powerpoint 5 minute presentation

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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Home Blog Presentation Ideas How to Create a 5 Minutes Presentation

How to Create a 5 Minutes Presentation

Giving a 40-60-minute speech isn’t a synonym for success. Sticking to shorter presentation formats can increase the impact of large-format events. Among its many advantages, allowing multiple speakers to give their insights rises above everything. Still, presenters often struggle to be concise, as they aim to disclose as much content as possible, ending up overdoing the allotted time or delivering rushed-up presentations.

In this article, we’ll share our experience on how to master the art of 3-5 minute presentations, keeping your speech concise while using powerful graphics to connect with the audience.

Table of Contents

What is a 5 Minutes Presentation?

What are the requirements of 5 minutes presentations, how many slides for a 5 minute presentation, 5 minute presentation ideas, how to make a 5 minute presentation, common mistakes to avoid in 5-minute presentations, recommended templates for 5 minute presentations, final words.

A 5-minute presentation is a short talk designed to convey a specific message, idea, information, or argument within a limited timeframe, between three to five minutes – the latter being the average duration. Due to the brevity, these presentations require careful planning and preparation to ensure the content is concise, focused, and impactful. 

We can define a five-minute presentation’s must-have(s) in seven different categories.

Objective Definition

The purpose of your talk has to be clear from the presentation planning phase. This implies acknowledging whether you intend to inform, persuade, inspire, or instruct your audience on a given topic.

On this behalf, we made a list of frameworks to help you pinpoint the core objective of your presentation:

• SPIN (Situation, Problem, Implication, Need-payoff): Intended for sales strategy or customer-driven presentations. The focus is set on understanding the audience’s situation, presenting the problems, implications, and potential benefits of a proposed solution.
• AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action): The AIDA framework is extremely popular in marketing campaigns and sales presentations. You can learn more about this approach for engaging presentations by checking our guide on the AIDA model .
• SCQA (Situation, Complication, Question, Answer): Intended for problem-solving meetings and business presentations. The SCQA framework establishes a context and its challenges, raises a question, and provides solutions for it.
• Minto Pyramid Principle: This unconventional approach is used for business presentations and reports, and was developed by Barbara Minto at McKinsey & Company in the 1970s . We start by stating the conclusion or core recommendation, then organize the information that supports your statement in a logical flow. By implementing this approach, you inspire the audience to think critically about the presented scenario, while discussing complex ideas in an easier-to-digest format due to its hierarchical organization of ideas.
• Monroe’s Motivated Sequence: A framework with a focus on persuasive presentations. It is structured by five pillars recognized by its author, Alan H. Monroe : Attention, Need, Satisfaction, Visualization, and Action. 

Concise Content

“How many words in a 5-minute speech” is a commonly asked question by beginner presenters. The average range for seasoned speakers is 130-150 words per minute in a fluent speech, and depending on the topic, that can go slower (technical-based presentations) or faster (motivational presentations, like the ones delivered by Tony Robbins ). 

Therefore, for a 5-minute speech, you might aim for:

• At 130 words per minute: 130×5=650 words
• At 150 words per minute: 150×5=750 words

That calculation can help you curate the script for your speech. In general lines, our expertise tells us that selecting a topic that can be covered within 5 minutes is roughly 60% of the job. After effectively selecting a topic, you must restrict the content to 2-3 main points to remain within the time limit and end your presentation in style. 

Presentation Structure

In more laid-back scenarios, presentations can lean toward a conversational mode rather than a strict agenda. Still, we ought to ensure the presentation structure contains an Introduction, a Body, and a Conclusion. 

The Introduction helps us familiarize the audience with what’s expected out of your presentation. Additionally, it is our chance to make a good first impression . Knowing how to start your presentation guarantees audience engagement from the initial moments of your delivery.

Moving to the Body, this is where facts are laid out and backed up using evidence or examples to support your view. Visual aids can contribute to minimizing the need for lengthy text walls. 

Finally, the Conclusion summarizes the key takeaways and, when applicable, brings a call to action in the format of thought-provoking statements, data shared, an irresistible offer, and plenty of other scenarios.

Audience Engagement

Connecting with the audience is vital, especially in short formats like Pecha Kucha presentations . Your speech pace and body language are significant factors that contribute to how the audience perceives your interest in their time. 

Aim for a relaxed but confident attitude, as if you were passionately talking about a topic with a group of acquaintances. This reinforces your authority in the topic you deliver, as being anxious or rushing through the presentation only speaks of a lack of interest.

Apply professional presentation techniques like storytelling for presentations or harnessing the power of visual communication strategies to make your message memorable. 

Audience Acknowledgement

Tailoring your presentation for the audience’s interest is the first step every presenter must take to guarantee success, especially if we’re another speaker in large-scale events. In some niches, like academic presentations, it is vital as some of the audience may not feel connected with your research topic. 

Based on information gathered from our customer’s feedback, a good recipe to connect with your audience is to work with a sales approach in mind and create your “ideal audience persona.” This would be your attendee who’s 100% connected with what you intend to share. Compare and contrast demographics with the public you know will attend, and find the common points and where you need to adjust your expectations to meet the audience’s interest.

If the event format allows for it, be ready to present questions at the end of your presentation that may drive the interest of a Q&A session.

Visual Aids

Slides featuring infographics , dashboards , or storytelling-based illustrations help to attract the spectator’s interest and increase the retention rate, as research proves it’s easier to recall pictures than words . As previously mentioned, leveraging graphics helps us reduce our slides’ word count.

Other presentation aids , like videos, audio, and even sensory elements such as smells, can drive a broad range of emotional responses within the audience. It’s worth exploiting this route if your presentation aims to persuade or motivate the spectators. 

Time Management

Last but not least, time management is an etiquette rule of respect for fellow presenters. Your content has to fit within the 5-minute limit, including transition times and variations in your delivery speed.

A good presenter is an adaptable one. Be ready to adjust your speech on the fly if you find yourself running short or long on time or if the audience’s interest drives the conversation briefly away from your intended destination.

Defining how many slides is a 5 minute presentation isn’t an automatic task. Some topics can be quickly resolved following the premises of the 1-2-3 rule for presentations, applying:

• One main message: Your presentation should center around a single, clear main message or idea. This ensures focus and helps your audience grasp the core of your presentation without getting lost in details. 
• Two supporting points: Support your main message with two strong, relevant points or arguments. This structure helps provide depth to your presentation without overwhelming your audience with too much information. 
• Three examples or pieces of evidence: For each supporting point, provide three examples, pieces of evidence, or data points to substantiate your arguments. This reinforces your message and helps in making your case more convincing.

In short, implementing this practice can result in a range between 5 and 10 slides in your 5-minute presentation. More complex topics, like medical presentations or scientific conferences, cannot be summarized easily, as graphs require one full slide for accurate data visualization. In this case, weigh the critical points your presentation must cover, assign a maximum of 3 slides per crucial point, and avoid filler content.

Googling around you can come across lists with 200, 60, 40, and plenty other title combinations referring to 5 minute presentation ideas. Despite it being a good starter to brainstorm potential topics or angles for your presentation, we shall introduce our method to implement AI tools to come up with 5 minute presentation topics. The following instructions apply to ChatGPT , Gemini (Bard) or Bing.

• Consider the niche in which you want to deliver a 5 minute presentation. 
• Gather the main keywords around the topic you intend to present. For example, if you want to deliver a presentation about artificial intelligence, the following keywords may suit your needs as well: AI, artificial intelligence chatbot, types of artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence solutions, what is artificial intelligence.
• Open your AI tool of preference and write the following prompt: “Give me a list of 20 5-minute presentation ideas in the IT niche that fit these keywords: AI, artificial intelligence chatbot, types of artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence solutions, what is artificial intelligence.”

And this is the list generated by ChatGPT-4

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: Basics of AI, its history, and evolution.
• Exploring AI Technologies: A dive into machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning.
• Types of Artificial Intelligence: From narrow (or weak) AI to general (or strong) AI, and superintelligence.
• AI Chatbots: Revolutionizing Customer Service: How chatbots are changing the customer service landscape across industries.
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Discussing AI solutions for diagnostics, treatment recommendations, and patient care.
• The Role of AI in Autonomous Vehicles: Examining how AI technologies power self-driving cars.
• Ethical Considerations in AI: The moral implications of AI in decision-making and privacy concerns.
• AI in Cybersecurity: Using artificial intelligence to predict, detect, and respond to cyber threats.
• The Impact of AI on Job Markets: How AI is reshaping employment opportunities and the workforce.
• Machine Learning Algorithms Explained: An overview of popular algorithms and their applications in AI.
• AI and Big Data: How AI algorithms process and analyze large datasets to extract meaningful insights.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) in AI: Understanding how AI interprets, understands, and generates human language.
• AI in Finance: The use of artificial intelligence in fraud detection, algorithmic trading, and personalized banking.
• Artificial Intelligence for Environmental Sustainability: Exploring AI solutions for climate change, conservation, and sustainable energy.
• AI and Robotics: How AI is applied in robotics for automation, exploration, and manufacturing.
• Deep Learning and Neural Networks: An introduction to the architecture of neural networks and their significance in AI.
• Implementing AI Solutions in Small Businesses: Practical AI applications for improving efficiency and productivity in SMEs.
• The Future of AI: Predictions and emerging trends in artificial intelligence technologies.
• AI in Education: Personalized learning, automated grading, and AI’s role in educational institutions.
• Ethics and Bias in AI: Addressing the challenges of bias in AI algorithms and ensuring ethical AI development.

In this section, we will apply the explained suggestions earlier, approaching a real use case of a motivational speaker addressing an audience of marketing professionals. The speaker has to deliver a 5 minute presentation for a large onsite event.

Defining the Objective & Core Message

Our presenter is faced with the challenge of highlighting the importance of data analysis in marketing these days, and why marketing professionals should be adaptable to the latest trends. Therefore, using Minto’s Pyramid Principle, the presenter who already knows the answer – that hunch-based decisions need to be turned into data-driven decisions – plans how to convey the importance of that statement into the presentation’s flow.

Then, a powerful hook comes to mind on how to start this presentation: “Today, I want to share why embracing change isn’t just necessary; it’s our most powerful tool for growth in the marketing world.” Since that statement can sound somewhat vague, the presenter opts for a quote to impact the audience. A definition of what Social Listening is, indicating the connection between data and consumer behavior analysis.

Concise Content Tailored for the Audience

Research or inquire about the audience’s background in marketing. Are they novices or seasoned professionals? What challenges are they facing? Use this information to shape your presentation content.

In our presenter’s case, the event’s organizer gave some basic information about the demographics and audience’s background. Returning to the “ideal audience persona” concept, this presenter’s audience consists of mid-level marketing professionals facing rapid industry changes. Some already have experience working with data analytics but couldn’t extract the full potential. Therefore, rather than losing time with basics, the presenter prepares a compelling dashboard slide showing metrics of how working with data helped a client grow its revenue rate by 19% in three months.

The time limit for this presentation is 6 minutes in total, as a 1-minute Q&A session is contemplated. Therefore, using our word-per-minute calculation, the presenter opts for a 5 minute speech word count of 600 words, as it’s best to impact with powerful visuals and data storytelling rather than to rush the speech. As the recommended slide deck length for this presentation format is between 5 and 10 slides, the presenter opts for 3 extra slides, totaling 13 slides, since the two main points require 2-3 slides each.

The Introduction for this presentation is a powerful statement, as we mentioned above, taking one full minute to deliver the phrase and share the information that backs up such a statement.

The Body will take 3 minutes to be presented, and it shall cover a three-tier structure with the following premises:

• Challenge: “The digital marketing landscape is evolving faster than ever before, leaving many behind.”
• Strategy: “Yet, some marketers are thriving by adopting agile methodologies and data-driven strategies.”
• Success Story: “Take, for example, a small business that doubled its online engagement and grew its revenue rate by 19% in three months just by simply listening to its audience through social media analytics.”

The Conclusion takes another minute, using a powerful slide to leave a lasting thought that the audience can dwell on.

As the format is brief, the presenter will use powerful graphics to boost audience engagement. Additionally, there’s a short exercise at the beginning of the presentation where the speaker promptly says: “Turn to the person next to you and share one change you’ve embraced in your marketing strategy this year that made a difference.” This is a fine example of how to implement interactive presentation techniques to boost audience engagement.

Leveraging this kind of strategy helps the audience to connect with the importance of making changes in the marketing strategy of their work environments, but not just any change, something that’s measurable and has a significant impact. The presenter expects that not many members can successfully relate to change with results due to their inexperience in marketing data analytics – a piece of information disclosed by the event’s organizer – so the remaining of the presentation consists of ‘wowing’ the audience on the importance of data and how to measure that impact to stay tuned with the latest trends.

Although it seems an easy-to-adapt format, presenters working under 5-minute presentation can face some challenges that affect the overall outcome of their presentation delivery. Most of these presentation mistakes apply to any kind of presentation. In particular, we consider the following list as beginner mistakes we can easily prevent.

• Using Jargon or Complex Language: This can alienate your audience. Use clear, accessible language.
• Reading from Slides: This is literally “death by PowerPoint.” Use slides as a visual aid, not a script.
• Overuse of Animations or Transitions: While they can be engaging, too many can be distracting and appear unprofessional.

Check the following slide decks and PPT templates to maximize your performance in 3-5 minute presentations.

