AI Streamlines Slide Creation, but Presentation Anxiety Persists — Canva Pty Ltd

Event summary

74% of professionals feel anxious about presenting, despite AI tools making slide creation easier.
91% of workers use AI monthly for presentations, primarily for design (57%), brainstorming (56%), and drafting content (49%).
77% of professionals say presentation confidence has contributed to career growth in the past year.
53% of workers now use AI as a presentation coach for feedback, anticipating questions, and generating speaker notes.
Canva's study surveyed 4,000 adults across the U.S., LATAM, EU, and APAC regions from June 18 to July 1, 2026.

The big picture

Canva's study highlights a paradox where AI significantly enhances the efficiency of slide creation but fails to address the deeply human challenge of presentation anxiety. As AI levels the playing field for slide generation, it raises the bar for presenters, making in-person presentation skills a competitive edge in the AI era. This trend underscores the enduring importance of human connection and presence in professional communication, even as technology continues to reshape the tools available.

What we're watching

AI Adoption: How AI tools will evolve to better support live presentation delivery and coaching.
Career Dynamics: Whether the growing emphasis on presentation confidence will widen the gap between career advancement opportunities for different age groups.
Remote Work Impact: The pace at which remote work continues to affect in-person presentation skills and confidence.