what are the 5 p's of presentation skills

Understanding the 5 Ps of Public Speaking (& How They Can Help You)

Hrideep barot.

• Body Language & Delivery , Presentation , Public Speaking , Speech Writing , Workplace Communication

Imagine you have just given a presentation or a speech in public. As soon as you have completed speaking there is a moment of silence, a moment of soaking in the presentation and and understanding it while staying in the awe of that moment. This is immediately followed by resounding applause, of the kind that is made when the audience feels excited and appreciative. This moment of validation is all you need to drown the nervousness that you were feeling a while ago before and during the presentation. At this instant, you realize how the audience felt a connection with you and portrayed their approval through a harmonious cacophony.

It feels too good to even imagine it, doesn’t it? What if you could make this a reality? Further ahead in this article, you will read about how to make your public speeches a resounding success through the 5 Ps of public speaking. However, we will first need to get our base clear of what exactly is public speaking 

What is Public Speaking?

Public Speaking is an act of speaking in front of a live public or even a group of 8-10 people. It can be either impromptu or fully practiced. Public speaking is generally listed as a skill in an individual’s resume or profile as it has gained a lot of importance in these days of technological advancements where one can have access to millions of people with the press of one button from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, being able to put out your opinion confidently has become a necessity based on which people as well as organizations would make decisions about you.

Public speaking is a soft skill as it is categorized under communication also known as a people skill which helps one have an effective interaction with others. Public speaking as a soft nowadays is much needed to create a positive and efficient work environment. To know more in detail about why public speaking is a soft skill and not a hard skill you can refer to our article Public Speaking Skills: Soft Or Hard?

Now you have an almost clear idea of public speaking but ever wondered if there are any types of public speaking?

Types of Public Speaking 

Indeed there are! Public speaking is further classified into these types to make it easier for you to separate and focus on your intention for giving the speech. These types include ceremonial, demonstrative, informative, and persuasive.

Ceremonial 

Starting with ceremonial public speaking, as the word suggests this kind of public speaking is done during ceremonies or special occasions like weddings, graduation parties, funerals, etc. In this one, you usually have a preexisting emotional or personal connection with the majority of your audience and you must also prepare your speech keeping that in mind.

Demonstrative 

Again as the word suggests here the speaker demonstrates something to the audience while also speaking. It is more like an instructional speech where the audience along with being told is demonstrated how something happens or works and is taught to do the same. This public speaking category practically involves a lot of observational learning from the audience’s side.

Informative 

This classification of public speaking is the one that is used most often. It does not do anything more than increase the knowledge of the audience and inform or educate them in detail about a new topic. Informative speeches are as common as the morning meetings or announcements where the people are updated about forthcoming events.

Persuasive 

Last but the most used type by the sales and marketing team is persuasive public speaking. Here the speeches are given in order to persuade the audience. It often uses plenty of compelling language which includes various tools like rhetorical devices, emphasis, repetition, personal pronouns, emotive language, comparison, etc. which makes it easier to persuade the audience. Having persuasive speaking skills is very important when you want the majority to agree with you and believe you.

Want to learn more about the 4 types of public speaking along with appropriate examples? We’ve got you covered, our article 4 Types Of Public Speaking (A Complete Guide) exemplifies these four types and uncomplicatedly explains them in brief.

However, knowing what type of public speaking you are going to do is an effective contributor to focusing on your intention but it is not enough to make your public speech a soaring success. In order to give an effective presentation as well as have an impactful speech one also needs to learn about the basic elements of public speaking, also quite popularly known as the 5 Ps of public speaking.

The 5 Ps of Public Speaking        

So, what are the 5 Ps of public speaking? The 5 Ps of public speaking comprise purpose, passion, preparation, practice, and performance. 

Starting with purpose, it is essential to know the purpose of why you are presenting or giving a public speech on a particular subject matter. It helps you to set an achievable goal for your speech in your mind. Subsequently, having a goal also helps you narrow down your focus so that you have a space to put all your attention. To get to know the purpose of your presentation you need to ask these questions – “Why am I here on this stage”, “Why did I choose this topic”, and “What will I get out of this?”.

For instance, if you are standing in a school election for a student body president and you are going to talk about too many books being asked to bring from home in your bag, the answer to the first question would be to convince teachers to lessen the number of books they ask the student to bring and to ensure students that their issues will be heard and worked upon. The answer to your second question would be to help students lighten the weight of their bags, especially for those who frequently have back pain due to this issue. Lastly, the answer to your third question will be that you yourself won’t have to carry heavier bags, and after successfully convincing the teachers you could get votes from the impressed students.

2. Passion 

If you are passionate about your subject matter or the message you want to convey then you automatically tend to do in-depth research about it. When you have more knowledge about your topic, you never fall short of words and get an urge to share your knowledge with others too, which makes you a good speaker. Therefore this skill makes an important part of public speaking by contributing to encourage you to speak to a group of people and share your knowledge. Additionally, the audience also respects and believes when you are passionate about your topic. The passion they can see on your face and your delivery resonates with them and increases their interest in your speech.

For instance, when you are passionate about saving the planet you list down all the points possible in your head that you think, and you try very strongly to convince your audience to think and act in a way to save our planet, so much so that it resonates on your face and makes an impact in the audience’s mind. Here you are encouraged from inside to make your public speech compelling.

3. Preparation 

Preparation is the key when it comes to engaging your audience and making a good speech as preparation involves researching your audience and adding content that they can understand and relate to. Likewise, preparation helps you gain a piece of in-depth and greater knowledge about your topic resulting in having strong grounds to support your topic.

For instance, if your audience is 7-year-olds and your topic is how junk and food with fats are not good for health, they might not understand complicated jargon like “some junk food might contain saturated fats high in low-density lipids which might result in a plaque buildup clogging your blood vessels”. One needs to make it easier for them to understand like “junk food has fats that can stick together and make your blood tubes messy. This mess can block the tubes and make it hard for your blood to move. It’s like when things get stuck in a straw. So, it’s good to eat healthy foods and not eat too much of those junk foods”.

4. Practice 

“Practice makes perfect” is a quote very well-known and unquestionably correct. Practicing means listening to your speech again and again and again. When you listen to yourself repeatedly it helps you point out any mistakes or improvements that you could make, avoiding you to fumble or misspeak in front of your audience. While practicing you could also take the help of your friends and family to help you have another perspective and give criticisms about the good points and bad points that you may have missed. Additionally, whenever you practice you can note down the errors and improvements that you have made. This way you could repeatedly work on the error till you perfect it and through noting your improvements you could see how far you have come. 

For instance, if you have an issue with using repetitive connectives like ‘but’, you could note that fault down while practicing and then learn some new connectives, add them to your speech, and stop when repeating the connective ‘but’ and try to think of another alternative connective of ‘but’ like ‘however’, ‘although’, ‘yet’, etc.

During practice, along with your speech, you also need to work out your presentation style or how you would present yourself in front of the audience. This includes your body language, your facial expressions, your tone, and your eye contact; all of this resonates with how you personally feel about the topic and can make either a negative or a positive impact on the audience. 

For instance, a slouched body and a tired expression with a monotone make the audience also feel tired and bored.

An additional tip to remember is if possible you should go on the stage where you are going to deliver your speech and practice there, this will help you get comfortable with your presentation space and help you have one less unfamiliarity to worry about.

5. Performance

Your performance is like the grand finale of your 5 Ps where you are directly put in front of an audience and are evaluated on how well you have understood and efficiently used the 5 Ps of public speaking, to have a great performance you need to have worked very well on the previous four Ps. Showing a good presentation style that you practiced is equally important as it contributes to 50 percent of your speech. Therefore, maintain eye contact, have a good posture, avoid having a monotone, have a perfect pace, and exude confidence through your expressions. Additionally, remember to show your passion as it will be appreciated by the audience and they will tend to become more invested in what you would be saying (Also remember the purpose and move ahead accordingly)

Lastly, perform while focusing on your audience. If you notice that the audience is bored, try to change the mode and make it interactive. If they seem tired and find something to eat, give them a break to refresh. This is important as at the end of the day you are performing for them to listen, understand, and get impacted.

People Also Ask 

What are the 3 ps of public speaking .

The 3 Ps of public speaking include preparing, practicing, and presenting. Prepare is when you do in-detail research and organize your content in an orderly fashion. Practice is when you work on your speech till you perfect it and feel confident about presenting. Lastly, presenting is how effectively you present what you have prepared and practiced and engage the audience.

What are the 4 Ps of public speaking?

Public speaking could broken down into four aspects namely preparation, practice, presentation, and performance. The difference between presentation and performance here is that in presentation speaks about how you present yourself, your look, your clothes, and your presentation slides as well, however performance is evaluated on how you perform how you maintain eye contact, your pace, your tone, your way of performing (more interactive with the audience or more monologue type)

What are the 6 Ps of public speaking?

The 6 Ps of public speaking specifically talks about your presentation style which includes pace, passion, pause, power, and pronunciation. To know more about these presentation skills and how to improve them you could refer to our article Top 9 Speech AI Tools To Teach You Public Speaking .

What are the 7 Ps of public speaking?

The 7 Ps of public speaking is an extended version of the 6 Ps of public speaking consisting of pace, passion, pause, posture, power, pronunciation, and punch. Here punch is used to put emphasis on or draw attention to a point. It is basically stressing a point. Likewise, power is the nonverbal communication done by the speaker to portray their effectiveness. This nonverbal communication includes eye contact, posture, facial expression, etc. 

Conclusion 

Public speaking is an important soft skill to master. These 5 Ps of public speaking are a holistic and important medium to help you achieve the skill. All these elements skillfully assist us in transforming our simple message or speech into an influential narrative. By having a purpose for the public speech and passion for the topic one strengthens the foundation on which they build their speech. Meticulous preparation also fortifies our base along with tailoring the speech perfectly for the target audience and creating a connection with them. Furthermore, practice polishes our speech and delivery until we emerge perfect and feel confident on the stage. Lastly, our performance will indicate how we have conveyed our opinion or knowledge and made an impact on the audience.

All of this together makes public speaking a joyful experience for the speaker as well as the audience. So, go ahead and conquer public speaking and the hearts of your audience through these 5 Ps of public speaking. Happy public speaking!

Want to polish your public speaking skills even further by practicing with professionals? We have got you covered! Through Frantically Speaking’s online coaching sessions (which you can access from the comfort of your home) you can improve your public speaking skills along with interview skills, presentation skills, negotiation and persuasion skills, group discussion abilities, and more all the way summatively acing your communication skills. Click here to learn more about the Frantically Speaking training program.

Enroll in our transformative 1:1 Coaching Program

Schedule a call with our expert communication coach to know if this program would be the right fit for you

8 Ways to Rise Above the Noise to Communicate Better

How to Negotiate: The Art of Getting What You Want

10 Hand Gestures That Will Make You More Confident and Efficient

• [email protected]
• +91 98203 57888

Get our latest tips and tricks in your inbox always

Copyright © 2023 Frantically Speaking All rights reserved

Kindly drop your contact details so that we can arrange call back

Select Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria AmericanSamoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Rwanda Samoa San Marino Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Tajikistan Thailand Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Wallis and Futuna Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe land Islands Antarctica Bolivia, Plurinational State of Brunei Darussalam Cocos (Keeling) Islands Congo, The Democratic Republic of the Cote d'Ivoire Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Guernsey Holy See (Vatican City State) Hong Kong Iran, Islamic Republic of Isle of Man Jersey Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Lao People's Democratic Republic Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Macao Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Mozambique Palestinian Territory, Occupied Pitcairn Réunion Russia Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan Da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sao Tome and Principe Somalia Svalbard and Jan Mayen Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tanzania, United Republic of Timor-Leste Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S.

• Industry Events
• Associations
• Speaker Bureau
• Products & Services

• Administrative Leaders Network
• Consultancy
• Demystifying AI: AI Empowerment for Administrative Excellence
• Elite Retreat
• Empowering Executives: Partnering for success with your administrative professional
• ES Global 2024
• ES Tech 2024
• Executive Support Live Seattle
• Modern Day Assistant
• Powerhouse – Vienna
• Training Courses & Events
• Free Resources

Please log in to continue

Issue: November / December 2017

Communication

The 5Ps of Presenting

By Lindsay Taylor / November 25, 2017

Follow the 5Ps model to gain confidence in creating and giving presentations explains Lindsay Taylor

The good, the bad & the ugly.

Let’s start with identifying those presentations that have made an impression on you. Which ones are the most memorable? And what are they memorable for? Do you have a favourite presenter? What are your reasons for picking them?

Identifying the “dos” and “don’ts”, “the good, the bad and the ugly” of presentations will help you set a benchmark for identifying the most successful and memorable (for the right reasons!) presentations.

Then you can put into practice the “5Ps of Presenting”.

Identify the Purpose of your presentation. You are, in effect, setting yourself a goal and outcome.  To inspire and motivate yourself and others, you need to make sure you are using “towards” language, rather than “away from” language when setting goals.  Here’s a simple table to illustrate the difference.

“Towards” language promotes forward movement and momentum in order to achieve what you need and want. It is considered more motivational and inspirational due to its “can do” approach, energy and resulting inspiration.

Firstly, remember that famous quote “Failing to plan is planning to fail”!

Use the “Open Questions Model” below to answer as many questions as you can to aid your planning – How, What, When, Where, Who and Why.

You will notice that “why” questions have a warning triangle on them.  The reason is that when we are posed with a “why” question we may receive it as an accusation.  Our resulting response can be defensive.  “Why” questions never really get to the “crux” or “heart” of the response we are seeking.  A better way of asking a “why” question is to ask “what’s important (about….)?”.  This is our optimum question.

Here are some example questions – by no means an exhaustive list and I’m sure you can think of more:

How many people will I be presenting to? How will the room be set up? How much time is allocated to my presentation? How many other people are presenting before/after me? How will I gain/seek feedback on my presentation? How do I want to feel at the end of my presentation? How do I want my audience to feel at the end of my presentation? How do I “need to be” to present?  (identify the internal resources you need – for example focus, determination, self-confidence……)

What is the purpose of my presentation? What information do I need or want to share with my audience? What do my audience already know? What do my audience expect to learn or take away from this presentation? What are the benefits to my audience of listening to this presentation? What do I already know about my audience? (are there are any special needs/considerations…..) What would be good to find out about my audience? (job titles, challenges, their expectations, any special needs……) What do I want or need my audience to do with the information I share with them? What time do I need/want to arrive at the venue before I present? What format will my presentation take? (interactive, use of AV equipment, handouts….) What resources do I need?  (include “Internal Resources” which are things like determination, focus, self-confidence….) What else do I need to know to ensure my presentation is a success?

When am I presenting (date, time)….? When do I need to pull together a draft/final presentation?

Where am I presenting (geography, in the world!, venue)? Where am I presenting (on stage, at boardroom table……)

Who is “on stage” before/after me? Who do I know that could help me with my presentation? Who has presented on a similar topic to me? Who do I need to submit my presentation to?

What’s Important (about)……

What’s important about this presentation?

3. Prepare 

Split your presentation into a Beginning, Middle and End. Some people find it useful to write up a full “verbiage” or script for their presentation. Others like to write out “cue cards” with select words on.  Cue cards are particularly useful to have with you when you present as they will keep you on track.  Think about whether you’re going to be holding the cue cards when you present or whether there’s a table/lectern to place the cards on and which you can head to if you need prompting.  Remember, you want your cue cards to be a help rather than a hindrance.  Use a system that works for you.

The Beginning

90% of first impressions are made in the first 90 seconds of meeting someone.  Based on these statistics, you need to engage your audience right from the word “go”.  You can do this in different ways.  You may ask a question of your audience and ask for a show of hands or you may use humour to introduce your topic.

Then share with your audience who you are and your credibility (imagine your audience are asking “Why should I listen to this person?  Who are they and what do they know?”).

Share with your audience the purpose of your presentation (which you have absolute clarity on from the first 2 Ps of course!).  What is your audience going to learn from your presentation and what benefit will they gain?   You are more likely to gain and maintain their engagement if they know what they’re going to get out of listening to you.

You can also tell your audience the format that your presentation will take.  If you’ve included time in your presentation at the end for Q&A let your audience know that you’re happy to answer any relevant questions at that point.

Use “ The Power of Three ”. This principle implies that things that come in threes are more satisfying, effective and memorable. It’s fun, thought-provoking and, more importantly, when applied can add real impact to your communication. Use “signposting” to keep you (and your audience) on track – “firstly…..secondly….thirdly or finally……”.

You can end your presentation with humour (linking it to your humorous comment at the beginning).  You could ask for another show of hands.

Ask if your audience has any questions.  Share your contact details and thank everyone for listening/interacting/involving themselves in the learning.

You’re ready to Present!

Align Words, Tone and Body Language

Based on the research of Harvard Professor Albert Mehrabian, face-to-face communication when sharing your thoughts and feelings can be broken down into the words that we speak (7%), the tone that we use (38%), and the body language that we use (55%).

You need to be aware of the tone and body language you use in your face to face communication and when you are presenting.

When words, tone and body language are aligned or “congruent”, when you “speak the meaning, not just the words”, you are ensuring your message has more impact thus contributing to the engagement of your audience.

Use Sensory Language

We all process information in different ways and record it for future use. Your world is processed through your senses (sight, sound, touch, taste and smell) and generally everybody has a primary sense that they use to establish an experience within their conscious or sub-conscious mind.  Usually that primary system is either visual (sight), auditory (sound) or kinaesthetic (touch or feelings).  Of course, you will access all five senses, but your behaviours, language, and creation and memory of experiences will be prevalent either in a (V)isual, (A)uditory or (K)inaesthetic way (VAK system).

Of course, when you are presenting to a group of people, there will be a mix of Visual, Auditory and Kinaesthetic preferences.  Therefore, use a mix of sensory language and presentation styles that will optimise engagement with your audience.  Your Visual audience members will notice your presentation slides or any handouts or visual aids.  Your Auditory audience members will be listening intently to you.  Your Kinaesthetic audience members will like any movement or involvement in the presentation (asking them for a show of hands for example).

Use Props and Visual Aids

Think about the use of props and visual aids – ensure these are used to optimise any learning or message you want to share.  They need to act as a help rather than a hindrance to the learning and message you want to impart.

Q&A Session

It’s happened… an audience member has asked you a question that you don’t know how to answer! – Say “thank you for that fantastic question” – Put the question out to the rest of your audience.  Say “What do the rest of the audience think about this?”.  Whilst gaining input from everyone else you will have time to formulate your own response. – Rather than provide an incorrect answer, be honest.  Say “I don’t know the full answer to your question.  I am going to find that out for you and promise to get back to you”.  Make sure you keep your promise of course to maintain your credibility and reputation.

5. Progress

Every situation is an opportunity to progress and learn. Use progressive feedback models to ensure the next time you present it is even better than this time!

My favourite models are detailed below. They are simple to implement and incredibly effective.  They can be used individually or together.  Give them a go!

What 3 things went well? What 2 things didn’t go so well? What 1 main point can you identify for improvement?

More of……Less of….

Next time I present what will I do more of? Next time I present what will I do less of?

Stop, Start, Continue

Next time I present what will I stop doing? Next time I present what will I start doing? Next time I present what will I continue doing?

I wish you every success with putting these into practice!

Share this article:

2 comments on “ the 5ps of presenting ”.

Purpose – Identify the Purpose of your presentation. It’s easy to explain the purpose when you have the Solutions and opportunities.

I am definitely eager to use these tips to improve my presentation skills. Thanks for the tips.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related Posts

You have 2 free articles remaining this month.

