11 Critical Types of Business Presentations (+Templates)

You need the right collateral for every aspect of your business in order to succeed.

In today's business world, delivering a compelling presentation isn't just a nice skill - it's a vital one. But if you're not familiar with all the types of presentations your business might need, it's like trying to build a house without all the necessary tools.

Some parts of your business might not get the support they need to stand strong. This can lead to unclear messages, disengaged audiences, and missed opportunities.

That's where this post comes in. Consider it your blueprint for building a solid presentation foundation. You'll learn about all the different types of business presentations, when to use them, and how to make them work wonders for you. In just a few minutes, you'll be ready to turn every presentation into a sturdy pillar for your business success.

Let’s get started!

What are the main business presentation types?

Business presentations come in various forms, each serving a unique purpose and fitting into a specific stage of the sales funnel.

There is a basic set of presentations that no business can flourish without. You should become familiar with these critical presentation types.

1. Pitch deck presentations

Pitch deck presentations are designed to showcase a product, startup, or idea to potential investors. They are typically used during fundraising rounds and are crucial for securing the necessary capital for your business.

Here’s an example of a pitch deck presentation:

2. Sales deck presentations

Sales deck presentations are aimed at convincing prospects to buy your product or service. They highlight the unique selling points and benefits of your offering, and explain why you’re the perfect solution provider for your prospects’ specific pain points.

Here’s an example of a sales deck presentation:

To find out more, read our article on how to make a sales pitch deck that turns ‘Maybe’ to ‘Yes!’.

3. Product marketing presentations

Product marketing presentations are used in the awareness stage to introduce a new product or feature to the market. They focus on the benefits of the product and how it meets the needs of the target audience.

Here’s an example of a product marketing presentation:

4. White papers

A white paper is an in-depth analysis of a problem and its solution. It's a way to establish your expertise and thought leadership in a particular area. White papers are often used in the consideration stage of the funnel to educate potential customers about a complex issue related to your industry or product.

Here’s an example of a white paper:

5. Case studies

Case studies showcase a customer success story or outcome. They provide real-world examples of how your product or service has helped a customer, making them a powerful tool for building trust and credibility.

Here’s an example of a case study:

6. Report presentations

Report presentations are used to share data-driven insights and findings in the consideration stage. They make complex data accessible and engaging, helping your audience understand and remember the information.

Here’s an example of a report presentation:

7. One-pagers

A one-pager is a brief, informative overview of your solution sent to potential customers in the awareness stage. It's a quick way to communicate the key features and benefits of your product or service, meant to pique the prospects’ curiosity enough to move them down the sales funnel.

Here’s an example of a one-pager presentation:

8. Education and academic presentations

Education and academic presentations are used for teaching or presenting research findings. They are designed to simplify complex concepts and foster deep understanding.

Here’s an example of an academic presentation:

If you need more guidance, we have a blog post on how to write a research proposal, including tips and templates.

9. Business proposal presentations

Business proposal presentations are used to close deals at the end of a sales cycle. They summarize your offering and why it's the best choice for the prospect.

Here’s an example of a business proposal presentation:

For tips on how to create your own, check out our posts:

10. Sports sponsorship proposals

Sports sponsorship proposals are used to secure funding and support for a sports team. They highlight the benefits that the sponsor will receive in return for their investment.

Here’s an example of a sports sponsorship proposal presentation:

11. Business plan presentations

Business plan presentations detail a company's strategy and objectives. They are often used to secure funding from investors or to align team members around a common vision and plan.

Here’s an example of a business plan presentation:

If you want to see real-life examples of each presentation type, check out our master post containing 52 perfect presentation examples to set you apart.

What are the main types of presentation use cases?

