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Creative Presentation Ideas Without PowerPoint: 7 Unique Ways to Engage Your Audience

Creative-Presentation-Ideas-Without-PowerPoint

Are you in a creative rut when it comes to making presentations and engaging your audience? Have you found yourself relying too much on good ol’ PowerPoint and need a breath of fresh air? We have the ultimate answer to your woes – 7 unique ways to present your subject without PowerPoint! These top 7 suggestions guarantee to get your audiences’ attention, keep them engaged, and make them beg for more. From utilizing props and infographics to interactive activities and storytelling, you’ll be able to find the method that works best for you. And they all come without having to use PowerPoint! So Read on to discover the secrets behind our top 7 creative presentation ideas without PowerPoint, and how you can make your next presentation a smashing success!

Quick Breakdown

There are many creative ways to present information without using PowerPoint, such as creating a hands-on demonstration , using scanned images with voiceover narration, or making a video. You can also use posters, flipcharts , props, and other visuals to help engage your audience.

Explaining Concepts with Storytelling

Storytelling can be a powerful way to explore complex concepts and engage with audiences. Using stories to explain ideas encourages critical thinking, increases audience engagement, and gives meaning to abstract topics. Unlike the structure of PowerPoint slides, storytelling allows for organic dialogue between presenter and audience, creating an environment where both are actively involved in exploring concepts. Furthermore, by using a narrative approach to present information, ideas become easier to remember as they are given much-needed context. Arguments against using stories as a means of communication focus on its relative unstructured nature and the lack of advantages that tangible visuals provide. Others find it difficult to measure engagement when using stories as opposed to traditional PowerPoint slides or other visual aids . However, the most effective storytellers understand how to use emotion, tension, humor, surprise, and suspense to narrate concrete arguments that will stay with their audiences long after their presentations have ended. Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of interpersonal communication; it’s no wonder the listener’s attention is captured from start to finish. By creatively utilizing this ancient technique in combination with modern teaching practices, presenters can captivate their audiences with gripping narratives about important topics. Such engagement not only encourages comprehension but also sparks curiosity and debate among listeners. With so much potential for success, explain concepts with storytelling has become increasingly popular in business settings and other professional environments. Ready to take your presentation skills up a notch? By engaging audiences with interactivity you can ensure that your audience members leave with a full understanding of the concept you were trying share while having a great time doing it!

Engaging Audiences with Interactivity

Interactivity is a great tool for engaging (and not boring) audiences in a presentation. Interactivity can come in many forms and can be tailored to the subject matter, needs of the presenter, and objectives of the audience. Depending on the environment and resources available, there are several ways to introduce interactive elements into presentations. Two popular types of interactivity that can be used are Q&A sessions and polling or surveys . Q&A sessions can be structured by designating time at the end of the presentation or set up as an ongoing part of the presentation. This allows the presenter to quickly address questions from the audience while also staying on topic and providing additional clarity when necessary. Polling or surveys are great for getting more in-depth opinions from participants on a specific topic, helping to provide further context around various aspects of presentation topics . Another method for introducing interactivity is game-based activities. This could include quizzes, challenges, puzzles, scavenger hunts, and other types of games depending on the objectives. Games are often a great way to get people engaged with one another as well as pique interest in the content presented. It’s important to carefully consider whether this type of activity is appropriate for your particular situation prior to implementing it into a presentation. Overall, there is no single best way to incorporate interactivity into your presentation but it is a powerful tool that can help make it successful if used correctly. It’s important to understand how certain interactive elements might affect your message by building in enough time for feedback and thorough responses if needed. With careful planning and consideration for all audiences involved, you can craft engaging presentations without relying on PowerPoint alone. Next we will look at how using an interactive whiteboard is another great alternative for presenting without PowerPoint.

Interactive Whiteboard

Interactive whiteboard technologies offer content-rich, audience-engaging presentations without the same level of formality as PowerPoint. With an interactive whiteboard, you can tap into a wide variety of multimedia content that encourages audience engagement and creativity while reducing any text-heavy messages. A well-made and engaging presentation on an interactive whiteboard can provide students or trainees with an immersive experience, allowing them to visualize and understand complex topics in ways that are not possible with traditional paper-based materials. From the point of view of traditional powerpoint presentations, one advantage of an interactive whiteboard is the fact that the audience can actively participate in the process by sharing their thoughts or responses via either verbal discussion, written comments, or drawings in real time. Other benefits include simple navigation and navigation tools for finding specific parts or pages within a presentation. Additionally, sound effects like music or videos may also be included to make the presentation more attention-grabbing and creative. A disadvantage is that interactive whiteboard systems are typically more expensive than traditional PowerPoint software. Moreover, they often require additional hardware such as a projector or other devices needed to connect it to media sources such as computers and tablets. Furthermore, without technical support assistance at hand, it can be difficult for those who are unfamiliar with this technology to operate the interactive board effectively. Therefore, it is important to take into consideration these potential cons before planning a presentation on an interactive whiteboard system. Overall, when used responsibly and creatively, an interactive whiteboard provides a captivating alternative to PowerPoint presentations without diminishing its educational value and potential effectiveness in communicating key messages and ideas to your target audience. As the next section will discuss further, adding hands-on activities to your presentation is another way create impactful and engaging experiences for your attendees.

Hands-On Activities

Hands-on activities evoke a sense of participation and engagement that can be just as powerful as engaging with a PowerPoint presentation. However, they work best with smaller audiences where the participants are able to get up close to the facilitator and interact with one another. Depending on the type of message you’re trying to convey, different types of hands-on activities may be suitable. For example, if you want to capture creative ideas in a group setting, an exercise such as “speed sketching” could be conducted. Everyone in the group would have to collaboratively draw a set concept or idea in five minutes or less . Alternatively, if you’re trying to inspire people about a specific topic, physical representation will help them retain more information and give them a better understanding of complex topics . More traditional activities such as panel discussions and debates are also great options for fostering an interactive environment amongst any audience. Leading into the next section: Illustrating ideas with multimedia has been tried and tested by many businesses and organizations for its ability to effectively engage larger audiences who may have varying interests or perspectives on the topic being presented.

Illustrating Ideas with Multimedia

When it comes to creative presentation ideas without PowerPoint, leveraging multimedia to illustrate ideas can be an effective method of bringing the audience into an experience and capturing their attention. Multimedia elements such as images, videos, audio clips, and even live web streams can help bring the presentation to life and add a “wow” factor that PowerPoint cannot provide. Not only can visuals help encourage engagement, but this type of multimedia also helps break up the monotony associated with lecturing for long periods of time. By introducing multimedia elements during a presentation, audiences will find this type of approach to be interesting and memorable. Using multimedia for presentations can also add to the impact of narrative content. Rather than just reading from a script or speaking from memory, adding visuals or sound effects can make stories more captivating while strengthening an argument. That said, it’s important to remember there are drawbacks associated with multimedia elements. If not used sparingly, they can quickly become too distracting or take away from the message you’re trying to convey. Ensuring multimedia adds value instead of detracts from your talk is key when leveraging multimedia in creative presentations. Finally, leveraging multi-media is only one side of incorporating creative techniques into a presentation — performance demonstrations are another great way to engage an audience. In the next section we’ll look at how you can use props and physical demonstrations to capture the audience’s attention and create a lasting impression.

  • According to a 2004 study , PowerPoint is just presentation technology’s latest iteration and will eventually be replaced by something else.

Performance Demonstrations

Performance Demonstrations are a great way to keep your audience engaged and excited about your presentation. Whether you decide to show off a skill you possess or hire an expert in their field, an engaging, “real performance” is sure to leave a lasting impression on your audience. The advantages of performing a demonstration are that it keeps the audience focused, provides an interactive element to the presentation and makes for a more creative form of communication. Additionally, it allows the presenter to explain some abstract ideas in concrete terms. For example, when explaining aerodynamics, if you have an expert mathematician available, they could use calculus to calculate air resistance and lift force while teaching the audience a physical demonstration. On the other hand, there are potential downsides when incorporating performance demonstrations into your presentation. Not everyone will understand the topic presented; visual learners may comprehend more easily than those with auditory learning styles and vice-versa. Additionally, performance demonstrations run the risk of not being done effectively causing confusion instead of clarity during the presentation. Regardless of these drawbacks, if done correctly, performance demonstrations can be a great way to engage any audience. Following this section about Performance Demonstrations we will explore how Presenters can use Physical Objects as another unique way to capture an audience’s attention and lead them through their message without PowerPoint.

Present Ideas Using Physical Objects

Using physical objects to convey a message can be an effective and creative means to engage an audience. By incorporating tangible elements, such as props, displays, and other materials, presenters can physically demonstrate a concept or idea in a way that captures attention and encourages interaction. Additionally, physical objects can enable the audience to have both tactile interaction as well as visual stimulation. This can help to keep individuals focused on the presentation and more likely to remember what is being said. For example, while explaining increasing sales numbers over time, a presenter may use a graph written on a whiteboard with colored markers. As each section of the graph is explained, the presenter can point to sections of the board with the markers to emphasize certain points or data points. This allows for visual tracking of progress on the graph, as well as directing attention away from other slides or topics being discussed. Furthermore, using physical markers instead of electronic slides gives the audience something tangible with which to interact and remember. Physical objects may also be used as props for storytelling or examples within a presentation. However, this approach can prove difficult if not done correctly due to unexpected issues with transport or storage of materials. If not managed properly ahead of time, these unforeseen problems can have an impact on the quality of the presentation and its potential success. For this reason it is important to weigh all options carefully before selecting any physical props for incorporation into the presentation.

