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About Me Slides: How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation

From conference talks to client demos, it’s always essential to include an About Me slide in any presentation you are giving. Introducing yourself early into the presentation helps build a better rapport with the audience.

You can start with several fun facts about me slide to break the ice or go for a more formal professional bio to explain your background and what makes you qualified to talk about the topic at hand. At any rate, your goal is to get the audience on your side by revealing some of your personality. 

How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation: 4 Approaches 

It’s a good practice to include self-introduction slides at the beginning of your presentation. If you are looking to answer how to introduce yourself professionally, typically somewhere after the title, opening slide , and the main agenda. However, the presentation structure will be somewhat different depending on whether you are presenting to a new audience or a group of people familiar with (e.g., your team, clients, or business partners). 

Here are four about me slide ideas you can try out, plus an About me template you can use to present yourself in a presentation. 

1. Mention Your Name and Affiliations

Start with the introduction basics. State your name, company, title/position, and several quick facts about who you are and what you do. Even if you present to a familiar audience, a brief recap is always welcome. 

To keep things a bit more engaging, consider adding some lesser-known facts about yourself. For example:

• Your interests 
• Recent accomplishments
• Testimonial/quote from a team member 
• Fun nicknames you got 

The above can be nice ice breakers for less formal team presentations, project updates, or catch-ups with clients. 

Here are several unique About Me examples you can try out:

For a client case study presentation : 

“Hi, I’m Lynda, Chief Customer Success Specialist with Acme Corp. (Also, someone you thought was a chatbot for the first few encounters)

47 NPS | 15% Churn Rate | 40% repeat purchase rate”

For a team after-action review presentation :

Mike, Project Manager at Cool Project

(aka Maximizer)

Personal Project stats:

387 Slack messages answered

56 cups of coffee consumed

Project profit gross margin: $1.2 million 

2. Work On Your Elevator Pitch 

One of the best ways to introduce yourself in a presentation is to share a punchy elevator pitch. This works extra well if you are presenting to a new audience. 

An elevator pitch is a concise statement (1-2 sentences) that summarizes your unique strengths, skills, and abilities and explains how these can benefit your listener. 

It’s nice to have one ready for your presentations and networking in general since it helps you immediately connect with new people and communicate your value. 

Writing a solid elevator pitch may require several attempts and iterations. But the sooner you start — the faster you’ll arrive at the best formula! 

To get your creative juices flowing, here are several elevator pitch ideas you can incorporate in an introduction slide about yourself. 

For professionals: 

“Certified Salesforce Administrator, data visualization specialist, and analytics for top SaaS brands. I help businesses make more sense of their data to drive better outcomes”.

For a mentor :

“Adjunct professor of creative writing at Columbia University, published author, former lifestyle editor at Esquire, the New York Times. I can teach you how to find, shape, pitch, and publish stories for web & print.”

For a student: 

“Third-year Marine Biology student at Denver State Uni. Volunteer at Lake Life Protection NGO, climate change activist, looking to expand my research about water conservation”.

3. Answer Popular Questions or Assumptions 

If you are a frequent presenter , chances are you get asked a lot of the same “About Me questions” after your speeches and during the networking bits. So why not address a roaster of these in your About Me slide? Select 4-5 most common questions and list them as quick FAQs on your slide deck. 

4. Focus on Telling a Story 

Strong introductions are personable. They are meant to offer a sneak-peak into your personality and the passion behind your work. That’s why for less formal presentations, you can (and should!) start with a short personal story. 

Remember: reliability is important to “click” with your audience. 

For instance, neuroscience research of political ads recently found that ads featuring real people performed better than those with genetic stock footage. Among viewers, emotional engagement and memory encoding (recall) increased dramatically when political ads showed relatable people. 

The same holds true for commerce. In 2015, GE launched a viral “What’s the Matter With Owen?” video ad series to attract more young talent to the company. The clips featured a relatable protagonist, struggling to explain what his work at GE entails e.g. that the company isn’t building railroads, but actually does some very innovative pilots. Many engineers related to the promo and work applications to GE shoot up by 800% ! 

As the above examples show, a good relatable story can go a long way. So think about how you can make a PowerPoint presentation about yourself more representative of who you really are as a person. 

How to Give a Presentation About Yourself: 4 Fool-Proof Tips

On other occasions, you may be asked to give a full-length “about me” presentation. Typically, this is the case during a second interview, onboarding , or if you are in attending a training program or workshop where everyone needs to present themselves and their work. 

Obviously, you’ll need more than one good about me slide in this case. So here’s how to prepare a superb presentation about me. 

What to Put in a Presentation About Yourself?

The audience will expect to learn a mix of personal and professional facts about you. Thus, it’s a good idea to include the following information: 

• Your name, contact info, website , social media handles, digital portfolio .
• Short bio or some interesting snippets. 
• Career timeline (if applicable).
• Main achievements (preferably quantifiable).
• Education, special training.
• Digital badging awards , accolades, and other types of recognition.
• Something more personal — an interest, hobby, aspiration. 

The above mix of items will change a bit, depending on whether you are giving an interview presentation about yourself or introduce yourself post-hiring. For example, in some cases a dedicated bio slide may be useful, but other times focusing on main achievements and goals can be better.

That being said, let’s take a closer look at how to organize the above information in a memorable presentation. 

P.S. Grab an about me slide template to make the design process easier! 

1. Create a List of “Facts About Me”

The easiest way to answer the “tell me about yourself” question is by having an array of facts you can easily fetch from your brain. 

When it comes to a full-length about me presentation , it’s best to have a longer list ready. To keep your brainstorming process productive, organize all your ideas in the following buckets: 

• Key skills (soft and hard)
• Educational accolades, training
• Accomplishments and other “bragging rights”
• Personal tidbits (a.k.a. fun facts ) 

Once you have a list, it gets easier to build a series of slides around it. 

2. Think Like Your Audience 

Most likely you’d be asked to make a presentation about yourself by a recruiter. There’s a good reason why many ask this — they want to determine if you are a good “cultural fit” for their organization. 

After all, 33% of people quit within the first 3 months of accepting a new job. Among these:

• 43% of employees quit because their day-to-day role was different than what they were told it would be during the hiring process.
• 32% cite company culture as a factor for leaving within the first three months. 

About me presentations often serve as an extra “filter” helping both parties ensure that they are on the same page expectations- and work style-wise. Thus, when you prepare your slide deck, do some background company research. Then try to align the presentation with it by matching the company tone, communication style, and cultural values. 

3. Include Testimonials and Recommendations

Use the voice of others to back up the claims you are making in your presentation. After all, trumping your own horn is what you are expected to do in such a presentation. But the voices of others can strengthen the claims you are personally making. 

Depending on your role and industry, try to sprinkle some of the following testimonials: 

• LinkedIn recommendations
• Quotes from personal or professional references
• Social media comments 
• Data metrics of your performance
• Funny assessments from your colleagues/friends 

The above not just strengthen your narrative, but also help the audience learn some extras about you and your background. Testimonial slides can be of help for this purpose.

4. Include a Case Study 

One of the best ways to illustrate who you are is to show what you are best in. Remember, an about me presentation often needs to “soft sell” your qualifications, experience, and personality. 

One of the best ways to do that is to showcase how you can feel in a specific need and solve issues the business is facing. 

So if you have the timeframe, use some of the ending slides to deliver a quick case study. You can present: 

• Short retrospective of a past successful project
• Before-after transformations you’ve achieved 
• Spotlight of the main accomplishments within the previous role 
• Main customer results obtained
• Specific solution delivered by you (or the team you’ve worked with) 

Ending your presentation on such a high note will leave the audience positively impressed and wondering what results you could achieve for them.

To Conclude 

It’s easy to feel stumped when you are asked to talk about yourself. Because there are so many things you could mention (but not necessarily should). At the same time, you don’t want to make your introduction sound like a bragging context. So always think from the position of your audience. Do the facts you choose to share benefit them in any way? If yes, place them confidently on your About Me slides! 

1. Personal Self Introduction PowerPoint Template

Use This Template

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Top 10 Self-Introduction Templates with Samples and Examples

Neha Parmar

Andy completed his studies and searched for a job after that. He applied for jobs but did not get a response from anywhere, but still, he did not give up. He kept on applying for jobs. Finally, one company called him for an interview. He went and met the owner and gave a great interview and told them that he was capable of working well in the company. The owner was influenced by his way of presenting himself using self-introduction slides, and he got the job. 

Andy connects with the owner and presents himself impressively. A self introduction templates helps you make connections with the right person. It is one of the best ways to introduce yourself.

Self Introduction Slide Templates for the First Impression

“ You only have one first chance to make one first impression that lasts a lifetime.”

                   - Nas

Top 10 Self-Introduction Templates

Template 1: 10 minutes powerpoint presentation about myself.

With the help of a PowerPoint Presentation, you can introduce yourself well. You create your presentation, and include your qualifications, weaknesses, hobbies, and work experience in it. In no  time, you will be introducing yourself with confidence. If you want to show yourself in the best light, download the self introduction ppt  theme now.

Download Now!

Template 2: Self Introduction For Job Interview By PowerPoint Presentation

With the help of PowerPoint Presentation Slides, we introduce ourselves. Multi-color visuals are used in these slides. A proper self-introduction is vital for making a great first impression on your audience. It includes content-ready slides such as the path to a career, SWOT analysis, personal qualifications, skills, and more. In addition, you bring tables, charts, and graphs, so the audience is impressed and sees you are perfect for the job. Grab this slide.

Template 3: Self-introduction In Interview For Experienced Candidate PowerPoint Presentation Slide

Use this Personal introduction PPT Slide to impress our audience. This complete deck contains slides like SWOT Analysis, personal qualifications, achievements, training, experience, case study, language skills, and hobbies.

Template 4: Self Introduction Model PowerPoint Presentation Slide

With the help of a PowerPoint Presentation, you create a profile for yourself in which you  state your qualifications, work experience, skills, education, hobbies, and much more. If you want to show your aptitude for the job, download this PPT Theme now.

Template 5: Professional Self Introduction PowerPoint Presentation Slide

Professional Self Introduction PowerPoint presentation slides with suitable graphics and subject-driven content are here. All templates are completely editable for your convenience. This theme includes high-grade icons; Use this slide for short and long-term goals in the context of your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and treats. Get this slide now.

Template 6: Personal Professional Self Introduction With Icon 

The PowerPoint Templates are designed to help job-seekers  to understand the challenges they will face. These templates are fully editable and easy to use. Download this template to impress the interviewer.

Template 7: About Me Slide For Self Introduction In PowerPoint Presentation

Including self-introduction slides at the beginning of your presentation is a good practice. You can use the PPT Design to describe your profile, educational background, work experience, awards, achievements, and more. This PPT slide allows you to create a presentation that will help you tell your story clearly and concisely.

Template 8: Self Introduction Slide About Me PowerPoint Guide

Your introduction slide will help capture the audience’s attention. This PPT Template is used to illustrate skills, hobbies, work experience, and career choices in a clear and organized manner. Your audience will connect with you throughout the speech or presentation. A presentation like this includes your professional and personal information. Making the presentation takes time and effort. Download this self-introduction slide to create a presentation faster.

Template 9: Self Introduction of Digital Marketing Professional 

Presenting our well-structured icons slide for digital marketing. Employ strategic thinking by using this complete deck and present  yourself  with a self-introduction format for digital marketing. Persuade your audience using this icon illustrating digital marketing PPT Theme. This slide has stages that include interest, education, and experience. It is entirely editable and is available for immediate download.

Template 10: Self Introduction CV For Job Search

A creative resume is a great way to stand out from other applicants. Catch the attention of potential employers. You can use these PowerPoint Slides to present your CV or resume to a potential employer. Each template utilizes creative slide designs and innovative visual elements to ensure that it is unique and engages the audience. Mention your skills to crack every interview by downloading ready-to-use samples.

You should always feel like a million dollars when introducing yourself. Your personal or self introduction is the first way to get any opportunity. No one is perfect but by doing it again and again the perfection will come to your interviews.

FAQs on Self Introduction Templates

How can i introduce myself.

Introducing oneself is the most common question asked in an interview. When an interviewer asks about yourself, they seek information about how your qualities and characteristics that align with the skills they need. That you are passionate about your work and you are ambitious and driven. 

How can I introduce myself in an interview?

The first impression happens quite fast . You introduce yourself  to an audience or the owner through a PowerPoint presentation. The audience likes something that shocks and shakes them hard enough to get their attention .Try to make them so intrigued that the desire makes them want to  know who you are. Show the audience what makes you unique. Connect with the audience . This is difficult, but we crack it with confidence. T Body language is a vital part of communication. For example:-

“I am John Smith. I will be here at noon for a job interview for a graphic designer. I have over five years of experience specializing in creating beautiful, unique website experiences that makes the users' time with a brand more enjoyable. I am looking forward to growing my management skills and  develop and inspire a team.”

Always end the interview on a positive note. 

“ It was a pleasure meeting with you. I appreciate the opportunity. .”

How will you describe yourself? 

In any interview, you must make the interviewer think, “Wow! This person would be perfect for position !” The first thing to describe yourself as is  a self-motivated person. You are comfortable taking the initiative and doing things independently. You will explain your experiences and qualifications. For example:

Suppose you have an English literature degree and want to work as a writer for a tech business. Be professional when you speak.

