re presenting. 🥴

Ready to create a presentation outline that puts your talk in the Presentation Hall of Fame? 😉 You handle the planning, we’ll do the design.

5. Weave in statistics, quotes, and testimonials

Hard facts will help to build trust. To beef up your presentation, be sure to weave these nuggets into your outline. Use statistics to back up your main points. Testimonials for validation. And quotes are perfect for slowing things down – they create space for pause and reflection.

Or as Turkish novelist and playwright Mehmet Murat Ildan says, “A very wise quote is a spectacular waterfall! When you see it, you feel its power!”

6. Time your talk

Even if you don’t have a time limit, your audience does have limited patience.

Decide how long your presentation will be – research says the perfect length is 20 minutes . Then, use your presentation outline to divvy up your main points so each one gets enough love.

If you find that you’re spending too much time on one point or another, lean more into your visual elements to tell your story. Design can get across more information in less time and with fewer words.

7. Finish with a call to action

And what about the end?

Your closing slides are not just a place to wrap things up and summarize your points. This is where you have your chance to lay out the next steps you want your audience to take.

Your call to action should clearly state what they can do next to get their hands on your product, benefit from your solution, join your cause, support your idea, or do whatever else you want them to do.

You also want to use emotion here. Whether you motivate with a sense of inspiration and excitement or compel with a sense of urgency, your audience should feel like they have to take your next step.

But they’re not going to feel motivated if you didn’t keep them interested along the way. This is why a well-organized, well-designed outline can make or break your presentation.

How to Pre-Plan Your Presentation

To pre-plan, prepare your outline. Then, perfect it, practice, and perfect some more. Let’s dive into the details:

First, put all your components together in your outline

There are three ways to build your outline format:

1. Text-only . Write out all your information and indicate where each slide starts and where you want your visuals to go. If your talk is short and doesn’t require a lot of supporting info, this can work.

The major downside with this presentation outline example is a lack of clarity. You can’t look at text notes and get a feel for how all your components flow or where you might have holes in your story arc.

2. Chart it . Put all your ideas, points, and visuals in bubbles, boxes, or other shapes. Give each content category – topic, key point, supporting info – a unique shape or color. That way, when you map out your presentation, you’ll see the structure clearly.

3. Storyboard . We recommend using a storyboard. You’ll be able to quickly see how your presentation unfolds. And, if you’re creating slides to show your audience, a storyboard lets you see how all your charts, visual design choices, and other elements will look together. Basically, a storyboard gives you the big picture.

Next up – perfecting

Once you have everything laid out, you can decide if you want to reorder your slides or refine any of your content.

Then, practice

Before designing the actual presentation, practice your talk. Find someone to present to and ask for their feedback. As you test-run your presentation while it’s in outline format, you might find that switching the sequence of a couple of slides, adding more supporting visuals, or even eliminating some content will elevate your presentation to super-star level.

And finally, pat yourself on the back. 😉 You’ve done an amazing job prepping. You’re ready to design an amazing presentation!

Need Help? Epiic Designers Make It Easy to Create Compelling Presentations

If you’re struggling to bring your ideas to life, we can help. So go ahead, crumple up your stick figure storyboard sketches and toss them in the bin. Say goodbye to stressful presentation planning, and get ready to deliver a talk that you feel 100% proud of!

With unlimited designs, you can get all the design work your heart desires – storyboarding, data visuals, presentation slides, and more. But your costs never change.

Sign up for a plan today and find out how much easier (and prettier!) your life can be with an epiic designer in your corner.

Apr 21, 2022

A content writer and editor for over 12 years, Brenna spends her days (and nights!) creating content to help brands better connect with their audience.

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Academic Presentation Skills and Tools

Basic presentation outline.

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"Tell them what you are going to tell them; tell them; tell them what you have told them“

The number of points in the body of your lecture can expand and contract as required.

average adult attention span is 15-20 minutes: divide the body of your talk into 15-minute sub-topics
give each sub-topic a short introduction, conclusion, and transition into the next sub-topic
vary the pace: for example, have question periods at the end of each sub-topic, or alternate 15-minute lectures with 15-minute interactive activities or audio-visual presentations

I. Introduction (2-3 minutes)

Opener Or Attention Getter
Significance of topic
Relevance to Audience
Thesis and Preview (Tell your audience “the big picture”; give them a roadmap to their learning)
Support material

(sign post - words that indicate that you are going to make a point - initially, finally, next.)