Visual Props

Visual props are a great way to engage audiences and create interesting presentations. These props can include items such as whiteboards and markers, storyboards, sculptures, or even art installations. Visual props can be used to illustrate complex concepts, break up information into more concentrated bits, and make your audience feel like they are actively participating in the presentation. On one hand, visual props might help enhance rather than dominate a presentation. Rather than simply showing an audience slides of written words on a screen and speaking over them, visual props may allow the presenter to incorporate elements of drama and interaction with the audience. For example, depending on the type of prop you choose, viewers may be encouraged to ask questions or share their experiences in relation to what is being presented. On the other hand, using too many props can become overwhelming for an audience and detract from the larger message you want to convey. Additionally, if your chosen prop is too heavy or bulky it can become difficult for a presenter to move around while speaking over them. It is important to focus on how much of your prop should be seen and how much of it should remain behind-the-scenes or in storage during a presentation so that it has maximum impact if needed but also won’t distract from the topic at hand. Overall, visual props provide an effective way to engage viewers in a presentation without the use of PowerPoint. With thoughtful planning, visuals can be used in strategic ways that emphasize key points and foster a greater understanding rather than being distracting or overwhelming to your audience. In order to reach your audience with flashcards – the next step after incorporating visual props – additional considerations have to be taken regarding content selection as well as readability and accessibility.

Reaching the Audience with Flashcards

Using flashcards is a great way to engage an audience and make sure information is retained. This can be done before your presentation, during question and answer, or at the end as a review for what has been discussed. Flashcards are especially helpful for presentations that include a lot of facts and/or data, as they allow individuals to easily retain information without relying on taking notes. Moreover, flashcards can be used in creative ways to keep an audience’s attention. For example, a presenter can set up different stations throughout the room that have cards which can be collected during the presentation. Additionally, they can be used as an interactive prop to illustrate points or ask questions to audience members. Finally, they can be used as part of a game or challenge to test how well attendees absorbed the content. The downside is that using flashcards can take up considerable time depending on the size of the audience and it must be incorporated correctly into the flow of the presentation to avoid disruption. Additionally, it may not be effective if you are presenting topics with limited supporting numbers or facts. That being said, incorporating flashcards into an engaging presentation when done properly adds excitement and encourages participation among attendees. As mentioned previously, there are many different ways to creatively engage your audience without having to rely on tools like PowerPoint. However, having a few final tips will help make sure your unique presentation goes off without a hitch so let’s discuss that in the following section: A Few Final Tips on Creative Presentations.

A Few Final Tips on Creative Presentations

Creating a successful and engaging presentation without PowerPoint can be difficult. Apart from frameworking it differently and using alternative tools, there are a few time-tested approaches that could help you create powerful presentations. Here are a few tips to consider when creating creative presentations without PowerPoint. 1. Develop Your Story: Whether it’s one of your own experiences or craft an interesting case study for the audience to learn from, using the story format allows for naturally captivating presentation. By starting with a hook and weaving through historical perspectives and facts, you can make sure your presentation will be more memorable and enjoyable for the audience. 2. Have Fun With It: When developing your presentation without PowerPoint, it’s essential that your main focus is getting the information across in an easy-to-understand yet engaging way. Having fun while delivering the content will make it easier for audience members of all age ranges to remember what they were taught. 3. Enrich with Visuals: A presentation isn’t complete if there aren’t visuals to enhance the delivery of your message or topic. Tools like Prezi and PowToon are great alternatives to PowerPoint that you can use if you want to add visual appeal to your next presentation; similarly, incorporating images or art into your slides will guarantee attendees understand essential points they need to take away from your content delivery process. 4. Set Your Audience Expectations: Prepare a clear plan before presenting so that every component found within each slide is communicated effectively and thoroughly explained during the talk; also tell your audience exactly what you should expect from them as well – is there a question and answer session ? Do they have an activity or assignment to complete by the end? By providing these expectations ahead of time, navigating through the material will appear much easier both visually and mentally. 5. Practice & Rehearse: No matter how great of an idea you come up with, if you don’t practice it beforehand then it won’t go over as smoothly as intended. Make sure you’re well rehearsed on all topics covered within the presentation so that no questions go unheard due to memory recall issues caused by stress in public speaking contexts; additionally, rehearsing frequently also allows for polish lines that add even more flavor to any speech! When crafting a creative presentation without PowerPoint, following these top tips helps ensure success in each delivery. As long as thought is put into their approach beforehand, practically anyone can develop an effective method for teaching others without relying solely on slideshows generated through computer software programs like Microsoft Office Suite products!

Responses to Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using alternative presentation ideas without powerpoint.

The advantages of using alternative presentation ideas without Powerpoint are plentiful. For starters, they allow speakers to be more creative and expressive since they don’t need to limit themselves to text-based slides and static visuals. Additionally, these alternatives can be especially effective for highly interactive or participatory presentations. For example, having audience members take part in activities such as role playing, group exercises and simulations can help create an engaging dynamic and offer a much more immersive experience than a traditional powerpoint presentation. Finally, alternative presentation ideas allow the speaker to use a wide range of media formats including videos, visuals, music and sound effects to present their message in a compelling way. These elements can create emotional connections with the audience that are unlikely to be achieved through static “bulleted text” slides.

How can I make an effective presentation without Powerpoint?

Making an effective presentation without Powerpoint can be achieved by leveraging various creative techniques. Firstly, it is important to know your audience and the message which you are trying to convey. When beginning a presentation without Powerpoint, it is beneficial to start strong with a short introduction of yourself and the topic. This will help the audience to more easily relate to what you are sharing. Secondly, using hands-on activities such as demonstrations or simulations are powerful teaching tools that could help to engage your audience in the presentation. You may also consider using props, videos/animations or storytelling techniques as they can draw in an audience and bring to life the subject matter. Thirdly, focus on keeping your audience well informed throughout the duration of the presentation by strategically placing breaks or visual cues. This can make the content easier to digest, in addition to lightening up any dull sections with humour or anecdotes. Lastly, end on a strong note and ensure that there is closure after delivering your message. Acknowledging any questions from the audience, a summary of what was discussed and thanking them for attending will help round off a successful presentation without Powerpoint.

What are some creative presentation formats that do not require Powerpoint?

Creative presentation formats that do not require Powerpoint include: 1. Storytelling – Use stories to bring your message to life and engage your audience. Telling an interesting, engrossing, or even personal story can be a great way to capture and retain the attention of your audience. 2. Role Play – An interactive way to demonstrate a concept is by having people act out scenarios related to the topic at hand. Whether it’s two people performing a skit or a large group of volunteers playing characters in a scene, role play can make abstract concepts concrete while providing a visual aid for the rest of your audience to latch onto. 3. Visual Presentations – One of the most common forms of presentations rely on visuals such as diagrams, maps, charts, etc., rather than words. Incorporating some visual elements will make it easier for people to understand certain key points in your discussion as well as help you keep your audience engaged during long sections of speech. 4. Demonstration – Show don’t tell is an old adage that applies when presenting without Powerpoint. You might prefer to use the time allotted for interactive demonstrations either in person or video clips that show the product or service in action. 5. Workshops – Teaching your audience a new skill or practice can be incredibly engaging while managing to educate them along the way as well. Setting up guided workshops with activities designed around group dynamics can also be highly effective in terms of creating lasting engagement with everyone present.

Storydoc

15 PowerPoint Alternatives for High-Stakes Presentations

Learn what the best PowerPoint alternatives are and discover slides tools to create cool presentations that are way better than PowerPoint.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

Dominika Krukowska

14 minute read

Best PowerPoint alternatives

Short answer

What are the best alternatives to PowerPoint?

The best alternatives to PowerPoint are:

  • Beautiful.ai
  • Microsoft Sway

Your presentations deserve more than just PowerPoint

Remember the last time a PowerPoint presentation truly wowed you? Hard to recall, right? That's because most slide decks, no matter how well-intentioned, tend to blur together after a while.

As a result, your message goes unnoticed, your efforts wasted, and those high-impact opportunities? They slip right through your fingers.

But here's some good news: a new era of interactive presentation tools is here, ready to transform the way we share ideas. By choosing these dynamic alternatives to PowerPoint, you can truly engage your audience, make your message resonate, and achieve your goals.

Let’s dive in!

What’s wrong with PowerPoint?

PowerPoint has long been the presentation tool of choice, but it's starting to show its age. Here's why:

Standardized slide set with a 16:9 aspect ratio

PowerPoint's 16:9 aspect ratio is familiar, but it can limit creativity. When every presentation looks the same, it's hard to stand out.

No mechanisms to keep you from breaking the design

While PowerPoint offers design freedom, it lacks safeguards. This can lead to cluttered slides that confuse rather than clarify.

Generic templates

Relying on the same templates can make your content feel stale. Freshness matters, and predictability can lead to disinterest.

Limited interactivity options

Modern audiences expect to interact with content. PowerPoint's limited interactive features can't match today's dynamic tools.

Passive engagement

PowerPoint often results in a one-way flow of information. Without deeper engagement, your message might just skim the surface.

If you want to learn more, check out our article on why PowerPoint is bad for the job .

What makes modern alternatives better than PowerPoint?

The world of presentation platforms is evolving, and modern tools are stepping up in ways PowerPoint can't match.

Here are the main features that make these PowerPoint alternatives a better choice:

Rich library of pre-built templates: Dive into diverse designs, ready to customize and make your own.

Data visualization options: Turn complex data into clear, compelling visuals with ease.

Multimedia: Embed videos, audio, and more for a multi-sensory experience.

Interactive elements: Engage your audience with clickable features and dynamic content.

Narrated design (Scrollytelling): Guide viewers through a visual journey and let them explore at their own pace.

Collaboration options: Team up in real-time, making content creation a collective effort.

Optimized for mobile: Make sure your content shines, whether on a desktop or a smartphone.

