Interactive Presentation: How to Create Yours with AhaSlides | Ultimate Guide 2024

We live in an age where attention is like gold dust. Precious and hard to come by.

TikTokers spend hours editing videos, all in an effort to hook viewers in the first three seconds.

YouTubers agonise over thumbnails and titles, each one needing to stand out in a sea of endless content.

And journalists? They wrestle with their opening lines. Get it right, and readers stick around. Get it wrong, and poof - they're gone.

This isn't just about entertainment. It's a reflection of a deeper shift in how we consume information and interact with the world around us.

This challenge isn't just online. It's everywhere. In classrooms, boardrooms, at big events. The question's always the same: How do we not just grab attention, but hold it? How do we turn fleeting interest into meaningful engagement?

It's not as hard as you might think. AhaSlides has found the answer: interaction breeds connection.

Whether you're teaching in class, getting everyone on the same page at work, or bringing a community together, AhaSlides is the best interactive presentation tool that you need to communicate, engage, and inspire.

In this blog post, we'll bring you:

• Step-to-step guide on how to make an interactive presentation (using AhaSlides)
• 5 ideas to make your presentation interactive
• 9 tips for interactive presenters

So, let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

What is an Interactive Presentation?

An interactive presentation is an engaging method of sharing information where the audience actively participates rather than just passively listening. This approach uses live polls, quizzes, Q&As, and games to get viewers directly involved with the content. Instead of one-way communication, it supports two-way communication, letting the audience shape the presentation's flow and outcome. The interactive presentation is designed to get people active, help them remember things, and create a more collaborative learning [1] or discussion environment.

Main benefits of interactive presentations:

Increased audience engagement: Audience members stay interested and focused when they actively take part.

Better memory: Interactive activities help you remember important points and reinforce what you've gained.

Enhanced learning outcomes: In educational settings, interaction leads to a better understanding.

Better teamwork: Interactive presentations make it easier for people to talk to each other and share ideas.

Real-time feedback: Live polls and surveys give useful feedback in real-time.

How to Create Interactive Presentations with AhaSlides

Step-by-step guide for you to make an interactive presentation using AhaSlides in a few minutes:

1. Sign up

Create a free AhaSlides account or choose a suitable plan based on your needs.

2. Create a new presentation

To create your first presentation, click the button labelled 'New presentation' or use one of the many pre-designed templates.

Next, give your presentation a name, and if you want, a customised access code.

You will be taken directly to the editor, where you can start to edit your presentation.

3. Add slides

Choose from various slide types.

4. Customise your slides

Add content, adjust fonts and colours, and insert multimedia elements.

5. Add interactive activities

Set up polls, quizzes, Q&A sessions, and other features.

6. Present your slideshow

Share your presentation with your audience via a unique link or QR code, and enjoy the taste of connection!

HostInteractive Presentations for Free!

Add interactive elements that make the crowd go wild.
Make your whole event memorable for any audience, anywhere, with AhaSlides.

Why Choose AhaSlides for Interactive Presentations?

There is a lot of engaging presentation software out there, but AhaSlides stands out as the best. Let's look into why AhaSlides really shines:

Various features

While other tools may offer a few interactive elements, AhaSlides boasts a comprehensive suite of features. This interactive presentation platform lets you make your slides fit your needs perfectly, with features like live polls, quizzes, Q&A sessions, and word clouds that will keep your audience interested the whole time.

Affordability

Good tools shouldn't cost the earth. AhaSlides packs a punch without the hefty price tag. You don't have to break the bank to create stunning, interactive presentations.

Lots of templates

Whether you're a seasoned presenter or just starting, AhaSlides' vast library of pre-designed templates makes it easy to get started. Customize them to match your brand or create something entirely unique - the choice is yours.

Seamless integration

There are endless possibilities with AhaSlides because it works well with the tools you already know and love. AhaSlides is now available as an extension for PowerPoint, Google Slides and Microsoft Teams. You can also add YouTube videos, Google Slides/PowerPoint content, or things from other platforms without stopping the flow of your show.

Real-time insights

AhaSlides doesn't just make your presentations interactive, it provides you with valuable data. Keep track of who is participating, how people are reacting to certain slides, and learn more about what your audience likes. This feedback loop works in real time, so you can change your talks at the last minute and keep getting better.

Key features of AhaSlides:

• Live polls: Gather instant feedback from your audience on various topics.
• Quizzes and games: Add an element of fun and competition to your presentations.
• Q&A sessions: Encourage open dialogue and address audience queries in real-time.
• Word clouds: Visualize collective opinions and ideas.
• Spinner wheel: Inject excitement and randomness into your presentations.
• Integration with popular tools: AhaSlides works well with the tools you already know and love, such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, and MS Teams.
• Data analytics: Track audience participation and gain valuable insights.
• Customisation options: Make your presentations fit your brand or your own style.

