How to choose the best interactive presentation software (and avoid common mistakes)

Experts estimate that a staggering 30 million PowerPoint presentations are created daily, standing out from the mundane crowd is no small feat.

Yet, four in five business professionals admit to tuning out of a PowerPoint presentation after just 10 minutes. The need for engaging and interactive content is more crucial than ever.

Enter interactive presentation software––the engaging, attention-holding answer to the digital age's sea of slideshows.

In this blog, we embark on a journey to guide you through choosing the best interactive presentation software, armed with insights that not only captivate your audience but also elevate your confidence as a presenter.

Join us as we unravel the dynamics of interactive presentations, explore their significance, and equip you with the knowledge to make informed choices and sidestep common pitfalls.

Interactive presentation software is a catalyst for engagement that spans beyond visual appeal.

Understanding interactive presentation software

Interactive presentation software redefines the art of presentations by transforming static slides into dynamic, participatory experiences. Unlike traditional slideshows, this software empowers presenters to go beyond the linear progression of information, incorporating features like whiteboards or polls that captivate audiences through real-time interactions and multimedia elements.

What are the key features of interactive presentation tools?

1. Interactive elements: From polls and quizzes to clickable hotspots, interactive presentation software introduces elements that encourage audience participation and feedback, fostering a more engaging discourse.

2. Multimedia integration: The ability to seamlessly embed videos, animations, and other multimedia components enriches presentations, creating a multi-sensory experience that resonates with modern audiences.

3. Real-time interaction: Breaking away from the one-way flow of traditional presentations, interactive software facilitates real-time communication, transforming the audience from passive observers to active contributors.

Capturing attention, fostering retention

Interactive presentation software goes beyond aesthetics; it fundamentally enhances the presentation experience. By capturing attention through engaging elements and fostering real-time interactions, it ensures audiences remain actively involved. This heightened engagement translates into improved information retention, making the content not only memorable but also more impactful.

The importance of interactive presentation software

When it comes to your next online presentation, capturing attention isn’t enough––it's all about creating an immersive experience that resonates. Interactive presentation software is a catalyst for engagement that spans beyond visual appeal.

This software plays a pivotal role in audience involvement by tapping into the innate human preference for visual stimuli. With 90% of the information processed by the brain being visual, these platforms leverage the power of multimedia elements and interactive features to create presentations that actively captivate.

Making a cognitive connection with your audience

65% of individuals are more easily persuaded by presentations that include two-way interaction than a static slide show. There's persuasive power to engage audiences on a deeper level. Through dynamic content, multimedia integration, and interactive quizzes, interactive presentations foster an immersive environment that keeps audiences actively involved.

From passive to active participation for better engagement

The synergy of audio and visual elements significantly boosts information retention. While audio-only information sees a retention rate of 10%, combining it with visuals increases retention to a staggering 65%.

Interactive presentation software, with its blend of multimedia integration and real-time interaction, capitalizes on this synergy. It transforms presentations into active dialogues, ensuring the audience sees, hears, and actively participates in the learning process.

Interactive presentations are more memorable

Crucially, for your next presentation, online tutorial, or slide deck, 68% of people believe that interactive presentations are more memorable, underlining the lasting impact of an engaging and participatory presentation experience.

Making your presentation interactive helps you cater to diverse learning styles and also elevates the overall effectiveness by fostering a deeper connection between you and your audience.

The best interactive presentation tools on the market

In the realm of interactive presentation software, five standout options redefine the art of engaging presentations: mmhmm, iSpring Solutions, Visme, AHA Slides, and Mentimeter. Luckily for you, at mmhmm we've road tested them all. Here's our lowdown.

mmhmm

Features in a nutshell

• Personalized video controls

• Real-time slide manipulation

• Seamless integration

• Creativity and dynamism

We're a little bit biased, but mmhmm really stands out among interactive presentation platforms, offering a unique blend of functionality and creativity. With mmhmm, presenters can control their video feeds, add dynamic backgrounds, and seamlessly integrate them into their slides to create a visually stunning and engaging presentation.

