strategies to create effective visual presentations

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

How to Make a “Good” Presentation “Great”

• Guy Kawasaki

Remember: Less is more.

A strong presentation is so much more than information pasted onto a series of slides with fancy backgrounds. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others. Here are some unique elements that make a presentation stand out.

• Fonts: Sans Serif fonts such as Helvetica or Arial are preferred for their clean lines, which make them easy to digest at various sizes and distances. Limit the number of font styles to two: one for headings and another for body text, to avoid visual confusion or distractions.
• Colors: Colors can evoke emotions and highlight critical points, but their overuse can lead to a cluttered and confusing presentation. A limited palette of two to three main colors, complemented by a simple background, can help you draw attention to key elements without overwhelming the audience.
• Pictures: Pictures can communicate complex ideas quickly and memorably but choosing the right images is key. Images or pictures should be big (perhaps 20-25% of the page), bold, and have a clear purpose that complements the slide’s text.
• Layout: Don’t overcrowd your slides with too much information. When in doubt, adhere to the principle of simplicity, and aim for a clean and uncluttered layout with plenty of white space around text and images. Think phrases and bullets, not sentences.

As an intern or early career professional, chances are that you’ll be tasked with making or giving a presentation in the near future. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others.

• Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist at Canva and was the former chief evangelist at Apple. Guy is the author of 16 books including Think Remarkable : 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference.

Partner Center

How to create visually appealing presentations

Start collaborating with Mural today

Ever found yourself staring at a blank page, overwhelmed by the thought of creating a presentation that grabs people’s attention? Whether you’re pitching a new product, sharing insights at a conference, or training a team, a visually appealing presentation can be the difference between applause and crickets.

Let’s review how to make a presentation visually appealing while still getting your main points across. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right tools to incorporating interactive elements that spark engagement.

What is a visual presentation?

A visual presentation is a way to share ideas using elements like slides, charts, graphs, and images. It combines spoken words with eye-catching visuals to make the message clearer and attract your audience's interest.

What makes a visual presentation stand out is the mix of:

• Relevance : Your visuals should link right back to your key message, helping the audience understand why what you’re sharing matters
• Simplicity : Keeping things clean and straightforward makes it easier for the audience to get your points without getting lost in too much detail
• Consistency : Sticking to a cohesive style throughout — like using the same colors and fonts — gives your presentation a refined look and keeps everyone focused on what you’re saying
• Design : Smart design choices like eye-catching layouts pull the audience in and keep everyone's attention

Visual presentation examples: Core elements

Imagine standing in front of a room full of potential clients, only to see their eyes glaze over as they sift through dense text and uninspiring graphics. But don’t get anxious just yet. By incorporating a few elements into your presentation, you can go from boring to extraordinary.

Consider adding these visual presentation examples to your next presentation:

Typically created with visual presentation tools, these help organize your points in an attractive way. You can use presentation slides in meetings, business pitches, workshops, and even to onboard new collaborators on your platforms.

Charts and graphs

These elements are great for breaking down complex data into easy-to-understand visuals, making information more accessible. Take advantage of an online diagram maker to present processes, create new workflows, and compare structures with ease.

Storytelling

Do you have a catchy topic? If not, grab a storytelling template and start by sketching out your narrative. Then, combine it with images, videos, and other visual elements to make your story compelling for the audience.

Related: Learn how to engage participants with immersive storytelling

Why are visuals important in presentations?

Incorporating visual aids in a presentation brings your message to life and keeps the audience alert from the very start — just like starting a day with a double espresso. By paying attention to the design of your presentation, you can:

• Improve engagement and understanding: Visuals help break down complex ideas and keep your audience interested. Instead of overwhelming them with text, well-chosen images, flowcharts , or infographics make your points clearer and easier to grasp.
• Elevate credibility: A well-designed presentation shows that you've put in the effort. When your slides look polished and cohesive, your audience is more likely to take your message seriously and trust the information you're sharing.
• Enhance persuasion: Visuals can also make your arguments more compelling, which is a great strategy for closing a deal or convincing managers in a tech pitch presentation . Whether you use data visuals to back up a claim or impactful numbers to show potential outcomes, your design choices can make or break the success of your pitch.

Related: Explore 12 tips for building stakeholder engagement

How to create a visual presentation: A guide

Research by Workamajig shows that nearly 90% of US workers face distractions at least once a day, with almost one out of four being interrupted more than six times during their workday. To prevent your audience from getting distracted by small talk or phone notifications, consider these visual tactics to save the day with a great presentation.

1. Understand your audience and purpose

Before starting to create a visual presentation, ask yourself:

• Who am I presenting to? Consider the participants' age group, background, interests, and level of knowledge on the topic.
• What is my goal? Are you trying to inform, persuade, or inspire your audience? Knowing your purpose will help you tailor your presentation accordingly.

Understanding these factors helps you map stakeholders and select design elements that align with your objectives and audience.

