Presentation introduction slide example

The purpose of an introduction slide

When designing an introduction slide, the title, the presentation’s focus, and who is presenting should be clear at a glance. The slide does not have to explain all the background to the topic or the entire presentation on its own. The presentation’s introduction, however, can explain the context, why the topic matters, the main argument, and the topics to be covered. Monash University notes that these elements can be included in the introduction to an oral presentation and also recommends listing the presenters’ names on the title slide (Monash University: Giving an oral presentation).

So first, distinguish between the “introduction slide” and the “introduction section”: introduce the topic and focus on the first slide, and move background that needs explanation and the presentation’s scope to later slides. Oberlin College’s guide to research presentations also recommends including the project title on the title slide and keeping text limited and visuals legible on presentation slides (Oberlin College: Creating an effective research presentation). These recommendations are starting points, not a fixed template for every presentation.

Before you start designing

Before writing the title, answer three questions: What is the topic and scope of the presentation? What key question or idea should the audience understand? If the title needs additional information, does it clarify the focus or merely repeat it? Your answers will help determine the title’s scope and, if needed, the purpose of a subtitle.

Also consider the presentation setting and delivery format. Check how the text and visuals look on the available screen, in the projection, or in the shared file; test the title’s legibility in particular. For details about aspect ratio and resolution, see the guide to presentation aspect ratios and the guide to choosing resolution for presentation slides. Rather than assuming your design tool offers a particular template or feature, check whether the option you plan to use is available in your workspace. If it is not, you can create a simple layout with text and shapes.

Build an introduction slide step by step

1. Define the focus. Describe the presentation’s topic in one sentence. If the title is phrased as a question, the presentation should actually address that question.
2. Write the title. Specify the subject or scope being examined instead of naming only a broad area. For example, “What influences bicycle use for short trips?” expresses the focus more clearly than “Urban transportation.”
3. Add the necessary identifying details. Include the presenters’ names. Add course, team, organization, or date information only if it is useful for the presentation’s context. Do not let these details overshadow the title.
4. Decide whether to use a visual. A single photo, illustration, or simple diagram that explains the topic can support the layout. Remove the visual if it makes the title harder to read. Check the source and terms of use for any visual you use; if no suitable visual is available, you do not need to add one just to fill empty space.
5. Check the layout. Make the title more prominent than the other text; check that the text stands out from the background and that the necessary information is easy to read. Keep only elements that serve the slide’s purpose instead of adding multiple decorations or lengthy explanations.
6. Check consistency with the following slides. The topic on the introduction slide should not conflict with the research question posed or the purpose explained on the next slide. If needed, develop the context, importance, main argument, and scope in the introduction section; do not crowd them onto the first slide.

Worked example: short-distance travel on campus

The following example is hypothetical; it is not the result of actual research or a claim of a proven relationship.

Presentation purpose: To examine conditions that may influence bicycle use for short trips on campus.

Introduction slide: Title: “Bicycle use for short trips on campus”. Subtitle: “A brief look at access, perceptions of safety, and travel habits”. Lower section: “Prepared by: Deniz Kaya | Transportation course | November 3, 2026”. If you choose to use a visual, you might consider a photo showing a bicycle and a campus path together without obstructing the text.

This draft introduces the topic and scope; it does not claim that perceptions of safety definitively determine bicycle use. The first content slide could ask, “What influences transportation choices for short trips?” Later slides explain the data, method, and any findings. This way, the introduction does not promise an outcome that the presentation has not established. For your own presentation, adjust the title, course information, date, and visual to suit your circumstances.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

• Vague title: If the topic is too broad, bring the question or scope the presentation examines into the title.
• Too much text on the first slide: Do not squeeze the purpose, method, results, and lengthy background into one slide; distribute the necessary information across appropriate later slides.
• Irrelevant visual: If the visual does not explain the title or makes it harder to read, remove it or consider a more suitable option.
• Hard-to-read layout: Check the slide under the conditions in which the presentation will be viewed. If the text is difficult to read, shorten it or simplify the layout.
• Unsupported promise: If a statement such as “This method solves the problem” goes beyond the presentation’s evidence, phrase it as a research question or remove it unless the findings support it.

Final checklist

• Are the topic and focus clear at a glance?
• Does the title match the presentation’s actual scope?
• Are the presenters’ names and necessary context details correct?
• If there is a visual, is it relevant, legible, and usable?
• Are the text and background sufficiently distinct in the presentation setting?
• Is the opening slide consistent with the following introduction slides?
• Does the title or visual include any unverified claim or information?

Frequently asked questions

Should I include the entire presentation plan on the introduction slide?

No. Introduce the topic and focus on the first slide. If explaining the presentation’s scope or the order of its sections would be helpful, you can do so on the next introduction slide.

Is a visual required on the introduction slide?

No. Use a visual if it explains the topic and supports the layout. If no suitable visual is available, continue with a legible title and a simple layout.