free online course for presentation skills

13 Best + Free Presentation Skills Courses [2024 May] [UPDATED]

Giving presentations is crucial in today’s modern world. To succeed in one’s career, one must know the art of creating and delivering presentations. The best free and paid presentation courses are listed below. Have a look at our list of Best PowerPoint Courses .

13 Best + Free Presentation Skills Courses, Classes & Certifications [2024 May] [UPDATED]

Presentation skills secrets course: delivering the talk of your life (udemy).

The presentation skill secrets program includes topics like storytelling and creating audience maps. Learn about the types of content and how to extract and categorize information. Understand how to create emotional variety and sequence content. Know how to engage your senses during the communication process. Learn about topics like multisensory augmentation and know rehearsing tips . Understand the seven steps of the talk development journey. Know how to create effective PowerPoint presentations. The program includes a 30-Day-Money-Back-Guarantee for students who are not satisfied with the course content.

Highlights-

-Students will receive a certificate after completing the program.

-Understand concepts like the SUCCESS model, signals, and noise.

-PDF worksheets help students practice their communication skills.

-The program is compatible with both a mobile phone and a television screen.

Duration: Self Paced

Rating: 4.4 out of 5

You can Sign up Here

PowerPoint Presentation Course- design PowerPoint slides (Udemy)

The PowerPoint Presentation course will help you create engaging presentations for an audience. Understand how to work with text, slide layout, and transitions. Know the best design practices that you can follow. Understand the features of Microsoft PowerPoint-like editing paths and vector objects . Students must have access to Microsoft PowerPoint (version 2013 or later) before opting for the program. The modules are suitable for beginners.

-Students have lifetime access to the study material in the modules.

-Learners will receive a certificate after completing the course.

-Students can access a list of resources to help them create effective presentations.

The Complete Presentation and Public Speaking/Speech Course (Udemy)

The Presentation course covers understanding your audience and writing content relevant to them. Know how to appeal to your audience’s emotions. Understand how to start a presentation and introduce new speakers. Know how to structure content, overcome writer’s block, and end a presentation. Understand how you can obtain feedback on your presentation . Know how to critique a presentation and present your content by having the appropriate body language . The modules are suitable for beginners. Learners do not need to have any prior knowledge of giving or creating presentations. The program includes a 30-Day-Money-Back-Guarantee.

-Understand how to customize images and add photographs to enhance your presentations.

-Students can preview some video lectures before purchasing the program.

-Know how to relax and be in a proper mental state while delivering presentations.

Confidence on Camera: Make Amazing Videos, Easily. (Udemy)

The Confidence on Camera program will help students learn to overcome their fears. Understand how to structure talking points and exercise your voice. Know how to create videos and have the correct body language. Understand how you can create a good first impression by working on your appearance . Learn tips for setting up lighting and how to decide the best equipment. The program includes a 30-Day-Money-Back-Guarantee. Students need to have access to a video recording device and basic lighting equipment before pursuing the course.

-Students can preview some video courses before opting for the program.

-Learn tips for mental well-being that can help you during uncertain times.

-Understand time management and how you can set realistic goals.

-Resources like guide lists help students understand concepts in the modules better.

Rating: 4.6 out of 5

Related: High Income Skills You Can Learn Online

Complete Presentation Skills Masterclass for Every Occasion (Udemy)

The complete presentation skills course covers topics like body language and incorporating storytelling in presentations. Learn presentation skills from famous personalities like authors, leaders, and celebrities . Understand how you can eliminate your fear of public speaking . Know how presentation skills vary depending upon the event, like a workplace meeting or a wedding. Understand the best ways to motivate your audience . Know how to end and start presentations and choose a presentation topic. The program includes a 30-Day-Money-Back-Guarantee for students who are not satisfied with the course content.

Public Speaking and Presentations Pro: No Beginners Allowed! (Udemy)

The public speaking course includes topics like engaging your audience and becoming confident. Know how to tailor your presentations according to the needs of the target audience. Understand how to use your body language and facial expressions . Know how you can answer the questions of your audience and speak at an appropriate pace. Understand how to be enthusiastic and handle any distractions. Know how to identify your key strengths while presenting. The program includes a 30-Day-Money-Back-Guarantee for students who are not satisfied with the course content. The program is not suitable for beginner-level students.

-Learn the four presentation styles of keynote speakers and how to use them during presentations.

-Know how to incorporate humor in your presentations and use media to your advantage.

