Common Presentation Tools

Selecting the appropriate presentation tools depends on understanding your audience and presentation purpose. The traditional method of using presentation slides may be suitable for statistics and facts, but for educational or inspirational purposes, consider additional interactive approaches. For example, workshops may involve group activities or “stand and deliver” sessions where participants review and present material.

For training or strategic planning exercises, where you will need to facilitate idea sharing and engagement, incorporate participative tools like notepads with markers for collaborative learning. You can also utilize easels, dry-erase boards, and other interactive surfaces to facilitate engagement. For participants used to digital tools, a shared Google doc or virtual whiteboard might be more appealing. Adapt your tools to fit the specific presentation purpose in ways that enhance audience engagement to retain information and/or engage with the content.

Whether you’re presenting to a middle school, higher education, or business audience will also influence your choice of primary and supplemental tools: handouts, product samples, giveaways, worksheets, and snacks (yes, even for adults). If your assignment is to develop and present a business presentation to be delivered to your Business Communications class peers, the topic, format and any supporting materials may be pre-defined. But don’t stop there. If you’re proposing an edible garden space on campus, you could make or hand out seed packets. Think about how to differentiate yourself and your proposal—whatever you’re proposing—in a way that’s relevant and memorable.

Similarly, if you’re presenting to your management, there may be a company standard template and tools that you’re expected to use. Again, you can distinguish yourself by your knowledge and application of learning and design principles. Even basic facts and figures can be displayed beautifully. Instead of handing out a hard copy of your presentation or supporting charts, graphs, or worksheets, consider creating an infographic. 

For inspiration, visit David McCandless’s Information is Beautiful website to see examples of infographics.

Another resource for slide themes, slide design, or infographics is Canva.

Tools

Here’s a shortlist of potential presentation visual aids and engagement tools. Consider what combination will best support engaging your audience with your presentation purpose.

• Presentation software (Google Slides, Microsoft Powerpoint, Canva)
• Add-ins: Polling, Audience Sharing, Video, Audio
• Audience Handouts (e.g. infographics, quick reference guides)
• Giveaways (e.g. pens, pencils, markers)
• Self-adhesive pads (e.g., Post-it Notes)
• Dry erase boards
• Snacks for audience refreshment and engagement!

When preparing for a presentation, it is also important to think about physical space and technology set-up to ensure a smooth and impactful delivery. Assess the room layout to determine the best arrangement for audience interaction and visibility of presentation materials. Ensure adequate lighting to maintain audience engagement and visibility of visual aids. Temperature controls should be adjusted to keep participants comfortable throughout the presentation. Also, verify the availability of reliable wifi and electrical outlets for any technological needs, such as presentation software or polling add-ins.