1. 5 Minute Business Marketing Presentation Template

Create eye-catching marketing presentations by using this best PPT template with a clean layout and wavy backgrounds. The information can be structured around the included icons, maximizing the retention rate by giving an area to focus on just the core information to be disclosed.

Use This Template

2. Business Executive 5-Minute Presentation Template

Geared toward business presentations, this slide deck layout contains cutting-edge graphics that grab your audience’s interest. It can be easily customized to speak about your company’s growth process, reach out to potential investors, or even for non-business topics.

3. Modern Hexagon 5-Minute Pitch Deck PowerPoint Template

Another clean layout template with vivid colors to highlight the information shared. This professional PPT slide deck helps us discuss data or compare features between competitor products in the blink of an eye. The color palette uses gradients to transition between sections smoothly.

4. Kaleidoscope 5-Minute Company Profile PowerPoint Template

Although it is intended for company profiles or company overview presentations, this highly visual PPT template can be repurposed for many niches. Due to its limited-space placeholder text areas, the 5 minute speech word count can be significantly reduced, aiming for concise content.

5. Academic 5-Minute Presentation Template

An ideal template for presenting thesis dissertations, this slide deck features designs to introduce the scope of our research, problem statement, methodology used, outcomes, and their significance while preserving a cohesive aesthetic.

As we can see, concise presentation formats like the 5 minute presentation have their own challenges when we strive for quality. Consider rehearsing your presentation multiple times, opting for the slideshow mode , to spot any areas where you can trim the speech or change text for graphics. 

Speak reasonably, and remember it’s best to fall short some seconds and allow for a Q&A session rather than rushing and not giving a proper closure to your speech.

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Presentation Approaches, Presentation Ideas Filed under Presentation Ideas

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How to Make a 5 Minute Presentation with 30 Topic Ideas in 2024

Leah Nguyen • 27 Oct 2023 • 9 min read

So, how to make a 5 minute presentation ? What should I cram into my presentation? Is it okay if I cut this out? What information is valuable to the audience? 

The struggle is real, guys. The five-minute presentation, though intriguing to your audience (no one likes to sit through a one-hour-feels-like-a-decade kind of talk), is a nuisance when you have to decide what to cut and what to put in. It may seem like everything happens in a blink of an eye.  

The clock is ticking, but you can keep your panic attack at bay with our step-by-step guide with free topics and examples. Get the full lowdown on how make 5 minute presentation for a team meeting, college class, sales pitch, or wherever else you need it! So, let’s check out 5-minute presentation samples!

Table of Contents

• Present better with AhaSlides
• 5-Minute Presentation Topic List
• How to Make a 5-Minute Presentation
• 5 Common Mistakes

5-Minute Presentation Examples

Present better with ahaslides.

• Types of Presentation
• 10 20 30 Rule Presentations
• Best 5 Webinar Platforms in 2023
• Top 10 Office games
• 95++ Fun questions to ask students
• 115++ Ice breaker questions
• Better Engagement by Fun Brainstorm Tools like AhaSlides  Word Cloud
• Use Randomness to Decide your Fate by AhaSlides  Spinner Wheel

5 Minute Presentation Ideas

How to make a 5-Minute Presentation? What are the best topics for a 5-minute oral presentation? Ignite the sparkle in the eyes of the audience with this 5-minute presentation topics list.

• The danger of cyberbullying
• Freelancing under the gig economy
• Fast fashion and its environmental impacts
• How podcast has evolved
• Dystopian society in George Orwell’s literature
• Common health disorders you might have
• What is aphasia?
• Caffeine myths – are they real?
• The perks of having a personality test
• The rise and fall of Genghis Khan 
• What happens to the brain when you’re in long-distance relationships?
• Is it too late to care about the environment?
• The consequences of relying on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• The ways anxiety disorders disrupt our life
• 6 economic terms you need to know 
• Gods in Greek mythology versus Roman mythology
• Origins of Kungfu
• Ethics of genetic modification
• The supernatural strength of cockroaches
• Is social media detox necessary?
• The history of the Silk Road
• What is the world’s most dangerous disease in the 21st century?
• Reasons to do self-journaling everyday
• New trends in careers
• Five reasons to get some quality time for yourself
• The best food to cook when you’re in a hurry
• How to order the best Starbucks drink ever
• Ideas and practices that you follow and would like others to know about
• 5 ways to make a pancake
• Introduction to blockchain 

Start in seconds.

Get any of the above examples as templates. Sign up for free and take what you want from the template library!

Hope you’ve had abundant ideas for your 5-minute presentation topics. Before going way to deep of how to make a 5-minute presentation, together, let’s walk through tips for 10-minutes presentation one! With the clock starts running down, every single second counts, and you begin to sweat then how can you pull out a great 10 minutes presentation under that pressure?

In this video, we want to share with you how we overcome the challenge to create 10 minutes presentation structure. Hope you enjoy this video and find it helpful in preparing for your quick presentation! Let us know what you feel.

Bonus Video ▶ Going for 10 Minutes ?

If you feel like a 5-minute presentation would be too stifling, stretch it to 10! Here’s how to do that…

How to Make a 5-Minute Presentation?

Remember, less is more, except when it comes to ice cream. 

That’s why amid hundreds of methods to use, we’ve boiled it down into these four simple steps to make a killer 5-minute presentation.

Let’s jump right in!

#1 – Choose your topic  

How do you know if that topic is “the one” for you? For us, the right topic ticks everything on this checklist:

✅ Stick to one key point. It’s unlikely you’ll have time to address more than one topic, so limit yourself to one and don’t go over it! 

✅ Know your audience. You don’t want to waste time covering information they already know. Everyone knows 2 plus 2 is 4, so move on and never look back.

✅ Go with a simple topic. Again, explaining something that requires time should be off the checklist since you can’t cover it all.

✅ Don’t dwell on unfamiliar topics to minimise the time and effort you spend preparing the presentation. It should be something you already have on your mind.

Need some help finding the right topic for your short presentation? We’ve got 30 topics with different themes to captivate your audience.

#2 – Create your slides 

How many slides for a 5-minute presentation? Unlike the long presentation format in which you can have as many slides as you want, a five-minute presentation typically has significantly fewer slides. Because imagine each slide would take you roughly 40 seconds to 1 minute to go through, that’s already five slides in total. Not much to think about, eh? 

However, your slide count doesn’t matter more than the essence each slide contains. We know that it’s tempting to pack it full of text, but keep in mind that you should be the subject your audience focuses on, not a wall of text. 

Check these examples below.

Make the text bold to highlight important parts and use italics primarily to denote titles and the names of particular works or objects to allow that title or name to stand out from the surrounding sentence. The underlining text also helps draw attention to it, but it is most commonly used to represent a hyperlink on a webpage.

You obviously saw the second example and thought there’s no way you’re going to read through this on the big screen.

The point is this: keep slides straight, concise, and short, as you’ve got 5 minutes only. 99% of the info should come from your mouth.

When you’re keeping text minimal, don’t forget to befriend visuals , as they can be your best sidekicks. Startling statistics, infographics, short animations, pictures of whales, etc., all are great attention grabbers and help you sprinkle your unique trademark and personality on each slide. 

And how many words should be there in a 5-minute speech script? It mainly depends on the visuals or data you show in your slides and also your speech speed. However, a 5-minute speech is roughly 700 words long. 

Secret tip: Go the extra length by making your presentation interactive. You can add a live poll, Q&A section, or quiz that illustrates your points and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Get Interactive, Fast 🏃‍♀️

Make the most of your 5 minutes with a free interactive presentation tool!

#3 – Get the timing right

When you’re looking at this, we only have one thing to say: STOP PROCRASTINATING! For such a short presentation, there’s virtually no time for “ah”, “uh” or short pauses, because every moment counts. So, plan the timing of each section with military precision. 

How should it look? Check out the example below: 

• 30 seconds on the introduction . And no more. If you spend too much time on the intro, your main part will have to be sacrificed, which is a no-no.
• 1 minute on stating the problem . Tell the audience the problem you are trying to solve for them, i.e, what they are here for. 
• 3 minutes on the solution . This is where you deliver the most essential info to the audience. Tell them what they need to know, not what is “nice to have”. For example, if you’re presenting how to make a cake, list each item’s ingredients or measurement, as that’s all essential information. However, additional information like icing and presentation is not essential and can be cut.
• 30 seconds on the conclusion . This is where you reinforce your main points, wrap up and have a call to action.
• You can end with a small Q&A .  Since it isn’t technically a part of the 5-minute presentation, you can take as much time as you want to answer the questions. 

How many times should you practice a 5-minute speech? To nail these timings down, make sure you practice religiously. A 5-minute presentation requires more practice than a regular one, as you won’t have as much wiggle room or chance for improvisation.

Also, don’t forget to check your equipment to ensure everything runs smoothly. When you’ve only got 5 minutes, you don’t want to waste any time fixing the mic,  presentation, or other equipment.

#4 – Deliver your presentation 

Imagine you’re watching an exciting video but it keeps.lagging.every.10.seconds. You’d be super annoyed, right? Well, so would your audience if you keep confusing them with abrupt, unnatural speech. 

It’s normal to feel pressured to talk because you feel every minute is precious. But crafting the convo in a way that makes the crowd understand the assignment is so much more important. 

Our first tip for delivering a great presentation is to practice flowing . From the introduction to the conclusion, every part needs to connect and link with each other like glue.

Go between the sections repeatedly (remember to set the timer). If there’s any part in which you feel the urge to speed up, then consider trimming it down or articulating it differently.

Our second tip is for reeling in the audience from the first sentence .

There are countless ways to start a presentation . You can get factual with a shocking, on-topic fact or mention a humorous quote that gets your audience laughing and melting away their (and your) tension.

Secret tip: Don’t know if your 5-minute presentation makes an impact? Use a feedback tool to collect the audience’s sentiment right away. It takes minimal effort, and you avoid losing valuable feedback along the way.

5 Common Mistakes When Giving a 5-Minute Presentation

We overcome and adapt through trial and error, but it’s easier to avoid rookie mistakes if you know what they are👇

• Going way past your allotted time slot. Since the 15 or 30-minute presentation format has long dominated the scene, keeping it brief is difficult. But unlike the long format, which gives you a bit of flexibility on time, the audience knows exactly what 5 minutes feels like and, therefore will expect you to condense the information within the time limit.
• Having a decade-long introduction. Rookie mistake. Spending your precious time telling people who you are or what you’re going to do isn’t the best plan. As we said, we’ve got a bunch of beginning tips for you here . 
• Don’t dedicate enough time to prepare. Most people skip the practice part since they think it’s 5 minutes, and they can quickly fill that up, which is an issue. If in a 30-minute presentation, you can get away with “filler” content, the 5-minute presentation doesn’t even allow you to pause for more than 10 seconds.    
• Devote too much time explaining complicated concepts. A 5-minute presentation doesn’t have room for that. If one point you’re explaining needs to link to other points for further elaboration, it’s always a good idea to revise it and dig deeper into only one aspect of the topic.
• Putting too many complex elements. When making a 30-minute presentation, you might add different elements, such as storytelling and animation, to keep the audience engaged. In a much shorter form, everything needs to be straight to the point, so choose your words or the transition carefully.

To help you grasp how to make a 5-minute presentation, check these short presentation examples, to nail any message!

William Kamkwamba: ‘How I Harnessed the Wind’ 

This TED Talk video presents the story of William Kamkwamba, an inventor from Malawi who, as a kid experiencing poverty, built a windmill to pump water and generate electricity for his village. Kamkwamba’s natural and straightforward storytelling was able to captivate the audience, and his usage of short pauses for people to laugh is also another great technique.

Susan V. Fisk: ‘The Importance of Being Concise’

This training video offers helpful tips for scientists to structure their talk to fit the “5 Minute Rapid” presentation format, which is also explained in 5 minutes. If you plan to create a “How-to” quick presentation, look at this example.

Jonathan Bell: ‘How to Create a Great Brand Name’

As the title refers to itself, the speaker Jonathan Bell will give you a step-by-step guide on how to create a lasting brand name. He gets straight to the point with his topic and then breaks it down into smaller components. A good example to learn from.

PACE Invoice: ‘5 Min Pitch at Startupbootcamp’

This video shows how PACE Invoice , a start-up specialising in multi-currency payment processing, was able to pitch its ideas to the investors clearly and concisely.

Will Stephen: ‘How to Sound Smart in Your TEDx Talk’

Using a humorous and creative approach, Will Stephen’s TEDx Talk guides people through the general skills of public speaking. A must-watch to craft your presentation into a masterpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why 5-Minute Presentation is important?

Who gave the best 5-minute presentation, why is ted talks famous for presentation.

Leah Nguyen

Words that convert, stories that stick. I turn complex ideas into engaging narratives - helping audiences learn, remember, and take action.

More from AhaSlides

How To Design and Deliver a 5-Minute Presentation

Attention spans are lower than they’ve ever been. We have the rise of short-form video content— TikTok— to thank for that. Short-form videos has changed the way audiences consume content in that they want to get to the key takeaway as quickly as possible. When you apply the new attention span norm (or lack thereof) to a presentation, a 60 minute presentation simply isn’t effective anymore. Presenters need to get their message across more efficiently in order to keep an audience engaged. Insert: a 5-minute presentation. 