Seth Godin on Presenting to Persuade (Udemy)

The presenting to persuade course will help you make presentations using either PowerPoint or Keynote. Learn the ten principles of effective slide design. View sample presentations and understand how to improve your presentations . The program includes a 30-Day-Money-Back-Guarantee for students who are not satisfied with the course content. The modules are appropriate for beginner-level learners. The program is for entrepreneurs, managers, fundraisers, public speakers, and people who need to make Presentations for work.

-Students can preview some video lectures before opting for the program.

Duration: 1 hour of video (Self-Paced)

Free Course Trial – Effective Communication: Writing, Design, and Presentation Specialization by University of Colorado (Coursera)

The effective presentations course covers business writing, graphic design, and presentation skills.  Learn the tools you can use to improve your writing and how to give your content a proper structure. Know how to create professional reports and resumes. Understand how to react to criticism and deliver presentations confidently. The program is suitable for beginner-level learners. Access to presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides , or Apple Keynote is required before pursuing the program . Learners can opt for financial aid if they are unable to afford the program fee.

Highlights –

-Learners can complete the applied learning project and create a memo and slide deck.

-Assignments and quizzes help students test their knowledge of the concepts in the course.

-The program deadlines are flexible, and learners can change them according to their convenience.

-Discussion forums enable learners to discuss concepts in the program with other learners.

-Students can create study notes within the modules and read the video transcripts.

-The program subtitles are available in languages like Chinese, Italian, Arabic, and French.

Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Related: How to Speak Like a CEO

Free Course Trial – Data Analysis and Presentation Skills: the PwC Approach Specialization (Coursera)

The data analysis and presentation skills course covers topics like data-driven decision making and problem-solving. Understand how to build databases and data models using Microsoft Excel. Understand how to create presentations with supporting data and incorporate effective visuals. The program is for beginner-level students. Learners need to have access to Microsoft Excel 2013 to complete the exercises in the course . Learners who opt for the course will be invited to be a part of PwC’s talent network. Students can opt to receive financial aid if they are unable to afford the program fee.

-Students will receive a certificate if they opt for the paid version of the program.

-The program has flexible deadlines, and learners can reset them according to their convenience.

-Peer discussion groups help students share their knowledge with each other.

-Students can create study notes within the modules.

-Learners will solve mock client problems in the capstone project that will help them test their knowledge.

Rating: 4.7 out of 5

Free Course Trial – Dynamic Public Speaking Specialization by University of Washington (Coursera)

The dynamic public speaking course will help you learn how to be a confident speaker. Understand how you can prepare speeches for various occasions. Know the delivery techniques for voice and how to use movement and gestures. Understand speechwriting techniques and know how to discuss evidence and frame topics. Know how you can motivate your audience and frame arguments . Learn how to explain complex ideas clearly and incorporate storytelling and humor in your speeches. The program is for beginner-level students. Learners can opt to receive financial aid if they are unable to afford the program fee.

-The program deadlines are flexible, and students can reset them according to their convenience.

-Students can complete the applied learning project and record or practice speeches.

-The modules have subtitles in various languages like Arabic, French, Chinese, and Italian.

-Assignments and quizzes help students test their knowledge of the concepts in the program.

-Learn how to speak from notes or manuscripts and design clear presentations.

Inspired Presentation Skills (Dale Carnegie)

The presentation courses cover how to present complex material and communicate clearly . Know how to create presentations that have an impact on the target audience. Learn how you can overcome your fear of public speaking. Understand tips you can follow to compel listeners to take action. Understand how to structure presentations. Do have a look at our take on Best Communication skills Courses .

-Some programs help learners obtain unlimited access to programs for one year.

Duration: Variable

Rating: 4.3 out of 5

Online Presentation Skills Training Seminars (American Management Association)

The online presentation skills course includes topics like speaking in a persuasive manner and being confident . Understand how you can create PowerPoint presentations using data from Excel . Know how to understand your emotional triggers. Understand how you can improve your visual storytelling skills. Understand how you can build a professional brand for yourself.

-Know how to combine verbal and non-verbal techniques to communicate efficiently.

-Understand concepts like leadership, emotional intelligence, and managing emotions under stress.

Related: How to Become a Marketing Thought Leader

Individual and Corporate Training Programs (Effective Presentations)

Learners can opt for hands-on remote workshops, personalized coaching, or 1-hour remote workshops. The sessions are conducted face-to-face with a Nationally Certified instructor . Students will receive constructive and immediate feedback from an expert. Check out our curation of Best Excel Courses .

