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7 Golden Benefits of Presentation Software in 2024

Anh Vu • 30 July, 2024 • 8 min read

What are the benefits of Presentation Software ? What is presentation software? Finding someone who hasn't presented at school or work is scarce. Whether a sales pitch, a TED Talk or a chemistry project, slides and exhibitions have always been a significant part of our academic and professional growth.

As with most things, the way we do presentations has undergone a significant facelift. No matter what type of presentation you're doing, whether in a remote or hybrid environment, the importance and benefits of presentation software are undeniable.

If you’re looking for uses, challenges and features of presentation software , this article is for you!

Table of Contents

• Changes in Presentation Software Field

7 Benefits of Presentation Software

3 cons of presentation software.

• Free Templates
• More Tips with AhaSlides

Tips for Better Engagement

Besides the benefits of presentation software, let's check out the following:

• Complete Guide to Interactive Presentation
• Types of presentation software

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Changes in the Presentation Software Field

PowerPoint and presentations have been synonymous for decades now. This is not to say that indications didn’t exist before PowerPoint; there were chalkboards, whiteboards, hand-drawn posters, flip charts, and slide decks for all purposes.

However, the rise of technology gradually helped companies replace hand-drawn slide decks with computer-generated slides, which finally led to PowerPoint – one of the most popular pieces of presentation software of all time. It's been years since PowerPoint revolutionised the game, and now there are plenty of alternatives evolving the industry in their own way.

PowerPoint and similar software allow the presenter to create a digitised slide deck with editable text and graphics. The presenter can then present that slide deck to the audience, either directly in front of them or virtually through Zoom and other screen-sharing software.

So, are you ready to take the step to modern presentation software? Don't worry; it's nowhere near as intimidating as you think!

Start by checking out some benefits of presentation software has been a real game-changer for presenters and presentations all over the world.

#1 - They're Engaging Visual Tools

Did you know that 60% of people prefer a presentation full of visuals , while 40% of people say it's an absolute must they're included? Text-heavy slides are relics of presentation dinosaurs; the new way is graphics.

Presentation software gives you so many opportunities to illustrate your topic with the help of visual cues, such as...

• Transitions between slides
• Backgrounds

This choice of elements is a treasure trove for traditional presenters. They can really help you grab your audience’s attention when you're giving your presentation, and are great aids when it comes to telling an effective story in your presentation.

#2 - They're Easy to Use

Most presentation software is relatively easy to learn and use. The tools were originally designed to mimic how a traditional presenter presents their slides; over time, they've become more and more intuitive.

Of course, with the vast customisation options they offer, there's a chance that newbie presenters can get overwhelmed. Still, each tool usually has a plentiful help section and contactable customer service team to combat that, as well as communities of other presenters who are ready to help with any problems.

#3 - They Have Templates

It's a standard nowadays for presentation tools to come with several ready-to-use templates. Usually, these templates are a few very well-designed slides that look fantastic; your only job is to replace the text and maybe add your images!

These eliminate the need to create your presentation templates from scratch and can save you entire evenings agonising over every element within your presentation.

Some established presentation software has got over 10,000 templates to choose from, all based on slightly different topics. You can be fairly assured that if you're looking for a template in your niche, you'll find it in the template library of some of the big names in presentation software .

#4 - Benefits of presentation software - They're Interactive

Well, not all of them, but the best ones are!

An interactive presentation creates a two-way dialogue between the presenter and their audience by allowing the presenter to create questions in their presentation and allowing the audience actually to answer them.

Usually, the audience will join the presentation and answer the questions directly from their phones. These questions can be in the form of a poll , word cloud , live Q&A and more, and will display the audience's answers visually for everyone to see.

Interactivity is definitely one of the biggest benefits of presentation software, and one of the biggest free tools in the interactive presentation game is AhaSlides . AhaSlides lets you create a presentation full of interactive slides; your audience simply joins, contributes their ideas and stays engaged throughout the show!

# 5 - They Work Remotely

Imagine trying to present something to an audience around the world if you didn't use presentation software. The only thing you could do is hold up your A4 slides to the camera and hope that everyone could read it.

Presentation software makes the whole process of broadcasting your slides to your online audience so much easier. You simply share your screen and present your presentation through the software. While you're talking, your audience will be able to see both you and your presentation fully, making it just like real life!

Some presentation tools let the audience take the lead, meaning anyone can read and progress through the slides themselves without the need for the presenter. This is a great way to make the traditional 'presentation handouts' available for audiences wherever they are.

#6 - They're Multimedia

As well as being visually appealing, the ability to add multimedia to our presentations makes them super exciting for both you and your audience.

3 things can elevate your presentation to no end...

Each of these are directly embeddable as slides within the presentation and doesn't require you to jump between platforms while you're trying to get into your flow. They help stimulate your audience's senses and keep them involved and in tune with the presenter.

There are several types of presentation software that allow you to access large GIF, video and sound libraries and drop them straight into your presentation. Nowadays, you don't have to download anything at all!

#7 - They're Collaborative

The more advanced presentation software is collaborative for a smooth remote work environment.

They allow multiple people to work on a presentation simultaneously and allow individual members to send the representations to each other for editing in their own time.

Not only that, but some of the interactive presentation platforms even let you collaborate with your moderator, who can ensure that the questions you're getting in a Q&A are savoury enough.

Collaborative features were developed to help create and present team presentations more effectively.

For all the benefits of presentation software, they do have their drawbacks. You also need to be aware of a few challenges when you use presentation software for your next presentation.

• Going Overboard - Presenters' most common mistake with their presentation is to include too many multimedia effects . It is quite easy to get experimental when presented with a vast range of options, and you might end up drowning a slide with too many results, animations, and font customisations. This dilutes the primary purpose of your presentation – to grab the audience’s attention and help them understand your topic.
• Cramming - Likewise, when you can make everything tiny, you might experience the temptation to pack your slides with information . But far from filling your audience with more information, it becomes much more difficult for them to take anything meaningful away. Not just that; content-heavy slides also sap your audience's attention, which eventually makes it harder to get them to look at your slides in the first place. It is better to include your primary thoughts as headings or bullet points on the decline and describe them in detail throughout your speech. The 10-20-30 rule can help with this.
• Tech Issues - The fear of Luddites everywhere - what if my computer crashes? Well, it's a valid concern; computers have been hit many times before, and many other inexplicable tech issues have arisen at the worst possible times. It could be an unstable internet connection, a link that doesn't work or a file that you could have sworn you attached. It’s easy to get flustered, so we recommend you have backup software and a backup of your notes for a smooth transition if something goes wrong.

Now that you know the pros and cons of presentation software, it will be infinitely accessible to create a compelling presentation for your next audience. Until you do so, check out the variety of interactive templates available at AhaSlides and use them for free to create your next power-packed presentation.

Tips to Engage with Polls & Trivia

More from AhaSlides

25 Tools for Creating and Delivering Amazing Presentations

Updated: August 10, 2022

Published: November 10, 2020

If you're in business, you need to know how to create captivating presentations. Whether you're trying to convince your boss to support a new campaign, talking with a prospect to close a deal, or building a new piece of marketing collateral, you need to know how craft a presentation that won't put people to sleep.

The best (and easiest) way to do that? Use the right tools to create and deliver your presentation.

If you're not sure which tools to use, look no further than this blog post. We’ve compiled our list of the top presentation tools for sales and marketing professionals. They’re listed below, in no particular order. But first ...

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Best Presentation Tools

Canva makes design easy -- even for marketers and salespeople who feel like they're design-challenged. The platform gives you a bunch of presentation templates to use right away, and it's very easy to customize them to your organization and presentation objective. Plus, a variety of apps that integrate with Google Drive, Instagram, and YouTube, to name a few.

Pricing : Free; Pro, $12.95/month for up to five people; Enterprise, $30/month per person

Often, being different is what attracts prospects, and Powtoon can help you do that in your presentations. Powtoon’s animation software lets you easily create videos with props, characters, and more -- which can help you differentiate your company when talking with prospects.

Pricing : Pro, $19/month; Pro+ $49/month; Agency, $89/month

3. PowerPoint

For years, PowerPoint has been the standard in presentation software, but it hasn’t remained static. PowerPoint is full of features to make sales and marketing presentations dynamic and engaging. ( Here are just a few ways you can do that .)

Pricing : Business Basic, $5/user/month; Business Standard, $12.50/user/month; Business Premium, $20/user/month

4. Slidesgo

Slidesgo is your creative companion in the world of presentation design. This website specializes in crafting visually stunning Google Slides and PowerPoint templates that breathe life into your ideas, making them shine on any screen. With a wide variety of templates ranging from business and marketing to medicine and education, Slidesgo empowers presenters of all backgrounds to engage, educate, and inspire their audiences.

Pricing: Free plan, $0; Premium, $4.99; Education, $2.99

A PowerPoint add-in, Oomfo helps sales and marketing pros create those oh-so-important interactive charts for presentations. Specialized charts, live charts from multiple files, data from cloud applications, interactive options, one-click conversions -- it’s all possible, and more, with Oomfo.

Pricing: Free

Apple’s Keynote allows users to work between their Mac and iOS devices, as well as with people who use Microsoft PowerPoint. With easy-to-use visual tools, drag and drop functionality, interactive charts, and more, Keynote is a popular choice among sales and marketing professionals.

Pricing : Free

7. SlideModel

SlideModel contains thousands of ready-made and 100% editable presentation templates to help any presenter save time creating engaging and aesthetically pleasing presentations. Their collection of presentation templates covers a variety of business purposes and even gets updated periodically to add new business and education templates. You can find a collection of visually appealing slides on the site including dashboards, creative infographics, editable Maps, funnels, timelines, mindmaps, and presentation slides depending on the need of your presentation. Their slides templates are easy to edit and are compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides.

Pricing :  Free plan, $0; One-Day Access, $24.50; Annual Unlimited, $199.90/year

8. Beautiful.ai

Create beautiful slides, pitches, and proposals without a team of designers. AI applies design rules in real time, and a library of free photos and icons are at your fingertips.

Pricing : Basic, $0; Pro, $12/month; Team, $38/user/month

9. Haiku Deck

Available for the web or iPad, Haiku Deck has become a favorite of sales and marketing pros. With Haiku Deck, professionals can quickly create presentations that can be "easily projected, shared, posted, embedded on a website or blog, or viewed on any web-enabled device." Though it's another tool that helps you create presentations from scratch, its ease-of-use sets it apart from the rest.

Pricing : Pro, $9.99 - $19.99/month; Premium, $29.99/month

Vyond is an online animation software that allows you to create animated videos for marketing campaigns, sales enablement, or even human resources. Use their library of customizable templates or create your own from scratch.

Pricing : Essential, $229/year; Premium, $649/year; Professional, $999/user/year; Enterprise, contact for pricing

11. Storydoc

With templates for all the most popular business use cases, Storydoc is an interactive presentation maker built to help sales teams and marketing professionals engage more prospects and boost conversion rates. 

You can create amazing and engaging decks where you can embed video and social media content to tell your story the right way. Then, integrate your CRM into Storydoc decks, as well as calendars, sign-up forms, and other solutions that will make your presentation. Additionally, you have access to Storydoc's tracking analytics which shows who viewed your presentation and which components they interacted with the most. 

Pricing :  Free trial 14 days); Starter Plan, $40/month

Busy sales and marketing pros choose emaze because it makes creating amazing presentations quick and easy. The options abound with emaze: Choose a professionally designed template and then create a slideshow, video presentation , or 3D presentation.

Pricing : Business Plan, contact for pricing; Executive Plan, $40/month; Pro Plan, $13/month

13. Camtasia

TechSmith’s Camtasia is an amazing tool that helps you create professional videos. You can record screen movements, import HD video from another source, customize and edit the video, and then share the completed video presentation on practically any device. 

Pricing : Individual, $249.99/user/year; Business $249.99/user/year; Education, $169.99/user/year; Government and Non-Profit, $223.99/user/year

14. SlideShare

SlideShare is a popular choice for sales and marketing professionals looking for a way to share their content publicly. Because it already has a built-in audience, you can easily distribute your presentation out to lots of people -- and those people can embed your SlideShares on websites and blogs, or share them on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

15. SlideDog

Sometimes, sales and marketing professionals need to be able to move between presentation tools, but it’s not always possible because of their technical limitations. SlideDog is the solution, as it enables users to switch between PowerPoint, Prezi, PDF, web pages and others.

Pricing : Free; Pro, $99/year; Pro Event, $49 for one-time payment

16. Presentation Assistant

Presentation Assistant lives up to its name: It assists professionals by enabling them to annotate, zoom, and more during a presentation. Sales and marketing professionals can clarify and emphasize points more clearly to their audience with Presentation Assistant.

Pricing : Presentation Pointer, $29.95; Presentation Screen Master, $29.95

17. authorSTREAM

Sales and marketing pros choose authorSTREAM to make their presentations dynamic and engaging. authorSTREAM allows users to share their PowerPoint presentations publicly or privately, broadcast them, convert them to video, communicate and collaborate about them, and more.

Pricing: Free or paid plans start at $4.20/month

18. Zentation

With Zentation, salespeople and marketers combine video and slides into a simulated live experience. Presentations created with Zentation become webinars, webcasts, and virtual events for prospects and customers -- all great collateral for marketing and sales.

Pricing : Free; Premium, $10 - $45/month; White-Label, contact for pricing

Sales and marketing professionals love Prezi because it is cloud-based. Prezi makes creating, editing, and presenting from your browser, desktop, iPad, or iPhone possible anywhere, any time.

Pricing : Standard, $5/month; Plus, $15/month; Premium, $59/month

20. Brainshark

Sales reps and marketers often choose Brainshark, a cloud-based presentation tool, because it allows them to create and deliver presentations live or on-demand (even using their iPad or iPhone), use on-demand video content, polls, or surveys for increased engagement, and embed presentations in websites and blogs.

Pricing : Contact for pricing

Vcasmo is a unique presentation tool -- it's a multimedia solution that enables users to synchronize a video and slideshow, side by side. Sales and marketing pros love Vcasmo because it supports playback in three forms: browser, mobile, and iPad. 

Pricing : Free; Standard, $10.99/month; Professional, $16.99/month

22. ViewletBuilder

ViewletBuilder is a different presentation tool; it captures critical screen updates and cursor position changes so sales and marketing pros can create presentations detailing how their product or sites work. With a plethora of features, ViewletBuilder allows for editing and enhancing and includes a variety of publishing and sharing options, too.

Pricing : Pro, $399; Enterprise, $599

23. Zoho Show

Zoho Show is a top pick for sales and marketing pros because it lives online, making it possible to create, access, present, and more from anywhere, any time. The simple, intuitive interface and collaboration features are just two of its beloved benefits.

24. AhaSlides

Pricing : Free; Essential, $4.95/month; Pro, $15.95/month; Annual, Monthly & One-time plans available.