2. Use visual presentation tools and templates to streamline the creation

No need to start from scratch. Whiteboard tools offer ready-made templates that save you time while ensuring your presentation looks professional. Consider platforms that provide features like:

• Templates for planning your presentation faster
• Mind mapping capabilities to brainstorm and structure your ideas
• Sticky notes to cluster topics and create plot twists in the storytelling
• An online design canvas that allows you to add icons, images, GIFs, and other visuals

Related: 6 tips for storyboarding your entire presentation in under 10 minutes

3. Apply design principles

Design is all about creating balance and flow, so make sure to use principles that enhance those elements, such as:

• Contrast to highlight important information
• Alignment to create a tidy layout
• Bullet points to make your slides look clean and organized
• White space to avoid overwhelming the viewer

Robust design keeps your audience focused on your message and prevents your presentation from looking like a jumbled mess.

4. Use high-quality visuals

High-quality visuals add depth and dimension to your presentations. Communicate complex information quickly with:

• High-resolution images that grab immediate attention and evoke emotion
• Videos that show processes in action or highlight your products effectively
• Icons that convey ideas at a glance, making your content easier to digest
• Infographics that present numbers and data in a captivating way

Related: 3 tips for bringing imagination to your next meeting

5. Keep it simple and consistent

When it comes to presentations, less is often more. To draw in your audience from start to finish, consider these best practices:

• Focus on key messages : Highlight the main points you want your audience to remember, avoiding boring and unnecessary details
• Use visuals wisely : Stick to a few key colors, fonts, and layouts throughout to create a cohesive look
• Limit text : Keep your copy concise; you don't want people trying to decipher blocks of text, right?

Related: How Mural's product marketing team creates engaging, company-wide presentations

6. Incorporate interactive elements into the presentation

Adding interactive elements, like voting features, laser pointers, or real-time collaboration tools, can help get participants on board to co-create the visual presentation with you. It encourages them to share their thoughts and feedback right there, making your message stick even better.

Motivate your team, clients, or partners to participate by:

• Breaking the ice: Start with some fun ice breaker ideas to get everyone comfortable and involved
• Encouraging feedback: Ask participants to share their thoughts and questions throughout the presentation
• Following up: After the presentation, thank participants for their input and let them know how their feedback will be incorporated into the final version

Bring your visual presentation ideas to life with Mural

Ready to draft your visual presentation? With Mural , you gain a visual work platform that centralizes all aspects of your projects, from planning to the final presentation. 

The good news is that you don’t need to be a designer or a professional presenter to get the job done. You have plenty of features to make your presentation interesting and interactive, even from remote locations. Make your meetings, training sessions, pitches, and workshops much more fun with:

• Online whiteboard to whip up powerful presentations with images, icons, and other design elements that’ll wow your audience
• Ice breakers to kick things off and get your participants involved before you dive into talk
• Mural's library of templates to save you time and help you create visually stunning slides without the stress

‍ Get started with Mural for free and discover the best visual presentation tools to make your ideas pop.

Related blog posts

Related blog posts.

We use essential cookies to make Venngage work. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

Manage Cookies

Cookies and similar technologies collect certain information about how you’re using our website. Some of them are essential, and without them you wouldn’t be able to use Venngage. But others are optional, and you get to choose whether we use them or not.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are always on, as they’re essential for making Venngage work, and making it safe. Without these cookies, services you’ve asked for can’t be provided.

Show cookie providers

• Google Login

Functionality Cookies

These cookies help us provide enhanced functionality and personalisation, and remember your settings. They may be set by us or by third party providers.

Performance Cookies

These cookies help us analyze how many people are using Venngage, where they come from and how they're using it. If you opt out of these cookies, we can’t get feedback to make Venngage better for you and all our users.

• Google Analytics

Targeting Cookies

These cookies are set by our advertising partners to track your activity and show you relevant Venngage ads on other sites as you browse the internet.

• Google Tag Manager
• Infographics
• Daily Infographics
• Popular Templates
• Accessibility
• Graphic Design
• Graphs and Charts
• Data Visualization
• Human Resources
• Beginner Guides

Blog Graphic Design Visual Presentation: Tips, Types and Examples

Visual Presentation: Tips, Types and Examples

Written by: Krystle Wong Sep 28, 2023

So, you’re gearing up for that big presentation and you want it to be more than just another snooze-fest with slides. You want it to be engaging, memorable and downright impressive. 

Well, you’ve come to the right place — I’ve got some slick tips on how to create a visual presentation that’ll take your presentation game up a notch. 

Packed with presentation templates that are easily customizable, keep reading this blog post to learn the secret sauce behind crafting presentations that captivate, inform and remain etched in the memory of your audience.

Click to jump ahead:

What is a visual presentation

15 effective tips to make your visual presentations more engaging, 6 major types of visual presentation you should know , what are some common mistakes to avoid in visual presentations, visual presentation faqs, 5 steps to create a visual presentation with venngage.

A visual presentation is a communication method that utilizes visual elements such as images, graphics, charts, slides and other visual aids to convey information, ideas or messages to an audience. 

Visual presentations aim to enhance comprehension engagement and the overall impact of the message through the strategic use of visuals. People remember what they see, making your point last longer in their heads. 