-Learn how to build meaningful relationships with your target audience.

-Know how you can notice verbal and non-verbal cues.

-Understand how you can overcome your fears in social settings.

-Know how you can persuade others with your thoughts.

Presentation Skills: Speechwriting, Slides and Delivery Specialization by National Research Tomsk State University (Coursera)

Program has been discontinued

The presentation skills program covers topics like storytelling and speechwriting. Understand how to talk about facts and figures confidently. Learn how to ensure that PowerPoint slides are clear and use the correct format. Understand how factors like typology, color schemes, and photographs can impact the quality of a presentation. Learn how to interact with your audience, answer questions, and ensure the correct voice pace . Know how to cope with fear and anxiety before a significant presentation. Students must have a basic understanding of Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple Keynote before opting for the program. The course is suitable for beginner-level students.

-Students will receive a certificate after completing the course.

-The program deadlines are flexible, and learners can pursue the course as per their convenient time.

-Discussion forums help students discuss concepts in the course with other learners.

-Quizzes, reading material, and assignments help learners test their knowledge of the concepts in the modules.

-The public speaking project will help students create and deliver a presentation to test their skills.

Presentation skills: Designing Presentation Slides by National Research Tomsk State University (Coursera)

The presentation skills course covers key elements of design, colors, fonts, and templates. Understand typography and photographic illustrations . Know how to use photographs and vector art in your slides. Learn how to create diagrams and charts. Students can opt to receive financial aid if they are unable to afford the program fee.

-Learners will receive a certificate after completing the program.

-The course deadlines are flexible, and students can reset them according to their convenience.

-Learn through quizzes, a list of reading material, and assignments.

-The modules are available in multiple languages like French, Korean, German, and Spanish.

-Discussion forums enable students to discuss topics in the program with others.

Enroll in the above presentation skills courses to grow in your career. We hope you discovered a program that meets your requirements. The course will help you succeed in delivering your message to your target audience.

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TED’s Official Public Speaking Course

Master a variety of communication skills with TED’s official public speaking course, now available on YouTube Courses. This course will teach you how to identify, develop and share your best ideas with the world.

YouTube Courses are currently only available in the United States, but YouTube is working on expanding into other regions in 2023.

The proceeds from this course support TED-Ed's nonprofit mission of creating and distributing free, high-quality animations.

Master the art of public speaking

• Craft them into compelling narratives.
• Present so that people want to listen.

Become a better communicator

• Establish a connection with your listeners.
• Give more persuasive presentations.
• Explain complex ideas.

© 2024 TED Conferences, LLC. All rights reserved. Please note that the TED Talks Usage policy does not apply to this content and is not subject to our creative commons license.

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Free Powerpoint Courses

Learn new tools and techniques to create stunning PowerPoint presentations through Great Learning's free PowerPoint courses. Learn basics to advanced concepts and gain recognition for your abilities with free PowerPoint certificates of course completion. These online PowerPoint courses will equip you with all the necessary skills to create high-quality presentations and slides. With comprehensive, hands-on training, you will develop and hone your skills in Powerpoint, from creating spectacular slides and smooth transitions to more advanced features and functions. Improve your PowerPoint presentation skills through these free courses and earn free certificates.

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PowerPoint - An Essential Software Program

PowerPoint has become an essential skill to have in the modern workplace. It is a powerful tool used in many different industries to create presentations, campaigns, and multimedia experiences that are both visually appealing and interactive. With the evolution of technology, PowerPoint has become an increasingly important tool for professionals.

You can learn this in-demand software program through Great Learning's free PowerPoint courses and gain renowned skills. Here's an overview of why learning to use this popular software program is essential in today's business world.

Professionals of all stripes need to know how to use PowerPoint. Employers are looking for job candidates who can create professional presentations to showcase their ideas and expertise. Students will benefit from understanding the basics of PowerPoint, as they may need to create presentations for class projects and assignments. Entrepreneurs need to know the basics of creating visually appealing presentations to showcase their products and services. In short, anyone working in the corporate world needs to know how to use PowerPoint to communicate their message effectively.

Great presentations can capture an audience and help engage them more effectively in the messages you're trying to convey. PowerPoint is a very effective way to present complex information, turning it into digestible pieces of information that the audience can understand. PowerPoint also allows users to add visuals, animations, and other multimedia elements to make the presentation look more professional and engaging.