Visme is an all-in-one content creation platform with a vast library of professionally designed presentation templates, each tailored to your industry and specific proposal needs. Its beginner-friendly design platform allows you to drag and drop elements into place, use dynamic fields to update all your content in one place instantaneously and integrate your tools like Hubspot or Salesforce, and more to personalize each presentation.

Pricing: Free, Starter: $12.25/month, billed yearly, Pro: $30/month, billed yearly, Visme for Teams & Enterprises.

What are you waiting for? Pick a tool and start creating. Your prospects are waiting.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in October 2014 and has been updated for freshness and comprehensiveness.

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11 Advantages of Using Microsoft PowerPoint Presentations!

By: Author Shrot Katewa

If you suddenly find yourself in a position where you have to present information to other people, you might wonder what software is the best to use to deliver a professional presentation. There are different options to choose from and you just don’t know what to use.

The biggest advantage of using PowerPoint is that PPT files are the most commonly used and widely accepted file formats. PowerPoint is easy to use, cost-effective and boasts a huge online community for support. You also get access to thousands of templates to make your presentation look good.

But, there are several other advantages of using Microsoft PowerPoint for your presentations too. In this article, I’ll some of the most effective benefits of using Microsoft PowerPoint for presentation design!

Note – If you are on the fence but interested in getting PowerPoint, check out this limited-time deal to get Office 365 1-year subscription for the lowest price on Amazon!

1.   Most Widely Accepted File Format

Microsoft PowerPoint is a widely accepted file format where slides are used to convey information. It is a standard component of the Microsoft Office Suite and is compatible with Google Slides, Keynote, and other open-source presentation software.

According to some research results regarding the popularity and use of presentation software, it is estimated that PowerPoint is currently installed on more than a billion computers worldwide ! It is believed that there might be about 30 million PowerPoint presentations created every day.

The advantage of using such a popular and widely used software program is that it is most probably a familiar program for the person you share a presentation with.

2.   Wide Variety of File Export Options

A great advantage offered by PowerPoint is that you can export the whole presentation, or parts of it, in a variety of formats. PowerPoint presentations can also be made available on many different devices, and you can always control what content you want to display.

As you don’t have to send a presentation necessarily in .ppt or .pptx format, the receiver doesn’t require PowerPoint or PowerPoint Viewer to open the presentation.

You can export in PDF format and your layout and design will not be altered. The presentation’s slides can also be saved and exported in .png or .jpg format.

If needed, a presentation can also be exported to a video and saved in Mp4 format. If gifs form part of your presentation, they can be saved and exported as Animated GIFs . 

You always have the print option to export your presentation or parts of the presentation to Word. When you’ve exported it to Word the content can be edited before printing it.

Whichever way of exporting you decide on, you can export the presentation either as a whole or only some of the slides.  And it can be sent as an attachment with an email or you can use the Cloud to facilitate the saving and exporting processes of the presentation.

3.   Provides huge Flexibility in Design & Creativity

PowerPoint provides huge flexibility in design and creativity. You can, for instance, use its visual hierarchy features when you create your slides. With this feature, you assure that the right elements and content catch the eye.

Other features include the merging of shapes, the creation of layers, and the creative use of color. You also get an eyedropper tool in PowerPoint that allows you to use any color from your screen in your presentation!

With the Design Ideas feature , you can create the content of a slide and PowerPoint will offer you a variety of design choices to make it better.

The design features PowerPoint offers can in many aspects be compared to advanced design software solutions like Adobe InDesign. You don’t need separate software to design your slides – PowerPoint provides you with built-in features.

4.   Allows you to Use Creative Templates

The designs of your presentations are what catch the eye and help you to convey your message to your audience. PowerPoint’s creative templates spare you the time of designing your own templates.

However, if you are a good designer yourself, PowerPoint allows you to create your own templates if you want to.

Note – Check out some of the most popular PowerPoint templates on the internet!

When using PowerPoint’s creative templates feature, it automatically generates design ideas to choose from. You get virtually unlimited options because this feature matches the content you are creating to professionally designed layouts in the background.

This template creation feature is a great advantage for users without any design background. It lets you design presentations that look professional even if you don’t have a design background.

5.   Functionality to Use Both Online and Offline

PowerPoint offers you the option to work either online or offline. When you’re using PowerPoint online you can create and share basic presentations directly in your browser. 

But it must be remembered that web-based PowerPoint doesn’t have all the features that you’ll have access to with desktop PowerPoint.  For “normal” presentations the online web version is good enough and you can present your slide show from anywhere where you have internet access.

To utilize all the features of PowerPoint you have to install the software on your desktop device.

PowerPoint offers you the freedom to work online or offline whichever mode suits you the best for a specific presentation. Many PowerPoint users work with both modes – depending on what they are creating and for what purpose.

6.   Allows easy Collaboration and Sharing with other Team Members

PowerPoint is an ideal tool to share and collaborate with team members when you are creating a presentation as a team. You have various options.

You can independently create a presentation and then send it to team members for comments or editing. Or you can work simultaneously on the same presentation with others via web-based PowerPoint or by saving your desktop-created presentation in the Cloud.

7.   Option to Add a vast Variety of Multimedia

PowerPoint provides you with tools to make any presentation more interesting by using multi-media. When using PowerPoint you can in the same presentation have

• text with the option to install additional fonts ,
• videos and video snippets,
• background music,
• a narrator’s voice explaining the visual material on the screen,
• graphics to illustrate tendencies,
• tables to compare information, and more.

And you don’t need separate tools to create interesting presentations – everything is built-in into PowerPoint. You can either just add the various types of files to the presentation or you can add the formats as such into the presentation.   

8.   Suitable for Beginners and Advanced Users alike

The versatility of PowerPoint ensures that on the one hand, presentation creators with advanced design skills are not disappointed with the design tools and possibilities offered by PowerPoint and on the other hand, beginners and people without any designing background can create professional-looking presentations.

 This is one of the most important advantages of PowerPoint – anyone can use it successfully.

9.   Cost is relatively Inexpensive

PowerPoint is normally part of the Microsoft Office package and is included in the Microsoft Office one-off price or subscription. But if you are not a Microsoft Office user, you can purchase PowerPoint from the Microsoft Store at a reasonable price of about $160.

Note – Check out this limited-time deal to get Office 365 1-year subscription for as little as about $60 on Amazon!

Once you’ve purchased PowerPoint you can use it without extra charges to create presentations and to present them for non-commercial purposes. However, there are licensing and relatively small annual fees involved if you use the PowerPoint presentations commercially. 

10. Suitable for Teaching

A PowerPoint presentation in the class is an effective way to reinforce content that has to be retained.

With features like the possibility to record your voice to accompany the PowerPoint slides, it is also easy to convert the presentations that have been used in the class into videos to post online. The students can then review the work done in the class at home.  T

his method works effectively for academic lessons and training sessions.

PowerPoint presentations online can also sometimes be the only way to teach and train students. During the Covid pandemic, for instance, classes are sometimes not possible and online sessions are the only way to keep on teaching.

A large percentage of these online sessions have started as PowerPoint presentations.  

11. Huge Online Community and Microsoft Support for Troubleshooting Issues

Microsoft offers 24/7 support for PowerPoint users and there are literally hundreds of articles online available on how to troubleshoot issues. The huge online community of PowerPoint users is also actively involved on websites like Quora to help fellow users to get solutions for their issues.

Credit to benzoix (on Freepik) for the featured image of this article (further edited)

The Benefits of Using Interactive Presentation Tools in Business Presentations

A Tactical Guide to Crafting Startup Pitch Decks that Impress Investors

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• Information
• Technology / Media

In the business world, the art of presentation has always been pivotal. Whether it’s pitching a new idea to investors, presenting quarterly results to stakeholders, or training new employees, the way you present information can significantly impact your audience’s engagement and understanding. Traditional presentation methods, however, often fall short in maintaining audience interest and facilitating effective communication. This is where interactive presentation tools come in, revolutionizing the way we share and discuss ideas in a business setting.

Introduction to Interactive Presentation Tools

Interactive presentation tools are software or applications that allow presenters to create more engaging, dynamic, and participatory presentations. Unlike traditional slide-based presentations, these tools enable the audience to interact with the content, often in real time. This could be through live polls, Q&A sessions, collaborative activities, and more. These tools are designed to transform passive listeners into active participants, making the presentation more of an interactive experience.

Enhanced Engagement and Attention

One of the primary benefits of using interactive tools is the significant boost in audience engagement. In a traditional presentation, audience members are typically passive recipients of information. Interactive tools, on the other hand, encourage active participation. For instance, incorporating live polls or quizzes can keep the audience involved and attentive, as they feel a part of the presentation. This active participation helps in better retention of the information presented.

Improved Understanding and Retention

Interactive presentations can aid in better comprehension of complex topics. By using interactive elements like diagrams, videos, and animations, you can simplify complex ideas, making them easier for the audience to understand. Additionally, the active involvement of the audience in the learning process enhances their retention of the information. For example, asking the audience to respond to a question or solve a problem related to the presentation can reinforce their understanding.

Real-Time Feedback and Adaptability

Interactive tools allow presenters to receive immediate feedback from their audience. This can be through live polls, questions, or digital reactions. This instant feedback is invaluable as it provides insights into the audience’s understanding and interest levels. Presenters can use this information to adapt their presentations on the fly, addressing areas that seem unclear or spending more time on topics that generate more interest.

Increased Collaboration and Interaction

These tools often include features that foster collaboration and interaction among the audience members. For instance, some tools allow participants to submit questions anonymously or share their thoughts, which can then be displayed on the screen. This encourages even the more introverted audience members to participate, leading to a more inclusive and comprehensive discussion.

Memorable and Unique Presentation Experiences

Interactive presentations are often more memorable than traditional ones. The active involvement of the audience, coupled with the use of engaging multimedia elements, can make your presentation stand out. As a result, your message is more likely to have a lasting impact on your audience.

Accessibility and Convenience

Many interactive presentation tools offer cloud-based solutions, making them easily accessible from anywhere. This is particularly beneficial in today’s global business environment , where teams and stakeholders can be spread across different locations. These tools often allow remote participation, enabling a wider audience to be part of the presentation regardless of their physical location.

Data Collection and Analysis

Interactive tools can be an excellent means of collecting data from your audience. For instance, responses from polls or surveys can be analyzed to gain insights into audience preferences, opinions, or understanding. This data can be valuable for future business strategies or presentations.

Time Efficiency and Flexibility

Interactive presentations can be more time-efficient than traditional ones. By directly engaging with the audience and addressing their questions and feedback during the presentation, you can reduce the need for extensive follow-up sessions. Additionally, many of these tools allow you to adjust your presentation quickly, making it easier to tailor your message to different audiences.

Enhancing Creativity and Innovation

Lastly, these tools encourage creativity and innovation in the way information is presented. With a range of features at your disposal, you can experiment with different formats and styles to find the most effective way to convey your message. This not only makes your presentation more interesting but also reflects a forward-thinking and innovative approach in your business communication.

Interactive presentation tools offer a myriad of benefits that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of business presentations. From improved engagement and understanding to real-time feedback and increased collaboration, these tools can transform a mundane presentation into an interactive and memorable experience. As the business world continues to evolve, incorporating these innovative tools into your presentations can give you a competitive edge, ensuring that your message is not just heard but also understood and remembered.

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Presentation Training Institute

A division of bold new directions training, the benefits of using powerpoint in presentations.

You are probably familiar with the phrase “death by PowerPoint†and may have even experienced it yourself. After all, most of us have sat through a presentation where the speaker bored us to death by reading directly from a cheesy slideshow. However, the fact is, when used appropriately, PowerPoint can be an effective tool for communicating your message. 

Microsoft PowerPoint is the most popular presentation tool used by teachers, professionals, and students worldwide. It offers a wide range of features and capabilities that make it easier to convey information and engage audiences. Here we will take a look at some of the benefits of using PowerPoint to craft engaging presentations. 

1. Visual Appeal

Research has shown that 65% of people are visual learners, meaning they need to see information in order to retain it. PowerPoint allows presenters to translate facts, data, and information into visual images that make it easier for the audience to understand. Furthermore, presenters can create visually appealing presentations with a variety of design templates, themes, and multimedia elements that help engage audiences and captivate their interest. 

2. Organization and Structure

Delivering a presentation in front of an audience can be nerve wracking and it’s easy for speakers to lose their place and get off track. PowerPoint provides a structured framework for the presenter to outline their content in a logical and organized manner. A well-designed slide deck can serve as a guide for presenters so they don’t have to worry about forgetting any of their main points. 

3. Audience Engagement

PowerPoint allows presenters to engage their audience through interactive elements such as quizzes, polls, and hyperlinks. These features encourage audience participation and make the presentation more dynamic and memorable. 

4. Explain Complex Information

PowerPoint makes it easier for the presenter to explain complex concepts through easily digestible visuals. For example, charts, graphs, and infographics act as visual representations of complex information. This helps avoid confusion and clarifies information in a way that audiences can easily understand. 

5. Boosts Presenter Confidence

Most people dislike public speaking so it can be helpful to have a PowerPoint as a guide for the presentation. This makes the presenter feel more relaxed and at ease knowing that they don’t have to worry about getting off track or forgetting their material.

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18 Best Presentation Tools for Beautiful Presentations [In 2023]

Written by: Chloe West

Looking for the best presentation tools to help you get your presentations to the next level? Powerpoint alternatives like Visme have tons of features and tools to amp up your presentation. In this guide, we will discuss how you can make the most of some of the tools like:

• Templates and themes
• Slide layouts
• Color themes

We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s get into it.

18 Best Presentation Tools for Beautiful Presentations

Tool #1: templates and themes, tool #2: slide layouts, tool #3: fonts, tool #4: color themes, tool #5: icons, tool #6: shapes, tool #7: stock photos, tool #8: charts and graphs, tool #9: maps, tool #10: tables, tool #11: flowcharts, tool #12: icon charts, tool #13: radials, tool #14: progress bars, tool #15: animation, tool #16: transitions, tool #17: interactivity, tool #18: audio and video.

At Visme, we have two different options for users to get started with a new presentation.

The first option is presentation templates . There are over 100 editable presentation templates in Visme that range from 2 to 15 pre-designed slides for you to easily plug your content in.

Presentation Templates

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However, we also have three separate presentation themes – Modern , Simple and Creative .

Each theme has hundreds of slide layouts that you can mix and match, or pull into your presentation and customize with your own colors, fonts and content.

Regardless of if you choose a template or theme, you have full range customization options to make the presentation your own. We just give you a visually appealing starter kit to make your life easier.

If you choose between one of our presentation themes, you have hundreds of slide layouts to choose from to build out your presentation in the way that you see fit.

Whether you need a title slide, a timeline , a slide for your services or an ending contact us slide, our slide library has plenty of options for you.

When you’re in the presentation maker , click Add Slide to access the slide library. Choose one of the categories to view each of the slide layout options available.

