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Communication, facilitation, targeted learning, ​powerspeaking blog: tips and strategies for crafting presentations, 15 tips: how to prepare for a last minute presentation.

by PowerSpeaking, Inc.     Oct 24, 2013 10:46:00 AM

Did you just find out that you need to give a presentation in 90 minutes? Here are a few easy and effective tips to help organize and present that next mission-critical presentation.

  Organizing Your Content

Develop a short, clear one sentence main message, i.e. "I have a dream."

An analogy, metaphor or memorable phrase for the main message increases retention, i.e. Informix's " The database with the future built in."

Repeat your main message a number of times during the presentation. Use the exact wording each time.

Stories and personal experience create longer retention. Illustrate points with stories, i.e. "Last week when I called on Bob Johnson, the CEO of Acme Jeans in Seattle, he said, 'You know John, using your customer service strategy has doubled our market share.' Then he said..."

PowerPoint Is Not The Talk...You Are!

Build your talk first, then add visuals as you need them. Do not let PowerPoint templates determine your content.

Use fewer visuals, not more. People are persuaded by you and respond to you, not slides.

Begin and end your presentation without visuals. People remember longer what they hear at the beginning and at the end. Your main message will have more impact without slides.

Design the talk so that every, say, seven to ten minutes you can turn off the projector and just talk to people. In PowerPoint you can just hit the "B" button to make your screen go blank. Hit it again to make the slides come back.

When referring to a slide, stand at the screen, facing the audience and use a pointer to highlight the key words or images.

Drive It Home With Style

The way to build style is to practice your presentation in real rehearsal. That is, standing up, moving around, speaking out loud.

In rehearsal, exaggerate everything. Talk louder, use longer pauses, wave your arms around, move from point to point and look 'em in the eye. Strong "in your face" style feels unnatural and phony, yet looks confident to the audience.

This is no time for the soft-spoken, self-effacing, humble approach. Throw back your shoulders and let 'er rip. You almost can't overdo the style, as contrived as it feels.

After asking for questions, wait a few moments. It may take people awhile to think of any. If no ones asks a question, ask your own: "You know, a question that often comes up when I give these talks is..."

Repeat questions for clarity. Answer to the whole group so everyone feels included.

If you don't know the answer, agree to find out and get back to them.

Now, you've got the tools. Knock 'em dead!

Related Blog Posts: Six Strategies For How To Control Timing , "A Shining City On The Hill" How A Metaphor Can Touch Your Audience , Five Game Changing Principles of Presenting Slides

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Topics: Presentation , Organization , Stories , Opening Tips , Style , Core Message , ToolKit , PowerPoint

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Tackle the “tomorrow problem”: Turn your last-minute presentation into a winning momentum

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

Anete Ezera February 27, 2024

“I have a presentation tomorrow and I haven’t started. I have a presentation in an hour and I’m nervous.” 

Do these situations sound familiar to you? If so, you’re not alone. 

A financial analyst who needs to present a budget forecast at the end of the week; a teacher who needs to create an interactive lesson plan for tomorrow’s class; a sales representative who only has an hour to put together a pitch deck to impress a new client – all of these people are facing a problem that asks for an immediate solution. 

At Prezi , we know everything there is to know about the pressure of creating an engaging presentation in a matter of a few days, hours, or even minutes. And we truly understand the challenge people face when they need to create a last-minute presentation FAST. To help tackle this challenge for our users, we define these pressing situations as the “tomorrow problem “, which describes an immediate need or approaching deadline for a presentation.

In this article, we’re going to delve into the meaning of the tomorrow problem and how you can solve it efficiently. 

Now, if you’re ready to not only tackle but excel in your last-minute presentations – keep on reading.

What’s the “tomorrow problem”?

The “tomorrow problem” describes the sense of urgency people feel as a presentation deadline approaches. It demands swift action or resolution within a tight timeframe, often within the next day, week, or even hour.

The tomorrow problem stresses situations where you must quickly create a presentation often with limited time for detailed planning or consideration. This term also underscores the importance of efficient problem-solving and decision-making to meet imminent deadlines and fulfill responsibilities despite time constraints.

Notably, we, at Prezi, aim to address this specific challenge by offering an efficient solution for creating dynamic and impactful presentations under tight time pressures to face the tomorrow problem with ease.

Enter the best AI presentation maker – Prezi AI.

Tomorrow’s problem, meet today’s solution

At school or work, deadlines are looming around every corner. Whether it’s a last-minute presentation for a class project or an urgent pitch to potential investors, the pressure to deliver impactful content quickly is challenging. But here’s a solution that bridges the gap between the “tomorrow problem” and today’s need – Prezi.

We don’t consider Prezi to be just another tool in the arsenal of presenters; it’s a timesaver. With our set of AI-powered features , we empower you to create visually stunning presentations in no time, ensuring that the message is not only delivered but also remembered.

Moreover, Prezi AI offers numerous ways to optimize the presentation’s layout and content. The AI-powered features allow you to save time typically spent on manual adjustments and ensure that your presentations are polished, professional, and engaging. Using Prezi AI, we offer you a swift, intuitive journey from an idea to an attention-grabbing presentation. 

Prezi AI: Your last-minute presentation whiz

Here’s how Prezi tackles the challenge of the tomorrow problem with today’s solution:

Prezi AI presentation creator

At the heart of Prezi’s efficiency is its AI presentation creator . This feature uses the power of artificial intelligence to streamline the presentation creation process. 

All you need to do is start the process of creating your presentation by clicking on the “Create with AI” button, and Prezi AI will take you through the process seamlessly. Simply input a few ideas, keywords, or an outline, and Prezi AI will help you arrange it into a visually impactful narrative that captivates your audience. There’s no need to spend hours perfecting your presentation layouts; Prezi AI does it for you, allowing you to focus on what’s important – sharing your ideas.

AI text editing features

When it comes to sharing your ideas, you might end up spending a lot of time perfecting your message. That’s where Prezi AI text editing features come into play to save you more time in the content creation process. 

Need to make your text longer to elaborate on a key point? Want to simplify complex language to ensure clarity? Prezi AI has you covered. With the ability to adjust text length, simplify language, and even shorten content without losing its essence, Prezi’s AI text editing features will empower you to refine your message quickly and effectively.

Create visual lists and animated slides

Transforming text-heavy content into engaging visuals is essential for keeping your audience engaged. And while we don’t like to brag – Prezi is the master of engaging presentations. With Prezi, you can effortlessly create visual lists and animated slides from text, turning mundane bullet points into dynamic displays that command attention. Whether it’s highlighting key points with eye-catching graphics or animating text to emphasize important details, Prezi’s visual capabilities ensure that your message resonates with your audience long after the presentation ends.

“The beauty of this AI technology in Prezi is that it brilliantly partners with you when it comes to designing your content, saving you time and energy. “

With all of these features combined, Prezi empowers users to create highly engaging last-minute presentations and conquer deadlines with confidence. Khadijah Shahzad , a digital coach and Prezi Certified Educator Trainer, used Prezi AI for her presentation and felt that the tool was easy to use and allowed her to focus more on her content. 

“I just tried working on my next presentation, and based on AI help, it was so easy,” Khadijah confidently states. “First I chose a template of my choice, and then Prezi AI recommended several other templates with reasons why those should be chosen based on my topic. At first, I thought maybe it would prepare the content for me, which by the way I never wanted …. because then what am I for? The beauty of this AI technology in Prezi is that it brilliantly partners with you when it comes to designing your content, saving you time and energy. Previously, I would take a day or two just to select templates and colors, etc. but here it just worked out in a jiffy for me and now I can better concentrate on my content more!”

How to create a successful last-minute presentation

Preparing for a last-minute presentation can be challenging, but with a strategic approach, you can still deliver a compelling performance. Here’s how to quickly create your last-minute presentation with Prezi in 10 simple steps:

• Clarify your main message and key points. Focus on the most essential information to convey. 
• Outline your presentation structure , identifying the introduction, main body, and conclusion. 
• Sign up or log into Prezi.
• Select the “Create with AI” option to open the AI presentation creator.
• Give your presentation a title and description. 
• Get inspired by AI suggestions and customize the color scheme, design, and background before moving into the content editing phase. 
• Use the AI text editing capabilities and refine your message efficiently. 
• Practice your presentation aloud to familiarize yourself with the content and ensure smooth delivery. 
• Prioritize confidence and clarity over perfection. Remember to engage your audience by maintaining eye contact and speaking with enthusiasm. 
• Finally, take a moment to breathe and center yourself before stepping into the spotlight. 

With these steps, along with the assistance of Prezi AI , you can effectively prepare for a winning presentation even at the last minute. 

Turning a problem into a win

Today’s fast-paced environment demands quicker replies, more efficient workflows, and dynamic adaptation to various situations like creating a last-minute presentation. Instead of chasing these demands or viewing them as roadblocks, we offer a different approach. At Prezi, we view them as opportunities for growth and innovation, leading to Prezi AI.

Prezi AI offers to scale your creative efforts with improved efficiency, personalization, and optimization. So when you only have a week to create a comprehensive budget forecast deck, a day to create a highly engaging class presentation, or an hour to put together a winning sales pitch, you can solely focus on the message. Prezi AI supports you with the rest. There’s no need to stress about the perfect color scheme or layout or brainstorm design ideas to amplify your key points. You can open Prezi AI and turn your “tomorrow problem” into a win. 

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Last Minute Presentation Tips and Guide | Be Prepared

July 31, 2024

Presentation and Pitch Expert. Ex Advertising.

$100mill In Funding. Bald Since 2010.

If you’ve ever found yourself in the nerve-wracking situation of having to prepare a presentation at the eleventh hour, you’re not alone. The good news is that even with time against you, success is not only possible but achievable.

Last-minute presentations are a common challenge in the professional world.

They can arise due to unforeseen circumstances, changes in business priorities, or simply because time slipped away. These situations often bring a mix of anxiety, pressure, and the daunting task of delivering a coherent and impactful presentation with little to no preparation time.

As someone who has spent over 13 years crafting pitch decks and presentations for various industries and agencies, I understand the intricacies and pressures that come with last-minute presentation demands.

The struggle to quickly gather thoughts, create engaging slides, and deliver a message with confidence, all while the clock is ticking, is a scenario I’ve navigated countless times.

Drawing from my extensive experience, this guide is designed to equip you with practical strategies, tips, and insights to turn last-minute presentation challenges into opportunities for success.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the world of presentations, the methods outlined here will help you create clear, compelling, and visually appealing presentations, even under the most pressing deadlines.

Don’t have the time to create the presentation?

We can help you create it. It’s not just the design; We do the strategy, copy and research too. Same thing we did for leading companies in the medical field, real estate, IT and 40 other. Let’s talk about your presentation and get it in time.

The purpose of this guide

The essence of this guide is not just to acknowledge the challenges of last-minute presentations but to equip you with a toolkit of practical tips and strategies that can transform these daunting scenarios into opportunities for success.

This guide is designed as a roadmap to navigate the often turbulent waters of last-minute presentation preparation. Here’s what you can expect:

• Step-by-Step Guidance: This guide is structured to walk you through each phase of the last-minute presentation process. From understanding the context of your presentation to the final delivery, each section is crafted to provide actionable steps that you can follow to ensure a coherent and effective presentation.
• Efficient Content Development: We delve into techniques for rapid content development, focusing on how to gather, organize, and prioritize information quickly without compromising on quality. This includes tips on brainstorming, structuring your message, and ensuring your content is audience-centric.
• Design Tips for the Time-Pressed: Recognizing that design is a crucial, yet time-consuming, aspect of presentations, this guide offers advice on creating visually appealing slides in a time crunch. You’ll learn about leveraging templates, simplifying design elements, and using visuals effectively to enhance your message.
• Rehearsal and Delivery Techniques: Even with limited time, rehearsing your presentation is vital. This guide provides strategies for quick yet effective rehearsals, focusing on key areas such as mastering your opening and closing, refining your key points, and managing presentation timing.
• Handling Q&A Sessions: A comprehensive section is dedicated to preparing for and handling Q&A sessions. This includes anticipating potential questions, strategies for thinking on your feet, and tips for maintaining composure under pressure.
• Stress Management and Confidence Building: Given the anxiety that often accompanies last-minute preparations, this guide offers advice on managing stress and building confidence. Techniques for staying calm, focused, and poised during your presentation are discussed in detail.
• Leveraging Technology and Resources: In today’s digital age, various tools and resources can aid in quick presentation preparation. This guide highlights these resources, from online research tools to presentation software features that can save time and enhance your presentation.

In essence, this guide is more than just a collection of tips; it’s a comprehensive resource for anyone facing the challenge of a last-minute presentation.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a student, the strategies outlined here will help you deliver a compelling, confident, and successful presentation, even under the most pressing deadlines.

Let’s see why last minute presentations are challenging.

The challenges of last-minute presentations

In the fast-paced world we live in, being tasked with a last-minute presentation is not uncommon.

Whether it’s due to unexpected circumstances, changes in business strategies, or simply a result of procrastination, the challenges of putting together a presentation at the eleventh hour are both unique and daunting. This section delves into the key hurdles one might encounter in such situations.

• Time Crunch : The most obvious challenge is the limited time available for preparation. This constraint significantly impacts every aspect of the presentation process – from research and content creation to design and rehearsal. The pressure to deliver within a tight deadline can be overwhelming, often leading to stress and anxiety.
• Content Quality Concerns : With limited time, there’s a risk of compromising the quality of the content. Ensuring that the presentation is both informative and engaging becomes a tougher task when you’re racing against the clock. There’s less opportunity for in-depth research, thoughtful organization, and refinement of ideas.
• Design and Aesthetics : A visually appealing presentation requires time and creativity. Last-minute scenarios often force presenters to rely on basic templates or hurriedly put-together slides, which may not be as effective in conveying the message or keeping the audience engaged.
• Lack of Rehearsal : Effective presentations are often the result of thorough rehearsal. In a last-minute situation, there’s little to no time to practice, which can lead to issues like not being able to smoothly deliver the content, manage time effectively during the presentation, or handle the Q&A session confidently.
• Increased Stress and Anxiety : The pressure to perform well with limited preparation time can heighten stress levels. This can affect not just the quality of the presentation, but also the presenter’s ability to communicate effectively. Nervousness, forgetfulness, and lack of focus are common under such stress.
• Technical Preparedness : Last-minute preparations can also lead to technical oversights, such as failing to check compatibility with presentation equipment, not having backups for critical elements, or overlooking the need for specific software or tools.
• Audience Perception : There’s also the challenge of audience perception. A presentation put together hastily might come across as unprofessional or under-prepared, which can impact the presenter’s credibility and the audience’s engagement.

So, this begs the question…

Is it possible to deliver a stellar presentation despite having no time? 

While the challenges of last-minute presentations are real and significant, it’s crucial to recognize that success is not only possible but can be remarkably achieved even under tight deadlines.

This section aims to provide reassurance and instill confidence by highlighting key factors that can lead to a successful last-minute presentation.

• Leveraging Experience and Knowledge : Often, the necessity for a last-minute presentation arises in a familiar professional or academic context. This means you can draw upon your existing knowledge and experience in the subject matter. Your prior understanding can be a powerful tool in quickly assembling a coherent and insightful presentation.
• Focusing on Core Messages : Time constraints force you to distill your presentation down to its most essential elements. This can actually work in your favor, leading to a more focused and impactful presentation. Audiences often appreciate content that is direct, clear, and devoid of unnecessary fluff.
• Adopting a Flexible Mindset : Last-minute scenarios require a flexible approach. This adaptability can lead to creative and innovative ways of presenting. Sometimes, the best ideas come under pressure, and the spontaneity can add a fresh and engaging element to your presentation.
• Utilizing Modern Tools and Resources : The digital age has equipped us with a plethora of tools and resources that can expedite the presentation creation process. From online templates and design tools to vast databases of information, these resources can significantly reduce the time needed for various stages of presentation preparation.
• Harnessing the Power of Simplicity : A last-minute presentation doesn’t have to be complex to be effective. In fact, simplicity in design and content can enhance clarity and audience engagement. A straightforward, well-structured presentation often resonates more effectively than one that is overly complicated.
• Embracing the Challenge : There’s something to be said about the adrenaline rush and heightened focus that comes with a looming deadline. This heightened state of alertness can sharpen your thinking and presentation skills, leading to a dynamic and energetic delivery.
• Learning from the Experience : Each last-minute presentation is a learning opportunity. It hones your skills in quick thinking, efficiency, and adaptability. These experiences contribute to your growth as a professional or student, preparing you for future challenges.

Let’s go a bit deeper now.

Section 1: Understanding the Context

1.1 Assessing the Situation

How much time do you have.

One of the first and most critical steps in preparing for a last-minute presentation is to assess your time constraints.

Understanding exactly how much time you have before the presentation is key to planning your preparation effectively. Here’s how to approach this assessment:

• Determine the Deadline : Identify the exact time and date of your presentation. This is your endpoint. Knowing this allows you to work backward and plan your preparation schedule.
• Allocate Time for Each Phase : Break down the time you have into different phases of preparation. These phases typically include research, content creation, slide design, rehearsal, and final review. Assigning specific time slots to each phase helps in maintaining focus and ensures that all aspects of the presentation are covered.
• Prioritize Tasks : With a clear understanding of your time limits, prioritize tasks based on their importance and the time they require. For instance, if you have less than a day, you might need to focus more on content creation and less on intricate design details.
• Set Mini-Deadlines : Within your available time frame, set mini-deadlines for each task. For example, decide that by a certain hour, you will have the outline ready, and by another, the slides will be designed. This helps in tracking your progress and ensures that you are moving at a pace that will allow you to complete on time.
• Account for Unforeseen Delays : Always factor in some buffer time for unexpected delays or issues. This might include technical difficulties, additional research, or last-minute changes. Having a little extra time set aside can be a lifesaver in a last-minute preparation scenario.
• Be Realistic : It’s important to be realistic about what can be achieved in the time you have. This might mean simplifying your presentation, focusing on key points, or using more readily available resources.
• Time Management Techniques : Utilize time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique (working in short bursts with breaks) to maximize efficiency. This can be particularly helpful in maintaining focus and productivity when time is limited.
• Seek Help if Needed : If time is extremely tight, don’t hesitate to seek help. This could be in the form of delegating certain tasks, like design or research, to colleagues or friends.

By thoroughly assessing your time constraints and planning accordingly, you can create a realistic and effective strategy for preparing your presentation. This initial step is crucial in setting the foundation for a successful last-minute presentation.

Audience analysis: Who will you be presenting to?

After establishing your time constraints, the next critical step in preparing for a last-minute presentation is audience analysis. Understanding who you will be presenting to is crucial for tailoring your content, tone, and delivery to make your presentation as effective and engaging as possible. Here’s how to conduct a quick yet thorough audience analysis:

• Identify the Audience Demographics : Gather basic information about your audience, such as their age range, professional background, and level of expertise in the topic you’re presenting. This helps in determining the complexity of the content and the language you should use.
• Understand the Audience’s Expectations and Needs : Try to ascertain what your audience is expecting to gain from your presentation. Are they seeking detailed information, an overview, specific solutions, or insights into a particular issue? Aligning your presentation with their expectations and needs is key to making it relevant and impactful.
• Consider the Audience’s Prior Knowledge : Assess the level of knowledge your audience likely has about your topic. This will help you decide how much background information to include and how deeply you should dive into the subject matter.
• Cultural and Organizational Context : If applicable, consider the cultural and organizational context of your audience. This includes understanding the cultural norms, values, and the organizational hierarchy or structure that might influence how your message is received.
• Engagement Level : Think about how you can engage your audience. This might involve considering their interests, the questions they might have, and the type of presentation style (formal, informal, interactive) that would resonate best with them.
• Adapting to Audience Size : The size of your audience can also influence your presentation style. A large audience might require a more formal approach and less interaction, whereas a smaller group might benefit from a more conversational and interactive style.
• Feedback Mechanisms : Plan for how you will receive feedback from your audience. This could be through Q&A sessions, interactive polls, or informal discussions post-presentation. Understanding how you’ll engage with your audience’s feedback can help tailor your presentation more effectively.
• Accessibility Considerations : Ensure that your presentation is accessible to all audience members. This includes considering any needs for accommodations like subtitles, sign language interpretation, or ensuring your presentation is easily viewable for all attendees.

By conducting a thorough audience analysis, even in a limited timeframe, you can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your presentation. Tailoring your content, style, and delivery to your audience’s characteristics and needs is a key step in ensuring that your last-minute presentation is well-received and impactful.

1.2 Setting Realistic Goals

Focusing on key messages..

