How can you deliver a memorable presentation in just 15 minutes?

1 Know your purpose

Before you start working on your slides, ask yourself: what is the main goal of your presentation? What do you want your audience to think, feel, or do after hearing you speak? Having a clear and specific purpose will help you focus your content, structure your message, and measure your success. Write down your purpose in one sentence and use it as a guide for everything you include in your presentation.

2 Simplify your message

You can't cover everything in 15 minutes, so don't try to. Instead, choose one main idea that supports your purpose and build your presentation around it. Use the rule of three to organize your content: have an introduction, a body with three key points, and a conclusion. Each point should be concise, relevant, and memorable. Use stories, examples, or data to illustrate your points and make them more engaging.

3 Design your slides

Your slides are not your presentation, they are your visual aids. They should complement your message, not distract from it. Use simple and consistent design elements, such as fonts, colors, and images. Avoid cluttering your slides with too much text, graphics, or animation. Use one slide per point and limit the number of slides to 10 or less. Use the 10/20/30 rule: 10 slides, 20 minutes, and 30 point font size.

5 Engage your audience

Your presentation is not a monologue, it's a dialogue. You need to connect with your audience and make them feel involved in your presentation. Start with a hook that grabs their attention, such as a question, a quote, or a statistic. Use rhetorical devices, such as repetition, contrast, or analogy, to emphasize your points and make them more memorable. End with a call to action that motivates your audience to act on your message.

6 Handle the Q&A

The question and answer session is an opportunity to reinforce your message, address any doubts, and build rapport with your audience. Don't be afraid of questions, they show that your audience is interested and engaged. Prepare for common or challenging questions and have a backup slide with additional information if needed. Listen carefully to the questions, acknowledge them, and answer them briefly and politely. If you don't know the answer, admit it and offer to follow up later.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?