This allows you to reuse the same theme over and over again for multiple presentations while maintaining a fresh look each time. Just choose the slide you want to edit, add it into your presentation and customize it with your own information.

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Another important tool for your presentations that you have access to in Visme is free fonts. There are over 100 fonts for users to choose from in the presentation design dashboard.

Stick to three fonts or less. Too many different font faces can make your slides appear cluttered. It’s best to incorporate one font for headers, one for body copy and a possible third for an accent font.

If you don’t find the font you want, you can also utilize Visme’s Brand Kit to upload and access your own preferred fonts. This can include your company’s brand fonts or simply a personal favorite or two.

While many of the presentation themes and templates come with an already established color scheme , absolutely nothing is set in stone. You can switch out the color of every item in your presentation to match your company or your topic.

One great presentation tool that Visme has is color themes. This allows you to change the color scheme of your entire presentation with a single click.

You can add your own brand color scheme into the Brand Kit section of your Visme dashboard so you can easily access them later. There is also a section to create your own color themes from scratch.

The color themes you create will appear at the top of the list and will switch the colors of your presentation for you without you having to pick and choose which individual elements are which color.

Using icons in your business presentation is a great way to visualize the text in your slides. You don’t want to include only text for your audience to follow along, so incorporating graphics as a visual aid is a great way to make your content more engaging.

In Visme, users have access to over 10,000 icons with four different styles to choose from.

Since you want to stick to a single icon style throughout your presentation, this gives you a way to differentiate each presentation you create while still having tons of icon options.

Access thousands of high-quality icons and graphics!

• Vector icons to spice up any Visme design or document
• Free to use , and great for print or web.
• Customize colors to fit your design needs.

Use these high-quality icons and graphics to help visualize the main points in your next presentation.

Another great way to add a few design touches to your presentation is by incorporating shapes. These can be used to emphasize photos and text by surrounding them or to create a design by themselves.

Check out the presentation slide template below. It's a great example of how using circular frames around photos can help draw attention to them.

Here's another presentation slide template that incorporates shapes into the design.

Incorporating different shapes can help to add depth to your presentation. It’s not all text, photos and icons. Instead, there’s an entire design aspect to your slides as well.

Here’s a video of how to format shapes and lines in Visme.

Visme partners with Unsplash to bring its users a massive library of free stock photos to incorporate into presentations, infographics , social media graphics and more.

While you may have your own photos of your team, business, products and services, there are still many other options for including stock photos in your presentation.

You can use the search bar to find exactly what you’re looking for in the photo library and easily drag and drop it onto your presentation slide.

If you have a preset slide with images you want to change out, click on the photo to have the option to replace it appear in the top bar.

There are many ways to use presentation images , so be sure you browse through the photo library to see what options are available for you to use in your own slides.

If you’re presenting financial data, charts and graphs are key presentation mediums . There are many different chart and graph options available, from bar charts to line graphs and pie charts to funnel charts and more.

Want to create your own charts and graphs?

• Upload an Excel file or sync with live data from Google sheets
• Choose from 16+ types of charts, from bar and line graphs to pyramid and Mekko charts
• Customize anything, from backgrounds and placement of labels to font style and color

The Graph Engine is the first option available to users when you open up the Data tab in the design dashboard, giving you 15 chart and graph options right off the bat.

You’re able to input your data manually or import an Excel or Google spreadsheet and your dynamic chart will automatically update to reflect it.

Change colors, name axes and customize the legend. All charts and graphs in Visme can also be animated to make your presentation look even more engaging and creative.

If you’re talking about demographics or sharing information that pertains to a location within your presentation, consider adding in a map to visualize the area.

Visme’s map maker allows you to insert a world map or pinpoint any location in the world, color coding areas and creating an engaging visualization for your audience.

Set a global color for your map and color code different areas based on your information. You can hide areas on the map or showcase just one specific country or continent in the world.

There are many reasons you may need to add a table to your presentation.

You can create a schedule for the event or presentation, create a pricing table or even include a table of data next to the chart that visually represents it.

It's very easy to add a table to your presentation in Visme. You can set the number of rows and columns your table has, change cell colors, customize fonts and more.

A flowchart can help you visualize business processes, chains of command and more. And Visme makes it extremely easy to customize a premade flowchart or create one entirely from scratch.

There are several slide layouts that include flowcharts you can edit to fit your content, but it’s actually quite fun to play with the shapes and lines to create your own flow.

The flowchart elements are fully customizable so that you can choose outlines or filled in shapes, corners or rounded edges in your lines, line width and more.

An icon chart or an array is a way to represent data with icons. You can use this to differentiate between the number of men and women, cats and dogs, etc., that fall under different categories.

While the array visualization automatically comes with two icons, you can add more, change colors, switch the icons with any options from our library and more.

A radial, or circular counter, is a more engaging way to represent numbers or percentages than having them stand alone on the slide.

The thing is, not many PowerPoint alternatives have this tool. However, there are many different styles to choose from in Visme's data widget sidebar.

You’re able to customize the colors, the number, the maximum and minimum values and even whether you’re visualizing a percentage or just a number.

You can even add icons to the center of your radial to better visualize what each percentage is referencing.

Want to let your audience know how much time there is left in the presentation? Add a progress bar to the bottom of each slide.

You can also use this to show how far along the company is with creating products or gathering funding.

In Visme, you can choose from many different styles of progress bars, creating a new look and feel in each presentation you add this feature to.

To make your presentation more engaging , consider adding animation to the elements in your slides. This makes them move on the screen and helps grab the attention of your audience.

In Visme, you have six animation options:

• Fly from left
• Fly from right
• Fly from top
• Fٖٖٖly from bottom

Just remember that you only want to stick to one animation type per presentation. Having elements fly in from all different directions is not a good look and can easily overwhelm your audience.

Create beautiful and animated presentations!

• Add your own text, images, colors and more
• Add interactive buttons, transitions and animations
• Customize anything to fit your design and content needs

Watch this video to learn how you can animate text, video, shapes and images in Visme.

Your transition is the way your slides appear and disappear, and it’s a great idea to give this a bit more flair than your typical slide interchange.

With Visme, you can create transitions that not only move your slide, but each of the elements simultaneously. Simply click on the gear at the right corner of the slides to access the transitions.

The Staggered Fade, Enter from Side, Enter from Bottom, Enter from Top and Zoom In transitions all include both slide and element transitions. However, if you want to animate your elements separately, you can choose the transition Simple Fade or Slide In.

Visme also offers several great ways to make your presentation interactive.

Have Q&As, bring props, have your audience raise their hands and more. You create hyperlinks between slides and even design elements to create a unique experience for your audience.

This is a great way to make your presentation stand out and get your audience involved, so be sure to keep some of these interactivity ideas in mind.

Adding an audio narrative, recording a voice-over for your slides, incorporating background music or even embedding a video can be a great way to increase engagement in your presentation.

You can record audio directly in Visme, embed video links or embed any other type of online content directly in your presentation slides.

This can also give you a break from presenting during longer sessions, breaking up the monotony of your audience listening to the same thing for the duration of the time.

Watch the video below to learn how to embed video into your presentation and capture your audience's attention.

Looking for the Best Presentation Software to Use These Tools?

There you have it. We’ve shared 18 valuable tools for beautifying your next presentation.

But here’s a caveat! When preparing your presentation, don’t throw in all of these tools. Match the presentation topic with the tool that will have the most impact on your audience.

While there is a lot of presentation software out there—like PowerPoint, Keynote, Beautiful.ai, Prezi, Canva, Visme and more—what tools do you use for your presentation? Visme comes preloaded with all of the best presentation tools we’ve mentioned and more. Use them to create a presentation that your potential customers and investors will fall in love with.

Sign up for a free Visme account today to get started, and check out all of our presentation templates to find something you love.

Create beautiful presentations faster with Visme.

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About the Author

Chloe West is the content marketing manager at Visme. Her experience in digital marketing includes everything from social media, blogging, email marketing to graphic design, strategy creation and implementation, and more. During her spare time, she enjoys exploring her home city of Charleston with her son.

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Beyond PowerPoint: Presentation Tools for Small Businesses

Table of Contents

PowerPoint can be an effective tool for communicating key ideas and engaging your audience during a business presentation. But it’s also easy to get caught in a stale routine when using the program, which dates back to 1990. Using the same old format to display basic points on simple slides over and over won’t hold viewers’ attention for too long. 

If you’re stuck in a rut with PowerPoint, it might be time to branch out. There are tons of modern presentation tools out there that break with conventional methods. For instance, many programs today allow you to create moving images and emphasize key points in captivating new ways. If you’re looking to shake things up and connect with your audience in a fun and engaging way, it may be time to try one of these alternative solutions.

Presentation tools for small businesses

Taking advantage of the best presentation tools is a critical component of learning how to give a presentation that impresses colleagues and clients. Read ahead for a list of PowerPoint alternatives that can take your slideshows to the next level.  

Visme is a cloud-based presentation tool that allows you to create highly visual presentations to engage viewers and communicate your ideas. It features an intuitive, drag-and-drop design method for creating presentations. The business version of the software helps facilitate brand consistency and company-wide image storage. 

When you or your employees create a presentation in Visme, it can feature colors, logos and images that are on brand for your organization. This promotes consistency across all employee presentations and helps reinforce your visual brand . Visme further offers a built-in analytics system, so you can see when your clients have viewed and finished your presentation.

Visme has multiple pricing options, with individual plans that start free of charge and expand to $12.25 per month and $24.75 per month. However, you have to contact Visme’s sales team for business pricing. 

Haiku Deck is a platform that prioritizes simplicity. Business owners can create straightforward but elegant presentations with high-quality images. The spartan template approach keeps content concise, so your audience can connect with the presentation rather than getting lost in text-heavy slides. 

What separates Haiku Deck from traditional presentation tools is its library of images and array of fonts. The software makes it easy to craft simple yet visually powerful presentations that are accessible on any device. You can even create a presentation right from your smartphone or tablet. [Learn how to use your iPhone or iPad for a presentation .]

Haiku Deck sells a Pro plan for $9.99 per month when billed annually or $19.99 when billed month to month. Premium plans begin at $29.99 per month, billed annually.

Pitcherific

Pitcherific is designed to make your client, investor or business partner pitches stand out from the pack. The platform encompasses tools for building and practicing your presentation, all rolled into one solution. The template-based program helpfully guides you through the presentation creation process. Instead of drafting a few boilerplate slides, Pitcherific prompts you to write out specific parts of your pitch.

The outline for an elevator pitch , for example, includes a hook, problem, solution and closing. There are various templates for different kinds of pitches, so you can get guidance on many types of speeches and presentations. Pitcherific also recommends a character count for each section and has a time clock, allowing you to track how long your speech or presentation is so you stay within the desired range.

Pitcherific’s pricing for entrepreneurs and what it calls “project makers” starts at $19 monthly and includes discounts if you select annual billing. Pitcherific offers a seven-day free trial in case you’re curious to see how the platform works without digging into your wallet.

Canva is an online platform that provides templates for a wide range of business-related publications, like resumes, newsletters, business cards, media kits, brochures and infographics. You can also use it to construct presentations.

There are hundreds of design layouts and templates to start with, and you can upload your own images or choose from more than 1 million of Canva’s stock images to customize the slides. As you build your presentation, you can adjust text and fonts, add filters to images and drag and drop different elements for professional designs. You can also upload and save your company logo for repeated use.

Canva offers a free version equipped with its basic features. The more advanced Canva Pro is priced at $119 per year for one person while Canva for Teams starts at $149.90 per year for the first five users. A free trial is available for the paid packages.

SlideCamp provides slide templates and allows you to store all company presentations in a sales deck library. With SlideCamp’s templates, you can adjust color schemes, add company logos, import charts and data, build infographics and organize presentations into sections. This is a great solution for maintaining consistency across multiple presentations from your organization.

After you set up your branding details, employees will be able to work with predesigned slides to craft professional presentations that match your standards easily. Presentation outlines can also be prefilled with recurring information, such as sales figures.

There are a few plans available, ranging from $99 per month to $499 per year, depending on the number of users you want to have access to SlideCamp. There is a demo version as well, so you can try out the service to see if it’s right for your business.

Who says presentations have to consist of just static text? Powtoon is an animated presentation and video platform that’s ideal for creating short informational videos and presentations about your brand or product.

Explainer videos are an important part of a brand’s marketing, and Powtoon is an affordable tool for creating animated videos and presentations to educate consumers and clients about your business. You can easily edit presentations and videos, add voice-overs and build a professional marketing experience for your customers.

Powtoon’s plans range from $15 to $125 per month, depending on your needs and the size of your business.

Prezi is another template-based solution that you can use to create persuasive and engaging presentations with unique movement between slides and key points. Prezi maps out your whole presentation based on an overall track that you establish. When you switch slides, it doesn’t simply advance to the next one — it takes the viewer through the track to the point that needs to be made. This allows your audience to visualize the progression of your presentation.

Additional tools allow the presenter to leave notes only visible to them and add voiceover narration.

Prezi personal plans begin at $9 per month. Prezi Premium for Business Professionals costs $59 per month.

VideoScribe

VideoScribe is a whiteboard video presentation platform that allows small businesses to customize video presentations to fit their needs. These videos, which feature a whiteboard and hand that “draws” different objects and slides in the presentation, are ideal for quick explainers and marketing videos on your business or product. 

You can place objects, insert text and even draw your own objects or text with VideoScribe’s platform easily. There are also templates for making YouTube videos, infographics and more.

VideoScribe is available for either $42 per user per month or, if paid annually, $15 per user, per month (a huge savings). If you want to extend VideoScribe access to a larger team, you’ll have to contact the vendor for custom pricing. 

The advantages of using presentation tools

Whether you stick with PowerPoint or opt for a more recent product, presentation tools primarily can help add the edge necessary for your business to truly get noticed. After all, when it comes to pitches and meetings, it’s essential to tell a good story . Visual aids can bring your business’ narrative to life while keeping your audience actively engaged throughout your presentation. Customized presentations can also reinforce your visual brand while keeping your slides clean and organized.

It’s best practice to send your presentation to attendees following a meeting. This way, everyone in the room can digest your message more on their own time afterward. Presentation tools usually allow you to convert your presentation into a small downloadable file format for easy sending. There’s no need to waste time printing paper copies.

Presentations can also serve many purposes outside of face-to-face meetings, which is another reason this kind of software comes in handy. With presentation libraries built into these platforms, team members can easily access and repurpose the content they need. This can be helpful, for instance, if a potential client sends an email asking about custom pricing options. You can send the client a sales deck you generate from your presentation library easily.

Creating the best presentations possible

Presentation tools are an effective way to streamline investor, business partner and client meetings . Eye-catching visual aids and clean branded content show that your company has what it takes to deliver for your customers. It’s never a bad time to look beyond PowerPoint for a presentation program that can level up your slideshows for the modern age.