In the rush of preparing a last-minute presentation, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of information you might want to include. However, with limited preparation time, it’s crucial to set realistic goals, focusing primarily on conveying key messages. Here’s how to approach this:

• Identify the Core Message : Start by identifying the central theme or core message of your presentation. This is the primary takeaway you want your audience to remember. It should be concise, clear, and directly related to the purpose of your presentation.
• Limit the Number of Key Points : Given the time constraints, it’s practical to limit yourself to three to five key points that support your core message. This not only makes your preparation more manageable but also helps in keeping your audience focused and engaged.
• Prioritize Clarity and Conciseness : Each key point should be clear and concise. Avoid the temptation to delve into too many details or tangential topics. Remember, the goal is to convey your main ideas effectively within the limited time you have.
• Align Key Points with Audience Needs : Ensure that your key points are aligned with what your audience cares about or needs to know. This alignment increases the relevance and impact of your presentation.
• Create a Logical Flow : Organize your key points in a logical sequence. This could be in order of importance, chronological order, or any structure that makes sense for your topic and audience. A logical flow aids in better comprehension and retention.
• Use Stories or Examples : Where possible, use stories, examples, or anecdotes to illustrate your key points. This not only makes your presentation more engaging but also helps in explaining complex ideas more simply and memorably.
• Prepare a Strong Opening and Closing : Your opening should clearly state your core message and what the audience can expect. The closing should reinforce your key points and leave a lasting impression. These are crucial parts of your presentation, especially when time is limited.
• Be Flexible and Adaptable : Be prepared to adapt your key points based on audience feedback or questions during the presentation. Flexibility is important in a last-minute preparation scenario.

By setting realistic goals and focusing on your key messages, you can create a presentation that is both effective and manageable, even under tight time constraints. This approach ensures that your presentation remains focused, clear, and impactful, delivering the core message to your audience in the most efficient way possible.

Prioritizing content based on importance and relevance

When preparing a last-minute presentation, effectively prioritizing your content is crucial. This means selecting and organizing your material based on its importance and relevance to your core message and audience. Here’s a structured approach to help you prioritize your content efficiently:

• Evaluate Content Relevance: Begin by evaluating each piece of content for its relevance to your core message. Ask yourself, does this information directly support or enhance the understanding of my main points? If the answer is no, consider putting it aside.
• Rank Information by Importance: Once you’ve identified content that is relevant, rank it based on its importance. What information is critical for your audience to know? What can be considered supplementary? Focus on delivering the most critical information first.
• Consider Audience Interest and Value: Align your content with what your audience finds valuable and interesting. Information that resonates with the audience’s interests or solves their problems should be given priority.
• Balance Depth and Breadth: Given the time constraints, decide how deeply you need to dive into each topic. It’s often more effective to cover fewer topics in more depth than to skim over many points superficially.
• Must Know: Essential information that your audience needs to understand your core message.
• Should Know: Additional information that provides more depth and context.
• Could Know: Interesting but non-essential information that could be included if time allows.
• Trim Excess Content: Be ruthless in cutting out content that doesn’t serve your main objectives. This might include redundant examples, overly complex data, or tangential information.
• Create a Strong Narrative: Organize your prioritized content into a narrative that makes sense. A story-like structure can help maintain audience engagement and make your points more memorable.
• Prepare for Flexibility: Have a flexible mindset about your content. Be prepared to skip certain parts or adjust the depth of coverage based on time constraints or audience feedback during the presentation.
• Visualize the Content Flow: Use a flowchart or mind map to visualize how your content fits together. This can help you see the big picture and ensure a logical flow.

By prioritizing your content based on importance and relevance, you ensure that your presentation is not only time-efficient but also impactful and tailored to your audience’s needs. This approach helps in delivering a focused, coherent, and engaging presentation, even when time is not on your side.

Let’s see how to put that in action.

Section 2: Rapid Slide Development

2.1 Brainstorming Key Points

2.1.1 mind mapping techniques..

Brainstorming is a critical step in developing the content for your presentation, especially when time is of the essence. Mind mapping is an effective technique for brainstorming key points as it helps in organizing thoughts visually and stimulates creative thinking. Here’s how to use mind mapping effectively in the context of a last-minute presentation:

• Start with the Central Idea : Place the main topic or core message of your presentation at the center of your mind map. This central idea acts as the starting point for your brainstorming.
• Add Major Themes as Main Branches : From the central idea, draw branches outwards for each of the major themes or key points you want to cover in your presentation. These branches represent the primary categories or sections of your content.
• Expand with Sub-Branches : For each main branch, add sub-branches to explore more specific ideas, facts, or arguments related to that theme. This could include supporting data, examples, anecdotes, or any relevant details.
• Use Keywords and Phrases : On each branch and sub-branch, use keywords or short phrases instead of long sentences. This makes the mind map easier to read and helps in quickly recalling ideas during later stages of your presentation preparation.
• Incorporate Visual Elements : Mind maps are inherently visual. Use colors, symbols, or images to differentiate between themes, highlight important points, or denote connections between different ideas. This not only makes your mind map more engaging but also aids in memory and comprehension.
• Look for Connections and Patterns : As your mind map grows, look for connections, patterns, or themes that emerge. These connections can help in structuring your presentation logically and ensuring a cohesive flow of ideas.
• Prioritize and Simplify : Once you have a comprehensive mind map, start prioritizing. Identify the most crucial points that align with your core message and audience’s interests. Simplify complex branches by breaking them down into more digestible pieces of information.
• Flexible and Dynamic Process : Remember, mind mapping is a flexible process. Feel free to rearrange, add, or remove elements as your ideas evolve. The goal is to develop a clear and structured overview of your presentation’s content.
• Digital Tools for Mind Mapping : If time allows, consider using digital mind mapping tools. These tools offer functionalities like easy editing, sharing, and can be particularly useful for collaborative brainstorming if you’re working with a team.

By employing mind mapping techniques in your brainstorming process, you can quickly generate and organize ideas for your presentation. This visual and creative approach not only saves time but also ensures that your content is well-structured and aligned with your presentation’s core message.

2.1.2 Using bullet points to outline main ideas.

When time is limited, using bullet points to outline your main ideas is an efficient and straightforward method to structure your presentation’s content. Bullet points help in organizing thoughts in a clear, concise, and easily digestible format. Here’s how to effectively use bullet points for brainstorming and outlining your presentation:

• Start with a Blank Outline : Begin with a blank document or a piece of paper. Write down the title or main topic of your presentation at the top. This sets the stage for what follows.
• List Down Main Ideas as Major Bullet Points : Under the main topic, list your major ideas or sections as main bullet points. These points should represent the key themes or messages you want to convey in your presentation.
• Expand with Sub-Bullet Points : For each main bullet point, add sub-bullet points to detail the specific points, arguments, facts, or examples that support the main idea. This hierarchical structure helps in breaking down complex ideas into manageable chunks.
• Keep It Concise : Each bullet point should be concise and to the point. Avoid long sentences or paragraphs. The goal is to capture the essence of your ideas in a few words or phrases.
• Prioritize and Arrange : Once you have all your main ideas and supporting points listed, prioritize and arrange them in a logical order. This could be based on the flow of your argument, the importance of the information, or the structure that best fits your presentation style.
• Use Bullet Points as Speaking Prompts : In a last-minute presentation scenario, your bullet-point outline can double as speaking prompts. They are easier to glance at and remember during the presentation, compared to lengthy notes or scripts.
• Incorporate Transitions : Think about how you will transition from one point to the next. Adding brief notes on transitions in your outline can help in maintaining a smooth flow during your presentation.
• Refine and Edit : Review your bullet-point outline and refine it. Remove any redundant points or add missing information. Ensure that each bullet point adds value and clarity to your presentation.
• Visualize the Presentation Flow : As you finalize your bullet points, visualize how your presentation will flow. This mental rehearsal can help you identify any gaps or areas that need more emphasis.
• Flexibility for Last-Minute Changes : Keep your outline flexible. Be prepared to make last-minute adjustments based on time constraints or audience dynamics.

Using bullet points to outline your presentation is a time-efficient way to organize and prioritize your content. It provides a clear roadmap for your presentation, ensuring that you cover all key points in a structured and coherent manner, even under tight deadlines.

2.2 Research Efficiently

2.2.1. quick research tips..

Efficient research is key in preparing a last-minute presentation. You need to gather relevant information quickly without getting bogged down in unnecessary details. Here are some quick research tips to help you gather the necessary information efficiently:

• Start with What You Know : Begin by jotting down the key points and facts you already know about the topic. This can form the foundation of your presentation and reduce the amount of research needed.
• Use Reliable Online Sources : Leverage the power of the internet. Use reputable online sources such as academic journals, official websites, and respected news outlets for quick and reliable information. Tools like Google Scholar can be particularly useful for finding scholarly articles.
• Utilize Search Engine Tricks : Use specific search engine tricks to speed up your research. For instance, using quotation marks for exact phrases, or the ‘site:’ function to search within a particular website, can yield more targeted results.
• Leverage Summary Sites and Fact Databases : Websites that provide summaries or fact databases can be great time-savers. Sites like SparkNotes, Executive Summaries, or industry-specific fact databases can provide quick insights into various topics.
• Bookmark and Organize Sources : As you find useful sources, bookmark them for easy access. Organizing your sources into categories based on the sections of your presentation can save time when you start compiling and synthesizing information.
• Skim for Key Information : When reading through sources, learn to skim effectively. Look for headings, bullet points, and summaries to find relevant information quickly. Focus on extracting key facts, figures, and quotes that directly support your presentation.
• Use Multimedia Sources : Don’t limit yourself to text-based sources. Videos, podcasts, and infographics can be excellent sources of information and can be digested more quickly than traditional articles or reports.
• Take Efficient Notes : As you research, take notes efficiently. Write down only the essential information like key facts, statistics, quotes, or ideas that directly contribute to your presentation points.
• Set a Time Limit for Research : To avoid getting lost in endless research, set a strict time limit for this phase. Once the time is up, start synthesizing the information you have gathered into your presentation.
• Validate Information : Ensure the accuracy of your information, especially when researching under time constraints. Cross-check facts and figures with multiple sources to maintain credibility.

By following these quick research tips, you can gather the necessary information for your presentation efficiently and effectively, ensuring that your content is both accurate and relevant, even when working against the clock.

2.2.2. Reliable sources for last-minute information.

When you’re pressed for time, knowing where to find reliable information quickly is crucial. Here’s a guide to some dependable sources that can provide accurate and relevant data for your last-minute presentation:

• Educational Institutions and Research Organizations : Websites of universities, colleges, and research institutions often have a wealth of information, including published papers, articles, and research findings. Look for sections dedicated to publications or research in your topic area.
• Government Websites and Publications : For statistics, policy information, and authoritative data, government websites are invaluable. They often provide reports, surveys, and analysis on a wide range of topics.
• Industry-Specific Websites and Trade Journals : Websites and online journals specific to your industry can offer up-to-date and detailed information. They are particularly useful for finding niche content and industry-specific data.
• Reputable News Outlets : Established news websites can be a good source for recent developments and current affairs related to your topic. Opt for outlets known for their journalistic integrity.
• Online Scholarly Databases : Databases like Google Scholar, JSTOR, and PubMed provide access to academic papers, journals, and scholarly articles. These are excellent for finding in-depth research and detailed analyses.
• Professional Organizations and Associations : Websites of professional bodies often contain a wealth of resources, including white papers, case studies, and industry insights that can be very useful for presentations.
• Digital Libraries and Archives : Digital libraries like the Internet Archive or specific digital collections in public libraries can be great for historical information, primary sources, and diverse perspectives on a range of topics.
• TED Talks and Educational Videos : For inspirational content, innovative ideas, or explanations of complex topics, platforms like TED Talks can be extremely useful. They provide insights from experts in a concise and engaging format.
• Social Media and Forums : Platforms like LinkedIn, industry-specific forums, or even Twitter can be sources for the latest trends, opinions, and expert insights. Be cautious and cross-verify any information obtained from these platforms.
• Fact-Checking Websites : Websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or PolitiFact can be useful for quickly verifying facts, especially when dealing with current events or widely circulated information.

Remember, even when researching quickly, it’s important to cross-check information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. These sources can provide a solid foundation for your presentation content, offering credible information even when time is limited.

2.3 Creating the Structure

2.3.1 . introduction, body, conclusion format ..

• Hook : Start with something engaging to grab your audience’s attention. This could be a startling statistic, a provocative question, or a compelling story.
• Purpose and Relevance : Clearly state the purpose of your presentation and why it’s relevant to your audience. This sets the context and expectations.
• Overview : Provide a brief overview of what you will cover. This helps the audience follow along and understand the structure of your presentation.
• Organize into Main Points : Divide the body into a series of main points or sections. Each should focus on a specific aspect of your topic and support your overall message.
• Use Supporting Details : For each main point, include supporting details like facts, statistics, examples, or anecdotes. This adds depth and credibility to your presentation.
• Transitions : Ensure smooth transitions between points. This helps maintain the flow and keeps your audience engaged.
• Summarize Key Points : Concisely summarize the main points of your presentation. This reinforces your message and helps with retention.
• Call to Action or Final Thought : End with a call to action or a thought-provoking final statement. This leaves a lasting impression on your audience.
• Thank the Audience and Open for Questions : Show appreciation for the audience’s attention and invite questions. This encourages engagement and interaction.
• Keep It Balanced : Aim for a balance in the length and depth of each section. The introduction and conclusion should be shorter than the body, but still substantial enough to frame your presentation effectively.
• Be Flexible : Be prepared to adjust your structure based on your audience’s response or if you’re running out of time. Knowing what can be condensed or expanded on the fly is crucial in a last-minute scenario.
• Rehearse the Flow : Once your structure is in place, do a quick run-through to ensure that the flow feels natural and your points are clearly articulated.

By structuring your presentation with a clear introduction, a well-organized body, and a strong conclusion, you create a coherent and compelling narrative. This format not only helps in delivering your message effectively but also aids in keeping your preparation focused and efficient.

2.3.2 . Time allocation for each section.

Effective time management is crucial in a last-minute presentation. Allocating specific time slots to each section of your presentation ensures that you cover all the important points without rushing or overextending any part. Here’s how to allocate time for the introduction, body, and conclusion:

• Duration: For a 30-minute presentation, spend about 3-4.5 minutes on the introduction.
• Focus: Use this time to present the hook, set the context, and provide an overview of the presentation.
• Rationale: A concise introduction sets the stage without taking up too much time, keeping the audience engaged and curious.
• Duration: In a 30-minute presentation, allocate around 21-24 minutes to the body.
• Divide Among Key Points: If you have three main points, spend about 7-8 minutes on each.
• Balance: Ensure each point gets its due time. Avoid spending too much time on one point at the expense of others.
• Duration: For a 30-minute presentation, allocate about 3-4.5 minutes to the conclusion.
• Summarize and Close: Use this time to summarize key points and present your final thoughts or call to action.
• Importance: A strong conclusion is essential for reinforcing your message and leaving a lasting impression.
• Allow for Transitions and Pauses: Factor in a little extra time for transitions between points and natural pauses.
• Adjust for Audience Interaction: If you expect questions or interactions during your presentation, allocate time accordingly.
• Practice Runs: Do a few timed run-throughs of your presentation to ensure you’re staying within the allocated time for each section.
• Adjust as Needed: If you find yourself consistently over or under time in certain sections, adjust your content or speaking pace.
• Flexibility: Be ready to adapt your timing based on the audience’s engagement or if certain sections require more explanation.

By thoughtfully allocating time to each section of your presentation, you can create a well-paced, engaging, and effective presentation. This approach ensures that you deliver your message within the allotted time, without missing any key points or overwhelming your audience with too much information at once.

Onwards to the visual part.

Section 3: Designing the Presentation

3.1 Visual Aids

3.1.1 quick design tips for slides.

Visual aids, particularly slides, play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of your presentation, especially when time is limited. Here are some quick design tips to create impactful slides:

• Design : Use a clean, uncluttered design. Avoid overly complex graphics or too many elements on one slide.
• Text : Limit the amount of text. Stick to key phrases or bullet points. The text should be a cue for discussion, not a script.
• Template : Use a consistent template throughout your presentation for a professional look.
• Fonts and Colors : Choose easy-to-read fonts and a color scheme that is visually appealing but not distracting.
• Relevance : Use images and graphics that are directly relevant to your content.
• Quality : Ensure images and graphics are of high resolution and don’t appear pixelated on large screens.
• Graphs and Charts : Use graphs and charts to represent data or trends. They should be simple and easy to understand at a glance.
• Infographics : Infographics can be effective in summarizing complex information in an engaging, visual format.
• Rule of Thumb : Follow the 6×6 rule – no more than six words per bullet, six bullets per slide.
• Focus : Each slide should convey only one main idea or concept.
• Purposeful Animation : Use animations only if they add to the understanding of the content. Avoid unnecessary or overly complex animations.
• Highlighting : Use visual cues like arrows, circles, or bolding to draw attention to key points on your slides.
• Font Size : Make sure your text is large enough to be easily read from the back of the room.
• Contrast : Use high contrast between text and background for readability.
• Templates : Utilize pre-designed templates from PowerPoint, Google Slides, or other presentation software to save time.
• Online Resources : Websites like Canva offer quick, professional-looking slide designs.
• Consistency Check : Do a quick review of your slides for consistency in fonts, colors, and styles.
• Error Check : Proofread to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.

By following these quick design tips, you can create slides that are visually appealing, easy to follow, and enhance the overall impact of your last-minute presentation.

3.1.2 Utilizing pre-designed templates

In a last-minute presentation scenario, pre-designed templates can be a lifesaver. They provide a professional look with minimal effort and time. Here’s how to make the most out of pre-designed templates for your slides:

• Relevance : Select a template that suits the tone and subject of your presentation. A business presentation might require a more formal template compared to a creative topic.
• Branding : If applicable, use templates that align with your organization’s branding, including colors, logos, and fonts.
• Modify Layouts : While templates provide a basic structure, feel free to modify the layouts to better suit your content. For instance, you might want to change a two-column layout to a single column for clarity.
• Adapt Color Schemes : Most templates allow you to adapt the color scheme. Customize it to make your presentation more engaging or to align with your branding.
• Uniformity : Ensure that the template is used consistently throughout the presentation. Avoid mixing different templates, as it can be distracting and appear unprofessional.
• Content First : With the design aspect taken care of, focus your efforts on refining your content. Ensure your text, images, and data are well-organized and clearly presented.
• Smart Art and Charts : Many templates come with built-in features like Smart Art, charts, and graphs. Utilize these features to present data visually and effectively.
• Space Management : Even with a template, it’s important to manage space wisely. Avoid overcrowding slides with too much text or too many images.
• Videos and Audio : Some templates support multimedia elements. Use these features to include relevant videos or audio clips that enhance your presentation.
• Online Template Libraries : Platforms like Microsoft Office, Google Slides, Canva, and SlideModel offer a wide range of templates. Explore these resources to find the one that best fits your presentation.
• Fast Edits : Templates allow for quick edits. You can easily replace placeholder text and images with your own content.
• Slide Show Test : Before finalizing, run a slide show to see how your content looks in the chosen template. Make sure everything is readable and visually appealing.

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Using pre-designed templates effectively can significantly reduce the time and effort needed in creating visually appealing slides, allowing you to concentrate more on the content and delivery of your last-minute presentation.

3.2 Simplicity is Key 

3.2.1. minimalistic design principles.

Adopting a minimalistic approach in your slide design can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your presentation, especially when time is limited. Minimalism in design focuses on simplicity and the ‘less is more’ philosophy. Here are key principles to follow:

• Conciseness : Use only essential words or phrases. Each slide should convey a single idea clearly and succinctly.
• Bullet Points : Use bullet points to break down information into easily digestible pieces.
• White Space : Embrace white space (or negative space). It helps in reducing clutter and makes your content more readable.
• Balance : Ensure there is a balance between text, images, and empty space on each slide.
• Limited Palette : Stick to a limited color palette. Too many colors can be distracting. Choose one or two primary colors and use them consistently.
• Simple Graphics : Use simple, clean graphics and icons. Avoid overly complex or detailed images.
• Consistent Style : Ensure all visual elements have a consistent style and tone.
• Legibility : Choose fonts that are easy to read, even from a distance. Sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica are often a good choice.
• Font Size : Ensure the font size is large enough to be easily read by your audience.
• No Frills : Avoid decorative fonts, excessive animations, or ornamental graphics that don’t add value to your content.
• Highlighting : Use techniques like bolding or color highlighting to draw attention to key points or data.
• Uniformity : Use a consistent layout across all slides. This helps in maintaining a cohesive look and feel.
• Relevance : Use images that are directly relevant to your content. Ensure they are high quality and add to the message you are conveying.
• Simplicity Check : Review your slides to ensure that each element serves a purpose. Remove anything that doesn’t contribute to your message or understanding.

By adhering to minimalistic design principles, your slides will not only look professional and clean but also aid in effectively communicating your message without overwhelming your audience with too much visual information.

