In 2023, Microsoft Office PowerPoint is an indispensable software for creating presentations. The most important element of a presentation is, of course, the PowerPoint slides themselves, containing the content that conveys your message to the audience.
Today we'll show you 10 types of PowerPoint slides that you can use in your presentation. We'll also explain the benefits of each slide and the added value it can bring to your presentation.
PowerPoint slides: Different slide types for your presentation
A presentation thrives on its PowerPoint slides and their content. Have you ever noticed how many different types of PowerPoint slides there are? If you use text or images, these slides usually have a different layout. And there are many more slide types and layouts.
In the following list, we will show you which PowerPoint slides are available and how to use them appropriately to create a professional presentation with great slides!
10 types of PowerPoint slides for compelling presentations
1. The text slide
Of course, text belongs in your presentation . A text slide is therefore certainly a part of your presentation, and indeed of every presentation. For the pure transmission of information, choosing this type of slide is indispensable.
Use text sparingly . Nobody wants to read lengthy blocks of text these days. Opt for less text . Because: as soon as you project your slide, your audience will start silently reading the text to themselves. This will significantly reduce their attention to your presentation.
For example, use the 5x5 formula as a guide or reduce your text to one key message per slide . You can read more about how the 5x5 formula works and how to further reduce text here .
Also, experiment with the design of your text slides! Adapt your text layouts and templates to your topic in an appealing way.
2. Image slides
PowerPoint slides with images are probably familiar to you. You should always use this type of slide to reinforce your points and visually enhance your presentation . As the saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words." Furthermore , well-placed images evoke emotions in the audience and generate greater attention.
Keep in mind that images should be used thoughtfully . Images that are unrelated and merely serve to fill empty slides appear unprofessional and out of place. Furthermore, you should always use professional images and avoid stock photos whenever possible, as these lack individuality.
Further information about images in PowerPoint can be found in these articles:
- Insert images faster via Scan&Paste app
- Compress images
- Images reflect
- Make images transparent
- Proper use of images in presentations
- Using the grid look to showcase images
3. Introductory and concluding slides
These PowerPoint slides should also be included in every presentation, whether it's a business presentation or a university presentation. Only with an introductory and concluding slide will your presentation have a coherent and coherent effect.
The introductory slide sets a good tone for your presentation , while the closing slide summarizes the main points . This ensures that these points are clear to the audience at the end of your presentation and remain in their memory.
Tip: Looking for tips on how to perfectly end your presentation? In this article, we've compiled some effective options for you. We also offer helpful tips for starting your presentation .
4. The agenda slide
This PowerPoint slide should also be included in every good and professional PowerPoint presentation. The agenda slide briefly summarizes the content and flow of the presentation and informs the audience about your presentation content in advance. This provides structure and order right from the start of your presentation.
The agenda slide can also serve as a reminder of the following presentation flow and guarantee a good start to your presentation.
This article will show you how to create your own table of contents in PowerPoint for your agenda slide.
5. The quote slide
The quote slide is a powerful slide format that shouldn't be underestimated. As the name suggests, the slide consists solely of a quote, usually placed in the center, without any further explanatory text or images . Quotes are typically short summaries of firsthand accounts or experiences.
Why should you choose such a PowerPoint slide? What benefit does a quote slide offer your presentation?
Quote slides can support your statements . For example, you can use a quote from a famous person (e.g., a successful entrepreneur) to underscore the importance of your data and facts, or your statements . The truthfulness of the quote also lends credibility to your statement and thus reinforces its accuracy.
6. Chart slides
Chart slides are a popular and frequently used slide in presentations. This type of PowerPoint slide is particularly common in presentations from companies in the financial sector.
Chart slides, much like image slides, reinforce the spoken content. This is especially true for numbers and data, which can be clearly presented to the audience using a chart. Thanks to the visualization provided by the chart, this type of PowerPoint slide is often understandable even without text.
Furthermore, diagrams are visually appealing and engaging for your audience. Using a diagram also helps you avoid lengthy blocks of text, which are often less appealing to your listeners.
7. Table slides
Similar to chart slides, table slides also function by visually supporting your data and facts. At the same time, they appear uncluttered and clearly convey your verbally communicated messages to the audience.
Using this PowerPoint slide also helps you avoid overly long blocks of text that your audience won't read anyway.
8. Link/Hyperlink Slides
Do you want to link to a website within your presentation? For example, to a YouTube video that fits your topic or to an internal page showcasing your products? Besides these options, there are many other ways to use links, which we will explain in this paragraph.
This type of PowerPoint slide is also a welcome change for the audience. Clicking the link creates a new visual stimulus, which helps to maintain the audience's attention.
Furthermore, links enhance your slide content and leave a professional impression on your audience.
Using a link slide can only be beneficial for your presentation. Consider whether you can effectively use this PowerPoint slide for your topic.
9. Animation slides
How about using moving images? These PowerPoint slides are sure to capture your audience's attention! Animations are visually appealing and offer a welcome change from the more static slides of a presentation.
You should take advantage of the wide range of animation options . For example, you can strategically direct your audience's attention by making new sentences in your presentation appear with a click. This is particularly helpful with bullet points. If you project all the points directly, your audience will read them all at once and give you and your presentation less attention.
Or, for something truly unique, try using a GIF as an animation. You can read how to do that in this article .
Other animation options include animation paths , such as blinking arrows, highlight effects , color markings, etc. Read more about your possibilities with animations here .
When using animations, it's important to stay true to your presentation style . Remember to use animations sparingly. Flashing or popping-up images on every single slide is distracting and unprofessional. Always use animations thoughtfully and effectively.
10. Call-to-action slide
This PowerPoint slide might not be familiar to you at first. However, you should use this type of slide for a professional presentation, especially if your presentation goal is to attract new customers or sell products.
What exactly is a call to action? In short, it's a request from the company or presenter to the audience to take a specific action. This could be, for example, a prompt indicating what can be done after the presentation ("Visit our shop to see our products, email us with your questions," etc.). You can find more information on this topic in this article .
Do you want to make a request or appeal to your audience at the end of your presentation? Then use this PowerPoint slide!
Conclusion: PowerPoint slides: Many possibilities to make your presentation varied and professional!
You've likely already used some of the PowerPoint slide types from our list and integrated them effectively into your presentations . Now, introduce new ideas and use a wide variety of the PowerPoint slides presented, tailored to your specific topic .
Keep in mind: The PowerPoint slides should be coherent , even if you use different slide types.
For your audience, different slide types always provide welcome variety in the presentation flow. Therefore, try to ask yourself what might be interesting for your audience and incorporate these ideas into your presentation preparation.
Do you have questions about the PowerPoint slide types presented, or are you looking for general help with PowerPoint? Feel free to contact us by email at info@presentationload.de . We're happy to help!
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