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09_Spt_DD_Tools for Next-Level Presentations

The 10 Best Online Presentation Tools to Transform Your Slides

One major byproduct of the radical shift to remote work is the accompanying shift toward slide decks, online presentations, and the need to create engaging content using presentation tools. Virtually, how can you garner full attention of your viewers while delivering data, and, shall we say… sometimes boring…. information? Well, one way to stand out and deliver impactful presentations is to leverage the right tools. If you need a place to start, we’ll explore our favorite ten tools and apps that can elevate your presentations, enhance engagement, and ensure your message resonates effectively – and with a bit more flair.

Canva 

No surprise that Canva has topped our list. With its user-friendly interface and vast ready-built templates, you can create visually stunning slides without needing advanced graphic design skills. Canva offers a range of presentation templates, including professional, creative, and minimalist designs. Its drag-and-drop functionality makes customizing slides easy, and the collaborative features allow team members to work on the same presentation in real-time. Additionally, Canva’s library of stock photos, icons, and graphics helps to make your slides more engaging and visually appealing. 

Subscription Charges: Canva offers a free version with basic features, while Canva Pro costs around £10.99 per month and provides access to premium templates, advanced features, and additional storage. 

Prezi 

Prezi is a dynamic presentation tool that moves beyond the traditional slide format. Instead of a linear slide sequence, Prezi uses a zoomable canvas that allows you to present information in a more interactive and non-linear fashion. This can be particularly effective for storytelling or showcasing complex data. The ability to zoom in on different parts of the presentation and navigate freely helps keep the audience engaged and focused on the main points of your presentation. 

Subscription Charges: Prezi offers a free basic plan with limited features. The Prezi Plus plan costs around £11.99 per month, while the Prezi Business plan is approximately £21.99 per month and includes advanced collaboration tools and analytics. 

Microsoft PowerPoint with AI Features 

While Microsoft PowerPoint is a longstanding staple in the presentation world, its integration with AI features has significantly enhanced its capabilities. PowerPoint’s Designer tool, for example, uses AI to suggest design improvements and layouts based on the content of your slides. Additionally, PowerPoint’s Presenter Coach uses AI to analyse your presentation delivery, offering real-time feedback on pacing, filler words, and even body language. These AI-powered features help refine your presentation’s design and delivery, ensuring a polished final product. 

Subscription Charges: PowerPoint is available as part of Microsoft 365, which starts at around £5.99 per month for the Personal plan and £9.99 per month for the Family plan, with access to other Microsoft Office applications and cloud storage. 

Mentimeter 

Mentimeter is an interactive presentation tool designed to engage your audience actively. By incorporating live polls, quizzes, and word clouds, Mentimeter transforms passive listeners into active participants. You can create real-time polls and display audience responses instantly, making it an excellent tool for gauging audience opinions, gathering feedback, or just adding an interactive element to your presentation. The integration of these interactive elements helps maintain audience engagement and provides valuable insights into their thoughts and understanding. 

Subscription Charges: Mentimeter offers a free plan with basic features. The Pro plan starts at around £8.75 per month, and the Team plan is approximately £24.75 per month, providing additional features and advanced options. 

Haiku Deck 

Haiku Deck focuses on simplicity and visual appeal. The app encourages users to use minimal text and high-quality images to create visually compelling presentations. It offers a range of themes and templates designed to make presentations look professional and polished without requiring extensive design skills. Haiku Deck also includes features for adding captions and text overlays, which can help convey your message more effectively while keeping your slides visually engaging. 

Subscription Charges: Haiku Deck offers a free version with basic functionalities. The Premium plan costs around £9.99 per month, and the Pro plan, which includes additional features and brand options, is approximately £19.99 per month. 

Loom 

Loom is an excellent tool for creating video presentations and screen recordings. It allows you to record your screen, webcam, and microphone simultaneously, making it ideal for creating tutorial videos, product demos, or detailed explanations. Loom’s user-friendly interface and easy sharing options make it simple to distribute your video presentations to a wide audience. The ability to visually demonstrate concepts and provide a personal touch through webcam recordings can significantly enhance your presentation’s effectiveness. 

Subscription Charges: Loom offers a free version with basic features. The Business plan starts at around £8 per month, and the Enterprise plan, which includes advanced features and support, is priced upon request. 

Slido 

Slido is a powerful tool for enhancing audience interaction during live presentations or webinars. It allows you to incorporate live Q&A sessions, polls, and quizzes into your presentation. Audience members can submit questions and vote on others, ensuring that the most relevant questions are addressed. Slido’s real-time feedback helps keep your presentation dynamic and responsive to audience interests and concerns. 

Subscription Charges: Slido has a free basic plan for simple polls and Q&A. The Premium plan starts at around £29 per month, with additional features available in the Enterprise plan, which is priced upon request. 

Visme 

Visme is a versatile tool that combines design and presentation features. It offers a wide range of templates for presentations, infographics, and other visual content. With Visme, you can create interactive presentations that include clickable links, embedded videos, and animations. Its drag-and-drop editor and extensive library of assets make it easy to craft visually engaging presentations that can capture and hold your audience’s attention. 

Subscription Charges: Visme offers a free plan with limited features. The Standard plan costs around £12 per month, while the Business plan, which includes advanced tools and team collaboration features, is approximately £25 per month. 

Powtoon 

Powtoon is a unique tool that allows you to create animated presentations and videos. By using a combination of animation, graphics, and voiceovers, Powtoon helps bring your ideas to life in a visually captivating way. The platform is particularly useful for creating explainer videos or adding a creative twist to traditional presentations. The animations and visual effects can make complex information more accessible and engaging for your audience. 

Subscription Charges: Powtoon offers a free version with basic features. The Pro plan starts at around £19 per month, while the Business plan is approximately £39 per month, offering additional features and branding options. 

Pitch 

Pitch is a modern presentation tool designed for team collaboration and visual storytelling. It provides a range of sleek templates and design tools, making it easy to create presentations that look both professional and innovative. Pitch also integrates with various data sources, allowing you to incorporate real-time data into your slides. The collaborative features enable team members to work together seamlessly, ensuring that your presentation is well-coordinated and impactful. 

Subscription Charges: Pitch offers a free plan with basic features. The Pro plan starts at around £8 per user per month, and the Enterprise plan, which includes advanced features and support, is priced upon request. 

Distilled 

Elevating your presentations involves more than just crafting a visually appealing slide deck; it requires engaging your audience and delivering your message effectively. By incorporating these tools and techniques into your presentation strategy, you can create dynamic, interactive, and visually stunning presentations that captivate and inform your audience. Whether you’re looking to enhance design, interactivity, or delivery, these tools offer a range of features to help you shine brighter and make a lasting impression. 

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Meera Nair

Drawing from her diverse experience in journalism, media marketing, and digital advertising, Meera is proficient in crafting engaging tech narratives. As a trusted voice in the tech landscape and a published author, she shares insightful perspectives on the latest IT trends and workplace dynamics in Digital Digest.