Matt D’Angelo contributed to this article.

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4 Benefits of Using Presentation Software

Students, teachers, and business professionals know how time-consuming it is to create presentation slides. Significant creative thought goes into designing presentations and making them look sleek and professional. Manually making presentations could take all day, depending on the length of your presentation, and many faculty members or business professionals don’t have that luxury. 

Thankfully, many tools have been developed to make the presentation-making process easier. They help you make more creative and visually pleasing presentation slides while saving time. With these tools, you can develop clear, concise, and aesthetic slides in no time. Some benefits of such tools include:

1. Streamlined Content Creation

Designing the theme of your presentation is probably the most time-consuming part of making your slides. Presentation software could help you improve your efficacy by giving you several presets to choose from. These templates include placeholders for texts, images, statistics, and tables and cover most types of slides you will need to make; you just have to replace the preformatted placeholders with your content. Many presentation tools also have a drag-drop functionality; you simply have to drag a textbox or a table from the toolbar and drop it on your slide. This intuitive user interface can save you significant time. 

2. Clarity and Structure

Presentations should have an easy-to-follow structure to keep the audience’s attention. They should start with a content slide, and the sequence of slides should be intuitive. If information is disorganized, your presentation isn’t easy to follow. The preset templates in presentation software come with outline tools that allow you to section your slides and map the flow of your presentation before you work. Within each slide, the templates have a clear organization of headings, images, and text boxes that make it easier to follow and highlight the key points. 

3. Collaborative Functions

Presentations for group projects require input from everyone in the group. Traditional presentation tools like Microsoft PowerPoint don’t have a collaborative mode where multiple individuals can work on the presentation at the same time. However, modern tools have incorporated multiple collaborative functions that allow for real-time co-editing, where multiple individuals can work on the presentation at the same time and see everyone’s edits as they happen. They also come with version control and keep track of your edit history, so you can undo an undesired edit easily without distorting the rest of your presentation. 

4. Integration with Other Tools

Presentation software isn’t meant to exist in silo. They require input from various other tools. For example, if your presentation incorporates data visualization, you will need spreadsheet and statistical software too. Many presentation tools offer integration with these software applications, so when you edit your data in Excel or SPSS , your graphs automatically get updated in your presentation, too. 

Similarly, cloud storage platforms can be easily integrated into your presentation. This allows for centralized access where you can store your presentation in the cloud and access it from any device. This improves collaboration as well since everyone who has access to the cloud has the most recent presentation version available at all times.  

Whether academic or business, presentations are an integral part of work, and a lot of thought and time goes into a well-formatted presentation. Thankfully, presentation tools have simplified the process. With these tools, you can streamline your content creation, structure your slides, and collaborate with your group mates.

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What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of PowerPoint

Explore the Advantages and Disadvantages of PowerPoint in our latest blog. Discover how this popular presentation tool can enhance communication and engagement while also exploring potential pitfalls. Gain insights on harnessing its power for effective presentations and navigating its limitations for more impactful business and educational content.

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The average salary of a PowerPoint expert in the UK is £40,000 GBP per year, according to Talent.com . In this blog, you will get to know about the Advantages and Disadvantages of PowerPoint. Let's dive in deeper to learn how it can impact your presentations!  

Table of Contents        

1) Advantages of PowerPoint  

2) Visual appeal and aesthetic design  

    a) Easy to use and accessible  

    b) Efficient information organisation  

    c) Disadvantages of PowerPoint  

3) Conclusion       

Advantages of PowerPoint   

PowerPoint is a powerful software tool developed by Microsoft that enables users to create visually appealing and engaging presentations. It offers various functionalities and features that make it a popular choice for individuals and professionals who want to convey information effectively. Here, we will explore the Advantages of PowerPoint and how it can enhance your presentations. Let's dive into the benefits it offers:  

Visual appeal and aesthetic design   

One of the primary Advantages of PowerPoint is its ability to create visually appealing presentations. With a vast array of design templates, colour schemes, and graphical elements, PowerPoint allows you to add visual appeal to your slides. This visual enhancement can captivate your audience's attention and make your presentation more engaging.

Easy to use and accessible   

PowerPoint is known for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible to users of any level. Its intuitive design and straightforward navigation enable users to create presentations quickly and efficiently. Moreover, PowerPoint is compatible with various operating systems, ensuring broad accessibility across different devices.  

Efficient information organisation   

One of the significant Advantages of PowerPoint is its capability to organise information effectively. With features like bullet points, numbered lists, and hierarchical structures, you can present your ideas in a logical and organised manner. This helps your audience understand and retain the information more easily.   

Enhanced audience engagement   

PowerPoint offers various features to enhance audience engagement during presentations. Animations, transitions, and multimedia elements can make your slides dynamic and captivating. Additionally, interactive features like hyperlinks and embedded videos can encourage audience participation, making your presentation more memorable.  

Time-saving and convenience   

These templates offer professionally designed layouts and graphics, allowing you to focus on the content rather than spending hours on design. Furthermore, PowerPoint's autosave feature automatically saves your work, providing convenience and peace of mind. 

Unlock the full potential of your presentations! Learn how to use PowerPoint effectively and create compelling, professional slides .

Versatility and compatibility   

PowerPoint's versatility is another key advantage that sets it apart as a presentation tool. It offers broad features and compatibility options that make it highly adaptable to different content formats and sharing platforms.  

a) Support for various media formats:  

PowerPoint provides support for a diverse range of media formats, allowing you to incorporate different types of content into your presentations. You can seamlessly integrate images, videos, audio clips, and charts, enhancing your slides' visual appeal and interactivity. You can create engaging and immersive presentations that resonate with your audience by leveraging these multimedia elements.   

The ability to incorporate various media formats in PowerPoint allows you to leverage different modes of communication. Visual elements, such as images and charts, can help illustrate complex concepts or data, making them more understandable and memorable. Videos and audio clips, on the other hand, can add a dynamic and interactive element to your presentation, allowing you to deliver information in a more engaging and captivating way.  

Want to enhance your productivity and proficiency in using Microsoft software? Register for our Microsoft Office Courses . Join now! 

b) File conversion and sharing options:  

Powerpoint Presentations can be easily converted to different file formats, offering flexibility in sharing and distribution. Whether you need to share your presentation with colleagues, clients, or a wider audience, PowerPoint enables you to save your slides in formats such as PDFs, video files, or even images. This versatility ensures that your presentation can be accessed and viewed on various devices and platforms, making it convenient for your audience to engage with your content.  

Converting your presentation to PDF format can be particularly useful when you want to share a finalised version of your slides while preserving the formatting and layout. PDF files are widely compatible, allowing anyone to view them using a PDF reader without the need for specific presentation software.  

In addition to PDF, Powerpoint Presentations can also be saved as video files. This format is ideal for situations where you want to share your presentation online, embed it on a website, or upload it to video-sharing platforms. By converting your presentation to a video, you can ensure a consistent playback experience across different devices and platforms.  

Furthermore, Powerpoint Presentations can be easily shared through various online platforms and cloud storage services. Whether you choose to use email, file-sharing platforms, or cloud storage solutions like OneDrive or Google Drive, PowerPoint's compatibility allows you to collaborate with others and share your presentations effortlessly.  

Collaboration and sharing options   

Collaboration is made easy with PowerPoint's sharing and collaboration features. Multiple users can work on a presentation at the same time, making it ideal for team projects or group presentations. With cloud storage and sharing platforms, such as OneDrive or SharePoint, you can share your Powerpoint Presentations with others, enabling seamless collaboration and feedback exchange.  

Professionalism and credibility   

PowerPoint's professional look and vibes contribute to the overall credibility of your presentation. The polished design and layout options help create a sense of professionalism, which can enhance your message's impact. By using PowerPoint, you can convey your ideas with authority and leave a lasting impression on your audience.  

Multimedia integration   

Incorporating multimedia elements is a breeze with PowerPoint. You can easily insert images, videos, audio clips, and animations into your slides, making your presentation more dynamic and engaging. Visual and auditory aids can significantly enhance the audience's understanding and retention of information.  

Presenter support and notes   

PowerPoint offers several features to support presenters during their delivery. The presenter view provides a helpful tool for managing your presentation, displaying speaker notes, and previewing upcoming slides. You can also add speaker notes to individual slides, ensuring that you don't miss any crucial points during your presentation.  

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Disadvantages of PowerPoint   

Overreliance on visuals   

While visuals can enhance a presentation, overreliance on them can be a disadvantage. When too much emphasis is placed on visuals, the audience may become distracted or miss essential information. It's crucial to strike a balance between visuals and textual content to ensure the message is effectively conveyed.  

Potential for information overload   

Powerpoint Presentations have the potential to overwhelm the audience with excessive information. Presenters may feel compelled to include every detail on the slides, leading to information overload. It's important to prioritise key points and keep the content concise and focused to prevent overwhelming the audience.  

Lack of interactivity   

PowerPoint is primarily a one-way communication tool, limiting interactivity during presentations. While you can incorporate interactive elements, such as hyperlinks or quizzes, the level of interaction is often limited. This can hinder audience engagement and participation, particularly in scenarios that require active involvement. 

Limited customisation options   

While PowerPoint provides various design templates, the customisation options may be limited compared to dedicated design software. Presenters seeking highly customised and unique designs may find PowerPoint's options somewhat restrictive. However, for most presentations, the available templates and customisation features are sufficient.  

Technical glitches and compatibility issues   

Technical glitches and compatibility issues can occasionally occur when using PowerPoint. File corruption, formatting inconsistencies, or software compatibility problems can disrupt the smooth delivery of your presentation. It's crucial to test your presentation on the actual equipment or platform to minimise the risk of technical difficulties.  

Dependency on the presenter   

Powerpoint Presentations often rely heavily on the presenter's ability to deliver the content effectively. A presenter who lacks public speaking skills or fails to engage the audience may negatively impact the overall effectiveness of the presentation. Developing strong presentation skills and practising delivering your presentation is important to ensure a successful outcome.    

Not suitable for all presentation types   

While PowerPoint is a versatile tool, it may not be the best choice for all presentation types. For instance, highly technical or data-heavy presentations may require more specialised software or tools that offer advanced data visualisation capabilities. It's important to assess the specific requirements of your presentation and choose the appropriate tool accordingly.  

Accessibility challenges   

Powerpoint Presentations may pose accessibility challenges for individuals with disabilities. Issues such as small font sizes, lack of alt text for images, or inadequate colour contrast can make it difficult for visually impaired or hearing-impaired individuals to fully engage with the content. It's important to follow accessibility guidelines and make accommodations to ensure inclusivity.  

Copyright and intellectual property concerns   

When using images, videos, or other media in Powerpoint Presentations, it's essential to respect copyright and intellectual property rights. Failure to obtain proper permissions or give proper attribution can lead to legal issues. It's crucial to use licensed or royalty-free media or obtain explicit permission from copyright holders before including them in your presentations.  

Risk of boring and monotonous presentations   

Powerpoint Presentations have earned a reputation for being boring and monotonous if not designed and delivered effectively. The reliance on bullet points and text-heavy slides can result in a lack of variety and engagement. It's important to employ storytelling techniques, incorporate multimedia elements, and vary the presentation format to keep the audience interested and attentive.  

Discover PowerPoint alternatives that will transform your presentations! Click to explore new ways to wow your audience!

Conclusion       

We hope you read this blog and understand the Advantages and Disadvantages of PowerPoint. PowerPoint's versatility and compatibility make it a powerful presentation tool. With support for various media formats and easy file conversion, it allows users to create engaging presentations and share them seamlessly. PowerPoint is a valuable resource for effective communication and impactful presentations.  

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Frequently Asked Questions

PowerPoint offers twelve common types of slides, including Title, Picture, Text, Agenda, and more, each designed for specific content and presentation purposes. 

The three main views in PowerPoint are Normal View for editing, Slide Sorter View for organising slides, and Slide Show View for presenting. 

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8 Time-Saving Presentation Tools You Need to Know

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The Easiest Way to Import Data from Another Google Sheets File

These are the 5 features i always check before signing up for a free vpn, this hidden score shows you how well your pc runs windows.

Creating an effective presentation is a time-consuming task that requires careful planning and execution. However, sometimes we find ourselves in a time crunch and need to deliver a presentation quickly without compromising quality.

In such situations, having the right tools at our disposal can make all the difference. Check out these eight time-saving presentation tools that can help you create stunning presentations in a short amount of time. Whether you need to create a sales pitch, a training session, or a conference talk, these tools will help you save time and impress your audience.

Prezi is a cloud-based presentation software that allows you to create and deliver visually engaging presentations. Unlike traditional slide-based presentation tools like Microsoft PowerPoint, Prezi uses a zooming user interface (ZUI) that enables you to move between different levels of a presentation, zoom in and out of different elements, and create a more interactive and engaging experience for the audience.

Prezi offers a range of templates and tools to help you create presentations, including a library of pre-designed graphics, shapes, and icons.

You can also import and embed various multimedia elements into your presentations, such as images, videos, and audio files.

One of the key features of Prezi is its collaboration capabilities. You can work on presentations together in real-time, allowing multiple team members to contribute to the same project simultaneously. Prezi offers analytics and reporting tools that enable you to track the engagement and effectiveness of your presentations.

Prezi is a powerful tool for creating dynamic and engaging presentations, and its unique zooming interface can help you to stand out from the crowd and capture your audience's attention.

2. Google Slides

Google Slides is a free, cloud-based presentation software offered by Google as part of the Google Workspace suite. Similar to other presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides allows you to create and deliver presentations with a variety of multimedia elements, such as text, images, videos, and charts.

One of the key benefits of Google Slides is its collaborative features. Multiple users can work on the same presentation simultaneously, making it easy for teams to collaborate and share ideas. You can also comment on specific slides or sections of a presentation, making it easy to provide feedback and suggestions.

Google Slides also offers a range of pre-designed templates and themes to help you create engaging presentations . You can customize your presentations with various fonts, colors, and graphics to match your brand or personal style.

Canva is a web-based graphic design platform that offers a wide range of tools and templates for creating various types of visual content, including presentations, social media graphics, posters, infographics, and more.

It offers a user-friendly interface and requires no design experience to create professional-looking designs. Canva offers a vast library of templates, graphics, and images that users can easily drag and drop into their designs.

You can also upload your own images and assets to use in your designs. The platform includes a variety of tools for editing images, adding text, and customizing layouts. One of the key features of Canva is its collaboration capabilities. Teams can work on designs together in real-time and share feedback and suggestions directly within the platform. You can also download designs in a variety of formats, including PNG, JPEG, PDF, and more.

Canva offers both free and paid versions of the platform, with the paid version unlocking access to more advanced features, such as premium images and templates, as well as team collaboration tools.

4. Haiku Deck

Haiku Deck is a cloud-based presentation software that is designed to create visually stunning and simple presentations. The software is available for both desktop and mobile devices and uses a simple, clean interface to create presentations.