Without further ado, let’s jump right into some great visual presentation examples that would do a great job in keeping your audience interested and getting your point across.

In today’s fast-paced world, where information is constantly bombarding our senses, creating engaging visual presentations has never been more crucial. To help you design a presentation that’ll leave a lasting impression, I’ve compiled these examples of visual presentations that will elevate your game.

1. Use the rule of thirds for layout

Ever heard of the rule of thirds? It’s a presentation layout trick that can instantly up your slide game. Imagine dividing your slide into a 3×3 grid and then placing your text and visuals at the intersection points or along the lines. This simple tweak creates a balanced and seriously pleasing layout that’ll draw everyone’s eyes.

2. Get creative with visual metaphors

Got a complex idea to explain? Skip the jargon and use visual metaphors. Throw in images that symbolize your point – for example, using a road map to show your journey towards a goal or using metaphors to represent answer choices or progress indicators in an interactive quiz or poll.

3. Engage with storytelling through data

Use storytelling magic to bring your data to life. Don’t just throw numbers at your audience—explain what they mean, why they matter and add a bit of human touch. Turn those stats into relatable tales and watch your audience’s eyes light up with understanding.

4. Visualize your data with charts and graphs

The right data visualization tools not only make content more appealing but also aid comprehension and retention. Choosing the right visual presentation for your data is all about finding a good match. 

For ordinal data, where things have a clear order, consider using ordered bar charts or dot plots. When it comes to nominal data, where categories are on an equal footing, stick with the classics like bar charts, pie charts or simple frequency tables. And for interval-ratio data, where there’s a meaningful order, go for histograms, line graphs, scatterplots or box plots to help your data shine.

In an increasingly visual world, effective visual communication is a valuable skill for conveying messages. Here’s a guide on how to use visual communication to engage your audience while avoiding information overload.

5. Employ the power of contrast

Want your important stuff to pop? That’s where contrast comes in. Mix things up with contrasting colors, fonts or shapes. It’s like highlighting your key points with a neon marker – an instant attention grabber.

6. End with a powerful visual punch

Your presentation closing should be a showstopper. Think a stunning clip art that wraps up your message with a visual bow, a killer quote that lingers in minds or a call to action that gets hearts racing.

7. Tell a visual story

Structure your slides like a storybook and create a visual narrative by arranging your slides in a way that tells a story. Each slide should flow into the next, creating a visual narrative that keeps your audience hooked till the very end.

Icons and images are essential for adding visual appeal and clarity to your presentation. Venngage provides a vast library of icons and images, allowing you to choose visuals that resonate with your audience and complement your message. 

8. Show the “before and after” magic

Want to drive home the impact of your message or solution? Whip out the “before and after” technique. Show the current state (before) and the desired state (after) in a visual way. It’s like showing a makeover transformation, but for your ideas.

9. Add fun with visual quizzes and polls

To break the monotony and see if your audience is still with you, throw in some quick image quizzes or polls. It’s like a mini-game break in your presentation — your audience gets involved and it makes your presentation way more dynamic and memorable.

10. Use visuals wisely

Your visuals are the secret sauce of a great presentation. Cherry-pick high-quality images, graphics, charts and videos that not only look good but also align with your message’s vibe. Each visual should have a purpose – they’re not just there for decoration. 

11. Utilize visual hierarchy

Employ design principles like contrast, alignment and proximity to make your key info stand out. Play around with fonts, colors and placement to make sure your audience can’t miss the important stuff.

12. Engage with multimedia

Static slides are so last year. Give your presentation some sizzle by tossing in multimedia elements. Think short video clips, animations, or a touch of sound when it makes sense, including an animated logo .

For those dealing with multilingual audiences, consider the use of an AI image translator to seamlessly convert text within images to various languages, enhancing accessibility and understanding. There are tons of video and clip creator tools like HubSpot or Adobe But remember, these are sidekicks, not the main act, so use them smartly.

13. Interact with your audience

Turn your presentation into a two-way street. Start your presentation by encouraging your audience to join in with thought-provoking questions, quick polls or using interactive tools. Get them chatting and watch your presentation come alive.

When it comes to delivering a group presentation, it’s important to have everyone on the team on the same page. Venngage’s real-time collaboration tools enable you and your team to work together seamlessly, regardless of geographical locations. Collaborators can provide input, make edits and offer suggestions in real time. 

14. Incorporate stories and examples

Weave in relatable stories, personal anecdotes or real-life examples to illustrate your points. It’s like adding a dash of spice to your content – it becomes more memorable and relatable.

15. Nail that delivery

Don’t just stand there and recite facts like a robot — be a confident and engaging presenter. Lock eyes with your audience, mix up your tone and pace and use some gestures to drive your points home. Practice and brush up your presentation skills until you’ve got it down pat for a persuasive presentation that flows like a pro.

Venngage offers a wide selection of professionally designed presentation templates, each tailored for different purposes and styles. By choosing a template that aligns with your content and goals, you can create a visually cohesive and polished presentation that captivates your audience.