3.2.2. Importance of readability and clear visuals

In the realm of last-minute presentations, the design principle of simplicity becomes even more crucial. Here’s why focusing on readability and clear visuals is essential:

• Clear Communication : Simple and readable visuals ensure that your audience can easily understand and retain the information being presented. Complex or cluttered slides can confuse or distract.
• Direct Attention : By keeping slides simple, you direct the audience’s attention to the most important points. This helps in emphasizing your key messages without overwhelming the audience with too much information.
• Time-Saving : Simplicity in design is not only beneficial for the audience but also practical for you. Simple slides can be created more quickly, which is crucial when time is limited.
• Clean Aesthetics : Simple designs tend to look more professional. A clean and uncluttered slide reflects well on the presenter and helps in maintaining the audience’s interest.
• Legible Text : Ensure that your text is easy to read from a distance. Use large, clear fonts and high-contrast colors. Avoid long paragraphs, opting instead for bullet points or short statements.
• Purposeful Imagery : Use visuals like images, charts, and graphs purposefully. Each visual should support or clarify your message, not just fill space.
• Unified Theme : Maintain a consistent theme throughout your presentation. This includes using a consistent color scheme, font style, and layout. Consistency helps in creating a cohesive and professional-looking presentation.
• Minimize Noise : Avoid using flashy animations or too many transitions, as these can be distracting and may appear unprofessional, especially in a business or academic context.
• Content-Appropriate Design : Tailor your design to suit the content. For instance, a financial report might require a more conservative design compared to a creative marketing pitch.
• Pre-Presentation Check : If time allows, test your slides on someone unfamiliar with the topic to ensure that your key points are coming across clearly.

By embracing simplicity in your presentation design, you ensure that your message is delivered clearly and effectively, even under the constraints of last-minute preparation.

Section 4: Rehearsing and Delivery

4.1. Effective Rehearsal Techniques

4.1.1. time-saving rehearsal strategies.

When preparing for a last-minute presentation, efficient rehearsal is key to ensuring a confident and effective delivery. Here are some time-saving rehearsal strategies:

• Prioritize : Focus on rehearsing the most important parts of your presentation, such as the introduction, conclusion, and any complex or crucial content.
• Segmented Practice : Break your presentation into segments and rehearse them individually, especially the parts that require more attention.
• Time Management : Rehearse with a timer to keep track of how long each section takes. This helps in ensuring your presentation fits within the allotted time.
• Adjust Content : If you’re over time, identify areas where you can be more concise. If under time, decide where to add more detail or slow down.
• Realistic Delivery : Rehearse out loud to get a feel for how your words sound and to practice your intonation and pacing.
• Voice Modulation : Pay attention to where you need to emphasize points or change your tone to keep the audience engaged.
• Body Language : Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself. This allows you to observe your body language and make adjustments to appear more confident and engaging.
• Slide Timing : Practice with your slides to ensure smooth transitions and to familiarize yourself with the content on each slide.
• Cue Syncing : Get comfortable with when to click for the next slide, so it becomes a natural part of your presentation.
• Visualization : Visualize yourself giving the presentation successfully. Mental rehearsal can boost confidence and reduce anxiety.
• Constructive Criticism : If possible, rehearse in front of a colleague or friend and ask for feedback on clarity, pacing, and engagement.
• Memorize Key Points : Instead of memorizing the entire presentation, focus on memorizing the key points and main ideas. This allows for more natural delivery.
• Quick Refresher : Before the actual presentation, do a quick review of your main points and any difficult sections to reinforce them in your memory.
• Stay Calm : Use deep breathing or other relaxation techniques right before your presentation to calm nerves and focus your mind.

By employing these time-saving rehearsal strategies, you can effectively prepare for your presentation, ensuring a confident delivery even with limited preparation time.

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4.1.2. Focusing on key sections

When time is limited, focusing your rehearsal on key sections of your presentation can greatly enhance your delivery. Here’s how to prioritize and effectively rehearse these crucial parts:

• First Impressions : The introduction sets the tone for your presentation. Rehearse it to ensure a strong, engaging start.
• Lasting Impact : The conclusion is what people often remember most. Practice it to leave a strong, clear final message.
• Smooth Flow : Practice transitions to ensure a smooth flow from one point to the next. This helps maintain audience engagement and keeps your presentation coherent.
• Clarity in Complexity : Rehearse sections that are complex or include data to ensure you can present them clearly and confidently.
• Simplify Explanation : Practice explaining difficult concepts or data in simple terms, especially if your audience is not specialized in the topic.
• Core Points : Identify the core messages of your presentation and focus on rehearsing these. Ensure they are clearly articulated and emphasized.
• Memorable Content : Stories or examples are often what make a presentation memorable. Practice these to ensure they are well-delivered and effectively illustrate your points.
• Anticipate Questions : Think about potential questions the audience might ask and rehearse concise, informative responses.
• Up-to-Date Information : If your presentation includes time-sensitive information, such as recent developments or data, give these sections extra attention to ensure accuracy.
• Audience Relevance : Tailor parts of your presentation to the specific audience. Practice how you will make your content relevant and engaging for them.
• Motivating Conclusion : If your presentation has a call to action, rehearse this part to make it compelling and clear.
• Boosting Confidence : Rehearse sections where you feel most confident to build your overall confidence in the presentation.

By focusing your rehearsal on these key sections, you ensure that the most important parts of your presentation are well-prepared and effectively delivered, maximizing the impact of your message within the constraints of limited preparation time.

4 .2. Mastering the Delivery

4.2.1. tips for confident speaking.

Delivering a presentation confidently, especially when it’s prepared at the last minute, can significantly influence its effectiveness. Here are some tips to help you speak with confidence:

• Relaxation Technique : Before you start, take deep breaths to calm your nerves. This helps in reducing anxiety and improves voice control.
• Engagement : Make eye contact with different members of the audience. This creates a connection and makes your delivery appear more confident and engaging.
• Posture : Stand straight and use open gestures. This conveys confidence.
• Movement : Use the space available to you. Moving around slightly can make you appear more dynamic.
• Articulation : Speak clearly and articulate your words. Avoid mumbling.
• Pacing : Be mindful of your speaking pace. Speaking too fast can be a sign of nervousness, while too slow can bore the audience.
• Strategic Pauses : Use pauses to emphasize points and to give the audience time to absorb information.
• Engagement : Varying your tone keeps the audience engaged. Adjust your volume as necessary to ensure everyone can hear you.
• Stay Calm : If you make a mistake or lose your place, stay calm. Take a moment to gather your thoughts before continuing.
• Familiarity : Be as familiar with your material as possible. This reduces reliance on notes and increases confidence.
• Reference Points : Use notes or cue cards as reference points rather than reading from them verbatim.
• Constructive Criticism : Practice in front of friends or colleagues and ask for feedback on your delivery style.
• Positive Imagery : Visualize yourself delivering a successful presentation. This mental rehearsal can boost confidence.
• Comfort and Professionalism : Wear something that is comfortable and makes you feel confident. Dressing appropriately for the occasion can also boost your self-assurance.

By incorporating these tips into your preparation and delivery, you can present more confidently, even under the pressure of last-minute preparations. Confidence in speaking is key to engaging your audience and effectively conveying your message.

4.2.2. Handling nerves under time pressure

Delivering a presentation under time pressure can significantly heighten nerves. Here are strategies to help you manage anxiety and deliver your presentation effectively, even under tight deadlines:

• Acceptance : Understand that it’s normal to feel nervous, especially under time constraints. Accepting your nerves can be the first step in managing them.
• Familiarity with Content : Even with limited time, familiarize yourself as much as possible with your material. Confidence in your knowledge can help ease nerves.
• Deep Breathing : Practice deep breathing exercises. Deep, steady breaths can help reduce anxiety and calm your mind.
• Encouragement : Engage in positive self-talk. Remind yourself of your expertise and your ability to handle this challenge.
• Mental Rehearsal : Visualize yourself delivering a successful presentation. This can help build confidence and reduce anxiety.
• Water : Keep a bottle of water handy. Dry mouth is a common symptom of nervousness, and staying hydrated can help.
• Present Moment Focus : Engage in mindfulness or grounding techniques to keep yourself in the present moment and reduce anxiety.
• Channel Energy : Convert nervous energy into enthusiasm and passion for your topic. This can make your presentation more dynamic.
• Simulate Environment : If possible, practice in an environment similar to where you’ll be presenting. This can help acclimate you to the setting.
• Preparedness : Have a plan for potential issues, like technical difficulties. Knowing you have a backup can reduce stress.
• Engagement : Start by connecting with your audience through a question or a relatable statement. This can help create a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Stress Relief : If time allows, engage in some form of physical exercise before your presentation. Exercise can be an effective stress reliever.
• Dietary Choices : Avoid excessive caffeine or sugar before your presentation as they can heighten anxiety.

By employing these strategies, you can better manage your nerves and focus on delivering a compelling presentation, even when under significant time pressure.

Section 5: Handling Q&A Sessions

5.1. Preparing for Potential Questions

5.1.1. anticipating audience inquiries.

Effectively handling audience questions can significantly enhance the impact of your presentation. Anticipating and preparing for these inquiries is key, especially when your preparation time is limited. Here’s how to get ready for potential questions:

• Audience Analysis : Consider the background and interests of your audience. What might they be curious about? What concerns might they have?
• Potential Query Points : Identify parts of your presentation that might prompt questions. Complex data, controversial points, or new concepts are often areas where questions arise.
• Key Points : Prepare concise responses for potential questions. Focus on clarity and brevity in your answers.
• Supporting Data : Have supporting data or examples ready for more in-depth explanations if needed.
• Rehearsal : Practice answering these questions aloud. This helps in refining your responses and makes you more comfortable when addressing them live.
• Current Developments : If your topic is subject to recent developments, stay updated. This ensures you can handle questions on current or emerging trends.
• Flexibility : Prepare to handle open-ended questions that might require a more thoughtful or detailed response.
• Honesty : If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s okay to admit it. Offer to follow up after the presentation with the information.
• Engagement : Consider including interactive elements like polls or Q&A sessions to anticipate and address questions throughout your presentation.
• Non-Verbal Cues : Maintain eye contact and a calm demeanor when answering questions. This conveys confidence and control.
• Clarification : After answering, you can ask if your response addressed their query, ensuring effective communication.

By anticipating potential questions and preparing thoughtful responses, you can engage more effectively with your audience, enhancing the overall impact of your presentation.

5. 1.2 Quick thinking strategies

Handling spontaneous questions during a presentation requires quick thinking. Here are strategies to help you respond effectively and confidently, even when caught off guard:

• Collect Your Thoughts : Take a brief pause to gather your thoughts before answering. This gives you a moment to formulate a coherent response.
• Clarification : Repeat or rephrase the question to ensure you’ve understood it correctly and to buy yourself some extra time to think.
• Framework : Apply a simple structure to your response, such as Problem-Solution-Benefit, to organize your thoughts quickly and effectively.
• Relevant Information : Leverage your expertise and experiences related to the topic. This can help in formulating a knowledgeable response.
• Relevance : Keep your answers relevant to the presentation’s topic. Avoid straying into unrelated areas which can lead to confusion.
• Illustration : If applicable, use examples or analogies to explain your point. This can make your response clearer and more relatable.
• Honesty : It’s okay to admit if you don’t know the answer. Offer to find out and get back to the person after the presentation.
• No Rush : Don’t feel pressured to respond immediately. It’s better to take a moment to respond thoughtfully than to rush and give a poor answer.
• Post-Presentation Discussion : For complex or detailed questions, suggest discussing them after the presentation to avoid taking too much time.
• Non-Verbal Communication : Maintain a calm demeanor. Use confident body language to convey that you are in control of the situation.
• Preparation : Practice with potential questions you might face. This can improve your ability to think on your feet.
• Continuous Learning : Regularly update your knowledge about your field. A strong knowledge base allows for quicker and more accurate responses.

By employing these quick thinking strategies, you can handle spontaneous questions more effectively, maintaining the flow and integrity of your presentation while engaging with your audience.

5.2 Staying Composed

5.2.1. techniques for maintaining composure.

• Relaxation : Practice deep breathing exercises before and during your presentation to calm nerves and reduce stress.
• Mental Rehearsal : Visualize yourself delivering a successful presentation. This positive imagery can boost confidence and composure.
• Know Your Material : Being thoroughly prepared and familiar with your material can significantly reduce anxiety and help maintain composure.
• Stay in the Moment : Practice mindfulness to keep your focus on the present moment, reducing worry about potential mistakes or audience reactions.
• Posture and Gestures : Be aware of your posture and gestures. Maintaining an open and confident stance can help you feel more composed.
• Use Pauses : Don’t be afraid to take short pauses to collect your thoughts and breathe, especially before responding to questions or transitioning to new topics.
• Controlled Speaking : Speak at a controlled pace. Rushing through your presentation can increase anxiety and reduce clarity.
• Positive Channeling : Channel any nervous energy into enthusiasm for your topic, transforming it into a positive force.
• Water Breaks : Keep water handy and take small sips throughout your presentation to stay hydrated and keep your throat clear.
• Resilience : If you make a mistake, acknowledge it if necessary, and move on. Dwelling on errors can disrupt your composure.
• Build Confidence : Regularly practicing public speaking can improve your confidence and ability to stay composed under pressure.
• Constructive Criticism : Seek feedback on your speaking skills and work on areas of improvement. This can help in building a more composed demeanor.

5.2.2. How to gracefully handle unknown answers

Encountering questions or topics you’re unfamiliar with during a presentation can be challenging. Here’s how to handle such situations gracefully while maintaining your composure:

• Honesty : If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay to admit it. Honesty is often appreciated and maintains your credibility.
• Responsiveness : Offer to find out the answer and get back to the questioner after the presentation. This shows your commitment to providing accurate information.
• Audience Engagement : Sometimes, redirecting the question to the audience can be effective, especially if it’s a subjective or opinion-based question.
• Broad Knowledge : Provide a general response based on your knowledge of the field. Acknowledge that it’s a broader perspective and may not directly answer the specific question.
• Non-Verbal Cues : Maintain a calm demeanor. Avoid showing signs of stress or discomfort, as this can undermine your confidence.
• Curiosity : Express your interest in the topic and mention that it’s an area you’d like to explore further. This can turn a potentially awkward moment into a positive one.
• Integrity : Avoid guessing or providing potentially incorrect information. It’s better to admit ignorance than to provide misinformation.
• Self-Assurance : Keep your tone and posture confident. Your response should convey that not knowing this particular answer doesn’t undermine your overall expertise.
• Seamless Shift : After addressing the question, transition smoothly back to your presentation to maintain the flow.
• Anticipation : Think about potential areas outside your expertise that might come up and prepare a strategy for addressing them.
• Extended Interaction : Suggest discussing the question further after the presentation, which can also be an opportunity for networking and relationship building.
• Post-Presentation Review : After the presentation, take time to research the question. This not only prepares you for future queries but also expands your knowledge base.

Handling unknown answers with grace and confidence can actually enhance your credibility and audience respect. It shows that you are knowledgeable yet open to learning and engaging with new ideas.

Section 6: Learning from the Experience

6 .1 Post-Presentation Reflection

6.1.1. analyzing what went well and what didn’t.

Reflecting on your presentation is crucial for continuous improvement. Here’s how to effectively analyze both the successes and areas for improvement:

• Immediate Impressions : Right after your presentation, jot down your immediate thoughts on what felt successful and what didn’t.
• Audience Feedback : If possible, gather feedback from your audience. This can be through direct conversation, feedback forms, or digital surveys.
• Peer Review : Ask colleagues or mentors who attended for their honest opinions.
• Objective Analysis : If your presentation was recorded, watch it. This allows you to see yourself from the audience’s perspective.
• Engagement Indicators : Reflect on the audience’s body language and engagement levels during your presentation. Were they attentive, did they ask questions, or did they seem distracted?
• Clarity and Pace : Analyze how well you delivered the content. Was your speech clear and well-paced? Did you cover all key points effectively?
• Response Effectiveness : Reflect on the question-and-answer portion. Were you able to answer questions confidently and accurately?
• Duration : Did you manage your time effectively? Were you able to cover all points within the allotted time without rushing?
• Slide Impact : Evaluate the effectiveness of your visual aids. Were they clear, relevant, and helpful in conveying your message?
• Targeted Reflection : Pinpoint specific areas, such as handling nerves, engaging the audience, or using visual aids more effectively.
• Comfort and Confidence : Consider how you felt during the presentation. Were you nervous, confident, or comfortable? How did your emotions affect your delivery?
• Actionable Steps : Based on your reflection, create a plan for improvement. Set specific, achievable goals for your next presentation.
• Positive Reinforcement : Acknowledge what you did well. Celebrating your successes is important for building confidence.

Post-presentation reflection is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. By critically analyzing your performance, you can identify strengths to build upon and areas for development, leading to more effective and impactful presentations in the future.

6.1.2. Lessons learned for future presentations

Reflecting on your presentation not only helps in identifying areas of improvement but also in extracting valuable lessons for future presentations. Here’s how to distill these lessons:

• Core Lessons : From your analysis, identify the most significant lessons learned. These could be about content organization, audience engagement, or handling unexpected situations.
• Record Keeping : Keep a journal or file where you document these insights. This can become a valuable resource for future reference.
• Content Refinement : Reflect on how your content was received. Consider adjustments in how you research, organize, and present information.
• Presentation Style : Identify what aspects of your delivery worked well and what could be improved, such as voice modulation, body language, or use of technology.
• Engagement Techniques : Learn from the audience’s reactions. What techniques helped in keeping them engaged? How can you incorporate more interactive elements?
• Pacing and Timing : Reflect on your time management. Did you allocate enough time for each section? How can you better pace your presentation?
• Q&A Strategy : Consider how you handled the Q&A session. Plan strategies for dealing with difficult questions or how to engage more with the audience through questions.
• Audience Adaptation : Each audience is different. Reflect on how well you adapted your presentation to the specific audience and what you can learn from this.
• Coping Mechanisms : Evaluate how you handled stress and nerves. What techniques worked for you, and what can you try next time?
• Effective Visuals : Assess the effectiveness of your visual aids. Consider how you can make them more impactful and relevant.
• Feedback Utilization : Use the feedback received to guide your improvements. This can be a direct insight into what the audience values and expects.
• Future Objectives : Based on these lessons, set specific goals for your next presentation. This could be improving certain skills or trying new techniques.

By systematically reflecting on and learning from each presentation, you can continuously improve your skills and effectiveness as a presenter. These lessons become building blocks for your future success in public speaking.

6.2 Planning Ahead

6.2.1. tips for avoiding last-minute scenarios.

While last-minute presentations can be managed effectively, the best strategy is to avoid such scenarios when possible. Here are tips to help you plan ahead and minimize the need for last-minute preparations:

• Timely Preparation : Begin preparing for your presentation as soon as you know about it. Early preparation gives you ample time to research, organize, and refine your content.
• Milestones : Break down the preparation process into smaller tasks with individual deadlines. This helps in managing the workload and avoiding procrastination.
• Progress Checks : Schedule regular intervals to review and update your presentation. This ensures continuous progress and helps identify any areas needing more work.
• Resource Management : Gather and organize all necessary resources (research materials, visual aids, etc.) well in advance. This prevents last-minute scrambles for information.
• Effective Scheduling : Allocate specific times for presentation preparation in your schedule. Treat these times as non-negotiable appointments.
• Contingency Preparations : Have backup plans for potential issues, such as technical difficulties or changes in presentation format.
• Preliminary Reviews : Get feedback on your presentation’s draft from colleagues or mentors. Early input can guide significant improvements.
• Consistent Practice : Practice your presentation multiple times. This not only improves your delivery but also helps in memorizing the content, reducing reliance on notes.
• Current Knowledge : Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in your field. This reduces the need for extensive last-minute research.
• Digital Tools : Utilize project management and reminder tools to keep track of your preparation progress and upcoming deadlines.
• Well-being : Engage in stress-reduction activities like meditation or exercise. A calm mind is more efficient and less prone to last-minute panic.
• Learning from History : Reflect on past presentations, especially those prepared last minute. Identify what led to those scenarios and how you can avoid them in the future.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of finding yourself in a last-minute preparation scenario, leading to more polished, confident, and effective presentations.

6.2.2. Time management strategies for future presentations

Effective time management is key to avoiding last-minute rushes and ensuring a well-prepared presentation. Here are strategies to help you manage your time efficiently for future presentations:

• Structured Schedule : As soon as you know about your presentation, create a timeline with specific milestones. Include time for research, content creation, design, rehearsal, and revision.
• Task Segmentation : Divide the preparation into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes the process less overwhelming and easier to handle.
• Importance and Urgency : Prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Focus on the most critical aspects of your presentation first.
• Achievable Objectives : Set realistic and achievable goals for each session of your preparation. Avoid setting overly ambitious targets that may lead to frustration.
• Organizational Tools : Utilize planners, calendars, or digital project management tools to keep track of deadlines and tasks.
• Dedicated Periods : Ensure you allocate sufficient time for thorough research and the design of your presentation. Rushed research or design can impact the quality of your presentation.
• Checkpoints : Schedule regular intervals to review your progress. This helps in staying on track and making any necessary adjustments.
• Focused Efforts : Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can reduce efficiency and lead to errors.
• Contingency Time : Include buffer time in your schedule for unexpected delays or additional revisions.
• Practice Sessions : Schedule ample time for rehearsals. This is crucial for a smooth delivery and helps in memorizing your content.
• Task Sharing : If you have access to a team, delegate tasks where appropriate. This can free up your time to focus on the critical aspects of your presentation.
• Focused Environment : Choose a work environment with minimal distractions. This can significantly improve your efficiency.
• Rest Periods : Take regular breaks to avoid burnout. Short breaks can improve focus and productivity.
• Continuous Improvement : After each presentation, reflect on your time management and adjust your strategies for future presentations.

