what is the meaning of canned presentation

Canned presentation

A canned presentation is one which presents information in a systematic and well-planned manner. Since all necessary information about the company and product are already included, there is not as much room for improvisation and spontaneity as in a personalized presentation.

As rigid as they may seem, canned presentations may come in handy if the presentation is something that will have to be repeated several times. It is possible that minor changes will be made, depending on the audience, or if updates need to be made in the future. They can also be useful for people who may feel nervous and run the risk of forgetting key points that need to be presented to prospective clients.

The first thing to consider when creating a canned presentation is the objective. Another important factor is the time allotted for the presentation. If the presenter is given a very short time for his spiel, it is crucial that all essential information be prioritized. Another necessary task is research on the people inside the audience.

To make any presentation effective, it is necessary to make it as relevant as possible to the people who will be viewing and listening to it. Canned presentations may be rigid in a sense, but presenters can make slight adjustments to make them more appropriate or well-accepted by different audiences.

Although technology can be useful, it is not necessary to make use of too many high-tech tools when creating canned presentations. After all, if this is something that will be presented again to another audience, the equipment might not always be available. In this case, it is best to focus on the message.

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canned presentation

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A prepared and tested sales or advertising campaign demonstration that is committed to memory and used consistently for all prospects.

From:   canned presentation   in  A Dictionary of Marketing »

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How to master the canned sales presentation [Agency Guide]

“I can recite our canned sales presentation in my sleep,” joked Alex, a sales manager for a tech company we work with. “But that’s the problem—it feels too robotic, and I’m losing my audience halfway through.”

His frustration was palpable, and we get it. Using a “canned” sales presentation can feel like a safe approach, but let’s be real: too often, it falls flat. It lacks the spark, that authentic connection audiences crave, and can turn what should be an engaging pitch into a lifeless monologue.

So, why do so many sales teams rely on canned presentations? Well, they’re efficient, quick to deliver, and ensure you stay “on message.” But here's the catch: a canned approach doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice personality or spontaneity. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to breathe new life into your canned presentations, sharing tips that add charisma, relevance, and that all-important human touch. Let’s dive in and explore how to make your canned sales presentation unforgettable—and yes, actually enjoyable for you and your audience.

What Exactly Is a Canned Sales Presentation?

At its core, a canned sales presentation is a pre-prepared pitch or presentation that allows sales teams to convey consistent, essential information about a product, service, or company. It’s not custom-tailored to each individual client, but it’s designed to communicate key selling points, answer FAQs, and introduce a product or service in a reliable way. This approach is used often because it ensures uniformity—every salesperson delivers the same message, with no important details left out.

But the trick is in the delivery. A canned sales presentation needs to be flexible enough for a personal touch, so it feels custom, even when it’s not. So, while the core message stays the same, a skilled salesperson can adapt to the client’s responses and build rapport.

Why Canned Sales Presentations Matter in Today’s Sales Environment

In a world where personalization is key, it might seem ironic that canned presentations are still so widely used. But here’s why they remain relevant:

Consistency Across Teams: For companies with a large sales team or multiple branches, consistency is vital. A canned presentation ensures everyone is aligned, from tone and branding to the specific features highlighted.

Speed and Efficiency: Time is money. Canned presentations allow salespeople to cover all necessary points quickly without reinventing the wheel every time.

New Hire Training: Canned presentations offer a strong foundation for new hires. They can learn the essentials of the product and the sales pitch before adding their personal touches.

How to Make Your Canned Sales Presentation Stand Out

Step 1: make it modular.

Canned doesn’t have to mean “one-size-fits-all.” By creating a modular presentation, you empower your sales team with flexibility, allowing them to adapt the message to the unique needs of each client. A modular approach breaks down your presentation into easily navigable, self-contained sections that can be rearranged or selectively chosen depending on the client’s pain points and interests. This gives the illusion of personalization while maintaining the consistency and efficiency of a canned format.

Use Interactive Slides

Rather than forcing every client through a 20-slide marathon, provide your team with the option to select slides or sections most relevant to the client’s context. Think of this as a "Choose Your Own Adventure" for sales. Each slide should stand alone with key messages that work independently, allowing the presenter to skip or rearrange without breaking the flow.

