If you’re looking to create a presentation that will make an impact, you want to make sure it’s engaging and inspiring. 

Captivate your audience

Start your presentation off with a bang! Capture your audience’s attention and set the tone of your presentation with an engaging story or observation. Whether it’s a thought-provoking question, inspiring anecdote, or an interesting statistic, choose something that will give your audience something to think about and leave them wanting more.

Plan it out 

Delivering a strong presentation can be daunting, especially if you are new to public speaking. But don’t let the fear of stumbling over your words or getting lost in the details slow you down. With some effective planning and rehearsing, you can ensure a smooth presentation delivery. Here are some helpful tips to get you started: 

• Make an outline of the topics you are going to cover. Break down your presentation into smaller chunks and plan out the flow of your speech. This will give you a clear idea of the content you need to cover and a better sense of direction. 
• Rehearse your presentation before it’s time to give it. This will help you stay on track and make sure you don’t get overwhelmed by the material. Consider recording yourself and watch the playback to make sure you are communicating effectively. 
• Pay attention to your body language and maintain eye contact. According to Harvard Business School professor Amy Cuddy, “power posing” can help boost confidence and improve your ability to communicate clearly. 

Use Visuals 

Struggling to engage your audience? Adding visuals to your presentation could be the key! According to a recent survey by Venngage, visuals increase engagement by 40% and help simplify complex topics. Here are a few ways you can use visuals to capture your audience’s attention:

• Charts and graphs: Visualize the data from your presentation in an easy-to-follow format 
• Videos: Show case studies or other educational content 
• Images: Share inspiring pictures to spark curiosity 

By utilizing visuals, you’ll be able to grab the attention of your audience and share complex topics in a straightforward way. 

Connect with Your Audience

Connecting with your remote audience doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a few simple strategies, you can deliver a presentation that resonates with your audience. For instance, start your virtual presentation with a relatable story or an engaging ingress. Ask your audience questions throughout the presentation to gauge their understanding and help them focus on the topics you are discussing. 

According to the Harvard Business Review, hitting the right emotional notes is key to engaging with your audience. 

Additionally, adding humorous anecdotes or using a casual tone can help build an emotional connection with them. Moreover, don’t forget to pause to give your audience time to digest the information presented. Doing so will help them internalize it and make it easier for them to follow along. 

Stay Focused 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unfocused while delivering a presentation, take a deep breath and remind yourself to stay focused.

It’s important to keep your eye on the goal and not let anything stand in your way. 

According to Forbes, staying focused can help you become better organized and accomplish more tasks during the day. Staying focused on the main points of your presentation will give you the confidence to present your ideas in an inspiring and engaging way. So remember, if you feel like you’re getting sidetracked, take a deep breath and stay focused on your goal.

Have an Impact 

Bottom line, you want your presentation to leave an impression. So, make sure to use language that conveys your message and resonates with your audience. Summarize the key points at the end, and provide an actionable takeaway that your audience can implement in their lives. 

Delivering a good presentation can be a challenge, especially in the virtual space. But with the right approach, you can have an impact. By engaging your audience with stories and visuals, staying focused, and leaving a lasting impression, you’ll be able to conquer the virtual space and make a positive impact.