feature presentation meaning

• Rules/Help/FAQ Help/FAQ
• Members Current visitors
• Interface Language

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.

• English Only

feature presentation

• Thread starter stargazer
• Start date Jun 14, 2006

Senior Member

• Jun 14, 2006

We always need context. In an Irish cinema, a feature presentation is the main film. There will be trailers for forthcoming films, commercials, and maybe some short presentations also.  

The feature presentation is that which is "featured" on the marquis. In other words, the film you have paid money to go see. The verbiage is also used by some pay cable channels as a part of their movie line-up. In the film industry, "feature-length" films are those written to be approximately 90-120 minutes long. You can have a "feature-length documentary" as well, which is a documentary film that is 90-120 minutes in length. You may also have a "feature short," if you are at a short film festival. Again, in this case, the "feature short" is the film which is the main event or attraction.  

maxiogee said: We always need context. In an Irish cinema, a feature presentation is the main film. There will be trailers for forthcoming films, commercials, and maybe some short presentations also. Click to expand...

GenJen54 said: The feature presentation is that which is "featured" on the marquis. In other words, the film you have paid money to go see. The verbiage is also used by some pay cable channels as a part of their movie line-up. In the film industry, "feature-length" films are those written to be approximately 90-120 minutes long. You can have a "feature-length documentary" as well, which is a documentary film that is 90-120 minutes in length. You may also have a "feature short," if you are at a short film festival. Again, in this case, the "feature short" is the film which is the main event or attraction. Click to expand...

GenJen54 said: The feature presentation is that which is "featured" on the marquis. Click to expand...

hello stargazer when i was a child there were always two movies shown at the theatre with one movie being advertised being the 'main attraction' or 'feature presentation' aragorn  

aragorn said: hello stargazer when i was a child there were always two movies shown at the theatre with one movie being advertised being the 'main attraction' or 'feature presentation' aragorn Click to expand...

The Origins and Evolution of the Feature Presentation Announcement

• Patti Schutte
• March 4, 2024
• 3 minutes of reading
• Edited 5 months ago

In the ever-evolving world of cinema and entertainment, specific phrases have become so ingrained in our experience that they are instantly recognizable. One such term is “feature presentation.” But have you ever paused to wonder where this term originated and how it became a staple in the movie-going experience? This blog post delves into the history and significance of the “feature presentation” announcement, providing insights into its origins and evolution.

The Birth of a Classic Term

The phrase “feature presentation” has roots that stretch back to the early 20th century, a period marked by rapid advancements in film technology and the burgeoning growth of movie theaters. Initially, going to the movies was about more than just watching a single film. Instead, audiences were treated to various offerings, including newsreels, cartoons, short films, and the main movie – the feature presentation .

The term “feature presentation” emerged as a way to distinguish the main attraction of the evening from the preceding shorts and newsreels. It signaled to the audience that the primary film they had come to see was about to begin. This announcement became a crucial part of the movie-going ritual, building anticipation and setting the stage for the cinematic experience that was to follow.

The Role of “Feature Presentation” in Cinema’s Golden Age

The “feature presentation” was pivotal in the movie-going experience during cinema’s Golden Age. Theaters competed to attract audiences, not only through the films they showed but also through the grandeur and spectacle of their presentations. The “feature presentation” announcement was often accompanied by dramatic music and elaborate graphics, heightening the sense of occasion and excitement.

This era saw the “feature presentation” become more than just a functional announcement; it became an integral part of the theater’s allure, contributing to the overall atmosphere of anticipation and glamour. The term encapsulated the magic of the movies, promising viewers an escape from the ordinary into the extraordinary world of film.

The Evolution of the “Feature Presentation” Announcement

As the film industry evolved, so too did the use of the term “feature presentation.” With the advent of television and home video, the phrase transitioned from the silver screen to the small screen, retaining its role as a herald of the main event. The “feature presentation” announcement on VHS and DVD releases became a familiar preamble, signaling that the film was about to start, much like in the old movie theaters.

In recent years, the digital age has transformed how we consume media, with streaming services becoming the primary mode of access to films and television shows. Yet, even in this new context, the spirit of the “feature presentation” announcement lives on. Streaming platforms often use similar phrasing or concepts to indicate the start of a feature film, maintaining the tradition of setting apart the main attraction from other content.

