The presentation discusses metaphors used in direct manipulation interfaces. The desktop metaphor visually represents a user's files on a computer screen similar to objects on a physical desktop, allowing users to directly interact with and see the results of their actions on file objects. Other examples of metaphors discussed include using a turtle's tail in LOGO, simulating an office desktop for file management, typing for word processing, spreadsheets for financial analysis, and virtual reality for being immersed in a metaphor.