Looking for more presentation ideas ? Why not try using a presentation software that will take your presentations to the next level with a combination of user-friendly interfaces, stunning visuals, collaboration features and innovative functionalities that will take your presentations to the next level. 

Visual presentations come in various formats, each uniquely suited to convey information and engage audiences effectively. Here are six major types of visual presentations that you should be familiar with:

1. Slideshows or PowerPoint presentations

Slideshows are one of the most common forms of visual presentations. They typically consist of a series of slides containing text, images, charts, graphs and other visual elements. Slideshows are used for various purposes, including business presentations, educational lectures and conference talks.

2. Infographics

Infographics are visual representations of information, data or knowledge. They combine text, images and graphics to convey complex concepts or data in a concise and visually appealing manner. Infographics are often used in marketing, reporting and educational materials.

Don’t worry, they are also super easy to create thanks to Venngage’s fully customizable infographics templates that are professionally designed to bring your information to life. Be sure to try it out for your next visual presentation!

3. Video presentation

Videos are your dynamic storytellers. Whether it’s pre-recorded or happening in real-time, videos are the showstoppers. You can have interviews, demos, animations or even your own mini-documentary. Video presentations are highly engaging and can be shared in both in-person and virtual presentations .

4. Charts and graphs

Charts and graphs are visual representations of data that make it easier to understand and analyze numerical information. Common types include bar charts, line graphs, pie charts and scatterplots. They are commonly used in scientific research, business reports and academic presentations.

Effective data visualizations are crucial for simplifying complex information and Venngage has got you covered. Venngage’s chart templates enable you to create engaging charts, graphs,and infographics that enhance audience understanding and retention, leaving a lasting impression in your presentation.

5. Interactive presentations

Interactive presentations involve audience participation and engagement. These can include interactive polls, quizzes, games and multimedia elements that allow the audience to actively participate in the presentation. Interactive presentations are often used in workshops, training sessions and webinars.

Venngage’s interactive presentation tools enable you to create immersive experiences that leave a lasting impact and enhance audience retention. By incorporating features like clickable elements, quizzes and embedded multimedia, you can captivate your audience’s attention and encourage active participation.

6. Poster presentations

Poster presentations are the stars of the academic and research scene. They consist of a large poster that includes text, images and graphics to communicate research findings or project details and are usually used at conferences and exhibitions. For more poster ideas, browse through Venngage’s gallery of poster templates to inspire your next presentation.

Different visual presentations aside, different presentation methods also serve a unique purpose, tailored to specific objectives and audiences. Find out which type of presentation works best for the message you are sending across to better capture attention, maintain interest and leave a lasting impression. 

To make a good presentation , it’s crucial to be aware of common mistakes and how to avoid them. Without further ado, let’s explore some of these pitfalls along with valuable insights on how to sidestep them.

Overloading slides with text

Text heavy slides can be like trying to swallow a whole sandwich in one bite – overwhelming and unappetizing. Instead, opt for concise sentences and bullet points to keep your slides simple. Visuals can help convey your message in a more engaging way.

Using low-quality visuals

Grainy images and pixelated charts are the equivalent of a scratchy vinyl record at a DJ party. High-resolution visuals are your ticket to professionalism. Ensure that the images, charts and graphics you use are clear, relevant and sharp.

Choosing the right visuals for presentations is important. To find great visuals for your visual presentation, Browse Venngage’s extensive library of high-quality stock photos. These images can help you convey your message effectively, evoke emotions and create a visually pleasing narrative. 

Ignoring design consistency

Imagine a book with every chapter in a different font and color – it’s a visual mess. Consistency in fonts, colors and formatting throughout your presentation is key to a polished and professional look.

Reading directly from slides

Reading your slides word-for-word is like inviting your audience to a one-person audiobook session. Slides should complement your speech, not replace it. Use them as visual aids, offering key points and visuals to support your narrative.

Lack of visual hierarchy

Neglecting visual hierarchy is like trying to find Waldo in a crowd of clones. Coupling this with video transcription can make your presentation more comprehensive and engaging. Use size, color and positioning to emphasize what’s most important. Guide your audience’s attention to key points so they don’t miss the forest for the trees.

Ignoring accessibility

Accessibility isn’t an option these days; it’s a must. Forgetting alt text for images, color contrast and closed captions for videos can exclude individuals with disabilities from understanding your presentation. 

Relying too heavily on animation

While animations can add pizzazz and draw attention, overdoing it can overshadow your message. Use animations sparingly and with purpose to enhance, not detract from your content.

Using jargon and complex language

Keep it simple. Use plain language and explain terms when needed. You want your message to resonate, not leave people scratching their heads.

Not testing interactive elements

Interactive elements can be the life of your whole presentation, but not testing them beforehand is like jumping into a pool without checking if there’s water. Ensure that all interactive features, from live polls to multimedia content, work seamlessly. A smooth experience keeps your audience engaged and avoids those awkward technical hiccups.

Presenting complex data and information in a clear and visually appealing way has never been easier with Venngage. Build professional-looking designs with our free visual chart slide templates for your next presentation.