TRANSITION and CONNECTION

(sign post - words that indicate that you are going to make a point - initially, finally, next)

III. Conclusion (2-3 minutes)

Summary of topic and what was learned
Review the main points or your learning objectives
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Last Updated: Sep 28, 2023 2:18 PM
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5 Tips for Creating a Presentation Outline

I like building and growing simple yet powerful products for the world and the worldwide web.

Published Date : December 4, 2020

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An excessive number of moderators begin making an introduction in one of two ways: a) they take a seat at their PC, open PowerPoint, and start creating slides, or b) they open a past PowerPoint introduction, duplicate a portion of the slides into another record, and add new ones that will finish their message.

Neither of these techniques is exceptionally powerful. Why? Since PowerPoint won’t assist you with making a reasonable directive for your crowd. It is just a tool to create visual help.

So, where would it be a good idea for you to begin instead? By creating a PowerPoint presentation outline. The diagram spreads out a way to help you move the crowd from where they are from the beginning of the presentation to where you need them to be toward the end. Here are tips to get your customers hooked to your material, allowing an increase in leads in the following months.

Choose a Goal

The initial phase in making a presentation outline is to settle on the objective of your introduction. Would it be that you need the crowd to know, do, comprehend, consent to, support, and so on toward the introduction’s finish? Ensure your objective is specific and attainable in the period and circumstance you have been given.

Before conceptualizing and writing down any notes, consider an objective for your presentation outline example. What message would you like to pass on ? What do you need to accomplish?

Maybe you need your pitch to raise reserves. Perhaps you opt to present another item or service to clients. Whatever the purpose behind making your pitch, choose a particular, quantifiable objective. It will control the remainder of your presentation outline.

Plan Your Presentation

At the point when you plan, it helps to take a gander at the bigger picture. Try not to consider the subtleties now! Consider the primary theme and the subject you need to cover. Be aimless towards thoughts that visit you. They’re all similarly legitimate and deserve to get noticed at this stage!

When you finish the objective and crowd investigation, you can begin content planning. I propose you consider your presentation outline’s three levels. The most significant group comprises the themes you need to cover; typically, three to five points are everything you can cover in many introductions. Separate every topic into the facts you need for that subject. After choosing what supporting data you will use to back up or demonstrate each point.

One great approach to sort out this content’s entirety is to utilize sticky notes on a whiteboard. It permits you to see the complete introduction and ensures you have no holes. It helps to move the crowd from where they are currently to where you need them toward the presentation’s finish.

Brainstorm

Brainstorming is, by a wide margin, the most famous approach to design substance. It’s the essential piece of each inventive cycle. Moreover, it’s fundamental to figuring out how to make a presentation outline. During this piece of your arranging cycle, release your psyche wild! You ought to consistently know your subject before you conceptualize it! It guides your musings to discover the arrangements and thoughts identified with your presentation!

Since this part is tied to producing thoughts concerning where your introduction will go, be creative! There are no poorly conceived notions at this stage. Record everything that rings a bell, and try not to stress over planning. Using a presentation outline template can be helpful, as well.

Ask for Feedback

It will be smart to include your loved ones as you brainstorm. If you don’t work in an office with a group to skip ideas off, get some information about your presentation’s content from the people around you. Briefly tell them about your point , and ask what appears to be generally intriguing. Understanding what individuals need to hear about your theme can help you plan an excellent presentation outline. Take note that you’re the person who knows the point best. Don’t merely request input – lead the discussion. Use methods like “brainwriting” to get the best out of everybody in the group.

1. Incorporate Visual Content

The visual substance is a fundamental fixing. The human mind measures visuals multiple times quicker than ordinary content, so having pictures for your pitch is a good thought. Remember about recordings as well. Buyers are 64 percent bound to buy an item after viewing an online video, making visual substance a decent decision on the off chance you need to create leads and boost recruits.

The best pitch decks fuse striking visuals . Others have extravagant textual styles and illustrations. The entirety of this visual content requests consideration from your crowd and makes a soothing aesthetic that will help you outclass your opponents.

At this beginning phase of pitch deck planning, you don’t need to finish the pictures you will have for your pitch. In any case, I believe it’s smart to bring up where you will utilize images in your presentation outline. You can also put together your ideas and ensure everything streams appropriately.