A 5-minute presentation might be taking it to an extreme, and we realize not every deck can be trimmed down to meet those time restraints, but there are benefits to designing and delivering a quick, and to-the-point deck. The biggest benefits being time and engagement. The longer your presentation goes on, the greater the chance that you’re losing your audience to boredom. If you’re able to pack a bigger punch in less time, your audience will retain more of what you’re telling them with an interest in continuing the conversation. A shorter presentation also helps the presenter prioritize what really matters in the story so that they’re leading with more meaningful and valuable information. A win-win for everyone involved. 

In this blog we help you rethink your presentation game, and share how to design and deliver a 5-minute presentation effectively.  

Slides to include in a 5-minute presentation

When you’re preparing a quick presentation, the less time you spend on design the more time you have to focus on the delivery. But on the same coin, your deck design needs to be organized and impactful. This is where presentation software, like Beautiful.ai , really shines. Our Smart Slide templates automatically apply the principles of good design, so even the most amateur designers can create stunning slides in a fraction of the time by easily plugging in their content. The smart technology takes on the burden of design choices so that presenters can focus on what matters most: their 5-minute story. 

Here are the slides you should include in your 5-minute presentation deck. 

Title slide

A title slide is self-explanatory, but since this is a 5-minute presentation, you’ll want to provide as much context as possible without compromising the design. A title slide in this case should include the what (subject matter), why (it’s importance), and who (the thought-leader or expert on the topic). You won’t spend much time on this slide in the presentation, but it will tell the audience exactly what they’re about to learn and (hopefully) grab their attention. 

Outline slide

What are the specifics that you plan to cover in your 5-minute presentation? The next slide (the outline) should showcase more details about the presentation on a high-level. This helps set expectations with the audience on what’s to come, and how it’s relevant to them. 

Pro tip: incorporate animations and visual assets where it makes sense on slides to keep the audience engaged the entire 5 minutes.

Problem description

Before you can introduce your solution, you need to make the problem clear. The problem can be a gap in the market, a unique pain point, or an opportunity for improvement. By explaining the problem, you’re creating a sense of urgency and anticipation for your value proposition and the solution you’re offering. 

Proposed approach

You’ve piqued the interest of your audience, now it’s time to hit them with your proposed approach. What is the solution to the problem, and how will it benefit them? You only have five minutes, but don’t skimp on this slide. Your proposed solution should be very specific and the value should be clear. 

Summary slide

How you end a 5-minute presentation matters. Your summary slide should pack a punch, and leave the audience wanting more. This is what will motivate them to follow up or follow through with the final call-to-action (assuming there is one). You can treat your summary slide as an executive summary and recap the most important points, or leave them with a powerful statistic and next steps. 

Delivering a 5-minute presentation

Your deck is done, now let’s nail the delivery. Five minutes isn’t a lot of time to add context to the content you chose to include in the deck. Each slide in the presentation should have one key idea so the takeaways are obvious and clear. In your delivery, you can add color to those slides and elaborate where necessary. But remember, it’s a 5-minute presentation, and you should aim to present a slide per minute (give or take) to give yourself ample time to hit each key point. 

Because of the time limitations, practice is key. Do a few dry runs of your presentation in front of your dog or the mirror to ensure you're adhering to the time limitations, and then do a few more. Practice will help you ace your speech, while ensuring there aren’t any technical issues with your presentation throughout the deck. 

As a follow-up, you might choose to send your presentation deck to the audience via email after the meeting so they can view it in their own time. This gives them time to comb through your content at their leisure, which may result in additional questions or feedback. Use your email as an opportunity to remind them of the CTA and encourage them to take the next steps. 

Jordan Turner

Jordan is a Bay Area writer, social media manager, and content strategist.

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Short Presentation in PowerPoint: How to Win Your Audience over with a 5 Minute / 5 Slide Presentation! -Includes Examples

There are occasions when you only have limited time to give a PowerPoint presentation. This is where knowing how to create and deliver a short PowerPoint presentation is essential. Done right, you really only need a few minutes to deliver your presentation, get your ideas across and achieve your goals.

You may well be thinking, “No!  How can I squash my ideas into that time? Only five minutes?” Actually, it’s easier than you think with the right structure . Here’s how!

Why give a short presentation?

So when might you only have a few minutes to give a presentation? When making the first steps in applying for a job, for example, or when presenting a product or business idea to potential prospects and investors.

The length does NOT have to be a disadvantage! A well-put-together short presentation, delivered smartly, can actually engage your audience more than a presentation lasting much longer.

Sure, you can go into more detail in a longer presentation, but it’s often more difficult for your audience to stay focused for the full duration. Scientific studies show that most listeners have trouble maintaining their concentration after just 20 minutes.

Haven’t you been there yourself? So why ask your audience to do something you find difficult, unless they’re already on board with your ideas?

Short presentations are actually a great way to present facts, ideas or concepts clearly in only a few minutes. However, take care not to overload them with too much information. It’s important to distill the content of your presentation down to the essentials and key messages.

The purpose of a short presentation is usually to draw your audience’s attention to either you or your product. You don’t get much time to do this, so you need to know how to focus on what’s important. The following tips may help.

Short PowerPoint presentation: set-up and structure

A short presentation should have a clear structure so that the audience can easily grasp and digest the information. So:

Introduction :

A brief explanation of what the presentation will be about.

Main body :

This is the actual content of the presentation. This is where to present the most important information.

Conclusion :

A brief summary of what you covered in the presentation.

Also, keep in mind the order of your slides. The first and last slides are the most important as studies have shown these are what people remember . So make sure that these two slides are particularly engaging and give the audience a good overview of your topic.

The order of the other slides is important too, but not as crucial as the first and last slides. Just play around with the order a bit and find what works best for you.

Make the presentation count

How you design your slides is important here. Create slides that are as clear and professional-looking as possible. Be careful not to put too much text on a slide, and make sure you use a font size that is large enough to be clearly seen by everyone.

If you try to put so much text on a slide that you need to make the font too small, you’ll lose your audience’s attention. For tips on choosing the right font, see our “ Fonts in PowerPoint ” post.

Try using pictures and graphics to make your slides more vivd . A picture, as they say, is worth a thousand words. Use images to illustrate and support your statements.

As well as adding visual interest to your slides, they arouse emotions in the audience, whether they know it or not, which makes you and your presentation topic seem more approachable. Be careful not to place too many images on one slide, though, as this can make it look messy.

Surefire ways to make your short presentation compelling:

• Present no more than three main points . More than this and you’ll lose your audience.
• Have a clear structure , so your audience always knows where you are and what’s coming next. Getting the structure of the presentation clear in advance really helps. Our article „Preparing a PowerPoint Presentation: 11 Tips”   shows you how to make the best use of your presentation preparation time.
• Make it easy for the audience to follow you. Use clear and simple language and avoid jargon. Smart use of images and graphics will make your content more vivid.
• Stay positive and confident . Your audience should be reassured that you really know your stuff; how else are they going to take your ideas seriously? Try to avoid coming across as arrogant, though – that automatically puts people off.
• Maintain eye contact with the audience. This demonstrates interest and appreciation – both important factors in convincing people and thus gaining potential customers.
• Be ready for questions . At the end of your presentation, allow a few minutes for questions and discussion. This gives your audience the opportunity to go into further detail or address other aspects as well. We’ve set out a few tips for including Q&A sessions in our article „ Prepare for your Q&A in Presentations” .

Short PowerPoint Presentation Example #1: The Five-Minute / Five-Slide Presentation

A classic example here is the five-minute presentation . This is similar to a Pitch-Presentation  , but structured slightly differently. Read on to see how.

What does a 5-minute / 5-slide presentation entail?

Imagine you have to present yourself, your company or your product in just a few minutes. You only ever need five slides for this . One way of structuring this, and creating a coherent storyline, would be:

• Overall idea (1st slide) A brief introduction. One slide showing your name might well suffice; you can then briefly describe your field of work or what you do within the company.
• Introduction (2nd slide) Start with a funny story, an anecdote or a quote to attract your audience’s attention. Then briefly address what you will be talking about. This slide can serve as a short introduction to the topic (company, product or service range).
• Main message (3rd slide) Try to illustrate the main point of your presentation with one or two simple graphics or diagrams. Photos related to your content or theme are also very useful here. PowerPoint is brilliant for this.  Aim for as little text as possible, with the visuals doing the work for you.
• Main concepts (4th slide) Underline your main message with three to five essential arguments and present them on a single slide (animated one after the other, if needs be). Remember that people’s attention span drops off sharply after absorbing five ideas.
• Conclusion (5th slide) Keep your conclusion short and end your presentation with a summary of the content and key messages of your presentation. These are, of course, what you want your audience to remember.

TIP: When preparing your presentation, remember the main question in your audience’s mind: “ What’s in it for me? ” We’ve covered this in our post about customer benefits . The overriding principle is KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid). Design and present everything as simply as possible!

Questions and discussion after the presentation:

If you have time, give your audience the opportunity to ask questions after the presentation, or actively try to spark a discussion and then moderate it. Allow about 5-10 minutes for this. If necessary, you can create back-up slides beforehand, to deepen certain sub-areas in case of specific questions.

Tips for your Q&A session can be found in our Q&A post .

Less is more

It’s sadly not uncommon to see slides stuffed with far too much information, whether text or images. The presenter certainly meant well, but failed to realise that their audience wouldn’t be able to process and absorb all that information at once. So try to stick to the following when putting your presentation together:

• Maximum one image per slide
• Only one topic per slide
• Minimal text
• Font size at least 18 point
• Maximum two fonts; sans serif fonts are more legible
• Display figures as graphs and diagrams
• No more than four colors per slide

In a five-minute presentation, you need to get to the point as quickly as possible . So skip the lengthy introductions and aim to grab your audience’s attention right at the start. Try to summarize your presentation as pithily as possible, too, to leave them wanting more.

While presenting, don’t forget to establish eye contact with the audience . Just standing there reading the text of a presentation from the slides is a common mistake, and one which quickly loses an audience’s attention.

Try to speak as fluently and freely as possible , so that you don’t look as though you’re just reading off your content (which can come across as a lack of competence or preparation). Invest enough time in preparing your presentation and practice it in front of an audience of acquaintances or, if needs be, in front of a mirror, until you’ve internalized the content and flow of your presentation.

Coming across as confident is just as important for the success of your presentation as its actual content. Don’t underestimate the influence that body language, speaking speed, gestures and facial expressions have on how the audience perceives your presentation. We go into this in detail in our “body language” post.

Keep your presentation lively by using figures of speech or catchy metaphors at appropriate points. We’ve gone into how (and why) to integrate rhetoric into your presentation in our „Public speeking skills” post. 

Short Presentation PowerPoint Example #2: The Three-Minute Presentation 

Imagine you only have three minutes. Three minutes in which to tell your audience everything they need to know about your idea, your product and your company. Well, it’s possible with a three-minute presentation! This is exactly what it sounds like: a coherent narrative, or story, in three minutes.

How to get your presentation to the point

The essence of this concept is to answer these three questions “ What’s it about?”, “How does it work?” and “What’s in it for me? ” in a few short paragraphs, a handful of slides and finally a short, pithy statement. A strong and compelling three-minute presentation will consist of roughly 25 sentences.

Write these down in advance so you have a clear outline in your head , making the presentation lively. Short and snappy is what you’re aiming for. You can get to the meat of your presentation in three minutes; try it!  Even if you have longer to present, it’s a tremendously useful exercise.

“If I’d had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.” Blaise Pascal, mathematician and philosopher 

The above quote is really on point.  It takes time and effort to organize your thoughts into short, coherent sentences, but it’s so worth it. There’s a lot of excess verbiage about, the result of people just writing down whatever comes to mind, however disorganized it is. This has the effect of boring or confusing people, or both.  It really pays to condense your thoughts smartly.

So you need to work out which are your most important points, weigh them against each other, and discard any excess. This is the only way to communicate clearly and concisely.

It’s really useful to have the essentials of what you want to communicate distilled into their bare bones when time is short. If you know exactly what you need to say, you can fit it into whatever time slot you’re given, even if the half hour you’d expected ends up being only five minutes.

This is also invaluable if your boss unexpectedly asks you what you’re working on, or if you’re talking to a client and they want a brief overview of your presentation.

Getting your presentation distilled down to three minutes is very advantageous , even if you plan on presenting for longer. Concentrating on the essentials not only shows creativity, but also organizational and communication skills. You’ll have a strong core to your message and won’t need to depend on your presentation slides and charts. 

Storytelling or Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch gets to the heart of your ideas in just a few minutes, and is great for getting someone new to what you’re presenting to want to learn more.

The focus in an elevator pitch is on the positive aspects of your ideas , for example their uniqueness and utility. Of course, the pitch must be delivered persuasively enough for the conversation to continue in a follow-up meeting afterwards!

Storytelling focuses on the story , which pulls the power of emotions into your content, selling them better. So storytelling can also work for a three-minute presentation. Do keep it short and resist going off on tangents, though. We’ve covered all this in our “Storytelling” post.

When you don’t have enough time to present (all) your slides

Even if the time you’re allowed for a presentation is really short (say your customer or client arrives late, then has to leave for another appointment soon), you can still make a strong impression with a three-minute story. It means you always have a plan B up your sleeve.

If you know exactly what you want to communicate, it will be easy to spontaneously adapt it to whatever time limits you are given. This way, many of your slides, diagrams and graphics are an added extra, rather than being something you are lost without.