Haiku Deck offers a library of free high-quality images that you can use in your presentations, as well as the ability to upload your own images. The software also includes a variety of built-in design templates and themes to help you create presentations quickly and easily.

One of the unique features of Haiku Deck is its emphasis on using a limited amount of text on each slide, with the goal of creating visually appealing and easy-to-read presentations. The software includes a feature called Haiku Deck Zuru that uses artificial intelligence to automatically generate text for slides based on keywords or phrases entered by the user.

Haiku Deck also includes a variety of sharing options, including the ability to share presentations directly from the software or embed them on a website or blog. You can also download presentations as PDFs or PowerPoint files.

5. Slidebean

Slidebean is a cloud-based presentation software that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help you create visually appealing and professional-looking presentations quickly and easily. The software offers a range of templates and themes, as well as design recommendations based on the content of the presentation.

One of the key features of Slidebean is its use of AI to automate much of the design process. You can input your content into the software, and Slidebean will generate a design based on the content, including suggested fonts, colors, and layouts.

You can also customize your designs using a range of editing tools and templates. Slidebean also offers a range of collaboration features, allowing teams to work together on presentations in real-time. You can comment on specific slides, track changes, and assign tasks to team members.

The software also includes analytics and reporting tools, allowing you to track the engagement and effectiveness of your presentations. You can see how many people viewed the presentation, how long they spent on each slide, and how many times the presentation was shared.

Visme is a cloud-based visual content creation tool that allows users to easily create and share professional presentations, infographics, reports, and other types of visual content. It offers a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for you to add text, images, charts, icons, and other elements to their designs.

Visme also provides a wide range of templates and pre-designed graphics to help you create stunning visuals quickly. You can customize these templates to match their brand or style preferences. Visme also provides collaboration features, making it easy for teams to work together on projects.

In addition to its design capabilities, Visme offers features for data visualization, animation, and interactivity, allowing you to create engaging and interactive content. It also provides analytics to track the performance of your visual content.

Emaze is a powerful and versatile presentation software that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. Its ease of use and extensive range of templates and designs make it an attractive option for individuals and businesses looking to create professional-looking presentations quickly and easily.

Emaze offers a wide range of templates and designs to help you create professional-looking presentations quickly and easily. It also includes a variety of multimedia features such as video, audio, and animations that can be embedded into presentations. You can also upload your own media files and incorporate them into your presentations.

One unique feature of Emaze is its 3D and panoramic capabilities, which allow you to create immersive and interactive presentations. With Emaze, you can create virtual tours, 360-degree presentations, and other engaging experiences that go beyond traditional slideshows.

Emaze also offers a range of collaboration tools, making it easy for teams to work together on presentations and projects. You can invite others to collaborate on a presentation, leave comments, and track changes.

Powtoon is a video creation platform that allows you to create animated videos and presentations. Powtoon offers a variety of templates, graphics, and characters to help users create animated videos quickly and easily.

You can also upload your own media files and incorporate them into your videos. Powtoon's drag-and-drop editor makes it easy for you to add and arrange elements on the screen. One of the key features of Powtoon is its ability to create explainer videos, which are short videos that explain a concept or product in a simple and engaging way.

You can also add voice-overs, music, and sound effects to their videos. Powtoon can also be used to create presentations; its mode allows you to create interactive presentations with animated elements and multimedia.

Create Stunning Presentations With These Quick Presentation Tools

When you're pressed for time and need to create a presentation quickly, it's important to have the right tools at your disposal. Fortunately, there are a variety of time-saving presentation tools available that can help you create stunning presentations in a fraction of the time it would take to create them from scratch.

By using these tools, you can save time and create visually stunning presentations that are sure to impress your audience. Whether you're a student, a business professional, or anyone in between, these presentation tools are a must-have for anyone who needs to create presentations quickly and efficiently.

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17 Advantages And Disadvantages Of PowerPoint

PowerPoint is a versatile and user-friendly multimedia presentation program compatible with most devices. It lets you make and share limitless presentations with ease. However, it comes with a fair share of disadvantages, like the complex features and tools, issues with performance on less powerful computers, and its price.

1. Available for All Major Operating Systems

2. abundant features, 3. widely accepted, 4. lots of themes and templates, 5. versatile interface, 6. relatively easy to use, 7. support various formats, 8. smooth integration with other office programs, 9. support add-in, 10. compare documents, 11. relatively easy to collaborate, 12. available mobile version, 13. password protection, 14. lack of innovation, 15. a bit complex to learn, 16. some performance issues on weak systems, 17. it’s relatively expensive, advantages and disadvantages of powerpoint – at a glance.

• PowerPoint is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android , and the web.
• PowerPoint has a rich set of features , including templates and themes.
• Even for beginners, PowerPoint is relatively easy to use .
• PowerPoint enables customization through a wide range of add-ins .
• PowerPoint simplifies collaboration with others by allowing easy sharing and editing of presentations.
• PowerPoint has limited innovation over its three-decade history, potentially making presentations feel dated.
• Learning to use PowerPoint’s features and tools can be complex for some users.
• PowerPoint may have performance issues on less powerful computers.
• Compared to alternatives, PowerPoint can be relatively pricey if purchased outright.

Advantages Of PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint is an excellent tool for presentations and more. Here are some of its key advantages:

PowerPoint is available for both Windows and macOS , as well as for mobile devices running iOS and Android. This makes it a convenient tool for creating presentations, regardless of what type of device you are using. You can also use PowerPoint for the Web in a web browser, making it even more accessible. Not a lot of presentation software offers such flexibility.

PowerPoint is the most feature-rich presentation software out there. It has everything you need to create a professional-looking presentation, including built-in templates, themes, and much more. Other presentation software simply cannot compete with PowerPoint in this regard.

PowerPoint is the most widely used presentation software, and it’s the industry standard tool for preparing presentations. People are generally familiar with how PowerPoint works, which makes it easy to use when giving presentations. It is also the most compatible presentation software , meaning that it can be opened and viewed on just about any device.

PowerPoint comes with a variety of built-in themes and templates that you can use to make your presentation look more professional. If you’re not a design expert, these templates can be a lifesaver. With just a few clicks, you can make your presentation look great without spending hours on design.

The interface of PowerPoint is also quite versatile. You can easily access all the needed features by using the toolbar options. Its interface is also customizable , so you can change it to suit your needs better.

PowerPoint is relatively easy to use , even if you’ve never used it before. Of course, it takes some time to learn all the features and how to use them effectively. However, you should be able to start creating basic presentations without much trouble.

You can open and edit presentations saved in various formats with PowerPoint. Some of the supported formats include pptx, ppt, gif, mp4, jpeg , and more. This is a convenient feature if you need to import or export presentations in variable programs. Other presentation software supports only a limited number of formats.

PowerPoint also integrates smoothly with other Microsoft Office programs, such as Word and Excel. This makes it easy to create presentations that include data from other Office programs. Moreover, PowerPoint files are supported by most online storage services, such as Google Drive and Dropbox, for seamless sharing.

PowerPoint also supports add-ins , which are small programs that add additional features to the software. There are a large number of add-ins available for PowerPoint that you can use to customize your presentations further.

The Review feature in PowerPoint allows you to compare two presentations side-by-side . This is a handy feature if you need to spot the differences between two versions of a presentation. It’s especially useful when you want to review the changes to your presentation made by someone else.

PowerPoint makes it relatively easy to collaborate with others on a presentation. You can easily share your presentation with others and allow them to view it or make changes by sharing a link. This is a convenient feature if you are working on a team project.

PowerPoint is also available in a mobile version , which allows you to create and edit presentations on the go. You can download the PowerPoint app for free from the App Store or Google Play to use on iOS or Android devices. This is a handy feature if you need to make last-minute changes to your presentation.

One of the features of the PowerPoint software that most users find useful is the password protection feature. This allows you to set a password for your presentation so that only those who know the password can open and view it. Most other presentation software does not include this component.

Disadvantages of PowerPoint

Now that we’ve looked at the advantages of PowerPoint, let’s take a look at some of its disadvantages:

It’s been around three decades since PowerPoint was first released, and in that time, it hasn’t seen a whole lot of innovation. This lack of innovation can make it feel dated compared to some of the newer presentation software options on the market. Some users find PowerPoint slides boring, as there is not much scope to create creative or interactive presentations.

The features and tools of PowerPoint can be a bit complex to learn , especially if you’ve never used the software before. It can take some time to get a grasp on how to use all the features effectively. And if you want to create more complex presentations, it may take even longer.

PowerPoint can also have some performance issues, especially on weak systems. The software can be a bit resource-intensive, so it may run slowly on older computers . Additionally, large or complex presentations may take longer to load and may not run as smoothly as you’d like.

If you want to purchase PowerPoint outright, it’s relatively expensive compared to some of the other presentation software options on the market. Google Slides offers many of the same features as PowerPoint, but it’s free to use.

PowerPoint is a widely used presentation software that is available for all major operating systems. It offers a large number of features and is widely accepted.  However, it can be a bit complex to learn and is relatively expensive. Despite these disadvantages, PowerPoint is still a popular choice for creating presentations.

Related Posts:

The 10 Best Presentation Tools for Students in 2023

Presentation tools for students have come a long way.

Students have access to all sorts of digital presentation tools, from legacy slide-based tools like PowerPoint to truly inventive and experimental new formats that incorporate live and prerecorded video and audio. The rise in virtual, hybrid, and flipped classrooms has made the need for education-focused online presentation tools for students all the greater.

Wondering which tools will help your students create the best presentations? We’ve shown you tools before, like 20 classroom technology tools you may not know , but many of those were teacher-focused. Here are 10 of the best student presentation tools your kiddos can use in 2023. And listen to this episode of EdTech Heroes with Sultan Rana to see how you can revolutionize presentations for students this year!

Importance of students learning to use a range of presentation tech tools 🎬

Before we get into this list, it’s fair to ask: Is it really all that important for students to get comfortable using technology-based presentation tools? 🤔

We believe the answer is an emphatic “Yes!”

The modern world we live in already depends on all sorts of tech and that dependence will only increase. Today’s students are tomorrow’s adults, and it’s vital they develop media literacy skills now. This is behind the push for digital citizenship , or teaching children to use tech safely and responsibly so they can effectively participate in society in the future.  

Many students are already comfortable navigating smartphone apps, video games, smart TVs, and social media. But throw a PowerPoint or other business tool in front of them, and it’s another story. They aren’t technology averse. But neither are they automatically comfortable with all the different software and user interfaces that they’ll encounter in the professional and business world.

As the world grows more technologically complex 🤖, the professionals of tomorrow need exposure today to the language of technology. 

By engaging with a range of presentation tools — along with edtech tools like Google Classroom and other LMS platforms — students gain a more well-rounded understanding of how to interact with productivity-oriented tech. They learn how to communicate their ideas and collaborate across physical and virtual spaces with ease. 

With that question answered, let’s jump into the top 10 student presentation tools that will support your students’ tech skills and overall growth. 

1. Screencastify Submit

Screencastify Submit does many things. It allows teachers to create presentation assignments for students. It also allows students to easily record and submit these short video assignments on any device. It’s a great way to practice giving live presentations without the pressure of an audience, plus it helps students gain skills with talking and presenting on camera. 🎥

Another advantage for students: Students can practice their presentation skills and wait to submit until they’ve recorded their favorite take. 

Screencastify Submit is simple because it’s designed to be a secure, closed system between teachers and students. However, the broader Screencastify suite — one of the top Google Chrome extensions for educators and students — has plenty of integrations with popular LMSes and edtech platforms. 

2. PowerPoint and Google Slides

Two of the classic slide-building apps, PowerPoint and Google Slides feel very traditional compared to many of the other tools listed here. Still, both apps are easy introductions to the concept of creating basic 2D designs and visually appealing presentations. PowerPoint Presentations and Google Slides allow students to create slideshow content with transitions, animations, multiple slide layouts, and more.

These presentation software solutions help students prioritize the information that’s most useful to their audience and hone the ability to present that material in a visually engaging way. They can also be used in conjunction with screencasting or screen sharing to present in a more live or interactive manner.

These apps are both widespread and integrate seamlessly with a variety of tools. For Apple users, Keynote is another option in this same style, but it’s limited to only macOS and iOS, making it less widely adopted.

Note that Google Slides is free for everyone with a Gmail account, but PowerPoint requires an individual subscription or a school-wide license.

3. Prezi Next

The original Prezi was like a cooler, snappier version of PowerPoint. It did away with the feeling that every slide was a static rectangular image and let users create presentations that felt more like unique little worlds 🌍  than like conference room snooze-fests 😴 .

Unfortunately, it was built on Adobe Flash, which is dead and gone .

Prezi Next is the new generation of Prezi, built fresh in HTML5. It keeps the feel of the original and enables students to produce creative, imaginative presentations full of both whimsy and functionality. Templates in Prezi Next allow students to be creative, detailed, and look great in the process.

Prezi also integrates with major video conferencing apps like Google Meet and Zoom, allowing students to present their Prezi live. 

4. Haiku Deck

Haiku Deck is another slide-based presentation app. It’s entirely cloud-based, meaning you can access Haiku Deck from the web. The big differentiator with Haiku Deck is its automated image search. The app intelligently analyzes the text that your students add to their slides, then it suggests photos and slide designs that make sense for that text.

Haiku Deck gives users access to over 40 million royalty-free images (meaning no more watermarks or pixelated backgrounds) and includes dozens of themes designed by pros, complete with complementary fonts picked out for each one.

Haiku Deck is mostly a standalone tool. So, while you don’t get deep integrations with other tools, you might not really need them.

Related: Learn about the best tools for student engagement in this episode of EdTech Heroes !

5. Pear Deck

Before they ever explain what Pear Deck is, the team behind Pear Deck points to research showing that learning has both social, emotional and academic components and goes into great detail about the research-backed instructional strategies that the platform supports.

So, this tool comes from a team that’s dedicated to improving educational outcomes for all kinds of learners. But what does it do, exactly?

Essentially, Pear Deck operates as an add-on to Google Slides or PowerPoint and allows you to turn those static presentation tools into dynamic, interactive educational experiences. You can embed quizzes, tutorials, and other interactive content and see student responses in real time.

Although it’s aimed at teachers, it can be used by students to enhance their own presentations with engaging content like Q&A or audio and video, and gives them more creative freedom. 

Sutori is a tool that’s purpose built to help students create timelines and roadmaps and tell stories. It’s simple and streamlined, making it easy for students of all ages to use. Students can even embed media on their Sutori timelines, and Sutori is easy to use online and via remote learning.

Sutori’s timeline focus makes it perfect for social studies or history and any other linear, time-based lessons. The company also lists use cases for English, Language, Arts, and STEM teachers. It’s a great tool for fostering multimedia collaboration, critical thinking (via both primary and secondary sources), and research skills.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words 📸, and if that’s true, how much more is an infographic worth? A lot, when it comes to the classroom. Infographics are great storytelling tools, not to mention visual aids. The trouble is that making great infographics from scratch have required graphic design skills🧑‍💻  — until tools like Easelly.