• Communicate well
• Be knowledgeable  in your field of expertise
• Be inquisitive 
• Be a leader , not a boss
• Ask for help when you need 
• Don’t be afraid of failure

Related posts:

• Top 10 Templates to Design an Introduction Slide About Yourself (Samples and Examples Included)
• Top 10 Personal Introduction Slide Templates to Make Yourself Unforgettable
• Top 10 Autobiography Templates to Portray Your Learnings and Achievements [Free PDF Attached]
• Top 7 Introduction Templates with Samples and Examples

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The self presentation theory and how to present your best self

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What does self presentation mean?

What are self presentation goals, individual differences and self presentation.

How can you make the most of the self presentation theory at work?  

We all want others to see us as confident, competent, and likeable — even if we don’t necessarily feel that way all the time. In fact, we make dozens of decisions every day — whether consciously or unconsciously — to get people to see us as we want to be seen. But is this kind of self presentation dishonest? Shouldn’t we just be ourselves?

Success requires interacting with other people. We can’t control the other side of those interactions. But we can think about how the other person might see us and make choices about what we want to convey. 

Self presentation is any behavior or action made with the intention to influence or change how other people see you. Anytime we're trying to get people to think of us a certain way, it's an act of self presentation. Generally speaking, we work to present ourselves as favorably as possible. What that means can vary depending on the situation and the other person.

Although at first glance this may seem disingenuous, we all engage in self-presentation. We want to make sure that we show up in a way that not only makes us look good, but makes us feel good about ourselves.

Early research on self presentation focused on narcissism and sociopathy, and how people might use the impression others have of them to manipulate others for their benefit. However, self presentation and manipulation are distinct. After all, managing the way others see us works for their benefit as well as ours.

Imagine, for example, a friend was complaining to you about   a tough time they were having at work . You may want to show up as a compassionate person. However, it also benefits your friend — they feel heard and able to express what is bothering them when you appear to be present, attentive, and considerate of their feelings. In this case, you’d be conscious of projecting a caring image, even if your mind was elsewhere, because you value the relationship and your friend’s experience.

To some extent, every aspect of our lives depends on successful self-presentation. We want our families to feel that we are worthy of attention and love. We present ourselves as studious and responsible to our teachers. We want to seem fun and interesting at a party, and confident at networking events. Even landing a job depends on you convincing the interviewer that you are the best person for the role.

There are three main reasons why people engage in self presentation:

Tangible or social benefits:

In order to achieve the results we want, it often requires that we behave a certain way. In other words, certain behaviors are desirable in certain situations. Matching our behavior to the circumstances can help us connect to others,   develop a sense of belonging , and attune to the needs and feelings of others.

Example:   Michelle is   a new manager . At her first leadership meeting, someone makes a joke that she doesn’t quite get. When everyone else laughs, she smiles, even though she’s not sure why.

By laughing along with the joke, Michelle is trying to fit in and appear “in the know.” Perhaps more importantly, she avoids feeling (or at least appearing) left out, humorless, or revealing that she didn’t get it — which may hurt her confidence and how she interacts with the group in the future.

To facilitate social interaction:

As mentioned, certain circumstances and roles call for certain behaviors. Imagine a defense attorney. Do you think of them a certain way? Do you have expectations for what they do — or don’t — do? If you saw them frantically searching for their car keys, would you feel confident with them defending your case?

If the answer is no, then you have a good idea of why self presentation is critical to social functioning. We’re surprised when people don’t present themselves in a way that we feel is consistent with the demands of their role. Having an understanding of what is expected of you — whether at home, work, or in relationships — may help you succeed by inspiring confidence in others.

Example:   Christopher has always been called a “know-it-all.” He reads frequently and across a variety of topics, but gets nervous and tends to talk over people. When attending a networking event, he is uncharacteristically quiet. Even though he would love to speak up, he’s afraid of being seen as someone who “dominates” the conversation. 

Identity Construction:

It’s not enough for us to declare who we are or what we want to be — we have to take actions consistent with that identity. In many cases, we also have to get others to buy into this image of ourselves as well. Whether it’s a personality trait or a promotion, it can be said that we’re not who   we   think we are, but who others see.

Example:   Jordan is interested in moving to a client-facing role. However, in their last performance review, their manager commented that Jordan seemed “more comfortable working independently.” 

Declaring themselves a “people person” won’t make Jordan’s manager see them any differently. In order to gain their manager’s confidence, Jordan will have to show up as someone who can comfortably engage with clients and thrive in their new role.

We may also use self presentation to reinforce a desired identity for ourselves. If we want to accomplish something, make a change, or   learn a new skill , making it public is a powerful strategy. There's a reason why people who share their goals are more likely to be successful. The positive pressure can help us stay accountable to our commitments in a way that would be hard to accomplish alone.

Example:   Fatima wants to run a 5K. She’s signed up for a couple before, but her perfectionist tendencies lead her to skip race day because she feels she hasn’t trained enough. However, when her friend asks her to run a 5K with her, she shows up without a second thought.

In Fatima’s case, the positive pressure — along with the desire to serve a more important value (friendship) — makes showing up easy.

Because we spend so much time with other people (and our success largely depends on what they think of us), we all curate our appearance in one way or another. However, we don’t all desire to have people see us in the same way or to achieve the same goals. Our experiences and outcomes may vary based on a variety of factors.

One important factor is our level of self-monitoring when we interact with others. Some people are particularly concerned about creating a good impression, while others are uninterested. This can vary not only in individuals, but by circumstances.   A person may feel very confident at work , but nervous about making a good impression on a first date.

Another factor is self-consciousness — that is, how aware people are of themselves in a given circumstance. People that score high on scales of public self-consciousness are aware of how they come across socially. This tends to make it easier for them to align their behavior with the perception that they want others to have of them.

Finally, it's not enough to simply want other people to see you differently. In order to successfully change how other people perceive you, need to have three main skills: 

1. Perception and empathy

Successful self-presentation depends on being able to correctly perceive   how people are feeling , what's important to them, and which traits you need to project in order to achieve your intended outcomes.

2. Motivation

If we don’t have a compelling reason to change the perception that others have of us, we are not likely to try to change our behavior. Your desire for a particular outcome, whether it's social or material, creates a sense of urgency.

3.  A matching skill set

You’ve got to be able to walk the talk. Your actions will convince others more than anything you say. In other words, you have to provide evidence that you are the person you say you are. You may run into challenges if you're trying to portray yourself as skilled in an area where you actually lack experience.

How can you make the most of the self presentation theory at work?

At its heart, self presentation requires a high-level of self awareness and empathy. In order to make sure that we're showing up as our best in every circumstance — and with each person — we have to be aware of our own motivation as well as what would make the biggest difference to the person in front of us.

Here are 6 strategies to learn to make the most of the self-presentation theory in your career:

1. Get feedback from people around you

Ask a trusted friend or mentor to share what you can improve. Asking for feedback about specific experiences, like a recent project or presentation, will make their suggestions more relevant and easier to implement.

2. Study people who have been successful in your role

Look at how they interact with other people. How do you perceive them? Have they had to cultivate particular skills or ways of interacting with others that may not have come easily to them?

3. Be yourself

Look for areas where you naturally excel and stand out. If you feel comfortable, confident, and happy, you’ll have an easier time projecting that to others. It’s much harder to present yourself as confident when you’re uncomfortable.

4. Be aware that you may mess up

As you work to master new skills and ways of interacting with others,   keep asking for feedback . Talk to your manager, team, or a trusted friend about how you came across. If you sense that you’ve missed the mark, address it candidly. People will understand, and you’ll learn more quickly.

Try saying, “I hope that didn’t come across as _______. I want you to know that…”

5. Work with a coach

Coaches are skilled in interpersonal communication and committed to your success. Roleplay conversations to see how they land, and practice what you’ll say and do in upcoming encounters. Over time, a coach will also begin to know you well enough to notice patterns and suggest areas for improvement.

6. The identity is in the details

Don’t forget about the other aspects of your presentation. Take a moment to visualize yourself being the way that you want to be seen. Are there certain details that would make you feel more like that person? Getting organized, refreshing your wardrobe, rewriting your resume, and even cleaning your home office can all serve as powerful affirmations of your next-level self.

Self presentation is defined as the way we try to control how others see us, but it’s just as much about how we see ourselves. It is a skill to achieve a level of comfort with who we are   and   feel confident to choose how we self-present. Consciously working to make sure others get to see the very best of you is a wonderful way to develop into the person you want to be.

Understand Yourself Better:

Big 5 Personality Test

Allaya Cooks-Campbell

With over 15 years of content experience, Allaya Cooks Campbell has written for outlets such as ScaryMommy, HRzone, and HuffPost. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and is a certified yoga instructor as well as a certified Integrative Wellness & Life Coach. Allaya is passionate about whole-person wellness, yoga, and mental health.

Impression management: Developing your self-presentation skills

6 presentation skills and how to improve them, how to make a presentation interactive and exciting, how to give a good presentation that captivates any audience, what is self-preservation 5 skills for achieving it, how to not be nervous for a presentation — 13 tips that work (really), how self-knowledge builds success: self-awareness in the workplace, self-promotion: how to showcase your skills and experience, 80 affirmations for confidence: combatting self-doubt with self-love, how self-compassion strengthens resilience, how self-efficacy can boost your personal success, what is self-awareness and how to develop it, what i didn't know before working with a coach: the power of reflection, self-advocacy: improve your life by speaking up, building resilience part 6: what is self-efficacy, why learning from failure is your key to success, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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20+ Self Introduction PowerPoint Templates: Download for free!

Think about the image you want to portray during your presentation pitch. Creativity? Soberness? Reliability? A professional PowerPoint design can help you deliver a powerful introduction to your stakeholders . 

Here, you'll find some creative Self-Introduction PowerPoint Templates that are going to elevate your slides to the next level. Our expert team has designed different layouts that you will surely love and save you a lot of time. 

And if you want to present your company and highlight your team's experience, you'll also find some fantastic Team Presentation Templates . Keep reading to get them all for free!

Introducing Yourself PowerPoint Templates

Introducing yourself is vital to generate a connection with your audience . In fact, it showcases your background and abilities, making sure you are the person they seek. 

That being said, let's have a look at the Self-Introduction PowerPoint Templates that we prepared for you and will optimize your creative process:

1. About Me PowerPoint Template

These self-introduction PowerPoint templates are perfect for anyone trying to convey sobriety and professionalism. 

The pack offers different layouts, which you can use to engage your audience and showcase your work experience. 

2. Personal Resume PowerPoint Template

This template is another great option for introducing yourself through a PowerPoint presentation. 

You'll find different types of diagrams and graphs that will display all your skills and work experience in a more eye-catching way. 

3. Colorful Resume PowerPoint Template

With this colorful template, you'll be able to create more impactful slides and add your desired background. 

It also includes a map that will help you showcase your experience abroad! 

4. Creative Resume PowerPoint Template

If you are not sure of the color palette of your presentation, try this blue template. It's the perfect color to convey professionalism!

This self-introduction PowerPoint template will definitely catch your audience's attention from the beginning. 

5. Personal Branding PowerPoint Template

This template is focused on Personal Branding, but you can use the graphics to organize your "About me" presentation in PowerPoint.

As always, we invite you to customize each element however you like!

6. Women Leadership Powerpoint Template

Want to be concise in your pitch? This template will inspire you!

As you can see in the image, you'll find a minimalist design of pink and purple tones.

7. Timeline Infographic PowerPoint Template

This template package has timelines and graphics that will be useful for organizing your personal information.

If you were looking for a modern and creative self-introduction template, this design may be for you!

8. User Persona PowerPoint Template

This PowerPoint template was initially designed to present Buyer Personas but can be adapted for an "About Me" section.

9. Photography Portfolio PowerPoint Template

Want to improve your portfolio? We've designed portfolio templates in PowerPoint, too!

This resource was created for photographers, but you can adjust it to your needs.

10. Career Portfolio PowerPoint Template

Here is another portfolio design in PowerPoint! 

When you download this template, you'll find a sober self-introduction design with blue tones.

We're not done yet!

In the following section, you'll discover more PowerPoint templates for introducing your work team to an audience.

Team Introduction PowerPoint Templates

Introducing your team becomes crucial when you want to attract new clients or investors to your business. It will spotlight your team's capabilities, convincing your audience that you can solve their problems. 

As always, all the slides in our templates are easily editable , so you can add any image you like and customize the aesthetics according to your color scheme .

Let's check the Team Introduction PowerPoint Templates we have for you: 

1. Team Slides PowerPoint Template

This team introduction PowerPoint template offers 8 different designs that will impress your audience. 

Pick the layout you like the most and add it to your presentation deck! 

2 . Roles and Responsibilities PowerPoint Template

This PowerPoint template is all about the roles and responsibilities of each team member.  

If you’re working on a new project, this team intro PowerPoint template will be perfect! 

3. Meet The Team PowerPoint Template

If you're seeking to introduce your company to a potential investor or client, check out these team introduction slides! 

This template pack will help you to present a complete overview of your business and the people involved in it.

4. Project Management PowerPoint Template

Do you have a project running and need to design the final presentation? This template is made for you!

As in the previous designs, you will find a project team slide template and more graphics that will make your presentation dazzle.

5. Strategic Action Plan PowerPoint Template

Here is another of our corporate templates to introduce your work team to an audience.

If you want designs with green and blue tones, this resource is for you!

6. Finance Team PowerPoint Template

This presentation contains animated slides with a fresh design.

When you download this PowerPoint template, you'll find a "mission and vision" section, a description of services, a customer profile, and more!