Presentations are a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of scenarios, both within and outside an organization. Here are some of the key use cases for presentations:

External use cases

Sales: Persuading potential customers to purchase your product or service through compelling storytelling and showcasing benefits.
Funding: Convincing investors to provide capital for your business by demonstrating potential for growth and profitability.
Thought leadership: Establishing your expertise and authority in a specific field by sharing unique insights and perspectives.
Investor relations: Communicating important company information to investors to maintain trust and transparency.
Donor communication: Engaging and updating donors on the impact of their contributions to maintain their support and involvement.
Conference or event presentations: Sharing insights or research findings at a public event to engage the audience and build your reputation.
Partnership presentations: Proposing a collaboration or partnership to another business by highlighting mutual benefits.
Product launch presentations: Introducing a new product to the market with a compelling narrative that highlights its unique features.
Client presentations: Updating clients on progress or delivering project results to maintain their satisfaction and trust.
Training and education presentations: Teaching a new skill or concept to an external audience to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Public relations presentations: Managing the public image of your company by addressing public concerns and highlighting positive actions.
Government or regulatory presentations: Communicating with government agencies or regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and maintain good relations.
Social responsibility presentations: Showcasing your company's efforts to give back to the community to enhance your company's reputation and public image.

Internal use cases

Team meetings: Discussing project updates or new initiatives with your team to ensure everyone is aligned and informed.
Training and onboarding: Introducing new employees to company policies and procedures to ensure they are well-equipped to perform their roles.
Strategic planning: Outlining your company's strategic goals and plans to ensure all employees are working toward the same objectives.
Performance reviews: Providing feedback on an employee's performance to help them improve and grow in their role.
Internal reporting: Sharing company performance data with internal stakeholders to keep them informed and make data-driven decisions.
Town hall meetings: Addressing the entire company on key updates or changes to ensure transparency and maintain employee trust.
Change management: Guiding employees through a period of significant change to ensure smooth transition and maintain morale.
Employee engagement and recognition: Celebrating employee achievements and fostering a positive company culture to boost morale and productivity.
Training workshops and seminars: Providing in-depth training on specific topics to employees to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Internal marketing and branding: Promoting company values and culture to employees to foster a sense of belonging and commitment.

How do I choose the right type of presentation for my business?

Choosing the right type of presentation for your business is like picking the right tool for a job. It's all about understanding your needs and resources.

Here's a simple guide to help you make the right choice:

1) Presentation objectives

Start by defining what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to educate, persuade, or inspire? Your objective will shape the type of presentation you need. For instance, if you're looking to secure funding, a compelling pitch deck is your ticket.

2) Target audience

Your audience is your compass. Their needs and expectations will guide your presentation's content and style. For example, a sales deck might resonate with potential customers, while a thought leadership white paper could be more suitable for industry peers.

3) The message

What key message do you want to convey? Ensure your presentation type allows for this message to be communicated effectively. For example, if you're eager to share your company's green thumb, a social responsibility white paper can beautifully showcase your eco-friendly initiatives and their positive effects.

4) Resources

Finally, always take stock of your resources. Time constraints and available data can influence your choice. A one-pager could be more practical than an extensive sales deck when you’re short on time or manpower.

What are the best types of tools to create and improve my presentation?

Creating a compelling presentation is not just about the content, but also about the delivery.

Here are some tools that can help you elevate your presentation game:

Storydoc: This tool allows you to transform static slides into highly-engaging and converting interactive web presentations. It's perfect for creating memorable narratives that captivate your audience from start to finish and gets them to take action.
Think-Cell: If your presentation involves data, Think-Cell is a must-have. It simplifies the creation of complex charts and enhances data visualization, making your insights more digestible and impactful.
VideoScribe: Want to add a touch of animation to your presentation? VideoScribe allows you to create high-quality whiteboard-style animation videos, adding a dynamic element to your content.
Mentimeter: This gamified presentation software allows you to engage your audience with live polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions, making your presentation a two-way conversation.
Pitcherific: Pitcherific helps you create and practice your pitch speech, making it a great tool for preparing investor presentations.

Create your presentation from a template

Your digital presentation is your passport to powerful communication. Why settle for static, lifeless slides when you can turn your presentation into a dynamic, interactive adventure?

Think of your key messages as stepping stones on an exciting journey, one that keeps your audience engaged from the opening slide to the grand finale. Interactive presentation templates are the perfect vehicle for this journey.

Each template is a canvas waiting for your unique touch.

Grab a template and use it to create your best presentation yet.

Create your best presentation to date

Try Storydoc interactive presentation maker for 14 days free (keep any presentation you make forever!)

Create my presentation

Book a demo

11 Critical Types of Business Presentations (+ Templates)

What are the main types of business presentations?

You need the right collateral for every aspect of your business in order to succeed.