PowerPoint is a fast and simple way to create visually appealing presentations. You can use the various features of the program to create your own custom slides or use the various templates available to help streamline the process. You can even upload images, audio, and video clips and add animation and other visuals to make your presentation truly unique.

In addition to creating professional presentations for the workplace, PowerPoint is also used for more creative projects. Musicians, filmmakers, and other professionals are using this powerful program to create multimedia experiences that help tell stories in a visually captivating way.  

PowerPoint is a valuable tool for anyone looking to communicate their message. It's an effective way to create visually appealing and engaging presentations and is key to success in many industries. No matter the field, learning how to use PowerPoint is an important skill in the modern business world.

Benefits of Learning PowerPoint

PowerPoint is an essential business tool for creating and delivering presentations. But the use of this software extends beyond the work environment. Learning PowerPoint can offer personal and professional benefits that can help you achieve success in your professional and personal life. 

1. Improved Visual Representation of Ideas

PowerPoint allows users to create visuals that effectively convey their ideas or thoughts. These visuals can be used to enhance presentations, speeches, and reports. You can use PowerPoint to create a variety of visuals, such as tables, graphics, and visuals to help communicate your message effectively.

2. Streamlined Professional Communication

PowerPoint enables users to communicate more effectively with their work colleagues or supervisors. You can use PowerPoint to create a presentation quickly and efficiently. You can add graphics, images, and videos to your presentation to help illustrate your points. In addition, PowerPoint can also be used to create professional-looking documents.

3. Enhanced Job Performance

Knowing how to use PowerPoint can help make you an asset to your company. You can use this powerful tool to create attractive and engaging presentations to share with your organization's clients and other key stakeholders. With the help of PowerPoint, you can present your ideas cohesively and get your point across more effectively. This can help you stand out from your colleagues and get ahead in your profession.

4. Easier Data Analysis PowerPoint also offers the ability to analyze data quickly. You can use the graphing and charting functions to create visuals that can help you to understand the data better. This visualization of the data can make it easier for you to make sense of it and draw meaningful conclusions.

Learning the basics of PowerPoint is a great way to improve your professional and personal life. Whether you need to create an engaging presentation for a client or analyze data to make an important decision, PowerPoint can help you do it quickly and effectively. Learn this impressive software program from scratch through Great Learning's free PowerPoint courses that cover basic to advanced concepts. Want to upskill in your software skills? Great Learning's Best Software Engineering Courses are the right option for you to get familiar with in-demand industry skills and earn a certificate of course completion that aid in securing better job opportunities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Great Learning offers free PowerPoint courses, which address basic to advanced concepts. Enroll in the course that suits your career goals through the pool of courses and earn free PowerPoint certificates of course completion.  

With the support of online learning platforms, it is now possible to learn concepts on your own. Great Learning Academy is a platform that provides free PowerPoint courses where learners can learn at their own pace.    

These free PowerPoint courses offered by Great Learning Academy contain self-paced videos allowing learners to learn necessary PowerPoint skills at their convenience.  

Yes. You will have lifelong access to these free PowerPoint courses Great Learning Academy offers.  

You can enroll in Great Learning's Full Stack Development Course by IIT Roorkee, which will help you gain advanced software skills in demand in industries. Complete the course to earn a certificate of course completion.

Yes, it is worth learning PowerPoint. It is a highly versatile and valuable tool that can create compelling presentations while allowing you to easily share online and collaborate with others. Learning PowerPoint can also increase your productivity and make it easier to communicate ideas visually.  

PowerPoint is a popular presentation software because it is easy to use and can be quickly adapted to meet the needs of almost any presentation. It also has a wide range of features, including various transitions and animations, which allow for more engaging and visually appealing presentations. Additionally, PowerPoint's ability to embed video and audio clips help to keep audiences engaged. Many people are accustomed to PowerPoint's user interface, making it easier to learn and use.  

You will be awarded free PowerPoint certificates after completion of your enrolled PowerPoint free courses.  

Through these free PowerPoint courses, you will gain essential PowerPoint features and techniques that help make your presentation more engaging.  

These PowerPoint courses are provided by Great Learning Academy for free, allowing any learner to learn PowerPoint and gain crucial skills for free.

Learners, from freshers to working professionals who wish to gain essential PowerPoint skills, can enroll in these free PowerPoint courses and earn certificates of course completion.  

Choose the free PowerPoint courses you are looking for and click on the "Enroll Now" button to start your PowerPoint learning journey.

