You’re about to give a presentation, but you need to figure out the best presentation style to give to your audience. There are many different types of presentation styles to choose from. How do you know which one is right for your specific situation?
This article will describe the most popular types of presentations and give you a brief overview of each, so you know which type of presentation is best for you based on the context and your target audience.
This should help you make a more informed decision about which style is best for your needs so that you can deliver it the most effectively. Let’s get started!
What are the different types of presentation styles?
There are many different presentation styles, and the best style for any given situation depends on the purpose of the presentation and the audience that will be viewing it.
For example, a scientific presentation might use data visualizations to communicate complex information, while a sales presentation might focus on delivering an engaging and persuasive speech. Other presentation styles include using props or demonstrating products, giving a TED-style talk, or using PowerPoint slides. Ultimately, the goal is to choose a style that will best help you achieve your desired outcome.
In this article, we will start by discussing the broader presentation types, such as seminars, meetings, and training sessions, and move on to more specific presentation types, like informative presentations, persuasive presentations, sales presentations, etc.
Here are the top types of presentation styles:
- Seminars
- Meetings
- Training Sessions
- Informative Presentation
- Persuasive Presentation
- Sales Presentation
- Motivational Presentation
- Business Presentation
- Instructive Presentation
- Elevator Pitch
We’ll end with how you can deliver your presentation: orally, visually, or remotely.
Seminars
A seminar is a small, informal class typically conducted by a university professor to allow for personalized instruction and student interaction. Seminars often focus on discussions of scholarly articles or papers, and students are often expected to prepare for the session by reading the assigned material.
The intimate size of seminars allows for a more in-depth exploration of the topic than would be possible in a large lecture class. The format also encourages student participation and debate.
Seminars can be an excellent way to learn about a particular subject and develop critical thinking skills.
Meetings
A meeting is a gathering of people assembled to achieve a common goal through discussion and deliberation. Meetings can be conducted in person or remotely and involve many people. The size and structure of a meeting will vary depending on its purpose, but all meetings typically involve some form of discussion or information sharing.
The participants in a meeting may share their ideas and opinions, debate various topics, or make decisions about a course of action.
To be effective, meetings typically require some level of planning and organization. This can include setting a schedule or appointing a leader.
By planning and preparing for a meeting properly, its participants can ensure that it is productive and efficient.
Training Sessions
A training session is a time for employees to learn or improve new skills. Training can take many forms, but it typically involves some combination of lectures, group activities, and hands-on practice. The goal of a training session is to help employees be better equipped to do their jobs and to improve the overall quality of the workplace.
To be effective, training must be tailored to the needs of the individual employees and the specific demands of their jobs. An effective training program will also include regular follow-up and assessment to ensure that employees retain what they have learned.
Businesses can improve employee morale, strengthen retention rates, and boost productivity by investing in employee training.
Informative Presentation
An informative presentation is a presentation that provides information about a particular subject. An informative presentation aims to educate the audience about a specific topic.
It is essential to be clear and concise when giving an informative presentation. The presentation should be well-organized and easy to follow.
It is also essential to use reliable sources of information and provide citations. Informative presentations can be given in various formats, such as PowerPoint presentations, lectures, or speeches.
Regardless of the format, the goal is always to provide the audience with accurate and up-to-date information.
Persuasive Presentation
A persuasive presentation is a speech to convince the audience to accept a particular point of view or take a specific action. The goal of persuasive presentations is to change the audience’s beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors.
To be effective, persuasive presentations must be well-researched and carefully planned. The speaker must be clear and concise and address any objections the audience may have.
Persuasiveness will also often depend on the delivery of the presentation, as passionate and charismatic speakers are more likely to win over an audience than those who are dry or monotone.
A successful persuasive presentation can be the difference between winning over a new customer or losing a sale.
Sales Presentation
A sales presentation is a formal meeting between a potential buyer and a seller in which the seller presents their product or service to convince the buyer to make a purchase. Sales presentations can take many forms, from highly scripted and rehearsed pitches to more informal conversations.
Regardless of the format, the best sales presentations have some aspects in common. These include:
- An engaging opening
- A detailed overview of the product or service
- A demonstration of how the product or service can benefit the buyer
- A clear call-to-action
With these elements in place, a sales presentation can be an effective way to close a deal.
Motivational Presentation
A motivational presentation is a speech or presentation given to motivate the audience to take action. The speaker typically uses stories, analogies, and personal experiences to inspire the audience and encourage them to pursue their goals.
Well-crafted motivational presentations can be an excellent way to boost morale, build team spirit, and promote positive change. However, it is essential to ensure that the content is appropriate for the audience and that the delivery is dynamic and engaging. Otherwise, the presentation may fail to achieve its intended purpose.