Example: Start with an introductory slide, then allow for a choice of two or three “paths” or sections. For instance, a slide on “Challenges for Small Businesses” could be followed by “How We Help Small Businesses,” while a segment on “Enterprise-Level Support” could dive into integrations and data security features.

Make Navigation Intuitive: Adding clickable elements, tabs, or hyperlinks within the presentation makes it easy for salespeople to jump to relevant sections. Interactive elements keep the client engaged and allow the salesperson to move smoothly without fumbling through irrelevant information.

Customer-Centric Flow

Organize your content around different customer needs. Audience segmentation helps deliver the right information faster and ensures that every client feels the presentation speaks to their unique challenges.

Tailored Scenarios: Use clear markers or section headings to divide your slides into scenarios. For instance, a section labeled “For Small Businesses” could address agility, scalability, and ease of use, while “Enterprise Benefits” might cover security, customizability, and dedicated support.

Showcase Versatility: Present different “use cases” by industry or business size. A modular setup also allows for quick swaps, so if your presentation has case studies or testimonials, they can be customized per industry, making the experience feel unique to each client without heavy customization.

Step 2: Create a Compelling Opening Hook

The first impression sets the tone for the entire conversation, so make it one that grabs attention. A strong hook piques curiosity, making the audience more receptive from the start. Avoid generic openings about the company’s history and instead focus on an impactful statement, a thought-provoking question, or a relatable story.

Ask an Engaging Question

Starting with a question that hits on a common problem can help the audience feel immediately connected to the content. Make sure the question is specific enough to resonate with their unique business challenges but broad enough to apply across different clients.

Example: Instead of saying, “Are you looking to improve efficiency?” consider framing it more provocatively: “What if you could increase your team’s productivity by 30% without any additional cost?” A question like this can steer the conversation towards your product or service benefits without making it seem like a hard sell.

Share a Relatable Story

A quick, well-chosen story, especially one where a client had similar pain points, can make a canned presentation feel much more personal. This brief anecdote brings an element of storytelling to the presentation, creating a narrative that the client can see themselves in.

Case in Point: Start with, “I recently worked with a company just like yours that was struggling with…” and go on to describe how your solution turned things around for them. It’s authentic, it’s real, and it gives your audience a sense of how they, too, might benefit from your services.

Step 3: Personalize the Transition Points

While modular sections give the presenter flexibility, smooth transitions make the whole experience feel cohesive. Transitions are often where you can subtly steer the conversation towards what matters most to the client.

Practice Seamless Transitions

Seamless transitions aren’t just about connecting two slides; they’re about strategically guiding the conversation. Well-timed pivots allow salespeople to anticipate the client’s interests and steer the focus there.

Lead with the Client’s Needs: After discussing a main feature, try a pivot like, “Given that your company is focused on sustainability, let’s look at how this feature supports that.” This keeps the presentation dynamic and makes the client feel seen.

Adapt to Client Reactions: If a client expresses interest in a specific topic, use that as a springboard to transition to another related benefit. For example, if they’re interested in security, pivot by saying, “I’m glad you brought that up—our product’s data encryption is one of the highest-rated in the industry. Let’s dive into that.”

Empathetic Responses

Making empathetic responses part of a canned presentation can make it feel personalized even when it’s not. When you react to a client’s feedback or questions naturally, you add a human touch to the presentation.

Example of Empathy in Action: When a client mentions a pain point or reacts positively to a feature, acknowledge it with enthusiasm, such as, “Absolutely, this has been a game-changer for many clients in similar situations.” Adjusting to their responses makes the presentation feel like a conversation rather than a one-sided pitch.

How to Measure the Success of Your Canned Presentation

Check for engagement levels.

Do clients ask questions, show interest, or appear engaged? These are immediate indicators of how well your canned presentation is working.

Follow-Up Effectiveness

If you find that clients are more responsive after the presentation, you know it resonated. Follow-up engagement metrics are a great way to gauge the effectiveness of the message and tone.

Work with us

If you’re ever looking to add some polish to your presentation (or create one from scratch with some customized flair), feel free to reach out through our contact section or schedule a meeting with our team. Let’s turn that canned presentation into something unforgettable.

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Business Jargons

A Business Encyclopedia

Presentation

Definition : A presentation is a form of communication in which the speaker conveys information to the audience. In an organization presentations are used in various scenarios like talking to a group, addressing a meeting, demonstrating or introducing a new product, or briefing a team. It involves presenting a particular subject or issue or new ideas/thoughts to a group of people.