What is a visual presentation?

A visual presentation is a method of presenting information through visual aids such as slides, images, charts and videos. It enhances understanding and retention by illustrating key points and data visually. Visual presentations are commonly used in meetings, lectures, and conferences to engage and inform the audience effectively.

What is the role of storytelling in visual presentations?

Storytelling plays a crucial role in visual presentations by providing a narrative structure that engages the audience, helps them relate to the content and makes the information more memorable.

What software or tools can I use to create visual presentations?

You can use various software and tools to create visual presentations, including Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, Prezi and Venngage, among others.

What is the difference between a visual presentation and a written report?

The main difference between a visual presentation and a written report is the medium of communication. Visual presentations rely on visuals, such as slides, charts and images to convey information quickly, while written reports use text to provide detailed information in a linear format.

How do I effectively communicate data through visual presentations?

To effectively communicate data through visual presentations, simplify complex data into easily digestible charts and graphs, use clear labels and titles and ensure that your visuals support the key messages you want to convey.

Are there any accessibility considerations for visual presentations?

Accessibility considerations for visual presentations include providing alt text for images, ensuring good color contrast, using readable fonts and providing transcripts or captions for multimedia content to make the presentation inclusive.

Most design tools today make accessibility hard but Venngage’s Accessibility Design Tool comes with accessibility features baked in, including accessible-friendly and inclusive icons.

How do I choose the right visuals for my presentation?

Choose visuals that align with your content and message. Use charts for data, images for illustrating concepts, icons for emphasis and color to evoke emotions or convey themes.

How can I adapt my visual presentations for online or virtual audiences?

To adapt visual presentations for online or virtual audiences, focus on concise content, use engaging visuals, ensure clear audio, encourage audience interaction through chat or polls and rehearse for a smooth online delivery.

What is the role of data visualization in visual presentations?

Data visualization in visual presentations simplifies complex data by using charts, graphs and diagrams, making it easier for the audience to understand and interpret information.

How do I choose the right color scheme and fonts for my visual presentation?

Choose a color scheme that aligns with your content and brand and select fonts that are readable and appropriate for the message you want to convey.

How can I measure the effectiveness of my visual presentation?

Measure the effectiveness of your visual presentation by collecting feedback from the audience, tracking engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates for online presentations) and evaluating whether the presentation achieved its intended objectives.

Follow the 5 simple steps below to make your entire presentation visually appealing and impactful:

1. Sign up and log In: Log in to your Venngage account or sign up for free and gain access to Venngage’s templates and design tools.

2. Choose a template: Browse through Venngage’s presentation template library and select one that best suits your presentation’s purpose and style. Venngage offers a variety of pre-designed templates for different types of visual presentations, including infographics, reports, posters and more.

3. Edit and customize your template: Replace the placeholder text, image and graphics with your own content and customize the colors, fonts and visual elements to align with your presentation’s theme or your organization’s branding.

4. Add visual elements: Venngage offers a wide range of visual elements, such as icons, illustrations, charts, graphs and images, that you can easily add to your presentation with the user-friendly drag-and-drop editor.

5. Save and export your presentation: Export your presentation in a format that suits your needs and then share it with your audience via email, social media or by embedding it on your website or blog .

So, as you gear up for your next presentation, whether it’s for business, education or pure creative expression, don’t forget to keep these visual presentation ideas in your back pocket.

Feel free to experiment and fine-tune your approach and let your passion and expertise shine through in your presentation. With practice, you’ll not only build presentations but also leave a lasting impact on your audience – one slide at a time.

Discover popular designs

Infographic maker

Brochure maker

White paper online

Newsletter creator

Flyer maker

Timeline maker

Letterhead maker

Mind map maker

Ebook maker

Like what you're reading?

Visual presentation: tips, techniques, and tools for success

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

Anete Ezera September 26, 2024

Through the years, communication has grown to be more visual. Presentations that are purely spoken seem to be out of date. With tools like Prezi , we can express our ideas via immersive visual stories and pass our message in a more effective way to resonate better with the audience.

That’s why in this article, we’ll explore what is a visual presentation and the best practices for turning your ideas into visual narratives. Also, we’ll display helpful examples to get inspired by. Let’s dive right in!

What is a visual presentation?

A visual presentation is one that contains visual elements that complement the message you’re conveying. This could be incorporating images, videos, graphs or charts. The reason visual aids in presentations are so effective is because they can display information or data in a way that’s visually pleasing and help to back up the points you’re making. 

There are several types of visual presentations which each serve different purposes and audiences:

• Slideshows : This is the most common form of visual presentation. It typically uses slides or frames containing images, text, and charts.
• Infographics : Infographics can display complex data in a way that’s easy to understand. They’re ideal for summerizing information and making it appear in a more engaging way. 
• Interactive presentations : Interactive presentations allow the audience to play a key role. For example, they can click through different parts of the presentation or use drag-and-drop features to move elements into different positions. This type of presentation is also great for engagement. 
• Data visualizations : These types of visuals are focused on numerical data, using charts, graphs, and diagrams to highlight key insights and trends.
• Videos and animations : These elements are often used to make difficult concepts easier to understand through elements like motion graphics or storytelling.

