Making Persuasive PowerPoint Presentations

For most professionals, you’ll have to create a PowerPoint presentation at least once in your career.

These six steps can help you level up your presentation game.

Presenting, much like other essential “soft skills” such as communication, leadership, and negotiation, has become a crucial part of many workplace roles. Learning how to create compelling presentations is important, even if you’re not an experienced presenter, speaker, or designer.

Discover six steps that will help you elevate your presentation game.

Guide to Making Great Presentations (Free eBook Download)

Before diving in, download our free eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations. It’s packed with strategies to help you master the presentation process.

Now let’s explore how to make your PowerPoint presentation more persuasive, grabbing your audience’s attention and motivating them to take action.

Top Tips on How to Make a Persuasive PowerPoint Presentation (Video)

If you’re in a hurry to get started, check out our quickstart video that includes some of our best persuasive PowerPoint tips:

For more insights on crafting a persuasive presentation, keep reading.

Step 1. Learn How to Start a PowerPoint Presentation Persuasively

As you plan your persuasive presentation, consider how you’ll begin. The opening is crucial; without a strong hook, it may take time for your audience to engage. Here are characteristics of an effective hook:

1. Grab Your Audience’s Attention

Your hook should be brief and compelling, making the audience eager to hear more.

2. Address Their Wants and Fears

Starting with a statement that resonates with your audience’s concerns can create an immediate connection. For instance:

You’re here because at some point, you’ve looked at your sales and thought, ‘I could have done better.’

By acknowledging their concerns, you establish empathy and relevance.

3. Ask a Question

Beginning with a thought-provoking question encourages audience engagement. For example:

How many of you looked at your sales last month and felt disappointed?

If you’re curious to learn more about crafting strong hooks, check out this guide on writing attention-grabbing speeches:

• Writing Speeches That Grab Your Audience From the Opening Sentence {.roundup-block__content-link}

Step 2. Put Your Audience First

Many presenters make the mistake of focusing primarily on their ideas. To avoid disengagement, it’s vital to prioritize your audience’s needs and expectations. Ask yourself:

• Why are they watching your presentation? Understand their goals and how your presentation meets those needs.
• How much knowledge do they have on the subject? Tailor your content to their level of expertise.
• What concerns might they have about your message? Be prepared to address any reservations.
• What questions are likely to arise? Anticipating their inquiries can facilitate smoother communication.

Step 3. Think in Pictures and Stories

Embrace the adage “Show, don’t tell.” Deliver your points through metaphors and stories for better retention. Consider these tips:

1. Find Existing Stories

Relate your main points to real-life examples. For instance, share personal experiences of poor customer service when discussing its importance.

2. Create a Storyboard

Draft a storyboard for your presentation to visualize the flow and layout of your slides.

Step 4. Pick Your Persuasive PowerPoint Template

Choose your PowerPoint template after developing your content. The design should complement, not overshadow, your message. Here are key criteria:

1. Uniqueness

Avoid using generic stock templates. A unique template can keep your audience engaged.

Explore fresh PowerPoint templates on Envato Elements for creative design options.

• The Best PowerPoint Slide Templates of 2024 (Amazing Presentation Slide Designs) {.roundup-block__content-link}

• Free Modern PowerPoint (PPT) Templates + 30 More Modern Presentations {.roundup-block__content-link}

2. Readability

Test your template’s readability from a distance to ensure clarity for all audience members.

3. Interesting Imagery

Accompany your storytelling with appropriate visuals to keep slides visually engaging.

Consider searching through Envato Elements or PhotoDune for high-quality stock images.

Step 5. Practice and Get Feedback

Practice your presentation to refine timing and delivery. Record yourself to evaluate:

• Your pacing and clarity.
• Effective use of vocal variety.
• Your overall confidence.

Solicit feedback from trusted colleagues to improve.

Set specific improvement goals after each practice session to enhance your presentation.

Step 6. Polish Your Presentation

Ensure your presentation is polished with final touches:

1. Proper Alignment

Align all elements on each slide for visual balance.

2. Embedded Fonts

Embed your fonts to avoid typographic issues on different devices.

3. Export Slides

Consider exporting your presentation as PDF or JPEG for compatibility across devices.

4. Run Through Your Cues

Include slide cues in your final practice runs to avoid confusion during the actual presentation.

10+ Powerful Persuasion and PowerPoint Presentation Tips

Now that you understand the fundamentals, here are additional tips for ensuring your presentation captivates and persuades your audience:

1. Know your audience to tailor your message effectively.
2. Use body language to enhance your message.
3. Address their wants and fears early to maintain interest.
4. Utilize storytelling for relatability.
5. Provide background information before diving into data.
6. Choose a visually appealing template that aligns with your message.
7. Follow basic design principles for an engaging presentation.
8. Export your presentation as a PDF for consistency.
9. Establish eye contact to connect with your audience.
10. Practice in advance to ensure a smooth delivery.
11. Arrive early to test all equipment and avoid technical issues.
12. Remember to breathe to maintain clarity in your speech.
13. Avoid standing still to keep the audience engaged.

How to Make the Most Out of PowerPoint

Select a unique persuasive PowerPoint template that aligns with your content. Use larger font sizes and proper alignment for readability.

Below are additional tutorials to further hone your PowerPoint skills:

• How to Edit PowerPoint (PPT) Slide Template Layouts Quickly in 2024 + Video {.roundup-block__content-link}

• How to End Your PowerPoint Presentation With a Strong Close {.roundup-block__content-link}

• How to Learn PowerPoint Quickly (Complete 2024 Beginner’s Guide + Video {.roundup-block__content-link}

All This Prep Work Is Worth It

Creating a persuasive presentation involves careful planning, from crafting the opening hook to selecting the right template. The effort you invest will pay off with a more impactful presentation. By dedicating time to prepare your content, design, and delivery, you’re more likely to engage and persuade your audience effectively.