Presentation tips: ideas to make your training successful.
A good training session stands or falls with the way the information is presented. Even the most valuable content loses impact when participants lose their attention. Fortunately, a presentation doesn’t always have to be traditional. With a few creative ideas, you can keep the energy and engagement of your participants high.
Start without a presentation
Many presentations automatically begin with a slide deck. However, this is not always beneficial for maintaining attention. To really make an impact and encourage interaction, it’s better to start with a question, a statement, a short activity, or a relatable anecdote. By actively involving participants right away, you create curiosity and set the tone for interaction. Slides can always follow later as support, rather than as the main guide.
Be active!
Learning and movement reinforce each other. Encourage participants to stand up occasionally, change places, or work in small groups. Think of a short walking activity, a standing discussion, or moving post-its on a wall. It can work really well to include a game that involves movement, it may sound a bit strange, but it truly works. Movement increases concentration and helps prevent mental fatigue.
Make participants co-owners of the content
Instead of presenting everything yourself, you can invite participants to share their knowledge and experiences. A good way to do this is by giving them an assignment. For example, pairs can prepare a short presentation on a specific topic, and you can select a few to share their findings with the group. This way, they actively engage with the material, which increases involvement and makes the training more relevant for everyone.
Use unexpected formats
It can be very tempting to create a slide deck and read it aloud word for word, but what value does coming together then really add? Dare to deviate from standard formats. For example, use:
- A short quiz, online or in person
- An object, video, or image as a conversation starter
- Storytelling instead of bullet points
These elements help maintain attention and ensure that the information sticks better.
Work with a quiet environment
Silence can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but it can actually be very effective in your presentation. It can come across as confident and strong. Give participants a moment to think and absorb the material. By not speaking immediately, you allow them space to form an opinion on the topic, write something down, or reflect. This prevents information overload and leads to deeper insights.
End with action, not information
A successful training doesn’t end with “the last slide,” but with action. For example, have participants state what they will apply in practice or share what stood out most to them. Make it even more effective by asking them not to repeat what the person before them said. This forces them to recall what has been discussed. In this way, everyone leaves the session with clear insights and is reminded of key topics covered earlier.
Create a safe and energetic environment
The environment plays a bigger role than often assumed. BCN ensures the right setup, a bright space, and room to move. For example, during breaks, you can go to the energy break in the restaurant or take a moment in the coffee lounges. It’s important to create a relaxed atmosphere where making mistakes is allowed, this reduces insecurities and encourages participation and willingness to learn.
Think outside of the box
A successful training requires more than just good content. By thinking outside the box and incorporating interaction, movement, and creativity, you can greatly increase the impact of your presentation. Using unconventional presentation methods generates more energy, better engagement, and lasting learning for participants.
Want to put these tips into practice? Book your space at BCN now.
Written by
Esmee van Houten
Hi, I’m Esmee. I’m 21 years old, and in 2024 I started as an intern in the marketing department at BCN during my Creative Business studies. I now work here with great enthusiasm as a Marketing & Communications employee. With a passion for content, storytelling, and communication, I enjoy bringing a fresh perspective to everything related to meetings and hospitality. In these articles, I share tips, inspiration, and stories from practical experience.