Short PowerPoint presentations: More examples

Short presentations are an effective way to engage your audience with your idea, offer or brand. They can also be used to draw attention to a specific aspect or trigger an action. Short presentations are often used as presentation teasers to capture the audience’s interest and make them want to learn more.  Examples include:

• Presenting a new brand or product
• Presenting a current topic or trend
• Presenting your company’s successes or growth
• Presenting your company’s vision or mission statement
• An informational or educational presentation
• A scientific topic within your own discipline
• A research paper, a concept, an innovative project
• A hot social or political topic
• A presentation on climate change, migration, globalization, inflation, conflicts
• A topic from your private life such as a vacation, a special experience or a passion
• A historical event
• The history and development of a company you admire
• An artist whose work you find interesting
• Your favorite book/movie/musical/etc.

As you can see, the short presentation is ideal for a huge range of topics and occasions. Two examples are introducing a new product or a new service to potential customers.  How to get those into the short presentation format?

Presenting a new product

When introducing a new product, first highlight its key features and benefits. Then explain the different applications of the product and provide examples of them. Finally, you can ask the audience to test the product and give feedback.

Introducing a new service  

present this successfully, start by highlighting the added value and customer benefits. Then explain the different areas of application in more detail and show with concrete examples of where your service can be used meaningfully, and the advantages and results it has led to with your existing clientele.

To sum up: Short PowerPoint presentations – how to effectively use limited time to deliver your presentations in a target-oriented way

Short presentations are a great way to present and communicate topics to an audience. Why? Because they help the audience grasp the key message of the presentation in the shortest amount of time.

This is especially important when the audience is in the middle of a conference or workshop and has a limited attention span. Presentations are an important means of conveying information to an audience. So follow our tips to make your short presentation the best it can be and achieve your goals.

Got further questions about short PowerPoint presentations, or indeed general questions about PowerPoint? Please don’t hesitate to contact us! Feel free to email us your question at [email protected] . We’re always happy to help!

Looking for professionally designed slide templates to strengthen your short presentation? Have a look around our store! We have a huge range of slides on business topics. Get the best basis for your short presentation today! ► To the Store

 You might also be interested in these articles:

• Pitch Presentations
• Speech techniques for Presentations
• Storytelling in Presentations
• Elevator Pitch
• Preparing Presentations: 11 Tips
• Body language in Presentations
• Customer Benefits for Your Presentations
• Q&A that’s how you manage it

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Creating & Delivering A 5 Minute Presentation

Hrideep barot.

• Presentation , Public Speaking , Speech Topics

The daunting task of sitting down to work on a presentation that needs to be effective enough to get your point across as quickly and efficiently as possible, might want you to curl up deeper inside your blanket.

Here’s the good part: You can read this article on your phone from your comfy hideout.

As much as people picture presentations to be a difficult task, I personally, enjoy it!

To find the right colour scheme or infographic, or when the text and picture align perfectly, it is a fun experience clicking F5 and just watching your creation seamlessly spill out facts after facts while looking so minimalistic and neat!

Now that you know what I dream about at 2:00 PM in the afternoon, let’s get to work on creating and delivering a well curated, killer presentation which is short and effective, regardless if you have presentation daydreams or not!

What is a Short Presentation?

It would be a really awkward start if you were trying to hit a bullseye without the target board.

I present to you the simplest explanation of a short presentation from my caffeine induced writing:

Short presentations are for no longer than 5 minutes that gives an idea about what the topic is.

It is sort of an overview of your topic and really makes you prioritise what content you need to add in your presentation. We’ll get to this shortly, keep scrolling!

Before we begin working on our presentation, we need an outline or sort of checklist that will help us create our 5 minute presentation.

This will give us an idea of what our presentation will look like.

Essentially for a 5 minute presentation we’re looking at covering 5 topics that will bring your presentation to a complete circle. Let’s get cracking!

1. Introduction

Every presentation needs an introduction, even with a time crunch, this is a very important step in a presentation.

This gives your audience time to form their own opinions on the topic and build a connection with the speaker (that’s you!)

A killer opening might just make those first impressions all positive! Check out this video to work on your introductions:

Now that you have an idea about what exactly you do in an introduction, let’s make one thing clear, for a 5 minute presentation, your introduction needs to be extremely short. Again. For the people in the back: 5 minute presentation introductions need to be EXTREMELY SHORT.

Before you make assumptions and finish your introduction in two lines, let’s give you a time frame: 15 – 40 seconds, based on your topic. This would give you enough time to make an impression and add relevant content as well.

Pro Tip: If you are struggling to shorten your introduction, try avoiding introducing yourself because firstly, the emcee would do that and second, you can always add a little bit about you in your cover slide or your 1st title slide. Another thing that can help you save time throughout your presentation is making sure your title is extremely short. A long title would just become too many words by the time you finish your presentation and after saying it once, they don’t really add any value.

2. Problem Statement / Details of what you are addressing

This slide is like knowing the problem, knowing the answer and just talking about it.

Usually a 5 minute presentation just has one topic or a major focus, you can either explain a problem that your topic solves like how Electric Vehicles solve the whole gas pricing increasing, long term savings issue and of course sustainability and global warming.

Once you find an angle, your answer essentially becomes your topic.

PS. I wouldn’t take more than a slide to address the problem. Using too many slides in just 5 minutes will only distract your audience.

3. Solution

We have the question and the answer and just like every math solution site ever, in the previous slide we haven’t shown them the work, the way to get to the answer.

We’re better than that aren’t we? Let’s build solutions, show them the work. If we are talking about EVs being cheaper in the long run, do the math, show them how much they invest and how it makes a difference.

This section is the most content heavy part of your presentation, you can talk about your ideas, innovation, theories and play around with games and tricks during your presentation because this is where you audience will begin to dose off or get excited but creating the excitement is up to you.

If your presentation is more research based than on your personal work, using a lot of verbal stats might be your go to, but remember numbers everywhere will confuse your audience.

A good trick would be to add most of your statistics on your slides and highlight / mention the most impactful ones.

4. Limitations

In most theories or even hard facts there are always gaps and cracks, even Marvel came out with a “What if” series!

It is always good to address these cracks once you give your solutions, maybe even fuse the two together to keep things interesting.

This helps the audience go “Oh, that is wicked” or just get them thinking, talking about the topic.

Pro Tip: If you have too many things to talk about in this section you can use some facts or “believe it or not” type theories as interjections to catch the audience off guard or maybe even turn them into jokes!

5. Conclusion

This is the most crucial, yet flexible part of your presentation. Remember that it is only for 5 minutes so you really have a time crunch by now. You can’t really sum up everything.

The good thing is you don’t need to! One perk of 5 minute presentations is that it is very direct and short. This means that pretty much most of your content is still fresh in your audience’s mind.

All you need to do now is work on a killer ending. Here’s a video that can help!

Content and Delivery

Now that we know what the final presentation might look like, let’s work on building it by going into detail about it.

Let’s work on this the way Toastmasters International evaluates our speeches. Divide it into Content and Delivery.

On the content front, we will be covering everything from the colours, fonts, animation topics, prioritising content, the type of words we can use, and a few other things that happen before you step on the stage.

For delivery, we’ll be working on the show-person inside you, from everything about how and where you can stand to what you can do apart from the presentation to grab the audience’s attention and more!

I understand some of you might be a little curious about the “Toastmasters International” thing. It is a public speaking forum. Since I know some of us here are visual learners while others prefer to read, if you are interested in exploring it, you can check out our article: All About Toastmasters – What Is It, My Journey And Why You Should Try It or check out this video:

We will be going chronologically because just like presentations, in articles too, we can’t eat the cake until after we bake it! Let’s get going!

Put on your creative hat and let’s get cracking.

1. Prioritise

Being an expert in a topic is usually a good thing but sometimes, experts know too much when compared to a complete beginner. There are three ways this situation can play out.

• You skim over some extremely important yet insignificant looking foundational topics because you’ve chosen to prioritise a complex topic.
• You dumb down things waaaay too much and you end up adding not much value for your audience or to your presentation
• You do it just right, the right content and explanation, because either you have a knack for teaching or are a teacher, or just remember the days when you were a beginner perfectly.

Here is the catch, how do you know that your audience is a beginner crowd? This is one of the most important factors while prioritising your content.

Understanding your audience

Once you know your audience it becomes so much more easier to gauge the type of content that would add value and be useful to them.

You can use it to understand what type of topics you can cover, for beginners they might be looking at careers and building their foundation while the experts would rather enjoy a more technical and “in the news” take on the topic.

Pro Tip: Never! Never use complex jargons with your audience and if you have to, make sure to explain it on your slide or in your speech. With experts and people who know the field, you can use jargons but preferably use the least you can while not making it sound like you are dumbing it down for your audience.

Check out our video to gain a better understanding on how to analyse your audience!

2. Colours, fonts, layout and more!

We need to make your presentation look direct, concise and cute (this is the adjective I am going with, feel free to add your own!)

Colours, fonts and layouts and infographics and all of the other tools are something that gives your presentation a personality, and I believe it is best to find a colour scheme that reflects your personality.

For example, if you are a person who love minimalistic artefacts and aesthetics, a more softer, mellow, and essentially beige colour scheme is what would bounce off your personality on the stage.

If you are confused about what say “you” the best, the quickest way to define yourself with an adjective and go to Pinterest and search that word with maybe these keywords:

• Bedroom Ideas
• Office Décor
• Outfit ideas

And pick the theme that you like the most!

Now listen here. I need your complete and undivided attention. Just because you need to define yourself with an adjective doesn’t mean you go into a downward philosophical spiral about your existence.

If you are finding it hard to define yourself, try figuring out how you want to come across in your presentation, do you want to appear organised – minimalist is the adjective for it. If you are looking to be intelligent or futuristic – techy / tech savvy could be an option.

Another way to figure out the colours, fonts and layouts and all the other tools of a presentation is to go by topic. Find out what your topic talks about and build your presentation personality from there!

2.1. Templates

This is another quick and easy way to work on efficient presentations. Use readymade templates! There is no hard and fast rule that says you need to create your presentation from scratch. If it makes your life easy, why not!

With using templates comes this additional benefit of not needing to hunt for infographics or images or a neat layout, it is all handed out to you in a platter. They even have topic specific layouts created and ready to use! How cool is that?!?

There are so many sites out there for exactly this, some are listed below! 1. Canva 2. Slidego 3. Slides Carnival 4. Visme

The length of your presentation, here, the number of slides you have, should be in the range of 5-7.

Remember you are preparing for a presentation that will last for about 5 minutes and changing more than 1-2 slides a minute is time consuming and the audience would not be able to decide whether they should be focusing on what you are saying or showing.

I understand that wanting to speak about so many cool things within 5 minutes is not enough, I have been there!

Here is an easy way to refine your presentations to be as direct and crisp as possible:

Step 1: Data Dump

Do the data dump first. All the things you’ve prioritised and decided that you want to keep in your presentation, dump it all into your slides topic wise.

Step 2: Organise

Once you have all your data, move the slides around, find an order that goes from level 0 to level X – you decide the number of levels based on your topic!

Build a flow of information that is easy to grasp and understand and doesn’t jump back and forth as much.

Step 3: Edit

Now that you know what goes where and what comes after what, you can now choose to scrap topics (yes again, the more you refine the more you can get the perfect well rounded finish on your presentation) and combine them.

Step 4: Make pretty!

If you are combining topics in your presentation, doesn’t mean you make it crowded and too much information for the audience to consume, they would end up reading the slide instead of paying any attention to you and we do not want that, no matter what your stage fright tells you.

You presentation needs to look neat, appealing to the eye, not hard to read and simple.

If it is getting too much, I would suggest going to one of the template sites mentioned above and just check out the various templates available to get a grasp on what I am talking about. It is extremely simple and easy. You got this!

Here is another article you can check out to see what other tools you can use to make your presentation better! 5 Presentations Tools To Use With Multimedia Presentations

4. Other effects

Things like animation, slide transitions and other effects have a huge advantage in making your presentation look pleasing to the eye, but is it very easy to overdo it.

Here is a hack that I use to make sure that I never make my presentation “too much.”

One word: Consistency.

If you are using a slide transition, make sure to apply it to all your slides. This creates a form of flow (try saying that 5 times quickly!) in your delivery.

Also, given that you do not have many slides, it doesn’t make sense for you to waste time on transitions both while creating and delivering your presentation.

The same goes for animations, there are so many options available, you can even make them come on clicks and use it as a “step-wise” explanation technique.

There are so many things you can do to have a killer delivery, but the fact is that to bask in your limelight for those 5 minutes, you need to prepare fairly in advance.

Let’s check out a few things that you can do to help rock your delivery!

1. Use the right pronouns

I am a proud ally and one way I can effect change is though what I do.

Here’s my tip to you, try asking for any person’s pronouns before you address them with one. If you are uncomfortable asking, instead of using an assumptive pronoun, use they/them. It is gender neutral and puts forth a more formal and no-conflict tone.

It is important to announce your pronouns as well for people to know how they are supposed to address you.

Here is a helpful article I found about gender pronouns if you are interested in learning more about it! What To Know About Gender Pronouns

This won’t require you to explore Pinterest but it would help if you check out the room you are going to be speaking in.

Make sure to wear well contrasting colours with the background and the presentation so that you stand out and make it easy for your audience to spot you and refocus when they dose off or aren’t attentive.

