How to Structure A Presentation?

Your presentation will create the impact you want only with a structure – no matter how impressive your text, visuals, body language, and story are.

You may ask yourself, “Why is a good presentation structure so important?”. Here’s the scientific answer: Studies show that people retain structured information about  40% more reliably and accurately than unstructured information.

Creating a well-structured presentation is like building a house, requiring a solid foundation and careful planning. It needs to be prepared meticulously from the first step to the last step. 

To help you, in this blog post, we will answer the question of how to structure an effective presentation.

How should a presentation be planned and designed? 

First of all, there is no one-size-fits-all structure. You need to create the most appropriate and effective structure according to the needs of your presentation. 

To achieve this, you should seek answers to the following questions:

• Who is your audience?
• What is the purpose of the presentation? Selling, informing, inspiring?
• What do you want the audience to remember after the presentation?
• Do you have a story? Or are you going to make a comparison?

However, a general structure for a well-prepared presentation would look like this:

1. Introduction

At the outset of your presentation, it’s crucial to lay the ground for what’s to come. 

Capture attention

Begin with an attention-grabbing hook, such as an impressive story, surprising fact, or thought-provoking question, to immediately engage your audience and draw them into your topic.

State objectives

Clearly articulate the purpose and specific objectives of your presentation. In this way, you can ensure everyone understands the goals you aim to achieve and what they can expect to learn or gain from it.

Outline content

Provide a brief yet informative overview of the main points or topics you’ll cover throughout your presentation. This serves as a roadmap for your audience, helping them anticipate the structure and flow of your presentation and stay focused.

2. The main body 

The body of your presentation is where most of its content is. Here are some steps to structuring it effectively:

Logical organization

Structure your content in a logical and coherent manner, arranging your ideas in a sequence that flows naturally and logically from one point to the next. This makes it easier for your audience to follow along and understand the progression of your ideas.

Transitional signposts

Use clear and concise transitional signals, such as verbal cues, visual aids, or summary statements, to guide your audience through transitions between different sections or ideas. This helps maintain continuity and coherence throughout your presentation.

Back-up your points

Support your main ideas with real examples, stories, or facts to prove what you’re saying and help people understand better. 

Giving solid evidence makes your arguments stronger and more convincing.

3. Conclusion

Concluding your presentation effectively is essential for leaving a lasting impression and reinforcing key messages. 

Summarize main points

Recap the main points and key takeaways covered in your presentation. Summarize the most important information and ensure that your audience retains the key messages you’ve conveyed.

Reiterate importance

Explain why your message matters, relating it to your audience’s everyday lives, work, or interests. This shows why your presentation is valuable, encouraging your audience to take action or learn more about the topic.

Memorable closing

End with a powerful and memorable closing statement, such as an intriguing call to action, a question, or an inspirational quote, that leaves a strong impression on your audience.

A strong ending makes sure your presentation stays in your audience’s thoughts even after it’s over.

4. Thank the audience and answer the questions

Finally, express gratitude to your audience for their time and attention. Invite any questions they may have and provide thoughtful responses, fostering engagement and dialogue. 

This step shows you’re thankful for their participation and confirms your dedication to sharing helpful knowledge and ideas.

Some common presentation structures

We mentioned that the presentation structure is shaped according to your needs. When you’re getting ready to give a presentation, it’s helpful to think about how you want to organize your information.

Here are some presentation structure examples. Depending on your content, you may consider using one of the different types of presentation structures.

1. Problem-solution-benefit structure

This structure is great for persuading your audience to take action. 

• First, you introduce a problem or challenge that your audience can relate to. 
• Then, you present your solution to the problem, explaining how it works and why it’s effective. 
• Finally, you highlight the benefits of your solution, showing your audience how it will make their lives better. 

For example, if you’re pitching a new product, you might start by talking about a common problem that your audience faces. Then explain how your product solves that problem and the benefits it offers.

2. Cause-effect relations

This structure is useful for explaining the relationship between different factors or events. 

You start by identifying a cause or causes, and explaining what leads to a certain outcome. 

Then, you discuss the effects of those causes, showing how they impact the situation. 

For instance, if you’re talking about the effects of climate change, you might first discuss the causes of global warming, such as carbon emissions and deforestation. Then explain how these factors contribute to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, etc.

3. Comparative content

When you want to highlight similarities and differences between two or more things, a comparison structure works well. 

This can help your audience understand the pros and cons of each option and make informed decisions. 

For instance, when comparing software options, begin by detailing one software’s features. Then, contrast it with another, highlighting their cost, usability, and feature differences.

4. Chronological flow

Sometimes, it’s best to present information in the order it happened. A chronological structure is useful for telling a story or explaining a process that unfolds over time. 

You start at the beginning and work your way through the events or steps in sequence.

Let’s examine how to structure a business presentation according to this approach with an example. 

For example, in a business presentation about sales growth, you could begin by outlining the initial strategies implemented to boost sales. Then, you would progress chronologically, discussing key milestones such as marketing campaigns, and product launches. Finally, you would conclude with recent sales figures and projections for future growth.

Using these presentation structures can help you organize your ideas effectively, making your presentations more engaging and easier for your audience to follow. 

Easy planning and structure tips

• Know your audience: It’s important to understand who you’re talking to. Take time to learn about your audience’s interests, background, and expectations. 
• Use visuals wisely: Keep your visuals clear and simple, and make sure they support what you’re saying. Use consistent colors and fonts to make your slides look professional.
• Get feedback: Ask friends, colleagues, or mentors to listen to your presentation and give you feedback. 
• Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start planning your presentation. Give yourself plenty of time to research, organize your ideas, and practice. 
• Keep it simple: Don’t overwhelm your audience with too much information. 

To sum up 

Creating a good presentation needs careful planning. In this guide, we’ve covered key tips for planning and structuring your presentation. Now, you can create presentations that truly engage and are easy to follow.

Remember, good planning and design are key to a memorable presentation. Need help? Reach out to Ozgun Ozpinar Presentation Studio to make your presentations shine.