Great Learning Academy is the farsighted initiative by Great Learning, the leading e-Learning platform, to offer free industry-relevant courses. Free PowerPoint courses contain courses ranging from beginner-level to advanced-level to help learners choose the best fit for them.  

There are several jobs that require you to learn PowerPoint, including:

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14 Practical Tips to Improve Your Presentation Skills

• The Speaker Lab
• May 11, 2024

Table of Contents

Ever felt complete dread and fear at the thought of stepping up to deliver a presentation? If so, you’re not alone. The fear of public speaking is more common than you might think, but with the right presentation skills , it’s a hurdle that can be overcome.

In this article, we’ll help you master basic confidence-building techniques and conquer advanced communication strategies for engaging presentations. We’ll explore how body language and eye contact can make or break your connection with your audience; delve into preparation techniques like dealing with filler words and nervous habits; discuss tailoring content for different audiences; and much more.

Whether you’re prepping for job interviews or gearing up for big presentations, being prepared is key. With adequate practice and the proper attitude, you can crush your speech or presentation!

Mastering the Basics of Presentation Skills

Presentation skills are not just about speaking in front of a crowd. It’s also about effective communication, audience engagement, and clarity. Mastering these skills can be transformative for everyone, from students to corporate trainers.

Building Confidence in Presentations

Becoming confident when presenting is no small feat. But fear not. Even those who feel jittery at the mere thought of public speaking can become masters with practice and patience. Just remember: stage fright is common and overcoming it is part of the process towards becoming an effective presenter.

Taking deep breaths before you start helps calm nerves while visualizing success aids in building confidence. Also, know that nobody minds if you take a moment to gather your thoughts during your presentation—everybody minds more if they cannot understand what you’re saying because you’re rushing.

The Role of Practice in Enhancing Presentation Skills

In line with old wisdom, practice indeed makes perfect, especially when improving presentation skills. Consistent rehearsals allow us to fine-tune our delivery methods like maintaining eye contact or controlling body language effectively.

You’ll learn better control over filler words through repeated drills. Plus, the extra practice can help you troubleshoot any technical glitches beforehand, saving you the sudden panic during your actual presentations.

Remember that great presenters were once beginners too. Continuous effort will get you there sooner rather than later.

Find Out Exactly How Much You Could Make As a Paid Speaker

Use The Official Speaker Fee Calculator to tell you what you should charge for your first (or next) speaking gig — virtual or in-person! 

Body Language and Eye Contact in Presentations

The effectiveness of your presentation can hinge on more than just the words you say. Just as important is your body language .

Impact of Posture on Presentations

Your posture speaks volumes before you utter a word. Standing tall exudes confidence while slouching could signal nervousness or lack of preparation.

If there’s one lesson to take away from our YouTube channel , it’s this: good presenters know their message but great ones feel it through every fiber (or muscle) of their being. The audience can sense that energy when they see open body language rather than crossed arms.

Maintaining Eye Contact During Your Presentation

Eyes are often called windows to the soul for a reason. They’re communication powerhouses. Making eye contact helps build trust with your audience members and keeps them engaged throughout your speech.

Avoid staring at note cards or visual aids too much as this might give an impression that you’re unprepared or uncertain about your chosen topic. Instead, aim to maintain eye contact between 50% of the time during presentations. This commonly accepted “50/70 rule” will help you exhibit adequate confidence to your audience.

If stage fright has gotten a hold on you, take deep breaths before you start speaking in order to stay calm. Make sure that fear doesn’t disrupt your ability to maintain eye-contact during presentations.

If body language and eye contact still feel like a lot to manage during your big presentation, remember our golden rule: nobody minds small mistakes. It’s how you handle questions or mishaps that truly makes a difference—so stay positive and enthusiastic.

Preparation Techniques for Successful Presentations

Presentation skills are like a craft that requires meticulous preparation and practice. Aspects like visual aids and time management contribute to the overall effectiveness of your delivery.

The first step towards delivering an impactful presentation is research and organization. The content should be well-researched, structured logically, and presented in simple language. This will make sure you deliver clear messages without any room for misinterpretation.

Dealing with Filler Words and Nervous Habits

Nervous habits such as excessive use of filler words can distract from your message. Luckily, there are plenty of strategies that can address these issues. For instance, try taking deep breaths before speaking or using note cards until fluency is achieved. In addition, practice regularly to work on eliminating these verbal stumbling blocks.

