15 Presentation Interview Questions and Answers

Giving a presentation is always nerve-wracking, whether it’s to a small group of people or a large audience. And if you’re applying for a job that involves giving presentations, the interview process can be even more daunting.

You want to make sure you give the best possible impression during your interview, and part of that is being able to answer any questions the interviewer throws at you—including questions about your experience giving presentations.

To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of some common presentation-related interview questions and answers.

1. What is a presentation?

This question is a basic one that an interviewer might ask to see if you have the skills and knowledge necessary for the role. They want to know what a presentation is, how it’s different from other types of presentations and why they’re important.

Example: “A presentation is a way to share information with others in a visual format. It can be used to explain complex ideas or concepts, show data or display images. There are many different kinds of presentations, including keynote, slideshow, webinar, screencast and podcast.”

2. Are presentations always verbal or can they be written as well?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of presentation skills and how they can be used in the workplace. It also allows you to show that you understand the differences between verbal and written presentations, which can help you explain why one might be more effective than the other depending on the situation.

Example: “Presentations are always verbal unless it’s for a group of deaf people or if there’s no time to give a verbal presentation. Written presentations are usually only done when someone needs to read along with what’s being said or if there’s a lot of information that would take too long to say out loud. However, I find that most of my written presentations are just notes that I use as a guide during my verbal presentation.”

3. When and why do you think it’s appropriate to give a presentation?

This question can help interviewers understand your presentation skills and how you use them. It can also show them whether you know when to give a presentation or if you’re more comfortable with other types of presentations, such as group discussions. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the different situations in which you’ve given presentations and what made those situations appropriate for giving a presentation.

Example: “I think it’s important to give a presentation whenever I have information that needs to be shared with others. Whether I’m presenting to one person or a large audience, I always make sure to prepare my materials thoroughly so that I can answer any questions that may come up during the presentation.”

4. Can you explain the difference between an informative speech and a persuasive speech?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the different types of speeches. It also allows you to show that you can apply what you know about informative and persuasive speeches in real-world situations.

Example: “Informative speeches are used to share information with an audience, while persuasive speeches are used to convince an audience to take action or change their beliefs. Informative speeches are usually more factual than persuasive speeches, which often include opinions and emotional appeals. I’ve given both informative and persuasive speeches throughout my academic career, so I’m comfortable giving either type.”

5. What are some of the most common mistakes people make when giving presentations?

Presentation skills are an important part of many jobs, so interviewers may ask this question to see if you know how to avoid common presentation mistakes. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few specific mistakes and explain why they’re problematic.

Example: “The two most common presentation mistakes I’ve seen are not practicing enough and using too much technology. It’s important to practice your presentation as often as possible before the big day because that’s when you’ll find out what works and what doesn’t. Also, relying on technology too much is risky because there’s always a chance something could go wrong with the equipment or software. Instead, I try to focus more on my own speaking abilities and less on the technology.”

6. Can you explain what non-verbal communication means in context with presentations?

Non-verbal communication is a vital skill to have when presenting. Employers ask this question to see if you understand the importance of non-verbal cues and how they can affect your audience. In your answer, explain what non-verbal communication means and give an example of how it helped you in the past.

Example: “Non-verbal communication refers to all the information that we send through our body language rather than our words. For instance, eye contact, gestures and posture are all forms of non-verbal communication. I learned about the importance of non-verbal communication during my last internship. My manager asked me to present at a conference, but I was nervous because I had never done so before. She told me to focus on my non-verbal communication by making sure I made eye contact with everyone in the room and used hand gestures to emphasize certain points.”

7. How do you use body language to create a positive impact on your audience?

Presentation skills are not only about what you say, but also how you say it. Employers ask this question to see if you understand the importance of body language in presentations and how you use it to your advantage. Use examples from past experiences where you used body language to convey a message or emphasize a point.

Example: “I believe that body language is just as important as verbal communication when giving a presentation. I always make sure my posture is confident and open so that I can project positivity to the audience. In addition, I try to maintain eye contact with everyone in the room so that they feel like I am speaking directly to them. These two things alone help me create a positive impact on the audience.”