The “Feature Presentation” Today

Today, the “feature presentation” announcement may not be as universally prominent as it once was, given the multitude of ways we consume media. However, its legacy endures in the hearts of movie lovers and in the practices of cinemas and streaming services around the world. The phrase continues to evoke a sense of excitement and anticipation, reminding us of the joys of cinema and the shared experience of watching a story unfold on screen.

The term has also found new life in popular culture, referenced in everything from music to merchandise, as a nod to the nostalgia and enduring appeal of the traditional movie-going experience. It serves as a reminder of the times when going to the movies was an event, complete with its own rituals and language.

The Lasting Legacy of the “Feature Presentation”

The term “feature presentation” holds a special place in the lexicon of cinema. It is a testament to the enduring power of movies to captivate and transport audiences to different worlds. From its origins in the early days of film to its evolution through the Golden Age of cinema and into the digital era, the “feature presentation” announcement has been a constant presence, signaling the start of something special.

While the way we watch movies has changed dramatically over the years, the excitement that comes with the anticipation of the leading film remains unchanged. The “feature presentation” continues to be a bridge connecting past and present, a nostalgic echo of the golden days of cinema that still resonates in today’s digital age. It reminds us of the magic of movies and the timeless appeal of gathering together to share in the storytelling experience.

In conclusion, the “feature presentation” is more than just a phrase; it is a cultural artifact, embodying the history, evolution, and enduring charm of the cinematic experience. As we look to the future of entertainment, it serves as a reminder of the roots of cinema and the memorable place movies have in our hearts and culture.

Share this article with a friend

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for expert presentation tips and strategies.

Each month, receive helpful tips, new articles, upcoming events, and free resources to elevate your presentation skills and achieve brilliant results.

When you absolutely, positively must give better presentations and achieve better results.

Quick Links

• Why Patti Shutte
• Presentation Result Optimization
• Praise & Results
• Presentation Training
• Individual Sessions
• Workshop for Teams
• Coaching for Conferences
• Learning Library
• News & Events
• Chat With Patti
• Conference Presenter Training
• How to Write a Presentation
• Virtual Presenting Checklist

Create an account to access this functionality. Discover the advantages

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

Never underestimate the power of great communication. It can help you land the job of your dreams, attract investors to back your idea, or elevate your stature within your organization. But while there are plenty of good speakers in the world, you can set yourself apart out by being the person who can deliver something great over and over. Here are a few tips for business professionals who want to move from being good speakers to great ones: be concise (the fewer words, the better); never use bullet points (photos and images paired together are more memorable); don’t underestimate the power of your voice (raise and lower it for emphasis); give your audience something extra (unexpected moments will grab their attention); rehearse (the best speakers are the best because they practice — a lot).

I was sitting across the table from a Silicon Valley CEO who had pioneered a technology that touches many of our lives — the flash memory that stores data on smartphones, digital cameras, and computers. He was a frequent guest on CNBC and had been delivering business presentations for at least 20 years before we met. And yet, the CEO wanted to sharpen his public speaking skills.

• Carmine Gallo is a Harvard University instructor, keynote speaker, and author of 10 books translated into 40 languages. Gallo is the author of The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Greatest Salesman  (St. Martin’s Press).

Partner Center

• PRESENTATION SKILLS

What is a Presentation?

Search SkillsYouNeed:

Presentation Skills:

• A - Z List of Presentation Skills
• Top Tips for Effective Presentations
• General Presentation Skills
• Preparing for a Presentation
• Organising the Material
• Writing Your Presentation
• Deciding the Presentation Method
• Managing your Presentation Notes
• Working with Visual Aids
• Presenting Data
• Managing the Event
• Coping with Presentation Nerves
• Dealing with Questions
• How to Build Presentations Like a Consultant
• 7 Qualities of Good Speakers That Can Help You Be More Successful
• Self-Presentation in Presentations
• Specific Presentation Events
• Remote Meetings and Presentations
• Giving a Speech
• Presentations in Interviews
• Presenting to Large Groups and Conferences
• Giving Lectures and Seminars
• Managing a Press Conference
• Attending Public Consultation Meetings
• Managing a Public Consultation Meeting
• Crisis Communications
• Elsewhere on Skills You Need:
• Communication Skills
• Facilitation Skills
• Teams, Groups and Meetings
• Effective Speaking
• Question Types

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and start improving your life in just 5 minutes a day.

You'll get our 5 free 'One Minute Life Skills' and our weekly newsletter.

We'll never share your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.

The formal presentation of information is divided into two broad categories: Presentation Skills and Personal Presentation .