The 5Ps of Public Speaking

• Filed under: Featured articles , Public speaking articles , Public speaking tips and tricks , Speaking tips

Hey there, let’s talk about public speaking! As someone who has given countless presentations and speeches, I know firsthand how nerve-wracking it can be. But fear not, with the proper preparation and understanding of the 5 Ps of public speaking, you can deliver a confident and effective presentation.

In this article, we will discuss the 5Ps of Public Speaking – Planning, Preparation, Practice, Performance and Passion + three additonal Ps. By following these principles, you can deliver an impactful speech that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

So whether you’re presenting to a large group or giving a speech at a job interview, these tips will help you become a confident and persuasive speaker.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Understanding the 5Ps of Public Speaking

Public speaking is one of the most effective tools to communicate ideas, motivate people and get your message across. However, it can be quite intimidating for many people. Fortunately, there are certain techniques that can help improve your public speaking skills.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand the purpose of your presentation. This sets the goal and outcome for your speech, allowing you to focus on what you want to achieve. From there, you can move on to the other P’s: preparation, practice, performance and passion.

Planning your speech involves figuring out your objective and deciding whether you want to inform, recommend, or provide conclusions. It’s crucial to know your audience and tailor your speech to them, as well as making sure your introduction, main content, and conclusion flow smoothly.

Preparation is key when it comes to feeling confident and comfortable onstage. Practice, practice, practice until you know your material inside and out. Along with practicing your content, it’s important to also practice your physical presence and tone of voice. Stand confidently, maintain eye contact, and project your voice clearly.

Practice: A well-prepared speech means practicing. The poorer your preparation is and the less work you do, the greater the probability that no-one can relate to your speech, in a way that will make the audience forget you already during your presentation.

Lastly, remember to bring passion to your presentation. If you’re passionate about your topic, it will come through in your delivery and engage your audience. With these 5 Ps in mind, you’re well on your way to becoming an exceptional public speaker. Happy presenting!

Planning Your Speech

In planning your speech, there are several dos and don’ts to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you consider your audience when developing your content. You want to make sure the information you present is relevant and engaging to your audience.

Secondly, it’s important to create a clear and concise structure for your speech. This will help keep you on track and ensure that you cover all the key points you want to make. Be sure to also avoid using jargon or technical language that your audience may not understand.

On the don’ts side, try to avoid using a script as a crutch. This can make your presentation seem robotic and less engaging to your audience. Instead, use a brief outline or note cards to guide you. Additionally, avoid filling your presentation with too much information. This can overwhelm your audience and cause them to disengage. Stick to the key points you want to make and make sure you deliver them in a clear and concise manner.

Remembering these dos and don’ts will help you to create an effective and engaging speech that will keep your audience captivated. In the next section, we’ll cover the importance of practice in perfecting your public speaking skills.

Additional reading:

• How to make a speech? Frequently asked questions
• 33 tips to improve your presentation skills: A Helpful Guide

The Power of Preparation in Public Speaking

In this section, we’ll dive into the second “P” of public speaking: preparation.

Recommended books

How to Deliver a TED Talk: Secrets of the World's Most Inspiring Presentations

Jeremy Donovan

Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences

Nancy Duarte

Confessions of a Public Speaker

Scott Berkun

Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds

Carmine Gallo

The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right

Atul Gawande

The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything... Fast!

Josh Kaufman

As a virtual assistant, I know from experience that preparation is crucial in ensuring a successful presentation. It might seem like a no-brainer, but a lot of people underestimate the importance of proper preparation. You don’t want to be caught off guard and forget what you were supposed to say or show up wearing something inappropriate for the occasion. Trust me, it’s better to be over-prepared than to wing it and fail.

So, how do you prepare for a presentation? First, you need to know your material inside and out. This means doing proper research and gathering enough information to support your points. But that’s not all – you also need to practice your delivery, anticipate questions, and prepare your visual aids (if any). In short, you need to be confident and comfortable with your presentation.

In terms of visual aids, like a powerpoint presentation, remember to only include key words and graphics to support your speech. Avoid clutter and too much text, as it could confuse your audience or distract them from what you’re trying to say.

Lastly, it’s important to research your audience beforehand. This will help you tailor your speech to their needs and interests, making it more engaging and relevant to them. Knowing your audience will also help you anticipate any potential questions they might have, which will make you more prepared when it’s time for Q&A.

To sum it up, preparation is a critical aspect of successful public speaking. Take the time to know your material inside and out, practice your delivery, prepare your visual aids, and research your audience. Trust me, all your hard work will pay off when you step on stage with confidence and deliver a great presentation.

• Speech preparation: The important question of “What do i do if…”
• Audience analysis for public speaking: A comprehensive guide for the public speaker

Practice, Practice, Practice: Why It Matters

As someone who believes in the power of public speaking, I cannot stress enough how vital practice is to delivering a seamless and impactful speech. Practicing your speech multiple times not only ensures that you know your material inside and out, but it also helps you identify areas that need improvement. It’s like polishing a diamond; you can’t expect to shine if you haven’t put in the work.

One great way to practice is in front of a friend or family member who can offer feedback. They may notice things you don’t, like pacing, tone, or even body language, that you can improve upon. Don’t be afraid to ask for honest feedback – it will only make you better.

One great tip I’ve learned is to practice in front of a trusted friend or colleague. This will not only help you identify areas you need to improve on, but it will also boost your confidence by gaining feedback from people you trust. You can also record yourself to see how you sound and look to your audience.

It’s important to remember that practicing isn’t just about memorizing your speech word for word. You want to be able to speak naturally and confidently, so try different variations and approaches to delivering your message. This allows you to discover what works best for you and how to make your speech more engaging for your audience.

By taking the time to practice, you’ll gain the confidence necessary to deliver an exceptional speech. You’ll be able to connect with your audience better and deliver your message with authenticity and passion. Remember, practice makes perfect, and public speaking is no exception. So get out there and start practicing!

• Prepared speech: 10 effective tips on how to practice a speech

Performance

As I mentioned earlier, performance is one of the 5Ps of public speaking. It refers to how effectively you deliver your speech or presentation to your audience. And, to have a great performance, you need to put in a lot of effort in the previous stages such as planning, preparation, and practice.

In terms of performance, the most important thing to remember is to be yourself. Be natural and authentic in your delivery. Speak from the heart, and let your personality shine through. Your audience will appreciate it, and it will make your presentation more memorable.

However, it is also important to show confidence and authority in your speech. Stand up tall, have good posture and make eye contact with the audience. Speak clearly and loudly so that everyone in the room can hear you. And, remember to use your body language to emphasize your points.

Another important factor in performance is timing. Make sure your speech is within the allotted time and try to keep your pace consistent. Don’t rush through your speech or take too much time to make a point . Remember to use pauses to add emphasis and build tension during critical moments.

Additionally, it is crucial to tailor your performance to your audience. Keep in mind their needs and motivations, and consider how they will receive and respond to your message. Use appropriate language, examples, and stories to engage your audience and make your presentation more relevant to them.

Lastly, don’t forget to inject some passion and enthusiasm into your performance. Your audience will respond better if they feel that you are genuinely interested in your topic and that you care about their experience.

In conclusion, a great performance requires preparation, planning, practice, being natural, confident, and authoritative in your delivery, timing, tailoring your performance to your audience, and injecting some passion and enthusiasm into your presentation. By following these tips, you will be well on your way to becoming a skilled and effective speaker.

• How to Speak to a Large Audience?
• Public speaking FAQs: Answers To the Top 22 Most Common Questions

Passion – the fuel of Your Speech

Passion is the fuel that drives a powerful and captivating public speaker. It’s the intangible quality that makes an audience sit up and take notice. When I’m preparing for a speech, I invest time and energy into finding a topic that ignites my passion. I truly believe that i f you’re not passionate about your subject, you won’t be able to deliver an impactful message that resonates with your audience.

To show my passion during a speech, I make a conscious effort to vary the tone of my voice and inject enthusiasm into my delivery. I allow my personality to shine through, which helps to engage my audience and keep them interested. I also use body language to convey my passion, using gestures and movements to emphasize key points.

However, passion alone isn’t enough. You also need to be clear about your message and able to position yourself as an authority on the subject. That’s why planning and preparation are crucial. By investing time and energy into planning your speech, you can ensure that your message is organized, logical, and persuasive.

• What To Do With Your Hands During a Speech?
• How to Speak Well Without Notes? 5 Valuable Pro Tips
• How to speak with confidence in public?

Pace, Pause, and Projection: The Other 3 Ps of Voice Control

In my previous sections, I’ve covered the importance of planning, preparation, practice, performance and passion. Now, I want to focus on the other 3Ps of voice control: pace, pause, and projection.

Pace is all about the speed at which you deliver your speech. Speaking too quickly can make it hard for your audience to keep up, while speaking too slowly can come across as boring. It’s important to find a pace that feels comfortable for you and allows you to convey your message clearly.

Pausing is just as important as speaking. Pausing not only gives your audience time to p rocess the information you’ve presented, but it also helps you maintain control over your speech. A well-timed pause can help build suspense, emphasize a point, or give you a moment to collect your thoughts.

Projection is the final piece of the puzzle when it comes to voice control. It’s all about making sure your voice is heard by everyone in the room. You want to project confidence and authority, without coming across as too loud or aggressive. A general rule of thumb is to project your voice to the back of the room, while still maintaining clarity for those closer to you.

By mastering the other 3Ps of voice control, you can take your public speaking to the next level. Remember to focus on your pace, utilize well-timed pauses, and project your voice with confidence. When you combine these techniques with proper planning and practice, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a powerful and effective public speaker.

So, let’s sum it up

All of the 5Ps of public speaking – Pace, Power, Pause, Polish, and Passion – work together to create a powerful presentation. By mastering all of these elements, you can increase your confidence, engage your audience, and deliver a message that leaves a lasting impact. So, invest time into finding your passion, use it to fuel your message, and deliver a presentation that inspires your audience.

Posts about public speaking you may also like

15 great tips on how to use humor in your speech without it being awkward

There are lots of public speaking related books that have a chapter about “how to use humor in a speech.” Also, most of them suggest

Is Public Speaking a Weakness or a Hidden Talent Waiting to Be Unleashed?

Public speaking is one of those skills that can strike fear into the hearts of even the most confident individuals. However, there are also those

Speech preparation: The important question of “What do i do if…”

Story #1: A few years ago, in July, one student organisation invited me to do public speaking training. Speech preparation means many things, but, first

• Tags: Effective speaking , Prepare a speech , Speech preparation process , Speech tips

Recommended gear

Best Portable Speakers For The Presentations

Best Video Cameras for Public Speakers

Best rresenter remotes for public speakers

Best Portable Thumb Drives And Hard Drives for the Presentations

Who is janek tuttar.

My name is Janek Tuttar , and I am the founder and author of Speak and Conquer website.

I have been teaching public speaking at Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences

Here, I am sharing the wisdom of how to cope in different public speaking situations.

More information about Janek »

Share this post

Hi! My name is Janek Tuttar, and I am the founder and author of SpeakAndConquer.com.

I have been teaching and blogging about public speaking since spring 2007. Here, I am sharing the wisdom of how to cope in different public speaking situations.

Send me an e-mail: [email protected]

LEGAL INFORMATION

This site is owned and operated by Janek Tuttar. SpeakAndConquer.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Best teleprompters

Best Computer Mice for the Presentations

Best Laptop Backpacks for Public Speakers

• Resources /

The 5 P’s of confident public speaking

March 8, 2024

• Facebook link
• Twitter link
• LinkedIn link

by the EAB Briefing Team 

Picture this scenario: There’s a big presentation coming up, and you happen to be the lucky one chosen to be the main speaker. Already feeling nervous? You’re not alone—according to the National Social Anxiety Center, the fear of public speaking affects approximately 40% of the population and is more common than the fear of heights or spiders.

of the population report having glossophobia (fear of public speaking) or some form of speech anxiety.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to ensure your public speaking career goes off without a hitch. Whether lecturing to students or providing essential information to higher-ed peers, here are five steps to get through your presentation successfully.

Follow the 5 P’s

Step 1: plan out your presentation.

One way to calm those public speaking nerves is to plan and prepare accordingly. Understand the material and audience you’ll be presenting to. Research and anticipate potential questions that may come up during your speech. Set the desired objectives of your presentation and structure your speech in a way that flows organically and makes sense to the topic at hand.

Step 2: Be practical

So, you’ve successfully planned out your speech, but your fears are still running rampant. While you’re structuring your presentation, this is also an excellent opportunity to sort through what’s most likely to happen versus what may be a product of an anxious imagination. For example, there’s a chance you may run out of time, but it’s less likely your audience will start booing or laughing at you. Taking time to write down possible scenarios that may come up during your presentation is a helpful step in quelling some of your fears.

UNCOVER BEST PRACTICES TO SOLVE HIGHER ED’S BIGGEST CHALLENGES

Step 3: Practice

Everyone’s heard the term “practice makes perfect”, and speaking in front of an audience is no exception. To help you gain confidence, practice your speech by rehearsing it – speak in front of friends and colleagues or record yourself as you speak. Practicing in a low-stakes environment allows you to examine what works—and what doesn’t—and how you can tweak your timing and pace.

Step 4: Stay in the present

You’ve properly prepared and practiced; now it’s time to think about how to stay in the present while you’re speaking. If you find yourself getting lost or distracted by your worries mid-speech, take a moment to breathe and re-establish your connection with the audience. Find a friendly face or something in the crowd (in-person or virtually) to focus on to help you stay calm and grounded in the moment.

WHAT COLLEGES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE IMPOSTER PHENOMENON

Step 5: Perform with passion

Lastly, at the end of the day, if you aren’t engaged in your presentation, your audience won’t be either. Let your personality shine through the material, speaking in a loud, clear, and authoritative voice. If time permits, don’t be afraid to add an anecdote or two that will resonate with your audience and further draw them in. Remember that you’re speaking for a reason and delivering your speech in a passionate manner will help engage your listeners throughout your presentation.

Public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience, but by following the steps listed above, you’ll be in much better shape to speak to an audience and win them over with your knowledge, dedication, and confidence.

National Social Anxiety Center, Public Speaking Anxiety ; Skillabilly, 4/9/23 What are the 7 P’s of public speaking ; Speak and Conquer, 4/25/23,   The 5 P’s of public speaking, ; Frantically Speaking, Understanding the 5 Ps of public speaking and how they can help you

Q&A: Why Winning on Talent is Critical to the State of the Higher Ed Sector

How flexible thinking and dynamic strategy can revitalize your institutional planning, 3 ways for eab partners to get the most out of the new eab.com, it appears you already have an account registered with us. please login below or reset your password..

Remember me

Reset Password Cancel

• Create an account
• Learn more about partnership

+1 (646) 233-1424

What are the 5 P’s of presentation skills?

When it comes to delivering a successful presentation, understanding and mastering certain key elements can make all the difference. In the world of public speaking and presentations, the 5 P’s – Preparation, Practice, Performance, Posture, and Pacing – are crucial for engaging and impacting your audience effectively. This guide will delve into each of these aspects, offering insights and tips to enhance your presentation skills.

Five P’s of Presentation Training

Preparation

Preparation is the cornerstone of any successful presentation. It involves thoroughly understanding your topic, knowing your audience, and setting clear objectives for your talk. Begin by researching your subject matter extensively to ensure you are well-versed in the content. Tailoring your presentation to fit the interests and needs of your audience is also vital. This means considering their background, expectations, and what they hope to gain from your presentation. Additionally, setting clear goals for your presentation helps in delivering a focused and impactful message.

Practice is the key to building confidence and smoothing out any rough edges in your presentation. It’s not just about memorizing your lines but also about getting comfortable with the flow and structure of your talk. Rehearse your presentation multiple times, ideally in a setting that mimics the actual environment you will be presenting in. This helps in getting used to the timing, transitions, and nuances of your speech. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more you rehearse, the more natural and poised your delivery will become.

Performance

Performance is all about the execution of your presentation. It’s where your preparation and practice come into play. Focus on engaging with your audience through eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures. Your aim should be to convey your message with clarity and enthusiasm, keeping your audience interested and involved. Be mindful of your tone and modulation to emphasize key points. A dynamic and energetic performance can significantly enhance the impact of your presentation.

Your posture speaks volumes before you even begin your presentation. A good posture conveys confidence and helps in maintaining audience engagement. Stand tall, with your feet shoulder-width apart, and avoid slouching or leaning on the podium. Use hand gestures to emphasize points but avoid excessive movements that can be distracting. Remember, your physical presence on stage is as important as the content you are delivering.

Pacing is an often-overlooked aspect of presentations but is crucial for keeping your audience’s attention. It involves the speed at which you speak and the use of pauses. Speak clearly and at a pace that allows your audience to easily follow along. Utilize pauses effectively to emphasize points and to allow your audience time to absorb the information. A well-paced presentation helps in maintaining audience engagement and ensures that your message is conveyed effectively.

Bringing it all Together

Mastering the 5 P’s of presentation skills – Preparation, Practice, Performance, Posture, and Pacing – can elevate your public speaking and ensure your message is delivered effectively. By focusing on these key elements, you can engage your audience, convey your message with clarity and confidence, and leave a lasting impact. Remember, the art of presentation is a skill that can be continually improved, and every opportunity to present is a chance to refine and enhance your abilities.

Take Action Today

You can sit around thinking about these ideas but few take action. Reach out today to find out how we can help you rehearse and get to the right result faster and easier.

Find Out About Next Steps

Mastering the 5 Ps of Presentation: Your Path to Workplace Success

In today's competitive workplace, the ability to deliver an effective presentation is a skill that can set you apart from the crowd. It's not just about your appearance; it encompasses your posture, gestures, tone, communication skills, and even your overall presence. A  well-executed presentation can be your chance to make a lasting impression on your boss and colleagues.

This article explores the 5 Ps of presentation that can transform you into a successful presenter and help you achieve your professional goals.

Purpose: Clear Objective for Impact

Every presentation should have a clear purpose. Just as you have a reason for traveling, your presentation should aim to fulfill a specific need in the real world. Your purpose should be concise and direct, aiming to make your audience understand, believe, or take action as a result of your presentation.

Plan: Strategic Preparation

Before embarking on a vacation, you plan every detail - from the destination to transportation. Similarly, for corporate presentations, meticulous planning is essential. A well-thought-out plan allows you to respond to questions during the presentation, ultimately saving time for further discussions.

Prepare: Structured Readiness

Preparation for a presentation is akin to preparing for a trip. Divide your topic into an introduction, body, and conclusion to ensure clarity for both you and your audience. Having a well-organized presentation ensures a smoother delivery.

Present: Effective Delivery

During your presentation, focus on several key aspects:

• Align your words, tone, and body language for consistency.
• Utilize sensory language to engage your audience on a deeper level.
• Enhance your presentation with visuals and impactful pops.
• Encourage an interactive Q&A session to engage your audience and address their queries effectively.

Progress: Continuous Improvement

Just as you learn from each vacation experience, presentations offer opportunities for growth. Seek feedback from your audience to identify areas of improvement. Questions like, "What were the main takeaways?" or "Where could the presentation have been better?" can provide valuable insights to refine your presentation skills.

Incorporating the 5 Ps of presentation into your daily routine can lead you to early success in your career . Purpose, planning, preparation, effective presentation, and progress are the pillars that can help you shine as a presenter in the workplace. By mastering these principles, you'll not only impress your colleagues and superiors but also set yourself on a path to achieving your professional goals. So, embark on your journey to becoming a successful presenter today!

About Rang Technologies

Rang Technologies , based in New Jersey, has dedicated over a decade to delivering innovative staffing solutions and the best talent to help businesses of all sizes unlock the full potential of the latest technologies and build high-performing teams to achieve their digital transformation goals.