The importance of visuals in presentations

Visuals are a powerful component of any presentation, greatly enhancing the delivery of information. According to research by Prezi, the human brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than text. The study also found that presentations with images, charts and other graphics are 43% more likely to be persuasive than those relying solely on text.

Beyond just conveying information, visual presentations help keep the audience engaged and improve their ability to remember key points. Studies also show that using visual aids triggers multiple areas of the brain, boosting both understanding and memory retention. This is particularly beneficial for the 65% of the population who are visual learners .

Key findings include:

• People remember 80% of what they see and do , but only 20% of what they read .
• Visual presentations increase audience engagement by 40% , making them more likely to respond and act on the message.

Creating an eye catching visual presentation isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about effectively communicating your message in a way that sticks with your audience.

Types of visual aids used in presentation

Different visual aids are used for various contents and types of presentation formats. A good selection of visual aids can make a world of difference in a presentation, from clarifying complex information, infusing an added emotional dimension, or rendering abstract ideas more concrete. So, what are visual aids? To help you understand, here are some that are widely used for presentations: 

High-quality images help explain ideas or evoke emotions, offering context or improving storytelling in a presentation. For example, in educational presentations, images of historical events or scientific concepts provide context and clarity. In business settings, images are used to evoke emotions or reinforce brand identity, such as including images of products, teams, or customer testimonials.

Example : A history teacher lecturing on World War II might use real, historical photos to drive home the topic for the students, offering them a concrete link with the events. 

2. Graphs and charts

Graphs and charts, such as bar graphs, pie charts, or scatter plots, present data in an easily digestible format. They’re perfect for comparing statistics, showing trends, or highlighting key points. These are especially useful when presenting data-heavy topics like quarterly sales performance, project progress, or scientific findings.

Example : A business leader presenting quarterly earnings might use a bar chart to compare revenue across different departments, helping the audience quickly grasp performance differences. While in scientific presentations, scatter plots can show correlations between variables, such as age and health outcomes, making abstract data more accessible and understandable.

3. Videos and animations

Videos can be used to visually explain processes or show testimonials or real-world applications. On the other hand, animations can be used to help explain complex processes or illustrate abstract concepts. This form of visual aid is very effective in training, product demos, and educational set-ups.

Example : In a corporate training session on new software, the program may be well illustrated by a short video that shows how to use it effectively, providing the participants with an enhanced perception of the interface. Likewise, in a medical presentation, an animated explainer video can show in visual detail a complex surgical procedure or how new medical equipment functions.

4. Infographics

Infographics are a blend of text and graphics and are found highly effective in summarizing and displaying vast amounts of data in a very presentable way. Such as overviews, comparison data or step-by-step processes. They enable the audience to read a lot of data quickly. 

Example : A presenter talking about climate change may bring in an infographic to summarize and give the key statistics related to worldwide temperature increases, CO2 emissions, and effects on ecosystems. This method makes very technical data readily comprehensible at first glance, especially in statistic-heavy presentations.

5. Text and quotes

Though text should be used sparingly for presentations, it can be used in visuals to drive home a point with some memorable quotes or key takeaways. It shouldn’t overshadow the message conveyed by the graphics or duplicate them, but provide an underscore of what’s being displayed visually.

Example : During a leadership presentation, a presenter might conclude by reiterating an inspirational quote from a well-known leader. Alternatively, during a sales pitch, a bold key statistic placed next to a product image can drive home the effect or benefits of what’s being discussed and reinforce the verbal message.

It’s important to pick the right kind of visuals for your presentation so that what you’re communicating is well received by the audience. They help simplify any complex ideas and help the message stick. From displaying data trends with graphs or using videos to enliven real-life examples, including appropriate visual components will further drive home your message during the presentation.

What is also known as a visual aid in a presentation?

There’s another common visual aid that often gets overlooked when it comes to visual presentations: 

Props are physical objects used to make content more tangible by providing a real-world example of what’s being talked about. They can help the audience follow or retain any points being made in the presentation.

Example : In a product demo presentation, a speaker might use the actual product as a prop to demonstrate its features and benefits. For example, a technology company could showcase the latest smartphone model, physically showing its unique features while explaining its capabilities. Similarly, a teacher demonstrating a science experiment could use lab equipment as props to visually support the steps of the process.

Props are particularly effective in fields such as education, product development, and sales, where tangible objects help bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Visual presentation examples

Here are some visual presentation ideas from Prezi that demonstrate how to effectively use visuals to create engaging and memorable presentations:

1. Why Leaders Need to Get Out of Their Own Way

This visual presentation highlights leadership challenges and personal barriers that leaders often face. It uses Prezi’s zooming and panning features to focus on key points, making the content both dynamic and accessible.

2. How to Be More Productive and Focus

This visual presentation combines data visualizations and clean design to provide practical tips on improving productivity. The use of visuals helps break down time management techniques, making the content more digestible for the audience.