Key features include presenter-on-screen recording, personalized video controls, real-time slide manipulation, and OOO 'rooms' which add a gaming element to video conferencing. Mmhmm excels in providing a platform where presenters can captivate their audience with flair, making every presentation a memorable experience.

Pros:

mmhmm is all about making your presentation more dynamic, with features including customizable backgrounds, slide control, and real-time engagement. The platform seamlessly integrates with popular conferencing tools like Zoom, enhancing its versatility.

Cons:

mmhmm works best with Google Chrome, and may have some limited functionality with other browsers.

Don't take our word for it...

"I am running the free trial and got it, set it up, and created a whole Zoom presentation—start to finish—in maybe 2.5 hours! That includes writing the material and creating new graphics. I love it. It is more than worth the money as it is versatile, easy to learn, great tutorials and the staff even wrote me offering a consultation if I had any questions!" —Capterra reviewer.

iSpring Solutions

Features in a nutshell

• PowerPoint integration

• Multimedia-rich content, including interactive quizzes and dialog simulations.

• User-friendly experience

• Great for small to medium businesses and education establishments

iSpring Solutions takes a comprehensive approach to interactive presentations, offering a suite of tools to enhance the entire presentation creation process. With options for interactive quizzes and dialog simulations to multimedia-rich content, iSpring is particularly suitable for educators at schools and universities looking for new ways to engage students with online learning.

Its PowerPoint integration streamlines the learning curve, making it an accessible choice for those familiar with Microsoft's presentation tool. iSpring Solutions focuses on delivering interactive presentations that captivate audiences while providing a user-friendly experience for presenters.

Pros:

Users appreciate the seamless PowerPoint integration, allowing for a smooth transition for those accustomed to Microsoft's presentation software. It also offers versatility in creating quizzes, dialog simulations, and interactive content.

Cons:

Some users find the interface less intuitive compared to other tools, and there might be a learning curve for those new to the platform.

Don't take our word for it...

"The system underpins my private education business and has been a major driver for success."—Capterra reviewer

Visme

Features in a nutshell

• Visual storytelling

• Interactive elements

• Template variety

Visme positions itself as a versatile platform for visual storytelling and interactive presentations. It offers a range of templates, infographics, and interactive elements that elevate presentations to a storytelling level. Visme's emphasis on visual content creation, coupled with its interactive features like clickable links and embedded media, makes it a compelling choice for those looking to weave a narrative into their presentations.

Pros:

Visme's extensive library of templates and interactive elements provides a canvas for creative and visually impactful presentations. The platform's user-friendly interface and collaborative features contribute to its appeal.

Cons:

Sometimes advanced features may require a bit of exploration, and there might be occasional limitations in the customization of templates.

Don't just take our word for it...

"As a physical/health teacher, I need to have visual aids that keep students engaged. Visme has a massive library of graphics, photos, videos, and other visuals that help me create things that really keep my students engaged in the materials and help to build conversations in the curriculum."—G2 reviewer.

AhaSlides

Features in a nutshell

• Live polls and quizzes:

• Real-time collaboration

• Versatile interactivity

AhaSlides is a platform designed for seamless collaboration and interactivity. Recognizing the importance of engaging audiences, AhaSlides incorporates features like live polls, quizzes, and interactive charts. Presenters can effortlessly integrate these elements into their slides, fostering real-time audience participation. The platform's collaborative nature allows multiple contributors to work on a presentation simultaneously, making it a valuable tool for teams seeking dynamic and engaging presentations.

Pros:

We love AhaSlides' collaboration features, allowing teams to work together in real time. The platform's emphasis on interactive elements enhances audience engagement, making presentations more impactful.

Cons:

The depth of available features could be overwhelming for some users.

Here's what other AhaSlides users have to say...