• BY: Rang Technologies Inc.
• Jul 05 2022

Our SMS Policy

By providing your contact information and clicking "Send Message", you agree to receive text messages(SMS) from Rang Technologies Inc, at the phone number provided. Message and data rates may apply. Reply "HELP" for assistance, or "STOP" to cancel. By opting in, you acknowledge that you are providing your written consent to receive text messages(SMS) from Rang Technologies Inc. Please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more information on how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

6 presentation skills and how to improve them

Jump to section

What are presentation skills?

The importance of presentation skills, 6 presentation skills examples, how to improve presentation skills.

Tips for dealing with presentation anxiety

Learn how to captivate an audience with ease

Capturing an audience’s attention takes practice. 

Over time, great presenters learn how to organize their speeches and captivate an audience from start to finish. They spark curiosity, know how to read a room , and understand what their audience needs to walk away feeling like they learned something valuable.

Regardless of your profession, you most likely use presentation skills on a monthly or even weekly basis. Maybe you lead brainstorming sessions or host client calls. 

Developing effective presentation skills makes it easier to contribute ideas with confidence and show others you’re someone to trust. Although speaking in front of a crowd sometimes brings nerves and anxiety , it also sparks new opportunities.

Presentation skills are the qualities and abilities you need to communicate ideas effectively and deliver a compelling speech. They influence how you structure a presentation and how an audience receives it. Understanding body language , creating impactful visual aids, and projecting your voice all fall under this umbrella.

A great presentation depends on more than what you say. It’s about how you say it. Storytelling , stage presence, and voice projection all shape how well you express your ideas and connect with the audience. These skills do take practice, but they’re worth developing — especially if public speaking makes you nervous. 

Engaging a crowd isn’t easy. You may feel anxious to step in front of an audience and have all eyes and ears on you.

But feeling that anxiety doesn’t mean your ideas aren’t worth sharing. Whether you’re giving an inspiring speech or delivering a monthly recap at work, your audience is there to listen to you. Harness that nervous energy and turn it into progress.

Strong presentation skills make it easier to convey your thoughts to audiences of all sizes. They can help you tell a compelling story, convince people of a pitch , or teach a group something entirely new to them. And when it comes to the workplace, the strength of your presentation skills could play a part in getting a promotion or contributing to a new initiative.

To fully understand the impact these skills have on creating a successful presentation, it’s helpful to look at each one individually. Here are six valuable skills you can develop:

1. Active listening

Active listening is an excellent communication skill for any professional to hone. When you have strong active listening skills, you can listen to others effectively and observe their nonverbal cues . This helps you assess whether or not your audience members are engaged in and understand what you’re sharing. 

Great public speakers use active listening to assess the audience’s reactions and adjust their speech if they find it lacks impact. Signs like slouching, negative facial expressions, and roaming eye contact are all signs to watch out for when giving a presentation.

2. Body language

If you’re researching presentation skills, chances are you’ve already watched a few notable speeches like TED Talks or industry seminars. And one thing you probably noticed is that speakers can capture attention with their body language. 

A mixture of eye contact, hand gestures , and purposeful pacing makes a presentation more interesting and engaging. If you stand in one spot and don’t move your body, the audience might zone out.

3. Stage presence

A great stage presence looks different for everyone. A comedian might aim for more movement and excitement, and a conference speaker might focus their energy on the content of their speech. Although neither is better than the other, both understand their strengths and their audience’s needs. 

Developing a stage presence involves finding your own unique communication style . Lean into your strengths, whether that’s adding an injection of humor or asking questions to make it interactive . To give a great presentation, you might even incorporate relevant props or presentation slides.

4. Storytelling

According to Forbes, audiences typically pay attention for about 10 minutes before tuning out . But you can lengthen their attention span by offering a presentation that interests them for longer. Include a narrative they’ll want to listen to, and tell a story as you go along. 

Shaping your content to follow a clear narrative can spark your audience’s curiosity and entice them to pay careful attention. You can use anecdotes from your personal or professional life that take your audience along through relevant moments. If you’re pitching a product, you can start with a problem and lead your audience through the stages of how your product provides a solution.

5. Voice projection

Although this skill may be obvious, you need your audience to hear what you’re saying. This can be challenging if you’re naturally soft-spoken and struggle to project your voice.

Remember to straighten your posture and take deep breaths before speaking, which will help you speak louder and fill the room. If you’re talking into a microphone or participating in a virtual meeting, you can use your regular conversational voice, but you still want to sound confident and self-assured with a strong tone.

If you’re unsure whether everyone can hear you, you can always ask the audience at the beginning of your speech and wait for confirmation. That way, they won’t have to potentially interrupt you later.

Ensuring everyone can hear you also includes your speed and annunciation. It’s easy to speak quickly when nervous, but try to slow down and pronounce every word. Mumbling can make your presentation difficult to understand and pay attention to.

6. Verbal communication 

Although verbal communication involves your projection and tone, it also covers the language and pacing you use to get your point across. This includes where you choose to place pauses in your speech or the tone you use to emphasize important ideas.

If you’re giving a presentation on collaboration in the workplace , you might start your speech by saying, “There’s something every workplace needs to succeed: teamwork.” By placing emphasis on the word “ teamwork ,” you give your audience a hint on what ideas will follow.

To further connect with your audience through diction, pay careful attention to who you’re speaking to. The way you talk to your colleagues might be different from how you speak to a group of superiors, even if you’re discussing the same subject. You might use more humor and a conversational tone for the former and more serious, formal diction for the latter.

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses when it comes to presenting. Maybe you’re confident in your use of body language, but your voice projection needs work. Maybe you’re a great storyteller in small group settings, but need to work on your stage presence in front of larger crowds. 

The first step to improving presentation skills is pinpointing your gaps and determining which qualities to build upon first. Here are four tips for enhancing your presentation skills:

1. Build self-confidence

Confident people know how to speak with authority and share their ideas. Although feeling good about your presentation skills is easier said than done, building confidence is key to helping your audience believe in what you’re saying. Try practicing positive self-talk and continuously researching your topic's ins and outs.

If you don’t feel confident on the inside, fake it until you make it. Stand up straight, project your voice, and try your best to appear engaged and excited. Chances are, the audience doesn’t know you’re unsure of your skills — and they don’t need to.

Another tip is to lean into your slideshow, if you’re using one. Create something colorful and interesting so the audience’s eyes fall there instead of on you. And when you feel proud of your slideshow, you’ll be more eager to share it with others, bringing more energy to your presentation.

2. Watch other presentations

Developing the soft skills necessary for a good presentation can be challenging without seeing them in action. Watch as many as possible to become more familiar with public speaking skills and what makes a great presentation. You could attend events with keynote speakers or view past speeches on similar topics online.

Take a close look at how those presenters use verbal communication and body language to engage their audiences. Grab a notebook and jot down what you enjoyed and your main takeaways. Try to recall the techniques they used to emphasize their main points, whether they used pauses effectively, had interesting visual aids, or told a fascinating story.

3. Get in front of a crowd

You don’t need a large auditorium to practice public speaking. There are dozens of other ways to feel confident and develop good presentation skills.

If you’re a natural comedian, consider joining a small stand-up comedy club. If you’re an avid writer, participate in a public poetry reading. Even music and acting can help you feel more comfortable in front of a crowd.

If you’d rather keep it professional, you can still work on your presentation skills in the office. Challenge yourself to participate at least once in every team meeting, or plan and present a project to become more comfortable vocalizing your ideas. You could also speak to your manager about opportunities that flex your public speaking abilities.

4. Overcome fear

Many people experience feelings of fear before presenting in front of an audience, whether those feelings appear as a few butterflies or more severe anxiety. Try grounding yourself to shift your focus to the present moment. If you’re stuck dwelling on previous experiences that didn’t go well, use those mistakes as learning experiences and focus on what you can improve to do better in the future.

Tips for dealing with presentation anxiety 

It’s normal to feel nervous when sharing your ideas. In fact, according to a report from the Journal of Graduate Medical Education, public speaking anxiety is prevalent in 15–30% of the general population .

Even though having a fear of public speaking is common, it doesn’t make it easier. You might feel overwhelmed, become stiff, and forget what you were going to say. But although the moment might scare you, there are ways to overcome the fear and put mind over matter.

Use these tactics to reduce your stress when you have to make a presentation:

1. Practice breathing techniques

If you experience anxiety often, you’re probably familiar with breathing techniques for stress relief . Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can help you stop worrying and regulate anxious feelings. 

Before a big presentation, take a moment alone to practice breathing techniques, ground yourself, and reduce tension. It’s also a good idea to take breaths throughout the presentation to speak slower and calm yourself down .

2. Get organized

The more organized you are, the more prepared you’ll feel. Carefully outline all of the critical information you want to use in your presentation, including your main talking points and visual aids, so you don’t forget anything. Use bullet points and visuals on each slide to remind you of what you want to talk about, and create handheld notes to help you stay on track.

3. Embrace moments of silence

It’s okay to lose your train of thought. It happens to even the most experienced public speakers once in a while. If your mind goes blank, don’t panic. Take a moment to breathe, gather your thoughts, and refer to your notes to see where you left off. You can drink some water or make a quick joke to ease the silence or regain your footing. And it’s okay to say, “Give me a moment while I find my notes.” Chances are, people understand the position you’re in.

4. Practice makes progress

Before presenting, rehearse in front of friends and family members you trust. This gives you the chance to work out any weak spots in your speech and become comfortable communicating out loud. If you want to go the extra mile, ask your makeshift audience to ask a surprise question. This tests your on-the-spot thinking and will prove that you can keep cool when things come up.

Whether you’re new to public speaking or are a seasoned presenter, you’re bound to make a few slip-ups. It happens to everyone. The most important thing is that you try your best, brush things off, and work on improving your skills to do better in your next presentation.

Although your job may require a different level of public speaking than your favorite TED Talk , developing presentation skills is handy in any profession. You can use presentation skills in a wide range of tasks in the workplace, whether you’re sharing your ideas with colleagues, expressing concerns to higher-ups, or pitching strategies to potential clients.

Remember to use active listening to read the room and engage your audience with an interesting narrative. Don’t forget to step outside your comfort zone once in a while and put your skills to practice in front of a crowd. After facing your fears, you’ll feel confident enough to put presentation skills on your resume.

If you’re trying to build your skills and become a better employee overall, try a communications coach with BetterUp. 

Elevate your communication skills

Unlock the power of clear and persuasive communication. Our coaches can guide you to build strong relationships and succeed in both personal and professional life.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

The importance of good speech: 5 tips to be more articulate

The 11 tips that will improve your public speaking skills, show gratitude with “thank you for your leadership and vision” message examples, learn types of gestures and their meanings to improve your communication, make the connection: 10 effective ways to connect with people, why it's good to have a bff at work and how to find one, 6 career changes for teachers that truly pay off, member story: developing communication skills and owning the spotlight, what is a career path definition, examples, and steps for paving yours, similar articles, how to write a speech that your audience remembers, 8 tip to improve your public speaking skills, 30 presentation feedback examples, your ultimate guide on how to be a good storyteller, how to give a good presentation that captivates any audience, 8 clever hooks for presentations (with tips), communication coach: what they are and how to find one, how to make a presentation interactive and exciting, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care™
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Life Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

Home Blog Education Presentation Skills 101: A Guide to Presentation Success

Presentation Skills 101: A Guide to Presentation Success

Getting the perfect presentation design is just a step toward a successful presentation. For the experienced user, building presentation skills is the answer to elevating the power of your message and showing expertise on any subject. Still, one can ask: is it the same set of skills, or are they dependable on the type of presentation?

In this article, we will introduce the different types of presentations accompanied by the skillset required to master them. The purpose, as always, is to retain the audience’s interest for a long-lasting and convincing message.

Table of Contents

The Importance of Presentation Skills

Persuasive presentations, instructional presentations, informative presentations, inspirational presentations, basic presentation skills, what are the main difficulties when giving a presentation, recommendations to improve your presentation skills, closing statement.

Effective communication is the answer to reaching business and academic goals. The scenarios in which we can be required to deliver a presentation are as diverse as one can imagine. Still, some core concepts apply to all presentations.

 We define presentation skills as a compendium of soft skills that directly affect your presentation performance and contribute to creating a great presentation. These are not qualities acquired by birth but skills you ought to train and master to delve into professional environments.

You may ask: is it really that evident when a presenter is not prepared? Here are some common signs people can experience during presentations:

• Evasive body language: Not making eye contact with the audience, arms closed tightly to the body, hands in pockets all the time.
• Lack of interest in the presenter’s voice: dull tone, not putting an effort to articulate the topics.
• Doubting when asked to answer a question
• Irksome mood

The list can go on about common presenter mistakes , and most certainly, it will affect the performance of any presented data if the lack of interest by the presenter is blatantly obvious.  Another element to consider is anxiety, and according to research by the National Institute of Mental Health, 73% of the population in the USA is affected by glossophobia , which is the fear of public speaking, judgment, or negative evaluation by other people.

Therefore, presentation skills training is essential for any business professional who wants to achieve effective communication . It will remove the anxiety from presentation performance and help users effectively deliver their message and connect with the audience.

Archetypes of presentations

Persuasive presentations aim to convince the audience – often in short periods – to acquire a product or service, adhere to a cause, or invest in a company. For business entrepreneurs or politicians, persuasive presentations are their tool for the trade.

Unless you aim to be perceived as an imposter, a proper persuasive presentation has the elements of facts, empathy, and logic, balanced under a well-crafted narrative. The central pillar of these presentations is to identify the single factor that gathered your audience: it could be a market need, a social cause, or a revolutionary concept for today’s society. It has to be something with enough power to gather critiques – both good and bad.

That single factor has to be backed up by facts. Research that builds your hypothesis on how to solve that problem. A deep understanding of the target audience’s needs , concerns, and social position regarding the solution your means can offer. When those elements are in place, building a pitch becomes an easy task. 

Graphics can help you introduce information in a compelling format, lowering the need for lengthy presentations. Good presentation skills for persuasive presentations go by the hand of filtering relevant data and creating the visual cues that resonate with what your audience demands.

One powerful example of a persuasive presentation is the technique known as the elevator pitch . You must introduce your idea or product convincingly to the audience in a timeframe between 30 seconds and less than 2 minutes. You have to expose:

• What do you do 
• What’s the problem to solve
• Why is your solution different from others 
• Why should the audience care about your expertise

For that very purpose, using engaging graphics with contrasting colors elevates the potential power of your message. It speaks professionalism, care for details, and out-of-the-box thinking. Knowing how to end a presentation is also critical, as your CTAs should be placed with care.

Therefore, let’s resume the requirements of persuasive presentations in terms of good presentation skills:

• Identifying problems and needs
• Elaborating “the hook” (the element that grabs the audience’s attention)
• Knowing how to “tie” your audience (introducing a piece of information related to the hook that causes an emotional impact)
• Broad knowledge of body language and hand gestures to quickly convey your message
• Being prepared to argue a defense of your point of view
• Handling rejection
• Having a proactive attitude to convert opportunities into new projects
• Using humor, surprise, or personal anecdotes as elements to sympathize with the audience
• Having confidence
• Be able to summarize facts and information in visually appealing ways

You can learn more about persuasive presentation techniques by clicking here .

In the case of instructional presentations, we ought to differentiate two distinctive types:

• Lecture Presentations : Presentations being held at universities or any other educative institution. Those presentations cover, topic by topic, and the contents of a syllabus and are created by the team of teachers in charge of the course.
• Training Presentations : These presentations take place during in-company training sessions and usually comprise a good amount of content that is resumed into easy-to-take solutions. They are aimed to coach employees over certain topics relevant to their work performance. The 70-20-10 Model is frequently used to address these training situations.

Lecture presentations appeal to the gradual introduction of complex concepts, following a structure set in the course’s syllabus. These presentations often have a similar aesthetic as a group of professors or researchers created to share their knowledge about a topic. Personal experience does tell that course presentations often rely on factual data, adequately documented, and on the theoretical side.

An example of a presentation that lies under this concept is a Syllabus Presentation, used by the teaching team to introduce the subject to new students, evaluation methods, concepts to be learned, and expectations to pass the course.

On the other hand, training presentations are slide decks designed to meet an organization’s specific needs in the formal education of their personnel. Commonly known as “continuous education,” plenty of companies invest resources in coaching their employees to achieve higher performance results. These presentations have the trademark of being concise since their idea is to introduce the concepts that shall be applied in practice sessions. 

Ideally, the training presentations are introduced with little text and easy-to-recognize visual cues. Since the idea is to summarize as much as possible, these are visually appealing for the audience. They must be dynamic enough to allow the presenter to convey the message.

Those key takeaways remind employees when they revisit their learning resources and allow them to ruminate on questions that fellow workers raise. 

To sum up this point, building presentation skills for instructional presentations requires:

• Ability to put complex concepts into simpler words
• Patience and a constant learning mindset
• Voice training to deliver lengthy speeches without being too dense
• Ability to summarize points and note the key takeaways
• Empathizing with the audience to understand their challenges in the learning process

The informative presentations take place in business situations, such as when to present project reports from different departments to the management. Another potential usage of these presentations is in SCRUM or other Agile methodologies, when a sprint is completed, to discuss the advance of the project with the Product Owner.

As they are presentations heavily dependent on data insights, it’s common to see the usage of infographics and charts to express usually dense data in simpler terms and easy to remember. 

Informative presentations don’t just fall into the business category. Ph.D. Dissertation and Thesis presentations are topics that belong to the informative presentations category as they condense countless research hours into manageable reports for the academic jury. 

Since these informational presentations can be perceived as lengthy and data-filled, it is important to learn the following professional presentation skills:

• Attention to detail
• Be able to explain complex information in simpler terms
• Creative thinking
• Powerful diction
• Working on pauses and transitions
• Pacing the presentation, so not too much information is divulged per slide

The leading inspirational platform, TEDx, comes to mind when talking about inspirational presentations. This presentation format has the peculiarity of maximizing the engagement with the audience to divulge a message, and due to that, it has specific requirements any presenter must meet.

This presentation format usually involves a speaker on a stage, either sitting or better standing, in which the presenter engages with the audience with a storytelling format about a life experience, a job done that provided a remarkable improvement for society, etc.

Empathizing with the audience is the key ingredient for these inspirational presentations. Still, creativity is what shapes the outcome of your performance as people are constantly looking for different experiences – not the same recipe rephrased with personal touches. The human factor is what matters here, way above data and research. What has your experience to offer to others? How can it motivate another human being to pursue a similar path or discover their true calling?

To achieve success in terms of communication skills presentation, these inspirational presentations have the following requirements:

• Focus on the audience (engage, consider their interests, and make them a part of your story)
• Putting ego aside
• Creative communication skills
• Storytelling skills
• Body language knowledge to apply the correct gestures to accompany your story
• Voice training
• Using powerful words

After discussing the different kinds of presentations we can come across at any stage of our lives, a group of presentation skills is standard in any type of presentation. See below what makes a good presentation and which skills you must count on to succeed as a presenter.

Punctuality

Punctuality is a crucial aspect of giving an effective presentation. Nothing says more about respect for your audience and the organization you represent than delivering the presentation on time . Arriving last minute puts pressure on the tech team behind audiovisuals, as they don’t have enough preparation to test microphones, stage lights, and projector settings, which can lead to a less powerful presentation Even when discussing presentations hosted in small rooms for a reduced audience, testing the equipment becomes essential for an effective presentation.