Let’s say that you’ve got a well lit room, your outfit does not blend in with the background and your presentation is both interactive and informative. You stand in one place and begin. You are doing everything right and yet, the audience seems distracted.

One possible explanation would be that you are stagnant and in being so, for the audience, you may not have blended into the background but you have become a part of it!

Moving around when you give a presentation is effective, but you need to gauge when to do it. An easy hack to this is: Speak-Stay, Transition-Transportation.

It essentially means that when you are speaking or delivering an important point, stay in one place, the only thing the audience should need to focus on is your content, but when you move from one topic or segment to another, you move, it shows the audience that they are moving on from topic to another and helps smoothen your transitions.

Another thing to keep in mind is that, there might be situations where you can not move, less stage area, the mic is attached to the podium, it is an online platform or physical limitations. Do not fret. It is okay and you can use your voice by changing tones or effect transitions instead or you can come up with your own creative technique!

Pro Tip: Make sure that when you do move, do not hide your presentation slide and try to speak from either ends of the screen.

4. Make things relevant

Is your presentation about palaeontology or space travel?

It can be anything under the sun, but one of the best ways to keep the audience alert and interested is by connecting it to the present.

Basic Human Psychology. Talk or mention something that they possibly would’ve heard about and their ears will prick up, or ask them a simple question like “Have you heard about XYZ?” and wait for their response, react, connect that to your content and move on.

This will make the audience feel that they know something about the topic and will keep them interested.

Wait. How do you know what the audience knows? Current Affairs.

There is always some news which is trending or controversial or simply too important that it is all people talk about, use that to your benefit, read up on your current affairs and decide what suits your content the best and work on segue to bring it up enough to hold your audience’s attention but not too detailed that you deviate from the topic. 

There are various other ways to keep your audience engaged, check out this TedTalk to learn more about it!

Examples of 5 Minute Presentations

Here are some examples to help you understand different ways you can build your presentation!

Topic Ideas

Now that you have an easy guide to creating and delivering a killer short presentation, here are a few topic ideas that you might like to use!

• Adopting a pet
• Endangered Species
• Therapy Animals
• Financing for College
• How to choose your major
• Coffee – Good / Bad Habit
• Body Shaming
• Social Media and its importance
• Outer space
• Stereotypes and superstitions (like using the number 13!)

Final Thoughts

Short presentations are fairly easy to give and are fun. If you find it difficult, that is normal too. Just take it one step at a time and prioritise your content FIRST, trust me. A mammoth of your work will be done.

Deep breaths and steps at your own pace, you’ll get there. 🙂

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How to design an effective PowerPoint slide in 5 minutes

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Table of Contents

Related: 7 PowerPoint mistakes that are killing your presentation

A better approach is to think about what you want to say first, then you can figure out the best way to present that information visually. Let’s say we wanted to build a slide about Spotify and their growth in the audio streaming market. Very simply, our message might be something like, “Spotify is expected to grow”, so let’s put that at the top of our slide.

“Customer Experience: The 14BN Risk” Oliver Wyman, 2018

“Challenges in Mining: Scarcity or Opportunity?” McKinsey, 2015

2. Organization

Related: consultant explains the pyramid principle.

“Technology’s role in mineral criticality” McKinsey, 2017

“Loose dogs in Dallas: Strategic Recommendations to Improve Public Safety and Animal Welfare in Dallas” BCG, 2016

❝ Because the truth is, you don’t need to include every single data point you have. You need to tell a compelling story. And being selective with what you decide to include is an important part of that.  ❞

3. Visualization

Related: choosing the right chart: a consultant’s guide.

“Fintech New York: Partnerships, Platforms and Open Innovation” Kearney, 2020

“Responding to Covid-19” Oliver Wyman, 2021

4. Insights

Related: how to design effective presentations: 5 practical tips from the consulting industry.

“The Open Education Resources ecosystem” BCG, 2013

“Making zero-emission trucking a reality” Strategy&, 2020

❝ Make sure you have all your supporting details such as sources, footnotes, or anything else someone would need to understand the slide when looking at it for the first time. ❞

“Fintech New York: Partnerships, Platforms and Open Innovation” Accenture, 2015

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• How to create your presentation so that you finish on time in 5-minutes or less and get across everything you need to…
• How to overcome “5-minute stage fright” and deliver a powerful impression and continue to present with confidence…
• And  much, much more …

Course Breakdown

• Module One: Introduction and Welcome
• This 2-hour program is going to transform how you give short presentations. You’ll learn new techniques for creating irresistible content, practicing to perfection, and delivering a powerful impression. Imagine reaching more people with your passion by preparing and creating the right things to say in the right way. Instead of losing your audience, you’ll learn how to get them to take action in their lives.
• Module Two:  Create Your Core Content
• To engage your audience members, the theme of your presentation must appear to have value to them and be in line with their goals. It is essential you know what specific topics will be of interest. The best way is to ask them.
• Module Three:  Create Your Tasks, Subtasks and Examples
•   Create Your Tasks Go through the takeaways one by one. Begin by asking yourself, “Does the audience know how to do this?” This is unlikely, of course, since if the audience already knew how to make those takeaways happen, they wouldn’t be at your presentation. So you need to come up with tasks—procedures or actions that make the takeaways possible. I suggest that a presenter come up with about three tasks for each takeaway. You describe the tasks in exactly the same way you described the takeaways.
• Create Your Subtasks Once you’ve defined the tasks, go over each one individually and ask yourself if the people in your audience would know how to carry it out. If not, then you have to come up with at least one subtask. Go through the same process as in creating the task. Use an action verb, as few words as possible, and clear and simple language.
• Create Your Examples The example is the final level of the task hierarchy. A good presenter gets to it as quickly as possible. It is the most powerful way to ensure that your audience knows how to do what you suggest.
• Module Four:  Create Your Title and Takeaway Hooks
• Create Your Title Your title is key. It’s the main mystery. It’s what motivates your audience to attend your presentation in the first place—an immediately useful, measurable outcome or benefit they will take away from the presentation as a whole. Once you have figured out your takeaways, you have defined exactly what your presentation is about, so you are ready to summarize them in one phrase: the title. Go through the same process as he did in creating the takeaways, with slight modifications.
• Create Your Takeaway Hooks Telling people how you will meet their emotional needs—how you will relieve their pain points and enhance their pleasure points—is what makes them crave what you have to say.
• Module Five:   Create Your Main Presentation Hook and Map Out Your Message
• Create Your Main Presentation Hook Once you have the hooks for each takeaway, you can create the main hook for the entire presentation. Just as the main title was a summary of your takeaways, the main hook is a summary of your takeaway hooks. Find it this way. First, review the takeaway hooks. It might help you to underline the key words that correspond to pain points or pleasure points. For each takeaway hook, underline the key words that correspond to the most powerful pain points and pleasure points of your audience. Then add the title of your presentation at the very end of the main hook.
• Map Out Your Message Once you have created your irresistible menu and your tantalizing core content, your next task is to combine your words with slides and create a PowerPoint presentation.
• Module Six:   Practice Your Words and Non-Verbals
• The primary need of your audience is to feel safe with you and among their peers, so that’s what you must deal with first. Once they trust you, they will feel safe. The best way to start is with a thoroughly rehearsed strong opening.
• Module Seven: Practice Without Looking
• To connect with your audience, even before you say a word, you have to make an impressive physical impression. To do that, your first need to practice your presentation the right way. Prepare to take your game to the next level and even cue yourself without losing your audience.
• Module Eight:  Deliver A Powerful Impression
• Use media to get more people to listen to you. Ask yourself if your media benefits you or the audience. If it benefits you, remove it. If it benefits the audience, keep it. That’s how you can tell if it’s the right media. I’m going to show you my favorite ways to use media and PowerPoint to maximize impact.
• Module Nine:  Manage Pace
• If you tell me you have a panic attack the moment you stand in front of your audience, I’ll bet I know what your problem is. And—though all these things matter—it’s not because of how you’re standing or that your voice is cracking or that you’re talking too loud or too fast or that you’re sweating. It’s not because of anything you are doing. It’s what you are not doing. You haven’t kept your focus. You’ve forgotten that the presentation isn’t about you; it’s about your audience. When you’re meeting the audience members for the first time, when you’re making that first impression, how you’re feeling and what you’re doing doesn’t matter as much as how they’re doing and how they’re feeling. You should be concentrating on their feelings and their needs.

Try Five Today

How many slides for a 5-minute presentation? It’s the million-dollar question in the context of giving a concise and impactful speech.

Let’s put it this way: you only have 300 seconds to not only convey your message but also to captivate your audience. It’s a tightrope walk between informative and overwhelming, and the number of slides you choose can make or break your presentation.

In this article, we’re not just counting slides; we’re unlocking the secrets to making every second and every slide in your 5-minute talk count.

Whether you’re pitching an idea to your team, presenting a project to clients, or speaking at a conference, the insights here will transform your approach to quick presentations. Let’s dive right in!

Understanding the 5-Minute Presentation

A 5-minute presentation is a tight, focused discourse where every word counts. It’s not just a brief talk; it’s a concentrated blend of your key points , delivered with precision and clarity .

This is where the question of how many slides for a 5-minute talk becomes crucial. The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all ; it hinges on your content’s complexity and your delivery style. Typically, a range of 5 to 10 slides is recommended, ensuring each slide gets enough time to be absorbed without rushing through.

The unique challenges of a 5-minute presentation lie in its brevity , along with other aspects like the best PowerPoint presentation design template to use. After all, you have a limited window to make an impression, which means every second and slide must be purposeful. 

Here are a few slides from a pitch deck by Copper Cow Coffee, which shows brevity and simplicity:

Remember, a well-executed 5-minute presentation can be more impactful than a 30-minute monologue.

Determining the Ideal Number of Slides

When addressing the pivotal query, “how many slides for a 5-minute presentation,” it’s essential to understand that the ideal number is influenced by several key factors:

Content Complexity

For complex topics with intricate data or concepts, fewer slides with clear, concise information are preferable. Simpler topics can be complemented with more slides to maintain a dynamic flow.

Speaking Pace

Fast speakers might cover more slides effectively. Slower speakers, on the other hand, should opt for fewer slides to match their natural rhythm .

Time Management in Presentations

Aim for each slide to represent approximately 30 to 60 seconds of speaking time . Include brief pauses after each slide for the information to be absorbed or for quick clarifications.

The general guideline for how many slides for a 5-minute presentation falls between 5 to 10 slides. This range is strategic, allowing for information to be presented clearly without overwhelming the audience.

Here’s how to optimize your slides:

• First 30 Seconds: Introduction Slide . Start with a compelling opening that outlines what the presentation will cover.
• Middle Segment (3-4 minutes): Main Content Slides . Divide the core content into digestible segments, each represented by a slide. In addition, choose a presentation design that would allow you to use visuals and bullet points to convey key ideas succinctly.
• Final 30 Seconds: Conclusion Slide . Here, you summarize the main points. End with a strong closing statement or a call to action.

Here’s an example of Buzzfeed’s conclusion slide on their pitch deck uploaded in 2016. The slide emphasized the strengths of the platform and how big it could get in the next years:

Remember, slides are a visual aid, not the main script. They should enhance your verbal communication, not overshadow it.

Content Strategy for 5-Minute Presentations

Crafting the perfect 5-minute presentation hinges on your ability to develop concise content for presentations that captivates and informs. Here’s how to strike that crucial balance:

Focus on Key Messages

Identify the core points you want to convey. Limit them to three or four to avoid overloading your audience. Each slide should represent one key idea, ensuring clarity and focus.

Engaging Storytelling

Use storytelling techniques to make your content more relatable and memorable . Incorporate real-life examples, anecdotes, or relevant statistics to illustrate your points vividly.

Here are a few slides from the pitch deck of Match Box now more popularly known as Tinder:

The story presented may be simple and short, possibly taking only 30 seconds, but it was relatable and was a good material to hook the audience. 

Simplicity is Key

Avoid jargon and complex language. Opt for clear, straightforward wording that’s accessible to all audience members. Use bullet points or numbered lists to break down information into digestible chunks.

If you’re looking for pegs in slide simplicity, check out these first four slides in Purple Go’s pitch deck:

Visual Harmony

Leverage the power of visuals to complement your spoken words. Images, graphs, and charts can convey complex information quickly and effectively. Ensure your slides are not cluttered. Adequate white space enhances readability and focus.

Professional Design Touch

Consider enlisting design experts to elevate your slide aesthetics . After all, a well-designed presentation can significantly enhance message delivery. Professional designers (like those we have here at Penji ) can help create a cohesive visual theme that aligns with your message and brand identity.

Here’s an example of a professional presentation we’ve done for one of our clients:

The Informative-Engaging Balance

Mix facts with narrative elements. While data lends credibility, stories evoke emotional responses. Use rhetorical questions or quick polls to engage the audience and make the content interactive.

The Bottom Line

After going through the essentials of crafting a compelling 5-minute presentation, you now know the tricks to determine the ideal number of slides to create content that strikes the perfect balance between informative and engaging . 

But there’s one more crucial element that can elevate your presentation from good to unforgettable: professional design. This is where Penji’s expertise comes into play. Our team of professional designers understands the power of visual storytelling and can transform your presentation into a visual masterpiece. 

Sign up today and let our team bring your vision to life.