7. Light Corporate PowerPoint Template

Want to present a creative self-introduction but need more time to think about the design? If so, this template will be perfect for you.

You'll find a "meet the team" section, 3D graphics, infographics, and more. Download it for free now!

8. Creative Business PowerPoint Template

If you prefer a one-page self-introduction, take a look at this template.

It contains icons, timelines, statistical graphs, and more resources. Like the previous designs, the download is completely free!

9. Creative Pitchbook PowerPoint Template

This PowerPoint template and its unique designs will immediately catch your audience's attention.

If you want to convey professionalism and detail-oriented, this template pack is for you.

10. Film Pitch PowerPoint Template

These designs were created for film teams but can be adapted to any field!

We are confident its aesthetics will inspire you.

11. Storyboard Artist PowerPoint Template

Looking for more creative self-introduction slides? You'll love this one! 

Initially, this template is black and white, but you can edit the colors freely.

12. Team Introduction PowerPoint Template

This team introduction PowerPoint template has a unique format.

You'll be able to highlight your team's skills visually. And the best thing is that it's easy to understand at first glance!

13. Science Organization PowerPoint Template

A team introduction is always a great idea, but it's even better when you can showcase the relationship between different members and roles! 

With this template pack, you can make that possible.

Looking for Custom PowerPoint Presentations? We got you! 

If you liked our free template designs, you'll love 24Slides custom presentations ! 

A PowerPoint presentation is a great place to start making an excellent first impression. It will show your audience how committed you are to a project and how much effort you will put into it. 

But making a good PowerPoint presentation takes a lot of time and effort. Why not call upon professionals to handle it efficiently?

24Slides offers a pro-level design service that will elevate all your presentation decks. Our Designers have worked with some of the biggest companies worldwide, so we can offer the expertise you need. 

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The best part is that you can try our expertise and style for just $1 . Our Designers will be happy to show you the true potential of your slides!

Found this content interesting? You'll love what's next: 

• Learn How to Start a Sales Presentation
• 36 Fun Icebreakers for Your Next Presentation
• Why is Brand Identity Important in Presentations? Experts answered!  
• The Cost of PowerPoint Presentations: Discover the hidden expenses you might overlook!

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How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation

Last Updated: October 4, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 126,805 times.

Introducing yourself in a presentation is more than just saying your name. It’s an opportunity for you to share relevant details about yourself and connect with your audience. It also sets the tone for the rest of the talk. How you introduce yourself will influence how your audience receives the message you want to get across. Make your next introduction flawless by presenting the most engaging information about yourself. Be sure to prepare the introduction in advance and start with an attention-grabbing technique to connect to the audience.

Including Relevant Information in Your Introduction

• If you have an unusual or difficult to pronounce name, you may want to add a small remark to help your audience remember it. For example, you can say “My name is Jacob Misen, like ‘risen’ but with an M.”
• Try to make eye contact with parts of audience during your presentation as well. [1] X Research source

• If you are VP of Marketing at a large company, it can actually be much more effective to say something like “I have more than a decade of experience using Facebook marketing ads to target clients in the dance industry” rather than simply stating your job title.

• You can also specifically refer your audience to the handout or powerpoint for more information. For example, if you want to let them know that you have articles in many international newspapers but you don’t want to list them all out, simply say “I’ve written for a number of internationally recognized news organizations. You can find the full list on the first page of my handout.”

• For example, you could say “when I designed a website for Richard Branson last year …” to inform your audience that you have an impressive resume, without having to list it all for them in your introduction.

• Try concluding your introduction by mentioning a client or project you were working on that directly relates to the topic of your presentation. For example: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with NXP Semiconductors for the past three years. Just last week we encountered a problem with our logistical database...” and then lead into your presentation about a new software that will solve everyone’s logistical hiccups.

Grabbing Your Audience’s Attention Before Your Introduction

• If you don’t have music that can tie to your presentation, you can use a song with the theme of beginning. For example, if you are presenting at a sales meeting, play some soft jazz as participants enter. Then, when it’s time for you to start, play the Black Eyed Peas chorus of “Let’s Get it Started” to get your audience’s attention. You can then open with an energetic “Good morning!” or “Good Afternoon” as the music ends.
• Remember to choose music that’s appropriate to the event. An academic conference may not be the best place for pop music, for example (unless you are presenting research on pop music, of course).

• For example, if you are presenting on the design of a new user-friendly coffee machine, you may start your presentation by referencing Elon Musk: “Any product that needs a manual to work is broken,” and then go on to say “My name is Laurie Higgens, and my coffee machine doesn’t come with a manual.” Speak briefly about your relevant experience and qualifications, and then dive into presenting your design.
• Avoid cliche or overused motivational quotes the audience has probably already heard many times.
• Be sure to correctly cite your quote.

• For example, you might start with “According to Time magazine, Americans filled 4.3 billion prescriptions and doled out $374 billion on medicine in 2014.” Then, introduce yourself and your qualifications in medical research and transition into a presentation about how to prevent doctors from over prescribing medication to their patients.
• Remember to cite the source of your statistics. You will look more professional and reliable, and the audience will be able to follow up on the information if they wish.

• If you are giving a presentation about a new airport security-friendly travel bag, try starting your presentation with “How many of you have ever stood in line at airport security and nearly missed your flight?”
• You can also invite your audience to close their eyes and imagine something as you lead up to your question.
• Don’t be discouraged if your audience doesn’t raise their hands when you ask a question. Sometimes these questions seem more rhetorical to an audience, or maybe they are just shy. You can often see signs that they are still engaging with the question if people are nodding or smiling after you ask it.

• Try telling stories, showing pictures on a powerpoint, or using quotations.
• Being funny not only puts your audience at ease, but it also helps them remember you after the presentation. [10] X Research source

• For example, if you are making a presentation about a pizza delivery app, ask your audience members to tell their name, their favorite pizza topping, and a situation where they’ve had a particularly amazing or awful experience with food delivery.

Preparing Before Your Presentation

• When it’s time to present, it’s probably best to just write down a few notes or key words to remind you of what you want to say so you don’t just read off your note cards.
• Think about your overall intention as a speaker. Are you trying to educate, enlighten, or entertain the audience? Figure out the effect you want to have on the listener so your presentation is impactful.

• If you don’t have a friend to watch your presentation, record yourself on video and play it back later to refine your presentation skills. It can be uncomfortable to watch yourself on video, but it will help you nail your introduction. You can even record your whole presentation. Keep recording and re-recording until you are happy with it. Then you know the audience will be happy too.

• The best resource to learn about the local culture is the locals themselves. If you have a contact where you will be speaking, ask them about customs, dress code, and how humor is usually received. If you don’t know anyone personally, try searching in industry-specific online forums. Find YouTube videos of presentations given in the area that are relevant to your industry.

What Is The Best Way To Start a Presentation?

Expert Q&A

• Don’t spend too much time introducing yourself. Your introduction should be short and to the point so you can get on to your main presentation material. Depending on the length of your presentation, your introduction should be between 20 seconds and 2 minutes long. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/eye_contact_tips_to_make_your_presentations_stronger
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/introduce-yourself-professionally
• ↑ https://www.washington.edu/doit/presentation-tips-0
• ↑ https://www.gvsu.edu/ours/oral-presentation-tips-30.htm
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/09/27/15-hacks-for-making-your-presentation-more-creative-and-engaging/
• ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/oralcommunication/guides/how-to-engage-your-audience-and-keep-them-with-you
• ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/make-em-laugh-ten-tips-using-humor-presentations-judy-romano-mba?trk=portfolio_article-card_title
• ↑ https://www.ncsl.org/legislators-staff/legislative-staff/legislative-staff-coordinating-committee/tips-for-making-effective-powerpoint-presentations.aspx
• ↑ https://crln.acrl.org/index.php/crlnews/article/view/19102/22119
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/tjwalker/2011/06/07/should-i-rehearse-and-for-how-long-presentation-training/

About This Article

To introduce yourself at the start of your presentation, all you need to do is state your name and tell the audience any relevant experience or skills you have. For example, say something like, “My name is Jacob Misen, and I have over a decade of experience using Facebook marketing ads in the dance industry.” If you have a broad range of relevant experience, you can bullet point a few examples on your opening slide instead of reading them out. Once you’ve introduced yourself, smoothly transition into your presentation. For instance, you can mention a client or project you’ve recently worked on that relates to the topic of your presentation. For more tips, including how to practice your presentation, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Introducing Me – Best Way to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation

Tips for giving a better presentation.

Home / Business / How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation (With Tips and Free Templates)

How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation (With Tips and Free Templates)

Giving a presentation can be nerve-wracking and introducing yourself can be daunting. But without an engaging introduction, you just be hitting the dart in the darkroom.

One of the most challenging tasks of any presentation is introducing yourself. Knowing how to start a presentation is key for effective speech or discussion. By coming up with newer and innovative techniques, you can capture your audience’s interest & help them focus on what you are going to share.

If you wonder how to introduce yourself at the presentation’s start, you aren’t alone. As we start the presentation, our nervousness diminishes significantly for most of us. So initial self-intro is important.

The usual introduction, “Hello, Everyone! I’m Ashley, working as Digital marketing head at…….” It is a boring start and won’t cut the ice anymore .

So how to introduce yourself or have a killer presentation start?

Don’t fret! We have outlined what you should say before starting a presentation to help you get the next presentation right.

It’s an adage, ” You only get a single chance to make a first impression.” It’s very true. The first impression really counts, especially during a presentation. An introduction is the key building block of a memorable and convincing presentation.

Before introducing yourself in a presentation, it’s crucial to welcome your audience, so they feel valued and interested for the presentation, we have got you set of free welcome PPT templates .

So, if you are looking for a creative way to introduce yourself in a presentation that will set the scene for the rest of the meeting, we have the best tips to help you introduce yourself and create a great first impression online.

• Know Your Audience and Wants from Your Presentation: Knowing your audience is crucial as it helps to figure out what content and message they care about. You won’t be able to successfully pitch an idea to your audience unless you know what makes them tick. So, before a presentation, have answers to questions like, what do they like? Dislikes? What do they need? What proof will they need to make decisions? Once you have an idea regarding all this, you can draft a successful presentation.

• Our marketing team has achieved an increased conversion of 130% within the last quarter, making our campaign a massive success.
• Commands who made this possible are Ryan, who made sure our user experience was flawless.
• Sean, who maintained the technical functioning and Abby, our accounting head, was responsible for all copies of our major assets.
• Introducing Yourself in a Client Presentation: If you are a freelancer, interacting with clients can really be a daunting task. If you are an experienced copywriter, you can present it interestingly. For example:” I am an experienced copywriter; I have written many ad copies, sales pages, landing pages, newsletters. I have over five years of expertise in this niche. One of my landing pages has converted 50% eyeballs into leads, thus drastically skyrocketing sales.

• Hello, I am Jamie and welcome to our long-awaited session. How are you all? I am too excited. We are living here, and Alec will be joining us in a while.
• Hello everyone, I am mike; I’m so thrilled to see hundreds of you attending today’s webinar. It’s going to be a fantastic session.
• State the Purpose of the Presentation: As of now, you have built a connection with your audience. It’s now the time to summarize the aim of your speech. Of course, your audience will already be aware of your topic. You should make sure it’s clear to everyone. A simple one-line statement is enough, but it should give an overview of the presentation idea.

• Ask for Audience Participation: An attentive audience is more likely to be engaged throughout the presentation. The best way to make your audience participate is by asking them questions that require them to raise their hands or stand up to answer the question.

There’s nothing more daunting than having a big presentation the next day and feeling unprepared. Public speaking can be difficult, and not feeling ready makes it even more arduous when you like not ready. So let’s look at the essential steps to make the best presentation.

• Use of Visuals: Visuals are worth including as it makes your presentation more interesting and helps you explain your points more coherently, enabling learning easier for your audience. Moreover, it makes a long-lasting impression on the minds, making the audience remember the information longer. If you are looking for top-notch visuals for your next presentation, then do check out SlideChef’s creative templates gallery .
• Be Excited and Connect with Your Audience: Show your audience you are super-excited about the presentation by being an energetic speaker. It’s hard to be excited same time when you are nervous. Along with maintaining the tone of voice, make sure you use hand gestures and a smiling face throughout.
• Ask Questions Throughout : Attentive audience is always an engaging audience. Try asking your audience questions periodically. Thus, encouraging them to be more attentive listeners and reflect on the content of your presentation.

• Thank your audience : Effective communication goes beyond just conveying information; it’s about building connections and leaving a lasting impression. One simple yet often overlooked way to enhance your presentation is by expressing gratitude to your audience at the conclusion. I recommend using the Free Thank You templates library for amazing thank you slides.

The introduction is very important, in fact, the most important – part of the presentation as it sets the tone for the entire presentation. An introduction is primarily used to capture the audience’s attention, usually within 15 seconds of the presentation. So make those words count and get the audience’s attention.

We all easily get stumped when asked to talk about ourselves because there are a lot of things you could mention. But at the same time, you want to make your introduction to be short and simple & sound like a bragging context. So always think from the perspective of your audience. Whether the facts you want to share benefit them in any way. If yes, confidently add in your introduction slides.

About The Author

Priyanshu Bharat

Priyanshu is a copywriter who loves to tune into what makes people tick. He believes in presenting his ideas with flair and wit, which has made him an expert at standing on stage and charming the pants off of any audience he's faced with. Priyanshu lives for learning as much as he can, so if you ever need help understanding something - just ask!