It is considered as the most effective form of communication because of two main reasons:

• Use of non-verbal cues.
• Facilitates instant feedback.

Business Presentations are a tool to influence people toward an intended thought or action.

Parts of Presentation

• Introduction : It is meant to make the listeners ready to receive the message and draw their interest. For that, the speaker can narrate some story or a humorous piece of joke, an interesting fact, a question, stating a problem, and so forth. They can also use some surprising statistics.
• Body : It is the essence of the presentation. It requires the sequencing of facts in a logical order. This is the part where the speaker explains the topic and relevant information. It has to be critically arranged, as the audience must be able to grasp what the speaker presents.
• Conclusion : It needs to be short and precise. It should sum up or outline the key points that you have presented. It could also contain what the audience should have gained out of the presentation.

Purpose of Presentation

• To inform : Organizations can use presentations to inform the audience about new schemes, products or proposals. The aim is to inform the new entrant about the policies and procedures of the organization.
• To persuade : Presentations are also given to persuade the audience to take the intended action.
• To build goodwill : They can also help in building a good reputation

Factors Affecting Presentation

Audience Analysis

Communication environment, personal appearance, use of visuals, opening and closing presentation, organization of presentation, language and words, voice quality, body language, answering questions, a word from business jargons.

Presentation is a mode of conveying information to a selected group of people live. An ideal presentation is one that identifies and matches the needs, interests and understanding level of the audience. It also represents the facts, and figures in the form of tables, charts, and graphs and uses multiple colours.

Related terms:

• Verbal Communication
• Visual Communication
• Non-Verbal Communication
• Communication
• 7 C’s of Communication

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Blog Beginner Guides 8 Types of Presentations You Should Know [+Examples & Tips]

8 Types of Presentations You Should Know [+Examples & Tips]

Written by: Krystle Wong Aug 11, 2023

From persuasive pitches that influence opinions to instructional demonstrations that teach skills, the different types of presentations serve a unique purpose, tailored to specific objectives and audiences.

Presentations that are tailored to its objectives and audiences are more engaging and memorable. They capture attention, maintain interest and leave a lasting impression. 

Don’t worry if you’re no designer —  Whether you need data-driven visuals, persuasive graphics or engaging design elements, Venngage can empower you to craft presentations that stand out and effectively convey your message.

Venngage’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface, extensive presentation template library and customizable design options make it a valuable tool for creating slides that align with your specific goals and target audience. 

Click to jump ahead:

8 Different types of presentations every presenter must know

How do i choose the right type of presentation for my topic or audience, types of presentation faq, 5 steps to create a presentation with venngage .

When it comes to presentations, versatility is the name of the game. Having a variety of presentation styles up your sleeve can make a world of difference in keeping your audience engaged. Here are 8 essential presentation types that every presenter should be well-acquainted with:

1. Informative presentation

Ever sat through a presentation that left you feeling enlightened? That’s the power of an informative presentation. 

This presentation style is all about sharing knowledge and shedding light on a particular topic. Whether you’re diving into the depths of quantum physics or explaining the intricacies of the latest social media trends, informative presentations aim to increase the audience’s understanding.

When delivering an informative presentation, simplify complex topics with clear visuals and relatable examples. Organize your content logically, starting with the basics and gradually delving deeper and always remember to keep jargon to a minimum and encourage questions for clarity.

Academic presentations and research presentations are great examples of informative presentations. An effective academic presentation involves having clear structure, credible evidence, engaging delivery and supporting visuals. Provide context to emphasize the topic’s significance, practice to perfect timing, and be ready to address anticipated questions. 

2. Persuasive presentation

If you’ve ever been swayed by a passionate speaker armed with compelling arguments, you’ve experienced a persuasive presentation . 

This type of presentation is like a verbal tug-of-war, aiming to convince the audience to see things from a specific perspective. Expect to encounter solid evidence, logical reasoning and a dash of emotional appeal.

With persuasive presentations, it’s important to know your audience inside out and tailor your message to their interests and concerns. Craft a compelling narrative with a strong opening, a solid argument and a memorable closing. Additionally, use visuals strategically to enhance your points.