Easelly lets anyone make quality infographics in a wide range of styles. Students can better visualize data and content, which is great both for their own critical thinking and logic skills as well as their public presentation skills.

Easelly includes numerous templates that make it easy to transform content from dry text and statistics into beautiful infographics.

Easelly doesn’t directly integrate with other tools, but infographics created in Easelly can easily (hence the name) be exported to other tools to be shared or presented.

8. Glogster

Glogster is a tool for creating multimedia posters that can include 3D elements. Students can embed a wide range of media into a Glogster, including screencast videos, graphics, images, audio, and even 3D and VR objects.

Glogster is somewhat like an oversized poster board to make a class project or report, but also interactive and zoomable. It’s a digital canvas that makes just about anything visual possible, all within one space.

Students can practice their visual storytelling skills and get comfortable navigating and embedding multiple media types with Glogster.

9. VoiceThread

VoiceThread is a unique tool that lets users collaborate and discuss just about anything: videos, images, documents and more using features like annotations, highlights, pausing, zooming. It’s essentially a media-focused video chat tool.

In the K-12 landscape, VoiceThread is great for students who want to share a specific media file with others and collaborate either in discussion or in a Q&A after a presentation. Viewers can add video comments and questions directly to a presentation, giving a more personal level of engagement especially for fully remote classrooms. Students can develop great conversational and presentation skills using VoiceThread, too.

Miro is a visual collaboration tool designed primarily for teams to get work done. In other words, it’s a business-focused digital whiteboard tool that has a lot of value for classrooms too. 

Students (and teachers) can use it for idea mapping 🗺, brainstorming, creating workflows or diagrams, and all sorts of other visual collaboration and presentation needs. 

It’s great for group projects where students might want to get a bunch of ideas mapped out prior to creating their polished presentation in another tool. Miro also has some effective templates that can help students work quickly.

Because it’s a business tool, Miro has all kinds of integrations with all the top business apps. Some of these are useful in education, such as Zoom, Google drive, and Microsoft Teams integrations.

Find out why students and teachers love Screencastify 🍎 

Screencastify is fantastic for any teacher who needs to create screencast videos quickly and easily. But it’s great for students, too! 

Students can use Screencastify Submit to easily create video responses to their teachers’ assignments, using the desktop, laptop, or mobile device they have at home. Older students can even use Screencastify themselves to create their own screencast presentations for virtual reports, class presentations, and more.

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Top Benefits & Use Cases of Academic Presentation Software

Presentations are everywhere in academic settings. They show up in classrooms as classroom learning aids and presentation tools students use. And you’ll find them in numerous other academic contexts, from meetings and fine arts events to the morning announcements and even sporting events.

Behind every single presentation is presentation software , and the choice of software solution influences the quality and style possibilities.

A free education-oriented presentation solution may be sufficient for some uses (especially student use). But in others, a more robust, fully-featured academic presentation software is worth the investment.

Let’s examine the top benefits and use cases for academic presentation software.

Academic Presentation Software vs. General-Market Products

First, let’s walk through the differences between more polished academic presentation software and general-market alternatives like Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides.

General-market applications have certain benefits: they are widely available, and some of them are free. Many people already know how to use them at a basic level, and these apps tend to come from giant software providers who can offer deep support. (They don’t always do so, but that’s another discussion.)

Sometimes, a free or already-available product is good enough. If Google Slides does everything you could ever want to accomplish in a presentation for free, why pay for something better?

But there are plenty of situations where “good enough” isn’t good enough: you need specific functions those tools don’t have or better, more powerful capabilities built with your needs in mind. Not the generic needs of the mass market.

When you reach the end of what Google Slides or Canva or Prezi can do, then it’s time to consider higher-end academic presentation software.

Benefits of Academic Presentation Software

You’ll gain several benefits from switching to academic presentation software. If these capabilities sound like what you’ve been missing, then it’s time to consider switching.

Multiple Outputs

PowerPoint is designed to produce one output. That’s it. You can access a presenter view on your device as a sort of second view, but you can’t customize that view in any way.

That approach works fine in a small classroom or meeting. But it likely won’t be sufficient for fine arts productions, sporting events, or large assemblies. The single-output approach can create problems for live streaming, too—or at least limit what you can do or show when live streaming.

ProPresenter is dedicated academic presentation software that can produce multiple distinct outputs from within a single presentation. Send whatever content elements you choose to whichever outputs or screens you select. This is pro-grade output support that eclipses anything the general market has to offer.

Edit While Running

Traditional presentation software makes it difficult, sometimes impossible, to edit shows while they’re running. This isn’t ideal in education, where a factual error on screen can inhibit learning and may even be immortalized thanks to recorded lectures and hybrid learning.

Academic presentation software should allow you to edit a show while it’s running, keeping your content accurate and up to date. This ability also enables powerful interactive classroom experiences that PowerPoint can’t replicate.

More Capable Media Handling

There’s hardly a classroom teacher or college instructor who hasn’t run into issues with embedding media in traditional presentation files. Leave broken videos behind by switching to a software solution that more capably handles media across a wide range of audio and video formats.

Wider Support for Live and Broadcast Inputs and Formats

If you oversee a larger academic space, such as a large lecture hall or assembly room, you may run equipment designed for live performances or even video broadcasts. Where classroom teachers run presentations over HDMI, DisplayPort, or maybe VGA, you’re dealing with pro video and audio equipment or even broadcast protocols. It’s a bit more complicated than “plug in the one cable and turn on the projector,” and you need capable software to match the complexity of your setup.

ProPresenter is built to support situations like these. It can handle nearly any video or audio source that your computer can recognize — including broadcast formats like SDI, NDI, and Syphon , or even simple outputs like HDMI.

Friendly for Teacher and Student Use

Last, while academic presentation software needs to offer additional capabilities and features, it still must be friendly enough to use that teachers and students alike can do so without significant training. Any market solution aimed toward education should prioritize ease of use.

Use Cases for Academic Presentation Software

We’ve mentioned several use cases for academic presentation software already in passing, but there are others we haven’t touched on. If you’re not sure whether your institution would benefit from a more powerful presentation solution, consider these use cases and how they could be better if you had more capable software.

Sporting Events

High school and college sports often incorporate visuals and plenty of audio content. Scoreboards, video screens and any other AV equipment all need software to power them.

In addition to ProPresenter, Renewed Vision offers Scoreboard and ProVideoPlayer , the perfect combination for any sports venue.

Fine Arts Productions

Fine arts productions can demand complex sound and lighting cues, and the right presentation software can give your fine arts department the ability to extend visuals beyond lights alone. Looping video, effects, and precise visual control are all required here.

Communication, AV Teams, Morning Announcements

Many schools run daily announcements on screens, doubling locations for school-wide visual communication. AV teams may handle the day-to-day but need software to power the experience.

Schoolwide assemblies and other non-classroom gatherings tend to occur in large spaces with existing AV capabilities. Academic presentation software enables educators to visually reinforce whatever message is being shared at the assembly in powerful, engaging ways.

Classrooms today are equipped with projectors or smart boards that teachers and students can use to run presentations. While less powerful presentation tools may be good enough for many classroom uses, having something more powerful available doesn’t hurt.

Administrative Meetings

Teachers, faculty, staff, and administrators all have occasional meetings for a variety of purposes including professional development. Whatever the purpose or topic, better, more engaging visuals will always be a help.

ProPresenter: Academic Presentation Software at Its Best

ProPresenter is professional-grade presentation software that more than meets the needs of educators and the institutions where they work. With robust support for everything described in this article and more, ProPresenter offers capabilities that PowerPoint and Google Slides can’t — and it’s easy to learn and use across your campus or district.

Reach out to our sales team to discuss educational licensing, or download ProPresenter now and begin an unrestricted free trial to see if ProPresenter is right for your needs.

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What are Presentation Skills? Importance, Benefits

Introduction.

In today’s fast-paced world, effective communication is more important than ever. One aspect of communication that often plays a crucial role in various spheres of life is presentation skills. Whether you are a student, a professional, or even a parent attending a PTA meeting, being able to effectively present yourself is a valuable skill to possess. In this blog post, we will explore what presentation skills are, the different types of presentation skills, their importance, and the benefits they offer.  

What are Presentation Skills?

Presentation skills refer to the ability to effectively convey information, ideas, or opinions to an audience through oral, visual, or written means. These skills encompass various techniques and strategies that enhance the delivery and impact of presentations.  

Types of Presentation Skills

The following are the types of presentation skills.

• Verbal Skills: Verbal skills involve the ability to articulate thoughts clearly and concisely, using appropriate language, tone, and pace. It includes skills such as public speaking, storytelling, and engaging with the audience.  
• Visual Skills: Visual skills pertain to visual aids and tools to support and enhance the message being presented. This may involve creating impactful slide decks, utilizing props, or incorporating multimedia elements.  
• Nonverbal Skills: Nonverbal skills encompass body language, gestures, facial expressions, and overall presence. These skills contribute to the speaker’s confidence, credibility, and ability to build rapport with the audience.  
• Technological Skills: Technological skills involve the ability to effectively use presentation software, multimedia tools, and other technological resources to create and deliver engaging presentations.  

Importance of Presentation Skills

Presentation skills are not limited to the academic or professional realm; they are essential in various aspects of life. Here are some key reasons why presentation skills are important:  

• Effective Communication: Presentation skills enable individuals to communicate their ideas, thoughts, and information clearly and persuasively. Being able to convey messages effectively ensures that the intended audience understands and engages with the content.  
• Career Advancement: In today’s competitive job market, strong presentation skills can set individuals apart from their peers. Whether it’s a job interview, a sales pitch, or an important business meeting, the ability to present ideas confidently and convincingly can significantly enhance career prospects.  
• Leadership Development: Effective leaders are often distinguished by their ability to inspire and motivate others through compelling presentations. Presentation skills play a crucial role in influencing and engaging team members, fostering collaboration, and achieving organizational goals.  
• Enhanced Academic Performance: Students who possess strong presentation skills are better equipped to participate actively in classroom discussions, deliver engaging presentations, and excel in group projects. These skills also extend to college and beyond, where presentations are often a requirement.  

Benefits of Presentation Skills

The development and application of presentation skills offer several notable benefits:  

• Increased Confidence: Presenting in front of an audience can be intimidating for many individuals. However, through practice and honing presentation skills, individuals can build confidence in their ability to deliver impactful presentations, engage the audience, and handle unexpected situations.  
• Improved Persuasion and Influence: Strong presentation skills allow individuals to effectively persuade and influence others. By compellingly presenting information, utilizing persuasive techniques, and demonstrating expertise, individuals can sway opinions and create a lasting impact.  
• Effective Knowledge Transfer: Presentation skills facilitate the transfer of knowledge and information to a wider audience. Whether it’s an academic lecture, a training session, or a workshop, being able to present complex concepts in a simplified manner enhances learning and retention.  
• Professional Image and Reputation: A person’s ability to present well reflects positively on their professionalism and competence. By delivering polished, engaging presentations, individuals can build a strong professional image and enhance their reputation within their respective fields.  

Final Notes

Presentation skills are not innate abilities; they can be developed and improved with practice, guidance, and continuous learning. Whether you are a student preparing for a class presentation, a professional delivering a pitch, or an individual seeking personal growth, investing time and effort into developing these skills can bring about numerous benefits. So, seize opportunities to enhance your presentation skills and unlock your true potential as a communicator.  

Eager to effortlessly grasp complex ideas, as illustrated above? Explore our Tutoroot Blog section for simplified learning. Deepen your understanding of subjects and get your questions addressed through Tutoroot’s online tutoring. Experience the advantages of Tutoroot’s online home tuitions by booking a FREE DEMO session today.

What is the importance of presentation skills? 

Presentation skills are important because they enable effective communication, contribute to career advancement, foster leadership development, and enhance academic performance. In various spheres of life, being able to present ideas clearly and persuasively is crucial for success.  

What are the 4 types of presentation skills? 

The four types of presentation skills are verbal skills, visual skills, nonverbal skills, and technological skills. These encompass various techniques and strategies that contribute to the delivery and impact of presentations.  

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5 reasons why PowerPoint is so popular

PowerPoint still the most popular presentation software tool

29 million over 16s in the UK have, at some stage, created a presentation. Whether it was on the topic of class divides in George Orwell’s Animal Farm that they read at school, a complex client pitch at a leading law firm or anything in between. This accounts for more than half of the UK population. So it’s no surprise that there’s high demand for good quality presentation software and training.

And the most popular presentation tool of all is… you guessed it - PowerPoint. Acuity Training’s recent survey found that 37% of Brits have used PowerPoint at some stage, making it by far the most popular presentation software package available.

But what are the benefits of Microsoft PowerPoint? Why is it so popular? And will it soon be replaced by the likes of Google Slides, Microsoft Sway, Visme and Keynote? Let’s get into it.

Ben Richardson is the owner and director of Acuity Training.

Compatibility

One of the biggest reasons why PowerPoint became and has remained so popular over the years is thanks to its seamless compatibility with a vast array of devices and operating systems . PowerPoint presentations can be created, accessed and edited on both Windows and Apple products. They can also be easily shared and on various devices and platforms without losing their formatting or functionality. Users can transfer their presentations to smartphones , tablets , and even web browsers , enabling them to deliver their presentations anytime, anywhere.

Ease of use

PowerPoint's user-friendly interface makes it exceptionally easy to use, catering to both technical and non-technical users alike. The software's intuitive design and features give users the freedom to craft professional-looking presentations effortlessly. One of PowerPoint's standout characteristics is its drag-and-drop functionality. Users can simply select elements such as text boxes, images, shapes, and multimedia files and easily position them on slides with a simple click and drag. This eliminates the need for complex coding or advanced technical skills, allowing users to focus on content creation rather than technical intricacies. Its pre-designed layouts and templates do all of the hard work for you, allowing you to create professional looking decks with ease.

Visual messaging capabilities

Gone are the days of stuffed slides filled with bullet pointed lists or large chunks of text. When used well, PowerPoint’s SmartArt graphics are your best friend when it comes to creating appealing diagrams and flowcharts to make content that’s slick and easy to understand. While the built-in spell check and grammar correction features help with readability and cohesion. Research has consistently found that the human brain processes and understands visual information more efficiently and effectively compared to text alone, so PowerPoint’s visual capabilities are likely to play a significant role in enhancing retention of information in presentations.

Collaboration

PowerPoint's real-time co-authoring feature has transformed the way teams collaborate when making presentations. It allows multiple users to work on the same presentation simultaneously, regardless of their physical location. Users can add comments, make edit suggestions, and chat with one another on the slides themselves, making teamwork and collaboration a breeze. This is now more important than ever, with so many remote and hybrid workers needing to work together on projects with as little distribution as possible.