2. Consider Color and Design

The way you present data in your pitch is as significant as the data itself. Now is an ideal opportunity to begin pondering the text style/s you need to utilize or your slides’ shade. Research shows that red passes on passion and enthusiasm and grabs the eye of your crowd. White, then again, gives on straightforwardness and virtue.

3. Use Quotes, Testimonials, and Statistics

Quotes from senior administration assist you with passing on theoretical thoughts and make your introduction additionally captivating. You ought to acquire any ideas you need to use in your introduction during the planning stage.

Testimonials from clients and customers also demonstrate famously. Research shows that positive audits impact buying choices and increment trust.

Statistics add some profundity to your presentation. Figures and facts in the industry back up any cases you make and improve engagement. Find significant insights while making your outline. You don’t have to incorporate any real quotes, testimonials, or statistics. Simply write down where you need to put them in your presentation outline.

4. Outlining Your Presentation

Since you’ve planned and brainstormed your presentation, it’s an ideal opportunity to manage all the points in your content . The primary thing you have to do is think of your presentation’s central themes. A theme is an enormous point that you’ll be attempting to contend for. Your topics are categorized into issues or themes. There are generally three or four fundamental themes for every presentation outline. Make an effort not to have more; you genuinely need to devote sufficient opportunity to each one.

After choosing your themes, it’s finally time to put them together. To do this, you’ll have to decide what your main topic is among them. Envision you’re giving a presentation about the current leads. You aim to introduce another, more consumer-friendly approach to producing leads. Your three principle topics are the morals of change, web-based media, and client experience.

Preferably, you’d need to present the principal subject for some essential hypothesis of customer morals. Afterward, proceed to the field of utilization in the online media and then discuss the client experience as a potential solution. Your last point should consistently be the apparent ‘solution’ of the current issue or your ‘main’ theme. You should, in every case, close with the most grounded point you have!

Get a Software for Organizing

When you finish the themes, put them all on paper and leave some space in the middle of each point. It doesn’t generally need to be a bit of paper!

You can practically compose your outline anyplace you want. If you need to make plenty of presentation outlines, getting some authoritative programming to assist you with organizing and planning is a brilliant venture. In case you’re uncertain about paying, there are a lot of free outliners to browse, too. These tools are useful for making a visual presentation of your ideas.

They help you sort out the theoretical ideas by placing them into spatial connections you can notice. It helps put every one of your thoughts into the setting. Individuals who use Outliners state they assist them with seeing the full image of their content. It allows planning to be substantially more effective and straightforward.

Use Presentation Outline Templates

An extraordinary method to make your outline without using software is utilizing the intensity of PowerPoint layouts! Perhaps the best approach to managing your content is to discover the presentation outline template that suits it perfectly. You can peruse various websites with the expectation of complimentary designs, and perhaps you’ll find what you need.

There are a lot of presentation outline templates zeroing in on specialties, topics, and subjects. Discover the layouts with classifications that suit your theme the most. Continue to fill the forms with your substance, and take a gander at the structure of your whole presentation in a solitary outline or slide!

Differentiate Between Arguments and Statements

Central matters are your reference key points in the outline, like asserting something about an item, service, business thought, etc. Whatever your PowerPoint presentation outline is about – you’re discussing a specific theme.

Also, at whatever point you’re doing that – you’re coming from the spot of power. You’ll need to argue for your position to demonstrate your passion and the legitimacy of your primary concern. Every presentation outline should have close to four central matters or points.

Make sure to support your statements with multiple arguments. There are typically 3-4 opinions for every primary point. Ideas are your exploration; they’re the rationale behind your assertions. They’re all you need to state for your assertion. So better ensure you arrange it well.

The overall guidance is to begin with your most vulnerable argument and end with the most grounded. It applies to every primary point independently, yet you can utilize this rationale for the primary issues and apply them in your presentation outline template.

Continuously Pre-Draft

Pre-drafting is a fascinating process of figuring out how to make an outlined presentation. It’s intriguing because it consolidates brainstorming and planning. This progression is recording whichever data you realize you’ll include in your ideas. If you already have a perception of your arguments, odds are you understand the issue here. If you think of an account, a joke, a decent sentence, or a bit of research – narrow it down to where it has a place in your diagram.