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How To Introduce Yourself Professionally [Examples + Templates]

Are you tired of the same old, boring self-introductions? It’s time to step into the spotlight and make a memorable entrance. Whether you’re facing a panel of interviewers or a room full of expectant attendees. To help you deal with this problem, this blog is going to teach you the best tips on how to introduce yourself during an interview and presentation in a professional way! So, what’s the wait? Let’s dive in!

A Framework On How To Introduce Yourself Professionally

Introducing yourself properly and sensibly can be a confusing journey, especially when you try to gather your thoughts! When trying to introduce yourself, nervousness can manifest in various ways, like brain fog, long and frequent pauses, overuse of filler words like “um,” “so,” and more! Now, to tackle this problem, you must follow this basic 3-step framework, and you are bound to give a great self-introduction in any situation with ease.

1. First Phase (The Present)

At the beginning of your introduction, remember to talk in the present tense! Why present tense? That is because, in the beginning, you introduce yourself with your name and job title, opening up the pathway to further elaborate on your projects, background, and expertise. This allows your introduction to sound more natural and doesn’t sound broken.

• Hi, I am Alisa, a data analyst working at the Brooklyn branch of XYZ company.  
• Hi, I’m Dylan, a content writer focusing on optimizing web pages to help them rank on Google.

2. Second Phase (The Past)

The second part of your introduction contains mainly two to three points of relevant experience, background, education, and past projects. Remember that this phase is usually spoken in the past tense! Also, this is the perfect opportunity to establish credibility and gain the trust of the person you are talking to.

• My background in computer science has helped me gain the necessary skills to work with big data and identify insights for the company,
• I have been a writer for two years, and I have worked with multiple organizations where I have helped them gain organic traffic with the help of high-quality content.  

3. Third Phase (The Future)

The last part of this framework, introducing yourself, mainly talks about your future goals. This is the perfect time for you to show that you are excited about what the future holds. Especially if you are in an interview, this is when you can show your eagerness for the opportunities at the company you are applying to.

• I am really happy to be here and hope to contribute significantly to the team.
• I am excited to help you gain more traffic to your website and increase your page rankings on Google.

With the help of this easy framework, you can easily introduce yourself professionally without spending much time framing your sentences. All you have to do is remember the major highlights of your career and follow the 3-steps. Also, a good introduction is one of the best ways to keep your audience engaged. If you want to learn more rules on how to engage your audience, check out our blog on the golden rules to keep your audience engaged and learn more!

Tips On How To Introduce Yourself In An Interview

Now that you know the basic structure, it’s time to increase your arsenal by introducing yourself during an interview. There are many ways to introduce yourself, but these tips will help you understand what to say when you face the dreaded question, ‘T ell me something about yourself. ‘

1. Greet The Interviewers

One of the best ways to start your introduction is just by simply greeting the interviewers; many underestimate how far a simple good morning or afternoon can go. After that, you can start your introduction by talking about who you are, your job title, and where you live ( the first phase)

2. Talk About Your Educational Background

Once you have given a brief about yourself, take a small dive into the past ( the second phase ) and discuss your educational background and where the university/college you graduated from. If you are fresher, you can talk about your grades if they can highlight and make you stand out, or else try not to talk about your scores. A few important things to mention include the projects you have completed and any certifications you have that are related to the job description.

3. Talk About Your Hobbies

Mentioning your hobbies and passions is a great way to create a personal connection with the interviewer, and it helps them understand your personality, as hobbies and passions are the see-through glass that shows one’s true personality. If you are a fresh graduate, you can even touch base on the co-curricular activities you participated in.

4. Have A Closing Statement

One final tip on how to introduce yourself in an interview is to have a good closing statement ( the third phase) . A great closing statement usually contains your motivations for applying to that specific job role and how it aligns with your career goals. Talk about how you are ready for all the challenges and how your core skills will help the organization from your role. Your statement should make the interviewer feel as if you are one of the greatest assets that the organization could have.

Tips On How To Introduce Yourself In A Presentation

Introducing yourself during a presentation is a different ball game than when you give a self-introduction in an interview. Your name and job title follow the same rules when introducing yourself, but the overall structure differs. A good introduction in a presentation helps to keep your slideshow interactive and fun! Follow these five tips to catch the eye of your audience when talking about yourself in a presentation.

Grab the attention of your audience immediately by being bold. You can easily do this by asking a captivating question, a surprising story about your topic, or even a cool statistic.

2. Be Clear & Concise

After grabbing your audience’s attention, start talking about yourself directly and clearly state your name, title, and relevant experience. Avoid rambling and talking about unnecessary details.

3. Establish Credibility

Quickly highlight your qualifications and expertise with regard to the presentation, allowing you to build trust and establish credibility.

4. Connect With The Audience

Finding common ground with your audience is an important tip when it comes to introducing yourself during a presentation, as it can help create a personal connection with them. Try using an anecdote or personal experience to create a connection.

5. Brief The Presentation

Give a quick outline of the presentation and everything you will cover, giving the audience a clear idea of what to expect and maintaining focus.

If you want to learn more ways how to keep your presentations interactive, check out our blog on the 10 ways to make an interactive presentation .

Tips To Follow When You Are Talking About Yourself

Now that you know how to introduce yourself during an interview and a presentation, with the help of the 3-step framework. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before talking about yourself and while you are giving your introduction.

1. Preparation Is Key

Being prepared to introduce yourself is a key tip to follow because it is one of the first things you do either when you start a presentation or during an interview. Practice your introduction in front of family or friends, who will help you find places for improvement. Doing this helps you gain confidence and ensures your speech is clear and professional.

2. Be Genuine

Being genuine and sincere is an important tip when it comes to talking about yourself. Everyone values honesty and sincerity, and being genuine helps build trust between you and others faster.  

3. Maintain Eye Contact

Always remember to maintain eye contact when you are talking about yourself. Looking around while talking shows that you are nervous, and it might even look like you are not interested. Always look at your interviewer when speaking, and if you are presenting, then keep looking at everyone, making them feel like you are personally talking to them.

4. Keep Your Body Language In Check

When you start talking about yourself, ensure that you are not speaking too fast, or there is unclarity in your speech, or showing that you are nervous, as it can hurt your introduction. Be relaxed and think before you speak, and ensure that your tone is clear and audible; this shows that you are confident and makes you look professional. Also, try to smile or nod from time to time as if you are in a normal conversation.

How Long Should Your Introduction Last?

When it comes to how long your self-introduction should last, there is no set time limit to get the best results. Everyone has a different approach to introducing themselves, so treating your introduction as any other question is best. Give out all the important information without missing any key points. On average, an introduction can last anywhere between 30 seconds to a minute. If you cross the average, you risk the opposite party losing interest!

Things To Avoid When Introducing Yourself Professionally

When you think about how to give an introduction about yourself, there are a few things that you need to avoid. They may seem small, but they play a major part in the grand scale of things! These include:

1. Try to keep your introduction short and sweet ( around 30 seconds to a minute ), and do not recite your resume!

2. Do not just list down your skills; instead, while you are mentioning your skills, back them up with examples to give your interviewer a clearer idea.

3. Do not include irrelevant skills in the applied job, as it may confuse the interviewer.

4. Do not use too much jargon when speaking; instead, keep your language clear so that everyone can understand your introduction.

5. Always show enthusiasm when talking about yourself because it might sound off-putting if you don’t show interest.

How To Introduce Yourself Professionally Samples

To help you understand how a good introduction should sound, here are a few examples of candidates introducing themselves in an interview. 

Sample 1: Dyaln (SEO Content Writer)

I’m Dylan, a seasoned SEO content writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives that drive results. With a strong foundation in SEO best practices and a keen eye for detail, I’ve successfully developed and executed content strategies for two years. My experience spans a diverse range of industries, from student accommodation to medicine, where I’ve honed my skills in crafting engaging content across various CMS platforms.

I’m particularly drawn to XYZ Company because of its reputation for multiple growth opportunities. Your commitment to helping out people and pushing for growth aligns perfectly with my professional goals. I’m excited to contribute my expertise in SEO and content creation to elevate XYZ Company’s online presence and drive organic growth.

Sample 2: Alisa (Data Analyst Fresher)

“Hello everyone, I’m Alisa, a recent graduate with a degree in Computer Science. My passion for data and problem-solving led me to pursue a career in data analysis. While I’m new to the professional world, I’m eager to apply my academic knowledge and analytical skills to real-world challenges.

I’m particularly interested in XYZ Company because of its reputation for data handling and visualization. I believe my strong foundation in statistics, data visualization, and programming languages combined with my enthusiasm for learning will make me a valuable asset to the team.”

How To Introduce Yourself Example Templates

SlideUpLift has abundant about me PowerPoint templates suited for all your needs. All of them are available for PowerPoint and Google Slides. Some of are about me PowerPoint templates include:

Interview Resume Presentation PowerPoint Template

About me slide powerpoint template.

Resume PowerPoint Template

Professional Resume Slide

Now that you know how to introduce yourself in the most professional way, it is time for you to apply everything you have learned in the blog in real life and impress everyone you meet in a professional environment.

How to introduce yourself?

Here are a few steps you should follow when you are starting to introduce yourself 1. Start with a greeting 2. State your job title 3. Mention your relevant experience 4. Talk about your professional goals

Are there any things I should avoid when talking about myself?

Yes, a few things you should avoid when introducing yourself include the likes of: 1. Using too much jargon 2. Over-sharing 3. Lack of enthusiasm 4. Not making eye contact 5. Bad posture

How long should an introduction last?

An introduction should, on average, last around 30 seconds to a minute or two. Make sure that you cover all the major points without missing out on anything important.

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8 Effective Ways to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation

How to Write a Problem Statement Slide

How to write the perfect titles for your slides, pro tips to create an impactful employee induction presentation, powerful endings: how to conclude a presentation for maximum impact.

Several studies have shown that you only have 7 seconds to make an everlasting impression on your audience in a presentation. It means these few seconds are critical as your audience makes a subconscious decision of whether what you speak is worth listening to or not. 

Presenters generally begin a presentation with their self-introduction, and those 7 seconds cover-up in explaining about them. So, it’s important to make this part of your talk more powerful and captivating.

Self-introduction is not as easy as it seems to be. You would want to highlight your achievements, but at the same time, you won’t want to blow your trumpet. You would not want to share every minute detail about your life, but you won’t want to miss out on telling any important thing about yourself to the audience either. In a nutshell, when you have to introduce yourself, you are in a dilemma – what to say and what not to say.

In this article, we have provided you with some tips and ways to overcome this dilemma and make your self-introduction memorable. Let’s start!

Why is Self-Introduction Important?

A self-introduction is an easy way to start a conversation. You get the opportunity to highlight your skills, educational background, interests, and experience. In short, it gives a brief idea about your personality. Also, this part sets the tone for your entire presentation. Hence it should be compelling enough to woo your listeners.

Creative Ways to Introduce Yourself to the Audience

1. start with your name and background information.

Though this is an age-old way of self-introduction, it’s always in trend and most preferred by global presenters.

State your name, the organization you are representing, the position you hold, and some facts that give a concise idea about your personality.  

For example, you can start in this manner-

“Greetings, I am Stella Harris working for XYZ Company for the past 6 years.”

2. Tell Your Personal Tagline

A tagline is a catchphrase that tells the audience about the value/service you create for the customers. 

Just like big brands create a tagline to increase their product awareness,  you can use this idea to highlight your strength and passion in a single statement. Craft a personal tagline that is catchy, precise, memorable, and customer-oriented.

Here are some tips on how to create a personal tagline for yourself.

• Do a self-assessment and identify your strengths and achievements.
• Assess your skills, values, and passion.

Now brainstorm the above points and jot down the words that best describe you.  Choose the main keyword and phrase a catchy one-liner around that keyword. Don’t forget to keep it short. 

3. A Punchy Elevator Pitch

Sharing your unique strengths, key skills, and abilities all in one go is quite a challenge. An elevator pitch is one of the best ways to connect with a new audience and communicate the value you can create for them. An elevator pitch is a short description of who you are and what you do within a time span of 30 seconds or less. 

While writing an elevator pitch, be sure to keep it goal-oriented and add a hook to reel the audience’s attention in a jiffy.

4. Share a Less-Known Fact About Yourself

Find out what makes you stand out from the crowd. Highlight your unique work experience.

For example, you can share with the audience that “In my job, I have had the opportunity to work with several kinds of people. This allowed me to understand different work styles. And, with time, I have gained amazing leadership and team-building skills. In the past 2 years, I have successfully completed XYZ number of projects.”

5. Tell a Quote that Best Describes You

Quotes are a powerful way of expressing your strongest persona. Using them in your self-introduction can help you connect quickly with a larger audience.

For example, you can begin with any of these quotes and then explain how this quote best reflects your personality.

“You are what you think.”

“You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” – John C. Maxwell, American author

6. Highlight Your Expertise that is Applicable to the Audience

The skills that you share should be audience-focused. Hence, you need to be very clear about what your audience wants from your presentation beforehand. Share your key credentials that can build a good rapport with your listeners.

7. Share Similarities

Shared interests contribute to the formation of new networks. When you share your interests and similarities with other people in a presentation, it engages the audience till the last minute. Also, it encourages more participation and conversation, which results in the ultimate success of the presentation.