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Discover over 60 engaging 5-minute presentation topics

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

Anete Ezera August 21, 2023

Delivering impactful presentations doesn’t always require a marathon of speaking. In fact, condensing your message into a succinct 5-minute presentation can be just as powerful. In this article, we’ll explore a 5-minute presentation topics list that captivate your audience’s attention, spark their curiosity, and leave a lasting impression. Whether looking for 5-minute presentation topics for college students, topics for professionals, or simply looking for a suitable subject to share insights, these categorized topics offer a concise platform to convey your message effectively.

Exploring a variety of engaging 5-minute presentation topics

Personal growth and well-being.

• The Power of Positivity: How cultivating a positive mindset impacts your daily life.
• The Journey of Mindfulness: Navigating the benefits of mindfulness and meditation.
• Overcoming Procrastination: Techniques to boost productivity and break the habit.
• The Science of Happiness: Unraveling the psychology behind happiness.
• Cultivating Resilience: Techniques to build resilience and bounce back from setbacks.
• Mastering Mindful Breathing: Introducing the art of mindful breathing to alleviate stress.

Innovations and sustainability

• The Rise of Renewable Energy: How sustainable resources are shaping our future.
• Sustainable Fashion Choices: Shedding light on the environmental impact of clothing choices.
• Impact of Microplastics: Raising awareness about microplastics’ effects on ecosystems and health.
• Unveiling Virtual Reality: A brief overview of the transformative potential of VR technology.
• The Future of Mobility: Discussing innovations in transportation, from electric vehicles to autonomous driving.
• Introduction to Blockchain: Simplifying the concept of blockchain and its applications.

Communication and personal development

• The Art of Storytelling: Why stories resonate deeply and influence perceptions.
• Art of Active Listening: Exploring the significance of active listening in communication.
• Effective Public Speaking: Tips to enhance speaking skills in various settings.
• Understanding Body Language: Decoding nonverbal cues in effective communication.
• Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Insights into the power of a growth mindset.
• Unconventional Careers: Exploring exciting career paths that defy traditional norms.

Technology and insights

• Digital Privacy Concerns: Exploring the implications of online data security.
• The Impact of Social Media: Unveiling its effects on mental health and society.
• Cybersecurity Essentials: Safeguarding personal data in the digital age.
• Introduction to Cryptocurrency: Simplifying the complex world of cryptocurrency.
• Exploring Genetic Engineering: A concise overview of genetic engineering’s science and ethics.
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence: Delving into AI’s transformative potential on industries and life.
• The Future of Work: Exploring how technology is reshaping the workplace.

Practical skills and techniques

• Tackling Time Management: Demonstrating efficient strategies for organizing your day.
• Language Learning Hacks: Quick strategies to accelerate language learning.
• Effective Time Blocking: Techniques for maximizing productivity through structured time management.
• The Magic of Minimalism: Exploring the benefits of decluttering and simplifying life.
• Nutrition Hacks: Quick insights into making healthier food choices.
• The Art of Negotiation: Tips for successful negotiation in personal and professional settings.
• Crisis Communication: Strategies for effective communication during challenging times.

Creativity and exploration

• Unlocking Innovative Solutions: Techniques to foster creative thinking and problem-solving.
• Exploring Astronomy: A brief journey through the universe’s wonders and celestial bodies.
• The Art of Photography: Unveiling the secrets to capturing captivating and meaningful images.
• Music Therapy: How music impacts emotions and well-being, and its potential for healing.
• The World of Origami: Discovering the ancient art of paper folding and its therapeutic benefits.
• Inspiring Travel Destinations: Showcasing unique places that offer enriching travel experiences.
• Exploring Local Cuisine: A tantalizing exploration of regional dishes and their cultural significance.
• The Beauty of Calligraphy: A glimpse into the world of elegant and expressive handwriting.

Environmental awareness and conservation

• The Importance of Biodiversity: Exploring the significance of diverse ecosystems and their role in sustaining life.
• Climate Change Solutions: Highlighting actionable steps individuals and communities can take to combat climate change.
• Ocean Conservation: Shedding light on the challenges facing marine ecosystems and the need for preservation.
• Green Initiatives in Cities: Showcasing innovative urban projects that prioritize sustainability and green spaces.
• Wildlife Protection Efforts: Discussing the importance of safeguarding endangered species and their habitats.
• Upcycling and Repurposing: Creative ways to reduce waste and repurpose materials for a more sustainable lifestyle.
• Eco-Friendly Gardening: Tips for cultivating gardens that support local biodiversity and minimize environmental impact.
• Food Waste Reduction: Strategies to minimize food waste and contribute to a more sustainable food system.

Cultural insights and diversity

• Cultural Traditions Around the World: Exploring unique customs, festivals, and rituals from different cultures.
• Language Diversity: Showcasing the richness of languages spoken globally and their importance in preserving heritage.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Insights into effective communication across diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Global Cuisines: A culinary journey through the flavors and dishes that define different regions.
• Traditional Arts and Crafts: Celebrating the craftsmanship and artistic expressions of various cultures.
• Celebrating Diversity: Embracing the value of inclusivity and the benefits of diverse perspectives.
• Traveling Responsibly: Tips for respectful and culturally sensitive travel experiences.
• International Etiquette: Navigating cultural norms and customs when interacting with people from different backgrounds.

Health and wellness

• The Benefits of Regular Exercise: Exploring the positive impacts of physical activity on overall well-being.
• Mind-Body Connection: Unveiling the link between mental health and physical well-being.
• Balanced Nutrition for Optimal Health: Tips for making nutritious food choices that support wellness.
• Stress Management Techniques: Strategies to cope with stress and maintain mental and emotional balance.
• Importance of Hydration: Highlighting the role of proper hydration in maintaining good health.
• Quality Sleep Habits: Discussing the significance of quality sleep and tips for improving sleep patterns.
• Mental Health Awareness: Shedding light on the importance of understanding and supporting mental health.
• Holistic Approaches to Wellness: Exploring holistic practices that address mind, body, and spirit.

Historical perspectives

• Influential Women in History: Celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of remarkable women.
• Turning Points in History: Exploring pivotal moments that shaped the course of human history.
• Ancient Civilizations: A glimpse into the achievements and legacies of civilizations from the past.
• Revolutionary Inventions: Unveiling inventions that revolutionized industries and daily life.
• World-Changing Events: Discussing events that had a profound impact on societies and cultures.
• Great Leaders Throughout Time: Highlighting the leadership styles and achievements of notable figures.
• Cultural Renaissance Periods: Exploring periods of cultural revival and artistic innovation.
• Lessons from History: Extracting valuable lessons and insights from historical events and figures.

With these categories and their respective examples, you have a comprehensive palette of engaging 5-minute presentation topics catering to various interests and purposes. Whether you’re sparking conversations, sharing insights, or simply enhancing your presentation skills, these topics offer a platform for concise and impactful communication.

For further inspiration on crafting compelling topics, explore Prezi’s comprehensive guide on good presentation topics and presentation night ideas .

Elevating your short-form presentation skills

Creating and delivering a compelling 5-minute presentation requires a strategic approach to ensure your message is concise, engaging, and impactful. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

Define a clear message

Start by defining the core message or main takeaway you want your audience to remember. Keep it focused and concise to ensure your presentation remains on track.

Structure with purpose

Organize your presentation with a clear structure: introduction, main points, and conclusion. Each section should flow logically and contribute to the overall message.

Learn more about how to effectively structure your presentation by watching the following video:

Engaging opening

Begin with an attention-grabbing opening that hooks your audience and sets the tone for the rest of your presentation. This could be a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or a captivating anecdote.

Concise content

Keep your content concise and to the point. Avoid information overload and focus on the most relevant and impactful details that support your main message.

Visual aids

Use visuals sparingly to complement your spoken words. Visual aids should be simple, relevant, and easy to understand. They should enhance your message, not distract from it.

Rehearse your presentation multiple times to become comfortable with the content and timing. Practice helps you refine your delivery and identify areas for improvement.

Time management

Keep a close eye on your time during practice and the actual presentation. Aim to stay within the 5-minute limit to ensure your message is delivered effectively.

Engaging delivery

Maintain good eye contact, use appropriate gestures, and vary your vocal tone to keep your audience engaged. A confident and enthusiastic delivery enhances your message’s impact.

Discover more about engaging delivery by mastering the art of storytelling :

Relevance and depth

Prioritize quality over quantity. Instead of covering numerous points superficially, delve deeper into a few key ideas to provide valuable insights.

Transitions

Use smooth transitions between sections to guide your audience through your presentation. These transitions create a seamless flow that keeps listeners engaged.

Call to action

Conclude your presentation with a clear call to action that aligns with your main message. Encourage your audience to take a specific action or reflect on what they’ve learned.

Choose a relevant topic

Perhaps most importantly, select a topic that is relevant to your audience’s interests, needs, and preferences. Make sure it aligns with the purpose of your presentation and resonates with your listeners. For example, if you’re preparing for an interview, be sure to research 5-minute interview presentation topics. Here are a few examples; 

• My Professional Journey: Share your career path, highlighting key experiences, and accomplishments, and how they align with the role you’re interviewing for. 
• Strategic Problem-Solving: Present a real-world challenge you’ve encountered and walk through the steps you took to analyze, strategize, and find a solution. 
• Innovative Ideas for Company Growth: Propose innovative strategies or initiatives that could drive growth, improve efficiency, or enhance the company’s offerings. 
• Market Trends and Insights: Present your analysis of current market trends, including opportunities and challenges, and discuss how your insights could benefit the company. 
• Effective Team Leadership: Describe a situation where you successfully led a team to achieve a common goal, emphasizing your leadership style, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.

Discover more presentation ideas that’ll help you craft a compelling presentation:

Using these topics for 5 minute presentations and delivering them effectively 

Crafting and delivering a 5 minute presentation requires finesse in both content creation and delivery. By selecting a focused topic, structuring your presentation effectively, and practicing your delivery, you can make the most of these brief but effective moments in the spotlight. The diverse array of the best 5 minute presentation topics showcased here offers a launchpad for your creative expression, sparking engaging conversations and leaving a lasting impression on your audience. Remember, it’s not about the duration—it’s about the quality and resonance of your message. To create an attention-grabbing presentation that moves your audience, try Prezi today.

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How to create an effective PowerPoint presentation in under 5 minutes

Do you spend too much time sorting slides and creating last-minute presentations? We know the feeling, so here's 5 simple steps to get delivering effective PowerPoint presentations and looking like a pro without even trying.   

1. Open a new presentation 

• Open a presentation
• Click Insert
• Click My Add-ins
• Open  Pickit Free Images

Looking for tips on creating compelling Word documents?

Read about how you can do it here

2. Add some text

We can't do this part for you unfortunately.  That said, we do suggest you avoid big chunks of text and dodge as many bullets as possible (they are for killing things after all, and presentations are no exception). 

Try skipping everything but your headlines and saving the rest for your talk.  Or you could always try sending a solid Word doc  instead of delivering a PowerPoint presentation. 

Read about 10 ways to make your work stand out

3. Open the Pickit Free Images app

Know what you're after?  Use the search tool to find just the right image. 

Not sure what you want?   Browse our curated collections for inspiration.

When you find something you like that supports your message, add it to your slide (hint: double-click) and away you go. 

4. Use PowerPoint Designer 

We can't take the credit for this one (thanks Microsoft) but we're big fans. And we can make sure it has some pretty pictures to work with.

Here's how it works:

• Add an image from Pickit
• PowerPoint Designer will launch automatically
• Look at the layout ideas
• Choose one you like
• Look like you have a personal presentation designer

Using this feature in Microsoft PowerPoint means you don't need to work from previous PowerPoint templates to make your slides look slick. 

5. Present like a pro

Just remember to breathe. 

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My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

169 Five-Minute Topics for a Killer Speech or Presentation

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

There are pros and cons to giving a 5-minute presentation. One good thing is the length. Long presentations can easily become boring, and you have a much better chance of keeping your audience engaged from beginning to end than with a 5-minute speech.

In this article:

Food & Drink

Relationships, social media, supernatural, list of topics for a 5-minute speech or presentation.

Choosing a topic is extremely important. To help you getting started, here is a list of some killer topics for 5-minute speech or presentation.