Software integrations: Seamlessly connect with other tools and optimize your workflow.

Content analytics: Gain insights into viewer engagement and adjust for maximum impact.

AI-guided content: Let artificial intelligence steer your content strategy for optimal results.

AI-guided design: Benefit from AI-driven design suggestions, enhancing visual appeal.

Personalization with dynamic variables: Connect to your CRM and tailor content to individual viewers with just a few clicks.

Centralized content management: Keep all your materials in one organized, accessible place.

Web-based content: Access and share your content from anywhere, anytime.

Version control: Maintain authority over your final version and keep the design consistent.

Access control: Set parameters like gated access, time limits, or location-based viewing.

Here's what a static PPT and an interactive deck look like side by side:

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

Is there a free alternative to PowerPoint?

Absolutely! While some presentation tools like Storydoc or Visme offer free trials or basic plans, there are platforms like Zoho Show that are entirely free to use. Exploring these PowerPoint alternatives can provide fresh, dynamic ways to present without breaking the bank.

In a world where innovation drives success and audiences crave novelty, relying solely on traditional tools like PowerPoint may not cut it anymore. The landscape of presentation software has evolved, offering diverse alternatives that cater to different needs, styles, and functionalities.

These alternatives not only challenge the status quo but also redefine the way we present and engage with our audience.

If you're looking to step up your presentation game and explore beyond the limitations of PowerPoint , let's dive into the top alternatives:

Jump ahead to page section:

1. Storydoc

Storydoc interactive presentation maker

Storydoc is reshaping how we create presentations, all thanks to AI. This interactive presentation maker turns your usual slides into engaging, interactive stories.

With its unique approach to narrated design, or "scrollytelling," it breaks away from the constraints of conventional presentations, letting your audience dive into the content at their own speed.

And with AI by your side, Storydoc helps fine-tune your brand's appearance and offers content suggestions, making sure you have a top-notch presentation ready quickly.

Once done, you can integrate it with your CRM and use dynamic variables to create countless personalized versions in just a few clicks. And the cherry on top? After sharing, you can peek into the analytics to gain insights on what's clicking with your viewers and what's missing the mark.

  • AI-backed design suggestions
  • Personalize presentations at scale
  • Perfect for any device
  • Integrates with tools like calendars and live chats
  • Dive deep into presentation analytics
  • The charm of interactivity might not translate well in printed versions
  • Might take a minute for those used to traditional tools
  • 14-day free trial
  • Starter: $30/month per user (billed annually)
  • Pro: $45/month per user (billed annually)
  • For teams: Reach out to sales

2. Mentimeter

Mentimeter presentation maker

Mentimeter is all about transforming passive listeners into active contributors. It's not just about presenting; it's about conversing. With tools like real-time word clouds, polls, and quizzes, it makes sure that everyone's voice is heard, making sessions more interactive and memorable.

Whether you're conducting a business meeting, teaching a class, or running a workshop, Mentimeter adds that spark to make it lively, inclusive, and productive.

  • Tools like word clouds and live polls keep the audience engaged
  • Creates a sense of inclusivity and participation
  • Versatile for various settings: work, education, or workshops
  • Seamless integration with platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams
  • There's a learning curve for those new to interactive presentation tools
  • Some might wish for more customization in templates
  • Free plan available
  • Basic plan: $11.99 per presenter/month
  • Pro plan: $24.99 per presenter/month
  • Campus plan: Reach out to sales
  • Discounts for teachers and students

Canva presentation maker

Canva is more than just a presentation tool; it's a one-stop-shop for all your creative projects. Whether you've been designing for years or you're just dipping your toes, Canva's user-friendly interface makes the process a breeze.

From social media graphics to business cards, Canva has a template for almost everything, but presentations remain one of its strongest assets. Thanks to the drag-and-drop feature and a rich library of elements, there’s no fumbling around; just pick, place, and voila! Your design is ready.

Beyond just design, Canva promotes collaboration. Teams can come together, working on a project at the same time. And since it's cloud-based, you can access your designs anytime, anywhere.

  • Wide range of design options for various needs
  • Simple to use, great for both beginners and seasoned designers
  • Work on your designs from any device with Internet access
  • Solid free version to get you started
  • Premium design elements are reserved for Pro users
  • With so many design choices, it might feel a bit much for some
  • Pro plan: $14.99 billed monthly or $119.99 billed annually
  • Canva for Teams: Talk to sales
  • Free for education and NGOs

4. Beautiful.ai

Beautiful.ai presentation maker

Beautiful.ai is a presentation tool that takes the guesswork out of presentation design. It starts you off with smart templates, so you're never faced with the scary blank slide.

As you add content, the platform’s AI adjusts everything – from layout spacing to color choices. It's like having a designer by your side, making sure your slides always look polished.

Need to collaborate? Share slides with your team and get everyone on the same page. Want to keep your brand consistent? The brand control feature guarantees your slides always match your company's look.

Beautiful.ai does most of the work for you, but you’re always in the driver’s seat.

  • AI-driven design that simplifies slide creation
  • Templates that adapt, making design intuitive
  • Collaborate seamlessly with shared slides
  • If you're a design purist, the automation might feel limiting
  • Customization has its limits, so ultra-specific designs might need more tweaks
  • Might not be the fit for super-detailed slide decks
  • Free 14-day trial
  • Pro plan: $12/month (billed annually)
  • Team plan: $40/user/month (billed annually)
  • For a single project: $45
  • Enterprise plan: Talk to sales

5. Slidebean

Slidebean presentation maker

Slidebean is a game-changer for those diving into the world of startups. It's an AI-driven platform that makes the process of crafting pitches easy.

Start with a basic outline using its user-friendly editor, and watch as Slidebean turns your content into slides that resonate.

While AI does the initial setup, you're always in control, tweaking slides or using their templates to shape your presentation just right.

  • Tailored for startup challenges
  • Perfect blend of AI automation and user customization
  • Collaborate with experts to refine your pitch
  • Might be too much for basic presentation needs
  • Some design elements could use an update
  • Basic plan: Free
  • All-Access plan: $199 annually
  • Accelerate plan: $499 annually

6. Zoho Show

Zoho Show presentation maker

Zoho Show is a presentation tool that effortlessly blends functionality with flair. Its intuitive interface lets you easily craft slides, and with a collection of over 100 templates, you're set for any occasion, be it a startup pitch or a business proposal.

Collaboration is a standout feature in Zoho Show. Work on slides in real-time, receive instant updates, and exchange feedback. Want to add a touch of creativity? There are animations, custom shapes, and multimedia options to explore.

Got an existing presentation? No worries. Slidebean smoothly imports PPTX, PPT, and other popular formats, making sure your transition is seamless.

  • Simplified design for easy slide creation
  • Real-time collaboration tools to keep teams in sync
  • Compatible with popular presentation formats
  • A price tag that's hard to beat: Free
  • Template variety might feel limited to some
  • There are tools with more advanced features out there

Visme presentation maker

Visme is a go-to tool for building presentations from scratch using an extensive collection of industry-specific templates, which means that your content always feels fresh.

If visuals are your thing, Visme's got you covered with over 1.5 million crisp images, vibrant charts, and engaging data widgets. And, if you want to add a touch of your brand's essence, you can customize decks with your unique fonts and colors.

Plus, with handy tools like presenter notes and a special mode for presenting, you're all set to win over your audience, whether they're right in front of you or tuning in online.

Just a heads-up: while there's a sea of design choices, a few templates lean more towards style than clarity. But with a bit of tweaking, you'll find the sweet spot.

  • Intuitive with a wide range of templates
  • Team collaboration made easy
  • Branding tools for that consistent look and feel
  • Might be overwhelming for newcomers due to the variety of design choices
  • Some designs prioritize style over clarity
  • Premium features require a paid subscription
  • Starter plan: $12.25/month (billed annually)
  • Pro plan: $24.75/month (billed annually)
  • Visme for Teams: Talk to sales

8. Microsoft Sway

Microsoft Sway presentation maker

Microsoft Sway is where creativity meets simplicity. This digital storytelling app is designed to help you craft interactive reports, presentations, newsletters, and more.

Its built-in design engine makes your content look professional, whether you're using images, text, videos, or other multimedia. The best part? Sway makes sure your creations are optimized for any screen size.

Plus, with seamless integration with Office 365, you can easily transform content from Word or OneNote into a dynamic Sway presentation.

  • Easily integrates with Office 365 tools
  • Adapts to any screen for optimal viewing
  • Share or co-edit with just a URL
  • Requires a Microsoft account to use
  • Limited customization options
  • Cannot be used offline
  • Available with Office 365 subscriptions; the price depends on your plan
  • Specific details can be found on the Microsoft Office website

9. DesignCap

DesignCap presentation maker

DesignCap is a versatile platform that brings your visual ideas to life. Need a captivating presentation? Or perhaps an infographic that speaks volumes? DesignCap's got you covered.

Explore its template library, and you'll find designs tailored for every occasion. But it's not just about templates. With a variety of stock images, icons, and customizable modules, you have all the tools at your fingertips to craft unique visuals.

The best part? Its intuitive interface means you spend less time figuring things out and more time designing.

  • Variety of resources: stock images, icons, and customizable modules
  • Intuitive drag-and-drop design experience
  • Affordable pricing makes it perfect for beginners
  • Better suited for beginners, as it lacks more advanced features
  • It’s more geared towards creating flyers than presentations
  • Limited image bank
  • Basic plan: $4.99/month (or $59.88 billed annually)
  • Plus plan: $5.99/month (or $71.88 billed annually)

Ludus presentation maker

Ludus is a presentation tool that focuses on teamwork. Whether you're collaborating in real-time or sharing resources among teams, Ludus makes the process easier.