For a presentation outline example, you realize you will refer to it someplace since it piqued your interest in the subject by ongoing research. Regardless of whether you haven’t wrapped up the study, you can securely expect to use this research as an argument. Write it down under the primary subject you’ll use to help, and your work will be much simpler when you start drafting!

5. Present a call to action

A call-to-action is superior to a ‘thank you’ slide. It urges your crowd to make a move after your presentation. While making your presentation outline, think about a short, smart source of inspiration that prompts a reaction. A call-to-action is your last opportunity to draw in your crowd as you present. For instance, it would help if you urged individuals to join your mailing list. You can then incorporate a connection to your site so individuals can download a demo version of your item.

Flesh Out The Body Of Your Presentation

Anyway, you have your start and finishing in order, yet how else do you manage your outline? It is where you chip away at the body of your discourse. You must consider what you need to state before your start and end. Here are some speech -composing tips I have expounded on before.

1. Compose the Main Points of Your Outline in Order

It might be simpler to compose list items or even a numbered list. Rundown your primary concerns arranged by what you need to discuss . If the subjects don’t appear to flow from the start, it is all right to re-organize them in your presentation outline template.

You can likewise choose now if there is anything you need to add or deduct. If you have an inclination that you’ve committed an error, don’t stress! It is all right to roll out any improvements en route.

2. Add Sub-Points and Transitions to Your Topics

Add sub-focuses to your central matters to add tissue to your presentation outline template. Regardless of whether you need to keep it straightforward, sub-focuses may help you remain on target and recollect what you plan to state.

You can likewise add to the thoughts that your central matters present. Ensure that the advances start with one point, then onto the next stream, quickly starting with one thing and then onto the next.

3. Remember the Essential Details!

Are there any uncommon subtleties that you need to recall for your introduction? Put these in your framework so you remember them. You can incorporate significant names, dates, and areas you must recollect.

Why is a Presentation Outline So Important, Anyway?

While perusing this article, you might ask why you need a blueprint for your presentation. It might be incredibly perplexing to you if you intend to give a discourse without notes. However, a presentation outline can be beneficial regardless of the introduction you plan to provide for your crowd.

As I said previously, the central matter of a blueprint is to improve the primary motivation behind your speech further. But at the same time, I will give you a rundown of some more reasons why I suggest an outline is significant.

An outline rather than full content will give you more opportunities to extemporize during your introduction. That is why making a presentation outline template is an incredible first methodology if you are talking without notes or attempting to remember a discourse in a brief timeframe.
Outlining encourages you to see whether your primary concerns and sub-focuses stream efficiently. If you make your blueprint and understand that some of your focus doesn’t flow, you can re-compose vital parts without much stretch.

If you don’t know where to begin planning for your speech , at that point, composing a presentation outline template is a decent initial step to get you out.

You will have the option to take a gander at the associations between your thoughts. It may even help you acknowledge the need to add or remove certain things from your discourse.

Regardless of what introduction you intend to give, a vital outline will prepare you, and you will be all set.

How should group presentations be structured to ensure smooth transitions between speakers?

Smooth group presentations rely on structure: clear transitions, delivery, and speaker handoffs. Summarize past points, introduce the next speaker and their topic, and visually acknowledge them to maintain flow and engage the audience. Remember, practice makes perfect!

What are some guidelines for effectively using slides in a presentation?

Captivate your audience with impactful slides, not information overload. Keep them concise with minimal text, leverage visuals for quick understanding, ensure clarity with large fonts, pace yourself to let them absorb content, and follow the 10-20-30 rule for focus and engagement. Your message will shine through!

What are key slides that should be included in a presentation?

Hook your audience with an introduction slide, guide them with key points, and solidify their understanding with a summary slide. Image slides are your secret weapon for engagement, so sprinkle them throughout! These essentials will keep your presentation focused and impactful.

How can physical movement be incorporated into a presentation to enhance audience engagement?

On the stage! Strategic movement can transform your presentation. Start center, move left for point 1, back to center for emphasis, then right for point 2. Keep them visually engaged and your message crystal clear. End back center for a powerful finish!

How can I structure a presentation using the remaining method when presenting a controversial topic?