• Why it’s better to adopt a pet from a shelter
• Choosing the perfect leash for your dog
• What is the best food for your pet?
• How much exercise does your pet need?
• The horror of puppy mills
• Bringing back endangered species
• How long are giraffes in labor
• Domestication of horses
• Picking the right vet
• Sleeping with your dog
• Why should you get goats in pairs
• Ethics of zoos
• The domestication of dogs
• How to keep a goldfish alive for a long time
• How to choose the right pet
• Why cats are so independent
• When to get a dog
• What kind of dog is best for a household with children
• Why therapy animals work
• How to find the money to go to college
• How much control should the federal government have over curriculum design?
• How to choose a college
• Ideas for narrowing down a career choice
• When to declare a major
• Benefits of charter schools
• Why charter schools are bad
• Negative effects of school vouchers
• Attracting the right people to the teaching profession
• Discipline in the classroom
• Memory tricks that work
• Why homework is bad
• Should students still have to use the books in the library?
• Why cursive should still be taught in schools
• Textbooks vs. tablets
• Benefits of going to a trade school
• Are there positives to taking a gap year?
• The problem with low teacher pay
• Social media in the classroom
• Benefits of integrating apps into the classroom
• The importance of attachment
• How to compromise on names for your kids
• What is the ideal age to start a family
• How important are grandparents
• Traveling with children
• Strategies for potty training
• How to help a child with nightmares
• Middle child syndrome
• How many kids should you have?
• How to recognize a gifted child
• When your child doesn’t like to eat
• How to encourage good eating habits
• When to intervene with a bully
• Being active in your child’s school
• The benefits of aunts and uncles
• When family falls apart
• The first days with a new baby
• When to call the doctor
• Caring for an ailing parent
• Balancing home and career
• When to start saving for retirement
• IRA vs. Roth IRA
• When should you start saving for your children’s college education?
• Crowdfunded loans vs. the bank
• How Kickstarter changed everything
• Using your HSA
• How to apply for a mortgage
• Improving your credit score
• How to negotiate a raise
• Renting vs. buying
• How does compound interest work?
• How to ask for a promotion
• When is it time to get a new job?
• What to do when you find out a coworker makes more than you
• How much of a down payment on a house do you really need?
• Living on minimum wage
• Is it better to lease or buy a new car?
• How to budget for a new car
• What to do when you lose your job
• Using credit cards responsibly
• Is rare meat safe?
• Vegan vs. vegetarian
• Microbrews vs. standard brewing
• How to make your own wine
• What are hops?
• Best plants for a backyard garden
• When to transplant sprouts
• Bananas and plantains
• How to make a brine for pickling
• Where did brunch begin?
• Why pineapple belongs on a pizza
• When to order in
• Planning a menu
• Meal planning and grocery lists
• Is free range really better?
• The perfect macaroni and cheese
• Growing your own herbs
• How to make your own pasta
• How to make cookies that are softer
• Benefits of drinking black coffee
• Benefits of a gluten-free diet
• Is the paleo diet accurate?
• Effects of not getting enough sleep
• Are meal subscription services worth it?
• Downsides to Crossfit
• Benefits of yoga
• How to meditate
• Can therapy change the way your mind works?
• Are GMOs really dangerous?
• The truth about diet soda
• Importance of hydration
• Why cleanses don’t work
• Best juice diet
• Most effective exercise for burning calories
• Do essential oils really work?
• The history of television
• When the railway was king
• Thwarted assassination attempts
• The first Olympics
• Media during World War II
• Military advancements between World War I and World War II
• War photographers
• Things you didn’t learn in history class
• Historical lies
• The early Internet
• Why podcasts are great
• Most unbiased news channel
• When do people tune into the news most
• How relevant are women’s magazines?
• Cable vs. Netflix
• How worried should you be about your browsing history?
• How to limit screen time
• Why it’s bad to use your smartphone right before bed
• Apple vs. Android
• The best age to get married
• How to get an amicable divorce
• Finding a roommate
• Splitting financial responsibilities evenly among the household
• How to have a happy marriage
• Choosing your family
• How to fight effectively
• Signs of an abusive relationship
• What to look for in a spouse
• When to let it go
• How to overcome self-doubt
• Faking confidence
• Becoming comfortable with yourself
• How to say no
• Relaxation techniques
• Controlling anxiety
• Qualities of a leader
• The importance of self-care
• Identifying triggers
• How to eliminate negativity
• Making new habits
• Ethics of posting pictures of your children on social media
• How Internet ads are tailored to you
• How to advertise your business on Facebook
• Privacy and social media
• How to protect your personal information
• When to allow your kids to get their own social media accounts
• Why you shouldn’t post your location on social media
• How to use a hashtag
• Uncovering Twitter Bots
• Snapchat etiquette
• Proof that aliens exist
• Debunking crop circles
• Is Bigfoot real?
• Proof that ghosts exist

Good 2-Minute Speech Topics for Students

13 All-Time Best TED Talks

23 thoughts on “169 Five-Minute Topics for a Killer Speech or Presentation”

Ideal Teacher

is life really a blessing?

This has helped me so much for my English class thank you!

Why personal (private) rules are helpful

I got an A!!!!!

Risks of abortion Wage gap How social media impacts education/mental health Why it’s important to have a good stable mental health Do teenagers really spend all their time on their phones Gsce requirements unfair or reasonable

Here is a kind of a dense topic, domestic abuse. Why does it happen? What are some ways to identify a abusive relationship? How does it affect families? Why is the abuser abusive?

We have presentation next week. I can’t think about the topic. Please help me!

i want a topic that involves supernatural: HELP

Is water wet?

death, what if the earth loses air entirely for five minutes, what is the most common death.

I have presentation next two day concerning with my classroom. I must choose five topics but i can’t think how to choose these topics. Please! help me

Tanks for giving me an A in drama

so helpful thank you

thanks this helped with my speach at school

i need a best topic to present on that is educational to consumer science and food nutrition students. can i please be assisted

what if the earth stopped spinning pros and cons of being an artist how Gen Z affected slang why people are afraid of the dark why knowing how to play an instrument is beneficial/not needed

Here’s a controversial one: are trans, intersex and non-binary people getting the same right as every else?

I have a presentation this week I don’t understand how to find a good title please help me I’m a diploma student the speech must have more than 10 minutes

How do create presentation for famous place in Sri Lanka

i need something for my oral communication class. it must be attention grabbing and not an argument. please help

I need ideas on a slide show presentation, a kid appropiate topic.

Pls I need more ideas on self help

hi lol i like these topics but i need a trendy one like something new or like a natural phenomene or someth like that… 🙂

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© 2024 My Speech Class

WHITNEY D. WALTER

PowerPoint Made Easy with the 5 5 5 Rule

Whitney D. Walter

Looking for an easy way to create a more compelling PowerPoint presentation? Look no further than the 5 5 5 rule! This simple guideline makes it easy to lay out your slides in a clear, organized way that draws attention to the most important information.

Experts suggest that using this method – one of the many similar ones out there – will result in a better experience for your audience and better results for you as a presenter.

It can keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

Use images or icons to tell the story., what exactly is the 5 5 5 rule.

Simply put, the 5 5 5 rule (often written as the 5/5/5 or 5-5-5 rule) means that on each slide you should have no more than 5 lines of text. Within each line, there should be no more than 5 words. And finally, there should be no more than 5 text-heavy slides in a row.

5/5/5 Rule Powerpoint Example

Benefits of Using This Rule

Using this simple rule allows you to limit the amount of text on your slides which can be beneficial for many reasons.

You can focus on the main points.

Instead of putting all of your detailed ideas on each slide, this rule reminds you to focus on the main ideas and stops you from committing a major PowerPoint faux pas – reading directly from the screen.

Why shouldn’t you read from the slide?

First, directly from your presentation creates an extremely boring experience for your audience. They came to see you, not to read along with a slide.

Second, it’s often very difficult to read from a slide anyway, so you’re likely to make mistakes or lose your place.

Third, and most importantly, it takes away your chance to make eye contact with the audience and connect with them on a personal level.

So next time you’re giving a presentation, remember not to read directly from the PowerPoint slide – it’ll be better for both you and your audience.

And an added bonus? When you aren’t reading directly from the slide, you are encouraged to explain your ideas through storytelling which is a much better way to relay information.

In fact, studies have shown that our brains naturally look for stories and patterns to help us understand information.

Your audience will be more engaged.

Since your audience won’t be busy reading all of the text on your slide while you’re presenting, they will be more inclined to actually listen to what you’re saying.

Better yet, they will have the opportunity to be more engaged by responding to the things you’re saying or asking questions.

Remember, more than five text-heavy slides in a row will simply be a distraction for your audience and a guaranteed way to lose their interest.

You’ll end up with more professional-looking presentations.

If you’re looking for a quick and simple way to make your presentation look more professional the first thing you should do is evaluate whether you are using an unnecessary amount of text.

Professional presentations typically use clean and easy-to-skim designs. This means taking advantage of negative space (aka purposely leaving empty space on the slide).

If you’ve ever had to create a presentation in rush you know how stressful it can be.

The same is true for those who are new to using PowerPoint and those who are simply not comfortable with its capabilities.

Using this rule can make creating a presentation much less stressful because it gives you a guideline to work off of.

It also minimizes how much time you’ll spend on adding content to the slide because you know that each slide will have no more than 25 total words. (5 lines of text with 5 words each=25 total words.)

If you’re not sure where to start, add your thoughts for each slide to the Notes pane first and then copy/paste only the most necessary information to the actual slide.

How to Use This Rule Effectively

Include high-level, key data points..

Not sure what to include for the “main points” mentioned above? Think about the 5Ws; who, what, where, when, and why.

Try to avoid including information that doesn’t answer one of these questions.

Use headings, short phrases, and common abbreviations.

Using a heading is a great way to summarize the information that will be shown on a particular slide.

Within the slide, locate any complete sentences and determine whether they can be summarized with a short phrase instead.

Here’s an example.

Full Sentence: Our annual earnings were up 10% compared to last year.

Summarized: Annual Earnings: +10% YOY

(In this example, YOY means “year-over-year” which is a frequently used abbreviation in business.)

As you can see, the summarized version allows you to use less text. It also makes it easier for the audience to retain information and recall it later.

You can also remove text from your slide altogether by replacing it with images, icons, or easily recognizable symbols.

There have been numerous studies that show audiences remember information supported by images at a far higher rate than those told with text alone. Use this to your advantage!

Similarly, icons and symbols can easily replace text in many situations.

For example, text that says “this is important” can be replaced with a caution symbol. Text that says “key dates” can be replaced by a calendar icon.

Other Related Questions

What is the 2 4 8 rule in PowerPoint?

The 2 4 8 (also seen as 2/4/8 or 2x4x8) rule is another similar technique used by presenters to organize their slides.

This rule states that you shouldn’t spend more than 2 minutes presenting each slide. Each slide should contain no more than 4 main ideas or bullet points. Each idea or bullet should have 8 words or less.

This approach helps presenters to stay focused on their key points and avoid getting lost in too much detail or extraneous information.

By prioritizing the most important messages, you can ensure that their audiences will take away from the presentation only the most essential information.

What is the 10 20 30 slideshow rule?

The 10 20 30 (or 10/20/30) rule is another set of guidelines for creating effective presentations.

This rule means that your presentation should contain 10 slides total slides, last no more than 20 minutes, and use a font size of no less than 30 points.

The 10/20/30 rule was created by Guy Kawasaki, a venture capitalist and it has since been adopted by many business professionals.

While it’s not a hard-and-fast rule, it is a good general guideline to follow when creating presentations.

What is the rule of 7 in PowerPoint?

Also called the 7×7 rule, it means that for every slide, there should be no more than 7 lines of text or bullet points and no more than 7 words per line.

What is the 6 by 6 rule?

It is nearly identical to the 7×7 rule mentioned above. The 6 by 6 rule (or 6×6) means that for every slide, there should be no more than 6 lines of text or bullet points and no more than 6 words per line.

How many slides is a 5-minute presentation?

Generally speaking, a 5-minute PowerPoint presentation should have somewhere around 5 to 7 slides . This is an ideal number because it strikes the right balance between being concise and providing enough information to engage your audience.

Ultimately, how many slides you need in your presentation will depend on a variety of factors, including the nature of your topic and the specific goals of your presentation.

But with careful planning and clear communication, you can create an effective 5-minute PowerPoint that will help you achieve your objectives and “wow” your audience.

How do you plan a 5-minute presentation?

Planning a 5-minute presentation can be daunting and you might be wondering “how many slides should a 5-minute presentation be?”.

Here are a few steps you can take to make sure you make the most of your time.

First, determine the purpose of your presentation . Are you trying to educate, entertain, or persuade your audience?

Once you know the purpose of your talk, you can begin to plan what to include.

It is important to be concise and clear in your presentations, so plan to focus on just one to three main points . Make sure that you can provide a quick but impactful story (or any supporting evidence) to drive each point home.

Finally, practice your presentation several times before delivering it . This will help you ensure that you stay within the time limit and that your talk flows smoothly while also making sure you don’t forget any important details.

By following these tips, you can plan an effective 5-minute presentation that is sure to engage your audience.

Time to clap it up because you’ve just added some serious productivity-boosting info into your PowerPoint toolkit. Want to dive into even more tips for reducing text? Download the full, free cheatsheet here.

The 5/5/5 rule is a powerful tool for creating effective PowerPoint presentations. It can help you to summarize your ideas, makes your slides more visually appealing, and can even result in increased audience engagement during your presentation.

So when it’s time to draft your next presentation, keep the 5/5/5 rule in mind. It may take a bit of patience to get the process down but, once you do, you’ll see what a significant difference it can make.

Have you used this rule – or similar rules – when creating presentations? Do you know of any other rules that help with efficiency and design? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it!

Whitney is a recognized Professional Development Expert, professional speaker, and the founder of Harness Your Power. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Florida State University and a Microsoft PowerPoint Specialist certification. She has been featured in Yahoo Finance, AOL, Authority Magazine, Business Insider, Fox and more. Read more.

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Careers beyond academia, tips for a memorable 5-minute research presentation.

“If you get the first 5 minutes down, you are going to be golden for the rest of your presentation.” These were the words Susi Varvayanis, Executive Director of Careers Beyond Academia, stated at the start of Tips for a Memorable 5-Minute Research Presentation.

To help alleviate the stress and worries of making a good presentation, please review a summary of some amazing tips. There are three parts of a presentation that can influence the outcome of the presentation.

• You, the speaker
• Your presentation slides
• The audience

How do you as the speaker prepare yourself for the best presentation?