A solution for this is to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Ideally, one hour is a sweet spot since the AV crew has time to check the gear and requirements for your presentation. Another benefit of this, for example, in inspirational presentations, is measuring the previous presenter’s impact on the audience. This gives insights about how to resonate with the public, and their interest, and how to accommodate your presentation for maximum impact.

Body Language

Our bodies can make emotions transparent for others, even when we are unaware of such a fact. Proper training for body language skills reduces performance anxiety, giving the audience a sense of expertise about the presented topic. 

Give your presentation and the audience the respect they deserve by watching over these potential mistakes:

• Turning your back to the audience for extended periods : It’s okay to do so when introducing an important piece of information or explaining a graph, but it is considered rude to give your back to the audience constantly.
• Fidgeting : We are all nervous in the presence of strangers, even more, if we are the center of attention for that moment. Instead of playing with your hair or making weird hand gestures, take a deep breath to center yourself before the presentation and remember that everything you could do to prepare is already done. Trust your instincts and give your best.
• Intense eye contact : Have you watched a video where the presenter stared at the camera the entire time? That’s the feeling you transmit to spectators through intense eye contact. It’s a practice often used by politicians to persuade.
• Swearing : This is a no-brainer. Even when you see influencers swearing on camera or in podcasts or live presentations, it is considered an informal and lousy practice for business and academic situations. If you have a habit to break when it comes to this point, find the humor in these situations and replace your swear words with funny alternatives (if the presentation allows for it). 

Voice Tone plays a crucial role in delivering effective presentations and knowing how to give a good presentation. Your voice is a powerful tool for exposing your ideas and feelings . Your voice can articulate the message you are telling, briefing the audience if you feel excited about what you are sharing or, in contrast, if you feel the presentation is a burden you ought to complete.

Remember, passion is a primary ingredient in convincing people. Therefore, transmitting such passion with a vibrant voice may help gather potential business partners’ interest.  

But what if you feel sick prior to the presentation? If, by chance, your throat is sore minutes before setting foot on the stage, try this: when introducing yourself, mention that you are feeling a bit under the weather. This resonates with the audience to pay more attention to your efforts. In case you don’t feel comfortable about that, ask the organizers for a cup of tea, as it will settle your throat and relax your nerves.

Tech Skills

Believe it or not, people still feel challenged by technology these days. Maybe that’s the reason why presentation giants like Tony Robbins opt not to use PowerPoint presentations . The reality is that there are plenty of elements involved in a presentation that can go wrong from the tech side:

• A PDF not opening
• Saving your presentation in a too-recent PowerPoint version
• A computer not booting up
• Mac laptops and their never-ending compatibility nightmare
• Not knowing how to change between slides
• Not knowing how to use a laser pointer
• Internet not working
• Audio not working

We can come up with a pretty long list of potential tech pitfalls, and yet more than half of them fall in presenters not being knowledgeable about technology.

If computers aren’t your thing, let the organization know about this beforehand. There is always a crew member available to help presenters switch between slides or configure the presentation for streaming. This takes the pressure off your shoulders, allowing you to concentrate on the content to present. Remember, even Bill Gates can get a BSOD during a presentation .

Presentations, while valuable for conveying information and ideas, can be daunting for many individuals. Here are some common difficulties people encounter when giving presentations:

Public Speaking Anxiety

Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, affects a significant portion of the population. This anxiety can lead to nervousness, trembling, and forgetfulness during a presentation.

Lack of Confidence

Many presenters struggle with self-doubt, fearing that they may not be knowledgeable or skilled enough to engage their audience effectively.

Content Organization

Organizing information in a coherent and engaging manner can be challenging. Presenters often grapple with how to structure their content to make it easily digestible for the audience. Artificial Intelligence can help us significantly reduce the content arrangement time when you work with tools like our AI Presentation Maker (made for presenters by experts in presentation design). 

Audience Engagement

Keeping the audience’s attention and interest throughout the presentation can be difficult. Distractions, disengaged attendees, or lack of interaction can pose challenges.

Technical Issues

Technology glitches, such as malfunctioning equipment, incompatible file formats, or poor internet connectivity, can disrupt presentations and increase stress.

Time Management

Striking the right balance between providing enough information and staying within time limits is a common challenge. Going over or under the allotted time can affect the effectiveness of the presentation.

Handling Questions and Challenges

Responding to unexpected questions, criticism, or challenges from the audience can be difficult, especially when presenters are unprepared or lack confidence in their subject matter.

Visual Aids and Technology

Creating and effectively using visual aids like slides or multimedia can be a struggle for some presenters. Technical competence is essential in this aspect.

Language and Articulation

Poor language skills or unclear articulation can hinder effective communication. Presenters may worry about stumbling over words or failing to convey their message clearly.

Maintaining appropriate and confident body language can be challenging. Avoiding nervous habits, maintaining eye contact, and using gestures effectively requires practice.

Overcoming Impersonal Delivery

In virtual presentations, maintaining a personal connection with the audience can be difficult. The absence of face-to-face interaction can make it challenging to engage and read the audience.

Cultural and Diversity Awareness

Presenting to diverse audiences requires sensitivity to cultural differences and varying levels of familiarity with the topic.

In this section, we gathered some tips on how to improve presentation skills that can certainly make an impact if applied to your presentation skills. We believe these skills can be cultivated to transform into habits for your work routine.

Tip #1: Build a narrative

One memorable way to guarantee presentation success is by writing a story of all the points you desire to cover. This statement is based on the logic behind storytelling and its power to connect with people .

Don’t waste time memorizing slides or reading your presentation to the audience. It feels unnatural, and any question that diverts from the topic in discussion certainly puts you in jeopardy or, worse, exposes you as a fraud in the eyes of the audience. And before you ask, it is really evident when a presenter has a memorized speech. 

Build and rehearse the presentation as if telling a story to a group of interested people. Lower the language barrier by avoiding complex terms that maybe even you aren’t fully aware of their meaning. Consider the ramifications of that story, what it could lead to, and which are the opportunities to explore. Then, visualize yourself giving the presentation in a natural way.

Applying this technique makes the presentation feel like second nature to you. It broadens the spectrum in which you can show expertise over a topic or even build the basis for new interesting points of view about the project.

Tip #2: Don’t talk for more than 3 minutes per slide

It is a common practice of presenters to bombard the audience with facts and information whilst retaining the same slide on the screen. Why can this happen? It could be because the presenter condensed the talk into very few slides and preferred to talk. The reality is that your spectators won’t retain the information you are giving unless you give visual cues to help that process. 

Opt to prepare more slides and pace your speech to match the topics shown on each slide. Don’t spend more than 3 minutes per slide unless you have to introduce a complex piece of data. Use visual cues to direct the spectators about what you talk about, and summarize the principal concepts discussed at the end of each section.

Tip #3: Practice meditation daily

Anxiety is the number one enemy of professional presenters. It slowly builds without you being aware of your doubts and can hinder your performance in multiple ways: making you feel paralyzed, fidgeting, making you forget language skills or concepts, affecting your health, etc.

Meditation is an ancient practice taken from Buddhist teachings that train your mind to be here in the present. We often see the concepts of meditation and mindfulness as synonyms, whereas you should be aware that meditation is a practice that sets the blocks to reach a state of mindfulness. For presenters, being in the here and now is essential to retain focus, but meditation techniques also teach us to control our breathing and be in touch with our body signals when stress builds up. 

The customary practice of meditation has an impact on imagination and creativity but also helps to build patience – a skill much needed for connecting with your audience in instructional presentations.

Having the proper set of presentation skills can be quite subjective. It goes beyond presentation tips and deepens into how flexible we can be in our ability to communicate ideas.

Different presentations and different audiences shape the outcome of our efforts. Therefore, having a basic understanding of how to connect, raise awareness, and empathize with people can be key ingredients for your career as a presenter. A word of advice: success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes dedication and patience to build communication skills . Don’t condition your work to believe you will be ready “someday”; it’s best to practice and experience failure as part of the learning process.

Like this article? Please share

Business Presentations, Presentation Approaches, Presentation Skills Filed under Education

Related Articles

Filed under Design • March 27th, 2024

How to Make a Presentation Graph

Detailed step-by-step instructions to master the art of how to make a presentation graph in PowerPoint and Google Slides. Check it out!

Filed under Presentation Ideas • February 29th, 2024

How to Make a Fundraising Presentation (with Thermometer Templates & Slides)

Meet a new framework to design fundraising presentations by harnessing the power of fundraising thermometer templates. Detailed guide with examples.

Filed under Presentation Ideas • February 15th, 2024

How to Create a 5 Minutes Presentation

Master the art of short-format speeches like the 5 minutes presentation with this article. Insights on content structure, audience engagement and more.

Leave a Reply

• Onsite training

3,000,000+ delegates

15,000+ clients

1,000+ locations

• KnowledgePass
• Log a ticket

01344203999 Available 24/7

What are Presentation Skills and How to Improve Them?

Discover this blog to learn all about Presentation Skills and their vital significance in the professional realm and also learn how to improve them. This blog will also explore the importance of Presentation Skills, and how you conquer any presentation challenge. Read more to learn!

Exclusive 40% OFF

Training Outcomes Within Your Budget!

We ensure quality, budget-alignment, and timely delivery by our expert instructors.

Share this Resource

• Effective Communication Skills
• Presenting with Impact Training
• Interpersonal Skills Training Course
• Effective Presentation Skills & Techniques
• Public Speaking Course

Table of Contents  

1) What are Presentation Skills?  

2) Why are Presentation Skills important?  

3) Top 25  Presentation Skills

4) How to enhance your Presentation Skills?  

5) Conclusion 

What are Presentation Skills?  

Presentation Skills refer to a set of abilities that enable individuals to effectively convey information, ideas, or messages to an audience. It goes beyond simply speaking in front of people, involving a combination of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques that captivate and engage listeners. These skills are essential in various aspects of life, from professional settings to academic environments and even in personal interactions. 

At its core, Presentation Skills involve the art of delivering a message in a clear, concise, and compelling manner, guided by the fundamental principles of presentation skills . A skillful presenter considers all the advantages and disadvantages of presentations. They can capture the attention of their audience, hold their interest throughout the Presentation, and leave a lasting impact. These skills are priceless in a wide range of scenarios, such as delivering sales pitches, training sessions, public speeches, academic Presentations, or even social gatherings. Now that you know the definition of Presentation Skills, let's move on to learning their importance and the key elements of a Presentation .  

Why are Presentation Skills important?  

Presentation Skills are of paramount importance in the modern interconnected world. Let's have a look at the  Importance of Presentation Skills :  

1) Career advancement : In the professional realm, Presentation Skills are essential for career growth. Whether seeking a promotion, new job opportunities, or aiming for leadership roles, the ability to deliver compelling Presentations sets individuals apart from their peers. Employers value employees who can confidently articulate ideas, pitch proposals, and represent their organisations with poise and charisma. 

2) Building credibility: A skilled presenter exudes confidence and expertise, which enhances their credibility. When conveying information convincingly and concisely, they gain the trust of their audience. Credibility is vital in winning over clients, investors, and stakeholders, as well as in establishing oneself as a thought leader in a particular field. 

3) Effective leadership : Great leaders are often excellent communicators. Presentations Skills enable leaders to inspire and motivate their teams, promoting a sense of unity and purpose. Leaders who can articulate their visions clearly can rally their followers and drive their organisations towards success. 

4) Influencing decisions: Whether in business or academia, the ability to influence decisions through persuasive Presentations is invaluable. A well-crafted Presentation can sway opinions, secure funding for projects, or convince others to take specific actions. 

5) Enhancing teaching and learning: In educational settings, teachers and professors rely on effective Presentations Skills to engage and educate their students. Presenting complex concepts in an accessible and engaging manner promotes better understanding and retention of information. 

6) Confident public speaking: For many people, public speaking is a daunting task. However developing advanced Presentation Skills can help individuals overcome their fear of speaking in front of large audiences, boosting their confidence and self-assurance. 

7) Establishing personal brand: Presentations offer an opportunity to showcase one's personality, expertise, and unique perspective. By mastering Presentations Skills, individuals can establish a distinct personal brand that resonates with their audience and sets them apart from competitors. 

8) Networking and communication: Advanced Presentation Skills enhance networking abilities. Engaging presentations can leave a lasting impression on potential clients, collaborators, or partners. Strong communication skills foster better relationships in both personal and professional spheres. 

9) Successful pitching: Entrepreneurs and startups rely on compelling Presentations to attract investors and secure funding for their ventures. A persuasive pitch can mark the difference between launching a successful business and remaining stagnant. 

10) Personal growth: Learning and honing Presentations Skills promote personal development. It encourages individuals to refine their communication abilities, think critically about their messages, and continuously seek ways to improve their Presentations. 

Take your Presentations to the next level with our Effective Presentation Skills & Techniques Course   - s ign up today!  

Top 25 Presentation Skills

In the realm of presentations, certain key skills can make a significant difference in delivering a compelling and impactful message. One can explore these skills by going through various presentation skills interview questions and answers . It will also aid you in preparing your best to ace in giving a presentation.Here are some essential Types of Presentation Skills that every presenter should strive to master:  

Clarity of expression  

The ability to portray ideas clearly and concisely is fundamental in a presentation. A skilled presenter organises thoughts effectively, avoiding jargon or convoluted language that might confuse the audience. They convey complex concepts in a simple manner, ensuring that their message is easily understood. 

Confident body language  

Non-verbal communication plays a vital role in presentations. A confident presenter uses positive body language, standing tall and maintaining an open posture. They use purposeful hand gestures to emphasise key points, and their facial expressions reflect their emotions and enthusiasm for the topic. 

Eye contact  

Establishing eye contact with the audience builds a connection and instils trust. A skilled presenter looks at different sections of the audience, they make everyone feel engaged and involved in the presentation. 

Voice modulation  

A monotonous voice can quickly lose the audience's attention. Effective presenters use voice modulation, varying their tone, pitch, and pace to add interest and emphasis to their speech. They adjust their voice according to the content and the emotions they want to convey. 

Confidence and poise  

Confidence is the backbone of a successful Presentation. Even if a presenter feels nervous, projecting confidence and poise can reassure the audience and create a positive impression. 

Using engaging openings  

A powerful opening captures the audience's attention from the beginning of the presentation. Skilled presenters use compelling stories, shocking statistics, thought-provoking questions, or intriguing facts to hook the audience and draw them into the presentation. 

Using well-structured content  

Organising the Presentation in a logical and coherent manner is essential. Presenters create a clear introduction that introduces the topic, a well-developed Structure that presents key points, and a concise conclusion that reinforces the main message. 

Using visual aids  

Effective use of visual aids, like slides, charts, and videos, can enhance the audience's understanding and retention of information. Presenters ensure that their visual aids are visually appealing, relevant and support the spoken content rather than overwhelm it. 

Audience engagement  

Skilled presenters actively involve their audience throughout the presentation. They ask questions, seek opinions, and incorporate interactive activities to keep the audience engaged and interested. 

Handling Q&A sessions  

Anticipating and preparing for potential questions demonstrates expertise and readiness. A skilled presenter confidently responds to audience's questions. They provide insightful answers and address any concerns. 

Time management  

Presenters respect their audience's time by adhering to the allocated time frame. They manage their time wisely, ensuring that they cover all essential points without rushing or going overtime. 

Adaptability  

Presenters need to be adaptable, ready to adjust their approach based on the audience's reactions and engagement levels. They can switch strategies if something is not working or if they need to address unexpected challenges. 

Active listening  

Active listening is a crucial skill for presenters, not just for the audience. While presenting, it's essential to pay attention to the audience's reactions and feedback. Doing this enables presenters to adapt their delivery and content in real-time, ensuring that the presentation remains relevant and resonates with the audience.  

Storytelling  

Storytelling is a powerful tool to make Presentations memorable and relatable. Influential presenters weave relevant anecdotes, case studies, or personal experiences into their Presentations to connect emotionally with the audience. 

Preparation and rehearsal  

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful presentation. Skilled presenters thoroughly research their topic, practice their delivery, and rehearse in front of a mirror or with friends to gain feedback and build confidence. 

Closing with impact  

An impactful conclusion leaves a lasting impression on the audience. Skilled presenters summarise the main points, reiterate their key message, and may end with a call to action or a thought-provoking statement. 

Self-awareness

Self-awareness involves monitoring one's own emotions and reactions, which enables individuals to respond effectively in various situations. During Presentations, self-awareness can help one remain personable and handle feedback well. It can also soothe nervousness, allowing individuals to perform better. 

Take your Presentations to the next level with our Effective Presentation Skills & Techniques Course – sign up today!   

How to enhance your Presentation Skills? 

Presentation Skills are essential for individuals in various professional fields. While presenting a project proposal, giving a sales pitch or delivering a keynote speech, the way you present your ideas can significantly impact your message's effectiveness. To help you improve your presentation skills, here are some pointers to consider when you prepare a presentation :

Master presentation tools 

Utilising Presentation tools like PowerPoint or Prezi can enhance the visual appeal of your Presentation. Take the time to learn these software programs' features and experiment with different templates, fonts, and colours. Additionally, practice using the software so that you can smoothly navigate through your slides during your Presentation. 

Practice breathing exercises 

Deep breathing exercises can help your mind relax and release tension before and during your Presentation. Try slowly inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth, which will help regulate your breathing and calm your nerves. Practice deep breathing exercises daily to develop a habit of relaxation. 

Stay hydrated 

Speaking for an extended period can strain your vocal cords and lead to a dry throat. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water before and during your presentation. Avoid excessive caffeine or sugary drinks, as they can dehydrate you or impact your energy levels. 

Incorporate exercise 

Regular exercise can improve your well-being and boost your energy levels. Engage in physical activity, such as exercising, walking, running, or yoga, to reduce stress and increase endorphin production. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can contribute to your overall confidence and ability to deliver engaging Presentations. 

Arrive early for a smooth start 

Arriving early at the venue is crucial. Not only does it alleviate travel stress, but it also provides you with essential preparation time. Considering potential traffic delays and unforeseen events ensures that you reach your destination well ahead of your Presentation slot. By doing so, you'll have time to meet with on-site technicians, test your equipment, and establish a connection with fellow attendees before stepping onto the stage. 

Familiarise yourself with the room 

Early arrival allows you to explore the Presentation room thoroughly. Take note of its layout, acoustics, and lighting. Where will you stand during your talk? Experiment with different spots to find the optimal position for projecting your voice effectively. Familiarity with the room enhances your confidence and stage presence. 

Learn from other presenters 

While waiting for your turn, observe other presenters. Listen attentively to their speeches—note their tone, pacing, and engagement level. Pay attention to any relevant data or insights they share. This not only helps you understand the room dynamics but also provides an opportunity to incorporate relevant points into your own Presentation. By referencing what you've heard from previous speakers, you can create a more engaging and interactive experience for your audience. 

Use notes cards wisely 

Rather than relying on a full script, consider using note cards with key talking points. These cards serve as prompts to keep your presentation organised without making you sound overly rehearsed or robotic. Remember that authenticity matters; use the note cards as a guide while allowing yourself the flexibility to connect naturally with your audience. Remember, when you step onto that stage, it's not about you—it's about delivering valuable content and connecting with your listeners. 

Conclusion  

All in all, Presentation Skills are a vital aspect of effective communication and can greatly impact personal, academic, and professional success. By understanding the key elements of a compelling Presentation and incorporating various techniques, individuals can hone their abilities and leave a lasting impression on their audiences. 

Want to master the art of impactful Presentations? Explore our Presentation Skills Courses and elevate your communication prowess!  