Controversial topic? Conquer it with the “remaining” method! Start by clearly framing the issue, then dive deep with logic and emotion. Acknowledge and dismantle opposing solutions, paving the way for your unique answer – the “remaining” solution. Boom! Persuasive, engaging, and audience-approved.

Presently, you have all you require to design your next presentation outline. Hopefully, you comprehend why layouts are significant. They’re the very establishment of your PowerPoint presentation outline. So next time, before you begin scripting, think about planning. Commit some ideal opportunity to the inventive piece of the cycle and conceptualize.

Brainstorming is tied in with creating as many thoughts and ideas as possible, so include your family and friends along the way and go insane! Consider putting resources into outliners, or get some perfect free presentation outline templates to arrange the information for you. Keep in mind that all you say requires backup and content planning.

Another thing, if you propel yourself somewhat more, is to become familiar with the specialty of theme sentences. Your presentation will probably outline itself if you figure out how to utilize them astutely.

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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

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

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

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

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How to Print an Outline in PowerPoint: Step-by-Step Guide

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Printing an outline in PowerPoint is a useful feature that can help you save time and resources when preparing for a presentation. It allows you to print out a condensed version of your presentation that includes only the text and not the slides. This can be especially helpful when you need to share your presentation with others who may not have access to the original file or when you want to review your presentation in a more concise format.

A computer screen with a PowerPoint presentation open, showing the outline view with the print dialog box open

To print an outline in PowerPoint, you can follow a few simple steps. First, open your PowerPoint presentation and click on the “File” tab in the top left corner of the screen. Next, click on “Print” in the left column and select the second dropdown menu, which says “Full Page Slides” by default. From there, you can select the “Outline” option and confirm that the outline is correct before clicking the “Print” button.

It’s important to note that the outline view may not display all of the content in your presentation, especially if your outline view is collapsed. To ensure that you’re printing the correct information, you should review your outline carefully before printing and make any necessary adjustments. Overall, printing an outline in PowerPoint can be a helpful tool for streamlining your presentation and making it more accessible to others.

JUMP TO TOPIC

Designing with Clarity

Incorporating content, utilizing views for editing, navigating different views, customizing view settings, optimizing slides for print, exporting presentations, crafting effective powerpoint slides.

A computer screen displaying a PowerPoint slide with a menu open, highlighting the option to print an outline. The cursor is positioned over the option, ready to click

As a seasoned PowerPoint user, I’ve come to understand the importance of crafting effective slides. A well-designed slide can make all the difference in engaging your audience and conveying your message. In this section, I’ll share some tips on designing slides that are clear, informative, and visually appealing.

When designing your slides, clarity should be your top priority. Your slides should be easy to read and understand, even from a distance. To achieve this, use a legible font size and style, and avoid using too many design elements that can distract from your message.

One way to ensure clarity is to use a consistent design throughout your presentation. This includes using the same font, color scheme, and layout for all of your slides. This will help your audience focus on your content, rather than being distracted by inconsistent design elements.

The content on your slides is just as important as the design. Your slides should provide valuable information that is relevant to your audience. This includes using images and text that support your message and reinforce your main points.

When incorporating content, it’s important to strike a balance between providing enough information and overwhelming your audience. Use bullet points and short sentences to convey your message concisely and effectively.

PowerPoint offers various views that can help you edit your slides more efficiently. The Normal view is the default view, which allows you to edit your slides one at a time. The Outline view, on the other hand, allows you to view and edit the content of your slides in an outline format.

The Outline view can be particularly useful when creating an outline for your presentation. It allows you to see the structure of your presentation at a glance and make changes quickly. You can also use the Outline view to print an outline of your presentation, which can be a useful reference when delivering your presentation.

In conclusion, crafting effective PowerPoint slides requires a combination of clear design, informative content, and efficient editing. By following these tips, you can create slides that engage your audience and convey your message effectively.

Mastering PowerPoint Presentation Views

As a PowerPoint user, it is essential to know how to navigate different views and customize view settings. This knowledge will enable you to work more efficiently and produce high-quality slideshows. In this section, I will guide you on how to master PowerPoint presentation views.

PowerPoint offers several views to help you create and edit your presentations. To access these views, navigate to the View tab on the ribbon. The Presentation Views group contains all the available views, including Normal, Slide Sorter, Reading, and Outline view.

