Some presentations consistently stand out due to their impact, delivery, and lasting influence.
Making a list of the objectively “best” presentations is obviously impossible. But that doesn’t mean we can’t highlight at least a few of the most notable, memorable and widely known presentations for their excellence and try to learn from them.

Steve Jobs – Launch of the iPhone

It’s fitting to begin here, as the 2007 iPhone keynote presentation feels almost inevitable in this discussion. It’s widely regarded as a masterclass in product launches, a perfect blend of a groundbreaking product, masterful storytelling, and exceptional presentation skills.
Of course, the timing of the product launch and the revolutionary nature of the product itself contributed significantly to the presentation’s impact. The iPhone was launched when the mobile phone market was ripe for innovation. Apple had cultivated anticipation through rumors and speculation, creating a palpable buzz around the product.
However, even with these factors acknowledged, the presentation still deserves recognition as one of the most, if not the most, iconic product presentation ever.

Why was it so good?
Jobs didn’t just present a product; he crafted a compelling narrative. He began by outlining the limitations of existing mobile phones, setting the stage for the iPhone as a revolutionary solution.  
He built suspense by gradually revealing the iPhone’s capabilities, creating anticipation and excitement.  
He connected with the audience on a personal level, conveying his passion for the product.  
The presentation’s messaging was clear and concise, avoiding technical jargon.  
The slides were visually simple, focusing attention on the key features.  
Furthermore Jobs provided live demonstrations of the iPhone’s features, showcasing its intuitive user interface and capabilities.  He illustrated real-world applications, helping the audience envision how they could use the device.  Everything was executed with pure confidence and enthusiasm, inspiring trust and excitement in the audience.  

Al Gore – An Inconvenient Truth

Al Gore’s presentation in the Oscar-winning documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, is often referred to as ‘the most famous slideshow’ in the world.
The film arrived at a time when public awareness of climate change was growing, but the issue was still not fully understood by many. An Inconvenient Truth played a significant role in bringing the issue into the mainstream and sparking widespread discussion.
The presentation includes impressive visuals that demonstrate the extent of climate change already caused by our carbon consumption.

Why was it so good?
The presentation sort of ticked all the boxes for an impactful presentation. The timing and importance of the subject, the heartfelt and convincing delivery from Al Gore, Storytelling and personal resonance, incredible visuals and data visualisations.
It is quite notable how Gore managed to translate intricate scientific data into a format accessible to a broad audience. He used compelling visuals, graphs, and imagery to illustrate the realities of climate change.
But the presentation wasn’t just a dry recitation of facts. Gore wove in personal anecdotes, reflecting on his own journey and motivations, which helped to humanize the issue and create an emotional connection with viewers.
Furthermore Gore made extensive use of powerful visuals, such as before-and-after images of melting glaciers and projections of rising sea levels. These visuals conveyed the urgency and scale of the problem in a way that words alone could not.

It is important to note that the film did face some criticism regarding the accuracy of certain details, but its overall impact and brilliance as a presentation is undeniable.

Ken Robinson – Do Schools Kill Creativity?

The most-watched TED talk of all time is Sir Ken Robinsons, “Do schools kill creativity?” It is a humorous yet profound message about the importance of fostering creativity in education resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. In this talk, Robinson makes a compelling argument that modern education systems, as they are currently structured, stifle and undermine the inherent creativity that children naturally possess.

Why was it so good?
The presentation ticks all the boxes. It is the powerful combination of a crucial message, delivered with exceptional storytelling, humor, and genuine passion by a charismatic speaker within an effective format.
Yes it is a crucial message, but Robinson doesn’t just present information; he challenges fundamental assumptions about education and how we nurture talent. This encourages critical thinking and sparks important conversations.
The presentation is a little masterpiece in storytelling. Robinson weaves anecdotes, personal experiences, and observations into his argument, making it engaging and memorable. The presentation is infused with humor, which makes it highly entertaining and helps to break down complex ideas.
With a natural and charismatic stage presence, Robinson is comfortable, confident, and connects with the audience through his eye contact, gestures, and tone of voice.
The presentation’s thoughtful structure also contributes significantly to its impact. It effectively begins with a captivating anecdote that instantly draws the audience in and establishes his argument. The subsequent flow is logical, building from the identification of the issue towards potential solutions. Finally, it concludes with a memorable closing, featuring a powerful statement or call to action that resonates long after the presentation ends.

…and TED Talks in general

TED talks have undoubtably really pushed the bar for how presentations are given. TED Talks are typically concise, often lasting 18 minutes or less. This format encourages speakers to focus on their most impactful ideas. And as a global phenomenon TED has really democratised access to expert knowledge and inspired countless people worldwide.
Many presentations would be worth mentioning here, but we would encourage you to explore the big archive yourself, or at least seek some inspiration from some of the most popular through time.