Avoiding Distractions During Presentations

In a digital age where distractions abound, maintaining focus during presentations has become an even more crucial part of the preparation process. This video by motivational speaker Brain Tracy provides insights on how one could achieve this level of focus required for effective presentations.

Maintaining Confidence Throughout Your Presentation

Confidence comes from thorough understanding of the chosen topic combined with regular practice sessions before the big day arrives. Make use of note cards or cue cards as needed but avoid reading from them verbatim.

Taking control over stage fright starts by arriving early at the venue so that you familiarize yourself with the surroundings, which generally calms nerves down considerably. So next time you feel nervous before a big presentation, remember—thorough preparation can make all the difference.

Engaging Your Audience During Presentations

Connecting with your audience during presentations is an art, and mastering it can take your presentation skills to the next level. Making the message conveyed reach an emotional level is essential, not just conveying facts.

Understanding Your Target Audience

The first step towards engaging your audience is understanding them. Tailor the content of your presentation to their needs and interests. Speak in their language—whether that be professional jargon or everyday slang—to establish rapport and ensure comprehension.

An effective presenter understands who they’re speaking to, what those individuals care about, and how best to communicate complex ideas understandably.

Making Complex Information Understandable

Dense data or complicated concepts can lose even the most interested listener if presented ineffectively. Breaking your key points down into manageable chunks helps maintain attention while promoting retention. Analogies are especially useful for this purpose as they make unfamiliar topics more relatable.

Audience Participation & Questions: A Two-Way Street

Incorporating opportunities for audience participation encourages engagement at another level. It allows listeners to become active participants rather than passive receivers of knowledge.

Consider techniques like live polls or interactive Q&A sessions where you invite questions from attendees mid-presentation instead of saving all queries until the end.

This gives you a chance not only engage but also address any misunderstandings right on spot.

• Treat each question asked as an opportunity—it’s evidence someone has been paying attention. Even challenging questions should be welcomed as they demonstrate an engaged, thoughtful audience.
• Encourage participation. It can be as simple as a show of hands or the use of interactive technologies for live polling during your presentation. This keeps your audience active and invested in the content.

Remember, your presentation isn’t just about putting on a show—it’s about meaningful interaction.

Free Download: 6 Proven Steps to Book More Paid Speaking Gigs in 2024​

Download our 18-page guide and start booking more paid speaking gigs today!

Presentation Skills in Specific Contexts

Whether you’re nailing your next job interview, presenting an exciting marketing campaign, or delivering insightful educational content, the context matters. Let’s take a look.

The Art of Job Interviews

A successful job interview often hinges on effective communication and confidence. Here, the target audience is usually small but holds significant influence over your future prospects. Body language plays a crucial role; maintain eye contact to show sincerity and interest while open body language communicates approachability.

Bullet points summarizing key experiences are also helpful for quick recall under pressure. This allows you to present your chosen topic with clarity and positive enthusiasm without relying heavily on note or cue cards.

Pitching in Public Relations & Marketing

In public relations (PR) and marketing contexts, presentations need to capture attention quickly yet hold it long enough to deliver key messages effectively. Visual aids are valuable tools here—they help emphasize points while keeping the audience engaged.

Your aim should be highlighting presentation benefits that resonate with potential clients or partners, making them feel as though ignoring such opportunities would mean missing out big time.

Educational Presentations

An educational setting demands its own unique set of presentation skills where deep understanding trumps flashy visuals. You must make complex information understandable without oversimplifying essential details—the use of analogies can be beneficial here.

Keeping the audience’s attention is critical. Encourage questions and participation to foster a more interactive environment, enhancing learning outcomes for all audience members.

Tips for Becoming a Great Presenter

No single method is suitable for everyone when it comes to speaking in public. However, incorporating continuous improvement and practice into your routine can make you an exceptional presenter.

Tailor Your Presentation to Your Audience

Becoming an excellent speaker isn’t just about delivering information; it’s also about making a connection with the audience. So make sure that you’re taking setting, audience, and topic into consideration when crafting your presentation. What works for one audience may not work for another, so be sure to adapt your presentation styles according to the occasion in order to be truly effective.

The Power of Practice

The art of mastering public speaking skills requires practice —and lots of it . To become a great presenter, focus on improving communication skills through practice and feedback from peers or mentors. Try to seek feedback on every speech delivered and incorporate those pointers in your future presentations. Over time, this cycle of delivery-feedback-improvement significantly enhances your ability to connect with audiences and convey ideas effectively.