3. U.S. Census: Why We Do It

This visual presentation showcases the U.S. Census, explaining its purpose and importance through strong visual elements such as infographics, charts, and historical images.

4. Creative Report

A perfect example of how to present creative concepts, this visual presentation uses interactive elements and multimedia to explore the power of creativity in communication.

5. Imposter Syndrome or Incompetence

This visual presentation discusses the psychological challenges of imposter syndrome using visual storytelling. The clear layout and zoomable sections guide the audience through the topic step-by-step.

Dos and don’ts of visual presentations

Creating a successful visual presentation requires balance. Here are some essential dos and don’ts to help you design an effective and engaging visual presentation.

Do: Use high-quality visuals

Be sure to include images, graphics, and videos that are relevant to your content. A clear message should not be easily distracted by an unclear picture.

Don’t: Overload with text

Avoid cramming too much text onto your slides. Visual presentations should rely more on images and graphics, with minimal text for emphasis.

Do: Keep it simple

Visual presentations shouldn’t contain too much information. Emphasize one idea per slide or section to prevent the audience from being overwhelmed.

Don’t: Clutter slides with unnecessary visuals

Don’t use visuals just for the sake of filling space. Every visual element should serve a purpose and support your key message.

Do: Add some interactivity

Make it interesting for the audience with some clickable parts and zoomable slides which you can create in Prezi.

Don’t: Use too many animations

While animations can add flair, overusing them can make your presentation feel chaotic. Stick to purposeful animations that enhance your content.

Do: Use consistent branding

Ensure uniform branding is used throughout. Use the same fonts, colors, and design elements. It not only looks professional but also drives brand identity home.

Don’t: Ignore the flow

Ensure your presentation has a logical flow. Disorganized content, even with strong visuals, can confuse your audience.

Do: Create a story

Apply storytelling methods to walk the audience through the presentation. This makes it more personal and easier to remember.

Don’t: Forget about accessibility

Ensure your visuals and text are accessible to everyone, including those with visual impairments. Use readable fonts and provide text descriptions for important images or graphs.

How do you give a visual presentation?

A good visual presentation isn’t only about making the presentation but also delivering it effectively. Here are some concrete steps to help you through organizing, creating, and delivering a strong visual aid presentation.

The creation process: organizing your visual presentation

Start with a clear outline.

Plan your content : Begin by outlining how the presentation is structured. What is the key message? What goal do you want your audience to take away? Break your content down into an introduction, some main points, and a conclusion. This will make the flow smooth and confirm that the message is clear and coherent. Highlight key takeaways : Zero in on 2–3 main points to emphasize and structure your visuals around these key ideas.

If you want to learn more on how to effectively structure any presentation, watch the following video here:

Choose the right visuals

Select impactful visuals : The choice of visuals underlines the whole success of a visual presentation, so choose them wisely. If you’re presenting data, then graphs or charts should be applied; for emotional impact or telling stories, use strong images or videos. They should complement your spoken message without overwhelming it.

Use high-quality visuals : Images, graphs or videos should be professional and high-resolution. Low-quality visuals can detract from your presentation.

Keep it consistent : Use a consistent design theme across your presentation, including fonts, colors, and style. This creates a polished, cohesive experience.

Use storytelling techniques

Weave a narrative : Presentations are easily remembered if told as a story . Be it a business update, an explanation of a scientific concept, or a product pitch, the story must flow naturally from beginning to end. This emotionally connects the audience to what’s being presented.

Contextualize the data : Instead of just showing numbers or statistics, use storytelling to explain what the data means and why it matters. This can help engage your audience more deeply.

Leverage interactive features

Incorporate Prezi’s interactive elements : If using Prezi, make sure you take advantage of its dynamic zooming and panning by integrating as much interactivity as possible into the experience. With Prezi, you can look at topics in a nonlinear fashion by zooming in on important details and then zooming out to see how the idea fits into the bigger picture.

Interactive visuals : Add clickable elements to your presentation to make the audience feel involved. Prezi also offers various ways to create interactive slides, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

The presenting process: delivering your visual presentation

Practice your delivery.

Rehearse transitions : Practice your presentation with the visuals several times before the event. This helps ensure smooth transitions between visuals and spoken points, making the presentation feel polished and professional.

Synchronize with visuals : Make sure your verbal presentation matches the timing of your visuals. Each visual should correspond to each point being made, without taking away attention from your speech. If you’re moving from one image or graph to another, ensure that your narration coincides with these transitions.

Engage the audience

Ask questions : Encourage participation by asking open-ended questions throughout your presentation. This can help break up the content, invite discussion, and keep the audience attentive.

Use Prezi’s features for interaction : Take advantage of Prezi’s capabilities to invite the audience to explore different sections or points of interest, ensuring the presentation remains engaging.

Respond in real-time : Allow your audience to ask questions or provide feedback throughout the presentation, rather than waiting until the end. This makes the presentation feel more like a conversation and keeps energy levels high.