Business Presentation
A business presentation is an event where businesses discuss essential topics related to their work. Plus, business presentations typically involve a large audience and may be held in person or virtually.
This types of presentation often include PowerPoint presentations and other visual aids and may involve guest speakers’ speeches. Business presentations allow businesses to share information with their employees, customers, and other interested parties.
They can also be used to promote new products or services or to unveil new initiatives. Business presentations can be an effective way to communicate complex information concisely and engagingly.
In the business world, the correct presentation style can make a massive difference in the success of a project or initiative. By understanding the different presentation styles and when to use them, people can ensure that their presentations are effective and engaging.
Instructive Presentation
An instructive presentation is a type of presentation that is designed to teach its audience something new. Unlike a traditional presentation, which may provide information or entertain its audience, an instructive presentation is focused on delivering instructional content.
This can include anything from teaching a new skill to offering tips and tricks for using a particular product. When giving instructive presentations, it is essential to identify the goals and objectives of the instruction. This will help to ensure that the audience walks away with the desired knowledge or skill.
Additionally, it is essential to use clear and concise language, as well as visual aids such as diagrams, charts, and images, to effectively communicate the instruction.
With careful planning and execution, instructive presentations can be an excellent way to educate an audience on various topics.
Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech you use to sell yourself, your product, or your company. You make an elevator pitch when you want to convince someone to invest in your idea, give you a job, or buy your product.
The name “elevator pitch” comes from the idea that you should be able to explain your idea in the time it takes to ride an elevator (about 30 seconds). An elevator pitch is sometimes called an “elevator speech” or an “elevator statement.”
A good elevator pitch is clear, concise, and engaging. It should explain what you do, why it’s valuable, and who it’s for. An effective elevator pitch will make the listener want to hear more about your product or idea.
You might use an elevator pitch in a job interview, meet someone at a networking event, or pitch your product to a potential investor. An elevator pitch is not just for entrepreneurs–anyone who wants to sell an idea can benefit from having a good elevator speech.
How can you deliver a presentation?
You can deliver a presentation in three main ways: orally, visually, or remotely.
Oral Presentation
An oral presentation is a type of presentation in which the presenter speaks to an audience without visual aids such as slides. Oral presentations can be used to present information, share ideas, or give a persuasive speech.
When giving an oral presentation, it is essential to be well-prepared and to practice beforehand. This will help ensure that the presentation flows smoothly and that the audience understands the presented information.
Additionally, it is crucial to be aware of body language and tone of voice to engage the audience and deliver a successful presentation.
Visual Presentation
A visual presentation is a presentation that uses visuals to communicate information. These visuals can include:
- Slideshows
- Posters
- Infographics
- Videos
The aim of a visual presentation is to make the information easier to understand and remember. Our brains are hardwired to respond to visuals, so using them in presentations can effectively engage your audience and get your point across.
When done well, visual presentations can be incredibly powerful tools for conveying information. However, it’s important to use visuals wisely. Overloading your slides with text or using low-quality images can make your presentation confusing and less effective. Make sure you choose the right font that has high readability and use images sparingly, so people don’t get too distracted and miss the point of your presentation.
If you plan to use visuals in your next presentation, choose them carefully and use them sparingly. With some thought and creativity, you can create a visual presentation that will engage and inform your audience.
Remote Presentation
A remote presentation is a presentation that is given over the internet, typically using video conferencing software. This type of presentation has several advantages over in-person presentations, including reaching a wider audience and saving time and money by avoiding travel.
Additionally, remote presentations can be recorded and shared, allowing viewers to watch the presentation at their convenience. While there are many benefits to giving a remote presentation, there are challenges, such as ensuring that everyone can hear and see the presentation.
With careful planning and execution, however, a remote presentation can effectively communicate with a large audience.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read about the different presentation styles, it’s time to choose one. Which style will work best for your audience and your purpose?
Keep in mind that there is no single correct answer – it all depends on what you want to accomplish with your presentation, the context, and the audience you will be presenting to. If possible and appropriate, try using visual aids to convey your message, like PowerPoint.
Armed with this information, you’ll be able to select a style that will help you deliver your message effectively and engage your audience.
Let’s visit RRPicks to download free PowerPoint templates. But wait, don’t go anywhere and stay here with our RRGraph Design Blog to keep up-to-date on the best pitch deck template collections and design advice from our PowerPoint experts.
Author Bio: Janine Heinrichs is a graphic designer who writes at Janine Designs Daily. Her mission is to show people that the faster and more effective way to become a graphic designer is not by going to school; it’s by being bold and putting your work out into the world. Her work has been featured on popular design sites like Creative Boom.