8. Tell a Story

Starting off a presentation with a short personal story takes your audience on a journey that you have traveled. It reveals the passion for your work, the struggles you faced, and how you dealt with the challenges. But before you jumpstart on storytelling, you must know the audience’s pain points. It will evoke empathy and build trust because they will be able to easily relate to your story.

Some Quick Tips 

• Don’t brag while talking about yourself.
• Thoughtfully organize and rehearse your self-introduction.
• Know your audience, their pain points, and interests. Create your self-introduction based on that information.
• Be authentic while sharing any facts about yourself.
• Use a conversational tone while speaking to establish a quick connection with your audience. 

To Conclude

Introducing yourself is itself a nerve-wracking task. And, if you have to give a speech in front of an unfamiliar group, it may break you out in a cold sweat. The whole point of self-introduction is to make your audience familiar with you and make them understand why it is worth it for them to stay and listen. Starting your presentation with a well-prepared, engaging, and powerful self-introduction can help you build a relationship of trust with your listeners from the very first moment. 

For a more impactful self-introduction, you can use pre-designed PowerPoint templates and let your personality shine through creative slides.

Follow the above-mentioned ways outlined in this blog and make a mark while introducing yourself in the next presentation.

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How to Introduce Yourself For a Presentation | 6 Strategies for a Powerful Opening

Leah Nguyen • 08 April, 2024 • 9 min read

First impressions are everything in public speaking. Whether you’re presenting to a room of 5 people or 500, those first few moments set the stage for how your entire message will be received.

You only get one chance at a proper introduction, so it’s crucial to nail it.

We’ll cover the best tips on how to introduce yourself for a presentation . By the end, you’ll walk onto that stage with your head held high, ready to kick off an attention-grabbing presentation like a pro.

Table of Contents

#1. start the topic with an engaging hook, #2. set context around your topic, #3. keep it brief, #4. do the unexpected, #5. preview next steps, #6. perform mock talks, bottom line, frequently asked questions, tips for audience engagement.

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How to Introduce Yourself for a Presentation (+Examples)

Learn how to say “hi” in a way that leaves a lasting impact and your audience wanting more. The introduction spotlight is yours—now go grab it!

Pose an open-ended challenge related to your experience. "If you had to navigate X complex issue, how might you approach it? As someone who's dealt with this firsthand…"

Tease an accomplishment or detail about your background. "What many don't know about me is that I once…"

Relate a brief story from your career that shows your expertise. "There was a time early in my career when I…"

Pose a hypothetical and then relate from experience. "What would you do if faced with an upset customer like I was several years ago when…"

Refer to success metrics or positive feedback that proves your authority. "When I last delivered a presentation on this, 98% of attendees said they…"

Mention where you've been published or invited to speak. "…which is why organisations like [names] have asked me to share my insights on this topic."

Pose an open question and commit to answering it. "That leads me to something many of you may be wondering - how did I get so involved in this issue? Let me tell you my story…"

Sparking intrigue around your qualifications rather than just stating them will naturally draw the audience in through fun, engaging anecdotes .

For students:

• "As someone studying [subject] here at [school], I became fascinated with…"
• "For my final project in [class], I dove deeper into researching…"
• "Over the past year working on my undergraduate thesis about [topic], I discovered…"
• "When I took [professor's] class last semester, one issue we discussed really stood out to me…"

For professionals:

• "In my [number] years leading teams at [company], one challenge we continue to face is…"
• "During my tenure as [title] of [organisation], I've seen firsthand how [issue] impacts our work."
• "While consulting with [types of clients] on [topic], one common problem I've observed is…"
• "As the former [role] of [business/department], implementing strategies to address [issue] was a priority for us."
• "From my experience in both [roles] and [field], the key to success lies in understanding…"
• "In advising [client-type] on matters of [area of expertise], a frequent hurdle is navigating…"

Start by stating a problem or question that your presentation will address. "You've all likely experienced the frustration of...and that's what I'm here to discuss - how we can overcome..."

Share your key takeaway as a concise call to action. "When you leave here today, I want you to remember this one thing... because it will change the way you..."

Refer to a current event or industry trend to show relevance. "In light of [what's happening], understanding [topic] has never been more critical for success in..."

Relate your message to what matters most to them. "As [type of people they are], I know your top priority is... So I'll explain exactly how this can help you achieve..."

Tease an intriguing perspective. "While most people look at [issue] this way, I believe the opportunity lies in seeing it from this viewpoint..."

Connect their experience to future insights. "What you've faced so far will make so much more sense after exploring..."

The goal is to grab attention by painting a picture of what value they'll gain to ensure the context won't be missed.

When it comes to pre-show introductions, less is truly more. You've only got 30 seconds to make a blast of an impression before the real fun begins.

That may not sound like much time, but it's all you need to pique curiosity and get your story started off with a bang. Don't waste a single moment with filler - every word is an opportunity to enchant your audience.

Instead of droning on and on, consider surprising them with an intriguing quote or bold challenge related to who you are. Give just enough flavour to leave them craving seconds without spoiling the full meal to come.

Quality over quantity is the magic recipe here. Pack maximum impact into a minimum timeframe without missing a single delicious detail. Your introduction may only last 30 seconds, but it can spark a reaction to last all presentation long.

Forget a traditional "hi everyone...", hook the audience in right away by adding interactive elements to the presentation.

68% of people say that it’s easier to remember the information when the presentation is interactive.

You can start with an icebreaker poll asking everyone how they are feeling, or let them play a quiz to learn about yourself and the topic they're going to hear naturally.

Here's how interactive presentation software like AhaSlides can bring your introduction to a notch:

• AhaSlides has a plethora of slide types for your polling , quiz , Q&A , word cloud or open-ended question demands. Whether you're introducing yourself virtually or in person, the AhaSlides features are your best sidekicks to attract every eye to you!
• The results are shown live on the presenter's screen, grabbing the audience's focus with eye-catching designs.
• You can integrate AhaSlides with your common presentation software such as PowerPoint or interactive Google Slides with AhaSlides .

There are a few ways to show why your topic matters, such as:

Pose a burning question and promise the answer: "We've all asked ourselves at some point - how do you achieve X? Well, by the end of our time together I'll reveal the three essential steps."

Tease valuable takeaways: "When you leave here, I want you walking away with Y and Z tools in your back pocket. Get ready to level up your skills."

Frame it as a journey: "We'll discover a lot of things as we travel from A to B to C. By the end, your perspective will be transformed."

Introduce yourself in style with AhaSlides

Wow your audience with an interactive presentation about yourself. Let them know you better through quizzes, polling and Q&A!

Spark urgency: "We've only got an hour, so we have to move fast. I'll hustle us through sections 1 and 2 then you'll put what you learn into action with task 3."

Preview activities: "After the framework, be ready to roll up your sleeves during our hands-on exercise. Collaboration time starts…"

Promise a payoff: "When I first learned how to do X, it seemed impossible. But by the finish line, you'll say to yourself 'How did I live without this?'"

Keep them wondering: "Each stop delivers more clues until the big reveal awaits you at the end. Who's ready for the solution?"

Let the audience see your flow as an exciting progression beyond an ordinary outline. But don't promise air, bring something tangible to the table.

Presentation perfection requires plenty of playtime before showtime. Run through your intro like you're on stage - no half-speed rehearsing allowed!

Record yourself to get real-time feedback. Watching playback is the only way to spot any awkward pauses or filler phrasing begging for the chopping block.

Read your script to a mirror to eyeball presence and charisma. Does your body language bring it home? Amp up appeals through all your senses for total captivation.

Rehearse off-book until your intro floats to the surface of your mind like breathwork. internalise it so you shine without flashcards as a crutch.

Perform mock talks for family, friends or furry judges. No stage is too small when you're perfecting your part to sparkle.

💡 Know more: How to introduce yourself like a Pro

And there you have it - the secrets to Rocking. Your. Intro. No matter the size of your audience, these tips will have all eyes and ears hooked in a snap.

But remember, practice isn't just for perfection - it's for confidence. Own those 30 seconds like the superstar you are. Believe in yourself and your value, because they'll believe right back.

How do you introduce yourself before a presentation?

Start with the basic information like your name, title/position, and organisation before introducing the topic and outline.

What do you say to introduce yourself in a presentation?

A balanced example introduction may be: "Good morning, my name is [Your Name] and I work as a [Your Role]. Today I'll be talking about [Topic] and by the end, I hope to give you [Objective 1], [Objective 2] and [Objective 3] to help with [Topic Context]. We'll start with [Section 1], then [Section 2] before wrapping up with [Conclusion]. Thank you for being here, let's get started!"

How to introduce yourself in a class presentation as a student?

Key things to cover in a class presentation are name, major, topic, objectives, structure and a call for audience participation/questions.

Leah Nguyen

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

Tips to Engage with Polls & Trivia

More from AhaSlides

How to do a Presentation About Yourself

‘A presentation about myself’ – I think this is one of the most dreaded speech topics.  Talking about yourself – it’s difficult to know what your audience want to know, and how much you should tell them.

Its all about you 

Unfortunately this also happens to be one of the most common speeches you will be asked to give. Whether you are applying for a new job, or starting a new course/class, quite often the first meeting will involve getting to know each other and this will often mean saying a little bit about yourself. Luckily this often has a short time scale, perhaps five or ten minutes so it isn’t as daunting as it sounds.

Firstly when planning your speech, break it down into three sections – a beginning, a middle and a conclusion. This will not only give your speech some structure but will also help with the writing of it.

To start with

The most important thing to remember with the beginning is that it doesn’t really contain any real information. Greet your audience with a warm welcome, tell them who you are and what you are going to talk about, and tell them why you are going to talk about it. Take a look at Making a Presentation:Part One .

The middle section

This is where you tell them about you, tell them about your hobbies, your hopes, your dreams, your goals. Don’t brag about what you have achieved but be informative about it. If it is relevant then you should definitely include achievements.

If you are at a job interview discuss the reasons for wanting the job, touch on some past experience and tell them why you think you are suitable. Back this up with an anecdote from your past if it is related. Tell them what you pride yourself on. This might be time-keeping, efficiency, people skills, or all of these. Be prepared for questions on this because they may ask for examples of when you have shown these skills.

If you are at school, or starting a new college course then tell them why you chose to go for the course, what interests you about that particular job or career, what experience you have had previously, and where you hope it will take you.

For some pointers, have a look at this article on Making a Presentation: Part Two 

Wrapping it up 

The most important point to remember here is never to add any extra information at this point, this is where you should ask the audience if they have any questions. Do a little preparation for this beforehand so that you are prepared for questions about something that you have not covered. Have a look at this article about preparing for your presentation. Finally, you should thank them for their time and attention. And that’s it, finished.

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i have been asked to do a presentation tomorrow, topic ” WHO AM I” i just dont know where to start, or what exactly to tell, should i just tell whats on my resume?

The position is Sales Manager i have exentensive experieince in Sales and Executive Account management.

Can anyone please give tips..

Yes, First you strat looking at the audience and tell them that you wish give details about you.

Greet and welcome the audience if you have Standard Slide you can use.

Tell about Strength of your point by point

Address they af if you are more interactive and confidence person.

Well I am participating in a tv show about new politicans and i don’t know how to do a presantation of my self.. 🙁 I know what to tell about me but not exactly what the others need to hear from me ..

my skool sed we needed 2 do a presentation about our selves 2 the class but i dnt no how 2 present it or wat 2 do so does any1 hav any ideas???

I have to give presentation in my class on many topics like About yourself, success to me, business attributes, your Hero/ your inspiration, personal attributes, happiest moment ( moments), Efficiency norms, Handling mails- incoming and outgoing, your goal/ Ambition, Agenda, if you born again who would like to be?, Minutes, Your Dreams, Five years from now, Filling, Best Friend, Do you believe in luck/ hard-work/ destiny/ God, about my institute named as stenodac. please help me out i have never faced audience i am confused about these topics i don’t know what to say, how to present.

hey i have to do 5 minutes presentation about my self .i dont know where to start please give me ideas

thax very much for this valuable information.

I want a presentation on myself.which should be at a level of entrance examination.n should b fasinating.

Hi everyone.plsss.tel me exactly the point.i have a presentation Tomorrow im a teller but i dont know how to start presentation thank you

I need a big help on this please. How can I create who I am topic ?

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Hello Students, Before I start my presentation I would thank My Teacher__________ and you. My name is_________ and I will present for you about __________ And then you can start your presentation.

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Blog Marketing How To Start a Presentation: 15 Ways to Set the Stage

How To Start a Presentation: 15 Ways to Set the Stage

Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 25, 2023

The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – it’s your opportunity to make a lasting impression and captivate your audience. 

A strong presentation start acts as a beacon, cutting through the noise and instantly capturing the attention of your listeners. With so much content vying for their focus, a captivating opening ensures that your message stands out and resonates with your audience.

Whether you’re a startup business owner pitching a brilliant idea, a seasoned presenter delivering a persuasive talk or an expert sharing your experience, the start of your presentation can make all the difference. But don’t fret — I’ve got you covered with 15 electrifying ways to kickstart your presentation. 

The presentation introduction examples in this article cover everything from self-introduction to how to start a group presentation, building anticipation that leaves the audience eager to delve into the depths of your topic.

Click to jump ahead:

How to start a presentation introduction

15 ways to start a presentation and captivate your audience, common mistakes to avoid in the opening of a presentation, faqs on how to start a presentation, captivate the audience from the get-go.

Presentations can be scary, I know. But even if stage fright hits, you can always fall back on a simple strategy.