Frequently Asked Questions

The 5 Ps of Presentation Skills are Planning (structuring your message and objectives), Preparation (researching and organising content), Practice (rehearsing to enhance delivery), Performance (engaging the audience with effective communication techniques), and Post-Presentation (evaluating feedback to improve future presentations).

The four types of Presentation Skills include verbal communication, non-verbal communication, visual aids, and audience engagement.

The Knowledge Academy’s Knowledge Pass , a prepaid voucher, adds another layer of flexibility, allowing course bookings over a 12-month period. Join us on a journey where education knows no bounds.

The Knowledge Academy offers various Presentation Skills courses , including Business Writing Course, Data Analysis Skills, and Presenting with Impact Training. These courses cater to different skill levels, providing comprehensive insights into Key Elements of Presentation .  

Our Business Skills blogs covers a range of topics related to Presentation Skills Training, offering valuable resources, best practices, and industry insights. Whether you are a beginner or looking to advance your Presentation skills, The Knowledge Academy's diverse courses and informative blogs have you covered.  

The Knowledge Academy takes global learning to new heights, offering over 30,000 online courses across 490+ locations in 220 countries. This expansive reach ensures accessibility and convenience for learners worldwide.  

Alongside our diverse Online Course Catalogue, encompassing 17 major categories, we go the extra mile by providing a plethora of free educational Online Resources like News updates, Blogs , videos, webinars, and interview questions. Tailoring learning experiences further, professionals can maximise value with customisable Course Bundles of TKA .  

Upcoming Business Skills Resources Batches & Dates

Fri 3rd May 2024

Fri 7th Jun 2024

Fri 5th Jul 2024

Fri 2nd Aug 2024

Fri 6th Sep 2024

Fri 4th Oct 2024

Fri 1st Nov 2024

Fri 6th Dec 2024

Get A Quote

WHO WILL BE FUNDING THE COURSE?

My employer

By submitting your details you agree to be contacted in order to respond to your enquiry

• Business Analysis
• Lean Six Sigma Certification

Share this course

Our biggest spring sale.

We cannot process your enquiry without contacting you, please tick to confirm your consent to us for contacting you about your enquiry.

By submitting your details you agree to be contacted in order to respond to your enquiry.

We may not have the course you’re looking for. If you enquire or give us a call on 01344203999 and speak to our training experts, we may still be able to help with your training requirements.

Or select from our popular topics

• ITIL® Certification
• Scrum Certification
• Change Management Certification
• Business Analysis Courses
• Microsoft Azure Certification
• Microsoft Excel & Certification Course
• Microsoft Project
• Explore more courses

Press esc to close

Fill out your  contact details  below and our training experts will be in touch.

Fill out your   contact details   below

Thank you for your enquiry!

One of our training experts will be in touch shortly to go over your training requirements.

Back to Course Information

Fill out your contact details below so we can get in touch with you regarding your training requirements.

* WHO WILL BE FUNDING THE COURSE?

Preferred Contact Method

No preference

Back to course information

Fill out your  training details  below

Fill out your training details below so we have a better idea of what your training requirements are.

HOW MANY DELEGATES NEED TRAINING?

HOW DO YOU WANT THE COURSE DELIVERED?

Online Instructor-led

Online Self-paced

WHEN WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE THIS COURSE?

Next 2 - 4 months

WHAT IS YOUR REASON FOR ENQUIRING?

Looking for some information

Looking for a discount

I want to book but have questions

One of our training experts will be in touch shortly to go overy your training requirements.

Your privacy & cookies!

Like many websites we use cookies. We care about your data and experience, so to give you the best possible experience using our site, we store a very limited amount of your data. Continuing to use this site or clicking “Accept & close” means that you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more about our privacy policy and cookie policy cookie policy .

We use cookies that are essential for our site to work. Please visit our cookie policy for more information. To accept all cookies click 'Accept & close'.

Join our Webinar

• Free Resources

Masterclasses

• Virtual Summits

Join our Next Event

• Strategic Time Management

Digital Downloads

• Productivity Hacks
• Successful Meetings
• Events Management
• The EA Campus

Signature Courses

Bitesize courses, key courses, free courses, bundle courses.

our new course

View all the courses.

• Online Courses

Mastering the five P’s of powerful public speaking

Public speaking can be intimidating for many people, but with the right techniques, anyone can become a confident and engaging speaker.

One effective approach, we learned from Alina Jenkins, Head of Communications at Body Talk , is to incorporate the five P’s – pitch, pace, pause, projection, and passion – into your speech. These five elements, when used skillfully, can captivate your audience and make your presentation memorable. This article will explore mastering the five P’s of powerful public speaking.

Embrace the natural variety in your voice. Your voice has a range of pitches, and using this natural undulation can add depth and nuance to your speech.

Avoid speaking too high or too low, as it may come across as cartoonish. Instead, find a comfortable middle range that suits the tone of your speech. For instance, higher notes can be used for positive or uplifting content, while lower notes can be employed for more serious or impactful messages. Experiment with different pitches to create a dynamic and engaging vocal performance.

Slow down and vary your speaking speed. When we’re nervous, we tend to speak too quickly, which can make it difficult for the audience to keep up with our message. Practice speaking at a moderate pace, allowing for pauses and moments of silence to gather your thoughts.

Vary your speed based on the content and tone of your speech. Sometimes, speaking a bit faster can add excitement or urgency, while speaking slower can convey thoughtfulness or emphasis. The key is to strike a balance and use pace strategically to enhance your message.

1:1 Meeting Template

The template you need to maximise the time spent with your Executive.

Minute-Taking Template

This powerful template is designed to help busy Assistants take effective minutes.

Embrace the power of silence . Pausing at strategic points in your speech can be incredibly effective in engaging your audience. It signals to them that something important is coming, and it gives you a moment to collect your thoughts.

Don’t be afraid of silence, and don’t feel the need to fill every moment with words. A well-timed pause can create anticipation, emphasise a point, or allow for a brief break to regroup. Just be mindful not to let the pause drag on for too long, as it may lose its impact.

Project energy through your voice. Good posture and proper breathing are essential for projecting your voice effectively. Stand tall with your shoulders back, and take deep breaths to support your vocal delivery.

Avoid slouching or restricting your airflow, as it can weaken your voice and make it difficult for your audience to hear you. Bring energy and enthusiasm to your voice, but be mindful not to shout, especially in virtual environments where microphones can amplify sounds. A well-projected voice conveys confidence and captivates your audience.

Let your passion shine through. When you genuinely care about your topic, it naturally comes through in your voice and delivery. Share your enthusiasm, belief, and emotion with your audience.

Let them see and feel your passion for your subject matter. It will help you connect with your audience on a deeper level and make your speech more engaging and memorable.

Incorporating these five P’s – pitch, pace, pause, projection, and passion – into your public speaking can significantly enhance your delivery and captivate your audience. Experiment with different techniques, practice regularly, and pay attention to your audience’s response to fine-tune your speaking skills. Remember, engaging public speaking is not about being perfect, but about being authentic and connecting with your audience. So, embrace your unique voice and let your passion shine through!

Related Posts

Managing Expectations: Building a Strong Relationship with Your Executive

The Art of Networking: A Guide for Assistants

Ensuring Your One-to-One Meeting Stays in Your Executive’s Schedule

p cubed presentations

Every great presentation is the product of its message (p1), the supportive media (p2) and the delivery of that (p3).

• Latest posts
• science of fail
• about ffolliet

the five p’s of presentation

p cubed presentations > Latest posts > #htdap > the five p’s of presentation

ffolliet December 28, 2018 2 Comments

The five p’s of presentation are planning, preparation, consistency, practise and performance. An understanding of the place and importance of each of the 5 p’s of presentation will transform any piece from just being one of the many average presentations delivered to something of value that will have a lasting impact on the audience.

The first of the five p’s of presentation is planning. The amount of time may be calculated giving one to five minutes per audience member and then adding some factor of the importance of the event. Decide on the amount of time required and then plan to construct the story (p1), plan the illustration of this (p2) and plan the practise required for the best delivery (p3). This plan is essential to ensure each of these factors receives adequate time. Highlight the date in the diary and plan accordingly.

The second of the five p’s of presentation is preparation. No great presentation is delivered off the cuff and every good presentation could be improved by better preparation. Preparation involves understanding the audience needs ; brainstorming the topic from that perspective; clarifying a single message and structuring the supportive discussion. This preparation is fundamental to success.

The third of the five p’s of presentation is consistency . This consistency within the supportive media of image, font and colour adds elan to the message. The irritation that the third p is a c is an example of the impact of consistency.

The fourth of the five p’s of presentation is practise. Practise is the answer to so many of the worries about poor presentations and the reason so many presentation are great. It is more than reading out the script a few times. It is focused and specific and structured.

The fifth of the five p’s of presentations is performance as that defines a presentation in being more than simply a recitation. It is about engagement with the audience , reacting to issues and even ideas and being real. These are valued more highly than being word perfect or hidden behind a lectern. A presentation is the culmination of the five p’s of presentation; planning, preparation, consistency, practise and then performance of the finished piece.

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Wow Amazing, I’m so interested in public speaking and actually finds this very helpful

wonderful information thanks

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

What are the 5 P’s of presentation?

Introduction.

The 5 P’s of presentation are a great reminder that if you’re prepared and practice, you’ll be able to pause and pace, then present.

Prepare your presentation.

Prepare your slides.

Prepare your notes for the presentation. Make sure that you have enough time to go over all of them before the presentation. You should also take care of any last-minute changes that may occur at the last minute, such as a change in venue or a missing speaker or colleague who is unable to attend the event.

Prepare your handouts so that they are ready to be distributed at any time during or after the presentation (if necessary). Handouts can include things like copies of reports, graphs and charts which help explain concepts better than just words on a slide do alone – but make sure these aren’t too detailed because they won’t get read anyway!

If there are multiple people giving presentations then each person needs their own set of handout materials; however, if only one person is giving it then they should create their own version ahead of time using Microsoft Word software programs available online (or use Google Docs) so that everyone knows what’s going on inside those pages before sending them out digitally via email attachments later on down line while still retaining control over how much information gets sent out at once without wasting too much paper resources unnecessarily.”

Practice. Practice. Practice.

There’s a reason why this is the first word in the presentation acronym: it’s important! Practice your speech out loud, in front of a mirror or record yourself so that you can see how it looks and sounds when projected to an audience. Ask friends and family to watch your presentation, too—they’ll help you identify what works (and what doesn’t), plus their honest feedback can only help make you better at presenting in general.

If you’re interested in practicing with a coach, they can help guide you through every step of building a great presentation from start to finish—from coming up with ideas for topics and themes, to developing compelling content that resonates with potential employers or clients—and even give pointers on making sure every word counts toward conveying your message as concisely as possible without skimping on details or sounding rushed during delivery time. If you are having issues go for a presentation consulting .

Pause. Pause is a powerful tool that can be used to your advantage, but it can also work against you if used incorrectly. In general, the rule of thumb is the longer the pause, the more impactful it becomes.

When using pauses effectively in a presentation:

• Give yourself time to think about your next point or response to audience questions. This is especially true when you’re speaking off-the-cuff or ad-libbing; pausing gives you time to collect your thoughts and formulate an appropriate response or statement.
• Let people process what you’ve said before continuing on with another point. If something is particularly important or meaningful, let everyone have time to absorb its significance before moving on so they are able to fully appreciate its importance and how it fits into their understanding of other ideas presented earlier in your presentation (or even previous presentations).
• Pace: This is the speed at which you speak. The best way to keep your audience engaged is to maintain a steady pace, neither rushing nor dragging it out.
• Less is more: It’s always better to have someone listen closely and understand what you have said than for them to be distracted by extraneous details that don’t add value to the message being delivered. Think about how much information you really need your audience members to retain from this presentation, then cut out anything else that may detract from their understanding of your main points and purpose.
• Use space wisely: If there are words on slides or projected on a screen behind you while they are in front of the room, they cannot see those slides unless they crane their necks around—which makes them uncomfortable and distracts them from listening closely! Instead of putting content up there, use those spaces as natural breaks between sections so people can take notes or comment throughout your talk without having something lingering over their heads constantly reminding them where they should be looking right now instead of focusing on what’s being said right now.”

As you prepare to present, it’s useful to remind yourself of the five P’s:

• Present with confidence. The audience will watch your body language when you get up to speak, so look at them, not your notes or slides. You can use eye contact or make hand gestures if necessary (but don’t overdo it). Even though you may feel nervous, try not to show any signs of discomfort on your face. Ideally, they won’t even know that you’re uncomfortable—and they’ll think that whatever it is that you’re presenting is effortless!
• Be prepared with answers for all their questions (even if those questions haven’t been asked yet). If someone has a question during the presentation itself, answer it briefly before continuing on with what was planned originally in order not only keep the flow going but also show confidence in what’s being said so far. It also helps ease tension from both parties involved because everyone knows there are no surprises coming down from above (which could happen for example during meetings where managers are involved), which gives everyone more freedom when speaking freely about ideas/desires within their own teams/departments instead of worrying about whether or not anything needs approval first.”

You should use the 5 P’s of presentation because it helps you prepare for the worst-case scenario. For example, if your laptop crashes during your presentation or if someone tries to talk over you: these situations can happen! And when they do, having a plan in mind will help calm your nerves and get through it gracefully.

In addition to being useful while giving a presentation, the 5 P’s also work during any kind of speech-making situation — whether it’s at work or school or an event with friends. The most important thing is to remember that no matter what happens out there on stage (or wherever), always keep going—and use the techniques below as much as possible!

The 5 P’s are a great tool to keep in mind when giving a speech or presentation. As we’ve seen throughout this article, they’re all interconnected and work together to help you make your point effectively. You won’t be able to present well without preparing properly first, practicing what you want to say over again until it feels natural (or at least comfortable), pausing after each sentence so listeners can process what just happened before moving on again -and- pacing yourself so that everything flows smoothly together!

• Choosing the Right Auto Glass Replacement Company in Mississauga: What to Look For
• UDYOG AADHAR CANCELLATION PROCESS

You May Also Like

Love what you have, before life teaches you to lov – tymoff 

What Are the Best Outdoor Business Sign Choices For You?

Understanding the [pii_pn_8e0328ca72ae5040ff82] Error

Presentation Skills Ultimate Guide and How to Give a Good Presentation

What are presentation skills.

In understanding presentation skills, one must first understand presenting. Simply put, presenting is communicating to an audience in order to deliver a message. It can take many different forms. It could be at school or university. Perhaps, it’s a speech at a wedding or a special event. Typically, however, we associate presentations with work.

For most people, the thought of talking in front of a group of people, regardless of the reason, makes us scared. We know, however, that we need this essential communication skill. It helps us lead people, get a promotion or just get our point across. So how do we develop this skill?

The most powerful person in the room is the one who can effectively communicate their ideas.” – Barack Obama

Read on to learn how to give a good presentation.

This Ultimate Guide will Cover:

• What are Presentation Skills? (Above)
• What is the Difference Between Public Speaking and Presenting?
• How to Overcome Your Fear of Presenting
• What are Good Presentation Skills?
• How Do I Create a Powerful Presentation?
• What Medium Should You Use?
• What Makes an Effective Presentation?
• How to Improve Your Skills in Presenting
• The Top Five Tips for Presenting
• Further Reading and Resources

2) What is the Difference Between Public Speaking and Presenting ?

To start, let’s understand how each is defined:

Presentation:

‘A speech or talk in which a new product, idea, or piece of work is shown and explained to an audience.’

Public Speaking:

‘The art or process of making a speech in public using effective oral communication with an audience.’

Looking at both definitions you can see clear similarities. In short, the core of what they are is the same. They require similar skills to enable communication with others.

Public speaking uses a more general set of communication skills and is a very important skill for anyone to have.

Skills for effective presenting are more specific to get a point across. It’s often linking the talking to a medium and having a measured outcome. However, both are about successfully talking in front of an audience. Both come down to who is giving the message, what the message is, who the audience is, what medium supports it and what impact our message has.

Watch our video to learn more.

What is the Importance of Presentation Skills?

Already, we have mentioned a number of times that you might need to talk in front of a group of people. Be it work or social, we have a need to be able to get our point across to be successful. If we are good at public speaking we can build a strong reputation, and improve our self-confidence. It will even open up more opportunities for us. This is something everyone wants.

In order to learn how to give a good presentation, we need to understand the key differences between ‘personal presentation’ and ‘presentation skills’.

The Difference Between Personal and Presentation Skills?

Typically, skills in presenting are limited to those times you know you are in the ‘limelight’. That is, you have been asked to give a presentation, run a meeting or train a group of staff.

Personal Presentation, however, is all the other times you need to speak out in front of a group and would be less prepared. This might be in a meeting you are attending or something as simple as a work lunch. Your personal skills in presenting include your voice, body language and what you say. Your ability to think on your feet , say what you actually mean and get a point across.

Both of these are core life skills that make you more adaptable .

See an overview of 7 ways to start a presentation below. Click the image below for a higher resolution.

3) How to Overcome Your Fear of Presenting

A fear of public speaking can be all-consuming for some people. You might freeze completely, feel nauseous or faint when forced into these situations. However, being one of these people doesn’t mean you have to stay one. Once you understand how you feel and shift your attention to what matters, presentations become so much easier.

One of my favourite pieces of wisdom I was told whilst overcoming my own fear of presenting was, ‘How you are feeling isn’t the same as how you are doing’.

We have a tendency to overthink everything particularly when the spotlight is on us. We like to call this the ‘spotlight trap’. Falling into the spotlight trap is easy. We instantly become very self-aware. Each movement we make is over analysed and causes us to move unnaturally or stiffen up altogether.

We need to remember that this presentation is not a performance. It is purely us sharing the knowledge we know with an audience that doesn’t know about it. If we start by keeping that in mind it will become easier. All of the tips we will explore below may feel like common sense. But when you actually apply them they can drastically reduce the fear and make your presentation great.

>> Presentation Skills Coaching Cards <<

>> Access on Amazon << 

4) What are the Characteristics of Effective Presentation Skills?

This is an important question to ask and provides a basis for the importance of skills for effective presenting. We know the basics of presenting, but how do we make a good presentation? Also, how can we ensure it is effective?

#1- What is the Purpose of Your Presentation?

This should start with a  mind map  or a simple set of questions. I like to call this ‘5 Bums on a rugby post’:

As you can see from the image, the rugby post forms an ‘H’. This is for ‘How’. Each of the bums is a ‘W’. These remind us of five open questions , ‘Who’, ‘What’, ‘When’, ‘Where’, ‘Why’. You should think about your presentation by asking these questions.

This is an easy way to remember all the questions you need to answer to be best prepared. Answer each question about your content, context, audience and impact. Examples might be, what is the point of this presentation? When does it need to take place? Where will it happen? How does that limit my media options?

#2- Why is it Important to Have an Objective?

If you are unclear on your own objective it will be very difficult to create a powerful presentation. So make sure you are clear on why you are talking and what the point is that you need to get across. If you can successfully answer those two questions before you start planning, you will have a much better idea of structure. When deciding upon your objective, ensure you are  SMART .

When you are doing a presentation it is essential to think about the objective you want to achieve. Are you there to educate and inform the audience? Or, is it more about energising and entertaining them? Depending on the objective, the structure, content and way of presenting will all change dramatically.

#3- Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats

Another method you could use is DeBono’s 6 Thinking Hats . Looking at your decision-making from a range of perspectives will help you think more creatively about your content:

• Red Hat: Look at the situation emotionally. What do your feelings tell you?
• White Hat: Look at the situation objectively. What are the facts?
• Yellow Hat: Use a positive perspective. Which elements of the solution will work?
• Black Hat: Use a negative perspective. Which elements of the solution won’t work?
• Green Hat: Think creatively. What are some alternative ideas?
• Blue Hat: Think broadly. What is the best overall solution?