• Be aware of your body language – gestures are important, and they underscore the importance of the message we pass across. Add a smile! Be enthusiastic and make eye contact with the audience. These contribute to the appearance of confidence as you present.
• Practice voice modulations – the way you speak can convey a lot about the information you are passing. Avoid going too fast. Add pauses as you speak, slow your speech, and emphasize key words.
• Avoid jargon and acronyms – According to the dictionary, jargon is defined as special words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or groups and is difficult for others to understand. So, avoid them! Especially since some words can convey different connotations for different audiences. So, if I don’t use jargon, what should I use? How do I still convey my point? Try a different word, or use an analogy.

What makes for good presentation slides?

• Good illustrations – make use of simplified images that pass across the information that you are presenting. Simple cartoon illustrations make it easy for the audience, regardless of background, to understand and follow the meanings.
• Data presentation – avoid using excel defaults. Replace topics and labels with easier to understand headings that communicate your main point. Also, simplify images by removing unnecessary sections that do not apply to your audience. Most importantly, lead the audience through your work with all its ups and downs.

How does the audience affect your presentation?

The audience that you have dictates how you present your information. To prepare for your presentation, evaluate your audience. Understand the hook and make them care. Find unifying interests or commonality among the audience. Understand the goals and issues that challenge the audience. Do your images intrigue the audience?

Here is what makes your 5-minute pitch memorable:

• It is passionate – This comes with understanding what inspires your work. Passion for research leads you to excel, even when you suffer setbacks.
• It tells a good story – when you have a flow with compelling images, it helps tell a story, saves explanation, and hooks the audience.
• It gives a ‘why’ – from your presentation, the audience should know why they should care about your work, the implications of your results and how they can apply this information.

Here are some resources that you can explore to help you with a great presentation:

• Tool to check for jargon: De-Jargonizer (scienceandpublic.com)
• The difference between ‘what’ and your ‘why’: Know Your Why | Michael Jr. – YouTube
• Practice your skills: join ComSciCon-NY – in early June; Three-Minute Thesis or business case competitions
• A guide with many exercises to improve your research communication – Finding Your Research Voice – Cornell University Library Catalog

We would love to hear your own opinions and tips on what you feel gives a good presentation!

How to Insert a Timer in PowerPoint? [Step-by-Step Guide!]

By: Author Shrot Katewa

Having a timer in your PowerPoint presentation can be extremely useful. There are many use cases for it for instance when you are conducting a workshop, you may want to insert a timer for break time. Likewise, you can also add a timer before the first slide to let your audience know when the presentation will start!

Whatever the case may be, the important question is – how to insert a timer in PowerPoint?

To insert a timer in PowerPoint, you can use add-ins such as “Easy Timer”, “Breaktime”, or “Slice Timer”. You can also create your own timer using the animation feature within PowerPoint using the “Fly out” or “Wheel” animation depending on the type of timer you want to add in PowerPoint.

In this article, we shall do a deep dive on this subject. I will share with you a few easy suggestions first to add a timer to your PowerPoint presentation. Plus, I will also show you how you can build your own timer later in the article!

So, let’s get started!

1. How to Add a Timer in PowerPoint?

In Microsoft PowerPoint, you can add a countdown timer to a slide either through add-ins or by creating a timer yourself. We shall take a look at the easier process first i.e. using the add-ins.

Then, I will also help you understand how to create your own timer in PowerPoint using animations.

Method 1 – Insert a Timer in PowerPoint Using Add-ins

Using add-ins is the quickest way to insert a timer in a Microsoft PowerPoint slide. These are mostly easy to insert and provide your slides with a professional look.

There are quite a few add-in options for adding a timer to your slides in PowerPoint. I’ve found the following add-ins to be the most effective.

In the Easy Timer add-in, you can access three different types of countdown timers. You can add either the analog clock, the digital clock, or the bar countdown timer to your slide. All you need to do is insert the timer and set your preferred time.

Slice Timer

The Slice Timer add-in has a very clean look and is easy to use. All you have to do is click on the add-in and it will appear in the opened slide. You can put in your preferred duration for the timer.

The Breaktime timer is specifically designed for taking a presentation break. All you have to do is insert the timer in the slide and select your preferred break time. It also allows you to customize the timer background with various design options.

How to Insert a Timer Add-in in PowerPoint?

To insert a timer add-in in PowerPoint, first click on the “Insert” tab. Then, from the ribbon, click on “Add-in”. From the dropdown, click on “Get Add-in”. A new window will pop up. Search for “timer” using the search bar. Finally, click on “Add” to install the add-in to your PowerPoint.

The complete process is described in a step-by-step process below –

Step-1: Click on the “Insert” menu

The first step is to open the “Insert” menu. To do so, click on the “Insert” tab in the menu ribbon located at the top of the screen.

Step-2: Click on “Get Add-ins”

In the “Insert” menu, click on the “Add-ins” button to open a dropdown menu. Click on the “Get Add-ins” option. This will open a dialogue box.

Step-3: Click on the “Search box”

In the “Office Add-ins” dialogue box, click on the “Search box” on the upper left side. Type in “Timer” and click on the search icon beside the “Search box” .

You can alternatively search for a specific timer by typing in “Slice Timer” , “Easy Timer” , “Breaktime” , etc.

Step-4: Click on the “Add” button

Now you can click on the “Add” button beside your preferred timer. This will prompt another dialogue box.

Click on the “Continue” box to add the timer add-in.

After this, once the process is complete, the add-in will be loaded to your PowerPoint presentation.

How to Insert a Countdown Timer Using an Add-in?

Now that you have installed the timer add-in in PowerPoint, the next step really is to simply insert a timer on your slides.

Step-1: Click on the “My Add-ins” option

In the “Insert” menu, click on the “Add-ins” option again. Click on the “My Add-ins” option from the dropdown menu.

In the secondary dropdown menu, click on the newly added timer add-in to insert it in the slide.

Step-2: Add the duration to the timer

The next step is to simply add the duration that you want to set for the timer!

Remember, most timer add-ins will have a separate field for hours, minutes, and seconds. So, the right-most field is usually for seconds.

To add a 5-minute timer, click on the middle field, and from the dropdown, click on “5”. Finally, click on “ Start “.

And that’s it! You will see the timer doing a reverse counting from 5 minutes!

2. How to Create Your Own PowerPoint Timer?

In Microsoft PowerPoint, you can also make your own timer, apart from inserting a timer from Add-ins.

To create a custom timer in PowerPoint, first, insert a bar shape on the slide. Then, using the “Fly Out” animation, set the bar shape to disappear from the slide slowly. Adjust the duration of the animation to match the duration of your timer for the best effect.

You can insert a shape from the “Shapes” option and use the “Animation” menu to turn the shape into a “Bar Countdown Timer” or a “Clock Countdown Timer” .

2.1 Method 1 – Bar Countdown Timer

Here’s what a typical bar countdown timer looks like –

Let’s make a similar bar countdown timer which is easier than the above slide to create. Follow the easy steps mentioned below.

Step-1: Click on the “Shapes” option

The first step is to click on the “Insert” tab in the menu ribbon located at the top of the screen. Then click on the “Shapes” option to open a dropdown menu and select a shape under the “Rectangles” option.

Draw the rectangle bar touching the border of the slide on both sides.

Step-2: Remove the Shape Outline

Once you have inserted the shape, you need to format the shape first.

Select the shape. Then, the “ Shape Format ” tab will appear on the top. Click on it. Next, click on the shape outline option (as indicated in the image above).

From the dropdown, click on the “ No Outline ” option. This will remove the outline of the shape.

Step-3: Change the Shape Color to White

The next step is to change the shape color to a different color than the background. In this case, since I have a teal background, I’d change the color of the shape to white.

To do that, click on the shape, and open the “ Shape Format ” tab. Then, click on the “ Fill Color ” option, and from the dropdown, click on the “ White ” color.

Step-4: Create a Copy of the Shape and Change the Shape Color

In this next step, we shall create a copy of the shape and change the color of this shape to something other than white and the slide background.

To create a copy of the curved rectangle, click on the shape. Then, copy and paste the shape on the slide using the Ctrl+C (for copy) and Ctrl+V (for paste) shortcuts.

Once the copy is created, select the second shape by clicking on it. Then, click on the “ Shape Format ” tab. From the ribbon, click on the “ Fill Color ” option.

From the color dropdown that appears, choose a color other than white and that of the slide background.

Step-5: Align the Shapes Together

The next step is to make sure that the two shapes align on top of each other. We shall use the align tool in PowerPoint to accomplish this.

First, select the two shapes together by holding the “ Ctrl ” key on your keyboard, and clicking once on both the shapes one by one.

Then, click on the “ Shape Format ” tab. From the “ Align ” option, first, click on the “ Align to Left ” option. Then, click on the “ Align ” tab once again, and from the dropdown, choose the “ Align to Top ” option this time!

You will notice that both the shapes are now overlapping with the colored shape on top of the white one.

Step-6: Click on the “Animations” menu

Now we shall add the animations. To do that, first, make sure that only the colored shape on the top is selected.

Then, click on the “Animations” option in the menu ribbon. In the “Animations” menu, click on the “Add Animations” option.

After that, click on the “Fly Out” option under the “Exit” animation section from the dropdown menu.

Step-7: Click on the “Effects” option

The next step is to click on the “Effects” option in the “Animations” menu. In the dropdown menu under the “Effects” option, click on the “To Left” option.

This will apply the fly out animation effect to the shape and it will fly out towards the left part of the slide.

Step-8: Select your preferred duration

Now all you have to do is click on the “Duration” box in the “Timing” section. Enter the duration of the animation.

Remember – the duration of the animation should be the same as the length of the timer. Type in your preferred time for the timer. It will now appear as a “Bar Countdown Timer” in the “Slide Show” view.

Here’s a quick preview of how this bar countdown timer looks –

2.2 Method 2 – Clock Countdown Timer

You can also add a clock countdown timer in the Microsoft PowerPoint slide. Here’s what it shall look like –

Now let us understand how to build this clock-shaped circular countdown timer in a step-by-step manner.

Here’s what we need to do –

Step-1: Click on “Shapes”

The first step is to create a clock shape. Click on the “Insert” menu from the menu ribbon. Then click on the “Shapes” option and select the “Oval” shape from the “Basic Shapes” section in the dropdown menu.

Then, hold the “Ctrl” key on your keyboard and drag the cursor in one direction. This will help you create a perfect circle on the slide.

In the next step, you need to remove the outline of the shape.

To remove the shape outline, first, select the shape. Then, click on the “ Shape Format ” tab. Next, click on the “ Shape Outline ” button. Finally, from the dropdown, click on the “ No Outline ” option.

Now, we need to change the shape color to white. Changing the color will help you separate the circle from the background.

To change the color of the shape to white, first, select the shape. Then, click on the “ Shape Format ” tab. Next, click on the “ Fill Color ” option. Finally, from the dropdown, select the color of your choice.

In this case, we shall click on the “ White ” color option.

Step-4: Create a Copy of the Circle and Change the Shape Color

Now, in this step, we shall use the copy and paste functions in PowerPoint to create a copy of the circle that we just created.

Then, change the color of this new circle to something other than that of the slide background and white.

Step-5: Align the Two Circles

Now, we shall align the two circles such that they fit on top of each other.

To do that, hold the “Ctrl” key on your keyboard and select the two circles by clicking on them just once one-by-one.

Then, click on the “ Shape Format ” tab and click on the “ Align ” tool. From the dropdown, first, click on the “ Align to Left ” option. Then, click on the “ Align to Top ” option.

This will ensure that both the circles align properly.

Step-6: Insert a Line

The next step is to click on the “Shapes” option again and click on the “Line” option in the “Lines” section. Then, insert a small line at the 12 o’clock position.

Step-7: Insert more lines

Repeat the process mentioned in step 7 and add more lines such that the lines make the shape appear like a clock.

Step-8: Add the “Wheel” Animation

Now, we shall add the animation.

On the slide, first, select the colored circle shape on the top. Click on the “Animations” tab in the menu ribbon.

In the “Animations” menu, click on the “Add Animations” button to open a dropdown menu. From there, click on the “Wheel” option from the “Entrance” section.

Step-9: Set the Animation Duration

Now all you have to do is click on the “Duration” box in the “Timing” section in the “Animations” menu. In the “Duration” box, type in your preferred time for the clock countdown timer.

3. How to Insert a 5-minute Timer in PowerPoint?

In Microsoft PowerPoint, you can easily set the duration of the timer inserted in a slide. The best and the fastest way to insert a 5-minute timer in PowerPoint is by using an add-in.

Step-1: Click on the “Easy Timer” add-in

In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click on the “Insert” option. Then click on the “Add-ins” option and select “Easy Timer” under the “My Add-ins” option in the dropdown menu. This will insert a timer in the slide.

Step-2: Click on the “Duration” box

In the Easy Timer box in the slide, click on the “Duration” box. Click on the downward-facing arrow in the “Minutes” box and select “05” from the dropdown menu.

Then click on the arrow pointing downwards in the “Seconds” box and select “00” from the dropdown menu. This will be automatically saved.

You can also insert a 5-minute timer in PowerPoint either by using the other add-ins mentioned earlier in this article or by creating your own timer manually. All you have to do is set the duration to 5 minutes.

Credit to Wayhomestudio (on Freepik) for the featured image of this article (further edited).