10-Minute Presentation Ideas – Questions and Answers

I have to give a 10-minute interview presentation. The topic is how I would manage and develop my territory. How many slides should there be? – Angela

The format I would suggest – probably 7 slides/ pages
1. Title slide with name – introduction
2. Outline the problem that you are trying to solve
3. Solution 1
4. Solution 2
5. Solution 3
6. Outline the benefits of these solutions

7. Wrap up and summarise the three key points

Make sure that you rehearse it well.
With thanks to Doctor

 

I have to do a presentation with the title: “What Practical Steps Do You Take to Solve a Problem?” I just want some help as I am new to this. – Richard

There are a few steps to solving any problem. The first is identifying what the problem is. For example, the problem might be “We keeping running out of printer ink.”
Then you need to look at what is causing this. Maybe the ink is not being delivered, or people don’t order the ink until it has already run out.
Evaluate the evidence. The person ordering may claim they order in time, but if you look at the records, they might be reacting rather than anticipating the problem.
Look at the possible answers to the solution; how can you change it? It might be possible to keep a replacement in stock, or automate the ordering process. Look at the pros and cons of each.
With thanks to Giblets

 

I have a presentation on how children learn through play. Should I get the panel to do a quick play task as an example/ ice breaker? Or should I go straight into the presentation? – Prometheus
The idea of giving a presentation through the ice breaker is a very good one.
A Chinese proverb states:
Tell me, I’ll forget
Show me, I’ll remember
Involve me, I’ll understand
In this case, I think that the ice breaker will be very effective.
With thanks to Doctor

 

I have a second interview for a position that I really want. I decided to print a PowerPoint presentation and bind it, but I am worried that I won’t stand out. I feel with such a small audience (about five people) I should keep the attention on me and not the PowerPoint slides. Any thoughts? – Babs
You are quite right to print out your presentation. This will mean that you go straight in to making a memorable performance rather than fiddling with the projector.
First impressions work and your first impression will be professional. If you want an edge, print the presentation on high-grade paper. It’s a small touch, but the difference between candidates is often decided on small things.
With thanks to Doctor

 

I have a second interview on Friday where I have to give a presentation. The topic is “What I Can Bring to the Role”. I’ve got an idea of what I want to say, but I have no idea how I’m going to make it last 10 minutes! – Anon
You would be amazed how quickly ten minutes can go.
Once you have your structure right, start to time yourself speaking it out loud. You will soon see how much time you will need.
I would suggest that you get some third-party validation about your strengths. This could come from job reviews, 360 degree feedback, references, customer letters, thank you emails, school reports, etc.
With thanks to Doctor

 

I have to do a presentation for a Regional Training Manager’s position. I am on one side of the country and they are on the other; we will be doing the interview by video conference and I am unsure of how the visuals will be seen on video. – Skyelar

My experience is that visuals are really important by video conference. The real trick is to make the visuals large and simple.
On video conferences the secret is preparation. Send printed copies of your slides several days in advance. You can also email the slides a day or two before. That way you don’t have to worry so much about what will display on the screen.
With thanks to Doctor

 

I have an interview in which I have to present Art and Design teaching and learning materials. I can use a laptop, PowerPoint and projector if I wish. Do you have any suggestions that might be helpful? – Richard

I suggest that you look at three main topics for your presentation.
Have you already worked in art and design? If you have then it may be useful to show some of your students’ work and maybe some feedback from your students. Third-party endorsement can be really useful.
The most important thing is not to spend all of your time on your slides. It is the rehearsal that will make all of the difference. Read your script out loud at least four times, at least once in front of a real audience. If you can learn it word for word so much the better.
With thanks to Doctor

 

I have to give a presentation for a prospective job opportunity. There are two questions I need to answer in this presentation: why I chose to apply for the job and why I am an ideal candidate. There are a lot of other candidates and I feel I need a hook that the panel will remember. – Guest

As much as possible, use real-life examples of why you are ideal, e.g. “At my last company I had this challenge, which I imagine you have too. The way I dealt with this was X, and the result was Y.” You are quoting experience, showing you understand their business, and sharing your knowledge… all good things.
With thanks to David

 

I have an interview presentation on how I will bring the post forward in the first 6 months! The post is a complaints and communications officer. I haven’t really got any ideas on where to start with this. Any advice would be appreciated!!! – Tor
One idea – Use the rule of three. Sketch out the three key things that you think they are looking for and find ways to illustrate these.
Present past examples of how you have achieved these in other jobs. This will get the presentation back on to your strengths. If you can, use feedback from other people on your performance.
With thanks to Doctor

 

I am going for a job as a trainer. Given the role, I want the audience to learn something from me. – Emma

I would suggest that you pick a topic that you are passionate about – ideally one related to work. A good example would be “my most successful project” or “my most successful training group”.

With thanks to Doctor

 

I have an interview presentation for a business sales position. I don’t have a clue where to start, what should it look like or what the content should be. – Ngighg

I would suggest that you simply present your best ever or proudest sale. Show the customer problem, and how you overcame the problem. The real challenge is to present feedback from the customer (like a reference letter) about what a great sales person you are. If possible, hand round the reference letter.
The real key once you have everything together is to rehearse.
With thanks to Doctor

 

I have a presentation on my leadership style for a position in my company. Any advice would be helpful. – Redcall

You could get feedback from your boss, colleagues or people who work for you.
It is much more powerful to say, “My colleagues describe me as good at dealing with difficult situations,” than it is to say “I am a good manager.”
If you can, give some examples of situations when you have demonstrated leadership.
With thanks to Doctor

 

I have a second interview with a large advertising company and I have to present on why I am right for the role. I have never done a presentation before and do not know where to start. Could someone help me? – Sarah

My advice is to read the job application form and the company’s website and see what kind of qualities they are looking for. Usually in their company description or job description they will have words like dynamic, honest etc.
Try and use these in your presentation and bring up your experience as well.
With thanks to Giblets

 

My presentation has to be based on 3 successes and one failure. I’m going to concentrate on job-related issues. Does anyone have any tips on how to pitch this?
Also, any views on what order I should do each item? – Guest

The best way to present a failure is to have failed because of one of your strengths (e.g. I was so determined to get the job done on time that we went over budget). Effectively talk about the failure more as a trade-off.
Also, don’t use the failure as the last item. It should go in the middle. People will remember the first and the last items, but not the ones in the middle.
With thanks to Doctor

 

I have to prepare a presentation on “What skills I will bring to the job”. I know what my skills are, I just don’t know how to start. – Josephine

The best approach would be to list the three best skills you have. Then try to find a way to illustrate these skills. Try to get some feedback from other colleagues about what these skills are.
It always sounds much better if you say “other people say that my key skills are… ” rather than “my key skills are…”
With thanks to Doctor