If you’re looking for examples of good speakers, our speech breakdowns on YouTube provide excellent examples of experienced presenters who masterfully utilize speaking techniques. Analyzing their strategies could give you great ideas for enhancing your own style.

Finding Your Style

A crucial part of captivating any audience lies in how you deliver the message rather than the message itself. Developing a unique presentation style lets you stand out as an engaging speaker who commands attention throughout their talk. Through — you guessed it — practice, you can develop a personal presentation style that resonates with listeners while showcasing your expertise on the chosen topic.

Your body language plays a pivotal role here: open gestures communicate confidence and enthusiasm towards your subject matter, two qualities essential for keeping audiences hooked. Similarly, using vocal variety adds dynamism to speeches by emphasizing points when needed or creating suspense during storytelling parts of your talk.

Cultivating Passion & Enthusiasm

Showcasing genuine passion for the subject helps keep listeners engaged throughout even lengthy presentations. Sharing stories related to the topic or expressing excitement about sharing knowledge tends to draw people in more than mere data recitation ever could.

Recognize that everybody is distinctive; don’t expect identical results from every speaker. The path to becoming a great presenter involves recognizing your strengths and working tirelessly on areas that need improvement.

FAQs on Presentation Skills

What are good presentation skills.

Good presentation skills include a clear message, confident delivery, engaging body language, audience understanding, and interaction. They also involve effective preparation and practice.

What are the 5 steps of presentation skills?

The five steps of presenting include: planning your content, preparing visual aids if needed, practicing the delivery aloud, performing it with confidence, and finally post-presentation reflection for improvements.

What are the 5 P’s of presentation skills?

The five P’s stand for Preparation (researching your topic), Practice (rehearsing your talk), Performance (delivering with confidence), Posture (standing tall), and Projection (using a strong voice).

What are your presentation skills?

Your personal set of abilities to deliver information effectively is what we call your presentation skill. It can encompass public speaking ability, clarity in speech or writing as well as visual communication talent.

Mastering presentation skills isn’t an overnight process, but practice and perseverance will put you well on your way to becoming an effective speaker.

You’ve learned that confidence plays a crucial role in effective presentations, so take deep breaths, make eye contact, and keep your body language open. As always, preparation is key. Tackle filler words head-on and get comfortable with visual aids for impactful storytelling.

Remember the importance of audience engagement — it’s all about understanding their needs and tailoring your content accordingly. This way, complex information turns into digestible insights.

Above all else: practice! After all, nothing beats experience when it comes to improving public speaking abilities.

• Last Updated: May 9, 2024

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Free Online Courses to Level Up Your Skills

Verizon skill forward.

May 7, 2024

In the month of March, many professional industries added thousands of jobs across a vast array of careers.

Unfortunately, many individuals have been unable to connect to these opportunities because of a lack of training, lack of resources, or the overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to start.

That’s where Skill Forward comes in. Skill Forward is a free online program, sponsored by Verizon and edX, that is offering employees a way to secure these jobs by receiving training, career support, and guidance.

Skill Forward offers skills training and certifications in a variety of in-demand areas, including artificial intelligence, business, leadership, coding, communication, and more, from leading institutions like Harvard University.

For individuals looking for information about how to navigate the job market, libraries and librarians are ideal resources, providing guidance on a range of opportunities, including Skill Forward—a great tool for continued education in a wide variety of areas.

Participants can sign up with no prior work experience or college degree. Upon signing up, you’ll receive access to more than 250 online courses and employer-candidate matching. These courses are expert-led, designed by leading universities and industry experts, and fully self-paced, with dedicated courses in Spanish also available.

After completion, participants will earn instructor-signed certifications to prove their proficiency in high-growth careers. Additionally, Skill Forward provides employer-to-candidate matching through edX.

Skill Forward is here to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills needed to position themselves for the job they want.

Get started today.

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8 high-income skills you can learn for free in 2024.

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Upskilling and retraining are now possible and more accessible thanks to technology

It doesn't really cost that much to have a successful career.

Thanks to distance learning, the online course creation and e-learning industry, AI (artificial intelligence), and remote technology, you can learn almost anything at the tap of a button.

Career development, training, and upskilling are taking on less and less of the old, expensive forms (university, seminars, in-person workshops), and are leaning more heavily towards time-saving, cost-effective, and planet-responsible training formats. From webinars, to online courses and membership subscriptions, to YouTube videos, to online projects and masterclasses, a successful career can be built with minimal cost, and sometimes...even for free.