For more, review our infographic on the 6 thinking hats. Click the image below for a higher resolution.

#4- Creating the Order of Presentation

Once you understand the purpose of the presentation it is best to consider the order. A storyboard could come in handy. Have each topic on a post-it note so that you can move them around with ease until the order flows in the most logical way.

#5- Ways to Engage the Audience

Now you need to think about how to grab the audience’s attention from the beginning. Ask yourself, ‘Why have they come to listen to me?’ This is normally a good place to start. Try understanding what might work for your specific audience. Ideas of ways to grab attention are:

1-Interaction:

We mentioned earlier that getting the audience involved is a helpful presentation skill. You could do something simple or you could plan something more elaborate, like a game.

During a training session, a delegate came up with a way to ensure the audience would ask questions. He printed the questions he wanted, placed them in envelopes and stuck them under a few chairs. Then during the presentation, he got them to look under their chairs and those with envelopes needed to ask the question. This immediately got the audience involved and relaxed the whole room. So be creative!

2- Tell a Story :

By starting with words like, ‘imagine’, ‘think of a time’, ‘close your eyes’ or ‘what if’, you are encouraging creativity in people’s minds. Furthermore, you’re making it easier for them to relate to your topic. The story that follows needs to be relevant to the presentation to make this work.

3-Using a Quote:

By quoting someone relevant to the topic, or group, you can add value and depth to your presentation.

There are only two types of speakers in the world. 1. The nervous and 2. Liars.” – Mark Twain

4-Ask Questions:

Ask direct, or rhetorical questions. Once again this is about activating the brain and involving the audience.

5-Use a Prop or Visual Aid:

Caroline Goyder used an aid very well in her TEDx Talk. It intrigued the audience and made them pay attention to find out what it is. View her 19-minute TEDx talk below:

5) How Do I Create a Powerful Presentation?

When thinking about creating the best presentation it is good to take your ideas and start to structure them well. To create your structure you need to think about the following areas:

• Voice and language
• The presenter
• Timing and structure

#1- Audience

When you are planning your presentation, be mindful of the people you will be talking to. Who are they? What age range will they be? Why are they in front of you today? Plus, if they are there voluntarily or mandatory, this may affect their engagement. Think about their demographics (age, gender, literacy or social status) and how that will affect the information they are hearing.

If you don’t consider your audience then your presentation is set to fail before you have even begun. Below are the five different types of audiences to help you consider who you are delivering to:

Types of Audiences:

• The uninformed audience — those present know little about the topic you are presenting. Indeed, they have no preconceived attitude toward the subject. Therefore, you need to inform them so that they understand it.
• The hostile audience — this is an audience that either does not like you or your message. Moreover, they know something about the topic. Therefore, you should talk with a friendly tone and emphasise common ground. Even more, answer objections with facts and logic.
• The apathetic audience — is indifferent or doesn’t care to get involved. You will need to study this audience carefully to determine the source of the indifference and how you can excite them.
• The mixed audience — this is an audience comprised of the informed and the non-informed. Whereas the non-informed may be indifferent about the topic, the informed can either be receptive or hostile. When dealing with this audience, be careful with facts and reach out to their emotion.
• The favourable audience — these are people who support you or your attitude and beliefs. However, do not take them for granted. Reinforce their existing attitudes and make them more grounded with facts.

#2- Voice and Language

When thinking about delivery and the language you use, it is important that you understand if you use colloquialisms, slang, technical speak, buzzwords, and metaphors based on the audience’s level of understanding.

However, you also need to know if you are presenting to a geographically diverse group and need to use a different language or a universal language. If you are speaking in a neutral language that isn’t native to the whole audience consider using more basic words and sentence structures to get your points across clearly.

When you focus on your voice this is looking at your pace, tone, and pitch. Thinking about how you create emphasis on words by using your pausing and volume. To help with this, we can think about the 5 Ps of Presenting:

#3- The 5 Ps for Better Presentation Skills:

Click the image below for a higher resolution.

• Project . Whether you have a microphone or not, direct your voice to the audience so that you can be heard clearly. Furthermore, take a deep breath before you begin, so that you have enough air under your voice to project without sounding shaky or tired.
• Pause. Silence is great – do not fear it. It attracts the audience’s attention. Pause often and longer. In fact, it demonstrates c onfidence . Silence emphasises a significant point and pausing after highlights it. Indeed, a few vocal pauses like ‘uh’ or ‘um’ are okay. However, many of them can annoy. Practice pausing silently to sound thoughtful instead of immature. Presentation expert Anne Miller says: “You do not persuade anyone by speaking constantly, rapidly and louder. You persuade them by saying something poignant and then pausing while they absorb and consider your words”.
• Pitch.  Vary your tone to avoid monotony, which might drive the audience to sleep. Speak like you are telling a terrific story to friends. Avoid exaggerated pitches.
• Pace.  Don’t speak slowly. Instead, speak slightly faster than your normal speed but never too fast. Indeed, fast speakers lose the audience. Gain common ground with your audience in regard to your speed.
• Pronounce.  Say words clearly. Mumbling makes it hard for the audience to understand or follow your message.

#4- The Presenter

When you give a presentation, the first thing the audience will do is decide if they like you based on your appearance. You need to make sure that you are dressed in an appropriate way to suit the audience you are talking to and the environment they are working in.

The second element that is noticed is your overall passion for the topic. Even if you are a bit nervous about your presentation if you have a real passion and a deep understanding of the topic, that will always shine through. Make sure that you are well prepared and that you are really passionate about the topic you are presenting. Furthermore, being able to relate back to personal experience is a sure way to show people your own passion.

Your body language is the last element that people will focus on. This is a telltale sign of the level of nervousness that someone is displaying. If you have the room you should make the best use of it. Moving with purpose can help you master how and when to move. An example of this is to move towards your medium to point at something with emphasis rather than just bobbing around from foot to foot. It can also be walking forward towards the audience or from one side of the room to the other to engage in eye contact with all participants.

Mastering good time management is essential when developing your skills of presenting. Depending on the type of presentation, you may only have a short window to present and develop your key argument (e.g. sales pitch). Otherwise, you might have a longer slot that you need to make sure you not only fill but also engage the audience throughout.

When you create timings you need to have a little flexibility so that you can adjust depending on audience engagement. If you are talking about something and you can see a loss of interest, you need to be able to move on and shift the focus onto something that grabs their imagination. Think about your transitions from different points. How long does each point need? If you are moving too fast you could lose your audience, but taking too long could have the same effect.

#6- Structure

When structuring your presentation you need to focus on covering the four main areas:

• Introduction – give an overview of the key concepts that you are going to cover.
• The main discussion introduces key concepts – talk about the key points, ideally focusing on 3 sections or points as a maximum.
• Conclusion with a summary – summarise the key concept and your views.
• Questions – open up to questions (if appropriate).

If you focus on these four key areas you should be able to create a structured presentation that is easy to follow and memorable for your audience.

Excuse the Interruption, but Here’s a Little Bit About Us…

We are the soft skills training provider, partnering with clients that are frustrated by people returning from training courses and then doing nothing differently. Our clients choose us because we achieve behavioural change through our unique training method, sticky learning ®.

Find out how to improve skills in presenting with our tailored presentation skills training .

#7- Avoid Common Mistakes

The video below shows some common pitfalls presenters often fall into – 11 errors of presenting:

6) What Medium Should You Use?

Now that you have an understanding of your content and methods of audience engagement, you can decide on the medium you will use to support you. So many people make the mistake of creating a PowerPoint before they have considered any of the information above. Now that you know about it, you can see why this is a bad start. We also need to accept that PowerPoint isn’t the only or always the best method of getting your point across.

Let’s look at a few different ways we can support our presentations:

#1- PowerPoint Presentation (Slides)

Let’s start with the favourite. As discussed earlier, we need to consider how we grab our audience’s attention. The likelihood that a slide will do this is slim. Especially when it just has the topic name on it. So why use it?

Nowadays there are a variety of programmes that do similar things, Prezi, SlideRocket, and Emaze to name a few. All of them have similar functions to personalise information in a slide form. They each provide a visual aid that can be displayed as you speak. Furthermore, they all allow you to illustrate key points using a range of graphics and advanced features, such as video and audio. Slides can add value if used correctly.

When to Use Slides:

• If you want to play a video in a seamless way.
• When you want to show a series of information, data or pictures that build on each other.
• If you are in an environment that means you can’t use any other method.

When Not to Use Slides :

• As a starting point, you should be able to introduce yourself and the topic without one.
• If you don’t have access or prior knowledge of the room layout. The reason being it might, for instance, be difficult for people to see.
• If you want your audience to move around with you during the presentation.

Creating a Presentation Using Technology:

• Clean slides are important, don’t over-decorate or fill your slides, otherwise, they are hard to read.
• Use the 6×6 rule – no more than 6 bullet points per slide, with no more than 6 words per bullet point.
• Use images as often as you can. The audience can focus on you rather than read.
• Where are you going to stand? Think about this in advance. Make sure you are visible to everyone in the audience.
• Think about how to move to the next slide. Will you use a clicker? Is your laptop situated close enough so you can change them yourself?

Kawasaki’s 10-20-30 Rule for Presentation Skills:

Kawasaki emphasises the importance of being succinct to be able to get your message across. We all suffer death from PowerPoint regularly. Guy Kawasaki, of Apple fame, came up with a helpful and easy-to-remember rule for PowerPoint presentations. The 10-20-30 rule suggests the following for every presentation:

• Contain no more than 10 slides.
• Last no more than 20 minutes.
• Use a font size of no less than 30 points.

Formatting Your Slides:

When you are looking to format the slides you need to keep your audience in mind. You should consider the following:

• Content Organisation – Information chunking – Consider what sections need to go together and then how they flow from one another. If you have a good structure it will help your audience follow the information and understand your presentation.
• Content Relevance and Importance – Ask yourself – is the content on your slides critical to the understanding and visual representation of the information? If the answer is no, then don’t use it. This can confuse the audience and they might lose track while they are trying to make sense of it.
• Content Appropriateness – Consider who your audience is and how the information presented will affect them. If you are delivering at the wrong level, and using inappropriate language or images, you may affect your ability to connect and engage with your audience.

Collaborative Presentation Tools:

Google Slides and Slideshare work in a similar way to PowerPoint or Prezi. However, they provide a greater collaborative way of working. They are mostly free, web-based software that will help you to collaborate in real-time with people all over the world. This can be very useful for projects for international companies or teams. The same rules apply with regard to the slide structure and layout as they do with PowerPoint.

#2- Flip Chart

Some people love this, others hate it. But a flip chart means you can make your audience feel part of the presentation. It is, however, important that you are comfortable writing in front of people.

When to Use Flip Charts:

• If you want to capture live ideas from the audience about a topic.
• If you are confident in your writing.
• When your presentation is less structured. It allows freedom for organic idea development.

When Not to Use Flip Charts:

• If you are uncomfortable or feel it will detract from the point.
• When your room doesn’t have space to put up a flip chart.
• If you have a clear structure that will be lost if you deviate by encouraging audience participation.

#3- Wall Boards

Prepared and well-printed wallboards can add great visuals to any presentation. They can be turned to reveal information at the right time or be on show when people arrive to get their brains working in advance.

When to Use Wall Boards:

• If you have well-thought-out information or images that add sustained value (as they will be visible throughout the presentation).
• When you want those big visual aids to get people in the right mindset to hear what you have to say.
• If you want people to move around the room with you.
• When you have no access to PowerPoint facilities but want a visual aid.

When Not to Use Wall Boards:

• If you have no space or aren’t allowed to attach anything to the walls (check this with the room provider).
• When you feel they might distract the audience as you develop further points away from the content.

#4- Instant Audience Interaction

Using different software can help you get real-time voting, and gain instant feedback on a topic or point raised. Moreover, using real-time quiz activities can help engage your audience further. The following two examples are currently very popular:

Mentimeter gives the audience a code. They can put it into the app and then vote in real time as you present and ask questions. This can be useful to then analyse the data and see what engaged the audience most.

Kahoot! is an interactive quiz. Again, users can put a code into the app and answer multiple-choice questions. This can help you gauge their level of understanding of the topic.

If used correctly these tools can add a lot of value, but you have to make sure the questions are very relative to the topic.

#5- Go it Alone

A lot of people feel the need to have something to support them. Consider the impact of having nothing. Are you able to pull off not having visual aids? Will you make the right impression and get your point across to your audience? If not, then choose one of the options above. But if yes then give it ago!

When to Go It Alone:

• If you have the confidence and tone projection to engage your audience without visual aids.
• When the presentation is short and not very detailed.
• If your room gives you no other option.

When Not to Go It Alone:

• If you need visuals to help the audience understand.
• When your presentation is long and very detailed.

You now have your content and visual aids. Now it’s important to practice. Try to use all your skills to make the delivery of your presentation match the effort you have put into creating it.

7) What Makes an Effective Presentation?

#1- useful skills.

Understanding your audience is the key to delivering a successful presentation. You will need to ensure that you have effective skills for giving good presentations. With this in mind, it is a good idea for a presenter to understand different types of people and how their brains work. Understanding theories like Myers Briggs ( MBTI ) or Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument ( HBDI ) can greatly help a presenter shape the delivery to meet all types of people and provide maximum influence.

Myers Briggs (MBTI)

In simple terms, this type of indicator looks at four elements; energy, information, decisions, and living. By placing people on each scale you can start to understand their psychological type. Once you understand your own type, and that of those in the audience, you can start to adapt your communication and approach to get the best out of conversations.

Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument

HBDI is a psychometric tool that places people into four different areas based on how they think. Here is a breakdown of the four areas:

• A – Blue quadrant: Logical, technical, and financial. In a single word ‘Fact’, or as a profession – Engineer.
• B – Green quadrant: Organised, detailed, and structured. In a single word ‘Form’, or as a profession – Project Manager.
• C – Red quadrant: Emotional, sensory, and people. In a single word ‘Feeling’, or as a profession – Teacher/Nurse.
• D – Yellow quadrant: Risk-taker, intuitive, and the big picture. In a single word ‘Future’, or as a profession – Entrepreneur.

As a speaker, it is important to understand how people might react to the way you talk about different topics. If you heavily favour one of these styles, it may come across in your presentation. Moreover, it could cause friction with the audience without you meaning to.

For more detail, read our article on applying HBDI to presentations .

#2- Useful Techniques

Throughout this article, the skills in presenting covered have been about content, design, the type of medium to use, and how to use it. Now comes the most important part, the actual delivery of your presentation. These are the things you need to be practising over and over. Try to watch out for them in your recordings. Mastering these techniques will make you look comfortable, and ensure you deliver an effective presentation.

1. Friendly Faces

Most presenters will pick one friendly face in the room and talk to that person. This can help at first to calm your nerves. However, for that person, it can become awkward. Furthermore, the rest of the audience might feel left out. Make sure you start with a friendly face, but then give everyone eye contact as you look around.

Read our article on how to calm nerves before a presentation for more detail.

2. Eye Contact

If you struggle to make eye contact, the easiest tip is to divide the room into thirds (left, middle, and right or front, middle, and back). Then move your head to look at each third one after another. When practising, get into the habit of engaging one of the three areas with your eyes as you move to each new section or slide. This creates an easy flow that your body gets used to. If eye contact makes you really uncomfortable, you can look at people’s noses instead, they won’t be able to tell the difference, but it may put you more at ease.

3. Tone of Voice

It is really important that you engage the audience with your voice. Deep breathing before you start can help steady your voice. Also using pauses can help build anticipation in the audience.

4. Body Language

Everyone wants a silver bullet here and honestly, there isn’t one. You need to move with a purpose (to point at something or change your focus). You need to record yourself and understand what you do with your arms and legs. If you know you fiddle, make sure you have nothing around to pick up. Make sure you don’t have coins in your pocket.

If you can focus on moving for a reason and using your hands to emphasise your words then you are on to a winning formula. Always remember that doing anything that might be a distraction once or twice is fine. It is only once it becomes repetitive that people will become distracted by it.

Listening to someone speaking too fast is not a pleasant experience for your audience. They will feel rushed and uncomfortable. Practising your speech beforehand can help you pace yourself. Being nervous naturally makes us talk faster. We want to get it over as quickly as possible! When you practice your speech, think about the section you are on at set times. Try to know where you should be in your presentation on the day.

8) How to Improve Presentation Skills

Presentation training should cover the main areas of a presentation in enough detail and give you time to practice those skills.

Content Creation:

• How to create a storyboard plan.
• What questions to ask to check content understanding in the audience.
• How to include a story.
• How to grab the audience’s attention.

Medium Creation:

• Understanding how to create a PowerPoint, Flip charts, Wallboards, etc.
• Time to practice these skills with relevant software or materials.
• Time to practice. It should be recorded. Watch it back gain feedback and then practice again.

Most good presentation skills courses will run over two separate days with a break in the middle. This allows you the time to create a final presentation to bring back to the group and gain further feedback on your skills. Without doing this you might not have embedded the skills, therefore, this second day is vital to help make the learning stick.

A good course is also likely to ask you to arrive with a presentation prepared on the first day. This is to set a benchmark of the starting point and for the trainer to understand how to alter the day for the delegates in the room.

Take a look at our presentation skills infographic below and find out how to improve your presentation skills.

Click the image for a higher resolution:

9) The Top Five Tips for Presenting:

Finally, let us look at the list of the top 5 presentation skills tips to take away for your journey to better presentations:

• Know your audience.
• Structure your presentation so that it flows well.
• Choose the best medium to deliver the best result.
• Breathe and use your pausing effectively.
• Practice makes perfect – practice at least 10 times but more if you are able.

Final Thoughts

Thinking back to my early days of having to talk in front of my class in school, I was terrified. I was very bad at making eye contact or projecting my voice loud enough to be heard. So when I moved into business and needed to get better at this, I chose the sink-or-swim approach. I took an opportunity to train a group of 9 people over a 5-week period, which was part of the job that I did at the time. For the whole of the first week, I was red in the face, very nervous, and uncomfortable.

But as I practised the skillset day in and day out, it got easier and easier. Now, I own a training business and deliver to large and small groups of people within all levels of organisations. Like any skill set, you need to practice to make it work.

This Skill Will Change Your Life – It Has Mine

Skills for giving effective presentations are so important for helping us move through life, gaining the best opportunity, and showing the best of ourselves. Even if you don’t regularly need to talk in front of groups, it is a skill that will help in many aspects of your work and personal life.

From feeling more confident to be ready to say ‘yes’ when the opportunity presents itself, these skills will help you grow. Knowing how to give a good presentation and having good communication skills should be life skills everyone develops. In the wise words of Richard Branson:

If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!”

You need to be ready to have the conversation and put yourself forward.

10) Further Reading and Resources on Presentation Skills

You can find further insight, detailed definitions, and clarification of all the key relevant terms mentioned in this guide in our Glossary for giving good presentations.