By implementing these time management strategies, you can ensure a more organized and stress-free approach to preparing for presentations, leading to higher quality and more impactful delivery.

Recap of the key strategies for successful last-minute presentations

In wrapping up this comprehensive guide, let’s recap the essential strategies for pulling off a successful last-minute presentation:

• Quickly determine the time available and understand your audience to tailor your presentation effectively.
• Focus on delivering key messages and prioritize content based on its importance and relevance to your audience.
• Use mind mapping techniques and bullet points to quickly organize your main ideas and structure your presentation.
• Conduct quick, targeted research, focusing on reliable sources for last-minute information.
• Stick to a clear introduction, body, and conclusion format, and allocate time appropriately for each section.
• Use quick design tips and pre-designed templates for creating effective slides. Remember, simplicity is key.
• Employ time-saving rehearsal strategies, focusing on key sections to ensure a smooth delivery.
• Practice confident speaking and learn to handle nerves under time pressure.
• Anticipate audience inquiries and develop quick thinking strategies to handle unknown answers gracefully.
• Use techniques for maintaining composure throughout your presentation, especially when faced with unexpected challenges.
• Analyze what went well and what didn’t, and learn lessons for future presentations.
• Implement time management strategies and tips for avoiding last-minute scenarios in future presentations.

By following these strategies, you can navigate the challenges of last-minute presentations with confidence and effectiveness. Remember, even with limited time, a well-structured, clear, and confidently delivered presentation can leave a lasting impact on your audience.

Some last words of encouragement

As we conclude this guide on mastering last-minute presentations, it’s important to remember that while preparation is key, adaptability and confidence are equally crucial. Here’s some encouragement and a motivational closing to inspire you:

• Self-Confidence : Trust in your skills and knowledge. You have the expertise and experience needed to deliver a compelling presentation, even on short notice.
• Positive Outlook : View last-minute presentations as an opportunity to showcase your adaptability and quick thinking. These are valuable skills in any professional setting.
• Growth Mindset : Each presentation, regardless of preparation time, is a chance to learn and grow. Embrace these experiences as steps in your professional development journey.
• Audience Connection : Remember, your goal is to make an impact on your audience. Focus on delivering a clear message that resonates, rather than on perfection.
• Overcoming Challenges : Every challenge you overcome adds to your resilience and capability as a presenter. You’re building a repertoire of skills that will serve you in all future endeavors.
• Acknowledgment : After your presentation, take a moment to acknowledge your effort and dedication. Celebrating these victories, big or small, is crucial for your motivation.
• Lifelong Learning : Each presentation is a step forward in your journey of continuous improvement. Keep learning, adapting, and growing.
• Seek Support : Remember, you’re not alone. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or friends for support and feedback. A strong support network is invaluable.
• Passion for Your Work : Let your passion for your subject shine through. It’s your enthusiasm and energy that will engage and captivate your audience.
• Looking Ahead : With each presentation, you’re paving the way for future successes. The skills you’re developing now are building blocks for your future achievements.

Remember, the path to becoming an exceptional presenter is a journey, not a destination. Each experience, each presentation, is a step forward. You got this.

Additional Resources

• Links to tools and resources for presentation design.

To further assist you in your journey to mastering last-minute presentations, here are some valuable tools and resources for presentation design:

• PowerPoint : A classic tool for creating professional presentations with a wide range of templates and features.
• Google Slides : A free, web-based tool that allows for easy collaboration and sharing.
• Prezi : Offers a dynamic, non-linear way of presenting information, ideal for engaging storytelling.
• SlideShare : Explore a vast collection of presentations for inspiration on various topics.
• Behance : Discover creative presentation designs from professionals around the world.
• Canva : Provides a user-friendly interface with a variety of customizable presentation templates.
• Envato Elements : A subscription-based service providing high-quality templates and visual assets.
• Unsplash : Free, high-resolution photos for enhancing your slides.
• Pexels : Another great source for free stock photos and videos.
• Flaticon : Offers a vast collection of icons and vector graphics.
• Tableau : Ideal for creating complex, interactive data visualizations.
• Infogram : A user-friendly tool for creating infographics, charts, and maps.
• Google Fonts : A wide selection of free fonts to add a unique touch to your presentations.
• Adobe Fonts : Offers a vast library of high-quality fonts for creative designs.
• LinkedIn Learning : Offers courses on presentation skills and design.
• Udemy : Find a variety of courses tailored to improving presentation skills and using different software.
• Toastmasters International : A non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills.
• TED Talks : Watch engaging talks for inspiration on effective speaking and presentation styles.
• Slack : For team communication and collaboration during the presentation design process.
• Trello : A project management tool to organize tasks and collaborate with team members.
• SurveyMonkey : Create surveys to gather audience feedback post-presentation.
• Mentimeter : Interactive presentation software that allows real-time audience feedback.

These tools and resources can significantly enhance your presentation design process, helping you create more impactful and visually appealing presentations, even under time constraints.

Recommended books for presentations and further skill enhancement.

To further refine your presentation skills and knowledge, here’s a list of recommended books that cover various aspects of effective presentation design and delivery:

• This book offers a deep dive into the art of creating compelling presentations. Duarte discusses how to craft a story, design impactful slides, and connect with your audience.
• Gallo analyzes some of the best TED Talks to reveal the techniques used by the world’s top speakers. This book is great for learning how to captivate and inspire your audience.
• Focusing on simplicity and storytelling, this book guides you through creating clear, visually engaging presentations and delivering them with authenticity.
• Another masterpiece by Duarte, this book focuses on how to create a strong connection with your audience through storytelling and visual design.
• This book dissects the presentation techniques of Steve Jobs, offering insights into how he captivated his audience.
• Berkun shares humorous and insightful stories from his experiences as a professional speaker, offering practical advice on how to handle various speaking scenarios.
• A practical guide from Harvard Business Review that covers the essentials of persuasive presentations, from planning your message to delivering it with impact.
• Written by the head of TED, this guide provides invaluable tips on public speaking, drawn from the wealth of experience TED Talks have to offer.
• Roam emphasizes the power of simple drawings and visual aids in making presentations more engaging and memorable.
• This book explores the techniques of some of history’s greatest speakers, offering practical tips you can apply to your own presentations.

Check out my list on the best pitching books , best presentation books , and best communication books . It includes a review on most of the books mentioned above and why they work.

These books provide a wealth of knowledge and practical tips for anyone looking to enhance their presentation skills. They cover a range of topics from storytelling and design to public speaking and audience engagement, making them valuable resources for both novice and experienced presenters.

Addressing common questions about last-minute presentations can provide additional clarity and guidance. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

• Prioritize Key Messages : Focus on the most important points you need to convey. Ask yourself what the key takeaways for your audience should be and structure your content around these points.
• Breathing Techniques : Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves.
• Positive Visualization : Imagine a successful presentation to boost confidence.
• Quick Rehearsal : Go over your main points to reassure yourself of your preparedness.
• Use Templates : Leverage pre-designed templates for a professional look.
• Keep It Simple : Use minimal text and high-quality images or graphics. Avoid cluttering your slides.
• Yes, But Sparingly : It’s acceptable to use notes, especially in a last-minute scenario. However, try to keep them brief and use them only as prompts to maintain eye contact with your audience.
• Ask Questions : Engage your audience by asking rhetorical or direct questions.
• Tell a Story : Use a short, relevant story to connect with your audience and make your points more memorable.
• Be Honest : It’s okay to admit if you don’t know the answer. Offer to follow up after the presentation with more information.
• Redirect : If possible, redirect the question to a related point you are knowledgeable about.
• Use Bullet Points : Outline your presentation with bullet points to ensure you cover all key topics.
• Practice Timing : Do a timed run-through of your presentation to make sure you can cover all points in the allotted time.
• Yes : Use simple interactive elements like quick polls, asking for a show of hands, or incorporating audience questions.
• Prepare for the Worst : Have a backup plan, like printed copies of your slides or a PDF version on a USB drive.
• Stay Calm : Keep your composure and try to resolve the issue quickly. If it can’t be fixed, continue without the technology.
• Strong Closing : End with a summary of key points and a strong closing statement that reinforces your main message. Invite questions if time permits.

These answers provide practical advice and solutions to common concerns regarding last-minute presentations, helping presenters navigate these challenging situations more effectively.

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Table of Contents

11 Small Ways You Can Make an OK Presentation More Impressive

There’s a whole industry devoted to presentation skills training. And many people find that proper coaching builds their confidence and presenting ability.

But if you have a presentation due later today and that’s not an option, there are still lots of small things you can do to make your next presentation leaps and bounds better than it would’ve been.

1. Memorize Your Opening Lines

You’ll feel more confident and you can make eye contact with your audience straight away. Plus, people’s first impression will be that you know the subject and are well prepared.

2. Make Regular Eye Contact

Don’t stop looking at the audience once you get back to checking your notes. Write in reminders to yourself to look up and engage with the people you’re speaking to at regular intervals.

3. Limit the Words on Your Slides

Are the pages covered with words? If so, commit to spending 20 minutes replacing sentences with any graphs, infographics, and images you already have on file. And remember this rule: If you’re saying it, they don’t need to see it. If you’re covering something out loud as part of your presentation, you don’t need to write it down on a slide as well. It often creates more of a distraction, than a reinforcement.

4. Use Separate Presentation Notes

Once your presentation no longer includes each and every word you had planned to say—again, that’s a good thing—you will want those ideas somewhere for your own reference. Put them in the notes section of the program you are using or in a simple text document.

If you opt for a separate program, be sure to include reminders for when you need to flip to the next image. (I’ve seen presenters leave the same slide up for half of their presentation because they forgot to skip to the next graphic: You don’t want that to happen to you!)

5. Include a Shout Out to an Audience Member

Did someone help you create a chart, give you great strategic advice, or uncover a critical insight that’s included in your presentation? Publicly thank him or her! It’ll make everyone feel good and you’ll come across as generous and confident in your own abilities. Bonus: It’s yet another way to connect with your audience and seem like you’re talking with them, rather than at them.

6. Throw in a Rhetorical Question

Questions (even those that aren’t meant to be answered) are a great way to re-engage an audience that’s getting distracted by their smartphones or letting their minds wander to what’s for dinner. People will switch their focus if they think they need to respond.

Before you launch into fourth quarter numbers, try: “So, how do you think last quarter stacked up?” You don’t need to ask people to raise their hands and guess, just pose it as a question and wait a beat before you continue; it’ll keep people more interested.

7. Stand on Two Feet

People sometimes rock from foot to foot, sway back and forward, or pace up and down while they’re speaking. Unnecessary repetitive movement acts as a distraction from what you’re saying.

I’m not talking about people who can naturally and comfortably walk across a stage or the front of the room. I’m talking about fidgeting or bopping around because you’re nervous. Is this sounds like you, it’s perfectly OK to plant your feet before you start to speak and stay there, right to the very end of your presentation.

8. Decide What You’re Going to do With Your Hands

I’m very guilty of gesticulating wildly while I speak! So, I try and decide what I’m going to do with my hands before I get up in front of a group. Either have your hands by your sides, gently resting on a lectern or use them to draw attention to key points.

And never point directly at the audience, because it comes across as threatening. Next time you watch a politician speak notice how instead of pointing, he or she touches their index finger to their thumb. It has the same impact as pointing without coming across as aggressive.

9. Practice Just Once

Running through your presentation once will make you more confident in what you have to say and more fluent in your delivery. It could also help catch any problems that need a quick fix. You wouldn’t send an email to your CEO without reading it through once, so don’t stand up in front of your colleagues or a client without a quick run-through.

And remember, more isn’t always better. If you run through it too many times, you might start sounding like a robot. Once helps you make sure it all makes sense, and it’ll still sound natural.

10. Think Twice About Your Ending

Does your presentation trail off or does it have a strong finish? Lots of people are tired by the time they plan the end of their presentation and don’t realize they’re coming to an abrupt stop. But you want to end on a note people will remember.

Do you want to pose a question for people to think on afterward? Do you want to sum up why what you just said is so important? Give some thought to what you want that final moment to be.

11. Circle Back

If you aren’t sure how to end, an option that works almost every time is to remind people how you started and what you’ve said. Consider this example: “I started by saying that if we can grow our users to 100,000 our revenue for 2017 will be increase by 30%. I’ve shown you a plan for how to get there, now we just need to implement it.”

You won’t always have the time you’d like to spend on every presentation. But small things like a quick run through, a shout out to a colleague, and a proper ending can turn an OK presentation into one that people will remember for the right reasons.

Photo of woman presenting courtesy of Peopleimages/Getty Images.

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How to Make a Last-Minute Presentation Deck

A digital slideshow presentation can be a beautiful, informative thing—if you know what you’re doing and how to use your software to the best of its abilities. You also need some time to get all your information together, decide how you want to present it, and create something visually impressive and useful. But what if you don’t have time? What if your boss lets you know at 10 a.m. that you have to present at 11 a.m., or you forgot about a project until the morning it’s due? You can still make a nice presentation, even in just an hour.

Your slideshow timeline

We’ll get into specifics below, but for now, here’s the timeline you should follow if you only have an hour or so to create your slideshow:

10 minutes identifying key points and messages to share

10 minutes sourcing stock art, graphs, photos, or other elements

35 minutes building the simple presentation

Five minutes downloading the presentation and setting up to give it

Stick with the basics and what you already know

When you google how to make a slideshow fast, you get an assortment of offers from websites that promise to help you make a great slideshow quickly. If you haven’t used one of those presentation builders before, though, don’t start now. It takes time to learn the ins and outs of a new software, plus how to play the slideshow when you’re done with it. You run the risk of slowing your progress on the project significantly if you pick a random online presentation generator and then spend the bulk of your time figuring out how the hell to use it.

Plus, you could finish your project using an online designer only to find out you can’t download it unless you pay or sign up for a trial that will eventually start sucking money out of your checking account every month, long after you no longer need the software. Instead, use the software you already know or have available, like Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides.

Use pre-made design templates

The major presentation-building softwares have design templates pre-installed that you should you really use. In Google Slides, for instance, you’ll find “Theme Builder” under the View tab. You’ll be shown dozens of possible themes, all of which have their own layouts for individual slides. Each slide template is unique, but fits with the color and font themes of the others with the same theme. Your presentation will look cohesive and thought-out, even if it was a rush job. This only takes a few seconds to access and helps you deliver a presentation that looks so much more professional than a blank white slide or, worse, some kind of eccentric WordArt nightmare.

Include only the most important information

You do not need to have every single word of your presentation shown on your slides. In fact, the fewer words you have, the better off you might be, as long as what you do show is impactful and helps you remember what you want to convey verbally.

Before you start making the slideshow, go through your notes, research, stats, or whatever it is you’re expected to present. Pull out the key results or points that your audience needs to see. Build around those. If you’re looking at sales for a quarter, title one slide “Sales in Q3.” Include a bullet point or two that demonstrate the sales. Throw in a graph if you have one available, but don’t labor over creating one if you don’t. There’s no need to add in superfluous information about what it all means ; you’ll discuss that out loud as you present. Your next slide could be a year-over-year comparison to the sales of the previous third quarter, or a comparison to the sales from the beginning of the year. Again, just stay simple.

To that end, font choice is very important. According to Pickit , a digital asset management company, you should “try to use no more than two different fonts in your presentation, and make sure they flow well with each other and don’t clash or distract.” If you’re using a pre-made template, the work of font selection is already done for you.

Use at least a 30-point font size for headlines, and something between 24 and 28 points for additional text, of which you should really not have much.

Organize your ideas

Every slide should feature one message, point, or idea. Do not smash a historical overview onto the same slide as future projections, for instance. You can use plenty of slides, and it won’t take you that much time to do, but you’ll give away that you were stressing and rushing if you present something disjointed and confusing.

Pickit also suggests only using three to five bullet points at a time, and no more than five elements per slide. We would recommend even fewer elements if possible, because you don’t have time for all that uploading, dragging and dropping, or arranging. Pickit does have a great tip related to that, though: “Make your images larger and reduce the quantity of text.” If a picture or on-hand graph would explain something just as well as a set of bullet points, always go for the picture.

Per Pickit, “We know our brain can process images up to 60,000 time faster than text, and using a large image gets your point across quickly, without being a distraction.” Plus, it’s just faster on your end. ( PCMag also recommends not shying away from free stock art for this purpose, but only attempt that if you’re familiar with how to search for quality photos, and, if your presentation will be available anywhere public, how to source them.)

11 Time-Saving PowerPoint Hacks For Creating Quick Presentations

If you’ve ever left a PowerPoint presentation for the last minute, you’ve probably ended up with the surprise that it takes up way more time than expected. We’ve all been there! Going from the default all-white canvas slides to a professional presentation that truly conveys your message and represents your brand takes time and effort. The easiest way to save time creating PowerPoint presentations is to outsource the process . It is, hands down, the most effective way to get the task of doing PowerPoint out of your hands forever. However, there are still a lot of time-saving PowerPoint hacks that do not need any money investment. Here you’ll find 11 easy tips to save time when creating PowerPoint presentations.

And even better, these PowerPoint hacks work even better in unison. At the end of the article, you’ll find a step-by-step guide on how to use these presentation tips in conjunction to save time and make a professional-looking slide pack in less than 3 hours.

The average time spent working on presentations is 4 hours

Working on presentation slides is a common task for pretty much everybody. Whether you’re a student, a manager, or a CEO, PowerPoint offers an incredible array of options for public speaking. Chances are, you’re already investing hours and hours of time and effort into PowerPoint presentations. For those who have to constantly work with it, learning how to save time creating PowerPoint presentations can become a key skill. According to our surveys, the average executive will spend around 4 hours a week working on presentations . This might not sound as much, but it sums up to 141 hours a year -probably at least $7,000 worth !

This means that learning how to save time creating PowerPoint presentations will not only free you time for more important tasks, but it can even save you precious money. Hopefully, these 11 time-saving PowerPoint hacks will help you become more efficient in your presentation creation process!

11 time-saving PowerPoint hacks to optimize your time better

The easiest way to make a PowerPoint presentation that looks both good and doesn’t take much time is to keep it clean and simple. A minimalistic style can be a great approach if you’re trying to save time when working on a PowerPoint presentation.

Luckily, there are a lot of options for improving your presentations’ design while still saving time! You don’t have to spend hours and hours working on PowerPoint presentations if you’re strategic in your approach. The PowerPoint hacks you’ll find in this list are easy to implement whether you’re a newbie or you’ve been working with PowerPoint all your life. And they will help you create a presentation that looks professional without taking hours of your time!

Time-saving PowerPoint hack #1: Plan ahead

One tip for saving time when creating a PowerPoint presentation that many people forget to take into consideration is working on the planning stage . Outlining might feel like a waste of time when you’re trying to get something done as fast as possible. However, it can be an invaluable step that can help you reduce time in the following tasks.

Planning can be something as easy as asking yourself some baseline questions for your presentation. For example, who is my audience, and what previous knowledge of this topic do they have? Or how do I want my brand to be perceived? Thinking about these things beforehand can help you define what you should include in your presentation and what it should look like. It can help you define what sort of data and information you need so you can make sure to collect it all beforehand. It can give you an idea of what sort of slides you should include, like a timeline, or a bar graph.

Even if it’s just a quick brainstorming session, having some previous idea of what you want your presentation to include will make the process of creating and designing your slides much more easier and efficient. Planning ahead will not only help you save time but also improve the quality of your presentation. By doing the extra work of outlining your presentation, you will be able to make sure that all the important points are being delivered and that your message is being conveyed exactly as you want it to be.

Time-saving PowerPoint hack #2: Outsource your PowerPoint presentation design

The most effective way to save time when creating a PowerPoint presentation is, hands down, not to do it yourself! This might come as a surprise for you, but outsourcing presentation design has become a very common practice among professionals in all kinds of industries. And no wonder why! It allows you to completely get rid of the annoying task of fiddling around for hours in PowerPoint while still getting an amazing final product.

If you want a truly outstanding presentation that will impress your audience and make them remember you long after the presentation is over, then professional help is probably the best way to go. By outsourcing your PowerPoint design you’ll not only get the ‘wow-factor’ assured, but you’ll also have much more free time for working on your presentation’s content and rehearsing or even other business tasks.

The power of outsourcing presentation design

When talking about being strategic with your time management and your presentation-making process, outsourcing is definitely at the top of the list . Leaving it at the hands of professional PowerPoint designers has been proven to save around 37 minutes per slide . This means that in a small presentation of just 7 slides you would be saving more than 4 hours!

Many people quickly dismiss outsourcing because they think that the price is too restrictive, or simply not worth it. But you would be surprised by the number of offers and options when talking about outsourcing presentation design. You can hire freelance designers , but there are also design agencies that work with worldwide companies and are experts on professional PowerPoint design. 24Slides works with some of the biggest companies worldwide, and offers custom-designed slides starting at only $9 ! You can even adjust the price according to how much detail you want to be put in your slides and how soon you want them to be delivered.

For a little extra pay, outsourcing offers you the possibility to completely forget about working on presentations, freeing up time for more important tasks. Plus, you get a custom-made, professional design that will take your presentation from ‘okay’ to ‘unforgettable’.