Professional spheres

In today’s professional landscape, PowerPoint experience and/or qualifications tend to be a prerequisite in a multitude of industries. From marketing to finance, education to healthcare, and beyond, proficiency in the software allows you to quickly and easily use any new company’s existing templates and layouts and to work effectively within their teams, whilst also adhering to brand guidelines.

There’s little question as to why PowerPoint is the most popular presentation software in the UK. And its position as one of the best presentation software tools is very well-deserved. Other presentation tools such as Google Slides and Visme have gained traction in recent years, and do have growing user bases. But time and time again, PowerPoint remains the go-to for so many of us, and it’s no surprise given its rich set of features, user-friendly interface, and reputable presence across many industries.

PowerPoint’s latest features

So what’s new in PowerPoint? Here are some of my favorite new features.

Power BI Features 

In March this year, Microsoft launched a new PowerPoint add-in that enables seamless integration with Power BI reports. With this update, users can effortlessly incorporate individual visuals into their reports, leveraging the Smart Insights tool to enhance the informational value of presentations. This has reportedly had a major impact on productivity amongst users, helping them to make their presentations more informative and engaging in far less time.

Agenda Wizard

One of PowerPoint’s latest features is Agenda Wizard. This allows you to quickly and easily generate agendas or numbered content table slides, as well as synchronizing any updates and changes to these with just the click of a button. You can also save these format layouts to reuse in the future, or choose from a range of pre-existing options.

What’s in store for the future of PowerPoint?

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that it's planning on bringing AI to PowerPoint via a new "Copilot" feature. This should enable users to use natural language to instruct PowerPoint to create full presentations on a topic of their choosing. They’ve said this feature will even be able to use other documents as a reference for information and inspiration, much like tools such as ChatGPT and AI art generators.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, there have been some initial concerns about the role of AI in content creation. But Microsoft has emphasised that the Copilot feature has been specifically designed to collaborate with users, as opposed to replacing them. It’ll be fascinating to see how these features continue to complement our communication and content creation efforts going forward into 2024 and beyond, and to discover just what the future holds for presentation software tools as we know them.

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Ben Richardson is the owner and director of Acuity Training, which provides corporate IT application (Microsoft, Adobe, AutoCAD) training across the UK both online and in person.

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Presentation Templates: The pros and cons

Present better.

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Presentation templates are widely used for their ease and polished look. While they offer time-saving benefits and consistent branding, they can lack originality and customization. To maximize the benefits of templates, it's recommended to infuse… ... read more Presentation templates are widely used for their ease and polished look. While they offer time-saving benefits and consistent branding, they can lack originality and customization. To maximize the benefits of templates, it's recommended to infuse personal touches and perhaps seek expertise from professionals like those at Prezlab. close

Presentation templates are a standard resource for many presenters, especially in our fast-paced digital world where time is of the essence. They have become an indispensable tool for many as they save valuable time and still provide polished results. But are they truly the answer we want for creating memorable presentations, or are there drawbacks? In this blog, we will look into the advantages and disadvantages of using templates for your presentations.

What is a presentation template?

A presentation template isn’t just a background for your ideas; rather, it is a tool meant to visually enhance and structure your message. At its core, a template is a tool made of pre-designed slides meant to give you a unified, clean look and also help you outline your content thoughtfully and effectively. Templates are often used in professional settings; they come pre-made with their own specific fonts, color schemes, layouts, and icons. Plus, they typically include placeholders for text and images, making it easier for the user to insert and customize their own material.

Advantages of using presentation templates

Presentation templates offer many benefits to those who use them; among the most common are:

They save time

As deadlines loom, upcoming presenters might feel the pressure start to set in. This is why templates seem like the perfect hero in a time crunch; they offer a headstart. Rather than coming up with a complete presentation design and layout from scratch, templates offer a blueprint where all you need to do is fill in the blanks, reducing what would be hours of design time. Simply put, when it comes to saving time, templates are a valuable resource.

They have consistent branding

Conveying a brand’s message clearly requires consistency across all visual elements, from logos to slides, to effectively demonstrate the reliability of a company. When slides feel disjointed and not connected, it comes across as quite jarring. Templates provide a uniform presentation design that remains uniform and recognizable throughout the entire deck. With their centralized appearance, templates establish a brand’s visual identity, ensuring that the audience gains a clear understanding of your brand.

They are easy for beginners

We get it; not everyone has the same eye and expertise as a professional presentation designer. Templates offer an easy way out of the thorny task of designing a clean and appealing slide deck. Since they are tailored for those outside of the design world, templates are a quick solution for beginners to create polished slides without needing advanced design skills.

They are versatile

With the extensive array of options available, you can find a template related to any field or topic. Whether you need real estate or business-related slides, you can find a suitable and engaging template for them. This offers a lot of adaptability for presenters, who can now switch between styles that are appropriate for their audience and theme instead of starting from scratch each time. Templates then provide a backbone to build on, allowing presenters to prepare stylish and relevant slides.

Disadvantages of using presentation templates

Although there are many benefits to using presentation templates, there are also many obstacles to be cautious of. Here are some of the most common:

They lack originality

With presentations, there’s always the looming anxiety of looking generic. Yes, templates are convenient, but their popularity also means your audience will recognize your slides. The overuse of templates has led to a lack of originality that will risk having your content lose its unique identity and blend in with the dozens of other presentations. Using a template that is too common will lead to you just being another face in the crowd.

They have limited customization

After becoming accustomed to templates, you quickly realize that they aren’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution. Not every template will be able to evoke the feeling you truly want your slides and brand to convey. Though they are adaptable, they also have inherent limitations regarding their design elements. You will find that customization features for templates are limited when you are working within a brand guideline, meaning that though they can speed up the design process, you will not necessarily have the result you wish for.

There are potential quality issues

While there are sleek and dazzling templates, many fall short due to quality issues. Behind the appeal of some templates are the risks of poor or low-resolution graphics. When using a low-quality template , you could then risk finding pixelated visuals or layouts that don’t suit a professional presentation. Keeping a discerning eye open is necessary when scoping out a template to ensure that your presentation reflects the quality and professionalism you’re aspiring for.

Over-reliance can hinder skill development

When you rely on templates, you get used to convenience and may miss out on the opportunity to build your own presentation design skills. By constantly using templates, you will never learn the necessary skills to craft a slide deck from scratch when needed. These are the skills needed to truly be adaptable and flexible in your process and save yourself from the stress involved. An over-reliance on templates could leave you unprepared for whipping up a satisfactory presentation on short notice.

Using a template

If you find yourself in a bind and need a shortcut, here is how we suggest using a template. Use the template as the guiding foundation for your presentation, and infuse it with your deep knowledge and insights. Instead of relying on the default structure of the template, add your own original images, graphs, and icons that are more relevant to your brand.

You can also use the template as a narrative tool by rearranging slides to relay a more productive plot. Be creative with how you customize the template; reimagine the color palette, the font pairings, and even the slide transitions into ones that align more accurately with your presentation’s goals.

Wrapping up, it’s vital to consider the advantages and disadvantages of presentation templates for your unique presentation needs. Templates are certainly a helpful tool that offers an accessible and mostly painless way to create presentations in a pinch. Yet, the effectiveness of templates comes down to being frugal with your use; otherwise, relying on them can harm the essence of your presentation and make it forgettable. And of course, you could always outsource your presentation needs to a group of experts, such as our team at Prezlab.

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DOJ Challenges Use of Certain Pricing Algorithms

On August 23, 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) sued real estate software company RealPage alleging the company’s software reduces competition between landlords, resulting in inflated rents and less favorable lease terms for renters. Specifically, the DOJ alleges that RealPage requires subscribing landlords to share their nonpublic pricing and occupancy information with RealPage, then RealPage uses the data to recommend prices for landlords competing in the same geographic areas. The DOJ also alleges that by using landlords’ nonpublic data in this way, RealPage thwarts competition from rival software companies that rely on public data, thereby monopolizing the market for such pricing software. In an environment where algorithmic pricing tools are becoming ubiquitous across a range of industries and under attack by numerous stakeholders, the DOJ’s lawsuit is one to watch.

The DOJ’s suit adds to a number of antitrust cases targeting algorithmic pricing tools. Its complaint and early decisions in the private cases provide valuable insights into features receiving the most antitrust attention. Importantly, these cases are in the early stages, and the defendants have denied any liability. This alert does not seek to predict the success of those suits, but to report on the issues raised in these cases.

Pricing recommendations

Significantly, the DOJ and the courts are not condemning the use of algorithms to provide pricing recommendations. In its complaint, the DOJ actually endorses one RealPage pricing tool that recommends prices based on public data, noting that this tool does not share “the same competitive defects” as RealPage’s two other pricing tools. Further, at least one court has dismissed a suit targeting software used to make pricing recommendations on the basis that the tool does not use nonpublic data. So far, the DOJ and the courts appear to be more focused on the nature of the underlying data and additional features and conduct surrounding the use of these tools than on the use of algorithms to recommend prices.

Nonpublic, competitively sensitive subscriber data

As noted above, pricing tools that rely on competitors’ nonpublic, competitively sensitive data to generate pricing recommendations are drawing more antitrust attention than tools that rely on publicly available data. Companies using nonpublic data may want to consider measures aimed at reducing the risk of antitrust attention, and should consult antitrust counsel for specific suggestions.

Delegated pricing and other ‘compliance’ features

The DOJ’s complaint spills considerable ink on RealPage’s “auto accept” and other “compliance” measures allegedly used to “outsource [landlords’] pricing function” and “align pricing processes, strategies, and pricing responses.” 1 The DOJ has alleged that such features can reduce independent decision-making between competing landlords. Companies using similar features may want to consider measures aimed at reducing the risk of antitrust attention, and should consult antitrust counsel for specific suggestions.

Procompetitive benefits of algorithmic pricing tools

While algorithmic pricing tools can give rise to antitrust risks, they also are increasingly common, and they can generate significant user and consumer benefits without violating antitrust laws. For example, such tools can efficiently evaluate varied and disjointed data to match individual supply and demand, increasing occupancy rates and lowering prices as often as they may increase them. Where such efficiencies are the driver, companies may want to consider memorializing this goal in marketing materials and internal business documents to be best positioned to defend and differentiate their model.

Do not use algorithmic pricing tools to fix prices

Importantly, the DOJ stops short of alleging that competing landlords use RealPage to fix their prices. Any use of algorithmic pricing tools to fix prices between competitors would raise significant risks. Agreements among competitors to fix prices are generally construed as “per se” illegal under the antitrust laws and may give rise to both civil and criminal liability. For example, in 2015, the DOJ brought a criminal action against online sellers of posters, alleging those sellers agreed to adopt specific pricing algorithms to coordinate pricing changes. The DOJ condemned the conduct as “per se” illegal price fixing. In contrast, the DOJ’s “information exchange” theory in the RealPage case is subject to review under the antitrust “rule of reason” standard, which will allow RealPage to introduce evidence of the software’s benefits and require the DOJ to show that any harm to competition outweighs these benefits in relevant antitrust markets – typically a high hurdle for plaintiffs.

Legislative efforts

Lawmakers at the federal, state and local levels also are pursuing legislation that would ban certain pricing tools, with San Francisco poised to become the first , but possibly not the last, city to ban algorithmic software used to recommend rents. And the week before the suit was filed, Vice President Kamala Harris publicly committed to take on pricing tools in the housing industry if elected president, stating “some corporate landlords collude with each other to set artificially high rental prices, often using algorithms and price-fixing software to do it. It’s anticompetitive, and it drives up costs. I will fight for a law that cracks down on these practices.”

DOJ’s suit against RealPage

RealPage offers three revenue management tools: YieldStar, AI Revenue Management (AIRM), and Lease Rent Options (LRO). The DOJ’s complaint targets YieldStar and AIRM, alleging that subscribers “agree[] to share detailed data with RealPage that are private, updated nightly, and granular.” 2 According to the DOJ, subscribers provide lease transactional data for every unit including “effective rent (rent net of discounts), rent discounts, rent term, and lease status; unit characteristics such as layout and amenities;” and information on expected lease expiration and future occupancy. The DOJ alleges that AIRM and YieldStar use competitors’ nonpublic, transactional data to recommend prices for individual units, and that AIRM also uses this data to train its models.

In contrast, RealPage’s third pricing tool, LRO, relies primarily on landlords to manually input data on competitors “that they have obtained from public websites.” 3 Because “LRO does not rely on the type and quantity of nonpublic, transactional data pulled from competitors’ property management software or obtained from contacting competing landlords,” the DOJ characterizes LRO as a “less restrictive alternative” that does not share “the same competitive defects as AIRM and YieldStar.” 4

The DOJ further alleges that RealPage employs mechanisms to increase landlords’ compliance with its pricing recommendations, encourage price increases, and otherwise limit competition between landlords. For example, according to the DOJ, RealPage:

• Promotes use of the software’s “auto accept” feature, which effectively delegates pricing authority to RealPage’s algorithms within certain parameters.
• Makes it easy for landlords to bulk accept pricing recommendations (and hard to override the recommended price by imposing administrative burdens).
• Deploys “pricing advisors” to escalate manual overrides of a recommended price to the landlord’s regional manager.
• Imposes a price floor that prevents the software from recommending a price that falls below a minimum market rent.
• Activates a “revenue protection mode” feature in low-demand periods to encourage landlords to limit available inventory to maximize price.
• Discourages landlords from offering discounts or other concessions to reduce negotiations with renters and maintain pricing. 5

The DOJ contends that as a result of these mechanisms, competing landlords “effectively agree to outsource their pricing function” thereby “aligning users’ pricing processes, strategies, and pricing responses.” 6

Private plaintiff suits

Private plaintiffs also have initiated a number of pricing algorithm cases spanning multiple industries. Although it is still early, decisions on motions to dismiss in a few of these cases – including in the private challenge to RealPage – provide some guidance.

In In re RealPage, Inc., Rental Software Antitrust Litig. , the plaintiffs sued RealPage and its subscribers, alleging a conspiracy to inflate prices in multifamily and student housing. In December 2023, a Tennessee district court found that the plaintiffs had sufficiently alleged a horizontal agreement, based on “the simple undisputed fact that each [] Client Defendant provided RealPage its proprietary commercial data, knowing that RealPage would require the same from its horizontal competitors and use all of that data to recommend rental prices to its competitors.” 7 But the court rejected the plaintiffs’ per se claim, because the “[p]laintiffs have not alleged any direct agreement or communication” and, since the defendants often overrode pricing recommendations, the court “[could not] find that” the plaintiffs “have alleged an absolute delegation of their price-setting to RealPage.” 8

In Gibson v. Cendyn Group , the plaintiffs alleged Cendyn’s Rainmaker software, a pricing tool used in the hotel industry, was being used to “artificially inflate prices” for hotel rooms on the Las Vegas strip. Despite alleged similarities between Rainmaker and RealPage’s AIRM and YieldStar, the court dismissed the case with prejudice relying on one key distinction: “this case does not involve allegations of competitors pooling their confidential or proprietary information in the dataset that the pertinent algorithm runs on, while [the private RealPage] case did.” 9

In Cornish-Adebiyi v. Caesars Entertainment , a New Jersey district court is considering the defendants’ motion to dismiss a price fixing case against Cendyn and hotel operators in Atlantic City that use the same Rainmaker software as in Gibson . Notably, in contrast to Gibson, Cornish includes allegations that Rainmaker’s algorithm relies on nonpublic pricing and occupancy data provided by subscribers who overwhelmingly adopt Rainmaker’s pricing recommendations.