Examples of persuasive presentations include presentations for environmental conservations, policy change, social issues and more. Here are some engaging presentation templates you can use to get started with: 

3. Demonstration or how-to presentation

A Demonstration or How-To Presentation is a type of presentation where the speaker showcases a process, technique, or procedure step by step, providing the audience with clear instructions on how to replicate the demonstrated action. 

A demonstrative presentation is particularly useful when teaching practical skills or showing how something is done in a hands-on manner.

These presentations are commonly used in various settings, including educational workshops, training sessions, cooking classes, DIY tutorials, technology demonstrations and more. Designing creative slides for your how-to presentations can heighten engagement and foster better information retention. 

Speakers can also consider breaking down the process into manageable steps, using visual aids, props and sometimes even live demonstrations to illustrate each step. The key is to provide clear and concise instructions, engage the audience with interactive elements and address any questions that may arise during the presentation.

4. Training or instructional presentation

Training presentations are geared towards imparting practical skills, procedures or concepts — think of this as the more focused cousin of the demonstration presentation. 

Whether you’re teaching a group of new employees the ins and outs of a software or enlightening budding chefs on the art of soufflé-making, training presentations are all about turning novices into experts.

To maximize the impact of your training or instructional presentation, break down complex concepts into digestible segments. Consider using real-life examples to illustrate each point and create a connection. 

You can also create an interactive presentation by incorporating elements like quizzes or group activities to reinforce understanding.

5. Sales presentation

Sales presentations are one of the many types of business presentations and the bread and butter of businesses looking to woo potential clients or customers. With a sprinkle of charm and a dash of persuasion, these presentations showcase products, services or ideas with one end goal in mind: sealing the deal.

A successful sales presentation often has key characteristics such as a clear value proposition, strong storytelling, confidence and a compelling call to action. Hence, when presenting to your clients or stakeholders, focus on benefits rather than just features. 

Anticipate and address potential objections before they arise and use storytelling to showcase how your offering solves a specific problem for your audience. Utilizing visual aids is also a great way to make your points stand out and stay memorable.

A sales presentation can be used to promote service offerings, product launches or even consultancy proposals that outline the expertise and industry experience of a business. Here are some template examples you can use for your next sales presentation:

6. Pitch presentation

Pitch presentations are your ticket to garnering the interest and support of potential investors, partners or stakeholders. Think of your pitch deck as your chance to paint a vivid picture of your business idea or proposal and secure the resources you need to bring it to life. 

Business presentations aside, individuals can also create a portfolio presentation to showcase their skills, experience and achievements to potential clients, employers or investors. 

Craft a concise and compelling narrative. Clearly define the problem your idea solves and how it stands out in the market. Anticipate questions and practice your answers. Project confidence and passion for your idea.

7. Motivational or inspirational presentation

Feeling the need for a morale boost? That’s where motivational presentations step in. These talks are designed to uplift and inspire, often featuring personal anecdotes, heartwarming stories and a generous serving of encouragement.

Form a connection with your audience by sharing personal stories that resonate with your message. Use a storytelling style with relatable anecdotes and powerful metaphors to create an emotional connection. Keep the energy high and wrap up your inspirational presentations with a clear call to action.

Inspirational talks and leadership presentations aside, a motivational or inspirational presentation can also be a simple presentation aimed at boosting confidence, a motivational speech focused on embracing change and more.

8. Status or progress report presentation

Projects and businesses are like living organisms, constantly evolving and changing. Status or progress report presentations keep everyone in the loop by providing updates on achievements, challenges and future plans. It’s like a GPS for your team, ensuring everyone stays on track.

Be transparent about achievements, challenges and future plans. Utilize infographics, charts and diagrams to present your data visually and simplify information. By visually representing data, it becomes easier to identify trends, make predictions and strategize based on evidence.

Now that you’ve learned about the different types of presentation methods and how to use them, you’re on the right track to creating a good presentation that can boost your confidence and enhance your presentation skills . 

Selecting the most suitable presentation style is akin to choosing the right outfit for an occasion – it greatly influences how your message is perceived. Here’s a more detailed guide to help you make that crucial decision:

1. Define your objectives

Begin by clarifying your presentation’s goals. Are you aiming to educate, persuade, motivate, train or perhaps sell a concept? Your objectives will guide you to the most suitable presentation type. 

For instance, if you’re aiming to inform, an informative presentation would be a natural fit. On the other hand, a persuasive presentation suits the goal of swaying opinions.