8. Can you explain the importance of eye contact in public speaking?

Eye contact is an important skill for public speakers. It shows the audience that you are confident in what you’re saying and helps them to focus on your message. When answering this question, it can be helpful to explain how eye contact can help you connect with your audience and make a personal connection.

Example: “Eye contact is one of the most important skills in public speaking because it allows you to connect with your audience. If you look at each person as you speak, you can show them that you care about their thoughts and opinions. This can also help you remember key points if you’re looking at someone while you talk.”

9. Why should the tone and volume of your voice match the content of your presentation?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of presentation etiquette. It also allows you to show the interviewer that you understand how important it is to be aware of your audience and adjust your voice accordingly.

Example: “The tone and volume of my voice should match the content of my presentation because I want to make sure everyone in the room understands what I’m saying. If I speak too loudly, people may miss something important or feel overwhelmed by the volume. If I speak too softly, they may not hear me at all. The right balance will help ensure that everyone can follow along with my presentation.”

10. How can you improve your confidence and reduce nervousness before delivering a presentation?

Presentation skills are an important part of many jobs, and employers want to know that you can confidently deliver a presentation. They may ask this question to see how you handle nerves before giving a speech or presentation. In your answer, explain what steps you take to reduce nervousness and increase confidence before speaking in front of others.

Example: “I find that practicing my speech multiple times helps me feel more confident when I give the actual presentation. I also try to get enough sleep the night before so that I’m well-rested and ready for the day. Another thing I do is visualize myself delivering the speech flawlessly. This technique has helped me overcome some of my nervousness in the past.”

11. What is the best way to structure a presentation, given that I have limited time?

Presentation skills are important for many roles, and interviewers may ask this question to see how you prioritize your time. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few tips that you use when structuring presentations.

Example: “I find the best way to structure a presentation is by starting with an introduction and ending with a conclusion. This helps me keep my points organized and ensures I don’t forget anything along the way. Another tip I have is to make sure I include visuals in my presentation. Visuals help break up long blocks of text and can also reinforce key points.”

12. Is PowerPoint necessary for every type of presentation? If not, then which other tools/techniques would you recommend using instead?

This question is a great way to assess your presentation skills and how you use technology in the workplace. It also allows you to show off your critical thinking skills, as you must be able to analyze different types of presentations and determine which tools would work best for each one.

Example: “PowerPoint is an excellent tool for creating slideshows that can include images, videos, graphs and other data. However, it’s not always the most effective method for presenting information. For example, if I’m giving a speech or talking with someone one-on-one about a topic, then PowerPoint may not be necessary at all. Instead, I could simply write out my points on a whiteboard or flip chart.”

13. What makes a good presenter?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have the skills and qualities they’re looking for in a presenter. They want someone who is confident, organized and able to communicate clearly with their audience. When answering this question, think about what makes a good presenter in your experience. Consider mentioning some of the skills that make a good presenter and how those skills helped you be successful as a presenter yourself.

Example: “A good presenter needs to be confident and clear when speaking. I find it’s important to speak slowly and loudly enough so everyone can hear me. It also helps to use simple language and avoid jargon or acronyms. Another important skill is organization. Presenters need to know exactly what they’re going to say before they get up to speak. This means having all my notes ready and practicing my speech until I feel comfortable.”

14. What qualities should a person possess to become a good presenter?

This question is a great way to assess the interviewers’ expectations for your role. It also allows you to show how you possess these qualities yourself and can use them in your work.

Example: “I think it’s important that a good presenter has confidence, charisma and passion. Confidence helps them feel comfortable speaking in front of others, while charisma makes their presentation more interesting and engaging. Passion shows that they’re excited about what they’re talking about and are invested in the topic.”

15. Can you explain how to prepare for a presentation?

This question is a great way to test your presentation skills and how you use them. It also shows the interviewer that you know what steps to take before, during and after a presentation. Use examples from past experiences where you prepared for a presentation and discuss the importance of each step.

Example: “I always make sure I have all my materials ready at least an hour before the presentation starts. This gives me time to go over my notes one last time and check if everything is in order. During the presentation itself, I try to stay calm and focused on the audience. If I’m nervous or unsure about something, I’ll pause briefly so I can gather my thoughts and remember what I want to say next.”