AhaSlides is more than just a free interactive presentation tool. It, actually, is a way to connect, engage, and communicate effectively. This is the best choice if you want to improve your talks and make an impact on your audience that lasts.

Comparison with other interactive presentation tools:

Other interactive presentation tools, like Slido, Kahoot, and Mentimeter, have dynamic features, but AhaSlides is the best because it is cheap, easy to use, and flexible. Having a lot of features and integrations makes AhaSlides an ideal option for all your interactive presentation needs. Let's see why AhaSlides is one of the best Kahoot alternatives:

5+ Ideas to Make Presentations Interactive

Still wondering how to make a presentation interactive and super engaging? Here are keys:

Icebreaker activities

Icebreaker activities are a great way to kick off your presentation and create a welcoming atmosphere. They help to break the ice between you and your audience, and they can also help to get your audience engaged in the material. Here are some ideas for icebreaker activities:

• Name games: Ask participants to share their name and an interesting fact about themselves.
• Two truths and a lie: Have each person in your audience share three statements about themselves, two of which are true and one of which is a lie. The other members of the audience guess which statement is the lie.
• Would you rather?: Ask your audience a series of "Would you rather?" questions. This is a great way to get your audience thinking and talking.
• Polls: Use a polling tool to ask your audience a fun question. This is a great way to get everyone involved and to break the ice.

Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful way to captivate your audience and make your message more relatable. When you tell a story, you are tapping into your audience's emotions and imagination. This can make your presentation more memorable and impactful.

To craft compelling stories:

• Start with a strong hook: Grab your audience's attention from the beginning with a strong hook. This could be a question, a surprising fact, or a personal anecdote.
• Keep your story relevant: Make sure your story is relevant to your presentation topic. Your story should help to illustrate your points and make your message more memorable.
• Use vivid language: Use vivid language to paint a picture in your audience's mind. This will help them to connect with your story on an emotional level.
• Vary your pace: Don't speak in a monotone. Vary your pace and volume to keep your audience engaged.
• Use visuals: Use visuals to complement your story. This could be images, videos, or even props.

Live feedback tools

Live feedback tools can encourage active participation and gather valuable insights from your audience. By using these tools, you can gauge your audience's understanding of the material, identify areas where they need more clarification, and get feedback on your presentation overall.

Consider using:

• Polls: Use polls to ask your audience questions throughout your presentation. This is a great way to get their feedback on your content and to keep them engaged.
• Q&A sessions: Use a Q&A tool to allow your audience to submit questions anonymously throughout your presentation. This is a great way to address any concerns they may have and keep them engaged in the material.
• Word clouds: Use a word cloud tool to collect feedback from your audience on a specific topic. This is a great way to see what words and phrases come to mind when they think about your presentation topic.

Gamify the presentation

Gamifying your presentation is a great way to keep your audience engaged and motivated. Interactive presentation games can make your presentation more fun and interactive, and it can also help your audience to learn and retain information more effectively.

Try these gamification strategies:

• Use quizzes and polls: Use quizzes and polls to test your audience's knowledge of the material. You can also use them to award points to the audience members who answer correctly.
• Create challenges: Create challenges for your audience to complete throughout your presentation. This could be anything from answering a question correctly to completing a task.
• Use a leaderboard: Use a leaderboard to track your audience's progress throughout the presentation. This will help to keep them motivated and engaged.
• Offer rewards: Offer rewards to the audience members who win the game. This could be anything from a prize to a bonus point on their next exam.

Pre and post-event surveys

Pre and post-event surveys can help you gather feedback from your audience and improve your presentations over time. Pre-event surveys give you a chance to identify your audience's expectations and tailor your presentation accordingly. Post-event surveys allow you to see what your audience liked and disliked about your presentation, and they can also help you to identify areas for improvement.

Here are some tips for using pre and post-event surveys:

• Keep your surveys short and sweet. Your audience is more likely to complete a short survey than a long one.
• Ask open-ended questions. Open-ended questions will give you more valuable feedback than closed-ended questions.
• Use a variety of question types. Use a mix of question types, such as multiple choice, open-ended, and rating scales.
• Analyse your results. Take the time to analyze your survey results so that you can make improvements to your presentations in the future.

👉Learn more interactive presentation techniques to create great experiences with your audience.

4 Types of Interactive Activities for Presentations You Can Include

Quizzes and games

Test your audience's knowledge, create friendly competition, and add an element of fun to your presentation.

Live polls and surveys

Gather real-time feedback on various topics, gauge audience opinions, and spark discussions. You can use them to gauge their understanding of the material, gather their opinions on a topic, or even just break the ice with a fun question.

Q&A sessions

A Q&A session allows your audience to submit questions anonymously throughout your presentation. This can be a great way to address any concerns they may have and keep them engaged in the material.

Brainstorming activities

Brainstorming sessions and breakout rooms are a great way to get your audience working together and sharing ideas. This can be a great way to generate new ideas or solve problems.