Dive into their platform, and you'll find a range of features, from templates to start with or the option to create from the ground up. Ludus comes with a rich set of tools, including the ability to integrate content from platforms like YouTube, Unsplash, and design apps like Figma.

Want to add a personal touch? Record your voice over your slides. Plus, with live collaboration and custom blocks, Ludus gives you the flexibility to design the perfect presentation.

  • Real-time collaboration for team projects
  • Integrations with platforms like YouTube, Unsplash, and Figma
  • Custom domains for a branded presentation experience
  • Advanced design tools for creative freedom
  • Slight learning curve for those new to the platform
  • Extensive feature set could be overwhelming for those seeking basics
  • Some users might experience performance issues with content-heavy presentations
  • 30-day free trial
  • Teams of 1-15 people: $149.99/year
  • Teams of 16 people and over: Talk to sales

Vyond presentation maker

Vyond is your go-to platform for making animated videos that turn complex messages into relatable tales. With a wide collection of templates, it's a breeze to create anything, from a corporate presentation to an explainer video or an educational clip.

But, Vyond doesn't just stop at animations; it lets you enhance your stories with a blend of photos, videos, and even 3D elements. And if you've got a unique voice to share? You can use their voice-over tools and create customizable characters to match your narrative.

  • A variety of templates for every story you want to tell
  • Enrich animations thanks to content integrations
  • Voice-over tools and character customization to make your story truly yours
  • Premium features might stretch your budget
  • There's a learning curve, especially if you're new to video editing
  • Basic plans are limited to single users
  • Essential plan: $25/month for 1 user (billed annually)
  • Premium plan: $54/month for 1 user (billed annually)
  • Professional plan: $92/month per user (billed annually)
  • Enterprise plan: Contact sales for details

12. Powtoon

Powtoon presentation maker

Powtoon is where creativity meets animation. This platform lets you create lively presentations and videos, blending your messages with vibrant animations.

With Powtoon's intuitive drag-and-drop interface, even those without a design background can whip up eye-catching animations in no time. For a personal touch, you can also integrate voice-overs, embed videos, or even play around with customizable characters to make your content pop.

And if you're aiming for a unique look, Powtoon lets you tweak characters down to their outfits. Once you're set, exporting your creations as videos means your story can reach audiences far and wide.

  • Customize characters to resonate with your narrative
  • More cost-effective than hiring a professional video agency
  • Versatile enough for various industries and purposes
  • No free version on offer
  • Custom character features exclusive to the Business plan
  • Seasoned designers might need more advanced animation options
  • Lite plan: $15/month (billed annually)
  • Professional plan: $40/month (billed annually)
  • Business plan: $125/month (billed annually)
  • Enterprise plans: Reach out to sales

13. FlowVella

FlowVella presentation maker

FlowVella offers a fresh approach to slide design, allowing you to stitch together text, images, and videos into a cohesive narrative.

But it doesn't stop there. You can also embed interactive links and galleries, giving your audience the opportunity to be a part of the journey. Need to share detailed data? No worries, as you can easily incorporate PDFs.

And for those looking to transform public spaces like museums or exhibitions, FlowVella's feature to turn iPads into interactive kiosks is a game-changer.

  • Intuitive editor that's easy to use
  • Functions both offline and online for flexibility
  • The option to share presentations with custom URLs
  • The free tier includes FlowVella's branding
  • Might leave design pros wanting a bit more
  • Premium plan: $60/year (billed annually)
  • Pro plan: $200/year (billed annually)

14. SlideDog

SlideDog presentation maker

SlideDog is a presentation tool that blends various presentation elements for a smooth delivery. Think about merging PowerPoints, Prezis, PDFs, and other media without the awkwardness of toggling between programs.

It lets you curate a playlist of all your presentation elements, with a smooth transition between each. No more awkward pauses or switching between apps. Plus, its live sharing feature means your audience can tune in from their devices in real-time.

And if you're looking to set up continuous slideshows in public spaces, SlideDog doubles up as a digital signage solution.

  • Combine diverse file types into a single presentation
  • Boost engagement with real-time sharing
  • Manage your presentation from any device with web access
  • On-the-fly edits can be a bit challenging
  • Available exclusively for Windows users
  • Monthly plan: $19 for 2 seats
  • Annual plan: $99 for 2 seats (first year, with a 20% renewal discount)
  • Lifetime plan: $299 for 2 seats

Pitch presentation maker

Pitch is a presentation platform that's all about efficiency, collaboration, and aesthetics. Whether you're starting with a template or crafting from scratch, Pitch offers smart editing features to guide your creative process. Each slide becomes a visual journey, enriched with photos, icons, and videos.

Teamwork is a breeze with real-time editing and feedback loops. And once you're ready to share? Just send a link and tap into the power of real-time analytics to understand how your content resonates with your audience.

  • Collaborate in real-time with ease
  • Affordable, making it a top pick for individuals or small businesses
  • Analytics panel offers insights into how your presentation is received
  • Limited range of templates
  • Lacks AI assistance
  • Advanced analytics require a plan upgrade
  • Starter plan: Free
  • Pro plan: $8/member per month
  • Enterprise plan: Contact sales

How to choose the best PowerPoint alternative for your needs?

Navigating the world of presentation tools can be a bit overwhelming, especially with so many great options out there. But don't worry, here's a simple guide to help you pinpoint the best fit based on your specific needs:

For personal use

When it's just you, or perhaps a small group, you'll want a tool that's straightforward, yet versatile. Look for platforms that offer a range of templates, are user-friendly, and won’t break the bank.

Tools like DesignCap and Canva shine here. They come with intuitive interfaces and a variety of design options, making it easy to craft presentations, even if you're not a design pro.

For business

In the business world, presentations often serve as a bridge between you and potential clients, investors, or stakeholders. You'll need a platform that's not only visually appealing but also offers features like analytics, real-time edits, and integration options.

Storydoc is a front-runner here. Its AI-powered design capabilities and focus on storytelling make sure that your presentations are not only informative but also unforgettable. Plus, with features like CRM integrations and robust analytics, you're always a step ahead.

For education

Engagement is the cornerstone of effective learning. Tools that offer multimedia embeds, interactive quizzes, and dynamic animations are essential.

Mentimeter shines in this space, offering a range of education templates, the option to host Q&A sessions, brainstorm ideas, and gather immediate feedback from students.

Interactive presentation templates

Ditching PowerPoint doesn't mean you're diving into the unknown. Interactive presentation templates are your safety net, making your shift seamless and straightforward.

These templates are designed to feel familiar right off the bat, so you won't spend ages trying to figure things out. They're not your typical PowerPoint slides either. They come packed with stylish designs, captivating interactive features, and a flow that naturally steers your storytelling.

Grab one and see for yourself.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

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presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

17 PowerPoint Alternatives To Help You Avoid Death by PowerPoint

Let’s be honest about your presentations. You need a PowerPoint alternative.

Let’s be honest about how dreadful it is to see overcrowded slides.

Honest about how people seem to think using PowerPoint is an excuse to be boring and vanilla.

Honest about how it’s a crutch.

Let’s be honest about how simply outdated it is.

It’s so horrible that “Death by PowerPoint” is a certifiable cultural phenomenon.

You need something different, a PowerPoint alternative to blast past your old ways.

It’s time to spruce up the standard business presentation and these tools will help you do it.

canva is a powerpoint alternative

If you’re already in love with Canva for all things online photo editing, you’ll find it easy to fall in love with Canva Presentations . It’s one of the most visually stunning options on this list of PowerPoint alternatives. 

There’s loads of free design options and a few inexpensive ones too, but you really can get the full Canva Presentations experience entirely for free.

Pricing: Free!

emaze is a powerpoint alternative

Here’s what makes Emaze different: the fact that the back end of an Emaze presentation is built with HTML5 means it’s an ultra-reliable slideshow option for those who rely on mobile devices and need to make sure their presentations look good while doing it.

But that doesn’t mean you need to know anything about HTML5. Don’t sweat it—Emaze does all that stuff in the background while you use their easy-to-use interface in the foreground.

Pricing: There’s a free option! You can also upgrade to a Pro plan for $10/month or a Business plan for $39/month.

focusky is a powerpoint alternative

The specialty of Focusky ? HTML5 presentations and animation-based presentations backed by Flash. Their free vector library (more than 5,000 vectors!) makes creating animations easy. Way better than in PowerPoint!

Pricing: Free, Standard ($9.99/month), Professional ($99/month), or Enterprise ($399).

17 Top Evernote Alternatives for Note-Taking for 2024

4. Google Slides

google slides is a powerpoint alternative

Another one of my favorites, Google Slides makes collaborating on presentations incredibly easy.

With real-time collaboration, an intuitive interface, and easy integration with all things Google, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a Google web app. Here’s to an easy-to-use (and share-able!) alternative.

5. Haiku Deck

haiku deck is a powerpoint alternative

A haiku about Haiku Deck :

Pretty visuals

But less customization

Still better than Pow……erpoint.

(Can we pretend it’s okay to end a haiku with a 7-syllable line?)

Oodles and oodles of stock photos! If you see a slideshow with big, bold text and lots of colorful stock photos, you’re probably looking at a Haiku Deck. Only con? It’s just not as customizable as other alternatives on this list.

Pricing: The Pro plan costs $9.99/month while the Bulk plan starts at $499/year.

keynote is a powerpoint alternative

Apple geeks in the house say Heeeey! Hoooo!

Keynote is Apple’s PowerPoint alternative, originally part of the iWork suite for Macs. But imagine my surprise when I found out you can use Keynote entirely for free through your iCloud account online.