"I've just used AhaSlides in a workshop with a very large group. Keeping large groups engaged over Zoom workshops is a real problem as it's hard to make it interactive enough for them not to lose interest. Well, AhaSlides is the solution for that, they have a really easy interface and the slide options are really great, using them turned the workshop into a really interesting and interactive one, and participants really enjoyed being able to be a more active part of it."—Trustpilot reviewer.

How to choose the best interactive presentation tool

Selecting the ideal interactive presentation tool involves thinking about your goals, your current operating systems, and the individual features that help you engage your audience directly. Each factor will impact the effectiveness of your presentations—run software that's not particularly compatible with your device, for example, and you'll end up with a whole host of tech problems mid-presentation. Without help, though, you'll be running smoothly. Here's what to consider.

Tailor your software to your presentation goals

Understanding your specific presentation needs is the first crucial step in selecting interactive presentation software. Think about what you want to achieve with your presentation and what kind of audience participation that requires. Consider the nature of your content, your audience, and the overall objectives of your presentations.

Why it matters: Knowing your needs allows you to align the features of the software with your presentation goals, ensuring a seamless and impactful delivery.

Tips:

1. Define your presentation goals: Before you do anything, clearly outline what you aim to achieve with your presentations, whether it's engaging your audience, delivering training, or making sales pitches.

2. Identify your target audience: Understand who your audience is, their expectations, and the level of interactivity that would resonate with them.

Evaluate the features each presentation tool offers—with your goals in mind

The key features offered by interactive presentation software play a pivotal role in enhancing engagement and interaction. Evaluating these features empowers you to choose a platform that aligns with your presentation style and objectives.

Why it Matters: Effective features contribute to audience engagement, making your presentations memorable and impactful.

Tips:

1. Interactive elements: Look for features like live polls, quizzes, and interactive media that can captivate your audience.

2. Ease of use: Prioritize platforms with user-friendly interfaces so you can spend more time making your presentation, and less time learning the ropes. Easy-to-use tools also ensure seamless integration of interactive elements into your presentations.

Check compatibility with your existing devices

Run the wrong tool and you risk your presentation breaking down mid-flow, interactive elements not working in your chosen video conferencing software, or slow, clunky slide changes. Checking compatibility involves verifying that the interactive presentation software is well-suited for your devices and operating systems.

Why it Matters: Compatibility issues can disrupt your presentations and hinder the seamless integration of interactive features.

Tips:

1. Device compatibility: Confirm that the software is compatible with the devices you plan to use for your presentations, whether it's a laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

2. Operating system requirements: Check the software's compatibility with your operating system to avoid any potential technical glitches.

Common mistakes when choosing your interactive presentation tool—and how to avoid them

Selecting the right interactive presentation software is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact the success of your presentations. To ensure a smooth and effective process, it's crucial to think about how user-friendly the platform is and research customer support. We've spent some serious time making mmhmm the best interactive presentation tool we can—so we know a thing or two about how you can make the most of your choice, too.

Don't overlook user-friendliness

It's great when an interactive presentation platform offers a smorgasbord or fun features, but if you can't work out how to work them, what's the use? The user-friendliness of the chosen software is paramount. It can make the difference between a presentation that flows effortlessly and one fraught with technical hiccups.

Why it Matters: An intuitive and user-friendly interface directly contributes to the ease with which you can navigate and leverage the features of the software. This not only enhances your own experience but also minimizes the learning curve for your team, fostering widespread adoption.

Tips:

1. Look for an intuitive interface: Seek software with an intuitive interface where essential features are readily accessible. This ensures that even those less tech-savvy can utilize the platform effectively.

2. Use trial periods: If you're investing in a paid-for platform, these help you gauge user-friendliness in a real-world context. This hands-on experience allows you to assess how well the software aligns with your workflow and presentation style before you commit.

3. Look for customization options: These allow you to tailor the interface to match your preferences and presentation needs.

4. Accessibility is important: Consider software with accessibility features that cater to diverse user needs, ensuring inclusivity in your presentations.