Just take a deep breath, introduce yourself and briefly explain the topic of your presentation.

To grab attention at the start, try this opening line: Hello everyone. I am so glad you could join me today. I’m very excited about today’s topic. I’m [Your Name] and I’ll be talking about [Presentation Topic]. Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by [Challenge related to your topic]. Many of us might have faced challenges with [Challenge related to your topic]. Today, we’ll explore some strategies that’ll help us [Solution that you’re presenting].

Regardless of your mode of presentation , crafting an engaging introduction sets the stage for a memorable presentation.

Let’s dive into some key tips for how to start a presentation speech to help you nail the art of starting with a bang:

Understand your audience

The key to an engaging introduction is to know your audience inside out and give your audience what they want. Tailor your opening to resonate with their specific interests, needs and expectations. Consider what will captivate them and how you can make your presentation relevant to their lives or work.

Use a compelling hook

Grab the audience’s attention from the get-go with a compelling hook. Whether it’s a thought-provoking question, a surprising fact or a gripping story, a powerful opening will immediately pique their curiosity and keep them invested in what you have to say.

State your purpose

Be crystal clear about your subject matter and the purpose of your presentation. In just a few sentences, communicate the main objectives and the value your audience will gain from listening to you. Let them know upfront what to expect and they’ll be more likely to stay engaged throughout.

Introduce yourself and your team

Give a self introduction about who you are such as your job title to establish credibility and rapport with the audience.

Some creative ways to introduce yourself in a presentation would be by sharing a brief and engaging personal story that connects to your topic or the theme of your presentation. This approach instantly makes you relatable and captures the audience’s attention.

Now, let’s talk about — how to introduce team members in a presentation. Before introducing each team member, briefly explain their role or contribution to the project or presentation. This gives the audience an understanding of their relevance and expertise.

Group presentations are also a breeze with the help of Venngage. Our in-editor collaboration tools allow you to edit presentations side by side in real-time. That way, you can seamlessly hare your design with the team for input and make sure everyone is on track. 

Maintain enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is contagious! Keep the energy levels up throughout your introduction, conveying a positive and upbeat tone. A vibrant and welcoming atmosphere sets the stage for an exciting presentation and keeps the audience eager to hear more.

Before you think about how to present a topic, think about how to design impactful slides that can leave a lasting impression on the audience. Here are 120+ presentation ideas , design tips, and examples to help you create an awesome slide deck for your next presentation.

Captivating your audience from the get-go is the key to a successful presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or a novice taking the stage for the first time, the opening of your presentation sets the tone for the entire talk. 

So, let’s get ready to dive into the 15 most creative ways to start a presentation. I promise you these presentation introduction ideas will captivate your audience, leaving them hanging on your every word.

Grab-attention immediately

Ask a thought-provoking question.

Get the audience’s wheels turning by throwing them a thought-provoking question right out of the gate. Make them ponder, wonder and engage their critical thinking muscles from the very start.

Share a surprising statistic or fact

Brace yourself for some wide eyes and dropped jaws! Open your presentation with a jaw-dropping statistic or a mind-blowing fact that’s directly related to your topic. Nothing captures attention like a good ol’ dose of shock and awe.

State a bold statement or challenge

Ready to shake things up? Kick off with a bold and daring statement that sets the stage for your presentation’s epic journey. Boldness has a way of making ears perk up and eyes widen in anticipation!

Engage with a poll or interactive activity

Turn the audience from passive listeners to active participants by kicking off with a fun poll or interactive activity. Get them on their feet, or rather — their fingertips, right from the start!

Venngage’s user-friendly drag-and-drop editor allows you to easily transform your slides into an interactive presentation . Create clickable buttons or navigation elements within your presentation to guide your audience to different sections or external resources. 

Enhance engagement by incorporating videos or audio clips directly into your presentation. Venngage supports video and audio embedding, which can add depth to your content.

Begin with an opening phrase that captures attention

Use opening phrases that can help you create a strong connection with your audience and make them eager to hear more about what you have to say. Remember to be confident, enthusiastic and authentic in your delivery to maximize the impact of your presentation.

Here are some effective presentation starting words and phrases that can help you grab your audience’s attention and set the stage for a captivating presentation:

• “Imagine…”
• “Picture this…”
• “Did you know that…”
• “Have you ever wondered…”
• “In this presentation, we’ll explore…”
• “Let’s dive right in and discover…”
• “I’m excited to share with you…”
• “I have a confession to make…”
• “I want to start by telling you a story…”
• “Before we begin, let’s consider…”
• “Have you ever faced the challenge of…”
• “We all know that…”
• “This is a topic close to my heart because…”
• “Over the next [minutes/hours], we’ll cover…”
• “I invite you to journey with me through…”

Build connection and credibility

Begin with a personal connection .

Share a real-life experience or a special connection to the topic at hand. This simple act of opening up creates an instant bond with the audience, turning them into your biggest cheerleaders.

Having the team share their personal experiences is also a good group presentation introduction approach. Team members can share their own stories that are related to the topic to create an emotional connection with your audience. 

Tell a relevant story

Start your presentation with a riveting story that hooks your audience and relates to your main message. Stories have a magical way of captivating hearts and minds. Organize your slides in a clear and sequential manner and use visuals that complement your narrative and evoke emotions to engage the audience.

With Venngage, you have access to a vast library of high-quality and captivating stock photography, offering thousands of options to enrich your presentations. The best part? It’s entirely free! Elevate your visual storytelling with stunning images that complement your content, captivate your audience and add a professional touch to your presentation. 

Use a powerful quote

Sometimes, all you need is some wise words to work wonders. Begin with a powerful quote from a legendary figure that perfectly fits your presentation’s theme — a dose of inspiration sets the stage for an epic journey.

Build anticipation

Provide a brief outline.

Here’s a good introduction for presentation example if you’re giving a speech at a conference. For longer presentations or conferences with multiple speakers especially, providing an outline helps the audience stay focused on the key takeaways. That way, you can better manage your time and ensure that you cover all the key points without rushing or running out of time.

Pose a problem and offer a solution

A great idea on how to start a business presentation is to start by presenting a problem and offering a well-thought-out solution. By addressing their pain points and showcasing your solution, you’ll capture their interest and set the stage for a compelling and successful presentation.

Back up your solution with data, research, or case studies that demonstrate its effectiveness. This can also be a good reporting introduction example that adds credibility to your proposal.

Preparing a pitch deck can be a daunting task but fret not. This guide on the 30+ best pitch deck tips and examples has everything you need to bring on new business partners and win new client contracts. Alternatively, you can also get started by customizing one of our professional pitch deck templates for free. 

Incite curiosity in the audience

Utilize visuals or props.

Capture your audience’s gaze by whipping out captivating visuals or props that add an exciting touch to your subject. A well-placed prop or a stunning visual can make your presentation pop like a fireworks show!

That said, you maybe wondering — how can I make my presentation more attractive.  A well-designed presentation background instantly captures the audience’s attention and creates a positive first impression. Here are 15 presentation background examples to keep the audience awake to help you get inspired. 

Use humor or wit

Sprinkle some humor and wit to spice things up. Cracking a clever joke or throwing in a witty remark can break the ice and create a positively charged atmosphere. If you’re cracking your head on how to start a group presentation, humor is a great way to start a presentation speech. 

Get your team members involved in the fun to create a collaborative and enjoyable experience for everyone. Laughter is the perfect way to break the ice and set a positive tone for your presentation!

Invoke emotion

Get those heartstrings tugging! Start with a heartfelt story or example that stirs up emotions and connects with your audience on a personal level. Emotion is the secret sauce to a memorable presentation.

Aside from getting creative with your introduction, a well-crafted and creative presentation can boost your confidence as a presenter. Browse our catalog of creative presentation templates and get started right away!

Use a dramatic pause

A great group presentation example is to start with a powerful moment of silence, like a magician about to reveal their greatest trick. After introducing your team, allow a brief moment of silence. Hold the pause for a few seconds, making it feel deliberate and purposeful. This builds anticipation and curiosity among the audience.

Pique their interest

Share a fun fact or anecdote.

Time for a little fun and games! Kick-off with a lighthearted or fascinating fact that’ll make the audience go, “Wow, really? Tell me more!” A sprinkle of amusement sets the stage for an entertaining ride.

While an introduction for a presentation sets the tone for your speech, a good slide complements your spoken words, helping the audience better understand and remember your message. Check out these 12 best presentation software for 2023 that can aid your next presentation. 

The opening moments of a presentation can make or break your entire talk. It’s your chance to grab your audience’s attention, set the tone, and lay the foundation for a successful presentation. However, there are some common pitfalls that speakers often fall into when starting their presentations. 

Starting with Apologies

It might be tempting to start with a preemptive apology, especially if you’re feeling nervous or unsure about your presentation. However, beginning with unnecessary apologies or self-deprecating remarks sets a negative tone right from the start. Instead of exuding confidence and credibility, you’re unintentionally undermining yourself and your message. 

Reading from Slides

One of the most common blunders in the opening of a PowerPoint presentation is reading directly from your slides or script. While it’s crucial to have a well-structured outline, reciting word-for-word can lead to disengagement and boredom among your audience. Maintain eye contact and connect with your listeners as you speak. Your slides should complement your words, not replace them.

Overwhelming with Information

In the excitement to impress, some presenters bombard their audience with too much information right at the beginning.

Instead of overloading the audience with a sea of data, statistics or technical details that can quickly lead to confusion and disinterest, visualize your data with the help of Venngage. Choose an infographic template that best suits the type of data you want to visualize. Venngage offers a variety of pre-designed templates for charts, graphs, infographics and more.

Ignoring the Audience

It’s easy to get caught up in the content and forget about the people in front of you. Don’t overlook the importance of acknowledging the audience and building a connection with them. Greet them warmly, make eye contact and maintain body language to show genuine interest in their presence. Engage the audience early on by asking a show of hands question or encourage audience participation. 

Lack of Clarity

Your audience should know exactly what to expect from your presentation. Starting with a vague or unclear opening leaves them guessing about the purpose and direction of your talk. Clearly communicate the topic and objectives of your presentation right from the beginning. This sets the stage for a focused and coherent message that resonates with your audience.

Simplicity makes it easier for the audience to understand and retain the information presented. Check out our gallery of simple presentation templates to keep your opening concise and relevant. 

Skipping the Hook

The opening of your presentation is the perfect opportunity to hook your audience’s attention and keep them engaged. However, some presenters overlook this crucial aspect and dive straight into the content without any intrigue. Craft an attention-grabbing hook that sparks curiosity, poses a thought-provoking question or shares an interesting fact. A compelling opening is like the key that unlocks your audience’s receptivity to the rest of your presentation.

Now that you’ve got the gist of how to introduce a presentation, further brush up your speech with these tips on how to make a persuasive presentation and how to improve your presentation skills to create an engaging presentation . 

How can I overcome nervousness at the beginning of a presentation?

To overcome nervousness at the beginning of a presentation, take deep breaths, practice beforehand, and focus on connecting with your audience rather than worrying about yourself.

How long should the opening of a presentation be?

The opening of a presentation should typically be brief, lasting around 1 to 3 minutes, to grab the audience’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the talk.

Should I memorize my presentation’s opening lines?

While it’s helpful to know your opening lines, it’s better to understand the key points and flow naturally to maintain authenticity and flexibility during the presentation.

Should I use slides during the opening of my presentation?

Using slides sparingly during the opening can enhance the message, but avoid overwhelming the audience with too much information early on.

How do I transition smoothly from the opening to the main content of my presentation?

Transition smoothly from the opening to the main content by providing a clear and concise outline of what’s to come, signaling the shift and maintaining a logical flow between topics.

Just as a captivating opening draws your audience in, creating a well-crafted presentation closing has the power to leave a lasting impression. Wrap up in style with these 10 ways to end a presentation .

Presenting virtually? Check out these tips on how to ace your next online presentation . 

Captivating your audience from the very beginning is crucial for a successful presentation. The first few moments of your talk can set the tone and determine whether your audience remains engaged throughout or loses interest. 

Start with a compelling opening that grabs their attention. You can use a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic or a powerful quote to pique their curiosity. Alternatively, storytelling can be a potent tool to draw them into your narrative. It’s essential to establish a personal connection early on, whether by sharing a relatable experience or expressing empathy towards their needs and interests.

Lastly, be mindful of your body language and vocal delivery. A confident and engaging speaker can captivate an audience, so make eye contact, use appropriate gestures and vary your tone to convey passion and sincerity.

In conclusion, captivating your audience from the very beginning requires thoughtful preparation, engaging content and a confident delivery. With Venngage’s customizable templates, you can adapt your presentation to suit the preferences and interests of your specific audience, ensuring maximum engagement. Go on and get started today!

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Suit Yourself: How to Dress for a College Presentation

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From clicking through slides of that randomly assigned group project you spent far too long putting off, to unveiling a semester’s worth of research at an end-of-year senior showcase, there comes a time in every student’s life to give a college presentation. It may be a thesis months in the making, a business pitch to potential employers, or an informal introduction to a freshman seminar you nearly skipped over on syllabus day. No matter the case, however, the way you present yourself is often as important as the presentation itself.

For first-time presenters, navigating elevated classroom attire is a daunting beast to tame. Even the most oratorically inclined may question where to begin the clothing search, how to afford and style quality garments, and the list goes on. And while it’s tempting to rely on the classic 8:00 am cozy sweats and worn-out sneakers uniform, dressing professionally does not have to be a scary undertaking. Below, we’ve compiled words of advice and outfit ideas perfect for presenting your next big project.