Maintain eye contact and body language

Confident body language : Keep your body language open and confident. Stand tall, use gestures to emphasize key points, and move around if the setting allows it. To learn more about body language, watch the following video:

Eye contact : Make frequent eye contact with your audience to establish a connection and build trust.

End with a strong conclusion

Recap key points : Finish by summarizing your key takeaways and reinforcing the most important points you’ve made. This helps the audience retain the information.

Call to action : If your presentation is designed to encourage a particular action—such as adopting a new business strategy, supporting a cause, or purchasing a product—end with a clear, actionable call to action.

Refine your content with Prezi AI

Use Prezi AI text editing : Prezi AI can offer suggestions to improve phrasing, ensuring your content is polished and refined.

AI-generated visuals : Prezi AI can suggest appropriate visuals for your presentation, guaranteeing the visual message complements that of the core content.

By breaking down the creation and presentation processes, you can deliver a strong visual presentation that effectively communicates your message, engages your audience, and leaves a lasting impression.

Leveraging Prezi for visual presentations

Prezi is a standout visual presentation tool because of its dynamic movement, interactive features, and robust AI-driven content creation . Slide-based presentations are built on the basis of one slide following another in a linear fashion; but Prezi’s format liberates presenters to zoom in and out during the presentation, which makes the journey far more interesting for the audience. From sharing complex data to telling a story, Prezi equips presenters with effective communication tools for any type of content.

Dynamic movement and zooming

A core feature that makes Prezi unique is its seamless panning and zooming within the presentation. Users can move freely between different parts of their work, which creates a far less linear, rigid structure than typical static slideshows.

For example, if you’re delivering a presentation on leadership styles , you could zoom into individual leadership types, giving the audience an in-depth look at each one, before zooming out to provide a broader comparison. This movement keeps the audience engaged, as it visually mirrors the mental shift between different sections or ideas. It’s perfect for presentations that need to show relationships between various elements or provide a top-down understanding of complex topics.

Prezi AI: Your time-saving, creative partner

Prezi AI takes the creation process to a whole new level. It not only refines your content but also helps you craft an engaging and visually stunning presentation in minutes. Here are some of the benefits of using Prezi AI: 

AI-powered text editing

Prezi AI doesn’t just assist in generating content; it actively helps you refine it. Whether you need to polish your language, improve clarity, or adjust tone, the Prezi AI text editing tool provides smart suggestions to make your content more impactful.

Turning bullet points into animated slides

What makes Prezi AI unique is its capability to take basic bullet points and make them into fully dynamic and animated slides. This feature reduces the time you spend designing each slide and increases the time that can be put into refining your message. With a click, Prezi AI lays out content in visually interesting ways to keep your audience focused on what’s important. Start with a basic list of ideas and let Prezi AI convert them into an animated story that transitions smoothly from one point to the next.

Smart content suggestions

Prezi AI has the ability to suggest appropriate visuals and layouts while taking into account what your presentation is about. For example, in a storytelling presentations, Prezi AI may bring out the visual imagery that fits into telling the story well. This not only saves time but makes the presentation uniform in appearance for easy comprehension.

Streamlining the design process

With Prezi AI, you don’t need to be a design expert to create a professional-looking presentation. The AI automatically selects color schemes, fonts, and layouts that match your content, allowing you to deliver a visually cohesive presentation. It removes the guesswork from design, ensuring that your presentation not only looks polished but also aligns with your brand or theme.

Prezi templates: Customizable and designed for impact

What makes Prezi’s templates really good is how flexible they are. Be it a presentation on leadership or one that displays data or stories, Prezi has pre-built templates for your needs.

For example, Prezi offers finance templates that make it easy to present complex numbers or trends without overwhelming your audience. On the other hand, if you’re working on a more narrative-driven presentation, Prezi’s education templates allow you to seamlessly guide your audience through a journey. And the best part? These templates aren’t static; they’re highly customizable, allowing you to tweak them to fit your brand, message, and style.

Why Prezi AI makes visual presentations easier and better

Prezi AI is more than a simple design tool—it helps you elevate your presentations without added effort. From suggesting the best visuals to refining your content with AI text editing, Prezi AI ensures your presentation is polished, engaging, and impactful.

Prezi AI simplifies the creation process by handling the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on delivering a presentation that resonates with your audience. Whether you’re presenting complex data, explaining a detailed process, or sharing a narrative, Prezi’s AI capabilities ensure your message comes through clearly and memorably.

Use Prezi to make your next visual presentation stand out from the crowd

Creating an effective visual presentation isn’t just about adding images on slides. It’s about careful planning, choosing the right visuals, and enthralling the audience with dynamic stories. Prezi simplifies this process by offering editable templates with AI-driven features and interactivity that enlivens your presentation.

Whether it’s a data presentation, storytelling, or explaining difficult concepts, Prezi features will make your visual presentation eye-catching for the viewer. For more ideas and inspiration on creating visual presentations, explore our guide on presentation styles and enhance your presentation skills today!

Give your team the tools they need to engage

Like what you’re reading join the mailing list..

• Prezi for Teams
• Top Presentations