These two aspects are interwoven and can be described as the preparation, presentation and practice of verbal and non-verbal communication. 

This article describes what a presentation is and defines some of the key terms associated with presentation skills.

Many people feel terrified when asked to make their first public talk.  Some of these initial fears can be reduced by good preparation that also lays the groundwork for making an effective presentation.

A Presentation Is...

A presentation is a means of communication that can be adapted to various speaking situations, such as talking to a group, addressing a meeting or briefing a team.

A presentation can also be used as a broad term that encompasses other ‘speaking engagements’ such as making a speech at a wedding, or getting a point across in a video conference.

To be effective, step-by-step preparation and the method and means of presenting the information should be carefully considered. 

A presentation requires you to get a message across to the listeners and will often contain a ' persuasive ' element. It may, for example, be a talk about the positive work of your organisation, what you could offer an employer, or why you should receive additional funding for a project.

The Key Elements of a Presentation

Making a presentation is a way of communicating your thoughts and ideas to an audience and many of our articles on communication are also relevant here, see: What is Communication? for more.

Consider the following key components of a presentation:

Ask yourself the following questions to develop a full understanding of the context of the presentation.

When and where will you deliver your presentation?

There is a world of difference between a small room with natural light and an informal setting, and a huge lecture room, lit with stage lights. The two require quite different presentations, and different techniques.

Will it be in a setting you are familiar with, or somewhere new?

If somewhere new, it would be worth trying to visit it in advance, or at least arriving early, to familiarise yourself with the room.

Will the presentation be within a formal or less formal setting?

A work setting will, more or less by definition, be more formal, but there are also various degrees of formality within that.

Will the presentation be to a small group or a large crowd?

Are you already familiar with the audience?

With a new audience, you will have to build rapport quickly and effectively, to get them on your side.

What equipment and technology will be available to you, and what will you be expected to use?

In particular, you will need to ask about microphones and whether you will be expected to stand in one place, or move around.

What is the audience expecting to learn from you and your presentation?

Check how you will be ‘billed’ to give you clues as to what information needs to be included in your presentation.

All these aspects will change the presentation. For more on this, see our page on Deciding the Presentation Method .

The role of the presenter is to communicate with the audience and control the presentation.

Remember, though, that this may also include handing over the control to your audience, especially if you want some kind of interaction.

You may wish to have a look at our page on Facilitation Skills for more.

The audience receives the presenter’s message(s).

However, this reception will be filtered through and affected by such things as the listener’s own experience, knowledge and personal sense of values.

See our page: Barriers to Effective Communication to learn why communication can fail.

The message or messages are delivered by the presenter to the audience.

The message is delivered not just by the spoken word ( verbal communication ) but can be augmented by techniques such as voice projection, body language, gestures, eye contact ( non-verbal communication ), and visual aids.

The message will also be affected by the audience’s expectations. For example, if you have been billed as speaking on one particular topic, and you choose to speak on another, the audience is unlikely to take your message on board even if you present very well . They will judge your presentation a failure, because you have not met their expectations.

The audience’s reaction and therefore the success of the presentation will largely depend upon whether you, as presenter, effectively communicated your message, and whether it met their expectations.

As a presenter, you don’t control the audience’s expectations. What you can do is find out what they have been told about you by the conference organisers, and what they are expecting to hear. Only if you know that can you be confident of delivering something that will meet expectations.

See our page: Effective Speaking for more information.

How will the presentation be delivered?

Presentations are usually delivered direct to an audience.  However, there may be occasions where they are delivered from a distance over the Internet using video conferencing systems, such as Skype.

It is also important to remember that if your talk is recorded and posted on the internet, then people may be able to access it for several years. This will mean that your contemporaneous references should be kept to a minimum.

Impediments

Many factors can influence the effectiveness of how your message is communicated to the audience.

For example background noise or other distractions, an overly warm or cool room, or the time of day and state of audience alertness can all influence your audience’s level of concentration.

As presenter, you have to be prepared to cope with any such problems and try to keep your audience focussed on your message.   

Our page: Barriers to Communication explains these factors in more depth.

Continue to read through our Presentation Skills articles for an overview of how to prepare and structure a presentation, and how to manage notes and/or illustrations at any speaking event.

Continue to: Preparing for a Presentation Deciding the Presentation Method

See also: Writing Your Presentation | Working with Visual Aids Coping with Presentation Nerves | Dealing with Questions Learn Better Presentation Skills with TED Talks