Cons? None. Just kidding. Some people don’t like that it’s not widely used and switching a Keynote presentation over to PowerPoint doesn’t usually go well. Pros? Everything else.

Project management software can upgrade your presentations. Check out our list of the Top Monday.com Alternatives!

7. Kineticast

Kineticast is a powerpoint alternative

Salespeople, this one’s for you. Especially you B2B salespeople.

It ain’t the prettiest thing in the world, but that’s because it doesn’t need to be. Kineticast  is for salespeople who care about results, stats, and presenting their content more than fiddling with PowerPoint menus.

You can change your message depending on who you’re selling to, but other than that, you’re locked into a pretty standard template and style. Salespeople rejoice. You don’t have to be makeshift designers, but can still deliver a professional and compelling presentation to your top prospects. A top choice for those serious about finding a real, workable alternative to PowerPoint.

Pricing: Plus plan: $24/month; Preferred plan: $39/month; Premium plan: $59/month.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

If you like videos—if you like animation— PowToon’s here to save the day.

You know those fun animated videos you sometimes see for product demos? Or those little animations that make understanding complicated ideas a lot more fun? PowToon’s probably how they did it. If your content is more dynamic than text and is all about explaining things through animation, PowToon’s for you.

Pricing: There’s a basic Free plan; there’s also Pro and Business plans at $89/month and $197/month, respectively.

15 Excel Alternatives To Help Your Team

prezi is a powerpoint alternative

Prezi : one of my personal favorites and the first PowerPoint alternative to prove (to me at least) that presentations don’t have to be lethally boring.

I love it for its non-linear presentation style, but its inability to support anything additional might be a turn-off for some people. Biggest pro? Simply beautiful, chock-full of brilliant and visually appealing templates. Biggest con? Not totally customizable.

Pricing: There’s a free plan; there’s also Enjoy, Pro, and Pro Plus plans at $4.92/month,  $13.25/month, and $20/month, respectively. Businesses can save with volume-based pricing.

10. SlideCamp

Slidecamp is a powerpoint alternative

If you want your presentations professional, but not too flashy, then a SlideCamp slide library may just be your thing.

Easily build up business presentations by searching for the slides you need, then open them up straight in PowerPoint. No complicated software. No new concepts to get your head round.

They’ve got sleek designs which can be edited so ridiculously easily in PowerPoint or Excel, that you’ll wonder why you ever found presentations time consuming.

Pricing: Free Trial, $69 Lifetime access, and deals for team accounts

11. Slidebean

slidebean is a powerpoint alternative

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have time for all the bells and whistles (like animation), Slidebean is your solution.

It ain’t fancy, but it gets the job done and it’s reliable to boot. If you’re looking for top-notch visuals, you’ll probably want to check out a different alternative. But if you’re looking to focus on the bare bones of a slideshow and put content and accessibility front and center? Slidebean’s got your back.

Pricing: Individual plan: $49/month; Teams plan: $99/month for 5 users; Corporate plan available for bigger companies.

12. SlideDog

slidedog is a powerpoint alternative

Let’s get a bit more meta with SlideDog .

If you don’t want to give up PowerPoint for some reason ( why?! who are you? have you not been reading about all these other awesome alternatives?!), you can still use SlideDog in conjunction with PowerPoint to make things run a bit more smoothly.

SlideDog is a multimedia lover’s best friend and is known for its ease of use when incorporating PowerPoint files, Prezi files, video files, PDFs, and plenty of other multimedia types into one nice and easy slideshow.

Pricing: Free or starting at $8.33/month for more features.

13. Slidely

slidely is a powerpoint alternative

Here’s a super fun one for all my art friends out there! It’s less for business and educational purposes and more for sharing photos and videos with loved ones in a  visually stunning way.

But you can totally use it for business, too. How about—instead of cramming all those photos from the last company 5k into a PowerPoint—using Slidely to combine a curated collection of photos with some music and visual effects? All hands meetings just got a lot more fun.

Pricing: It’s free! Businesses can benefit from their Promo library service, great for finding stock content to use in marketing videos. Here’s more info on Promo pricing .

slides is a powerpoint alternative

What doesn’t Slides do? Not much. Like their Features page says, it’s got a ton of functionality but manages to do it without bogging you down. Easy to use on and offline, its only drawback might be that its limited template library mean it’s not 100% customizable. But the templates they do have look pretty great to me.

Pricing: There’s a free option; there’s also Lite, Pro, and Team plans at $5, $10, and $20 per month, respectively.

sway is a powerpoint alternative

You didn’t think we’d poo poo all over Microsoft without giving them a chance to redeem themselves, did you?!

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Microsoft has waken up to the “death by PowerPoint” phenomenon  and has answered beautifully. Meet Microsoft Sway . It basically does everything PowerPoint does but just…way, way, WAY better. Honestly, I’m just downright impressed.

Pricing: It’s free!

visme is a powerpoint alternative

Have you ever seen someone using a PowerPoint presentation for something that’d do much better in a different format? You watch a PowerPoint full of sales reports with lines of numbers and cringe and just want to help the poor soul who thought a set of slides was the most engaging way to present this information.

Have no fear. Visme is here. It’s simply beautiful— and not just for slideshows. Open your mind to infographics, data visualizations, and visually stunning reports as fresh ways to present information to your audience.

Pricing: The Basic plan is free! Standard plan: $10/month; Complete plan: $19/month; Team plan: $57/month for 3 users.

17. Zoho Show

zoho show is a powerpoint alternative

Because of Zoho Show ’s precise importing and exporting functionality, it’s safe to use Zoho Show when you’re editing from (or will be exporting to) a PowerPoint file. So your PowerPoint-allegiant colleagues (are there actually people like this?) can’t complain.

It’s a pretty solid PowerPoint alternative with all the features you’d expect: cloud-based, offline presentation mode, and easy sharing and collaboration. Already use the rest of the Zoho Suite? Then Zoho Show is a no-brainer for you.

Pricing: They’ve got a free option which allows for up to 25 users! For everything you get, it’s got one of the best free plan options we’ve seen so far. Upgrade to Standard for $5/user/month or Premium for $8/user/month.

Slideshows CAN Be Fun

Believe it or not, they actually don’t have to be soul-sucking.

And we don’t want to give the wrong impression that we just hate Microsoft, because that’s not true! When PowerPoint first came out in 1987, Ronald Reagan was president. Gas was 89 cents a gallon. The Simpsons had just debuted its first season. It was a different time back then.

PowerPoint isn’t this big, evil thing, but we do have to admit it is outdated. The fact it’s stuck around this long is—seriously, nothing but respect here—truly remarkable.

It’s time. Which tool will you use for the next few (maybe even 30!) years?

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

Steve Pogue is the Marketing Operations Manager at Workzone . He writes about project management tips and the buying process. When not at Workzone, you can find him playing vintage base ball or relaxing with his family at home.

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Anything but PowerPoint: Five fresh presentation alternatives

What application springs to mind when you think of creating visual aids to accompany your business presentation? For most people, it’s Microsoft’s PowerPoint. But that’s certainly not the only game in town. Plenty of other tools and services are cooler, faster, easier to use, and—in almost all cases—less expensive.

We’ve rounded up five compelling alternatives to PowerPoint, including Web apps that let you dispense with installing software, and mobile apps that allow for presentation-building (and presenting) on the go. Not included are well-known options such as Google Docs , OpenOffice , and Zoho Show , all of which offer basic slide-builders that can easily pinch-hit for PowerPoint and don’t cost a dime. Those tools, however, haven’t changed much in recent years.

Our goal is to showcase presentation options that will help you get your point across a little differently, so your audience’s eyes don’t glaze over in the middle of your pitch. And if your business saves a bit of cash in the process, all the better!

Haiku Deck (iPad)

Haiku Deck for iPad is designed to turn your ideas into beautiful presentations in about the time it takes to ride the train to work. The secret? It gives you built-in access to a wealth of free art.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

Indeed, half the battle in crafting attractive slides is finding appropriate artwork to go with the text. Haiku Deck lets you add your own (from your iOS device’s camera roll or from any other image library), but it can also search millions of free, Creative Commons-licensed images based on the words you’ve chosen for that slide.

Let’s say your slide contains the word profits and the phrase 3D printing: You’ll quickly get a list of thumbnails matching those terms. Tap one you like, and presto! You have the perfect background for your slide. Alternatively, you can choose a solid background color or insert your choice of a bar, pie, or numeric chart (with manually added labels and numbers).

Ultimately, Haiku Deck is all about whipping together attractive slides, and it’s great for that task. When you’re done, you can share your deck via Facebook, Twitter, or email. You can also grab embed code for your blog or website. On top of that, Haiku Deck lets you export your presentation for further tweaking in, say, PowerPoint or Apple’s Keynote.

The app doesn’t support sound, transitions, or animations, though, and you can’t manually place your text or change the background color for charts. In fact, trying to make any major slide changes often causes you to lose the work you’ve already done. A save option is desperately needed here.

That said, once you figure out Haiku Deck’s mechanics, you’ll find it a great tool for building short, simple, and attractive slide decks on the run. And you can’t beat the price: It’s free. If you want extra themes, they’re available for purchase in-app.

Kingsoft Presentation Free 2013

If you’re looking for a more traditional alternative to PowerPoint, one that runs in Windows and closely emulates the standard slideshow-building process, Kingsoft offers a compelling option in Presentation Free 2013 . Available separately or as part of the Kingsoft Office Free 2013 suite, this program should satisfy most of your slide-deck needs.