The Outline view is particularly useful when you want to create a summary of your presentation. To access Outline view, click on the View tab and then select Outline View from the Presentation Views group. In this view, you can see all the text on your slides in a hierarchical format, making it easier to organize and edit your content.

PowerPoint allows you to customize your views to suit your preferences. You can expand or collapse text, move slides around, and adjust the zoom level.

To expand or collapse text in Outline view, click on the plus or minus sign next to each slide title. This feature allows you to focus on specific sections of your presentation and hide the rest.

You can also move slides around in Outline view by dragging and dropping them to a new location. This feature is useful when you want to rearrange your presentation’s structure quickly.

Finally, you can adjust the zoom level in any view to get a better view of your presentation. To do this, click on the Zoom slider in the bottom right corner of the PowerPoint window. You can also use the Ctrl + Mouse Wheel shortcut to zoom in or out.

In conclusion, mastering PowerPoint presentation views is essential for any user who wants to create high-quality presentations efficiently. By navigating different views and customizing view settings, you can work more efficiently and produce better results.

Printing and Exporting Options

Printing and exporting your PowerPoint presentation can be a bit tricky, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can get the job done quickly and efficiently. In this section, I will discuss some of the best options for printing and exporting your presentation.

Before you print your presentation, it’s important to optimize your slides for print. This means adjusting the print layout, paper size, and printer properties to ensure that your presentation looks great on paper. To do this, follow these steps:

Click on the “File” tab in PowerPoint and select “Print”.
Under “Settings”, select the second box (which by default is set to Full Page Slides) to expand the list of options.
Then, under “Print Layout”, select “Outline”.
You can choose a page orientation (Portrait or Landscape) in the Printer Properties dialog box.
Preview your presentation by clicking on the “Preview” button. This will allow you to see how your presentation will look when printed.

Exporting your presentation is another great way to share your work with others. You can export your presentation as a PDF file, a Word document, or even as handouts with multiple slides per page. Here’s how to do it:

Click on the “File” tab in PowerPoint and select “Export”.
Choose the format you want to export your presentation as (PDF, Word, or Handouts).
Customize the layout and format that suits your needs.
Click “Export” to save your presentation.

Exporting your presentation in different formats can be helpful when sharing your work with others who may not have PowerPoint installed on their computer.

In conclusion, printing and exporting your PowerPoint presentation can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can get the job done quickly and efficiently. By optimizing your slides for print and exporting your presentation in different formats, you can ensure that your work looks great and is accessible to everyone.

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how to make a presentation outline

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VIDEO

COMMENTS

How to create a presentation outline (with examples)

Why should I write a presentation outline?

Method 1: Create your outline from scratch

Method 2: Create a presentation outline using an AI presentation maker

Method 3: Create a presentation outline using ChatGPT

Method 4: Create a presentation outline using a template

Presentation outline examples

Pitch deck outline example

How can I create a presentation from an outline?

Other tips and tricks for great presentations

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How to make a presentation outline: a step-by-step guide

Defining your presentation’s goal

Types of presentation goals

Understanding your presentation’s audience

Questions to understand your audience

Choosing your story structure

1. Fact and story

2. The hero’s journey

3. The pitch

4. The explanation

5. The opportunity

Storyboarding your presentation outline

Formatting your presentation

Choose a consistent theme

Organize your slides

Keep text clear and concise

Visual elements

Multimedia and animation

Data presentation

Final touches

Presentation tools

How to close the deal with a sales whiteboard

Comparing company culture across work situations

How to Write an Effective Presentation Outline

What Is a Presentation Outline

Importance of Presentation Outline

Elements of an Effective Presentation Outline

Tips for Creating a Compelling Presentation Outline

Outline Organization

Structure your Content

Incorporate Visual Content

Engage Your Audience

Learn from Presentation Outline Examples

Pay Attention to Color and Design

Including a Call to Action

Review, Revise, and Refine

Step-by-Step Guide to Create an Effective Presentation Outline

Brainstorm and Define Your Objectives:

Identify Your Main Points:

Organize Your Thoughts:

Add Supporting Content:

Summarize Key Takeaways:

Review and Refine:

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Flesh Out the Body of Your Presentation

Write the main points of your outline in order

Add sub-points and transitions to your topics

Don’t forget the essential details!

Write down how long will it take

How to Outline a PowerPoint Presentation?

Remember, This is Only a Draft!