Time-saving PowerPoint hack #3: Use PowerPoint Templates

If you prefer non-paid options, however, there’s still a lot of PowerPoint tips and hacks you can use to save time when working on your presentations. And one of the most effective ones is definitely to work with templates . Templates are pre-made presentation designs you can fill and edit to fit your own needs. Microsoft Office itself offers a huge library of PowerPoint templates that you can go through to easily upgrade your presentations in pretty much no time.

There are also thousands and thousands of templates you can find online. There are probably PowerPoint template designs for every single topic you can think of. So if you’re looking for a specific business model or theme, it’s definitely worth looking up for some specialized templates that will help you get a great presentation with minimal effort.

On our Templates by 24Slides platform, you’ll find hundreds of professionally designed PowerPoint templates. And the best thing is, these are all completely free of charge ! You can download as many as you like, and even mix-and-match slides to create your perfect presentation.

The downside of using templates is that you’ll still have to invest some time in editing and formatting the slides to fit your presentation. Even if it’s only just adding the text to the template, you should still expect some effort to be needed. And as specialized as a template might be, you’ll never find a slide-pack that fits exactly your every need like a custom PowerPoint presentation would. But it is still a great option when looking for ways on how to save time creating presentations, as you’ll no longer be creating a presentation from scratch.

Time-saving PowerPoint hack #4: Convert your documents into PowerPoint slides

Another PowerPoint hack that can save you time when creating a presentation is directly converting your document into a PowerPoint file. For example, you can automatically convert a Word document into PowerPoint slides . You can even use different title sizes to divide your document into slides automatically!

However, it’s important to remember that a PowerPoint slide should never have the same amount of text as a word document. This PowerPoint hack is great to save your time with some tedious copy-and-pasting. But you’re still going to have to edit and alter it to make the most of your PowerPoint presentation. Filling your slides with text blocks is one of the easiest ways to bore and lose engagement with your audience. So when using this tip, be sure to be strategic when working with text!

Time-saving PowerPoint hack #5: Use the Design Ideas Tool

If you don’t find a template to fit your needs, or you want to make your slides from scratch, there are still some quick hacks that can make your PowerPoint design tasks easier. A great option for this is to take advantage of the Design Ideas Tool . This is a new feature for the Microsoft 365 subscription that will truly change how you design PowerPoint slides.

The Design Ideas Tool offers automatically generated design suggestions for your slides. It has great-looking, professional layouts, and it allows you to convert text into images and even graphs. This smart feature is definitely a gold mine when talking about saving time when working on PowerPoint slides. Like many features, it has a learning curve, but it’s fairly easy to use. You can also easily customize the slides after you’re done with what the Design Ideas Tool has to offer. In short, it’s a great starting point for quick PowerPoint slide design!

Time-saving PowerPoint hack #6: Use a unifying customized background

A great hack to make your PowerPoint presentations look better and cleaner with minimum effort is to work in your slides’ background. An all-white default slide background is a telling sign of a last-minute presentation, and it can make you look lazy and not detail-oriented. A good background can completely change the look of your entire presentation. And the best thing is that it’s very easy to do !

A dark background , for example, can give your presentation a very clean and professional look. It can help make the other elements pop-up, and keep your audience engaged. A textured background can take a plain presentation into an interesting one. The most important thing to keep in mind when working with backgrounds in PowerPoint is that it should never get in the way of your slide’s content.

An extra tip for saving time with PowerPoint backgrounds: Use a neutral backdrop that can be used for several slides. Not every single slide needs to have a unique background. You can save a lot of time repeating the same background along with your presentation. Even better, it’ll become a unifying design element, and you can save a more eye-catching, unique background for a title slide, for example.

Time-saving PowerPoint hack #7: Work with icons

Icons are great visual elements that can truly upgrade your presentation’s looks. This PowerPoint hack can quickly and easily turn a plain slide into a professional-looking one. Icons are an amazing tool for presentations because they can represent all kinds of concepts and categories in a very small space. Plus, the fact that they are images instead of text will help you declutter your presentation’s slides and make them look cleaner and sharper. Use icons to play with your slides’ layout. You’ll see how easy it is to make a presentation look much better with just a few of them!

The best thing about icons is that they’re easily accessible too. You can find hundreds of free icons online and import them into PowerPoint. You can even create your own icons! When talking about time-saving PowerPoint hacks, however, the best option out there is the Templates by 24Slides platform . You’ll find icon packs for all kinds of business topics that you can download for free and directly copy-and-paste into your own slides.

Time-saving PowerPoint hack #8: Stick to a single color palette

One of the most tricky things to take into consideration when working on PowerPoint design is the color palette. It can easily become a very distracting and time-consuming detail. Picking a color scheme will help you easily edit any PowerPoint template you choose to use, or even the slides you create with the Design Ideas tool. It gives you quick access to a determined color palette so it’s easy for you to edit and unify your slides’ design.

Microsoft Office offers some pre-made color palettes you can pick from, but you can also create your own color scheme in PowerPoint! This will not only save you time when working with your slides, but it’ll make sure that all your presentations stay on-brand.

Time-saving PowerPoint hack #9: Make the most of PowerPoint add-ins

Another PowerPoint hack that very few people take advantage of is using PowerPoint add-ins . PowerPoint add-ins are specialized tools that give you extra features beyond what Microsoft Office offers by default. If you’re someone who works with presentation design constantly, PowerPoint add-ins can help you make your work a little bit easier.

You can find amazing free PowerPoint add-ins for very specialized tasks. For example, THOR allows you to copy an image’s position into another slide -great for adding watermarks and logos. Word Cloud , just like its name suggests, helps you create and personalize word clouds for your presentations. Or my personal favorite, PowerPointLabs .This add-in has a lot of amazing PowerPoint hacks that will make your life easier. Its “Positions Labs” automatically organizes images and icons in your slides, making sure they’re the same size and arranged just like you want them to be, so you don’t have to do it manually. It might seem like a small thing, but if you have ever worked with icons and tried to get several of them in a straight line, you surely know how much time it can take!

Time-saving PowerPoint hack #10: Learn to use master slides

Master slides are perfect for “baking” repetitive elements. It can help you add watermarks, logos, and any kind of element that you want to keep throughout your presentation. You can even set information concerning the design, like themes, backgrounds, colors, animation effects, and much more. While it might be tricky to get the hang of this PowerPoint hack at first, it’s definitely worth the effort, as it can help you save tons of time.

Learn more about working with master slides with this Ultimate PowerPoint template guide .

Time-saving PowerPoint hack #11: Reuse your slides

Finally, a must-do for all those who have to constantly work with PowerPoint presentations: Reuse ! Why start a new presentation from scratch every time when you’ve already spent so much time and effort on the last one? This doesn’t mean that all your slides will look the same. You can still edit them and change elements. Reuse a set of slides for another presentation by changing the color themes and icons to fit the new topic. You can even reuse slides within the same presentation. For example, you can reuse a slide layout that can be used to convey different kinds of information.

How to save time when working with a constant presentation demand?

Working with PowerPoint presentations constantly can feel like a tiresome, tedious task. But practice makes perfect. The more you get to work with PowerPoint design, the more likely it is for you to become better and spend less and less time on it. The last two PowerPoint hacks are a must for those who have to constantly create new presentations. Learning how to use master slides will allow you to have a go-to design whenever you need to work on a new presentation. And reusing your slides for a new presentation is definitely a life-saving hack when working on PowerPoint!

If your work demands a high amount of PowerPoint presentations constantly, you might also want to consider getting a dedicated team of designers for it. If it’s a repetitive task that takes time away from you and your team recurrently, then it’s definitely worth it to get some professional backup.

24Slides offers subscription packages that will allow you to tackle anything from 50 to 10,000 slides per month . The best thing about it is you get a dedicated team that will learn everything about your brand and preferred design styles, so the outsourcing process will be more seamless each time. This assures you a constant flow of unique, outstanding slides without any worry . And, you can share your subscription with your colleagues, guaranteeing that everyone’s slides in the team will be sharp and perfectly aligned with your overall brand.

How to make a presentation in less than 3 hours

Working on a last-minute presentation? Don’t worry! As daunting as it might seem, it’s possible to make a clean-looking presentation with limited time. Of course, how much time you spend working on a presentation depends on the amount of information, the number of slides, and the design effort you want to invest in them. But it is possible to make a good, quick presentation . Especially when using the PowerPoint hacks detailed above! Here I’ll show you how to use these time-saving PowerPoint tips to create a quick minimalistic presentation that still looks good with minimal effort.

Step 1: Planning (25-30 min)

You might be surprised to spend so much time on this first step, but it will help you go through the next ones more easily. Think about what your audience should take away from your presentation. Organize your topic point by point to make sure you’re covering everything you want to convey.

Take time to also think about how you are going to present specific information. If you have chronological information, will you use a timeline? If you have number-based data, will you use a graph or chart? What kind of graph? This will help you define what kind of slides you need when looking for templates. Try to collect beforehand all your information so you’ll not have to go back and forward when you’re working on filling your template.

Step 2: Pick your main template (15-20 min)

There are so many great templates options out there that it’s easy to lose time just browsing through. That’s why it’s extra important to set yourself a limit if you’re short of time. Keep tabs on your options as you go through, and after your time is done, pick one template to use as a base.

This base template doesn’t need to fit your presentation outline perfectly. It’s more about design and style, as you can add things and edit them later. To truly make a presentation in less than 2 hours, preferably pick a neutral base template, as it will be easier to standardize later if you decide to add other slides.

Step 3: Search for complementary slides (20 min)

Now is when your outline and planning will come in handy. Look for specific slides according to your needs. For example, a timeline slide design, an organization chart, title slides, or anything your base template does not have. Again, the more neutral the slides you pick, the easier it’ll be to make them fit later!

Step 4: Fill your slides’ content (20-25 min)

Now that you have all the slides together, it’s time to fill them with your information. You can use the conversion Powerpoint hack if you have all your information in a Word document, for example. Just remember to limit the amount of text on your slides. Your PowerPoint slides are a complement to the speaker, not the other way around! They should have written every single word you’re planning to say.

Step 5: Add icons and visual aids (30 min)

PowerPoint is a visual medium, so take advantage of it! If anything can be replaced by an icon, graph, or image, is probably a good idea to do so. This will make your presentation more visually appealing and will make your information easier to read for the audience too. This step is all about adding icons, changing the template’s images to something that fits your topics, and so on.

Step 6: Standardize your slides’ design (25 min)

Finally, make sure your slides match each other, especially if you’ve added slides from different templates packs. Make sure you’re using the same color scheme throughout your presentation to make it look cleaner. You can also add design elements from your base templates (if it has any) to your added slides to create a feeling of unity. In short, make sure all your slides’ designs match!

Step 7: Rehearse (20 min)

Before a presentation, rehearsal is a must! Even if it’s just going through your slides to check everything is in order, double-checking can make or break your presentation. Some as easy as typing errors can make your presentation look sloppy and last-minute. Go through your outline and make sure that everything you need to add is converted and tweak the final details.

And that’s it! A clean-looking presentation in less than 3 hours. It’s not likely to be a work of art, but a minimalistic PowerPoint presentation can still look professional and sharp. It’s all about practice, and the more time you invest in working with PowerPoint, the easier and better it will become.

Save time by outsourcing: How to get a GREAT presentation in 1 hour!

However, if you do want a work of art that will leave an impression on your audience, and still get a presentation done at record time, then why not let professionals do what they do best? Creating outstanding PowerPoint slide designs takes not only time and effort but also experience. While anyone can make a PowerPoint presentation, there’s no easy and quick way to make a truly unique, eye-catching presentation.

If you’re looking for ways to save time creating presentations, outsourcing is the best possible solution for you. And, you’ll save tons of time! Even if it is a last-minute project, you can get amazing results you wouldn’t be able to get otherwise by entrusting your presentations to professionals. If you want a PowerPoint to wow your audience but you’re a little bit tight on your schedule, outsourcing your presentation design can become a true live-saving investment!

Outsourcing Step #1: Get your content ready (20-25 minutes)

Most PowerPoint outsourcing agencies work exclusively with the design part of the presentation. This means the presentation’s content is all on you. After all, you’ll be the one presenting! If you’re looking to outsource your PowerPoint presentation design, make sure you have your content ready to show how you want it divided into slides. A default all-white presentation is enough. If you have any design references, brand colors, or any other details that you want to be included in your presentation you should also think about them beforehand!

Outsourcing Step #2: Upload your presentation (10-15 minutes)

Now you just need to give your baseline presentation for the designers to work their magic! 24Slides offers an integrated platform where you can upload your presentation, select your design style, slide treatment, due date, complementary services, and any other detail you want to include for your presentation.

After it, you can just rest and relax, as the designers will do all the rest! You can even save time in your presentation by turning it in to be worked overnight. 24Slides’ designers will have ready your custom PowerPoint design by the morning.

Outsourcing Step #3: Give your feedback (15 – 20 minutes)

24Slides is committed to creating the perfect presentation design for you. That’s why you’ll always be able to give feedback and ask for changes if you think something is missing. Customer satisfaction is fundamental for our designers. You’ll always get a draft so you can approve or change anything you think necessary. You won’t be charged until you’re 100% happy with how your presentation looks!

Outsourcing Step #4: Wow your audience with an outstanding presentation!

Finally, you’ll receive the final presentation, perfect and ready for you to make an impression on your audience. And you have had the content ready from step #1, you can even start practicing and rehearsing while your presentation is getting done by our best designers. Outsourcing is an incredibly empowering tool for speakers in all sorts of business. It frees precious time and allows you to make the most of every tool PowerPoint has to offer.

Start saving time and effort in your PowerPoint presentations

Working on your PowerPoint presentations can be a tiresome, time-consuming process. Hopefully, these PowerPoint time-saving hacks will help you make your process a little bit more efficient. Remember that practice makes perfect! The more you try out and learn how to make the most out of these tips, the easier it’ll get. Try not to go for big, complicated designs and focus on getting clean and sharp slides that look professional before working on something more advanced.

Outsourcing presentation design is a great way to not only save time when creating presentations. It’ll also get you the best possible results to impress your audience. Professional PowerPoint designers will make sure that not only your message is perfectly conveyed, but also that your brand is represented and that your slides are as visually engaging as possible. And the best thing is, you can relax and completely forget about PowerPoint presentations forever! We’ve polled thousands of customers, and the overall consensus is that professional presentation design has helped them save an average of 37 minutes per slide . Just imagine how much time you would be able to save in a simple 20-slide presentation!

If saving time and effort when creating PowerPoint presentations sounds good, then you must try 24Slides design services . We work with some of the best companies all around the world by creating amazing PowerPoint slides that bring their message to life. Our designers will transform your presentation into a work of art that will make sure to stay in your audience’s mind long after the presentation is over.

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How to Create an Engaging 5-Minute Presentation

Published: September 15, 2023

A 5-minute speech can feel both incredibly short and infinitely long.

While this short format encourages audiences to pay more attention, presenters often struggle to fit everything into five minutes even as they navigate nervousness that seems to stretch out each second.

As a result, preparation is key for 5-minute speech success.

But how can you ensure your presentation accomplishes everything it needs to within just five short minutes? We’ve put together an (appropriately condensed) guide on five-minute presentations to help you get started.

How many words are in a 5-minute presentation?

A five-minute presentation is approximately 700 words long. The average person speaks 120 to 160 words a minute, which means the average five-minute presentation is 600 to 800 words.

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To calculate your own personal speaking speed (words per minute, or WPM):

• Make an audio recording of yourself speaking for one minute.
• Use a free transcription service to generate a text version of your speech.
• The number of words you spoke in that minute is your personal WPM.

When constructing a longer presentation, you might be more concerned about transitions and keeping the audience engaged with more extensive narrative elements.

In a short presentation, everything you say should directly tie back to your central premise and further advance your main point.

Keeping a tight scope and using your words carefully ensures your time isn't wasted and the audience leaves with a clear, singular takeaway.

How many slides are in a 5-minute presentation?

Five or six slides, or about one per minute, is a good baseline for a 5-minute presentation. Depending on your subject matter, however, you might use up to 20 slides and spend about 10 or 15 seconds on each.

More important than your slide count is what each slide contains. It‘s a good rule of thumb to keep your slides simple and focused on visuals instead of text for a presentation of any length.

This becomes especially important when you’re dealing with a condensed presentation window.

Trying to cram in as much information as possible within a short time frame can be tempting. Resist the urge. Instead, focus on simple, clean visuals that all tie back to your central premise.

You can also use these free presentation templates to arrange your slides in a way that makes the most sense for your delivery and the content of your presentation.

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How to Prepare for a Last-Minute Presentation (Part 3)

by Jezra on August 15, 2019

When prep time is short, the last thing you want to be struggling with is content . So here’s a worry-free strategy for quickly deciding what you’re going to say.

• In Part 1 of this series, you took a few minutes to understand who you’re presenting to and how you want to show up.
• Then, in Part 2 , you outlined your presentation, organizing and ordering it into sections.

Content is the easiest part of this process, and now you’re ready to tackle it!

Before You Gather Lots of Content, Do the Math

One thing you can’t afford to do, when prep time is tight, is to generate lots of content that you won’t have time to deliver.

Simple division will help you avoid this time-wasting mistake:

• A 10-minute speech divided by 10 slides = 1 minute of talk time per slide (actually, less, because your opening and closing remarks will take time, too).
• A 30-minute speech divided by 60 slides = 30 seconds per slide, etc.

Facing this reality will help you decide what to talk about — and here’s how to organize the points you choose:

Treat Each Section of Your Talk Like It’s an Instant Speech

The Instant Speech Format is a fast, easy way to get your point across. It’s made up of:

• Your Key Message — the most important thing you have to say about your current topic)
• Supporting Points — 1-3 ideas (they can include facts, figures, questions, comments, stories, explanations, etc.) that support your Key Message

Using this format makes it super easy to choose the best content for each section of your speech without falling down the rabbit hole of telling the audience everything you know .

1. Choose a Key Message for Each Section (and Your Presentation as a Whole)

For each section of your last-minute presentation — and for your entire presentation — ask yourself:

What’s the most important thing I need this audience to understand about X??

That’s the right question to ask whether X is a slide… a section… a data point… or your entire presentation .

The “most important thing” is your Key Message , and finding it will:

• Save you time and wasted effort
• Keep you focused on what really matters , and
• Help your audience follow your thinking.

2. Once You Find the Most Important Thing, Focus On It

Listening is hard work, and people can’t effectively concentrate on more than one big idea at a time. That’s why it’s best to have one key message for your overall speech , and one for each section.

Choosing one idea can be difficult for many speakers, but remember: This is not your last chance to share your other points.  They may come up in Q&A, or in follow-up conversations, or in your next presentation.

If several points seem important to you (for example, “There’s more flooding,” “Hurricanes are more frequent,” and “We’ve never seen heat like this”), try to find the idea that includes them all (“Climate change has become a problem.”). That’s probably your Key Message, and the more specific ideas are probably Supporting Points.

3. Choose 1-3 Supporting Points for Each Key Message

“Less is more” when you’re choosing key messages , and the same thing is true when you’re supporting them with facts, figures, arguments, explanations, questions, stories, or data.

Ideally, you should have no more than 3 Supporting Points for each Key Message. (If you’re tempted to load up with more than that, think about how well you listen when someone gives you 9 reasons for what they want you to do)!

And remember: Make sure your Supporting Points really do support your Key Message. If they don’t, they probably belong some place else in your speech…or out of it!

And Don’t Forget to Tie It Together with Transitions

Even when your preparation time is brief, take a minute to think about your transitions — those bridges between sections of your speech that keep the audience moving forward with you!

What does a good transition sound like? Here are some examples:

Now that we’re defined the problem, let’s look at the solution my team is proposing. (In this example, you’re moving from problem to solution; a common move in business speeches.)

We’ve talked about two causes of poverty — but there’s a third, and it’s probably the most important one of all. (Here, you’re building your analysis, point by point.)

You may be wondering what’s going to happen after we implement this new plan. (You’re inviting your audience to imagine that the change you want has already occured, as you make predictions about how that will look.)

Each of these transitions — and countless others — has the power to keep your audience focused on what comes next, and arguably, that’s half of the speech-making battle.

Phrases that are useful for transitions include:

• In addition to…
• On the other hand…
• You might think X, but…
• Now that we’ve looked at Y, let’s talk about how Z…
• One more thing:
• To summarize…

To Summarize…

The tips in How to Prepare for a Last-Minute Presentation work with any talk. But when time is short, it’s particularly important to streamline your prep. To do this:

• Think about your audience , and what you’d like them to do differently.
• Think about yourself and how you’ll manage the stress of presenting.
• If you’ve been given a slide deck, identify the sections and put them in the strongest order you can.
• If you’re creating your own slides, lay out your argument in a persuasive order.
• Use the Instant Speech approach to fill your sections with content, staying focused on the most important thing you have to say.
• Add Supporting Points and materials , remembering that, with public speaking, less is more.
• Decide how you’ll transition between sections and wrap up with a summary that drives your Key Message home one more time .

Whether you have ten minutes or ten hours to prepare your last-minute presentation, this approach will help you stay calm and focused, and succeed.