‘No audience ever complained about a presentation or speech being too short.’   – Stephen Keague 

‘[The] best way to conquer stage fright is to know what you’re talking about.’   – Michael H Mescon

#2- Books All About Presenting

So many amazing authors and speakers have given their tips on presenting and dealing with nerves. I have included my favourite books below:

• ‘ Speak Up!: An Illustrated Guide to Public Speaking ‘  by Douglas M Fraleigh and Joseph S. Tuman. This is an illustrated introduction to public speaking and presentations.
• ‘ TED Talks Storytelling: 23 Storytelling Techniques from the Best TED Talks ’  by Akash Karia. This will give you an insight into how to best use stories to engage your audience.
• ‘ Pitch Anything: An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal’  by Oren Klaff. An Investment banker now Author with over $400 million won in deals shares his secret winning formula.
• ‘ Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds ’  by Carmine Gallo. All the research shows the 9 points that make any presentation successful.
• ‘ Speak to Win: How to Present with Power in Any Situation ’   by Brian Tracy. This is a book of solid advice for newcomers to the world of presenting.
• ‘ Eloquence In Public Speaking ’   by Dr Kenneth McFarland. This is a dated book but the lessons learnt are so relevant and well-taught that it is well worth a read.

#3- Free Download

Click the image to access our ’10 Top Tips for How to Present Persuasively’:

#4- Must-watch Videos

Watch our playlist from our YouTube channel for effective presentation skills tips. Click the video below:

Chris Anderson, a TED Talks presentation skills curator, explains the secret to a TED Talk. The ability to place an idea or thought in a listener’s mind. It’s a very interesting concept:

#5- Relevant Articles You May Like:

• Presentation skills examples .
• Must-know presentation tricks .
• Do your online presentations lack oomph ?
• All about virtual presentations.
• Here’s how to start presenting with impact .

#6- Contact Us

Lastly, feel free to get in touch to find out how our presentation training can help you. Simply visit our contact us  page or email us at  [email protected] , and we will be happy to get back to you.

Remember, you are the presentation, not the slides. – Darren A. Smith .

Related Articles:

Ultimate Guide

There’s More!

Improve your Personal Development with Resources Designed for You

Ultimate Guides

Blog Articles

Watch Related Videos

View Infographics

Listen to Podcasts

Get your Pack of Coaching Cards from Amazon

Search Training Courses

Browse the Shop

Further Resources

Forgetting Curve

Sticky Learning

Training Evaluation

Would you like to receive regular articles on learning and development? Improve your personal development?

You may also like:.

Influencing Skills Ultimate Guide with a Focus on Persuasion Skills

GSCOP Ultimate Guide | Groceries Supply Code of Practice | GSCOP Code

Leadership Skills Ultimate Guide with a Focus on Leadership Styles

Written By:

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

How to Make a “Good” Presentation “Great”

• Guy Kawasaki

Remember: Less is more.

A strong presentation is so much more than information pasted onto a series of slides with fancy backgrounds. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others. Here are some unique elements that make a presentation stand out.

• Fonts: Sans Serif fonts such as Helvetica or Arial are preferred for their clean lines, which make them easy to digest at various sizes and distances. Limit the number of font styles to two: one for headings and another for body text, to avoid visual confusion or distractions.
• Colors: Colors can evoke emotions and highlight critical points, but their overuse can lead to a cluttered and confusing presentation. A limited palette of two to three main colors, complemented by a simple background, can help you draw attention to key elements without overwhelming the audience.
• Pictures: Pictures can communicate complex ideas quickly and memorably but choosing the right images is key. Images or pictures should be big (perhaps 20-25% of the page), bold, and have a clear purpose that complements the slide’s text.
• Layout: Don’t overcrowd your slides with too much information. When in doubt, adhere to the principle of simplicity, and aim for a clean and uncluttered layout with plenty of white space around text and images. Think phrases and bullets, not sentences.

As an intern or early career professional, chances are that you’ll be tasked with making or giving a presentation in the near future. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others.

• Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist at Canva and was the former chief evangelist at Apple. Guy is the author of 16 books including Think Remarkable : 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference.

Partner Center

10 Presentation Skills That Every Great Presenter Must Have

It’s no secret that effective presentations can help you get ahead in business. After all, what better way to show off your knowledge and expertise than by delivering a well-crafted presentation? The right presentation skills give you the ability to share your ideas with an audience convincingly and engagingly.

Unfortunately, not everyone is born a natural presenter. If you’re not used to standing up in front of an audience, the prospect of doing so can be daunting. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to improve your presentation skills.

In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to do just that, allowing you to deliver an effective presentation.

Let’s get right into it.

What are Presentation Skills?

Presentation skills are the abilities you need to deliver a clear and effective presentation. After all, a good presenter is someone who can communicate their ideas in a way that engages and motivates their audience.

There are many different aspects to presentation skills, from knowing how to structure your talk to using visuals effectively, to dealing with nerves.

Developing strong presentation skills will help you to communicate your ideas more effectively and make a positive impression on your audience.

Presentation skills are important because they can help you to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively. A good presentation can make a big impact on your audience and can help to persuade them of your point of view.

Presentation skills are also important in other areas of life, such as job interviews, sales pitches, and networking events. Being able to present your ideas clearly and concisely can give you a big advantage over others who are not as confident in their presentation skills.

Why Is it Important To Recognize Presentation Skills & Their Benefits?

One of the most important reasons to recognize presentation skills is because they are a valuable skill for any profession. Good presentation skills can help you in your career by making it easier to sell your ideas, get promoted, and be successful in business.

In addition, good presentation skills can also help you in your personal life by making it easier to give speeches, make presentations, and teach classes.

In addition, recognizing presentation skills can also help you improve your presentations. If you are not aware of the importance of presentation skills, you may not be using them to their full potential.

By taking the time to learn about presentation skills and how to use them effectively, you can make your presentations more effective and persuasive.

Here’s a list of benefits that come with good presentation skills:

• Increased confidence
• The ability to think on your feet
• Improved public speaking skills
• Enhanced written communication skills
• The ability to lead and motivate others
• Enhanced problem-solving abilities
• Improved negotiation skills
• Stronger time management skills
• Greater creativity
• The opportunity to make a positive impact on others

10 Examples of Presentation Skills

Let’s now explore some practical examples of presentation skills that will help you ace your next big presentation.

A Clear And Confident Voice

One of the most important aspects of a great presentation is having a clear and confident voice. If you’re mumbling or speaking too quietly, your audience is going to have a hard time understanding you.

On the other hand, if you’re shouting or speaking too fast, they’re going to get overwhelmed and tune out. So, it’s important to find that happy medium where your voice is audible and easy to understand.

The Ability To Engage With Your Audience

Another key presentation skill is the ability to engage with your audience. This means making eye contact, using gestures, and speaking in a way that is relatable and easy to understand.

If you’re just standing there reading off a slide, chances are your audience is going to get bored pretty quickly. But if you can find ways to keep them engaged, they’ll be more likely to listen to what you have to say.

Good Eye Contact

One of the best ways to engage with your audience is through eye contact. When you make eye contact with someone, it shows that you’re interested in what they have to say and that you’re engaged in the conversation. It also helps to build trust and rapport.

So, if you can find ways to make eye contact with your audience members, it will go a long way in keeping them engaged.

Natural Gestures

Another great way to engage with your audience is through natural gestures. Using your hands and arms to gesture can help emphasize points and keep your audience engaged. Just be sure not to go overboard – too much gesturing can be distracting.

Positive Body Language

Your body language is also important when it comes to presentations. If you’re slouching or looking down at your feet, it’s going to show that you’re not confident in what you’re saying.

On the other hand, if you’re standing up straight and making strong eye contact, it’s going to give off a positive impression. So, be aware of your body language and try to project confidence through it.

The Use Of Visual Aids

Visual aids can be a great way to engage your audience and make your points more clear. Using slides, charts, and graphs can help illustrate your ideas and make them easier to understand. Similar to using gestures, just be sure not to overdo it – too many visuals can be overwhelming and confusing.

The Ability To Handle Questions

At some point during your presentation, you’re likely going to get questions from your audience; how you handle those questions can make or break your presentation. If you’re able to answer them confidently and without getting flustered, it’ll show that you know your stuff.

But if you start to get tongue-tied or defensive, it’s going to reflect poorly on you. So, be prepared for questions and try to stay calm when answering them.

An Organized Structure

Another important presentation skill is having a well-organized structure. This means having an introduction, main body, and conclusion to your presentation.

It also means using transitions between sections to help your audience follow along. If your presentation is all over the place, it’s going to be hard for your audience to stay engaged and they’ll quickly tune out.

The Use Of Storytelling

Storytelling is a great way to engage your audience and make your points more memorable. And while it might not seem like a traditional presentation skill, it can be extremely effective. So, if you can find ways to weave stories into your presentation, it’ll go a long way in captivating your audience.

Last but not least, confidence is one of the most important presentation skills you can have. If you’re not confident in what you’re saying, it’s going to show – and your audience is going to pick up on it.

So, even if you’re not feeling 100% sure of yourself, try to project confidence. It’ll make a big difference in how your audience perceives you and your message.

How To Identify & Master Presentation Skills

The good news is that presentation skills are not rocket science. Anyone can develop and master them with the right guidance.

Here’s a 5-step process to help you identify and master presentation skills.

Determine The Purpose Of Your Presentation

Are you trying to inform, persuade, or entertain your audience? Knowing the purpose of your presentation will help you focus on the right content and delivery.

Know Your Audience

Who will be watching or listening to your presentation? What are their needs, wants, and concerns? The better you understand your audience, the more effectively you can address their needs.

Structure Your Content

Organize your thoughts into an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should grab your audience’s attention and set the stage for the rest of your presentation. The body should contain the meat of your argument, and the conclusion should drive home your main points.

Choose Your Delivery Method

Will you be using slides, props, or other visual aids? Will you be speaking extemporaneously or reading from a script? Choose a delivery method that best suits your content and audience.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The only way to become a master presenter is to practice, practice, practice! Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you. Then keep practicing until it becomes second nature.

Also, consider that the right strengths test can help you understand your presentation skills better – both the strong ones and the ones to get better at. To this extent, the High5test.com strengths test is a great resource.

How To Improve Presentation Skills in The Workplace

The workplace is one of the most important places to hone your presentation skills. After all, in the business world, first impressions are key, and being able to deliver a polished and professional presentation can make all the difference in whether or not you’re successful.

Here are a few tips to help you improve your presentation skills in the workplace:

Preparation Is Key

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating. When you’re preparing for a presentation, take the time to do your research and gather all of the necessary information. This will help ensure that your presentation is well-organized and flows smoothly.

Be Aware Of Your Body Language

Your body language speaks volumes, so it’s important to be aware of what you’re communicating with your nonverbal cues. Make sure you’re standing up straight, making eye contact, and using gestures appropriately. These small tweaks can make a big difference in how your audience perceives you.

One of the best ways to improve your presentation skills is simply to practice as much as you can. The more you present, the more comfortable you’ll become and the better you’ll be at thinking on your feet and handling questions from the audience.

Seek Feedback

After each presentation, take some time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. If possible, seek feedback from your colleagues or boss. This will help you learn from your mistakes and continue to improve.

By following these tips, you can start to improve your presentation skills and make a positive impression in the workplace.

How To Highlight Presentation Skills In Resume & Job Interview

Another important skill that is often overlooked is the ability to highlight presentation skills in both a resume and a job interview. This can be the difference between getting the job and not.

When you are applying for a job, your resume is often the first thing that potential employers will look at. It is important to make sure that your resume includes any relevant presentation skills that you may have.

You can do this by including any experience you have in public speaking, leading presentations, or teaching courses. If you do not have any experience in these areas, consider listing any other relevant skills that could transfer over into presenting, such as customer service or sales experience.

In addition to your resume, it is also important to be able to highlight your presentation skills during a job interview. This is often done through behavioral interviewing, where you will be asked to describe specific examples of times when you have presented in the past. It is important to be prepared for this type of question and to have a few examples ready to go.

When you are highlighting your presentation skills, it is important to focus on any successes that you have had. This could be anything from getting positive feedback from an audience to successfully teaching a new course.

No matter what the specific example is, it is important to focus on how you were able to positively impact the situation. This will show potential employers that you can effectively present information and that you are someone they would want on their team.

Bonus Tip: How to Improve Presentation Skills in School As a Student

School students often have to present in front of their classmates and teachers. This can be a daunting experience, especially if you don’t feel confident in your abilities. However, there are some things you can do to improve your presentation skills while you’re still in school.

Join A Club Or Organization That Requires Presentations

This will force you to get up in front of people regularly and hone your skills. If no club or organization at your school requires presentations, start one!

Give speeches in front of the mirror.

Practicing in front of a mirror can help you identify any nervous habits you have (like fidgeting or pacing) and correct them before you have to give a real speech.

Use Note Cards Instead Of A Script

Reading from a script can make you sound robotic and unauthentic. Note cards will help you stay on track without sounding like you’re reciting memorized lines.

Record Yourself Giving A Presentation

Then, watch the recording back to see how you can improve. This exercise can be painful, but it’s one of the best ways to identify your weaknesses and work on them.

Find A Mentor

Ask a teacher or another adult you trust to give you feedback on your presentations. They can offer helpful tips and criticism that will help you improve.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a great presenter in no time!

Presentation Skills FAQs

What are the 7 presentation skills.

The 7 presentation skills are:

• Eye contact

What are the 4 types of presentation skills?

The 4 types of presentation skills are:

• Verbal communication
• Visual aids
• Non-verbal communication
• Listening skills

What is the rule of presentation?

The rule of presentation is to always keep the audience in mind. This means knowing who your audience is, what they want to hear, and how to best deliver your message so that they will listen and be able to understand it.

Related Posts

10 Essential Negotiation Skills Every Professional Must Have

10 Diplomatic Skills That Every Great Diplomat Must Have

15 HR Recruiter Skills That Every Great Recruiter Must Have

10 Receptionist Skills That Every Great Receptions Must Have

23 Communication Skills & Strengths: Types, How To and Examples

8 Key Time Management Skills: Definition, How To & Examples

HIGH5 is a strengths test to unlock the full potential of individuals, teams and organizations by identifying and maximizing what motivates and energizes them.

Join over 4 000 000 happy test takers:

Free Strengths Test

Methodology

Affiliate Program

Feature Request

Help Center

CliftonStrengths

VIA Character Strengths

Comparisons

For individuals

For organizations

For coaches

For educators

Talent development

Leadership development 

Team development

Diversity & Inclusion

Employee engagement

Change management

Full Strengths Report

Team Strengths Report

Strengths Planner

Strengths Discovery Guide

Strengths Reference Sheets

Strength Cards

Career Guides

Professional Skills

Job Interview Guides

Strengths in the Workplace

Copyright @ 2024 HIGH5TEST. All rights reserved. Terms & Conditions . Privacy Policy . Shipping Policy . Contact Info .

Bryan Edwards

ABC Training Solutions

Read more from Bryan Edwards

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1705321608055-0’); });

• September 28, 2015

The 5 Ps of Vocal Impact in Presentations

• By Bryan Edwards

• Tags: Behavioural Skills , Communication , Trainers' Tips

When delivering a presentation, voice projection is essential. The 5 P's is a way of maximising all the vocal aspects.

- Too loud a voice can be annoying particularly for those at the front of the audience

- Too quiet can say that the Presenter lacks confidence and others at the back can't hear

- Inject some energy into the voice to show enthusiasm for your message. The pitch or tone will vary more and the speech sounds more interesting to listen to

- Remember to inflect the voice i.e. stamp vocally on certain words. For example, saying 'Thank you very much' is less impactful than saying 'Thank YOU very much!'

- A good guide is an average of 120 words per minute in presentations

- Most people talk too fast (probably because they want to get it over with as quickly as possible!)

- Pausing is good for emphasis on key quality points. Pre-empting a quality point with a "Now this next point is very important", and a 3 second pause before making the point, is impactful

" The most precious thing in speech are the pauses"

SIR RALPH RICHARDSON

P ronunciation

- 'E's and 'P's ; 'B's and 'D's are very similar sounds, and need to be enunced clearly

- Slowing the pace can help the Pronunciation

"Talk low, talk slow, and don't talk too much"

View our fully designed, ready to deliver course material on Presentation Skills .

Bryan Edwards is Managing Director of ABC Training Solutions Ltd ( www.abctrainingsolutions.biz ) which delivers training throughout the U.K. and markets a range of fully-designed, ready to deliver workshops, self study packs and other training exercises for the busy trainer. He can be contacted on 07747 602215 or [email protected]

The ‘learning culture’ debate: Is the term still valid in today’s climate?

Become a change maker in fighting workplace discrimination

Looking forward to Learning Technologies: Europe’s leading workplace learning event

Responsive strategic workforce planning for future-fit organisations

www.abctrainingsolutions.biz - off shelf training materials

Most read this week

• Culture , Lead
• 10th April 2024

There is no innovation without intrapreneurship

• Thom Dennis

• Coaching , Deliver
• 13th February 2024

Learning how to give candid feedback

• Lead , Strategy
• 7th February 2024

Why skills-based learning is key to solving your talent shortage

• David James

• Culture , Lead , Post
• 1st March 2024

Leadership development: What you’re doing wrong and how to fix it

Human-centred leadership.

Leaders need to stop the self-sacrifice cycle

How to escape the relentless pace of leadership

Middle management’s biggest challenge

The role of emotional intelligence and self-compassion

Unlocking courage

We need braver leaders, so how do we get them?

• About TrainingZone
• Advertise on TrainingZone
• Terms of use
• Privacy policy
• Sub-Processors List

Get the latest from TrainingZone.

Elevate your L&D expertise by subscribing to TrainingZone’s newsletter! Get curated insights, premium reports, and event updates from industry leaders.

The 5Ps of Presentation

Presentations can be overwhelming – there is a lot to consider including the training room rental , illustrations, and audience. But beyond flipping through a fancy PowerPoint inserted with facts and figures should be a marvelous overall presentation.

Effective presenters are engaging and exciting, building a deep connection to the listeners.

To know more about that, let us go through each stage for a successful presentation.

Planning Planning is one of the important factors in presentation. Be sure to cover the schedule, the number of participants, objectives, topics, amount of time required per topic, time of practice and delivery, materials needed, where to rent seminar room , etc. Without any plans, you have nowhere to go.

Preparation In order to have a successful presentation, you have to prepare. Preparation includes knowing your audience and how to effectively interact with them. Answering questions like “Who are my audiences?”, “What interests them?” and “What do they want to learn in the presentation?” will guide you to an exciting and engaging conversation.

Find a strategy that will help them retain the matters of discussion. Use visual aids, striking statements, and group activities.

Practice Regardless of how colorful the graphics in your slideshows are and how complete the data are, if you don’t practice, everything may fall flat. Practicing is more than reading out the script a number of times. It should be focused and structured.

So, before facing your audience, make sure you rehearse your voice, hand gestures, posture, facial expression, body movement, and timing. Practice in front of a mirror or a camera, at home, in the office, alone, or with friends. Get feedback from your peers, officemates, or mentors, then work on the areas that need improvement.

Performance Presentation is not just about clicking for the next slide and recitation. It’s about establishing and maintaining a connection with the audience and responding to issues and ideas. All you have practiced will be actualized – eye contact, face and body projection, etc. Aside from mastery of the topic, voice plays a major role at this point.

• Power – This is about the volume of your voice. You don’t have to shout to be heard. Low volume may distract your audience and get bored.
• Pace and Pitch – Proper pacing in enunciating words can help emphasize key points, build drama, and create excitement. Pitch and tone define the emotional mood of the presentation. Controlling it would prevent you from sounding dull and monotonous. Faster pace and higher pitch express excitement and slower pace and lower pitch express seriousness.
• Pause – Pause gives your audience the time to process, understand, and absorb your message.
• Pronunciation – Be careful with your pronunciation if you’d like to convey your message clearly. One mispronounced word could mean a different word.

Passion Genuine passion propels you to become effective in what you do; in this case, your presentation. It drives you to exert the best effort from planning up to the presentation.