Don't ignore customer support

Need help? Can't work out how to run your presentation through Zoom, Google Meet, or another video conferencing software? You need an on-hand customer support team that is readily available to help you before you lose time, credibility, and important clients. Ignoring this aspect may leave you stranded when technical glitches arise, potentially derailing your presentations.

Why it Matters: Prompt and effective customer support serves as a safety net, assisting when you encounter challenges or have inquiries. A responsive support team ensures that any issues are addressed swiftly, minimizing disruptions to your presentation flow.

Tips:

1. Research support channels: Evaluate the availability of support channels such as live chat, email, or phone support. Multiple options for assistance ensure that you can reach out in a way that suits your preferences and urgency.

2. Read user reviews: Delve into user reviews to gain insights into the experiences of others with the software's customer support. Positive reviews highlighting quick issue resolution and helpful support teams are indicators of reliable support.

3. Look up knowledge bases and resources: Check for a comprehensive knowledge base and support resources provided by the software. A wealth of resources indicates a commitment to assisting users in navigating the platform.

4. Explore response time metrics: Look for software providers that transparently share response time metrics, indicating their dedication to addressing user queries promptly.

How to maximize the use of your presentation software

Having invested in the software to make your presentations interactive, it's pretty important you know how to unlock its full potential. You have the tools in hand, now you need to learn how to use them to deliver compelling and engaging presentations. From using interactive features, to incorporating storytelling elements into your slide deck, read on for our top tips and strategies for better presentations.

Embrace interactive elements

Polls, quizzes, and collaborative whiteboards, you name it—the true power of interactive presentation software lies in the diverse set of features available to you. Think about what might resonate best with your audience and help you reach your objectives.

• Diversify content: Incorporate a mix of interactive elements throughout your presentation to keep the audience actively involved.

• Encourage participation: Prompt your audience to participate by posing questions, initiating polls, or inviting them to contribute to collaborative activities.

Use multimedia for storytelling

Visuals have a profound impact on audience retention. Leverage multimedia elements, including images, videos, infographics, and interactive media, to enhance your storytelling and convey complex information effectively.

• Think about visual cohesion: Ensure multimedia elements align with your narrative, providing visual reinforcement for key points. Displaying data as infographics or interactive charts works well here.

• Interactive media: Explore features that allow real-time manipulation of interactive media, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.

Facilitate team engagement

Leverage collaboration features to facilitate seamless teamwork, allowing multiple contributors to enhance and refine the presentation.

• Real-time collaboration: Choose platforms that support real-time collaboration, enabling team members to work on the presentation simultaneously.

• Take care with version control: Ensure proper version control to avoid conflicts and streamline collaborative efforts.

Learn from your mistakes and refine future presentations

It's rare to get everything right the first time. Don't worry. Gaining insights into audience interaction provides valuable feedback for refining and improving your future presentations. Look for analytics features that track audience engagement metrics.

• Review analytics reports: Regularly review analytics reports to gauge audience engagement levels, see what has worked well, what hasn't, and identify areas for improvement.

• Iterative refinement: Use analytics as a tool for iterative refinement, adapting your presentation style based on audience preferences and responses.

Wrapping up

Adding elements of interactivity into your next presentation could be the difference between your audience hanging off your every word or nodding off quietly until you're finished.

The integration of dynamic features like polls, quizzes, and collaborative whiteboards not only enhances engagement but also captivates your audience in ways traditional presentations can't. Prioritizing user-friendly interfaces and robust customer support lays the groundwork for a seamless experience.

As you select the best interactive presentation software, consider platforms like mmhmm for immersive experiences, iSpring Solutions for robust features, or Visme for multimedia storytelling. Leverage interactive features, multimedia storytelling, and seamless collaboration among your team members to maximize impact. Regularly review analytics to refine your style and ensure continuous improvement.

We hope you're now ready to embark on a journey where you can bin the boring PowerPoint slides and start making presentations that will leave your audience wowed (and clients signing on the dotted line).

Elevate your approach with interactive brilliance, and leave a lasting impact.