Try it, and let me know what happens!

You May Also Want to Read...

• How to Prepare for a Last-Minute Presentation (Part 2)
• How to Prepare for a Last-Minute Presentation (Part 1)
• Public Speaking Tip 71: To Get POWER from Your PowerPoint...Transition, Click, and Pause
• Public Speaking Tip 59: At the End of Your Statement or Speech, Stick Your Landing

6 Tips for Preparing a Last Minute Presentation

A while back I was sitting in my living room when phone rang. “I need help,” a voice at the other end said.

“What kind of help?” I asked.

“Our speaker just canceled. And the meeting’s tomorrow morning. Can you please take his place?”

“Tomorrow morning!”

“At ten. If you can’t help me out…a couple of hundred people are going to be disappointed.”

“And it’s now…what? About seven o’clock.”

“Uh… it’s actually about eight.”

The woman was a friend, and the meeting involved a senior citizens group.

“I suppose I can do it.”

“God bless you,” she said. “You’re a lifesaver.” She paused. “So what will you talk about?”

“I haven’t the foggiest.”

This sort of thing is not unusual. So what do you do about it? What do you talk about? Following are some tips that can help:

Examine your interests. If you’re particularly interested in a subject, you probably know more about it that the average person. So what is it? A hobby? Something you feel very passionate about? Something you think would be fun and entertaining for the audience? Of course, this is all predicated on the fact that you have a choice in the subject matter. If your boss tells you to give a presentation in three hours on such and such topic, you don’t have this choice. But the boss probably chose you because he or she is confident you’re the person to talk about whatever it is.

Don’t panic. Yes, you may be in a new set of circumstances which may seem frightening. Many years ago I saw a revue on Broadway that was thrown together at the last minute when the company that was to appear at a theater in Australia canceled. Well, this last minute revue proved so successful it traveled the world to rave reviews. So if these people didn’t panic when they had a very short time to prepare a production, you shouldn’t either. They did the best with what they had…and were a big success. Consider that you certainly wouldn’t have been asked to give the presentation if those who asked didn’t have faith in you. They certainly are rooting for you.

Something you might consider is recycling a presentation you’re already given and so are familiar with? Well, “recycling” isn’t really what you should do in that this sort of thing often doesn’t work. Why not? You gave the presentation at a specific time to a specific audience, and the current situation may be entirely different. You need to consider how you might adapt something you’ve already done to a new situation. Consider how it’s different? What is the new audience like? How is similar or dissimilar to the previous audience? What approach to the subject do you think would be most effective? Consider such things as how the situation is different? How is the audience dissimilar? For instance, if you talked to a group of high school seniors the last time, how would you now adapt your material to a group of senior citizens? Along the same lines, make sure your facts and stories are up to date. If possible, check out the venue for the presentation so you won’t have any unpleasant surprises, like poor acoustics, for example.

Some time near the beginning of the planning, you need to choose an objective for the presentation. What do you really want to tell the audience? Why do you want them to know this? Why is it important to them? Once you choose this objective or central idea, make sure everything you plan to include supports it. Maybe you know a lot of facts about something, but it doesn’t do much good to stand in front of an audience and state them one after another. This sort of presentation has little or no point to it. Certainly, you can have several different main points to the talk, but each of them should relate back to the objective, the reason you’re talking about this particular subject. And be sure to think of stories — personal or otherwise that relate to the topic. Audience members identify with specific tales and examples.

Maybe the idea of giving a last minute presentation still seems overwhelming. If you think, “Oh, my goodness, I have to give a fifteen-minute talk and I have only three hours to prepare ,” you’re shooting yourself in the foot. So borrow adapt the Alcoholics Anonymous’ philosophy of taking things “one day at a time”. Only change it to “one step at a time”. Rather than thinking of the presentation as a whole, think of it in increments. You have so much time to prepare for the first step. Then go on to the second. And the third. It’s a matter of approach and attitude.

Don’t attempt to write out the speech — not usually a good practice anyway , unless you’re a government official and don’t want to risk being misquoted. Make notes, or even an outline. And I suggest you use index cards for this. Why? They’re much easier to organize. Suppose you decide Point 3, really should come later. If you’ve written the notes on typing paper, for instance, you have to start all over again. With index cards you just have to shuffle, as you would with a deck of playing cards.

It really isn’t so difficult to prepare a last minute talk. Certainly, it’s challenging, but many things are. So go ahead and do what you know you can do.

thank you so much i had to do a speech and i only had 5 minutes Ty alot

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The hour of power: how to succeed with a last-minute presentation.

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On Friday afternoons here at ProPoint, we’ve got what I call the Hour of Power. Because one hour simply isn’t big enough to contain all the excitement, it actually runs from 3-5pm. While the staff focuses on completing their deadlines so they can hit the weekend, any incoming sales call is eyed with suspicion. At that hour anything can happen. Tight turn due Sunday? No problem! Need somebody to stay late? Sure thing! It can be an uncertain time for anyone looking to make a clean getaway.

In some respect, everybody has their own Hour of Power. Often, the clients who call us on these Friday afternoons have likewise been hit with some unforeseen deadline. In their case, the dreaded surprise presentation. So what’s your plan of attack when asked to present at a moment’s notice? From my perspective, the best last-minute presentations are written by people who know the story they want to tell, know their facts, and are realistic about what they can accomplish in the limited time they have.

Know your story

Regardless of how long you have to pull everything together, it’s essential that you know your objective. There is generally only one. It’s a Highlander thing. You may make many different arguments to support that objective, but you must be absolutely clear about what your goal is. This sounds simple, but you’d be surprised at how often things get muddled, especially on a tight turn. We see a lot of presentations come to us that are simply massive collections of facts and information. This information may or may not be important to the audience, but without a clear objective, narrative, and call to action stringing it all together, it makes for a boring, uncompelling story. And if the story isn’t interesting, you’re not persuading anyone.

This is particularly important in a last-minute presentation if the speaker is anxious about the event. Large amounts of content are frequently used to mask the presenter’s lack of conviction in their story. I’ll throw a ton of data at them and something will stick. It’s a way to convince yourself that you’re more prepared than you are. But too much information can work against you, clouding your narrative and diluting your message. If it’s not essential to a compelling story, leave it out. The less time you have to prepare, the more you have to stay on point.

Know your facts

Confidence in your content is critical when giving a last-minute presentation. Rushing the content can lead to errors that cost you credibility. Stick to the information that you can present with certainty, and be wary of arguments or information that you don’t have time to thoroughly vet or review. I remember very clearly a scientific reference I threw into an eleventh hour paper I wrote in college. It seemed to make sense at the time, but I was called out on it by my professor. When I had time to do a little more research, it became painfully clear that the study I referenced actually undermined much of what I had written. Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to resubmit my work. You probably won’t get that chance.

Be realistic

Lastly, if you’ve got limited time to prepare, it’s critical that you not overextend yourself. While you want to make your best effort, trying to do too much can be a recipe for failure. This isn’t to say that you might not have an all-nighter in your future, but try to get a realistic sense of what is and isn’t possible given your time and resources. Pare your story down to its most critical and essential elements. You can always embellish and further develop your narrative if you have the time.

Being practical about what you can and can’t get done is one of the most important steps you can take in preparing your content. Presentation panic is born out of uncertainty in that content. If you have confidence in your material, the Hour of Power will take on an entirely different meaning for you.

Jim Confalone is the Co-Founder and Creative Director for ProPoint Graphics.

This article was originally published on the Propoint blog.

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How To Prepare For A Last-Minute, 10-Minute Speech

Just 10 or 15 minutes, you think. Not nearly enough time to do justice to the topic, but plenty of time to make a complete fool of myself if I don’t organize my thoughts carefully.

Last week I was sitting at the back of a large conference room watching an excellent presentation before about 100 managers at a global professional services organization. As the speech continued, I noticed a rather senior looking individual sitting close by who was scribbling furiously on the back of a piece of paper. It didn’t appear as if he was taking notes on the actual presentation, so I was curious what he might be doing. The speech at the front of the room continued, and several minutes later the presenter mentioned to the audience that he had just invited a colleague to speak on an important topic immediately before the next coffee break. The pieces came together in my mind…clearly the older gentleman next to me was the last minute guest, rapidly preparing the notes for his own upcoming presentation.

We’ve all been in this situation before: minding our own business at a meeting or a conference or a even an office holiday party . Shortly before the program begins, the chairman or organizer sends us a note saying something on the order of:

“It’s great that you are attending this meeting! You know, I was thinking about the plan for the day and it would be such a help if you could speak for just 10 or 15 minutes on [insert topic of your expertise.] I know its kind of last minute, but you’re a master at this material and I’m sure everyone would really appreciate the value of what you have to say.”

Need to quickly prepare a great speech? Download Ariel’s Focus Sheet for Speechwriting template .

You graciously accept (what choice do you really have?) and now, depending on the context and the topic, you have to manage a certain low level of anxiety for the next few hours until the moment comes to give your speech.

As I sat in the back of the room I found myself very curious to watch the unfolding drama before me. (At the same time, I was secretly relieved that it wasn’t me who had been recruited.) When the gentleman’s moment finally came, I was impressed at how well he handled it. Three things stood out, which strike me as worthy of remembering:

1. Prepare your notes—but don’t use them!

There is nothing wrong with writing out your speech. The mistake many people make is to then read the words right off the paper. That’s where you lose your audience. What made this speech work so well was the impression we got in the audience was that he was speaking spontaneously, which lent a certain credibility and aliveness to his words.

2. Paralysis of integrity

Don’t get caught in what an old teacher of mine once called the “paralysis of integrity.” In other words, if you hold too high a standard for yourself with regard to saying it exactly right, you risk losing your ability to engage your audience. Trust yourself and your experience with the topic at hand. You would not have been invited to speak in the first place if they thought you needed your notes!

3. Pretend you are chatting with a friend

The most important piece of advice I give my clients is that the larger the audience, the more important it is to relax and create the appearance of intimacy. Remember, it is physiologically impossible to make eye contact with more than one person at a time—so think of a 100 person audience as a series of simultaneous 1-1 conversations…like a chess master playing many games at once. Everyone in the group will feel that you are speaking to them and to them alone.

Do your employees need tips on how to give presentations with impact? Learn about our offerings here .

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5 Tips to Help You Survive a Last-Minute Presentation

You’re going about your work day as usual when you get a message from your boss:

“Hey, can you give a presentation on [X] tomorrow? Thanks a ton!”

Or procrastination got the better of you this week, and you’ve put off an assignment for class. Regardless of the situation, we’ve all had to pull together some slides at the last second for a presentation. Here are five last-minute presentation tips to help you: 

1. Your Slides are Your Guide

The first thing to keep in mind when presenting, in general, is that the slideshow is your guide for talking points. They organize your information and provide any necessary visual data for the presentation, and a good presentation keeps its slide text to a minimum. 

If you’ve already been given some slides to work off of, great! You have a roadmap of your major talking points all ready for you. If you’ve only been given some vague information on your presentation topic, you’ll need to work in the other direction: start by listing your major talking points and then create slides around them.

Your slides should supplement the information that goes alongside each topic. Graphs and other visual aids are usually the most common form of supplemental information, but showing statistical values and important dates on your slides may be especially helpful if your audience needs to take notes.

2. Use Separate Presentation Notes

So, if your slides are the visual part of your presentation, you’ll need notecards to guide what you’re going to say. Typical presentation note cards list important details you’ll want to mention accompanying each slide. The notecard's job is to describe the images on your slides and expand on any essential, eye-catching text. But what if you have a script written out for you?

3. Memorize Key Details

Regardless of how you’ve gotten your notes, you don’t have to memorize every talking point on them– that’s impossible to do overnight. Instead, focus on some key details. If you’re presenting a solution to a problem, memorize a sentence about that solution. If you’re presenting quarterly data, memorize some of the goals for the next quarter. That way, you won’t have to look at your notes constantly. 

With online presentations , constantly looking away from your screen while presenting is generally a bad look. One of the best ways to avoid doing so is by using a teleprompter. Newscasters have to present information at the last minute all the time, and teleprompter programs are their go-to when presenting the latest information– you can do that too. Teleprompter applications for your phone or computer, like Teleprompter , allow users to talk at their own pace while the teleprompter scrolls through your key talking points easily.

4. Don’t Overexert Yourself

The key to pulling off a fantastic last-minute presentation is to be well-rested. You might not be 100% prepared, but that’s okay! Getting some rest and going in with a clear head and fresh nerves is much better than arriving at the scene frazzled from an all-nighter. That’s why you have your notes– however you choose to keep them.

Overexertion can also come in the form of adding too much detail to your presentation as well. If you’re working at the last minute, try to keep things minimal. Don’t worry about personal anecdotes or expounding upon last month’s savings chart. Instead, stick to your slides and the details they present. Double-check your research to ensure the information’s accuracy and stay on-topic.

5. Pay Attention to How You Present Yourself

A lot of what defines a successful presentation is how you present yourself. We’ve talked a lot about organizing your presentation, but not yourself. Everyone always says, “Be confident!” But how do you do that?

Your first step is to stand up straight, with both feet on the ground. No shifting from leg to leg. While you can walk around the room, keep the audience’s focus on your slides, not your body. Another way to keep attention on your presentation is to figure out what you’re going to do with your hands. It’s natural to fidget when nervous, so consider “talking with your hands” to emphasize key points in your presentation. Otherwise, do your best to keep them still.

Eye contact is another major aspect of pulling off a great presentation . It makes you look knowledgeable and prepared– that’s where the teleprompter comes in again. With the help of a teleprompter app, you don’t have to look down to see your notes, just a little to the left. This gives your audience the impression that you’re looking at them (generally), but don’t forget to single someone out every so often and make eye contact with them.

Additional Tips for Your Last-Minute Presentation

• Quick Strategy Planning: First off, figure out what you want to say. What’s the main point you're trying to get across? Jot down a few key ideas you definitely want to include. This quick plan helps you stay on track and makes sure you don’t forget anything important.
• Design Tips for Impactful Slides: Keep your slides simple but powerful. Choose a clean look and easy-to-read fonts. A good rule of thumb is to stick to three main points per slide so you don’t overwhelm your audience. And remember, pictures can often tell your story better than lots of words.
• Embrace Storytelling: Everyone loves a good story. Try to connect your points with a story that your audience can relate to . It makes your presentation more interesting and helps people remember your message. Even a short story about why your topic matters can make a big difference.
• The Power of Practice: If you can, take some time to practice your presentation. Even going through it once can make you feel more confident. Focus on practicing the beginning and end since those parts really set the tone and leave a lasting impression.
• Engaging Your Audience: Make your presentation a two-way street. Ask questions to get people thinking, or include a quick poll to keep things interactive. The more you can involve your audience , the more engaged they'll be, and the more they'll take away from your talk.

Nailing Your Presentation Last Minute

You’ve got this! Just because a presentation is last-minute doesn’t mean it can’t be a great one. Why not get a head start on your presenting skills with some help from our app ? Teleprompter is the best way to keep your presentation notes close and look professional while doing so.

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Impromptu Presentation – 3 Easy Last Minute Speech Tips

by AmondaRose Igoe | Jun 2, 2016 | Front Page Posts , Presentation Strategies , Professional Speaking Strategies , Public Speaking Help , Public Speaking Tips

Have you ever had to deal with a TRICKY LAST MINUTE PRESENTATION ? Unexpected toast?  Uncomfortable off the cuff speech?  Unplanned question. Yes, the dreaded IMPROMPTU speech!

You are not alone!  I created this short video with 3 Easy Steps YOU need to implement during these undesired and unexpected presentation situations.

Have you Ever had to Deliver a Presentation on the Fly?

That’s typically called the “impromptu presentation”, where you’re totally caught off guard. Somebody says to you ‘Hey, can you stand up and talk about this?’ Or maybe you’re at a wedding and they want you to give a last minute toast, and your just like ‘Oh no, I didn’t have time to prepare for this!’ What am I going to do?’ Well, I’m going give you the perfect scenario to handle these tricky last minute presentation situations.

Watch this short video training  and   NEVER GET CAUGHT  OFF  GUARD  again!  

3 Easy Steps to Structure your Presentation

It’s a 3 easy step process that you can follow; and what it will do is add structure to your presentation. It will help you avoid what happens when people often deliver those last minute talks. They ramble on, they get stuck, they say a lot of “ahs” and “ums” and they end up being embarrassed when they are done. So to make sure that it doesn’t happen to you, I’m going to share with you 3 easy steps that will allow you to put structure to those last minute impromptu presentations.

The first part that you’re going to talk about is the Past

You’re going to start speaking about the Past. So, for example, let’s just say you’re at a wedding and you have to give a toast last minute.

The Past will look something like this: When Sally and Joe first met, we didn’t know if this was going to last. We didn’t know if they were going to stay together. They had some road blocks in the beginning, but you could see that they really did love each other. 

The second part is the Present

The Present will look like this: And today as we stand here at their wedding celebrating the love that this couple has, we know that they will be blessed for eternity! Their love fills this room and touches all of our hearts. That is what Present sounds like!

Future, is the last step

The Future during a wedding toast would sound like this:

And as they go out from… after this wedding and move on into their Future, maybe having kids, maybe buying a home together… We hope that we will all come together 50 years from now to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, because we all know, in our hearts that this is a couple that’s meant to last!

Did you see how I easily put together off the top of my head? Impromptu Presentation in the form of a toast based on Past, Present and Future.

And you could do the same thing in any situation!

If you had to deliver a sales Presentation last minute and you had no time to prepare, what could say about the Past direction of the company?

Past could include: How did the company get started?

The Present can include: Where is the company today? What are they focusing on? What do they promote? What do they offer?

And the Future may include: What is the Future direction of this company? Where could this company go in the Future? What is the vision for this company? How many people will they help? How many will they serve?

Past, Present and Future. It works in almost every situation!

So the next time that you have to deliver a last minute presentation and you get stuck, just remember my easy 3 step process – Past, Present and Future – to ensure that you shine every single time.

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3 Group Presentation Pitfalls — and How to Avoid Them

• Allison Shapira

Strategies for a polished, unified final product.

Putting together an effective group presentation takes teamwork and coordination so it doesn’t look like a patchwork quilt. And yet, many of us never budget the time to fully prepare. The author outlines some of the common mistakes people make in group presentations and offers best practices to keep you on track. 

Many of us have experienced poor group presentations. If you’re giving one, it’s the last-minute scramble the night before to decide who is presenting which part of the presentation. If you’re observing one, it’s the chaos of hearing multiple people talking over one another or, even worse, simply reading their slides word-for-word and ignoring their audience. 

• Allison Shapira teaches “The Arts of Communication” at the Harvard Kennedy School and is the Founder/CEO of Global Public Speaking, a training firm that helps emerging and established leaders to speak clearly, concisely, and confidently. She is the author of the new book, Speak with Impact: How to Command the Room and Influence Others (HarperCollins Leadership).

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15 powerful ways to close your last minutes of a presentation

Usually, speakers pay particular attention to the beginning of their speeches. And it’s obvious. Hundreds of articles have been written about the importance of the first impression and the ability to catch an audience from the first sentence. Meanwhile, although every skilled speaker should know how to start a presentation, at the same time, it is equally important to know how to correctly end a presentation so that all efforts are not in vain. Why is it important? It’s obvious that you should leave a positive impression, be remembered, and bring listeners to the desired actions. In this article, we will learn how to do it.

Here, we gathered 15 effective methods that will help you find out how to end a presentation correctly so that be sure that your message is kept in listeners’ minds. When using one of the below-mentioned techniques, you’ll definitely find the right option for your presentations and will be able to create attractive and memorable projects.

A call to action

Do not leave an audience in limbo. Take the initiative in your own hands. After all, your work had some specific goal – so outline it. Tell attendees what they have to do next and how it will help. Encourage your listeners to contact you by leaving contacts, filling in a form, asking additional questions, getting details, ordering products or services, purchasing a product. 

The main thing to remember is that your last words must clearly call them to make a certain step. Otherwise, they’ll be uncertain and your speech is in vain.

Quote the words of a famous person, tell a catchphrase – this will always be appropriate for both speakers and listeners. A common mistake of this method is the choice of the wrong quote, which illogically ends the presentation.

In this case, it is important to find the right expression that will contain the main message of your speech. Thus, even if attendees don’t remember all the details of a presentation, they’ll at least recall the last quote.

A compelling story

This is one of the best and more effective methods to end a presentation. The main thing is to find the right story. It can be your own experience or just a story that will demonstrate the practical use of your message. Or at least it will help build an analogy and remember your topic.

An impressive photo, illustration, or infographics

Visualization is an important part of a speech. You can place a memorable photo on the last slide of your visual material. It is important that the chosen visual element is associated with your speech.

Contact information

To draw a line, speakers can display their contact information. Let the last thing a public sees in your presentation be contact information. Indicate the following: your name/ company name; phone number; E-mail address; a website; links to social networks; your photo and/or logo.

A contradictory example

British writer Ken Robinson successfully used this technique. He managed to draw everybody’s attention by speaking about viruses while the topic of his report was education system reforms. His vivid contradictory comparison with viruses made everyone remember his speech. 