The 5Ps of presentation – planning, preparation, practice, performance, and passion – are a guide for a successful presentation. Try to apply this to your next presentation and see how things have improved from the previous.

If you like this article, you might want to read this article about Getting Started As A Tutor in SG .

• Data, AI, & Machine Learning
• Managing Technology
• Social Responsibility
• Workplace, Teams, & Culture
• AI & Machine Learning
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Big ideas Research Projects
• Artificial Intelligence and Business Strategy
• Responsible AI
• Future of the Workforce
• Future of Leadership
• All Research Projects
• AI in Action
• Most Popular
• The Truth Behind the Nursing Crisis
• Work/23: The Big Shift
• Coaching for the Future-Forward Leader
• Measuring Culture

The spring 2024 issue’s special report looks at how to take advantage of market opportunities in the digital space, and provides advice on building culture and friendships at work; maximizing the benefits of LLMs, corporate venture capital initiatives, and innovation contests; and scaling automation and digital health platform.

• Past Issues
• Upcoming Events
• Video Archive
• Me, Myself, and AI
• Three Big Points

How to Create Slides That Suit Your Superiors: 11 Tips

When you’re pitching ideas or budgets to execs in your organization, you need to deliver slides that fit those particular people just right. This checklist identifies the key considerations.

• Workplace, Teams, & Culture
• Leadership Skills

Carolyn Geason-Beissel/MIT SMR | Getty Images

I recently interviewed 20 of my customers, all in senior roles at Fortune 100 companies, and asked them their biggest pain point in presenting to higher-ups and even colleagues. What I heard consistently was that it can feel like Goldilocks bouncing from one option to the next, testing to figure out what’s “just right.” Does the audience want deep reports? Sparse slides? Something in between? Like … what?

Teams often come to presentation meetings with vast amounts of backup content just in case an exec wants to take a deep dive on any given point. There’s often a struggle to anticipate every direction attendees might want to go. It’s frustrating, and it’s not efficient.

Get Updates on Transformative Leadership

Evidence-based resources that can help you lead your team more effectively, delivered to your inbox monthly.

Please enter a valid email address

Thank you for signing up

Privacy Policy

There are many ways to build slides. I’m not just talking about crafting them well versus poorly. I’m talking about all of the important decisions regarding how to organize them, how much text to use, when to lean into a chart, the best ways to use bullets and color, and whether to include an appendix with additional information. Before you make your next proposal or request of the executive team, use this list of 11 tips for your next set of slides as a guide.

Four Things You Must Have in Every Exec’s Slides

Before we drill down into the harder aspects, the ones where your executives’ tastes may vary widely, let’s quickly cover four aspects that you can consider the building blocks — the basics you should never proceed without.

Start with an executive summary. Begin the slide deck with a tight executive summary that follows a three-act structure. First, start with stating the current realities. Second, clearly state the problem or opportunity your idea addresses and its potential impact. Third, explain how your recommendation solves the problem or exploits the opportunity and the next steps you’re proposing.

Have a logical organization. The arc of the deck — the package from beginning to end — should make sense. If your audience reads only the headline of every slide, the order should be coherent and make most of the case for you. The content below each slide’s headline must support the statement made in the title. Remove everything that doesn’t support your point; as writers will tell you, you sometimes need to “kill your darlings” when you’re editing.

Begin the slide deck with a tight executive summary that follows a three-act structure.

Make it skimmable. Help your audience to quickly grasp the point without getting bogged down in details. Create a clear visual hierarchy. Guide the reader’s eye through the content: Use bold headings, bullet points, and numbered lists to break down information into digestible pieces. Highlight key takeaways or conclusions in a different color or font size to draw attention to these critical points.

Focus on concise insights. Succinct statements with clear insights are everyone’s jam. Every slide should serve a purpose and contribute directly to the decision-making process. Distill complex information. Don’t use 100 words when 20 words will nail it. If you’re having difficulty trimming, consider using company-approved AI tools to help you take out the fluff.

Five Preferences to Confirm With the Person You Want to Reach

Now we’ll delve into what your particular audience does and does not want. If you haven’t yet, start by asking the person you’re presenting to what they generally prefer. They probably know themselves well but have not been asked to articulate how they like to receive information.

Ask how dense is too dense. Some executives prefer detailed slides with comprehensive data. Others favor a more high-level approach. You’re weighing how to balance informative content with readability, ensuring that slides are not overloaded yet are sufficiently detailed to support decision-making.

Confirm the delivery format and timing. Some execs like information presented to them. Others prefer a pre-read of the material followed by a discussion. I always recommend our tool Slidedocs (I’ve written a free e-book on them), which are visual documents using both words and images. The templates help presenters organize their thoughts into a document for a pre-read or a read-along. They are designed to be skimmable and able to travel through your organization without the help of a presenter.

I’m a huge fan of pre-reads and prefer to use my time in meetings to ask questions and build alignment. If your audience didn’t review your material in advance, ask at the top of the meeting whether they would like you to present it or would prefer to read through it and then discuss it.

Find out how much data visualization they prefer. Charts, graphs, photos, and illustrations often communicate complex data more clearly than words alone. When execs can see what you’re saying, they often can better understand the impact of your idea. Does the exec want to understand exact numbers? Bar charts allow them to move their eyes across a series of specifics. Does the exec want to know the shape of a trend over time? Line charts can show the pattern. (See “Classic Charts Communicate Data Quickly.”) Some prefer charts with annotations that draw attention to what you think is the most important point. Others want to make their own conclusions from the data.

One of my clients, the CEO of a massive commercial real estate company, doesn’t want anything visualized. He prefers numbers, only in a table, and only in two colors — black and red. You might think this is archaic. But the fact that he’s clear to his teams about what he wants takes all the mystery out of how to communicate with him.

When the stakes are high, have a conceptual thinker help with diagrams and concepts. If you don’t have one on your team, and when it’s high stakes, find an internal designer to help you or hire one. You can’t afford to have the baby (your idea) thrown out with the bathwater (terrible slides).

Identify which details need spelling out. How well do the people you’re presenting to know the landscape and function of the company and products you’re talking about? For example, if your engineering team threw a slide into a deck about an issue that requires executive approval, do the execs all speak geek? Or do you need to explain the technology so that they will really understand the ask? Either eliminate internal jargon and acronyms or unpack those bits, especially if your proposal deeply involves expertise outside of the executives’ domain.

Ask whether appendices will be useful. When you’re organizing a presentation, you often troll data, read through complicated reports, and even hire external experts to figure out what’s best for the company. Do your execs want access to that supporting data? You can add a document to the end of the presentation as an appendix to show all of the data and source material. This allows the main content of the slides to remain focused and accessible while still providing comprehensive background information for those who want more.

Two Tips to Improve Your Presentation Skills

Getting materials in place is the biggest step. They will be your best tools for selling your ideas. But there are two extra areas to pay attention to as a presenter: how you handle questions and how you use every experience to improve.

Anticipate questions, and practice your answers. Before you have your meeting, gather a small team to challenge every point you make. Invite colleagues you trust to role-play as “a rapidly inquisitive exec” or “the doubting naysayer exec” so you are prepared to present your idea well. They’re gonna grill you, and practicing will help you remain unruffled when it happens.

Related Articles

Ask for feedback after the presentation. Establish a feedback loop with those you presented to. Ask what worked well and how you can improve. If attendees don’t have the time, find people who have had their ideas funded and talk to them about what they did that worked. Advice and some perspective will help you nail your performance even better next time.

Empathetically understanding your audience members and how they process information, whether it’s executives or peers, sets up your ideas for success. Clarity creates efficiency. When a presentation fits just right, you’ve given your great thinking the best chance of moving through your organization and having maximum impact.

About the Author

Nancy Duarte is CEO of Duarte Inc. , a communication company in the Silicon Valley. She’s the author of six books, including DataStory: Explain Data and Inspire Action Through Story (Ideapress Publishing, 2019).

More Like This

Add a comment cancel reply.

You must sign in to post a comment. First time here? Sign up for a free account : Comment on articles and get access to many more articles.

10 Most In-Demand Soft Skills to Put on Your Resume

L ong gone are the days when listing hard skills was the best (and oftentimes only) way to get your foot in the door at a prestigious company. While technical knowledge and training will always be important, soft skills (or essentially personality traits) are becoming increasingly important to highlight on your resume. And it makes sense, as more companies prioritize work culture and, therefore, the personalities of those they’re hiring.

But which soft skills are the ones that standout the most on a resume? Using data from Indeed.com, CashNetUSA scoured job ads for 46 predetermined soft skills to find the ones that appeared the most on high-paid jobs that surpassed the 75th percentile of wages in America’s most populated cities as well as each state. These are the soft skills that came out on top.

10. Resilience

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 34.29%

Resilience is a soft skill that highlights your ability to handle stress and challenges that come up at work. 

A good example of how to add this to your resume could be, “Showed resilience when leading a team after budget cuts by still delivering work on time and within scope.”

* Data comes from a January 2024 report released by CashNetUSA .

9. Financial Management

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 38.24%

If you’ve ever been in charge of a budget of any size, you can say that you have financial management skills. 

For instance, something like “oversaw the financial management of the freelance budget” could work if you hired contractors for a specific project.

8. Innovation

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 39.24%

Sure, this one makes our eyes roll a bit, too, but in today’s fast-paced world, innovation is key. No one wants an employee that stays stagnant or, worse, digs their heels in at the slight mention of change. 

You know who’s not stagnant? Someone who “excelled at brainstorming and ideation in the innovation process for [fill in project name].” You get it.

7. Emotional Intelligence

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 43.11%

We’re actually pleasantly surprised with this one. After all, we didn’t think corporations necessarily had it in them to care about this.

Jokes aside, having emotional intelligence is something that makes a good team member and an even better manager. After all, it’s hard to resolve team conflicts without it. The more a company emphasizes a “harmonious work environment,” the more this soft skill will matter.

6. Mentoring

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 47.89%

Here’s another managerial skill that job ads like to use to weed out the haves from the have-nots when it comes to managers. Do you actually enjoy mentoring people or have you just fallen up the corporate ladder into a management position?

True leaders will make mentoring a priority and want to highlight it on their resume.

5. Critical Thinking

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 47.94%

“Critical thinking” or “problem solving” can be put in the same bucket as resilience. How did you handle a challenging situation at work? It’s even better if you have data to back up your claim.

Well, maybe you “demonstrated strong critical-thinking skills when analyzing financial reports and making forecasts for the following quarter.”

4. Presentation Skills

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 56%

Presentation skills are the nature of the beast when it comes to today's Corporate America. That's because lots of today’s high-paying jobs require working with cross-functional teams and being able to explain your work in easy, digestible terms.

Think someone on a data science team explaining their findings to a marketing team. Along with "presentation skills," you could also add the specific presentation tools or software you use for your presentations on your resume.

3. Persuasion

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 57.41%

Persuasion sounds rather seductive, but it's crucial when trying to get specific projects across the finish line.

It's also a term that's used a lot in marketing when talking about "persuasive marketing skills" required to communicate well with a customer audience.

2. Negotiation

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 58.26%

This skill goes back to business basics. Proper negotiation skills come in handy in any aspect of life, whether you're negotiating a $1 billion merger or whether or not your toddler can have dessert for breakfast.

That said, it's a skill that takes time to hone — which is why it's considered all the more valuable.

1. Strategic Thinking

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 64.77%

Strategic thinking is essentially a combination of innovation and critical thinking, but the best way to incorporate this keyword on your resume is by using the CAR (challenge, action, result) technique.

You could say something like, "Used strategic thinking skills by analyzing user engagement data and running an A/B test that resulted in increased engagement of 20 percent."

For more resume advice, check out "How to Make Your Resume Shine."

• Top Courses
• Online Degrees
• Find your New Career
• Join for Free

Data Analysis and Presentation Skills: the PwC Approach Specialization

Make Smarter Business Decisions With Data Analysis. Understand data, apply data analytics tools and create effective business intelligence presentations

Taught in English

Some content may not be translated

Instructor: Alex Mannella

Financial aid available

157,333 already enrolled

Specialization - 5 course series

(9,836 reviews)

Skills you'll gain

• Data Analysis
• Microsoft Excel
• Data Visualization
• Presentation

Details to know

Add to your LinkedIn profile

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Advance your subject-matter expertise

• Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
• Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
• Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
• Earn a career certificate from PwC

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

Share it on social media and in your performance review

If you are a PwC Employee, gain access to the PwC Specialization and Courses for free using the instructions on Vantage.

This Specialization will help you get practical with data analysis, turning business intelligence into real-world outcomes. We'll explore how a combination of better understanding, filtering, and application of data can help you solve problems faster - leading to smarter and more effective decision-making. You’ll learn how to use Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other common data analysis and communication tools, and perhaps most importantly, we'll help you to present data to others in a way that gets them engaged in your story and motivated to act.

Please note: If you'd like to audit the courses in this Specialization, you'll need to enroll in each course separately and then you will see the audit option.

This specialization was created by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with an address at 300 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10017.

Applied Learning Project

This specialization will include a project at the end of each module and a capstone project at the end of the specialization. Each project will provide you the chance to apply the skills of that lesson. In the first module you'll plan an analysis approach, in the second and third modules you will analyze sets of data using the Excel skills you learn. In the fourth module you will prepare a business presentation.

In the final Capstone Project, you'll apply the skills you’ve learned by working through a mock client business problem. You'll analyze a set of data, looking for the business insights. Then you'll create and visualize your findings, before recording a video to present your recommendations to the client.

Data-driven Decision Making

What you'll learn.

Welcome to Data-driven Decision Making. In this course, you'll get an introduction to Data Analytics and its role in business decisions. You'll learn why data is important and how it has evolved. You'll be introduced to “Big Data” and how it is used. You'll also be introduced to a framework for conducting Data Analysis and what tools and techniques are commonly used. Finally, you'll have a chance to put your knowledge to work in a simulated business setting.

This course was created by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with an address at 300 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10017.

Problem Solving with Excel

This course explores Excel as a tool for solving business problems. In this course you will learn the basic functions of excel through guided demonstration. Each week you will build on your excel skills and be provided an opportunity to practice what you’ve learned. Finally, you will have a chance to put your knowledge to work in a final project. Please note, the content in this course was developed using a Windows version of Excel 2013.

Data Visualization with Advanced Excel

In this course, you will get hands-on instruction of advanced Excel 2013 functions. You’ll learn to use PowerPivot to build databases and data models. We’ll show you how to perform different types of scenario and simulation analysis and you’ll have an opportunity to practice these skills by leveraging some of Excel's built in tools including, solver, data tables, scenario manager and goal seek. In the second half of the course, will cover how to visualize data, tell a story and explore data by reviewing core principles of data visualization and dashboarding. You’ll use Excel to build complex graphs and Power View reports and then start to combine them into dynamic dashboards.

Note: Learners will need PowerPivot to complete some of the exercises. Please use MS Excel 2013 version. If you have other MS Excel versions or a MAC you might not be able to complete all assignments. This course was created by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with an address at 300 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10017.

Effective Business Presentations with Powerpoint

This course is all about presenting the story of the data, using PowerPoint. You'll learn how to structure a presentation, to include insights and supporting data. You'll also learn some design principles for effective visuals and slides. You'll gain skills for client-facing communication - including public speaking, executive presence and compelling storytelling. Finally, you'll be given a client profile, a business problem, and a set of basic Excel charts, which you'll need to turn into a presentation - which you'll deliver with iterative peer feedback.

Data Analysis and Presentation Skills: the PwC Approach Final Project

In this Capstone Project, you'll bring together all the new skills and insights you've learned through the four courses. You'll be given a 'mock' client problem and a data set. You'll need to analyze the data to gain business insights, research the client's domain area, and create recommendations. You'll then need to visualize the data in a client-facing presentation. You'll bring it all together in a recorded video presentation.

With offices in 157 countries and more than 208,000 people, PwC is among the leading professional services networks in the world. Our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. We help organisations and individuals create the value they’re looking for, by delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services.

Why people choose Coursera for their career

New to Business Essentials? Start here.

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to complete the specialization.

Exactly how long it takes will vary, depending on your schedule. Most learners complete the Specialization in five to six months.

What background knowledge is necessary?

You don't need any background knowledge. We've designed this Specialization for learners who are new to the field of data and analytics.

Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?

We recommend you take them in the order they appear on Coursera. Each course builds on the knowledge you learned in the last one.

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

Coursera courses and certificates don't carry university credit, though some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. You should check with your institution to find out more.

What will I be able to do upon completing the Specialization?

You'll be able to use the data and analytics framework to develop a plan to solve a business problem. You'll be able to use Excel to analyze data using formulas and present a series of visualizations with a summary recommendation to solve the business problem. You'll also be able to take data and create a dynamic data dashboard in Excel that accepts inputs and refreshes with new data. Finally, you'll be able to develop and deliver a presentation using PowerPoint and the results of your data analysis - so you can share your point of view on how to solve the business problem.

How do I audit the Specialization?

If you'd like to audit the courses in this Specialization, you'll need to enroll in each course separately and then you will see the audit option.

What tools do I need for this Specialization?

In the "Data Visualization and Advance Excel" course learners will need PowerPivot to complete some of the exercises. Please use MS Excel 2013 version. If you have other MS Excel versions or a MAC you might not be able to complete all assignments.

Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

What is the refund policy?

If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy Opens in a new tab .

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate, or you can audit it to view the course materials for free. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid Opens in a new tab .

More questions

• SAP Community
• Interest Groups
• Enterprise Architecture
• Your Essential Toolset for Planning & Migrating to...

Your Essential Toolset for Planning & Migrating to SAP S/4HANA - 2024 Edition

• Subscribe to RSS Feed
• Mark as New
• Mark as Read
• Printer Friendly Page
• Report Inappropriate Content

• SAP Managed Tags:
• SAP S/4HANA SAP S/4HANA

You must be a registered user to add a comment. If you've already registered, sign in. Otherwise, register and sign in.

• Application Architecture 24
• Business Architecture 33
• Data Architecture 19
• Emerging Trends 17
• Enterprise Architecture 51
• Frameworks 18
• Hybrid and Multi Cloud 3
• Innovation 14
• Integration Architecture 16
• Portuguese 1
• Roadmaps 11
• Skills and Learning 26
• Solution Architecture 23
• Sustainability 3
• Technology Architecture 20

SAP EA Framework Presentation at the TOGAF® Standard 10th Edition – Launch Event

SAP Enterprise Architecture Training

Get Your Enterprise Architect Skills Certified to Boost Your Career

Masters Tournament

Augusta National Golf Club

Augusta, Georgia • USA

Apr 11 - 14, 2024

.css-1hnz6hu{position:static;}.css-1hnz6hu::before{content:'';cursor:inherit;display:block;position:absolute;top:0px;left:0px;z-index:0;width:100%;height:100%;} Scheffler man to beat (again) at RBC Heritage

Oddsmakers put price on 'scheffler slam' in 2024.

WiretoWire: Scheffler secures second green jacket

Masters win highlights staying power of Scheffler

.css-tplryy{font-family:Suisse Intl,"Helvetica Neue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:1.9rem;line-height:2.2rem;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:-0.01em;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.css-tplryy{font-family:Suisse Intl,"Helvetica Neue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:2.4rem;line-height:2.8rem;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:-0.02em;}} Recent News .css-yjoevz{font-family:Suisse Intl,"Helvetica Neue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:1.5rem;line-height:1.6rem;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:-0.01em;-webkit-align-self:end;-ms-flex-item-align:end;align-self:end;cursor:pointer;} View All

Scheffler man to beat (again) at rbc heritage.

Presented by

Contenders crash while Scheffler cruises

Scheffler cements FedExCup top spot with Masters win