If you’re already familiar with PowerPoint, you’ll have a huge head start on Presentation Free: Its default interface borrows heavily from Microsoft’s Ribbon, though it has a second interface option that closely resembles older versions of PowerPoint. It’s an easy product to learn either way. Whichever interface you choose, Presentation Free has one amenable feature that still eludes PowerPoint: document tabs that make switching between multiple open presentations much easier.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

Kingsoft supplies a generous library of presentation templates that you can use as a jumping-off point, along with a nice selection of layouts, color schemes, animations, and the like. You can add a wealth of elements to your slides, everything from sounds and background music to movies and Flash animations.

Perhaps of greatest importance, Presentation Free can open existing PowerPoint presentations, including those saved in the newer .pptx format. It can save only to the older .ppt format, or to Kingsoft’s native .dps format. You also have the option of converting presentation files to PDFs.

Presentation Free 2013 is without question the prettiest PowerPoint clone you can get, and save for VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) support, the free version is every bit as capable as its commercial counterpart, Office Suite Pro 2013 (which also includes word processing and spreadsheet programs).

Pixxa Perspective (iPad)

What is a presentation if not an audiovisual story? That’s the idea behind the iPad app  Perspective . It’s a powerful tool, though it does come with a learning curve—and a price tag.

Building a story works the same as building a presentation: You create individual slides (known here as scenes ) and populate them with data. For each scene, Perspective gives you a choice of image/text, diagram, various charts (bar, bubble, line, and the like), and PDF. You can also import a wealth of file types, including locally stored Excel and CSV files, the contents of the clipboard, or anything you have stored in Google Drive.

These needn’t be static additions, either: Perspective’s bar and bubble charts are “motion” charts, meaning that you can animate the elements to better highlight data such as sales forecasts and market trends. If you’re short on artwork, the app’s handy Web-search option makes it easy to find online images for your story. And for anyone serious about presenting data, Perspective supports the creation of Sankey diagrams (a specialized kind of flow diagram), though this feature requires a separate in-app purchase ($100).

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

Alas, the app doesn’t let you embed videos or webpages, and you can’t add audio elements such as music or sound effects. You can, however, record a voice-over after your story is complete and ready for presenting. Speaking of which, you can share a snapshot from your story via email or Twitter, and a recently added Airshow option lets you share stories directly from your iPad to up to ten other iPads.

It may take you some time to learn how to use Perspective’s various tools, especially for arranging elements in a scene and tweaking the data in motion charts. But it’s not unlike learning PowerPoint: Once you know what you need to do, presentation-building goes pretty quickly.

Although the Perspective app is initially free, you can use it to create only one story—think of it as an app test drive. To unlock all the features and create unlimited stories, you must upgrade to Perspective Pro, which costs $50.

That’s a little steep relative to some of the other tools here, but Perspective offers robust data-visualization options. And since it’s entirely mobile, you needn’t stay tied to a PC.

Far too many presentations are boring, with a capital B. In many cases, it’s not because the content is dull, it’s just that audiences have seen enough static slideshows to last a lifetime. Prezi  creates eye-catching custom animations that blow ordinary slide decks out of the water.

It works like this: You assemble various snippets of information—text, graphics, videos, and the like—onto the virtual equivalent of a giant, themed poster board. (Think PowerPoint slides splayed out on a single surface.) Instead of flipping from one page to the next, PowerPoint-style, Prezi flies around that poster board, zooming in to one area for viewing, then up, out, and onto the next.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

All of this happens with a dazzling, animated flow. It looks like something a professional effects shop would take weeks and thousands of dollars to create. But it’s really just a Prezi template stocked with your data and some extra infographics.

Earlier this year, Prezi added a long-awaited new feature: sound. You can now include background music that plays during the presentation, or even add voice-overs or sound effects to “path steps” (the transitions between areas of the scene). That might not seem like a huge deal, but Prezi delivers such a smooth, cinematic experience, it almost begs to have a soundtrack.

Prezi has also added a creator app for iPad and a viewer for iPhone, meaning that you can build and/or make your pitches on the run. They’re free, as is Prezi Basic. Upgrade options start at $59 per year.

This is one of the coolest PowerPoint alternatives I’ve seen, period. If you’re as sick of creating static slide decks as people are of seeing them, you should give Prezi a try.

SoftMaker Presentations Mobile (Android)

If Microsoft ever decided to release PowerPoint for Android , it would probably have a lot in common with SoftMaker Presentations Mobile . This powerful app belies its $5 price tag, allowing you to not only create slide decks from scratch right on your Android device, but also to import and save your existing .ppt and .pptx files.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

To be fair, Presentations Mobile offers little of the mobile-presentations finesse of Haiku Deck or Pixxa Perspective. It is, at best, a rudimentary PowerPoint clone, allowing for the creation of only the most basic slides. Even something as simple as changing a slide’s background is elusive within the app’s toolbar system, which consists entirely of unlabeled icons.

It can, however, import presentations from a variety of sources, including local memory and online services such as Dropbox, Evernote, Google Drive, and SkyDrive. Once you have those files in place, you can make basic edits and then restore the files to their homes, or forward them via email. Depending on which Android device you’re using, you can also connect to an external display to deliver your presentation—complete with any embedded sounds, transitions, and animations. (Unfortunately, it doesn’t support videos.)

In our tests, Presentations Mobile did a great job importing a 54-slide PowerPoint file from a Google Drive account to a Barnes & Noble Nook HD. The process went slowly, however, requiring several minutes to download and open the slideshow. But it played back perfectly, transitions and all.

Ultimately, this app isn’t so much about replacing PowerPoint as it is about making PowerPoint mobile, with simple tools for building basic slides and robust tools for accessing your existing presentations on the go. For a mere $5, it’s hard to beat.

Take the ‘no boring presentations’ pledge

The only experience more painful than sitting through a boring presentation is giving  a boring presentation. If a concept is worth presenting, it’s worth presenting effectively.

Take the “no boring presentations” pledge: Invest a little time, give these programs a try, and create a slideshow that will capture your audience’s attention so that you can persuade them to embrace your ideas. It could make all the difference for your business.

120 Presentation Topic Ideas Help You Hook Your Audience

Jenny Romanchuk

Updated: January 15, 2024

Published: August 09, 2023

Cooking is easy. The puzzle is figuring out what to eat. As soon as you know that, you can get started. The same holds for presentations. The sooner you can whip up a good, informative, and catchy topic, the easier the rest of the process becomes.

 man presents presentation topics to a group

Pick a good topic that resonates with you and your audience to set a strong foundation. But select the wrong topic, and it becomes difficult to connect with your audience, find mutual interests, or hold their attention.

So, let’s learn how to develop thought-provoking and relevant topics for your presentations. You’ll also find some best practices to make your presentation memorable.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Great Presentation Topic in 5 Steps

120 presentation topic ideas, 5 presentation tips.

How to Choose a Great Presentation Topic. Be novel. Begin with the end in mind.

4. Choose an appropriate presentation style.

There are many ways to present a topic. Your personality, the topic at hand, and your audience’s personas will help you determine which style would best fit you and your audience.

Select a presentation style that will communicate the main idea clearly and have a lasting impact on your audience.

For instance, explore a freeform style presenter by Sir Ken Robinson.

5. Engage with your audience.

Work on your presentation skills to make a strong connection with your audience, get through to them and leave a mark.

Think of the presenter as the link between the topic and the audience. A strong or a weak presenter can make a difference between a presentation being a thriving success or a boring failure.

Hone your skills by engaging and interacting with your audience. Make them feel like a part of the presentation and not just spectators. 70% of marketers have found presentations with interactive content to be more effective than those without.

Here are a few ways you can make your presentation interactive:

  • Start your speech with uncommon questions to your audience. Involve them from the get-go, like ask to raise their hands if X.
  • Make eye contact to build credibility and show confidence. Don’t stare at your slides or notes. Smile occasionally and talk to the audience directly.
  • Have an active and confident body language. Don’t stand in the same place the entire time. Move around the stage.
  • Don’t be monotonous. Speak as you would to a colleague — with enthusiasm.
  • Ask close-ended questions in between to keep the audience engaged without losing time. Address them using their names to keep things interesting.
  • Share personal experiences and stories that your audience will find fascinating and relatable.
  • Practice thoroughly before you present so you’re fluent with the material and delivery.
  • Energy and excitement can be quite contagious. Make sure you exude enough to spread some to your audience.

Feeling Inspired Yet?

Now you have all the right ingredients for choosing amazing topics and a hundred ideas to drive inspiration from. So, go ahead and start cooking presentations that will blow your audience away.

Don’t forget to choose a super-relevant topic and add meaty information. Do it with excitement to make it enjoyable for you and your audience. Best of luck!

Blog - Beautiful PowerPoint Presentation Template [List-Based]

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How to Make a “Good” Presentation “Great”

  • Guy Kawasaki

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

Remember: Less is more.

A strong presentation is so much more than information pasted onto a series of slides with fancy backgrounds. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others. Here are some unique elements that make a presentation stand out.

  • Fonts: Sans Serif fonts such as Helvetica or Arial are preferred for their clean lines, which make them easy to digest at various sizes and distances. Limit the number of font styles to two: one for headings and another for body text, to avoid visual confusion or distractions.
  • Colors: Colors can evoke emotions and highlight critical points, but their overuse can lead to a cluttered and confusing presentation. A limited palette of two to three main colors, complemented by a simple background, can help you draw attention to key elements without overwhelming the audience.
  • Pictures: Pictures can communicate complex ideas quickly and memorably but choosing the right images is key. Images or pictures should be big (perhaps 20-25% of the page), bold, and have a clear purpose that complements the slide’s text.
  • Layout: Don’t overcrowd your slides with too much information. When in doubt, adhere to the principle of simplicity, and aim for a clean and uncluttered layout with plenty of white space around text and images. Think phrases and bullets, not sentences.