2. Know your audience

Regardless if you’re giving an in-person or a virtual presentation — delve into the characteristics of your audience. Consider factors like their expertise level, familiarity with the topic, interests and expectations. 

If your audience consists of professionals in your field, a more technical presentation might be suitable. However, if your audience is diverse and includes newcomers, an approachable and engaging style might work better.

3. Analyze your content

Reflect on the content you intend to present. Is it data-heavy, rich in personal stories or focused on practical skills? Different presentation styles serve different content types. 

For data-driven content, an informative or instructional presentation might work best. For emotional stories, a motivational presentation could be a compelling choice.

4. Consider time constraints

Evaluate the time you have at your disposal. If your presentation needs to be concise due to time limitations, opt for a presentation style that allows you to convey your key points effectively within the available timeframe. A pitch presentation, for example, often requires delivering impactful information within a short span.

5. Leverage visuals

Visual aids are powerful tools in presentations. Consider whether your content would benefit from visual representation. If your PowerPoint presentations involve step-by-step instructions or demonstrations, a how-to presentation with clear visuals would be advantageous. Conversely, if your content is more conceptual, a motivational presentation could rely more on spoken words.

6. Align with the setting

Take the presentation environment into account. Are you presenting in a formal business setting, a casual workshop or a conference? Your setting can influence the level of formality and interactivity in your presentation. For instance, a demonstration presentation might be ideal for a hands-on workshop, while a persuasive presentation is great for conferences.

7. Gauge audience interaction

Determine the level of audience engagement you want. Interactive presentations work well for training sessions, workshops and small group settings, while informative or persuasive presentations might be more one-sided.

8. Flexibility

Stay open to adjusting your presentation style on the fly. Sometimes, unexpected factors might require a change of presentation style. Be prepared to adjust on the spot if audience engagement or reactions indicate that a different approach would be more effective.

Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and the best type of presentation may vary depending on the specific situation and your unique communication goals. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the most effective presentation type to successfully engage and communicate with your audience.

To save time, use a presentation software or check out these presentation design and presentation background guides to create a presentation that stands out.    

What are some effective ways to begin and end a presentation?

Capture your audience’s attention from the start of your presentation by using a surprising statistic, a compelling story or a thought-provoking question related to your topic. 

To conclude your presentation , summarize your main points, reinforce your key message and leave a lasting impression with a powerful call to action or a memorable quote that resonates with your presentation’s theme.

How can I make my presentation more engaging and interactive?

To create an engaging and interactive presentation for your audience, incorporate visual elements such as images, graphs and videos to illustrate your points visually. Share relatable anecdotes or real-life examples to create a connection with your audience. 

You can also integrate interactive elements like live polls, open-ended questions or small group discussions to encourage participation and keep your audience actively engaged throughout your presentation.

Which types of presentations require special markings

Some presentation types require special markings such as how sales presentations require persuasive techniques like emphasizing benefits, addressing objections and using compelling visuals to showcase products or services. 

Demonstrations and how-to presentations on the other hand require clear markings for each step, ensuring the audience can follow along seamlessly. 

That aside, pitch presentations require highlighting unique selling points, market potential and the competitive edge of your idea, making it stand out to potential investors or partners.

Need some inspiration on how to make a presentation that will captivate an audience? Here are 120+ presentation ideas to help you get started. 

Creating a stunning and impactful presentation with Venngage is a breeze. Whether you’re crafting a business pitch, a training presentation or any other type of presentation, follow these five steps to create a professional presentation that stands out:

• Sign up and log in to Venngage to access the editor.
• Choose a presentation template that matches your topic or style.
• Customize content, colors, fonts, and background to personalize your presentation.
• Add images, icons, and charts to enhancevisual style and clarity.
• Save, export, and share your presentation as PDF or PNG files, or use Venngage’s Presentation Mode for online showcasing.

In the realm of presentations, understanding the different types of presentation formats is like having a versatile set of tools that empower you to craft compelling narratives for every occasion.

Remember, the key to a successful presentation lies not only in the content you deliver but also in the way you connect with your audience. Whether you’re informing, persuading or entertaining, tailoring your approach to the specific type of presentation you’re delivering can make all the difference.

Presentations are a powerful tool, and with practice and dedication (and a little help from Venngage), you’ll find yourself becoming a presentation pro in no time. Now, let’s get started and customize your next presentation!

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