A picture of the future

Outlining the future is an option that is not suitable for any topic. It will work perfectly in the case of new technologies if a speaker outlines an idealistic society.

A picture of the future will also come in handy for presentations on ecology topics. In this case, you can outline two pictures:

• What will happen if humankind continues the same route – scorched wastelands, lack of greenery, suffering animals?
• What happens if we act reasonably?

The essence of this method is an emotional impact. It is necessary to touch the inner core of every attendee, to show the possible benefits or unpleasant consequences of his/ her actions. Nevertheless, it can serve as one more way to use other words for concluding a speech.

A dialogue with an audience

Invite listeners to take part in a short survey or a poll. For example, a psychologist talks about harmful co-dependent relationships and at the end asks an audience to mentally answer “This is about me” or “This is not about me” to three short statements:

• “I often think about what my partner thinks over now.”
• “I can’t go about my business when my partner is not at home.”
• “I actively follow the page of my partner on social networks.”

And then the psychologist says: “If at least two of these statements are true for you, you are in a dependent relationship.” This technique involves each listener, and after that, you can call for action, give your contacts, offer psychotherapy to those present and their friends. A similar method of involvement can be used both at the end and at the beginning of a presentation.

Jokes or funny stories

Humor performs three important functions at once:

• It leaves a pleasant “aftertaste”.
• It causes an audience a personal affection for the speaker.
• It helps simplify perception and remembering of a presentation. 

But, like any conclusion to a speech, the joke should be appropriate for a problem that the speaker develops.

The connection between the beginning and the end

The beginning and end of a speech should always be connected logically. But in order to attract attention, you can connect both parts of your speech with the help of an illustration that evokes strong emotions.

For example, a speaker talks about relaxation techniques, and at the very beginning shows a picture or gif that depicts an exhausting cat. It is torn between screaming kittens and fish, which it should catch in order to have some food.

At the end of a presentation, there is another picture – the same cat that basks in the sun, kittens play in the distance, and fish splash in the water, and so close that it is enough to raise a paw. But the cat is resting. This image would not be remembered so much if there was no picture at the beginning of a presentation.

A rhetorical question

This is one of the standard methods of how to end a presentation. But, despite its prevalence, it does not lose relevance. A rhetorical question is able to leave a certain “aftertaste” after a speech, tune in attendees to certain thoughts and make people think over a particular topic. 

Make a compliment to an audience

In fact, a banal compliment can significantly attract your listeners, leave a good impression about a speaker. Aren’t these perfect presentation endings? Say something like this: “It is an honor for me to speak before you …”; “I have never spoken to such a pleasant audience …”; “Being here with you is the best pastime for me …”; “You are the best listeners …” etc.

If you deliver a speech, for example, at a conference or seminar that takes place on Friday night, wish everyone a good weekend. This will shake up an audience after your presentation, set them up in a positive way.

This is the best way to end a presentation. Inspire listeners. Just because every person naturally likes to hear words of approval and support. Thus, you will make an attendee make the first step. Thus, you’ll be sure that your speech causes action and is helpful. 

Summarizing

In the 21st century, every person daily processes a huge amount of information. That is why the perception of new data is significantly complicated. Simplify your speech due to the use of a summary. If during a presentation you spoke about several important things – at the end, recall what was discussed. Describe the key points of your speech.

What should be avoided

Many speakers advise avoiding a FAQ section as the final part of a presentation. It is recommended organizing a Q&A section as a pre-closing part of a speech. As if it is the final part, then listeners can get bored.

Slides with “Thank you for watching” will ruin all your speech even if it is brilliant. Forget about this slide and never even recall it!

Visualization as a useful tool of speech delivering

Nowadays, visual material serves as an indispensable (or even obligatory) part of any speech at a seminar, meeting, or conference. It adds vividness to speeches and simplifies topics consideration. Thus, it is important to properly choose the final slides for your speech. Not only words but also visual materials play a key role. Thus, it is possible to choose slides with quotes, contact information, funny illustrations, or infographics. The main rule is that their stylistics should be properly chosen. Colors and decorative elements should match your logo or brand.

For this reason, we have something to offer you! We suggest getting acquainted with a website that will significantly simplify the above-mentioned task. If you want to know how to end a  PowerPoint presentation  vividly, you should visit  this website . Below, you’ll find some links to the slides that can be used as another way to say some words in conclusion.

On the site, hundreds of slides and premade packs are waiting for skilled speakers. The resource is a real library of useful templates for different types of business and marketing presentation, or other digital projects and reports. There are available elements for different software. What is more pleasant is that many of them are available for free! Click on the link and start searching for the necessary element.

• Templates for PowerPoint >
• Templates for Keynote >
• Templates for Google Slides >

As you see, the mood with which listeners will leave a hall and the message that remains in their heads depend on few last sentences of your performance. Therefore, do not underestimate the importance of how to end a presentation and speech. We hope that the above-mentioned tips will be useful for you and help make speeches more memorable and vivid.

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LA28 touts ‘authentically Los Angeles’ Olympics as it takes handoff from Paris

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PARIS — No other city in the world can do what Paris has done over the last three weeks, staging the drama of Olympic competition against the mise-en-scene of a glowing Eiffel Tower and the lush gardens of Versailles.

The 2024 Summer Games, with their classical trappings and sheer visual beauty, raised an important question.

How can Los Angeles possibly top this?

The organizers that will bring the Olympics to Southern California in 2028 offered a sneak peek during Sunday night’s closing ceremony at Stade de France. Instead of tradition, they leaned into production values and pop culture.

Like something out of “Mission: Impossible,” Tom Cruise rappelled from the rim of the stadium to the field below, then roared off on a motorcycle. Snoop Dogg dropped a few bars. Billie Eilish performed, albeit remotely, from Southern California beaches.

“We don’t have an Eiffel Tower,” said Casey Wasserman , chairman of the LA28 organizing committee. “We’ve got a Hollywood sign.”

The next host city always gets 15 or so minutes near the end of each Olympic closing. These presentations often involve music and dancers, some colorful lights. They often get overlooked.

But LA28 needed to make a splash in Paris. A big part of the reason was money.

Over the last six months, Wasserman and his private group remained secretive about their abbreviated production. Not until details began to leak last week did they acknowledge hiring Ben Winston.

Winston was the Emmy-winning executive producer of “The Late Late Show With James Corden” and thus partly responsible for bringing the world carpool karaoke.

The 42-year-old Brit said in a statement that he wanted Sunday night’s presentation to evoke “the city’s people, creativity, music and, of course, sport, all wrapped up with a little Hollywood magic.”

All of this matters because LA28 saw its moment in the spotlight as a crucial advertisement, not only for viewers but also big business. As the International Olympic Committee said: “All eyes will be on you.”

The 2028 Olympics will cost an estimated $7 billion — a figure likely to rise — and organizers have vowed to cover all expenses with IOC contributions, ticket sales and, important, corporate sponsorships.

Despite having deals with Nike, Deloitte and Delta Air lines in hand, LA28 is about $1 billion short of its $2.5-billion goal in the last category with four years to go.

The numbers are important to Southern California residents because, if the Games go over budget, city and state lawmakers have agreed to provide hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars.

Organizing committees hope an eye-catching presentation will generate excitement and jump-start sponsorship negotiations. The problem, said Michael Payne, a former IOC marketing executive, is that “not many of them stand out when they are up against the full power of the real ceremony.”

Paris had reason to celebrate after producing a Games free of major glitches and full of memorable performances.

Global stars such as gymnast Simone Biles , tennis player Novak Djokovic and pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis lived up to their billing. Among the French athletes, swimmer Leon Marchand won five medals and NBA rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama led his teammates to the men’s basketball final, where they lost to LeBron James and the U.S.

With 9.5 million in ticket sales, venues were packed and loud. There was lots of predictable French goofiness, including the Olympic debut of breaking — previously known as breakdancing — and a viral moment from an ungainly Australian B-girl named ”Raygun.”

“There is no way we could have prepared for everything we have just experienced together,” said Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 organizing committee. “We wanted excitement, we got passion.”

The closing ceremony featured a spiny, glistening figure, the “Golden Voyager,” that arrived from the night sky. Performers cartwheeled and danced along an interlocking series of platforms. Acrobats hung from giant wheels that rolled across a futuristic stage as scenes of past Olympics flickered up from the floor.

Artistic director Thomas Jolly said: “As a theater and opera director, the configuration of the stadium gives me the opportunity to use the tools of live performance: the lighting, the decor, the costumes, the machinery, the set design.”

It was creative and deeply symbolic and so very French, to the point that earlier in the day, when workers arrived with leaf blowers, it was hard to tell whether they were part of the rehearsal or just tidying up.

And when popular French band Phoenix played a mini-concert late in the program, athletes got so excited that they rushed the stage and had to be shooed away by the public address announcer.

After two-plus hours, L.A. took over.

Things started simply enough with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo handing the Olympic flag to her Los Angeles counterpart, Karen Bass, the first time two women have performed this tradition. Biles was there. Grammy winner H.E.R. sang the national anthem

Then Cruise appeared, spotlighted atop the stadium’s curved roofline. Looking a bit wind-blown, he made his big entrance and took hold of the flag, rushing off to the waiting motorcycle. From there, the action shifted to video.

It was a nod to both the movie business and the evolution of the Games into a made-for-television event. Cruise tore through the streets of Paris and onto a waiting cargo plane — “I’m on my way” — before skydiving to the Hollywood sign.

A series of athletes took over, with Olympic mountain biker Kate Courtney pedaling the flag to the Coliseum, handing off to famed sprinter Michael Johnson who ran it to skateboarder Jagger Eaton on the beach.

There, by the Pacific — perhaps the only Southern California scenery that can compete with Paris — the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eilish and Snoop, joined by Dr. Dre, closed things out with a concert that bled into a one-hour show on NBC and Peacock.

It remains to be seen whether all this will achieve the desired effect of generating buzz — and dollars. But, having watched Paris close up, Wasserman knows he cannot replicate the Olympics of the last few weeks.

“The 2024 Games have been authentically French and Parisian,” he said. “And the 2028 Games will be authentically Los Angeles.”

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David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

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How did Raygun qualify for the Olympics? Is she really the best Australia has to offer?

Since Australian breaker Rachael "Raygun" Gunn failed to score a single point in any of her Olympic bouts, many have asked how she qualified for the Games.

Fellow breaker and anthropologist Lucas Marie says she won her qualification "fair and square" last year, but African American man Malik Dixon has criticised the Olympic body for letting her in.

What's next?

Breaking will not be an event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games — a decision made before Raygun's performance.

The 2024 Paris Olympics marked breaking's debut as a sport at the global event, with 36-year-old lecturer and breaker Rachael "Raygun" Gunn representing Australia for the first time.

Having failed to win a single point in any of her Olympic bouts, Raygun quickly became a viral sensation.

The question on many people's minds now is: How did she even qualify?

Lucas Marie is a breaker who has competed, performed, taught and judged breaking competitions over the past 25 years. He's also an anthropologist who recently co-authored an article with Gunn.

He says the answer to that question is simple.

"There was an Oceania qualifier in which any B-boy or B-girl from Australia [or] New Zealand could enter, and that was in Sydney in October 2023," he told ABC News.

"And leading up to that, there were a lot of other events in which breakers were competing.

"She won those battles fair and square and won the qualification in Sydney.

"And it wasn't really a surprise to anyone. 

"She's been fairly consistent, winning or coming second or third at a lot of breaking events in Australia for the last five to 10 years."

Marie said there was nothing out of the ordinary about Raygun's performance.

"It's not like gymnastics where there's this kind of agreed-upon standard," he said.

"It's always had a rawness to it. It's always had an improvisational kind of quality. And I think looking different and trying different stuff has always been celebrated.

"And I think Raygun, in a way, was just expressing a core kind of hip hop trait in a way a lot of breakers do."

He described her efforts as bold.

"I thought — and this is how I judge a lot of breaking events — I thought, 'Oh, she's making some really interesting choices to mimic Australian animals.' And you can kind of see the choices that she's making in the moment."

Is she the best Australia has to offer?

Team Australia chef de mission Anna Meares insisted after Raygun's performance that she was the best breaker the country had to offer. But is this true?

"It's sometimes just who's performing better on the day," Marie said.

"And at the qualification event in which she won, and other events in which she's won, she performed better on that day and won the ticket.

"That doesn't mean she's the best. It doesn't really work like that.

"I think she's a great breaker. She won the qualification. She's won other events in the past, and she was a good representative for Australia at that competition."

Asked whether there were B-girls in Perth, regional Victoria or rural Brisbane who might have qualified but could not afford to travel to Sydney for the tryouts, Marie agreed this was possible.

"Of course, there's breakers all over the country that maybe should have been in that event, but they weren't."

Breaking will not carry over to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, a decision made before Raygun's battle.

Marie described this as sad.

"Maybe, based on the ratings, they'll reassess that and maybe allocate some medals to breaking," he said.

"I really hope that's the case, and I hope that for other breakers who want to compete in it as a dance sport."

Marie said that at the end of the day people should remember they were dealing with a human.

"As a friend of Rachael's, there's a human being who's getting a lot of negative attention," he said.

"I think people kind of miss that sometimes and forget the human aspect of all this."

'Toying with the culture'

Malik Dixon is an African American who has been living in Australia for more than a decade and is a Sydney University graduate.

He said Raygun made a total "mockery" out of breaking at the Olympics.

"She was dressed like a member of the cricket team or an Australian PE teacher, and from that point it just seemed like satire," Mr Dixon told ABC News.

"It just looked like somebody who was toying with the culture and didn't know how culturally significant it was being the first time in the Olympics and just how important it was to people who really cherish hip hop and one of the elements of hip hop, which is breakdancing.

"It made me think, was Borat her breakdancing coach?"

Mr Dixon said too many people felt entitled to African American culture.

"The African American space has been one where we've shared our community so much and without any restraints, any barriers, roadblocks, obstacles, any gatekeepers, that essentially what should have been African American cultural capital is just shared, which is cool," he said. 

"We like to share, right? 

"We shared 400 years of free labour.

"To see Rachael in her attempt to be a part of the culture just be grossly underwhelming made it seem like she didn't take it seriously."

Olympics body criticised for Raygun qualification

Mr Dixon criticised the body that qualified Raygun, saying she devalued breaking with her performance.

"Whatever governing body nominated her as Australia's entrant into the Olympics either did not understand the assignment or didn't really believe in the integrity or significance of breakdancing, because if they did they would just say, rather than disrespect the culture, we're just not ready to send an applicant this year."

He said Raygun was extremely audacious and not self-aware.

"You've got to know your role, know your position, know your limitation," he said. 

"And I think that part of privilege is saying that there are no limits to what I can do. 

"Part of privilege is having the authority to say that there are no limits and there are no requirements, there are no prerequisites to what I can do."

Raygun's degrees do not hold much water with Mr Dixon.

"Due to consumerism, this Foundational Black American product, which is hip hop, is global," he said.

"And even people who have no connection to any African Americans or any local or regional things that come out in these songs, they have become a part of the whole experience now.

"If I came in and said that I was an authority on Greek music and I was going against the grain of what the mainstream Greek musicians thought, or the school of thought, and I've said that I was the authority, people would check me on that.

"If I had a PhD in sprinting, does that qualify me to go against Noah Lyles? No, it doesn't."

He also doubts Raygun was the best breaker Australia had to offer.

"[There's] got to be somebody out here that's better than that! The kangaroo! The sprinkler! She did the sprinkler out there, man!" he said.

Should everybody just lighten up?

Should we lighten up? Mr Dixon does not believe so.

"Larrikinism is used as a get-out-of-jail-free card and to escape responsibility of how words or actions impact a hurt person," he said.

"But when the majority culture is offended, there's no playing around.

"This is a part of my culture, and I don't think Australians are in a place to tell me how I should feel about breakdancing being mocked on an international stage.

"People who don't have any or limited access to black people or hip hop culture now may see Rachael and her buffoonery as a representation of hip hop and black culture.

"People who were already side-eyeing breakdancing as an Olympic sport, Rachael Gunn has put the nail in that coffin.

"This might be the most viral clip of the whole Olympics. From a comedy standpoint, she's got it, but from an Olympics perspective, its regressive."

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Brittney Griner lets tears flow during national anthem after U.S. women win gold

United States’ Brittney Griner wipes a tear after a women’s gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

United States’ Brittney Griner bites her gold medal at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

United States’ Brittney Griner (15) and United States’ Chelsea Gray (8) celebrate after a women’s gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

United States’ Brittney Griner (15) and United States’ Chelsea Gray (8) celebrate after a women’s gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

United States’ Brittney Griner (15) United States’ Kahleah Copper (7) and United States’ Kelsey Plum (5) celebrate after a women’s gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

The United States team celebrates their gold medal win at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

United States’ Brittney Griner, left, (15) and United States’ Kahleah Copper (7) block a shot form Sarah Michel Boury, right, (10), of France, during a women’s gold medal basketball game between the United States and France at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (Gregory Shamus/Pool Photo via AP)

United States’ Brittney Griner (15) shoots over Iliana Rupert (12), of France, during a women’s gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Alexia Chery (6), of France, and United States’ Brittney Griner (15) battle for a rebound during a women’s gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

United States’ Brittney Griner kisses her gold medal at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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PARIS (AP) — Standing on the medal stand with her third gold medal draped around her neck, Brittney Griner looked at the U.S. flag with tears streaming down her cheeks during the national anthem.

She didn’t wipe them away until after the anthem ended, never trying to hide how she feels representing her country 612 days after the U.S. got the American star home after 10 months in a Russian prison.

Not with all that this moment meant.

Griner didn’t think she’d have this chance again.

“This one meant a lot to me,” Griner said after the U.S. held off France 67-66 to win an unprecedented eighth straight gold medal in women’s basketball Sunday. “I mean, just having a chance to play for gold, represent my country, what my country did for me? Yeah, this is the highest on the pinnacle right here.”

This gold medal victory capped a long road back for Griner, who was sitting in a Russian penal colony two years ago not sure if she would ever get home again, let alone play basketball or compete in a third Olympics being held in Europe so close to Russia.

She had been sentenced to nine years behind bars for drug possession and smuggling in Russia, spending 10 months in jail before she was part of a high-profile prisoner exchange in December 2022. Griner, a Phoenix Mercury center who had been playing basketball in Russia during the WNBA offseason when she was detained, said she would never play internationally again except with USA Basketball.

Now, Griner has her third gold medal playing for the U.S. and plans to place this one next to her newborn son, Bash.

“It was a long journey, a hard journey to get back into it,” the 33-year-old said. “I’m just happy that my body was able to hold up and be able to be here.”

Griner has learned to appreciate the little things at the Olympics more than she did the first two times she played in them, in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro and in 2021 in Tokyo. In 2021, Griner led the U.S. with 30 points, the most points ever scored by a U.S. player in a gold-medal game.

2024 Paris Olympics:

• What to know about the closing ceremony : A skydiving Tom Cruise and performances from Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Paris Olympics mainstay Snoop Dogg highlighted the French capital’s au revoir to the Olympics.
• Indelible images : AP photographers pick their favorite images from the Paris Olympics .
• Who won the 2024 Olympics?: See which countries tied for the most gold medals in Paris, and who exceeded expectations.
• When are the next Summer Games? The Olympics will always have Paris . But next up for the Summer Games: Los Angeles 2028 . See how the City of Angels is preparing to follow the City of Light.

That was three years ago, but Griner’s ordeal in Russia left her appreciating the mundane details of each day.

“Waking up, going to practice, even when you don’t want to practice, having the opportunity to do that, because we overlook it,” she said. “That’s the opportunity that we get to do and I just cherish every second I can now.”

During these Games, the U.S. pulled off another high-profile prisoner exchange hours before Griner took the court during pool play. Knowing that more Americans were coming home had her “head over heels” happy at their return.

Teammate Diana Taurasi, who helped lobby for Griner’s return during her detention, stood two teammates away from Griner during the medal ceremony and anthem. Taurasi said she could sense Griner’s emotions and called it almost “mind-boggling” that Griner got back to this point.

“She’s a person that is grateful for all the support that she got through all this,” Taurasi said. “And it wasn’t easy. And it’s still not easy for her. She still carries a big burden ... to make sure everyone gets out. She carries that burden really heavy on her back.”

During the game itself, Griner scored four quick points and finished with two rebounds in the win.

She celebrated the victory on the basketball court with lots of hugs, including from Lisa Leslie and others cheering on the Americans at Bercy Arena, essentially a road game for the U.S. with French President Emmanuel Macron in the stands.

“The gold (medal game) is just the icing on the cake, being in the Olympics ... as well,” Griner said.

Then came time to celebrate again as the Americans huddled at midcourt for photos. Griner took out a phone for the team selfie with her right hand, using her left hand to hold up her latest gold medal.

This definitely was a moment to be remembered.

AP Sports Writer Teresa M. Walker contributed to this report.

AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

USWNT vs. Brazil highlights: USA wins Olympic gold for first time in 12 years

PARIS – The United States women’s national soccer team entered the 2024 Paris Olympics with a new coach and a retooled roster. Its track record at the biggest recent international tournaments had been underwhelming. Question marks abounded. 