Fuse Professionalism and Personal Style

If you’re stumped on what to wear, reflecting on your ideal professional identity is a useful place to start. “When you walk into a room, what’s the impression you want to leave?,” asks incoming Cornell University law student Avalon Fenster, known across social media as Internship Girl .

“Don’t completely scrub the things you would wear every day, but wear something you can feel confident in [that] suits what you want to project into the world,” said Kirsty Ward , designer and professor of fashion at Savannah College of Art and Design. Far too often, she observes young people going to great lengths to avoid being perceived as amateurish, to the point of “ending up in suits with no personality at all.” But to both Ward and Fenster, dressing professionally simply means showing up as an elevated version of oneself, without sacrificing personal taste.

It’s often those individual touches to an ensemble that make it all the more memorable, reinforcing the impact of a college presentation. Got a lucky best friend bracelet and necklace that’s been in your family for decades? Or a pair of conversation-starting shoes? Lean into these novel pieces that add flair to a more understated outfit.

TREATMENT BY SKYLI ALVAREZ. JEWELRY FROM IGIRL.

Work With What You Have

It’s quite easy to feel as though you’ve got to purchase an entirely new set of clothes to be lecture-ready, but some of the best pieces are likely already in your closet. “Before you shop for anything, before you add to your wardrobe, look for what you can repurpose,” said Fenster.

Resist the urge to buy everything you think you may need all at once by swapping items with friends, doing thrift-flips, and styling hand-me-downs from older siblings and relatives. Frequenting thrift stores and estate sales remains a budget-friendly alternative to spending on new items and can offer one-of-a-kind, affordable substitutes.

“It's way better to get fewer things that are higher quality than lots of things that are just falling apart. The last thing you want is to be at a meeting and [have] threads start coming out of your pants,” said Fenster.

Comfort is Key

You want to be able to command the space you’re presenting in and not be preoccupied with two-sizes-too-long dress pants and pumps that leave ankles sore for days. When it comes to closet staples, Fenster and Ward both stress the importance of comfort. “Whether it’s a great [pair] of cigarette pants or good flats you can walk in,” as per Ward, feeling and looking put together go hand-in-hand.

Ditch the no-support high heels for a clean pair of sneakers ; opt for soft, lightweight fabrics such as cotton; and layer for extra warmth when you know a classroom will be chilly. “Dress for focus,” says Fester, “so that you can not only look fantastic, but [also] be present in the task at hand.”

TREATMENT BY SKYLI ALVAREZ

Mix and Match Classics

Consider assembling a capsule wardrobe of versatile basics that can be easily thrown on for any college presentation. “I would definitely recommend having good button-down shirts, ones that you can either [wear] as they are or style in a fun way. If they’re oversized, play around with the proportions,” said Ward. She recommends Uniqlo for affordable apparel, especially noting its recent collaborations with JW Anderson and Marimekko .

To Fenster, the ideal professional closet for a college student includes two pairs of pants, two blazers, several shirts, a bodysuit, and a functional bag. Aritzia is her go-to for businesswear, and she swears by its front-knife pleated Effortless Pant and cropped Babaton Arbus Blazer . She embraces trends but advises starting out with timeless silhouettes.

The Bottom Line

College is prime for style experimentation and pushing beyond your comfort zone, both through the ensembles you wear and the academic opportunities you pursue. “Don’t pressure yourself to have it all sorted out, [as] you’re just at the start of your learning and career,” said Ward. The outfits won’t always work, though perhaps therein lies the excitement. With time, you’ll learn what compliments you, so long as you make a continued effort to push out of your comfort zone.

“If you’re someone who’s still navigating how to dress professionally, the best thing you can do is put yourself in as many situations as possible to dress up,” said Fenster. “Go to those conferences, go to those networking meetings, make coffee chats with upperclassmen, put yourself in classes where [presentations] are part of the syllabus.”

Shop several uni presentation-approved pieces below:

Soft Lawn Gathered Blouse

Babaton Equilibrium Top

Chiffon Skirt

The Effortless Pant™ Wider

The Greta Ballet Flat

Jeffrey Campbell

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Are You Standing Up For Yourself? It’s Time to Self-Advocate and Take Your Power Back

No more being used, ignored, or taken for granted

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

We've all done it—stayed silent instead of speaking up, whether it's at work, in our relationships, or even among our friends. We let things slide because we prefer to keep the peace and avoid making a fuss. But what if, in doing so, we're actually giving away our power?

We let one or two things go, and suddenly we find that our opinions are being dismissed and our needs are being ignored. Instead of feeling respected and valued, we feel like we’re being used or taken for granted .

This can happen when we don’t stand up for ourselves. It’s important that we advocate for our needs and wants, to ensure that our voice is acknowledged and our boundaries are respected, says Heather Hagen , MS, LMFT, Executive Director of Clinical Outpatient Services at Newport Healthcare.

In this article, we explore the importance of self-advocacy and ask the experts for some strategies to help us build our confidence and stand up for ourselves.

At a Glance

Tired of people walking all over you? It’s important to draw the line and speak up for yourself, because if you don’t, no one else will. We know it’s scary, but it’s time to muster your courage and confidence. We promise it will be worth it when you gain the respect you deserve. 

Understanding the Importance of Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy is important for several reasons:

• Empowers us: Self-advocacy empowers us to stand up for ourselves and ensure our needs are met. It’s essential that we voice our needs and beliefs, even if it’s scary or uncomfortable, says Tatiana Rivera Cruz , MSW, LCSW, a therapist at ADHDAdvisor.
• Fosters respect: When we respect and honor ourselves, we teach others that they must be considerate and respectful toward us too. Otherwise, when we let our own needs be ignored, we show others that it’s acceptable to treat us poorly.
• Improves communication: Self-advocacy requires us to communicate our needs clearly and assertively , so that there is no doubt or confusion about our wishes.
• Encourages healthy boundaries: Not standing up for ourselves allows people to take advantage of our passivity or disregard our boundaries, says Hagen. Self-advocacy can help us establish and maintain clear boundaries in our relationships, leading to healthier and more equitable dynamics.
• Builds confidence: Speaking up for ourselves boosts our self-esteem and reinforces our sense of self-confidence.
• Prevents resentment: When we fail to stand up for ourselves, our needs and opinions can be overlooked, leading to frustration and resentment , Hagen explains. By voicing our concerns, we avoid bottling up our frustrations.
• Reduces stress: When others ignore our needs, we often have to work harder to get them met, which can be difficult and stressful.

Research shows us that disenfranchised populations like women, minorities, and people with physical or mental health conditions may be more likely to experience mistreatment and are often less likely to self-advocate.

Building Self-Confidence

We know that speaking up for yourself isn’t easy! Building the confidence to stand up for yourself is a crucial step toward personal empowerment and assertiveness, says Cruz. Self-confidence empowers you to express your needs, opinions, and boundaries without fearing rejection or conflict, Hagen adds.

Not standing up for ourselves allows people to take advantage of our passivity or disregard our boundaries.

Here are some strategies that can help you build your confidence so you can self-advocate:

• Know your worth: Start by recognizing your value and the importance of your needs and opinions. Take pride in your strengths, achievements, and what you bring to the table.
• Educate yourself: The more you know about your rights, the situation you're in, or the topic at hand, the more confident you'll feel in advocating for yourself. Remember, knowledge is power.
• Visualize success: Picture yourself confidently advocating for your needs and imagine the positive outcomes as a result. Visualization can help reduce your anxiety and build your confidence.
• Practice assertiveness: Practice expressing your thoughts and needs clearly and calmly. You can begin by advocating for yourself in smaller, less intimidating situations. As you experience success, your confidence will grow, making it easier to tackle more challenging scenarios.
• Use positive self-talk: Hagen recommends using positive self-talk or affirmations , to help you feel stronger and more powerful.
• Reflect on past successes: Think about times when you successfully advocated for yourself. Remembering these moments can reinforce your ability to do it again.
• Learn from setbacks: If things don't go as planned, use the experience as a learning opportunity instead of seeing it as a failure. Understanding what went wrong can prepare you for similar situations in the future.

Self-confidence empowers you to express your needs, opinions, and boundaries without fearing rejection or conflict.

Setting Boundaries in Relationships

Setting healthy boundaries is another important aspect of standing up for yourself. It is an act of self-love that requires self-awareness, clear communication, and courage, because it often means not meeting others' expectations, says Cruz.

Here are some strategies that can help you set healthy boundaries in your relationships:

• Identify your needs: Reflect on your relationships and ask yourself: What matters to me most? What do I need from each relationship? 
• Recognize your limits: Think about the situations that make you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed . You can write them down in a journal, if you like. This exercise can help you understand where your boundaries lie.
• Communicate your boundaries: Use direct, clear, assertive, and respectful language to express your needs and boundaries. For example, instead of saying, “That’s fine, I guess,” say, “I would appreciate it if you check with me first before making plans for us.”
• Be consistent: Once you've set a boundary, it’s essential that you stand firm and stick to it. This reinforces the importance of your boundary and shows others that it’s non-negotiable. Otherwise, your boundary loses its meaning, and people may continue to disregard it.
• Practice saying no: Learn to say no when something isn’t in your best interests. Saying no takes courage, but it’s a powerful way to stand up for yourself and your values.
• Be prepared for pushback: Sometimes, people may react negatively when you set boundaries. Stand firm but remain calm, explaining that these boundaries are essential for your well-being. Others’ actions will reveal their true nature, says Cruz. Those who genuinely care about you will learn to respect your boundaries; whereas, those who push back may not have your best interests at heart.
• Adjust your boundaries as needed: Our needs change and our relationships evolve, so our boundaries should too. Adjust your boundaries as needed and communicate the changes clearly.
• Find the right balance: While it’s important to advocate for yourself, it’s equally important to respect the other person’s needs. Finding the right balance is key to maintaining healthy and equitable relationships.

Setting boundaries is an act of self-love that requires self-awareness, clear communication, and courage, because it often means not meeting others' expectations.

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety

Standing up for yourself can be daunting, especially when your fear is holding you back. Here are some strategies that can help you overcome your anxieties:

• Acknowledge your fears: Start by recognizing and naming your fears. Whether it's the fear of rejection , conflict, or being judged, acknowledging these emotions is the first step toward addressing them.
• Challenge negative thoughts: Challenge any negative self-talk that is holding you back. Remind yourself that you deserve to be treated with kindness and fairness.
• Prepare in advance: If there’s a situation coming up where you think you might have to stand up for yourself, it can be helpful to prepare in advance. Practice what you want to say and how you want to say it. Having a clear idea of your key points can reduce your anxiety and make it easier to stay focused during the conversation.
• Take it one step at a time: Focus on one situation at a time. Trying to do everything all at once can be stressful and overwhelming. By breaking it down into manageable steps, you can gradually build your confidence and reduce anxiety.
• Accept imperfections: Understand that self-advocacy doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s okay to stumble or feel nervous. What matters is that you’re taking steps to voice your needs. Like any other skill, you’ll get better at asserting your needs with practice. Celebrate your progress and be proud of yourself for standing up for yourself.
• Seek Support: Talk to your friends, family members, or a therapist about your fears. Sharing your feelings can help you feel more confident and empowered.

Cruz reminds us that Eleanor Roosevelt said: “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” This message is so powerful because she emphasizes that facing fears and challenges directly is a powerful way to build confidence, says Cruz.

Handling Conflicts and Difficult Situations

Self-advocacy can sometimes lead to conflicts or difficult situations, particularly if people aren’t used to the idea of you standing up for yourself.

Here are some strategies to help you navigate these situations:

• Stay calm: When you’re faced with conflict, take deep breaths and try to remain as calm as possible. Keeping your emotions in check will allow you to think clearly and respond thoughtfully, rather than reacting impulsively.
• Listen actively: Give the other person a chance to express their thoughts and feelings. Active listening shows respect and can help diffuse some of the tension, making it easier to find common ground.
• Use “I” statements: Frame your responses using “I” statements to express your feelings and needs without blaming the other person. For example, say, “I feel unheard when my opinions are dismissed” instead of “You never listen to me.”
• Reiterate your boundaries: If someone challenges your boundaries, calmly restate them and explain why they are important to you.
• Find common ground: Work with the other person to find common ground. Identifying areas of agreement can help build a foundation for a productive conversation. Show the other person that you can appreciate their viewpoint, even if you don’t necessarily agree with it.
• Negotiate needs: Be open to compromise and look for solutions that work for everyone involved.
• Seek understanding, not victory: Approach the situation with the goal of mutual understanding rather than trying to “win” the argument. Focus on finding a resolution that respects both sides.
• Know when to walk away: If the situation becomes toxic or unproductive, it may be best to disengage from it. Walking away can be a powerful way to protect your mental and emotional well-being.
• Seek mediation or support: In particularly challenging situations, consider seeking the help of a neutral third party, such as a mediator or counselor, to facilitate the conversation and help you reach a resolution.

Keep in Mind

Standing up for yourself isn’t always easy, but it’s important in order to ensure you aren’t ignored, used, or worse mistreated . By practicing self-advocacy and setting clear boundaries, you can take control of your life and ensure that your needs are met. It’s about valuing yourself enough to say, “I matter,” and making sure others recognize that too. It’s time to take your power back and make your voice heard!

