presentation
prez-uhn-TAY-shuhn
/ˌprɛzənˈteɪʃən/
A formal talk in which someone describes or explains an idea or product to a group of people.
Presentations are typically structured, often visual, and aim to inform, persuade, or entertain an audience.
The story behind the word. The word 'presentation' comes from the Latin `praesentare`, meaning 'to place before' or 'to show.' It's built from `prae-` ('before') and `esse` ('to be'). So, a presentation is literally the act of 'placing something before' an audience, making it present to them, whether it's information, an idea, or a product.
Word relationships
- speech: Often more formal and less visual than a presentation.
- talk: More general and can be less formal.
- demonstration: Focuses on showing how something works rather than just explaining.
Word family
- present (verb): to offer for consideration; to give a presentation
- presenter (noun): a person who gives a presentation
Collocations
- give a presentation
- deliver a presentation
- make a presentation
- PowerPoint presentation
- business presentation
Example sentences
- "Her `presentation` on the quarterly sales figures was clear, concise, and well-received by the board members." The sales team prepared a compelling presentation for the new client.
- "The student's final `presentation` showcased months of research on sustainable energy solutions." Public speaking skills are essential for delivering effective presentations.
Memory hook
A 'PRESENTATION' is when you 'PRESENT' information to an audience. Present information
When not to use
Do not use 'presentation' for casual conversations or informal discussions.
Fun facts
- The earliest forms of presentations involved oral storytelling and visual aids like cave paintings or scrolls.
- The advent of tools like overhead projectors, and later PowerPoint, revolutionized how presentations are delivered, making them highly visual.
Explore more words
give a presentation, pitch, oratory, audience, webcast, persuasion
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