The Americans’ rebuttal? A gold medal. 

The U.S. defeated Brazil 1-0 on Saturday to stand back on top of the Olympic podium for the first time in 12 years. Mallory Swanson , part of head coach Emma Hayes ’ new front three along with Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman , scored the game-winner in the 57th minute. Korbin Albert, inserted by Hayes into the starting lineup for the final, set her up with a timely through ball. 

"I've always had belief. I've said before, winning is in my DNA," Hayes said after the game. "... They've impressed me immensely, these players."

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher ’s one-handed save on a header by Adriana in the fourth minute of stoppage time saved the day. And she was unflappable all match.

Brazil came out as the aggressor and the U.S. relied on Naeher to quell the attack. The final stat sheet said she made four saves. It felt like 14, and every one was huge – none more than her stop in stoppage time of the first half on Gabi Portihlo kept the match scoreless. Defender Naomi Girma continued to be something of a brick wall on the backline.

Although the first half ended with them on their heels, the Americans flipped the script early in the second. They fended off Brazil’s desperation the rest of the way and when the referee blew the final whistle, arms went up, hugs were given, and the celebration was on for the Olympic champions. 

"I think this group really just came together from the beginning of our pregame to know, we’ve grown so much," Swanson said after. "That’s really cool to me, seeing that on and off the field. I think most importantly, you’re probably hearing it, we’re playing with joy. We’re having so much fun. I’m just so happy."

TRIUMPH FOR THE USWNT IN PARIS. 🇺🇸🙌 #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/RlbMvQgFID — NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 10, 2024

"I didn’t think I was gonna cry," Rodman said, "But, oh my gosh, that was the hardest, most exhausting experience of my life, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I think honestly, my legs were crying more than my eyes, but it was so amazing. To be able to hug all my teammates, I’m so happy for Mal. Her alone made me cry to see what she’s been through to be here. I was emotional for others as well as myself, but it was just everything. I’m so happy."

U.S. players dogpiled each other as "Born in the USA" played, followed by "Livin' on a Prayer" and "Surfin' USA." The Americans then shook hands with the Brazilians and circled up near midfield, where Naeher and Hayes, whose sense of humor and demanding style has already built trust with the team, spoke to them.

"It’s a dream come true and the best feeling ever," Smith said. "A relief."

Emma Hayes sends message with Olympic gold medal

Emma Hayes may not call herself a miracle worker, but it’s hard to think of a better description.

By  winning the Olympic gold medal Saturday  – its fifth, for those keeping track – the U.S. women’s national team sent a message to the rest of the world that last summer’s World Cup debacle, and the sluggishness at the Tokyo Games, were aberrations. There is still work to be done, to quote one of Hayes’ favorite mantras, but they are very much back on the right track.

And Hayes has officially been on the job for just three months. Give her another three years, which is when the next World Cup is, and the USWNT is likely again to be the standard by which the rest of the world is measured.

"I love America. It made me." An emotional Emma Hayes talks with Mike Tirico after achieving gold medal glory at the #ParisOlympics with the USWNT. pic.twitter.com/qZuOVcft31 — NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 10, 2024

What Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith said after winning Olympic gold

Trinity Rodman: "I think joy and belief’s the two biggest words for us. We’ve been having so much fun. But I think we still push each other really hard. I think there’s a misconception of, oh they laugh and dance all the time in training, they’re not serious, but we just proved to everyone that we are and we take this very serious."

Mallory Swanson: "I don’t think I’ve processed it yet. It’ll probably hit in a couple days when I’m on my flight back home what happened. I’m just so thankful that I was able to do it with this group."

Sophia Smith: "It’s a dream come true and the best feeling ever. A relief."

Mallory Swanson goal vs. Brazil

Welcome to the Summer of Mal. Mallory Swanson gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead in the 57th minute on a signature run down the left side. Korbin Albert, starting in place of Rose Lavelle, delivered the through ball for either Sophia Smith or Swanson. Smith would have likely been ruled offside if she touched it. But Swanson swooped in and made a beeline for the net, and her right-footed blast beat Brazil’s keeper Lorena to break the scoreless tie. 

TEAM USA STRIKES FIRST—AND IT'S MALLORY SWANSON AGAIN! 1-0 IN THE GOLD MEDAL MATCH. #ParisOlympics | 📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/rCEQNIbR68 — NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 10, 2024

Alyssa Naeher saves vs. Brazil

Alyssa NaeHER. 🤯 NO WORDS. 📺: @NBCOlympics & @peacock #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/GWjkhppS0q — Team USA (@TeamUSA) August 10, 2024

ALYSSA NAEHER TO THE RESCUE. AN UNBELIEVABLE SAVE IN STOPPAGE TIME. 😱 #ParisOlympics | 📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/fsJoNKSI40 — NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 10, 2024

An important early save for USA keeper Alyssa Naeher. 🧤 #ParisOlympics | 📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/mX31U4F2uQ — NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 10, 2024

US women's soccer Olympic gold medals

If it's an Olympics, you can find the U.S. women's national team on the medals podium. The Americans have won five golds at the Olympics (1996, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2024), more than any other team, and also have a silver from Sydney in 2000 and a bronze from Tokyo. Do the math, and that means the USWNT has won a medal at every Olympics except 2016. Oh, and another fun fact? Three of the USWNT's golds have come after playing Brazil in the final in both 2004 and 2008.

USWNT Olympic wins 

The USWNT is 33-7-4 all-time at the Olympics, including four gold medals, won in 1996, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2024.

Emma Hayes calls Naomi Girma the best defender she's ever seen

Emma Hayes paid Naomi Girma the ultimate compliment. Girma, the reigning U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, is widely recognized as one of the best centerbacks in the world. But Hayes said there’s no need for the qualifier .“She the best defender I've ever seen . Ever,” Hayes said after Girma’s stone-wall defense helped secure the USWNT’s 1-0 victory over Germany that sent the Americans into the gold medal match . “I've never seen a player as good as her in the back."

USA vs. Brazil score at halftime: 0-0

For the U.S., the first half of both the quarterfinals and semifinals were scoreless (and all of regulation, for that matter). The final against Brazil was no exception. 

Both teams had their fair share of scoring chances – Brazil’s more consistent compared to the Americans – but neither side had anything to show for it. 

Brazil’s Ludmila has been a handful for the U.S. back line to deal with. It looked like she put Brazil up in the 16th minute when she beat Naomi Girma off the dribble in the box, but luckily for the U.S., the offside flag went up. Alyssa Naeher came up huge during stoppage time to save a Gabi Porthilo strike. 

Mallory Swanson had the United States’ best chance of scoring on a long, speedy run with the ball. 

The match has been physical despite referee Tess Olofsson’s willingness to let play continue. Brazil was whistled for nine fouls compared to seven for the U.S. Possession had been nearly even for most of the match, but Brazil largely dominated the end of the half and ended up controlling the ball 54% of the time. 

Mallory Swanson’s speed almost leads to goal 

Mallory Swanson turned on the burners – and it almost led to the match’s first goal. Tierna Davidson cleared the ball from the U.S. defensive zone and Swanson found herself one-on-one with a Brazilian defender. Swanson took a couple of huge touches to win the footrace down the field and record a shot on net in the 26th minute – but it wasn’t the best angle. The subsequent U.S. rebound effort also came up empty. 

VAR review – no penalty

Speaking of physicality – there has been plenty more where that came from. Referee Tess Olofsson called for a VAR review in the 21st minute that would have led to a penalty shot from Brazil. The review revealed no foul on the U.S. in the box, however.

Brazil's Ludmila called offsides

What looked like an early deficit for the Americans turned out to be offsides by Brazil. The flag went on Ludmila, who beat Naomi Girma off the dribble in the box and fired one past Naeher. Amid the cries of celebration for the Brazil fans in the stands, the referee’s arm went in the air and the side judge on the far end of the field had the flag up.

An electric pregame atmosphere as a gold medal hangs in the balance. ⚡️ #ParisOlympics | 📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/wbBzL60qvG — NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 10, 2024

USA vs. Brazil Olympic final fouls so far

The play has been physical and referee Tess Olofsson has been mostly keeping the whistle in the pocket. Lindsey Horan had a strong tackle near midfield in which she extended her arms but play went on, even as the U.S. won the ball back. Then Mallory Swanson went down after contact at the top of the box, but again, Olofsson let play continue.

Megan Rapinoe in the house

Megan Rapinoe is the ultimate hype woman. 😂 📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/sgYZYBx99p — On Her Turf (@OnHerTurf) August 10, 2024

USWNT starting lineup today

There's a big surprise in the USWNT lineup for the Olympic final against Brazil: No Rose Lavelle in the starting lineup. Lavelle has started each of the previous five games in the tournament. But she was replaced in the lineup by Korbin Albert. Lavelle is not injured, and is available as a sub. The rest of the lineup remains unchanged:

• Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher
• Defenders: Crystal Dunn, Tierna Davidson, Naomi Girma, Emily Fox
• Midfielders: Korbin Albert, Lindsey Horan, Sam Coffey
• Forwards: Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman 

This game will be the 100th appearance for Swanson, who has fully recovered from a devastating knee injury last year. Available subs: Casey Krueger, Lynn Williams, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett, Jaedyn Shaw, Rose Lavelle, Casey Murphy.

Lead us out, Cap 🫡 pic.twitter.com/sZkyU6j3bg — U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 10, 2024

Mallory Swanson's 100th cap

Mallory Swanson is the 44th player in team history to reach the 100-cap milestone.

From a debut at 17 to the Gold Medal Match, Mal Swanson hits the century mark. 💯 pic.twitter.com/yQpq4xcszI — U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 10, 2024

USWNT schedule Olympics

Here are all the games the U.S. women have played at the Paris Olympics.

• July 25: USWNT 3, Zambia 0
• July 28: USWNT 4, Germany 1
• July 31: USWNT 2, Australia 0
• Aug. 3: USWNT 1, Japan 0
• Aug. 6: USWNT 1, Germany 0

USWNT's pink hair tradition

Even though she's retired, Megan Rapinoe still has influence with the USWNT. 

Trinity Rodman has been wearing pink braids throughout the Olympic tournament. Rapinoe, of course, was famous for her vibrant pink hair during the 2019 World Cup, which also was played in France. The USWNT won that World Cup that year, with Rapinoe picking up both the Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player and the Golden Boot as its top scorer. 

"I guess we needed some color somewhere and pink's the color," Rodman said Thursday. "Pink, purple, whatever. So yeah, I guess we've got to continue that moving forward." 

US women's soccer coach Emma Hayes

Part of the reason the Americans feel like they have been able to be themselves? Emma Hayes’ sense of humor. She’s been called “hilarious,” her one-liners and zingers frequent. She is demanding, to be sure, but her ability to crack jokes puts her players at ease.

"I think the one thing I love most about Emma is that she has the perfect balance of being serious but then you also see her goofy side too," Mallory Swanson said . "I think seeing that side of a coach helps a lot because we’re all human and she does such a good job of showing that."

USWNT matchday kit

Here is what the Americans are wearing for the gold medal game against Brazil.

Our Gold Medal Match threads 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/wyptrQem4R — U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 10, 2024

USWNT vs. Brazil prediction

The road for Brazil to reach this point has been … interesting. Marta , the legend, took a red card in Brazil’s final match of group play and served a two-match suspension. The only way she could have returned to this tournament – said to be her last on the international stage – was if her teammates found a way to reach the gold-medal match. They did, and Marta will have at least one final moment in front of the globe. 

Spirit won’t be enough for the Brazilians against the U.S. though. The American back line, led by Naomi Girma , is stout. Alyssa Naeher has been solid in net. Although the U.S. has not flexed the offensive firepower in France, it has at least scored enough to reward the defense. Take your pick of The Triple Threat, The Big Three, “Triple Espresso” – whatever your preference is for the trio of Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith – to find the back of the net.

Score prediction: USA 2, Brazil 0 

USWNT players

• Forward: Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Jaedyn Smith, Trinity Rodman, Crystal Dunn.
• Goalkeepers: Casey Murphy and Alyssa Naeher.
• Defenders: Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Casey Krueger, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett.
• Midfielders: Korbin Albert, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Lynn Williams. 

Brazil's Marta is getting a fitting sendoff

Marta , the Brazilian great, is playing her final international match today, when Brazil faces the U.S. It’s the fourth time in her career Marta has made the final at a major tournament, and third at the  Olympics . The Brazilians lost to the USWNT in 2004 and 2008. They also lost to Germany at the 2007 World Cup.

“We all wanted to play the final at the Olympics regardless of the circumstances. But of course this is an extra motivation,” Angelina said Friday. “We want to give this medal to Marta. She has given us so much throughout her career. She’s given everything she has to us and women’s football. She really deserves to play in the final.”

USWNT vs. Brazil Olympic history

The USWNT and Brazil have some history at the Olympics. The teams faced each other in the final in both 2004 and 2008, with the USWNT winning each time. Although no one from those USWNT teams is left, Brazilian icon Marta played in both games. Brazil scored one goal in those two games, by Pretinha in 2004. 

"What happened in the past is far away," Brazil coach Arthus Elias said Friday. "Football deserves great games and we should stop whining and talking about the past. We have new ingredients, new things to talk about rather than be thinking about the past. 

"I’m not worried at all about what happened in the past," Elias added. "I feel we are close to our dream coming true and that our players will do their very best tomorrow.”

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2024 Paris Olympics: USA Women's Basketball survives thriller vs. France to win eighth straight gold medal

The americans held off a valiant effort from the host country for a dramatic 61st consecutive olympic win.

The United States women's national basketball team completed its quest for an eighth consecutive gold medal in dramatic fashion on Sunday with a 67-66 win over the host country, France, at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This was the 61st consecutive win at the Olympics for Team USA, who has not lost on this stage since the semifinals in 1992.

Early on, it was clear France was going to dictate the terms of the game. Their length, athleticism and physicality on the defensive end had the Americans all out of sorts. Not only was Team USA turning the ball over on a regular basis, but they were rushing shots in the paint and struggling to finish around the basket. Early in the second half, France finally started to make some shots of their own, and they built a double-digit lead that appeared to have Team USA in real trouble. But like any true champion, the Americans had a response at the ready and ripped off a huge run to take the lead heading into the fourth.

Team USA was unable to keep up that momentum in the fourth quarter, however, and it became a back-and-forth game down the stretch. With less than 30 seconds to play, Gabby Williams hit a huge 3-pointer to pull France within one, and Kahleah Copper responded with two clutch free throws to push the Americans' lead back up to three. There was still time for one last French possession, however, and Williams made a shot at the buzzer, but her foot was on the line to make it a two-pointer.

A'ja Wilson, as she did all tournament long, led the way for Team USA. She bounced back from a tough start to finish with 21 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks. Copper, who helped change the game in the second half, put up 12 points, five rebounds and two steals, while Kelsey Plum added 12 points and four assists.

Here are some key takeaways from the game:

Wilson delivers again

A'ja Wilson has firmly established herself as the best player in the world this summer, and she reminded everyone of that fact on Sunday. Though she got off to a frustrating start along with the rest of the team, she delivered a brilliant second-half performance to ensure Team USA went home with the gold. 

Wilson was everywhere on both ends of the floor during Team USA's big comeback in the third quarter, then added seven points in the fourth, including an incredible jumper that hit the top of the backboard before falling in. All told, Wilson finished with 21 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks.

Over the entire tournament, Wilson averaged 18.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.7 blocks on 59.2% shooting from the field. Among all players she was third in scoring, second in rebounding and fourth in blocks, while also recording the most double-doubles (four). 

Copper changes the game in the second half

Kahleah Copper received a DNP in the second group stage game and had only been on the court for 30 combined minutes over the first four games of this tournament. That trend continued in the first half on Sunday, as she played sparingly. 

But with Team USA down double digits in the third quarter, Cheryl Reeve put Copper back in the game hoping to find a spark. That's just what Copper provided with her energy on both sides of the ball. She pressured France's guards, got into the paint to create for herself and her teammates and crashed the glass. 

Late in the fourth quarter, as Team USA was trying to cling to a narrow advantage, Copper was their most consistent source of offense. She had eight of their final 14 points, including a layup with 1:19 to play and a pair of ice cold free throws in the final five seconds, which ended up sealing the win. 

Closest gold medal game ever

Since women's basketball was added to the Olympic program with the 1976 games in Montreal, most of the gold medal matches have been uncompetitive affairs due to the dominance of the Soviet Union and United States. Here's a look at the final scores of the previous 12 contests:

Heading into Sunday's final, there had been more gold medal games decided by 30-plus points (four) than decided by less than 20 (three), and only once (1988) was the margin single digits. Team USA's one-point win over France was by far the closest gold medal game in women's Olympic basketball history. 

Team USA wins gold in dramatic fashion

The United States women's national basketball team has done it again. For the eighth consecutive time, the Americans have won the Olympic gold medal. This time, it came in dramatic fashion with a one-point win over the host country, France, 67-66. This was the 61st consecutive win at the Olympics for Team USA. 

The French had a double-digit lead in the second half, but the Americans raced back at the end of the third quarter to take the lead into the fourth. From there, it was a back-and-forth affair that went down to the final buzzer. Team USA was up by three after a pair of clutch free throw by Kahleah Copper, but France had one last chance in the closing seconds. Gabby Williams made a shot at the buzzer, but her foot was on the line. 

A'ja Wilson led the Americans with 21 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks, while Copper added 12 points, five rebounds and two steals in a game-changing second-half performance. 

Williams 19 points and seven rebounds in another strong performance for France, but it wasn't enough. 

Williams' buzzer-beater comes with foot on the line, USA escapes

WOW. Kahleah Copper made both free throws to make it a three-point game, then France raced up the floor and Marine Johannes found Gabby Williams, who made a shot at the buzzer but had her foot on the line. Team USA escapes with a one-point win

Williams hits 3, Copper fouled

Wow, Gabby Williams with a huge 3 to cut the deficit down to one and keep France alive. Kahleah Copper fouled on the inbound and will head to the line with 3.8 seconds left. 

Plum fouled, makes both

France fouls Kelsey Plum on the inbounds to stop the clock and send her to the line. She's an 86% shooter from there, and will have two huge ones here to make it a two-possession game. Makes the first, makes the second

Johannes fouled, makes both

A little too agressive from the Americans there on defense, and they foul Marine Johannes with 13.5 seconds left. She makes both free throws and it's a two point game. 

Great defense by Team USA, Wilson goes 1-2 at the line

The Americans knew that France was looking for a 3-pointer and would not let them have a look. Breanna Stewart just came up with a huge defensive stop. Now Wilson at the line for two free throws, she makes one. Team USA up four with 17.4 seconds remaining. 

Wilson travels

A'ja Wilson traveled after some strong defense by France. French ball down three with 30 seconds left. 

Copper with a big bucket

Kahleah Copper has been huge in the second half today and just got to the rim to put the U.S. back up by three. Gabby Williams then airballed a three with less than a minute left. Team USA ball

Williams keeps showing up for France

Gabby Williams has been huge today for France, just as she has been all tournament. She just made two free throws, then drained a pull-up jumper to keep the French within one point as the clock nears the one-minute mark. She's up to 14 points today. 

Wilson's lucky bounce gives the U.S. a three-point lead

A'ja Wilson just had a free-throw line jumper go off the rim, then hit the top of the backboard before falling through the net to give Team USA a three-point lead with less than three minutes to play. Big swing there. 

All tied in the final five minutes

The Americans have not been able to continue the momentum they built late in the third quarter, and as we head into the final five minutes the score is tied at 51-51, and this is anyone's game. If either squad can execute a few times offensively down the stretch, they will win. 

Third quarter: Team USA 45 -- France 43

France started the third quarter in impreccable fashion and built a 10-point lead that had Team USA in serious trouble. Kahleah Copper and Sabrina Ionescu then checked in and helped change the game along with A'ja Wilson, who scored eight points in the frame. A pair of free throws from Wilson in the final seconds capped a complete turnaround for the Americans, who now take a two-point lead into the fourth. 

France surges ahead

France has started the second half on an 8-0 run to take an eight-point lead, their largest of the game, and force a timeout from Cheryl Reeve. If France starts knocking down 3s like they have here in the first few minutes of the third quarter, the Americans are going to be in real trouble. 

Halftime: USA 25 -- France 25

This remains the exact type of game that the French wanted, and the Americans are not coping well with it at all. Team USA has already turned the ball over 13 times and is struggling mightily to finish in the paint against the long and physical French defense. Down on the other end, though, France has had just as much trouble putting the ball in the basket. 

At halftime, Team USA is shooting 8-of-28 from the field, while France is at 11-of-40. A'ja Wilson leads Team USA with eight points, while Gabby Williams has eight for France. 

Turnovers piling up for Team USA

France is a great defensive team, and their activity and physicality has caused real issues for Team USA. The Americans have already turned the ball over 12 times, and there's still five minutes left in the second quarter. Five different players already have multiple give aways. 

First quarter: USA 15 -- France 9

France has dictated the terms of this game, and Team USA struggled early on to deal with the physicality. The Americans' depth ultimately proved to be the difference in the first quarter, however, as Brittney Griner checked in late in the frame and scored back-to-back buckets to create some breathing room. 

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