Why Cartoons Work So Well in Presentations
A good business presentation informs. A great one connects.
Cartoons help you do both.
They clarify complex topics, lighten serious moments, and make your message stick. And when chosen well, a single cartoon can communicate what a dozen slides can’t. Below, we’re showcasing five of our most popular business cartoons along with why they work so well in corporate settings.
For our full comprehensive guide visit Using Cartoons in Presentations & Corporate Communication
This Gahan Wilson cartoon is a perfect opener for any presentation about data overload, information clarity, or the dangers of overcomplicating analysis. It’s a humorous nod to what audiences often feel but don’t say: this is too much. Use it to set up a discussion about simplifying metrics, making dashboards user-friendly, or streamlining communication.
This Tom Toro cartoon delivers powerful commentary with a smile. It’s ideal for presentations on ESG, corporate responsibility, or sustainability. It grabs attention while encouraging reflection on long-term thinking vs. short-term profits. Best placed near discussions of ethics, mission statements, or the risks of unchecked growth.
The cartoon by Brendan Boughen is a light, clever visual metaphor for cross-team collaboration. It’s ideal for sessions on breaking down silos, change management, or innovation through cooperation. This cartoon makes the concept both accessible and funny—perfect for softening resistance to organizational change.
Joe Dator’s cartoon is great for presentations on data privacy, tech transparency, or digital trust. It captures a familiar modern tension: free services often come at a hidden cost. Use it to introduce discussions on GDPR, consent, or the value exchange in marketing and data analytics.
In this Bradford Veley cartoon gets laughs and groans, in the best way. Perfect for retrospectives, project postmortems, or culture-building presentations on learning from failure. It reminds teams (gently) that knowledge isn’t much use if it doesn’t stick.
These top-performing cartoons aren’t just funny, they’re strategic communication tools. Each one taps into a shared corporate experience, from data fatigue to digital privacy, making it easier to engage your audience and drive your point home. Whether you’re opening a presentation, resetting attention mid-way, or closing with impact, the right cartoon can do more than get a laugh—it can make your message stick.
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Q&A: Cartoons for Corporate Presentations
Q: Can I legally use these cartoons in my corporate slides?
A: Yes—just ensure you’ve licensed them for presentation use. CartoonStock offers licensing options tailored for business settings.
Q: Do funny cartoons make serious presentations seem unprofessional?
A: Not if they’re relevant. The best cartoons clarify or enhance your message—without undercutting your tone. It’s all about placement and context.
Q: How do I choose a cartoon that fits my message?
A: Start with your key point, then search CartoonStock using best sellers, orientation, keywords and more. Caption-based search also helps you match the exact text you’re after.
Q: Are cartoons actually effective in executive-level reports or investor decks?
A: Yes—especially when used sparingly and strategically. They break tension, humanize complex issues, and increase retention across all levels of communication.