👉 Get more interactive presentation ideas from AhaSlides.

9+ Tips for Interactive Presenters to Wow Audiences

Identify your goals

Effective interactive presentations don't happen by chance. They need to be carefully planned and organized. First, make sure that each interactive part of your show has a clear goal. What do you want to achieve? Is it to gauge understanding, spark discussion, or reinforce key points? Is it to see how much people understand, start a conversation, or stress important points? Pick activities that fit with your material and audience once you know what your goals are. Lastly, practice your whole presentation, including the parts where people can connect with you. This practice run will help interactive presenters find problems before the big day and make sure everything goes smoothly.

Know your audience

For an interactive slideshow to work, you need to know who you're talking to. You should think about your audience's age, job, and amount of tech knowledge, among other things. This knowledge will help you make your content more relevant and pick the right interactive parts. Find out how much your audience already knows about the subject. When you're talking to experts, you might use more complex interactive activities. When you're talking to regular people, you might use easier, more straightforward ones.

Start strong

The presentation intro can set the tone for the rest of your talk. To get people interested right away, icebreaker games are the best choices for interactive presenters. This could be as easy as a quick question or a short activity to get people to know each other. Make it clear how you want the audience to participate. To help people connect with you, show them how any tools or platforms you use work. This makes sure that everyone is ready to take part and knows what to expect.

Balance content and interaction

Interactivity is great, but it shouldn't take away from your main point. When you're giving your presentation, use interactive features wisely. Too many interactions can be annoying and take attention away from your main points. Spread out your interactive parts so that people are still interested in the whole show. This pace helps your audience stay focused without being too much. Make sure you give both your information and the interactive parts enough time. Nothing irritates an audience more than feeling like they are being rushed through activities or that the show is going too slowly because there are too many interactions.

Encourage participation

The key to a good interactive presentation is making sure that everyone feels like they can participate. To get people to take part, stress that there are no wrong choices. Use language that makes everyone feel welcome and encourages them to join in. However, don't put people on the spot, as this can make them feel anxious. When talking about sensitive topics or with people who are more shy, you might want to use tools that let people respond anonymously. This can get more people to take part and get more honest comments.

Be flexible

Things don't always go as planned, even when you plan them out very well. For every engaging part, you should have a backup plan in case the technology fails or the activity doesn't work for your audience. You should be ready to read the room and change how you talk based on how people react and how energetic they are. Don't be afraid to move on if something isn't working. On the other hand, if a certain exchange is leading to a lot of discussion, be ready to spend more time on it. Give yourself some room to be spontaneous in your talk. Most of the time, the most memorable times happen when people interact in ways that no one expected.

Use interactive presentation tools wisely

Presentation technologies can make our talks a lot better, but if it's not used correctly, it can also be annoying. Before giving a show, interactive presenters should always test your IT and tools. Make sure that all of the software is up to date and works with the systems at the presentation place. Set up a plan for tech help. If you have any technical problems during your talk, know who to call. It's also a good idea to have non-tech options for each engaging part. This could be as easy as having handouts on paper or things to do on a whiteboard ready in case something goes wrong with the technology.

Manage time

In interactive presentations, keeping track of time is very important. Set clear due dates for each engaging part, and make sure you follow them. A timer that people can see can help you, and they stay on track. Be ready to end things early if you need to. If you're short on time, know ahead of time which parts of your talk can be shortened. It's better to squish together a few exchanges that work well than to rush through all of them.

Gather feedback

To make the best interactive presentation the next time, you should keep improving with every talk. Get feedback by giving surveys after the show. Ask the people who attended what they liked best and worst about the presentation and what they would like to see more of in future ones. Use what you've learned to improve how you create interactive presentations in the future.

Thousands of Successful Interactive Presentations Using AhaSlides…

Education

Teachers all around the world have used AhaSlides to gamify their lessons, boost student engagement, and create a more interactive learning environment.

"I really appreciate you and your presentation tool. Thanks to you, me and my high school students are having a great time! Please continue to be great 🙂"

Marek Serkowski (A teacher in Poland)

Corporate training

Trainers have leveraged AhaSlides to deliver training sessions, facilitate team-building activities, and enhance knowledge retention.

"It's a very very fun way to build teams. Regional managers are super happy to have AhaSlides because it really energises people. It's fun and visually attractive."

Gabor Toth (Talent Development and Training Coordinator at Ferrero Rocher)

Conferences and events

Presenters have utilised AhaSlides to create memorable keynote speeches, gather audience feedback, and foster networking opportunities.

"AhaSlides is amazing. I was assigned to host and inter-committee event. I found out that AhaSlides enables our teams to solve problems together."

Thang V. Nguyen (Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Vietnam)

References:

[1] Peter Reuell (2019). Lessons in Learning. Harvard Gazette. (2019)

Frequently Asked Questions