As an intern or early career professional, chances are that you’ll be tasked with making or giving a presentation in the near future. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

  • Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist at Canva and was the former chief evangelist at Apple. Guy is the author of 16 books including Think Remarkable : 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference.

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Microsoft Power BI Blog

Power bi april 2024 feature summary.

Headshot of article author Saveen Reddy

Welcome to the April 2024 update! Here are a few, select highlights of the many we have for Power BI. There are new updates for line enhancements, supporting folders in workspace, dynamic subscriptions for Power BI and paginated reports.

There is more to explore, please continue to read on.

Fabric Conference Day 1 Keynote is now available!

Did you miss it, or want to hear it again? We are excited to release the FabCon Day 1 Keynote to the Microsoft Fabric YouTube Channel !

If you aren’t already, be sure to subscribe to the Microsoft Fabric Channel! Check out the amazing announcements & demos from Arun, Amir, Wangui, and other awesome presenters. The Day 3 keynotes will be released later this month, and more content will be released regularly moving forward.

Make sure you check out the blog post from Arun, that highlights the announcements from FabCon you can find that here:  Announcements from the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference

Earn a free Microsoft Fabric certification exam!  

We are thrilled to announce the general availability of  Exam DP-600 , which leads to the  Microsoft Certified: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate  certification.   

Microsoft Fabric’s common analytics platform is built on the instantly  familiar Power BI experience , making your transition to Fabric Analytics Engineer easier. With Fabric, you can build on your prior knowledge – whether that is Power BI, SQL, or Python – and master how to enrich data for analytics in the era of AI.  

To help you learn quickly and get certified, we created the  Fabric Career Hub.  We have curated the  best   free   on-demand and live training, exam crams, practice tests and more .  

And because the best way to learn is live, we will have  free live learning sessions  led by the best Microsoft Fabric experts from Apr 16 to May 8, in English and Spanish. Register now at the  Learn Together  page.

Also,  become eligible for a  free certification exam  by completing the  Fabric AI Skills Challenge.  But hurry, the challenge only runs from  March 19 – April 19  and free certs are first-come, first-served! (limit one per   participant,  terms and conditions  apply).  

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

  • Version number: v: 2.128.751.0
  • Date published: 4/8/24
  • New Visual – 100% Stacked Area Chart 
  • Line enhancements 
  • Enhance Q&A with Copilot-generated Linguistic Relationships  

Storytelling in PowerPoint – Improved image mode in the Power BI add-in for PowerPoint

Storytelling in powerpoint – continuous slide show auto refresh, storytelling in powerpoint – auto populating the slide title.

  • Introducing the Fabric metadata scanning sample app 
  • Dynamic Subscriptions for Power BI and paginated reports 

Supporting Folders in workspace

New “clear barcode” action in the report footer, open power bi items in full screen mode.

  • New Visuals in AppSourceKPI MatrixGrowth Rate Chart by DJEENI v1.4Aimplan Comment Visual

Financial Reporting Matrix by Profitbase

Horizon chart by powerviz, drill down scatter pro by zoomcharts, image gallery, horizontal bar chart, multi-pane card 1.1.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

New Visual – 100% Stacked Area Chart

Introducing the new 100% Stacked Area Chart, now available in our core visuals gallery. These visuals display the relative percentage of multiple data series in stacked areas, where the total always equals 100%. It’s perfect for showing the proportion of individual series to the whole and how they change over time. Find it in the visual gallery, on-object dialog, or format pane, right next to the Stacked Area Chart. Give it a try and share your feedback with us!

For more detailed information about this new visual, and the new line enhancements you can read our article: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/pbicorevisuals_powerbi-pbicorevisuals-activity-7183990356642775041-lsFE?utm_source=combined_share_message&utm_medium=member_desktop

Line enhancements

Take your line charts to the next level with our new line control features.

  • Adjust line color transparency under Lines > Colors > Transparency.
  • Control the color and transparency of each series by selecting them in the ‘Apply settings to’ dropdown.
  • Use Monotone and the new Cardinal smooth type for full control of smooth lines.
  • Choose from before, center, and after step lines to align your visual with your story.

Try out these new features and enhance your line charts.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

Enhance Q&A with Copilot-generated Linguistic Relationships

Improving your linguistic schema is an important step in making sure that the Q&A visual can understand the wide range of questions people might ask about their data. This is why, back in September , we added a new section into the Q&A setup menu to help you add linguistic relationships to teach Q&A about words which qualify or relate your data.   

But we also know that coming up with all the different words people might be using to refer to your data can take time and effort, and we’ve been working on ways to make that process easier for you! In November , we introduced a way for you to quickly generate new synonyms for the names of tables and columns in your model; this month, we’ve introduced the same functionality for linguistic relationships!   

When you open a report with a Q&A visual, if you have Copilot enabled and you’ve already added synonyms, you’ll now see a banner prompting you to get relationships with Copilot as well.   

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

Unlike with synonyms, Copilot-generated relationships will not be used to understand natural language inputs until you have approved them, so make sure you accept the ones which work for your model!   

Allow Copilot to help interpret Q&A questions.

You can also now use Copilot to improve the Q&A engine’s term recognition when you ask questions! This new feature will trigger when you ask Q&A a question which uses words or phrases which Q&A doesn’t recognize, but which it detects might be referring to data entities like tables or columns. Then, Copilot will also check those unknown words or phrases to see if there is any reasonable match — and, if so, return the answer as a visual as though a suggested synonym had been applied.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

This feature is not a replacement for synonyms! In fact, adding synonyms for the entities in your semantic model is even more important to create good matches, as they increase the surface area to check for similarities. It will widen the range of inputs Q&A will recognize, but like a multiplier, it will improve recognition for well-modeled data much better than it will for poorly modeled data.   

This feature will be automatically enabled when you choose to get synonyms with Copilot, but you can also turn it on or off manually in the suggestion settings menu in the Synonyms tab in Q&A setup.  

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

We’ve made saving Power BI content as an image simpler and more powerful.

First, we’ve added a new dropdown menu to the add-in’s footer. In that menu, you can choose whether you want to see live data or a snapshot. So now it is much easier to find where to switch between live data and a static image.

Second, for snapshots, you now have two options:

  • Public snapshot: Anyone who can view the presentation can view the image.
  • Snapshot: Only those who have permission to view the report in Power BI will be able to see the snapshot.

Third, we’ve disabled the default snapshot, so that the slide thumbnail doesn’t show the image by default (this also applies when you copy & paste the slide into an email for example), but only after the add-in is loaded and the required permissions have been checked.

And lastly, we honor this setting also when you open the presentation in PowerPoint for the web. You still cannot change a live view into a snapshot in PowerPoint for the web, but if you or someone else has changed the view to snapshot in the PowerPoint desktop app, this will be respected, and you will see the snapshot also in PowerPoint for the web.

PowerPoint allows you to continuously playback a presentation. This is especially useful when you want to present information in public displays without any human interaction.

If a presentation that is running continuously has slides that include the Power BI add-in, the data in the add-in might become outdated, since the add-in gets the data from Power BI when the slide is loaded, or when the user manually refreshes the data being presented.

With the new automatic refresh in slide show feature, you can set the add-in to automatically pull fresh data from Power BI while the presentation is in slide show mode, ensuring that the presentation will always show the most recent data.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

Note that auto refresh only happens in slide show mode and not while you’re editing the presentation.

When you add the Power BI add-in to an empty slide that doesn’t have a title yet, the Power BI add-in is here to help. It offers you suggestions for the slide title based on the content of you add-in. The title can be the report name, the page/visual name, or both. Just select the desired option and hit Add title .

Introducing the Fabric metadata scanning sample app

We’re delighted to announce the availability of the new Fabric metadata scanning app. This sample application builds upon the metadata scanning capabilities of Fabric’s set of Admin REST APIs collectively known as the scanner APIs. This new app can be used as a reference for admins interested in utilizing the Scanner API to catalog and report on all the metadata of their organization’s Fabric items.

The Fabric metadata scanning sample app handles all the steps for calling the scanner API including authentication, parallelism, throttling, and incremental scanning. In addition, it provides a central configuration file which can be easily modified to suit the specific needs of the caller. Currently authentication is supported both by using a service principal and a delegated token.

The app is available as a Microsoft open-source project, and is open for suggestions and improvements here:

https://github.com/microsoft/Fabric-metadata-scanning/

Dynamic Subscriptions for Power BI and paginated reports

We’re pleased to announce that you can now send dynamic per recipient subscriptions to up to 1000 recipients instead of the earlier limit of 50 recipients from the data in the Power BI semantic model. For existing subscriptions, we will automatically send subscriptions up to 1000 recipients if your Power BI semantic model contains that many rows of data. You need to edit the subscription if you don’t want to automatically send subscriptions. Learn more about creating dynamic per recipient subscriptions for Power BI Reports and paginated reports .

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

This feature will be available in some regions as soon as today, however depending on the geography in which your Power BI tenant is located, it may take up to two weeks to appear.

The Power BI Mobile apps support folders in workspace. So, you can access items that are organized in folders inside of your workspace directly from the mobile app.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

Workspace and folders are Fabric entities, which means that you can add items that are not necessarily Power BI items to a workspace. But the Power BI Mobile apps only support a subset of Power BI items. Therefore, only the Power BI item will be accessible when you are browsing the folder content from the app. If a folder contains only non-Power BI items, it will appear empty in the mobile app.

When a field in your model is marked as a barcode, you can use your mobile device camera to scan the barcodes of real objects to filter reports that are built on this model. This feature is extremely useful for retail, where you can scan the barcode on a piece of merchandise to get a report showing data about the item directly in your mobile app (for example, inventory information, product selling data, etc.).

