Presentation Formats

Standard Presentation Formats

  1. Traditional Oral Presentations
    A structured talk using slides or other visual aids, typically lasting 15–30 minutes, with an introduction, methods, results, and conclusion.
  2. Panel Discussions
    A moderated discussion among experts on a specific topic, often including audience interaction.
  3. Poster Sessions
    Visual presentations displayed on a poster board, allowing for one-on-one interactions and detailed discussions.
  4. Interactive Workshops
    Hands-on sessions with group activities, discussions, and practical exercises to encourage collaboration and skill development.
  5. Lightning Talks
    Short, timed presentations (e.g., 5–10 minutes) focused on delivering concise key points quickly.
  6. Roundtable Discussions
    Informal small-group discussions on specific topics to encourage maximum interaction.

Specialized Formats

  1. Fireside Chats
    An informal interview-style session between a moderator and guest speaker(s), often encouraging audience participation.
  2. Speedy Presentations (Ignite Talks or PechaKucha)
    Fast-paced formats where slides advance automatically (e.g., 20 slides in 5 minutes for Ignite talks).
  3. Birds of a Feather Sessions
    Informal gatherings of attendees with shared interests for networking or topic-specific discussions.
  4. Live Polling or Word Cloud Sessions
    Interactive formats using live audience input to generate polls or word clouds in real time.

Virtual-Specific Formats

  1. PowerPoint Live Presentations
    Presenting slides directly within virtual meeting platforms like Microsoft Teams with integrated features like chat, reactions, and audience interaction tools.
  2. Pre-Recorded Presentations
    Recorded sessions that can be played during the conference, allowing presenters to prepare in advance.
  3. Virtual Background Presentations
    Using tools like Prezi Video or Zoom to overlay slides onto the presenter’s video feed for an immersive experience.
  4. Collaborative Sessions
    Formats where multiple participants contribute equally without a designated speaker (e.g., brainstorming or co-creation sessions).
  5. Networking Sessions
    Dedicated formats to foster connections among attendees through structured conversations or breakout groups.