Hagan TL, Medberry E. Patient education vs. patient experiences of self-advocacy: Changing the discourse to support cancer survivors . J Cancer Educ . 2016 Jun;31(2):375-81. doi:10.1007/s13187-015-0828-x

Hutchens J, Frawley J, Sullivan EA. Is self-advocacy universally achievable for patients? The experiences of Australian women with cardiac disease in pregnancy and postpartum . Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being . 2023 Dec;18(1):2182953. doi:10.1080/17482631.2023.2182953

Blankert T, Hamstra MR. Imagining success: Multiple achievement goals and the effectiveness of imagery . Basic Appl Soc Psych . 2017 Jan 2;39(1):60-67. doi:10.1080/01973533.2016.1255947

Cascio CN, O'Donnell MB, Tinney FJ, Lieberman MD, Taylor SE, Strecher VJ, Falk EB. Self-affirmation activates brain systems associated with self-related processing and reward and is reinforced by future orientation . Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci . 2016 Apr;11(4):621-9. doi:10.1093/scan/nsv136

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library & Museum. Eleanor Roosevelt .

By Sanjana Gupta Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

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How to use Microsoft PowerPoint

Creating a successful slideshow is no small task. So, if you’re new to Microsoft PowerPoint, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the features and tools you need to build a presentation.

How to create a slideshow

How to add a slide, how to insert slide elements, how to use different views, how to add speaker notes, how to start and end a presentation.

We’ll guide you through the process of creating a PowerPoint slideshow by adding slides and elements as well as how to present the show when you finish. These basics are just what you need as a beginner and should get you off to a terrific start with PowerPoint.

Note : The information in this tutorial applies to PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 on Windows. While you may see variations in features or menus, most PowerPoint versions have the same basic options.

When you open the application, you can create a new blank slideshow or use a built-in PowerPoint template . To best familiarize yourself with the application and the items we’ll walk through here, select a Blank slideshow on the Home screen and follow along.

Next, you’ll want to name and save your presentation file. Select File > Save or Save As name the file on the right, choose a location for it, and select Save .

Be sure to continue saving your slideshow regularly as you work on it by selecting Save in the Quick Access Toolbar.

A blank presentation in PowerPoint starts you off with a main slide. You’ll notice a text box at the top for the title and one beneath for the subtitle. Simply click inside these boxes to enter your text.

While it’s good to get in the habit of using title slides like these to begin future presentations, you’ll also need to know how to insert the additional slides.

Go to either the Home or Insert tab and open the New Slide menu in the ribbon.

Choose the layout you want to use for the new slide. You’ll see several options that include placeholders, which is handy for popping in what you need like text, lists, or images.

Once the slide appears, click inside a placeholder to add the necessary elements.

Continue to insert as many slides as you want the same way.

Along with using the placeholders on the slides, you can add your own items. This is helpful if a slide doesn’t contain the number or type of placeholders you need.

Add a text box

One popular slide element to add is a text box, which is just like the title and subtitle boxes on the title slide. With it, you can insert and format text as you wish.

Go to the Insert tab and select Text box in the Text group.

You can use your cursor to draw the size of the box you want or simply click the slide and begin typing inside the box.

To format the text in the box, select it and go to the Home tab. Use the options in the Font section of the ribbon to adjust the style, size, color, or emphasis.

Specific to PowerPoint on Windows, you’ll also see a floating toolbar appear near the text that you select. This toolbar contains the same features as on the Home tab along with additional options.

Add images, shapes, and icons

Because a slideshow is a visual tool, you’ll likely want to add photos, illustrations, shapes, or icons to slides.

Go to the Insert tab and open the Pictures , Shapes , or Icons menu.

• Pictures : Pick an image from your device, one of the stock images, or an online picture and select Insert .
• Shapes : Pick a shape from the menu and use your cursor to draw it on the slide.
• Icons : Search or use the categories to find the icon, select it, and click Insert .

Once you insert one of the above on your slide, you’ll see the corresponding tab appear to format the object. For pictures, you have a Picture Format tab, for shapes, you have a Shape Format tab, and for icons, you have a Graphics Format tab.

You can use the tools in the ribbon to do things like change the color, add a border, align or rotate the object, and resize it.

Add audio or video

Another useful object to add to your slides is an audio file or video. You can then play the sound or video clip during your presentation.

Go to the Insert tab and open the Audio or Video menu.

• Audio : Pick an audio file to add to PowerPoint from your device or record audio on the spot.
• Video : Pick a video to embed into your presentation from your device, one of the stock videos, or an online video and select Insert .

Like with images and shapes, you’ll see tabs appear to format the file you insert. For audio, you have an Audio Format tab, for video, you have a Video Format tab, and for both types of files, you have a Playback tab.

Use the Format tabs to adjust the color, add a border, or apply an effect and the Playback tab to set a fade in or out effect, loop the playback, or play it in the background.

You can take advantage of different views in PowerPoint for accomplishing various tasks. This is helpful for seeing all of your slides in a grid, viewing a notes page, or working with an outline.

Go to the View tab and you’ll see the options in the Presentation Views group.

• Normal : Use this to create and edit your slides.
• Outline View : Use this to work with an outline of your presentation. Each slide is numbered with a hierarchy of slide elements.
• Slide Sorter : Use this to see your slides in a grid format for an overall slideshow view.
• Notes Page : Use this to view your presentation with notes — this is where you print a PowerPoint presentation with notes .
• Reading View : Use this to play your slideshow in the same window without entering full-screen mode.

Use the tools in the Show section of the View tab to display a Ruler , Gridlines , or Guides . These items can help you line up your slide elements.

You can also select the Zoom and Fit to Window options in the Zoom section of the ribbon to get a better view of slide items or the overall slide.

Presenting a slideshow is similar to giving a speech where you may want to use speaker notes. Like note cards, you can add notes to each slide in your presentation. When you present the slideshow, only you can view your notes; your audience cannot see them.

Select Notes in the Status Bar at the bottom of the PowerPoint window or go to View > Notes .

Add your notes in the section that appears below the slide.

You can use the options in the Font section of the Home tab to add emphasis or create a list.

For more detail, check out our how-to for adding notes in PowerPoint .

When you’re ready to present your PowerPoint slideshow or to see it as your audience will, you can start the presentation anytime.

Go to the Slide Show tab.

To display your speaker notes and a dashboard of controls while you present, check the box for Use Presenter View in the Monitors section. Then, select the monitors for the slideshow display and presenter view using the Monitor drop-down menu.

On the left side of the ribbon, pick From Beginning or From Current Slide per your preference.

When the slideshow starts, you’ll see what your audience sees on one monitor with Presenter View on the other. This is a super helpful way to present your slideshow because the Presenter View window provides you with controls.

If you’re unable to use more than one monitor, you’ll also see controls on the bottom left of the slides.

In the Presenter View window, you’ll see the current slide on the left with the controls beneath and the next slide on the right along with your speaker notes.

To use a control, hover your cursor over each button for a brief description.

From left to right, you can choose a laser pointer or pen, see all slides in a grid, zoom in on the slide, display a black screen, turn the subtitles or camera on or off, and view additional options like changing the subtitle settings or ending the presentation.

To stop presentation mode, press your Esc key, select End Slide Show at the top, or use the three dots to choose End Show .

While this beginner’s guide to using PowerPoint should get you off to a great start creating and presenting your first slideshow, there’s plenty more to learn. Check out how to use Presenter Coach for rehearsing your presentation and best practices for making awesome PowerPoint slides for tips and suggestions.

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Star Wars Outlaws is an OK video game wrapped in a stunning simulacrum of the galaxy far, far away

New game co-produced by ubisoft toronto and montreal studios out now for xbox, playstation and pc.

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It is a period of unrest in the Star Wars franchise — and that makes it an interesting time for a game like Star Wars Outlaws to launch.

Disney's fortunes with the property have seen better days. The newest streaming series, The Acolyte , launched to mixed reviews and was not renewed after its first season. At Walt Disney World, the Galactic Starcruiser hotel closed in 2023 after only 18 months in operation.

The fortunes of Star Wars games these days are similarly mixed. Jedi Fallen Order and Jedi Survivor  were well reviewed. But several recent projects have been stalled with no release date in sight or have been cancelled altogether — including what would have been a first-person shooter based on the hit Mandalorian series.

Outlaws 's focus on bounty hunters and gunslingers rather than jedi and sith makes it nearly unbelievable that development — led by Ubisoft's Massive Entertainment studio in Sweden, with key support from Toronto and Montreal — made it past the finish line.

In it, we meet Kay Vess (played by Latina Canadian actor Humberly González), down on her luck doing odd black-market jobs on Canto, home to the gambling megacity Canto Bight, seen in The Last Jedi . After a major job goes wrong, she's given a so-called death mark, making her one of the most-hunted people in the galaxy.

It's up to Kay — and the player — to navigate her rep among the leading criminal syndicates and build a team to pull off one last heist to ride off into hyperspace rich and free.

Kay, to her credit, is far more likeable than the scoundrel label that Ubisoft has pummelled gamers with in their marketing. You'll get moments when Kay's pushed to the limit and is ready to get her hands bloody, but she leans more on the charming side than the arrogant, sus Han Solo we meet at the outset of A New Hope .

González told CBC that, when we meet Kay, she's only begun her "hero's journey" toward becoming a legendary figure in the underworld.

"You do get to see that vulnerable side to her that comes out ... because there's still so much growing for her to do," she said. 

"She is going to have these experiences that are going to shape her, toughen her up, kind of give her a reality check. And where she needs to protect herself, how she comes off — she doesn't always learn the easy way."

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Familiar 3rd-person gameplay

If you've played a third-person action game in the last decade and a half, chances are most of Outlaws will feel familiar. You'll be sneaking around enemy compounds, taking out guards silently from behind and breaking out your blaster if or when you are spotted.

Most of the mechanics feel like they've been done better in other games. Kay often has to depend on stealth as she infiltrates criminal lounges or Imperial stations, but it's not as finely tuned as in an Assassin's Creed game, for example.

Often while playing, I accidentally alerted a guard when trying to attack them from behind when button prompts suggested I should be out of sight. Sometimes the camera angles hide patrolling enemies from your line of vision, putting you in immediate danger.

In between encounters, you'll do some light platforming. Leaping across gaps with Kay's grappling hook gives you a momentary rush. But climbing ledges and fences ad nauseum hasn't been fun for years, so it's puzzling that Outlaws relies on it so much.

The worst is ship combat, as Kay's clunky freighter is constantly harassed by squads of faster bandit starfighters. Fending them off is an exercise in frustration when you're likely just trying to get from one planet to another.

Where Outlaws 's mechanics shine is in the interplay between the major criminal underworlds. By completing missions big and small, you'll earn and lose favour between the gangs. If you're on a particular clan's good side, you can walk through most of their territory without trouble.

Get on their bad side, and the opposite happens, and in the worst-case scenario they'll even send squads to hunt you anywhere in the game world.

It's a great encapsulation of Kay's need to work all angles — even though her scripted scenes rarely portray her as the cutthroat who would do this sort of thing.

Outlaws 's best mechanic comes in the form of your muppet-like buddy Nix — which,  as the Washington Post's Gene Park first noted , seems lifted from Ubisoft's hacking game series  Watch Dogs .

You can send Nix out to do all sorts of things, from distracting enemy guards to setting off explosive canisters, and unlocking doors when it's out of Kay's reach. While Kay's stealth options are limited, Nix opens up possibilities and gives you reason to be aware of your surroundings.

Kay can also hack computers with a "slicing" mini-game that plays more or less like Wordle with Imperial symbols, or unlock doors with a data spike that resembles R2-D2's tool in the movies, making satisfying whirring and clicking noises along the way.

Immaculate Star Wars immersion

While the moment-to-moment action is often just OK, the presentation nails the feeling of being dropped into the Star Wars universe better than arguably any game has done before.

Every detail feels plucked from the set of a movie — like Tatooine's twin suns bathing the desert and canyons in red evening light, as you walk through musty, low-ceilinged cantinas in Mos Eisley.

The Empire's cold, gunmetal outposts make a sharp contrast to the wild landscapes around them. Blasters make exactly the sound effects you think they would, and important upgrade materials are kept in containers that look like painted-over beer coolers.

The mix of familiar and newer locations keeps it from feeling like a rehash of the franchise's greatest hits — so that when you do find yourself skulking around Jabba the Hutt's palace, for example, it feels novel rather than tired.

When these elements work together, you've got yourself a stew going of the best experiences Star Wars has to offer.

In one mission on Tatooine, Kay is forced to scavenge a Sarlacc tooth to trade with the local Jawas, who can help repair her ship.

The sand monster's gaping maw is just as imposing as it was in Return of the Jedi . But that's just the beginning for Kay, who dives into the monster's corpse, spelunking through the cave system made out of its calcified flesh and bone.

Once she retrieves the tooth and evades a mob of gangsters who give chase on their speeder bikes, she brings her prize back to the Jawa scavenger.

The Jawa nods, takes the tooth — and then tosses it onto a pile of others just like it. The severed head of a C3PO-like protocol droid laying in a nearby tool box politely congratulates you.

It's a wild swing between tones — subtle suspense, blood-pumping action and slapstick humour — and utterly faithful to the spirit of Star Wars.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jonathan Ore is a writer and editor for CBC Radio Digital in Toronto. He regularly covers the video games industry for CBC Radio programs across the country and has also covered arts & entertainment, technology and the games industry for CBC News.

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