To make it easier and more intuitive to use barcodes and based on feedback we’ve gotten from our users in stores, we’ve added a new button to the report footer that makes it a one-click action to clear any previously scanned barcode from the report’s filter.

Learn more about scanning barcode from the mobile app

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

We continue to simplify the experience of using the Power BI Mobile apps, always keeping in mind the frontline workers who need quick access to their content. In this monthly update we’ve made it possible to open Power BI items on full screen, so users can view their data at its max.

Opening an item on full screen is supported both for launch items and when using a universal link.

A launch item is a Power BI item (report, page, app, etc.) that the user has selected to automatically open when they open the app. Now, you can also tell the Power BI Mobile app to open this item in full screen mode.

To set a launch item to open in full screen mode, go to Settings > Launch item and enable the Open in full screen toggle.

Using an MDM tool that supports an AppConfig file, mobile device administrators can also configure a launch item to be opened in full screen mode for their users.

You can also add the query parameter? fullscreen =1 to a Power BI item’s link. When you use a link with this parameter on your mobile device, the mobile app will open the item in full screen mode.

A screenshot of a phone Description automatically generated

Visualizations

New visuals in appsource kpi matrix growth rate chart by djeeni v1.4 aimplan comment visual.

Making financial statements with a proper layout has just become easier with the latest version of the Financial Reporting Matrix.

Users are now able to specify which rows should be classified as cost-rows, which will make it easier to get the conditional formatting of variances correctly:

Et bilde som inneholder tekst, skjermbilde, programvare, nummer Automatisk generert beskrivelse

Selecting a row, and ticking “is cost” will tag the row as cost. This can be used in conditional formatting to make sure that positive variances on expenses are a bad for the result, while a positive variance on an income row is good for the result.

The new version also includes more flexibility in measuring placement and column subtotals.

Measures can be placed either:

  • Default (below column headers)
  • Above column headers

Et bilde som inneholder tekst, skjermbilde, nummer, Font Automatisk generert beskrivelse

If you have multiple fields showing on your column headers, you can now decide which of these fields you want a column subtotal for.

This is in addition to the already existing features of the Financial Reporting Matrix:

  • Adding custom rows
  • Applying company/customer specific themes
  • Expand/collapse columns
  • Conditionally hide columns
  • + much more

Highlighted new features:

  • New Format Pane design
  • Measure placement – In rows
  • Select Column Subtotals
  • Row Options

Get the visual from AppSource and find more videos here !

A Horizon Chart is an advanced visual, for time-series data, revealing trends and anomalies. It displays stacked data layers, allowing users to compare multiple categories while maintaining data clarity. Horizon Charts are particularly useful to monitor and analyze complex data over time, making this a valuable visual for data analysis and decision-making.

Key Features:

  • Horizon Styles: Choose Natural, Linear, or Step with adjustable scaling.
  • Layer: Layer data by range or custom criteria. Display positive and negative values together or separately on top.
  • Reference Line : Highlight patterns with X-axis lines and labels.
  • Colors: Apply 30+ color palettes and use FX rules for dynamic coloring.
  • Ranking: Filter Top/Bottom N values, with “Others”.
  • Gridline: Add gridlines to the X and Y axis.
  • Custom Tooltip: Add highest, lowest, mean, and median points without additional DAX.
  • Themes: Save designs and share seamlessly with JSON files.

Other features included are ranking, annotation, grid view, show condition, and accessibility support.

Business Use Cases: Time-Series Data Comparison, Environmental Monitoring, Anomaly Detection

🔗 Try Horizon Chart for FREE from AppSource

📊 Check out all features of the visual: Demo file

📃 Step-by-step instructions: Documentation

💡 YouTube Video: Video Link

📍 Learn more about visuals: https://powerviz.ai/

✅ Follow Powerviz : https://lnkd.in/gN_9Sa6U

A screenshot of a screenshot of a graph Description automatically generated

ZoomCharts has just launched the latest addition to their suite of user-friendly custom visuals – Drill Down Scatter PRO . It provides all the features you would expect from a great scatter chart visual, but what sets Scatter PRO apart is the ability to easily drill down . Simply click on a data point and see all the values underneath it.

This way, you can quickly find your answers while also gaining a full understanding of where they come from. Furthermore, the visual’s UI is designed to be smooth and user-friendly for PCs and touch devices , and with cross-chart filtering you can use Scatter PRO to build incredible reports for immersive data exploration.

Main features:

  • Drill Down: Create a multi-level hierarchy and drill down with just a click.
  • Dynamic formatting : Apply custom marker colors, shapes, or images to each data point directly from data.
  • Trendlines: Show a linear or polynomial regression line on the chart.
  • Thresholds: Display up to 4 line or area thresholds on each axis.
  • Area Shading: Highlight up to 8 custom areas with rectangles or ellipses.

🌐 Learn more about Drill Down Scatter PRO

Documentation | ZoomCharts Website | Follow ZoomCharts on LinkedIn

A screenshot of a computer screen Description automatically generated

The Image Gallery is the first visual to be certified by Microsoft that allows for the display of high-quality images and their exportation along with other report content. There is no need to upload images to the Cloud, a CDN, or use any datasets . Simply import your images directly into the visual and share them instantly with your colleagues.

This visual boasts several impressive capabilities:

  • Microsoft certification ensures that the visual doesn’t interact with external services , ensuring that your images are securely stored and encrypted within the report, consistent with your report’s sensitivity settings.
  • Automatically saves your selected image in preview mode , allowing your colleagues to view the exact image you have highlighted.
  • Images can be uploaded or removed exclusively in Edit Mode. Users in View Mode can only view the images.
  • The visual is compatible with Power BI’s export functionality to PDF and PowerPoint.

A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated

LINK: https://appsource.microsoft.com/en-us/product/power-bi-visuals/pbicraft1694192953706.imagegallery?tab=Overview

A space-saving horizontal bar chart designed with category labels placed inside the bars for clarity

This horizontal bar chart serves as an efficient filter to navigate through your data more effectively, optimizing space by placing the category labels within the bars themselves.

  • Adjustable Bar Thickness and Spacing: Offers the flexibility to adjust the thickness of the bars and the spacing between them. This allows for optimal use of space and improves readability, especially when dealing with large datasets.
  • Tooltip Details on Hover: Displays detailed information about each category when the user hovers over a bar. This feature provides additional context and insights without cluttering the visual.
  • Data-Driven Category Labels: Automatically updates category labels based on the data source. This ensures that the chart remains accurate and up to date, reflecting any changes in the underlying data.
  • Support for Hierarchical Data: Allows users to drill down into hierarchical categories within the chart. This functionality enables a more detailed data analysis without leaving the context of the initial visual.
  • Export Options: Offers the ability to export the chart as an image or PDF, facilitating easy sharing and reporting outside of Power BI.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

Link: https://appsource.microsoft.com/en-us/product/power-bi-visuals/pbicraft1694192953706.horizontalbarchart?tab=Overview

Introducing the “ Trends ” visual for Power BI – your gateway to leveraging Google Trends data for strategic business analysis. This innovative visual tool allows you to compare brand popularity, monitor market trends, and gain insights into consumer search behaviors directly within your Power BI environment.

With Trends visual, you can:

  • Analyze the ebb and flow of brand interest over time to identify market opportunities and competitive threats.
  • Compare the popularity of products to inform marketing strategies and product development decisions.
  • Understand seasonal trends to optimize your marketing campaigns and inventory planning.

Securely integrated and easy to use, “Trends” transforms your Power BI reports into a dynamic analysis tool, offering a comprehensive view of the market landscape. Dive into data-driven decision-making with “Trends” and stay one step ahead in the competitive business environment.

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

New visual: Multi-pane Card can be used to group and show data in multiple collapsible panes in Power BI reports. It is an alternative to multi-row card visual, but it can combine columns into a few groups and put each group’s data in each pane. It is suitable to show data in detail with a reduced number of report pages.

Screenshot 1 (Show data in 3 groups: Area and Population, GDP and Foreign Exchange Reserves for countries)

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

Data can be sorted by a specified column and numbers can be converted to a human readable string. You can also set up how many rows that you want to show on the card. Using these features, it will be very easy to show “Top 10 best performing stores” or “Top 10 worst performing stores” for retail businesses.

Screenshot2 (Combined with drilldown choropleth map to show the top 10 richest countries by GDP per capita for each continent and subregion)

presentation ideas that aren't powerpoint

You can go to Microsoft AppSource( https://appsource.microsoft.com/en-us/product/power-bi-visuals/mylocsinc1648311649136.tcard )to download and try it.

To learn more on how to use it, please read tutorials ( https://www.mylocs.ca/tutorials.html#multi-pane-card ).

Introducing Copilot pane in Power BI Desktop 

Earlier this year, we announced preview of Copilot for all customers with Premium/Fabric capacity in Power BI web . We’re thrilled to share that the same Copilot experience for report creation is now available for preview in Power BI Desktop. With our current preview, users can create reports faster and easier in the Power BI Desktop experience. You can now open the Copilot pane in report view and ask Copilot to:

  • Create a report page – Copilot will create an entire report page for you by identifying the tables, fields, measures, and charts that would help you get started.
  • Summarize a semantic model – Copilot will help you understand your Power BI semantic model by summarizing the data in your model.
  • Suggest a topic – Copilot will suggest topics for your report pages.

Click here to learn more about how to get started.

That is all for this month! Please continue sending us your feedback and do not forget to vote for other features that you would like to see in Power BI! We hope that you enjoy the update! If you installed Power BI Desktop from the Microsoft Store,  please leave us a review .

Also, don’t forget to vote on your favorite feature this month on our community website. 

As always, keep voting on  Ideas  to help us determine what to build next. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

  • paginated reports
  • power bi desktop
  • Visualization

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