What’s next

The RealPage litigation is likely to shed light on how the DOJ will seek to apply antitrust to new algorithm-powered technology – and shape the developing case law applying the Sherman Act to algorithmic pricing tools.

Companies offering and using these tools are well advised to engage antitrust counsel and consider the benefits and potential risks of such products, as well as whether appropriate safeguards are in place to mitigate potential risk. There are myriad potential options for companies who create or use these tools to reduce potential antitrust scrutiny. But each potential mitigation should be bespoke – designed for the particular tool and client.

• Compl. ¶¶ 6, 237.
• Id. ¶ 18.
• Id. ¶58.
• Id. ¶153.
• Id. ¶¶ 65-70, 133, 136-37, 143-46.
• Id. ¶¶ 6, 237.
• In re RealPage, Inc., Rental Software Antitrust Litig. (No. II) , 2023 WL 9004806 at *15.
• Id. at *23.
• Gibson v. Cendyn Grp., LLC , No. 2:23-CV-00140-MMD-DJA, 2024 WL 2060260, at *4 (D. Nev. May 8, 2024).

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18 Surprising Things That Happen to Your Body When You Stop Drinking Alcohol

From weight loss to better sleep, the long-term and short-term side effects can be noticeable.

What happens to your body when you stop drinking?

Alcohol withdrawal timeline, how to stop drinking, bottom line.

If you’re thinking about joining the #SoberCurious movement , you’re not alone. There are currently over 750,000 uses of the hashtag on Instagram, and more and more people are considering giving up alcohol as an experiment (think: Dry January but at other points in the year) — or for good. So what happens to your body when you stop drinking alcohol? We asked experts to break down everything you might notice immediately, and the effects that can continue long after you’ve had your last sip.

What does alcohol do to your body?

You’d be hard-pressed to think of something in your body that isn’t impacted by alcohol. According to Matthew Mosquera , MD, the Medical Director of the Alcohol, Drugs, and Addiction Inpatient Program at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts and an instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, alcohol affects three main systems in your body:

Light drinkers tend to be mostly spared from the effects on the liver, but for heavy drinkers, the liver becomes inflamed, which can be dangerous over time,” says Dr. Mosquera. According to The National Institute for Health,  light drinking is defined as seven drinks per week for women, with no more than three in one day, and no more than 14 drinks per week for men, with no more than four in one day .  That said, your liver has to work hard to process and filter alcohol, no matter the quantity. When you’re drinking heavily on a regular basis, it can overwhelm the liver’s capabilities, causing a cascade of health issues, including liver disease, liver cancer, and  acute alcohol-related hepatitis  — all of which can be deadly.

Cardiovascular System

“Alcohol is a monkey wrench in our homeostasis,” says Dr. Mosquera. “Both light and heavy drinking dehydrates you, so your heart compensates by elevating your blood pressure and your heart rate.” In fact,  an analysis of seven studies  in the journal Hypertension , found that  people who had just one drink per day showed elevated blood pressure when compared to non-drinkers.

Cognitive Function

Drinking increases anxiety levels and impairs your memory’s ability to function, adds Dr. Mosquera. But we’re not just talking about one night of “blacking out” and forgetting what happened. The compound effects of drinking on your brain can be serious. One study found that even moderate alcohol consumption can cause changes to the brain’s structure , leading to cognitive decline in areas associated with memory and reasoning. In the study, more excessive drinking translated to more rapid cognitive decline.

While these areas may take the greatest hit from regular drinking, they aren’t the only ones affected. Alcohol’s inflammatory properties don’t just affect the liver — the stomach can also become inflamed, which, along with the dehydration, can affect digestion and lead to constipation . While your liver and stomach can usually rebound if you stop drinking, with inflammation comes an increased cancer risk over time.

Alcohol can also impair your ability to get restorative rest because you’re less likely to enter REM sleep, which has been shown to increase your risk of dementia .

Regular drinking raises estrogen levels and reduces testosterone. For men, this can look like lowered libido and erectile dysfunction, as well as decreased muscle mass. For women, it can increase the risk of breast cancer, impair bone health, and lead to mood changes.

And, emotionally, alcohol can make you not only more anxious, but more irritable, more impulsive and less inhibited — not just after a drink, but compounded over time, says Dr. Mosquera. These effects can also be exacerbated if you have a mental health diagnosis like bipolar disorder, he says.

Ironically, some of the first things you might notice are similar to what happens to your body when you’re drinking. “Anxiety is the most common thing people notice upon stopping,” says Dr. Sharone Abramowitz , MD, a psychiatrist and president of the California Society of Addiction Medicine . She also notes that a craving for alcohol is common once people stop.

Other common side effects:

• rapid heart rate
• restlessness
• sleep problems

The good news? These effects will subside as your body adjusts to the absence of alcohol.

The first few days:

Some positive effects of no alcohol will come on after just a few days of giving up your nightly nightcap. Alcohol inhibits your ability to reach a REM state while asleep, so after a few days without alcohol, you’ll start to notice that you’re dreaming more and getting deeper, more restorative rest. “You’re also more hydrated, so your heart rate will start to go down,” says Dr. Mosquera. “After a few days, you’ll notice an increase in energy and more mental clarity.”

After a week:

After just seven days without alcohol, your immune system starts bouncing back. While you might not notice it, your hormones are starting to improve as well, with libido and sexual function revving back up. While heavy drinkers are the only ones who experience liver effects from alcohol, the improvements can be felt very quickly. “If you’re a heavy drinker, this is where your liver health starts rebounding,” says Dr. Mosquera.

After a month:

Your body’s systems bounce back over time, but after about 30 days, you’ll start seeing a difference. “Your skin has had a month to absorb all the hydration and nutrients and B vitamins that your body hadn’t been getting while you were drinking, so this is when you’ll see noticeable improvements to your skin,” says Dr. Mosquera. There’s also likely to be some weight loss within a month, due to the absence of the calories you were ingesting in alcohol (as long as you haven’t swapped them for equally high-calorie comfort foods).

After 3 months:

Consider this when the cloud will start lifting mentally. “After a few months, the brain will begin to return to health,” says Dr. Abramowitz. Your alcohol-induced anxiety levels have likely stabilized, too. Your sleep cycle is continuing to improve, so you’re getting even more REM sleep and feeling more rested.

After 6 months:

Six months without alcohol is when you can begin to see your immune system optimizing and fighting the good fight again, though depending on the time of year and your environment, you might not immediately notice. If it’s winter, you may notice fewer colds than in the past, but in warmer months, the changes may be more subtle, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Your body is starting to operate more efficiently, too. “Giving your body six months of water absorption will improve your digestion and constipation,” says Dr. Mosquera.

After a year:

“The one-year mark is when your overall risk of different cancers has leveled off,” says Dr. Mosquera. “No level of drinking is safe when it comes to cancer risk, but after a year without alcohol, you’ve experienced a significant risk reduction.” After all this time, you might also appreciate a lot of the emotional effects of a life without alcohol. “Your relationships are likely improved, and your resilience has increased,” says Dr. Mosquera.

On top of that, you’re likely feeling less anxiety and are better able to regulate your emotions when life’s hiccups arise.

Depending on whether you’re a light or heavy drinker, your strategy around cutting back will be different. “For a light drinker, you don’t really need to taper,” says Dr. Mosquera. “Heavy drinkers should make a plan to avoid withdrawal symptoms like seizures.” If you’re drinking more than seven drinks a week for a woman or 14 for a man, especially for extended periods of time, consider talking to a doctor first before stopping cold turkey.

If you’re considering a break from alcohol, it might also be helpful to think about why you drink. “Everyone turns to alcohol for a reason,” says Dr. Mosquera. “Maybe it’s relief from your worries or connection with friends. Try to think about what you’ll replace alcohol with so that you can still get that outlet.” Instead of meeting friends regularly at a bar to connect and wind down, suggest a new workout class you could do together or just meet up for a walk. If drinking is your go-to way to blow off steam after a busy week, schedule a booze-free, self-care activity for Friday afternoons, like indulging in a hobby you enjoy or a pampering session like a massage.

Quitting without a plan can be extra tough because you’ll still want to fill the emotional void that alcohol used to sop up. Make sure you have another strategy lined up that actually works for you (i.e., don’t say you’ll take up yoga if you hate yoga), so you won’t feel tempted to rush back to drinking when life gets stressful. Another potential option: The rise in great-tasting non-alcoholic beverages may make the switch even easier.

Why trust Good Housekeeping

Brittany Burke Robert, the author of this article, has written about health for Oprah Daily, Well+Good, Livestrong, Reebok and other publications and digital brands for over 15 years. She has extensive experience working alongside clinicians and providers to create physical and mental well-being content that's useful, informative, and clinically effective. For this article, she conducted interviews with multiple doctors for their expertise and recommendations and read research on alcohol and its effect on the body. In addition, the editor of this article has spent the last 15 years as a health editor, covering all things health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness and adheres to the highest journalistic standards.

Brittany Burke Robert has written about health for Oprah Daily, Well+Good, Livestrong, Reebok, and other publications and digital brands for over 15 years. She has extensive experience working alongside clinicians and providers to create physical and mental well-being content that's useful, informative and clinically effective.

Jihan Myers is an award-winning journalist and editor who has covered women's health for more than 17 years for digital brands and publications including Good Housekeeping, O, The Oprah Magazine, Prevention, and Marie Claire , among others. She has experience covering all things health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness and adheres to the highest journalistic standards.

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• Credit Cards

3 Reasons I Almost Never Use My Debit Card

Published on Sept. 9, 2024

By: Margo Winton Parodi

• Credit cards can earn you rewards on your spending.
• Debit cards don't offer the same level of fraud protection as credit cards.
• Cash usage is way down, which means fewer trips to the ATM.

I remember going to the bank with my parents one day during high school to open my very own checking account . I was a little overwhelmed by the responsibility of carrying a debit card around in my wallet. Here was the key to my own little vault, slim as a playing card. I felt very mature.

As the years have gone on, my debit card has taken a backseat; in fact, it's gotten a little dusty at this point because I hardly ever use it. Here are a few of the reasons why.

1. I like earning rewards with my credit cards

One benefit of a debit card over a credit card is that with the former, you can only spend the money you actually have. If you're on a tight budget or prone to overspending, using a debit card can help you stay in line.

But if you consistently keep your spending in check and know you'll be able to pay off any charges each payment period, using credit cards can be a boon to your finances. Many credit cards earn rewards , either in the form of cash back, points, or travel miles. This essentially makes everything you buy a little bit cheaper because you're getting paid back a percentage of each purchase in one form or another.

Debit cards just can't compete with that.

2. I feel safer with the protection from credit cards

Another benefit that credit cards offer is fraud protection. If you lose your wallet or your card information gets stolen, you can breathe a little easier knowing that you won't be on the hook for all, or potentially any, of the fraudulent charges that might occur. The Fair Credit Billing Act limits your liability to $50 as a result of credit card fraud. And some of the best credit cards even have 0% liability.

If you drop your debit card on the street and some scoundrel goes on a shopping spree with it, you could be out a lot more. Depending on when you report the card as lost or stolen, you could be responsible for all of the money taken from your account.

3. I almost never pay with cash

Once I started using my credit cards regularly, I never went back to using my debit card to pay for purchases. That meant the only time I was using it was to take out cash. But these days, my ATM visits are few and far between.

According to the Federal Reserve, cash usage dropped to 16% of transactions in the U.S. in 2023. That drop is likely in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, when we were all worried about any sort of contact and avoided exchanging bills and coins with strangers. Touchless card readers and paying with smart devices became more common, and it looks like I'm not alone in making that switch.

More benefits for my finances

There are plenty more perks to using credit cards, from purchase protection to credit building, that debit cards simply don't offer. While I'm glad I got my financial footing under me with a debit card, I've mostly moved on to greener pastures.

Our Research Expert

Margo is a copy editor who has worked on subjects ranging from cookbooks to graphic novels. She's been contributing to The Ascent since the spring of 2019.

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KPMG member firms are committed to using AI ethically and responsibly

We believe in the transformative power of AI. And that it can only reach its full potential when it is paired with human expertise and ingenuity.

At KPMG, our purpose is to inspire confidence and empower change. Tracing our origins back over 150 years, our people have played a leading role in harnessing the power of new technologies and providing assurance and direction in implementing them.

KPMG member firms are committed to upholding ethical standards for AI solutions that align with our values and professional standards, and that foster the trust of our clients, people, communities, and regulators. We are steadfast in our commitment to act in a way that serves the public interest, honors public trust, and demonstrates our commitment to professional excellence.

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Across KPMG member firms, our approach to trusted AI includes foundational principles that guide our aspirations in this space, demonstrating our commitment to using it responsibly and ethically:

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We implement AI as guided by our Values. They are our differentiator and shape a culture that is open, inclusive and operates to the highest ethical standards. Our Values inform our day-to-day behaviours and help us navigate emerging opportunities and challenges.

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We prioritize human impact as we deploy AI and recognize the needs of our clients and our people. We are embracing this technology to empower and augment human capabilities — to unleash creativity and improve productivity in a way that allows people to reimagine how they spend their days.

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We will adhere to our principles and the ethical pillars that guide how and why we use AI across its lifecycle. We will strive to ensure our data acquisition, governance and usage practices upholds ethical standards and complies with applicable privacy and data protection regulations, as well as any confidentiality requirements.

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Data used in AI solutions should be acquired in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and assessed for accuracy, completeness, appropriateness and quality to drive trusted decisions.

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AI solutions should include responsible disclosure to provide stakeholders with a clear understanding of what is happening in each solution across the AI lifecycle.

AI solutions should be designed to reduce or eliminate bias against individuals, communities and groups.

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Human oversight and responsibility should be embedded across the AI lifecycle to manage risk and comply with applicable laws and regulations.

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Like many other global organizations, we understand responsible AI is a complex regulatory, business, and technical challenge and recognize that as scrutiny and regulation of AI increases, organizations may need policies and practices they can positively employ across their business. There is critical need to deploy AI responsibly. With KPMG’s Trusted AI framework, we bring together the ingenuity, business, and industry experience of KPMG professionals with the power and scale of AI programs to help organizations address this challenge with confidence.

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