If you're wondering what skills to prioritize learning this year, your best bet is to focus on any (or all) of these eight high-income skills. These skills are relatively quick and easy to learn (compared to undertaking a lengthy degree), and bring significant returns on investment since they are in high demand by employers and multiple industries alike.

They are a must to learn if you wish to have something on the side (side hustles or freelancing) to boost your career and income, and these skills will help you personally to become the best version of yourself at work, contributing in unique ways to your company's success and positioning you for a pay raise or promotion.

The Best Mattress For Couples Regardless Of Your Sleep Styles

Wwe smackdown results winners and grades on may 10 2024, the 8 best trampolines with insights from an industry expert, 1. content writing.

Content writing is the process of creating blog posts, articles, social media posts, etc., to reach a business's audience. Through this form of content marketing, potential customers are persuaded to purchase a product or service. This skill is in demand within the content marketing and digital marketing industry, which is soaring to job growth of 6%.

Additionally, not only is it in high demand by employers, but if you learn and apply content writing skills to your own side hustle or business venture, you will be more effective at reaching your target market and winning clients, thus increasing your income.

Where to learn it: Great Learning, LinkedIn Learning, Class Central

2. Digital Marketing

The digital marketing industry is extremely popular, and for good reason, as hordes of people turn online for entertainment, shopping, education, work, and everything in between. Professionals with digital marketing skills, from consultants, to social media managers, to digital marketing executives, are able to command extremely lucrative salaries.

Where to learn it: HubSpot Academy, Meta, Coursera

For those who are completely new to the tech field, learning how to code is an obvious first step. It's not only a handy high-income skill to learn if you are interested in technology as a career, but it is also helpful if you are an entrepreneur and need to launch a website or tech-based product, even if it's just at the MVP (minimum viable product) stage.

Where to learn it: Codeacademy, edX, Free Code Camp

4. Negotiation

Negotiation is an essential part of sales and partnership-building—extremely lucrative career paths in themselves. Negotiation is also a critical ingredient in communication skills, which was hailed LinkedIn's top skill in its Most In-Demand Skills of 2024 report . Other than being an integral step in managing and communicating/collaborating with stakeholders for business deals, mastering your negotiation skills can make all the difference between accepting the low end of the stick in a job offer and actually getting paid what you're worth.

Definitely worth learning, wouldn't you say?

Where to learn it: LinkedIn Learning, University of Michigan via Coursera, Salesforce blog

5. Copywriting

Copywriting is another skill that falls under the umbrella of digital marketing. It is used for writing product descriptions and website copy, and careers in copywriting can pay as much as $138,000 on average annually.

Where to learn it: Class Central, edX, Skillshare (start for free)

6. Social Media Management

It's not hard to imagine why social media management is a high-income skill. Social media managers who excel within their roles can make as much as $101,610 to $128,900 per annum. This can also make for an in-demand side hustle if you're interested in offering this as a freelance service.

But beyond this, social media management is useful to learn if you wish to become an industry thought leader and grow your personal brand, especially if you don't currently have the funds to outsource your social media strategy, content scheduling, production, and community engagement. These elements position you as a credible authority online and lead to more clients, speaking engagements, and other career opportunities.

Where to learn it: Google Career Certificates via Coursera, HubSpot Academy

7. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

SEO is another important skill to learn this year, especially if you are an entrepreneur or freelancer. SEO skills can help you strategically boost your visibility across Google—the most used search engine—and other search engines as well, enabling your products, services, and brand to attract more paying customers. Additionally, you can use your SEO skills to become an SEO consultant for other brands, creating an extra source of income while working remotely, even if you're working a full-time job

Where to learn it: Semrush Academy, HubSpot Academy

8. Project Management

Last but not least, project management (and other related PM roles such as product and program management) is an essential skill to develop if you want to progress your career in 2024. It can help you manage several aspects of your personal and professional life, be more organized, and lead and communicate your expectations effectively in the workplace. It is also a hot career right now: project management professionals are witnessing demand for their skills, with projections reaching 25 million vacancies over the next few years.

Where to learn it: Google Career Certificates via Coursera, PMI's free e-learning micro courses

High-income skills can be applied, not only to your job, but to your personal life and in your ... [+] business as a freelancer

As you can see, all eight of these skills provide numerous tangible and intangible benefits to your career, regardless of what industry you work in, Whether you're a freelancer, running a side hustle, or are full-time employed in a job, these skills can help you be in-demand within your sector and make you more money this year.

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