So, you've been asked to make a multimodal presentation for English. Multimodal presentations are increasingly a part of senior studies and the HSC, as they challenge you to express ideas using a blend of visuals, audio, written, and spoken elements. Let’s break it down so you can create something impactful!

What is a Multimodal Presentation, and Why is it Important for the HSC?

A multimodal presentation isn’t just your typical speech or slideshow – it’s a way of blending various “modes” of communication to present your ideas powerfully. In the HSC, using a multimodal format allows you to show creativity and critical thinking, proving you can analyse, interpret, and express ideas in complex ways. Plus, it’s a real-world skill that will serve you well beyond school.

Understand the Assignment Requirements

Before diving in, read the criteria carefully. Every multimodal assignment is slightly different, especially when it’s part of the HSC. Here are the key aspects to watch for:

Purpose: Are you analysing a text, making an argument, or telling a story? Know your purpose and focus your content around it.

Audience: Tailor your presentation to connect with your listeners. In the HSC, assume an academic audience who values depth and clarity, but keep it engaging and accessible.

Choose Your Modes: The Key Elements of a Multimodal Presentation

One of the best things about multimodal assignments is the flexibility to use different media. Here are some common elements to consider:

Text: Craft concise and clear content. In a multimodal setting, text is often kept short and impactful. Use quotes, keywords, or bullet points that align with your main ideas.

Visuals: Images and infographics help illustrate your points. Choose visuals that relate directly to your message to enhance your audience’s understanding.

Audio: Background music, sound effects, or narration can add emotion or emphasis. Just be careful not to overdo it – audio should enhance, not overwhelm. Stick to the task requirements as your notification will tell you whether you are doing a voice over or whether you have to appear in the presentation. 

Video Clips: Small video snippets (10-20 seconds) can provide context, add a contrasting voice, or bring a scene to life.

Structure It Properly: Plan for a Cohesive Flow

Your presentation should be structured with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Here’s a structure that works well for most topics in HSC presentations:

Introduction: Hook your audience with a bold image, question, or idea. Then, present your main thesis or message clearly and concisely.

Body: Break it down into 2-3 sections. Each section should support a key idea or theme, using a mix of visuals, quotes, and spoken analysis.

Conclusion: Summarise your key points and restate your message. End with a “call to action” or a question that leaves your audience thinking.

Design Like a Pro: Visual Consistency is Key

Your design should enhance your message without distracting from it. Here’s how to create a professional look that keeps your teachers focused on content:

Less is More: Avoid overwhelming your audience with text or visuals. Aim for simplicity and clarity on each slide.

Colour and Font: Stick to a consistent color scheme and limit yourself to two fonts. Consistency helps the audience focus on your ideas instead of the design.

Image Quality: High-resolution images add polish. Avoid pixelated or irrelevant images – they can take away from the presentation’s impact.

Bring Literary Analysis to Life (Essential for HSC English)

When your multimodal is based on analysing texts, especially for the HSC, make sure to show critical thinking and insight:

Quote with Purpose: Use short, powerful quotes and show how they connect to your theme or character analysis. Display them on-screen for visual emphasis, and explain them briefly but meaningfully.

Discuss Literary Devices: Mention key literary devices (like metaphor, symbolism, or imagery) and explain how they add meaning. For example, you could display an image that represents a symbol in your text, like a stormy ocean for themes of chaos.

Prepare Your Spoken Delivery: Practice Makes Perfect

Your delivery is just as important as the content itself, especially when it counts towards the HSC. Make sure you’re prepared to speak confidently and clearly:

Create a Script or Outline: Some prefer a full script; others like a general outline (I’m the former!)  Either way, know your points so well that you can talk without staring at the screen.

Use Tone and Pacing: A conversational tone works best – it helps your audience feel engaged. Vary your speed for emphasis and give time for visuals to “sink in.”

Engage with Body Language: If presenting in person, make eye contact and use gestures to emphasise points. On video, looking directly into the camera can achieve the same effect.

Final Edits: Make It Polished and Professional

In the final stages, pay attention to details:
Proofread: Typos and grammatical errors can distract and make the presentation look rushed. Make sure everything is polished.

Check Technical Aspects: Test any multimedia (videos, audio, animations) to make sure they work smoothly and don’t disrupt the flow.

Practice Timing: Aim for smooth transitions, giving yourself time to speak without feeling rushed.

Speak with Enthusiasm: Showing interest in your topic makes it more enjoyable for everyone watching. Even if you’re nervous, let your excitement for the subject come through.

There are plenty of great applications you can use to create an effective multimodal presentation! Here’s a roundup of tools that can help you bring together visuals, audio, video, and text with ease:

1. PowerPoint or Google Slides

Best for: Traditional presentations with added multimedia.

Features: PowerPoint and Google Slides allow you to insert images, videos, audio, and animations. Google Slides is also ideal for easy collaboration if you’re working with a group.

Tips: Use the slide master in PowerPoint for consistent design across slides, and try Google Slides’ add-ons for extra features.

2. Canva

Best for: Eye-catching designs and visually appealing slides.

Features: Canva has templates, images, icons, and animations that are simple to drag and drop. You can export your work as PDFs, images, or even videos with animated elements.

Tips: Canva’s templates are especially helpful if you want a polished look. Just pick a theme, customise it, and add your content.

3. Prezi

Best for: Non-linear, interactive presentations with a “zoom” effect.

Features: Prezi allows you to create presentations that flow from one point to another with zooming transitions. It’s especially useful for mapping out themes and connecting ideas visually.

Tips: Prezi can be more dynamic than regular slides, so consider it if you want to engage your audience with an innovative format.

4. Adobe Spark or Adobe Express

Best for: Creating visually compelling presentations with multimedia.

Features: Adobe Express has templates and tools for creating videos, social media posts, and web pages. You can add audio narration, videos, and animations for a more interactive feel.

Tips: Use Adobe Express’s storytelling templates to keep your content structured, which is perfect for projects that require visual impact.

5. iMovie (for Mac) or Windows Video Editor

Best for: Creating video presentations.

Features: These editors let you blend video clips, images, voiceovers, and background music. iMovie has user-friendly features and built-in effects that can make your presentation look polished.

Tips: Plan your video like a storyboard, so each section aligns with your spoken points. Keep video segments short to maintain audience attention.

6. Screencastify or Loom

Best for: Recording voiceovers or narrations with screen-sharing.

Features: These tools let you record yourself, your screen, or both, which is perfect if you need to talk through slides or show a website. You can also add annotations or highlights.

Tips: Screencastify and Loom both allow you to share directly via link, making it easy to submit or present remotely.